PhD Studentship - Sustainable, Energy Efficient Solar Control Glazing

Professor Peter Kelly ([email protected] )

Funding info:

Fully funded PhD (fees paid at equivalent of home rate) plus annual stipend at UKRI rate (2021/22 rate £15,609pa)

Mode of study: Full time

Eligibility:

Home and overseas applicants welcome. Overseas applicants will need to pay the difference between home and overseas fees.

Key dates:

Deadline 31st May 2022

October 2022 start

Project summary

An enthusiastic materials science/engineering student is required to work on an industrially sponsored R&D project involving plasma-based deposition of nanocomposite materials for application in energy and sustainability. The work programme will involve the study of technological plasmas, thin film nanotechnology and materials properties for energy efficiency applications.

This project will contribute to the development of new designs of energy efficient glazing products, which reduce heat loss in cold climates and air conditioning costs in warmer climates, thus contributing to the drive to reduce energy consumption. It has been estimated that 36% of total EU emissions are associated with buildings and it has been estimated that up to 37% of energy consumption in EU building stock can be saved by 2050 by using high-performance glazing.

Pilkington is part of the NSG group that manufactures glass and glazing for architectural, automotive, solar and technical applications in over 100 countries. Insulating low emissivity windows are a well proven solution to glazing heat loss, as are solar-control coatings for minimising heat gain. However, it is a competitive market with constantly improving standards driven by environmental, legal and competitive forces. Innovation has led to greatly increased insulation performance and light-to-solar gain respectively.

The majority of high-performance coating solutions are based around thin silver coating layers that impart low-emissivity and heat reflective properties. However, the ultimate thermal and optical performance of these products is still evolving as better coating systems are researched and implemented. This forms the basis of this project, in which we aim to identify improved dielectric materials to aid thermal and aesthetic design choices for solar control.

Specific requirements of the project

The candidate is required to have a background in engineering, materials science or chemistry, alongside an interest in sustainability. The candidate will need to demonstrate adaptability due to the multi-disciplinary nature of the work, and the capacity to carry out experimental work safely, and with precision. An ability to work as part of a diverse team, to meet deadlines and produce reports and presentations of a high standard to a range of audiences is essential. Applicants will also require initiative, self-motivation, and creativity in their thinking. Good communication and organisation skills, and the ability to critically evaluate their own work, as well as published scientific literature, will also be necessary. Experience of thin film deposition techniques and/or materials characterisation (e.g. SEM, EDX, XPS, XRD, Raman, UV-Vis) will be an advantage, but is not essential. Training in the required techniques will be provided, where required. Importantly, the majority of the experimental work for this project will take place at the NSG European Technical Centre in Lathom near Ormskirk and the candidate must be willing and able to travel there to work on a regular basis.

How to apply: www.mmu.ac.uk/research/research-study/scholarships#ai-51124-4

Student eligibility 

Fully-funded PhD (home fees), stipend paid at UKRI rate (2021/22 rate £15,609). This opportunity is open to Home/overseas applicants. Overseas applicants will be expected to pay the difference between the home and overseas rates.