About


Welcome to my academic website! 
I’m Dr Oluwatoyin E. Jegede, a passionate materials scientist dedicated to unravelling the complexities of metastable monotectic alloys. My research focuses on advancing the understanding of these unique materials, particularly through containerless processing in microgravity environments. By applying advanced characterization techniques such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and spectroscopy, I explore their structural, optical, and magnetic properties.

Metastable monotectic alloys present remarkable opportunities for innovations in aerospace, energy systems, and advanced manufacturing. Through my work, I aim to contribute to the development of materials that thrive in extreme environments, unlocking new possibilities for future technologies.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have collaborated on multidisciplinary projects that push the boundaries of materials science. My research has not only deepened the understanding of phase separation phenomena but has also provided valuable insights for practical applications. I’m committed to mentoring students, fostering collaboration, and advancing the field of materials science.

Feel free to explore my research highlights, publications, and ongoing projects. Whether you're a fellow researcher, a student, or simply curious about the fascinating world of materials science, I invite you to connect and learn more.

Let’s advance the future of materials science together! 

My Research

Understanding how materials behave in extreme environments is critical for advancing aerospace, energy systems, and manufacturing technologies. My research centers on metastable monotectic alloys — a class of materials that undergo phase separation under non-equilibrium conditions. These alloys offer unique insights into microstructural evolution, enabling the development of materials with tailored properties.

Key Research Areas

  • Microgravity Materials Processing: By conducting experiments in drop-tube facilities, I investigate phase separation dynamics in reduced gravity, simulating microgravity environments to study how immiscible alloys solidify.
  • Advanced Materials Characterization: Utilizing electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and spectroscopy, I analyze the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of metastable alloys.
  • Structural and Magnetic Analysis: My work explores how cooling rates and fluid dynamics influence the formation of core-shell and dendritic microstructures in Cu-Co alloy systems.

Research Impact

A significant contribution of my research has been the understanding of core-shell microstructure formation and the relationship between cooling rates and secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) in Cu-Co alloys. Through experimental studies, I have demonstrated how phase separation dynamics lead to the development of stable core-shell formations, offering valuable insights into materials design.

Additionally, my findings show that increased cooling rates result in smaller SDAS, refining microstructures and enhancing mechanical properties. These insights contribute to the development of high-performance materials with applications in aerospace and energy technologies.
 
Figure 1 below from OE, Jegede et. al 2023, shows a typical fully evolved core-shell microstructure in the Cu-Co alloy, it has distinct polydisperse Cu-rich particles in a Co-rich core region. Within the core of the larger dispersed Cu - rich, evidence of secondary liquid phase separation is observed with the formation of dendrites within its core. 
[Picture]
Figure 1: Core-shell microstructure of Cu-Co alloy. Source: DOI:10.1007/s10853-023-08287-9
I am passionate about further exploring these systems to bridge the gap between materials synthesis and application. I welcome opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and cross-disciplinary research initiatives. 

Publications

Here are a selection of my recent publications showcasing my research in metastable alloys and materials characterization:
  1. Size Distribution and Solidification of Cu-rich Dispersed Particles in Core-Shell Microstructures of Metastable Alloy - Journal of Materials Science, 2023. (Examines the formation and solidification behavior of Cu-rich particles in metastable Co–Cu alloys).
  2. Relationship Between Cooling Rate and SDAS in Liquid Phase Separated Metastable Cu–Co Alloys - Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2021. (Analyzes the influence of cooling rates on microstructural refinement through SDAS measurements).
  3. Metastable Monotectic Phase Separation in Co–Cu Alloys - Journal of Materials Science, 2018. (Investigates liquid phase separation behaviour in metastable alloys using a drop-tube facility). 
For a complete list of my publications, please visit My Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Metastable Monotectic Phase Separation in Co–Cu Alloys

Journal of Materials Science (2018)
In this study, we investigated the liquid phase separation behaviour of metastable monotectic Co–Cu alloys using a drop-tube facility. By analyzing the effects of varying cooling rates, we observed the formation of diverse microstructures, including core–shell and dendritic structures. Notably, we discovered that core–shell formations consistently presented Co-rich cores, regardless of phase volume fraction.
Our findings offer valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of phase separation and microstructural evolution in immiscible alloys. This research has significant implications for developing advanced materials for aerospace applications and other industries requiring high-performance materials.
Size Distribution and Solidification of Cu-rich Dispersed Particles in Core-Shell Microstructures of Metastable Alloy
Journal of Materials Science (2023)
This research focuses on the formation and characteristics of core-shell microstructures in metastable Cu-50 at.% Co alloys processed using a drop tube technique. The study investigates how Cu-rich particles distribute and solidify within Co-rich core regions, uncovering the influence of nucleation, growth phenomena, and fluid dynamics.
Notably, higher cooling rates led to increased undercooling, facilitating liquid phase separation and enhancing the coalescence of Cu-rich particles. Additionally, the study revealed that weaker Marangoni motion — driven by surface tension gradients — limited the further convergence of these particles. These findings provide valuable insights into the evolution and growth of core-shell microstructures in metastable alloys, contributing to advancements in material design for aerospace and other applications.
Relationship Between Cooling Rate and SDAS in Liquid Phase Separated Metastable Cu–Co Alloys
Journal of Alloys and Compounds (2021)
This study explores the inverse relationship between cooling rate and secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) in liquid phase separated metastable Cu–Co alloys. Through experimental analysis, the research establishes that higher cooling rates result in smaller SDAS, leading to refined microstructures with enhanced mechanical properties.
The findings contribute to understanding how solidification dynamics influence microstructural evolution, providing valuable insights for materials design in applications where precise structural control is crucial.

Teaching & Mentorship 

With extensive experience in academia, I have mentored undergraduate and graduate students in materials characterization techniques and solidification science. My teaching philosophy emphasizes fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on experimental skills to equip students for both research and industry careers.

I am particularly passionate about inclusive mentorship, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM, and ensuring that all students feel empowered to pursue their academic and professional goals. By encouraging collaborative problem-solving and real-world application of materials science principles, I strive to prepare my students to become independent researchers and industry leaders.

Some of my mentorship experiences include:

Practical Workshops: Conducting hands-on workshops on electron microscopy, phase analysis, and materials characterization methods.

Guided Research: Supporting students in developing research projects that have led to conference presentations and publications.

Career Mentoring: Advising students on career pathways in materials science, from academia to industry applications.

I am always enthusiastic about guiding students and fostering their academic and professional growth. I look forward to further opportunities to mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers. 

Awards and Recognition

  • Commonwealth Scholarship, UK — Awarded in recognition of my research potential in materials engineering, supporting my doctoral studies at the University of Leeds.
  • Engineering Hero Award — Presented for outstanding contributions to engineering education, mentorship, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in STEM.
  • 100 Most Influential African Female Engineers — Honored by the Federation of African Engineering Organizations for leadership and innovation in materials engineering research.

Contact me

I am always excited to connect with fellow researchers, industry professionals, and students passionate about materials science. Whether you are interested in exploring research collaborations, seeking mentorship, or exchanging ideas, I would love to hear from you.

You can reach me via  email or connect with me on LinkedIn.  I typically respond within a few days and look forward to connecting with you!

Dr. Oluwatoyin E. Jegede, CEng, FIMMM
Materials Scientist | Specialized in Metastable Monotectic Alloys