Suzanne Morsch

Dr. Suzanne Morsch is a Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Research Fellow in the Department of Materials at the University of Manchester. Her expertise lies in polymer degradation mechanisms, corrosion protection, and advanced materials characterization using high-resolution techniques like AFM-IR. She has collaborated extensively with industries and institutions including AkzoNobel, the Rijksmuseum, National Graphene Institute, and the Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung.

Suzanne holds an MChem in Chemistry (First Class, University of Newcastle, 2006) and a PhD from Durham University (2013), focusing on polymer brush synthesis under Prof. Jas Pal Badyal. She conducted secondments at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Leibniz-Institut in Dresden, advancing her work on surface chemistry and tribological properties.

Her research interests emphasize understanding failure mechanisms in protective coatings and structural composites, particularly regarding microplastic release from network polymers. She investigates interphase regions in epoxy-amine systems, nanostructural defects, and their impact on corrosion resistance and material durability. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals in sustainable materials and environmental protection.

Key research trends from her publications include advancing analytical microscopy techniques for corrosion and degradation studies, exploring interfacial chemistry in coatings, and developing models for pigment leaching and water transport. Her studies span marine coatings, high-voltage insulation, and dental composites, demonstrating interdisciplinary applications.

• Scientific Award: Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellow (University of Manchester)

As an academic lead for the Infrared Nanospectroscopy (NanoIR) facility, she contributes to cutting-edge equipment. She has led the AkzoNobel Laboratory of Corrosion Protection (2013-2018) and participated in the AkzoNobel-University of Manchester Prosperity Partnership (2018-2023). Her research bridges fundamental science with industrial applications, including corrosion control and sustainable materials innovation.