Biomimetic low-friction antifouling coatings

Key facts

External surfaces in plants and animals are decorated by complex nano- and micro-structures that promote multifunctionality. Such natural examples offer sources of inspiration toward biomimetic engineering of novel materials with advanced physico-chemical properties for applications ranging from photonics to biomedicine. In particular, the epicuticular wax-based coatings on plant leaves and insect bodies will be the main source of inspiration for the research during this PhD. The research will be conducted in four main areas:

(i) The project will characterise the nano/micro-scale topographies of various natural patterned surfaces. A range of analytical and advanced microscopy tools will be employed for these characterisations.

(ii) Friction reduction and antifouling performance of natural surfaces will be analysed in the vicinity of contaminated water sources and wet environments. Continuous flow and isolated impacting droplets of pure and contaminated water solutions will be investigated experimentally in this step.

(iii) Inspired by the chemical and physical composition of the analysed natural surfaces, biomimetic sustainable coatings will be fabricated. Diverse natural and purified waxes will be used in the fabrication of the coatings.

(iv) Finally, antifouling performance and mechanical/chemical durability of the manufactured coatings will be tested using the methods developed for the natural surfaces.

Findings of this project will not only enrich our limited understanding of complex natural surfaces and their functionality but advance the design and fabrication of novel sustainable functional coatings.

To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the University website. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN.

• For Application type please select Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate.

• The admission year for this project is 2027/28 Academic Year.

• You will need to select your Planned Course of Study from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select PHP Mechanical Engineering Full Time.

• The project start date for this project is 1 October 2027, please use this as your Proposed Start Date of Research.

• Please state clearly in the Research Information Section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Biomimetic low-friction antifouling coatings as well as Dr Sepideh Khodaparast as your proposed supervisor.

Please state clearly in the Finance section, the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored.

More information on how to apply is available on our website here. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.

We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.

If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:

Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme

Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).

As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding.

You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our Postgraduate Research Opportunities website.

Important: Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (visa, Immigration Health Surcharge, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source.

For further information about your application, including how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions at phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk

For further information about this project, please contacr Dr Sepideh Khodaparast at s.khodaparast@leeds.ac.uk

• Type of research degree: PhD
• Application deadline: Monday 31 May 2027
• Project start date: Friday 1 October 2027
• Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
• Funding: Non-funded
• Supervisors: Dr Sepideh Khodaparast
• Schools: School of Mechanical Engineering

Research areas