Dr. Samantha Gateman
Assistant Professor, Western University
London, Ontario, Canada
Understanding Corrosion using a Multiscale Electrochemical Approach
Much of our fundamental understanding of corrosion relies on the assumption that metallic materials uniformly corrode. Yet, it is estimated that 75% of corrosion failures are due to corrosion that initiates at a specific location along the material’s surface. This localized corrosion is difficult to predict, detect, and quantify before detrimental damage has occurred.1 To investigate localized corrosion initiation mechanisms, scanning electrochemical probe microscopy (SEPM) methods have become useful tools for corrosion scientists.2 The advancement and standardization of SEPM is crucial for the development of longer lasting and safer materials, where feedback loops between characterization researchers and material developers can be made to accelerate the improvement of fabrication processes. In this seminar, I will discuss some of my research efforts using a multiscale electrochemical approach to understand the corrosion of thermal spray coatings to prolong the lifetime of hydraulic turbine infrastructure.3,4 This approach and my interest in metal coatings will be expanded to cold spray coatings that are being proposed as a protection method for used nuclear fuel waste containers.5 I will end the discussion by sharing my aspirations to challenge an outdated contraceptive technology by benefiting the advancements in coating methods and corrosion knowledge that could improve negative side effects and user experience of non-hormonal intrauterine devices. 1. F. Dabosi, G. Béranger, and B. Baroux, in Corrosion localisée, 1st edition, p. 697, Les Ulis, France: Les Editions de Physique (1994). 2. N. A. Payne, L. I. Stephens, and J. Mauzeroll, Corrosion, 73, 759–780 (2017). 3. S. M. Gateman et al., npj Mater. Degrad., 3, 25 (2019). 4. S. M. Gateman et al., npj Mater. Degrad., 2, 5 (2018). 5. D. S. Hall, M. Behazin, W. Jeffrey Binns, and P. G. Keech, Prog. Mater. Sci., 100766 (2020).
Dr. Samantha Gateman
Education
B.Sc., Ph.D., McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; NSERC PDF, Sorbonne University/ CNRS, Paris, France
Awards
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NWMO Industrial Research Chair, 2022.
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D. W. Ambridge Prize for best thesis in science and engineering, McGill University.
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Carl A. Winkler Award, best thesis in Chemistry, McGill University.
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NSERC PDF.
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Graduate Student Excellence Award, NACE Foundation of Canada.
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NSERC CGS – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements.
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Globalink Research Award, Mitacs, London, United Kingdom.
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NSERC CGS-D.
Research
Metals play a vital role in our modern day society, but their tendency to corrode compromises their structural integrity, safety, and function. Advancements in corrosion prediction tools must be made to lower its economic and safety expenses. Dr. Gateman’s research highlights the importance of bridging the gap between analytical chemists, corrosion scientists, and industry through tailoring quantitative and spatially resolved electrochemical methods to investigate corrosion initiation mechanisms on the micro/nano scale under simulated in-service environments.
Scanning electrochemical probe microscopy (SEPM) is a collection of versatile methods capable of capturing micro electrochemical images and extracting local kinetic and topographic information of a substrate through measuring electrochemical reactivity at an ultramicroelectrode (UME) or through a micro/nanopipette. The effect of microscopic features (inclusions, grain boundaries, corrosion product, coating defects, etc.) on corrosion at a metal/coating interfaces in-situ using in-service solution chemistry can be realized using different SEPM techniques including scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), scanning micropipette contact method (SMCM), and localized electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (LEIS). Another research goal of ours will focus on advancing SEPM’s analytical figures of merit so that the techniques become standardized electro analytical tools in corrosion science.
Panel Discussion:
Networking through Grad School and Beyond
with the Queen's Chemistry Innovation Council
Panel Members
George Jacob
DuPont Kingston Technology Centre Site Leader
Allan Rey
Associate Director, Research, Technology and Intellectual Property Affairs at Apotex Pharmachem Inc.
Will Rogers
Professor for 2023 Winter; CHEM 894 Business Skills in the Chemical Industry
Angela Lyon
Office of Partnership and Innovation, Queen’s University
Wayne Schnarr
GWS-BIO; Retired
Questions
Grad School
What is something you wish you had done during graduate school?
If you could go back in time, what are the biggest lessons learned that you would tell your former self?
During graduate school, when should you start looking for industrial opportunities?
Networking
How do you create opportunities to network and collaborate with colleagues?
What do you look for in a mentor? What do you look for in a mentee?
What strategies do you recommend to increase networking at conferences or social events?
Training
Are there any skills you wish you had learned as a trainee before entering your role?
What chemistry specific professional development resources do you recommend?
Job Search
What suggestions do you have when initiating a connection? For example, when cold emailing, how can you make your email stand out without making it too long?
When seeking new employment, how do you recommend using your network?