Light-weight metallic materials, especially Mg (as well as Al) alloys, are known for low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, high damping capacity, and good machinability, which makes them attractive for many industries, including automotive, aerospace, telecom and biomedical applications. However high chemical activity significantly hinders the use of such materials in corrosive environments, with surface modification being considered the most promising approach to overcome this problem. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is an advanced surface treatment developed for light alloys, which has recently gained increasing interest owing to relative simplicity, environmental benefits and high chemical stability of the coatings produced. However conventional PEO coatings can offer only passive protection to light alloys, so they need to be further engineered to provide active corrosion protection or multifunctional performance in line with modern smart materials approaches.
Innovative 2D materials with layered structures and diverse properties can provide a suitable platform for engineering of PEO coatings to address pertinent to light allys problems. In particular, MXenes with excellent functional properties have piqued the interest since their discovery in 2011, but they have yet to be used for engineering of PEO coatings. There are some difficulties in using these materials as additives in the PEO coating process, so addressing these issues and modifying MXenes is required A recently reported group of MXenes based on transition metal (oxy)-carbides/nitrides appears to be compatible with the conditions of PEO treatments, however associated engineering approaches must be thoroughly studied in order to fully comprehend the properties and potential applications offered by the new coatings. This project will be aiming at creating modified MXene type additives and introduce them into PEO coatings formed on various light alloy substrates to conduct a thorough characterization and evaluation of the novel multifunctional PEO coatings.
Applicants should have of be expected to achieve: minimum BSc 2.1 Hons (or international equivalent) in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering or other related discipline.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact [Email Address Removed]
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
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