Master Thesis: High-Speed Laser Coating for Hydrogen Barriers

The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) cooperates closely with the Chair of Laser Technology (LLT) at RWTH Aachen University, a leading centre for laser technology and laser applications in Europe.

Hydrogen is considered a key technology for the energy transition. To ensure its safe use, hydrogen embrittlement must be controlled – a central issue in materials engineering.

In this Master's thesis at Fraunhofer ILT, you will use high-speed laser deposition technology (EHLA) to develop a protective coating for duplex stainless steel as a hydrogen barrier.

Your focus will be on optimising the laser coating process. You will investigate how manufacturing conditions such as heat treatment or roller burnishing influence the microstructure and performance of the coating.

The work will be carried out in close cooperation with RWTH Aachen University and the University of Cambridge – an ideal opportunity to deepen your knowledge of materials science, coating technology and laser material processing.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter in English for this position.

What you will do

• You will carry out process optimisation for laser material deposition
• You will also investigate various manufacturing conditions, such as heat treatment and roller burnishing
• You will also be responsible for the metallography of the coating
• In addition, you will prepare samples for tensile tests with slow strain rates, thermal desorption spectroscopy and permeation testing 

What you bring to the table

• You are studying materials science, mechanical engineering, physics or a related subject
• You also have a strong interest in or knowledge of laser processing and hydrogen barrier coating
• In addition, you have very good English skills (C1)

What you can expect

👥 Team spirit: Creative, interdisciplinary environment with a motivated team, flat hierarchies and a ‘you’ culture.
🖥 Workplace: Excellent machinery and equipment as well as first-class office facilities.
💪 Co-creation: Practice-oriented final thesis in an innovative applied research environment.
🧘‍♀️ Work-life balance: Benefit from flexible working hours on a basis of trust.
➕ Advantages: Opportunity to benefit from exciting corporate benefits.
🚐 Travel: Good transport links, parking spaces directly in front of the institute, an e-charging station and a multi-storey car park.

The position is limited until the completion of the thesis

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. 

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you! 
Did you already know? We give you even more insights on our LinkedIn profile. 🗯️

Questions about this position will be answered by:

Dr. Yingwei Wu
Telephone: +49 241/8906-544

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT 

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