PhD in Engineering Polymers and Composites

Emerging Scholars Council; Mississippi; On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend provided

Tuition fees covered

Job summary

University of Warwick's Centre for Polymers and Composites (CPC) invites applications for a PhD studentship to study long-term mechanical performance of short-fibre reinforced thermoplastics. The project combines experimental ageing studies with physics-guided AI modelling.

The successful candidate will work within an international team, using advanced facilities at WMG CPC, DPI sponsorship, and a tax-free stipend for four years. A UK-based undergraduate degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• 2:1 undergraduate (BEng, BSc, MEng) in science/tech fields such as Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Manufacturing, Physics, Chemistry.
• Postgraduate MSc qualification preferred but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Investigate ageing mechanisms in short-fibre reinforced thermoplastics under temperature, moisture and oxygen exposure.
• Develop physics-guided AI models using experimental data to predict property evolution.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team at WMG CPC and DPI-supported project.

Skills

Polymer physics

Materials science

Machine learning

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

2:1 undergraduate in science/engineering

MSc preferred

Job description

Funding Source: DLA award

Eligibility: Available to home fee status and UK domicile EU students

We Are Seeking An Enthusiastic PhD Candidate To Join The Centre For Polymers And Composites (CPC) At WMG, University Of Warwick To Work On Environmental effects on the long-term mechanical performance of short-fibre-reinforced thermoplastics (ENFORM).

Short-fibre reinforced thermoplastics (SFRPs) are widely used in industries such as automotive and electrical engineering. During service, these materials are frequently exposed to harsh environments involving elevated temperatures, oxygen, and moisture. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can lead to a significant deterioration of their mechanical performance.

Material degradation arises from slow and irreversible changes in the polymer matrix, including molecular weight reduction, cross-linking, and morphological alterations. Additionally, degradation of the fibre–matrix interface can occur, further compromising the mechanical integrity of these composites. Together, these mechanisms strongly influence the long-term behaviour and durability of these engineering plastics.

This PhD project aims to investigate the mechanisms governing the long-term evolution of material properties in short-fibre reinforced thermoplastics with different polymer matrices, such as polyamides, polyphenylene sulphide, and isotactic polypropylene. The study will focus on ageing induced by temperature, moisture, and oxygen, with particular emphasis on hydrolytic and thermo-oxidative ageing processes. Both short-term mechanical properties (e.g. tensile strength and impact resistance) and long-term properties (including creep and fatigue behaviour) will be analysed.

Furthermore, the project will develop physics-assisted artificial intelligence (AI) models that integrate experimental data with fundamental physical principles. These models will be used to predict the evolution of mechanical properties during ageing, with the goal of reducing experimental testing requirements while improving the accuracy and reliability of lifetime predictions for demanding applications.

The project is sponsored by the Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), a leading international research platform that brings industry and academia together to drive pre-competitive, fundamental research in polymers.

We welcome applicants with interests in polymer physics, materials processing and characterisation, machine learning and performance optimisation of polymer composites. A background in materials science and engineering, polymer chemistry, or a related field is preferred. Prior experience with polymers or composites would be beneficial, though not essential. Most importantly, we are looking for motivated individuals who are enthusiastic about their research and able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

The studentship includes a full stipend and covers UK tuition fees.

The start date will be on or before September 2026, making this opportunity ideal for those completing, or who have recently completed, a UK-based undergraduate degree.

The research will be carried out by using the world-leading research facilities at the Centre for Polymers and Composites of WMG, University of Warwick. The PhD studentship offers a unique opportunity to work on this exciting topic with a group of leading international industrial scientists.

Essential And Desirable Criteria

• A good 2:1 undergraduate (BEng, BSc, MEng) and/or postgraduate masters’ qualification (MSc) in a science and technology field such as Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Manufacturing, Physics, Chemistry.

Supervisors:

• Prof. Ton Peijs, Dr. Leonid Pastukhov

Funding information:

• Supporting Organisation: Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI)

Funding Comment

• The studentship will cover tuition fees and provide a tax-free stipend at the prevailing UKRI rate for four years of full-time study.