Personnel and Experience
At ARTIS our team is comprised of all the elements required to fulfil any demands you may have.
Martyn Bennett – Chief Scientist
Has spent 20+ years in R & D in the rubber industry from Teaching Company Associate with Bristol University through to establishing Avon Rubbers Materials Development Centre in 1998. Having launched ARTIS in 2007 he brings specialist technical knowledge of physics, metallurgy, polymer science, food processing, rheology, test development, statistical analysis and data management. His current key focus is now management and promotion of ARTIS with a view to growing a successful consultancy and research company, and has a keen interest in the recycling of rubber and other materials.
Dr Ahmed Farid – Development Scientist
I started my career as a rubber technologist working for Dunlop footwear limited and later for Leyland Medical International. A couple of years were spent at Liverpool University studying the fracture behaviour of rubber modified nylon. I have spent the last twenty years as a senior lecturer at London Metropolitan University teaching various aspects of rubber science and engineering. Research interests are crosslinking characterisation of rubbers and viscoelastic behaviour of elastomers.
Mark Smithson – Development Scientist
Joined the team in 1999 having spent time with the MOD on the user end of the S10 respirator and then transferred to Avon Rubber on the manufacturing and design side of protection equipment. Marks speciality is a sound knowledge of bonding applications, joining technology and adhesives. Coupled with many years experience in problem solving , manufacturing, experimental design and moldflow modelling, Mark brings invaluable depth and breadth to the team.
Dr Chris Norris – Development Scientist
Chris is initially part time whilst completing his PhD thesis in "vascular networks for advanced self-healing fibre reinforced composite structures" with the Univeristy of Bristol. Chris also holds an MSc in Materials from Loughborough university and a BSc(Hons) in applied chemical sciences from UWE.
Chris worked previously for columbian chemicals UK and was their rubber applications laboratory supervisor until its closure in 2009
Stephen Millington – Development Scientist
Steve has almost 30 years’ experience in non-metallic materials having begun his career in the MOD at Woolwich Arsenal in 1980. He held a number of scientific roles within MOD, before joining QinetiQ when it was formed in 2001, where his final role was as Senior Technical Consultant in polymers and adhesives. Steve has particular expertise in bonding, surface treatments and composites testing and manufacture and has worked on many large scale projects with the likes of MOD, Airbus and Boeing.
Mike Hale – Laboratory Manager
Also has 20+yrs experience in the industry predominantly in the laboratory environment. Mike has spent many years running the analytical service in a tyre manufacturing environment and has unrivalled knowledge of the ingredients and chemistry involved in rubber technology. Mike now runs the analytical service for ARTIS offering means of reconstructing compound formulations and determining the changes that have taken place during service life. Part of Mikes remit includes the microscopy facility – an invaluable tool for the forensic analysis of failures.
Leah Ritchens – Materials Analyst
Leah has trained with Avon to first degree level and acts as analyst for Mike Hale, having spent 14yrs in the industry. She has a strong background in physical and chemical testing, microscopy and failure analysis and also has specialist knowledge of NIOSH and CE specifications for protection, and human testing of respirator products.
Alison Jones – Testing Supervisor
Alison manages the physical testing area carrying out most of the physical testing required. She is a highly experienced technician with over 16 years experience in this area and is at the core of the ARTIS providing extensive knowledge of the test methods and equipment used throughout our business. She is also responsible for maintaining the servicing and calibration of the equipment in this area and the standards and specifications documentation.
Carolynn Bennett – Technical Assistant
Carolynn has spent 6 years as technical assistant working in various parts of the lab supporting the more specialised testing and analytical work as well as the routine. She provides a thorough and meticulous resource to assist the department.
