Dr Pamela Martin, Materials Scientist, has recently won the 2019 Sparks-Thomas Award. During her time working at TARRC she has contributed to the development of a new mixing procedure suitable for the use of silica filler in polar rubbers, such as epoxidised natural rubber. Here she discusses her role and experience in the industry.
Q: Could you tell me about your background and how you got to your current role?
Science has always been one of my favourite subjects. I am stimulated by learning how things work and are developed. I was particularly drawn to materials science whilst studying for my degree in chemistry, at the University of Exeter, UK. We are surrounded by materials and they have a big impact on society. As a postgraduate I went on to complete a PhD investigating liquid crystals, the fourth state of matter, best known for being a constituent material found in (LC) display screens. After completing my PhD switched to work on another fascinating material, elastomers or rubber at UK-based research and promotion centre of the Malaysian Rubber Board (TARRC). This class of polymer is viscoelastic (i.e. both viscous and elastic) providing suitable properties for a vast array of applications.
Q: Do you have any qualifications related to your current position?
The knowledge I gained from my MChem degree has been necessary for my current position as a Materials Scientist as it is essential to have understanding of the chemical processes in polymers. The experience from my PhD I have utilised laterally, being able to coordinate projects.
My current position at TARRC has, and continues to be, a process of continual learning, development and progression. Since being in this role I have had on-the-job training for additional aspects of my role such as Internal Auditing and Managing Grievance issues.
Q: What does a typical day consist of in your role?
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My working days consist of a combination between laboratory work, compounding rubber and analysis of results and report writing. Typically for a product we aim at improving a particular property and to achieve this we have a series of formulations that we want to evaluate for changes in properties. Compounds are mixed in small laboratory scale mixers and two-roll mills before hot curing into a series of test pieces for standard testing. The properties of the materials, such as tensile strength, resilience and hardness are then compared and the target areas for improvement considered. It is challenging to achieve improvements in a target property without impairing other properties and so further refinements to the formulations are made.
Q: Have you ever been in a situation at work where you have felt your gender has affected your progress?
I have been fortunate and do not feel that I have been negatively affected by gender. I work hard and try to take opportunities when they arise.
Q: How did you feel when you heard you had won the 2019 Sparks-Thomas Award?
I felt honoured that the work my colleagues and I have been doing has been recognised. I did not know that I had been nominated for the award, so it was a surprise. I felt very pleased and determined to persevere, continuing the research we have been doing. I am thankful to my colleagues for their contributions and support and to the nominators, awarding body and sponsor to make this become a reality. I am looking forward to collecting the award in the Spring.
Q: What’s been your career highlight?
I would say the highlight has been presenting work to an international audience at the Tire Technology conference. I have attended this conference on several occasions but the February 2018 conference is particularly prominent. I was pleased to have the opportunity to communicate the key scientific achievements of a project investigating two laboratory wear techniques and how they compare to road-worn tyre treads. After the presentation I had the pleasure of discussing our work and techniques in more detail and found it beneficial to receive feedback and to forge new contacts and networks. I have found my contact with the rubber industry both of interest and value. Knowing that the work I have been doing is of interest to industry is quite gratifying, particularly the larger companies such as the tyre, polymer and filler manufacturers.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
I think that prioritising all of the ideas of aspects we want to investigate is a challenge. Time constraints associated with projects and utilising equipment mean that it is not always feasible to do everything that is of interest. Maintaining a commercial focus is key to project objectives and there is a compromise with scientific/academic interest, although understanding mechanistically how things work can be key to improving properties of a material.
Q: How important do you feel female role models are to the younger generation and did you have one?
I think role models can be of importance. They help to change perceptions so consequently careers in science become regarded as a normal path to choose, thus girls do not limit themselves. I, however, did not have a female scientific role model. Growing up did I not see science/chemistry as a ‘boys subject’. I had support from my parents, teachers and mentors to pursue subjects that I enjoyed and found rewarding; my ideas and aspirations were encouraged.
Q: Do you have any new projects coming up?
Yes, I will be leading a new project in 2019 focussing on improving the wear performance of tyre treads formulated with modified natural rubber (derived from plants). The increased environmental awareness regarding use petroleum based resources, vehicle emissions and particulate matter from tyres has prompted us to target the development of prototype tyre tread compounds utilising renewable resources with enhanced wear, without compromising the wet grip or rolling resistance of the current technology.
Q: Do you feel there is enough information/opportunities for the next generation to be encouraged to have a career in your line of work? If no-what more do you feel could be done?
I think there could always be more information provided to the next generation to get into science, technology and engineering. For the next generation to be inspired it is vital that they know the relevance of these subjects and consequently what jobs within these industries entail. There are definitely plentiful opportunities in Materials Science and therefore it is valuable to promote these careers. I have found working in science and specialising in elastomers a very stimulating, rewarding and varied career choice.
