Enhancing the performance of advanced flexible packaging (sponsored by Huntsman)

This project is in collaboration with Huntsman Polyurethanes based in Everberg, Belgium. Polyurethanes are used in many technological applications ranging from adhesives for a variety of products to foams for furniture and sandwich panels. This project concerns the use of a polyurethane adhesive used in the manufacture of a range of packaging for foodstuffs. The substrates to be bonded are a range of very thin polymer films, some of which are metallised.

The investigation will seek to study a number of aspects related to the adhesion and performance of such polyurethane/polymer film bonds.  In particular a study of the fundamentals of adhesion between polyurethanes and isocyanates (one of the precursors used in polyurethane production) and polymer films and inks used for printing on such films. The manner in which the cure process may enhance or disrupt such adhesion is crucial to performance, as all systems undergo multiple cure stages during laminate manufacture.

Other aspects that will be investigated will be the barrier properties of the laminate, particularly the glue line as a result of process parameters, and the fidelity of adhesion achieved on exposure to different environments (temperature humidity and liquids encountered in food packaging).

The main analytical techniques to be used in this work are the surface analysis methods of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The Surface Analysis Laboratory at the University of Surrey is superbly equipped for work of this sort and has specialised in the application of XPS and ToF-SIMS to adhesion investigations for more than 40 years. Our collaborations with Huntsman PU date back more than a decade.

The project will involve visits to Huntsman’s laboratories and there is an expectation that the successful candidate will present their work at international conferences relevant to adhesion and surface analysis research.

This project requires a first, upper second, or merit at masters in a physical sciences subject.

UK or EU students only. Please note we are not funded for international students.

IELTS: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with at least 7.0 in the writing component and at least 6.0 in the other components.

CDT in MiNMaT within the Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences