• Design and production of innovative materials with functional properties
The research activity focuses on the development of advanced materials for different energy and environmental applications (design of materials for heat accumulation and release and innovative materials for water collection and recovery from the environment). Another area of study concerns the design of absorbent materials for the remediation of hydrocarbon contamination of aquatic environments. The research includes the design and production through additive manufacturing of structures for structural and energy applications, composite structures reinforced with natural mineral and vegetal fibers and the prototyping of materials for electronics.
• Development, characterization and optimization of innovative coatings for industrial applications
The research focuses on composite materials for innovative coatings intended for the efficiency of thermal energy recovery and reuse systems and energy storage and on the development of multifunctional coatings for the naval sector (antifouling, fire protection, magnetic shielding and other functionalities).
• Valorization of industrial and civil waste and/or waste materials
The valorization of industrial and civil waste and/or waste materials occurs through the development of innovative technologies aimed at the recovery and/or conversion of high value-added materials.
• Evaluation of the performance and environmental prospects of industrial processes through LCA studies
The research activity applies the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) methodology to the production of biodiesel from biomass, to identify areas of improvement and increase the overall sustainability of the product life cycle.
• Development of systems for improving the safety and reliability of structures (industrial and/or civil)
The research activity focuses on the development of advanced systems to predict the degradation of structures, quantifying the effectiveness of mitigation interventions, including new safety technologies, to monitor the deterioration of critical structures in at-risk plants. Another focus is the management of industrial safety through predictive maintenance, advanced sensors and technologies for risk prevention in complex production contexts.
• Technology adoption and exploitation
The research activity focuses on the changes to products, processes, structures and organization needed to effectively integrate new technologies in established companies and high-tech startups, also analyzing the conditions for their economic exploitation.
Development of innovative joining technologies
The research activity focuses on the study of innovative connection systems by analyzing the effect of process parameters on mechanical performance, with an optimization that includes machine learning techniques. Finite element analysis, testing under different load and environmental conditions, and the study of fracture modes complete the activity.
Additive Manufacturing (AM)
The activity consists in the systematic study of 3D printing technology to optimize the internal processes of the research group and to explore the potential of AM in territorial development through living labs.
•Plant design, sustainability and project management
The research focuses on the design of innovative plants and production lines through modeling, simulation and digitalization of processes, integrating technical-economic evaluation and life cycle analysis for highly energy efficient and low environmental impact solutions. It includes the application of advanced project management methodologies for the planning, control and efficient implementation of technological and industrial innovation projects, ensuring compliance with time, costs and quality.
Address:
Dipartimento di Ingegneria, C/da di Dio, S. Agata di Messina, ME
date/time interval:
(November 27, 2019 - )