A fundamental study into novel methods to selectively metallise materials using a magnetic field to enable more sustainable processing in high value manufacturing sectors

Eligibility: UK/EU/International
Tuition Fees + Bursary £15000 per year
Three years fixed term

PI: Dr Andrew Coblley: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-directories/researchers/andrew-cobley/

THE PROJECT

Electrochemical deposition in a magnetic field is a novel and growing area of research across Europe expected to contribute to the development of novel highly sustainable and efficient metallisation processes used in electrochemical research and with wide applicability across high value manufacturing sectors such as electronics, aerospace and automotive.

If a material is to be selectively metallised masking is applied using photolithographic techniques which are expensive, environmentally damaging and time consuming. The principle behind this innovative research is the use of magnetic fields for sustainable selective metallisation of materials. A template can be made of magnetised iron rods which are placed behind the material being metallised. The ions in the electrolyte will either be repelled or attracted to the magnetic field producing a patterned surface. Electrochemical deposition in a magnetic field therefore has the potential to be a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to patterning a material. This technology has been proven on metallic surfaces but no work has been performed to use this technology to enable ‘patterning’ of a non-conductive material, the focus of this PhD. To achieve this, the project will investigate the effect of a magnetic field on the catalysis and deposition stages of electroless processes.

ABOUT THE CENTRE/DEPARTMENT

Our research in Manufacturing and Materials Engineering builds on our historic research strengths at Coventry, and adds new research teams through investment and growth. It integrates seamlessly with the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, our flagship collaboration with Unipart Manufacturing.

This area of research will take a holistic approach to fabrication and manufacturing, focusing on the three strands of Materials, Processes, and Products; and underpinned by our expertise in Metrology and Advanced Experimentation.

We aim to be the research partner of choice for manufacturing industry in adding value, effecting knowledge transfer, generating intellectual property, and raising new technologies from concept up through the Manufacturing Readiness Levels.

Our summary research themes:
• Process Control / Product Verification.
• Advanced Metrology and Experimentation
• Supply Chain Management
• Materials for Advanced Technologies
• Integrated Product Enhancement

How to apply: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/how-to-apply/

Link to CU page: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/research-studentships/a-fundamental-study-into-novel-methods-to-selectively-metallise-materials-using-a-magnetic-field-to-enable-more-sustainable-processing-in-high-value-manufacturing-sectors/