Summary of Qualifications

Highly enthusiastic researcher with a Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and 3+ years post-graduation experience in formulation, synthesis, processing, analytical testing, and structure-property relationships of ceramics, glasses, metals, and composites.

Extensive hands-on experience in materials characterization techniques such as XRD, Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDS, FIB, TEM), Optical Microscopy, Spectroscopy (XPS, Raman, FTIR, ICP, NMR), Powder Characterization (PSA, BET), TG/DSC, Dilatometry, HSM, thermal and mechanical properties tests, Oxidation/Corrosion, and semiconductor characterization.

Specialties: Ultra-high Temperature Ceramics, Thermal Barrier Coatings, Battery Materials, SOFCs, Metallization Pastes, Photovoltaics, Thick Films, Sealing Glass, Scale-up, Statistical Analysis, and DOE.

Experience

Heraeus Holding

R&D Engineer II / Scientist October 2015 – November 2016

Improved the solar cell efficiency using SOL326 series metallization pastes to over 20% and adhesion by 25% by modifying the paste formulation as the scientist member of the PERC backside tabbing paste group, which resulted in receiving the “2016 Solar + Power” award.

Developed and executed experimental research plans, trained and supervised engineers and technicians for metallization paste processing, as well as solar cell electrical and adhesion tests to insure efficient and reliable outcome, which resulted in reaching and exceeding the targeted Voc and adhesion.

Reduced the time and cost needed to reach the targets by developing innovative regression based computational techniques for screening of metallization paste glass frits and oxides, while avoiding excessive experimental procedures.

Implemented novel characterization techniques to analyze the chemical and thermo-mechanical reactions of contact formation that impact solar cell efficiency and durability.

Coordinated and conducted project activities between R&D and Production teams for the scale-up of new metallization paste.

Organized regular meetings with alpha teams and costumers in Germany and Asia to get familiar with costumer needs and provide solutions.

Supervised and trained technicians with glass melting and processing, 5S methodology, and OSHA regulations for lead exposure in the glass room.

Managed the Analysis and SEM labs and trained scientists with SEM/EDS, XRD, PSA, HSM, etc.

Alfred University / GE Global Research Center

Postdoctoral Research Fellow February 2014 – October 2015

Improved the corrosion resistance of borosilicate sealing glasses of GE’s Durathon batteries by 15%.

Investigated the effect of composition and properties of the ceramic fillers on thermo-mechanical properties, chemical composition, microstructure, and corrosion behavior of glass-ceramic seals using characterization tools such as SEM/EDS, HSM, XRD, ICP, Dilatometry, Viscometry, etc.

Used state of the art methods to manipulate the reactions between glass and ceramic filler to develop the properties required for both battery production and application conditions, which is contradictory.

Executed innovative techniques to improve the accuracy of the accelerated high temperature corrosion tests of the glass-ceramic seals in liquid metal.

Experience (continue)

Missouri S&T-Rolla, Materials Science Department

Graduate Research Assistant in Ultra-high Temperature Ceramics Lab August 2009 – January 2014

Improved the oxidation resistance of ZrB2 ceramics by 200% and investigated the mechanisms involved.

Performed ultra-high temperature oxidation tests on ZrB2 ceramics followed by characterization of the oxidized specimens using SEM, EDS, XRD, and Optical Microscopy.

Studied the effects of transition metal additives on oxidation behavior of ZrB2-metal composites.

Investigated the effects of WO3 on structural properties and stability of B2O3 glasses using TGA, DTA, Raman spectroscopy, and NMR.

Education

Ph.D. Materials Science, Missouri S&T-Rolla (GPA: 3.8/4.0) January 2014

Dissertation: “Improving the Oxidation Resistance of Diboride-Based Ceramics”

M.S. Ceramic Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University July 2009

Thesis: “Synthesis of Ca-α-Sialon Nanopowders by Sol-Gel Process”

B.S. Metallurgical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology October 2006

Skills

Materials Processing:

Oxidation/Corrosion, Powder Processing, Sol-gel, Pressureless Sintering, Hot-press, Machining, Glass Melting, Glove Box, Metallization Pastes Processing

Materials Characterization Techniques:

Operation and data analysis: Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Optical Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, Mechanical Properties Tests (Flexure Strength, Fracture Toughness, Hardness, Elastic Modulus), Hot Stage Microscopy (HSM), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), BET surface area measurement, Particle Size Analyzer, Inductively Coupled Plasma- Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), Dilatometry, I-V, EL, IQE, Suns Voc, Soldering and Adhesion, Contact Resistance and TML Measurement

Data analysis: X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

Publications

“Effect of Transition Metal Oxide Additions on the Structure of B2O3 Glasses”, M. Kazemzadeh Dehdashti, A. Mohammadkhah, W.G. Fahrenholtz, G.E. Hilmas, submitted for publication.

“Effects of Transition Metals on the Oxidation Behavior of ZrB2 Ceramics”, Maryam K. Dehdashti, William G. Fahrenholtz, Greg E. Hilmas, Corrosion Science, 91-224-***-****.

“Simulation of Thermal and Mechanical Response of (Zr,W)B2 Ceramic after Oxidation”, Jun Wei, Maryam K. Dehdashti, Lokeswarappa R. Dharani, K. Chandrashekhara, Greg E. Hilmas, William G. Fahrenholtz, Applied Mechanics and Materials, 446-**-**-****.

“Effects of W Additions and Temperature on the Oxidation Behavior of ZrB2 Ceramics”, Maryam K. Dehdashti, William G. Fahrenholtz, Greg E. Hilmas, Corrosion Science, 80-221-***-****.

“Oxidation of Zirconium Diboride with Niobium Additions”, Maryam K. Dehdashti, William G. Fahrenholtz, Greg E. Hilmas, Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 33-10-159*-**** 2013.

Presentations and Conferences (selected)

Presented at ICACC'11, ICACC'12, ICACC'13, ICACC'14, PACRIM 10, and ICC4.

Languages

English (full professional proficiency), German (professional working proficiency)

Contact this candidate