Thesis work:30 hp - Development and Assessment of Conductive Paint Systems

30 hp – Development and Assessment of Conductive Paint Systems Meeting our Standards and Conductivity Requirements

Introduction
Thesis work is an excellent way to get closer to Scania and build relationships for the future. Many of today's employees began their Scania career with their degree project. This thesis is a collaboration between Scania and the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), offering a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of industry and research..

Background 
Electrification of vehicles places new demands on material systems, especially in high-voltage battery enclosures. One key requirement is electrical conductivity of coatings, which enables:

• Electromagnetic shielding (EMC) to protect electronics.

• Electrical grounding and safety (e.g., static discharge).

• Potential heat dissipation improvements.

Currently, the automotive industry has limited experience in conductive paint systems for such applications. Conventional coating systems (epoxy, polyurethane, etc.) are typically insulating, and integration of conductive fillers (carbon, graphite, metal flakes, nanomaterials) requires systematic evaluation to balance conductivity, corrosion protection, adhesion, durability, and processability.

Objective
To investigate and evaluate conductive paint systems for use on automotive battery lids, focusing on their electrical, mechanical, and corrosion performance as well as industrial applicability.

Job description

1. Literature & Benchmark Study:
   • Review existing conductive coating technologies (carbon black, graphene, silver/copper flakes, conductive polymers).
   • Map existing industrial suppliers and competitor solutions in automotive & aerospace.

1. Material Selection & Formulation
   • Select candidate paint systems (commercial or lab-formulated).
   • Apply to representative substrates (battery lid alloys, coated steels).

1. Characterization & Testing
   • Electrical: Surface resistance, shielding effectiveness.
   • Corrosion: Salt spray, cyclic corrosion, humidity tests.
   • Mechanical: Adhesion, impact, abrasion, thermal cycling
   • Process: Applicability in spray/powder lines, curing requirements.
2. Evaluation & Ranking
   • Compare candidate systems based on performance, cost, sustainability, and process integration.

Education/program/focus
Indicate education, program or focus: Polymer chemistry, materials technology

Number of students: 1

Start date for the thesis work: Beginning of 2026

Estimated time required: 20 weeks

Contact persons and supervisors
Raghda Kalifa, Supervisor, raghda.kalifa@scania.com   

Application:
Your application must include a CV, personal letter and transcript of grades

A background check might be conducted for this position. We are conducting interviews continuously and may close the recruitment earlier than the date specified.    

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