Background
Nitriding of titanium additively manufactured components is a common practice for medical applications, often using plasma nitriding processes following hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Optimal thickness of TiN coatings is seen as 5-30µm by the industry; however issues are often seen with delamination of the coating, leading to premature wear of polymer packers used in orthopaedic implants.
This study is aimed at improving the adherence of TiN coatings during HIP processing. Earlier studies have shown promise, however there is a significant opportunity to optimise parameters and gas mixtures to improve thickness.
Quintus equipment is capable of heat treatment inside the HIP equipment, leading to additional opportunities to set microstructure to improve properties.
Task description
The student(s) will characterize the effect of HIP trials conducted in nitrogen atmospheres with low moisture level (<4ppm) and identify improvement areas for the HIP cycles. Process development will focus on improvement of hardness and wear resistance of a printed Titanium samples. The target is to optimise mechanical properties for orthopaedic implants with respect to wear, strength and ductility whilst also assessing microstructure impacts of the HIP treatment compared with HIP in argon atmosphere without nitrogen.
Suitable background
Master of Science final year student with specialisation tribology and/or microstructural evaluation.
Application Information
The thesis will take place at Quintus office in Västerås and is expected to start January 2027.
The selection will be ongoing so therefore apply as soon as possible, but no later than November 7. Send your resume and short introduction of yourself together with grades to recruitment@quintusteam.com