School of Materials
University of Manchester
By varying the composition of commercially produced 1050AA aluminium alloy with addition of the alloying elements as little as at the hundreds ppm levels, it is possible to change the mechanical properties of the alloy and its response to electrochemical surface treatments. Such surface treatments include alkaline and acid etching, surface convolution through controlled pitting in nitric or hydrochloric acids and anodising. The surface treatments are tailored to modify the surface to achieve desirable surface functionally, and are widely used in the manufacture of lithographic plates for offset printing.
The understanding of surface modification through surface treatments is important for provision of an optimised surface topography of lithographic plate. To utilise the understanding, the definition of contributions of thermomechanical processing on the final surface appearance as well as the effect of the specific alloying elements on electrochemical behaviour of the alloy during surface modification is required.
The project includes the extensive use of various electrochemical techniques and characterisation by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, atomic force microscopy and white light interferometry. Furthermore, Backscattering Rutherford spectroscopy and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy are available for elemental characterisation of surface and near-surface layers.
Study information
- Qualification:
- PhD
- Study duration:
- 3-years
- Study mode:
- FT
- Start month:
- Open throughout 2008
- Entry requirements:
- Candidates for the studentship should have background in materials science and engineering or knowledge of electrochemistry and physical chemistry
Funding information
- Funder:
- Bridgnorth Aluminium Ltd
- Value:
- UK residents and EU nationals are eligible for this studentship that covers payment of tuition fees and a minimum tax-free maintenance payment of about £12,600 pa.
- Funding applies to:
- EU applicants (including UK)
- Funding notes:
- The studentship is fully sponsored by the industrial partner; the Bridgnorth Aluminium Ltd, a leading company in production of aluminium coil for lithographic industry.
UK residents and EU nationals are eligible for this studentship that covers payment of tuition fees and a minimum tax-free maintenance payment of about £12,600 pa. - Funding duration:
- 3-years
