This summer, the University of Tennessee’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) hosted the Fourth International Conference on High-Entropy Materials (ICHEM). Every two years since its inception in 2016, ICHEM has brought together leading researchers from around the world to share insights from their work on high entropy materials, an emerging class of solid materials that includes both alloys and ceramics.
“High-entropy materials offer the potential of combining properties that you do not usually see together,” said MSE Department Head and Chancellor’s Professor Veerle Keppens.
For example, high-entropy ceramics can be tailored to have specific electrical or magnetic properties or even both at once. In addition, some high entropy alloys are known to have superior mechanical properties compared to traditional alloys.
Like these new materials, the ICHEM planning committee withstood unusual stress while preparing for the conference, enduring a year-long delay due to COVID-19 concerns.
Fortunately, their hard work and patience paid off. On June 19, MSE opened its doors to 129 attendees from across the globe, including representatives from Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan. It was the first time ICHEM had been held in the Americas.
“Hosting an international conference like this gives UT a lot of visibility,” said Keppens. “We’ve got a good number of people working on high-entropy materials, and so does ORNL, so we have a lot of local talent. It’s great to let people from across the world see what we are doing.”
The conference included four days of talks and poster presentations, including some from MSE graduate students.
“All of our students studying high-entropy materials research were invited to present their work, and many of them did,” Keppens said. “They got to meet experts in that field and practice their presentation skills on an audience that understands their work and its importance in detail.”
In addition to exchanging scientific knowledge, ICHEM participants were encouraged to take advantage of Knoxville’s natural beauty on a day hike.
“With the Smokies nearby, Knoxville is an attractive place for people to come visit,” Keppens said with a smile. “It’s a great place to combine science with fun.”
Contact
Izzie Gall (865-974-7203, egall4@utk.edu)