Internship R&D Engineer - « Surfactants features in relation to rolling performance for hot rolling

PROJECT TITLE: « Surfactants’ features in relation to rolling performance for hot rolling lubrication emulsions »

Constellium is a global aluminum products manufacturer. The flat products are obtained by rolling in using oil-in-water emulsions as a metalworking fluid, some of them being proprietary formulations. Significant differences in rolling performances have been depicted among different emulsion formula where only the surfactant (emulsifier) has been changed, and despite similar emulsion stability behaviors. The aim of this study is to investigate more detailed properties of the surfactants and emulsions, in relation to the physicochemical conditions that the emulsion undergoes during the emulsification or the rolling process.

The project has several components:

• Literature survey on surfactants and their main features, relating molecular structure/emulsion composition/emulsion behavior
• Preparation of emulsions at different temperatures, detailed phases observations
• Chemical quantification of the phases (chromatography, various titrimetric methods)
• Basis of emulsion-lubricated rolling process (a pilot mill is available on site)
• Characterization of the oil layer trapped in the rolling contact
• Writing of intermediate and final reports

The role of the intern will consist, after a first phase of training in our trades and tools, to study the emulsions behavior in reproducing the thermo-chemical conditions that take place in the rolling process. The HLD method will be used to characterize the emulsions.

Education level: Master 1 or Master 2

Engineering school and/or college degree in materials science, applied chemistry and physics

Competencies & technical & soft skills requirement:

• Basics : organic chemistry, chemistry of solutions, titrimetry
• Good aptitude for using Excel, data analysis softwares
• Attraction to experimental work and observation
• Ability to follow a procedure, to step back and propose improvements
• Soft skills: communication, curiosity, aptitude to share new findings, even if apparently insignificant
• Languages / mobility / other: potential occasional visits of industrial lubrication systems
• Good level of the English language (both written and spoken)