PhD in Performance Optimisation Of Polymer Composites

Funding Source: DLA award/nWe are seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate to join the Centre for Polymers and Composites (CPC) at WMG, University of Warwick to work on: Environmental effects on the long-term mechanical performance of short-fibre-reinforced thermoplastics (ENFORM)./nShort-fibre reinforced thermoplastics (SFRPs) are widely used in industries such as automotive and electrical engineering. During service, these materials are frequently exposed to harsh environments involving elevated temperatures, oxygen, and moisture. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can lead to a significant deterioration of their mechanical performance./nThis PhD project aims to investigate the mechanisms governing the long-term evolution of material properties in short-fibre reinforced thermoplastics with different polymer matrices, such as polyamides, polyphenylene sulphide, and isotactic polypropylene. The study will focus on ageing induced by temperature, moisture, and oxygen, with particular emphasis on hydrolytic and thermo-oxidative ageing processes. Both short-term mechanical properties (e.g. tensile strength and impact resistance) and long-term properties (including creep and fatigue behaviour) will be analysed./nFurthermore, the project will develop physics-assisted artificial intelligence (AI) models that integrate experimental data with fundamental physical principles to predict the evolution of mechanical properties during ageing./nThe project is sponsored by the Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI)./nThe studentship includes a full stipend and covers UK tuition fees. The start date will be on or before September 2026. The research will be carried out at the Centre for Polymers and Composites of WMG, University of Warwick. Supervisors: Prof. Ton Peijs, Dr. Leonid Pasthukov.