Finally, an opportunity for the group to enjoy some sunshine and ice cream under beautiful blue skies in Bristol! Ben and Sam not in the photo, unfortunately!
Welcome back also to Safa, after a period back home in Oman!
Pleased to announce that Dr. Baker’s article, in collaboration with former MSci student Leo Kershaw and visiting student Ziqui Yang, titled “Towards Implantable Artificial Muscles: Epoxy-Based Bilayer Thermal Actuators with Ambient Activation Temperatures,” is now available in ChemistrySelect.
The development of soft, biocompatible actuators is vital for soft robotics, especially for in vivo applications. This study presents epoxy-based materials for creating thermal actuators with tuneable glass transition temperatures (Tgs). By adjusting polymer compositions, actuators operating at physiological temperatures (36–40 °C) were achieved using both external heating and joule-heated NiChrome-epoxy systems. These actuators maintain safe surface temperatures below 40 °C at low voltages (<2 V). This promising approach could lead to implantable actuators improving the quality of life for the ageing population.
Congratulations to Dr Maximilian Hagemann who passed his PhD viva this afternoon. With thanks to Prof Stephen Mann of Bristol University and Prof Olli Ikkala of Aalto University for their time and expertise in the examination process. Photo below beautifully self-assembled in height order.
Professor Olli Ikkala is a faculty member in the Department of Applied Physics at Aalto University (previously known as Helsinki University of Technology) in Espoo, near Helsinki. His research focuses on creating functional materials through hierarchical self-assemblies, biomimetics, and natural starting materials. Trained initially in physics, he spent ten years in the chemical industry, primarily working on the development of polymer blends and electrically conducting polymers before returning to academia. The Faul Group hosts him as he visits.
Prof. Ikkala is photographed giving a lecture on life-inspired soft matter dynamics and functionalities below.
Prof Faul was recently invited to spend some time at Tsinghua University Xuetang International Chemistry Summer School. Charl spent 6 years here as adjunct professor (2013–2019). Group member Jerry Mintah joins for on his first trip to China! M. Carmen Galan from the University of Bristol also joins for interactions and scientific discussions with students from China and across the world.
The Timms Lecture and Symposium 2024, hosted at the University of Bristol’s School of Chemistry was a resounding success, featuring distinguished speakers and ground-breaking research.
The event included a poster session where researchers at different levels showcased their latest findings. The day concluded with a drinks reception, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and celebrating scientific achievements. Poster prizes were awarded with our very own Xue Fang achieving a prize for best poster.
Faul Research Group 