Industrial PhD researches new ways for energy‑rich materials
Viktor Bladholm is an industrial PhD at FOI and FSCN Research Center at Mid Sweden University. He researches energetic materials – substances that store and release energy – and develops new ways to understand and manufacture the materials of the future.
Tell us a little about your background.
I started studying at KTH in 2013 and graduated in 2018. During my studies, I also had the opportunity to do postgraduate studies in both New York and Tokyo. I did my master's thesis at FOI.
How did you come to be an industrial doctoral student?
In 2023, discussions began about continuing my research, and in 2024 the plan was ready. I now work 50 per cent at FOI and 50 per cent at Mid Sweden University. I have always been interested in research, and combining the industrial doctoral student role at FOI with academia was a good mix.
What is your research about?
The subject is energetic materials. In short, it is about all materials that store and can quickly release energy, such as batteries and fuels. I am researching new manufacturing technologies for energetic materials and investigating how their properties change over time and under different conditions.
The focus is on energetic composite materials, such as rocket fuel. My research is not focused on applications here and now, but rather on understanding what might be possible in the future. I also investigate new analysis methods to be able to characterize the materials better.
How do you see that the results of your research can be used?
One of FOI's tasks is to build knowledge and look to the future. This may involve researching new materials and developing methods for comparing and detecting differences. The research can provide a better understanding of the limitations and possibilities of new technologies. I have a broad approach to my research, which makes it possible to focus the research on the areas that show the most promise.
What are you looking forward to in the next step of your research?
The ongoing study focuses on new techniques for analysing the materials, which can open up new ways of producing materials with unique properties. So the next step will be to take a closer look at new manufacturing technologies and compare them with more traditional methods, to examine the strengths and weaknesses of each technology.