Dr Justyna Kulczyk-Malecka

My profile

Biography

I am a Surface Engineer specialising in developing functional films using the magnetron sputtering technique and materials characterisation. My recent cross-disciplinary research is directed towards materials for hostile environments (wear resistance, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, diffusion barrier coating) and advanced functional layers for anode materials in solid oxide cell components for fuel cell and electrolysis applications.

I completed my BSc(Hons) in Analytical Chemistry from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2007 and subsequently undertook a PhD in the Surface Engineering Group under the supervision of Prof Peter Kelly with industrial support from NSG Ltd. I was awarded my PhD by Manchester Met in 2012 for my work in the field of low-emissivity coatings for next-generation large-area architectural glazing. After that, I spent 3 years working as a Postdoc in the Ceramic Coatings Group at the University of Manchester leading one of the work packages on the Horizon Europe project, focused on the development and characterisation of self-healing thermal barrier coatings for jet engines and gas turbines applications. I re-joined Manchester Met in 2016 as part of the Department of Engineering, working on cross-disciplinary projects in the Surface Engineering  Lab and Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre.    

Interests and expertise

Deposition and characterisation of functional thin films applied in hostile environments using magnetron sputtering techniques:

  • Advanced materials for energy applications 
  • Thermo-mechanical properties of materials 
  • Barrier coatings
  • Oxidative corrosion

Projects

My current research projects include:

  • The Greater Manchester Electrochemical Hydrogen Cluster
  • Barrier coatings (project partner UK defence contractor)
  • Development of catalyst layer for PEM WE and FC (Ceimig KTP)

Teaching

Postgraduate teaching

I am currently the Unit Leader of two Postgraduate courses:

  • Engineering Sustainability
  • Management of Projects in the Energy Sector

Supervision

I am currently a Principal Supervisor of two PhD projects:

  • Novel Optical Absorbers for Energy Efficiency Solar Control Glazing (match funded by Pilkington Group Ltd.)
  • Development of Cr coatings on nuclear fuel rods (project partner Westinghouse Electric Company)

Research outputs