EPSRC DTP - Development of new generation corrosion-resistant aluminium alloys

About the Project

Applications are invited for a full time PhD studentship in research on new generation corrosion-resistant aluminium alloys at the Department of Materials, The University of Manchester. The successful applicant will receive an annual stipend (bursary) plus payment of their full time Home tuition fees for 4 years.

Advanced aluminium alloys have a key role in the aerospace and automotive industries for structural components. However, the increasing global demand for aluminium alloys will only be met in the near term by the circulation of secondary metals, which inevitably introduces impurities to alloys. Increased additions of impurities like iron or deliberate additions like copper and nickel can be detrimental to corrosion resistance particularly in the accelerated tests used for qualification with automotive OEMs. This means that there is a strong research incentive to improve the corrosion performance of wrought high strength aluminium alloys in response to this demand and to formulate these alloys from end-of-life recycled aluminium to reduce embedded carbon level to below 2 tonnes CO2e/tonne of aluminium as a supplied component and eventually to Net Zero carbon. This project is concerned with development of high strength aluminium alloys designed to provide better performance compared with existing alloys. The properties of this alloy depend on careful control of the microstructure, in particular the second phase particles and recrystallization. The project aims to understand the complex interactions between alloy chemistry, processing, microstructure and performance. The alloy microstructure will be characterised by using advanced high resolution electron microscopy. The relationship between the fabrication process parameters and the microstructure of the alloys will be investigated. The assessment of performance will be based on correlative accelerated laboratory testing and electrochemical measurements. The newly developed X-ray and electron-based nanotomography will also be employed to spatially determine the microstructural features that are responsible for the initiation and propagation of alloy degradation.

This project provides a unique opportunity to combine pioneering academic research with industrial experience. In addition to the access to state-of-the-art facilities, the student also has the opportunity to develop interdisciplinary skills and to work in a team environment involving over 8 PhD students and researchers, leading academics and industrial experts. The group runs regular seminars and social events. The industrial collaborators will work closely with the student during the project and opportunities exist for gaining exposure to the industrial manufacturing environment in Europe.

Eligibility

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in materials science/engineering, metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related subject.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. EU students with settled or pre-settled status and international student can apply but their application eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://uom.link/pgr-apply

When you apply, you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• You will be asked to supply contact details for two referees on the application form (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/ work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it.
• English Language certificate (if applicable). If you require an English qualification to study in the UK, you can apply now and send this in at a later date.

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk