Fully Funded Scholarship at Swansea University is EPSRC ICASE & Tata Steel PhD funding for UK and EU Students in UK. The scholarship program aims to develop the understanding of the slot die and curtain coating processes to permit it to deposit a high viscosity solvent-based coating for the industry.

Roller coating is that the dominant method that industry uses to annually coat many thousands of kilometers to make pre-painted panels for the development and white goods industries. While productive, there exist opportunities for the event of novel deposition techniques.

The project aims to develop the understanding of the slot die and curtain coating processes to permit it to deposit a high viscosity solvent-based coating for the industry. The processes potentially offer a more repeatable and controlled means of depositing the paint, while also allowing smoother surfaces, shorter changeover times between colors, multi-layer wet on wet coating and reduced operator exposure to VOCs.

The project would require a mixture of numerical modeling and laboratory experimental practice to explore the operational window of the slot die and curtain coating process. Research activities will include material characterization, process modeling (CFD and data fitting), literature searches, experimental rig design, coating trials, and coated product appraisal. The project may be a research collaboration between Swansea University’s College of Engineering and TATA Steel research and development.

The primary location of the research are going to be the precise laboratories on the Swansea University Bay campus, with additional opportunity for larger-scale work on the nearby SPECIFIC pilot line facility in Baglan. the scholar are going to be a part of a successful group of around 20 individuals performing on the coating of steel products. Their student are going to be expected to figure closely with the economic partner, making use of TATA’s laboratory capabilities where required within the project. there’ll be a chance to attend international conferences and an expectation of publications in international journals.

Benefits of Scholarship at Swansea University

• This scholarship covers the complete cost of UK/EU tuition fees and an annual stipend of £15,285.
• There will be additional funds available for research expenses.

Eligibility 

• Candidates should hold a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) honors degree (or it’s equivalent) in Mechanical/Chemical Engineering or similar discipline.
• Familiarity with modeling and knowledge in experimental work involving liquid coatings would be beneficial.
• It is normally expected that the tutorial and English requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5+ in each component)is met by point of application.
• Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is hospitable UK/EU candidates only (EU nationals are required to be ordinarily resident within the UK for a minimum of 3 years before the beginning of the scholarship).

Application Procedure

To apply, please complete and submit the subsequent documents to Dr. Eifion Jewell ([email protected]):

• College of Engineering PGR Scholarship Application
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring Form
• Two-page CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to elucidate why the position particularly matches your skills and knowledge and the way you select to develop the project.
• Two written references (academic or previous employer)