Master's thesis: Soil corrosion of metallic coatings – chemical study - Under tillsättning eller tillsatt, ej sökbar

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Background
Metallic coatings and especially zinc alloy coatings are proposed as alternatives to hot dip galvanized steel for buried structure. This includes solar power support structures, fences, etc. these coatings may have different chemistries combining typical sacrificial metals such as zinc, aluminium and magnesium. While some progress has been made on the understanding and performance of this class of materials for aboveground conditions (atmospheric corrosion), the behaviour in buried applications requires much more research.

Soil corrosion is a complex process involving physical, chemical, and microbiological aspects which require a cross-disciplinary study approach. Moreover, the slow kinetics of the process has resulted in limited information in the open literature regarding corrosion products in soil and impact on soil chemical processes (cycles).

Project research topics
The main purpose of this master thesis work is to contribute to the understanding of soil corrosion protection performance of both market-ready and recently developed metallic zinc alloy coatings.

Project activities
The master thesis work will be performed as a part of an ongoing research project “Worldsoil”. The project is financed by 6 industrial partners.

The work will include an initial literature review of the current knowledge regarding the chemistry and microstructural features of zinc alloy coatings as well as the environmental impact of metal leaching in soils due to corrosion. A baseline will be developed on the studied materials and the soils where they are exposed. Corroded panels from worldwide field exposure will be received for evaluation in terms of corrosion rate, corrosion products chemistry and characteristics. Soil analysis will be considered from samples very close to the corrosion coupons. The experimental matrix will be developed based on the available data and project objectives. The results will contribute to explain the materials performance and their possible environmental impact on soil for the short-term exposure which is the most active phase.

Student profile
We are looking for a master’s student within the areas of chemistry, material science or similar that is interested in doing the above described project as her/his master’s degree project. The position will involve practical work at RISE corrosion and material characterization laboratories in Kista, Stockholm.

Location and start date
The Corrosion Department of RISE is located at Isafjordsgatan 28 A in Kista, Sweden. Master thesis work start in September 2024.

Supervisory team at RISE
Main supervisor: Abdelkader Meroufel, phone: +46 73 047 22 63, Abdelkader.meroufel@ri.se
Unit Manager: Andrew Gordon

Interested?
Send in your application (CV and motivation letter) no later than 2024-08-08.

Key words: Master Thesis, RISE, Stockholm, material science, corrosion, chemistry, water, solar