PhD Studentship - Energy Efficient Processing of Thermoplastic Composites The University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom

[Tuition fees plus stipend are available for Home/EU and International students; the project is also part-funded by an industrial partner.]

PhD Studentship in Energy Efficient Processing of Thermoplastic Composites at The University of Edinburgh.

This research project focuses on the energy-efficient processing of cyclic butylene terephthalate (CBT) composites, with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint associated with advanced composites manufacturing. Thermoplastic composites are increasingly important because they combine strong mechanical performance with recyclability, repairability, and circular-economy benefits. However, many high-performance thermoplastics require very high processing temperatures, making manufacturing energy-intensive and expensive. This PhD will explore novel processing methods, including targeted induction heating and in-situ polymerisation approaches, to enable lower-energy composite fabrication.

The project is a collaboration with an industrial partner (Metol), and the post is part-funded. The successful student will gain hands-on experience in composites manufacturing and characterisation, including work with DSC, SEM, rheometers, thermal and electrical conductivity measurements, and mechanical testing. The project also offers training in experimental data analysis, advanced materials characterisation, and scientific writing.

Supervision: Professor Dipa Roy (Principal Supervisor) and Professor Konstantin Kamenev (Assistant Supervisor).

Eligibility: Applicants should have an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or international equivalent), and an MSc may be beneficial. The call particularly welcomes candidates expecting a first-class degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related subject. English language requirements apply for EU/Overseas applicants.

Funding: Tuition fees plus stipend are available for Home/EU and International students, and applicants with their own funding are also welcome.

Deadline: 31 July 2026.

Application: Use the University of Edinburgh application page to submit your PhD application. Informal enquiries can be sent to [email protected].