PhD position in nanoscale computer modelling of blush in protective coatings at the University of Exeter, UK
Nanoscale computer modelling of blush in protective coatings
Aluminium drinks cans are ubiquitous in every day life to store and transport beverages and other liquids. These cans have an internal protective coating that acts to protect both the internal contents and the can itself. During coating development, simulation tests have been created to increase the speed of iteration and reduce the time required to screen prototypes. One of the failure mechanisms observed during these is an undesirable whitening (or blush) of the polymer film. The work will develop a nanoscale model of a simple coating using state-of-the-art computational approaches including molecular dynamics and free energy calculations to unravel the fundamental science behind the causes of blush.
This project is co-funded by AkzoNobel AkzoNobel, one of the world’s largest protective coating manufacturers. The successful candidate will work within a multi-disciplinary group and have the opportunity to work closely with the industrial sponsor.
We are seeking a motivated and resourceful student with an interest in Computational Chemistry/Physics and Materials. A familiarity with programming languages (e.g. python) and HPC environments is desirable.
Starting September 2024.
To apply and for more information please see: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=4986
(Deadline midnight on Monday December 18th)
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Charlie Wand (c.wand[@]exeter.ac.uk)