Georgia Institute of Technology

Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech focuses on the development of new materials for the next generation of engineering applications. It views biomaterials, nanomaterials, ceramics, metals, polymers, electronic materials and composites from a fundamental point of view, emphasizing the relationships between the atomic- and microstructure as well as the properties, processing and performance of the material.

Current materials research projects in the School of MSE involve the synthesis of nanomaterials for the construction of nanoscale machines with the imaging and treatment of cancer as a focus; the use of diamond coatings as a bio-barrier to prevent the body from attacking implants; the use of the genetic patterns found in nature to harness the ribosome to manufacture biosensors through photonic circuits; the development of conductive polymers for a new generation of MEMS devices; the development of a form fitting lightweight B4C armor that can stop ballistic projectiles; the development of inexpensive hydrogen burning fuel cells to power a future generation of automobiles; etc. In projects like these, materials scientists lead the way to turning yesterday’s science fiction into tomorrow’s reality.

MSE faculty are rank among the top leaders in attracting research funding at Georgia Tech and our faculty head 14 major interdisciplinary centers including centers devoted to Nanotechnology, Bioengineering, Molecular Design, Electronic Packaging and Photonics. Materials research at Georgia Tech is comprehensive, addressing all major technologies that will improve our lives in the coming years.  In addition to fundamental research, emerging technologies are routinely being explored at Tech in terms of patents and new product development/enhancement ideas.  Numerous new industries have been founded based on research originating in MSE.

Materials Research Areas Include:

• Polymers and Macromolecules
• Biologically Enabled and Bioinspired Materials
• Nanomaterials and Nanoengineered Devices
• Computational Design, Modeling, and Simulations
• Functional Electronic and Optical Materials
• Fibers and Composites
• Energy Storage and Harvesting
• Advanced Structural Materials
• Multi-scale Structural & Chemical Characterization