NMR studies of super-omniphobic silica based materials

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The aim of this Ph.D. is to develop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods to facilitate the intelligent design of erosion resistant, self-renewing, super-omniphobic surfaces that are found in emerging metamaterials intended for use in extreme environments. The main objective of the Ph.D. is to provide a scientifically driven design space that allows us to fully understand the structure-function relationships of silica nano-particles used in the coatings and composites industry. Nuclear magnetic resonance techniques will be used extensively throughout the complete process to quantitatively characterise both the raw materials and functionalised end products. Advanced magic angle spinning solid state and diffusion/relaxation nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques will be applied and developed to quantify the structure-function relationships of the new materials. NMR methods will be combined with and other analytical techniques, e.g., TGA, DSC and SEM to provide key performance indicators/descriptors of different functionalised silica's, thereby providing a scientifically motivated methodology to designing, characterising and optimising the functionalisation process.