Materials Science

Materials Sciencenanotubes

Materials research is a large part of what NIA does. The projects encompass the breadth of materials research, from the atomic and nano-scale to the component and macro-scale; from organic polymers to metals and to ceramics; and from computational methods to synthesis and processing, and to mechanical and structural analysis. Many of the materials are multifunctional, having potential applications in structural as well as electronic and sensing components.

NIA continues its research focus on Boron Nitride Nano Tubes (BNNT) in collaboration with NASA Langley.  BNNTs offer the promise of strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal performance that far exceed those of Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs). NIA conducts active research with our BNNT science rig located in our Research and Innovation Laboratory Building.