Dye Release Self-Lubricating novel materials

This PhD project will develop a novel dye-impregnated fibres embedded within the composite material.

The research is predominantly experimental and will span materials development, composite material design, and material testing. The student will validate the concept in the lab through accelerated life testing under representative conditions, progressing towards prototype material manufacture and testing with SKF. The project aims to advance the technology from early laboratory concept (TRL 1–2) to prototype demonstration (TRL 5–6).

Research Environment

Following an initial 9 month training programme at Cranfield University the PhD student will be working in the School of Engineering and the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Cardiff University, in the research group, which has strong expertise in advanced materials and nanotechnology and functional material testing with the state of the art equipment and facilities, providing an excellent experimental research environment.

Supervision is provided by an interdisciplinary academic team with expertise in material fabrication, nanotechnology, and material and mechanical testing.

The student will benefit from close industrial engagement, including prototype manufacture and testing support. As part of the CDT, the student will also have access to a wide network of industrial, government, and research partners across the aviation sector.

Learning and Development Opportunities

While working on this exciting research project, you will be provided with:

• A fully funded four-year, full-time PhD, including tuition fees for UK home students and a tax-free stipend of £25,183 per year
• Cohort-based and individual modular training covering technical, research, professional, and personal development
• A minimum three-month fully funded industrial placement with SKF, with regular access and contact with industrial teams throughout the project
• Industrial supervision and mentorship, complementing academic supervision
• Access to approximately 40 industrial, government, and research partners
• Access to world-class research and education facilities at Cardiff University and partner organisations

Through this programme, the student will develop advanced skills in composite materials development and functional characterisations, including tribological testing, composite design, experimental design, and data analysis, alongside broader professional skills in communication, project management, and responsible research.

This comprehensive training ensures graduates are well prepared to lead across roles in industry, academia, government, and policy.

Academic Criteria

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class degree or a good 2.1 (or their equivalent) in Chemistry, Material Science or Material Engineering or a related subject.

Desirable Skills and Experience

Please note, candidates are not expected to meet all the desirable skills and experience.

Experimental and Technical Skills

• Experience with practical laboratory experimentation, including test planning e.g. Design of Experiments.
• Experience working with composite materials or polymer-based systems.
• Familiarity with material and mechanical material testing including tribology (friction, wear) or a strong interest in developing expertise in this area.

Materials and Manufacturing Awareness

• Understanding of materials selection and compatibility, particularly polymers, fibres, or composites
• Interest in materials modification or functional materials.

Data and Research Skills

• Ability to analyse experimental data and interpret complex performance trends
• Experience with scientific reporting, including writing technical reports or papers
• Problem-solving skills applied to open-ended research challenges

Interdisciplinary Working

• Willingness to work across disciplines (engineering, chemistry, materials science, pharmacy-inspired techniques)
• Ability to collaborate with industrial partners and engage with applied, industry-led research
• Interest in through-life engineering, condition monitoring, and inspection technologies.

Professional and Personal Attributes

• Strong motivation to contribute to sustainability-focused material engineering
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently while engaging effectively within a research team
• Openness to working in industrial environments, including placements and regular industrial interaction.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)

Contact for further information

Please contact Dr S. Hutt, hutts@cardiff.ac.uk, and Dr. P. Prokopovich, prokopovichp@cf.ac.uk to informally discuss this opportunity

How to apply

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/engineering) including;

• an upload of your CV
• a personal statement/covering letter
• two references (applicants are recommended to have a third academic referee, if the two academic referees are within the same department/school)
• Current academic transcripts

Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering), with a start date October 2027.

In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select "I will be applying for a scholarship / grant" and specify that you are applying for advertised funding, reference ….

Deadline for applications

26th February 2027

Funding Notes

A fully funded four-year, full-time PhD, including tuition fees for UK home students and a tax-free stipend of £25,183 per year

Eligibility: Full funding is currently available to Home applicants on a full time basis.