Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are hybrid materials consisting of a polymeric matrix incorporating nanoparticles (NPs). They are paving the path for next-generation smart nanomaterials in energy efficiency and storage, environmental remediation, textile, food and biomedical applications. While it is known that a relatively low amount of NPs can drastically change the properties of a polymer, controlling these effects in order to manufacture high-performance PNCs for ad-hoc applications is extremely challenging. This know-how relies on complex structure-properties relationships stemming from the interactions established at the nanoscale (precisely at the NP/polymer interface) that influence the polymer microstructure and impact the material's response at the macroscale. The aim of SPACE is investigating the origin of such structure-properties relationships to develop PNCs that exhibit controlled responses to external stimuli. To this end, by applying molecular simulation, SPACE will investigate how the presence of responsive NPs, embodying switchable functionalities, can lead to smart PNCs able to selectively respond to an external stimulus and activate specific properties.
In its first stage, SPACE will provide the model to simulate block copolymers containing one or two sets of NPs and study their structural, dynamical and transport properties. In a second stage, these models will then be modified to incorporate the effect of an electric field that will be applied to selectively switch on/off the NPs’ functionalities. The first stage will deliver the fundamentals for the design of multifunctional PNCs that will then be applied to understand how to orient NPs in an amorphous or long ranged ordered polymer matrix and how to tune their responsiveness by altering the field intensity.
We are looking for an enthusiastic student with strong mathematics skills and aptitude for computing. Applicants are expected to have a first-class honours degree (or equivalent) at either Bachelor or Master level in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines. Proven familiarity and experience with molecular simulation techniques (Molecular Dynamics), molecular simulation software (Gromacs, LAMMPS) and programming is especially welcome.
The selected candidate will be part of the Multiscale Modelling research group of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science of the University of Manchester. They will be supervised by Dr Patti and are expected to have regular (online) meetings with Dr Poree and Dr Brame, from the Physical Sciences Division of the US Army Research Office, our project sponsor. Additionally, they will have plenty of opportunities to interact with young and established researchers in computational soft matter, colloid and polymer science, molecular simulation and statistical mechanics.
The selected student will attend one national (UK) and one international (EU) conference per year. Visits to the US Army research labs and facilities can also be arranged. Additional opportunities for training are offered by the University of Manchester, which is especially committed to supporting the personal and professional development of postgraduate researchers with world-class, award-winning resources. Training programmes consist of development opportunities and courses to ensure timely completion of the PhD degree, the development of transferable skills and increase future employability.
Details on application procedure:
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/admissions/how-to-apply/
Information about the host department can be found at the following link:
https://www.ceas.manchester.ac.uk
Information about Dr Patti's research group and interests can be found at the following link:
https://apresearchgroup.wixsite.com/pages
Information on US Army Research Laboratory can be found here:
https://www.arl.army.mil/
Starting date: October or as soon as the positions will be filled.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
All appointments are made on merit.