EPSRC Industrial Case Studentship in thermally sprayed coatings to protect polymer based composites

Applications are invited from suitably qualified graduates for a fully sponsored PhD studentship within the top-rated surface engineering research activity in the Division of Materials, Mechanics and Structures in collaboration with TWI (an independent research organisation with world leading expertise in engineering, materials and joining technologies). 

The PhD Challenge

Polymer composites are being increasingly used in more severe environments where coatings are needed to provide extra functionality e.g. protection against erosion or high temperature exposure. The project goal is to develop methods to deposit reliable protective coatings directly onto polymer-based composite substrates by thermal spraying.  Thermal spraying is a continuous directed spray process in which fine particles of the coating material are softened and accelerated in a specially designed flame or arc. They impinge on the substrate to be protected and a coating is built up of the required thickness. This goal is a challenging one due to the generally poor compatibility of polymer-based composites with the thermal spray process and the project offers considerable opportunities for fundamental study and innovative experimental work. 

The Studentship 

The student must have a high-grade qualification; at least a 1^st or 2.1 class degree or equivalent in an engineering or science discipline (e.g. mechanical/ materials /manufacturing engineering). The student must be prepared to travel and to spend time with TWI at their site near Cambridge. The student must be proficient in both written and spoken English, possess excellent presentation and communication skills and be able to write reports (to sponsors) and academic papers. 

Due to the nature of funding, the studentship is available only to UK/EU citizens. The PhD scholarship will cover full university fees and a tax-free stipend of approximately £1,300 per month for the duration of the project (three years). 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. D. G. McCartney, tel: 0115 951 3749 or Email: graham.mccartney@nottingham.ac.uk. 

Applications, with a detailed CV and letter of application, together with the names and addresses of two referees, should be sent directly to Prof. McCartney (graham.mccartney@nottingham.ac.uk ). 

Please quote ref. ENG/741.  Closing date: 26 July 2013, interviews will be held the following week.