Positions for PhD students

Two positions for PhD students are available in Prof. Peng-Cheng Ma’s group in The Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The institute is one of the research unites affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and it locates in Urumqi, China, a city with distinctively historic and cultural atmosphere. Major research activities in the group are: i) Carbon-based materials for structural and functional applications; 2) Polymer-based nanocomposites for engineering and environmental applications.

Currently the group consists of 3 staffs and 7 students (4 PhD students, and 3 MSc students), with different backgrounds in chemistry, physics, material science and engineering, textile, and so on. The research motto of group is “Simplicity is beautiful”, i.e., to employ simple but effective ideal to develop novel materials for the sustainable development of our society.

More information can be found at: http://people.ucas.ac.cn/~mapc.

Description on PhD projects:

1. 3-Dimensonal (3-D) nanocomposites for flexible sensor. Polymer nanocomposites have attracted much attention to fabricate tiny devices for wearable applications, such as wearable devices to detect body motions of human, electronic skin, touch sensing. The plan aims to prepare foam-like carbon-based nanomaterials, and optimize their properties with controlled morphology and surface functionality. The foam will be incorporated into polymer matrix to prepare polymer nanocomposites. The effects of morphology, surface information of foam on the properties nanocomposites will be systematically studied to establish the structure-property relationship of materials. The implementation of this project will be an enterprising practice in developing novel carbon nanomaterials and corresponding polymer nanocomposites for sensory applications. Students majoring in physics, mechanical engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, material science and engineering, are encouraged to apply. Candidates with industrial experience on logic circuit, signal processing, will be given a high priority.

2. Study on stress transfer in graphene/polymer nanocomposites. Graphene has attracted much interest in developing polymer-based nanocomposites. This project aims to study the stress transfer in graphene/polymer nanocomposites under various loading conditions. A particular emphasis will be put to establish the correlation between the micro-mechanics of interface between the graphene and polymer matrix and macro-mechanics of bulk nanocomposites. The anticipated outputs of this proposal will provide guidelines for the design, preparation and property optimization of graphene/polymer nanocomposites for various applications. Students with experience in polymer nanocomposites, composites science and technology, mechanical engineering, and related fields are encouraged to apply.

For both positions, suitable students should have high level of initiativeness, good command of English, and potential for academic development, as verified by publications in international journals, patents, academic transcripts, and so on. For these who are interested in this position, please send your enquiry, transcript as well as CV to Prof. Peng-Cheng Ma, E-mail: mapc2004@126.com.

Kindly note that the deadline will be 20 March, 2016. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and telephone interview will be arranged.