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The major current research thrusts are in materials processing, materials for microelectronic systems, glasses and ceramics, nanostructured materials, and high-performance composite materials. These initiatives are supported by research in materials characterization and properties. Please use the hyperlinks below to reach the fields of desire.
For more in depth information concerning specific research centers, and research programs, please see links below:
Composite materials are utilized in industrial and consumer products due to their exceptional stiffness and strength to weight ratios. Applications of composites in the construction industry, such as steel bridge repairs using graphite-epoxy composites, are growing rapidly, while next generation conceptual plans for hybrid electric vehicles call for the use of ceramic composite components for gas turbine engines and thermal recuperators. Composites research activities at Rensselaer include ceramic, metallic, and polymer matrix composites, micromechanics and modeling of both fabrication processes and materials properties, design with new materials, synthesis of new matrix materials, and all aspects of the fabrication and characterization of composites and composite structures. Of special note is the Sailplane Program, in which students have designed, fabricated, and tested an all-composite glider, which has now been flying for over six years. A new project, the composite hybrid electric vehicle, was initiated last year, and offers numerous opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate participation. For further information on concerning professors in the field, visit the composite page * Not active yet.
Research in materials for microelectronic systems concentrates on the problems associated with the interconnections between integrated circuit elements. This includes the growth of thin films of metals and both polymer and ceramic dielectric materials, the patterning and etching processes necessary for the fabrication of multilayer devices, and the planarization processes necessary for successful device fabrication. Of special note is our program in microelectronics packaging, which addresses the mechanical, electronic, and thermal aspects of device design and fabrication. For further information on concerning professors in the field, visit the microelectronic page * Not active yet.
In the glass area, research efforts focus on the factors influencing the useful lifetime of glass components and the effect of environments, especially aqueous environments, on glass failure. In addition to the conventional applications such as windows and bottles, glasses are used as optical components such as optical communication fibers. Specifically, variation of the glass surface structure with time and its influence on glass properties are being investigated. Another emphasis is the development of non-oxide glasses, primarily those based on fluorides, as the transmitting medium in optical fibers for communications purposes. For further information on concerning professors in the field, visit the glass materials page * Not active yet.
A relatively new dicipline, ......
In the materials processing area, major research programs include fundamental studies of solidification process and the effect of solidification under reduced gravity on the formation of dendritic structures, and practically oriented programs in the extrusion processing of aluminum alloys. In the latter program, studies of the complex interactions among stress, strain rate, and temperature during forming processes have made it possible to apply advanced software models to the control of metalworking operations. Studies of powder processing have made possible the extrusion processing of composite materials, while research on joining processes has led to synergistic coupling of adhesive bonding and spot welding technology in automotive sheet metal fabrication. New efforts on the synthesis, processing and properties of nanostructured materials are expanding the capabilities of materials engineering and nanotechnology into areas including ceramics, metals, polymers, composites, and biomaterials. Novel applications of carbon nanotubes for device and chemical applications are being investigated along with chemical, electrical, and mechanical isolation engineering using nanocomposites. For further information on concerning professors in the field, visit the nanostructure materials * Not active yet.
Nanostructures Polymer Engineering
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