Univ.-Prof. Dr. Raúl Bermejo and his team focus on the rigorous material and component testing of ceramic materials. Through innovative experimental setups, such as the 4-ball test or the miniaturization of strength tests, the mechanical and electrical behavior under real-world loads is precisely characterized. Among other things, the research encompasses the determination of characteristic curves for thermistors, as well as the analysis of piezo stacks and high-performance ceramics like silicon nitride for ball bearings. By precisely determining strength and fracture toughness, critical material parameters can be clearly defined. These sound testing methods form the indispensable basis for significantly enhancing the performance, safety, and reliability of complex ceramic components for demanding industrial applications. >more<

Dr. Christoph Gammer is a specialist in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). He investigates local atomic structures and phase transformations in metallic glasses and nanostructured alloys. Through in-situ TEM experiments, he makes fundamental deformation mechanisms visible at the nanoscale. His research is the key to specifically harnessing the extraordinary mechanical properties of amorphous metals for industrial use. >more<

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Daniel Kiener leads a research group dedicated to the micro-/nanometer-scale characterization of material defects and is the head of the Department Materials Science. Using state-of-the-art in-situ electron microscopy and micro-/nanomechanical testing methods, his team observes the deformation and fracture behavior of materials in real-time under extreme conditions. These direct insights into the mechanisms of plasticity and failure enable the targeted design of extremely resilient functional material structures for the most demanding high-technology applications. >more<

Ass.-Prof. Dr. Tanja Lube and her research group specialize in the detailed failure analysis and fractography of brittle materials. When ceramic components fail in service, the team analyzes the exact causes of fracture to prevent quality degradation and optimize production processes. Since ceramics usually break due to microscopic volume defects like pores or superficial machining flaws, precisely identifying the fracture-initiating weak points is essential. Using high-precision fractographic methods after strength tests or thermal shock damage, the failure mechanisms are fully reconstructed. This systematic defect analysis provides the industry with invaluable insights to perfect manufacturing techniques and sustainably maximize the longevity and operational safety of ceramic components.  >more<

Dr. Oliver Renk and his research group are dedicated to the high-resolution analysis and targeted design of material interfaces. The team uses and develops state-of-the-art characterization methods to decipher the complex interplay of grain boundaries, phase transformations, and deformation behavior on an atomic scale. Their work focuses on atomic probe tomography (APT) and innovative method development, especially in high-precision sample preparation using focused ion beam (FIB). These in-depth, three-dimensional insights into the innermost structures of materials allow their mechanical properties, stability, and reliability to be maximized for the most demanding industrial applications. >more<

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Zaoli Zhang utilizes state-of-the-art transmission electron microscopy to decipher the atomic architecture of functional nanomaterials. His focus lies on the design and characterization of innovative interfaces and phase structures for energy and environmental applications. Through this deep understanding, he drives the practical development of efficient catalysts and advanced functional layer systems. >more<