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We develop next-generation structural alloys by integrating materials design, advanced characterization, and service-relevant testing. We aim to bridge fundamental deformation mechanisms and real-world performance, enabling cost-effective, high-reliability alloy solutions for industry.

• Mechanism-Driven Alloy Design
  
  We uncover how microstructure controls strength, ductility, and damage by combining high-resolution EBSD, micro-mechanical testing, and X-ray diffraction. This multi-scale approach enables informed design of advanced alloys such as TRIP and TWIP steels, linking processing conditions directly to performance.
  
  Key insight: Understanding deformation mechanisms leads to stronger, more reliable alloys with predictable behaviour.
  
  
  

• Service-Relevant Structural Performance Testing
  
  Real components fail under complex loads and extreme environments. We generate industry-relevant performance data through:
  

• Programmable fatigue loading beyond standard waveforms
• Fatigue crack initiation and growth monitoring
  
  
  
• High-temperature (>1000 °C) and high strain-rate testing
  
  
• Customized fixture for component-level testing
  

Key insight: Testing under realistic service conditions improves confidence in materials selection and lifetime prediction.

• Cost-Effective Alloy Innovation

We developed a nickel-free austenitic stainless steel using nitrogen as an austenite stabiliser. This approach maintains phase stability while improving performance and reducing material cost. 

Key outcomes:

• Fully austenitic microstructure
• Superior corrosion resistance compared to SS304
• Higher hardness than conventional stainless steels
• Reduced material cost and improved supply-chain resilience

    * Lower indicated better anti-corrosion property.

Key insight: High performance does not have to come at high material cost.

Most failures initiate at surfaces. Our SEPC research delivers cost-effective protection against corrosion, wear, and environmental degradation, extending component lifetime across aerospace, energy, marine, infrastructure, and biomedical applications.

Capabilities (Liu Hongfei, Email: liuhf@a-star.edu.sg) 

• Corrosion testing: Electrochemical corrosion, salt spray corrosion, hot corrosion, liquid metal corrosion, molten salt corrosion, flow-accelerated corrosion, corrosion environment simulations, etc.
• Coating & deposition: ALD, PVD, CVD, laser cladding, twin-wire arc spray, plasma electrolytic oxidation, etc.
• Surface treatments: Cold working, laser treatment, plasma electrolytic polishing, post-coating annealing, etc.

 We actively collaborate with industry and research partners on alloy development, performance evaluation, and surface engineering solutions.

 For enquiries or collaboration opportunities, please contact: