Engineering/Physics PhD Studentship in Functional Materials: Anisotropic Elastic Properties of Wood and Nanocellulose-based Composites

Auxetic materials have unique mechanical properties. Recent research has shown that natural materials, such as certain types of wood, can be auxetic. This may have enormous benefits for society. This project will investigate auxetic properties of wood specimens and nanocellulose based composites. Tensile testing of wood specimens and model composites will be conducted as well as advanced techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, to determine molecular and crystal deformation of these materials There will also be opportunities to model the cause of these effects at nano, micro and macro length scales and to predict further enhancements in properties.

For informal enquiries contact Professor Steve Eichhorn at [Email Address Removed]

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in materials, engineering or physics.