Sustainable Colloidal Coatings: Biobased Formulations and Nanoscale Dynamics (Ref: CG-IM-2506)

Loughborough University is offering a PhD position focused on developing sustainable colloidal coatings from biobased materials. The project involves studying nanoscale dynamics and environmental impacts, utilizing various characterization techniques. Applicants should have a relevant degree and an interest in sustainability. The position is fully funded for three years, providing a stipend and covering tuition fees. It requires full-time commitment and is based in the UK.
This PhD project aims to develop and characterize sustainable colloidal coatings derived from biobased materials, with a focus on understanding their nanoscale dynamics, structure–property relationships, and environmental impact. The coatings will be formulated using renewable colloidal particles and polymers and tailored for applications in functional surfaces.

A multifaceted approach will be used to explore the interplay between formulation parameters and coating performance, harnessing a combination of characterisation techniques. Shrinking-gate fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and rheometry will be conducted to understand the dynamics and interactions between ingredients in the liquid formulation. This information will be correlated with atomic force and electron microscopy results and other testing to understand how it affects the final properties of the dried coatings. You will perform lifecycle analysis to evaluate their carbon footprint, resource use, and end-of-life scenarios, and compare with current, non-biobased, coatings formulations. Importantly, the tools and insights developed in this project will be broadly applicable beyond coatings, extending to other film-forming products such as inks, adhesives, and cosmetics.

This PhD position is integrated within a large UKRI funded project on coatings formulations within a world-class research environment. You will be included in a dynamic, international, and supportive environment within Loughborough University as part of the group of Dr Ignacio Martin-Fabiani. This project will offer you the possibility of collaborating with internationally leading academic and industrial project partners, and it is an excellent entry point to the growing sustainability sector.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:

Ignacio Martin-Fabiani i.martin-fabiani@lboro.ac.uk

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/materials/staff/ignacio-martin-fabiani/

Name of secondary supervisor:

Constantina Sofroniou

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

You should have an interest in sustainability. Your academic background can be physical chemistry, materials engineering, chemical engineering, or physical sciences.

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements:

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/pgrenglishlanguage/

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

Bench fees required: No

Closing date of advert: 30th May 2025

Start date: October 2025, January 2026, April 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Who is eligible to apply?: Both UK and International

How to apply:

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Materials. Please quote the advertised reference number: * CG-IM-2506 * in your application.

All applications must include the minimum supporting documents listed on our ‘How to Apply’ webpage, including a curriculum vitae (CV), research proposal, and a reference to the project * CG-IM-2506 *. Incomplete applications received after the advert closing date may not be considered for interview.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

Project search terms:

analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science - other, physics - other, polymer chemistry, polymers, sustainability, formulation, colloids

Email Address AACME:

aacme.pgr@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk