About the Project
Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project.
The PhD will be based in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and will be supervised by Dr Roxane Bonithon and Professor Chris Louca.
The work on this project will:
- Investigate cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy printing parameters and surface finishing
- Compare mechanical and biological performance with conventional cast CoCr and acrylic-based dentures
- Assess microbial colonization risks (bacteria and Candida)
- Potential for clinical evaluation of denture performance
This PhD project aims to assess the feasibility of producing cobalt-chromium dentures using advanced 3D printing technologies. While polymer-based dentures have been successfully printed, metallic dentures remain less well explored. Metallic dentures offer superior strength, durability, and biocompatibility compared to polymer-based alternatives, making them ideal for long-term oral applications. The research will involve optimizing 3D printing parameters for cobalt-chromium alloys, evaluating surface finishing techniques to achieve clinically acceptable smoothness, and comparing the resulting dentures with conventional cast and acrylic-based alternatives. Key performance indicators will include mechanical properties (strength, fatigue resistance), dimensional accuracy (using microCT technology), and biological safety, with a particular focus on microbial colonization risks such as bacteria and Candida, which can compromise oral health. This project offers an exciting opportunity to combine materials science, additive manufacturing, and dental health research. The findings have potential clinical relevance for improving patient outcomes, reducing production costs and time, and advancing the adoption of metal-based 3D printing in dentistry. To support this work, the University provides access to multiple state-of-the-art metallic 3D printers, including the 3D Systems ProX 300 and 3D Systems ProJet 5500X. These industry-leading machines enable precise control over printing parameters and material properties.
General admissions criteria
You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in a related area. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or Qualifications.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
International students will require a study visa from UKVI to pursue the degree in the UK. If the research is in a sensitive or technological subject, the student may also need to secure an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the UK Foreign Office.
Specific candidate requirements
Applicants will need a dentistry, material engineering (preferably dental biomaterials), biomedical science or additive manufacturing background with experience in material testing coupled with a strong interest in dentistry and health science.
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