Publications
- Somberg, J., Gonçalves, G., & Emami, N. (2023). Graphene oxide versus graphite and chemically expanded graphite as solid lubricant in ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene composites. Tribology International, 187. Published.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2023.108643
- Somberg, J., Gonçalves, G., Sánchez, M. S., & Emami, N. (2022). Chemically expanded graphite-based ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties. Materials & Design, 224. Published. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2022.111304
- Vadivel, H. S., Somberg, J., Kalin, M., & Emami, N. (2022). Tribological performance of a UHMWPE-based multiscale composite under different lubrication and loads. Lubrication Science, 34(7), 480–492. https://doi.org/10.1002/ls.1603
- Somberg, J., Saravanan, P., Vadivel, H. S., Berglund, K., Shi, Y., Ukonsaari, J., & Emami, N. (2021). Tribological characterisation of polymer composites for hydropower bearings : Experimentally developed versus commercial materials. Tribology International, 162. Published. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2021.107101
- Jain, A., Somberg, J., & Emami, N. (2019). Development and Characterisation of Multi-Scale Carbon Reinforced PPS Composites for Tribological Applications. Lubricants, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants7040034
- Somberg, J. (2019). Mechanical and Thermal Characterisation of Novel UHMWPE Composites for Total Joint Arthroplasty (Dissertation). Retrieved from https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-74970
Work & Studies
- Phd Thesis in Machine Elements: Currently, I am in the final stages of my PhD studies at Luleå University of Technology. My thesis title is: "Graphene derivates as solid lubricants in polymer composites". The work is based around two main objectives: The first objective is the enhancement of the interfacial adhesion of graphene and non-polar polymer such as polyethylene. The second objective is the development and testing of these and other polymer composites for use in hydropower bearings which operate under extreme conditions such as poor lubrication and high contact pressures. During my PhD studies I got the opportunity to present my research at several international conferences including Japan, France and Norway. The work resulted in several published scientific publications and I am currently working on finishing the last two articles for submission and writing my compilation thesis. In addition to the research experiences gained, I also supervise and teach students at the university.
- MSc. in Composite Materials: To further develop myself and ready for an adventure, I decided to apply for a master’s programme at Luleå University of Technology, specifically focused on composite materials. I got awarded the VSBfonds scholarship for master’s studies abroad and moved to Sweden in 2017. The courses were right up my alley with a great theoretical content but focused on industrial challenges and real-life products. During my master’s studies I got the unique opportunity to work on a collaborative research project with Kyushu University in Japan. The project entailed the investigation of the effect of nano-particles on the wear performance of cross-linked polyethylene for hip replacements. I prepared the relevant nano-composites in Luleå and got to travel to Japan for three weeks to start-up the wear evaluation tests. My thesis project was a continuation of this project with a more in-depth analysis of the physical properties of the composites including fracture toughness tests. Some courses I completed include: Material Characterisation, Composite Manufacturing, Biocomposites, Applied Fluid Dynamics, Multifunctional Polymer Composites, Materials Modeling and much more.
- BSc. in Aeronautical Engineering & working at Fokker Landing Gear: With a great interest in aviation and my grandfather and uncle both having worked at the Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker (now GKN Aerospace), I knew Aeronautical Engineering was the right programme for me. The technical courses at Inholland University of Applied Sciences enabled me to mature as an engineer and to develop a great technical interest and understanding of complex systems. During my studies I enrolled into the University’s Honours programme: Personal Leadership and Entrepreneurship, which I successfully completed. I was furthermore able to do a six-month internship at an aviation consultancy firm, AeroEx in Switzerland. For my Bachelor’s thesis project I got a project at Fokker’s landing gear division. Here I worked on mapping the effect of different mechanical machining processes on the smearing of aluminium and the resulting covering of micro-cracks in the forgings. After suggesting a revision of the post machining etching procedures, I got the ability to stay on as a process engineer. My new responsibilities were the development of new surface treatment processes based on hexavalent chromium free chemical. My work included the process design and the testing and evaluation of the processes with respect to corrosion resistance and pitting of the relevant substrates.