About the project
This project aims to understand and control photochemically initiated radical polymerisation under solvent free conditions for the design and synthesis of high-performance coatings for next generation optical fiber.
Speciality optical fibre polymer coatings are essential in fields like medical technology, sensing, defence, and industrial monitoring. Monomer synthesis, photochemical initiation, and the organic free radical processes that follow during curing, dictate the resultant polymer performance properties. The project will explore synthetic organic solutions for challenges facing our industrial funder. This includes the development of coatings for:
- UV-curable yet UV-transparent coatings
- extremes of temperature and other environmental conditions
- programmable (bio)degradation for increased sustainability
The industrial funder has a site at the Chilworth Science Park, adjacent to the University, which will facilitate regular collaborative meetings and provide opportunities to use the state-of-the-art facilities at both the University and the industrial partner. This project will suit you if you are interested in organic synthesis with applications in sustainable materials science. There will also be opportunities for an industrial placement.
Training will be provided in organic synthesis, including photochemistry, and thermomechanical characterisation of the resultant polymers. There are several taught modules in Chemistry for graduate students depending on their level of interest and experience, including Advanced Spectroscopy, Safety, NMR, Designing Organic Syntheses, Organic Reactions, Mechanisms and Synthesis. You will gain industrial experimental experience and receive mentorship, including careers and skills development.
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
