Fully-Funded PhD Scholarship in UK Radioactive Waste Thermal Treatment and Environmental Monitoring
Sheffield Hallam University is offering this challenging and exciting PhD project in radioactive waste immobilisation and monitoring. This project is fully-funded by the UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and is supported by the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL). The project is also supported by a consortium of leading UK Universities and nuclear industry partners, through the EPSRC TRANSCEND consortium, and the successful applicant will form part of a strong cohort at Sheffield Hallam University and also as part of TRANSCEND.
Dr Robin Smith
Robin Smith joined Sheffield Hallam as a physics lecturer in August 2017 after completing his PhD in nuclear physics at the University of Birmingham. He is now a Senior Lecturer in Physics and specialises in the fields of nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics, examining the shapes of atomic nuclei and determining the rates of fusion reactions in stars.
Ronak Janani
Ronak started her PhD at SHU in 2014 in the field of sol-gel chemistry and energy storage. Her PhD was focused on sol-gel fabrication of ionogel electrolytes for double-layer supercapacitors. Following her PhD, Ronak used her background in sol-gel chemistry to enter the field of biomaterials by researching into bioactive glass ceramics for healthcare applications. She is currently part of the iPSpine project which aims to design a novel therapy for chronic lower back pain related to disc degeneration.
Elemental analysis
We can perform elemental analysis on a wide range of materials by using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). We have a state-of-the-art X-ray Fluorescence spectrometer that can provide manufacturers with detailed information on the composition of solids, powders and liquids.
Polymers and Nanocomposites
The interests of the Polymers, Composites and Spectroscopy Group (PCAS) encompass polymers, minerals and composites
Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Differential Scanning Calorimetry can be used to characterise and compare materials; identify and confirm purity, assess thermal stability and evaluate product-application conditions.
Polymer characterisation - Transport mechanisms
The competitive movement of small molecules through polymers, membranes and constitutes an important phenomenon in many applications
Polymers in life sciences
By applying our experience and expertise in polymer analysis, we are able to obtain useful insights into polymer behaviour and suggest solutions to material or processing challenges
Polymer formulation
There are a large number of commercially available additives that enable polymers to perform important functions over a wide range of conditions
Polymer characterisation - hydrolytic degradation of PET
The degradation of polymers by UV, heat, moisture or γ-irradiation is of significant importance in many different spheres of life