Materials

Our aim is to understand, develop and optimize ever more complex materials

The demand for materials and process engineering is constantly evolving and becoming ever more rigorous. For instance, improved IT performance means miniaturized structures, which creates new semi-conductor development and reliability problems. Likewise, creating less fuel-thirsty cars means developing lighter, more solid, energy-storing materials. The 21st century will be the age of custom-made, miniaturized, light and durable materials.
Our physicists, chemists and mechanical engineers are working together to develop new materials processing and production methods to meet industry-driven requirements. In 2003, nine Grenoble laboratories joined forces to set up the Institut de Science et Technologie des Matériaux (materials technology and science institute (ISTM).

Simulation and modeling

Digital simulation and modeling have an increasingly important role to play in materials sciences. Increasingly accurate characterization methods are managed via a shared technological platform (CMTC). Other major facilities are available in the Grenoble research community (reactors in the Laue-Langevin Institute - ILL, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility - l'ESRF).

Participants

• 9 laboratories : LEPMI, EPM, LMGP, 3S, LTPCM, GPM2, RHEOLOGIE, LGP2, THERMA.
• Supervisory structure : L'Institut de Science et Technologie des Matériaux : ISTM
• Rhone-Alpes supervisory structure : Fédération Rhône Alpes des Matériaux de Structure (Fédérams)

Doctoral schools

• Materials and process engineering
• Material physics
• Mechanical engineering and Energy studies