Unlike engineering composites where properties are invariably governed by the “rule of mixtures,” the mechanical properties of many natural composite materials are generally far greater than their constituent phases.

Robert Ritchie, Chua Distinguished Professor of Engineering at the University of California ,will discuss, "Nature-Inspired Structural Materials” at the Institute of Metals/Robert Mehl Lecture during the Biological Materials Science Symposium at TMS 2010 on February 16 from 8:35 to 9:15 a.m.

Ritchie will describe an approach, involving processing by ice-templating to developing bulk ceramic-polymer nacre/bone-like structural materials with unprecedented strength/toughness properties.

Registration is not necessary for this lecture. For more information on this lecture or other special sessions, visit the TMS 2010 Networking & Special Events page.

Metal displacement (cementation) reactions have been important to many hydrometallurgical processes for centuries.

For the most part, these reactions involve rather straight-forward electrochemical steps. The deposition of unique alloys by this technique has been reported for several systems.

J. Brent Hiskey, associate dean at the University of Arizona, will speak on “Alloy Formation during Electrochemical Cementation Reactions" at the Extraction & Processing Division Distinguished Lecture during TMS 2010 on February 15 from 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center.

Hiskey will examine these systems and provide an explanation for this phenomenon.

Registration is not necessary for this event. For more information on this lecture or other special sessions, visit the TMS 2010 Networking & Special Events page.