Master Thesis within the area of Oilfield

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 oilfield, Nouryon Stenungsund, spring 2026 

Investigating Corrosion Resistance Using Silica Nanoparticle-Modified Corrosion Inhibitor Formulations

In the oilfield sector, corrosion inhibition is essential for protecting equipment exposed to harsh conditions. Corrosion inhibitors, added in small quantities, reduce metal deterioration and prevent environmental contamination. In recent years, the potential of nanoparticles as corrosion inhibitors has gained attention, leading to advanced formulations that enhance performance and reduce maintenance costs.

This research focuses on studying corrosion resistance using colloidal silica -modified corrosion inhibitor (CI) formulations. The work uses surfactant-based corrosion inhibitors in aqueous solutions and different colloidal silica nanoparticles will be added to the formulations. The goal is to improve the efficiency of the surfactant-based Cis and to investigate the impact of various silica-based nanoparticles on the properties of these corrosion inhibitor films.

By combining atomic force microscopy (AFM) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCMD), the study aims to analyze CI film properties, including adhesive and cohesive strengths, film thickness, and adsorption kinetics. Performance tests, such as electrochemical LPR bubble tests, will be conducted on selected formulations to evaluate their effectiveness in oilfield applications.

Nouryon, a leading provider of corrosion inhibitors and additives, supply the essential components used in developing these formulations. By leveraging Nouryon’ s high-quality surfactant and silica products, this study aims to create effective formulations corrosion inhibitor formulations for oilfield applications. This study is expected to lead to the creation of advanced corrosion inhibitor formulations, aiming to provide robust and efficient solutions for oilfield applications in challenging environments.

The work will mainly be performed at Nouryon’s oilfield lab in Stenungsund, while some parts will be conducted at Chalmers university.

Supervisors: Dr Zahra Taleat, Senior Research Chemist, R&D oilfield, Nouryon

 Dr Romain Bordes, Dept. of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers
Contact: zahra.taleat@Nouryon.com 
Location: Stenungsund, Sweden
Preferred time period: Spring 2026 (~20 weeks)

Great if you have

• background in chemistry 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 their projects:

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.

To receive compensation, the following steps must be fulfilled:

Insurance: If you are studying at a foreign institution, confirm that you are insured through your university or college.
Thesis included in Your Education: The thesis must be an integral part of your academic program to qualify for compensation.
Coordination Number: Obtain a coordination number from the Swedish Tax Agency to receive payment. Payments can only be made to Swedish bank accounts.

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.

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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:zahra.taleat@Nouryon.com

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