Group of Characterization of Materials (GCM)

The Group of Characterization of Materials (GCM) focuses its research in the following topics:

• Study of the equilibrium and non-equilibrium phase diagram, structure and relaxation dynamics, of polymorphs, plastic crystals, polymers, and structural and orientational glasses.
• Study of materials undergoing energetic phase transitions that can be used as heat sinks or sources controlled by temperature and/or pressure. Analysis of suitability for applications in thermal management.
• Quantum and classical atomistic simulations: Theoretical modelling of energy and functional materials using both quantum first-principles computational methods (density functional theory and diffusion Monte Carlo) and classical simulation techniques (molecular dynamics).
• Study of the glass and supercooled liquid relaxation dynamics of glass-forming metals, including high-entropy alloys. Design of new amorphous alloys and new aging/rejuvenation strategies to optimize their properties.
• Retrieving the lost technologies, impact in history and the conservation of glass, glazed ceramics and paintings.