Materials.Business Newsletter ⚙️September 19th, 2024
Podcast Guest: Dr. Patricia Jovičević-Klug
Video in English you can add subtitles in any language - see below to learn how!
In the latest episode of the Materials.Business Podcast, Monica welcomes Patricia Jovicevic-Klug, a trailblazer in cryogenic treatment, to discuss its profound applications in energy, material science, and beyond. Patricia is pioneering innovations in cryogenics, particularly within the fusion energy sector. Together, they delve into the powerful effects of cryogenics on material properties, unlocking advancements that are driving sustainability and extending the life cycle of critical components across various industries.
What is Cryogenics and Its Purpose? Patricia breaks down the fundamental concept of cryogenics, a process that exposes materials to extremely low temperatures, transforming their microstructure. This treatment significantly enhances various material properties, including corrosion resistance, toughness, and wear resistance among others.
"Cryogenics allows us to manipulate materials at the micro-level, creating stronger, longer-lasting, and more efficient solutions for industries ranging from aerospace to oil and gas and other sectors." - Patricia J.
The Different Levels of Cryogenic Treatment: Cryogenics isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Patricia outlines three key levels of treatment:
Conventional Cryogenics (0°C to -80°C) for shallow modifications,
Shallow Cryogenics (-80°C to -150°C) for mid-range applications, and
Deep Cryogenics (-150°C and below), where materials are treated with liquid nitrogen, hydrogen, argon, or helium.
Each level produces different microstructural changes, creating materials tailored for specific industries. These advancements hold immense potential for fusion energy, aerospace, and even everyday items like musical instruments.
Cryogenics in Fusion Energy and Material Science: Patricia highlights her groundbreaking research in fusion energy, where cryogenics plays a pivotal role in enhancing materials used in reactor construction. Cryogenic treatment improves the performance of Euro-Fer 97 and martensitic stainless steel, making them more resistant to corrosion and fatigue. These metals are essential for pipes and support systems in fusion reactors, which operate under extreme conditions.
"Fusion energy is our future, and cryogenics helps make the materials that will carry us there—stronger, more durable, and more resistant to the high temperatures and pressures fusion requires," Patricia J.
This breakthrough is a significant step towards achieving sustainability in energy.
Extending Material Life Cycles with Cryogenic Treatment - the sustainability piece: One of the standout benefits of cryogenics is its ability to extend the life cycle of materials by up to 3.5 times. Patricia emphasizes that this approach is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, as it eliminates harmful CO2 emissions. By reducing the need for frequent material replacements, industries like automotive (Harley Davidson) and electronics (Yamaha) are reaping the rewards of cryogenic treatment.
"We're cutting costs while protecting the environment—a win for everyone." - Patricia J.
Commercial Applications and the Potential to Replace Traditional Coatings: Cryogenics is making its mark in industries beyond energy, including automotive, music instrument manufacturing, and medical implants. Patricia notes that cryogenic treatment could potentially replace environmentally harmful coatings, creating a more sustainable option for industries focused on material durability and performance. For example, NASA’s research on aluminum alloys exposed to space led to breakthroughs in material strength and wear resistance—discoveries that are now being explored across industries.
A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in STEM: Beyond her technical expertise, Patricia is passionate about diversity and inclusion in STEM, sharing her experience as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. She’s an advocate for women and minorities in science, aiming to inspire the next generation of researchers and engineers. She says, reflecting on her work with the Max Planck Society.
"It’s not just about the materials we change—it’s about the people and perspectives we bring into the conversation," Patricia J.
Patricia Jovicevic-Klug’s work is revolutionizing the way we think about material performance and sustainability. By pushing the boundaries of cryogenic treatment, she’s paving the way for safer, more efficient energy systems and driving sustainable practices across industries. Her research and advocacy are a testament to the profound impact of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the world is better for it.
As Patricia says,
“In every challenge lies the opportunity for innovation. Whether it’s extending the life of materials or bringing more diverse voices into STEM, we have the power to change the world.”
#CryogenicsInEnergy #SustainabilityInMaterials #MaterialScience #FusionEnergy #WomenInSTEM #CorrosionResistance #DiversityInSTEM #EngineeringInnovation #GreenTechnology
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Dr. Patricia Jovičević-Klug, is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Fellow. Her moto is: "One’s scientific soul (essence) is not determined by their scientific field nor their research interest, but by their capability to connect different aspects and views into a combined harmony of scientific results and ideas," this is my main motivation and state-of-mind that have driven me to become a STEMinist and researcher. My passion is to find out the truth, which is out there to be found.
📚 Learn more about Patricia:
Her Research at MPIE: Explore Patricia’s cutting-edge work in surface science for future materials, particularly in material protection and corrosion,https://www.mpie.de/4945605/surface-science-for-future-materials
Patricia’s Profile at MPIE: Get insights into Patricia’s background and career journey at Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung https://www.mpie.de/person/123268/4945605
Connect on LinkedIn: Connect with Patricia and stay updated on her work and expertise in materials science and cryogenics https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-jovi%C4%8Devi%C4%87-klug-591876153/
Google Scholar Profile: Explore Patricia’s extensive research publications and contributions to the field of material science https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=hQGWdxoAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
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Our partnership with three like-minded organizations dedicated to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in STEM is a big part of our daily work at Infinity Growth and Materials.Business. These organizations, located in the UK, Germany, and Edmonton, empower and equip minorities to excel in STEM fields. We are proud supporters of their mission and initiatives, take a look at their profiles! #EquityInSTEM #DiversityAndInclusion #STEMEducation #GlobalPartnerships #Empowerment
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