Sohel Rana

Thermoplastic and Bio-based Hierarchical Composites with Superior Interfacial and Mechanical Properties     Senior Lecturer in Technical Textiles in the Department of Fashion and Textiles at the University of Huddersfield, UK.

Biography

Dr. Sohel Rana is currently a Senior Lecturer in Technical Textiles in the Department of Fashion and Textiles at the University of Huddersfield, UK. He obtained his Ph.D. degree in Fibre Science and Technology (2011) from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT, Delhi), India. Dr. Rana is actively involved in the research and development of advanced textile structures, smart fibrous and composite materials, nanocomposites, bio-composites, and natural fibres. He has been a key researcher in developing multi-functional and bio-based hierarchical composites and high-performance auxetic structures and composites for personal protection applications. Dr. Rana has edited a number of books on advanced textiles and composites with leading publishers, among which “Advanced Composites in Aerospace Engineering” (Woodhead Publishing), “Braided Structures and Composites” (CRC Press), “Fibrous and Textile Materials for Composite Applications” (Springer) received well recognition within the scientific community. To his credit, Dr. Rana has published over 100 papers in peer-reviewed international journals and conferences and contributed to 16 book chapters and several keynote/invited talks. He has also served as a member of organising and scientific committees of many internal conferences as well as an editorial and review panel of numerous well-recognised journals in the area of textiles and composites.  

Abstract

Hierarchical composites are a special class of hybrid composites developed by reinforcing polymer matrices with different micro or nano-scale materials along with conventional fibres. The combination of micro/nano with convention reinforcements offers huge flexibility in composite design, leading to a range of important properties that can be utilised in diversified high-end applications. Besides superior fibre-matrix interface and mechanical properties, hierarchical composites containing conductive micro or nanofillers can offer electrical conductivity, electromagnetic shielding, and strain/damage sensing properties. Moreover, hierarchical composites developed from bio-based and recyclable materials can combine superior properties along with reduced environmental impacts and improved sustainability over conventional materials. In this talk, experimental development and mechanical properties of recently developed microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) reinforced thermoplastic resin-based hierarchical composites will be discussed. It will also cover the mechanical performance of a completely bio-based hierarchical composite developed using plant fibres and cellulose micro/nanostructures.