PhD in Polymers

This interdisciplinary PhD project at the University of Birmingham will develop the first sustainable, closed-loop recycling process for polymer-bonded NdFeB (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) magnets. The research spans the full value chain: identifying and characterising real electronic waste streams, solvent-based polymer removal and powder recovery, remanufacturing recycled magnets, and evaluating magnetic performance. The project includes chemical recycling approaches to selectively dissolve the polymer matrix, recovery of high-purity NdFeB powder suitable for reuse, environmental and techno-economic assessment, and opportunities to use process modelling tools (Aspen HYSYS, SimaPro). Training and hands-on experience with facilities such as ICP-OES, SEM, GC-MS, and magnetic permeametry are provided. The PhD is supported by EPSRC's Doctoral Landscape Award and industrial collaboration with Heraeus and SGTec.