Ionic Liquid Greases for Tribological Systems in Extreme Conditions

Engineering systems that need lubrication under high temperature environments use a type of greases containing perfluoropolyether (PFPE). PFPE pose a long-term pollution threat to the environment and will be banned in the future. ILs are an excellent candidate to replace the PFPE in these applications. However, there is no fundamental understanding of ILs and grease thickeners interactions, and their effect on the lubrication and corrosion of the surfaces. This project aims to use the in-situ tribology technique and recent knowledge on ILs developed from a current Marie Curie project to study the tribology and tribocorrosion of ILs used in greases.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Project Aims:</strong></p> <p>The PhD project will constitute the following objectives/work packages:</p> <p>WP1: Selection of IL for greases formulation in extreme environments: Through literature review and analysis, ILs will be selected, these will be triaged using advanced rheology measurements and thermo-oxidative and corrosion evaluation.</p> <p>WP2: Molecular interactions in tribological performance: Advanced in-situ tribometer and characterisation will be used to resolve the IL-thickener-surface interactions enabling a framework to design optimised grease formulations for extreme environments.</p> <p>WP3: Validation under extreme conditions. Environment tribology will produce relevant tribometry data at high temperature. Surface analysis post-mortem techniques (microscopy, SIMS, etc.) will validate tribological and corrosion performance.</p> <p><strong>Potential Impact</strong></p> <p>Understanding the interactions between ILs, thickeners, solid lubricants and other additives that constitute the greases will generate transferable knowledge that will transform into 3*/4* REF outputs through publications in top tier journals. This will also lead to a enabling a novel approach: by collaborating with other groups across the faculty, ILs can be engineered to match environmental requirements, building a portfolio of patented greases for extreme environment applications. This will underpin Dr. Espejo’s independent Research Area. This fundamental project, entailing the use of forefront analytical techniques, will deliver excellent PhD student training, preparing a leader for the future.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Ionic Liquid Greases for Tribological Systems in Extreme Conditions</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/712/dr-cayetano-espejo-conesa">Dr Cayetano Espejo Conesa</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26: Mechanical Engineering.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 31 January 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

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.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to all applicants.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does<em> <strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Cayetano Espejo Conesa by email to <a href="mailto:C.EspejoConesa@leeds.ac.uk">C.EspejoConesa@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a><br />  </p>