Closed Loop Recycling of Manufacturing Waste by Semi Solid Processing - EPSRC ICASE STUDENTSHIP

Applications are invited for one full-time PhD CASE Studentship within the Experimental Techniques Centre (Mechanical Engineering), and Institute of Materials and Manufacturing funded by EPSRC/Renishaw plc.

The PhD studentship is for a period of four (4) years effective from the 1^st of October 2023. The successful applicant will receive an elevated annual stipend (bursary) of approx £23000 to start, plus payment of their full-time Home/EU tuition fees.

The project focuses on identifying and validating a sustainable technological approach to the recycling of aluminum manufacturing waste streams by exploring best practices. You will particularly target the manufacturing of high-purity AA6082 alloy and alumina powder, using filtration technology from a semi-solid state which will be optimised for yield, quality, microstructure and morphology.

The project will also include a life cycle assessment and upscaling planning.

Informal enquires may be addressed to Lorna Anguilano via email to lorna.anguilano@brunel.ac.uk

Eligibility

Applicants will be expected to receive a minimum 2:1 or 1st-class degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related discipline. A Masters's qualification is an advantage but not essential.

How to apply

Please e-mail your application comprising all the documents listed below to cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk by noon on 30^th of July 2023:

Your up-to-date CV;
A research statement of 500-1,000 words setting out your project ideas on the stated topic;
One A4 page personal statement setting out why you are a suitable candidate (i.e.: your skills and experience);
A copy of your degree certificate(s) and transcript (s);
Names and contact details for two academic referees;
Evidence of English language capability to IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all sections), if applicable

Interviews will take place during August and September 2023.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Lorna Anguilano - Lorna Anguilano is a Senior Research Fellow, Quality Manager of the Experimental Techniques Centre and the Assistant Director of the Wolfson Centre for Sustainable materials development and Processing. Lorna’s background is in applied mineralogy with a PhD in Archaeometallurgy and a wide experience of material characterisation through X-Ray Diffraction, X-Ray Fluorescence, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Electron Back-Scattering Diffraction. She provides consultancy in material characterisation and failure’s diagnosis as well as actively generates and develops research in materials characterisation and development. Her research focuses on the overarching concept of upcycling waste and recovery of secondary raw material with a keen interest on metal and polymer recycling for energy and aquaculture applications and phytomining of critical raw materials. Lorna is also continuing her research in the archaometallurgical field.