Seco in Fagersta is offering a master thesis project within the R&D Materials and Technology Department, focusing on material characterization of cemented carbide cutting tools for high-performance machining applications. 

Background  

Composite materials composed of a hard ceramic phase-traditionally tungsten carbide-and a ductile binder phase, typically cobalt, are commonly referred to as hard materials or cemented carbides. These materials are produced using a powder metallurgy process that includes wet milling, spray drying, compaction, and sintering. 

Cemented carbides offer an attractive combination of high hardness and toughness. By adjusting grain size and binder content, their properties can be tailored to meet specific application needs. 

With a strong focus on sustainability and circularity, the production and use of recycled cemented carbides contribute to reducing environmental impact and improving resource efficiency. 

Work description  

In this project, you investigate plastic deformation in cemented carbide cutting inserts, with a particular focus on how deformation varies across the cutting edge region. Previous studies show that plastic deformation is highly heterogeneous and strongly dependent on the specific location analyzed. This variability highlights the need for large-area characterization to obtain representative and reliable results. 

The project involves advanced microstructural characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) over large, stitched areas. A central focus is to systematically map and analyse deformation across extended regions beneath the cutting edge, rather than relying on small, localized observations. 

You apply Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) to quantify local plastic deformation through Kernel Average Misorientation (KAM) analysis, providing insights into local strain and dislocation density. In addition, SEM image analysis is used to identify and evaluate deformation-related features such as binder redistribution, shear band formation, and microstructural heterogeneity. 

Overall, the project aims to enhance the understanding of how plastic deformation develops in cutting tools and how it can be reliably quantified using large-area SEM and EBSD-based techniques. The work is also closely connected to the ongoing European project AIM-NEXT, which focuses on the design and implementation of non-CRM hard materials for next-generation extreme applications. (https://www.aimnext.eu/) 

Your background  

We’re looking for a highly motivated student in Materials Science or a related field. A curious mindset, a structured approach to work, and the ability to independently carry out laboratory tasks after initial training are essential. Prior laboratory experience is considered an advantage, as is familiarity with SEM.