New Preprint: Unlocking Nanoscale Detail in Aluminium Alloys with DPC Segmentation

We are pleased to share our latest preprint, now available on arXiv: Unlocking nanoscale microstructural detail in aluminium alloys through differential phase contrast segmentation in STEM (arXiv:2603.11643). In this work, we show how differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy can be turned into a powerful, quantitative tool for characterising the microstructures … Continue reading New Preprint: Unlocking Nanoscale Detail in Aluminium Alloys with DPC Segmentation

Atom-by-atom materials shaping future technology

What will the materials powering tomorrow's clean energy systems, quantum computers, and deep-space missions actually be made of — and how do we design them? We are thrilled to share our latest featured article in The European magazine, where we explore how cutting-edge research is engineering matter at the atomic scale. From the nanolaminated MAX … Continue reading Atom-by-atom materials shaping future technology

Our Paper Among the Most Read Articles on ACS! 🚀

We are excited to share that our recent perspective review, “The Legacy and the Future of Aluminum Alloys: Space Exploration and Extraterrestrial Settlement,” has been featured among the Top 20 Most Read Articles in the American Chemical Society (ACS) Materials Au! https://pubs.acs.org/action/showMostReadArticles?journalCode=amacgu Most Read Articles are refreshed daily and are based on full-text downloads (PDF … Continue reading Our Paper Among the Most Read Articles on ACS! 🚀

Metal-carbon interfaces

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

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

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

The Great Mentor of World’s Non-Ferrous Metallurgy

It is with great pride and heartfelt congratulations that we celebrate the recent recognition of Professor Peter Uggowitzer, who was awarded the Great Badge of Honour of the State of Styria on 12 May 2025 in a formal ceremony at the Old University in Graz. The honour was presented by Governor Mario Kunasek and Deputy … Continue reading The Great Mentor of World’s Non-Ferrous Metallurgy

A great scientific debate: Are clusters or Guinier-Preston zones responsible for strengthening an Al-Cu-Mg alloy?

Feature image credits: https://www.scienceisweird.com/arguing-comics Science thrives on debate, and the historic clash between Ringer et al. and Zahra et al. over the role of solute clustering in Al-Cu-Mg alloys is a perfect example of how scientific disputes drive progress. In this case, one side argued that Cu-Mg clusters were a distinct strengthening mechanism, while the … Continue reading A great scientific debate: Are clusters or Guinier-Preston zones responsible for strengthening an Al-Cu-Mg alloy?

Exploring Titanium Nitride Coatings for Enhanced Fuel Cell Longevity

Highlight from ACS Materials Letters to our recent paper! ❤ High-Performance Titanium Nitride Structural Coatings for Corrosion Protection of Aluminum-Based Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel CellsBy Felipe C. Silva, Matheus A. Tunes et al. @unileoben @usponline @udesc Read the paper 👉 https://t.co/vy6yeE2mSA pic.twitter.com/L6TmaixYgN— ACS Materials Letters (@ACSMatLett) December 2, 2024

Celebrating Sandra’s Successful Master’s Thesis Defense

On October 1, 2024, Sandra Gonzaga, our Master Student, reached an impressive milestone in her academic journey, successfully defending her Master's thesis with the highest grade of “Sehr gut” (1). Her remarkable research has broken new ground in the study of aluminium alloys within the Al–Mg–Si system, designed specifically for space applications. Prof. Pogatscher, Sandra, … Continue reading Celebrating Sandra’s Successful Master’s Thesis Defense

Aluminium is the Game-Changer for Hydrogen-Based Fuel Cells

I am happy to share our newest paper on materials for emerging hydrogen-based fuel cell technologies. I am particularly happy with this study as it is my first paper as a mentor!!! I have been mentoring Dr. Felipe Carneiro da Silva. He is a lecturer and a gifted scientist. He works at the São Paulo … Continue reading Aluminium is the Game-Changer for Hydrogen-Based Fuel Cells