Perform your MSc thesis work (~20 weeks) within the area of Paints and Coatings at Nouryon

Our goal is to create solutions that not only meet today's needs but are also sustainable for the future. By collaborating with us, you contribute to solutions that benefit society and make a difference. With us, you are not just part of a global team but part of a group of changemakers. Your thesis project will give you the chance to influence and leave an impact on our operations and society.

About the Thesis work

MSc thesis (30 p, 20 w) at Paints & Coatings, Nouryon Stenungsund, spring 2025

Effect of wetting agent chemistry on key paint properties and interaction with hydrophobically modified cellulose ether thickeners

The main components of a modern water-based decorative paints are the latex emulsion, the pigment and filler system, the dispersing and wetting agents, and the thickener The interplay between these components is complex and governs the properties of the wet paint as well as the final dried paint surface. In order to correctly formulate the paint, knowledge of these interactions is crucial.

Nouryon produces wetting agents, additives to the paint manufacturing process that ensure that pigments and other solid components are properly wetted, dispersed, and stabilized within the liquid paint. Wetting agents also influence the performance of the applied paint by enhancing its ability to wet, spread, adhere, and flow over surfaces. Nouryon also provides cellulosic ether thickeners for rheology control of paints, which affects paint storage stability and application properties such as paint coverage, spatter, and drying time. 

The aim of the thesis project is to gain a deeper understanding of the interaction of Nouryon wetting agents and cellulosic ether thickeners and how this affects the paint system. In particular, the Nouryon non-ionic wetting agents and hydrophobically modified cellulose ethers will be studied. The relation of paint properties and surface activity characteristics such as HLB, dynamic surface tension, molecular weight and chemical structure will be investigated. 

The evaluation will be performed in model systems as well as in final paint using classical surface chemistry techniques as well as paint testing methods. The work will mainly be performed at Nouryon’s Paints & Coatings lab in Stenungsund, while some parts will be located to Applied Chemistry at Chalmers. 

Supervisors: 
Dr Helena Wassenius and Sara Olsson, Scientists, Nouryon Paints & Coatings
Dr Romain Bordes and Prof. Lars Evenäs (also examiner), Dept. of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers
Contact: helena.wassenius@nouryon.com

Location: Stenungsund, Sweden

Preferred time period: Spring 2025 (~20 weeks)
 

Great if you have
 

• background in chemical engineering or equivalent
•  skills in report writing and English language
   

We offer you
 

At Nouryon, we value the contributions of students undertaking their Master’s Thesis with us and offer the following compensation based on the scope of the project:

30 Points Master’s Thesis: For a thesis worth 30 ECTS points, you will receive a payment equivalent to 60% of the current price base amount (prisbasbelopp). This reflects our appreciation for your dedication and effort. Please note that the full compensation is disbursed when the thesis is finished and approved by the institution.

Good to know

Please apply via our online recruitment system with a specific uploaded CV. We take care of your personal data (GDPR), so we do not accept applications via email as these will be ignored. Also, please respond carefully to the selection questions so that we can assist you in the best possible way.

The ad will be posted during the fall and will be removed as soon as we have found the final candidate

We look forward to your application! When it is with us, we will review to see if there is a match between your skills and the opportunities that will arise! We strive to get back to you as soon as possible with an update on the process.

About Nouryon 

We’re looking for tomorrow’s Changemakers, today. 
 
If you’re looking for your next career move, apply today and join Nouryon’s worldwide team of Changemakers in providing essential solutions that our customers use to manufacture everyday products such as personal care, cleaning, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Our employees are driven by the wish to make an impact and actively drive positive change. If that describes you, we will gladly make way for your ambitions. 
 
Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.  

Contact 

If you have any questions about the process or your application, or need assistance, please contact Recruiting.SE@Nouryon.com.

For questions related to the content of the Master thesis work please contact:
Dr Helena Wassenius, Scientist, Nouryon Paints & Coatings: helena.wassenius@nouryon.com

#WeAreNouryon #Changemakers