Flexible Polymer-Carbon Composites for Medical Sensors-Characterisation & Application
Project starts Sept/Oct 2023
A Four Year PhD Scholarship (2023-2027) in Laser Functionalisation of Flexible Polymer-Carbon Composites for Medical Sensing are now available are available immediately located at NUIG (National University of Ireland Galway). Funded by Science Foundation Ireland’s Frontiers for the Future Project fund
New carbons, such as graphene, create novel electronics at an ultra-compact scale, replacing metals, silicon and semiconductors, but are disadvantaged by complex and toxic manufacturing methods, requiring process liquids/gases, clean rooms and controlled atmospheres. This project creates flexible polymers, for sensing spatial variations in temperature, moisture and strain for smart polymer skins or smart dressings are required for wound healing, or contaminated or damaged surfaces in structural health monitoring. A single step direct laser writing (DLW) process will structure the solid carbon material in 3D to tune the composite conductivity, functionalization and sensitivity to strain, temperature and moisture.
Applicants should demonstrate excellent performance at Undergraduate level and/or Masters level in a physical or engineering subject (Physics, Materials Science, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering) and be prepared to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
They will learn optical and chemical analytical techniques for chemical and electrical characterisation of materials.
PhD Project PS2 specialises in Polymer Characterisation. The student will receive training on optical quality polymer material analysis and testing. They will perform chemical characterisation such as Raman, SEM, XPS, and electrical characterisation of DLW carbon structures. and evaluate the performance of structures and sensors. The student should have an interest in material and electronic analysis and instrumentation.
This research work will equip a student with skills in the following research areas:
Instrumentation: photonic materials for sensors and devices, ranging from functional materials, to laser inscribed photonic and conducting structures in transparent materials that affect their optical and electronic properties.
Materials: Advanced functional materials, and their optical, materials and chemical properties for structures and devices. Nano-electronics, materials characterisation and analytical methods.
Manufacturing & Process analytics: industrial/manufacturing processes using laser and photonic technologies for sensors and devices. Key enabling technologies, such as laser/additive/subtractive manufacturing.
Funded by recently awarded Science Foundation Ireland’s Frontiers for the Future project.
The PhD student will be funded for 48 months: €96K including fees €5,500 (EU fees) and annual stipend €19,000. Outstanding International Candidates may be considered.
Contact Dr Patricia Scully for more details on how to apply for the PhD projects.
patricia.scully@universityofgalway.ie
View adverts on external sites on link below.
Polymer Sensors & Devices@Galway 