Process control, materials performance
The “Metallurgical Processes, Durability, Materials” (PMDM) department is a recognized player in the field of processing technologies for the design of advanced materials with controlled microstructures, as well as in the study of their properties and durability. Its research activities focus on the development of metallic and oxide powders for the design of new materials, the production of components by sintering (both conventional and unconventional) and additive manufacturing, the joining of dissimilar materials through laser welding of bulk and compacted materials, thermal spraying, and the architecture of ceramic multilayers via tape casting and screen printing.
The department is composed of 45 researchers and faculty members, and 16 technical and administrative staff, including 8 dedicated to the CALHIPSO and TITAN platforms, spread across four sites in Bourgogne–Franche-Comté. Each year, it trains approximately 30 PhD students and 10 interns.
Sites:
- Sevenans: UTBM – Université de Technologie de Belfort-Montbéliard
- Le Creusot: Université de Bourgogne – IUT du Creusot
- Chalon-sur-Saône: Université de Bourgogne – IUT de Chalon
- Dijon: Université de Bourgogne – IUT de Dijon-Auxerre, Polytech, UFR Sciences et Techniques
Research Topics
Sophie.Costil@utbm.fr
Phone +33 3 84 58 32 35
Sophie.Le-gallet@ube.fr
Phone +33 3 80 39 61 63
Powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing
The PMDM department has expertise in powder metallurgy, both in terms of design using various technologies(atomization, agglomeration, synthesis), materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, etc.), and in the production of bulk components through compaction and additive manufacturing processes:
Powder development: metallic powders via atomization, ceramic powders, composite powders via agglomeration, synthesis of nanoparticles in solvothermal media
Bulk component production: compaction, additive manufacturing, durability of sintered materials
Rodolphe.Bolot@ube.fr
Phone +33 3 85 73 10 42
Sihao.Deng@utbm.fr
Phone +33 3 84 58 32 80
Advanced materials: high-energy joining and automation
The theme “Joining and surface functionalization of advanced materials by high-energy robotic processes” explores the use of technologies such as laser-based processes — particularly welding — and thermal spraying to enhance the functional properties of materials. It aims to address challenges such as coating or dissimilar material adhesion, process parameter control, and complex geometries. By combining modeling, robotic innovation, advanced characterization,and industrial collaborations, this research develops tailored solutions to create multifunctional surfaces that meet the requirements of modern industrial sectors.
Virgil.Optasanu@ube.fr
Phone +33 3 80 39 91 84
Ioana.Popa@ube.fr
Phone +33 3 80 39 61 59
High-temperature corrosion of metals and alloys
High-Temperature Durability of Metallic Materials in Complex Atmospheres
Degradation Studies:
- Materials studied: chromium- and aluminum-forming metals and alloys, intermetallics, low-Cr steels
- Conditions: aggressive atmospheres, high temperature, tests up to 30,000 hours
- Methods: combined characterization (SEM, XRD, TEM, XPS, SIMS), isotopic oxidation to analyze oxide growth, in situ synchrotron diffraction
Corrosion and Aging:
- Mechanisms: corrosion of titanium alloys under solid salts (NaCl, Na₂SO₄), effects of water vapor and solid deposits
- Applications: turbine materials, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), high-temperature electrolyzers (SOE), additive manufacturing
- Tools: thermogravimetric analysis, cyclic tests, specialized furnaces, in situ electrical measurements
Reactivity of Metallic Alloys: Mechanics and Diffusion
Experimental and Numerical Studies:
- Subjects: stress-diffusion-reaction interactions in metallic solids, comparison of conventional and additively manufactured AISI316L steels
- Applications: improving corrosion resistance and durability of metallic assemblies (titanium alloys) up to 500°C through surface mechanical treatments (shot peening, laser shock, friction-stir processing, high-pressure water jet)
- Tools: autoclave (650°C, 290 bar), simulations with CASTEM, ABAQUS, FORGE
Vincent.Vignal@ube.fr
Phone +33 3 80 39 61 60
Lionel.Combemale@ube.fr
Phone +33 3 80 39 61 53
Applied Research: LIMPE – LRC No. DAM-VA-11-02 (established in 2011), projects with industrial partners, patents filed
Main Experimental Facilities: microelectrochemical cell techniques, autoclave, aging cells, CPT (critical pitting temperature), electrodeposition, AFM (atomic force microscopy), etc.
Electrochemistry: hydrogen, electrolysis, fuel cells, corrosion
Fuel Cells, High-Temperature Electrolysis, Hydrogen Storage, and Electrochemical Corrosion
In the hydrogen energy field, our research focuses on the development, shaping, and reactivity of materials for high-temperature fuel cells and electrolyzers (SOFC/SOEC/PCFC – operating temperatures 400°C–700°C), as well as materials for solid-state hydrogen storage (metal hydrides).
Development of Metallic Interconnects for Fuel Cells and Solid Oxide Electrolyzers
- Study of chromium-forming alloys, low-Cr steels, Ni-based alloys
- Investigation of high-temperature reactivity and evaluation of specific surface resistance in single and dual atmospheres
- Characterization of corrosion products (XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, SIMS) with optional isotopic labeling
- Impact of coatings on high-temperature performance
Development of Intermetallic Hydrides for Hydrogen Storage
- Powder fabrication via atomization, mechanical milling, and sol-gel methods
- Determination of hydrogen solubility: pressure-composition isotherms
- Characterization of metallic powders and metal hydrides (XRD, SEM, TEM)
- Design of hybrid tanks and prototyping for hybrid fuel cell vehicles
Development of Anionic or Protonic Conducting Materials for Fuel Cells
- Synthesis of ceramic powders via solid-state reaction, hydrothermal process, and Pechini method
- Fabrication of half-cells and full cells by co-casting and co-sintering
- Measurement of electrochemical performance under operation
- Study of cell material reactivity: electrode–electrolyte–interconnect interactions
- Use of isotopic labeling to study oxygen and hydrogen diffusion
Tools: controlled-atmosphere furnace, in-situ electrical measurement, dual-atmosphere test equipment (Probostat), electrochemical performance measurement (Autolab), open-furnace test bench (Fiaxell), isotopic labeling equipment
Corrosion of Metallic Alloys in Aqueous Solutions
- Understanding solution/passive film/substrate interface reactivity and identifying mechanisms leading to passive film breakdown and metal dissolution
- Study of material degradation, especially passivation and localized corrosion of metals, alloys, and assemblies
- Investigation of microstructure–stress/deformation–corrosion relationships
- Influence of industrial processes: machining, welding, surface preparation
- Effects of long-term aging under representative conditions (humid gases, liquids, saline mists)
- Multi-scale approaches combining global and local techniques in electrochemistry, mechanics, and surface characterization