Dr Fred Davis

Email:
f.j.davis@reading.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0) 118 378 8455
Job title:
Associate Professor

Responsibilities:

Associate Professor in Organic Chemistry
Examinations Officer.

Office

227

Building location

Chemistry

Areas of interest

Dr Davis's research interests centre upon the synthesis and characterisation of polymeric materials for the development of new properties and behaviours. The research involves a mixture of synthetic chemistry together with structural determination using for example X-ray and neutron scattering techniques.

He is particularly interested in polymer orientation and electrospinning to generate polymer fibres with sub-micron diameters and is organiser with the Institute of Physics of the series of conferences "Electrospinning, Principles, Possibilities and Practice".

In addition, he is interested in the application of polymer characterisation techniques to food science. For example, he is currently involved in a project to produce sustainable polymeric fibres from food waste material.

Read more about Dr Davis's research interests

Learn about supercapacitors

Learn about the electrospinning project

Research centres and groups

Dr Davis is part of the Soft Matter research group.

Learn more about our research groups

Professional bodies/affiliations

Macro Group Committee Polymer Roadshow Officer
University and College Union Local Safety Rep.

Publications

Fountain, M. , Delgado, A. , Deakin, G. , Davis, F. ORCID: 0000-0003-0462-872X , Hemer, S. (2023) Light spectra blocking films reduce numbers of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa. Agricultural and Forest Entomology , 25 (1). pp. 1-8. ISSN: 1461-9563 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/afe.12526

Reeves, S. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. (2022) Ferronematic liquid crystal polymers and elastomers. MATERIAIS 2022 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/materproc2022008135

Mohan, S. , Davis, F. , Badiee, A. , Hadley, P. , Twitchen, C. , Pearson, S. , Gargan, K. (2021) Optical and thermal properties of commercial polymer film, modelling the albedo effect. Journal of Applied Polymer Science , 138 (24). ISSN: 0021-8995 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/app.50581

Singh, U. , Mohan, S. , Davis, F. (2020) Selective Bragg reflection of visible light from coaxial electrospun fiber mats. Journal of Applied Polymer Science , 138 (2). ISSN: 0021-8995 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/app.49647
Fountain, M. , Badiee, A. , Hemer, S. , Delgado, A. , Mangan, M. , Dowding, C. , Davis, F. , Pearson, S. (2020) The use of light spectrum blocking films to reduce populations of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura in fruit crops. Scientific Reports , 10 ISSN: 2045-2322 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-72074-8

Mohan, S. , Nazhipkyzy, M. , Carreira, P. , Santos, C. , Davis, F. , Mateus, A. , Mitchell, G. (2019) Direct digital manufacturing of nanocomposites. Applied Mechanics and Materials , 890 pp. 92-97. ISSN: 1662-7482 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.890.92
Singh, U. , Mohan, S. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. (2019) Modifying the thermomechanical properties of electrospun fibres of poly‑vinyl cinnamate by photo‑cross‑linking. SN Applied Sciences ISSN: 2523-3971 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42452-018-0033-8

Afsar, A. , Westwood, J. , Distler, P. , Harwood, L. , Mohan, S. , John, J. , Davis, F. (2018) Separation of Am(III) from Cm(III) and Eu(III) by electro-spun polystyrene- immobilized CyMe4-BTPhen. Tetrahedron , 74 (38). pp. 5258-5262. ISSN: 0040-4020 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tet.2018.04.037
Zhong, J. , Mohan, S. , Bell, A. , Terry, A. , Mitchell, G. , Davis, F. (2018) Electrospinning of food-grade nanofibres from whey protein. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules , 113 pp. 764-773. ISSN: 0141-8130 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.02.113

Mitchell, G. , Wangsoub, S. , Davis, F. , Olley, R. (2017) Shear suppression of crystal nucleation in a low molar mass compound/polymer solution. SciFed Materials Research Letters , 1 (1).
Mitchell, G. , Mateus, A. , Davis, F. , Mohan, S. , Gkourmpis, T. , Youngs, T. (2017) New tools for understanding complex polymer behaviour. Procedia Manufacturing , 12 pp. 280-290. ISSN: 2351-9789 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2017.08.031
Alazab, M. , Mitchell, G. , Davis, F. , Mohan, S. (2017) Sustainable electrospinning of nanoscale fibres. Procedia Manufacturing , 12 pp. 66-78. ISSN: 2351-9789 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2017.08.009
Cranwell, P. , Davis, F. , Elliott, J. , McKendrick, J. , Page, E. , Spillman, M. (2017) Encouraging independent thought and learning in first year practical classes. New Directions in the Teaching of Physical Sciences , 12 (1). ISSN: 2051-3615
Dumitriu, R. , Mitchell, G. , Davis, F. , Vasile, C. (2017) Functionalized coatings by electrospinning for anti-oxidant food packaging. Procedia Manufacturing , 12 pp. 59-65. ISSN: 2351-9789 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2017.08.008

Mitchell, G. , Wangsoub, S. , Nogales, A. , Davis, F. , Olley, R. (2016) Controlling morphology using low molar mass nucleators. In: Mitchell, G. and Tojeira, A. , (eds.) Controlling the Morphology of Polymers: Multiple Scales of Structure and Processing. Springer pp. 145-161. ISBN: 9783319393209 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39322-3
Mohan, S. , Mitchell, G. , Davis, F. (2016) Development of molecular anisotropy in centrifugally spun fibers as compared to electrospun fibers. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering , 31 (11). pp. 1313-1319. ISSN: 1439-2054 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mame.201600275
Tawfeeq, A. , Culham, A. , Davis, F. , Reeves, M. (2016) Does fertilizer type and method of application cause significant differences in essential oil yield and composition in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)?. Industrial Crops and Products ISSN: 0926-6690 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2016.03.026

Nazhipkyzy, M. , Mohan, S. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. (2015) Carbon nanotubes in electrospun polyethylene oxide nanofibres: a potential route to conducting nanofibres.
Singh, U. , Spink, M. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. (2015) Morphology of polymer networks formed in the chiral and non chiral phases of an anti-ferroelectric liquid crystal. Chemical Physics Letters , 641 pp. 80-83. ISSN: 0009-2614 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cplett.2015.10.047
Ma, F. , Bell, A. , Davis, F. (2015) Effect of high-hydrostatic pressure and pH treatments on the emulsification properties of gum arabic. Food Chemistry , 184 pp. 114-121. ISSN: 0308-8146 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.03.075
Ma, F. , Bell, A. , Davis, F. , Chai, Y. (2015) Effects of high hydrostatic pressure and chemical reduction on the emulsification properties of gum arabic. Food Chemistry , 173 pp. 567-576. ISSN: 0308-8146 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.10.046

El-Hadi, A. , Mohan, S. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. (2014) Enhancing the crystallization and orientation of electrospinning poly (lactic acid) (PLLA) by combining with additives. Journal of Polymer Research , 21 (12). ISSN: 1572-8935 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10965-014-0605-2

Mahendra, V. , Davis, F. , Hadley, P. , Gilbert, A. (2013) The design of UV absorbing systems for horticultural applications. ISRN Materials Science , 2013 ISSN: 2090-6099 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/604132
Singh, U. , Davis, F. , Mohan, S. , Mitchell, G. (2013) Electro-active nanofibres electrospun from blends of poly-vinyl cinnamate and a cholesteric liquid crystalline silicone polymer. Journal of Materials Science , 48 (21). pp. 7613-7619. ISSN: 1573-4803 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10853-013-7578-0
Mohan, S. , Ahn, K. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. (2013) Chapter 16: Electrospinning of polymer solutions. In: Mitchell, G. , (eds.) Rheology : theory, properties and practical applications. Nova Science Publishers , New York. pp. 411-442. ISBN: 9781626189997
Al-Habsi, N. , Davis, F. , Niranjan, K. (2013) Development of novel methods to determine crystalline glucose content of honey based on DSC, HPLC, and viscosity measurements and their use to examine the setting propensity of honey. Journal of Food Science , 78 (6). pp. E845-E852. ISSN: 1750-3841 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.12103
Mitchell, G. , Bowron, D. , Mateus, A. , Bartolo, P. , Gkourmpis, T. , Phomphrai, K. , Lopez, D. , Davis, F. (2013) SANS/WANS time-resolving neutron scattering studies of polymer phase transitions using NIMROD. (MRS Online Proceedings Library, 1528, mrsf12-1528-vv06-04)

Hermida-Merino, D. , Belal, M. , Greenland, B. , Woodward, P. , Slark, A. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. , Hamley, I. , Hayes, W. (2012) Electrospun supramolecular polymer fibres . European Polymer Journal , 48 (7). pp. 1249-1255. ISSN: 0014-3057 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2012.04.015

Mitchell, G. , Ahn, K. , Davis, F. (2011) The potential of electrospinning in rapid manufacturing processes. Virtual & Physical Prototyping , 6 (2). pp. 63-77. ISSN: 1745-2767 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17452759.2011.590387
Davis, F. and Mitchell, G. (2011) Polymeric materials for rapid manufacturing. In: Bártolo, P. , (eds.) Stereolithography: materials, processes and applications. Springer pp. 113-139. ISBN: 9780387929033 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-92904-0_5
Mohan, S. , Mitchell, G. , Davis, F. (2011) Chain extension in electrospun polystyrene fibres: a SANS study. Soft Matter , 7 pp. 4397-4404. ISSN: 1744-683X | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c0sm01442g

Mohan, S. , Davis, F. , Olley, R. , Mitchell, G. (2010) Modelling small angle neutron scattering data from electrospun fibres. Journal of Physics: Conference Series , 247 (1). pp. 12042. ISSN: 1742-6596 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/247/1/012042
Kariduraganavar, M. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. , Olley, R. (2010) Using an additive to control the electrospinning of fibres of poly(epsilon-caprolactone). Polymer International , 59 (6). pp. 827-835. ISSN: 0959-8103 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pi.2795

Mohan, S. , Sen, S. , Mitchell, G. , Olley, R. , Davis, F. (2009) Electrospinning atactic polystyrene: A neutron scattering study. Journal of Physics: Conference Series , 183 ISSN: 1742-6588 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/183/1/012019
Sen, S. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. , Robinson, E. (2009) Conducting nanofibres produced by electrospinning. Journal of Physics: Conference Series , 183 (1). ISSN: 1742-6588 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/183/1/012020
Elliott, D. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. , Olley, R. (2009) Structure development in electrospun fibres of gelatin. Journal of Physics: Conference Series , 183 ISSN: 1742-6588 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/183/1/012021

Mitchell, . , Mossman, . , Davis, . , Vaughan, . (2008) 75 years of polyethylene: past successes and future challenges. Journal of Applied Rheology , 18 (5). pp. 316-318. ISSN: 1430-6395 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.3933/ApplRheol-18-316
Kulkarni, . , Kittur, . , Kariduraganavar, . , Davis, . (2008) Pervaporation dehydration of isopropyl alcohol with NaY zeolite incorvorated hybrid membranes. Journal of Applied Polymer Science , 109 (3). pp. 2043-2053. ISSN: 0021-8995 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/app.28228
Hosier, . , Vaughan, . , Sutton, . , Davis, . (2008) Chemical, physical and electrical properties of aged dodecylbenzene 2: thermal ageing of single isomers in air. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation , 15 (5). pp. 1393-1405. ISSN: 1070-9878
Hosier, . , Vaughan, . , Sutton, . , Cooper, . , Davis, . (2008) Chemical, physical and electrical properties of aged dodecylbenzene 3: thermal ageing of mixed isomers in nitrogen and under sealed conditions. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation , 15 (4). pp. 1056-1064. ISSN: 1070-9878
Davis, . and Mitchell, . (2008) Polyurethane based materials with applications in medical devices. In: Bártolo, . and Bidanda, . , (eds.) Bio-materials and prototyping applications in medicine. Springer , New York. pp. 27-48. ISBN: 9780387476827
Tsormpatsidis, . , Henbest, . , Davis, F. , Battey, . , Hadley, . , Wagstaffe, . (2008) UV irradiance as a major influence on growth, development and secondary products of commercial importance in Lollo Rosso lettuce 'Revolution' grown under polyethylene films. Environmental and Experimental Botany , 63 (1-3). pp. 232-239. ISSN: 0098-8472 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2007.12.002
Mitchell, G. , Belal, M. , Davis, F. , Elliott, D. , Kariduraganavar, M. , Mohan, S. , Olley, R. , Sen, S. (2008) Defining Structure in Electrospun Polymer Fibres. In: Tunkasiri, T. , (eds.) Smart Materials . Advanced Materials Research , 55-57. Trans Tech Publications Ltd , Stafa-Zurich. pp. 33-36. ISBN: 9780878493562 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.55-57.33
Wangsoub, S. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. , Olley, R. (2008) Enhanced Templating in the Crystallisation of Poly(E-caprolactone) Using 1,3:2,4-di(4-Chlorobenzylidene) Sorbitol . Macromolecular Rapid Communications , 29 (23). pp. 1861-1865. ISSN: 1022-1336 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/marc.200800497

Hosier, . , Vaughan, . , Sutton, . , Davis, . (2007) Chemical, physical and electrical properties of aged dodecylbenzene: thermal ageing of mixed isomers in air. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation , 14 (5). pp. 1113-1124. ISSN: 1070-9878

Vaughan, A. , Hosier, I. , Sutton, S. , Davis, F. (2005) On the electrical properties of insulation oils. pp. 221-224.
Hosier, I. , Vaughan, A. , Sutton, S. , Davis, F. (2005) Chemical and physical properties of aged dodecylbenzene insulating oil. pp. 225-228.
Santulli, C. , Patel, S. , Jeronimidis, G. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. (2005) Development of smart variable stiffness actuators using polymer hydrogels. Smart Materials & Structures , 14 (2). pp. 434-440. ISSN: 0964-1726 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0964-1726/14/2/018
Channuan, W. , Siripitayananon, J. , Molloy, R. , Sriyai, M. , Davis, F. , Mitchell, G. (2005) The structure of crystallisable copolymers of L-lactide, epsilon-caprolactone and glycolide. Polymer , 46 (17). pp. 6411-6428. ISSN: 0032-3861 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2005.04.097

Aragrag, N. , Castiglione, D. , Davies, P. , Davis, F. , Patel, . (2004) General procedures in chain-growth polymerization. In: Davis, F. , (eds.) Polymer Chemistry: A Practical Approach. Oxford University Press pp. 43-98. ISBN: 9780198503095
Davis, F. , eds. (2004) Polymer chemistry: a practical approach . Practical approach in chemistry Oxford University Press , Oxford. ISBN: 9780198503095
Fletcher, J. , Tatsiopoulou, A. , Hadley, P. , Davis, F. , Henbest, R. (2004) Growth, yield and development of strawberry cv. 'Elsanta' under novel photoselective film clad greenhouses. In: Papadopoulos, . , (eds.) Protected cultivation 2002: in search of structures, systems and plant materials for sustainable greenhouse production . Acta Horticulturae , 633. International Society for Horticultural Science , Leuven. pp. 99-106. ISBN: 9789066056275 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.633.11
Hosier, I. , Vaughan, A. , Mitchell, G. , Siripitayananon, J. , Davis, F. (2004) Polymer characterization. In: Davis, F. , (eds.) Polymer Chemistry: A Practical Approach. Oxford University Press pp. 1-42. ISBN: 9780198503095