Use of Surface Coatings in Phase-Change Enhancement "USCiPE"

Hydrophobic and hydrophilic surface coatings are shown to promote the phase change processes of evaporation and condensation, but are presently commercially limited due to performance degradation by fouling and blocking. This programme seeks to overcome this limitation by developing and creating resilient coatings resistant to fouling and performance degradation. This will provide commercial viability and increased adoption of these enhanced heat transfer surfaces for use in thermal management devices in computers, electric vehicles, and other applications. The research team comprises of Dr. Gerard McGranaghan who specialises in thermal sciences and will act as lead. An Industrial partner led by Mr. Petri Sorsa of Millidyne OY, Finland, will provide the specialty coatings for this research as well as technical and commercial input. Dr. Seamus O’Shaughnessy of Trinity College Dublin will also collaborate on thermal aspects especially condensation. Dr. Suresh Pillai specialising in surface coatings will act as Advising Supervisor.

The candidate will be a part of the PEM Research Centre based in the Institute of Technology Sligo. The PEM Centre offers technology for industry in precision engineering, manufacturing and materials with expertise on precision engineering and design, manufacturing process modelling and simulation, advanced process monitoring and control, and advanced material syntheses and characterisation. The candidate will model, develop, and experimentally evaluate novel surface coatings for both evaporative and condensative phase change processes. Motivated candidates with strong interests in thermodynamics, heat transfer and surface or interfacial sciences should apply. Candidates should have a 1st Class honours B.Sc. (essential) and/or an M.Sc. (desirable) in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or relevant disciplines. Candidates with a 2;1 degree and with experience in heat transfer, or in surface/interfacial related areas and technologies will also be considered.