{"id":348,"date":"2023-01-13T12:31:03","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T17:31:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/iamm\/?page_id=348"},"modified":"2026-05-06T14:24:46","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T18:24:46","slug":"advanced-materials","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/iamm\/research-areas\/advanced-materials\/","title":{"rendered":"Advanced Materials"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Advanced Materials<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Solving tomorrow\u2019s technological challenges through the discovery of novel materials and manipulating properties to make promising materials stronger and smarter<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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The development of advanced materials is rarely the unexpected discovery of a diamond in the rough. More commonly, it results from intentionally manipulating a material\u2019s composition and processing parameters to achieve the desired structure at the appropriate scale to produce the desired performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given that the parameter space for advanced material exploration is infinite, successful endeavors require a clear understanding of foundational principles that span several disciplines, including chemistry, physics, and various engineering fields. Entrepreneurship and innovation are necessary to translate fundamental research to applied technologies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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UT’s Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Advanced Materials research at UT begins with multi-disciplinary teams collaborating to identify opportunities for advanced material development. A highly integrated experimental and multiscale modeling\/simulation approach is employed to engineer a broad range of materials with a desired micro- or nano-structure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specific areas of interest include dynamics of complex fluids, such as polymeric and biological fluids, fiber suspensions, interfacial properties, and colloidal systems as well as the synthesis of functional nanoparticles and thin films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, UT is highly focused on the development and prototyping of advanced fiber reinforced plastics and composites. Core competencies are in product and process development, characterization, modeling and simulation, and the nondestructive evaluation of advanced thermoset and thermoplastic composites.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Turning Wood Waste into Metal Alternative<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Researchers at UT aim to turn leftover wood waste into a substance as strong as steel. The project received a $2 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

Learn more about the Waste Upcycling for Defense (WUD) project.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Solar Cells and Semiconductors-With a Twist<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UT researchers contributed to two significant international research projects published recently in Nature<\/em> journals. The work represents major breakthroughs for the study and creation of perovskites, a type of material with outstanding potential for use in advanced technologies like next-generation solar panels, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and lasers.

Read about their research.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lighter Liftgate for Volkswagen<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UT researchers collaborated with Volkswagen engineers to design and manufacture a liftgate made of a novel composite for the Volkswagen Atlas, which reduces weight by 35 percent and lowers the company\u2019s investment cost.

Learn about the liftgate.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Finding Flaws in Rubber<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This device makes use of scalar wave interaction, interwoven on a molecular level with domains of alternating opposite direction calling forth a psychic connection to the reality plane.

Discover the new flaw detection method.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Facilities & Initiatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Through a longstanding relationship with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, IACMI\u2013The Composites Institute, and a multitude of public and private partners, UT is at the forefront of the advancement of composite materials and their applications to both science and industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n