Research Departments

The Computational Materials Design (CM) Department aims at the development and application of hierarchical and fully parameter-free multiscale methods which allow to simulate iron, steel and related materials with hitherto unprecedented accuracy. [more]

The Department of Interface Chemistry and Surface Engineering (GO) is mainly focussing on corrosion and electrochemical energy conversion. It is internationally known to be one of the leading groups in the field of electrochemical sciences. Our mission is to combine both fundamental and applied sciences to tackle key-questions for a progress towards new or better, energy saving and efficient, cheaper and longer lasting materials for applications as structural (in particular steels and other alloys) and functional materials, e.g. for fuel cell catalysts, pre-treatments and smart coatings amongst others. [more]

The department ‘Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design’ investigates the fundamentals of the relations between synthesis, microstructure and properties of often complex nanostructured materials. The focus lies on metallic alloys such as aluminium, titanium, steels, high and medium entropy alloys, superalloys, magnesium, magnetic and thermoelectric alloys. We investigate the microstructures and properties using theory and advanced characterization methods from the single atom level up to the macroscopic scale.
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This department performs basic research in the field of local deformation processes as a key to resolve and understand the mechanisms initiating plasticity and causing failure of advanced materials. We develop experimental methods to perform quantitative nano-/micromechanical and tribological tests and apply advanced X-ray diffraction and high resolution electron microscopy techniques. [more]