Dr Cristina Valles obtained a PhD from the University of Zaragoza (Spain) on the production of carbon nanotubes, during which she also explored the potential of these nanomaterials for multifunctional polymer nanocomposites. After that, as a postdoctoral researcher at The University of Bordeaux (France), she applied the specialist knowledge acquired during her PhD to develop a new method for the chemical production of graphene through the exfoliation of graphite intercalation compounds. In 2011, she joined the University of Manchester (Department of Materials) with the main motivation of exploring the potential of graphene for emerging technological applications. Her work was mainly focused on taking all the exceptional properties of different types of graphene from the nanoscale to macroscopic functional composite materials, including mechanically reinforced thermally stable and electrically conductive polymer nanocomposites. In July 2019 she was appointed as academic research fellow at the University of Manchester. Her group's research focuses on exploring the impact of carbon nanomaterials in applications such as multifunctional nanocomposites and multifunctional fibres for smart textiles.

Dr Valles is also the academic lead for the 'Polymers and Composites' theme at the Department of Materials, and for the 'Fibre Technology Platform' at the Henry Royce Institute.

Academic Course 2022/2023:

MATS15551 - Preliminary Chemistry (Unit Coordinator)

MATS68301 - Principles of Polymers & Composites

MATS32402  - Multiphase Polymers & Nanocomposites (Unit Coordinator)

Current research projects in my group include:

• Graphene/epoxy nanocomposites for out-of-autoclave thermosettings curing through resistive heating.
• Multifunctional polymer composite fibres based on nanomaterials.
• Sustainable replacements for coal tar pitch binders.

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Looking for excellent PhD candiates to join my group.