The traditional method for modifying the properties of metals is to alloy them with impurity elements to change their microstructure and/or their phase constitution. For example, the addition of carbon and manganese makes steels harder, and alloying steel with nickel and chromium makes it more resistant to corrosion. Incorporating interfaces into crystalline lattice of metals provides an effective approach to advancing properties without changing their chemical compositions. Dramatic property variations and unprecedented performances have been discovered in nanostructured materials in which high density interfaces are introduced. Nevertheless, stability of the interfaces at the nano-scale becomes critical for property advancements. Formation of interfaces at low-energy states, which determines stability of nanostructures, is controlling properties and functionalities of nanomaterials. In this lecture, the speaker is going to review recent developments of stabilization in nanostructured metals. Quantity, structure, composition, and distribution of several types of interfaces are analyzed to identify their effects on properties and performance in nanostructured metals. Perspectives on stabilization of nanostructures in metals are discussed with respect to its future development and technological applications.
About the speaker
Prof Ke Lu received his MSc and PhD in Material Science from the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1988 and 1990 respectively. He continued his career in the Institute of Metal Research and is currently the Professor of the Institute and the Director of Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science. Prof Lu was also the former Dean of Materials Science and Engineering in Shanghai Jiao Tong University and former Director of State Key Laboratory for Rapidly Solidified Non-equilibrium Alloys.
Prof Lu’s research focuses on nanostructured materials; amorphous alloys; non-equilibrium processing; and melting and superheating of low dimensional materials, including nanoparticles, nano-granular structures, multilayer thin films and computer simulations.
Prof Lu received numerous of awards including the International Symposium on Metastable, Amorphous and Nanostructured Materials Gold Medal and Junior Scientist Award (1998), the Shenyang Science and Technology Zhenxing Award (1999), the Ho-Leung-Ho-Lee Technology Science Award (1999) and the Third World Network of Scientific Organizations Technology Prize by the Third World Academy of Sciences (2000). He was also elected the member of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2003), the Third World Academy of Sciences (2004) and the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (2005).
For attendees’ attention
The lecture is free and open to all. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.
Light refreshments will be served from 4:30 to 5:00 pm.
