Electronic Material Properties - und Geowissenschaften ...

Geomaterials Science
Geomaterial Science (Applied Mineralogy) explores formation/processing conditions,
composition, microstructure and properties of minerals, rocks and synthesized compounds,
where the latter reveal a wide variety of industrial applications. The research focuses on a
comprehensive characterization of the relevant natural and synthetic phases, their
performance under pressure, temperature, deformation and local chemical environment as
well as tailored synthesis experiments for high-tech materials.
The experimental studies focus on the crystal chemistry of minerals and synthetic
compounds, in particular, their crystal structure, phase assemblage, deformation behaviour
and microstructure evolution. The microstructure variation (e.g., during exposure to high
temperature) has an essential effect on thermo-mechanical and electrical properties of
synthetic materials as well as natural minerals, which in turn can be used to reconstruct the
mechanical and thermal history of rock during sub- or obduction processes.
An important facet of the Fachgebiet Geomaterial Science (and Environmental Mineralogy of
Prof. Weinbruch) at the Institute of Applied Geosciences is the application of electron
microscopy techniques for the detailed micro/nano-structural characterization of solids. Here,
transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in combination with spectroscopic analytical
methods such as energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron energy-loss
spectroscopy (EELS) and energy filtered imaging (GIF) are the main tools employed for
detailed microstructure and defect characterization. High-resolution imaging of local defects
on the atomic scale in addition to chemical analysis with high lateral resolution (down to a
few nanometers) is similarly applied to high-performance ceramics, natural minerals,
meteorites and corrosion phenomena.
Recent research projects involve topics such as fatigue of ferroelectrics, re-calibration of the
clinopyroxene-garnet geothermometer with respect to small variations in the Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ -ratio,
formation temperature of meteorites, defect structure in Bixbyite single crystals and
transparent ceramics based on the spinel structure.
Future research activities will include investigations on interface structures in polycrystals,
high-temperature microstructures and the study of biomaterials based on hydroxylapatite.
Staff Members
Head Prof. Dr. Hans-Joachim Kleebe
Research Associate Dr. Stefan lauterbach
Technical Personnel Bernd Dreieicher
Secretary Betina Schubotz
PhD Students N.N.; Fe-Mg Geothermometer
Jens Kling; SFB-595 (co-supervision with Prof. H. Fueß)
Guest Scientists Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Müller
Dr. Avanish Srivastava, New Delhi, India
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