HDR Scholarship - Recycling carbon fibres

The increasing demand of carbon fibres in modern infrastructure and transport has led to a drastic increase in the production of this valuable commodity. As a result of its widespread use there has been a correspondingly large increase in the amount of CF waste from various activities. These include off-cuts, scrap material, and recovered fibres from defective components or end of life and damaged composite materials. These raw materials are typically disposed of in landfill. This action represents a significant waste of a valuable resource, as the carbon fibres represent a large energy investment during manufacture and conversion to a composite material.

Furthermore, it is likely that the global demand for carbon fibres will outpace the global carbon fibre manufacturing capability by 2030, even considering expected volume increases from large commercial suppliers. Therefore, the raw materials being lost to landfill may be a valuable feedstock to meet some of the demand shortfall. Due to the extensive and laborious approaches for material certification in various aerospace sectors, it will be unlikely for reclaimed carbon fibres to be used in these applications. Therefore, the use of reclaimed CF for other high value applications is needed.

The Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) is one of the top research institutes in the world for fibre material sciences with globally recognised fibre production and characterisation facilities. The ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres leverages the vast knowledge of our internationally acclaimed academics and researchers to solve real world Industry Partner problems. Greater Geelong is in the top 10% of the fastest growing local government areas (LGA) in Australia and adjacent to the Surf Coast LGA, which has the second fastest growth nationally. Considered the gateway to the Great Ocean Road and home to the Geelong Cats AFL team, the region also boasts magnificent scenery, award winning wineries and famous surf breaks such as Bell Beach. Getting to Melbourne, the largest city in Australia, is easy with convenient public transport options, a modern freeway system and direct domestic/international flights.

Deakin University is committed to the impact themes of:

• Advancing society, culture and the economy
• Building safe and secure communities
• Creating smarter technologies
• Enabling a sustainable world
• Improving health and wellbeing

Over 90 nationalities are represented in the Deakin community with the IFM having one of the largest international components at our university. Inclusiveness, understanding and openness to new ideas are core values of all our people.

Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 30 August 2023

This scholarship is available over 3 years.

• Stipend of $33,500 per annum tax exempt (2023 rate)
• Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
• International students only:  Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

To be eligible you must:

• be a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
• meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
• be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.

Additional desirable criteria include:

• demonstrated experience of safe working practises in a chemical laboratory
• good communication, presentation and writing skills
• familiarity with nanomaterial/textile characterisation techniques and knowledge of textile chemistry would be advantageous