PhD Research Studentships
Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites Harnessing Compositional Complexity for Enhanced Performance
| Supervisors: | Dimitrios PAPAGEORGIOU, Michael REECE and Haixue YAN |
| Apply by: | 28 January 2026 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
This PhD project will explore complex, high entropy polymer nanocomposites — a new class of materials that achieve exceptional mechanical, thermal, and functional properties by embracing chemical diversity at the nanoscale.
Polymers and their composites are central to modern technology, offering lightweightness, tuneable mechanical properties and high adaptability. However, traditional design approaches rely on simple formulations and limited combinations of components. This project will instead take inspiration from the emerging concept of high-entropy materials, where compositional complexity and controlled disorder can lead to unexpected stability and performance [1].
By combining multiple polymers and nanofillers, the aim is to develop multicomponent nanocomposites that outperform conventional systems in mechanical properties, thermal stability, barrier properties, and multifunctionality [2-5]. You will investigate how nanoscale mixing, interfacial interactions, and molecular dynamics contribute to this performance — and how these effects can be tuned through composition and processing.
The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in nanocomposite fabrication and processing, advanced characterisation (microscopy, spectroscopy, and thermal/mechanical/electrical/dielectric testing), and data-driven analysis to uncover structure–property relationships.
The project will be based in the School of Engineering and Materials Science at Queen Mary University of London and will form part of a broader research effort in advanced and sustainable materials. The student will work closely with collaborators from academia and industry and have access to world-class facilities.
This studentship offers an excellent opportunity to develop expertise across polymer science, nanotechnology, and materials engineering, while contributing to the design of next-generation sustainable materials.
References
[1] X. Qi, X. Huang, N. Kanawal, B. Das, A. Phillips, D. G. Papageorgiou, H. Yan, E. Bilotti, M. Reece. High Entropy Engineered Polymer Blends with Enhanced Dielectric Properties and High Temperature Stability. Nature Communications, 2025, 16 (1), 9056.
[2] M. Dong, A. Soul, Y. Li, E. Bilotti, H. Zhang, P. Cataldi, D. G. Papageorgiou. Transient starch-based nanocomposites for sustainable electronics and multifunctional sensing. Advanced Functional Materials, 2025, 35 (1), 2412138.
[3] M. Dong, P. Cataldi, H. Zhang, E. Bilotti, C. Boland, A. Athanassiou, D. G. Papageorgiou. Edible and Recyclable Gelatin‐Based Electronics for High‐Precision Health and Environmental Monitoring. Advanced Science, 2025, e07950.
[4] M. Dong, G. Mastroianni, E. Bilotti, H. Zhang, D. G. Papageorgiou. Biodegradable Starch-Based Nanocomposite Films with Exceptional Water and Oxygen Barrier Properties. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2024 12 (29), 11056-11066.
[5] A. K. A. Aljarid, M. Dong, Y. Hu, C. Wei, J. Salvage, D. G. Papageorgiou, C. Boland. Smart skins based on assembled piezoresistive networks of sustainable graphene microcapsules for high precision health diagnostics. Advanced Functional Materials, 2023, 2303837.
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, Michael REECE or Haixue YAN.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD FT Materials Science full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-682" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/d.papageorgiou/ | |
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Physical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering - Other, Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, Thermodynamics, Materials Science - Other, Polymers, Experimental Physics |