Robert Gordon University, through School of Engineering is offering a PhD studentship within the Advanced Materials research group.
Thermosetting epoxy polymers are extensively used as a matrix in the manufacturing of composites because of their exceptional stiffness and strength. Epoxy thermosets, on the other hand, are brittle and have a low fracture toughness, which limits their applications. Integration of micro-and nano-scale fillers is one proposed strategy for increasing epoxy's mechanical characteristics. Incorporating nanofillers like MXene is one of the widely used methods to improve the mechanical properties of polymeric materials. Because of their good mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, MXene, a broad family of 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides, can be employed to make multifunctional polymer nanocomposites.
MXene used in materials have strong tendency to agglomerate which could cause inhomogeneous dispersion of nanofillers in matrices. Attaining the optimum dispersion is one of the main challenges of processing nanocomposites and therefore it is essential to investigate the appropriate processing techniques used for preparing epoxy/MXene nanocomposites.
This research aims to gain an understanding of the role of surfactants on the mechanical strength and machinability properties of epoxy/MXene nanocomposites.
Desirable skills and knowledge: Materials characterisation skills such as SEM, DMA, UV Vis spectrophotometry etc. Knowledge or experience of polymer composites, machining and modelling & simulations is advantageous.
Applications should be emailed to Dr. Mohd Shahneel Saharudin at [Email Address Removed]
The applications should consist of a covering letter or personal statement of interest, academic transcripts and a CV.
It is expected that candidates are available to register and commence study on 01 Feb 2023. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to present their findings at international conferences.
Questions should initially be addressed to:
Dr. Mohd Shahneel Saharudin
School of Engineering, Robert Gordon University, Sir Ian Wood Building, Garthdee Campus, Aberdeen, AB10 7GJ United Kingdom
T: +44 (07824799022)
E: [Email Address Removed]
W: https://www.shahneelsaharudin.com/
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a First- or Second-Class UK honours degree, or equivalent CGPA from non-UK universities in a relevant discipline such Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Polymer Technology, Nanotechnology or Materials Science and Engineering. An MSc or nearing completion in a relevant subject is highly desirable. Knowledge or experience of polymer composites and modelling & simulations is advantageous.
Keywords: MXene, Thermosetting composite, Materials engineering, Coating, characterisation, composites, Machining
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