MPMP

Advances in technology can only be made if materials are available that perform according to the requirements. In modern technology, these requirements become more and more stringent, for which new materials classes are being developed, but in which metals retain and even expand their dominant role.

Many examples of modern technology show how materials limit the scope and applicability of technology. The performance of a metal is determined by its composition and its structure on the nano- and microscale. In order to further improve the performance of metals, fundamental understanding of the relation between structure and performance is needed as well as fundamental understanding of the relation between processing conditions and structure.

Such fundamental understanding will even become more crucial in the coming decades, when the availability of several important elements becomes an issue, like it is already for rare-earth elements. Physical modelling in these fields must be developed and be supported and validated by structural and compositional analyses at the highest level of resolution and accuracy. Much of the research focuses on the fundamentals of metallurgical mechanisms relevant in industrial processes.

The programme is based on metal’s life cycle and is built up around 5 research themes:

1. Primary processing and recycling
The production of metals is from either primary resources (primary processing) or end-of-life products (recycling). Research on these processes is primarily focused on the efficient use of energy and raw materials, while at the same time maximising the composition control of the produced metal.  Main research themes are the blast-furnace process, the ISARNA-process and, in strong development, refining product composition in recycling.

Research staff:

• Dr. Yongxiang Yang
• Prof.dr. Rob Boom

2. Phase transformation
Metal alloys, be it based on iron, aluminium, magnesium or titanium matrix, owe their properties and performance to the assembly of phases and defects that we call the microstructure. Thermodynamic characteristics and kinetic processes on the nano- and micro-scale control the formation of the microstructure during thermomechanical treatment. The physical background of phase transformations and precipitation is studied experimentally and theoretically. Main themes in this research are the development of high-strength steel and aluminium alloys and the substitution of potentially scarce elements, for instance rare-earth metals in magnesium alloys.

 Research staff:

• Prof.dr.ir. Jilt Sietsma
• Dr.ir. Erik Offerman
• Prof.ir. Laurens Katgerman

3. Joining
Joining is critical to constructions ranging from micro to macroscopic length scales. This research theme focuses on welding, with particular emphasis on the effects of imposed thermal and mechanical conditions on the resultant structure and properties of materials, as well as the behaviour and control of joining processes.

Research staff:

• Prof.dr. Ian Richardson
• Dr.ir. Marcel Hermans

4. Mechanical behaviour through the length scales
Both the microstructure and the integrity of metals are dependent upon mechanical stresses. Microstructural changes are the basis for the consolidation behaviour that is not only essential for the use of metals in constructions, but also plays a large role in the production process. Microstructures also influence mechanical properties and failure initiation. This research theme is built around transformation, consolidation and failure mechanisms in relation to industrial applications.

Research staff:

• Dr.ir. Roumen Petrov 
• Dr.ir. Michael Janssen
• Prof.dr.ir. Leo Kestens

Corrosion technology and electrochemistry          

Fundamentals of electrochemistry are investigated and developed in order to elucidate the actual mechanisms of corrosion processes, experimentally observing corrosion mechanisms on the micrometre scale, in interaction with microstructural features. On the basis of this fundamental understanding corrosion inhibition and the application of efficient coatings can be strengthened and extended. Main themes of this research are local electrochemical analysis of corrosion mechanisms, bonding of organic coatings and self-healing coatings.

Research staff:

                Dr.ir. Arjan Mol 
                Prof. dr. Herman Terryn 
                Prof.dr. Hans de Wit

If you would like to know more about our research, please contact one of our staff members.