This project is in collaboration with an industrial partner OGEL (https://ogelworld.com). OGEL has developed a system of using waste materials to create building materials. The advantages of this innovative technology are its speed and ease of use, it is modular based, reusable and its compactness in transportation, the primary applications being buildings and flood defence systems.
The waste materials used by the OGEL system are mainly recycled styrene materials. The composition of this material is based upon managed recycled material and is tightly controlled and limited in the manufacturing (extrusion) process. The extrusion process is used to create specific profile shapes that the OGEL construction system demands.
The base styrene material is processed from raw recycled material into the OGEL profiles at 80% General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) / 20% High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) using the extrusion process. The source of these materials can be anything from white packaging, plant pots, car linings etc. for GPPS to the whole interiors of fridges, freezers etc for HIPS. The materials are considered to be relatively pure (>98% styrene) and has limited content of other materials and what might be termed “contaminants”.
The aim of this proposed project is to develop a methodology by combining statistical modelling and materials and manufacturing process testing for the current extrusion process. The overall objectives of the project are:
· To explore the impact upon material properties and characteristics within the context of the extrusion process and associated variables in order to identify and quantify the impact of such inclusions.
· Perform evaluation on the existing recycled material, and exploration of potential inclusion of other material constituents that may be expected to be incorporated from potential recycling recovery operations. This investigation could potentially improve the material performance from a commercial and materials processing perspective.
· Investigation of characteristics related to structural strength and flame retardance relate to core development of the OGEL system in terms of its use as a construction process.
· To explore material composition and use is the environmental impact and sustainability credentials of any such mixture of materials and their potential contribution to the circular economy that may offer possible advantages over any existing activities.
Candidates with knowledge in manufacturing processes and experimental tests, and/or engineering application of statistical or mathematical modelling background will be desirable.
The principal supervisor for this project is Dr. Chris Connor
Please note eligibility requirement:
· Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
· Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
· Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.
For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. MOBIE21-R4/EE/MCE/CONNORChris) will not be considered.
Deadline for applications: 6 January 2022
Start Date: 1 March 2022
Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff and students. We welcome applications from all members of the community. Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff and students.
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