This research seeks an individual from Industrial/Product Design and involves baseline data, co-design strategies, design of new products and materials experimentation. This research is associated with the AHRC Funded Future Island-Island project (AH/Y003780/1). Consumer product design using plastics, has significant implications for sustainability and responsibilities of the profession. Climate and ecology threatening litter is a key issue, where plastics account for 81% of regional marine litter (KNIB, 2020). These issues directly relate to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG12, and SDG14) and several DAERA waste management policies.
Through design thinking and practice, the researcher is asked to consider waste plastics as a commodity within a 3D print ecosystem, serving repair and product innovation cultures, potentially reducing oil processing for virgin plastic, and carbon emissions from incineration. Here, plastic waste may be harvested to create new circular ecosystems. There is potential for domestic repair services within recycling centres or manufacture independence for rural (Oyinlola, & Kolade, 2023) or offshore island settings through ‘village level fabrication’ (Pearce et al 2010), with a low carbon footprint. Recycled plastics can be problematic for filament extrusion due to impurities and processes, however, within this research this will be mitigated through a methodology for similar issues with glass-filled filaments. Tailored 3D print filaments, sustainably sourced from local waste, may be developed to suit the environment where these resulting new products are to be used (McGarrigle et al 2017, 2019).
Norman (2004) identifies the Emotional Domain framework that drives consumer behaviour; however, it also has potential to affect behaviour change where barriers to waste recycling exist (Roy et al 2022). Therein, the researcher will be expected to use a Systemic Design framework (Design Council, 2021) to consider 3D filament material culture, ease of adoptability, socio-cultural acceptance, and compliance challenges as 3D printing consumer demand increases.
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.
We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.
In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.
Appointment will be made on merit.
The University offers the following levels of support:
The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:
These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.
Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.
Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.
The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).
This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
McGarrigle, C. et al. Extruded monofilament and multifilament thermoplastic stitching yarns. Fibers 5, (2017) https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5040045
McGarrigle, C., Wegrzyn, M., McIlhagger, A., Harkin-Jones, E. & Archer, E. Effect of extrusion parameters and nanofillers on mechanical properties of PPSU tufting yarns. AIP Conf Proc 2055, (2019) ) https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5084835
Norman D (2004) Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things, Basic Books, NY
Pearce J., Morris Blair C., Laciak K., Andrews R., Nosrat A. and Zelenika-Zovko I (2010) 3-D Printing of Open Source Appropriate Technologies for Self-Directed Sustainable Development, Journal of Sustainable Development Vol. 3, No. 4; December 2010 DOI:10.5539/jsd.v3n4p17
Roy, D., Berry, E., & Dempster, M. (2022). “If it is not made easy for me, I will just not bother”. A qualitative exploration of the barriers and facilitators to recycling plastics. PLOS ONE, 17(5), [0267284]. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0267284
The Design Council (2021) Beyond Net Zero: A Systemic Design Approach
Submission deadline
Monday 26 February 2024
04:00PM
Interview Date
Weeks Commencing 18 March and 15 April 2024
Preferred student start date
16 September 2024
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