How Did You Know Us?

What is Materials Science?

Materials science is the study of the characteristics and uses of the various materials, such as metals, ceramics, and plastics that are employed in science and technology.

Materials science is a multi-disciplinary field involving the properties of matter and its applications to various areas of science and engineering. This means that it cuts across the traditional fields of science, from chemistry to physics and to engineering.

Examples of our Research

Characterisation - Looking at the Heart of Materials

Characterisation tools, like the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), are just some of the essential tools that help researchers see materials from a different perspective. This allows them to study the properties, structures and behaviour of materials to learn its strengths and weaknesses.

Micro and Nanoscale - Size does Matter

Trying to fit the world into the palm of your hand? In today's scientific world, we are talking about fitting it onto a single strand of hair. Such are the advancements and demands in modern technology where smaller is better. We look into research at materials at the very small scale, both micro- (10^-6m) and nano- (10^-9m) sizes, which are one millionth and one billionth of a metre.

Polymers - Fantastic Plastics

Polymers or plastics have become a staple in building materials, packaging, aircraft and automobile parts and a host of other products. Cheap to make, durable and versatile, plastics have come a long way. Plastics can be toughened to withstand high heat or vigorous mechanical impact and can even be coated onto surfaces to give added protection.

LEDs and OLEDs - The Future of Lighting and Displays

Imagine consumer lighting that is brighter, longer-lasting and consumes less power. With advancements in solid-state lighting, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are set to replace conventional fluorescent tubes and light bulbs. Other developments in IMRE include organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays which are next generation lightweight, high-brightness, super-thin, flexible screens.