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. The current funded research projects focus on the following topic areas:
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 ¨C 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.
Development of ultrafine grain Ti alloys: As an extension of our core effort on nano sintering, a new project on sintering of nano sized Ti powders and the development of ultrafine grain Ti alloys has become one of our primary interests.
Functionally graded hardmetals (WC-Co): Comprehensive and systematic research has led to the development of a patented process that can produceWC-Co with graded Co compositions via traditional sintering process without increasing manufacturing costs. We also pioneered the study of the mechanical behavior of FGM WC-Co using Hertzian indentation techniques.
Discovery and synthesis of hydrogen storage materials: As a partner in the Metal Hydride Center of Excellence funded by US Department of Energy, led by Sandia National Lab (http://www.ca.sandia.gov/MHCoE/), we have developed new solid hydrogen storage materials including lithium magnesium nitride (LiMgN) and Mg-based non-equilibrium materials that have potential practical applications.
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.