New Multifunctional Thermoplastic Polymer (Nano)Composites for Structural Power Materials - Towards Green Aviation (AE0028)

Start date: September 2023 (flexible)

New Multifunctional Thermoplastic Polymer (Nano)Composites for Structural Power Materials - Towards Green Aviation (AE0028)

Applications are invited for a fully funded Ph.D. studentship in the Department of Aeronautics. The successful candidate will have the opportunity of working on one of the most exciting new concepts in the composite materials arena: how deliver a single material with both outstanding structural performance but also functions like energy storage, energy harvesting, thermal management, sensing and actuation. This can offer major benefits to various fields like electrified transport, renewable energies, healthcare, portable electronics and robotics/drones.

This PhD project, strategically funded by the Department of Aeronautics, is an opportunity to expand the current activities on Structural Power Composites at Imperial College (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/structural-power-composites/), to thermoplastic polymers and their nanocomposites. The aim is to look specifically at new and more sustainable and robust structural polymer electrolytes, separators and encapsulation materials, within a multifunctional carbon fibre reinforced polymer composite.

The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Emiliano Bilotti and in close collaboration with the research team of Prof. Emile Greenhalgh, Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies and one of the World Leaders in Structural Power Composites.

The post-holder will gain experience in:

• Thermoplastic polymer (nanocomposites) processing;
• The development and use of a variety of manufacturing methods (including 3D printing, laser cutting, water-jet cutting, laying-up for autoclave curing, etc) when creating prototypes;
• Mechanical, electrochemical, thermal and morphological characterisation.

In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to submit publications to the most prestigious refereed journals and to present research findings at major international conferences. 

Applicants should have a strong background in Materials Engineering or related fields. A proven aptitude for - and, ideally, experience in - practical experimental work, strong self-motivations and a genuine passion for research are of paramount importance. A knowledge of thermoplastic polymer (nanocomposites) processing and fibre-reinforced structural polymer composites would be an advantage.

Applications are invited from candidates who possess (or expect to gain) a first-class honours MEng or higher degree, or equivalent, in Aeronautics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials, or related areas.

This post is within the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College, the UK's leading Aeronautical Engineering Department. Imperial College is consistently ranked as one of top universities in the world and top 3 universities within the UK, and known for innovation, excellence and employability around the globe. During last (2021) Research Excellence Framework (REF), Imperial ranked top in the UK overall, with a greater proportion of 4* “world-leading” research than any other UK university.

This studentship is available to students eligible for home fees, for 3.5 years and will provide full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of approximately £19,668.

Information on fee status - https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/fee-status/

If you are interested in applying, please contact Dr. Emiliano Bilotti (e.bilotti@imperial.ac.uk), for any initial informal enquiries.

For queries regarding the application process, please contact Lisa Kelly at: l.kelly@imperial.ac.uk

Imperial College is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena Silver SWAN Award winner and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

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