Functionally Graded Cellulose Foam Packaging from Recycled Cardboard Fibre

About this opportunity

We have a fully-funded PhD scholarship as part of the MBIE Smart Idea project. The project aims to develop Cellulose Foam for Packaging. Currently, plastic foams and polystyrene are commonly used as cushioning and packaging materials, but their disposal poses significant economic and environmental challenges due to their non-biodegradable nature and high handling costs. To overcome these problems, functionally graded (variable density and strength) cellulose foams with outstanding shock resistance properties will be developed using microfibres obtained from recycled cardboard fibre.

Location

Hamilton Campus

Scholarship Value

Scholarship Value (3 Years): Stipend NZ$36,000 per year plus domestic tuition fees and insurance around NZ$ 10,000 and support for research materials.

Your ideal background:

• BE/BSc (with honours) or MSc/ME in Chemical Engineering/Materials Science and Engineering or related field.
• passion for the application of sustainable materials
• a willingness to learn, up-skill and work in a multidisciplinary group
• a professional attitude, good writing and time management skills
• flexible to travel and work at other collaborative institutes