Sweden: PhD student in Polymeric Materials

Deadline: 8th October 2012

Project description

The PhD-student will study the durability of rubber seals in improved conventional fuels, new fuel systems and renewable fuels. Lower emissions, higher transport efficiency and the use of renewable fuels cause engines to work at higher temperatures. Sealing of parts in the vehicle has to be adapted to withstand the tougher environment. Example of fuels are different type of biodiesel (FAME), synthetic diesel fuels, bio based alcohols and gaseous fuels (e.g. biogas). The fuels themselves may result in a harsher chemical environment. The degradation products in the fuel and exhaust systems together with high temperature and mechanical load create a demanding challenge for the rubber sealing materials.

The project aims to:

1. Understand the new fuel environments and define the factors affecting the performance and durability of sealing materials.
2. Study the synergism effects between chemical and mechanical loading of the seals for a safe prediction of the seal durability in new fuels and oils.
3. Develop test methods to assess durability of components.
4. Improve or develop novel materials and implement sealing solutions for new fuels to ensure that ‘no emissions’ by leakage of fuels or rubber additives occur during service.

The project will be run in cooperation between Division of Polymeric Materials, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology at KTH, Scania CV AB and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions AB. The work will be performed mainly at Scania and KTH (about 50/50) in order to benefit from existing test instruments, facilities and expertise knowledge in the best way. Some work will also be performed at Trelleborg Sealing Solution´s site in Ersmark, possibly also visits to other manufacturing sites in Europe.

The focus areas for the PhD student are:

• Mapping of ‘stress factors’, current materials and testing methods ‑ State of the art.
• Testing and evaluation of existing and new sealing materials: sorption, permeation, swelling, chemical attack, compression set, stress crack resistance. Functional testing at elevated conditions i.e. combined mechanically stresses and media-exposed specimens.
• Simulations and measurements of the chemical and mechanical stress state of seals.
• In-service life predictions: synergy between chemical, thermal and mechanical loads.
• Development of methods to predict failure of seals.
• Development of material solutions for future renewable fuels and oils.
• Field test of new sealing solutions in renewable fuels and oils.

Eligibility and Assessment Criteria

The potential candidates must have a Master’s degree with a focus on polymer science, materials science, chemistry, materials physics or a corresponding degree.
The candidate should be highly motivated for doing scientific research and should have well developed analytical and problem solving skills.

Employment

Form of employment: Time limited (doctoral student)
Starting date: According to agreement

Application procedure

Application should be sent electronically to Inga Persson, inpe@kth.se

The application marked with reference no K-2012-0330 must include the following:

1. CV including education and relevant academic/work experience
2. Official record of transcripts and copy of degree certificate
3. Cover letter (maximum 1 page)

Deadline for application is 2012-10-08
Reference number: K-2012-0330

Contact

Ulf W. Gedde, Professor
Phone: +46 8 790 76 40, +46 70 264 85 88
gedde@kth.se