Magnetism for the functionalization of metallic materials surfaces and its effect on corrosion phenomena
The proposed research program will focus on characterisation of electrochemical behaviour of structural materials with emphasis on phenomena of aqueous corrosion in the presence of cyclic temperature changes, strong magnetic field and flowing electrolytes. The topic is of paramount importance for chemical, nuclear and power industries, where the extension of lifetime and ever-increasing safety standards force the use of new solutions eliminating the risks of failure or premature closure of the installation. The influence of the magnetic field on the process of corrosion and electrochemical surface modification is an unusual variable, with relatively limited data in the literature, important from a fundamental and technological point of view. The researcher will participate in a collaborative activity, involving the host organization, National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ – Poland), Technical Research Center of Finland (VTT – Finland) and the Institut des NanoSciences de Paris (INSP - France). The researcher will be integrated into a newly established Centre of Excellence (CoE) – NOMATEN in Poland, which is devoted to develop advanced multifunctional materials for industrial and medical applications. The program will be built on the basis of in-house capability to synthesize and characterize new materials. The methodology for characterization of materials properties includes in situ observation by means of newly constructed MagniFiCor test rig, which is an integral part of the project and by “post-mortem” analysis of exposed samples to various environmental conditions. In parallel, multiscale computational modelling of the interaction between magnetic fields, electrochemical behavior and physico-chemical properties of the material will be developed in collaboration with scientific partners. The researcher will hold a position of a Research Group Leader (RGL) of the CoE, providing an excellent opportunity for career development.