PhD Studentship: From Nanointerfaces to Dynamic Performance: Next Generation Elastomer Technologies

Sponsor/ Supporting Company: Global tyre industry partner (company name confidential)

Supervisor(s): Prof. Chaoying Wan, Prof. Steven Brown (Physics department)

Stipend: UK or international

Duration: 3.5 year

Funding Eligibility: UK or international

Start Date: 1^st November 2026

Research Group: Nanocomposites

Project Overview

We welcome a highly motivated PhD researcher with a background in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline to join the Advanced Elastomer Research Group at the International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM), WMG, University of Warwick.

Sponsored by a global tyre industry partner, this project will address major environmental and technological challenges associated with future mobility, including tyre-wear particle emissions, emerging Euro 7 requirements, lower embodied carbon, extended service life, self-healing, adaptiveness, and reprocessability.

The research will focus on nanoparticle surface chemistry, polymer–filler interfaces, and advanced characterisation, with the aim of establishing fundamental microstructure-property relationships. Carbon-based and hybrid nanomaterials will also be explored to enhance reinforcement and multifunctionality, with the goal of reducing energy loss while improving long-term performance.

The project offers a unique opportunity to gain advanced training in rheological and dynamic mechanical analysis, solid-state NMR, and time-resolved structural characterisation, while integrating polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and dynamic performance analysis to develop next-generation elastomers for sustainable mobility.

Candidates with experience in chemistry, polymers, elastomers, nanomaterials, rheology, or advanced materials characterisation are particularly encouraged to apply. 

For any enquiries about the project, please feel free to contact Prof. Chaoying Wan at chaoying.wan@warwick.ac.uk .

Essential Criteria

A highly motivated candidate, with (or expect to hold) a 1st or upper 2nd class MSc / MChem / BSc in chemistry, polymer science or chemical engineering, understand and has experience in chemical synthesis, analytic chemistry and structure characterisation.

Desirable Criteria

Candidates should have strong time-management and organisational skills, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, meet deadlines reliably, and demonstrate excellent academic writing, communication, and presentation skills.

Advert information