Author: Matheus A. Tunes

An experimental physicist who enjoys the company of intriguing people and is able to endure many cups of coffee and engage in endless scientific discussions.

Most-read paper at Advanced Materials

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Our work on the discovery of the new Zigzag Intermetallic Phases (ZIP phases) has received an outstanding response from the scientific community on ResearchGate — it is currently featured as the most-read paper of the past 30 days! https://www.researchgate.net/journal/Advanced-Materials-1521-4095 The ZIP phases (short for zigzag intermetallic compounds) are a completely new family of materials with a remarkable feature … Continue reading Most-read paper at Advanced Materials

Metal-carbon interfaces

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The final version of our manuscript “Is nitrogen doping of diamond-like carbon films a viable strategy for bipolar plates in proton exchange membrane fuel cells?” is now available to download! We are investigating the corrosion response of diamond-like carbon coatings onto aluminium alloys under simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cells environment. In addition, we investigate … Continue reading Metal-carbon interfaces

We have developed the “metallurgical recipe” for future nuclear fusion materials!

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Our latest research proposes a powerful new approach to designing metallic alloys with enhanced resilience under irradiation in fusion-relevant conditions. By focusing on atomic-scale defect behaviour, we demonstrate that optimal radiation resistance can be achieved when interstitial and vacancy diffusivities are closely matched, and their migration energy barriers are minimised. This combination accelerates interstitial-vacancy recombination, … Continue reading We have developed the “metallurgical recipe” for future nuclear fusion materials!

The Evolution of Nanoindentation Towards Extreme Environments

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Since its debut in the 1990s with the influential Oliver–Pharr method, nanoindentation has become a cornerstone of modern materials science. Originally developed to probe hardness and elastic properties at the nanoscale, this technique has since evolved far beyond its early capabilities. Today, advanced nanoindentation methods offer powerful insights into heterogeneous materials, thermally activated deformation mechanisms, … Continue reading The Evolution of Nanoindentation Towards Extreme Environments

Metal-carbon interfaces for future hydrogen-energy systems

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With the growing urgency to decarbonize energy systems, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have gained prominence as a clean power source. A critical barrier to their widespread adoption, however, lies in the cost and durability of bipolar plates (BPPs), essential components often reliant on expensive noble metals. In a recent study, we explored the … Continue reading Metal-carbon interfaces for future hydrogen-energy systems

Possible Biosignatures of Life Detected on Distant Hycean World

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The discovery of hycean worlds – planets with global oceans and hydrogen-rich atmospheres – has reshaped our hunt for habitable environments beyond the solar system. One such world, K2-18 b, has now taken centre stage. Using the powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), scientists recently analysed its atmosphere and confirmed the presence of carbon-bearing molecules like … Continue reading Possible Biosignatures of Life Detected on Distant Hycean World

Dr. Aster’s Breakthrough in Aluminium Alloy Design with Cluster-Hardnening

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In his recent work, Dr. Philip Aster delivers a remarkable contribution to the understanding of microstructural evolution in Al-Mg-Zn-Cu crossover alloys, with a particular focus on the role of copper in long-term aging (LTA) conditions. Through advanced atom probe tomography (APT), Dr. Aster demonstrates how Cu additions not only promote finer clustering and T-phase precursors … Continue reading Dr. Aster’s Breakthrough in Aluminium Alloy Design with Cluster-Hardnening

Three reasons why you must do a Master in Metallurgy here Leoben!

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Hey future metal legends! Thinking about what’s next after your Bachelor’s degree? If you’re into science, tech, and making real impact with raw materials, buckle up - here’s why the Master in Metallurgical Engineering at Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL) should be your next big move! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSLwhAt0nCc 1. Real Science, Real Impact Metals run the world — … Continue reading Three reasons why you must do a Master in Metallurgy here Leoben!