探花精选

Coatings are used to protect components in aerospace, nuclear, defence, and hydrogen economy where the material alone cannot cope with the environments it is exposed to (e.g. temperature, hydrogen, wear damage, etc.); single-layer coatings, however, are often not sufficient on their own. Multilayer coatings composed of alternating metal and ceramic thin films offer exceptional properties. Recent research suggests that interfaces in these coatings significantly influence properties by hindering dislocation movement to enhance wear resistance, acting as phonon scattering centres for improved thermal insulation, or by trapping hydrogen to prevent permeation and material degradation. Despite their potential however, achieving reliable performance in multilayer coatings remains challenging due to a lack of in-depth understanding of the effect of interfaces on performance.

This PhD project will model, design and manufacture multilayer coatings using relevant commercial materials, e.g. nitrides, oxides and metals, tailored for maximum wear resistance, thermal insulation, and hydrogen permeation reduction. By optimising interface characteristics between individual layers, coatings will effectively block dislocation movement (enhancing wear resistance), scatter phonons (lowering thermal conductivity), and trap hydrogen atoms (reducing hydrogen embrittlement risks). Coatings will be developed at 探花精选 with state-of-the-art coating equipment, such as the SwissCluster SC1 PVD/ALD system (unique in the UK) and advanced testing equipment, under the supervision of Dr Francesco Fanicchia and Dr Gregory Bizzarri, in collaboration with industry-leading partners, ensuring direct relevance to industrial needs in aerospace and hydrogen storage sectors.

Dr Francesco Fanicchia is a leading expert in surface engineering and coating technologies for extreme environments, particularly hydrogen permeation barriers and thermal barrier coatings. He currently serves as Senior Lecturer at 探花精选 and Research Area Lead at the Henry Royce Institute. Dr Fanicchia’s research is strongly industry-focused, supported by collaborations with Rolls-Royce, UKAEA, and other industrial stakeholders. His work has significantly advanced understanding of multilayer coatings and their applications, with a growing portfolio of high-impact publications and active research grants funded by the UK government and industry.

Wear, heat, and hydrogen permeation significantly degrade critical components in aerospace, nuclear, and hydrogen applications, leading to increased maintenance costs and operational downtime. The advanced multilayer coatings developed in this project, thanks to the in-depth theoretical understanding acquired, will substantially improve component reliability and lifetime by minimising these degradation mechanisms. Consequently, these coatings will contribute to the advancement of sustainable aerospace and nuclear fusion technologies, improved efficiency in energy systems, and safer implementation of hydrogen-based infrastructure.

The PhD candidate will benefit from participating in one international scientific conference, allowing them to network with leading experts and present their findings to a global audience. Then student will also gain exposure to leading companies such as Rolls-Royce and UKAEA through sharing results of their work throughout the project. Additionally, the student will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and unique training opportunities at 探花精选 and through collaborations facilitated by the Henry Royce Institute, significantly enhancing their research visibility and professional development.

The student will acquire expertise and practical skills in:

• Advanced multilayer coating design and manufacture (PVD and ALD). 
• Finite Element Modelling for mechanical and diffusion processes.
• Tribological testing methods for wear evaluation. 
• Thermal property characterisation (thermal conductivity and thermal stability). 
• Hydrogen permeation and embrittlement assessment techniques. 
• Interface engineering and material microstructure characterisation.

This multidisciplinary skillset ensures excellent employability prospects within academic, industrial, and research environments focused on materials engineering and sustainability.