PhD Studentship: Fiber-based Foams for Sustainable Material Development

Is the project University funded or unfunded?: University funded

Funding eligibility (please select one): Competition funded project (students worldwide)

Is the project UKRI funded?: No

Is the project industry funded?: No

Is the project part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship?: No

Closing date of advert: 17^th February 2025

Start date: October 2025

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Who is eligible to apply?: Both UK and International

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead: Dr Hemaka Bandulasena

Name(s) of secondary supervisor(s) if known: Dr Anna Trybala, Prof Andrew Archer, Dr Dmitri Tseluiko

Primary supervisor email address: H.C.H.Bandulasena@lboro.ac.uk

Link to supervisor's online staff profile page: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/chemical/staff/hemaka-bandulasena/

Link to secondary supervisor(s) online staff profile page(s): https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/chemical/staff/anna-trybala/

Project detail:

There is a growing effort to replace oil-derived products with new, sustainable, and eco-friendly materials. Lightweight materials made from natural fibres could contribute to this transformation, provided they can meet the performance standards of current materials. Foam forming with natural fibres presents a promising avenue for creating materials with these desired properties. However, fibre foams are complex, and their properties depend on various factors, including production methods, chemical formulations, and the conditions under which they are produced. Further research is essential to develop fibre foam-based materials for emerging applications.

In this doctoral research project, the selected candidate will explore various foam formulations and apply electric fields to manipulate fibre foams, enabling control over foam properties and fibre alignment. Preliminary research by our group has shown this approach to be highly promising, though the complex interplay of physico-chemical effects and the dynamic nature of the system remain poorly understood. A systematic study, combining experimental and computational work, is needed to uncover the science underlying fibre foam systems. This understanding will pave the way for designing novel, functional fibre foam products. The project will primarily be experimental; however, there is the potential to extend the work to modelling and simulations. One of our industrial partners, with a particular interest in fibre-laden foam for sustainable product development, will also be involved in the project.

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in chemical engineering, physics, chemistry or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in experimental work will be an advantage.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

Bench fees required: No

How to Apply: 

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select *AACME/Chemical Engineering*. Please quote the advertised reference number: * AACME-24-051 * in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

Project search terms: chemical engineering

Other search terms not listed: sustainable materials, foams, characterization,

Email Address AACME: Aacme.Pgr@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk

Advert information