Research
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Areas of Research
Metals

Metals fall between ceramics and polymers in terms of strength and temperature resistance, but have outstanding ductility and toughness, which make them particularly useful for structural, load-bearing applications.

Further non-structural applications take advantage of their unique electrical, magnetic, thermal, optical, and chemical properties.

Research Topics

Examples of metals research at Northwestern include:

  • Shape-memory alloys for biomedical implants
  • Multicomponent alloys for light-weight vehicles or high-temperature engines
  • Intermetallic alloys for hydrogen storage
  • Advanced characterization by electron microscopy or atom probe of alloys with nanoscale precipitates

Faculty