The Challenge

Silica aerogel is a porous ultralight material class known for its unique properties like low density, low thermal conductivity and high specific surface area. Classical silica aerogels can be prepared in the form of monoliths, boards, or granules. Given their fragile nature, granules are often preferred for application purposes. Embedding these aerogel granules as a filler in hyperelastic elastomers can potentially result in outstanding properties, where the thermal properties could be driven by the aerogel granules and the elastomeric matrix would then dictate the mechanical stability and high elasticity, thus achieving simultaneously high reinforcement and low hysteresis. Using the measured data to develop a multiscale model would better our understanding and predict the potential of such a composite towards future applications.

First, relevant literature on silica aerogels, their characteristics and unique properties has to be explored. Subsequently rubber compounds filled with silica aerogel granules will be created in various different compositions and evaluated for their properties. The obtained information will then be used to design a predictive multiscale model, taking the composite properties as well as the single compound ingredient characteristics into account.

The project
The Department Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces & Systems (MS3), part of the faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) is currently seeking a PhD student. The work will be undertaken within the Chairs of Applied Mechanics & Data Analysis and Elastomer Technology & Engineering. We explicitly encourage female candidates to apply.

The goal of this 4-year project is to develop a multiscale model and experimentally design, produce, and characterize silica aerogel-filled elastomer compounds for their thermal and mechanical properties. A predictive model studying heuristically the effect of filler characteristics on the final compound properties should be developed. The model results must be validated with the support of experimental results.

The project is divided into 4 main work packages:

1. Synthesis and characterization of aerogel-rubber composites
2. Material modeling of aerogel, rubber, and composites
3. Heuristic analysis on the effect of composition, granule-size distributions, and dispersion on the structural, thermal, and quasi-static as well as dynamic mechanical properties of the composites
4. Possible exploration of 3D printing of the aerogel-rubber composites and analyzing simple geometries and their properties.

• A master’s degree in Materials, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Physics or similar related discipline;
• Very high proficiency in Python programming and desired proficiency in finite element methods
• Good knowledge and demonstrated awareness of modelling material properties;
• A strong creative but analytical mind, an eye for detail, and a critical attitude towards assessment of experimental results;
• Excellent experimental skills;
• High interest in elastomeric materials
• Passionate about learning new concepts and doing original research;
• Fluent in English and express yourself easily in speech and in writing.

• The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance, excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus. We offer:
• A full-time 4-year PhD position;
• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating international research environment with excellent facilities;
• You are offered a professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente;
• A starting salary of €2.872 gross per month in the first year and a salary of €3.670 in the fourth year gross per month;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A solid pension scheme;
• Minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of fulltime employment.