Key Information
Academic Supervisors: Dr Matthew Davies (1st). Dr Matt Carnie (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 and look for new market opportunities to support sales growth. These sales growth opportunities in new markets throughout the world sit outside our core markets; as a result, research is required to investigate the polymer performance and climatic conditions in these new markets to determine recommendations for product longevity in these markets. Through this research, recommendations can be given to the business relating to the viability of which products can be used, colour choice, opportunities, and associated product guarantees for new markets.
This is an exciting opportunity for a committed research student to work closely with the business, researching into new sustainable product opportunities, new markets, and new customers throughout the world.
Project Aims:
- In conjunction with the business, look at new markets throughout the world and research typical climatic conditions. From this, establish the pre-finished steel performance for various construction applications
- Work with current products and future new products, providing recommendations for the business around product suitability per market
- Study materials that have been degraded 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
- Understand how different climatic conditions affect the coating characteristics, using depth profile and surface analysis
- Further develop non-destructive techniques to evaluate performance of weathered samples, such as colour, gloss, blister formation, and creep measurement
- Provide guidance around the in-use performance for various pre-painted steel products connected to the new markets
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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: