Roller coating is the dominant method which industry uses to annually coat many thousands of kilometres to form pre painted panels for the construction and white good industries. While productive, there exist opportunities for the development of novel deposition techniques. The project aims to develop the understanding of the slot die and curtain coating processes to allow it to deposit a high viscosity solvent based coating for the steel industry. The processes potentially offer a more repeatable and controlled means of depositing the paint, while also allowing smoother surfaces, shorter changeover times between colours, multi-layer wet on wet coating and reduced operator exposure to VOCs.
The project will require a combination of numerical modelling and laboratory experimental practice to explore the operational window of the slot die and curtain coating process. Research activities will include material characterization, process modelling (CFD and data fitting), literature searches, experimental rig design, coating trials and coated product appraisal. The project is a research collaboration between the Swansea University’s College of Engineering and TATA Steel research and development. The primary location of the research will be the SPECIFIC laboratories on the Swansea University Bay campus, with additional opportunity for larger scale work at the nearby SPECIFIC pilot line facility in Baglan. The student will be part of a successful group of around 20 individuals working on the coating of steel products. There student will be expected to work closely with the industrial partner, making use of TATA’s laboratory capabilities where required in the project. There will be an opportunity to attend international conferences and an expectation of publications in international journals.
Benefits
This scholarship covers the full cost of UK/EU tuition fees and an annual stipend of £15,285.
There will be additional funds available for research expenses.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete and submit the following documents to Dr Eifion Jewell:
Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Dr Eifion Jewell.
Candidates should hold a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) honours degree (or its equivalent) in Mechanical/Chemical Engineering or similar discipline.
Familiarity with modelling and experience in experimental work involving liquid coatings would be beneficial.
We would normally expect the academic and English Language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5+ in each component) to be met by point of application. For details on the University’s English Language entry requirements, please visit our website for more information.
Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to UK/EU candidates only (EU nationals are required to be ordinarily resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the scholarship).
Tata Steel is one of the world’s most geographically diversified steel producers, with operations in 26 countries and commercial offices in over 35 countries.
In Europe we are one of the largest steel producers. But it’s not just our size that sets us apart. What makes us different is our approach to business. We believe our strength is how we build collaborative relationships that create new success for our customers Through serving many demanding markets worldwide, including construction and infrastructure, automotive, packaging and engineering, we understand that customer needs are different in each market.
The Tata group was founded on the principle that its activities should always benefit society. Today Tata Steel is guided by the same long-term vision. We operate in a way that is safe for our people and respectful to the environment. We behave responsibly and with care towards the communities surrounding and impacted by our operations. Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do and we are dedicated to managing our operations responsibly and to continuous improve our performance.
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