material processing

Vitrimers are a groundbreaking development in polymer chemistry. This new class of polymers is neither thermoset, nor thermoplastic, but inherits properties from both polymer classes. Vitrimers were "invented" by Prof. Leibler in Paris in 2011 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitrimers).
Many applications can be imagined, but the application of vitrimers as the polymer matrix in fibre-reinforced composites, is particularly attractive, because the recycling of fibre-reinforced composites could be drastically improved.

There are several PhD student positions available immediately at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of the University of Central Florida (UCF). Students will work on a recent DOE funded project on Cu(Al)/CNT metallic matrix nano composites. Students with background in solid mechanics, finite element analysis, or nano material processing are particularly encouraged to apply. If you are interested, please send your resume and representative publications (if have) to Dr. Yuanli Bai (bai [at] ucf.edu) or Dr. Quanfang Chen (Quanfang.chen [at] ucf.edu). The openings are for either Spring 2017 or Fall 2017. Excellent candidates can also be nominated to apply for fellowships of university level.