Key details
Dr Tong Deng
Senior Lecturer
Dr Tong Deng worked as a post-doctoral research assistant after graduating with a PhD from the University of Greenwich in August 2001. Since then he has worked as a research fellow in the same department for varied industrial consultancies on bulk solids material handling.
In 2009, Dr Deng obtained his first internal research grant for Novel Approaches to Signal Acquisition and Processing in relation to Sensing Electrostatic Behaviour of Particulate Materials in Motion, for which he was a principal investigator. This was sponsored by the School of Engineering.
Dr Deng started supervising a PhD student, as first supervisor, in August 2009,. This work has resulted in a number of industrial consultancy projects and an article in an international journal.
In 2010, Dr Deng obtained a further internal research grant for A New Form of Renewable Biomass/Coal Pellet Fuel – Collaboration with CAS, China, valued at £30,000. to support a new green energy resource study.
In 2012, Dr Deng received support from the University of Greenwich via a VC-scholarship for Investigation of Wear and Tribological Properties of Nano-Carbon Fabrics (NCF) Reinforced Ceramic Materials, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge.
Dr Deng started his teaching and research contract at the School of Engineering in 2013. His research focuses on two major areas: the development of anti-erosive wear nano-composite materials, and characterisation of electrostatic properties of fine, cohesive particulates. The nano-composites studies may lead to a pioneering research into structured nano-material development, an area which has strong potential in many industrial applications.
Since 2008, Dr Deng has published six international journal papers in both areas and a total of 15 other journal papers.
Responsibilities within the university
Industrial consultancies and research
Research / Scholarly interests
- Erosive wear phenomenon and mechanisms of nano-structured composite materials
- Solid particle impact dynamic and material surface protection which helps of nano-structured reinforcement
- Electrostatic charge of fine particulates at micro or sub-micro levels
Nanoscience has revealed remarkable new material functions that have never previously been recognised. In terms of material failure due solid particle impacts, the nano-structured composite will not only provide surface protection of important equipment components, but also have strong potential on functions such as electrical, electronic and photovoltaic properties if the nano-structures use carbon nano-tube or CNTs-silicon nano-structures to provide conductive or semi-conductive functions.
These materials will have strong application potential in extreme environmental conditions, such as the aerospace industry, where materials suffer from serious erosive wear. In addition, nano-structured composites with electrostatic charges applied may open up potential for many extraordinary applications, such as sensor materials with extra high sensitivity, display materials, etc.
Currently Dr Deng's research, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, is looking into the breaking point that try to establish nano-structures of CNT with any other polymer and ceramic, which may achieve the functions proposed.
Key funded projects
Investigation of Wear and Tribological Properties of Nano-Carbon Fabrics (NCF) Reinforced Ceramic Materials
VC-Scholarship in collaboration with University of Cambridge.
Tribological interactions of solid surfaces' exposed faces with interfacing materials and environment may result in loss of material from the surface. Therefore many studies on surface engineering have been carried out by using techniques such as heat treatment, surface hardening, surface coating or lubricants. These methods have had limited success to date and challenges remain. Nano-carbon tube polymer composites developed in Cambridge and tested in Greenwich have shown some potential in wear resistance improvement of such materials. These polymer composites have shown strong potential in aerospace applications, such as helicopter blades protection. However because polymer materials are soft, it limits the application for hard solids impact.
A research idea has been proposed that nano-carbon fabrics (NCF) reinforced ceramic materials will be developed with applications of carbon nanotube structures. If successful, this material will provide extremely high wear resistance and could be used as a high profile coating material for many applications in material handling processes and other industrial applications. However, there are still many unknowns in relation to material manufacturing and tribological study of materials.
This study has focused on investigation of wear and tribological properties of carbon nanotubes reinforced ceramic polymer composite materials. In the future, the wear mechanisms of nano-structured composites will be a major research area, although this research can be easily extended to other application areas.
Novel Approaches to Signal Acquisition and Processing in relation to Sensing Electrostatic Behaviour of Particulate Materials in Motion.
PhD project funded by the School of Engineering, University of Greenwich,
Serious problems with cohesive pharmaceutical powders balling and building up in powder handling and sieving processes has been reported by the University of Greenwich's industrial clients. These difficulties affect the quality of the batch, particularly the levels of the active ingredient across the sample range. Recent test work has illustrated different levels in electrostatic behaviour and this is starting to indicate the root of the behaviour. The research therefore proposes to develop and build upon the previous success of the use of the charge probes in order to allow the detection and monitoring of a number of pharmaceutical powders in motion.
Charge detection of solid particle is not easy because millions of particles are involved. Charge on particles will have change when particles have contact with different surface materials. This study focused on the development of an inductive sensing method and using this method to study the effect of various relevant variables, especially change in the surface material, environmental conditions, etc. The results of this research have provided a new charging sensing method for fine cohesive particulates, which can provide recommendations for alternative process changes.
Recent publications
Article
Deng, Tong , Garg, Vivek, Bradley, Michael (2024), Erosive wear of structured Carbon-fibre-reinforced textile polymer composites under sands blasting. MDPI. In: , , , . MDPI, Lubricants, 12: 94 (3) . pp. 1-13 2075-4442 (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12030094).
Deng, Tong , Massaro Sousa, Lucas, Garg, Vivek, Bradley, Michael S.A. (2023), Segregation of formulated powders in direct compression process and evaluations by small bench-scale testers. Elsevier. In: , , , . Elsevier, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 647: 123544 ISSN: 0378-5173 (Print), (doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123544).
Salehi Kahrizsangi, Hamid , Cummins, John, Gallino, Enrico, Garg, Vivek , Deng, Tong , Hassanpour, Ali , Bradley, Michael (2023), Optimising spread-layer quality in powder additive manufacturing: assessing packing fraction and segregation tendency. MDPI. In: , , , . MDPI, Processes, 11: 2276 (8) . pp. 1-22 2227-9717 (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11082276).
Deng, Tong , Garg, Vivek, Bradley, Michael (2023), Electrostatic charging of fine powders and assessment of charge polarity using an inductive charge sensor. MDPI. In: , , , . MDPI, Nanomanufacturing, 3 (3) . pp. 281-292 2673-687X (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/nanomanufacturing3030018).
Hussain, Tariq , Deng, Tong, Bradley, Michael, Armour-Chelu, David , Pillai, John , Saadat, Salman , Kaialy, Waseem (2023), Noise reduction by using wavelet transform in charge signal acquired from an electrostatic inductive sensor. Elsevier. In: , , , . Elsevier, Measurement: Sensors, 27: 100757 . pp. 1-4 2665-9174 (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measen.2023.100757).
Singh, Gulab , Deng, Tong, Bradley, Michael, Ellis, Richard , Schenck Process UK Limited (2023), Advanced assessment of biomass materials degradation in pneumatic conveying systems: challenges and applications. MDPI. In: , , , . MDPI, Applied Sciences, 13: 1960 . pp. 1-13 2076-3417 (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031960).
Deng, Tong , Garg, Vivek, Diaz, Laura Pereira, Markl, Daniel , Brown, Cameron , Florence, Alastair , Bradley, Michael S.A. (2022), Comparative studies of powder flow predictions using milligrams of powder for identifying powder flow issues. Elsevier. In: , , , . Elsevier, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 628: 122309 ISSN: 0378-5173 (Print), (doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122309).
Jiang, Yang , Deng, Tong, Nasr, Karim (2022), Baseline tracking in bipolar charge signal process by dynamic time warping algorithm. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). In: , , , . Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), IEEE Sensors Journal, 23 (5) . pp. 4540 -4547 ISSN: 1530-437X (Print), 1558-1748 (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2022.3162494).
Garg, Vivek , Deng, Tong, Bradley, Michael (2021), A new method for assessing powder flowability based on physical properties and cohesiveness of particles using a small quantity of samples. Elsevier Science. In: , , , . Elsevier Science, Powder Technology ISSN: 0032-5910 (Print), 1873-328X (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2021.10.027).
Deng, Tong , Garg, Vivek, Bradley, Michael S.A. (2021), A study of particle adhesion for cohesive powders using a novel mechanical surface energy tester. Elsevier. In: , , , . Elsevier, Powder Technology, 391 . pp. 46-56 ISSN: 0032-5910 (Print), 1873-328X (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2021.06.002).
Deng, Tong , Garg, Vivek, Salehi, Hamid, Bradley, Michael S. A. (2021), Correlations between segregation intensity and material properties such as particle sizes and adhesions and novel methods for assessment. Elsevier. In: , , , . Elsevier, Powder Technology, 387 . pp. 215-226 ISSN: 0032-5910 (Print), 1873-328X (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2021.04.023).
Deng, Tong , Garg, Vivek, Salehi, Hamid, Bradley, Michael S. A. (2020), An experimental study on free-surface rolling segregation and correlations with angle of repose and particle sphericity. Elsevier B.V.. In: , , , . Elsevier B.V., Powder Technology, 379 . pp. 307-320 ISSN: 0032-5910 (Print), 1873-328X (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2020.10.077).
Zhang, Guangdong , Huang, Xiang, Li, Shuanggao, Xia, Chao , Deng, Tong (2020), Improved inverse design method for thin-wall hollow profiled polymer extrusion die based on FEM-CFD simulations. Springer. In: , , , . Springer, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 106 (7-8) . pp. 2909-2919 ISSN: 0268-3768 (Print), 1433-3015 (Online) (doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00170-019-04785-w).
Zhang, Guangdong , Huang, Xiang, Li, Shuanggao, Deng, Tong (2019), Optimized design method for profile extrusion die based on NURBS modeling. Springer. In: , , , . Springer, Fibers and Polymers, 20 (8) . pp. 1733-1741 ISSN: 1229-9197 (Print), 1875-0052 (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12221-019-1168-y).
Salehi, Hamid , Berry, Robert, Deng, Tong, Larsson, Sylvia H. , Farnish, Richard , Bradley, Mike (2019), Development and application of a novel cake strength tester. Elsevier. In: , , , . Elsevier, Powder Technology, 350 . pp. 36-42 ISSN: 0032-5910 (Print), 1873-328X (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2019.03.024).
Deng, Tong , Alzahrani, Abdullah M., Bradley, Michael S. (2018), Influences of environmental humidity on physical properties and attrition of wood pellets. Elsevier. In: , , , . Elsevier, Fuel Processing Technology, 185 . pp. 126-138 ISSN: 0378-3820 (Print), (doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2018.12.010).
Shang, Zhigen , Deng, Tong, He, Jianqiang, Duan, Xiaohui (2018), A novel model for hourly PM2.5 concentration prediction based on CART and EELM. Elsevier B.V.. In: , , , . Elsevier B.V., Science of The Total Environment, 651 (2) . pp. 3043-3052 ISSN: 0048-9697 (Print), 1879-1026 (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.193).
Deng, Tong and , Bradley, Michael (2016), Determination of a particle size distribution criterion for predicting dense phase pneumatic conveying behaviour of granular and powder materials. Elsevier B.V.. In: , , , . Elsevier B.V., Powder Technology, 304 . pp. 32-40 ISSN: 0032-5910 (Print), (doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2016.05.001).
Hussain, Tariq , Deng, Tong, Bradley, Michael Samuel, Armour-Chélu, David , Gorman, Terry , Kaialy, Waseem (2016), Evaluation studies of a sensing technique for electrostatic charge polarity of pharmaceutical particulates. Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). In: , , , . Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), IET Science Measurement and Technology, 10 (5) . pp. 442-448 ISSN: 1751-8822 (Print), 1751-8830 (Online) (doi: https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-smt.2015.0194).
Cai, Guohua , Berry, Robert, Deng, Tong (2016), Analysis on flowability of cement based on powder flow tester. zhong guo fen ti ji shu bian ji bu. In: , , , . zhong guo fen ti ji shu bian ji bu, China Powder Science and Technology, 22: 120 (1) . pp. 97-100 ISSN: 1008-5548 (Print), (doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13732/j.issn.1008-5548.2016.01.023).
Conference item
Singh, Gulab , Deng, Tong, Bradley, Michael, Ellis, Richard , Schenck Process (2023), Evaluation and calibration of wood pellets degradation using a rotary impact tester against single-bend attrition tester. University of Wollongong. In: 14th International Conference on Bulk Materials Storage, Handling and Transportation, 11th - 13th July 2023, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia In: David Hastie (ed.), 14th International Conference on Bulk Materials Storage, Handling and Transportation. 11th - 13th July, 2023. University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (1st) (doi: https://www.icbmh2023.com.au/documents/ICBMH2023%20Draft%20Conference%20Program%20V3.pdf).
Conference proceedings
Dissanayake Mudiyanselage, Susantha , Bradley, Michael, Zigan, Stefan, Salehi Kahrizsangi, Hamid , Deng, Tong (2023), Frequency domain analysis to identify main segregation contributors in a chain of material handling. ICBMH - The Institution of Engineers. In: The 14th International Conference on Bulk Materials Storage, Handling and Transportation, 11th - 13th Jul, 2023, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia In: Chanaka Prasad Alupathgala Kankanamalage, Baldeep Kaur, Hamid Salehi Kahrizsangi, Michael Bradley, Richard Ellis (eds.), ICBMH2023: 14th International Conference on Bulk Materials Storage, Handling and Transportation. ICBMH - The Institution of Engineers, Wollongong, NSW Australia (1st) . pp. 372-380 . ISBN: 9781925627831 (doi: https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.446620967305237) NB Item availability restricted.