CASC is delivering world-leading research as demonstrated by publishing in top journals, getting invited to give lectures at other top institutions and at international conferences, and by acquiring funds for additional collaborative projects.

Key Research Areas

These projects include Post doctoral research work at Imperial:

• Fabrication of ternary carbides in Hf-Al-C system 
• Graphene 3D networks 
• Graphene enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of semiconductors
• Processing of carbon fibre / UHTC composites Studying of micromechanical modes of deformation in born carbide using in-situ techniques
• Silicon doped boron carbide
• Development of oxidation bonded reaction sintered EBC on melt infiltrated SiC/SiC cermic matrix composites
• Ceramic materials and shaping technologies for short life propulsion systems 
• Processing and environmental protection of ultra-high temperature (>2000°C) and hard non-oxide ceramics
• Transpiration Cooling Systems for Jet Engine Turbines and Hypersonic Flight

   

Research projects

These projects include PhD studentships (at Imperial):

• Developing high temperature nano-mechanical testing
• High temperature mechanical properties of ultra high temperature ceramics
• Transport and adhesion at metal ceramic interfaces
• Glass/ceramic interfaces
• Fabrication and characterisation of ZrCxNy ceramics as a function of stoichiometry via carbothermic reduction - nitridation
• Processing and modelling of non-stoichiometric zirconium carbide for advanced nuclear fuel applications
• Small scale fracture testing of polycrystalline diamonds
• Development of novel wound management dressing
• Bio-inspired self healing composites for structural, electrical and sensing applications
• Spectrophotometric determination of the oxygen to uranium ratio in uranium oxides during the preparation of simulated spent nuclear fuel
• Effects of microstructure on environmental degradation and fatigue of silicon carbide
• Development of non-stoichiometric ternary carbides in the TaC-HfC system for aerospace thermal protection systems
• Bio-inspired ceramic-carbon composites
• Calcium phosphate surfaces with controlled topography and chemistry
• Characterisation of structural concrete containing fired clay brick waste
• The deformation of transition metal carbides, borides and nitrides
• The effect of carbon nanotubes on the sintering behaviour of ceramics
• The effect of processing on the properties of silicon carbide
• Fabrication and characterisation of oxide fibre-reinforced glass matrix composites for optomechanical applications
• Fatigue in monolithic ceramics
• Functional graphene-based composites
• High temperature deformation of age hardening coatings
• Incorporation of carbon nanostructures into ceramic-carbon-metal nanocomposites
• Preparation and characterisation of novel carbon materials for refractory applications
• Silicon-doped boron carbide
• Thermophysical properties and thermodynamic stability of zirconium carbide
• Ultra high temperature testing of ceramics using a collimated laser beam