Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
During this DSTL funded PhD project you will combine supramolecular concepts to develop novel materials that can be ‘reset’ through the application of light. This will be achieved by combining mechanically interlocked polymers with photoswitching molecules to create light responsive impact resistant materials.Materials that are capable of resisting impacts have a wide range of civilian and military applications, including dampeners, body armour and suspension systems. However, traditional impact resistant materials are rendered irreversibly less effective after absorbing shock, which makes them unsuitable for applications with repeated impact. In this project, you will overcome these limitations by creating impact resistant materials which can be triggered to relax back into a state, which allows them to be re-used again and again in a controlled manner.