To improve existing materials and develop new material systems, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between structure and properties in existing materials. Equally important is the formation of the structure, including crystal structure and/or microstructure, during material processing such as solidification, forming processes, heat treatments, and application of chemical gradients. During processing, numerous phase transformations occur, including diffusion processes and microstructural changes.

The goal of our research is therefore to improve the understanding of phase transformations in the broadest sense, in order to ensure and improve the targeted modification of the structure of materials.

The following aspects are emphasised:

• the crystal structure of the phases involved, including their characteristic equilibrium defect structures
• the microstructure with the non-equilibrium defects characteristic of the equilibrium crystal structure
• the thermodynamics of the overall system consisting of the (volume) contributions of the equilibrium phases and the additional contribution of the microstructure.