The effect of the residual elements on hydrogen embrittlement in high strength low carbon steels-towards low carbon recycled steels

This is a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship through the EPSRC Industrial Doctorate Landscape Award (IDLA) and Tata Steel.

This PhD research will investigate how undesirable residual elements accumulated in recycled steels impact the performance including hydrogen embrittlement in high-strength low carbon high strength low alloy (HSLA) steels. Through a detailed analysis of mechanical properties and microstructures, the study will assess their effects and uncover the underlying mechanisms driving hydrogen embrittlement in steels. The findings will help Tata Steel and UK steel industry enhance the use of recycled obsolete scrap, improve composition control during steelmaking, and lower production costs, ultimately strengthening product competitiveness.

Tata Steel is investing £1.25 billion, jointly with the UK Government, in state-of-the-art electric arc furnace EAF steelmaking at Port Talbot in Wales. This transformative project will cut the CO2 emitted at Port Talbot by almost 90% – that’s equivalent to 1.5% of the UK’s total direct CO2 emissions. The EAF is expected to be operational in late2027. However, the development of the EAF route faces a significant technical challenge: recycled steel scrap that contains undesirable residual elements, which can potentially compromise the material’s mechanical properties. This issue is especially critical for -HSLA steels, such as those with martensite or bainite microstructures, as the segregation of residual elements can lead to increased sensitivity at the grain boundaries. Additionally, HSLA steels used for hydrogen transmission and hydrogen storage present another challenge: hydrogen embrittlement. The impact of higher residual element content on hydrogen sensitivity remains unclear, as these elements can interact with microalloying elements to form precipitates and segregate at grain boundaries, potentially increasing susceptibility to hydrogen-related failures.

This PhD project aims to investigate how residual elements impact the performance HSLA steels in hydrogen transmission and storage, promoting sustainable steel production through much greener EAF recycling route. This PhD project also has the potential to contribute to the UK’s latest Clean Power 2030 initiative and hydrogen strategy.

This PhD offers outstanding career prospects through direct collaboration with scientists and engineers at Tata Steel, as well as expert co-supervision from the Metallurgy and Corrosion team at the Henry Royce Institute, University of Manchester. The program provides extensive networking and knowledge exchange opportunities, allowing students to engage with both academic researchers and industry professionals.

With EPSRC funding and strong industrial collaboration, students will develop highly transferable skills that prepare them for a range of career paths, including postdoctoral research in academia, roles in environmental consultancy, the energy sector, and regulatory bodies within industry, as well as positions in government agencies and environmental management.

In addition to research and professional development, the PhD includes opportunities for domestic and international conferences. This PhD is an excellent opportunity to gain cutting-edge expertise while establishing a strong professional network across academia and industry.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline. We are seeking highly motivated UK nationals with a background in materials science, physics, mechanical engineering, or related fields. Strong analytical skills and a passion for nuclear engineering are essential. Candidates should have a keen interest in experimental work and a willingness to learn new analytical techniques. While a background in materials science, metallurgy, or a related discipline is preferred, training opportunities are available in the early stages of the project for candidates with relevant experience in other fields.

English Language requirements: For example, IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in writing and listening and 5.5 in reading and speaking. For other examples of accepted English qualifications, and to check if we can waive the requirement, please see English Language certificate.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [email protected].

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. 

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. 

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).