PhD Studentship - Processing, Characterisation and Performance of Metallic Coatings for High Temperature Corrosion Protection

Research theme: Advanced Materials
How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded and home students, and EU students with settled status, are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Modern gas turbine engines are utilised in an increasingly variable way as a result of airlines changing the way they operate their aircraft. This project aims to develop metallic coatings for corrosion protection of components used at high temperature; similar environment as in aero-engine. The project will involves close collaboration between University of Manchester and Rolls-Royce. The coatings will be fabricated with use of electroplating process followed by thermal treatments to allow formation of diffusion coatings. The project will involve the necessary materials characterisation that will lead to a better definition of these coatings. Ultimately this will enable engines to stay on wing longer and enhance Rolls-Royce’s predictive capability. The work will explore the key processes variables and their interlink with the underlying alloys and will also require micro-mechanical and corrosion-fatigue testing to demonstrate that link between processes, microstructures and function.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor, Prof Ping Xiao - p.xiao@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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