Project Vendors

Dr. Cecil Cherian Lukose

My research aims to understand the concepts and mechanisms which underlay the complexitiesities of super-hard bio-compatible materials. By using advanced sputter deposition techniques and characterisation technologies, I explore the potential of Ti-Au alloy as super hard coatings over biomedical implants. My research is a collaborative effort between The Leverhulme Trust and the Northumbria University, Newcastle upon tyne, UK.

About Author

I am a Research fellow with Northumbria University, UK, investigating this Leverhulme trust funded project for the development of super-hard and bio-compatible material systems for coating over biological implants. From an early stage I’ve had a passion for science and research, especially in the field of semiconductor manufacturing. It was my during my Masters in University of Leeds (2011-12), that I was drawn towards the field of nanotechnology and the interesting occurring at these scales. My time at Northumbria university for my doctoral studies (2014-2018) gave me a real taste of modifying the material properties by sputter depositing them at varying deposition parameters and subsequent processing. I have since worked on projects to develop material systems for varying applications like Low TCR (Mn based antiperovskite structures), High hardness (Ti-Ag material system), antimicrobial (Cu-Ag-Zr), Infra red wavelength specific optical filters (PbTe, ZnSe), bio compatible material systems (current project β Ti3Au system). I enjoy delving into search for material systems with novel application and enhanced performance by following the results of my experiments. Learn more about my work by checking out my current projects and past publications.
My Origins are from the state of Kerala, a beautiful strip of land at the southern tip of Indian subcontinent. Apart from my research interest my hobbies include Philately (Stamp collection) and Numismatics (Currency collection).

Superhard Biocompatible Materials

Unlocking mysteries for a better life

Superhard Materials

Materials exhibiting a hardness value greater than 40Gpa are generally categorised as super hard material. Naturally occurring diamonds are the hardest known material known to man. Wurtzite form of Boron Nitride is a materials system created by shock compression which are known to exhibit hardness value higher than diamonds. However these materials are not useful to fabricate implants to be substituted within biological bodies. So the aim of this project is not to research on hardest material rather to reseach on hardest material which can be used in co-existence with biological systems.

Team Members

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Dr. Martin Birkett

Principle Investigator

Dr Martin Birkett is the Principal Investigator on this Leverhulme Trust funded project. He is an Associate Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering (MCE) and Leader of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) research group in the Faculty of Engineering and Environment at Northumbria University.
He has worked in the area of thin film materials and coatings for 24 years, first in industry (1995-2011) and latterly in academia (2011-present), and has published over 50 papers. He has developed several new thin film material systems such as CrSiO, NiCrMo and CuAlMo. He was awarded The IEE ‘Manufacturing Engineering Prize’ and subsequently The IEE ‘Jones & Shipman Manufacturing Project Prize’ for his work on NiCrMo thin film materials and an Industrial Fellowship from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 for his work on CuAlMo thin film materials. The results of this project were also used as an impact case study for Northumbria University’s submission to REF 2014.
More recently he has been working with an industrial partner on the development of a novel manganese based thin film system, the results of which are being used to prepare a REF2021 impact case study, a new CuZr antimicrobial thin film system for coating of medical tools and equipment as well as this current project on a new super hard biocompatible beta-Ti3Au coating for medical implants,. He has also been invited to write a book chapter and give several guest lectures in the area of thin film material technologies and advancements.