WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

The Centre for Materials Engineering engages in research that is designed to grow both the fundamental and practical knowledge of engineering materials.  Although our research thrust focuses mainly on metal alloy development, we provide education and training relating to the physical, chemical, electrical, mechanical and processing properties of all engineering materials including polymers, ceramics and composites.  Our extensive modern laboratory facilities enable advanced characterisation and mechanical property measurement of a broad range of engineering materials and we are able to support local industrial development by providing assistance with selection of materials and optimisation of properties to suit process and service requirements.

The strong academic and technical expertise in the Centre underpins a thriving postgraduate activity that promotes human resource development for local industry and also fosters the growth of future researchers.  Our particular focus on the deformation processing of metal alloys assists in improving the competitiveness of local metals producing industries and prepares graduates for employment in this important South African manufacturing sector.

CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS

  • High temperature and high stress performance of materials in power plant
  • Production of titanium alloy commodity products from powder metal
  • Titanium pre-form production for high performance machining<
  • Aluminium beverage can stock process development
  • Visualisation of material properties by high resolution electron microscopy

KEY RESEARCH COLLABORATORS

  • Hulamin (private sector manufacturer)
  • ESKOM (national electricity supply)
  • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
  • The Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium)

SPONSORS

  • National Research Foundation ( NRF )
  • The Department of Science and Technology
  • ESKOM
  • Hulamin

AWARDS

  • NRF Strategic Research Infrastructure Grant
  • ESKOM research specialisation in materials science

SPECIALISED FACILITIES

  • Gleeble 3800 equipment for deformation processing, solidification and welding simulation
  • Mechanical testing facilities for strength, fatigue and fracture studies
  • Weathering chamber and electrochemical instrumentation for surface studies
  • Advanced electron microscopy for material microstructure characterisation