PhD Studentship: Triggered Self-healing in Molecular Chain Mail; Stimuli Responsive Mechanically Interlocked Polymers

Supervisory Team: Dr George Williams (UoS), Dr Sam Thompson (UoS), Dr Emily Draper (UoG), Dr Penelope Wozniakiewicz (UoK) 

Project Description: 

During this DSTL funded PhD project you will combine supramolecular concepts to develop novel materials that can be ‘reset’ through the application of light. This will be achieved by combining mechanically interlocked polymers with photoswitching molecules to create light responsive impact resistant materials. 

Materials that are capable of resisting impacts have a wide range of civilian and military applications, including dampeners, body armour and suspension systems. However, traditional impact resistant materials are rendered irreversibly less effective after absorbing shock, which makes them unsuitable for applications with repeated impact. In this project, you will overcome these limitations by creating impact resistant materials which can be triggered to relax back into a state, which allows them to be re-used again and again in a controlled manner. 

During this project you will gain extensive experience in organic synthesis, as well as the photophysical characterisation of molecules. This will include the use of a bespoke in-situ irradiation NMR set up recently built at UoS. You will then use the photoswitches that you have synthesised to create polymeric organo-/hydrogel materials and will receive training in the relevant material characterisation techniques, in collaboration with the University of Glasgow. Once a set of materials with desirable characteristics have been identified, impact experiments using the light-gas gun situated at the University of Kent will be performed, assess the ability of these materials to “reset” with light. Funding is available for research visits with each of these collaborators. It is envisioned that these materials will have a range of military and civilian uses, such as body armour and dampeners. 

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). 

Closing Date: 30 April 2024. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. 

Funding: Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. Due to the funder there will be specific vetting procedures run by DSTL. 

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Chemistry (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr George Williams. 

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date 

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk 

The University of Southampton is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking to study part time. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

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