MSc By Research - Control of the Electrical Properties of Polymer/graphene Composites

Supported by ABB Switzerland Ltd, a studentship of up to £12,000 for one year plus UK/EU fees is available*

Cranfield University currently have a vacancy for a high-calibre graduate to undertake an MSc by research project in the area of graphene/polymer composites with a focus on the manipulation of local conductivity of these materials.

Since the isolation of graphene, in 2004, the fabrication of graphene-based polymer composites has attracted considerable attention due to the potentially vast enhancement of the host matrix properties.

Graphene combines exceptional physical properties (electrical and thermal conductivity, tensile strength) with an extremely high surface area and aspect ratio. This allows the development of materials with enhanced properties at very low filler concentrations.

This project will focus on the development of a process that achieves manipulation of the local electrical characteristics of polymer/graphene composites. The work will involve the investigation of a novel physico-chemical route for the modification of electrical response of graphene nanoparticles, extension of this to the relevant polymer composites, the evaluation of the electrical behaviour of the composites and the production of a small scale demonstrator of the concept.

The successful applicant will be based at the Composites Centre at Cranfield University. This project is sponsored by ABB Switzerland Ltd. Significant interaction with the company and the industrial supervisor is expected.

Informal enquiries should be made initially to Dr Alex Skordos.

E: a.a.skordos@cranfield.ac.uk