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Institute for Materials and Advanced Processes

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Welcome to the Institute for Materials and Advanced Processes  

 

Located at the University of Idaho's McClure Hall, the Institute for Materials and Advanced Processes (IMAP) is one of six research areas identified by the University to be developed into viable internationally recognized activities. 

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                                  McClure Hall, University of Idaho

Materials covers the three basic materials classes of metals, polymers, and ceramics, as well as composite combinations of these classes. 

Advanced processes include research on materials processes using nonconventional “far from equilibrium” processes for metals, such as mechanical alloying, plasma, laser, and electron beam processing, as well as processing of polymer, ceramic and composite materials.  Pervasive to the whole activity is the application of material science and engineering principles and the transition of the research programs to real-world applications.

                                                                                                                                                

 
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IMAP members consist of a diverse group of visiting scientists and graduate students who have the common goal in researching the light metals such as titanium for industrial applications (i.e., Aerospace and Automotive).

 

 

 

 

What Are Advanced Materials and Processes?

Advanced materials have enhanced mechanical and physical characteristics compared to traditional materials, such as aluminum and steel. These characteristics either allow for marked improvements in product or device performance or, of even greater significance, allow for new technologies not achievable with conventional materials. Examples of the latter are the high specific strength/specific stiffness of the polymeric composites, which make possible the forward swept X-29 wing, and the elevated temperature/low density behavior of the titanium aluminides which should soon see use in advanced gas turbine engine concepts and automobile valves. Advanced processes are those processes which may be used to synthesize advanced materials.

 

The advanced materials and processes industry has been identified as one of the three most important industries in driving technological change, national security considerations and economic advances into the next century. The other two are information/communications systems (computers) and biotechnology. Of these three industries, advanced materials and processes is the most critical as it is vital to advancements in the other two. It is therefore receiving major emphasis in many parts of the world.

 

Within the framework of IMAP, advanced processes also encompass innovative extraction techniques including application of biotechnology. Strategic and critical materials are those vital for military and essential civilian goods and services where requirements may exceed supplies in the event of disruptions such as embargoes or war. The Institute will investigate new ways to produce these materials and will develop new indigenous materials to replace the current strategic and critical materials.