PhD position on Natural Fiber Composites

The div of Polymer Engineering, Dept of Applied Physics and Mechanical Engineering at Lulea University of Technology offers a PhD student position (doktorandtjänst) in Polymer Engineering to study the mechanical performance and optimization of composite materials made of natural fibers (wood, flax, hemp) and natural resins (starch, PLA, lignin etc).

Short fiber polymer composites are used in automotive, building industry applications However, synthetic materials are rather expensive, especially now when oil prices dramatically increase.Using natural fibers competitive properties are achieved using thermoset synthetic resins.This of course diminishes all advantages of natural fibers concerning the environmental friendliness and recycling.It is most important to develop natural composite which consist of materials that all are of natural origin.
Since both natural fibers and resins are moisture and temperature sensitive the challenge and objective is to develop materials and understanding of their behavior leading to products with controlled and limited sensitivity to environmental fluctuations.Long-term properties, non-linear behavior, moisture and temperature stability and micromechanism based modelling are the key issues.

This project is performed in collaboration with research teams at Royal institute, STFI/ Packforsk, and SICOMP in Sweden, Riso DTU in Denmark and VTT in Finland.

Qualifications
Suitable applicant has a Master degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science (civilingjöner i maskinteknik eller teknisk fysik).The research will include both experimental studies and theoretical modelling.Knowledge in elasticity theory is mandatory, basic skills in numerical methods (Finite Elements codes, MATLAB etc) are preferable.

Good skills in written and spoken English are mandatory.Female candidates are encouraged to apply to hold proper gender balance in the group.

For further information
Contact Prof.Janis Varna, tel.
Application

Deadline for applications