Location
University of Nottingham, Central London

Hours
Full Time - 4 years

Salary
Tax-free stipend of up to £26,780 per annum, plus tuition fees at UK rates and a £4,000 research training support grant

About the Role
This 4-year enhanced stipend PhD studentship is offered within the Digital Metal Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) at the University of Nottingham in partnership with Rolls-Royce. The project focuses on the development of advanced thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) for aero-engine components, addressing key challenges related to extreme environments. TBCs are essential for protecting critical parts such as Ni superalloy turbine blades, ensuring safe and efficient operation under high temperatures and pressures. However, environmental contaminants like Calcium Magnesium Alumina and Silicates (CMAS) can degrade these coatings. This research aims to develop novel protective chemistries that can be deposited in situ to enhance TBC durability. The project combines material science, coatings technology, advanced thermal spray deposition, and digital evaluation techniques to understand and mitigate TBC degradation. Additionally, bespoke continuum robotic systems will be used to demonstrate the feasibility of in-situ coating application. The coatings will be manufactured using plasma spray and mini-combustion flame spray methods, examined via SEM/EBSD, and tested under burner rig and furnace thermal cycling conditions. As part of the CDT cohort, students will benefit from tailored courses, mentoring, career support, and conference opportunities, bridging fundamental science with industrial application to support sustainability in aerospace.

Experience
Applicants should have a strong background in materials science, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, chemistry, or a related discipline. Experience with experimental research and material characterization techniques is advantageous.

About you
You are motivated, enthusiastic about advanced materials research, and eager to work at the interface of academia and industry. You should be capable of independent research and collaborative teamwork within a multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications
The candidate must hold at least an equivalent of a UK MEng 2.1 class degree with a minimum of 70% in the project element in materials, mechanical, manufacturing, chemistry, or a related discipline. This is an experimental research project based at the University of Nottingham.