Carbon Negative Polymers in Automotive Applications

This project sits at the interface between polymer chemistry and engineers to develop the next generation of sustainable polymers. It builds on our efforts in the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub at the University of Manchester to use bio-based feedstocks as low carbon or carbon negative alternatives to petroleum derived plastics.

The need to decouple from fossil fuels is especially true in electric vehicles (EVs). This PhD studentship partners with EV manufacturer Polestar. The project will explore new frameworks for preparing sustainable polyesters, particularly polyhydroxybutyrates, and polycarbonates for automotive applications in car interiors and exteriors. Quantification of the environmental impact will help prioritise polymers to scale, and pilot, in future vehicle prototypes. Importantly, the project seeks to overcome a specific technical challenge in these sustainable polymer systems by modifying polymers to improve processability while maintaining the mechanical performance characteristics (strength, clarity) of the end products. The inclusion bio-based polymers like PHBs will lower the carbon footprint of automotive parts towards a greenhouse gas free future for automotive plastics.

The project is under the direction of Prof. Michael Shaver as part of a diverse team addressing academic and industry challenges in sustainable polymer science. It incorporates both fundamental polymer science and testing (extrusion, weathering, mechanical and thermal performance, etc.) and systemic sustainability metrics (LCA, EIA) to help develop next generation polymers for automotive applications.