Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Fast Facts
- The program is dedicated to developing practical and innovative ceramics composites technologies that are economically viable and environmentally sound.
- Several patent applications on material compositions, methods, processes and equipment.
- Part of the Institute of Materials Processing (IMP)
- Program participants can enter into confidential agreements with research sponsors and can undertake both proprietary and classified work
Graduate Programs in Composites
Alongside highly qualified full-time professionals and scientists, graduate students participate in multidisciplinary research activities. Current research programs include controlled free-radical polymerization for foams, adhesives, and coatings, and developing thermally and electrically conductive thermoplastics. Work on carbon-filled plastic systems takes place in the Carbon Technology Center where work currently focuses on development and modeling of highly conductive carbon-filled thermoplastic resins for fuel-cell bipolar-plate applications. Work on multifunctional polymer synthesis takes place in the Center for Environmentally Benign Functional Materials, which is part of the Sustainable Futures Institute.
Students interested in composites will find faculty with similar interests in the following departments. Students are encouraged to contact faculty whose research interests match their own.