Integrated Materials Research Program: Vision, Pillars & Impact

Funding Alignment

NSF

DOE

DoD

NASA

USDA

Industry

State/Regional

1. Nano-Engineered Bamboo & Kudzu Thermoplastics

• Nano-interface engineering (surface treatments, compatibilizers)
• Dispersion strategies & crystallinity control
• Recyclable, circular composite systems
• Mechanical/thermal performance consistency
• Industry-ready processing windows & QA metrics

2. Hydrogen-Resistant & Nano-Reinforced Alloys

• Powder metallurgy, dispersion strengthening, HEAs
• Hydrogen embrittlement & corrosion mechanisms
• Microstructure–property–environment relationships
• Fractography & damage evolution
• Alloys for hydrogen storage, pipelines, turbines, aerospace

3. Upcycling Invasive Kudzu for High-Performance Materials

• Eco-aligned fiber extraction (mechanical/enzymatic)
• Morphology, crystallinity & interface optimization
• Lightweight structural composites
• Rural bioeconomy & invasive-species mitigation
• Applications: automotive, construction, packaging, UAVs

4. Bio-Fiber/Metal Hybrid Structures via Cold Spray

• Cold-spray deposition on natural-fiber composites
• Interface engineering & adhesion optimization
• Multifunctional coatings (EMI, thermal, wear)
• Hybrid structures for aerospace, defense, EVs
• Microstructure–property mapping of hybrid interfaces

5. High-Throughput, Multi-Modal Materials Analytics

• SEM/EDS, TEM, AFM, XRD, FTIR/Raman, NMR, DSC/DMA/TGA
• Mechanical, thermal, chemical, and physical testing
• Failure analysis & root-cause diagnostics
• SOP development, databases, structure–property pipelines
• Workforce training & industry collaboration

6. Fiber-Derived Products & Multi-Sector Applications

• Natural Fiber-based nonwovens, films, and composite panels
• Structure–property optimization for diverse uses
• Biodegradable/recyclable product pathways
• Fire-resistant & functionalized bio-composites
• Economic value creation from invasive biomass