Günter Petzow

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Prof. Günter Petzow, who died on February 4th, 2024, at the age of 97.
Prof. Petzow's association with MSIT^® spanned many decades, making hugely significant contributions to the field of materials constitution.

Arguably, his most important scientific collaboration began in 1984 at the Max-Planck Institut für Metallforschung, Stuttgart, where alongside Dr. Guenter Effenberg, he initiated the publication of the TERNARY ALLOYS series. This endeavour began as a feasibility study of the critical evaluation of ternary alloy systems. Their vision was to gather a diverse international group of experts in phase equilibria, who would meet regularly and discuss the often complex chemistry of these alloys systems, laying the foundation for what would evolve into MSIT^® – Materials Science International Team. Consequently, Prof. Petzow, was the editor-in-chief of the first eleven volumes of this handbook series, defining its direction and cementing its place in the scientific community.

His absence leaves a void in the materials science community that will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we honor his memory, MSIT^®  remains committed to uphold the standards of excellence and collaboration that he initiated. Prof. Günter Petzow's contributions will forever be cherished, his legacy enduring in the annals of science.
MSI GmbH and MSIT^®   will dedicate the next volume of TERNARY ALLOYS to the memory of Prof. Günter Petzow.

February 2024,
MSI GmbH