Institute of Science and Engineering of Materials for Innovative Technologies

The research groups working at the Institute of Science and Engineering of Materials for Innovative Technologies are involved in experimental and theoretical researches dealing with advanced ceramics, metals, polymers and their macro, micro and nanocomposites; nanostructured materials are investigated as well.  The materials belonging to the above-mentioned classes are currently designed, produced and characterized.  The research activities are performed in the frame of research projects funded by public and private institutions like European Community, Italian Government and industrial Companies.  The materials development is currently aimed at applications in several industrial fields, like ground transportation, aerospace, energy, sport, jewelry, sensors and actuators etc.  Multilayer ceramics and composites are processed by tape casting and sintering and by solution combustion synthesis and sintering. In the field of metals, intermetallic alloys, superalloys, aluminum, titanium and magnesium innovative and high performance alloys, as well as tool steels are studied and developed.  Research activities on metal-based materials also concern powder metallurgy and other different production/manufacturing techniques; the effect of suitable heat treatments and coatings is also investigated. Additive manufacturing techniques (laser sintering and electron beam melting) are exploited for producing metallic and composite components. Furthermore, the materials mechanical behavior and the damage mechanisms under operating conditions are researched, aiming to establish the relationship between microstructure and constitutive laws.
Polymer and polymer nanocomposites either as bulk materials or in form of films for applications as coatings, smart coatings, inks, adhesives, membranes for solar cells (DSSC) and batteries, and as a tool to fabricate microfluidic devices are prepared and characterized.  In addition, hygienic coatings and bio-based polymers are also investigated to improve surface antimicrobial properties. Polymerization methods comprising thermal and UV-curing techniques are largely exploited. Sol-gel, dual cure processes and layer-by-layer deposition have been also developed as novel approaches for enhancing the flame retardancy and barrier properties of polymers mainly used for packaging applications and for the textiles engineering.