Particle-surface adhesive forces and their role in resuspension phenomena

The resuspension of particles from surfaces into the air exposes people to hazardous dusts in a range of situations.

This project will use atomic force microscopy to measure the adhesion force between particles and surfaces, and relate this to resuspension.

Particles and surfaces with increasingly complex shape and surface properties will be prepared using techniques such as 3D printing and nanolithography, giving a systematic understanding of the influence of these factors.

Results will be used to validate and improve an existing mathematical model that predicts particle resuspension in a range of environments, thus enabling risks to be controlled.