HDR Scholarship - Zinc Coatings

Project Supervisor

Institute

Location

Melbourne Burwood Campus

Research topic

The use of zinc and zinc alloys with additions of magnesium and/or aluminium to coat steel wire is a common and efficient method to protect the steel from corrosion. Even with these coatings applied rapid corrosion of the zinc layer can occur in aggressive environments or due to poor storage conditions, for which additional protection can be applied to the coating surface. The most successful inhibitors for such a task are those based on chromates, however their use is rapidly being reduced due to its adverse effects on health and thus alternative, safe inhibitors need to be found. The project is being undertaken as part of the ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Innovation and will involve working with our industry partner. This research is partially funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Research Council.

Project aim

This project will investigate benign inhibitor systems that synergise with the underlying alloy and/or an organic top coating for enhanced corrosion protection. A range of inhibitor types will be investigated using typical corrosion assessment techniques such as polarisation and impedance spectroscopy. As these inhibitors are being applied to minimise corrosion of the overlay, these traditional test methods will be able to quickly assess the different inhibitors. Additionally, localised electrochemical methods, such as scanning electrochemical cell microscopy, and advanced characterisation methods, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), will be used to investigate inhibition mechanisms.

Important dates

Applications close 5pm, Tuesday 1 November 2022

Benefits

This scholarship is available over 3 years.

Stipend of $33,500 per annum tax exempt (2023 rate)
Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
International students only: Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible you must:

be either a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.

How to apply

Submit your expression of interest to apply by emailing a cover letter, CV and academic transcript to Dr Anthony Somers. The CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If you are successful you will then be invited to submit a formal application.

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