About the PGI

The PGI is a unique, multi-disciplinary UK centre for postgraduate research and skills development in metrology and its applications. It is placed at the centre of the strategic partnership between the University of Strathclyde, the University of Surrey and the National Physical Laboratory.

By adopting a collaborative approach with our academic partners, businesses and the public sector, we are enhancing knowledge and skills in measurement science and its application. This in turn will ensure innovation and advancement of science, technology and engineering. The PGI’s cohort experience extends the students’ network with industry and provides support and activities beyond the host Higher Education Institute.

Download our five-year vision

Jasmine Bone, a joint PhD student funded by the University of Surrey, NPL and Element Materials Technology, has been working with industry partners to ensure the safety of composite materials used in marine environments. Applications of polymer composites in shipping, wind or tidal turbine blades and offshore structures, require high durability and performance in changing and aggressive environments. This project investigated the use of elevated temperatures to accelerate the ageing of composites when exposed to immersion in water, high pressure and mechanical loading. Various techniques were used to identify the chemical and mechanical property degradation and correlate these changes with the moisture uptake. This allowed an understanding of how the materials behave in a marine environment and helped to determine the long-term predictions of performance.

Jasmine has actively sought opportunities to promote her research and secured additional funding in the form of a 3-year Industrial Fellowship with the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.  

“This Engineering Doctorate has provided multiple occasions for both professional and personal development, and opened up opportunities I didn’t know existed 3 years ago.  Developing academic knowledge as well as the chance to present work at international conferences has been very exciting. 
The impact of this research will enable understanding of the environmental degradation and subsequent detection of the signs of this break down to determine effects on the material life cycle.”