AMP - Acoustically assisted Manufacturing of functional Polymers

Funding for: UK, EU and International Students

What if sound could be used to engineer the internal structure of materials during manufacturing? AMP will develop new acoustic methods to organise filler particles and control crystallisation in polymer composites, progressing from laboratory-scale experiments to high-temperature polymer melts. By combining experimental acoustics, materials processing, modelling and advanced characterisation, you will help create functional composites with tailored directional properties for applications including smart sensing, tactile technologies and resilient infrastructure.

This predominantly experimental PhD will investigate how acoustic fields can control particle organisation and polymer crystallisation under increasingly realistic manufacturing conditions. You will begin with low-viscosity polymers at room temperature, establishing the relationships between acoustic fields, material properties and the resulting particle patterns. You will then progress towards polymer melts at temperatures of up to 200°C, relevant to extrusion and other industrial polymer-processing methods.

You will design and build an acoustic patterning system using ultrasonic transducers and wave guides, supported by multiphysics modelling of the acoustic fields, particle motion and polymer behaviour. The resulting composites will be examined using advanced microscopy and structural characterisation, alongside measurements of their thermal, electrical, mechanical and responsive properties.

You will join an interdisciplinary team bringing together expertise in acoustics, polymer processing, nanocomposites, modelling and ultrasound-controlled crystallisation. Working with academic and industrial partners, you will gain experience in experimental ultrasonics, composite fabrication, high-temperature processing, COMSOL modelling and advanced materials characterisation. You will have opportunities to publish your research, present at conferences and engage with industrial researchers developing new acoustic and polymer-processing technologies.

By the end of the PhD, you will have helped establish a new approach to manufacturing functional polymer composites, using sound to control material organisation as the polymer is processed and solidified. The project will advance acoustic patterning beyond low-viscosity laboratory systems and address the scientific and engineering challenges required to make it relevant to scalable, high-temperature manufacturing.

The award will cover the full tuition fees, plus a tax-free stipend, currently £21,805, paid at the prevailing UKRI rate for 3.5 years of full-time study. The award also includes a £5,000 research training support grant.

The candidate should have a good 2.1 or 1st class degree in Engineering, Physics or equivalent. This project suits those with an interest in acoustics, ultrasound, manufacturing, and polymer composites; a hands-on approach to research; and strong experimental and analytical skills. Skills in academic writing would be a big help, and training will be given in all areas. The School of Engineering boasts the Athena Gold award, reflecting our dedication to gender equality and a supportive environment.

We particularly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. The award is funded by EPSRC and open to both home and international students.