Driving polymer mechanochemistry via processing techniques

Conventionally, chemical transformations are driven by inputs such as light, heat or electricity. However, the exciting field of polymer mechanochemistry is adding to these conventions by developing the use of mechanical force to drive chemical changes. Essentially ripping molecules apart to remodel them and drive new chemical reactions.

The fundamentals of polymer mechanochemistry are widely examined on the lab scale in idealised conditions, to design exciting new mechanically sensitive structures. These activate to show transformation such as colour change, small molecule release, and generation of reactive functional groups, which can be exploited for applications in force sensors, drug delivery, and self-healing materials, respectively. However, how these mechanically sensitive polymers transition into such real-world applications has yet to be fully understood. Processing techniques used to shape and deposit polymer materials impart mechanical force to the material being handled, suggesting they might activate force-sensitive species. Thus, understanding how these mechanical forces alter polymer performance during pro-cessing will be vital to ensure polymer mechanochemistry achieves its potential. The aim of this project is to explore the relationship between polymer chemistry and processing engineering to optimise mechanochemical activation during polymer processing. This project builds on the groups work investigating polymer mechanochemistry during various flow conditions. Controlling flow conditions has been used to drive chemical transformations ranging from homolytic bond scission to opening of strained ring systems, giving rise to changes in optical properties. The project aims to design a system capable of triggering controlled transformation during processing. Driving chemical transformation using forces inherent in the processing technique leads to reduce material consumption and waste which has the potential to improve the sustainability of the processing technique.

This project is under the lead supervision of Niamh Fox (niamh.fox@manchester.ac.uk). If you have any questions about the project, please contact Niamh.

Eligibility

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at lest a 2.1 honours degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.

Publications in closely related disciplines are positively considered.

English language:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in writing and listening, and 5.5. in all other sub-tests.

TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with no subtest below 20. We do no accept ‘MyBestScore’

Pearson Test of English (PTE): At least 70 overall with no subtest below 59. Further information on language requirements can be found on our website.

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.

Funding

At The University of Manchester, we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for. Please contact the supervisor before you apply.

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.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

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