![Intro Image](https://ok-se-bichler-2021.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2023/05/image-3.png)
Materials Science Research
Opening Doors to Materials Science Research
A unique research and fabrication facility located in Kelowna
Welcome to our research group!
About Us:
Our research group focuses on the development of novel materials for diverse industries. Our unique infrastructure enables development and characterization of metallic, ceramic, composite, functionally graded and multi-scale composites.
We pride ourselves in contributing to solving materials-related challenges with our industry partners, as well as advancing fundamental knowledge at the leading-edge of materials science.
With an unwavering commitment to collaboration and sustainability, our group seeks to make meaningful contributions to various industries.
Spotlight
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Discover our cutting edge technology and facilities
![](https://ok-se-bichler-2021.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2023/05/image-1-edited.png)
Meet some of our industry collaborators (Under Construction)
![](https://ok-se-bichler-2021.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2023/06/IMG_5189-e1687272367163-940x829.jpg)
Learn More about our projects
Dr. Bichler oversees two laboratories with a focus on a comprehensive approach to material fabrication and development:
Metal Casting Laboratory
![](https://ok-se-bichler-2021.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2023/06/Casting-Decor-2-edited-scaled.jpg)
With a focus on advancing the understanding and development of magnesium and aluminum alloys, our research involves manufacturing and characterization of novel alloys and their composites.
Gravity and die casting, melt treatment, alloying and subsequent heat treatment drive our new alloy development activities.
Material characterization using advanced techniques like X-ray diffraction, EBSD, SEM, GC-MS, TGA/DSC help us relate the processing to the microstructure, while mechanical testing, wear testing and corrosion evaluation help us relate the new alloys to target applications.
Powder Metallurgy Laboratory
![](https://ok-se-bichler-2021.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2023/06/SPS-2-1-scaled-e1685734286591-940x530.jpg)