Nanocomposites for Additive Manufacturing, Material Science and Engineering – PhD (Funded)

Lead Supervisors:

Professor Oana Ghita, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, Streatham Campus, University of Exeter.

Professor Yanqiu Zhu, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, Streatham Campus, University of Exeter.

Industrial Supervisor:

Dr Hoda Amel, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)

Location: College of Engineering, Streatham Campus, Exeter

The University of Exeter’s Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), is inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship to commence in January 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The student will be based in the Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing (CALM) (https://emps.exeter.ac.uk/engineering/research/etg/centres/calm/) in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at the Streatham Campus in Exeter but will involve visits, meetings and time spent at MTC, Coventry, as required by the project.

For eligible students, the studentship will cover UK tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £17,668 for 3 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  

Project Description:

Multifunctionality in manufactured parts is becoming a key requirement sought after by many industries. The project is looking to develop new bespoke lightweight multifunctional powder materials that can be 3D printed using powder bed fusion technology. The programme of work is combining nano-particles of different properties and aspect ratios with polymeric powders already established in the AM industry (e.g. PA12, PA11, PAEK). This study is looking to find new and cost effective methods of fabrication of nanocomposite powders. Existing concepts created in the Centre for ALM will be explored further and new ideas will be developed. In addition, optimisation of the new nanocomposite powders, investigation of properties of laser sintered nanocomposites parts, and nano-safety of nanocomposite powders across the entire process chain will be considered.

This award provides annual funding to cover UK tuition fees and a tax-free stipend. For students who pay UK tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full, plus £17,668 per year tax-free stipend. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee and no stipend.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit for 3 years of full-time study to commence in January 2023

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology.

If English is not your first language you will need to have achieved at least 6.0 IELTS and no less than 6.0 in any section by the start of the project. 

Alternative tests may be acceptable (see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/).

How to apply

In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.

• CV

• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).

• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

• Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to [Email Address Removed] quoting the studentship reference number.

• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 12th December 2022. 

Interviews will be held w/c 12th December 2022.

If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed] or phone +44 (0)1392 722730 or +44 (0)1392 725150. 

Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor Prof Oana Ghita ([Email Address Removed]).

For further information and to submit an application please visit - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=4556