NSF Young Investigator

The goal of this research is to investigate novel nonequilibrium alloying technique for developing lightweight materials with enhanced strength and corrosion resistance. Specifically, magnesium and aluminum alloyed with additional transitional elements such as Cr, Mo, Ta, and W will be considered. Layered vapor deposits, or graded structures, will be produced using these materials as a means of producing bulk alloys with enhanced properties. The research will build upon early work on passive film structure and the role of non-crystallinity, chemistry and defect structure on passivity and mechanisms responsible for enhancement in mechanical properties at high temperatures.