Pushing the frontiers of novel metal-based materials
Development of new components with enhanced functions relies in the main on the discovery or development of new materials. Metals dominate many industries given their properties of high strength, electrical and thermal conductivity and malleability. Aside from aerospace and automotive components, metals are used for cutting tools, medical instruments, electrical wiring and more. Metals in combination with other metals or non-metallic elements can produce new and improved functions and properties. These alloys are finding many applications including thermo-electric materials, hydrogen storage and thin films for coating complex surface shapes. Creating a united European front to pursue the untapped potential of complex metal alloys was the driving force behind the EU-funded ‘Complex metallic alloys’ (CMA) project. The CMA Network of Excellence (NoE) consisted of representatives from 20 European institutions in 12 countries. CMA scientists established 6 Virtual Integrated Laboratories (VILs) in which over 300 permanent scientists and 60 doctoral students were active. Supporting higher education played an important role in distribution of funds. A Euroschool consisting of five sessions held every year in May was established in Slovenia with credits awarded by the University of Ljubljana in certain cases. The EuroPhD programme enabled numerous students to carry out their doctoral research on CMAs under the joint supervision of at least two scientists at two different partner institutions. The CMA NoE was succeeded by the European Integrated Centre for the Development of New Metallic Alloys and Compounds (C-MAC) with a mission to serve as a long-lasting structure supporting Europe’s research in complex metal alloys as well as higher education and gender equality in the field.
