Join an exciting PhD project in collaboration with ProTech Global to design and optimise vapour‑phase corrosion inhibitor (VpCI) chemistries that protect steel reinforcement in concrete exposed to chloride‑rich environments, from marine structures to de‑icing salt–impacted assets.
An outstanding opportunity to investigate how chloride levels shape vapour transport and inhibitor–steel bonding, and to develop next‑generation protection strategies that extend infrastructure lifetimes, reduce maintenance‑related emissions, and support a more resilient, low‑carbon built environment.
Vapour-phase corrosion inhibitors (VpCI) protect metal surfaces against corrosion by providing a chemical barrier which blocks the passage of damaging species (e.g hydrogen, oxygen, moisture) to the surface of the metal. VpCIs can be used to protect many surfaces including copper, aluminium and both ferrous and non-ferrous steel.
Construction is a key area for the use of VpCI where they are used to protect reinforcing steel bars (rebars) in concrete from corrosion. However, free chloride ions in concrete can disrupt the protective layer provided by the VpCI, ultimately resulting in damage to the metal surface through the formation of metal halides.
While chloride concentration is deliberately kept low (< 0.4% w) in the prepared concrete mixtures, the ubiquitous nature of reinforced concrete structures means that they may be required in chloride-rich environments, such as marine applications, where halide ions are prevalent. Chloride ions can travel into concrete by diffusing through pores or surface cracks and by chemical binding with mobile hydrated cementitious phases such as ettringite.
Once the protecting surface layer has been damaged by chloride, the self healing mechanism of the VpCI is disrupted leading to further chemical reaction at the damaged surface e.g with oxygen, hydrogen and water. As a result, 40% of all reinforced concrete failures are considered to be a result of the ingress of chloride through VpCI.
This project seeks to address the following questions:
This multi-disciplinary project is sponsored by ProTech Global and UKRI as part of the EnerHy CDT. This four year programme of research spans structure and property characterisation across the Chemistry Department and Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering at Loughborough University.
You will also receive specialist training through the Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero CDT which offers a unique blend of cutting-edge research, cohort-based collaboration, and industry exposure – equipping you to become a future leader.
Primary supervisor Professor Sandie Dann is happy to discuss this opportunity via email S.E.Dann@lboro.ac.uk.
First-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in science.
The studentship is for 4 years full-time, is fully funded with tuition fees at the UK rate covered and provides a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum. Additionally, £3,000 per annum is provided for consumables, travel, etc. Due to UKRI funding rules, this studentship is only available to those eligible for UK fees.
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