With a summa cum laude undergraduate Mechanical Engineering degree from UKZN (2010) and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cape Town (2014), UKZN lecturer Dr Anthony Govender was awarded his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at UKZN’s Spring Graduation ceremony held on the Westville campus.

Govender – a specialist in Metallurgy – conducted research investigations into the effect of inert gas atmospheres and porous titanium for biomedical applications.

He was supervised by Dr Moses Kiliswa.

‘Anthony researched the effect of sintering direct powder rolled titanium strips in inert gases such as argon and helium,’ explained Kiliswa. ‘His study found that sintering in a helium atmosphere produces improved mechanical properties in comparison to argon gas sintering.’

Govender’s results are beneficial for the continuous production of titanium sheets, via the powder metallurgy route.

‘UKZN’s Mechanical Engineering Department is one of the leaders in Metallurgy research in South Africa, hence my choice to study for my PhD at the Institution,’ said Govender, who became interested in the field of titanium Powder Metallurgy because metallic materials are the “work horse” of the Mechanical Engineering profession.

‘Titanium has unique mechanical properties such as a high strength-to weight ratio, and a low density, thus it can outperform many competing materials in applications,’ he said.

‘My experimental research into the effects of sintering titanium in argon and helium gases found that continuous sintering can be performed in argon and helium atmospheres, in short durations and at high temperatures. My results illustrated that helium produces improved properties in comparison to argon gas.’

Govender also researched the properties of porous titanium for applications as a biomaterial, concluding that porous titanium has potential applications as a replacement for human trabecular bone.

His future plans are to expand his research group in the field of metallurgy and work towards an eventual Professorship at UKZN.

Govender, who enjoys playing sports such as cricket, soccer and chess in his spare time, thanked God for giving him the ability and strength to complete his PhD. He dedicated this milestone achievement to his grandfather and his twin brother for being the most influential people in his life. ‘They encouraged and inspired me,’ he said proudly.

He was also particularly proud to graduate alongside his master’s student, Ms Tejal Mewalall, whose research work investigated the use of medium range space holder particles to create porous titanium for biomedical applications.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini