Network Polymer Degradation in Exterior Coatings

About the Project

With an estimated 14 billion tonnes of microplastics accumulated on the ocean floor, concern for the damage inflicted on marine ecosystems is growing. Paint was, until recently, largely overlooked as a source of microplastics pollution when compared to consumer plastics, however emerging analysis indicates that it contributes significantly, with exterior architectural (wall and masonry) paints presenting a particular source for concern. To address this problem at the source, manufacturers first need to understand the mechanism of degradation and plastics release. This PhD project will therefore focus on identifying relevant degradation mechanisms in relevant polymer systems using the extensive nano-characterisation capabilities at the University of Manchester. In particular, the influence of microstructural defects such as voids, fluctuations in temperature and the presence of airborne pollutants on network structures will be examined.

This project will suit a student with an interest in materials characterisation and a background in chemistry, physics, materials science, polymer science or related disciplines. The project will be based at the University of Manchester in the Department of Materials, where over the past decade, specialised tools have been developed in close partnership with AkzoNobel (Europe’s largest paint company) to explore fundamental phenomena underpinning the performance of protective paint from the aerospace, marine and packaging sectors. The Ph.D. student will be embedded in a dynamic research environment located in the new Engineering building, with unrivalled access to facilities including purpose built state-of-the-art corrosion laboratories, advanced microscopy suites, and extensive polymer and surface characterisation capabilities.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD project can be considered for competitive funding. If funding is secured it will provide a tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.

We also welcome applications from student who are self-funded or who have external funding.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.