– Profile Materials Science and Engineering (MSMT)
MSMT - Metal production, refining and recycling
Challenges and opportunities
Norway is one of the world leading producers of aluminum, silicon and ferrous alloys. Material engineers play an important part within all these areas.
This is an industry, that through metal production, makes out a significant part of Norway’s export earnings. The materials can either be made/manufactured from natural raw materials or by recycling scrap metal. Aluminum and steel are examples of materials, that are being recycled at an increasing frequently. The industry is developing, and strive towards more sustainable metal production, which creates many new and exciting challenges for you as a material engineer.
Silicon is an important material which, among many applications, is being used to make solar cells. Every year, the worlds demand for pure silicon to produce solar cells increase by 30%. That is why great efforts are being made to develop the silicon-producing industry in Norway, and there is a rapidly increasing need for material engineers with such specialized expertise.
Another important group of materials is carbon materials. They are used as electrodes and linings in electrolysis cells and furnaces for metal production. Today, nanotechnology can produce nanostructured carbon materials with unique properties. In the future, such materials can be used for building even stronger and lighter aircrafts and space shuttles.
The specialization in Resources, Energy and Environment covers the processes and industrial aspects of production of metals from their stable oxides. This includes high temperature production, electrolysis and recycling of metals, as well as environmental and energy related issues. Industrial production of light metals, silicon and ferroalloys based on Norwegian expertise and technology couples a high level of societal awareness to manufacturing of value-added products.
MSMT - Master thesis
MSMT - Master thesis
Master thesis - Caroline Sindland
I chose the study track Resources, Energy and Environment because I found the connection between process, daily operation and final material properties very exciting! Here you will gain insight into how the choice of raw materials, temperature, time and other parameters has a major impact on product quality. Primary metal production requires a lot of energy and generally has high CO2 emissions, the footprint is not ideal, but it is something the industry is working on! I want to be part of the generation that develops the metallurgy of the future, a cleaner, safer and more efficient process. I think you get that opportunity by choosing the study track Resources, Energy and Environment.
I am writing my master thesis on reactivity to silicon and quartz mixtures, mainly aimed at the production of silicon, which is used in solar cells and other electronics.
This fall I will start as a Trainee in Elkem, a two-year position where I will work on three different projects, three different places. It gives me the opportunity to get to know the company and increase the knowledge about the production of their products. This is spot on for me and I hope I stay in Elkem or a similar company in the future, with process and product optimization as the goal!
