Robert Elkington

University of Leeds · Institute of Functional Surfaces

WS2 nanoparticles (NPs) are some of the most successful lubricant additives for high pressure, high temperature tribological applications and a potential replacement for the antiwear ZDDP and friction modifier additives. Ferrofluids offer a variety of properties such as friction and wear reduction, vibration damping, and cooling that can make them...

A novel experimental project adapted from my undergraduate thesis investigating the uses of polarised light microscopy techniques and single-wavelength ellipsometry for understanding the structure of smectic/lamellar liquid crystal structures in an EHD contact. The layered, lamellar phase of lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) display promising trib...

This study examines the tribological properties of climbing shoe rubbers, challenging the common belief in the climbing community that softer rubbers are inherently grippier. This study investigates the mechanical and wear characteristics of climbing shoe rubbers by employing a high-precision modular mechanical testing environment (Bruker UMT Tribo...

This study presents new insights into the potential role of polyelectrolyte interfaces in regulating low friction and interstitial fluid pressurization of cartilage. Polymer brushes composed of hydrophilic 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt (SPMK) tethered to a PEEK substrate (SPMK-g-PEEK) are a compelling biomimetic solution for interfacing...

To enable long lasting osteochondral defect repairs which preserve the native function of synovial joint counter-face, it is essential to develop surfaces which are optimised to support healthy cartilage function by providing a hydrated, low friction and compliant sliding interface. PEEK surfaces were modified using a biocompatible 3-sulfopropyl me...

Video showing pressure induced alignment of lamellar phase lyotropic liquid crystals in a PCS Instruments EHD tribometer. If this interests you I have 200+ GB of videos showing liquid crystal alignments in static and dynamic conditions with normal and oblique polarised light microscopes.

Undergraduate thesis which formed the background/initial feasibility efforts for the Visualisation Of Structured Lubricants In Tribological Contacts E. Richard Booser Scholarship report. Some of the background and theory in this document are underdeveloped so read judiciously, but this document is an interesting read for the experimental methods (a...