Affiliated with the Department of Chemical Engineering, the CML currently maintains laboratories and offices in Bowen and Hayes Halls on the campus of Princeton University.
The primary goal of the CML is advancing ceramic processing science and technology. Our research activities focus on improving material systems, while heightening the state of the art in ceramic materials. We believe that this can be best achieved by combining basic and applied research, and applying results immediately for the engineering of improved materials.
Recognizing that the key to improved properties is the control of hierarchy within the materials system, we begin with the organization of atomic and molecular aggregates. These aggregates serve as the building blocks for larger structures, which in turn provide the components for even larger structures. This hierarchical structuring is frequently observed in biological materials (such as bone, hair, and seashell), leading to bioinspired processing as a new paradigm in materials processing. More generally, the design and fabrication of materials with predictable properties begins at the atomic scale but requires monitoring and control at each stepwise increase in the degree of complexity . The process ends only when the size of the materials system is sufficient to meet the requirements of the application.
Research at the CML is concentrated in the areas of Biomimetics, Multifunctional Materials, Nanoscale Science and Technology, and Hierarchical Systems. Details on these and other aspects of the CML can be found using the links at the bottom of the page.
Biologically Inspired Materials Institute (BIMat)An institute for the study of Biologically Inspired Materials (BIMat) was established with funding under the University Research, Engineering, and Technology Institute (URETI) through NASA in August 2002. The program, led by Princeton University, includes researchers from Princeton, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of California at Santa Barbara, Northwestern University, and the Universities Space Research Association (USRA).
More information regarding the BIMat Institute is available at the BIMat website (www.bimat.org). Additional information about the institute can be found in the following accounts of the Inaugural Meeting held 25 September 2002 at Princeton:
News and Press Articles"Devir biyotaklit devri!" (Biomimetics Age) Focus (March, 2005) pp. 36-41
(video/audio, MPEG format)
The following articles contain general descriptions of some aspects of the group's activities. A list of our technical publications along with available reprints can be found on the Publications page.
Senior Research Projects
Seniors at Princeton University are usually required to perform an independent research project and write a thesis describing their work. A list of theses written by students from several departments who have been associated with the CML can be found at our Senior Theses page.
Visiting the CMLVisitors to the Ceramic Materials Laboratory are always welcome. Please contact Karen Oliver, Administrative Assistant, CML, for more information about our group. To assist you in planning a visit to our group and to the University, the following links provide directions to and maps of the University.
© 2005 Princeton University, Department of Chemical Engineering,
Ceramic Materials Laboratory. All Rights Reserved.
