Dr James Bowen MEng, PhD, MRSC, MIoP, AMIChemE

School of Chemical Engineering
Visiting Academic (University of Birmingham)
Lecturer (The Open University)

Contact details

Telephone
+44 (0) 1908 655 614
Email
james.bowen@open.ac.uk
Twitter
@https://twitter.com/bowen_james
View my research portal
An interdisciplinary scientist and engineer whose research interests include surface modification, particle technology, polymers, rheology & complex fluids, adhesion, and the liquid/solid interface.

James has expertise in applying Atomic Force Microscopy to a variety of research areas, including Advanced Materials, Healthcare (Medical and Dental), and Personal Care.

He has particular interests in nanolithography, nanomachining, nanometrology, intermolecular & interparticle interactions, biomaterial degradation, and innovative methods of characterising complex materials. He also explores structure-property relationships in natural materials.

Qualifications

  • PhD in Chemistry, University of Birmingham, 2006
  • MEng(Hons) in Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, 2001

Biography

2001: MEng (Hons), Chemical Engineering with Management

2006: PhD, Chemistry (NanoAdhesion - Investigating Nanoscale Adhesion Using Self-Assembled Monolayers)

2006: Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham

2009: Designed and commissioned the Science City Advanced Materials Laboratory in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham.

2014: Director at Bowen Instruments Ltd, which designs and manufactures bespoke scientific instruments and accessories.

2015: Lecturer in Materials Engineering at The Open University

Teaching

  • Chemical Nanoengineering (Nanocharacterisation; Nanofluidics and Nanoreactors; Nanoparticles; Self Assembly; Supramolecular Chemistry; Thin Films).
  • Colloids and Rheology (Colloid and Interface Science; Rheology; Rheology of Ultrathin Liquid Films; Rheometry).
  • Measurement Techniques (Atomic Force Microscopy; Density and Porosity; Ellipsometry and Surface Plasmon Resonance; Indentation).
  • Multiphase Systems (Intermolecular Forces; Interparticle Forces; Colloid Stability; Liquid-Gas and Liquid-Liquid Interfaces; Liquid-Solid Interfaces).
  • Powder Handling and Processing (Mechanical Properties; Particle-Particle Interactions; Size and Size Distribution).

Research

Research themes

  • Adhesion, contact mechanics and tribology
  • Materials characterisation
  • Microscopy and spectroscopy
  • Surface and interface analysis
  • Thin film systems

Other activities

ResearcherID profile: www.researcherid.com/rid/B-9874-2011

Academia.edu profile: bham.academia.edu/JamesBowen

Publications

Expertise

 

  • Nano/biomaterials science, conventional materials science, collaboration with life and medical sciences
  • Surface modification via self-assembly, plasma treatment, and physical vapour deposition
  • Thin film characterisation using ellipsometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
  • Nanomechanics, adhesion and microstructure via atomic force microscopy, confocal Raman microscopy, and interferometry
  • Complex fluids and soft solids including polymer melts (lubrication), hydrogels (tissue engineering), and solid/liquid suspensions (surface modification)
  • Business engagement with the automotive, chemical, fast-moving consumer goods, pharmaceutical and technology sectors