Powders for Structural and Functional Applications

Workshop leader: Dr Moataz Attallah 

Interest in the applications of powders has been growing in various industrial sectors over the past decade. Powders are heavily utilised in the manufacture of structural and functional materials applications, for instance using 3D printing (additive manufacture), powder netshape sintering (e.g. powder hot isostatic pressing), gelcasting of ceramics, and other manufacturing processess. They provide various advantages, specifically their capability to reduce waste (making it a resource efficient manufacturing approach). In addition, the powders and particulates, on their own can be used for various applications, in the fields of biomaterials, catalysis, and surface functionalisation. Their use faces a number of challenges that need to be addressed through advanced research. This includes the understanding of their characteristics, properties, and the development of models that describe their production and processing.

Research on powder processing is performed across various schools and colleges. A significant activity on powder processing exists in the Schools of Metallurgy and Materials and Chemical Engineering. In addition, research on nano-powder characterisation is performed in GEES and School of Chemistry. This workshop aims to bring all of the interested researchers on this topic to discuss the potential collaborations that may rise on this strategic topic.