The Laboratory makes use of numerous tools for the preparation and characterization of new materials and it carries out modeling and simulation activities with the aim of deepening the theoretical knowledge of particular processes or the characteristics of the materials.

The main activity of the laboratory concerns the production of ceramic materials with high geometric complexity, through various 3D printing techniques:

• stereolithographic printing (SLA): it is a technique that allows to create three-dimensional objects using particular photosensitive resins solidified through a UV source, starting from digital data processed by a CAD software
• selective laser sintering printing (SLS): it is an additive production technology that uses a laser beam to sinter dust particles that can be polymer or composite base
• binder jetting printing (BJ): it is a 3D printing technology that uses a powder bed, which are adhered by means of a binder deposited by an ink jet head. The process, repeated layer by layer, is used to create three-dimensional objects starting from a CAD file

The design of complex architectures is achieved through numerical codes purpose-built over the years and in continuous development, with which it is possible to generate porous materials suitable for 3D printing and to perform topological optimizations for the creation of high-performance ceramic components.

The main research activities currently at the Laboratory include

• Development and characterization of ceramic foams and lattices, manufactured through additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, for the construction of porous burners, radiators, solar absorbers, catalysts, air / water filters and high temperature heat exchangers
• Development and characterization of ceramic matrix composite materials for aerospace and high temperature applications
• Development and characterization of polymer matrix composite materials for electrical applications
• Modeling and simulation of the thermal, electrical and mechanical behavior of ceramic foams and lattices and conductive polymeric composite materials
• Modeling and simulation of reactive infiltration processes in ceramic materials