The aim of the project will be the development of self-adaptive and self-lubricating thin films based on the transition metal dichalcogenides alloyed with elements or compounds.
The coating should be capable to exhibit low friction and negligible wear in a wide range of contact conditions, such as vacuum, dry or lubricated sliding. The project will specifically investigate the transformation of the film nanostructure during the sliding process. The work will be experimental in nature but particular problems might be chosen for theoretical simulations. The experimental part will include coating deposition by magnetron sputtering, fundamental characterisation and tribological analyses using advanced surface characterisation techniques. The applicant will benefit from the multidisciplinary nature of the project and will be expected to participate in regular progress meetings and present results at international conferences.
There is NO additional funding to cover full overseas fees costs. It will not be possible to consider your application unless you can provide the additional funding from other sources to pay the fees difference (£12,388 for 2011/12).
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof Robert Wood, nCATS research group, Email: rjw3@soton.ac.uk , Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 4881.