Phase Diagrams Course | Materials Science & Engineering | IIT Kanpur NPTEL

Course Details

Unlock the Blueprint of Materials: A Deep Dive into Phase Diagrams

In the world of Materials Science and Engineering, understanding the structure of a material is the key to unlocking its properties. At the heart of this understanding lies the phase diagram – a powerful graphical map that predicts the stable phases of a material under varying conditions of composition, temperature, and pressure. For students and professionals alike, mastering phase diagrams is non-negotiable.

We are thrilled to highlight a premier educational resource: a detailed 12-week course on Phase Diagrams, developed and taught by the esteemed Prof. Krishanu Biswas of IIT Kanpur. This course, available under the NPTEL initiative, is designed to build a robust foundation for undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers.

Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Krishanu Biswas

Prof. Krishanu Biswas is a Ranjit Singh Chair Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. A prolific educator, he has developed and taught core courses on Phase Diagrams, Phase Transformation, and Nanomaterials. His research expertise spans multicomponent materials, hydrogen energy materials, advanced electron microscopy, and the cutting-edge application of AI and ML in materials engineering. Learning from an instructor at the forefront of both traditional and modern materials research provides a unique, holistic perspective.

Course Overview: What You Will Learn

This course is meticulously structured to take you from fundamental principles to advanced applications. It connects the critical dots between phase equilibrium, microstructural evolution, and the final properties of materials—from classic structural metals to modern functional ceramics and alloys.

Intended Audience: UG/PG Students in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Mining Engineering, and related fields.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Metallurgical Thermodynamics and familiarity with computer software.

Detailed 12-Week Course Layout

Weeks 1-3: Foundations & Binary Systems

• Week 1: Phase rule, lever rule, unary systems, and binary isomorphous systems (e.g., Cu-Ni).
• Week 2: Equilibrium & non-equilibrium solidification, coring, zone refining, and introduction to binary eutectic systems.
• Week 3: Deep dive into eutectic (Al-Si, Fe-C) and peritectic systems, including solidification morphologies.

Weeks 4-6: Complex Transformations & Thermodynamics

• Week 4: Monotectic and syntectic systems, solidification under gravity (e.g., Cu-Pb).
• Week 5: Solid-state immiscibility, spinodal decomposition, and microstructural evolution.
• Week 6: Thermodynamics of solutions: Regular, irregular, and the Quasichemical theory.

Weeks 7-9: Theory & Key Material Systems

• Week 7: Applying thermodynamics to phase diagram features and spinodal stability.
• Week 8: Hume-Rothery rules, intermediate phases (Laves, sigma), and key systems (Ni-Al, Ti-Al).
• Week 9: The crucial Iron-Carbon phase diagram (steels & cast irons) and binary ceramic systems (SiO2-Al2O3).

Weeks 10-12: Ternary Systems & Real-World Alloys

• Week 10: Introduction to ternary phase diagrams: Gibbs triangle, isothermal/vertical sections.
• Week 11: Polythermal projections, tie-lines, tie-triangles, and multi-phase equilibria.
• Week 12: Application to multicomponent industrial alloys: Stainless steels, superalloys, light metals, and refractory systems.

Why This Course is Essential for Your Career

Phase diagrams are not just academic exercises; they are the essential tools used daily in industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to electronics and energy. This course will empower you to:

• Predict the microstructure and properties of an alloy from its composition.
• Design heat treatment processes to achieve desired material performance.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing defects related to solidification and phase transformations.
• Lay the groundwork for research in advanced materials, including those for hydrogen energy and AI-driven materials discovery.

By bridging fundamental theory with concrete examples from real material systems, Prof. Biswas's course ensures you gain practical, applicable knowledge.

Enroll and Build Your Expertise

This comprehensive course is a rare opportunity to learn from one of India's leading institutions and a professor who is actively shaping the future of materials research. Whether you are a student aiming to solidify your core knowledge or a professional seeking to deepen your understanding, this 12-week journey through the world of phase diagrams will be an invaluable investment in your technical acumen.

Take the next step in mastering the language of materials. Explore this course on the NPTEL platform to access lectures, assignments, and a structured path to becoming proficient in the critical science of phase diagrams.

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