Research

Our goal is to lower the risks associated with corrosion by advancing corrosion prediction tools and corrosion protection strategies. Our current interests include materials related to the nuclear sector and metallic biomedical devices. Understanding the corrosion processes of nuclear-related materials is crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of nuclear infrastructure, such as reactors and waste storage facilities. Additionally, investigating corrosion in metal biomedical devices is essential to enhance their biocompatibility and durability, thereby improving patient outcomes and advancing medical technology. Ultimately, our motivation is to protect people and the environment.

We apply fundamental knowledge and tools to solve industrial corrosion problems and questions. Many research projects involve at least one industrial partner. This is a great opportunity for students to learn about industry while in an academic setting through direct interactions and networking. For more information about partners, please see the Funding and Research Support Partners section below.

Research Projects and Themes

Scanning Electrochemical Probe Microscopy for Localized Corrosion

Localized corrosion starts at finite regions along a metal's surface. Because it is difficult to detect, it is dangerous. SEPM can be used to elucidate localized corrosion initiation sites and mechanisms. We are working on:

Advancing standardization, implementation, and quantification of SEPM in corrosion science, including scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), and localized electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (LEIS).
Developing and verifying quantitative techniques to extract localized corrosion rates.
Exploring unique electrochemical probes for local corrosion measurements.

Radiation-Induced Degradation

Metals that make up nuclear infrastructure are under harsh conditions, including high pressures and temperatures, stress, and radiation. Some radiolysis species produced from ionizing gamma radiation are oxidants towards metals and induce corrosion. Using our Cobalt-60 sourced GammaCell, we investigate how gamma radiation influences corrosion of different nuclear related materials used in reactors (including small modular reactors) and waste storage facilities. We are interested in:

Quantifying and monitoring electroactive radiolysis species in-situ using radioelectrochemistry.
Understanding radiation-induced atmospheric corrosion mechanisms.
Measuring long-term aqueous corrosion rates of metals under gamma radiation.

(Left) Schematic of non-hormonal IUD. (Right) SEM image of a Cu-IUD post usage.

Improving Women's Health: New Non-Hormonal IUDs

Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) are the only long-term non-hormonal contraception option commercially available. Yet, many users experience adverse side effects due to copper corrosion. To alleviate the need for more comfortable options, this interdisciplinary project is aimed at the development of new non-hormonal IUDs. Our research includes:

Synthesizing polymeric coatings to tailor corrosion rate of possible alternative metal candidates in collaboration with Prof. Joe Gilroy (Western).
Developing long-term electrochemical methodologies to the study corrosion behaviour of biomedical devices under in-use conditions.
Testing the newly developed material for their biotoxicity, compatibility, and effectiveness as a contraceptive in collaboration with partners at Western's Schulich Medical School: Prof. Dean Betts and Prof. Basim Abu Rafea.
Understanding the societal impact of the developed technology with social scientist expert, Prof. Kate Choi (Western), clinical psychologist Prof. Kirsten Oinonen (Lakehead), and Women's and Gender Studies expert, Prof. Lori Chambers (Lakehead).

For a full list of publications, please see Google Scholar.