Development and control of these properties depends on understanding the relationships between processing, structure, and the properties of interest. To investigate these relationships our work involves processing and fabrication of materials as well as characterization of final properties. We work in collaboration with other academic and industrial groups who specialize in the various deposition techniques. Our interest is the characterization of structural, physical and mechanical properties of the coatings, and the relationship of these with substrate surface treatments and deposition conditions.
Current projects concentrate on studies of the adhesion of coatings to the substrate.
Composites and monolithic materials are generally fabricated by densification of compacts formed from fine powders. Current processing studies include development of rapid prototyping or free form fabrication techniques for ceramics and modeling of organic binder elimination. Properties which are of interest depend on the intended application. Much of our work focuses on mechanical properties, particularly the influence of processing techniques on strength and the development of mechanisms to improve fracture resistance.