This studentship is under offer.
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.
- Institution: Loughborough University
- Primary supervisor: Professor Sandie Dann
- Secondary supervisor: Dr Simon Kondrat
- In partnership with ProTech Global
- Subject requirements: First-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in science
- Duration of award: 4 years (full-time) up to 8 years (part-time)
- October 2026 start
Project summary
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.
Project objectives
This project seeks to address the following questions:
- What blend of protective chemicals work best in high chloride concrete environments?
- How do differing levels of chloride in concrete effect the transmission of vapour within the concrete?
- Do differing levels of chloride effect the bond formed between the protective chemical layer and the steel?
Collaboration
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.
Fees and funding
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.
Ready to apply?
If you are a British or Irish national interested in applying, please send your CV to both of the following emails (subject line: EnerHy studentship):
S.Kondrat@lboro.ac.uk
enerhy.cdt@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
To apply for this position, you must complete your application on the Apply Online Portal.
Registering is quick and easy, and you can then:
- Complete your application entirely online
- Save your application at any point and return to it later
- Track your application throughout
Copy this information to enter once you have registered to make your application.
Project code: LU-EnerHy 2026-27/protec
Full-time: WSRP25 CDT Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero PhD
Part-time: WSRP56 CDT Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero PhD