Imperial Materials

Dr Sam Rogers is a Research Associate in the Department of Materials, having first joined the department as an undergraduate student in 2013. His research focuses on alloys for aerospace and nuclear applications. In this new blog post, he shares more about his research, why it’s important and how this research could make an impact.

What inspired you to become a Materials Scientist?

I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how things work, and then problem-solving off the back of that, and Materials Science is all about that! Whilst the length scale we look at is typically very small, they can have profound effects. For example, if we add some chromium and nickel to steel, we make stainless steel, which won’t rust. These are the kinds of problems I’ve always enjoyed figuring out and which I now enjoy working on!

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field?

The fundamental question which my work is based is ‘how can I make the best alloy (metallic mixture) for a specific application?’ Typically I research materials for aerospace and nuclear applications, but the process is the same for any application, which makes it very versatile, and it’s nice a simple: it’s a bit like baking a cake! Alloy development is figuring out what ingredients (elements) we need for the right flavour (whatever properties we’re interested in!), whilst process development is figuring out the instructions we need to make our cake (alloy!). Another way to think about it is the modern equivalent to blacksmithing!

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

When I began studying materials science, I most enjoyed the modules related to metals and alloys, and I love the fact that simple concepts can be brought together in interesting and new ways to make new materials. As we continue to come up with new ideas for technology and machines, we need materials which will be suitable for these applications, in addition to improving the existing materials we use. In addition, we want to be able to recycle more materials than we have in the past, but first we need to figure out the technology and processes that will enable us to do this.

How could this research make an impact?

The outcome of my present work is focused on further improving safety in nuclear systems by reducing our use of cobalt alloys. Given the increased reliance on nuclear power in Europe and beyond, it’s important that we do all we can to ensure safety in and around nuclear systems under any circumstance.

Another portion of my work is to improve the materials we use in jet engines, primarily to improve component lifetimes. By improving component lifetimes, we need to manufacture less of a given component, which can help reduce energy consumption. When scaled up to all flights used, this can make a big saving in total!

Who do you collaborate with at Imperial and beyond?

My chief industrial collaborators are Rolls-Royce, and I also work with various universities in the UK and across Australia.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I particularly enjoy the problem-solving part of my job, coming up with solutions to problems that others haven’t yet been able to solve!

What do you enjoy outside of research?

Outside of research I really enjoy music – both playing and listening to it, and also playing video games! I’m also really involved in my church and love getting stuck in there!

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

I can ride a unicycle!

Read Postdoc Spotlight: Dr Sam Rogers on alloys for aerospace and nuclear in full

Name: Benjamin Nicholas

Degree: MEng Materials Science and Engineering in the Department of Materials

Graduation Year: 2019

Current role: Manufacturing Development Engineer

What is your current job?

I am a Manufacturing Development Engineer working within the Manufacturing and Materials Research team at BAE Systems Air.

What do you do in your job?

I develop techniques for applying new and novel materials to production and experimental fast jets, using additive manufacturing, robotics, lasers and more. I also work with our in-house simulation team to devise material specifications and standards for new products, qualify emerging materials for use on operational aircraft and foster relationships with our industrial and academic partners to improve our in-house capabilities, ensuring we remain at the forefront of technology.

Why did you choose a career in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)?

Coming out of university, I wanted to apply what I had learnt in an industry that would allow me to work at the highest levels of technological advancement and play a part in creating a physical product that would make a tangible impact on people’s lives. I have fond memories of going to Air Shows and Expos as a child and seeing all the fantastic examples of engineering on display. Now, I can contribute to the technology of today, and hopefully, in a generation or two, there will be a similar child marvelling at something I have created.

What did you enjoy most about the course at Imperial?

Learning about not only the theory and design of new materials, but their applications in industry and how they affect our day-to-day lives, whether we are aware of it or not. Materials Science is very lightly touched upon at the school level, so the course really opened my eyes to the ways Materials Science has shaped human civilisation and continues to do so today. Materials Science unifies the Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Engineering we learn in school into one multi-disciplinary subject and is therefore, in my opinion, the best way to apply all the knowledge I learnt in school to the fullest extent.

What is the coolest thing you have done in your career so far?

Seeing a Eurofighter Typhoon take off with full afterburners is a good perk!

What is your favourite material (and why)?

Metallic glass has to take the top spot for me. It is a relatively new material but mature enough to have applications outside of the theoretical sphere. I look forward to seeing the potential to create the material in bulk (and additively at that!) and exploit its unique properties.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself to make the most of my summer holidays; you don’t get them once you’re working!

Read Alumni Spotlight: Benjamin Nicholas in full

Dr Huw Shiel is a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Materials. His research investigates improving the performance or lifetime of batteries and other energy storage solutions. In this blog post, he shares more about his research, the potential impact of this work, and what he enjoys outside of research.

What inspired you to become a Materials Scientist?

During my undergraduate in physics, I tried out a few different research topics, but in my final year, I realised that I wanted to work on something that would be useful in the fight against climate change. My Master’s project, researching solar energy materials, was so engaging because I had a tangible output from my work and it felt like we were making something real that could make a real difference.  I also found that splitting my time between the lab and the computer was the right kind of balance for me to get the most out of my work.

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field?

The idea of my project is to perform experiments on materials while they are changing inside a system, which we call operando experiments. For example, one of my main projects is to perform operando x-ray absorption spectroscopy on battery materials to study changes in chemistry and degradation mechanisms without destroying the delicate system by taking the battery apart. My wider project, the InFUSE Partnership, is carrying out similar research on many different energy transition technologies such as carbon capture, cooling in electric vehicles, and hydrogen storage, so I get to be involved with lots of different things.

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

Batteries and other energy storage solutions are critically important right now because, while solar and wind power are becoming very economically viable, they only provide intermittent power, and batteries are needed to level out this supply. The current lithium battery technologies use very unsustainable materials and the best alternatives just don’t have the same performance or lifetime. If we can understand how they degrade, then we can find ways to improve them.

How could this research make an impact?

By developing new, cutting-edge characterisation techniques, we are providing tools for the study of many different systems and technologies. The InFUSE Partnership that I am part of is collaborating to develop these tools for a range of energy transition technologies, from batteries to geological carbon capture to EV coolants and lubricants. The hope is that with these tools, we can accelerate the development of these technologies. Understanding interface evolution is the key to engineering those interfaces to work better, last longer, or change in a certain way.

Who do you collaborate with at Imperial and beyond?

At Imperial, I collaborate across many departments, particularly the carbon capture group in Chemical Engineering, the Fuels and Lubricants group in Mechanical Engineering, the CO₂ storage groups in Earth Sciences, and the Ceramics and Corrosion groups in Materials. Outside of Imperial, we are in a partnership with Diamond Light Source, a particle accelerator in Oxford, and Shell, the energy company. By working with Diamond, we get a lot of expert knowledge on using high-energy x-rays for our science, and by working with Shell, we can target our efforts at real-world problems facing the energy sector’s transition to sustainable energy.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love that I get to be involved with so many different projects and that I have the freedom to lend a hand to any project that comes my way. Working at Imperial, as part of such a big collaboration, also allows me to see and participate in the most advanced research in these areas, which is very exciting.

What do you enjoy outside of research?

Outside of research, I love to play or watch pretty much any kind of sport, particularly climbing and football. Also, being from the countryside of North Wales, I like to get out of the city on my bike whenever the weather allows! 

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

Many people don’t realise that I learned most of my formative maths and science through the medium of Welsh. So, when I went to university, I had to learn a lot of scientific language and nomenclature all over again. Even now, I still sometimes come across some obscure terms that I only know in Welsh!

Read Powering the Future: Dr Huw Shiel on improving battery life and energy storage in full

Marta Di Girolamo is a Research Postgraduate in magnetic characterisation. Her research investigates the functional properties of chiral materials and how these materials could make more efficient LEDs or new storage media for the computers of the future.

What inspired you to study for a PhD?

After I finished my Master’s in Applied and Engineering Physics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), I was not sure about studying for a PhD. I started in the Department of Materials as a Research Assistant in December 2022, and I found the topic so fascinating and the atmosphere in the group so positive that I realised I wanted to stay and challenge myself to do a PhD.

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field?

I characterise the functional properties of chiral materials. Chiral objects exist in pairs with a definite handedness, which are the mirror image of each other; there are such objects across multiple length scales. Macroscopically, a great example is our hands, but most biomolecules are chiral, too: think about the shape of our DNA! I collaborate with Chemistry, where my colleagues synthesize chiral small chiral molecules and I try to understand how to use them for small electronic devices. They could for example help make more efficient LEDs or new storage media for the computers of the future. This kind of electronics is called spin-optoelectronics and is a fascinating field for application of materials that interact with light and/or the electron spin.

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

I have always been interested in the energy sector and completed research placements during my bachelor’s and master’s on organic batteries and solar cells. During the last year of my master’s, I became more interested in the materials science of the active layers in the devices than in the device fabrication, which had been my main interest until then. It fascinated me how you can shape the device, but it felt a bit like skipping a step not knowing well how the materials in it are oriented and interact. Deciding what the right use for a material depends on its structural and functional properties feels more natural to me and can lead us to targeted and informed device fabrication, so that is how I got into characterisation.

How could this research make an impact?

Chiral materials, especially chiral organic semiconductors, are promising for optoelectronics because of the way in which they can absorb and emit circularly polarised light. Their less explored property that my PhD focuses on is their ability to select the electron spin in the presence of a magnetic field. Advances in this field would have a massive impact on spintronics as it could allow the translation of spin information in to charge information, which is much easier to measure in a device and could thus one day help make new type of computers a commercial reality.

Who do you collaborate with at Imperial and beyond?

I work across two departments, mainly Materials and Chemistry. I work in the groups of Dr Jess Wade and Professor Sandrine Heutz in Materials, but I also have Professor Matthew Fuchter as a third supervisor in Chemistry. I also often collaborate with a group in Physics that focuses on magnetism and, beyond Imperial, with a group that works on magnetic thin films at the University of Sheffield.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I really like how interdisciplinary the field is. One day, I might focus on structural characterisation, so materials science; another, I might try to understand the chemistry of the materials I work with. Meanwhile, when I focus more on applications, I always must think about the physics of the processes. It is a constant challenge for me, especially the chemistry bits, but I absolutely love it.

I also enjoy the part of my work that has brought me to meet new people. I have made friends amongst other students and Imperial is full of researchers from everywhere in the world. Every day feels like travelling somewhere new when you ask your colleagues about their background!

What do you enjoy outside of research?

I was born in Sicily in a town on the seaside, so I have always loved swimming. I go twice a week in Ethos and try to go back home every few months to do it in the sea as well. I love reading too: I almost always go through a book a month and since I live in the UK I started reading more of the English literature classics.  Other than that, I am trying to enjoy my time in London and to look for good live music around the city; I also really like to cook: my friends and family say I make great pancakes.

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

I am training to swim from Sicily to mainland Italy, hopefully I will make it next summer!

Read PhD spotlight: Spinning science and exploring the functions of chiral materials in full

Can you tell us more about the project? 

Our design study project was to design a Vickers hardness testing machine that could compact, indent, and perform image analysis on a powdered sample. We worked collaboratively as a company to ideate, design, manufacture, reassess and enhance our system. As the project progressed, we began to learn each other’s unique strengths. We worked as a human assembly line of individuals to technically draw, manufacture, analyse, automate and refine our initial concept into a functional machine. As a company, we prioritised product marketability, which we associated with the machine’s efficiency, functionality, aesthetics, and robustness. As a result, our design was incredibly modular, allowing us to easily isolate components and carry out testing more efficiently.

What did you learn?

As an engineer, you often design a system to fulfil its primary function. Then, you consider any external/influencing factors that affect or could impact your system functionality before accounting for your selling point of “nice to haves”……but what you often neglect, and what we learnt to consider, is the method of processing. Is your design suitable for the method of processing you’ve selected? Is it feasible to use that method of processing? Is it cost and material-effective to use that method of processing? As a team, we learnt that behind every finished product there’s a story to be told. The true art of engineering is to identify, adapt, analyse and enhance all aspects of machine functioning.

What advice would you have for future students?

Start your automation Al component testing first and spend the rest of your time enhancing them. Your structure is purely casing and if your internal system doesn’t work, you don’t have a machine.

Freddy Liang

What was your position in the team?

My role during the project was Chief Engineer. I led the design stage and did the majority of the 3D modelling. When my workload was too great, I assigned team members tasks since teamwork was key, and making everyone feel included in the project was important.

Can you tell us more about the project? 

For this year’s design study project, our team put our heads together to design a hardness testing machine to test the hardness of powders. We needed to design a machine that first compacted the powder and then created an indent that could be used to analyse the hardness. As cost efficiency was our priority, we chose a design that used a rotational section in the middle to reduce costs. 

What did you learn?

I learnt that communication and organisation are extremely important when doing group work, especially in bigger groups such as this one. My 3D modelling skills have also improved, yet I think I still have room for improvement in the future.  

The highlight for me was when all the project materials arrived and we began assembling the machine. It was very satisfying to see what we had envisioned on a computer screen come to life. 

What advice would you have for future students?

Don’t feel discouraged during the project! Even if the task seems large at the beginning, working throughout the year and in smaller chunks can help you achieve something big. 

Matt Cooke

Read Reflecting on our Design Study projects: First-year students share their experiences in full

Name: Srikar Varanasi

Position: MSc student studying Advanced Materials Science and Engineering. 

In this blog post, Srikar shares more about his journey in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London.

Why did you choose to study for an MSc in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering?

With a background in mechanical engineering, I spent years learning about mechanics, dynamics, and the intricacies of designing and analyzing mechanical systems. However, I was curious about what makes materials behave the way they do. What gives materials their strength? How are they made? What happens at the atomic level when materials interact? And how do you study them? This curiosity led me to materials science, a field that sits at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering, providing answers to these questions and offering endless possibilities for innovation. When it came to choosing where to further my studies, Imperial stood out with its strong reputation in research and the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the field, making it the perfect choice. 

What do you enjoy about studying at Imperial?

Living in London has been a childhood dream come true. The city is a melting pot of cultures, offering endless opportunities for exploration and entertainment. Whether it’s visiting world-renowned museums, exploring myriad parks and historic landmarks, or indulging in the vibrant food scene, there’s always something to do.

Moreover, being in London means being at the heart of a major global city which is a hub for many industries and, of course, research. The proximity has provided me with opportunities for networking and attending industry conferences and events. Another great aspect of studying at Imperial is its student diversity. I have met people from various parts of the world, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and group projects, making the learning experience more holistic. 

What have you enjoyed about the course?

The course has been both challenging and rewarding. I have chosen to study the ceramics modules and materials characterization exercise was a great learning experience. Having no prior experience in characterization techniques, the exercise helped me grasp how materials are studied at a fundamental level.

As a student from a different background, the course has given me enough time to catch up with my peers. Even though it is just one year long, it doesn’t feel rushed. The pacing has been well-balanced, allowing for deep dives into complex topics without feeling overwhelming. The course includes seminars and guest lectures from industry leaders and researchers, providing insights into the latest advancements and trends in materials science. These opportunities to learn from and network with professionals are invaluable. 

Can you tell us about your summer project?

This summer, I’m working on an exciting project related to composite materials, specifically focusing on Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) used in offshore pipelines. The aim of my research is to understand how these composite materials degrade when exposed to petroleum products, ultimately leading to failure.

CFRP is widely used in the oil and gas industry due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. However, the harsh environmental conditions in offshore applications, combined with prolonged exposure to petroleum products, can lead to degradation over time.

My project involves simulating these conditions in the lab to study the degradation mechanisms at play. Through a series of experiments, I’m analysing how components of petroleum interact with the interface between the polymer matrix and carbon fibres, which is the most crucial part responsible for transferring the stress from the matrix to the fibres, thus giving them strength in the first place. This involves using advanced material characterization techniques such as in-situ SEM techniques to observe changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites. 

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

This research is crucial because it addresses a significant challenge in maintaining the integrity and safety of offshore pipelines. By improving our understanding of material degradation, we can help prevent pipeline failures, which can have severe environmental and economic consequences.

Prior to this, I worked on the structural integrity of aircraft structures using CFRP during my undergraduate project. This experience gave me a solid foundation in understanding the mechanical properties and advantages of CFRP in high-stress applications. It also sparked my interest in exploring how these materials perform in different environments, leading me to my current research on their degradation in offshore settings. 

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m an avid explorer and hiker. I have a deep love for adventure and discovering new places. I’m known for embarking on journeys where I’d happily walk 40,000 steps if it meant encountering something I’d never seen before. Whether it’s trekking through rugged mountains or exploring hidden trails, I find joy in immersing myself in nature and embracing the thrill of exploration. 

Read MSc spotlight: Srikar Varanasi on his MSc journey and research project in full

June is Pride Month when the LGBTQ+ communities come together to celebrate the freedom to be their authentic self. During this time, we also recognise the influence LGBTQ+ people have had on history around the world.

Pronoun badges and rainbow lanyards play a valuable role in supporting our community and fostering a more inclusive environment. We are delighted to share we now have new pronoun badges and rainbow lanyards for everyone in the Department of Materials. These were designed with support from our Equality, Diversity, and Culture Committee.

Below, some members of our LGBTQ community and allies share what pronoun badges and rainbow lanyards mean to them.

Darakshan Khan, EDCC Committee Co-Chair 

“Our new lanyards and pronoun badges show our commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality in the Department. By wearing them, we can actively show our support for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Evan Fisher, Research Postgraduate

“When I see people wearing badges or lanyards, I know that the people around me will be supportive and that I don’t need to worry about being myself. As someone who finds stating preferred pronouns quite difficult or awkward, our new badges are a subtle way to express that aspect of yourself by showing, not telling. Wearing a pronoun badge is important to me because allows those who aren’t as set in their preferred pronouns to feel comfortable in experimenting with different badges. This allows some people the ability to start exploring their gender identity, knowing they are in a judgement-free environment.

The lanyards are a great way to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, and if some people aren’t comfortable with their preferred pronouns yet, then they help convey support. By colour-coding them, with increased familiarity, it should be possible to know someone’s preferred pronouns without reading!

Professor Aron Walsh, Professor of Materials Design

“I wear a rainbow lanyard as a sign of inclusion for our staff and students. It is essential that the LGBTQ+ community feels welcome from the moment they enter our department. Over the years, our rainbow lanyards have stimulated many conversations, from how we can improve and celebrate our department’s diversity.”

Dr Andrew Cairns, Lecturer in Materials Chemistry

“For me, it’s important to recognise and celebrate everyone’s identity; pride and pronouns are just some ways we can do this. Creating a space for individuality at work sends a message that everyone is welcome here and will be respected.”

Dr Shelly Conroy, Lecturer in Functional Thin Films & Microscopy

“Visibility is key to a welcoming environment. I hope our new lanyards and pins help our students and staff feel at home in our department and Imperial community.”

Dr Jessica Wade, Lecturer in Functional Materials

“I wear a lanyard and a pronoun badge to tell the world that Imperial is a safe space, helping to overcome the discrimination LGBTQ+ people face and that we’re committed to building a more inclusive future.”

If you are a staff member or student in the Department of Materials, you can collect a new rainbow lanyard or pronoun badge from Monday 1 July, onwards. 

Read Celebrating Pride Month: Supporting an inclusive community in full

Name: Kevin Chen

Position: Second-year Undergraduate Student, MEng Materials Science and Engineering in the Department of Materials. 

In this blog post, Kevin explains the three reasons why he enjoys studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial. 

1: Combination of coursework and exams

One of the top reasons I enjoy studying Material Science and Engineering at Imperial is the mix of coursework and exams within the degree program. I’m currently going strong in my second year (I hope!) and I have already completed over ten labs, where I’ve conducted interesting experiments like polymer synthesis and cooling curve measurement.

I’ve also worked in groups to undertake computing and design challenges, some of which lasted up to half a year and included working groups of more than ten people! These labs and projects not only helped consolidate the knowledge from lectures and develop collaboration skills, but they have also helped me get to know many people from the cohort, some of whom are now my closest friends. 

2: Skills I can apply in the real world

It is always exciting when what you learn connects with the real world. During my summer internship at SKF Sweden, I saw and applied many skills from my first year. The sample preparation skills I learned came in handy when I cut, ground, and polished various bearing samples. My understanding of steel phase diagrams also allowed me to hold insightful conversations with the company’s heat treatment expert. Now in my second year, many things that I didn’t understand before are becoming clearer and clearer. 

3: Positive community 

In my opinion, the Department of Materials is a very positive and close-knit community. We are encouraged to learn together and help each other, and the department listens to student feedback and tries to support the students better every year. One of my favourite things is definitely the “pet-a-dog” sessions during exam season, where students are invited to sign up for a session to be blessed by a living fluff. My only complaint was how fast my allocated time seemed to finish!  

As a competitive swimmer, I train and race with the Imperial Swimming Club, where I meet students who, while challenged by their degrees, still find time to have fun and enjoy life. Being surrounded by such people is a privilege.

Read Three reasons why I enjoy studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial in full

Name: Inês Gomes Pádua

Degree: MEng Materials Science and Engineering in the Department of Materials

Graduation Year: 2021

Current role: Heat and Mass Transfer Engineer at ASML San Diego

What is your current job?

I work as a Heat and Mass Transfer Engineer at ASML San Diego. ASML is a Dutch company based in Veldhoven, NL, with several offices worldwide. The San Diego office is responsible for developing the light sources of ASML’s lithography machines.

What do you do in your job?

I work on EUV (Extreme Ultra-Violet) light sources for the most advanced lithography machines that ASML produces. Specifically, I work in tin management: the light needed to achieve the EUV wavelengths is produced by aiming a powerful laser at minuscule droplets of tin to create a plasma. So, how do we ensure that only the light is transmitted to the rest of the machine and that the tin plasma, vapour and debris are properly disposed of? That’s where my team comes in!

Why did you choose a career in Materials Science and Engineering?

I first became interested in Materials Science and Engineering because I wanted to understand what makes certain things more fragile than others or more susceptible to breaking and failure! This is only the smallest part of Materials Science and Engineering, as I would discover during my time at Imperial.

Working in the semiconductors industry is very rewarding and, honestly, sometimes a little surreal. I work at one of the most important companies in the chipmaking supply chain. It’s incredible technology. The kind of innovation supported by newer, more advanced microchips like the ones ASML helps to manufacture is, simply put, very cool.

What did you enjoy most about the course at Imperial?

I really enjoyed the practical aspect of the MSE course. It’s taught me how to handle laboratory and cleanroom work very well and manage all the unexpected problems that come with hands-on work. It wasn’t always easy, and there were a lot of failed experiments in undergrad, but certainly where I gained the most from.

What is the coolest thing you have done in your career so far?

I have to say moving to California is pretty amazing. I’m so grateful to work at such an international company and to experience a different work culture, a highly specialised team of engineers coming together to push the edges of engineering and physics. And then I can go surfing afterwards! I can hardly believe it myself.

From a technical standpoint, the coolest thing I’ve done so far is contributing to the development and production of the first high-NA EUV light source, which is currently at Intel’s Oregon Factory.

What is your favourite material (and why)?

Bronze. Firstly, there’s an entire era of humanity named the Bronze Age! As someone who works with tin and works with the consequences of tin reacting with other materials, I always find satisfaction in knowing that we’ve conquered bronze.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Be a jack of all trades! Materials Science and Engineering is one of the most interdisciplinary degrees you can pursue at Imperial. It’s at the crossroads of all sciences and engineering, bringing together a diverse group of minds, skills and ideas!

My degree has enabled me to connect and learn from all my colleagues, correlate seemingly disconnected concepts, and discover new perspectives on problem-solving. Beyond the technical skills, take pride in your hobbies and passions and the skills you learn while playing sports, music, video games, etc. What are you learning could make you a better engineer!

Read Alumni spotlight: Inês Gomes Pádua in full

Name: Parul Bishnoi

Position: PhD Student in the Department of Materials

Research Group: Dr Stella Pedrazzini

Research Focus: Understanding the basic mechanisms of Under Deposit Corrosion (UDC), a major problem for industries using steam generators.

What inspired you to study for a PhD? During my school years, I always had a passion for STEM subjects. I gradually became more involved in Materials Science during my bachelor’s studies. I found it fascinating how interdisciplinary it is and how it combines knowledge from different areas such as chemistry, physics, and engineering. Materials Science also resonated with me because it provides progress to various societal challenges.

During my master’s studies, I had the opportunity to do my master’s project as part of an Erasmus program in Dr. Stella Pedrazzini’s research group. I quickly felt at home both in London and within the research group.

Can you tell us more about your research?

My research investigates the fundamental mechanisms behind Under Deposit Corrosion (UDC). UDC  poses significant challenges for industries relying on steam generators. These tubes are susceptible to UDC which occurs beneath deposits, leading to localized and unpredictable damage. Some key characteristics of this corrosion include the presence of porous deposit layers, high concentrations of chloride within these deposits, and the formation of complex laminated corrosion product layers.

To mimic real-world conditions in the lab, I expose low-alloy steel samples to a nickel chloride solution in pressurized containers, adjusting various parameters. This method aims to recreate the layered corrosion seen in steam generators. Understanding this type of corrosion is tough due to its unpredictable nature and the difficulties in experimenting, but it’s crucial for keeping steam generator components in good shape. Corrosion leads to expensive replacements and higher energy use in steel production, affecting finances and the environment. By studying this corrosion, we aim to improve operating conditions and reduce maintenance time.

What does a typical day involve?

Some days, I spend most of my time in the lab, conducting experiments and using advanced characterization techniques such as XCT (a way to see inside materials using X-rays) and SEM (a microscope that allows us to see tiny details on surfaces) coupled with EDX (a tool to identify elements in a sample) to analyse corrosion products. On other days, I am primarily at my computer, analysing data, answering emails, attending meetings, updating my industrial collaborator on the latest developments, reading papers to stay up-to-date, or working on writing publications or my thesis. I also work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and am an active Departmental Student Ambassador. 

Can you tell us more about your research group?

I’m part of two research groups. My main supervisor is Dr Stella Pedrazzini and my secondary supervisor is Professor Mary Ryan. My project is supervised by two successful women and I’m fortunate to work in a diverse and inclusive environment. Recently, some of our research group members, including myself, attended the TMS Conference in Florida.

What do you enjoy outside of your PhD?

Coming from Austria and having grown up in the Alpine foothills, I am passionate about spending time in the mountains. Whether hiking, skiing or mountaineering, being surrounded by nature helps me recharge. Living in London, I enjoy exploring the vibrant city. From visiting museums and galleries to attending theatre performances, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Read PhD spotlight: Tackling a Major Challenge in Steam Generators in full