Akshar Soni

Associated with Division 8.5 (X-ray Imaging) of Department 8 (Non-Destructive Testing) at The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, I am engaged in the DFG-funded project “SimuCrown” as a Doctoral Researcher who is currently involved in: • Performing microstructural characterization and in-situ non-destructive testing of ceramic-metal dental composites and crowns using advanced techniques such as in-situ X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and Synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT).

Master thesis titled "Investigation of electrical and ionic conductivity of LSCF6428 as a model system for SOFC cathode" at the Physicochemical Laboratory (PCL) of IEK-14. The thesis focuses on establishing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to independently measure the ionic and electronic conductivity of high-quality LSCF6248 solid oxide ceramics while blocking electrodes selectively.  • Used SEM-EDX, XRD, ICP-OES, and dilatometry to optimize the sintering process and parameters.

Research internship in “Fire Safety Engineering & Fire Test” group at “Materials & Processes (M&P)” department of Airbus Germany. • Performed technical evaluation and fire certification of a wide variety of non-metallic materials and structures used in inaccessible areas of commercial aircraft, according to international NPRM FAA-2019-0491_001 regulations. • Constructed a new test chamber for novel fire test method - “Vertical Flame propagation (VFP)” and optimized the test parameters.

Characterized silicon carbide (SiC) epitaxial wafers in clean room environment for “Silicon Carbide” group of “Materials” department. • Conducted literature research on novel and advanced characterization techniques • Used characterization techniques such as ATR-FTIR to measure layer thickness and Hg-CV mapping to determine dopant concentrations. • Performed data visualization and analysis for quality assurance of AIXTRON Planetary reactors.

Miniproject titled “Nanoparticulate FAU-type zeolite and its coating on aluminium substrates by direct crystallization”. • Synthesized a novel zeolite/aluminium composite material via partial support transformation for adsorption heat-pump applications. • Characterized composites using techniques such as SEM, XRD, ICP-AES, liquid NMR for morphological, structural, and chemical evaluation respectively, along with a water-sorption study conducted on TGA.

The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE). • Liaised between National Committee (DAAD) and International Committees to facilitate internships in technical fields • Administrated visa and travel documents for international students • Supervised selection interviews of students for internships in over 90+ countries • Successfully exchanged 32 outgoing and 52 incoming students from 30+ countries

Research Internship (Bachelor Thesis) on “Materials Characterization of HighTemperature Catalysts for Spacecraft Thrusters” • Comparison study of porous materials (α-, γ- Alumina, Hexaaluminates) to support catalyst (Pt, Ru, Ir), using hydrogen peroxide & ethanol mixture as a 'green' propellant for spacecraft thrusters • Evaluated materials by BET, SEM-EDX, XRD, XRF, ICP-AES, XPS and CO2 Chemisorption to study sintering and deactivation processes at 1200 -1500 °C

Research Internship at Division 5.5 ‘Advanced Technical Ceramics’ of BAM. • Investigated mechanical properties of sintered alumina powder granules with different moisture content when stored in environments with relative humidity of 25%, 50% and 80% respectively • Hands-on experience with spray drying of ceramic slurries, tape casting, dry pressing and sintering. Expertise in B3B Mechanical Testing of sintered specimens

English-taught elite master’s programme, which is a part of the Elite Network of Bavaria (ENB). Specialization in “Advanced Processes” and “Nanotechnology & Nanomaterials” • Presented a scientific poster on "Nanoparticulate FAU-type zeolite and its coating on aluminium substrates by direct crystallization" at MAP Poster Session (2021). • Penned a review paper on “Textural Characterization of hierarchically-ordered zeolites”.

9.55/10 CGPA (Gold Medallist) -Bachelor Thesis on “Materials Characterization of High-Temperature Catalysts for Spacecraft Thrusters” – 10/10 GPA •Minor Project on “A study on Materials Characterization and Mechanical Testing Techniques”. •Penned review papers on “Ultrasonic machining and its applications” and “Use of aluminium alloy for gear application”. •Hands-on research experience on project titled “Effect of amorphicity of HVOF sprayed Fe-based coatings on their corrosion performances”

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