CEDoc - UM6P - MSN: Design and Simulation of Next-Generation Metallic Coatings Based on Zn-Al-Mg Al (14542)

"Design and Simulation of NextGeneration Metallic Coatings Based on Zn-Al-Mg Alloys"

1. Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields.

The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco's frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant for the future of Africa.

The headquarters are located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.

1. Materials Science, Energy & Nano-engineering Department (MSN)

The Materials Science, Energy, and nano-engineering (MSN) is a department at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University that aims to makes use of innovative research and education in order to promote solution development and entrepreneurship (in the context of Moroccan and African challenges), while training the next generation top scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Research at MSN is organized in 4 research tribes: Energy storage, Surface technology, Polymers and composites, and sustainable materials. With some 50 researchers and PhD students and several national and international partners, MSN is emerging as a strong actor in the Moroccan materials research scene. The department coordinates Master program in Materials science and engineering as well as several executive master programs.

2. Context:

The growing demand for durable and high-performance protective coatings in various industries has increased interest in advanced Zn-Al-Mg alloy systems due to their excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical integrity, and material availability. This study will focus on the modeling, simulation, and experimental development of next-generation Zn-Al-Mg-based metallic coatings for structural and functional applications. Alloy compositions will be designed and optimized using a CALPHAD-based thermodynamic approach to predict phase equilibria, intermetallic formation, and solidification behavior. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations will be used to analyze fluid flow, heat transfer, and surface dynamics during coating processes.

Experimentally, selected alloy compositions will be synthesized and applied under controlled conditions. Post-treatment and surface engineering techniques will be employed to tailor coating structure and performance. A full range of characterization techniques—including Xray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)—will be used to assess microstructure, phase distribution, and chemical uniformity. Electrochemical and environmental exposure tests will be conducted to evaluate corrosion resistance, adhesion, and durability. The influence of alloying elements and process parameters on coating performance will be systematically investigated to establish correlations between processing, structure, and properties, ultimately guiding the development of innovative, sustainable metallic coating solutions.

3. Research Objectives:

• To design and optimize Zn-Al-Mg alloy compositions using thermodynamic modeling (CALPHAD) for enhanced phase stability, corrosion resistance, and microstructural control.

• To simulate coating process conditions using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in order to understand fluid flow, heat transfer, and solidification behavior during application.

• To synthesize Zn-Al-Mg coatings experimentally using controlled thermal and mechanical treatments to develop well-defined and reproducible microstructures.

• To characterize the coatings using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to analyze phase distribution, morphology, and compositional uniformity.

• To evaluate the performance of the developed coatings through corrosion testing, adhesion assessment, and mechanical property measurements under realistic conditions.

• To study the influence of alloying elements and process parameters on the structure– property relationships and optimize the coatings for industrial applications.

• To integrate modeling and experimental results to establish a reliable design framework for next-generation metallic coatings based on Zn-Al-Mg systems.

4. Admission Criteria:

• Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field.

• Interest or experience in Metallurgy.

• Familiarity with material characterization techniques (SEM, FTIR, XRD, EIS, etc.).

• Ability to write and communicate scientific work clearly and rigorously.

• Strong initiative, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.

• Proficiency in English (working language); French is an asset.