PhD Research Studentships

Dynamics of drops with adsorbed bio-surfactants

Supervisor: Ahmed ISMAIL
Apply by:30 April 2023
Start in:April (Semester 3)

Description

Note that the selected applicant is required to enrol as soon as possible, before 3rd July 2023.

There is a global need to study the dynamics of complex fluid drops. Understanding the dynamics of drops containing nano-suspensions or with bio-surfactants that are fully adsorbed on the drop surface can allow us, for example, to break the limitations on the materials that can be printed.

In this project we aim to develop a novel printing technique based on the knowledge acquired from studying the dynamics of complex fluid drops. The societal and environmental impact of this technology will be enormous: Research predicts that the total market for printed, flexible and organic electronics will grow from $41 billion in 2020 to $74 billion in 2030; in the UK, the inkjet printing segment of this market is projected to grow more than any other in the next 5 years.

The preparation understanding the dynamics of printable nano-suspension inks is a fundamental bottleneck of the technology. To ensure stability, printability, and control over the coffee ring effect, the inks need to be additized with binders, surfactants, antifoaming agents. Bio-based surfactants present sustainable opportunities to lower petroleum consumption by raising renewable resources and reducing the amount of additional carbon in the atmosphere.

This studentship is part of the Green Energy EPSRC doctoral training programme and the project is in collaboration with several industrial partners. This opportunity is for a highly motivated person who is willing to dedicate full time to do experimental and theoretical work and has passion toward learning new things and conducting scientific research.

Funding

Funded by: EPSRC
Note that the selected applicant is required to enrol as soon as possible, before 3rd July 2023.

This EPSRC DTP studentship is fully funded and includes a 3.5 years stipend (set at £19,668 for 2022/23) and fees at the home level.

Eligibility

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
  • Candidates are expected to start in April (Semester 3).
  • SEMS and Principal-funded studentships: this studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)
  • Note that Queen Mary Research Studentships cover home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)
  • Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Ahmed ISMAIL.

Apply

Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Mechanical Engineering part-time programme (Semester 3 / April start):

Apply Now »

Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-406" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Keywords:Chemical Engineering, Engineering - Other, Manufacturing, Chemical Physics, Physics - Other