麻豆原创

Materials problems constitute an important area of research and development in the complex technology of our industrial society. The use of advanced materials, such as thermoplastic and thermoset polymers, intermetallic alloys, reinforced plastic or metal composites, ceramics and electronic materials, in the manufacturing of durable goods and devices has presented challenges to the profession of materials science and engineering. Materials engineers must understand the behaviour of advanced materials, their chemical, mechanical, optical, thermal, and electrical properties, and the atomic or molecular structure that determines these properties. They can then apply their knowledge to the synthesis and processing of materials into useful products by controlling and improving their properties.

Areas of specialized research and support for graduate students include processing and rheology of polymers, thermodynamics and transport properties of polymer solutions and melts, computer simulation of polymeric and microporous materials, deformation and fracture of materials at elevated temperatures, effects of processing on mechanical properties of intermetallic alloys, influences of microstructure on fatigue, fracture toughness, stress cracking and corrosion in metals, non-destructive mechanical testing of composites, surface science of catalytic and polymeric materials, electronic materials and sensors for automotive applications.