The goal of the project is to develop a new approach to the fabrication of high-temperature diboride-based ternary composite ceramics, with a higher heat and oxidation resistance than materials presently available. The research approach involves a thorough understanding of the materials science paradigm (processing-microstructure-property correlation) as related to the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) process. 

Two graduate and at least two undergraduate students will be involved in this research and will be exposed to the most advanced aspects of research in materials science and engineering, with a special focus on processing of functional multi-component materials with enhanced properties (mechanical, thermal), of interest for a wide range of engineering applications.