Doctor of Technical Sciences (DSc), Professor (in the field of specialization); Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences; Academician of the World Academy of Ceramics; Head of the Department of Powder Metallurgy and Functional Coatings; Director, Research and Education Center for SHS (MISIS–ISMAN).

Email: levashov.ea@misis.ru
Phone: +7 495 638-45-00
Address: Krymsky Val, 3, room K-109
Personal website: (as indicated in the source)

Research Interests

Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS); powder metallurgy; selective laser melting of metallic, ceramic, and composite materials (including electrode, diamond-containing, cemented carbide, refractory, heat-resistant, oxidation-resistant, granular, and reinforced materials); ion-plasma and electro-spark deposition of functional coatings (tribological, superhard, corrosion-resistant, heat-resistant, optically transparent, biocompatible, and bioactive); nanotechnology; materials science.

Field of Science (OECD Classification)

Chemistry.

Academic Degree, Academic Title, and Professional Appointments

Doctor of Technical Sciences (DSc), Professor; Head of the Department of Powder Metallurgy and Functional Coatings, National University of Science and Technology MISIS.

Honors and titles

• 2019 — Honorary Worker of Science and High Technologies of the Russian Federation.
• 2013 — Honorary Inventor of the City of Moscow.
• 2007 — Honorary Doctor, Colorado School of Mines.

Career milestones

• 2007–present — Head, Department of Powder Metallurgy and Functional Coatings, NUST MISIS.
• 2005–2007 — Head, Department of Rare Metals and Powder Metallurgy, MISIS.
• 2003 — Professor.
• 1996 — Doctor of Technical Sciences (DSc).
• 1987 — Candidate of Technical Sciences (PhD equivalent).
• 1989–present — Director, Research and Education Center for SHS (MISIS–ISMAN).
• 1988–1989 — Senior Research Fellow, MISIS.
• 1987–1988 — Junior Research Fellow, MISIS.
• 1982 — Engineer, Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys.

Major Scientific Results

1. Combustion and structure-formation models for SHS heterogeneous systems

Theoretical models of combustion and structure formation have been developed for various SHS heterogeneous systems, including:

• In a criterion-based form for solid–liquid systems (e.g., Ti–C), an equation was obtained describing the transition from diffusion-controlled combustion to a capillary spreading regime. Experimentally validated, this equation links thermophysical, hydrodynamic, and diffusion parameters to mixture composition and the dispersity of initial reagents.
• A “competitive filling” model describing macro-kinetic characteristics of combustion in capillary–porous systems containing melts of a reagent and an inert filler.
• A model of thermal and chemical wave propagation for gasless combustion in multilayer systems.
• Using high-speed videography of combustion waves in Ti–C-based systems, it was shown for the first time that at the microscale the combustion zone comprises a set of “hot-spot flashes,” driven by chemical reactions in individual elementary cells where a reactive surface is formed; a theoretical explanation of this phenomenon was provided.
• Combustion kinetics and structure-formation mechanisms were investigated for ceramic and cermet compositions in multiple SHS systems, including Ti–C–B, Ti–Mo–C, Mo–Si, Ti–Mo–Nb–Ni–Al–C–N, Ti–Ta–C, Ti–Nb–C, Ti–Zr–C, Cr–B, Ti–Cr–B, Si–C–B, Ti–Al–C, Cr–Al–C, Ti–Cr–Al–C, Mo–Si–B, Cr–Al–Si–B, Ta–Zr–C, Ta–Hf–C, and others.

2. New electrode materials and equipment for pulse electro-spark strengthening

Novel electrode materials (based on carbides, borides, silicides, intermetallics, and nanoparticle dispersion strengthening) were developed for pulse electro-spark strengthening processes. Next-generation mechanized systems under the “Alier-Metal” brand were created, featuring higher productivity, high pulse-discharge frequencies (up to 3000 Hz), and improved coating quality. These electrode materials and systems have been applied to strengthening and restoration of cutting, stamping, pressing, and rolling tools, as well as critical components of aerospace hardware.

3. Thermoreactive electro-spark deposition (TRED): model and technology

A theoretical model of thermoreactive electro-spark deposition (TRED) was developed, based on an exothermic chemical reaction occurring in the surface layer and stimulated by the energy of a pulse discharge. A technology for producing charge-based TRED electrodes from nanosized components was developed and implemented. TRED has been successfully applied to the restoration and strengthening of stamping, pressing, and roll tools. The fundamental feasibility of producing diamond-containing coatings using TRED was demonstrated.

4. SHS-based composite targets for ion-plasma (magnetron) sputtering

Based on fundamental SHS research, a broad class of composite targets was developed and certified, including (among others) TiC–TiB₂, TiB₂–Al₂O₃, TiCa, TiB₂–Ti₅Si₃, TiB–Ti, TiN–TiB₂, TiN–Ti₅Si₃, TiC–Ti₃SiC₂–TiSi₂ (SiC), TiB₂–TiAl, TiC–Cr₃C₂, TiC–TiAl, Ti₂₋ₓCrₓAlC, Ti₅Si₃–Ti, TiB₂–CrB₂, CrB₂, Cr–Al–B–Si, MoB–MoSi₂, Mo₅SiB₂, (Ti,Mo)C–Mo₂C, TiC–TaC–Mo₂C, TiCa–CaO(ZrO₂), TiCa–Ti₃POₓ–CaO, Ti–Ti₃P–CaO, (Ti,Ta)Ca–Ti₃POₓ–CaO, TiCa–Ti₃P–CaO–FeMgAg, and (Ta,Zr)C, for magnetron sputtering of multifunctional nanostructured coatings. A production technology for disk and planar targets was developed and deployed.

5. Process–structure–property relationships in nanostructured films and coatings

Regularities governing the influence of magnetron sputtering parameters, including sputtering assisted by ion implantation, on the structure and properties of nanostructured films and coatings were established. Optimal regimes were identified for depositing multifunctional, multilayer, and functionally graded nanostructured coatings (biocompatible, superhard, corrosion-resistant, heat-resistant, and resistive). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to study thin films with crystallite sizes below 1–2 nm. In TiSiN, TiBSiN, TiBCrN, TiAlSiCN, and TiCrSiCN systems, hard nanostructured films with microhardness above 50 GPa were obtained. Coatings with record thermal stability (TiCrBN, TiAlSiBN up to 1300°C), oxidation resistance (CrAlSiBN/SiBCN and MoSiAlBN up to 1600°C), low friction coefficients (<0.2) over wide temperature ranges (e.g., TiAlSiCN–MoSeC, MoAgCN, TiCNCaF), corrosion resistance (TiTaMoCN, TiCrCN, TiSiCN), and tailored resistive characteristics (TiCB, TiAlBO) were developed. Extensive experience has been accumulated in characterizing multicomponent nanostructured films within Ti–(Al,Si,Cr,Zr,Nb,Mo)–(B,C,N,O) systems using X-ray spectral analysis, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, XPS, and Auger spectroscopy, with particular attention to grain-boundary structure, dislocations and defects, surface topography–structure correlations, orientation relationships, growth mechanisms, substrate topography effects, and deformation mechanisms.

6. Bioactive multicomponent nanostructured coatings for load-bearing implants

New classes of multicomponent bioactive nanostructured coatings (including antibacterial variants) were created in Ti–(Ca,P,Zr,Ta,Si,Ag)–(C,N,O) systems for implants operating under load in orthopedics, dentistry, and maxillofacial surgery. The coatings demonstrate a unique combination of properties required for medical use: reduced Young’s modulus (E) of 170–270 GPa; adhesion to metallic substrates above 50 N; hardness (H) of 30–40 GPa; elastic recovery up to 75% (hard elastic material); low friction coefficient of 0.12–0.22; low wear rate of 10⁻⁶–10⁻⁷ mm³/(N·m); low roughness of 0.13–1.5 nm; high resistance to plastic deformation (H³/E²) up to 0.9 GPa; negative surface charge at pH 7; high biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, absence of inflammatory reactions, and bioactivity manifested by accelerated osseointegration. Medical trials were conducted for four product groups: cementless hip joint endoprostheses with these coatings; titanium dental implants; titanium spinal surgery implants; and titanium cranio-maxillofacial implants. Following successful trials, registration certificates were obtained authorizing manufacturing, sale, and clinical use within the Russian Federation.

7. Diamond tool materials: stability in synthesis waves and enhanced binders

It was theoretically and experimentally established for the first time that diamond grains can withstand short-term exposure to a high-temperature chemical synthesis wave without significant changes under certain conditions. A phenomenon of spontaneous growth of a tungsten carbide film at the interface of a diamond crystal during sintering with iron-group metals in the presence of oxygen-containing WC nanoparticles was identified. A technology for producing diamond tools (segmented wheels, drills, and wire saws) with a nanomodified binder was developed, providing improved productivity, longer service life, and approximately 10% lower cost compared with leading analogs for cutting, drilling, and grinding technical ceramics, high-strength reinforced concrete, cast iron, and steel.

8. Mechanical activation of SHS systems

Scientific and technological foundations for mechanical activation of SHS systems were developed. High effectiveness of mechanically activating reactive mixtures containing nanosized components was demonstrated for synthesizing composite materials based on intermetallics, non-stoichiometric carbides, borides, and silicides. The contribution of mechanical activation to the combustion activation energy was assessed, and processing regimes were refined for multiple systems, including Ti–Si, Mo–Si, Ti–Cr–C, Ti–B, Ti–BN, Ti–Si₃N₄, Ti–Cr–B, Cr–B, Mo–B, Ti–Ta–C, Ni–Al, Ti–Al, Ta–Zr–C, and Ta–Hf–C.

9. Ultrasonic control of SHS processes

Scientific and technological principles for controlling SHS processes (elemental syntheses in solid–liquid systems and filtration syntheses in solid–gas systems) using high-power ultrasonic fields were established. Filtration combustion in the field of acoustic oscillations in the audible-frequency range was studied for the first time. Ultrasound was shown to be an effective tool for controlling the structure and properties of synthesized products based on carbides, borides, and transition-metal intermetallics.

10. Two types of inorganic materials with simultaneous nanoparticle strengthening

Two types of inorganic materials were developed that enable simultaneous strengthening of carbide (boride) grains and the metallic matrix by nanoparticles:

• Dispersion-hardening ceramic materials based on TiC, with concurrent dispersion strengthening of carbide grains and metallic binder due to concentration decomposition (controlled solid-solution transformations) of supersaturated solid solutions and precipitation of nanosized excess phases both throughout the carbide grains (e.g., MeVC or MeV phases) and within the metallic binder (e.g., γ′ phases). The novelty lies in forming supersaturated solid solutions under high temperature gradients in SHS combustion waves; due to high combustion temperatures (up to ~2500–3500°C) in the structuring zone, solid solutions accumulate high concentrations of alloying elements. Rapid cooling (~10²–10³°C/s) prevents their diffusion out of the lattice, producing supersaturation; subsequent heat treatment induces decomposition and precipitation, enabling control over precipitate size and resulting in substantial improvements in hardness, fracture toughness, ultimate strength, and impact toughness.
• Ceramic materials (based on carbides, nitrides, and borides) with a modified structure achieved by adding nanosized refractory compounds to the reactive mixture; these additives act as modifiers during primary and secondary structure formation through a liquid phase. The influence of nanosized additives on macroscopic combustion kinetics and structure formation in various SHS systems was studied for the first time. A strong structure-modification effect was established, leading to simultaneous increases in strength, hardness, and fracture toughness. The manufacturing technology was implemented under pilot industrial conditions.

11. Spherical powder granules and high-temperature alloys for additive manufacturing

A technology was developed for producing narrowly graded spherical granules of controlled particle size from high-temperature NiAl- and TiAl-based alloys for selective laser sintering. The approach combines SHS with powder spheroidization followed by selective laser sintering and hot isostatic pressing (HIP). A NiAl-based alloy with a hierarchical structure was developed, containing strengthening phases HfO₂, (HfₓNbᵧ)C₂ and ordered nanophases: α-Cr, Laves phases (Cr₂Nb, Co₂Nb), and Heusler phases (Hf₂NbCr and Ni₂AlHf). The alloy exhibits high heat strength and creep resistance. Reported properties: at room temperature σᵤ = 3100 MPa, σ₀.₂ = 1180 MPa, ε = 12%; at 900°C σ₀.₂ = 590 MPa, E = 120 GPa.

Scientometric Identifiers and Metrics

H-index (Scopus): 30
Number of Scopus-indexed papers: 358
RSCI SPIN: 9382-0849
ORCID: 0000-0002-0623-0013
ResearcherID: N-9481-2013
Scopus Author ID: 7006738175

Major Research Projects and Grants

Under E.A. Levashov’s leadership, more than 100 research projects, grants, and contracts were implemented with support from the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, RFBR, RSF, CRDF, ISTC, and the European Union, in collaboration with researchers from Japan, the USA, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the UK, South Korea, Serbia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Israel.

He also coordinated the European FP7-NMP-2011 EU–Russia project “Computer modeling, virtual development, and functional testing of behavior features of biocompatible metallic nanomaterials” (2007–2011).

Project leadership includes:

• “Hard temperature-adaptive self-lubricating nanocomposite coatings” (RSF, 2014–2018);
• “Advanced functional composite materials and coatings for high-temperature applications” (RSF, 2019–2021);
• “Development of innovative high-temperature heterophase materials and coatings for protecting carbon–carbon composites from high-enthalpy oxidizing gas flows” (Ministry of Science and Higher Education, 2017–2018);
• “Development of innovative functional metallic spherical micro-powders from next-generation materials for producing complex-shaped parts using additive technologies” (Ministry of Science and Higher Education, 2017–2018);
• “Development of hierarchical hard alloys with improved fracture toughness and wear resistance based on domestically produced coarse-grained tungsten carbide powders with an especially homogeneous structure and a nanomodified binder for a new generation of rock-cutting tools operating under Arctic conditions” (Ministry of Science and Higher Education, 2017–2019);
• “Development of hierarchically structured discretely reinforced and dispersion-strengthened thermostable materials for heat-loaded components of advanced rocket and space systems” (Ministry of Science and Higher Education, 2020–2023).

Key Patents (Selected)

Levashov E.A., Kurbatkina V.V., Andreev V.A. Binder for the fabrication of diamond tools. European Patent No. 1971462 B1, 26.02.2020, Bulletin 2020/09; PCT/RU 2006/000491; WO 2007/055616.

Levashov E.A., Azarova E.V., Ralchenko V.G., Bol’shakov A., Ashkinazi E.E., Ishizuka H., Hosomi S. Substrate for CVD deposition of diamond and method for the preparation thereof. US Patent 9663851, 30 May 2017; Application No. 13/884.369 (9 Nov 2010); WO 2012/063318 (18.05.2012).

Levashov E.A., Andreev V.A., Kurbatkina V.V., Zaitsev A.A., Sidorenko D.A., Rupasov S.I. Copper based binder for the fabrication of diamond tools. US Patent No. 9156137, 13 Oct 2015.

Levashov E.A., Kurbatkina V.V., Shtansky D.V., Sanz A. Method of fabricating a target. European Patent No. 1957687, 17.04.2013, Bulletin 2013/16.

Levashov E.A., Shtansky D.V., Glushankova N.A., Reshetov I.V. Biocompatible multicomponent nanostructured coatings for medical applications. US Patent No. 8075682, 13 Dec 2011.

Teaching

2014–present — NUST MISIS: Head of the Master’s program “Powder and Additive Technologies for the Synthesis of Functional Materials and Coatings.”

Scientific and Professional Service

Chair, Dissertation Council D-212.132.05 (NUST MISIS). Since 2018: Deputy Chair of the Joint Dissertation Council at NUST MISIS; Chair of the Expert Council for specialties 05.16.02 “Metallurgy of ferrous, non-ferrous, and rare metals” (engineering sciences), 05.16.06 “Powder metallurgy and composite materials” (engineering sciences), and 25.00.13 “Mineral processing” (engineering sciences). Member, Dissertation Council D-002.092.02 at the Institute of Structural Macrokinetics and Materials Science Problems named after A.G. Merzhanov, Russian Academy of Sciences.

Editor-in-Chief: Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii. Tsvetnaya Metallurgiya; Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii. Powder Metallurgy and Functional Coatings; Russian Journal of Non-Ferrous Metals. Deputy Editor-in-Chief: International Journal of Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis. Responsible Editor: Materials and Tsvetnye Metally.

Member of international committees, including: Functionally Graded Materials; European Joint Committee for Plasma and Ion Surface Engineering (EJC/PISE); International Committee on SHS; CIMTEC World Ceramics Congress; Plansee Seminar International Committee; and a range of national and international conferences and symposia on nanomaterials, combustion and explosion, phase transformations and crystal strength, and advanced materials and technologies (powder metallurgy, composites, protective coatings, and welding).

Member, Scientific Council of the Russian Academy of Sciences on Combustion and Explosion; expert for the Russian Academy of Sciences, RFBR, and RSF.