Ping Xiao appointed Rolls-Royce/Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Advanced Coating Technology

Ping Xiao, Professor of Materials Science in the School of Materials, has been appointed Rolls-Royce/Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair in Advanced Coating Technology.

Professor Xiao will work in collaboration with Rolls-Royce to bring a step change in aeroengine development. The success of the project will help to promote The University of Manchester's research profile in the material engineering field, in particular in coating technology - key for many engineering applications.

Advanced coatings are crucial in ensuring the components of aero gas turbine engines function reliably in the high-temperature, high-demand environments encountered during operation.

Rolls-Royce is developing next-generation materials for use in future aero gas turbine engines, where temperatures can reach up to 2,000°C. These materials need to meet increasingly stringent environmental, performance and fuel efficiency targets, while also ensuring Rolls-Royce maintains its international competitive advantage.

Professor Xiao, who has collaborated with Rolls-Royce on coating research and development for 20 years, will focus his research activities on developing our understanding of next-generation coating systems.