PhD in Lasers and the Circular Economy

High powered lasers are not routinely linked with the circular economy, however intelligent application of these highly controllable and flexible materials processing systems has great potential to advance the move towards a circular economy.

Two distinct aspects are expected to be included in the project, though there is scope to expand to other areas and to adjust the balance between topics depending on the candidate's specific interest and in light of results obtained during the project:

• Disassembly and reuse of end of life composite components
• Recycling of high value waste as feedstock in laser cladding

Previous work has successfully demonstrated laser cutting of carbon fibre composites, CFRP,  this project explores how this process can be exploited in end of life disassembly. The contactless nature of laser processing means that laser systems are highly flexible, different materials and component geometries are accommodated by simply reprogramming the laser path and processing parameters meaning one laser cutting system can disassemble any component geometry. The ability of the same laser to cut through both fibre reinforced composites and metal enables multi material assemblies to be processed, a key requirement.

Multiple advanced manufacturing processes make use of metallic powder based feedstocks. The materials used tend to be inherently expensive, with the need to use them in powder form further adding to that expense. This project will explore new strategies for using recycled feedstock in laser cladding. These include, but are not limited to, collection and reuse of powder, blending recycled and virgin powder, as well as repurposing of machining scrap and waste wire as feedstock, building on existing proof of concept work.

This largely experimental PhD will provide transferable materials characterisation skills, a grounding in advanced manufacturing techniques and direct experience in waste reduction and circular economy principles. This project directly benefits from our recently upgraded laser materials processing facilities as well as the universities extensive suite of materials characterisation equipment. This PhD is expected to produce a larger than average number of journal publications.

Candidate requirements 

You must be a university graduate, or be expecting to graduate, with a 2.1 (or international equivalent) and / or a masters at merit level or above in a relevant subject (engineering, physics, or materials science or closely related disciplines). 

Funding

This is a self-funded PhD opportunity therefore you must secure your own funding for both fees and maintenance  either privately or via a scholarship from external/government funding bodies. 

Eligibility and how to apply

Open to UK and international candidates.

This PhD project is open until filled. To apply please email Dr Katy Voisey at katy.voisey@nottingham.ac.uk attaching a cover letter, CV and academic transcripts. 

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