PhD Fellowship in HAIRY Bio-inspired hairy surfaces for actuation or sensing

The research of the Polymer Technology group is aimed at bridging the gap between science and technology in the area of polymer processing and design, through the use of experimental and computational tools in the modelling of the full thermo-mechanical history of material (elements) during their formation, processing and final design, to quantitatively predict properties of processed objects.

TasksThe work will, in the end, result in bio-inspired active surfaces covered with micro-hairs that can be actuated or function as sensors. The potential impact of this elegant out-of-clean room, cheap processing route to generate HAIRY surfaces can be large, since the possible applications are numerous. They may for example be used as:

• actuators in micro-fluidic devices to generate flow and to mix fluids, when actuated magnetically;
• sensors, for example by detecting their movement with a magnetic sensor; fluid flow, viscosity, or even the presence of biomolecules (by furnishing the hairs with a biorecognition surface) could be detected;
• surfaces with tunable optical properties or appearance;
• surfaces with tunable (even actively patternable) surface energy with
• applications in self-cleaning or superhydrophobic surfaces.

Main advantages of the processing route that we propose are its cost- effectiveness and flexibility.

Project descriptionIn biology, microscopic hair-like structures are present in abundance. Their function may be in actuation, sensing, thermal regulation, or surface energy modification. We will develop a method to produce active hair-like structures that can be used for these same purposes in technological applications. The method will be based on a roll-to-roll (R2R) process that will make it possible to make the structures with sub-micrometer dimensions without the need for expensive micro-systems clean-room equipment. A hybrid material consisting of a polymer matrix with magnetic nano-particles will enable the hairs to be actuated, or to act as sensors. Numerical modelling of the manufacturing processes will guide the development of the fabrication method. Our final result will consist of bio-inspired active surfaces covered with micro-hairs that can be actuated or function as sensors.
This project is funded by the DPI, the Dutch Polymer Institute.

RequirementsWe are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements:

• A Master degree in  Physics, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering;
• A good background in fluid mechanics;
• Some experience with computational fluid dynamics is an advantage;
• Excellent communication skills and written/verbal knowledge of the English language.

Appointment and salary
We offer:

• A challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious University
• An appointment for four years (start date as soon as possible)
• Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from € 2042 per month initially, to € 2612 in the fourth year.
• An attractive package of fringe benefits (including excellent work facilities, end of the year allowance and sport facilities)

InformationMore information can be obtained from:

• http://www.tue.nl
• http://www.polymers.nl
• http://www.mate.tue.nl/~anderson
• P.D. Anderson, phone +31 (0)40-2472851, e-mail p.d.anderson@tue.nl

Apply now