About the Project
Mixed post-customer plastic waste (MPW) is one of the world’s largest waste stream challenges. In January 2018, the UK government pledged that all ‘avoidable plastic waste’ will be eradicated by 2042. Traditional methods for processing MPW (incineration, landfill) are no longer sustainable. Hence, the UK’s recycling industry is under pressure to procure innovative processes to recycle MPW, with a view to improving the circular economy. Urbanisation is also accelerating, placing pressure on the cement/aggregate industries to meet the demand for construction materials. However, cement production is energy intensive and produces 10% of the world’s atmospheric CO2 emissions. Hence, there is a need to develop low carbon construction materials that utilise industrial wastes and improve the circular economy. MPW has technical prospects for re-use in road surfacing and as a construction material but has yet to be investigated in detail. Research at Teesside University has revealed that sewage sludge can be pyrolysed to produce char and gas co-products, resulting in an 85% reduction in waste volume. Chars from MPW pyrolysis have encouraging prospects for applications within the engineering and energy sectors. There are also prospects for harnessing pyrolysis gas co-products as an energy source. The aims of this project are: 1) valorise MPW to demonstrate it adds value to industrial waste derived energy systems and improves the circular economy; 2) assess the technical prospects of recycling MPW char with aggregates to form new durable construction materials; 3) determine the potential for harnessing heat and gas co-products from pyrolysis as a renewable energy source.
Funding and Eligibility
Applications are welcome from strong UK, EU & International students. The studentship covers tuition fees at the Home/EU rate for three years & provides an annual tax-free stipend of £15,000 p.a. for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Non-EU International students will be required to pay the difference between the Home/EU & International fee rate (approx. £8,500 per year).
North East England’s universities are joining forces under a £3.9m scheme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, to connect the region’s businesses with research to encourage growth and job creation. Teesside University is delighted to be able to offer a number of part funded industrial PhDs to eligible SMEs in the north east. This project is funded by the University and European Regional Development Funding and looks to support local firms with their research and development needs, developing new products and services in key sectors and creating high quality jobs in the local economy.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a relevant Masters (MEng, MSci, MSc) degree at 2.1 or Merit minimum (or NARIC approved equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Chemistry or Environmental Engineering. Candidates with suitable work experience and strong capacity in civil engineering (including geotechnics, concrete / cement mix design, laboratory testing in accordance with testing standards), life cycle analysis / sustainability engineering, plastics, biochar production and characterisation are particularly welcome to apply. International students would be subject to the standard entry criteria including English language, ATAS clearance & Tier 4 procedures. Please contact the [Email Address Removed] for further information.
About Teesside University
The School of Science, Engineering & Design at Teesside University is an international leader in key areas of research and innovation related to engineering sustainability, manufacturing and process engineering and analytical instrumentation, measurement and control engineering and design. In REF 2014, 59% of our research in general engineering was recognised as world-leading and internationally excellent with 90% of the impact submission rated as outstanding/very considerable. More information: http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/science_engineering/about.cfm
About Scott Bros Ltd
Scott Bros Ltd is a Teesside-based firm specialising in contaminated land remediation, managing and recycling soil, construction, municipal and household wastes. A significant challenge faced by their recycling operations is the processing of MPW, which accounts for the largest volume of waste received by Scott Bros Ltd and is considered to be the most difficult to recycle, given their chemical complexities. For more information, visit: https://scottbros.com/.
How to Apply
Please apply online for this opportunity; using the PhD full time application form & ref: IIIP0002
http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/funding_opps.cfm
Administrative enquiries: Julie Wright ([Email Address Removed])
Academic enquiries: Dr Paul Sargent ([Email Address Removed])
Closing Date: Monday 10th June 2019 (5pm GMT). We envisage that interviews will take place w/c 17th June 2019. The successful applicant will be expected to start on 7th October 2019.
Continue with Facebook
