Next Frontiers in Advanced Materials Laboratory
Anchored at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg • BUCABUMA Host Laboratory
The Next Frontiers in Advanced Materials Laboratory (NFAML) pioneers foundational and applied breakthroughs in complex concentrated alloys (CCAs), lightweight structural steels, circular metallurgical processing, and AI-accelerated materials design, mentoring future African and international materials scientists.
Laboratory Co-Directors & Principal Investigators
Directing scientific direction, grant administration, experimental facilities, and postgraduate thesis research.
Dr. Desmond Klenam (PhD)
Dr. Klenam leads research on rational alloy design, thermodynamic CALPHAD modeling, microstructural deformation in complex concentrated alloys (CCAs), and environmental passivity kinetics in low-density Fe-Al-Mn-C lightweight steels. He coordinates postgraduate student milestones in the department and serves on the International Advisory Board of the Global Center for Advanced Materials & Manufacturing (SUNY Poly).
- Complex Concentrated & High-Entropy Alloys (CCAs/HEAs)
- In-situ Micromechanics & Slip System Dynamics (with Oxford)
- BUCABUMA Frugal Engineering & Circular Metallurgy
- Mott-Schottky Electrochemical Passivity Breakdown
Prof. Michael O. Bodunrin
Prof. Bodunrin is a leading scholar in physical and mechanical metallurgy, with extensive international research contributions in titanium alloy development, high-temperature oxidation, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), spark plasma sintering, and corrosion prevention. He co-directs the NFAML and partners extensively across multidisciplinary grant initiatives.
- Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) & Additive Manufacturing
- Titanium Matrix Composites & High-Temperature Wear
- Biomedical Alloy Tribocorrosion
- Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) Synthesis
Student Supervision & Research Roster
Dr. Klenam has advised and mentored doctoral candidates, master of science (by research) scholars, and undergraduate researchers across alloy design, microstructural characterisation, electrochemical corrosion, and machine learning in metallurgy.
Dr. Ndivhuwo Brayner Nelwalani
Thesis Title: The effect of casting parameters on mechanical properties of high chromium cast iron.
Published 3 peer-reviewed journal articles, 2 manuscripts under review, and presented at 2 international conferences during doctoral research.
Dr. Shemela Hetia Maube
Thesis Title: Hot workability characteristics of virgin and rejuvenated creep exhausted P91 and X20 steels: constitutive modelling and processing maps.
Published 3 critical peer-reviewed papers in leading international manufacturing and materials engineering journals prior to degree completion.
Nicola Rundora
Co-Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Dissertation: Bio-tribocorrosion behaviour of low-cost titanium alloys in simulated body fluids.
Graduated with Distinction; published 3 journal papers and won the SAIMM Best Presentation Award.
Mutshidzi Redeemer Gabara
Main Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Dissertation: Design of high chrome cast iron with variation in V and C contents.
Solidification modeling and mechanical/wear performance optimization for industrial foundry applications.
Thato Edward Khumalo
Co-Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Dissertation: Development of hybrid ceramic-reinforced Hadfield steel composite for wear resistance application.
Supported by Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) & NFTN grant.
Dineo Mosoma
Co-Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Dissertation: Corrosion behaviour and indentation studies of spark plasma sintered Fe-Mn-Al-Cr-C based low density stainless steel.
Published multiple peer-reviewed papers in Int J Adv Manuf Technol and Advances in Materials Science & Engineering.
Jessica Thobejane
Co-Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Dissertation: Effects of spark plasma sintering (SPS) parameters on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion performance of low-density steels.
Pertunia Seema
Main Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Dissertation: Enhancing the Solidification of Hypoeutectic Grey Cast Iron through the Optimization of FeSi75 Inoculants. Supported by Mintek.
Zaynab Adam Cader
Main Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Dissertation: Influence of Cr/C ratio on cooling curve characteristics, microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion performance of high-chromium cast iron.
Lebedike Andrews Mampuru
Main Advisor • Wits University
Development of Mn-based structural alloys and understanding the mechanisms for energy storage applications. Supported by Mintek.
Andrews Amoako Atta Jnr
Co-Advisor • KNUST, Ghana
High-temperature oxidation properties of (FeNiCo)95-xMn5Crx non-equiatomic complex concentrated alloys.
Bridget Zuma-Rubambura
Main Advisor • Wits University
Impact of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR & AI) on the recycling of 3104 Aluminium scrap in South Africa.
Harrison Shagwira
Co-Advisor • Wits University
Predicting mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V components fabricated by wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) with artificial neural networks.
Nompumelelo Venessa Nkosi
Co-Advisor • Wits University
Development of fully austenitic low-density steel for bio-implant applications. Supported by National Research Foundation (NRF).
Bongani Sekeramatsoma
Co-Advisor • Univ of Johannesburg
Development of multi-principal element alloys for hydrogen storage and green transition technologies.
Decoating parameters for recycling secondary AA3104/AA5182 aluminium scrap.
Expected July 2026 • WitsArtificial neural networks for optimizing ruthenium coating corrosion on steels.
Expected July 2026 • WitsLowering high carbon levels in ferrochrome charge (CSIR/NFTN grant).
Expected July 2026 • WitsStress corrosion cracking investigation of welded oil & gas steel pipelines.
Expected Dec 2026 • WitsInstitutional & Academic Collaborators
Joint research programmes, visiting fellowships, and international advisory ties connecting NFAML globally.
Department of Materials
Collaboration through the Africa Oxford (AfOx) Visiting Fellowship and the Oxford Micromechanics Group on in-situ micro-cantilever testing and high-resolution EBSD slip activation.
AfOx Fellowship • Oxford, UKGlobal Center of Advanced Materials
Dr. Klenam serves as an International Advisory Board Member of the Global Center of Advanced Materials & Manufacturing (GCAMM), advancing sustainable manufacturing and alloy synthesis.
Advisory Board • New York, USAGlobal Crucible Programme
Horizon Fellowship bilateral research on circular metallurgy, interdisciplinary materials development, and international scholar mobility between South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Horizon Fellow • Leeds, UKResearch Response Unit
Directing the Research Response Unit in Accra, Ghana since 2021, fostering frugal engineering, undergraduate engineering mentorship, and indigenous manufacturing solutions.
Principal Investigator • GhanaInterested in Joining Our Research Laboratory?
We welcome applications from motivated postgraduate candidates (PhD and MSc) and prospective postdoctoral researchers with backgrounds in metallurgical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, or applied physics. If you are passionate about high-entropy alloys, lightweight steels, or circular materials, get in touch with your CV and research statement.