£2 million: The University of Nottingham will develop a new type of aerospace ceramic coating

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), as a branch of the UK Department of Research and Innovation (UKRI), mainly funds engineering and physical science research in the UK.

Further research areas will study the electrolytes of fuel cells and solar cells in the auxiliary power generation of electric aircraft, the insulating coatings of aircraft electrified motors, and the corrosion of aircraft engines and the wear-resistant coatings of various key components of aircraft engines .

A flower-like ceramic coating structure inspired by nature for aero engines (Source: University of Nottingham)

Jet engines operate at very high temperatures to improve thermodynamic efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions, but this shortens the life of the engine and its parts.

Ceramic materials are also widely used as thermal insulation coatings for rocket engine nozzles, but the chemistry and manufacturing methods involved can be traced back to the 1960s and 70s, and are not advanced enough to support commercial space travel.

According to the University of Nottingham, the project aims to produce custom ceramic coatings with thermal, electrical and environmental barrier properties, which can be fine-tuned to suit their desired aerospace applications, including thermal barrier coatings for protection High-temperature superalloys and environmental barriers.