A funded PhD scholarship is available in the department of Chemical & Materials Engineering Department at the University of Auckland to investigate the effects of Gas Pressure Sintering (GPS) on the structure and properties of advanced SiAlON ceramic materials.

 SiAlON is a generic name for a class of engineering ceramic material based on the incorporation of aluminium and oxygen into the silicon nitride structure.  The materials exist over a wide composition range and with a number of different phases, providing opportunity for precise control over microstructure and mechanical properties.  The materials can be produced through various routes including direct formation from silicon nitride powders, reaction sintering of elemental silicon in a nitrogen atmosphere and silicothermal reduction of clay based minerals. Dense materials required for engineering applications are produced through sintering of the materials at elevated temperatures in a nitrogen atmosphere.

The general objectives of this project are to investigate the fundamental effects of GPS on the formation of different SiAlON phases using various sintering routes, and to optimise the materials in terms of structure and mechanical properties for two distinct applications; the use of SiAlON as refractory materials in liquid metal handling, and the production of high performance impact resistant materials.  Research will focus on understanding the effects of sintering atmosphere on

Phase formation in different SiAlON phases  (O-SiAlON & a – SiAlON) 

Different processing routes (Silicothermal reduction and reaction bonding)

Sintered density

This PhD research work is part of a larger research programme supported by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FoRST). The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend for the 3 year duration of the fellowship of NZ $25000 plus NZ$5,000 towards university fees.

The Fellowship is for 3 years and will begin as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or Physical Metallurgy with sufficient honours standing or a masters degree in these areas. Knowledge of ceramic processing and/or powder sintering techniques is an advantage.

To apply:

Applicants should send a copy of their Curriculum Vitae and the names and contact details of three referees to

         Dr Mark Jones

         Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering

         Engineering Building, 20 Symonds St

         Auckland, New Zealand

         mark.jones@auckland.ac.nz