Assessing and Optimising the Benefits of Novel Chemical Recycling of Vinyl Plastics

About the Project

The University of Bath is inviting applications for the following funded PhD project under the supervision of Dr Samuel Cooper, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr Sanjay Nagarajan, Department of Chemical Engineering, and Dr Simon Freakley, Department of Chemistry.

The project will be associated with a larger, externally funded project that will commence before the PhD starts.

Overview of the Research

This PhD will explore the real-world potential benefits of novel approaches to chemical recycling of vinyl plastics and explore approaches to maximise them. Recycling of high-value plastics such as PMMA (Perspex) remains a significant challenge with current energy-intensive approaches resulting in significant costs, environmental burdens, and degradation of the material properties.

An exciting, recent development aims to resolve this with novel approaches involving a combination of UV photo-catalysis and cavitation to achieve efficient depolymerisation. While the approaches are being developed at lab-scale, it is important to understand the potential implications of their maturation to commercially deployed processes. This relates to the environmental impacts, costs, and benefits of scaling it up across the UK.

This PhD presents the opportunity to address this important evidence gap. It will require cross-faculty collaboration across engineering and chemistry to ensure that the processes are appropriately characterised and then modelled at appropriate scales. Working alongside other researchers, the PhD research will include the assessment of impacts based on current performance, identification of priorities for development of the process, and experimental work to address these (the balance of these tasks can be tailored to the individual). This work will involve learning and developing nascent analysis and modelling approaches based on prospective- and consequential- Life Cycle Assessment, Techno-Economic Assessment, and engineering pathways for technology scale-up. It aims to bridge fundamental mechanistic understanding with practical implementation in a circular plastics economy.

This is a rich area for research, with significant challenges but with high potential impact.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement by the application deadline.

Enquiries and Applications

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Dr Samuel Cooper, en8sc@bath.ac.uk.

Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering prior to the closing date of this advert.

IMPORTANT:

• Applications for this project may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore recommend that you contact the lead supervisor should you have any questions prior to applying and submit your formal application as early as possible.

When completing the application form:

1. In the Funding your studies section, select ‘University of Bath LURS’ as the studentship for which you are applying.
2. In the Your PhD project section, quote the project title of this project and the name of the lead supervisor in the appropriate boxes.
3. Ensure that you upload to your application (in addition to the required academic and English language documents): a personal statement (no more than 2 pages) explaining your motivation, skills, experiences related to the research area and your career plan.

Failure to complete these steps will cause delays in processing your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

Funding Notes

Candidates may be considered for a University of Bath studentship tenable for 3 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (£20,780 per annum in 2025/6) and access to a £1,000 per annum training support budget.

Studentships are open to both Home and International students; however, International applicants should note that funding does NOT cover the cost of moving to the UK, obtaining a student visa, View Website, or payment of the UK healthcare surcharge, View Website.

References

Photo-initiated solvent-mediated depolymerization of consumer poly(methyl methacrylate) without chlorinated reagents. Nat Commun 17, 1235 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67997-7