PhD Studentship: Materials-reinforced multifunctional coatings for built environments
University of Exeter
Porous construction materials, such as concrete, brick, or wood, are widely utilised in built environments due to their structural strength, durability, and thermal mass. However, their susceptibility to water ingress can lead to issues such as surface degradation, internal cracking, frost damage, and biological colonisation. Prolonged exposure to moisture makes these materials particularly vulnerable to mould growth, which accelerates structural decay, compromises indoor air quality, and poses significant healt...
Porous construction materials, such as concrete, brick, or wood, are widely utilised in built environments due to their structural strength, durability, and thermal mass. However, their susceptibility to water ingress can lead to issues such as surface degradation, internal cracking, frost damage, and biological colonisation. Prolonged exposure to moisture makes these materials particularly vulnerable to mould growth, which accelerates structural decay, compromises indoor air quality, and poses significant healt...
Opportunity details
Porous construction materials, such as concrete, brick, or wood, are widely utilised in built environments due to their structural strength, durability, and thermal mass. However, their susceptibility to water ingress can lead to issues such as surface degradation, internal cracking, frost damage, and biological colonisation. Prolonged exposure to moisture makes these materials particularly vulnerable to mould growth, which accelerates structural decay, compromises indoor air quality, and poses significant health risks to building occupants. Moisture exposure to outdoor surfaces can also cause aesthetic damage, which gradually reduces the overall performance of the building and leads to significant maintenance and restoration costs. While traditional surface treatments are often applied, many conventional formulations rely on harmful chemicals, such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which raise environmental and regulatory concerns. As the construction sector increasingly prioritises sustainability, occupant health, and long-term durability, there is an urgent need for innovative, non-toxic protective coatings capable of preserving porous materials in both interior and exterior applications. The research project aims to explore the integration of 2D materials, such as graphene and post-graphene structures, into PFAS-free formulations to develop multifunctional coatings for porous construction materials that provide hydrophobicity, breathability and anti-mould properties. The project will involve synthesis and functionalisation of 2D materials, development and optimisation of coating formulations & application methods, and comprehensive performance tests, including water contact angle measurements, breathability tests, absorption tests, biologic...
Eligibility
This position is eligible for Home students and it will cover tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years full-time.
Requirements
This position is eligible for Home students and it will cover tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years full-time.
Funding and benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students. Funding amount: UK tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 per year.
How to apply
As the construction sector increasingly prioritises sustainability, occupant health, and long-term durability, there is an urgent need for innovative, non-toxic protective coatings capable of preserving porous materials in both interior and exterior applications. The project will involve synthesis and functionalisation of 2D materials, development and optimisation of coating formulations & application methods, and comprehensive performance tests, including water contact angle measurements, breathability tests, absorption tests, biological resistance assays, and environmental chamber tests.
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Benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students. Funding amount: UK tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 per year.
Eligibility summary
This position is eligible for Home students and it will cover tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years full-time.
Requirements
This position is eligible for Home students and it will cover tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years full-time.
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Language/test requirements
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