PhD Studentship: Sustainable Routes for Upcycling Copper for High-Performance Applications

This project is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).

Vision

We are seeking a highly motivated student to help to develop and scale-up a sustainable low-cost low-energy route for creating high-performance copper components from waste feedstock. The project will explore the potential of a solid-state recycling process considering technical, economic and sustainability aspects. The project will help develop a sustainable processing route for high-value high-performance nanocrystalline materials for a range of advanced engineering applications. 

Motivation

Direct solid-state conversion of low-cost materials into high-value high-performance product is a future trend in the circular economy. Traditional copper recycling, relying on energy-intensive melting methods, is unsustainable and inefficient. 

In contrast, this project will use Severe Plastic Deformation Processing as a solid-state recycling technique to revolutionise copper recycling. This project aims to upcycling copper by introducing an innovative, eco-friendly approach. The study seeks to efficiently convert copper waste into valuable copper materials with nanoscale grains without melting for high performance product. 

Aim

What sets this project apart is its unique approach, as there are currently no established recycling methods for copper waste that can simultaneously produce high-performance nanocrystalline materials from waste. You will have the opportunity to conduct feasibility assessments and microstructure and property analysis, e.g. mechanical and electrical property evaluations. 

Through significantly reduced energy consumption, preservation of material quality, and the production of nano-grained materials, this project offers a promising solution for sustainable copper manufacturing and resource conservation. 

You will have the opportunity to work with staff within the academic departments and also have the opportunity to work with the engineering teams within the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). This will give you real-world experience in working within in an industrial company, as well as experiencing the workplace and culture within it. 

Loughborough University has an applied research culture. In REF 2021, 94% of the work submitted was judged to be top-rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'. We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration. It provides a prestigious and inclusive environment for research, with a thriving doctoral community. PhD students receive generous additional funds to support individual development, including opportunity to attend conferences, and training programs.

The MTC is an independent Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) aimed at de-risking and accelerating the adoption of disruptive technologies within the UK manufacturing sphere. Supported by the UK government, the MTC works closely with industrial partners and other research organisations to deliver world leading innovation across all levels of the UK’s industrial landscape, from SMEs and start-ups to OEMs and large-scale global manufacturers.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Yau Yau Tse

Secondary supervisor: Dr Rebecca Higginson

Entry requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated candidate, experience with materials processing and materials characterisation techniques.1st or a 2:1 Bachelor or Merit/Distinction Master’s degree in a relevant field.

How to apply

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select AACME/Materials Department. Please quote the advertised reference number: AACME-24-052 in your application.

Funding Details

Funding Comment

This 3-year studentship for UK home students provides a tax-free annual stipend of £25,000, plus tuition fees.

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