Proyectos

The study of the microstructure of machined metal surfaces plays a key role in understanding the thermomechanical conditions at the tool/workpiece interface and allows us to pinpoint the driving forces that trigger microstructure formation processes. In this project, we are investigating these microstructural processes in a number of key materials for the aerospace and automotive industries: AISI 1045 steel, Inconel 718 and Aluminum 7475. The idea of the project is to understand the patterns of surface layer microstructure formation during the cutting process and use this knowledge to target improvements in the surface properties of the finished part by changing the cutting parameters.

Waste heat—the rejected by-product of all energy conversion processes—remains a huge and unexplored reservoir of green energy. It is estimated that two-thirds of the 160 TWh required for global power consumption is lost to the environment each year. Converting even a fraction of this wasted energy into electricity at the cost of 10 cents per kWh would generate a new EUR 1.0 trillion industry—creating jobs, boosting the economy, and increasing energy efficiency.

One of the most challenging problems in material science is establishing a relation between material’s properties and interfacial structure.

This project aims at establishing a fundamental and applied research program via the set up of a new “virtual modeling lab” which will open the path towards a change of paradigm in the modelling of Space Weather impact.

Nano-spaces based on organic molecules, including porous coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks (PCP/MOF), find applications in storage, separation, and transport. Protein crystals offer larger nano-spaces (4.5-100 nm) and biocompatibility. The NS-PC project focuses on synthesizing, characterizing, and applying protein crystals, utilizing cage-shaped proteins to confine organic molecules or nanoparticles. Peptide-functionalized proteins enable crystalization through conventional and gene-engineered methods, forming binary or ternary protein crystals. These crystals could serve as containers for molecules or scaffolds for nanostructures. Protein crystals are proposed for developing periodic magnetic nanostructures, aiding magnon physics and microwave device innovation. Biocompatibility opens avenues for drug delivery and imaging agents, potentially revolutionizing healthcare with larger-capacity carriers. The project bridges fundamental research and practical applications.