The powder metallurgy research group of the University of Utah was established in 2002. The academic core of our research and education efforts is to advance fundamental understandings and technologies that are based on metal and ceramic powders and other inorganic particulate materials.
Current funded research projects focus on the following topic areas:
Functionally graded hardmetals (WC-Co): Comprehensive and systematic research has led to the development of a patented process that can produce WC-Co with graded Co compositions via a simple heat treating process without significantly increasing manufacturing costs. The new process is now licensed to Heavystone Lab LLC, a start up company founded by the University of Utah Research Foundation and Professor Fang for the purpose of commercializing the technology. http://heavystonelab.com.
Development of ultrafine grain Ti alloys: The group has focused in the past two year on a new approach for manufacturing components of titanium or titanium alloys through direct sintering of titanium hydride. A new sintering process has been discovered which can be used to produce fine grain full dense titanium alloys in as sintered state. We have also developed new techniques for near-net shape fabrication of titanium based on cold isostatic press (CIP) process. The group is also collaborating with the Orthopedic Research Laboratory to develop titanium based advanced implants.
Discovery and synthesis of hydrogen storage materials: As a partner in the Metal Hydride Center of Excellence (http://www.ca.sandia.gov/MHCoE/), funded by US Department of Energy, led by Sandia National Lab, we have developed new solid hydrogen storage materials including lithium magnesium nitride (LiMgN) and Mg-based non-equilibrium materials that have potential practical applications. The latter is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Lithium ion battery anode and cathode materials: Recently, a new collaborative project is initiated between the group and the Argonne National Laboratory on synthesis and characterization of advanced anode materials for lithium ion battery.
Recently completed research projects include:
Synthesis and sintering of nanosized powders: By studying the densification and grain growth of nanosized powders during sintering, we took on the challenge of controlling grain growth during sintering of nano powders. The results have led to new insights and new processing techniques. We use two methods to make nano powders – a chemical vapor synthesis (CVS) process and a unique planetary high energy milling mechanochemcial synthesis technology. A rapid-heating ultrahigh pressure (~1 GPa) hot-consolidation process was developed. Hardmetals (WC-Co) and tungsten metal alloys based on nanosized powders have been produced.
An innovative plasma process for applying high temperature corrosion resistant intermetallic coatings (Fe3Al): The new coating process is based on plasma transferred arc technique, combining merits while avoiding shortcomings of several conventional coating processes, namely thermal spray, CVD, and weld-overlay techniques. Thick or thin (50 microns to >1 mm) phase-pure Fe3Al coatings without porosity have been applied on steel substrates for applications in coal-fired environments.