PhD Studentship Controlled Thermoplastic Polymer Adhesion to Materials Usedin Electronics

Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

A novel manufacturing process developed at Loughborough Universityincorporates electronic and other components directly into plastic partswithout the requirement for a circuit board. The process offers thepotential to create completely new kinds of multifunctional, electronicsenabled products. In addition products can be separated into their componentparts at end-of-life ready for recycling, making the process intrinsicallyenvironmentally friendly.

Crucial to the reliability of products made using the process are thesurface interactions between the components and the polymer. A student issought to undertake a doctoral research programme, the aim of which will beto understand and subsequently control the adhesion of thermoplasticpolymers to a range of materials used in electronics manufacture (metals,ceramics, polymers).

A PhD Studentship from the Innovative electronics Manufacturing ResearchCentre (IeMRC) is available to support the research. Subject to satisfactoryprogression, the Studentship will cover fees at the UK/EU student rate forthree years, and in addition will pay a stipend of around £12,300 per annum.For high quality candidates from outside the EU top-up funding to cover thehigher rate of student fees may be available. Applicants should have, or beabout to gain, a first or upper second-class degree or MSc in a materials,physics, engineering or chemistry - related subject. Knowledge or experienceof polymer science and engineering is especially welcomed.

To express an interest or for more details please contact:

Dr Patrick Webb
Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Loughborough University,
Loughborough, Leicestershire
LE11 3TU, United Kingdom
tel:+44 (0)1509 227678
e-mail: D.P.Webb@lboro.ac.uk

For an application pack and details of admissions requirements pleasecontact:

Ms J R Mason
Research Administrator
Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Loughborough University,
Loughborough, Leicestershire
LE11 3TU, United Kingdom
e-mail: J.R.Mason@lboro.ac.uk

PLEASE QUOTE REF: DPW091006 ON APPLICATION FORM AND ENQUIRY.

The closing date for applications is: 10th November 2006