Alexander Helmer

Dedicated Materials Science Engineer specializing in the corrosion of magnesium-based alloys, bringing extensive research experience in materials synthesis and characterization. Proficient in public speaking, technical writing, and meticulous lab safety practices, background in management and education enables expertise in guiding teams and facilitating learning experiences. Combining technical acumen with leadership capabilities, excels in effectively communicating complex concepts and fostering collaborative environments. Seeking to apply unique blend of skills in a dynamic professional setting.

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: CORROSION STUDIES IN MAGNESIUM-BASED ALLOYS

Magnesium's remarkable strength-to-weight ratio makes it highly promising across industries, yet its susceptibility to corrosion poses a significant challenge. Addressing this, my research focuses on ball-milled magnesium-based alloys, an area with limited exploration compared to traditional as-cast magnesium alloys. By integrating additive elements selected through empirical calculations and literature review, I synthesized numerous alloys via ball milling, followed by cold compaction or spark plasma sintering, and evaluated their corrosion behavior.

In today's environmentally conscious world, innovative materials are essential for achieving sustainability goals across sectors. From weight optimization in travel to minimizing secondary surgery and optimizing osteointegration in healthcare, the push for sustainability underscores the importance of responsible material selection and recycling. Magnesium, with its high recyclability and eco-friendliness, holds promise for sustainable manufacturing practices. Utilizing advancements in material synthesis like mechanical alloying, my research aims to develop corrosion-resistant magnesium-based alloys with nanocrystalline structures, showcasing potential improvements in both mechanical and corrosion properties.

Through my research, I identified a synergistic effect between zinc and titanium additives in the magnesium matrix, resulting in significantly enhanced corrosion performance and superior hardness compared to existing alloys. Furthermore, investigations into magnesium-calcium alloys for biomedical applications revealed improved corrosion resistance with reduced beta phase content. By leveraging mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering, novel magnesium-based alloys with enhanced corrosion performance were developed, contributing to ongoing advancements in material science with promising implications across industries.