Sustainable multifunctional polymer foams (Ref: SF20/APP/PERRY1)

Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose it being found in the exoskeletons of insects and other invertebrates as well as providing structural rigidity to fungi. Currently chitin and its deacetylation product chitosan are massively underutilized entirely biodegradable polymers with enormous potential for replacement for direct replacement of non-degrading, petrochemical derived polymers.

This PhD seeks to use chitin and chitosan in the development of aerogel foams and composite materials which would build on research being done in the research group lead by Professor Justin Perry, and would be principally allied to the themes being investigated by the Manufacturing Immortality project (http://gow.epsrc.ac.uk/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/R020957/1 ). This £2.2M project is aiming to develop innovative manufacturing methods to enable the creation of biohybrid materials which can actively respond to their environment. Functionalized chitosan foams can be envisaged as a matrix material to make composite biohybrid materials with the added benefit of being biodegradable. This PhD would seek to develop materials with controlled release, tuneable transport and permeability properties as well as including bioinspired structural elements to aid self-repair and actuation under external influence. Using group experience in industrial biotechnology we will include biocatalytic functionality alongside state of the art polymer chemistry to create new functional materials. In addition, additive manufacturing and 3D/inkjet printing will be used develop complex morphologies and microscale surface features.

Applicants should have a first degree in either chemistry or polymer science and have an interest in working in multidisciplinary environment performing research which will span the range from theoretical studies in fundamental properties to product case studies which demonstrate the utility of the project’s findings to commercial research partners. Candidates with an interest in learning new skills across discipline boundaries, particularly those of the biosciences, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility and How to Apply:
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.

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 should include a covering letter that includes a short summary (500 words max.) of a relevant piece of research that you have previously completed. Applications that do not include the advert reference (e.g. SF20/…) will not be considered.
Deadline for applications: 1st July for October start, or 1st December for March start
Start Date: October or March

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.

Please direct enquiries to Prof Justin Perry ([email protected])