EngD in Composites Manufacture - Centre for Doctoral Training in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering

Funding for (UK/EU/o’seas): Home/permanent UK residents subject to security clearance

Duration 4 years

Start Date September 2025

De-fossilisation of Carbon Fibre sponsored by National Composites Centre (NCC) (Supervisor: Professor Steve Eichhorn)

Carbon fibres enable strategic advantages for multiple UK manufacturing sectors. For instance, increased blade length for wind turbines and high-pressure hydrogen storage systems both being enablers of a green, clean and secure future energy mix. Furthermore, they offer modular build opportunities with lower costs and reduced social burdens, while providing highly durable, high-performance, and environmentally resistant systems. However, recent innovation in the carbon fibre production process has been limited, with most using technology from the 1970s. The NCC is investing in research capability, skills to create sovereign IP that underpins UK carbon fibre production to enable innovation towards net zero, defossilised fibre. The EngD project will:

• Utilise a new carbon fibre pilot production line to be installed in January 2026
• Focus on the precursor/doping materials to produce alternative carbon fibres
• Create benchmarking procedures to demonstrate mechanical performance
• Stimulate your interest in producing new sustainable alternatives to current carbon fibre materials by developing energy efficient production processes
• Work in close collaboration with the Centre for Process Innovation
• Be part of a large cohort of EngD CDT students that conduct their research at NCC and offer benefit from

How to apply:

To apply please submit a personal statement, outlining your experience and why you are interested in the PhD project, your CV and transcript of results to www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply. Please do not submit a project description; this is unnecessary as the project is already defined. Please select EngD in Composites Manufacture and enter Professor Janice Barton the Director of the CDT as the 2^nd supervisor (janice.barton@bristol.ac.uk)

Candidate requirements: Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum a 2:1 MEng or merit at Masters level or equivalent in engineering, physics or chemistry. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree and performance at interview.

Funding: An enhanced stipend of £25,789 (based on UKRI 2024/25 rate), a fee waiver and generous research financial support for the successful candidates.

Contact: isce-cdt@bristol.ac.uk

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