Christopher Fleming

The chemistry and structure of solid surfaces and coatings have been common themes throughout my research; with my interests ranging from fundamental studies of ideal substrate-adsorbate systems in ultra-high vacuum, to industrially relevant chemical and mechanical behaviour at alloy-coating-atmosphere interfaces.

Recent work has involved the high temperature oxidation of alloys and the behaviour of lubricants and release agents within manufacturing processes.

Graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a Masters with Honours in Chemistry with Environmental Chemistry. Awarded a PhD in Physical Chemistry- Surface Chemistry from the University of Glasgow, with Professor Malcolm Kadodwala as my supervisor. Completed a 3 year postdoctoral position for Professor Sibener at the University of Chicago. Recent work has been as the lead researcher in a vital strand of the 3-year, £65 million SAMULET 2 collaborative venture between the UK government and business.

• Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA)
• X-ray diffraction (XRD)
• Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA)
• Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM)
• Temperature programmed desorption (TPD)
• Electron stimulated desorption/dissociation (ESD)
• X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
• Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS)
• Auger electron spectroscopy (AES)
• Low energy electron diffraction (LEED)

As part of a University of Strathclyde collaboration with Rolls-Royce, spent much of Jan 2013- Jan 2016 onsite at the Barnoldswick manufacturing facility assessing their process and running production trials, based on laboratory based findings. Transference of results to the Singapore plant has led to a 92% increase in output from production runs; equivalent to an 8% increase in annual factory output, with a production value of £12 million at their current capacity. The impact of this work is possibly best appreciated when it is considered that these Singapore-made components are vital to the record breaking aero-engine deal between Rolls-Royce and Emirates Airlines that was signed in April 2015.