Adhesion & Adhesives in Defence

Prof Ambrose Taylor

Professor of Materials Engineering, Imperial College London

Ambrose Taylor is Professor of Materials Engineering at Imperial College London and Chair of the Society for Adhesion and Adhesives. He studied for a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bristol, and a PhD at Imperial College London. He then undertook post-doctoral research on high-temperature resistant adhesive and composite materials. He was awarded a prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Post-doctoral Research Fellowship and a Royal Society Mercer Award for Innovation. He specialises in the characterisation and modelling of polymers, including for use as coatings, adhesives and fibre composites. He also works with polymer recycling and the use of bio-based resins for formulating polymers. He has a special interest in the fracture processes and toughness of these materials. Applications include the construction, aerospace and automotive industries, as well as for the conservation of cultural heritage such as paintings and furniture.

Prof Gary Critchlow

Director, Surface Science Solutions Ltd & Emeritus Professor of Surface & Interface Science at Loughborough University

Gary has worked for Loughborough University since January 1987; initially as a member of the Surface Analysis Group of Loughborough Consultants Ltd located within the Physics Department. In 1990 this group became the Institute of Surface Science and Technology (ISST) which was later integrated within what is now the Department of Materials, where he is now the Professor of Surface & Interface Science. In addition to his teaching and administrative roles, Gary has spent over 25 years studying and developing surface processes to impart functionality such as: adhesion and abhesion promotion; corrosion protection, and; optoelectronic properties for a wide range of industrial sectors.

Gary has a strong record of collaboration with friends and colleagues from: industry; other research providers, and; academia both within the UK and overseas. Industrial collaborators include: Ashton & Moore; AWE; BAe Systems; Bombardier Aerospace;European Space Agency; GE Aviation; Microturbo; Monitor Coatings; Poeton; Rolls Royce and Roxel, These interactions range from small scale problem solving to larger PhD and PDRA-based projects. Gary has also been fortunate to work with collaborators in academia including: Professor Geoff Wilcox (Loughborough University), Professor Ian Ashcroft (Nottingham University), Professor Lucas da Silva (University of Oporto, Portugal) and Dr Maelenn Aufrey (University of Toulouse, France), along with; Professors George Thompson, Peter Skeldon and Dr Michele Curioni (Manchester University).

Prof Gary Critchlow

Director, Surface Science Solutions Ltd & Emeritus Professor of Surface & Interface Science at Loughborough University

Gary has worked for Loughborough University since January 1987; initially as a member of the Surface Analysis Group of Loughborough Consultants Ltd located within the Physics Department. In 1990 this group became the Institute of Surface Science and Technology (ISST) which was later integrated within what is now the Department of Materials, where he is now the Professor of Surface & Interface Science. In addition to his teaching and administrative roles, Gary has spent over 25 years studying and developing surface processes to impart functionality such as: adhesion and abhesion promotion; corrosion protection, and; optoelectronic properties for a wide range of industrial sectors.

Gary has a strong record of collaboration with friends and colleagues from: industry; other research providers, and; academia both within the UK and overseas. Industrial collaborators include: Ashton & Moore; AWE; BAe Systems; Bombardier Aerospace;European Space Agency; GE Aviation; Microturbo; Monitor Coatings; Poeton; Rolls Royce and Roxel, These interactions range from small scale problem solving to larger PhD and PDRA-based projects. Gary has also been fortunate to work with collaborators in academia including: Professor Geoff Wilcox (Loughborough University), Professor Ian Ashcroft (Nottingham University), Professor Lucas da Silva (University of Oporto, Portugal) and Dr Maelenn Aufrey (University of Toulouse, France), along with; Professors George Thompson, Peter Skeldon and Dr Michele Curioni (Manchester University).

Richard Johnson

Chief Chemist, Roxel

Richard Johnson is an accomplished professional in the field of chemistry with extensive experience in managing technical teams. Currently serving as Chief Chemist and Energetics & Materials Manager at Roxel since August 2022, Richard Johnson oversees a large team of highly skilled staff. Previously, from January 2004 to October 2022, Richard Johnson held positions as Propellant & Materials Manager and Propellant Chemist at Roxel UK. Richard Johnson is an alumnus of Nottingham Trent University.