New materials: Development of innovative composite coatings containing sustainably sourced particles for industrial applications

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

There is an increasing demand from high value manufacturing for multi-functional coatings. One approach to achieving this is via electrochemical deposition whereby hard particles are dispersed in an electrolyte and then co-deposited in to the metal matrix. There has been much work carried out where hard particles (such as alumina) or lubricating particles (such as PTFE) have been added to electrolytes which are then electrochemically co-deposited to form a metal composite containing these particles. This results in the properties of the coating being altered due to the nature of the particle and/or its effect on the grain structure of the deposited metal.

However, the particles traditionally used can be expensive, require energy intensive manufacturing methods and create problems in terms of metal recovery at end of life. This project will electrochemically co-deposit particles sourced from natural or waste products. Studies will involve determining the effect of these particles on the mechanical and tribological properties of deposit, the grain structure of the electroplated metal and other important properties such as corrosion resistance. The objective will be to create more sustainable multi-functional composite coatings.

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/new-materials-development-of-innovative-composite-coatings-containing-sustainably-sourced-particles-for-industrial-applications/