Project Overview
About the Position
This PhD project will enhance the mechanical properties of concrete materials using graphene products, assessing mechanical and durability properties to identify market-ready products.
| Opportunity | PhD Enhancement of Concrete & Mortar Mixes Using Graphene Nanomaterials |
| Host | University of Salford |
| Location | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Funding | Partially Funded |
| Stipend | Competitive university funding may be available. The general widening-participation scheme is restricted to eligible UK- |
| Application Deadline | Applications accepted all year round |
| Apply | Official application page ↗ |
Funding Must Be Confirmed Separately
The linked university fees page describes competitive scholarships rather than a guaranteed award for this specific research project. Its 2027 widening-participation scheme advertises UK tuition and annual support of GBP 21,805 for eligible UK-fee candidates, subject to selection and the scheme conditions. Do not assume this funding is available automatically or covers an international applicant. Ask the university about the actual project offer.
Basic Information
- Project Title: Enhancement of concrete and mortar mixes using graphene nanomaterials
- Host Institution: University of Salford
- School: School of Science, Engineering and Environment (SEE)
- Supervisor: Dr Gareth Whittleston
- Study Level: PhD
- Application Deadline: Applications accepted all year round
- Funding: Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
- Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
- Disciplines: Civil Engineering, Nanotechnology, Solid Mechanics, Structural Engineering, Structural Mechanics
Research Position Overview
Building on established research and data undertaken at the University, there is a breadth of research opportunities available in this field. This includes adapting mix designs, assessing mechanical properties and assessing durability properties.
Research Context
Recent research work at the University of Salford has focused upon enhancing the mechanical properties of concrete materials using graphene products. The incorporation of graphene nano-particles in concrete can improve mechanical properties and as a result has received growing attention in the research community. Studies have shown that graphene can enhance compressive strength by up to 100% with just 0.01–0.1% dosage, improve flexural strength by 35–50%, and increase tensile strength by up to 20%.
What You Will Do
You will be expected to undertake laboratory tests on graphene enhanced concrete or mortar mixes, process the results and identify market ready products.
Research Aims
- Adapting mix designs for graphene-enhanced concrete
- Assessing mechanical properties
- Assessing durability properties
- Identifying market-ready products
Supervisor Profile: Dr Gareth Whittleston
Dr Whittleston has a passion for civil and structural engineering research and has had so for over 15 years. He has supervised research in many different subjects from structural glass, to prefabricated timber, to concrete materials to name but a few. His research specialisms are rooted in practical and industrial relevance, with a current focus on sustainable concrete materials. He provides a welcoming, approachable and supportive experience for all the researchers that he has supervised with a focus on a collegiate, team approach.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Academic Background: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, or related discipline
- Degree Classification: First Class or 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent)
- Relevant Experience: Laboratory testing experience desirable
- English Language: IELTS 6.5 (minimum) for non-native English speakers
Funding Details
- Funding Type: Funded PhD Project
- Eligibility: Students Worldwide
- Funding Schemes: University of Salford funding schemes – including the Widening Participation Scholarship
Widening Participation Scholarship Details:
- Value: Covers tuition fees (UK tuition fees), a stipend of the applicable award rate per year (2026/27 rate) for 3.5 years, and an annual research budget of £1,000 (years 1-3)
- Eligibility: UK candidates who meet widening participation criteria
- Application: Currently open for applications
- Number Available: 10 PhD widening participation scholarships for UK candidates
Application Documents Required:
- Research Proposal
- Personal Statement
- CV
Application Guide:
Use this Research Proposal, Personal statement, and CV guide when preparing an application: https://issuu.com/universityofsalford2/docs/see_research_proposal_personal_statement_cv_guid?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ
Contact:
Dr Gareth Whittleston (G.S.Whittleston1@salford.ac.uk)
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.
Official Link
Full announcement and application portal: https://www.salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/fees
Source: salford.ac.uk - the details in this listing were recorded from this official page.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: Applications accepted all year round - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
About University of Salford
University of Salford is a public university in Greater Manchester, England. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes across engineering, computing, health, business and creative disciplines. Its research includes acoustics and applied science, while links with employers and public organisations help connect academic learning with practical challenges and professional development.
Official website: https://www.salford.ac.uk/
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: Applications accepted all year round. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD Enhancement of Concrete & Mortar Mixes Using Graphene Nanomaterials?
Applications for this listing stay open on a rolling basis — there is no fixed closing date (Applications accepted all year round). Apply early: rolling awards are often confirmed in the order applications are received.
How is PhD Enhancement of Concrete & Mortar Mixes Using Graphene Nanomaterials funded?
This is a partially funded award: funding is listed as partial, so it covers only part of the cost rather than the whole programme. What is covered (fees, living costs or both) is not set out in the source — check the source for what it covers and price the remainder before you apply. Competitive university funding may be available.
Who is eligible to apply for PhD Enhancement of Concrete & Mortar Mixes Using Graphene Nanomaterials?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for United Kingdom. Applications are assessed by University of Salford.
How do I apply for PhD Enhancement of Concrete & Mortar Mixes Using Graphene Nanomaterials?
Applications for PhD Enhancement of Concrete & Mortar Mixes Using Graphene Nanomaterials are submitted directly to University of Salford through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD Enhancement of Concrete & Mortar Mixes Using Graphene Nanomaterials?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD Enhancement of Concrete & Mortar Mixes Using Graphene Nanomaterials offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.