Research

Research Overview

Biomaterials

This thematic area includes bio-inspired materials and the interactions between materials and biological systems. Biomaterials and biomimetics research investigates and bridges the gap between bench-top investigations and clinical applications with the goal of improving health worldwide.

Other important applications are in environmental sensors and bio-inspired or bio-compatible structural materials. Current activities at the three campuses include organic-inorganic hybrids for tissue engineering scaffolds; biomimetic chemistry methods to synthesize multifunctional nanostructured materials; biofilms; replacement bones; and using nanodiscs and liposomes to understand the dynamics of protein binding to cell membranes.

Materials for Energy Storage, Conversion & Conservation

A cornerstone of the MUS Materials Science Program is fundamental and applied research in the area of materials for energy storage, conversion, and conservation. Broadly, this research area focuses on transforming resources such as sunlight, wind, and biomass into fuels that can be used at later times to provide reliable, electrical power.

Research underway addresses critical materials issues for developing sustainable means of producing and storing chemical fuels, improving energy efficiency, and for converting Montana’s abundant natural and renewable resources into a clean, economical, and unlimited supply of electrical power.

Electronic, Photonic & Magnetic Materials

Electronic, photonic, and magnetic (EPM) materials have applications in quantum information and cryptography, information storage, signal processing, communications, electronics, imaging and sensing techniques, and laser components. These materials are studied in nanoparticle, thin-film, bulk, and single-crystal form and also in optical waveguides and other device configurations.

Theoretical directions are quite diverse, and they include determination of structure/function relationships, electronic structure calculations, optical energy levels plus coherence and spin dynamics for ions, properties of alloy phases, and unique phases of matter.

Materials Synthesis, Processing & Fabrication

This focus area encompasses an exceptionally broad range of research that extends all the way from the extraction and refining of bulk materials to the synthesis of high-value-added advanced materials with application-specific properties.

Success in the broad arena of materials processing requires a multi-disciplinary approach. The collaborative MUS MatSci Program pools expertise in solid state physics, metallurgy, polymer chemistry, ceramics, composites, and process engineering to conduct research that responds to and anticipates current and emerging industrial needs and interests.

Environmental Materials

Environmental materials encompasses a broad research arena that comprises the effects of anthropogenic materials upon the environment as well as environmental effects on materials. The former may involve studies that pertain to adverse effects caused by release of solid waste into the environment or, conversely, the application of cutting edge remedial technologies, such as membranes and nanoparticles, for segregation and collection of environmental contaminants. Environmental effects on materials includes topics such as environmental degradation of materials (e.g., metal corrosion).