Research & Development

Master Thesis – Recycled Rock Drill Tools for Sustainable & Circular Mining

At division Rock Tools, part of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, we offer expertise within rock drilling and rock cutting. Both applications cemented carbides are used as material for rock drilling inserts that break or cut the rock. A continuous development of the cemented carbide material to enhance its properties and performance is performed within the R&D department located in Västberga in Stockholm.

In collaboration with Luleå University of Technology we’re offering a master’s thesis project within the area of tribology with focus on cemented carbide and rock material.

Shortly about us

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a business area within the Sandvik Group and leading supplier of equipment and tools, service, and support for the mining industry. We also provide solutions and knowledge in a wide range of applications such as rock drilling, rock cutting, loading, and hauling, tunnelling and quarrying. In 2023, the revenue was approximately 66 billion SEK with about 17000 employees.

Background and scope of the project

The cemented carbides used in rock drilling are exposed to extreme conditions that can result high wear and limit the lifetime of the drill bit. Wear in the contact zone between cemented carbide and rock material is influenced by thermo-mechanical loading and chemical reactions and can lead to complex wear mechanisms which degrade the cemented carbide. Due to friction between rock material and cemented carbide, the contact temperatures can reach up to 1000°C.

The scope of the project is to experimentally investigate the cemented carbide and rock interaction at elevated temperatures. The experiments are focused on sliding wear tests at elevated temperatures against granite at different temperatures. Additionally, the tests are performed on a standard cemented carbide grade and a variant with recycled raw materials. Analysis of the wear mechanisms is done by using different surface analysis tools and microscopy techniques.

Work description

The project consists of the following parts:

• Literature study
• Tribological characterization of cemented carbide and rock.
• Characterization of worn surfaces using different analysis methods.
• Oral and written presentation in English.

Your background

We’re looking for someone studying Material Science, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. You’re interested in both practical laboratory work and studying literature and analyzing data. We’re looking forward to meeting you!

Our culture

Our role is clear – through every action, every day, we make the shift and advance the world through engineering. We believe in an inclusive, equal and open-minded culture, and we nurture our diversities to form a solid foundation for achieving great results. Add fair and rewarding benefits, as well as many different career options. Are you intrigued? Visit our website, LinkedIn or Facebook page to get to know us further.

Duration of the project

This thesis project lasts for 20 weeks, starting in January 2025. Your work will be carried out at Tribolab at Luleå University of Technology. Possible travel costs between Luleå and Stockholm will be covered.

Contact information

For further information about this position, please contact

• Jens Hardell jens.hardell@ltu.se
• Anna Böhm anna.bohm@sandvik.com

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How to apply

Send your application as soon as possible and no later than October 31st, 2024. Click apply and include a letter of application, your resume, transcript of records and cover letter. Please note that we don’t accept applications by e-mail. Job ID: R0071673.

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service, digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. In 2023, sales were approximately 66 billion SEK with about 17,000 employees.