the Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center (T.I.C.) : The Ekeberg Prize 2024: shortlisted abstracts

Recognising Excellence in Tantalum Research and Innovation

The Anders Gustaf Ekeberg Tantalum Prize (‘Ekeberg Prize’) is awarded annually by the T.I.C. for excellence in tantalum research and innovation.

The 2024 winner will be announced in September, with the lead author receiving the award during the 65^th General Assembly of the T.I.C., scheduled in Tokyo, Japan, from 8th to 11th September 2024.

Shortlisted Publications for the Ekeberg Prize 2024

Kink Bands Promote Exceptional Fracture Resistance in a NbTaTiHf Refractory Medium-Entropy Alloy

Authors: David H. Cook, Punit Kumar, Calvin H. Belcher, Pedro Borges, Wending Wang, Flynn Walsh, Zehao Li, Arun Devaraj, Mingwei Zhang, Mark Asta, Andrew M. Minor, Enrique J. Lavernia, Diran Apelian, Robert O. Ritchie

Affiliations:
– Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, CA, USA
– Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
– Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA

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Abstract: A bcc refractory alloy, NbTaTiHf, demonstrates fracture toughness above 253 MPa·m^1/2. The alloy resists crack propagation through the formation of kink bands that distribute strain and suppress damage near crack tips, challenging known deformation mechanisms in medium-entropy alloys.

Clinical Translation of a Tantalum Oxide Nanoparticle-Based CT Contrast Agent

Authors: Peter J. Bonitatibus Jr., PhD; Benjamin M. Yeh, MD; Yuxin Sun, MS

Affiliations:
– Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA
– University of California, San Francisco, USA

Abstract: This study presents TaCZ, a tantalum oxide nanoparticle contrast agent for CT scans, offering greater safety, lower viscosity, superior imaging quality, and minimal organ retention compared to conventional iodine-based agents — with proven efficacy across animal models.

Simulation Study on the Damage Behaviour of Tantalum Target Plates Under High-Velocity Impact

Authors: Yuntian Wang, Min Yang, Danping Hu, Qiujie Wei, Ying Zhang, Yuzhu Guo

Affiliations:
– Chengdu Polytechnic, Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, and Changsha University of Science & Technology, China

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Abstract: This simulation study models how tantalum plates respond to projectile impacts at speeds of 1–10 km/s. The findings provide design insights for spacecraft shielding against space debris using SPH-based simulation tools.

Dislocation–Grain Boundary Interactions in Tantalum: Numerical, Molecular Dynamics, and Machine Learning Approaches

Authors: A. Kedharnath, Rajeev Kapoor, Apu Sarkar

Affiliations:
– Mechanical Metallurgy Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
– Engineering Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute, India

Abstract: This research integrates molecular dynamics and machine learning to predict yield stress in tantalum based on grain boundary configuration and slip plane. Models identify key predictors of stress transmission and grain boundary deformation using SHAP analysis.

Unexpected Periodicity in Cationic Group 5 Initiators for the Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactones

Authors: Antoine Buchard, Matthew G. Davidson, Gerrit Gobius du Sart, Matthew D. Jones, Gabriele Kociok-Kohn, Srachan N. McCormick, Paul McKeown

Affiliations:
– University of Bath, UK
– TotalEnergies Corbion, The Netherlands

Abstract: This study reveals tantalum(V) catalysts show higher activity than their niobium(V) analogues in ring-opening polymerisations of lactones. It provides new pathways for controlled polymer architecture and suggests mechanisms for fine-tuning dispersity and initiation behaviour via catalyst design.