Master Thesis: Recycled aluminium in battery casing application – microstru
SWERIM AB · Stockholm · 3 månader – upp till 6 månader · Deadline 2026-11-15
Swerim offers a **master thesis project** based in Stockholm during the spring semester of 2027, focusing on recycled aluminium in battery casing applications. Formed as part of the BAALSCRAP project aimed at decarbonising automotive manufacturing, the thesis examines how impurities and alloying elements in recycled scrap affect weld quality and material performance. The student will conduct detailed characterisation of welds using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate features such as precipitates, intermetallic particles, segregation, porosity, and cracks. Work also includes using property calculations to predict weld performance—such as crack susceptibility—and comparing these modelling outcomes with experimental observations to clarify microstructure evolution. Successful completion of the **30 ECTS credits** thesis comes with a compensation of SEK 50,000. Applicants should be enrolled Master's students in **materials science, metallurgy, materials engineering**, or a related discipline, demonstrating a strong interest in experimental research, materials characterisation, and microstructure-property relationships in metallic materials. Experience or prior coursework in microscopy, welding metallurgy, aluminium alloys, or electron microscopy is considered an advantage rather than an absolute requirement.
This master thesis is part of the Net Zero Impact Innovation-funded BAALSCRAP project (BAttery casings from ALuminum alloys with low carbon emissions produced from SCRAP), which aims to enable the production of battery cell housings from recycled aluminum scrap and thereby support the transition towards a circular and net-zero automotive industry. The project investigates how alloying elements and impurities originating from recycled feedstock affect manufacturing processes and material performance. The thesis will focus on the relationship between microstructure and weld properties of recycled aluminum alloys for battery casing applications. The work will involve detailed characterization of welds using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with emphasis on precipitates, intermetallic particles, segregation, porosity, cracking, and other welding-related defects. The influence of recycled alloying elements and residual impurities on weld quality and performance will be assessed and correlated with material properties. In addition, property calculations (e.g. crack susceptibility) will be used to predict weld performance as a function of alloy composition. The modeling results will be compared with the experimental observations to improve the understanding of microstructure evolution during welding and to help explain the relationship between alloy chemistry, weld microstructure, and weld performance. Desired Qualifications We are looking for a highly motivated Master's student in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, or a related field. The ideal candidate has an interest in experimental research and materials characterization, with a particular focus on microstructure-property relationships in metallic materials. Experience or coursework in microscopy, welding metallurgy, aluminum alloys, or electron microscopy is advantageous but not required. Additional Information The project is planned to be carried out during the spring semester of 2027 at Swerim in Stockholm. Upon successful completion of the Master's thesis (30 ECTS credits), Swerim will provide a compensation of SEK 50,000. Contact For further information about the project, please contact: Shirin Nouhi, shirin.nouhi@swerim.se Application Please apply using the application link below no later than 15 November 2026. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the thesis position may be filled before the application deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.