New polymers and formulations for 3D printing of soft materials

The Edmondson research group is based in the Department of Materials at The University of Manchester. Our research sits at the interface of polymer chemistry and polymer characterisation, with particular expertise in: the synthesis and characterisation of polymer coatings and thin films; controlled radical polymerisation by ATRP and similar techniques; novel polymers and formulations for 3D printing; chemical modification of 2D materials such as graphene for applications in composites and coatings.

Projects in our group use range of characterisation techniques, which typically include infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), AFM-IR, electron microscopy, light scattering, ellipsometry, DSC, DMTA and mechanical testing. We are also interested in developing new data processing and modelling techniques for polymer and thin film analysis.

For this project, we are particularly seeking to recruit students with an interesting in polymers for 3D printing of soft materials. The project will involve the synthesis, formulation and printing of new polymer inks for soft 3D-printed objects. 3D printing techniques will include direct ink writing (DIW) and stereolithography (SLA).

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in chemistry, material science, materials engineering or related subjects and be interested in practical laboratory-based polymer chemistry and 3D printing. 

Self-funded students, or students who have already secured sponsorship, are welcome to apply for PhD positions in our group at any time and should initially make an informal enquiry via email to [Email Address Removed]