Hedberg Lab @Western

The long-term goal of our research is to predict corrosion and surface reactions of relevance for health, environmental, and societal safety. No material is completely inert. When in contact with different environments, interfacial reactions can result in different adverse effects, such as allergic reactions, neurodegenerative diseases, environmental pollution, or material failure.

Our research explores the dynamic interactions between biological, often protein-rich, environments and different materials, such as metallic implant materials, metal nanoparticles, welding fume nanoparticles, and materials and products containing sensitizing substances. This is accomplished by material, surface, particle, and solution analytical tools, using different spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical methods.

Our knowledge is applied to assist in hazard and risk assessment of different materials, to increase work environment safety, to develop safer materials and products, to improve the treatment of diseases, and to mitigate corrosion failures.

The Hedberg lab is seeking candidates with background in chemical, physical, biological, computer science, and/or materials science disciplines. More information on the departmental admission process and the application process can be found here.

Learn more about our corrosion training program CORRECT