Lead-Free Ceramic Materials for Pulsed Power Applications (Ref: FP-FI-2026R)

About the Project

This interdisciplinary PhD project will develop lead-free ferroelectric ceramics for compact, explosively driven pulsed power systems. The research addresses the critical challenge of replacing high-performance but environmentally problematic lead-based ceramics with sustainable alternatives capable of reliable operation under extreme dynamic conditions.

Explosively driven pulsed power systems convert mechanical shock energy into high-power electrical pulses, enabling lightweight, compact, and ultra-fast power sources for advanced electromagnetic and directed energy applications. These systems rely on ferroelectric ceramics that store and rapidly release electrical energy when subjected to shock-induced depolarisation.

Lead-based materials, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), have long set the benchmark for electromechanical performance. However, environmental, and regulatory pressures have created an urgent need for high-performance lead-free alternatives. Recent advances suggest some emerging lead-free ferroelectric compositions can match or surpass lead-based performance, offering improvements in both sustainability and capability.

The project will begin with a literature review to identify promising lead-free ferroelectric systems. Selected compositions will be synthesised using advanced ceramic processing, including solid-state reaction and field-assisted sintering, to achieve high density and controlled microstructure. Materials will then be poled under high voltage and elevated temperature before structural, dielectric, and ferroelectric characterisation.

The most promising materials will undergo controlled shock-loading experiments in specialised pulsed power facilities to evaluate depolarisation behaviour, energy extraction efficiency, and durability under realistic dynamic conditions. The successful applicant will collaborate with the Plasma and Pulsed Power Group and the Advanced Ceramics Research Group, both internationally recognised for expertise in explosively driven pulsed power, functional ceramics, and advanced processing.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:

Prof Felipe Iza f.iza@lboro.ac.uk
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/meme/staff/felipe-iza/

Names of secondary supervisors:

Prof Bala Vaidhyanathan
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/materials/staff/bala-vaidhyanathan
Prof Nigel Seddon
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/meme/staff/nigel-seddon/

Entry requirements:

Candidates must hold a minimum of an Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline. Candidates must be UK Nationals and be willing to apply for and able to obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:

The project is funded by the EPSRC Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub, hosted at Loughborough University and sponsored by Dstl, the Ministry of Defence’s Science and Technology division. This collaboration ensures that the research focus is aligned with national priorities and gives the PhD researcher the chance to engage in state-of-the-art applied science, contribute to critical technologies, and see how cutting-edge research impacts operational capability.

The successful candidate will receive an enhanced tax-free stipend of £24,780 per year for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees and additional funds of £7,000 a year for travel, conferences and research equipment.

Bench fees required: No

Start date: 01 October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 4 years

Who is eligible to apply?: UK Only

How to apply:

All applications should be made online. Under Campus, please select ‘Loughborough’ and select Programme ‘Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering’. Please quote the advertised reference number ‘FP-FI-2026R’ in your application under the ‘Finance’ section.

Applications must include a personal statement, up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV), details of two referees (one from your highest degree qualification), certified certificates and transcripts for all completed degree programmes, and a reference to the project ‘FP-FI-2026R’.

Submission of a research proposal is not essential but may strengthen your application.

Project search terms:
materials science, pulsed power, ferroelectric, lead-free, depolarisation, piezoelectric, ceramics

Email address Wolfson:
ws.phdadmin@lboro.ac.uk