Funding your graduate study
Scholarship information
Each advertised scholarship will have its own specific application instructions. Please follow the guidance provided.
Should your application for admission be accepted, you should be aware that notification of acceptance for a PhD does not constitute an offer of financial support. Scholarship awards are a separate process.
Find your perfect scholarship here:
Biomass-derived Functional Nanomaterials for Phase-change Thermal Management elastomers
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with polymer chemistry background, to join our advanced elastomer research group at the International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM), WMG, the University of ÌÇÐÄTV. Being part of the Net2Zero CDT programme, this PhD research project will be jointly supported by James Walker Ltd, the UK-based global leader in sealing materials.
Sustainable thermal management materials are highly on demand for energy decarbonisation in transport and construction. This project aims to develop biomass-derived nanomaterials for phase-change thermal management for high temperature sealing applications. Agriculture biomass waste is rich in cellulose, lignin, silica and unique nanostructures, and offers multicomponent precursors for designing hybrid nanomaterials with tunable physicochemical properties. The project will establish low-energy synthetic protocols for producing hybrid nanoparticles, encapsulated of high latent heat phase change materials, targeting enhanced structural stability and thermal resistance. This project integrates biomass valorisation, nanoengineering, and thermal regulation, offering a scalable pathway to renewable and multifunctional materials that address the challenges of high temperature resistant sealing materials under extreme conditions.
The research will be facilitated by the world-leading research facilities at WMG, where hosts the first of the kind advanced elastomer laboratory in the UK. The PhD candidate will work with polymer experts at ÌÇÐÄTV and industry teams, developing sustainable polymer research skills, collaborating with the industry sponsor and CDT communities through the 4-year research programme and beyond.
Essential Criteria
We are looking for a passionate and highly motivated candidate, with (or expect to hold) a 1st or upper 2nd class MSc / MChem / BSc in polymer science or chemical engineering, understand and have experience in polymer synthesis and structure characterisation, and is able to challenge the state of the art in the emerging technology applications
Funding and Eligibility
Application
The University of ÌÇÐÄTV provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.