Steven Brown

[Industry-funded PhD studentship with stipend; UK or international funding eligibility; duration 3.5 years.] PhD studentship at the University of Warwick in the Advanced Elastomer Research Group, based at the International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM), WMG. This industry-funded project, sponsored by a global tyre industry partner, tackles major challenges in future mobility and sustainable materials. The research will investigate how nanointerfaces and polymer–filler interactions control the dynamic performance of next-generation elastomers. Topics include nanoparticle surface chemistry, carbon-based and hybrid nanomaterials, reinforcement, multifunctionality, reduced energy loss, self-healing, adaptiveness, reprocessability, and improved service life. The project combines polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, rheology, dynamic mechanical analysis, solid-state NMR, and time-resolved structural characterisation to establish fundamental microstructure–property relationships. It is designed for a highly motivated PhD researcher with a background in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline. Applicants should have or expect to hold a strong degree result (1st or upper 2nd class MSc / MChem / BSc) in chemistry, polymer science, or chemical engineering, with experience in chemical synthesis, analytical chemistry, and structure characterisation. Experience with polymers, elastomers, nanomaterials, rheology, or advanced materials characterisation is especially valued. Funding is industry-based and the studentship is open to UK or international candidates. The project duration is 3.5 years and the start date is 1 November 2026. The application deadline is 30 September 2026. Supervision is provided by Prof. Chaoying Wan and Prof. Steven Brown (Physics Department).