Dr. John Balk Materials Engineering

Research Activities

Thin film of nanoporous gold (np-Au), produced by selective dissolution of Ag from a Au₃₀Ag₇₀ precursor alloy.

Our group works on a variety of research projects addressing the processing, structure and properties of nanostructured metals and alloys. Current focus areas include:
• structure, deformation mechanisms and mechanical behavior of nanoporous noble metals
• in situ transmission electron microscopy
• thin film plasticity
• anelasticity in nanocrystalline metals
• noble metal coatings for dispenser cathodes
• integrating iron and steel metallurgy into MSE curriculum at UK

Currently Funded Projects

GOALI: Understanding the Microstructural Evolution and High-Temperature Behavior of Osmium-Ruthenium Coatings for Dispenser Cathodes (National Science Foundation)
CAREER: Understanding Nanoscale Deformation by Characterizing the Mechanical Behavior of Nanoporous Noble Metals (National Science Foundation)
Nanoporous Nickel As an Alternative to Raney Nickel (Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation)
Developing Ferrous Metallurgy Course Material for an Updated Materials Engineering Curriculum at the University of Kentucky (AIST Foundation, FeMET Curriculum Development Program)

In situ Movies of np-Au Deformation

Thank You to Our Funding Sponsors

National Science Foundation

Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation

Semicon Associates

AIST Foundation