Research Areas:
Teeth and hard tissues
Teeth and bone have excellent mechanical strength which is surprising since the hydroxyapatite mineral that imparts those properties is quite weak. Our studies have revealed that biological nanocrystals have unusual shapes and that the teeth and bone strength properties are related to crystal morphology and packing.
Materials development and materials failure
Technological advances are limited, among other things, by materials properties. The work on development of electro-ceramics and of lead-free solder employs characterisation and computer modelling. The work on failures in glass and ceramics involves monitoring, testing, glass scanning and defect detection.
Solar thermal energy storage
There is a need to make efficient use of solar energy, and there is a need to store energy for use when the sun is not shining. We are working on materials and methods for storing thermal energy at temperatures ranging between 800 and 1100 C.
This information has been contributed by Professor John Barry.
