Current Projects

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  Advanced Ceramic-Metallic Nanocomposites
  Design and characterization of ceramic-metallic interpenetrating phase composites in collaboration with Fireline TCON, Inc. for applications such as brake rotors for vehicles and force protection systems for the military.
  
  Principal investigator: Dr. Tim Wagner
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  Shape Memory Alloys
  Synthesis and processing of thermally activated and ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (SMA's) using arc-melting under Ar atmosphere, heat treatment, powder metallurgy and cold/hot rolling techniques. Macro- and nano-structural characterization of the obtained SMA's by mechanical testing methods, thermal analysis and analytical electron microscopy techniques.
  
  Principal investigator: Dr. Virgil Solomon
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  Smart Composites
  Development of smart composites based on shape memory polymers and shape memory alloys.
  
  Principal investigator: Dr. Pedro Cortes
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  Fiber Metal Laminates
  Development of hybrid laminates based on metal alloys and high-performance composite materials. The main investigation objectives involve developing multilayered structures with enhanced fracture, impact and fatigue properties.
  
  Principal investigator: Dr. Pedro Cortes
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  Rare Earth Oxide Nanocatalysts
  Exploration of new methods to synthesize low-temperature reducible and catalytically active rare-earth oxide nano-materials, and studies for enhanced understanding of the atomic-level structural and chemical controlling factors for the low-temperature performance of materials.
  
  Principal investigator: Dr. Ruigang Wang
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  Biomaterials
  Information coming soon!