PhD Studentship: 3D Multi-material Inkjet Printing Scale-up for Functional Structures and Electronics

Location: UK Other

Supervisors: Professor Richard Hague, Professor Chris Tuck, Dr. Geoffrey Rivers

PhD project description: Inkjet printing allows multiple materials to be 3D-printed concurrently, rather than sequentially. Discovering how to leverage this will open new opportunities in manufacturing: structural and medical components with mechanical and chemical properties that vary across dimensions, fully 3D-printed electronics integrated into structures, and responsive materials tuned to their environment. In this PhD studentship, we will develop the materials, methods, and designs to control the 3D distribution of differing functional materials, giving high-resolution control over graded properties, graded chemistries, and 3D-integrated components. This PhD studentship will take advantage of unique leading-edge multi-material inkjet 3D printing equipment, only available at Nottingham’s Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM), opening new opportunities to scale up research of designs and production. In this role, you will develop control over the bonding at interfaces between materials and layers, achieving new engineering solutions only possible through multi-material additive manufacturing. 

Completion of this PhD will prepare you for routes into both industry and academia. You will have access to the equipment and expertise of the Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM), one of the largest 3D printing research groups in the world with leading-edge equipment unavailable anywhere else. You will perform hands-on research in world-class laboratory facilities with leading experts in development of materials, techniques, and characterisation methods for functional 3D printing, where you will develop skills in photopolymer chemistry, materials development for 3D printing (including resins, composites, nanomateirals, and ceramics), design engineering, and materials processing for additive manufacturing. You will also develop skills in characterisation, including electron microscopy, mechanical analysis, and advanced spectrometry techniques.   

An ideal candidate will have interest in 3D printing and its applications, a knowledge of materials sciences and/or digital design, and an inquisitive spirit motivated to develop a world-leading expertise.

Eligibility

• Due to funding restrictions, the position is only available for UK candidates
• Candidates must possess or expect to obtain, a 2:1 or first-class degree in a Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physical Sciences related discipline.

How to apply

Please send a copy of your covering letter, CV and academic transcripts to geoffrey.rivers@nottingham.ac.uk referring to the project title. 

Closing date: applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed.

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