Directory

P. Chris Pistorius is a metallurgical engineer whose research focuses on production of metals and alloys, mainly steel, and corrosion. A native South African, he received bachelor's and master's degrees in metallurgical engineering from the University of Pretoria, and completed a Ph.D. in corrosion at the University of Cambridge. He was an associate professor and then professor in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa, from 1991 to 2008. He served as head of that department from May 2002 to June 2008. He has been professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon since July 2008, working closely with Richard Fruehan and then Bryan Webler in the Center for Iron and Steelmaking Research. In 2024, Pistorius was named a Distinguished Member and Fellow of the Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) for his significant contributions to the technical advancement of corrosion research, ironmaking and clean steel processing.

Office
4313 Wean Hall
Phone
(412) 268-7248
Email
pistorius@cmu.edu
Assistant
Kelly Rockenstein
Google Scholar
P. Chris Pistorius

Creating Models and Molds for Use in Metal Casting

Metals Production: Iron & Steelmaking

Education

1991 Ph.D., Corrosion, University of Cambridge

1989 Master of Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria

1988 Bachelor of Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria

Media mentions


Canary Media

Pistorius weighs in on a new, green method of producing steel

MSE’s Chris Pistorius spoke about a new method of making clean iron from steel that is currently in development.

Materials Science and Engineering

Pistorius named AIST Fellow

Chris Pistorius has been named as a 2024 Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) Distinguished Member and Fellow for his significant contributions to the technical advancement of corrosion research, ironmaking and clean steel processing. 

CMU Engineering

These defects are not to be mistaken as scratches

Shrinkage porosity, a common defect in metal castings, has been identified in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pistorius comments on U.S. Steel sale

MSE’s Chris Pistorius said he hopes the new owners of U.S. Steel will continue to support the region's universities.

Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation News

Engineering faculty engage in industrial decarbonization research partnership

MSE’s Chris Pistorius and EPP’s Valerie Karplus and Paulina Jaramillo, alongside Assistant Professor of Economics and Public Policy Edson Severnini, joined collaborators in Germany to begin an international research partnership.

Scott Institute

Three CMU energy projects receive Scott Institute Seed Grants

Three CMU-led energy projects have been awarded seed grants from the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation.

Scott Institute

Pistorius helps create industrial decarbonzation partnership with a $1.5 million NSF grant

MSE’s Chris Pistorius and colleagues create the Industrial Decarbonization Analysis, Benchmarking, and Action (INDABA) partnership with a $1.5 million grant awarded by the National Science Foundation.

Materials Science and Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University hosts 11th North American Materials Education Symposium

In early August, Carnegie Mellon University hosted the 11th North American Materials Education Symposium (NAMES), the first to be held in person since 2019.

Engineering faculty receive NSF funding for decarbonization research

A decarbonization project led by EPP’s Valerie Karplus has received a $1.5 million research grant from the National Science Foundation that runs from 2023 to 2025. Karplus’ collaborators are MSE’s Chris Pistorius, EPP’s Paulina Jaramillo, and EPP’s Edson Severnini.

Scott Institute

Scott Institute announces 2022 seed grants for five projects

The Scott Institute has announced its latest seed grant awards worth $1.42 million to five research projects led by CMU Engineering faculty.

The Pittsburgh Business Times

Pistorius gives lecture at AISTech convention

MSE’s Chris Pistorius took the stage at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center to deliver the Brimacombe Memorial Lecture.

The New York Times

Pistorius in NYT on materials for knives

MSE’s Chris Pistorius was mentioned by The New York Times about the environmental impact of a stainless steel knife.