Established in June 2004, the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials (CoE-SM) is a research network which enables researchers to collaborate across disciplines and institutions, both locally and abroad. The CoE-SM is funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF). The CoE-SM has been undertaking research at seven South African universities and two Science Councils, and is hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). The CoE-SM focuses research on a wide range of strong materials, where the various institutions have specific expertise. Strong Materials are materials which retain their distinctive properties under extreme conditions and have established or potential commercial applications. They are necessary in many components and make a strong contribution to the economy of South Africa. The CoE-SM works with over 50 researchers who supervise postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows. These researchers are affiliated to the partner universities or Science Councils. Their work ranges from fundamental to applied research. The CoE-SM has worked closely with over 20 companies, including close collaborations with Element Six, Pilot Tools and iThembaLABS.
Research Areas
The CoE-SM’s research fields are positioned within six Focus Areas. In certain situations, there are some collaborations between Focus Areas.
Carbides and Cermets: Prof. N. Sacks
Carbon Nanotubes and Strong Composites: Dr Z. Tetana
Ceramics: Prof. I. Sigalas
Diamond, Thin Hard Films & Related Materials: Prof. S.R. Naidoo
New Ultrahard Materials: Prof. A. Quandt
Strong Metallic Alloys: Dr J. Papo & Prof. L.H Chown
The Schools involved with the CoE-SM include Chemistry, Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Physics and Mechanical Engineering. The research methods include modelling with many different codes, and experimentation using numerous facilities ranging from electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, laser spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Additionally, there are facilities to manufacture specimens from castings, powder metallurgy, ion beam modification of materials, and selective deposition of thin films. Other topics of research falling under the Focus Areas include corrosion of steels, development of high temperature alloys, the development of cheaper processing methods for ceramics, as well as ceramics for high density energy storage. Research in the use of fly ash (a waste product from coal) for its potential application as an energy conserving material in efficient buildings, opto-electric applications and energy aspects of hard materials is also underway.
Facilities & Resources
Partner Organizations
University of the Witwatersrand
University of Johannesburg
Nelson Mandela University
University of Limpopo
Rhodes University
Stellenbosch University
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Mintek (Advanced Materials Division)
National Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA)
Abbreviation |
COE-SM
|
Country |
South Africa
|
Region |
Africa/Near East/S.Asia
|
Primary Language |
English
Afrikaans
|
Evidence of Intl Collaboration? |
|
Industry engagement required? |
Associated Funding Agencies |
Contact Name |
Prof. L.A. Cornish
|
Contact Title |
Director
|
Contact E-Mail |
lesley.cornish@wits.ac.za
|
Website |
|
General E-mail |
|
Phone |
27 (0)11 717 1000
|
Address |
1 Jan Smuts Avenue
Johannesburg
Braamfontein
2000
|
Established in June 2004, the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials (CoE-SM) is a research network which enables researchers to collaborate across disciplines and institutions, both locally and abroad. The CoE-SM is funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF). The CoE-SM has been undertaking research at seven South African universities and two Science Councils, and is hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). The CoE-SM focuses research on a wide range of strong materials, where the various institutions have specific expertise. Strong Materials are materials which retain their distinctive properties under extreme conditions and have established or potential commercial applications. They are necessary in many components and make a strong contribution to the economy of South Africa. The CoE-SM works with over 50 researchers who supervise postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows. These researchers are affiliated to the partner universities or Science Councils. Their work ranges from fundamental to applied research. The CoE-SM has worked closely with over 20 companies, including close collaborations with Element Six, Pilot Tools and iThembaLABS.
Abbreviation |
COE-SM
|
Country |
South Africa
|
Region |
Africa/Near East/S.Asia
|
Primary Language |
English
Afrikaans
|
Evidence of Intl Collaboration? |
|
Industry engagement required? |
Associated Funding Agencies |
Contact Name |
Prof. L.A. Cornish
|
Contact Title |
Director
|
Contact E-Mail |
lesley.cornish@wits.ac.za
|
Website |
|
General E-mail |
|
Phone |
27 (0)11 717 1000
|
Address |
1 Jan Smuts Avenue
Johannesburg
Braamfontein
2000
|
Research Areas
The CoE-SM’s research fields are positioned within six Focus Areas. In certain situations, there are some collaborations between Focus Areas.
Carbides and Cermets: Prof. N. Sacks
Carbon Nanotubes and Strong Composites: Dr Z. Tetana
Ceramics: Prof. I. Sigalas
Diamond, Thin Hard Films & Related Materials: Prof. S.R. Naidoo
New Ultrahard Materials: Prof. A. Quandt
Strong Metallic Alloys: Dr J. Papo & Prof. L.H Chown
The Schools involved with the CoE-SM include Chemistry, Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Physics and Mechanical Engineering. The research methods include modelling with many different codes, and experimentation using numerous facilities ranging from electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, laser spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Additionally, there are facilities to manufacture specimens from castings, powder metallurgy, ion beam modification of materials, and selective deposition of thin films. Other topics of research falling under the Focus Areas include corrosion of steels, development of high temperature alloys, the development of cheaper processing methods for ceramics, as well as ceramics for high density energy storage. Research in the use of fly ash (a waste product from coal) for its potential application as an energy conserving material in efficient buildings, opto-electric applications and energy aspects of hard materials is also underway.
Facilities & Resources
Partner Organizations
University of the Witwatersrand
University of Johannesburg
Nelson Mandela University
University of Limpopo
Rhodes University
Stellenbosch University
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Mintek (Advanced Materials Division)
National Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA)