Dr. Rachel Partovi-Nia: Corrosion on a Minute Scale

Project Manager in New Technology department at ETA. SA (Swatch Group), Switzerland

I completed my Ph.D. in Electrochemistry in 2010 at École Polytechnique Fédéral de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. My post-doctoral research focused on corrosion and material science at the University of Western Ontario in Canada.

My interest in material science and especially corrosion encouraged me to follow the scientific articles in CORROSION journal to find out the impact of material degradation in human health, environment, and industry.

As a project manager in the New Technology department at ETA-Swatch Group, I plan and coordinate multiple projects in corrosion and coating evaluations. Various coatings or treatments are used to slow corrosion damage to metallic parts, such as plating, painting, and corrosion inhibitors, which are the most common anti-corrosion treatments to provide a barrier from the environment.

The coating technologies in the watch industry is a challenge, because of the complex geometrical shape of each part, the minute dimensions, and the high-quality control of the finished products. With a broad knowledge of corrosion science, I have the tools to deal with unanticipated failures and provide further consideration that can include both technical and business innovations to create a more sustainable business model.