Innovative Polymerisation Strategies for the Development of Novel Hybrid Polymers from Renewable Feedstocks

PhD in Synthetic Polymer Chemistry and Material Science

Applications are invited for a 4 year PhD studentship in the Buchard group (www.buchardgroup.org) in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath, UK.

In this project you will develop innovative polymerisation methodologies to produce novel materials from renewable feedstocks with unique properties. You will in particular target polymer structures that combine natural sugar monomers with bioderived hydrocarbon feedstock such as terpenes. A variety of polymer architectures and polymerisation strategies will be investigated, including metal and organocatalysis as well as controlled radical techniques. The analysis of the materials produced will be performed to establish their structure/properties relationship, assess their (bio)-degradability and recyclability, and progress towards the development of useful materials.

This project will contribute towards creating original hybrid materials with industrially-relevant properties (e.g. soft, ductile and tough) and enhanced degradability, the sugar moiety providing greater (bio)-degradability of the polymer chains. In particular, you will target degradable elastic polymers of relevance to the automotive and food industries.

About us:

Research in the Buchard group addresses all aspects of the development of sustainable polymers. We develop new reactions for the synthesis of novel monomers from renewable feedstocks, design new polymerisation catalysts and processes, and produce innovative polymeric for new technologies. We have for example a strong expertise in the development of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic methods for the polymerisation of renewable feedstocks to create new materials (e.g. from CO2, sugars, and terpenes; see references).

Training:

The student undertaking this project will receive training in a wide variety of experimental techniques at the molecular, macromolecular and material level. Synthesis of both organic (e.g. monomers) and inorganic (e.g. catalysts) compounds will be required during the project. Multinuclear NMR, mass spectrometry (MALDI), Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) and X-ray scattering will be important techniques. Polymers will also be analysed routinely using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), electron microscopy, and tensile and impact testing. Secondments at the Alençon Institute of Plastics and Composites in France (www.ispa.asso.fr/welcome-ispa) will be embedded in the project to investigate the ability of the polymers to be processed (extrusion, injection moulding etc.) and to measure additional advanced properties (e.g. ageing and UV-resistance).

These experimental practical skills gained will be complemented by the possibility to be trained in computational chemistry (Density Functional Theory) for polymerisation mechanistic studies. The student will finally have opportunities to present their work at group meetings, departmental seminar, and suitable national and/or international conferences.

Candidate:

Applicants should hold (or expect to be awarded) a first class or 2:1 Master’s degree in Chemistry. The ideal candidate will have both experience of synthetic polymer chemistry and an interest in material characterisation, properties and applications, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills.

Enquiries and applications:

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Antoine Buchard ([Email Address Removed]).

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form:
https://www.bath.ac.uk/samis/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUCH-FP01&code2=0012link

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/

Anticipated start date: 1 October 2018

Please be aware that the University of Bath reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier than the advertised deadline should a suitable candidate be found and appointed. We recommend early application.