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An Extraterrestrial “S”: the First Metal Part 3D-Printed in Space

José Manuel Torralba, IMDEA MATERIALS The first “part” ever printed in space was a very thin rod shaped like an “S”. The “S” is a simple shape, but it poses some difficulty because it involves two changes in curvature. We could almost say it was a 2D print. But months later, a revolutionary

FYA of Yufei Liu entitled “Efficient Steel Creep Behavior Prediction with Bayesian-Calibrated Models” – Friday, 12th September 2025 at noon in the Seminar Room

Abstract: Creep is the slow, continuous deformation of a material under constant stress, especially at high temperatures. Accurately identifying its parameters remains a critical challenge in materials science. This work focuses on calibrating these parameters using a Bayesian calibration method

PhD Defense of Ignacio Rodríguez Barber, entitled “Laser powder bed fusion of Inconel 939: from parameter optimization to microstructural design” – On This Friday, 12 September at 11:00 AM

The PhD defence will take place in Sala 3.S01.08, Edificio Biblioteca Rey Pastor, Universidad Carlos III – Campus de Leganés. It has been advised by Director: Dr. María Teresa Pérez Prado and Academic Tutor: Prof. Mónica Campos Gómez. Here is the University address:Universidad Carlos III –

Seminar of Prof. Paraskevas Kontis, Associate Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology entitled “Atomic-scale engineering for crack-free additively manufactured superalloys.” On September 19th at noon in the seminar room.

Abstract: The presence of minor grain boundary solutes such as boron and zirconium can have significant consequences for the production of superalloys using additive manufacturing methods. On the one hand, their presence in the bulk chemistry is crucial for achieving the required mechanical

Seminar by Prof. Pere Barriobero, Ramón y Cajal researcher at the Polytechnical University of Catalonia, entitled “Real-time monitoring of engineering alloys under manufacturing and service conditions” – on September 11th, 2024, at 12:00 PM, in the Seminar Room.

Abstract: Optimizing the performance of engineering alloys during manufacturing and service conditions requires a keen understanding of their microstructure evolution under applied temperature and load. It is thus a challenging task, because under the influence of an external load and/or

Aircraft materials inspired by sea urchin skeletons

Lucía Doyle, IMDEA MATERIALS Building an aircraft is a task that must be thought out in detail. Its materials must meet strict requirements in terms of mechanical strength, performance, and weight reduction, in addition to other functions such as acoustic and thermal insulation. To simultaneously

Seminar by Prof. Ana Inés Gómez de Castro entitled “Ultraviolet radiation, nanomaterials and the investigation of the origin of life.” – On September 17, at noon, in the seminar room.

Abstract: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is efficiently absorbed by the atmosphere of the Earth and its relevance and usefulness in materials processing has been often disregarded being this type of studies relegated to astrophysics and space science and exploration. In this seminar, two examples of

Seminar by Prof. Marie A. Charpagne from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, entitled “Metastable alloys by design” – on Monday, September 1st, at 11:00am, in the Auditorium.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing how we synthesize, produce, and use metallic materials. However, out of hundreds of commercially available engineering alloys, only a handful are readily printable. This arises from the extreme heating and cooling rates associated with AM,

Do the viral cooling blankets on TikTok actually work?

María Dolores Martín Alonso, IMDEA MATERIALS TikTok has an uncanny ability to turn everyday objects into viral miracles. One day it’s a cream that erases wrinkles in seconds, the next it’s a blanket that promises cool nights without air conditioning. “Cooling blankets” are the algorithm’s

Fire-safety testing capabilities for battery enclosure materials

Available tests and benefitsFire testing for planar materials designed to be evaluated as battery enclosure components under extreme thermal and mechanical conditions. The primary test types include:Torch fire-only exposure (baseline thermal resistance)Combined torch & grit cycles (simulated

PhD Defense of Yuyao Liu, entitled “Development of 3D-printed biodegradable polymer scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering” – On July 23rd, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

The PhD defence will take place in the Leonardo Torres Quevedo Room, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos (UPM).How to get there: Campus, Calle del Prof. Aranguren, 3, 28040 MadridThe dissertation is titled “Development of 3D-printed biodegradable polymer scaffolds

FYA of Rafael Thomey entitled “Investigating and Addressing Degradation Mechanisms in 100% Silicon Nanowire Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries”– Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at noon in the auditorium.

Abstract: This thesis investigates key challenges in the development of next-generation lithium-ion batteries by using a fully silicon-based nanowire anode as a model system. The work focuses on understanding the mechanisms responsible for capacity fading—such as SEI instability, mechanical

Year in review: our 2024 Annual Report is now available

We are pleased to announce the launch of IMDEA Materials' 2024 Annual Report. The full document can be viewed here. This report is designed to provide an overview of the Institute and its main achievements during 2024. It also includes a description of the current Research Programmes,

Seminar by Dra. Maria Crespo-Ribadeneyra from Queen Mary University of London, entitled “Na-ion batteries: from materials sustainability to operando characterisation techniques” – on July 4th, 2025, at 11:00, in the Seminar Room.

Abstract: Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) are a potential alternative to diversify the energy landscape, beyond Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), due to their similar storage mechanism and easy technology transfer. Currently, the benchmark anodes for SIBs are hard carbons (HCs), since sodium ions do not

Bio-based inorganic-organic materials

Patent details Status Spanish patent filed. Inventors De-Yi Wang, Wei Tang, José Agustín Hobson and Yunhuan Liu. Application number P202430817 Applicant IMDEA Materials Institute Priority date 10/10/2024 Transfer

Seminar by Dr. Sven Vogel from Los Alamos National Laboratory, entitled “Metallurgical Studies with the HIPPO Diffractometer at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center” – on June 27th, at 12:00, in the Seminar Room.

Abstract: Advantages of neutron diffraction for metallurgical studies are highlighted with research examples performed on the High Pressure – Preferred Orientation (HIPPO) diffractometer at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). We give a brief introduction of neutron diffraction and an

Seminar by Natividad Gomez Cerezo from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, entitled “Nanostructured materials: applications in energy and biomedicine” – on June 20th, 2025, at 11:30, in the Seminar Room (SS floor).

Abstract: Energy: H2 production The development of TiO₂-based photocatalysts modified with palladium for efficient hydrogen (H₂) production under UV-visible and visible light irradiation has been explored. By combining high-surface-area mesoporous TiO₂ with small amounts of Pd, the researchers

Seminar by Prof. Subodh Kumar. from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, entitled “Improving Formability of Mg Alloys, and Improving Mechanical Properties, Self-Healing and Recycling of Polymer Composites.” – on June 16th, at 12:00, in the SS Seminar Room.

Abstract: Cast Mg alloys have found many applications and current focus of research is on wrought Mg alloys. One major challenge in this effort is poor formability of Mg alloys. In this talk, I will present the results of current research work in my group to improve formability of AM30 Mg alloy

Seminar by Prof. Mohamad Moosavi from University of Toronto, entitled “Connecting Materials Synthesis to Applications Using Machine Learning on X-ray Diffraction Data” – on May 23rd, 2025, at 12:15, in the Seminar Room.

Abstract: In this talk, I will present our work on developing machine learning methods to accelerate the design and discovery of nanoporous materials, with a focus on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Over the past decades, the synthesis of over 100,000 MOFs has marked significant progress in this

(FireSafeBATT) TALENTO CÉSAR NOMBELA

Project details Funding: Comunidad de Madrid Project coordinator: IMDEA MATERIALES Project period: 01/05/2025 – 30/04/2029 IMDEA Materials' researchers Xiaowei Mu Abstract Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) show advantages of high energy density, excellent cycle performance, and have been

Young talent joins the research team at IMDEA Materials

Accelerated materials discovery, optimisation of composite materials inspection, and characterisation of the next generation of bioabsorbable implants. These are just three of the research lines being developed by the new cohort of the Young Researchers Programme (Programa de Jóvenes

The power of emptiness: nanoporous materials to build the future

Representation of a porous MOF structure capturing carbon dioxide molecules. Love Employee/Shutterstock Phuong Thúy Vo, IMDEA MATERIALES From CO₂ capture to drug delivery, porous materials are becoming essential in a wide range of applications. Among them are the so-called metal-organic

Seminar of Dr. Gabriele Greco from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, entitled “Spider-inspired sustainable materials and structures” – on April 29th, 2025, at 10:00 am, in the Seminar Room.

Abstract: Spiders often evoke fear and disgust, yet their silks and webs inspire awe and fascination, capturing human curiosity throughout history. From sparking the interest of ancient philosophers to influencing practical innovations, spider silk has long been intertwined with our cultural and

Why is it worthwhile to study a doctorate? – La Región, Ourense

It’s a question that many master’s students ask themselves at this time of year. And, as our Director Prof. José Manuel Torralba points out, they don’t always find clear, realistic… let alone encouraging answers. In his recent article published in La Región, Prof. Torralba explores the social,

New members of the IMDEA Materials Institute team – March 2025

Every month, we welcome new members of the IMDEA Materials team. Here, you can find a short profile of our most recent additions, including their upcoming role with IMDEA Materials and their educational and professional background. Hello, my name is Berta Valbuena. I have a degree in Clinical

FYA of Yunhuan Liu entitled “Fire Protection Coatings for Enhanced Fire Safety of Battery Enclosures in Extreme Conditions” – March 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Seminar Room.

Abstract: The demand for lightweight battery enclosures in new energy vehicles has led to the increased use of aluminum alloys and polymer composites. However, the potential hazards associated with thermal runaway events in high-energy-density batteries necessitate advanced fire mitigation

IMDEA Materials to host annual virtual ‘Open PhD Day’ on April 3

IMDEA Materials Institute is set to welcome prospective PhD candidates to our annual Open PhD Day, which will take place online for the first time on Thursday, April 3. This event provides students from Spain and beyond with the opportunity to learn about PhD opportunities at one of Europe’s

FYA of Giovanni Ortiz Pérez entitled “Development of Monitoring and Control Strategies for Laser-Assisted Metal Material Deposition Processes” – April 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM in the Seminar Room.

Abstract: This study investigates defect formation during continuous-laser additive manufacturing of Inconel-718 through real-time monitoring integrating photodiodes and XCT tomography. Advanced machine learning techniques were applied to analyse and correlate thermal emission patterns with

Prof. Dr. De-Yi Wang elected to the European Academy of Sciences and Arts

Prof. Dr. De-Yi Wang, Principal Researcher at IMDEA Materials Institute and Professor at the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) has been elected as a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA), one of Europe’s most prestigious scientific societies. Prof. Wang, who leads IMDEA

New members of the IMDEA Materials Institute team

Every month, we welcome new members of the IMDEA Materials team. Here, you can find a short profile of our most recent additions, including their upcoming role with IMDEA Materials and their educational and professional background. Hi, my name is Francesca Sepúlveda Espinoza, and I'm from

FYA of Radouan Bouallala entitled “Surrogate modelling of the mechanical behaviour of structural composites” – May 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM in the Seminar Room.

Abstract: Coupon testing plays an important role in aeronautical design, providing a great understanding of material behaviour under different stress conditions. Integrating simulation at this stage could significantly reduce the need for extensive physical tests. This approach could reduce costs