Research Projects

The goal of the study is to develop a quantitative description for microstructure evolution in pearlitic steel which consists of alternating layers of cementite and ferrite more

Understanding hydrogen-microstructure interactions in metallic alloys and composites is a key issue in the development of low-carbon-emission energy by e.g. fuel cells, or the prevention of detrimental phenomena such as hydrogen embrittlement. We develop and test infrastructure, through in-situ nanoindentation and related techniques, to study independently hydrogen absorption and further interaction with trap binding sites or defects and its effects on the mechanical behavior of metals. more

Global energy consumption to overcome friction is significant and minimization of this  consumption will allow monetary savings and a greener environment. more

The current understanding of wear of metals shows that the crack initiation mechanism is related to surface fatigue which occurs as the metal experiences repeated loading cycles. However, it was revealed that cracks can form even in single stroke tracks and that the crystal orientation determines the crack patterns. more

With the support of DFG, in this project the interaction of H with mechanical, chemical and electrochemical properties in ferritic Fe-based alloys is investigated by the means of in-situ nanoindentation, which can characterize the mechanical behavior of independent features within a material upon the simultaneous charge of H. more

Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of steel is a great challenge in engineering applications. However, the HE mechanisms are not fully understood. Conventional studies of HE are mostly based on post mortem observations of the microstructure evolution and those results can be misleading due to intermediate H diffusion. Therefore, experiments with a simplified stress states and in-situ mechanical loading are required to better understand HE. more

Metallic glasses are continuously prone to structural changes due to their metastable character. These structural modifications, such as segregation or crystallization, can be used to produce nanocomposite or nanocrystalline functional materials or they can represent a deterioration of the material properties. In either case, a fundamental understanding of the process kinetics and chemical/structural evolution is essential. more

Materials degradation due to wear and corrosion is a major issue that can lead to efficiency loss or even failure. As wear may accelerate corrosion and corrosion may accelerate wear, this interaction is of increasing interest in the wind, hydroelectric, oil and gas energy domains and in the bio-medical field. more

Nanotribology mechanisms, i.e. friction and wear, gain greater importance as the size of technological devices shrinks to the micro- and nanoscale. This project focuses on tribological experiments at the micro- and nanoscale of iron alloy microstructures. more

Wear and abrasion occur during sliding friction of metallic body and counter-body. Surface roughness is purposefully introduced into the metal to reduce wear and abrasion and to increase the lubricant flow. more