Scholarship description
A PhD scholarship is available in CSIRO and Deakin University's Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM).
The PhD student, will initiate and conduct research on the topic of ‘New Sizing Agents for Carbon Fibre’ led by Dr Sally Hutchinson, A/Prof Joselito Razal and Dr Nisa Salim. The successful applicant will be based at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus.
Project aim
The aim of the project is to develop a novel sizing agent for carbon fibre to improve the properties of composite materials.
Details of the project
The global market for carbon fibre reinforced composites is predicted to increase exponentially from $14 billion in 2012 to $36 billion in 2020, however the full potential of these materials is yet to be realised. The urgent need for lightweight materials and structures will increasingly demand innovative solutions in the fields of aerospace, automotive, infrastructure and consumer products. Deakin University has recently significantly strengthened its fibre research capabilities through the federally funded $104 million Australian Future Fibre Research and Innovation Centre (AFFRIC). AFFRIC is a collaborative partnership between Deakin University, CSIRO and the Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM). As a key component of the AFFRIC initiative, Carbon Nexus at Deakin University is the world's first university based multiscale carbon fibre research facility capable of producing industrially relevant, high quality carbon fibre. Both a laboratory scale single tow line and a larger pilot line capable of producing 20 to 50 tons of carbon fibre per year.
A key goal of this project is to have an unprecedented level of control over the fibre properties and surface chemistry of carbon fibres. In order to realise the full potential strength of carbon fibre, all areas of its products need to be optimised. Sizing agents are added to carbon fibre to enable the fibre to be easily handled and incorporated into composite materials. Bio-derived terpenes offer an interesting source of polymer precursors. The student will work with world leading polymer and fibre research expertise’s from CSIRO and Deakin University to develop a new sizing treatment for carbon fibre.
Value and duration
VALUE
- A stipend of $26,682 per annum tax exempt (2017 rate)
- A relocation allowance up to $1,500 (2017 rate) awarded to students who are moving from interstate or overseas in order to study at Deakin
- Paid sick, maternity and parental leave
- Tuition fee and overseas health coverage for international students for the duration of 4 years.
DURATION
Three years
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy the below criteria in addition to the eligibility criteria specific to the project.
- Successful applicants must have achieved a first class Honours degree or equivalent. Please refer to the entry pathways to higher degrees by research for further information.
- Awards are only available to those who will be undertaking a Masters or Doctoral degree full‐time in 2017 and have applied for, or are currently enrolled in, a higher degree by research.
- Applicants who have commenced their graduate research degree must have at least 12 months fulltime or equivalent candidature remaining.
Additional Eligibility requirements:
- Previous experience in synthetic organic chemistry preferred.
- Sound knowledge of polymer chemistry.
- Knowledge of key techniques such as NMR, FTIR, MS, viscosity determination, strength testing.
How to apply
Please apply using the expression of interest form:
HDR-Expression-of-Interest-For-69be5
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/phd-scholarship-new-sizing-agents-for-carbon-fibre