Fellowship focus: Exploiting the mechanical and thermal qualities of polymer opals for commercialisation – potentially reducing carbon emissions in building design.
Using polymer opals (a new type of optical material with excellent thermal control qualities) in building design could significantly reduce carbon emissions. Dr Zhao, a leading researcher in materials science, will explore this opportunity with host Dr Sui, building on their previous successful collaboration on the nano-assembly and characterisation of novel materials. During this Fellowship they will characterise the mechanical properties of polymer opals and their internal structure, and explore how this technology can be commercialised through industry partnerships.