Giulia Scampone, a researcher in the field of casting technology at the LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen, and Susan Montes, who works in the Unit Battery Technologies, have recently successfully completed their doctoral studies. We extend our heartfelt congratulations!
Scampone completed her doctoral studies at the University of Padua (Department of Management and Engineering), while Montes earned her doctorate at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials).
Giulia Scampone's dissertation was on the topic of “Anodizing of Al alloy diecastings – Alloy design, manufacturing process and material properties.” Here is the abstract:
The current focus on sustainability has led to the widespread use of diecast Al-Si alloys in the automotive sector. To improve the surface properties of casting components and make the castings electrically insulated, an anodizing process can be performed. However, due to the high content of alloying elements, diecast Al-Si alloys are challenging to anodize and only a limited number of research studies have been conducted in this field. This PhD thesis aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating the influence of near-surface microstructure, surface topography, and anodizing parameters on the anodizing response of Al-Si diecast components.
Susan Montes' dissertation was titled “Silica – (Bio) polymer Hybrid Materials” and addressed the following topic:
This dissertation explores the synthesis of hybrid materials by combining organic and inorganic components at nano- and molecular scales, focusing on enhancing compatibility, stability, processability, and homogeneity. Utilizing the sol-gel process to integrate silica precursors into polymer and biopolymer matrices through molecular interactions and covalent bonds, demonstrates the effectiveness of this technique in producing materials with superior properties for advanced applications.
We are very happy about this great success and wish Giulia Scampone and Susan Montes all the best for their further scientific careers!