Research Associate (ED13670) - Bath, BA2 7AY

Research Associate (ED13670) - Bath, BA2 7AY

A 36-month Research Associate position is available within the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath to develop cavitation based chemical recycling of vinyl plastics back to monomers. 

About the role

Vinyl plastics such as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene, and related materials underpin a wide range of high value applications, yet their robust carbon–carbon backbones make them exceptionally difficult to recycle at end of life. 

Current recycling routes are dominated by mechanical reprocessing or by high temperature thermochemical methods that operate with poor selectivity and high energy demand. 

These limitations present a major barrier to achieving circularity for vinylic polymers and contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of the plastics sector.

In this project, you will play a central role in developing a cavitation based proc...