Investigating of the processing boundaries of Micro Electrochemical Machining Process

The processing boundaries of the micro electrochemical process will be investigated. These include voltage gap, pulses duration and off-time duration, electrolyte flow (especially for micro features machining), electrolyte composition based on processing material. The idea is at the end to be created a benchmark research process that can be conducted for a specific application in order to determine the processing parameters. The project will create a methodology to be followed to determine for each specific case the gap needed, the voltage needed the electrolyte composition and concentration, pulse time ON and time OFF. A micro ECM machine is available for the project and 2 clean rooms and a potentiostat. The potential after the successful end of the project is huge as all previous PhD students have secured employment immediately after their graduation.

Research activities within the chemical engineering degree programmes at Brunel cover a wide range of multidisciplinary topics. Academic staff involved investigate diverse future-facing questions relevant to chemical process engineering, bioprocess engineering, materials manufacturing, energy technologies and low carbon economics. We develop innovative processes and products focusing on clean growth, sustainable development, digitalisation and process safety. Besides advancing scientific knowledge, we also aim to work closely with various industries and communities to provide world-class solutions to current and future social challenges. We conduct our research together with various university-level research centres and institutes. We have a world-leading collection of chemical and materials characterisation facilities at our disposal. At the core of your research study will be the relationship with your supervisor. We encourage you to contact the academic with related interests using our supervisor search tool online to discuss your proposal before submitting your application.

Research journey

Doctoral research programmes (PhDs) take a proud place in the world-class research environment and community at Brunel. PhD students are recognised and valued by their supervisors as an essential part of their departments and a key component of the university's overall strategy to develop and deliver world-class research.

A PhD programme is expected to take 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, with intakes starting in January, April or October.

The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1) or an international equivalent. A Masters degree is a welcome, but not required, qualification for entry.

Find out how to apply for a PhD at Brunel

Research support

Excellent research support and training

The Graduate School provides a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan your next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme. The researcher development programme (RDP) offers workshops and seminars in a range of areas including progression, research management, research dissemination, and careers and personal development. You will also be offered a number of online, self-study courses on BBL, including Research Integrity, Research Skills Toolkit, Research Methods in Literature Review and Principles of Research Methods.

Library services

Brunel's Library is open 24 hours a day, has 400,000 books and 250,000 ebooks, and an annual budget of almost £2m. Subject information Specialists train students in the latest technology, digital literacy, and digital dissemination of scholarly outputs. As well as the physical resources available in the Library, we also provide access to a wealth of electronic resources. These include databases, journals and e-books. Access to these resources has been bought by the Library through subscription and is limited to current staff and students. 

Dedicated research support staff provide guidance and training on open access, research data management, copyright and other research integrity issues.

Find out more: Brunel Library

Careers support

You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.