The Kovar Group's research interests are in the areas of processing and microstructure/property characterization of films, nanostructured metals and ceramics, and structural ceramics. Much of this research involves multidisciplinary work with other research groups in Physics, Engineering Mechanics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. For example, a current multidisciplinary research project is aimed at producing high volume quantities of nanoparticles by laser ablation from microparticles. The nanoparticles are used to directly write nanostructured ceramic or metal thick films by supersonically impacting the nanoparticles onto substrates at room temperature. Nanoparticles and nanostructured films and devices are produced and characterized for optical, magnetic, electrical applications. Another interdisciplinary research project is aimed at using a low cost ceramic manufacturing process to produce ultra thin electrolytes and combining these electrolytes with new cathode compositions to enable the use of solid oxide fuel cells at lower temperatures (600-800?C). Recently, the Kovar group has been exploring the use of a novel processing method for producing non-uniform honeycombs with superior thermo mechanical properties. These nonunion honeycombs may offer significant performance improvements in porous burners and other applications were severe gradients in thermal or mechanical loading exist.
Updated
May 12, 2007
Comments to dkovar@mail.utexas.edu