Development of ceramic thermal and environmental barrier coatings for high temperature applications

Ceramic coatings are vital in high-temperature applications, especially in aero-engines and the power generation industry. These coatings increase the engine’s operating temperature to improve efficiency and reduce the engine’s environmental impact. A successful candidate would join a dynamic research team with a long history of industrial collaboration with Rolls-Royce, BP and National Nuclear Laboratory. The project will involve developing new coating materials and understanding the coating’s degradation mechanisms for use in high-temperature environments. The student will use the extensive range of specialised characterisation techniques available at the Royce Institute of Advanced Materials and the University of Manchester. The project aims to develop novel coatings that will enhance the lifetime of engine components and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the environment.

Admissions requirements:

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in Materials Science and Engineering or Chemistry or Physics.

Before you apply 

We strongly recommend that you contact the lead supervisor for this project before you apply. 

How to apply 

To be considered for this project you’ll need to complete a formal application through our online application portal. 

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. 

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [email protected]

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. 

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).