Sensing in carbon fibre composites for early detection of fire

Applications are invited for a Dstl (The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Ministry of Defence, UK) funded PhD studentship, available immediately in the ‘Fire Materials Research' team based at the Institute for Materials Research & Innovation (IMRI) at the University of Bolton.

The overall purpose of this research is to introduce sensors within and/or on the surface of the resin matrix of carbon/glass fibre-reinforced polymer composites so as to enable the identification of resin degradation and/or gases generated by chemical degradation on exposure to high temperatures. The identification and quantification of evolved gases will allow prediction of the changes of self-ignition of the composite. The sensors will also be able to detect chemical and physical changes within the resin as it decomposes, from which likely thermal and mechanical damage in composites in-service can be predicted.

The Fire Materials Research group at Bolton, internationally recognised as a major player in the field of fire and flammability studies, has an established track record of attracting funding for collaborative and multidisciplinary research from Research Councils (EPSRC, EU, innovate UK) and industrial sources.

Entry requirements
Applicants should have at least: a minimum 2.1 class undergraduate degree in either:
Chemistry / Chemical engineering/Physical Sciences/Materials discipline,
or a relevant Masters Degree.in the above areas
Candidates with equivalent experience will also be considered.

Due to the stipulations determined by the sponsor, Ministry of Defence, UK and the nature of the project, the studentship is only open to candidates who are UK nationals.

Prospective candidates can contact Professor Baljinder Kandola (Tel: +44(0)1204 903517, email: [Email Address Removed]) for an informal discussion relating to this opportunity.

The student will receive UK/EU tuition fees and a tax free bursary of at least £16,000 per annum, depending on the qualification and experience for 3 year duration of the project funded by the Dstl.

Application forms and further details are available via the following link:
https://www.bolton.ac.uk/study/research/research-admissions/

Closing date: 16th September 2019

Candidates are asked to submit the application form as well as a covering letter. Please submit all of the above to Professor Baljinder Kandola via email: [Email Address Removed]

The University of Bolton strives to achieve equality of opportunity