Dr Kian Kun Yap joined King's College London in June 2024 as a Research Associate at the Green Tribology Lab  and is an Academic Visitor at the Tribology Group of Imperial College London. 

He received his PhD in Tribology (2024) and MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering (2019) from Imperial College London, as well as his BEng in Mechanical Precision Engineering from the University of Technology Malaysia (2017). He was a research officer in the Tribology and Precision Machining Laboratory at Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (2018) and an intern at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (2016).

Yap’s research covers a broad spectrum within the field of tribology, including:

1. In-situ Tribometry: Developing/applying microscopy techniques, such as high-bandwidth microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and spatiotemporal mapping, to enable real-time characterisation of contact interfaces.
2. Polymer Tribology: Enhancing self-lubrication and ultralow wear properties in high-performance polymer composites (e.g., PTFE, polyimides) for extreme engineering applications.
3. Biotribology: Addressing challenges like improving the mouthfeel of plant-based foods, reducing tissue damage in brain surgery, refining surface finishes of 3D-printed knee implants, mitigating shear-induced skin damage due to prolonged use of PPE during COVID-19, and exploring tactile perception under wet conditions.
4. Transmission Technology: Inventing gearless speed-reducing mechanisms, examining the wear performance of turbocharger's wastegates, and simulating the elastohydrodynamic lubrication of diesel engines.
5. Energy Storage: Investigating degradation in solid-state batteries and the effects of hydrogen on tribological systems.
6. Environment Control: Simulating operational environments through precise control of temperature, humidity, and gas composition for various applications.

Yap’s work has resulted in several journal publications, patents, invited articles, and invited talks. His research is highly collaborative, involving partnerships with companies and institutions across the USA, Europe, and Asia. Throughout his career, he has secured several research grants and consultancy projects. His achievements have been recognised with multiple awards, including the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Tribology Bronze Medal (2023), the Institute of Physics (IOP) Innovation in Tribology award (2023), and the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) Elmer E Klaus Fellowship (2022). 

Research Interests

• In-situ Tribometry
• Polymer Tribology
• Biotribology
• Transmission Technology
• Energy Storage
• Environment Control 

Further Information

Research Profile

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