Nanoparticle-reinforced coatings for leading edge protection of offshore wind turbine blades

About the Project

This PhD scholarship is offered by the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience; a partnership between the Universities of Durham, Hull, Loughborough and Sheffield.

Offshore wind turbine blades are continually exposed to harsh marine environments, where rain, salt spray, and high-speed particle impacts can erode blade leading edges and reduce aerodynamic efficiency. This doctoral studentship aims to revolutionise blade protection through the development of advanced nanoparticle-reinforced polyurethane coatings.

Current leading-edge protection (LEP) technologies, such as tape-based systems, offer limited durability and are costly to maintain or replace offshore. Liquid-applied coatings present an opportunity for seamless, self-healing protection that can be applied both during manufacture and in situ. This project will formulate a new generation of ceramic nanoparticle-enhanced polyurethane coatings that deliver exceptional toughness, erosion resistance, and long-term adhesion under real offshore conditions.

The research will combine advanced materials formulation, microstructural and mechanical characterisation, and accelerated environmental testing. A novel rain erosion simulator, designed to replicate the complex dynamics of offshore exposure—including saltwater droplets, oblique impacts, and cyclic loading—will be used to evaluate coating performance.

Working closely with Trelleborg, the project will generate new scientific insight into nanoparticle–polymer interactions while providing industry-ready data on durability and performance. The outcomes will inform scalable, low-maintenance solutions to extend turbine lifespan, reduce operational costs, and improve the resilience of offshore wind energy systems worldwide.

Supervisors

• Dr Sina Saremi Yarahmadi, Loughborough University
• Mr Adam Nevin, Trelleborg
• Dr Daniel Butcher
• Prof Robert Dorrell

Training & Skills

You will benefit from a taught programme, giving you a broad understanding of the breadth and depth of current and emerging offshore wind sector needs. This begins with an intensive six-month programme at the University of Hull for the new student intake, drawing on the expertise and facilities of all four academic partners. It is supplemented by Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is embedded throughout your 4-year research scholarship.

In addition, the successful candidate will receive training in safe laboratory work, formulation methods, and characterisation techniques.

Entry Requirements

If you have received a First-class Honours degree, or a 2:1 Honours degree and a Masters, or a Distinction at Masters level with any undergraduate degree (or the international equivalents) in materials science/engineering, chemical engineering, polymer science/engineering, or a relevant engineering or science degree, we would like to hear from you. If your first language is not English, or you require Tier 4 student visa to study, you will be required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency level that meets the requirements of the CDT’s academic partners. This course requires academic IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each skill.