Energy Innovation: Fully Funded KESS II MSc by Research Scholarship: Development of green low surface energy (superhydrophobic) materials for various surfaces
*This scholarships is part funded by the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund (ESF) programme for East Wales.*
Start date: October 2019
Energy Safety Research Institute (ESRI) is working on the green low surface energy materials (LSEMs) to develop alternatives to costly and environmentally hazardous waterproof analogues. The existing waterproof coatings are made of Fluorocarbons which are bio-persistent and very expensive. The novel and green materials, developed by ESRI, are potentially valuable materials as they can be applied to variety of surfaces to make them environmentally friendly and non-hazardous (e.g. when in contact with skin).
The main purpose of this post is to develop green and environmentally friendly LSEMs for variety of surfaces. The successful candidate will be expected to assist in the following areas: Identify the required surfaces, develop methods to apply the coatings, gathering, preparation and analysis of data, and present results.
This work can have numerous benefits for environment as well as improving the quality of life. This is because products coated with these materials can be recycled, have durability and used for longer, and can improve consumer’s satisfactions. Scholarships are collaborative awards with external partners including SMEs and micro companies, as well as public and third sector organisations. The scholarship provides 1 year funding with a 3 month period to complete the thesis. The achievement of a postgraduate skills development award, PSDA, is compulsory for each KESS II scholar and is based on a 30 credit award.