Reiner Kirchheim

Prof. Reiner Kirchheim is affiliated with the Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design, focusing on interfacial phenomena in metallic systems. His research explores hydrogen trapping mechanisms at metal/oxide and metal/carbide interfaces, with a particular emphasis on compositional modifications of these interfaces to enhance material performance.

His work involves advanced analytical techniques such as atom probe tomography and thermal desorption spectroscopy to validate theoretical models. Recent studies highlight his expertise in designing carbide precipitates (e.g., iron/vanadium carbide interfaces) for optimized hydrogen retention, leveraging the sodium chloride crystal structure and vacancy engineering.

While no awards or students are explicitly mentioned in the provided text, his publications demonstrate leadership in understanding interface-driven material behavior, particularly in metallurgical systems with applications to corrosion resistance and hydrogen embrittlement mitigation.