An international research team has demonstrated a new approach to 4D-printed shape-morphing implants that opens the door to increasingly personalised healthcare.
An international research team has demonstrated a new approach to 4D-printed shape-morphing implants that opens the door to increasingly personalised healthcare. The findings, outlined in the journal Additive Manufacturing, highlight how material degradation can be used to trigger controlled
It was a special day for the IMDEA Materials Institute as our Scientific Director, Prof. Javier LLorca, received the Miguel Catalán Research Award from the Community of Madrid. The award was presented by the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, and the Regional Minister for
The PhD defence will take place in the Video Room 3.S1.08, Rey Pastor Library Building of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.How to get there: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Av.+de+la+Universidad,+30,+28911+Legan%C3%A9s,+Madrid,+Spain (Avda. de la Universidad, 30, Rey Pastor Building,
Abstract: Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing of precise metal components for aerospace and biomedical applications using key powder materials with exceptional properties, such as Ti-, Ni-, and Co-based alloys, is a promising approach, given the possibility of reducing the part
Abstract: Our understanding of natural processes in the life sciences is very strongly dependent on our ability to observe in sufficient detail how an organism’s biochemical processes evolve, and how they connect to that organism’s overall behaviour. This is partially a technical issue, because
Abstract: Metal halide perovskites have attracted increasing attention in recent years due to their outstanding physico-chemical properties and excellent performance in diverse photocatalytic reactions. However, most studies focus on lead-based perovskites, whose toxicity has driven the search
Abstract: Joint replacement is rightfully considered one of the most techno-clinical success stories of the latter part of the 20th Century with numerous patients particularly those of advancing years having improved quality of life. Despite the latest range of materials having substantially
Abstract: With the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) in underground parking garages, new fire risks emerge that are not adequately addressed by current safety standards. Our research tackles this urgent issue by developing a targeted fire suppression solution. Through full-scale
Abstract: The performance of metallic materials under cryogenic conditions is critical for advancing technologies in aerospace, hydrogen economy, and superconductivity. However, designing alloys for these extreme environments is challenging due to the complex interplay of deformation mechanisms
Dr. Sabina Lachowicz-Wisniewska Behind the colour, flavour and aroma of foods such as red wine, coffee, olive oil, dark chocolate and berries lies a family of naturally occurring compounds known as polyphenols. Beyond their sensory appeal, polyphenols play multiple roles in human health.
The PhD defence will take place in Aula 225, Departamental I, Campus de Alcorcón. How to get there: Google Maps – Campus de Alcorcón (Universidad Rey Juan Carlos)https://www.google.com/maps/search/Campus+de+Alcorcón+Universidad+Rey+Juan+Carlos The dissertation is titled “Construction of
Researchers have demonstrated a new bilayer ceramic coating to extend the service life of tools needed in the machining of the world’s most widely used titanium alloy. The findings, recently published in Surface and Coatings Technology, could pave the way for improved cutting tool durability and
On January 16th, 2026, Guillermo Dominguez will defend his doctoral thesis entitled “Effects “of chemical composition, surface treatments, and processing technique on the corrosion and cytocompatibility of Zn and Mg alloys. It was advised by Prof. Javier Llorca and Dr. Mónica Echeverry The PhD
Project details Funding: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023. HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01Project coordinator: IMDEA Materials Project period: 01/01/2026– 31/12/2027 IMDEA Materials' researchers Supervisor: Prof. Javier LlorcaFellow: Dr. Muhammad Naeem Abstract The demand
At IMDEA Materials, we believe that excellent research should not stop at the lab. That’s why we are launching the "Materialise 2026 Proof-of-Concept (PoC) call", an initiative designed to accelerate the journey from scientific results to real-world applications.This call reflects our commitment to
Patent details Status Spanish patent filed Inventors Jon Molina, Oscar Roberto Contreras, Mónica Echeverry, Muzi Li, Jesús Ordoño, Andrés Díaz Lantada, Carlos Aguilar Vega, Rodrigo Zapata Martínez Application number P202530946 Applicant IMDEA
Abstract: The moiré effect is an interference phenomenon that occurs when two regular geometric arrangements are superimposed, resulting in large-scale fringe patterns that become particularly prominent at acute angles. These arrangements produce waves with noticeable moiré wavelengths, a
Researchers from IMDEA Materials Institute have demonstrated improved and more affordable catalytic materials used to produce green hydrogen. In a recent study, published in ACS Catalysis, intermetallic thin films made from three low-cost alloys: silver and indium (Ag₃In), nickel and iron (Ni₃Fe)
Abstract: Understanding how cells sense and respond to mechanical cues is a central challenge in mechanobiology, yet current experimental platforms offer limited control over dynamic and spatially heterogeneous mechanical environments. In this talk, I will introduce our work at the intersection
José Manuel Torralba, IMDEA MATERIALS They surround us in computers, bottles, packaging, furniture, cars, aeroplanes and even in most of the clothes we wear. Their low cost and apparent recyclability have made polymers (plastics) ubiquitous. However, they present two major problems. The first
Miguel Ángel Rodiel, IMDEA MATERIALS and José Manuel Torralba, IMDEA MATERIALS Are Spaniards addicted to rubbish? Not to junk food, nor to the “trash TV” that hooks many of us in the late afternoon and evening, but to rubbish itself: the kind that fills our landfills and, beyond that, our rivers,
IMDEA MATERIALS PROOF-OF-CONCEPT CALL 2026 - MATERIALISE GOAL AND DESCRIPTION There is a gap between the progress made through research funding and what industry and investors view as an interesting commercial opportunity. While researchers usually
Researchers have developed a powerful new method to simulate and predict how cracks form and grow in engineering materials under repeated loading. The study, recently published in the International Journal of Fatigue, is the work of IMDEA Materials Institute’s Miguel Castillón, and Profs. Javier
On 10 December, we welcomed students from IES Antonio Gala and IES Miguel Delibes as part of the Community of Madrid’s new programme ¿Será mi vocación?, an initiative designed to bring young people closer to the professional world and help them discover potential career paths. The day began
Abstract: Trillions of dollars of polymer products, such as wires and cables, hydrogels, tires, heat shrinkable films, wood plastic for floor, tubes, etching, disinfection, harm removal, 3D printing, and coating etc. have been recreated by electron beam (EB) technology every year. Over the past
At IMDEA Materials Institute, Dr. JoAnn Ballor is leading the UTIFE project, exploring ultrafine eutectic Ti–Fe alloys for next-generation metal 3D printing. This cutting-edge research with applications in aerospace and beyond has been possible thanks to a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Developing metals specifically for additive manufacturing, also known as metal 3D printing, is increasingly important. This process imposes thermal conditions and solidification rates that differ significantly from conventional fabrication methods. At IMDEA Materials Institute, Dr JoAnn Ballor is
Prof. Javier LLorca’s recognition as the recipient of the 2025 Miguel Catalán Award consolidates his position as one of the leading figures in the fields of engineering and materials science.Scientific Director of the IMDEA Materials Institute, leader of the Bio/Chemo/Mechanics of Materials research
A novel cobalt (Co)- and nickel (Ni)-based high-entropy superalloy (CoNi-HESA) capable of withstanding higher operating temperatures could prove a step toward more powerful and fuel-efficient aircraft engines. The development and manufacture of the new CoNi-HESA is outlined in a recently
José Manuel Torralba, IMDEA MATERIALS What role does artificial intelligence play in a materials factory? How can it help choose the best combination of ingredients to achieve specific properties for a wide range of purposes? It turns out that AI is becoming essential for digesting the hundreds
Patent details Status European patent filed Inventors De-Yi Wang, Xiang Ao, Yunhuan Liu Application number EP25382313.2 Applicant IMDEA Materials Institute Priority date 31/03/2025 Transfer opportunity Technology
Patent details Status European patent filed Inventors Javier LLorca Martínez, Jennifer Patterson, Jon Mikel Molina Aldareguia, Andrés Díaz, William Solorzano, Alexander Kopp, Simon Poestges Application number EP25153513.4 Applicant IMDEA
At IMDEA Materials Institute, a new line of research is emerging with the potential to change how we treat injuries and degenerative diseases. The goal: to create tissues and implants capable of regenerating parts of the human body, from bone and cartilage, to ligaments and tendons. “I want to
IMDEA Materials Institute has further strengthened its commitment to international collaboration in materials science research, development, and innovation programmes through a new Framework Collaboration Agreement (FCA) with INEGI. The Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and
The PhD defence will take place on Aula 31, first floor, at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. How to get there: Campus, Calle del Prof. Aranguren, 3, 28040 Madrid. The dissertation is titled “Fire-safe lithium-ion batteries: material, assessment, and mechanism”. It has been advised by
IMDEA Materials Institute recently took part in the Spain–China Innovation Forum in Advanced Materials for Low Carbon Transition and Industrial Competitiveness, held in Beijing, China. Represented by our Director of Projects and Technology, Miguel Ángel Rodiel, the forum aimed to strengthen
A new study combining fire safety, hygiene, and sustainability has led to the development of a multifunctional polyurethane foam that resists flames and suppresses smoke, while also preventing bacterial growth. The new material, which also exhibits improved mechanical properties, could be
The long-standing relationship between the IMDEA Materials Institute and the International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE) has entered a new stage with the signing of a framework collaboration agreement. This step forward in consolidating an already well-established
Home to several fast-growing biomaterials research lines, IMDEA Materials is also playing a role in resolving key issues relating to the standardisation and regulation of 3D bioprinting. Prof. Andrés Díaz Lantada, Principal Investigator of the institute’s Bioinspired, Smart and Living Materials
At IMDEA Materials, we continue to promote the transfer of scientific knowledge from the laboratory to industry and society. Researchers Prof. Dr. De-Yi Wang and Dr. Xiang Ao have recently participated in The Collider’s Opportunity Validation programme, an initiative by Mobile World Capital
Abstract: Zinc and its alloys have been recently considered promising candidates for biodegradable implants due to their excellent biocompatibility and stable degradation rates, despite their low mechanical strength. Among advanced fabrication technologies for medical components, laser
Patent details Status US and PCT patents filed Inventors Afshin Pendashteh, Juan José Vilatela García, Sibani Biswal, Quan Nguyen, Matteo Pasquali, Ratnika Gupta, Steven Williams Application number 63/625,641, PCT/US2025/013097 Applicant IMDEA
Patent details Status Spanish patent filedPCT Extension Inventors Juan José Vilatela García, Anastasiia Mikhalchan, Ana Inés de Isidro Gómez, David Camacho Pernil, Marta Isabel Ocaña Dominguez, Eva Novillo Diaz Application
Abstract: The first part of the talk will be on the challenges and the potential solutions of titanium (Ti)-based alloy processing through Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing. AM, which allows the realisation of a metallic component with complex geometries not achievable by
Abstract: Since the advent of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, mRNA has become one of the most promising nucleic acid therapeutics. However, a major challenge now is how to deliver mRNA to targeting cells effectively and increase mRNA expression yield but de-risk potential toxicity to expand its clinical
A new collaborative study between IMDEA Materials Institute, China’s Northwestern Polytechnical University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University, and the Southern University of Science and Technology, has achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of mechanical
Abstract: Biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys represent a promising class of materials for next-generation biomedical implants, particularly endoluminal devices. Their major limitation, however, lies in the difficulty of controlling corrosion in the aggressive physiological environment, where
• Since 2023, IMDEA Materials Institute has maintained an extraordinary connection with Spain’s most prestigious engineering distinction: the Leonardo Torres Quevedo National Research Award.• Following the recognition of Prof. Javier LLorca in 2023 and Prof. Eugenio Oñate in 2024, Prof. Maria Pau
The international educational programme Mars Challenge, promoted by Virtual Educa and Space Talent Lab, will hold its 2025 international final in Spain, within the framework of the Forum of Innovation, Talent and Aerospace Education (FITEA 2025). The event will take place at the IMDEA Materials
Abstract: "Additive manufacturing processes are predominantly governed by complex thermomechanical interactions that critically influence the mechanical properties and the quality of the final product. This study first developed a mathematical framework of general small-strain thermo-mechanics
Software details Software authors Christina Schenk Intellectual Property Rights Copyright © Fundación IMDEA Materiales Opportunity Software license Reference Schenk and M. Haranczyk, A novel constrained sampling method for efficient exploration
Software details Software authors Christina Schenk Intellectual Property Rights Copyright © Fundación IMDEA Materiales Opportunity Software license Reference C. Schenk and M. Haranczyk, A novel constrained sampling method for efficient
On Tuesday, IMDEA Materials Institute's Prof. José Manuel Torralba was formally inducted as a full member of the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAI). Prof. Torralba is a Senior Researcher and former Director of the IMDEA Materials, as well as Professor at the Carlos III University of Madrid
Abstract:In this talk, José Luis Plaza will briefly discuss the development of Crystal Semiconductor Technologies company, born at the Crystal Growth Laboratory of the Autonomous University of Madrid (LCC-UAM). He will introduce how the knowledge gained from more than 40 years of experience led to
Abstract: Beyond its capability to create intricate geometries, Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) is a powerful tool for tailoring the microstructure of metallic materials. By carefully adjusting process parameters, L-PBF enables fine tuning of crystallographic textures – a particularly critical
The 2025 Top 2% Scientist Lists from Stanford University are out, and for the first time, 12 IMDEA Materials researchers are recognised, with four of those being named among the top 500 scientists from around the world in their research categories. Profs. Drs. Javier LLorca, Harun Tüysüz, De-Yi
IMDEA Materials Institute has reinforced its commitment to international scientific collaboration during a visit from the Vice Minister of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Mr. Yong Qiu. The visit builds on the institute’s existing collaborations with leading Chinese research
Abstract: In this talk, José Luis Plaza will briefly discuss the development of Crystal Semiconductor Technologies company, born at the Crystal Growth Laboratory of the Autonomous University of Madrid (LCC-UAM). He will introduce how the knowledge gained from more than 40 years of experience led
Abstract: The talk will explore the key challenges in the design and development of drug delivery systems aimed at targeted disease treatment. Special emphasis will be placed on strategies for crossing biological barriers, with a focus on targeting the brain, while also considering broader
Christina Schenk, IMDEA MATERIALS It’s possible that your home has polyester curtains, a synthetic fabric that can melt and burn quickly when it reaches high temperatures. Fire spreads across its surface and produces toxic smoke. When a small flame comes into contact with polyester, the heat
Machine learning for materials discovery Dr. Christina Schenk holds a Staff Scientist position at IMDEA Materials and leads the ML4Materials (Machine Learning for Materials Discovery) Lab. In this role, she collaborates with and supports several research groups at IMDEA Materials. She earned
Abstract: Sports injuries often arise from the limited ability of the human locomotor system to effectively store and release elastic energy during high-demand activities (Nigg & Wakeling, 2001). Current athletic footwear technologies rely heavily on energy-absorbing polymers that reduce
Abstract: The development of new and novel materials is critical for driving innovations in the next generation of devices and systems for applications in nanoelectronics, energy conversion and storage, and quantum computing. As the limitations of silicon-based technologies become increasingly
Thin films and nanomechanics Dr. Miguel Monclús graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Engineering at Dublin City University (DCU) and as a Technical Engineer in Industrial Electronics (1996) at Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV). He obtained his Ph.D. at DCU in the field of
Polymer Characterisation Dr. Juan Pedro Fernández Blázquez completed his Chemistry M.Sc. at the Complutense University of Madrid (2001), where he also got his Ph.D. for his dissertation entitled “Synthesis, phase transition, and orientation effect in liquid crystal polymers”, research performed in
Juan Pedro Fernández Miguel Monclús Christina Schenk Polymers characterisationStaff Scientist and Technical Coordinator Thin films and nanomechanicsStaff Scientist Machine learning for materials discoveryStaff Scientist
Abstract: Additive manufacturing (AM), particularly laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), has revolutionized the fabrication of high-performance metal components for aerospace by enabling more complex geometries to be produced with superior mechanical properties and minimal material waste [1-5].
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
Software details Software authors Christina Schenk, Ignacio Romero Intellectual Property Rights Copyright © Fundación IMDEA Materiales and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. All rights reserved Opportunity Software license. Reference Publication
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
Radiotelevision Española (RTVE) has visited the headquarters of IMDEA Materials' spin off, Floatech, highlighting the company's work in developing next-generation silicon anodes for electric vehicles and batteries. Floatech was featured as part of RTVE's coverage of World Electric Vehicle Day. You
Researchers at IMDEA Materials Institute have developed a pioneering method to assemble silicon nanowires into ordered, macroscopic networks: a key step toward expanding their industrial applications. Silicon nanowires offer exceptional energy storage capacity, electrical conductivity, and
Project details Funding: Consolidación Investigadora 2024Project coordinator: IMDEA Materials Project period: 01/10/2025 – 31/03/2027 IMDEA Materials' researchers Dr. Damien Tourret Abstract Historically, metallic alloys have been developed by experimental
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 –
Online publication Phys.org has highlighted IMDEA Materials' pioneering work into the assembly of silicon nanowires into ordered, macroscopic networks: a key step toward expanding their industrial applications. You can find the original publication, here.
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
La Región Ourense has published its latest article with IMDEA Materials researcher, Prof. José Manuel Torralba on the trending topic of robotics and artificial intelligence in developing new and improved materials. You can find the original article, here.
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
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
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
How can we accelerate discovery in materials science and drug development while dealing with limited data and resource constraints? That is the question at the heart of BENEFICIARY, a new project at IMDEA Materials Institute that seeks to develop more intelligent and adaptable machine learning
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,
Europa Press has reported on the recent visit of Emilio Viciana, Councillor for Education, Science, and Universities of the Community of Madrid, to IMDEA Materials Institute. During his visit, Councillor Viciana had the opportunity to see first-hand IMDEA Materials’ latest innovations and
