The School of Engineering

Profile

BEng (Hons), MSc, PhD, CEng, FHEA, MIET

Areas of Expertise

Polymer composites and nanocomposites, development of sustainable hybrid composites and bio-based materials for engineering applications. 

Teaching

Dr Dhakal teaches various degree pathways in the School of Engineering covering both Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses. He teaches on a range of subjects including Materials and Manufacture, Design and Sustainable Development, Strategies for Resource Conservation and Recovery, Project Management and Operations and Quality Management. He is Course Leader for BEng Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering distance learning (DL) courses.

Membership/Fellowships of Professional Institutions

• Member, Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), Engineering Council, UK

Research

Dr Dhakal is active in research and consultancy work at the Advanced Polymer and Composites (APC) research group associated with polymeric composite materials engineering specialising in natural fibre composites and bio-composites, thermoplastic and thermosets nanocomposites. His research focuses on the design, development, characterisation, analysis, and manufacturing and evaluation of various properties of these advanced and modern materials. He has well recognised scientific achievements and an international research profile in the areas of sustainable natural fibre composites and bio-composites. Dr Dhakal supervises numerous undergraduate, MSc and PhD research projects in the areas of composites and nanocomposites, lean manufacturing (LM) and total quality management (TQM). His current research projects include development of light weight materials using both matrix and reinforcements from renewable sources and investigate their mechanical, thermal and environmental properties for variety of applications.

Major Research Interests:

• Composites from conventional reinforcement and from renewable raw materials
• Development of light weight hybridised sustainable materials and testing
• Nanocomposites (layered silicate and graphite filled)
• Structure property relationship in composites and nanocomposites
• Environmental aspects of composites (durability, water absorption and its effect on properties)
• Sustainable manufacturing (lean and cleaner production)

Current PhD Supervision (Director of study)

Publications in Peered Reviewed Journals

2013

1. Zhang, Z., MacMullen, J., Dhakal, H. N., Radulovic, J., Herodotou, C., Totomis, M., & Bennett, N. (2013). Biofouling resistance of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticulate silane/siloxane exterior facade treatments. Building and Environment, 59, 47-55.
2. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., Guthrie, R., & Bennett, N. (2013). Development of flax/carbon fibre hybrid composites for enhanced properties. Journal of Carbohydrate Polymers. Article in press, DOI:10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.03.074
3. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., Bennett, N., Arraiza, A. L., & Vallejo, F. J., (2013). Effect of water immersion ageing on the mechanical properties of flax and jute fibre biocomposites evaluated by nanoindentation and flexural testing. Journal of Composite Materials (Accepted).

2013 Book Chapter

1. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y. (2013) Green Composites from Natural Resources: Properties and Characterisation of Natural Fibre Reinforced Polymeric Composites. Green Composites from Natural Resources, Editor (s): Dr Vijay Kumar Thakur, publisher Taylor & Francis, ISBN (printed set):  978-1-4665-7069-6. (Accepted)

2012

1. Aldousiri, B., Dhakal, H. N., Onuh, S., Zhang, Z. Y., Bennett, N., & Richardson, M. O.W. (2012). Effect of layered silicate reinforcement on the structure and mechanical properties of spent polyamide-12 nanocomposites. Composites: Part B, 43, 1382-1396.
2. Al-Najem, M., Dhakal, H. N., & Bennett, N. (2012). The role of culture and leadership in lean transformation: a review and assessment model. International Journal of Lean Thinking, 3(1), 119-138.
3. De Rosa, I. M., Dhakal, H. N., Santulli, C., Sarasini, F., & Zhang, Z.Y. (2012). Post-impact static and cyclic flexural characterisation of hemp fibre reinforced laminates. Composites Part B, 43, 1382-1396.
4. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., & Bennett, N. (2012). Influence of fibre treatment and glass fibre hybridisation on thermal degradation and surface energy characteristics of hemp/unsaturated polyester composites. Composite Part B, 43, 2757-2761.
5. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., Bennett, N., & Reis, P. N. B. (2012). Low-velocity impact response of non-woven hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites: Influence of impactor geometry and impact velocity. Composite Structures, 94, 2756-2763.
6. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., Reis, P. N. B., Surip, S. N., & Bennett, N. (2012). Evaluation of water absorption damage in hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites by the nanoindentation testing. Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy, 6(4), 493-499.
7. Dibia, I. K., Dhakal, H. N., & Onuh, S. (2012). Lean a continuous improvement philosophy based on quality management principles. International Journal of Agile Systems and Management, 5(4), 370-389.
8. MacMullen, J., Zhang, Z. Y., Radulovic, J., Dhakal, H. N., & Bennett, N. (2012). An investigation of hydroxyl end-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in exterior oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion treatments. Construction and Building Materials, 37, 283-290.
9. MacMullen, J., Zhang, Z. Y., Radulovic, J., Herodutou, C., Totomis, M., Dhakal, H. N., & Bennett, N. (2012). Enhanced water repellence and thermal insulation of masonry by zinc oxide treatment. Energy and Buildings, 54, 40-46.
10. MacMullen, J., Zhang, Z.Y., Radulovic, J., Herodutou, C., Totomis, M., Dhakal, H. N., & Bennett, N. (2012). Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nano-particulate enhanced oil-in-water (O/W) façade emulsions for improved masonry thermal insulation and protection. Energy and Buildings, 52, 86-92.

2012 Book Chapter

1. Dhakal, H. N., & Zhang, Z. Y. (2012). Polymer matrix composites: moisture effects and dimensional stability. In L. Nicolais, & A. Borzacchiello (Eds.), Wiley Encyclopedia of Composites (pp. 2179-2185) (5 Volume Set, 2nd ed.).  Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley &Sons, ISBN (printed set): 978-0-470-12828-2.

2011

1. Aldousiri, B., Dhakal, H. N., Onuh, S., Zhang, Z. Y., & Bennett, N. (2011). Nanoindentation behaviour of layered silicate filled spent polyamide-12 nanocomposites. Polymer Testing, 30, 688-692.
2. Dibia, I. K., Dhakal, H. N., & Onuh, S. (2011). A “lean” study using the soft systems methodology. International Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 1(6), 68-80.
3. MacMullen, J., Zhang, Z. Y., Rirsch, E., Dhakal H. N., & Bennett, N. (2011). Brick and mortar treatment by cream emulsion for improved water repellence and thermal insulation. Building and Environment, 43, 1560-1565.
4. Surip, S. N., Zhang, Z. Y., Dhakal, H. N., & Bonnia, N. N. (2011). Nanoindentation characteristic of nanoclay/rubber toughened UPE nanocomposites. World Journal of Engineering (Accepted).
5. Zhang, Z., Surip, S. N., Dhakal, H. N., Popov, I., & Nick Bennett, N. (2011). Characterisation of roof tile coating degradation using nano-indentation test and surface profilometry. Journal of Polymer Degradation & Stability, 96(5), 833-838.

2010

1. Panigrahi, S., Li, S., X., Panaigrahi S., Kushwaha, R. L., & Dhakal, H. N. (2010). Development of flax oil-based biopolymer for biocomposites. SAE International Journal of Commercial Vehicles, 2(2), 123-130.
2. Panigrahi, S., Mishra, S., Panaigrahi, S., Kushwaha, R. L., & Dhakal, H. N. (2010). Mechanical performance of recycled thermoplastic and flax fibre based composite. SAE Technical Paper 2010-01-2027.
3. Zhang, Z. Y., Dhakal, H. N., Shen, M., & Bennett, N. (2010). Study on electrical conductivity and mechanical performance of polymeric composite flow field plates for fuel cell applications. Journal of Composite Interfaces, 17, 633-648.

2009

1. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., & Richardson, M. O. W. (2009). Creep behaviour of hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy, 3, 232-237.
2. See, S. C., Zhang, Z. Y., Dhakal, H. N., & Richardson, M. O. W. (2009). Nanomechanical behaviour and thermal degradation of nanoclays and supernanoclays enhanced marine gelcoat system. International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation, 1, 21-39.

Selected Publications in Peer Reviewed Journals (2008 and Earlier)

1. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., & Richardson, M. O. W. (2007). Effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Composites Science and Technology, 67, 1674-1683.
2. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., Richardson, M. O. W., & Errajhi, O. A. Z. (2007). The low velocity impact response of non-woven hemp reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Composites Structures, 81, 559-567.
3. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., & Richardson, M. O. W. (2006). Nanoindentation behaviour of layered silicate reinforced unsaturated polyester nanocomposites. Polymer Testing, 25, 846-852.
4. Errajhi, O. A. Z., Osborne, J. R. F., Richardson, M. O. W., & Dhakal, H. N. (2005). Water absorption characteristics of aluminised E-glass fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composite. Composites Structures, 71, 333-336.

Conference and Symposium papers

2013

1. Zhang, Z. Y., Ei, K. K., Briggs, A. J. E. A., & Dhakal, H. N. (2013).  Durability and degradation of polymer matrix composites at elevated temperature and pressure for wave and tidal energy devices. The19^th International Conference on CompositeMaterials, 28 July-2 August, Montreal, Canada.

2012

1. Al-Khadar, A., Dhakal, H. N., Al-Najem, N., & Kluaypa, P. (2012). Study of quality management systems (QMS) in GCC countries. The 6^th Quality Conference in the Middle East, 30 Jan -2 February, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
2. Briggs Ashworth, A. J. E., Zhang. Z. Y., & Dhakal, H. N. (2012). T-bolt bearing strengths in composite blade application. The ECCM 15: 15^th European Conference in Composite Materials, 24-28 June, Venice, Italy.
3. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., Bennett, N., Arraiza, A. L., &. Alberdi, R. (2012). Natural fibre composites based on hemp and flax. The 12^th International Conference on Biocomposites, 6-8 May, Ontario, Canada.
4. Kluaypa, P., Dhakal, H. N., Popov, I., & Bennett, N. (2012). Developing a quality instrument for Thai SMEs: a conceptual model. The EDSI annual Conference, 26-29 June, Istanbul, Turkey.
5. Kluaypa, P., Dhakal, H. N., Popov, I., Bennett, N., & AL-Khadher, A. (2012). Quality management and business excellence in small and medium-sized enterprises: a literature review. The 6^th Quality Conference in the Middle East, 30 Jan -2 February, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
6. MacMullen, J., & Zhang, Z.Y., Herodotou, C., Dhakal, H. N., Radulovic, J., & Bennett, N. (2012). Nano-particulate modified O/W façade emulsions for enhanced masonry water repellence. Rectrofit2012 Conference, 24-26 January, Manchester, UK.
7. Surip N. S., Zhang, Z. Y., Dhakal, H. N., Ahmad, S., Anuar, H., & Hassan, N. A. (2012). Nanoparticle influenced crystalline phases of thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR): the effect of preparation technique. The International Conference on Composites Interfaces, 6-8 August, Kyoto, Japan.

2011

1. AL-Najem, M., Dhakal, H. N., & Dibia, I. K. (2011). Effect of culture in implementation of lean manufacturing. The 3^rd European Research Conference on Continuous Improvement and Lean Six Sigma and Lean, 28 March, Glasgow, UK.
2. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., Bennett, N., & Reis, P. N. B. (2011). Low-velocity impact response of non-woven hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites: influence of impactor geometry and impact velocity. The 16^th International Conference on Composite Structures (ICCS16). 28-30 June, Porto, Portugal.
3. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., Reis, P. N. B., Surip, S. N., & Bennett, N. (2011). Evaluation of water absorption damage in hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites by the nanoindentation testing. The 3^rd International Conference on Innovative Natural Fibre Composites for Industrial Applications, 12-14 October, Rome, Italy.
4. Dibia, I. K., & Dhakal, H. N. (2011). Introduction to the lean ‘leadership, people, process, outcome’ (LPPO) implementation model. International Conference on Material Science, Metal & Manufacturing, 12-13 December, Singapore.
5. Surip, S. N., Zhang, Z. Y., Dhakal, H. N., & Bonnia, N. N. (2011). Nanoindentation characteristic of nanoclay/rubber toughened UPE nanocomposites. The 19^th Annual Conference on Composites/Nanoengineering (ICCE-19) ICCE-19, 24-30 July, Shanghai, China.

2010

1. Aldousiri, B., Alenezi, D., Alhubail, M., Onuh, S. O., & Dhakal, H. N. (2010). Characterisation of the mechanical properties of layered silicate reinforced spent Nylon 11. The 11^th National Conference on Rapid Design, Prototyping and Manufacturing, 11 June, Lancaster, UK.
2. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., Bennett, N., & Richardson, M. O. W. (2010). Effect of water immersion ageing on the impact resistance and flexural behaviour of hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. International Conference on Flow Processing in Composite Materials, 11-15 July, Ascona, Switzerland.
3. Dibia, I. K., Onuh, S., Al-Najem, M., & Dhakal, H. N. (2010). Lean production system and the human resource aspects. The 2^nd International Conference on the Role of Social Sciences and Humanities in Engineering (ICoHSE), 12-14 November, Penang, Malaysia.

2009

1. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., & Richardson, M. O. W. (2009). Creep behaviour of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites. The 2^nd International Conference on Innovative Natural Fibre Composites for Industrial Applications, 15-18 April, Rome, Italy.
2. MacMullen, J., Zhang, Z. Y., See, J., Jin, M., Dhakal, H. N., & Richardson, M. O. W. (2009). Development of novel nano-clay/polymer coating systems for materials performance enhancement and protection from water attacks. The European Coatings Conference, 27-29, Berlin, Germany.

2008

1. Cullen, R., Grove, S. M., Vronsky, T., Summerscales, J., & Dhakal, H. N. (2008). Flow convergence and void formation in resin-infused cored sandwich structures. The 9^th International Conference on Flow Processing in Composite Materials, 8-10 July. Quebec, Canada.
2. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., & Richardson, M. O. W. (2008). Effect of water immersion ageing on the low-velocity impact behaviour of hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. International Conference on Flax and other Bast Plants, 20-24 July, Saskatoon, Canada.
3. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., & Richardson, M. O. W. (2008). Study on thermal properties of hemp fibre reinforced polyester composites. International Conference on Flax and other Bast Plants, 20-24 July, Saskatoon, Canada.
4. Dissanayake, N. P. J., Dhakal, H. N., Grove, S. M., Singh, M. M., & Summerscales, J. (2008). Optimisation of energy use in the production of flax fibre as reinforcement for composites. International Conference on Flax & other Bast Fibres, 21-23 July, Saskatoon, Canada.

2007 and Earlier

1. Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., Shen, M., Bennett,N., Murray, G., & Stannard, M. (2007). Study on electrical conductivity and mechanical performance of electrically conductive graphite/phenolic composite flow plates for fuel cell applications. In: Functional Fillers for Advanced Applications; Eurofillers, 26-30 August, Zalakaros, Hungary.
2. Errajhi, O. A. Z., Osborne, J. R. F., Richardson, M. O. W., & Dhakal, H. N. (2005). Water absorption characteristics of aluminised E-glass fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. The ICCST/5 5th International Conference on Composite Science and Technology, 1-3 February, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
3. Shen, M., Zhang, Z. Y., Dhakal, H. N., & Bennett, N. (2007). A new criterion and model for PEM fuel cell performance. In: Advances in Manufacturing Technology-XXI; The 5^th International Conference on Manufacturing Research (ICMR2007), UK.

Showing 54 publications (27 in peer reviewed journals, 2 book chapters and 25 in conference proceedings)