Plasma Facing Materials Development

• We are developing a new material by mixing various high melting point elements, which can be used as a fusion plasma facing material. For the development of this unique metal cocktail, powders of various refractory elements were mixed together, and bulk pieces were manufactured via high temperature sintering. Promising mechanical properties have been achieved while satisfying the reduced activation criteria, which suggest that the new alloy will be useful to serve nuclear fusion reactors in the harsh environment.

• Scientific Reports, Volume 7, 1926, May 2017

• Nuclear Fusion, Volume 59, Number 2, 026007, Feb. 2019

• Nuclear Materials and Energy Vol. 25, 100806, 2020

Metal Additive Manufacturing (Laser 3D Printing)

• Our lab focuses on advanced metal and alloy design through laser-based directed energy deposition (DED), emphasizing microstructure control and performance optimization for extreme environments. Building on studies of refractory alloys, Ni-based superalloys, low-alloy steels, and medium-entropy alloys, we investigate in-situ reinforcement and solute engineering mechanisms—including carbide/nitride decomposition and oxide dispersion formation—to enhance high-temperature strength, ductility, and phase stability. Through this approach, we aim to establish process–structure–property relationships that enable next-generation additively manufactured materials for nuclear, aerospace, and ultra-high-temperature applications.
• Additive Manufacturing, Vol. 72, 103622, June 25, 2023
• Journal of Materials Science and Technology, Vol. 202, Pages 240-252, 2024 
• Composites Part B, Vol. 297, 112281, 2025.