Phase Separation in Metallic Glasses: Design, Phase Stability and Properties

In recent years, much attention has been given to phase separated metallic glasses (MGs) which provide a unique opportunity for designing composites or alloys with hierarchical microstructure at different length scales. The structure and physical properties of phase separated MGs have characteristics different from those of other MGs.

Many theoretical efforts have been undertaken to understand the origin of phase separation in MGs; yet the understanding of the mechanism is insufficient.This project aims to synthesize new MGs by alloying addition, aiming to understand the genesis of phase separation. The effect of alloying addition on phase separation and properties will be investigated.

Such studies will help to understand the structure (microstructure)-property co-relations.

The results of these investigations will be used as a guideline to modify the synthesis process to accomplish the main objectives, namely to obtain materials with desired properties.

Novel glassy-nanocrystalline dual-phase MGs with high toughness and ductility will be designed that will provide an important insight for industrial application. In addition, we will explore the possibility of fabricating nano-porous foams and nano-filters in MGs.

The nano-porous network structure in phase separating MGs has potential to be applied for many engineering applications.

The project will be conducted at Erich Schmid Institute of Materials Science of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ESIÖAW) under Prof. Jürgen Eckert’s supervision. ESI-ÖAW has internationally-leading expertise in the associated areas and Prof. Eckert is one of the world’s leading scientists in MGs and nanostructured materials.

Based on the high reputation of the host and the strong track record of the applicant, it is believed that this research will bring a significant impact for Europe to have a leading position in science, and for the host and applicant to have an excellent career development.