Materials Science Lab

Pioneering the next generation of advanced materials — from nanocomposites to high-temperature alloys. Research, development, and characterization under one roof in Hawaii.

LAB CAPABILITIES

🔬 Advanced Materials Research

Microscopy & Imaging

High-resolution imaging for microstructural analysis and defect characterization.

  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
  • Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
  • Optical & Confocal Microscopy

Mechanical Testing

Comprehensive mechanical characterization from nanoindentation to full-scale testing.

  • Tensile & Compression Testing
  • Fatigue & Fracture Toughness
  • Nanoindentation & Hardness
  • High-Temperature Testing (up to 1200°C)

Spectroscopy & Analysis

Chemical and elemental analysis for material composition verification.

  • Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX/EDS)
  • X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
  • Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)
  • Raman Spectroscopy

Thermal Analysis

Characterization of thermal properties and phase transitions.

  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
  • Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
  • Dilatometry & Thermal Expansion
  • Thermal Conductivity Measurement
INSTRUMENTATION

State-of-the-Art Equipment

ZEISS SEM + EDS

Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope with elemental analysis

Instron Universal Tester

100 kN capacity with environmental chamber (-70°C to 1200°C)

Bruker XRD

X-Ray Diffractometer for phase identification & crystallinity

TA Instruments DSC/TGA

Thermal analysis for polymers, composites, and metals

Nanoindenter

Nanomechanical testing for thin films and coatings

Micro-CT Scanner

3D non-destructive imaging for internal structure analysis

RESEARCH FOCUS

Advancing Materials Science

Additive Manufacturing Materials

Developing novel metal and polymer powders optimized for 3D printing with enhanced mechanical properties.

Sustainable Materials

Bio-based composites, recycled content optimization, and circular economy material solutions.

Nanocomposites

Carbon nanotube and graphene-enhanced materials for next-generation applications.

High-Temperature Alloys

Developing nickel and cobalt-based superalloys for extreme environments.

Energy Materials

Battery materials, solid-state electrolytes, and hydrogen storage solutions.

Functional Coatings

Anti-corrosion, thermal barrier, and self-healing coatings for industrial applications.

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

From Concept to Application

1

Discovery

Literature review & theoretical modeling

2

Synthesis

Material formulation & processing

3

Characterization

Microstructural & property analysis

4

Validation

Application-specific testing

5

Scale-Up

Process optimization & commercialization

MATERIALS PORTFOLIO

Advanced Materials Expertise

Metal Alloys

Titanium, Inconel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Cobalt Chrome, Refractory Metals

High-Performance Polymers

PEEK, PEKK, Ultem, PPS, PTFE, Polyimide, PAI

Advanced Composites

Carbon Fiber, Glass Fiber, Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC), Metal Matrix Composites (MMC)

Ceramics & Refractories

Alumina, Zirconia, Silicon Carbide, Silicon Nitride, Boron Nitride

Functional Materials

Piezoelectrics, Thermoelectrics, Magnetic Materials, Shape Memory Alloys

Biomaterials

Biocompatible alloys, Bioresorbable polymers, Medical-grade coatings

COLLABORATIONS

Research Partners

Joint research initiatives, student internships, and technology transfer programs advancing materials innovation.

325+

Active Research Projects

185+

Peer-Reviewed Publications

242

Granted Patents

335+

Research Scientists

Partner with Our Materials Science Team

Whether you need material characterization, failure analysis, or custom material development, our experts are ready to collaborate.

Request Research Collaboration Download Lab Capabilities