PhD in Polymers

Our substantial expertise in the synthetic chemistry, characterisation and processing of polymers and colloids is used to tackle a broad range of real-world problems.
We are interested in the sustainability of polymers & colloids, whether it be biodegradable materials for niche, speciality applications or durable polymers for high volume reuse and recycling. Minimising resource use in the whole life cycle drives our research programme.

Important analytical techniques include a suite of rheometry instruments small-angle, wide angle and grazing incidence X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS, GISAXS), optical and atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermogravimetry, aqueous electrophoresis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and various particle size analysis instruments, such as analytical centrifugation, dynamic light scattering and laser diffraction.

This cluster has a strongly interdisciplinary outward-facing ethos, as evidenced by many collaborations both with other academic disciplines (e.g. physics, biology and engineering) and industrial partners, including Unilever, Lubrizol, AkzoNobel, Ashland, Scott Bader, Syngenta, DSM, BASF, SC Johnson, BTG, GEO, Dow Chemicals, P&G, Aliaxis, Kingspan, G2O and Diamond Light Source.

Make sure you have read the following entry requirements before you complete the form. It is a good idea to contact the supervisor of any PhD opportunity you want to apply for, before you submit your application.

We usually ask for a first-class or upper second class (2:1) MChem or MSc degree, or equivalent experience, in chemistry, chemical physics, chemical engineering, materials, or a relevant biological science.

IELTS - Overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, TOEFL - Overall score of 88 with a minimum of 19 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 22 in Speaking and 19 in Writing, Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Overall score of 61 with a minimum of 56 in each component.