Materials for high temperatures and nanocomposites

Specific mission

The high-temperature materials research line focuses on materials for transport and energy applications, with particular attention to structures that can operate at high temperatures (ceramics, composites and metallic alloys). Research lines for the development of ceramic materials and non-oxide surface coatings are active through the use of tape casting technology and vapour phase deposition. Multilayer structures to optimize thermal behaviour and to protect against oxidation are under investigation. The microstructures and the properties of metallic alloys are also studied in relation to their manufacturing processes with particular reference to additive manufacturing. As regards composites, the research lines are focused on structural and functional applications (eg in the automotive field) with polymers, metallic and ceramic matrices containing fibers or ceramic particles, carbon nanotubes and graphene.

Main research Topics

  • Development and characterization of multilayer ceramic materials (in close collaboration with section 3 Ceramic Materials);
  • Development and characterization of Si/SiC materials and components produced by reaction bonding;
  • Thermostructural characterization of high temperature materials (partly in collaboration with section 1 Metallic Materials).
  • Development of coatings for oxidation protection deposited by megnetron sputtering.
  • Preparation, microstructural characterization, mechanical characterization and “failure analysis” of inorganic matrix composites (in close collaboration with section 1 Metallic Materials and Section 3 Ceramic Materials).
  • Development of metallic alloys and metal matrix nanocomposites (partly in collaboration with section 5 Additive Manufacturing).
  • Development of heat treatments for TiAl alloys (in close collaboration with section 5 Additive Manufacturing).
  • Development of nanocomposites with polymer and inorganic (metallic and ceramic) matrices containing carbon nanotubes and graphene.
  • Functionalization of polymer matrix nanocomposites by laser treatment.
  • Recycling of composite materials (partly in collaboration with Section 4 Polymeric Materials).

Main partnerships

  • Aalborg University;
  • University of Birmingham;
  • ESA;
  • Politecnico di Milano;
  • CNR- Istituto di Chimica della Materia Condensata e di Tecnologie per l’Energia, Padova;
  • SUPSI-Manno;
  • Fraunhofer Institute;
  • Monash, University;
  • EPFL;
  • Leoben University;
  • Swansea University;
  • AVIOAERO, ThalesAleniaSpace;
  • CRF-FCA;
  • Ferrari;
  • Pastificio Rummo;
  • Prima Industrie;
  • Tecnalia;
  • Airbus;
  • ESI;
  • EADS;
  • DLR.

Projects and publications

Reference laboratories