The Materials Engineering specialization study program focuses on:
metallic materials and their alloys, ceramic materials, glass, polymer materials and composites,
traditional material production technologies, metallurgy and additive technologies,
the study of material structures, their mechanical properties and degradation mechanisms,
the study and training of experimental techniques in our field.
Awarded Bachelor's theses
2025 – Bc. Radoslav Maňak, Industrial Enterprise Award – První brněnská strojírna Velká Bíteš, a.s.
“New ways of strengthening martensitic steel: From 3D particle dispersion to 2D nanosheets”
This bachelor thesis focuses on strengthening the low-activation steel Eurofer using nanoparticles, specifically 2D boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS). Eurofer steel, intended for structural components of fusion reactors, does not meet the required mechanical properties and is therefore traditionally reinforced with oxide particles such as Y₂O₃. However, this approach reduces the material's toughness. The aim of this work was to experimentally evaluate the effect of BN nanosheets on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Eurofer and ODS Eurofer steels. Two concentrations of BNNS (0.01 wt.% and 0.5 wt.%) were used, and the samples were consolidated using the Spark Plasma Sintering method. The specimens were analyzed in terms of density, microstructure, and mechanical properties (hardness, tensile strength, ductility) using microscopy, EDS, X-ray diffraction, and tensile testing. The results showed that a lower BNNS content positively influenced both strength and especially ductility of the ODS steel.
2024 – Bc. Ondřej Hamr, Industrial Enterprise Award – První brněnská strojírna Velká Bíteš, a.s.
“Mechanical properties and their determination in materials prepared by cold deposition”
The theoretical part of the bachelor thesis deals with the determination of mechanical properties by conventional methods and their possible replacement on small and miniature test specimens, focusing on tensile and bending tests of miniature dimensions and the small punch test. In the experimental part, these mechanical properties were measured on miniature specimens; specifically, the mechanical properties of small and miniature dimensions were examined on AA 7075 strength alloy material applied by kinetic cold deposition. The experiment focused on tensile and bending tests of small specimens, followed by a small punch test and subsequent correlation of the results.
The study program in Materials Engineering focuses on:
deepening the theoretical background from the bachelor's program in the field of materials and experimental methods,
degradation processes, limit states of materials and structures, life prediction,
the study of materials for special applications, surface engineering, and additive technologies,
knowledge of the physics and chemistry of materials, thermodynamics, phase transformations, and material modeling.
Awarded Master's theses
2026 – Ing. Vendula Korábová, Industrial Enterprise Award – onsemi
„Design and 3D printing optimization of an implant for alveolar cleft reconstruction“
This thesis focuses on the preparation of multi-material bioceramic structures based on hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) using the DLP 3D printing method for potential use in bone tissue engineering. The main objective was to optimize the composition of the suspensions and the printing parameters, taking into account the different shrinkage rates of the two materials during sintering. HA and β-TCP suspensions with varying ceramic filler contents were prepared, and their rheology, printability, and sintering behavior were evaluated. The results showed a significant influence of solid-phase content on the viscosity, density, and shrinkage of the sintered bodies. β-TCP exhibited higher shrinkage and lower final density than HA, which led to the formation of stress, deformation, and local delamination of the interfaces in layered structures. By optimizing the composition of the β-TCP suspensions, it was possible to partially reduce the differences in shrinkage and improve the quality of the interfaces between individual layers. Gyroid structures exhibited higher structural integrity than dense layered structures. In addition to layered structures, HA/β-TCP particle composites were also prepared, which exhibited better cohesion after sintering due to a more homogeneous stress distribution within the material volume. The results of this work confirm the potential of multi-material DLP printing for the preparation of bioceramic scaffolds with complex structures and properties.
2025 – Ing. Václav Dziubek, Dean’s Award “Preparation of ceramic filters with controlled porosity by sacrificial particle method and sintering process control method”
2024 – Ing. Tereza Havlíková, Industrial Enterprise Award – onsemi
“Development of ceramic filter equipment for electro-insulating liquids”
The aim of this master’s thesis was to prepare macroporous ceramic filters based on mullite and silica, suitable for the filtration of electro-insulating liquids in distribution transformers. The first part of this thesis is a literature review focusing on electro-insulating liquids and their degradation, macroporous ceramic processing techniques and their use in filtration. The experimental part describes the preparation of porous filters using the replica template method and direct foaming. Filters prepared using the replica method achieved porosity around 80 % and compressive strength up to 2.4 MPa. Direct foaming proved unsuitable for large-scale production, while replica-based filters were successfully scaled up and are ready for filtration performance testing.
The doctoral study program requires knowledge of mathematics and physics at the master’s level, obtained by graduating from a faculty of physical sciences or mechanical engineering.
engage in scientific work,
work on projects,
collaborate with industry,
gain experience abroad,
participate in teaching basic courses in the bachelor's program.
Studying or working abroad is a necessary condition for successful completion of doctoral studies. During their studies, Ph.D. students receive a scholarship or are employed at our institute. They study and work directly at our institute or in cooperation with the Institute of Physics of Materials of the Czech Academy of Sciences and other partner institutions.
