Job Materials innovation institute (M2i) - Post Doctoral Researcher (~383-E)

The corrosion protective properties of organic coatings can be enhanced using corrosion inhibitors. Excellent hexavalent chromium based anti-corrosion inhibitors have long been available, but the health issues associated with the use of chromates have become increasingly highlighted in recent years. For a corrosion inhibitor to be effective not only the interaction with the substrate is relevant, but also the transport and release of this corrosion inhibitor in the water phase is relevant. To be an effective corrosion inhibitor it should be soluble in water, be able to transport to the required location, and should passivate the corrosion on the surface. However, the relation with transport processes and the effectiveness of the corrosion inhibitor is unknown. If known, more suitable layers or release systems can be devised, in such a way that a lower concentration of inhibitors might be used. Therefore, this project focus on understanding the transport processes and solubility of the inhibitors and water inside coatings.

The scientific objective of the project is to measure and model water and inhibitor transport, reaction and solubility as well as the final corrosion inhibition provided by the incorporation of a new generation of corrosion inhibitors by a wide range of electrochemical techniques. The post-doc at the TU/e will focus on the transport processes and solubility of the inhibitor and modeling.

The candidate must have:

• a PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemistry or Physics
• a firm background in transport phenomena and/or Organic Coating Chemistry
• relevant experimental skills and knowledge with respect to measurement and modeling of transport processes.
• Knowledge of chemical analytical techniques is preferential.
• good communication skills in English, both oral and written

When fulfilling a Post-doc position at M2i, the candidate will be given an employee status. He/she will be eligible for all employee benefits offered by M2i. The employment contract will be for 3 (three) years. The researcher and the supervisor will draw up a plan for any additional training and supervision that is specifically needed.