PhD Research Studentships
Additively manufactured nanocomposite microstructures towards macroscale superlubricity and hydrophobicity
| Supervisors: | Dimitrios PAPAGEORGIOU, Colin CRICK and Han ZHANG |
| Apply by: | 31 January 2024 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Friction-related energy losses represent a significant challenge in the realm of industrial engineering, accounting for a substantial portion of energy wastage and economic resources globally. In addition to this, wear failure in mechanically moving parts is a persistent issue that demands attention. This proposed project focuses on leveraging materials engineering and additive manufacturing techniques to address these challenges.
The project aims to utilize additive manufacturing, a scalable engineering process, to create intricate surface profiles with increased roughness at a macroscopic level. Additive manufacturing processes will be tuned to achieve precise control over microstructural features, ensuring reproducibility and scalability for large-scale applications. During the manufacturing process, engineering polymers will be combined with advanced nanomaterials (graphene, MoS2, MXenes) and 3D printed through stereolithography and fused deposition modelling. This will enable the creation of continuous geometric patterns, such as microdimples, grooves, and grids from these nanocomposites that can enable superlubrication phenomena. Additionally, the hydrophobicity of the produced structures will allow reduction of the adhesion of contaminants, provide stable lubrication, and enhance swelling and degradation resistance by preventing water accumulation. The group has extensive expertise in additive manufacturing processes and polymer nanocomposites (representative references can be found below).
The scalability of additive manufacturing and the potential for repairing and reusing printed structures offer a competitive edge to the project. The successful implementation of these techniques will enhance lubrication performance across various demanding applications, significantly reducing energy losses and enhancing the durability of mechanical components under diverse conditions. The project will address fundamental challenges in materials engineering with far-reaching implications for efficiency, sustainability, and performance across a spectrum of real-world applications.
(1) Composites Part B: Engineering. 2022, 237, 109871
(2) Advanced Functional Materials, 2021, 31 (46), 2103334
(3) Progress in Materials Science, 2017, 90, 75
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
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 minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Dimitrios PAPAGEORGIOU, Colin CRICK or Han ZHANG.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Materials Science full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-537" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/d.papageorgiou | |
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Chemical Engineering, Engineering - Other, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Materials Science - Other, Polymers |