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ENGINEERED MATERIALS and PROCESSES
Manufacturing is energy intensive and generates large amounts of solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes. Research in Environmentally Benign Manufacturing seeks to engineer processes and systems that efficiently utilize energy, raw materials and reactants in order to minimize the pollutants per unit of the manufactured product. Research in this area includes investigation of high-temperature chemical and electrochemical processes that have environmental, energy and cost implications.
Our research on Energy Conversion and Storage includes investigation of environmentally benign power generation technologies such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). We are also studying electrically conducting ceramic membranes which have unique properties that enable the separation of various gases with 100% selectivity. Such membranes can be used to synthesize clean fuels (such as hydrogen) and for reducing the emissions of CO2 which is an important greenhouse gas.
Our research in the area of Development of Advanced Thin Film and Coating Systems focuses on the areas of surface modification technology and development of advanced materials and novel processes. Present research and development activities are aimed at modeling and controlling both CVD and PVD processes, developing innovative methodologies, and establishing process/structure/property relationships in environmental barrier and thermal barrier coatings, and photonic and electronic thin films. Of special interest is the study of the evolution of microstructure and defects in these materials, as well as the interfacial structure and stability of these coatings and thin films using electron microscopy techniques.
Research projects in the area of Control of Advanced Materials Processing focus on improving materials processing capabilities by applying a controls-based approach that achieves greater control of material microstructure. Our control-based approach includes process modeling, experimentation, sensor development, as well as system and control design and implementation. Research projects, typically conducted with industry partners, span a range of application areas including developing enhanced materials processing capabilities for opto-electronic applications, advanced engines, power systems and cutting tools.
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