We are interested in the most fascinating and unexplained mysteries in metallurgy and materials science.
Importance on the study of materials degradation
Materials play a major role in our digital society. Predicting and avoiding their failure is an important endeavour for scientists. Failure in materials is often caused by the action of degradation mechanisms whose can be understood as extrinsic forces that modify their initial characteristics, therefore in the worst case scenario, inducing its collapse when in operation. The main aim of our research team is to raise the world’s awareness regarding materials deterioration in extreme environments.
Definition of “Extreme Environment“
Environmental driving forces capable of transforming materials by changing their thermodynamic equilibrium (or non-equilibrium) state.
−e.g. Irradiation, corrosion, high-temperatures…
Definition of “Materials Degradation“
Modification of the designed properties of material caused by the action of external forces in an (extreme) environment.
−e.g. Radiation-induced segregation and precipitation, voids/bubbles, phase transformations…
Topics of Active Research
Energetic Particle Irradiation
Protons, neutrons, and electrons… When fast particle beams collide with solid-state matter, they can generate detrimental effects that have the potential to undermine the functionality of crucial materials. This is particularly concerning for materials used in structural applications within nuclear and space-related contexts.
Plasma and high-temperatures
At high temperatures, material weakening can occur due to accelerated processes like creep, phase changes, and embrittlement. Ionized reactive plasmas also degrade materials through surface-altering chemisorption and physisorption. Understanding and addressing these issues is vital for the durability and reliability of materials in such environments.
Corrosion
Corrosive environments affect materials through electrochemical reactions. Corrosion lead to degradation and incur global costs of about US$ 2.5 trillion (NACE International data). This results in compromised structural integrity in infrastructure, diminished efficiency and lifespan of industrial equipment.
The motivation for scientific research in materials at extremes could not find a better definition than this one given by Dr. Lex Fridman in one of his archived podcasts:
“(…) In scientific pursuits, the weird things, the anomalies, [and] the ideas that right now are considered taboos should not be ignored before to have a chance to find the next breakthrough, the next big paradigm shift, and also, to inspire the world with the power and beauty of science (…)”
Dr. Lex Fridman
Contact us anytime!
m.a.tunes[at]physics.org
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Materials at Extremes 