SEPnet Doctoral Training Network: SME collaborative PhD studentship in Materials Physics
PhD project
The Research Group
The Materials Physics group is led by Professor Alan Dalton .
The Project
Ceramic materials within X-ray scanners can lose mechanical integrity due to deleterious charging. Imparting an electrical dissipative coating to the ceramic or creating a ceramic composite containing conductive particles may offer a cost-effective solution. It is known that when conducting particles are distributed in an insulating matrix, there is a statistical threshold at which current can flow through the composite when the filler particles are macroscopically inter-connected. In collaboration with Advanced Material Development , the Sussex Team have previously produced conducting graphene materials from graphene oxide by thermal reduction within a polymer matrix. GO thermal reduction is highly exothermic and can result in spontaneous ignition, while thermal runaway gives estimated adiabatic local temperatures well above 1200°C – comparable to decomposition enthalpies of explosives such as nitrocellulose and TNT. It should therefore be possible to both sinter and impart conductivity in one step during preparation of ceramic paste materials. The project will develop both coatings and composites with adjustable electrical and thermal conductivities. Structure property relationships will be analysed using a range of techniques including photoelectron spectroscopy, mechanical spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The materials’ robustness to Xray exposure will be tested as a function nanoparticle inclusion. Finally, prototype structures will be fabricated and tested.
Project supervisors: Professor Alan Dalton and Dr Alice King .
South-East Physics Network (SEPnet) comprises nine universities working together to deliver excellence in physics. Find out more about the SME Doctoral Training Network here and the Graduate Network here .
Amount
- Fully-paid tuition fees for three and a half years
- Tax-free bursary for living costs for three and a half years. From October 2021/22 this is expected to be £15560 per year
- Additional funding towards research consumables and training costs
Eligibility
Applicants must hold, or expect to hold, at least a UK upper second class degree (or non-UK equivalent qualification) in Physics, or a closely-related area, or a lower second class degree followed by a relevant Master's degree.
Only UK Higher Education “Home Fee” status applicants and EU residents satisfying the three-year residency requirement are eligible. The funding is for three and a half years and covers tax-free stipend at UKRI rates, UK fees and some research and travel costs.
Deadline
The term start date will be 9th May 2022, with funding available from 1 February 2022. Applications will be accepted until midnight, 19th April 2022.
How to apply
Apply through the University of Sussex on-line system.
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply/log-into-account
Select the PhD in Physics, with an entry date of September 2022.
In the Finance & Fees section, state that you wish to be considered for studentship reference SEPnet/MPS/2021
Contact us
For practical questions about the progress of your on-line application or your eligibility, please contact Emma Ransley at [email protected]
For academic questions about the project, contact Professor Alan Dalton at [email protected]