TheLink project description

TheLink is a research and training project funded by the European Union’s Marie-Sklodowska-Curie programme. TheLink involves 10 partner organisations from 7 different countries, who will recruit 15 postgraduates for the project.

Research in TheLink spans the material development chain for nanostructured polymers. These materials, including phase separated polymers and composites, are attracting scientific and industrial interest due to the outstanding properties and functionalities that can be achieved. However, to exploit the potential of these materials an in-depth understanding of the relationship between nano/micro structures and macro-level properties is required.

TheLink aims to generate this knowledge on an interdisciplinary basis, combining simulation, characterisation and processing. The recruited fellows will take nanomaterial development beyond “trial and error” towards a knowledge-based and industrially feasible approach. Three case studies (phase separated polymers, separation membranes, composites for electrical conductivity/self-diagnosis/EMI shielding) will be used to guide the research and to demonstrate the project developments. Careful attention will also be paid to broader market requirements and standardisation.

High-quality individualised training in scientific and complementary skills, and a structured programme of training units, will provide the fellows with unique interdisciplinary competence in simulation, characterisation and processing, and move them from theoretical investigations towards industrial application and entrepreneurship.