Novel High-Performance Coatings- Product and Process Development

Coatings are used for a wide range of applications with formulations developed or adapted according to the needs specific to the surfaces they are used on- smoothness, brightness, scratch resistance are among these. Challenges of global dimension experienced in the recent years have accentuated the need to develop new formulation coatings with antimicrobial properties that can be used areas of dense populations, such as hospitals, schools, in public transport to inhibit or minimise the risks of spreading diseases in the community.

It has also been shown that coatings that include nanoparticles in their formulation have far more superior performance provided that a fine dispersion can be obtained through size reduction, i.e. through the deagglomeration of a hierarchy of particle clusters that typically form when fine powders are added into a liquid. Large sizes also hinder control over the final distribution in the dried coating after solvent evaporation.

This multi-disciplinary project, which will be performed in collaboration between Chemical and Materials Engineering Departments, has the overall objectives of developing a high performance coating formulation and associated processing route to achieve fine dispersions enabling control over the final coating architecture and optical properties.

The project therefore has two main strands: product and process development. There will be the opportunity to learn about analytical techniques to determine the properties of new coatings, characterise their performance and develop related energy intensive processes to implement across a range of scales of operation.

Engineering has seen 100% of its research impact rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (REF, 2021)

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr N G Ozcan-Taskin

Secondary supervisor: Dr I Martin-Fabiani-Carrato

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

Applicants are expected to have a background in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or a related Engineering discipline with at least a 2:1 or equivalent.

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

How to apply

All applications should be made online and must include a research proposal. Under the programme name, select 'Chemical Engineering'. Please quote the advertised reference number CG-GO-2118 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

Apply now