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Congratulations to MSIT Fellow

: Manuel Löffler during the defense of his PhD thesis. The doctoral thesis was carried out at the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology in the research group of PD Dr. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Olga Fabrichnaya

Congratulations on Your Successful PhD Defense, Manuel Löffler!

We are proud to announce that our young MSIT^® member has successfully completed his PhD journey. Manuel Löffler defended his PhD thesis summa cum laude at the Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (University of Mining and Technology), earning the well-deserved title of Doctor!

His dissertation, entitled “Thermodynamic and Phase Relations of High Performance Materials for Next Generation Thermal Barrier Coatings in the System ZrO₂-HfO₂-Y₂O₃-Ta₂O₅”, explores the ZrO₂-Ta₂O₅, HfO₂-Ta₂O₅, Y₂O₃-Ta₂O₅, and ZrO₂-HfO₂-Ta₂O₅ systems using a combination of various experimental techniques and thermodynamic modelling in the framework of the CALPHAD method.

In this research, significant advances were made in understanding the phase relations in the ZrO₂-Ta₂O₅, HfO₂-Ta₂O₅, Y₂O₃-Ta₂O₅ systems. Notably, the phase diagram of the ZrO₂-HfO₂-Ta₂O₅ system was established for the first time. These experimental findings, along with the developed thermodynamic databases, will contribute to the pseudo-quaternary ZrO₂-HfO₂-Y₂O₃-Ta₂O₅ system, which is of significant importance for the field of thermal barrier coating materials.

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Manuel’s supervisor and our esteemed MSIT^® member – PD Dr. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Olga Fabrichnaya from the Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (University of Mining and Technology) – for her outstanding mentorship. Thank you for your continued dedication to sharing your expertise in phase diagrams and thermodynamics with your students, especially in such a complex field as oxide systems.

The whole MSIT^® warmly congratulates Manuel Löffler on this remarkable achievement. We wish you, Manuel, continued success, professional growth, and all the best in your future endeavors!