DTA - Sustainable waterborne polymer coatings

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 polymer synthesis and characterization techniques. The project will suit an applicant with some experience of polymer materials science and/or chemistry who would like to apply their skills to challenges with potential industrial relevance.

The successful applicant 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.

Academic background of candidates

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum of an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related subject area.

To apply please follow the link below:

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/admissions/how-to-apply/