Research

Research Areas

  • Characterization of powders, whiskers, and fibers for composites
  • New solidification processes for synthesis of composites
  • Near net-shaped casting of composites
  • Characterization of physical, mechanical and tribological properties of composites
  • Metal matrix composites including Al-C, Al-SiC, Al-Al2O3, Cu-C, Mg-C, Fe-Al2O3, Zinc-fly ash aluminum fly ash composites
  • Interfacial phenomenon in composites
  • Failure analysis of composites
  • Rapid manufacturing including Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS)
  • Interactions between electromagnetic waves and solid or liquid metals in the synthesis of composites
  • Composites for automotive, small engine and biomedical applications
  • Composites with improved machinability
  • Self-lubricating composites
  • Smart Self-healing metals and composites
  • Metallic composites with low melting healing agents
  • Composites with shape memory alloy fibers
  • Metallic syntactic foams for blast resistance
  • Composites for power generation and transmission
  • Composites for electronic packaging
  • Composites using industrial waste by-products including flyash, waste foundry sand
  • Composites for the water industry
  • Lightweight transportation parts to reduce fuel consumption
  • Lead-free copper graphite plumbing alloys
  • Ultra-light metal foams
  • Aluminum-silicon carbide composites for lightweight brake rotors and computer components
  • Solidification synthesis and characterization of metal matrix nanocomposites including metal-graphene
  • In situ metal matrix micro and nano composites
  • Synthesis of aluminum reinforced with three dimensional alumina and carbon fiber weaves for blast resistance
  • Polymer-Fly ash composites
  • Polymer-Natural fiber composites
  • Polymer-Glass fiber composites
  • Polymer-Carbon fiber composites
  • Self-healing Polymer-Nitinol composites
  • Self-healing Polymer-Microballoon composites, bulk and coatings
  • Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites: Polymer clay, Polymer-Graphene
  • Filled Polymer Composites
  • Polymeric composite coatings for corrosion resistance
  • Plant based Resins including CNSL
  • Recycling of Polymer and Metal Composites

Check out the list of Materials and Technologies developed in the lab at UWM!