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  4. Dr Francis Clegg

Doctor Francis Clegg BSc Hons, PhD, MRSC, FHEA

Principal Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Fellow

Summary

I graduated from Ï㽶ÊÓƵ in 1994 with a honours degree in Applied Chemistry and continued within the Materials and Engineering Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Institute to complete my PhD in 1998 involving the physicochemical properties of organo-mineral interactions. I recently completed 25 years employment at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ being involved in many multi-disciplinary research projects. I am also Head of Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Degrees for the College of Business, Technology and Engineering.

Francis Clegg

About

As a Principal Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Fellow and chemist at heart, my research interests cover several aspects of material science with an emphasis on polymers and composites.

My ongoing and previous projects include:

  • Remediation of crude oil spills on water using waste polymers;
  • Remediation of heavy metals from water using clay-chitosan composites;
  • Peracetic acid based disinfectant formulations;
  • Medical device and implant cleanliness;
  • Rubber bush durability;
  • Fire retardant composite resins;
  • Polymer membranes and surface modification;
  • Sustainable and flexible high barrier packaging;
  • Controlled release open wound dressings;
  • Stimuli responsive shape memory polymers;
  • Intumescent paints

At the core of these projects is a detailed understanding of the interaction and compatibility of composite fillers with the polymer matrix. This is particularly relevant to the organo-mineral interactions involved in clay-polymer nanocomposites. Complimentary knowledge and practical application of the extensive analytical instruments within MERI (in particularly thermo-analytical) allows an enhanced understanding of the systems and allows further development of the research and novel products.

In addition to being involved in internal, UK government and European Funded projects, I actively engage in consultancy and have worked successfully with companies both small and large, national and international.

To help deliver on research projects I supervise and work alongside Erasmus and visiting PhD research students to offer working experience via a hands-on experimental approach.

Teaching

School of Engineering and Built Environment

College of Business, Technology and Engineering

Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymers and Composites

Applied Topics in Chemistry (Polymers and Composites), BSc (Hons) Chemistry, Level 4

Chemistry for Future Global Challenges (Catalysis), BSc (Hons) Chemistry, Level 6

Engineering Ceramics and Polymers Apprentices (Polymers and Composites), BEng (Hons) Materials Technology Degree (Apprentices), Level 5

Materials, Manufacturing and Design for Transportation (Polymers), BEng (Hons) Materials Technology Degree (Apprentices), Level 4

Materials Manufacturing and Characterisation, BEng (Hons) Materials Technology Degree (Apprentices), Level 4

Mechanical Concepts for Electrical and Electronic Engineering, BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Apprentices), Level 5

Ï㽶ÊÓƵ

  • Industry and Innovation Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Institute

Current projects:

2021-current: PhD – Development of a poly(ethylene)-based sorbent for crude oil spill on water, (Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Nigeria)

2018-current: PhD - Peracetic acid-based disinfectant formulations for infection control (Ï㽶ÊÓƵ/Sky Chemicals UK, Collaborative funded PhD Scholarship)

2020-2022: Knowledge Transfer Partnership/Sheffield Precision Medical, Cleanliness of medical devices and implants (UKRI)

Selected/Past projects:

2020-2022: Knowledge Transfer Partnership/Cook Defence Systems, Armoured fighting vehicle track durability improvement (UKRI)

2018-2020: GRAPHIRE: Nanocomposites with exceptional fire performance (Innovate UK - £105k)

2016 - 2017: PF-CLAY - Fire-retardant Nanocomposites for Aircraft Interior Applications. Innovate UK grant.

2010 – 2015: CROWD - Controlled release open wound dressings. Funded by SHU Proof-of-Concept Funding.

2011 - 2015: NEWGENPAK - New Generation of Functional Cellulose Fibre Based Packaging Materials for Sustainability, a Marie Curie Initial Training Network. Funded under EU FP7.

2009 - 2012: POLYFIRE – Processing and upscaling of fire-resistant nano-filled thermosetting polyester resins. EU FP7 funded project.

2008 - 2011: FLEXPAKRENEW – Design and Development of an innovative, eco-efficient, low substrate flexible paper packaging from renewable resources to replace petroleum based barrier films. EU FP7 funded project.

2004 - 2008: SUSTAINPACK: Innovation and Sustainable Development in the Fibre Based Packaging Value Chain. EU funded, FP6 Integrated Project.

2003 - 2006: SUREFIRE – Next generation fire-resistant lightweight structural materials. Basic technologies for Industrial Applications (BTIA) Link programme.

2002 - 2004: PRONACOM: A Fundamental Study of the Processing-Structure-Properties of Nanocomposites for Industrial Applications. EU funded FP5 Project.

Selected/Past projects:
2011 - 2015: NewGenPak - New Generation of Functional Cellulose Fibre Based Packaging Materials for Sustainability, a Marie Curie Initial Training Network. Funded under EU FP7.
2009 - 2012: – Processing and upscaling of fire resistant nano-filled thermosetting polyester resins. EU FP7 funded project.
2008 - 2011: – Design and Development of an innovative, eco-efficient, low substrate flexible paper packaging from renewable resources to replace petroleum based barrier films. EU FP7 funded project.
2004 - 2008: SUSTAINPACK: Innovation and Sustainable Development in the Fibre Based Packaging Value Chain. EU funded, FP6 Integrated Project.
2003 - 2006: SUREFIRE – Next generation fire-resistant lightweight structural materials. Basic technologies for Industrial Applications (BTIA) Link programme.
2002 - 2004: : A Fundamental Study of the Processing-Structure-Properties of Nanocomposites for Industrial Applications. EU funded FP5 Project.

Publications

Journal articles

Majiya, H., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2024). . Journal of Environmental Management, 370.

Majiya, H., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2023). . Applied Clay Science, 246.

Stacey, P., Clegg, F., Rhyder, G., & Sammon, C. (2022). Correction to: Application of a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Principal Component Regression (PCR) Chemometric Method for the Quantification of Respirable Crystalline Silica (Quartz), Kaolinite, and Coal in Coal Mine Dusts from Australia, UK, and South Africa. Annals of work exposures and health, 66 (6), 825-826.

Stacey, P., Clegg, F., Rhyder, G., & Sammon, C. (2022). . Annals of Work Exposures and Health, 66 (6), 825-826.

Stacey, P., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2021). . Annals of Work Exposures and Health.

Bell, A.M.T., Clegg, F., & Henderson, C.M.B. (2021). . Mineralogical Magazine.

Stacey, P., Hall, S., Stagg, S., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2021). . Journal of Raman Spectroscopy.

Stacey, P., Clegg, F., Morton, J., & Sammon, C. (2020). . Analytical methods, 12 (21), 2757-2771.

Breen, C., Clegg, F., Thompson, S., Jarnstrom, L., & Johansson, C. (2019). . Applied Clay Science, 183, 105272.

Clegg, F., Breen, C., Muranyi, P., & Schönweitz, C. (2019). . Applied Clay Science, 179, 105144.

Trifol, J., van Drongelen, M., Clegg, F., Plackett, D., Szabo, P., & Daugaard, A.E. (2019). . Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 47486.

Duncan, O., Clegg, F., Essa, A., Bell, A., Foster, L., Allen, T., & Alderson, A. (2019). . physica status solidi (b), 256 (1).

Laycock, E., Pirrie, D., Clegg, F., Bell, A., & Bidwell, P. (2018). . Construction & Building Materials, 196, 611-625.

Mary, N., Rebours, M., Castel, E., Vaishnav, S., Deng, W., Bell, A., ... Bingham, P. (2018). . Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids.

Porter, C.P., Bezzina, J.P., Clegg, F., & Ogden, M.D. (2018). . Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 135 (7), 45814.

Cavaye, H., Clegg, F., Gould, P.J., Ladyman, M.K., Temple, T., & Dossi, E. (2017). . Macromolecules, 50 (23), 9239-9248.

Laycock, E., Jefferson, D., Hetherington, S., Clegg, F., & Wood, C. (2017). . Construction and Building Materials, 159, 486-498.

Benassi, L., Dalipi, R., Consigli, V., Pasquali, M., Borgese, L., Depero, L.E., ... Bontempi, E. (2017). . Environmental Science and Pollution Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, 24 (17), 14834-14846.

Keles, H., Naylor, A., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2015). . Polymer Degradation and Stability, 119, 228-241.

Johansson, C., & Clegg, F. (2015). . Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 132 (28).

Johansson, C., & Clegg, F. (2015). . Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 132 (13), 41737.

Clegg, F., Breen, C., & Khairuddin, (2014). . The Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 118 (46), 13268-13278.

Barwood, M.J., Breen, C., Clegg, F., & Hammond, C.L. (2014). . Applied Clay Science, 102, 41-50.

Keles, H., Naylor, A., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2014). . Analyst, 139 (10), 2355.

Keles, H., Naylor, A., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2014). . Vibrational Spectroscopy, 71, 76-84.

Clegg, F., & Breen, C. (2013). . Applied Clay Science, 85, 80-87.

Breen, A.F., Breen, C., Clegg, F., Döppers, L.-.M., Khairuddin, , Labet, M., ... Yarwood, J. (2012). . Polymer, 53 (20), 4420-4428.

Clegg, F., Breen, C., Johansson, C., Bras, J., Mondragon, I., Nechita, P., ... Aucejo, S. (2012). . BioResources, 7 (2), 2506-2552.

Clegg, F., Breen, C., Carter, M.A., Ince, C., Savage, S.D., Wilson, M.A., & Lee, W. (2011). . Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 95 (1), 416-422.

Sökmen, M., Tatlıdil, İ., Breen, C., Clegg, F., Buruk, C.K., Sivlim, T., & Akkan, Ş. (2011). . Journal of Hazardous Materials, 187 (1-3), 199-205.

Clegg, F., Breen, C., Tathdil, I., Sokmen, M., Buruk, C.K., & Bacaksiz, E. (2011). . Jounal of Sol-gel Science and Technology, 60 (1), 23-32.

Clegg, F., Breen, C., Herron, M.M., Hild, G.P., Hillier, S., Hughes, T.L., ... Yarwood, J. (2008). . Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 60, 1-17.

Belver, C., Breen, C., Clegg, F., Fernandes, C.E., & Vicente, M.A. (2004). . Langmuir, 21 (6), 2129-2136.

Greenfield, D., & Clegg, F. (2004). Enhancement of barrier properties in organic coatings using Nanocomposites. Journal of Corrosion Science and Engineering, 8.

Breen, C., Clegg, F., Hughes, T., & Yarwood, J. (2001). . Journal of physical chemistry. B, 105 (21), 4872-4878.

Breen, C., Clegg, F., Hughes, T.L., & Yarwood, J. (2000). . Langmuir, 16 (16), 6648-6656.

Conference papers

Khairuddin, , Pramono, E., Utomo, S.B., Wulandari, V., Zahrotul, A.W., & Clegg, F. (2016). . Journal of physics: Conference series, 776 (1), 012054.

Khairuddin, , Pramono, E., Utomo, S.B., Wulandari, V., A'an Zahrotul, W., & Clegg, F. (2016). . IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 107 (Conf 1), 012066.

Khairuddin, , Pramono, E., Utomo, S.B., Wulandari, V., Zahrotul, A.W., & Clegg, F. (2016). . Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 776 (1), 012053.

Clegg, F., Breen, C., & Bannister, S. (2008). GEOC 223-Effect of dry milling on the structure and thermal stability of a commercial organoclay. ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, 235.

Breen, C., Clegg, F., & Bannister, S. (2008). GEOC 224-Influence of clay host on the thermal stability of model organoclays and their commercial counterparts. ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, 235.

Zhou, Z., Rainforth, W.M., Lewis, D.B., Creasy, S., Forsyth, J.J., Clegg, E., ... Munz, W.D. (2004). . Surface and Coatings Technology, 177, 198-203.

Theses / Dissertations

Oledibe, M.-.J.C. (2025). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Clegg, F., & Sammon, C.

Chadwick, R. (2024). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Clegg, F.

Majiya, H.M. (2023). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Clegg, F., & Sammon, C.

Stacey, P. (2022). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Sammon, C., & Clegg, F.

Trinh, P.T.D. (2015). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Clegg, F., & Breen, C.

Keles, H. (2014). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Sammon, C.

Barwood, M. (2012). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Breen, C., & Clegg, F.

Khairuddin, (2012). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Clegg, F., & Breen, C.

Charlesworth, K. (2007). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Breen, C.

Clegg, F. (1998). . (Doctoral thesis).

Other activities

Treasurer (2016-2023) and committee member (2013-present) for the Clay Minerals Group of The Mineralogical Society;

Associate Editor for Applied Clay Science;

Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry;

Internal and External PhD examiner.

Postgraduate supervision

I have been Director of Studies for four other PhD students and as supervisor to another 6 PhD students.

Past students:

Rebecca Chadwick - Breathable, waterproof polymer nanocomposite membranes, 2024

Hassan Majiya - Removal of heavy metals from water using clay-chitosan, 2023

Trinh Pham. chemical/thermal modification of poly(vinyl alcohol) film for enhanced Water Vapour Barrier Properties. 2016.

Khairuddin. Clay poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVOH) nanocomposites: competitive and synergistic adsorption of PVOH and plasticisers onto Na-bentonite. 2012.

Peter Stacey - Development of spectroscopic techniques for the measurement of respirable crystalline silica, 2022

Hassan Judah – The synthesis and characterisation of clay-polymer nanocomposites, 2020

Hakan Keles - Mid-IR imaging and multivariate analysis of dynamic processes in pharmaceutically relevant microparticles, 2014

Michael Barwood - Novel shape memory polymers, 2013

Scott Bannister - Decomposition mechanisms of organoclays (EPSRC Quota Award) – non-completion, 2010.

Katie Charlesworth - Development and evaluation of fire-retardant unsaturated polyester clay nanocomposites, 2006

Francis has previously acted as Director of Studies for two PhD students and as supervisor to 6 internal PhD students.

Past students:
- Trinh Pham. Chemical/Thermal Modification of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Film for Enhanced Water Vapour Barrier Properties. 2016.
- Khairuddin. Clay poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVOH) nanocomposites: competitive and synergistic adsorption of PVOH and plasticisers onto Na-bentonite. 2012.

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