LU
Nanoparticle-reinforced coatings for leading edge protection of offshore wind turbine blades
✓ Fully Funded
🎓 Ceramics
🎓 Chemical Engineering
🎓 Chemical Physics
🎓 Energy Technologies
🎓 Manufacturing Engineering
🎓 Mechanical Engineering
🎓 Physical Chemistry
🎓 Polymers
materials engineering
durability testing
erosion resistance
leading-edge protection
nanoparticle coatings
offshore materials
offshore wind turbines
polymer-ceramic composites
polyurethane
sustainable wind energy
This fully-funded PhD focuses on developing advanced nanoparticle-reinforced polyurethane coatings to protect offshore wind turbine blades from erosion and environmental degradation. The project combines materials engineering, mechanical characterisation, and industry collaboration to deliver durable, scalable solutions.
Project Description
Offshore wind turbine blades are exposed to rain, salt spray, and high-speed particle impacts, causing erosion that reduces aerodynamic efficiency. This project will develop a next-generation ceramic nanoparticle-enhanced polyurethane coating to provide seamless, self-healing protection for blade leading edges.
Key research activities include:
Formulation of ceramic nanoparticle–polymer coatings
Microstructural, mechanical, and adhesion characterisation
Accelerated environmental testing using a novel rain erosion simulator
Collaboration with Trelleborg for industrially relevant data and insight into nanoparticle–polymer interactions
The project integrates experimental materials science with offshore energy applications and provides multi-institutional training across Durham, Hull, Loughborough, and Sheffield, including a six-month intensive programme at Hull. Continuing professional development and safe laboratory training are embedded throughout the four-year studentship.
Entry Requirements
First-class Honours degree, or 2:1 Honours plus a Masters, or Masters with Distinction in materials science/engineering, chemical engineering, polymer science/engineering, or a relevant science/engineering degree (or international equivalent)
English proficiency: IELTS 7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each component)
Open to international applicants
Guaranteed interview scheme for eligible home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds
English proficiency: IELTS 7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each component)
Open to international applicants
Guaranteed interview scheme for eligible home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for September 2026 entry. Interested applicants should submit a CV, academic transcripts, and supporting documents to the Offshore Wind CDT admissions team. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
DS
Dr Sina Saremi-Yarahmadi, Dr Daniel Butcher, Prof Robert Dorrell, Mr Adam Nevin (Trelleborg)
Loughborough University, Offshore Wind CDT
Related Opportunities
UOM
UOO
THE
UOS