A PhD position is available at the University of Twente (the Netherlands) within the Faculty of Science and Technology. The research project will develop and demonstrate novel chemical additives for mitigating space charge accumulation in next generation PP-based thermoplastic and conventional DC-XLPE insulation materials for high voltage HVDC cables.
There is a significant need for developing new dielectric materials and solutions to overcome the issue of space charge accumulation in the main insulation layer of polymeric HVDC cables. Under HVDC stresses, both the XLPE insulation, and also the more recently emerging PP-based thermoplastic insulation materials, are prone to harmful space charge accumulation which can lead to local electric field stress enhancement, electrical treeing and premature dielectric breakdown, hence degrading the HVDC cable system reliability and lifetime.
Currently, we are looking for a PhD candidate for the project:
"New generation of HVDC insulation materials, cables and systems" (NewGen).
The candidate will develop and demonstrate novel molecularly defined space charge mitigating additives for PP- and XLPE-based HVDC cable insulation matrices where polar species capable of acting as charge trapping sites are directly anchored to suitable polyolefin (PO) backbones via chemical modification. This approach ensures compatibility with the polymeric host, hence providing a pathway for controlled and homogeneous dispersion of the space charge mitigating functionality in the insulation matrix.
Information and application
Your reaction should include an application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation, a detailed CV, and an academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure. Please apply via the provided button.
For more information about the position, you are encouraged to contact Prof. Frederik Wurm. frederik.wurm@utwente.nl
About the department
This highly interdisciplinary project is located between chemical sciences and engineering, involving the Sustainable Polymer Chemistry (SPC) group and the Elastomer Technology and Engineering (ETE) group of the University of Twente. The SPC group is part of the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, which offers advanced characterization and fabrication tools on the nanoscale and covers various aspects of nanoscience and technology. The ETE group is part of the department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces & Systems (MS3). The key topic of the chair of Elastomer Technology and Engineering is material development. Within this area, the main areas are filler technology, natural rubber, fibre reinforcing and recycling. Common ground of all projects within ETE is sustainability. ETE has been a partner in a preceding project on PP modification, using modified silica as filler (Gridable).
About the organization
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
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