Sustainable materials and manufacturing

About the Project

Polyurethane (PU) foams are vital components in the manufacturing of respiratory assist biomedical devices. Their tuneable mechanical properties, biocompatibility and versatility make them ideal materials to filter debris, smoke, biohazards and dust from gases before they are inhaled by the patient. Unfortunately, due to the petroleum-based feedstock of these foams and their limited biodegradability, they have adverse environmental impacts and due to their volume of use (being used mostly in single-use devices) and waste generation it is imperative that we develop more sustainable alternative foam materials for the industry that are ideally recyclable and/or biodegradable. Also toxic additives such as flame retardants must be avoided and all feedstock sourced responsibly. Replacement materials must meet necessary performance and safety standards as per Medical Device Regulations and quality standards. This project aims to research novel materials to replace existing unsustainable materials and undertake material testing to demonstrate their suitability for foam manufacturing in the sector, including optimisation of manufacturing methods. Life cycle thinking will be used to assess (LCA) the base case and replacement materials to demonstrate overall net environmental benefit from the mitigations proposed in this project.

Project Objectives:

1. Scoping of novel materials (literature review) then bench-testing (material properties) most promising alternative materials
2. Full testing of 2 best candidate materials and evaluation of manufacturing methods for compatibility within the industrial setting.
3. Conduct life cycle sustainability assessments (LCA) of the best 2 candidate materials and compare with the current practice to demonstrate improvements from cradle to grave towards a sustainable development.

We are looking for a student who feels passionately about sustainability that wants to help us make a difference with the support of the sponsoring company who are spearheading sustainability in the biomedical sector.

You must have a strong chemistry background and be able to use a holistic systems thinking approach towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Training will be provided in all the tools as part of the project (materials testing, manufacturing methods, microscopy and life cycle sustainability assessment training. You will have access to state of the art facilities at Brunel University of London department of Mechanical Engineering (material testing, manufacturing research and LCA) as well as the Wolfson Centre for Materials. Research visits to the company will provide hands on manufacturing experience in a business environment for a global manufacturer. Opportunities for employment in the company are available for researchers that excel in this project.

APPLICATION - please EMAIL YOUR CV including a recent photograph. Include a list of modules for your UG degree and if applicable PG degree with grades. Include a description of the research skills you possess (bulleted list) and details of any research projects undertaken (lab, software, field skills). You must include at least 2 referees that can be contacted by phone and email. Please advise that you will require a reference from them.

The project will begin in October or as soon as a suitable applicant is recruited.

Funding Notes

Tuition fees are paid by the student. Depending on progress. The fees may be funded (Home fees only) once student is established in post.

Industry funded Student Bursary available.