Materials Engineering - Focus area

This subject area focuses on the development and optimization of new materials for applications in high-tech products—whether it is for macroscopic constructions, like in the aerospace industry, or for miniature components like for sensors in microelectronics or medical devices.

The internal structure of materials is the key for developing products with improved functional or structural properties and enhanced performance during operation. Materials characterization and modelling (on the nano- and micro-scale) is crucial for the identification and interpretation of the internal structure of materials in relation to mechanical, thermal, and chemical impacts.

The understanding of relevant parameters for metals and alloys, polymer materials, ceramics and composites allows tailoring their internal structure and associated properties, and thereby improving the reliability and lifespan of components during operation. Materials Engineering also implies dedicated surface engineering to improve, for example, the wear and corrosion resistance and, thus, to extend the lifetime of products during service.

The link between Materials Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering is essential to the MSc Eng programme, and is reflected in the various courses which forms the programme.