There is currently a major drive within the coatings industry to reduce the VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels in formulations. For example, where solvent-borne formulations have been traditionally used there is a need to transfer to more sustainable waterborne coatings. Currently, the capability of waterborne, polymeric coatings is relatively poorly understood, and this project will seek to address this using a combination of advanced synthetic and characterization techniques.
The project will involve hands-on experience of synthetic polymer chemistry and materials characterization using a broad range of techniques such as dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, disc centrifuge photosedimentometry, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, rheometry, infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry, and small angle X-ray scattering. This project will suit an applicant with some experience of polymers and/or chemistry who would like to apply their skills to materials engineering challenges with potential industrial relevance.
You will form part of the team working in the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub for Greater Manchester within the brand-new Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials Hub Building. This facility provides access to world-class equipment and there is work ongoing on a wide range of multidisciplinary research on sustainable materials challenges, spanning fundamental research to industrial challenges.
At the University of Manchester, we pride ourselves on our commitment to fairness, inclusion and respect in everything we do. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and encourage you to bring your whole self to work and study. We will ensure that your application is given full consideration without regard to your race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, age, marital or pregnancy status, or socioeconomic background. All PhD places will be awarded on the basis of merit.
Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum of an upper second-class honors degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science or a related subject area.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Anthony Morris ([Email Address Removed]). Anthony Morris is not involved in recruitment decisions.
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