Research Student Project
Supervisor name & contact details:
Dr Michael Whelan
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science
Michael.g.whelan@dit.ie
Weblink (if available)
http://www.crestdit.com/aboutus/staffprofiles
/whelan.html
Research Centre Name and Website (if
applicable)
Centre for Research in Engineering Surface
Technology
Www.crestdit.com
Please indicate if the intention is to transfer
from the Masters programme to the PhD
programme (if applicable)
Please indicate if the project is suitable for a
self-funded student
Yes
No
Funding Agency
DIT Fiosraigh Funding
Scholarship Details
4 years scholarship @ €16,000 per annum
Subject Area
Chemical Engineering/ Surface Coatings
Title of the Project
PhD Position: Formation and Characterisation
of Duplex Anodic Layers
Project Description (max 300 words)
There is a significant movement within many large industries such as automotive, aerospace,
architectural, marine etc to replace chromate based surface treatments with an environmentally
friendly alternative. Chromates are currently being targeted for elimination from manufacturing
practices due to their carcinogenic nature. In order to navigate impending restrictions from the
European chemicals agency on chromate based compounds, a new surface treatment is required
for aluminium alloys to replace chromic acid anodising (CAA).
Anodising processes for aluminium involve the electrochemical formation of nanoporous oxide
layers in usually acidic electrolytes and is used extensively for aluminium to impart elevated
corrosion and mechanical properties to the surface. A potential replacement for CAA is based on
duplex anodising processes. The duplex anodising process involves a double anodisation to
achieve a surface layer that exhibits optimised adhesion properties with a second base layer that
provides corrosion resistance. The use of duplex anodic layers is growing in industry with patents
filed by companies such as Airbus and Bombardier. CREST researchers have also patented a
duplex anodising process that offers unique features over the state of the art. This PhD
programme proposes to further develop, optimise and characterise the pre-treatment steps and
duplex anodising process for various aluminium alloys. The electrochemical formation of the
duplex anodic layers will be monitored and tailored. The processing parameters will studied to
determine the effect on final film properties such as nanoporous structure, corrosion resistance,
adhesion properties, fatigue resistance and surface hardness.
The candidate will utilise a range of electrochemical and accelerated corrosion and weathering
tests to analyse the performance of the layers produced. High resolution electron microscopy
and advanced spectroscopic techniques will be used to analyse the layers formed during the body
of work.
Please indicate the student requirements for this project
2.1 BSc in Chemical Sciences, Materials Science or related
Deadline to submit applications (only for
funded projects)
13/02/2015