"Our goal is to create new paradigms for interdisciplinary work that apply the principles of basic science and engineering to understanding the behavior, development and application of various materials," said Gregory S. Rohrer, head of MRSEC and Carnegie Mellon's Materials Science & Engineering Department.
Since 1996, MRSEC researchers have been working to understand the intricate nature of nanoscale grain boundaries in materials. Most metallic and ceramic materials used in aircraft, automobiles and computers are made up of many microscopic crystals held together by grain boundaries. These materials are called polycrystals.
"We are studying how these nanoscale polycrystals work and what makes them both durable and functional," Rohrer said.
To that end, MRSEC researchers have discovered that materials in this polycrystalline state often behave differently depending on the types of grain boundaries they contain. Familiar materials – from gold to plastics – display startling new properties when the nanoscale grain boundary structure is altered. Some can display greatly increased strength or resistance to corrosion while others can turn into potent chemical catalysts. What's more, Carnegie Mellon researchers are finding with their newly developed computer-controlled experimental methodology that they can create materials for everything from fortified car fenders to more fuel-efficient aircraft.
"We see our research ultimately making it possible for manufacturers to one day produce smaller, faster computer chips and safer power plants," Rohrer said.
MRSEC also has extensive collaboration with national laboratories, as well as important international collaborations. An important feature of the educational program is a Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) with Florida A&M University. Carnegie Mellon's center is one of 29 centers nationwide supported by the MRSEC program with annual NSF support of $52.5 million.
About Carnegie Mellon
Carnegie Mellon is a private research university with a distinctive mix of programs in engineering, computer science, robotics, the sciences, business, public policy, fine arts and the humanities. More than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students receive an education characterized by its focus on creating and implementing solutions to solve real problems, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. A small student-to-faculty ratio provides an opportunity for close interaction between students and professors. While technology is pervasive on its 110-acre campus, Carnegie Mellon also is distinctive among leading research universities because of its conservatory-like programs in its College of Fine Arts. Realizing that today's graduates must understand international issues, Carnegie Mellon is committed to providing global education for its students and striving to expand offerings across the U.S. and internationally. In addition to its work in Greece in collaboration with Athens Information Technology, the university has branch campuses in Silicon Valley, California, and in the Persian Gulf. The university also has established educational and research partnerships with institutions in Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Singapore, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.cmu.edu.