UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG

Prof Michael Witcomb

Current Research Projects

Investigation of the Ni-Ru-Y phase diagram
Prof L.A. Cornish1, Prof M.J. Witcomb1, Mr S.H. Coetzee2
1University of the Witwatersrand; 2University of Botswana

  • This is a MPhil project which is part of a study to verify potential systems for coatings. Yttrium has been a recognized component for coatings for nickel-based superalloys for many years, and with ruthenium could also be used in coatings for possible future aerospace alloys. This project is also aimed at the exploitation of South African primary resources such as the platinum group metals. The work primarily involves XRD, SEM and EDX investigations of various ternary alloys to determine phase compositions, so that solidification sequences, invariant reactions, liquidus surface and isothermal section at 1200 AA°C can be determined.

Investigation of the Al-Ru-Y phase diagram
Prof L.A. Cornish, Prof M.J. Witcomb
University of the Witwatersrand

  • This is part of a larger project to study potential systems for coatings for nickel-based superalloys. The project is also related to the South African PGM mining industry. The techniques used are XRD, SEM and EDX, to determine phase compositions. These will then enable solidification sequences, invariant reactions, liquidus surface and isothermal section at 600 AA°C to be determined.

Investigation of the composition of the different phases in various WC-Co and VC-WC-Co alloys
Prof M.J. Witcomb, Prof S Luyckx?
University of the Witwatersrand

  • Part of an ongoing project characterizing different composition WC-Co and VC-WC-Co alloys with regard to their wear and corrosion resistance for cutting tools and mining applications.

TEM characterisation of carbon nanotubes
Prof N. Coville, Prof Witcomb, and various students
University of the Witwatersrand

  • To study the structure of carbon nanotubes in single- and multi-walled forms which have been synthesised by the various methods of production (arc-discharge, laser ablation and CVD), the effect of different catalysts, the resultant special geometries and the effects of chemical functionalisation. To investigate the production of strong composite materials by incorporating carbon nanotubes. To study carbon nanotube supported catalysts.