Key Information
Academic Supervisors: Dr Ian Mabbett (1st). Dr Eifion Jewell (2nd).
Industry Supervisors: Dr Peter Barker, Neil Metherell
Expected Interview Date: May 2022
Background:
Tata Steel UK is one of the largest producers of pre-painted steel in Europe and produces top range products which are specified throughout Europe, primarily for use in the construction industry. To maintain this position, the organisation is constantly trying to improve the current product range, either through the development of best-in-class coatings for the construction industry, improved offerings in service, or through added functionality. Tata’s premium coated products can offer maintenance free warranties of up to 40 years and this technology is based on decades of experience formulating paints sourced from fossil fuels as their feedstock.
With ever increasing focus on sustainability credentials and the circular economy, Tata Steel UK have a clear carbon reduction strategy. Part of this strategy requires the support of alternative curing technologies from the current gas-fired ovens, which will reduce the overall embodied carbon of the pre-finished steel products. It is envisaged as part of this research, that suitable pilot line capability will be developed to prove the chosen curing technology before scaling up to full manufacturing capability. Such alternative curing technologies could include, but are not limited to, ultra-violet (UV), electron beam (EB), induction curing, and infrared (IR) technologies.
This research project is a unique and exciting opportunity for a suitable research student to help shape the sustainability future of the UK business, by fundamentally changing the method of manufacturing.
Project Aims:
- Work in conjunction with our key paint supplier to fully understand the current paint formulation, and how the paint formulation will need to be adapted depending on the curing method
- Assess the impact of the different curing process technologies on the various polymers
- Analyse materials via external and accelerated testing methods
- Use analytical techniques such as UV, ATR FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy to better clarify the mechanism and rates of organic coating degradation and erosion
- Look to enhance the pilot line to evaluate the preferred curing process technologies, and provide recommendations to the business as to the suitability of the various options
—–
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. The 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).
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: