Research Groups

Many electronic devices rely on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The goal of this group is the development of a new additive micromanufacturing technique that is based on localized electrodeposition in liquid. This research will enable the microfabrication of advanced multimaterial multiphase MEMS devices that have superior impact-resistance and self-damage sensing mechanisms. [more]

The key to establish a fundamental understanding of the links between synthesis, microstructure and properties is to characterize materials on all hierarchical levels of microstructure. Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy offers versatile techniques enabling the analysis of atomic arrangements, microchemistry, defect structures, interfacial phenomena and precipitate structures. The development and application of advanced TEM techniques, including atomic resolution aberration-corrected imaging, analytical TEM and in-situ TEM are major areas of research. [more]

The structure and behaviour of interfaces—such as grain boundaries, which are abundant in virtually all materials used in engineering applications—is of ever-increasing interest to those trying to understand and improve the properties of micro- and nanostructured materials. Computer simulations at an atomistic scale come in where experiments are necessarily limited: High spatial and temporal resolution, as well as the possibility to quickly produce clean model setups, allow us to understand the mechanisms of phase transitions and mechanical deformation at the scale where they occur. [more]

Even after decades of micro and nanomechanics research, a complete deformation map with the mechanical behavior of small-scale materials at application relevant high strain rates and operational sub-ambient temperatures still remains elusive. Experimental determination of micro/nanomechanical properties under such extreme loading conditions is deterred by the lack of appropriate small-scale testing platforms and sample fabrication technologies, which are capable of manufacturing ideal test-beds for statistically relevant mechanical testing. Motivated by these critical gaps in research knowledge, development of necessary nanomechanical instrumentation and additive micromanufacturing techniques form the core research areas of the group. [more]

Hydrogen is ubiquitous in nature, mainly in molecular compounds. In its atomic form it represents a genuine possibility as an energy carrier for the transport and storage of renewable energy. [more]

Alloys based on intermetallic phases comprise a new class of materials entering into application, e.g. TiAl compressor blades in the new GE_NX^TM jet engines. The basis for any new material development is a sound understanding of the stability of the constituting phases in dependence of composition, temperature and time, i.e. knowledge of the respective phase diagrams. [more]

The scientific mission of the Nano-/Micromechanics of Materials group is to extract mechanical properties of materials at the microstructural length scale and link the mechanical response with the initial and evolving defect structure. The primary focus therefore lies on the deformation response of individual single crystals, bi-crystals or selected interfaces – where metallic thin-film systems are of particular interest. [more]

The group focusses on the development and synthesis of novel nanostructured thin films, while exploring their physical and mechanical properties for both fundamental and applied science. Motivating the group’s work is the requirement of novel high-performance thin films with superior structural and functional properties for advanced applications such as micro-/nanoelectronics, energy production, sensors and wear protection. In particular, intrinsic but mutually exclusive structural properties such as high strength and ductility must be combined, but also the resistance to harsh conditions such as corrosive environments, wear, and high temperature be improved. [more]

Formerly Nanotribology group
“Tribology” is the study of friction and wear. Both mechanisms occur in the majority of transportation and manufacturing equipment and the friction induced energy loss is around 30-40%. Hence, the reduction of friction leads to a reduction of the energy requirement and therefore environmental and financial protection. [more]

Find out more about our interdepartmental & partner research groups. [more]