In industrialized countries, corrosion guzzles up to 4 percent of economic performance annually. Substances that protect metals effectively from its ravages are often damaging to the environment or have other disadvantages. Consequently, scientists working with Martin Stratmann and Michael Rohwerder at the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung (Iron Research) in Düsseldorf are developing synthetic coatings that can protect steels and other metals from rust and heal themselves if they become damaged.

For gourmets, they are mainly a nuisance. For Helge Fabritius, however, they are a treasure trove of information. At the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung in Düsseldorf, the biologist investigates the construction principles of lobster and crab shells. In the process, he is uncovering how arthropods produce versatile material properties using a very limited choice of basic materials.

Steel used for vehicles should make them light and economical, offer protection in accidents and impose as few limits on designers as possible. Scientists working with Georg Frommeyer create alloys to meet these requirements.

Personal Portrait: Dierk Raabe

Although it is one of the oldest materials known to man, iron
still has a bright future. Anke Pyzalla gets to the bottom of the microscopic structure of metals.

Very strong yet ductile – scientists working with Georg Frommeyer at the Max Planck Institute for Iron Research in Düsseldorf have developed a lightweight steel with precisely these characteristics.

The new department for Interface Chemistry and Surface Engineering at the Max Planck Institute for Iron Research in Düsseldorf has given new impetus to the development of the
most modern steel.