Development and Tribological Performance Study of Ultrathin Polysilazane/Graphene Hybrid Antifriction Coatings
The PhD project focuses on the development of novel ultrathin antifriction coatings based on polysilazane (PSZ) and graphene-containing nanocomposite materials. The research aims to reduce friction, wear, and energy losses in mechanical systems through advanced surface engineering solutions. The developed coatings will be evaluated for applications in bearings and other engineering components operating under demanding conditions.
The project will address the following key areas:
Ultrathin antifriction coatings based on polysilazane matrices reinforced with nano-carbon materials such as graphene represent a rapidly developing class of surface-engineering technologies aimed at reducing wear, friction, and energy losses in mechanical systems. Polysilazanes provide excellent chemical stability, high-temperature resistance, and the ability to form dense Si-O/Si-N ceramic-like networks upon curing. When combined with graphene or graphene-like nanosheets, the resulting hybrid films exhibit enhanced mechanical strength, lubricity, and resistance to tribo-chemical degradation. The reduction of friction and wear is one of the key challenges in modern engineering, as tribological losses account for a significant share of global energy consumption and maintenance costs. Advanced antifriction coatings offer a promising route for improving the efficiency, reliability, and service life of mechanical components operating under demanding conditions. Bearings, sliding contacts, and other tribological systems can particularly benefit from thin protective coatings capable of reducing friction while maintaining mechanical and chemical stability. The aim of this PhD project is to develop and investigate ultrathin polysilazane/graphene hybrid coatings prepared by dip-coating and electrophoretic deposition techniques. The research will focus on understanding the relationships between coating composition, processing parameters, microstructure, and tribological performance. Special attention will be paid to coating adhesion, wear resistance, friction behaviour, durability, and resistance to environmental degradation. The developed coatings will be characterized using advanced analytical methods to evaluate their morphology, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and functional performance. Experimental results will be used to establish structure–property–performance relationships and to identify optimal coating architectures for engineering applications.
Responsibilities and (foreseen) tasks:
- Develop and optimize ultrathin polysilazane/graphene hybrid antifriction coatings for tribological applications.
- Prepare nanocomposite thin films using dip-coating and electrophoretic deposition techniques.
- Investigate the influence of coating composition and processing parameters on coating structure, adhesion, and functional properties.
- Characterize the morphology, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and tribological performance of the developed coatings using advanced analytical techniques.
- Evaluate wear resistance, friction behaviour, and durability of coatings under different operating conditions.
- Analyze experimental data and establish structure–property–performance relationships for nanocomposite antifriction coatings.
- Assess the applicability of the developed coatings for bearings and other engineering components aimed at reducing friction and energy losses.
- Disseminate research findings through publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international scientific conferences.
- Contribute to collaborative research activities within the project and support knowledge transfer to industrial applications.
- Prepare and defend a PhD thesis in accordance with the approved research plan and project timetable.
Applicants should fulfil the following requirements:
- Specialized knowledge in chemistry, electrochemistry, and electrophoresis, including carbon nanotechnology, is required. Knowledge and skills in pre-ceramic polymer chemistry and processing will be considered as additional advantage.
- Experience in preparing and studying thin-film coatings.
- Proficiency in instrumental characterization methods (FTIR spectroscopy, EDX, XPS, Nano indentation, Tribological studies).
- Ability to process and interpret experimental data.
- A record of scientific publications in the relevant research area (preferred).
- Strong command of English, sufficient for delivering oral presentations, teaching, supervising students, and writing scientific papers.
The following experience is beneficial:
- Experience with MATLAB, Python, OriginPro, or similar software for data analysis and visualization.
- Experience with scientific data processing, statistical analysis, and interpretation of experimental results.
- Familiarity with numerical modelling and simulation tools.
We offer:
- A 4-year PhD position at TalTech Virumaa College, an academic structural unit of the School of Engineering at Tallinn University of Technology.
- The opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in nanocomposite antifriction coatings, surface engineering, and tribology for advanced engineering applications.
- Access to modern research facilities and analytical equipment for materials characterization, surface analysis, and performance evaluation.
- Close collaboration with researchers from TalTech research groups working in materials science, energy technologies, and engineering applications.
- Opportunities for research stays, conference participation, scientific publishing, and international networking in the fields of materials engineering, nanotechnology, and surface engineering.
- Participation in interdisciplinary research projects connecting materials science, mechanical engineering, and sustainable technologies.
Supervisors:
Main supervisor: Veroonika Shirokova: School of Engineering: Virumaa College: Applied Mechanics and Sustainable Energy Technology Research Group
Co-Supervisor: Sergei Bereznev: School of Engineering: Department of Materials and Environmental Technology: Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials
Co-Supervisor: Elizaveta Shmagina: School of Engineering: Virumaa College: Applied Mechanics and Sustainable Energy Technology Research Group
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is an international scientific community with approximately 9,000 students and 2,000 employees; it is one of the largest universities in Estonia, the leading EU country in digitalisation. The university's strengths are broad multidisciplinary study/research interests, a modern research environment, and strong collaboration with international educational and research institutions. TalTech is aiming to be an organisation leading the way to a sustainable digital future.
The Mechanical Engineering and Energy Technology Processes Control Work Group at Tallinn University of Technology, Virumaa College conducts research in mechanical engineering, materials technology, industrial process optimization, and sustainable energy systems.
Research activities include advanced materials and surface engineering, functional and antifriction coatings, tribology and wear mechanisms, condition monitoring and reliability of mechanical systems, sustainable energy technologies, industrial energy efficiency, and experimental characterization of materials and engineering components.
The work group collaborates with TalTech researchers and international partners, offering PhD students opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary research projects and contribute to innovative engineering solutions.
For information about the admission process, please visit the PhD Admission homepage or for questions relating to the process, please contact [email protected]
Applications can be submitted from 01.07.2026 to 31.07.2026
