Modelling and Design of Sustainable Fibre Composites University of Strathclyde in United Kingdom

This PhD project at the University of Strathclyde focuses on the modelling and design of sustainable fibre composites, which are increasingly used in applications such as aerospace and wind turbines due to their lightweight and high-strength properties. Traditional fibre composites use carbon or glass fibres embedded in a thermoset polymer matrix, but this project explores the use of covalent adaptable networks (CANs) as a sustainable alternative. CANs allow for bond exchange under specific conditions, enabling reprocessing and easier recycling of composite materials.

The research will investigate the critical interface between the fibre and polymer matrix, a known weak point in composite materials. By functionalising fibres and studying their dispersion in the resin, the project aims to understand how inhomogeneities near the fibre surface affect network formation and mechanical properties. Experimental characterisation of this interface is challenging, so the project will employ coarse-grained models and molecular dynamics simulations to gain molecular-level insights into network formation at the fibre surface. The model will be further developed to simulate bond exchange in CANs and to explore the effects of fibre functionalisation on the formation and interfacial structure of both thermoset and CAN-based composites.

Students will be part of the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering and will also be registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), a supplementary qualification designed to enhance research skills, professional networks, and career prospects. The project offers a multidisciplinary research environment, combining computational chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science.

Applicants should hold or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 undergraduate degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline and should be highly motivated to undertake multidisciplinary research. The project is currently awaiting a funding outcome, and further details about the department and research environment can be found on the university's website.

The application deadline is March 31, 2026. Interested candidates should prepare their application materials and apply online via the University of Strathclyde's portal. For more information, visit the department's website or the FindAPhD project page.