PhD Studentship: Bio-based Sustainable Materials for Autonomous Thermal Management in Wearables

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: 13^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 Yi Liu

Name(s) of secondary supervisor(s) if known: Dr Fiona Hatton

Primary supervisor email address: y.liu2@lboro.ac.uk

Primary supervisor telephone number: +441509223156

Link to supervisor's online staff profile page: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/materials/staff/yi-liu/

Link to secondary supervisor(s) online staff profile page(s): https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/materials/staff/fiona-hatton/

Project detail:

Join the Polymer Group at Department of Materials Loughborough University, one of the UK’s top institutions renowned for its excellence in research and teaching, as well as its global reputation in sports science and engineering. This studentship offers a unique opportunity to work within a world-class research environment, benefiting from cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative academic community.

This exciting research project focuses on developing bio-based sustainable materials that autonomously manage body temperature, monitor thermal changes, enhance comfort, and support environmental sustainability. By integrating advanced materials science with sports technology, this interdisciplinary project targets innovative solutions for the next generation of wearable sportswear.

Why Choose Loughborough University?
World-Leading Research: Ranked in the top 10 in major UK league tables, Loughborough excels in engineering and materials science research.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to advanced materials processing and testing equipment.
Supportive Environment: Collaborate with leading academic and industrial partners.
Career Opportunities: Successful completion of this project will position you strongly for roles in academia and industry.

What You’ll Do
Develop and test bio-based polymer (nano)composites.
Explore their application in sportswear for dynamic thermal management.
Work as part of a supportive and innovative team to deliver impactful research.

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomaterials, Bioengineering, or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in polymer processing, polymer extrusion and compression moulding, materials characterisation, and nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets would be an advantage. Experience in using software like LabVIEW for data acquisition and analysis, and knowledge on smart materials with self-regulating heating capabilities as well as a good knowledge of polymer physics, are desirable.

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. Under programme name, select *AACME/ Materials*. Please quote the advertised reference number: * AACME-24-046* 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: manufacturing engineering, materials science - other

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

Advert information