Steel products have numerous service condition challenges such as oxidation, corrosion as well as possible damage due to applied loads and stresses during different manufacturing processes. Two-dimensional materials such as Graphene, Molybdenum sulphide, HBN, and MXENE have shown promising properties for corrosion protection, high temperature resistance, im-permeability to small molecules, as well as ultra-low friction layer systems.

Project Aims:

Improved functional properties of these hybrid coating systems will differentiate Tata’s products, achieving a competitive edge in the market place. The project will seek to achieve the following objectives:

• Develop and demonstrate solutions based on 2D materials that can deliver robust, viable coatings for the relevant applications,
• Select material for application testing and optimisation,
• Fundamental understanding of performance of the new hybrid 2D coating systems including barrier, passivation, and lubrication tests.
• Evaluating suitability of coating application technologies such as roller coatings, chemical coaters, and other technologies.
• H&S and environmental impact of these new hybrid 2D systems are to be evaluated (organic systems might be advantageous).

Sponsoring Company: Tata Steel UK

Eligibility

We welcome applications from candidates with Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering disciplines. 2.1 or 1st class degree preferred, or equivalent relevant experience that would enable the candidate to fulfil the role.

Funding

Fees at Home / EU rate, and Stipend £20,000 per annum, for each of the four years.
For full details on funding eligibility, please refer to the Materials and Manufacturing Academy (M2A) Website (Student Eligibility | M2A).
Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is not open to ‘International’ candidates.

Closing Date: 30th April 2021

Start Date: October 2021