Cobalt-based superalloys find use in a wide range of structural applications, from high temperature gas turbine engine components to hard-wearing corrosion-resistant surfaces. Exposure to inimical environments inevitably leads to the degradation of the mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of the material over time. Critically, the lifetime of the superalloy components are limited by the microstructural characteristics. Therefore, to construct effective methodologies to improve the performance of alloys, it is essential to understand how the microstructure relates to the macroscopic behaviour we observe in the application environment.

My research focuses on carbide reinforced cobalt-based superalloys, with particular emphasis on the changes to the microstructure under extreme environments. My PhD study breaks down into several categories of work:

1. Solidification characterisation and interdendritic carbide network formation

2. Microstructural evolution at elevated temperatures

3. Mechanistic descriptions of oxidation and corrosion at elevated temperatures

4. Refractory metal carbide-containing Co-based superalloy microstructures

5. Alloy development and microstructure enhancements

6. Ultramicroscopy analysis of trace element-contaminated grain boundaries