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Transforming corrosion resistance of additively manufactured metals using electrochemical surface engineering

University of Leeds Mechanical Engineering
✓ Fully Funded ⏰ Closing Soon machine learning high-throughput screening materials science additive manufacturing corrosion resistance electropolishing laser powder bed fusion surface engineering

Develop innovative electropolishing techniques for additively manufactured metals and harness machine learning to optimize corrosion resistance, enabling breakthrough advancements in sustainable manufacturing.

AI-generated overview

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Why This Research Matters

This research addresses key challenges limiting the adoption of additive manufacturing in critical industries by enhancing surface durability against corrosion. It fosters sustainable industrial practices and accelerates the industrial deployment of advanced material processing technologies.

Additive Manufacturing Corrosion Resistance Electropolishing Machine Learning Surface Engineering Materials Science

Project Description

This PhD project investigates how to enhance corrosion resistance in metals produced through additive manufacturing (AM), where surface texture currently limits performance in critical applications. The research will: evaluate corrosion behaviour of AM stainless steel (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) compare different surface treatment methods develop a novel electropolishing process tailored for AM alloys perform corrosion testing under harsh industrial conditions use high-throughput screening methods for rapid testing analyse materials using advanced microscopy develop machine learning models to predict optimal electropolishing parameters The project is conducted in collaboration with Holdson, an industry partner specialising in sustainable electropolishing solutions for aerospace, medical, and renewable energy sectors. The candidate will be part of the EPSRC CDT in Materials 4.0, gaining: cohort-based doctoral training interdisciplinary research exposure industry collaboration experience

Entry Requirements

Not explicitly stated, but suitable background includes:
Materials Science
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgy
Chemical Engineering
or related disciplines
Interest in:
corrosion science
additive manufacturing
electrochemistry
data-driven modelling

How to Apply

Apply via the University of Leeds portal:
https://prod.banner.leeds.ac.uk/ssb/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon

Steps:

select Research Postgraduate
choose 2026/27 academic year
select EPSRC CDT Materials 4.0 under planned course

Contacts:

General: doctoral-training@royce.ac.uk
Application: phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk
Supervisor: j.j.owen@leeds.ac.uk

Application deadline: 14 May 2026

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

DJ
Dr Joshua Owen
University of Leeds, Mechanical Engineering
Google Scholar

Dr Joshua Owen specializes in electrochemical surface engineering with a focus on improving corrosion resistance of advanced manufacturing materials. His research combines additive manufacturing techniques, surface treatment optimization, and machine learning to enhance material performance. Dr Owen collaborates closely with industrial partners to translate fundamental science into practical applications.