PhD Studentship: Surface and Suspension Dynamics in the Alignment of Recycled Fibres

[Fully-funded PhD studentship; tuition fees and stipend available for Home & International students. Self-funded and externally funded applicants also welcome.] This fully-funded PhD studentship at The University of Edinburgh focuses on the surface and suspension dynamics in the alignment of recycled fibres, a critical challenge for the composites industry as it moves towards a circular economy. The project addresses the need to recover value from recycled carbon and glass fibres, which are often downcycled due to their short and randomly aligned nature. Achieving scalable and energy-efficient alignment of these fibres from irregular, reclaimed feedstocks is essential for their reintegration into high-performance composite products. The research will investigate how fibre surface attributes and suspension behaviour affect alignment efficiency, process stability, and the performance of remanufactured composites. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with industrial partners such as Gen 2 Carbon, Sigmatex, and Teijin Europe, offering opportunities for knowledge exchange and technical site visits. Key objectives include characterising the surface properties of reclaimed fibres, studying their suspension behaviour (dispersion, settling, agglomeration), and exploring the impact of these properties on alignment and consolidation. The project will also use computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM) simulations to predict fibre-fluid interactions and guide experimental design. Applicants should have a strong background in a relevant science or engineering discipline, with essential skills in 3D CAD, laboratory work, and analytical methods. Experience with DoE, statistical modelling, process modelling, LCA, and coding (Python or MATLAB) is desirable. The studentship covers tuition fees and a stipend for both Home and International students, and applications from self-funded or externally funded candidates are also welcome. The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality and inclusivity. Applications must be submitted via the university’s online system and include a research proposal, motivation letter, CV, and transcripts. Early application is encouraged as the position will be filled once a suitable candidate is found. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Wini Obande.