School of Engineering

Nanocellulosic Composite Materials

PhD Studentship

The School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow is seeking a highly motivated graduate to undertake an exciting 3.5 year PhD project “Nanocellulosic Composite Materials”

Project background:

Cellulose is one of the most promising raw materials that is both renewable and biodegradable. The potential of nanostructured cellulose materials (nanocelluloses) has recently been recognised, and there is much interest in their exploitation in composite materials. Some nanocelluloses are as strong as steel and capable of self-ordering into transparent anisotropic materials. The fabrication of these materials is challenging, both in relation to controlling the anisotropy and to overcome the polar nature of cellulose surfaces and their incompatibility with non-polar, thermoplastic matrices.

Project description:

Novel processing technologies of nanucellulose are currently being developed in the Division of Biomedical Engineering at University of Glasgow, which will enable oriented assembly of nanocellulose into microscopic and macroscopic structures. This includes novel methods for surface modification and functionalization as well as processing technologies for controlling orientation and hierarchical assembly.

These investigations will be accompanied by multiscale-multiphysics modelling, which is the focus of the PhD project. These simulations will deliver insight into the relation between nano and microstructural characteristics of the material and the overall behaviour of the materials at the scale of application. Computational models will be employed to study load-carrying characteristics and failure mechanisms in the composites. Special emphasis will be placed on the interface characteristics. This will provide feedback to the functionalization and processing steps and will enable to fully exploit the potential of nanocellulosic composite materials.

In addition to the computational modelling, the project will also involve microstructural analysis by means of microscopy and possibly spectroscopic techniques as well as mechanical testing of prototype materials. Moreover, the student will closely collaborate with the people in Biomedical Engineering involved in the process development.

Candidate profile:

The applicant should have a background in engineering or natural sciences (first-degree qualification in suitable field, such as civil engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, material science, chemistry, physics, etc.) and interest in multi-disciplinary work. Mathematical ability is essential.

Funding

The studentship is supported by the School of Engineering, and it will cover the home tuition fees and provide a stipend of £13,726 per annum for 3.5 years.

How to apply

Application for this scholarship is made by using the online system at the following link for admission as a postgraduate research student to the Graduate School of the College of Science and Engineering:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/applyonline/

It should be noted that this application is to gain admission to our PGR programme with the decision on this being based on your academic achievements, and an offer of admission may be sent out before a decision on this Scholarship is made. Candidates applying for this Scholarship will have their applications further vetted as to acceptability to this Scholarship and will most likely have an interview/discussion with the supervisor before any decision is made

Supervision:

Main supervisor:

Co-supervisors:

Enquiries/application

Applications are invited from suitably qualified. Informal enquiries to Karin de Borst.

Closing date – 30 November 2013