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 is conducting fundamental research in the electrochemical sciences, with a strong focus on corrosion and adhesion science as well as electrochemical energy conversion.
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Research in the department 'Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design' is on the relationships between synthesis, microstructure and mechanical as well as functional properties of nanostructured materials. Focus is placed on metallic alloys such as steels, high and medium entropy alloys, superalloys, magnesium, titanium, Heusler phases and aluminium alloys. Composites, semi-metallic thermoelectrics and solar cell semiconductors are considered as well. We study 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]