PhD Studentship in Lubrication with Polymeric Additives

About the Project

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of Tribology and Lubrication, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK student rate) provided EPSRC/Shell IDLA award. EPSRC candidates should fulfil the eligibility criteria for the award.

Lubricants are commonly used to ensure energy efficiency and durability of machines. They contain additives to improve various performance targets. Polymeric additives are most commonly used as viscosity modifiers. Viscosity modifiers allow the use of low viscosity base oils which improve machine efficiency by reducing the power needed to circulate and shear the lubricant. Interestingly, polymeric additives are multifunctional and can potentially be used as friction modifiers. This experimental project aims to provide fundamental understanding on working mechanisms of polymeric friction modifiers. We will explore how polymer friction modifiers interact with rubbing surfaces and their effects of rheology and flow of lubricants. Advanced laser diagnostic characterisation techniques will be used. This will enable design of high performance multifunctional polymeric additives.

The project will be hosted by the Tribology Group at Imperial College London, a world renowned tribology group, with a multicultural and multidisciplinary teams of about 60 people. There will also be regular interactions with the industrial sponsor.

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a 2:1 honours degree or above in chemistry, chemical and mechanical engineering or a related subject, and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential.

To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/research/

For information on how to apply, go to:

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/

For further details of the post contact Dr Janet Wong j.wong@imperial.ac.uk. Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae to Dr Wong. Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.

Closing date: until post filled

Funding Notes

The post is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK student rate) provided EPSRC/Shell IDLA award. EPSRC candidates should fulfil the eligibility criteria for the award.