Division of Materials Design
Research carried out in the Division of Materials Design focuses on the relationship between the structure and properties of materials in the context of microstructure optimization, control of properties, designing and manufacturing new materials, as well as operational degradation of materials.
The Division uses advanced methods for materials structure tests, including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, X-ray microanalysis, micro and nano X-ray computed tomography, etc. Investigation of the structure of materials is supported with image analysis and stereology methods combined with modelling methods, such as ab-initio, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, finite elements and fluid dynamics. Specialized mechanical tests, including tests with the use of micro-samples, allow to determine mechanical properties of materials in tension, compression, fatigue, and resistance to cracking. A significant part of our research concentrates on testing degradation of materials subjected to long-lasting operation in high temperature for the industry, inter alia with acoustic emission methods.
The research work of the Division focuses on ultra-fine-grained and nanocrystalline materials, biomaterials, materials used in aviation, conversion and power generation systems, shale gas mining, as well as material diagnostics of works of art and archaeological objects.
Professor Wojciech Święszkowski, Head of Division of Materials Design
Research groups
Biomaterials
Biomaterials constitute a specific group of materials with different composition and properties that are designed to interact with elements of living systems to influence therapeutic or diagnostic processes, as independent entities or in complex systems.
Characteristics of materials after plastic deformation
The research work focuses mainly on the processes of severe plastic deformation and the accompanying effects of microstructure and properties changes.
Computer modeling in materials design
The scope of research includes design of novel engineering materials with particular emphasis on computer modeling techniques of structure, properties and materials processes. The main area of interest are materials applied in molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC), open porous foam materials applied as filters and heat exchanger materials, as well as nanometals, dispersive composites and semiconductors.
Materials for aviation and transport
The team's research concentrates on the design of innovative material solutions used in modern aircraft constructions and transport. It is applied research, which includes design, manufacturing, microstructure and properties characteristics, as well as practical use of materials in the aviation and transport sectors.
Materials for power industry
The research carried out in the group covers a wide range of issues related to modeling, manufacturing and characterization as well as practical use of materials for modern energy production systems.
Materials for the mining industry
Research conducted by the team in the field of materials used in the mining industry concentrates on two main areas. The main point of interest is the development of new material solutions, including obtaining and studying the properties of polymeric binders, ceramic proppants and hydraulic fluids used in mining processes.
Mechanical properties
The group’s main activity is related to the topic of mechanical properties testing of materials, both in accordance with standards and non-standardized tests.
Nanocrystalline and ultrafine grained materials
Nanocrystalline and ultrafine grained materials are a new class of structural and functional materials characterized by a polycrystalline structure with a grain size of hundreds of nanometers (ultrafine grained materials) or tens of nanometers (nanocrystalline materials).
Non-Ferrous Metals And Their Alloys
Our team has long-term experience in metallic materials designing and testing, especially titanium and its alloys, which is confirmed by the participation in many R&D projects, also international ones.
Porous materials team
The Team is a part of the Division of Materials Design of the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering at the Warsaw University of Technology. Its research is focused on high porosity materials. The activities of the team include production, characterisation and numerical modelling techniques in order to design the microstructure and properties of porous materials and the processes taking place in them.