One of the most urgent global challenges is the need for environmentally and economically sustainable bio-derived composites and plastics within the conceptual framework of the circular economy. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) composite-based 3D/4D printed materials, consisting of PHA polymer matrices and reinforcing bio-fillers, have exceptional thermomechanical properties and can be widely used across industries, such as medical applications and food packaging. A major barrier to sustainable application of these materials is their recycling. Currently, the composite industry faces a low recycling rate. Most existing recycling methods are unsustainable, focusing on energy recovery rather than material recovery. By implementing efficient recycling approaches, the 3D/4D printing community can reduce waste and costs, and enhance sustainability. This PhD project aims to explore efficient and sustainable approaches for recycling or upcycling end-of-life (EoL) PHA-based 3D/4D printed products.

The project will include

• an introduction of PHA-based 3D/4D printing composites and their applications
• identify the challenges of achieving a sustainable 3D/4D printing industry
• comparison of the available recycling/upcycling approaches for PHA composites
• exploring the most effective ways of recycling/upcycling approaches adopting both modelling and experimental methods

Experimental testing on the recycling and upcycling technologies will be carried out to explore the most suitable pathways, this will be followed by Quantum Mechanics based atomistic simulations (adopting Density Functional Theory) to explore reaction mechanisms This innovated project is ideally suited to students with the creativity and motivation to solve engineering problems using scientific-based principles. You may be looking to build your career in the area of Environment, Sustainability and Green Chemistry. 

This project is part of an on-going research grant that led by the supervisors on a Global Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts (GCSB), one of six newly established centres dedicated to addressing the challenge of creating environmentally and economically sustainable bio-derived composites and plastics. You would have opportunities to interact with GCSB’s expertise from the U.S., Canada, South Korea, and the U.K. in converting waste biomass into bioplastics. You will work closely with the PDRAs, other PhD students and academics in the GCSB team. You will be expected to participate in relevant national and international conferences, and develop journal papers within the research field.

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects. 

Further information about the Chemical & Process Engineering department

Further information about the Chemical & Process Engineering PhD