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  (UoM - IIT KGP) Development of sustainable, graphene-enhanced bio-based elastomer composites


   Department of Materials

  ,  Sunday, March 02, 2025  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

In this project, we will develop graphene-enhanced biobased polyurethane elastomers. The bio-PU will be formulated with bio-derived isocyanate from bio-mass sources and bio-derived polyols from vegetable oils, cellulose, starch, sugars, and lignin. The isocyanate and polyol chain lengths and functional chemistries will be varied to give different mechanical properties to the base polyurethanes. The graphene will be suitably functionalised to interact with the PU during 2-part formulation or melt-compounding in the case of thermoplastic PU. The graphene-enhanced bio-PUs will be designed and formulated to enhance their mechanical properties and electrical conductivity.

Expected Start Date

August 2025

Before you apply  

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project. They can be contacted on and

How to apply 

You will need to submit an online application through the IIT Kharagpur's website here: https://international.iitkgp.ac.in/admission/jdp-uoman/ 

When you apply, you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents: 

1. Academic Transcripts 

2. Curriculum Vitae 

3. Statement of Research Interest-Max 750 words (you may contact the listed supervisors for your project to obtain more information) 

4. 2 recommendation letters 

5. Any photo identity proof (Passport / Aadhar Card / Voter ID / Student ID Card) 

6. Photo and Signature 

If you require an English qualification to study in the UK, you can apply now and send this in at a later date. 

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact the admissions team(s) by email: 

- University of Manchester:  

- IIT Kharagpur:  

Eligibility 

1. Candidates may only apply for projects approved by the Joint Academic Board. 

2. For Indian residents, the programme is open to graduates B.Tech. or M.Sc./M.Tech. graduate from any Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with a minimum CGPA of 7.5 on a scale of 10. 

3. For residents of other countries, it is open to graduates of Institutes/Universities within QS WUR of 500 (published in 2024) [link: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings/2024]. 

4. Candidates must be able to undertake PhD studies at IIT Kharagpur from July 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter with no requirement for a (further) visa to study in India. 

5. Willingness to travel to the UK to undertake 2 years of study based at The University of Manchester if such travel is permitted by UK and India governments. 

6. Holds or expects to obtain a 2:1 class honours undergraduate degree or higher (or international equivalent – contact the Admissions Team for details). 

7. Ideally Preferably holds a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent – contact the Admissions Team for details). 

8. Demonstrable excellent communication skills, including in English language, a proficiency in which should be demonstrably indicated by meeting the requirements as indicated our English language requirements page [link: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/], and in particular securing an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component OR securing a TOEFL iBT score of 90 with no less than 20 in each component equivalent or equivalent. The TOEFL/IELTS exam may be taken after the final selection and award of scholarship, and prior to joining IIT Kharagpur. 

9. For some projects an ATAS certificate may also be required by them. 

10. Demonstrate to fulfil The University of Manchester Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher person specification: 

* Educational background matches research project. 

* Potential to form effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including working inclusively and as part of a team. 

* Potential to take the initiative, lead on projects, and be proactive in prioritising a dynamic, agile and diverse workload. 

* Potential to develop understanding of complex problems, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a given scenario, and apply in-depth knowledge to address them. 

* Potential to develop expertise in new areas of the subject. 

* Evidence of an understanding of the proposed area of research, including knowledge of current challenges and opportunities. 

* An interest in continuous personal and professional development. 

* Potential to communicate ideas and conclusions, verbally and in writing, clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

* Preliminary knowledge of research techniques/track record of engaging with research. 

* Commitment to principles of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility in teaching, research, or experience. 

Equality, Diversity and inclusion 

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). 

FSE_dualawards 

FSE_Kharagpur 

Chemistry (6) Engineering (12) Materials Science (24)

Funding Notes

A fully funded scholarship: all basic level tuition fees, annual Stipend at the minimum UKRI rate whilst at Manchester (up to two years) and Institute scholarship while at IITKGP.


Register your interest for this project