Background
Synthetic polymers are ubiquitous, finding wide-ranging applications far beyond use in plastics and packaging. For example, vinyl and acryl polymers are extensively utilised in the preparation of high-performance coatings, adhesive, sealants and elastomers, and thus present in products we are in contact with on a daily basis. However, the vast majority of vinyl and acryl polymers are derived from non-renewable fossil resources and therefore have a detrimental carbon impact and long-term supply concerns. Biomass derived vinyl and acryl polymers are of significant commercial interest on the basis of improved carbon impact. The challenge is preparing vinyl and acryl polymers from biomass of appropriate performance, whilst also ensuring the chosen pathways of production are both sustainable and scalable. Prior research into bio-based vinyl and acryl polymers typically proceeds via non-catalytic wasteful reactions and in many instances fails to exploit the high chemical functionality of bio-based chemicals.
Objectives
This PhD project will seek to demonstrate vinyl and acryl furans, derivable from biomass, can be used as appropriate substitutes for current petrochemical monomers such as styrene and alkylacrylates in chain-growth polymerisation. Based within the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE), the project will develop new synthetic pathways, applying catalysis for the optimised synthesis of target bio-based monomers. Working in collaboration with an industrial partner, Synthomer, the project will progress the use of bio-based polymers in coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. Under the guidance of Synthomer, the project will also scope commercialisation pathways for the most promising candidates you have prepared.
Experimental approach
You will synthesise a range of different bio-derivable vinyl and acryl furans monomers at lab-scale, allowing for preliminary assessment of their use in emulsion and solvent-phase chain-growth polymerisation. Where appropriate, you will seek to develop catalytic approaches for the preparation of some monomers. Under the guidance of polymer experts within the GCCE and Synthomer, you will characterise lab-scale polymers and select those with the most promising properties for use in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and/or elastomers. You will also contribute to the selection of further target monomers and polymers based upon ease of synthesis and preliminary property data you have gathered from your earlier results. You will scale the synthesis (>500 g) for the leading monomers and polymers, and subsequently undertake a placement at Synthomer’s research labs to gather data on their performance in relevant applications.
Novelty and impact
Your work will provide fundamental insights into the suitability of using furan-containing monomers in synthesis of novel vinyl and acryl chain-growth polymers. Your research will address a gap in the systematic understanding of the role of different functional groups present on furan monomers has on ultimate polymer performance. You will also address a gap in the effective application of catalytic methods for the synthesis of vinyl and acryl furan polymers. You will ultimately seek to commercial new sustainable materials, potentially bringing new products to market and seeding a new generation of high bio-content polymers.
Training
This multidisciplinary project covers aspects of chemical synthesis, material testing and a view towards commercialisation. Within the GCCE you will benefit from work-leading training in the development and application of clean synthetic methods, catalysis and the use bio-based chemicals. You will learn from experts in the GCCE and Synthomer for the preparation of polymers from vinyl and acryl monomers in both solution and emulsion phase, and their subsequent characterisation (GPC, DSC, TGA, TG-MS, NMR spectroscopy). You will undertake a 1-3 month industrial placement (expenses covered by Synthomer) training you in large-scale polymer synthesis, performance testing, and intellectual property and regulatory aspects. You will attend and present at GCCE group meetings and external conferences.
All Chemistry research students have access to our innovative Doctoral Training in Chemistry (iDTC): cohort-based training to support the development of scientific, transferable and employability skills: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/idtc/
The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed/.
For more information about the project, click on the supervisor's name above to email the supervisor. For more information about the application process or funding, please click on email institution
This PhD will formally start on 1 October 2021. Induction activities will start on 27 September.
To apply for this project, submit an online PhD in Chemistry application: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPCHESCHE3
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