Key Information
Academic Supervisors: Professor Peter Holliman, Dr Natalie Wint
Industry Supervisor: Chris Mescall
Expected Interview Date: May 2022
Background:
Steel coil is often galvanised with a zinc-rich coating as a sacrificial layer to protect against corrosion. Whilst galvanisation is effective, zinc is increasingly becoming a critical element. The galvanic layer also significantly hinders steel recycling. As such, this project will explore surface coatings for cold rolled, ungalvanized steel which combines corrosion protection, material valorisation for different value-added products, and design for recycling. This will be achieved by surface engineering using self-assembly approaches to create nano-dimensioned, interfacial layers capable of subsequent modification for different end uses. The project work will therefore connect surface treatments with materials testing and detailed surface characterisation.
The commercial potential for this project is reflected by the fact that Tata Steel UK produces approximately 500ktpa of cold rolled annealed products through it’s CAPL (continuous annealing and processing line) for applications ranging from automotive body panels, office furniture, domestic radiators, and oil drums. Cold-rolled products are susceptible to corrosion as the steel surface is exposed to the atmosphere and to minimise this, rust inhibitors and a protective oil film are applied to the steel during production.
In most cases, these protective films are removed before further processing at the customer factory to enable them to add their own surface treatment either for lubrication during pressing or for preparation prior to painting. This can lead to waste disposal concerns as well extra processing in the value chain. The goal of Tata Steel is to develop protective films that can be applied during the CAPL process which can subsequently support further processing at the customer plant.
Project Aims:
The aims for this programme of work are:
- Review and understand the full life cycle of novel protective surface treatments and identify their functional role in the supply chain in comparison with current commercial treatments
- Develop candidate replacements that reduce environmental impacts whilst maintaining functional performance and extending product range into more valued-added products
- Measure product performance (e.g., corrosion and/or composite behaviour) and explore the potential for recycling at end of product life.
- Progress to small scale production trials as appropriate
COATED M2A recognises applicants have a variety of backgrounds with different educational and research experiences. We do not expect applicants to be proficient users of any techniques /equipment mentioned, at the time of application. Our focus is to upskill our participants and training will be provided.
COATED M2A in the Faculty of Science and Engineering is a Swansea University initiative which provides postgraduate research training in partnership with industry, providing access to world class laboratories and a wealth of academic and industry expertise. COATED M2A is committed to providing top quality research opportunities within an inclusive environment, funded by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Swansea University and Industry partners.
Interwoven through the research study are business, technical and entrepreneurial courses, designed to support and prepare participants for a senior role in industry or academia, on completion of their studies.
The Athena SWAN charter recognises work undertaken by institutions to advance gender equality. The College of Engineering is an Athena SWAN bronze award holder and is committed to addressing unequal gender representation. Applications from women and other under-represented groups are particularly welcomed. All applications will be anonymised prior to short listing.
Are you considering making an application and have questions you’d like answered? Come and have a 1-2-1 chat with us at our applicant surgeries (Link) . We encourage all applicants to review our hints and tips document found here
Sponsoring Company: TATA Steel UK https://www.tatasteeleurope.com/
Eligibility
Candidates must normally hold a minimum undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University), or a combination of degree and equivalent experience to the same level.
Normally, we would expect candidates to have met the University’s English Language
requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5+ in each component) by point of application.
Full eligibility can be found at https://www.materials-academy.co.uk/eligibility
Funding
EngD Only – Fees at UK rate and Stipend £20,000.00, both for the period of four years.
For full details on funding eligibility, please refer to the Materials and Manufacturing Academy (M2A) Website. Student Eligibility | M2A (materials-academy.co.uk/eligibility).
Candidates must have the legal right to live/work in the UK at the start of their studies (student visas do not apply)
Closing Date: 3rd April 2022
Start Date: 1st October 2022
Applications and informal enquiries about this studentship should be directed by email to:
M2A@swansea.ac.uk