Biodegradable biobased block copolymers (Ref: MP-FH-2602)

About the Project

Modern society is heavily dependent on the ubiquitous use of plastics. Global production of synthetic polymers derived from non-renewable petroleum feed-stocks exceeds 350 million tonnes per annum. As a society, we urgently need to develop “green” renewable materials to replace petroleum-based feed-stocks. One such approach has been to use starting compounds derived from biomass or natural resources. Using renewable starting materials is paramount to enable development of sustainable materials, towards a circular economy. In addition to this, there are major concerns about the use of polymers that persist in the environment.

In this project, bio-based block co-polymers will be synthesised using monomers derived from renewable resources. Amphiphilic block co-polymers are targeted as they have many applications in polymer liquid formulations, which have been recently identified as a key area for improvement by the RSC Sustainability Perspective. Here, bio-based polymers will be investigated and their degradation under environmental conditions will also be considered. The project will include polymer synthesis, characterisation, investigation into solution properties and environmental degradation studies.

This is an exciting area of research with many new discoveries to be made. You will join a team of researchers within our department working in the field of sustainable polymer chemistry. Your primary supervisor will be Dr Fiona Hatton, with expertise in bio-based polymers, polymer synthesis and co-polymer self-assembly. You will join a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive research team at Loughborough, with opportunities for collaboration with other internationally leading groups in academia and industry.

Loughborough University has an applied research culture. In REF 2021, 94% of the work submitted was judged to be top-rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'.

We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration. Through our Doctoral College there are continual opportunities for building important research skills and networks among your peers and research academics.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Dr Fiona Hatton f.hatton@lboro.ac.uk

Name of secondary supervisor:
Dr Amanda Pearce
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/chemistry/staff/amanda-pearce/

Entry requirements:
Applicants are expected to have a background in Chemistry, Materials, Polymer Science, or related discipline with at least a 2:1 or equivalent. Applicants with a Masters level qualification (or equivalent experience) will be preferred.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: Yes Bench fee value: 4000

Closing date of advert: 1st July 2026

Start date: October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Fee band: 2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)

How to Apply:

• Stage 1 - To apply for this position, please contact Dr Fiona Hatton by email to discuss your application (f.hatton@lboro.ac.uk) with a CV, academic transcripts and confirmation of funding source.
• Stage 2 - After discussing your application with Dr Hatton, all applications should be made online. Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme Materials. Please quote the advertised reference number MP-FH-2602 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

Project search terms:
polymer chemistry, polymers, synthetic chemistry, sustainable materials, biodegradable polymers