Research position in Materials Engineering at U. Leuven in Belgium

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From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>

Originally From: Andreas Prodromou <Andreas.Prodromou@mtm.kuleuven.ac.be>

Fluid dynamic interactions during composite plating

The Department of Metallurgy and Materials Science of the University of Leuven (Belgium) is seeking a graduate or post-doctoral research associate in the area of fluid dynamics and colloidal physics as part of a NSF funded project to advance the understanding of the synthesis of coatings containing (nano)sized particles.

Field: colloidal physics and colloidal synthesis, fluid dynamics, electrochemistry, material science.

Profile: Master, engineer or Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, mathematics or material science with an interest in academic research and developing mathematical models.

Type of research: Modeling of the mass transport and behavior of particles in the vicinity of electrodes, and the interactions of particles with electrodes. Basic research in the field of electrochemistry.

Job Description: Composite plating is a technique in which particles are deposited together with metals during electrodeposition. Since electrolytic codeposition is an interesting method to produce materials with good properties, the process is widely used. The method is used for instance in the production of high temperature wear resistant coatings for turbine blades, dispersion hardened coatings for the cylinders of car engines and for the production of self lubricating coatings. The codeposition of particles with metal involves the transport of particles from the bulk of the fluid to the electrode. The amount of particles brought to the electrode can be calculated using deterministic (trajectory models) and non-deterministic methods (diffusion-convection equation), depending on whether the particle is bigger or smaller than 1 micron and hence subject to the Brownian motion. In the past, codeposition models based on the trajectory equation were successful in predicting the influence of rotation speed, viscosity and size of the particles on the rate of codeposition. However, these models failed to predict the influence of the density of the particles and the influence of the concentration of particles in the plating bath. One of the reasons for this, is the neglect of particle-particle interactions in current codeposition models. Also, the surface immobilization once the particle is in contact with the electrode is determined to a great extend by the particle-particle interactions. Hydrodynamic interaction between particles in contact with the electrode and particles flowing in its vicinity, create random forces that remove particles from electrodes and decrease the amount of codeposited particles.

Hence, within the framework of this Ph.D. work, we will consider different aspects of the fluid dynamic interactions that occur during composite plating. Some of these important items are particle-particle interactions, the velocity distribution of the depositing particles in the vicinity of the electrode and the hydrodynamic interactions of the depositing particles with previously deposited particles on the electrode (i.e. hydrodynamic shielding). We will also address the Coriolis force induced by the rotation of the rotating disk electrode, the behavior of particles near a wobbling disk electrode and the re-suspension of particles by a rotating disk electrode. Besides looking at micronsized particles, a codeposition model for smaller particles will also be attempted.

Starting date: as soon as possible, funding available from the Flemish Science Foundation

Duration: 1 year, extension up to 4 years possible based on achievements

Applications: should include a curriculum vitae, list of publications and a statement of research interests (no more than five pages), plus the names and addresses of three colleagues willing to write letters of reference. Please send these materials to the following address:

Prof. Jan Fransaer de Croylaan 2, 3001 Heverlee Belgium Tel + 32 16 32 12 39 fax + 32 16 32 19 91 e-mail: jan.fransaer@mtm.kuleuven.ac.be http://www.mtm.kuleuven.ac.be

Applications will be reviewed until this position is filled.

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