PhD Studentship: Additive Manufacturing of High-Performance Polymers for Sustainable Metal Replacement in Critical Applications

Main description:

Significant technological advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) processes, in tandem with the development of novel materials, have resulted in the commercialisation of non-metallic materials that have the potential to serve as metallic replacements within critical applications. Such advanced materials are attractive to many industrial sectors including automotive, aerospace and healthcare for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they have excellent strength-to-weight ratios resulting in an overall lighter product which, in the case of aviation, would result in enhanced fuel efficiency. Secondly, they are also resistant to corrosion resulting in lower maintenance costs and longer component lifetimes. Furthermore, they require significantly less energy to produce and are easier to process via advanced manufacturing technologies such as AM as compared to metals. Consequently, their overall carbon footprint is considered to be lower, making them more environmentally friendly.

Unfortunately, before such materials can be adopted by industry there are technical challenges that need to be addressed. For example, whilst they have exemplary strength to weight ratios, achieving the right balance between weight and structural integrity is essential so that safety and performance are not compromised whilst maintaining material efficiency. Consequently, novel approaches to product design, such as topology optimisation, are required to enable optimum performance. The durability of novel, advanced materials under specific operating conditions is also largely unknown and so research that simulates real-world environmental conditions to test the durability and longevity of these materials and products made thereof, is also required.

This PhD project aims to investigate novel high-performance polymers for their true potential in replacing metallic components. This will be done by leveraging the state-of-the-art in terms of materials, manufacturing process and design in order to create components that compete with and surpass their metallic counterparts from a performance and sustainability standpoint, respectively. This will involve full assessment of the componentry inline with industrial requirements in addition to complete cradle to cradle evaluation of the materials ensuring circular economy principles are met.

This project will be based at the University of Birmingham (UoB) within the newly established Sustainable Manufacturing Group. The project will provide the candidate with the opportunity to interact with industry and academia at an international level and enable them to conduct their research within the School of Engineering’s state-of-the-art facilities. The School of Engineering is well equipped with modern manufacturing systems, analytical tools and computing equipment. It also has close ties with other schools across UoB and other institutions to enable interdisciplinary collaboration.

Applicants are expected to meet the academic requirements for enrolment in the PhD degree at The University of Birmingham. They will be self-motivated, demonstrate a real enthusiasm for the topic and be expected to or currently hold a 1st class degree in a relevant subject area (e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Sustainable manufacturing or another related field). The project will require a pragmatic and hands-on approach to problem solving whilst the successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic research environment enabling them to develop their technical skills and become more independent in their research.

Interested candidates should submit an electronic application through the University of Birmingham and send and up-to-date copy of their curriculum vitae to Dr Edward Cant (e.cant@bham.ac.uk) via the above ‘Apply’ button.

Funding notes: This is a School of Engineering funded opportunity.

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