Chasing Glass Formation in Biocompatible Titanium Alloys

During her PhD studies, Cécile Chaxel investigated the development of high-performance titanium-based materials for durable and biocompatible orthopedic implants. Combining alloy design, metallic glass science, and laser additive manufacturing, her work explored the possibility of creating strong yet flexible metallic glass composites for future biomedical applications. Although fully amorphous structures were not achieved in the investigated biocompatible systems, the study provided valuable insights into laser–material interactions and processing–structure relationships. In addition, several promising compositions exhibiting high hardness were identified. One known good glass-forming alloy also demonstrated successful partial re-amorphization after laser processing, highlighting the potential of laser-based manufacturing routes for metallic glass development. Overall, this work contributes to the ongoing search for stronger and more durable biomaterials for the next generation of medical implants.

The PhD study was completed at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Monday, 17 August 2026 at 13:30
Place: Building 1514, room 121, Lecture Theatre Aud-V, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of PhD thesis: Investigation of the effect of cooling rate on different Ti-based potential glass-former alloys
Contact information: Cécile Chaxel, e-mail: cecile.chaxel@chem.au.dk, tel.: +45 52230056
Members of the assessment committee:
Associate Professor Martin Fisk, Department of Materials Science and Applied Mathematics, Malmö University, Sweden
Centerchef, dr.scient Jacob Overgaard, Teknologisk Institut, Aarhus, Denmark
Professor Tobias Weidner (chair), Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark
Main supervisor: Associate Professor Shuai Wei, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark
Co-supervisor: Dr. Moritz Stolpe, Amorphology, Inc, Germany
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C