Professor Preet Singh has spent his professional career working to understand environmental degradation of metallic materials and to ensure the reliable and long-term performance of these materials in corrosive environments. Professor Singh’s work was recognized by his election this year as a Fellow in the American Society of Metals International. His citation reads, "For significant contributions in the scientific and engineering aspects of materials reliability and stress corrosion cracking by developing a mechanistic understanding of complex phenomena." Dr. Singh received the award at the ASM Awards Dinner in Montreal in October.

Reliable performance of the equipment is critical to the papermaking process because of the need to ensure a quality product and to overcome the challenges of the capital-intensive nature of the business. As in any industry, selection of materials is based on the required mechanical properties, the cost, and the desire for minimal maintenance both in terms of manpower and cost.

Process changes can lead to higher corrosion susceptibility. Often, there is pressure to extend the life of existing equipment rather than replace it. Dr. Singh’s work includes research into all aspects of corrosion science and engineering including stress corrosion cracking, corrosion fatigue, and high temperature oxidation.

In the paper industry, corrosion may occur in the hot and caustic environment of the pulping process, the oxidizing environment of bleach plants, the high temperature gaseous environment of recovery boilers, or the relatively benign environment in the paper machine. 

Dr. Singh reminds us that corrosion and materials engineers are important to the selection, maintenance, and modification of material needs:   “My group is here to help personnel in the industry evaluate which alloys to select for which process.  In other words, will they work for the intended purpose?  We are also here to evaluate what happens if a process is changed. Will that lead to degradation of equipment or a product problem?”

Analytical and characterization tools needed for corrosion research are available either in Dr. Singh’s laboratory or in the School of Materials Science and Engineering. Software for thermochemical calculations is used for thermodynamic predictions and modeling of corrosion processes.

Dr. Singh’s laboratory has undergone significant upgrades in equipment and functionality. In the last few years, the laboratory added new autoclaves, new furnaces, and new Slow Strain Rate Test rigs. In 2013, the laboratory layout was redesigned and new furniture acquired and installed. The redesign has allowed greater functionality and a better, more productive working environment for Dr. Singh and his team.

Prior to joining MSE in July 2003 Professor Singh had been a faculty member in the Corrosion and Materials Engineering Group at The Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST) since 1996.  Dr. Singh has been working on fundamental as well as applied research projects related to the corrosion problems in the pulp and paper industry since 1996.  From 1990 to 1996, he was a Senior Research Associate at Case Western Reserve University working on various materials and corrosion-related research projects. Dr. Singh has published over 175 papers, of which over 150 papers have been published in refereed journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings. He has given over 200 technical presentations, of which 55 were invited technical presentations and over 85 were contributed conference presentations. Dr. Singh is a Fellow of NACE International and Fellow of ASM International.

In 2012, two students received PhDs under Dr. Singh and two received MS degrees. His group now consists of three PhD students, one postdoctoral fellow, and one research engineer