Research

The primary research focus of the Centre is on metal-ceramic bulk composites with metal or ceramic matrices, functionally graded composites (FGM) and composite coatings. The Centre carries out fundamental and applied research on structural and functional materials from these materials classes. Its strategic research directions and specific research topics are inspired by the R&D needs of the national and European industry mainly from automotive, aerospace, energy and electronics sectors. 

Processing techniques
  • Powder metallurgy (examples of fabricated metal-ceramics composites: Cr/Al2O3/Re, NiAl/Al2O3, Cu/C, Ag/C)
  • Liquid metal infiltration of porous ceramic preforms (e.g. Al2O3/EN-AC 44200 as bulk and graded composites)
  • Pulse Laser Deposition (e.g. super hard composites layers based on WB4, ReB2)
 
Mechanical properties characterisation:
  • Elastic moduli
  • Hardness
  • Thermal properties (CTE, thermal conductivity)
  • Strength and yield limits
  • Tribological testing
  • Fracture toughness
  • Creep and fatigue testing
 
Modelling:
  • Materials design by modelling
  • Modelling of effective and functional properties of materials as a function of microstructure
  • Modelling of thermal residual stresses and damage in composites generated during processing 
  • Modelling of crack toughness and growth in metal ceramics composites
  • Numerical modelling and simulation of sintering processes 
  • Numerical simulation off ablation, expansion and growth of layers in pulsed laser depostion process