We welcome applications from candidates to work with our interdisciplinary and collaborative team on a project on the development of hybrid coatings for active corrosion protection of light alloys.
The project will be based in Manchester at the Corrosion@manchester group and the Henry Royce Institute and will contribute to a larger research project from The Royal Academy of Engineering. The Royce is a multidisciplinary research institute that offers an open, accessible and collaborative environment to develop and exploit the UK’s world-leading excellence in advanced materials research. This project is aligned with the theme Materials for Demanding Environments; therefore, the candidate will benefit from a complete range of processing, characterisation and testing facilities available in-house. Moreover, the candidate will have access to the most prominent academics working on similar topics and training activities that will contribute to developing professional networks.
Surface treatments are widely applied to improve the performance and maximize the working life of light alloys, but traditional passive coatings only act as a physical barrier against the environment. Once damaged, they no longer provide protection. Smart coatings, on the contrary, are capable of interacting with the environment, responding selectively to certain triggers, such as mechanical fracture, temperature or pH variations.
The overall goal of this project is to develop unique, environmentally friendly, smart ceramic coatings for improving the long-term performance of lightweight components used in the transport industry. To this end, novel multi-functional surface treatments for light alloys will be synthesised, optimised and evaluated. The multi-functionalization addresses the challenge of improving both corrosion and tribological properties simultaneously; it relies on a high-performance ceramic matrix that intrinsically offers long-term wear protection, in combination with the controlled release of encapsulated active species that provide corrosion protection and self-healing properties on-demand
At the University of Manchester, we pride ourselves on our commitment to fairness, inclusion and respect in everything we do. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and encourage you to bring your whole self to work and study. We will ensure that your application is given full consideration without regard to your race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, age, marital or pregnancy status, or socioeconomic background. All PhD places will be awarded on the basis of merit.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Beatriz Mingo ([Email Address Removed]).
Admissions requirements
Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline.
Publications in closely related discipline are positively considered.
English language:
IELTS: At least 6.5 overall with no subtest below 6.5
TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with no subtest below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): At least 58 overall with no subtest below 42.
Funding
At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.
For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the lead supervisor for this project before you apply.
How to apply
To be considered for this project you’ll need to complete a formal application through our online application portal.
When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of the PhD (PhD Materials, Coatings and Ceramic), the name of your supervisor, how you’re planning on funding your research, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.
Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [Email Address Removed].
Equality, diversity and inclusion
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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