Dr Meng

Profile

I started my industrial Ph.D. project (EPSRC Industrial CASE Studentship) immediately after I received my Bachelor (1^st Class) with Honours degree in Chemistry with Colour Science, University of Leeds (UoL), because of my outstanding results.  I was among the top-performing group of students, achieving 1^st Class results consistently, which was recognised by the school in the form of numerous academic awards and grants.

My PhD research focussed on the preparation, characterisation, optimisation and application of pressure-sensitive coatings on different substrates, of which worked closely with Peratech Ltd., UK. After achieving my PhD degree, I then spent two years researching fluorocarbon-free coatings in UoL, including water and stain repellence, as well as flame retardant and anti-bacterial finishes for various textile fabrics, collabrorating with iTex Furnishing Ltd. And H&C Whitehead Ltd. In 2019, I started a UKRI funded project in UoL, collaborating with the School of Food Science & Nutrition (UoL) and three UK industrial partners (BioPower Ltd., Keracol Ltd., and Parkside Flexibles) as well as Zhejiang University and two Chinese industrial partners (Huayu Co Ltd. and Joyful Co Ltd.), of which the research focussed on the development of functional bioactive composite coatings on food packaging films to extend the shelf life of high-risk foods, which have been successfully developed and evaluated at both lab and pilot scales.

Innovate UK funded project, collaborating with Sustainable Sequin Company.  The research focussed on the formulation, synthesis, modification of identified bio-plastics to make them suitable for use as industrially compostable sequins that have specified physical properties (tensile, tear, flexural bending, colour and optical properties) and durability performance in repeated washing and laundry cycles. After a series of biodegradable sequin films have been successfully developed, I started to research on hair and keratin fibres chemistry and analysis, which sponsored by Unilever Beauty and Personal Care Brands. My current research focussed on the resurgence of British textile dyeing manufacturing through waterless innovation. It is an Innovate UK funded project that collaborates with Novolab Ltd. and Bulmer & Lumb Ltd.

Research interests

My main interest is to further my research experience with the field of material science, polymer science and textile science and technology, with a focus on the synthesis, fabrication, characterisation, modification, optimisation and application of functional coatings and treatments on a wide range of substrates, in particular the fibrous materials. I am willing and keen to broaden these research areas to widen my knowledge base, or try different skills based teaching or assisting role.

<h4>Research projects</h4> <p>Any research projects I'm currently working on will be listed below. Our list of all <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/dir/research-projects">research projects</a> allows you to view and search the full list of projects in the faculty.</p>

Qualifications

• Bachelor (1st Class) with Honours degree in Chemistry with Colour Science, UoL
• PhD degree in UoL

Professional memberships

• Member of Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Chartered Chemist
• Member of Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC)
• Member of The Oil & Colour Chemists’ Association (OCCA) organisation