Materials Engineering Newcastle University

Overview

As a postgraduate researcher in materials engineering you will be based in the School of Engineering. Our research areas include:

• kinetics and formation mechanisms of new materials
• predictive modelling based upon mechanistic understanding.

Work covers the production, property measurement and performance assessment of:

• ceramics
• polymers
• metals
• composites.

Your research will focus on:

• understanding the physical and chemical descriptions that underlie materials performance
• developing property and performance models of materials.

We focus on developing new materials for advanced engineering applications. This includes:

• microelectronics
• optics
• power transmission.

Current research projects include:

• developing novel surface engineering processes and materials (such as fullerene-like coating materials)
• energy-based methods for performance modelling
• nanomaterials and nanocharacterisation techniques
• novel materials for intensified processes.

A major research strength is the measurement and modelling of the mechanical response of materials at high-spatial resolution, particularly in microelectronic and optical devices. A combination of unique equipment and interdisciplinary expertise supports this.

Another research focus is the materials requirements for the sustainable development and use of key resources, in particular water and energy. We have significant research into:

• the generation of energy from novel sources
• low carbon and renewable technologies
• the clean-up of effluent and wastewater.

Our major areas of research are:

• fuel cells and energy systems
• gasification
• cold plasma gasification
• bio-fuel cells
• bio-diesel production
• gas and water treatment
• nano-structured polymer composites for pollution control
• sustainable and environmental electrochemical systems
• photochemical processes and electrochemical synthesis.

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject. However, combinations of the following can be taken into consideration:

• undergraduate qualifications
• masters qualifications
• relevant work experience.

Please contact us if you wish to discuss your individual circumstances.