The University Sorbonne Paris Nord (USPN, France) in partnership with the Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI, Italy) are looking for a PhD student on : 

Subject: " Towards new multi elemental amorphous thin films with enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability ''

Short description:

Thin film metallic glasses (TFMGs) are object of increasing scientific interest due to their excellent mechanicalproperties, e.g. yield strength close to the theoretical limit (>3 GPa) and large elastic deformation (~5%). Moreover, their disordered atomic structure is at the origin of unique functional properties including corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. However, the research on the synthesis and characterization of TFMGs is in a preliminary phase, preferring investigations on bulk counterparts. In this context, this project focuses on synthesis of metallic films with disordered structure at the nanoscale obtained through vapor phase deposition techniques and on the investigation of relationship between atomic structure–mechanical properties–thermal stability.

PhD tasks:

• TFMG deposition by magnetron sputtering and pulsed laser deposition with different composition and thickness;
• Study of the structural/mechanical properties and thermal stability;
• Design of engineered TFMGs with enhanced mechanical properties/thermal stability and characterization.

Further information and application:

For further information and application please send your CV, your exam scores (bachelor and master) and max 2 reference contacts/letters to: Dr. Matteo Ghidelli (matteo.ghidelli@lspm.cnrs.fr) and Prof. Damien Faurie (faurie@univ-paris13.fr)

More information on the subject, supervision, funding are available in the following document: « PhD position UFI_USPN-POLIMI.pdf »