We are excited to share findings from our latest research on the potential use of MAX phases in nuclear reactors. MAX phases, known for their hexagonal-compact nanolayered crystal structure, high machinability, and chemical inertness, have long been considered promising materials for nuclear applications. However, our new paper sheds light on crucial aspects that must be … Continue reading Exploring the Stability of Ti-based MAX Phases in Extreme Nuclear Environments
Professor Pogatscher at the forefront of ESA’s Gateway lunar mission
Professor Stefan Pogatscher –– the head of the Department of Metallurgy in our University – is contributing to the "Gateway" lunar mission, an international project aiming to establish an outpost in lunar orbit in the coming years. This station, more distant from Earth than the International Space Station (ISS), will serve as a relay for … Continue reading Professor Pogatscher at the forefront of ESA’s Gateway lunar mission
Transforming the Aluminum Industry through Recycling
In the pioneering work of PhD student Sebastian Samberger, the spotlight shines on aluminum recycling as a beacon of sustainability within the metals industry. Samberger's thorough analysis underscores the significant environmental challenges posed by the primary production of aluminum, including high energy consumption and CO2 emissions from non-renewable energy sources. Through his research, Samberger eloquently … Continue reading Transforming the Aluminum Industry through Recycling
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Collaborative Efforts Aim for Lunar Nuclear Power Amidst Materials Challenges
In a groundbreaking move that has sent ripples through the scientific press, Russia and China have announced plans to join forces for an ambitious collaborative space mission. The focal point of this partnership? The installation of nuclear-powered reactors on the surface of the moon by 2035, marking a significant leap forward in humanity's quest for … Continue reading Collaborative Efforts Aim for Lunar Nuclear Power Amidst Materials Challenges
Montanist honoured as innovator by the Austrian FFG
Note: Press release reposted from the Montanuniversität Leoben. And congratulations Irmi :)! How do you become a leader? 💪Dr. Irmgard Weißensteiner, scientist at the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Advanced Aluminium Alloys at the Montanuniversität Leoben, gives personal insights into her career in the interview series "HOW SHE DID IT" of the FFG (Austrian Research Promotion … Continue reading Montanist honoured as innovator by the Austrian FFG
Coal power, definitively not an option!
Fine-particles containing sulfur oxide originating from coal power stations are related to a significant increase in mortality risks. This is a result of a comphreensive study just published at the Science magazine last month. I think it is now clear that we must act to stop further uses of coal as an energy source! HENNEMAN, … Continue reading Coal power, definitively not an option!
Advancing microreactor materials technology: Next stop, the Moon!
Miniaturizing nuclear reactors offers a robust solution for generating reliable and efficient electricity, crucial for supporting human missions beyond Earth. Such miniturization is not at all an easy task. I have been pursuing research in this area since 2015, when we designed a ~ 3x3 metre-sized small nuclear reactor core for biological shielding optimization studies. … Continue reading Advancing microreactor materials technology: Next stop, the Moon!
Consolidating nanocrystalline aluminium crossover alloys for extreme environments
We are re currently exploring nanocrystalline aluminum alloys to understand how they perform in extreme conditions such as energetic particle irradiation and high temperatures. Aluminum alloys are ideal for challenging environments, given their versatility, lightweight nature, and favorable properties. In a recent preprint led by Patrick Willenshofer, we discovered and reported for the first time … Continue reading Consolidating nanocrystalline aluminium crossover alloys for extreme environments
Montanuniversität Leoben highlights its research in Space
On 8th November 2023, the Montanuniversität Leoben hosted a special event to introduce its research and development strategy for Science in Space in collaboration with the European Space Agency. The new rector, Professor Peter Moser, stressed the necessity for new materials as humankind ventures further into space. Professor Moser also mentioned the extreme conditions of … Continue reading Montanuniversität Leoben highlights its research in Space
Materials at Extremes 