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  4. Dr Francis Clegg

Doctor Francis Clegg BSc Hons, PhD, MRSC, FHEA

Principal Research Fellow

Summary

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

Francis Clegg

About

As a Principal Research 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

Research

  • Industry and Innovation Research 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 (Sheffield Hallam University/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: 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.

Publications

Journal articles

Majiya, H., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2024). A chemometric approach using I-optimal design for optimising Pb(II) removal using bentonite-chitosan composites and beads. Journal of Environmental Management, 370. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122557

Majiya, H., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2023). Bentonite-Chitosan composites or beads for lead (Pb) adsorption: Design, preparation, and characterisation. Applied Clay Science, 246. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2023.107180

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. http://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxac027

Stacey, P., Clegg, F., Rhyder, G., & Sammon, C. (2022). 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. http://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxab119

Stacey, P., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2021). Multicomponent measurement of respirable quartz, kaolinite and coal dust using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR): a comparison between partial least squares and principal component regressions. Annals of Work Exposures and Health. http://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxab081

Bell, A.M.T., Clegg, F., & Henderson, C.M.B. (2021). Monoclinic-orthorhombic first-order phase transition in K2ZnSi5O12leucite analogue; Transition mechanism and spontaneous strain analysis. Mineralogical Magazine. http://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2021.67

Stacey, P., Hall, S., Stagg, S., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2021). Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction responses when measuring health‐related micrometre and nanometre particle size fractions of crystalline quartz and the measurement of quartz in dust samples from the cutting and polishing of natural and artificial stones. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy. http://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6110

Stacey, P., Clegg, F., Morton, J., & Sammon, C. (2020). An indirect Raman spectroscopy method for the quantitative measurement of respirable crystalline silica collected on filters inside respiratory equipment. Analytical methods, 12 (21), 2757-2771. http://doi.org/10.1039/d0ay00165a

Breen, C., Clegg, F., Thompson, S., Jarnstrom, L., & Johansson, C. (2019). Exploring the interactions between starches, bentonites and plasticizers in sustainable barrier coatings for paper and board. Applied Clay Science, 183, 105272. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2019.105272

Clegg, F., Breen, C., Muranyi, P., & Schönweitz, C. (2019). Antimicrobial, starch based barrier coatings prepared using mixed silver/sodium exchanged bentonite. Applied Clay Science, 179, 105144. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2019.105144

Trifol, J., van Drongelen, M., Clegg, F., Plackett, D., Szabo, P., & Daugaard, A.E. (2019). Impact of thermal processing or solvent casting upon crystallization of PLA nanocellulose and/or nanoclay composites. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 47486. http://doi.org/10.1002/app.47486

Duncan, O., Clegg, F., Essa, A., Bell, A., Foster, L., Allen, T., & Alderson, A. (2019). Effects of heat exposure and volumetric compression on Poisson's ratios, Young's moduli and polymeric composition during thermo-mechanical conversion of auxetic open cell polyurethane foam. physica status solidi (b), 256 (1). http://doi.org/10.1002/pssb.201800393

Laycock, E., Pirrie, D., Clegg, F., Bell, A., & Bidwell, P. (2018). An investigation to establish the source of the Roman lime mortars used in Wallsend, UK. Construction & Building Materials, 196, 611-625. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.11.108

Mary, N., Rebours, M., Castel, E., Vaishnav, S., Deng, W., Bell, A., ... Bingham, P. (2018). Enhanced thermal stability of high-bismuth borate glasses by addition of iron. Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2018.07.061

Porter, C.P., Bezzina, J.P., Clegg, F., & Ogden, M.D. (2018). Polymeric seal degradation in nuclear power plants: Determination of physical and mechanical properties. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 135 (7), 45814. http://doi.org/10.1002/app.45814

Cavaye, H., Clegg, F., Gould, P.J., Ladyman, M.K., Temple, T., & Dossi, E. (2017). Primary alkylphosphine–borane polymers: Synthesis, low glass transition temperature, and a predictive capability thereof. Macromolecules, 50 (23), 9239-9248. http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.7b02030

Laycock, E., Jefferson, D., Hetherington, S., Clegg, F., & Wood, C. (2017). Revitalising Collyweston limestone slate production by artificial freeze/thaw splitting. Construction and Building Materials, 159, 486-498. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.10.039

Benassi, L., Dalipi, R., Consigli, V., Pasquali, M., Borgese, L., Depero, L.E., ... Bontempi, E. (2017). Integrated management of ash from industrial and domestic combustion : a new sustainable approach for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy conversion. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24 (17), 14834-14846. http://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-9037-y

Keles, H., Naylor, A., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2015). Investigation of factors influencing the hydrolytic degradation of single PLGA microparticles. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 119, 228-241. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2015.04.025

Johansson, C., & Clegg, F. (2015). Effect of clay type on dispersion and barrier properties of hydrophobically modified poly(vinyl alcohol)-bentonite nanocomposites. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 132 (28). http://doi.org/10.1002/app.42229

Johansson, C., & Clegg, F. (2015). Hydrophobically modified poly(vinyl alcohol) and bentonite nanocomposites thereof: Barrier, mechanical, and aesthetic properties. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 132 (13), 41737. http://doi.org/10.1002/app.41737

Clegg, F., Breen, C., & Khairuddin, (2014). Synergistic and competitive aspects of the adsorption of Poly(ethylene glycol) and Poly(vinyl alcohol) onto Na-Bentonite. The Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 118 (46), 13268-13278. http://doi.org/10.1021/jp507772t

Barwood, M.J., Breen, C., Clegg, F., & Hammond, C.L. (2014). The effect of organoclay addition on the properties of an acrylate based, thermally activated shape memory polymer. Applied Clay Science, 102, 41-50. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2014.10.010

Keles, H., Naylor, A., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2014). The application of non-linear curve fitting routines to the analysis of mid-infrared images obtained from single polymeric microparticles. Analyst, 139 (10), 2355. http://doi.org/10.1039/C3AN01879B

Keles, H., Naylor, A., Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. (2014). Studying the release of hGH from gamma-irradiated PLGA microparticles using ATR-FTIR imaging. Vibrational Spectroscopy, 71, 76-84. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.vibspec.2014.01.012

Clegg, F., & Breen, C. (2013). Mixed modifier clays and their dispersion in solvent cast polycaprolactone nanocomposites. Applied Clay Science, 85, 80-87. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2013.08.048

Breen, A.F., Breen, C., Clegg, F., Döppers, L.-.M., Khairuddin, , Labet, M., ... Yarwood, J. (2012). FTIR-ATR studies of the sorption and diffusion of acetone:water mixtures in poly(vinyl alcohol)-clay nanocomposites. Polymer, 53 (20), 4420-4428. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2012.07.057

Clegg, F., Breen, C., Johansson, C., Bras, J., Mondragon, I., Nechita, P., ... Aucejo, S. (2012). Renewable fibers and bio-based materials for packaging applications - A review of recent developments. BioResources, 7 (2), 2506-2552. http://www.ncsu.edu/bioresources/BioRes_07/BioRes_07_2_2506_Johansson_BMNPSSVBBA_Renewable_Fib_Material_Packaging_Rev_2438.pdf

Clegg, F., Breen, C., Carter, M.A., Ince, C., Savage, S.D., Wilson, M.A., & Lee, W. (2011). Dehydroxylation and Rehydroxylation Mechanisms in Fired Clay Ceramic: A TG-MS and DRIFTS Investigation. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 95 (1), 416-422. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1551-2916.2011.04926.x

Sökmen, M., Tatlıdil, İ., Breen, C., Clegg, F., Buruk, C.K., Sivlim, T., & Akkan, Ş. (2011). A new nano-TiO2 immobilized biodegradable polymer with self-cleaning properties. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 187 (1-3), 199-205. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.01.020

Clegg, F., Breen, C., Tathdil, I., Sokmen, M., Buruk, C.K., & Bacaksiz, E. (2011). Degradation of Candida albicans on TiO2 and Ag-TiO2 thin films prepared by sol–gel and nanosuspensions. Jounal of Sol-gel Science and Technology, 60 (1), 23-32. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-011-3213-7

Clegg, F., Breen, C., Herron, M.M., Hild, G.P., Hillier, S., Hughes, T.L., ... Yarwood, J. (2008). Bulk mineralogical characterisation of oilfield reservoir rocks and sandstones using DRIFTS and partial least squares analysis. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 60, 1-17. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0920410507000939

Belver, C., Breen, C., Clegg, F., Fernandes, C.E., & Vicente, M.A. (2004). A variable-temperature diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy study of the binding of water and pyridine to the surface of acid-activated metakaolin. Langmuir, 21 (6), 2129-2136. http://doi.org/10.1021/la048323m

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). Distinguishing interlayer cations in montmorillonite by thermal analysis of demethylformamide-saturated samples. Journal of physical chemistry. B, 105 (21), 4872-4878. http://doi.org/10.1021/jp002027a

Breen, C., Clegg, F., Hughes, T.L., & Yarwood, J. (2000). Thermal and spectroscopic characterization of N-methylformamide/Ca-, Mg-, and Na-exchanged montmorillonite intercalates. Langmuir, 16 (16), 6648-6656. http://doi.org/10.1021/la000124p

Conference papers

Khairuddin, , Pramono, E., Utomo, S.B., Wulandari, V., Zahrotul, A.W., & Clegg, F. (2016). The effect of polyethylene glycol Mw 400 and 600 on stability of Shellac Waxfree. Journal of physics: Conference series, 776 (1), 012054. http://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/776/1/012054

Khairuddin, , Pramono, E., Utomo, S.B., Wulandari, V., A'an Zahrotul, W., & Clegg, F. (2016). The effect of polyethylene glycol on shellac stability. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 107 (Conf 1), 012066. http://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/107/1/012066

Khairuddin, , Pramono, E., Utomo, S.B., Wulandari, V., Zahrotul, A.W., & Clegg, F. (2016). FTIR studies on the effect of concentration of polyethylene glycol on polimerization of Shellac. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 776 (1), 012053. http://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/776/1/012053

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). Oxidation behaviour of nanoscale TiAlN/VN multilayer coatings. Surface and Coatings Technology, 177, 198-203. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2003.09.031

Theses / Dissertations

Oledibe, M.-.J.C. (2025). Remediation of Crude Oil Spill on Water by Waste Poly(ethylene)-derived Sorbent. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00713

Chadwick, R. (2024). Design, Preparation and Characterisation of Polyurethane Nanocomposites Membranes for Apparel Applications. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Clegg, F. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00649

Majiya, H.M. (2023). Remediation of heavy metals from water using Modified Clay-Chitosan Composites. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Clegg, F., & Sammon, C. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00533

Stacey, P. (2022). Development of spectroscopic techniques for the measurement of Respirable Crystalline Silica. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Sammon, C., & Clegg, F. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00524

Trinh, P.T.D. (2015). Chemical/thermal modification of poly(vinyl alcohol) film for enhanced water vapour barrier properties. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Clegg, F., & Breen, C.

Keles, H. (2014). Mid-IR Imaging and Multivariate Analysis of DynamicProcesses in Pharmaceutically Relevant Microparticles. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Sammon, C.

Barwood, M. (2012). An exploration of shape memory polymers and (nano) composites for packaging applications. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Breen, C., & Clegg, F.

Khairuddin, (2012). Clay-polyvinylalcohol nanocomposites: Competitive adsorption of polyvinylalcohol and plasticizers onto Na-bentonite. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Clegg, F., & Breen, C.

Charlesworth, K. (2007). Development and evaluation of fire retardent unsaturated polyester clay nanocomposites. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Breen, C.

Clegg, F. (1998). Thermo-analytical and spectroscopic characterisation of pore lining minerals in reservoir rocks. (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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