‌Please provide a brief summary of your PhD project.

One of the Achilles heels of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) are the matrix properties, which have mechanical properties of an order of magnitude lower than the fibres. Therefore, initial failure is generally due to matrix damage reducing the mechanical performance of the structure. Even though initial matrix damage does not lead directly to loss of structural integrity, it acts as an initiation point for further degradation of the structure. During my PhD, I applied self-healing or autonomous repair to industrially relevant loading scenarios, showing that it is possible to recover the mechanical performance after matrix degradation. Therefore, self-healing 'infrastructure' (such as a remendable polymer, microcapsules and vascules resembling the human structure from which a healing agent is released after a damage event) was introduced into skin-stiffened structures and different damage manipulation techniques were used in order to direct the damage to this 'infrastructure'. My research has shown that using these techniques it is potentially possible to recover a structural item after a damage event without time consuming and cost intensive repair.

Did you choose to continue your XP project as a PhD? Why or why not?

I decided to continue with my XP during my PhD as I was getting some interesting results and wanted to pursue the observed challenges.

How did the taught component benefit your PhD research?

The taught component was beneficial in several ways. The most important one is getting to be part of a cohort, from which it is possible to learn and have fun together. Of course, the technical knowledge gained during the first year sets a foundation on which to build your PhD in the following years, getting background information about composites, both theoretical and practical. The DBT exercise is really interesting, as the process of the complete manufacturing cycle is practised within a small team, exploring different manufacturing scenarios, designing it and finally testing the performance. Also, the different courses of soft skills are really useful. A final advantage is that during the first year, you get to know the ACCIS department really well, getting to know your future supervisor and in this way being able to select and adapt your PhD topic to your own desires. Already knowing the department and the laboratory, as well as the need to get results during the short time of your XP, streamlines your research.

What did you most value about being part of a CDT?

Two things, the experience of the DBT exercise and the cohort structure. During the DBT you get real practical hands-on experience with FRP. I liked the cohort structure due to the fact that you have fellow students, who become friends, that are becoming experts in their fields. This makes them really approachable in case of any questions. Also, at the same time you learn about their PhDs and enlarge your horizons.

What was the 'impact' of your research?

The potential of using self-healing for damage mitigation and also damage manipulation in industrially relevant scenarios has been shown during my PhD.

What was your destination on leaving the CDT?

The Centre of Maritime Technologies e.V. in Hamburg (Germany), a technical consultancy which coordinates and is involved in different research projects ranging from materials development over structural design to manufacturing process simulation and optimisation. My current role is Research Engineer.

What are your main responsibilities?

My main responsibilities are:

• Within my company I act as a technical expert for non-metallic materials, mainly FRP.
• I am technically leading a R&D project on joining technologies.
• I am involved in the planning and coordination of a proposal for an EU grant.

Where do you see yourself in five to ten years' time?

Improving my skills to maintain myself within my technical field.

How have the skills and knowledge you acquired during your time in the CDT helped develop your career?

The technical knowledge I have acquired is really important at the moment, as well as my increased knowledge in the FRP field. Also, my independent work ethic and ability to quickly grasp and analyse information in order to make conclusions. Finally, writing up the thesis has helped me with my writing skills and organisational skills.

View all alumni interviews