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3-year PhD studentship: Functional Devices and Structures through 3D Multi-material Printing Scale-Up

Engineering

Supervisors: Professor Richard Hague¹, Professor Chris Tuck¹, Dr. Geoffrey Rivers¹ (¹Faculty of Engineering)

PhD project description: Inkjet printing allows multiple materials to be 3D-printed simultaneously, rather than sequentially, allowing for highly complex structures and devices. Discovering the interactions of these materials and how to leverage this advanced manufacturing process will open new opportunities: structures and devices with mechanical and chemical properties that vary across dimensions; fully 3D-printed electronics integrated into structural components; and devices with mechanical or electrical responses encoded into their structure. However, we don’t yet know how to design these complex printed parts, and are still developing new leading-edge materials to grant them new capabilities.

In this PhD studentship, you will develop the materials, methods, and designs necessary to 3D-print never-before created devices. You will investigate how to control the 3D distribution of differing functional materials, aiming to create graded properties, graded chemistries, and 3D-integrated components. In this role, you will develop new engineering solutions only possible through multi-material additive manufacturing. You will have access to the equipment and expertise of the Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM), one of the largest 3D printing research groups in the world. Here, you will take advantage of unique leading-edge multi-material inkjet 3D printing equipment, only available at CfAM, which will open new opportunities to scale up your research of designs and materials.

Completion of this PhD will prepare you for routes into both industry and academia. You will perform hands-on research in world-class laboratory facilities with leading experts in development of materials, techniques, and characterisation methods for functional 3D printing, where you will develop skills in photopolymer chemistry, materials development for 3D printing (including resins, composites, nanomateirals, and ceramics), design engineering, and materials processing for additive manufacturing.  You will also develop skills in characterisation, including electron microscopy, mechanical analysis, and advanced spectrometry techniques.  

An ideal candidate will have interest in 3D printing and its applications, knowledge of materials sciences and/or digital design, and an inquisitive spirit motivated to develop a world-leading expertise.

Eligibility

• Due to funding restrictions, the position is only available for UK candidates

• Candidates must possess or expect to obtain, a 2:1 or first-class degree in a Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a Physical Sciences related discipline.

How to apply

Please send a copy of your covering letter, CV and academic transcripts to geoffrey.rivers@nottingham.ac.uk referring to the project title. 

Closing date: applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed.