About the Project

Imagine a greener world where composite materials are both multifunctional and sustainable – in this EngD you will design, develop, and engineer next-generation marine materials targeting key functional, structural, and environmental requirements now and into the future. Multifunctional materials are ‘disruptive’ gamechangers, and we are therefore seeking a dynamic forward-thinking individual with the ability to design environmentally friendly net zero solutions which transitions seamlessly between functional and structural materials on both the local level and within the global structure. Currently, there is no clear environmental policy on end-of-life disposal or specific recycling requirements for multifunctional materials. However, environmental requirements are now starting to emerge on the global mission to achieve net zero. Our industrial partner (Tods Technology) is committed to contributing to this environmental remit and require dedicated research on effective recycling methods and the use of more sustainable multifunctional matrix materials that do not significantly degrade structural, physical and long-term environmental performance. The EngD student will:

• Conduct a detailed critical review to establish best current practice for the marine sector and create new practices that enable environmental sustainability.
• Select appropriate recycling methods and new candidate sustainable and multifunctional matrix materials aligned to the requirements of the industrial partner.
• Identify appropriate efficient manufacturing processes to produce candidate materials and proof-of-concept demonstrators.
• Devise a comprehensive characterisation campaign to investigate structural and multifunctional performance, and environmental compatibility through-life and at the end-of-life.
• Be conducted in close collaboration with the Engineering Design Hub at Tods Technology with the final three years of the programme utilising their expertise and facilities in an industrial setting for scale-up.