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Fast Reversible and Sustainable 4D-Printed Smart Structures through Energy-Efficient Activation

School: School of Science and Technology

Study mode(s): Full-time

Starting: 2026

Funding: UK student / EU student (non-UK) / Fully-funded

Apply online

Project overview

The 4D Materials and Printing Lab in the Department of Engineering at Nottingham Trent University is seeking to recruit a fully funded PhD student.

4D printing is an emerging manufacturing approach where 3D-printed objects can change shape, function or properties over time when exposed to external stimuli such as heat, light, electricity or humidity. This project will focus on the development of 4D-printed smart material composites that can move quickly, repeatedly and accurately, while using low levels of energy and supporting sustainable adaptive systems.

The PhD will investigate shape-memory polymer composites and related smart material systems fabricated using advanced additive manufacturing. The student will explore energy-efficient and sustainable strategies for activating these materials, including controlled thermal and electro-thermal activation methods, integrated conductive features and programmed 3D deformation pathways. The aim is to understand how activation method, stimulus path, material choice, layering/lamination strategy and geometry affect actuation time, deformation level, recovery force, energy use, durability and recovery of properties.

The project will combine hands-on experimental work with modelling and design tools. The student will design, print and test adaptive structural elements capable of controlled reversible deformation. Modelling and design-of-experiments will be used to guide the experiments and develop reliable design rules.

The project is part of a wider UK-France research programme on 4D-printed materials and structures. The student will have opportunities to work with academic partners in the UK and France and contribute to the development of next-generation adaptive material systems and structures with improved performance, energy efficiency and sustainability.

Subject Area:

  1. Materials
  2. Design
  3. Additive Manufacturing
  4. Simulation

Skills and Experience:

Candidates are expected to have a background in materials science, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer engineering, robotics or a related discipline.

Experience or interest in 3D printing, computer-aided design (CAD), smart materials, polymer composites, experimental testing, or modelling would be advantageous. Full training will be provided for specialist equipment and methods.

Supervisor: Dr Mahdi Bodaghi

Co-supervisor: Prof. Richard Bibb

Entry qualifications

  1. Applicants should have demonstrated excellence at undergraduate level and/or hold a master’s degree, or an equivalent qualification as assessed through UK ENIC. Applicants should normally have a UK 1st Class or 2:1 degree, or equivalent, in a related science or engineering discipline, with good knowledge of design, materials and manufacturing.
  2. To qualify as a UK or EU student for the purpose of the scholarship, applicants must have UK or EU citizenship.

How to apply

The application should include a single PDF file including:

  1. Cover letter (max 350 words, font: Arial, size: 11) stating clearly whether you are eligible for a scholarship as a UK or EU citizen and have skills and experience relevant to the project.
  2. Up-to-date CV (max 2 pages)
  3. Undergraduate degree certificate and transcript essential
  4. Postgraduate Master’s degree certificate and transcript if applicable
  5. Contact details of two references
  6. Certificate of English Language (for students whose first language is not English)

and must be submitted through the online applications portal.

Application for this studentship closes on 8 July 2026.

Interviews: July/August 2026

PhD Start Date: 1 October 2026

Fees and funding

This is a fully funded PhD studentship for UK or EU applicants only.

Funding is available for 3 years and covers tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of approximately £21,805 per annum with inflationary increases after the first year.

Guidance and support

For any informal queries about the studentship or the team, please contact the project’s Principal Investigator, Dr Mahdi Bodaghi at mahdi.bodaghi@ntu.ac.uk.

Still need help?

Contact Dr Mahdi Bodaghi on: