Dr V T Kumar
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
The composites centre is a leading institution for synthesis, processing and characterization of polymers and composites materials. The research activities are in the areas of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Polymer Chemistry focusing on different classes/aspects of materials. The work often encompasses synthesis, characterisation and mechanical/ electrical properties measurements with a potential for various applications. Environmental aspects are also an important part of the research activities.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with the industrial partners, external collaborators and a team of researchers at the Centre in collaboration with the Surface Engineering and Nanotechnology Institute at Cranfield University, aiming to synthesise and manufacture sustainable and functional polymer composites materials for applications ranging from automotive to aerospace .
The aim of this research is to investigate the use of nanocellulose; natural/ synthetic fibers; bio-based resins and other suitable thermosetting/ thermoplastic polymer matrices for automotive, aerospace and beyond. The automotive and aerospace industries aims to use more green and environmental friendly materials from sustainable sources for such applications. The research aims to extend in this direction via surface engineering of the nanocellulose/ natural/ synthetic fibers; synthesis of new bio-based thermosetting resins/ thermoplastics polymers and preparation of their high performance composites. In addition to synthesis and surface engineering, the project will also involve use of carbon nanomaterials (Graphene/CNTs), processing, manufacturing and mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact properties), thermal (TGA/DSC/DMA/TMA), electrical properties evaluation etc of the resulting functional composites materials
Successful candidates will be involved in an intense three year PhD research via materials synthesis; characterization and mechanical/ electrical properties evaluation and the comparison of developed materials properties with existing state of the art materials for numerous applications.
The PhD candidates will be expected to work with the rest of the team at the Centre and collaboratively with the project’s industrial partners, and to publish the work in high impact materials journals.
Funding Notes
Self-funded (funding for materials and consumables are provided by the industrial partner)