Advancing the knowledge and enabling real-world applications of soft matter.
The Soft Matter Research Center (SOFMAT) is an interdisciplinary research institution from the Federal University of Technology - Paraná (UTFPR), associated with the Postgraduate Program in Materials and Mechanical Engineering (PPGEM). Established with the mission to expand the knowledge, applications, and services in the field of soft materials, SOFMAT aims to tackle cutting-edge challenges in the study and manipulation of complex materials that exhibit unique properties, such as polymers, foams, gels, colloids, and liquid crystals.
SOFMAT is composed of a dynamic team of PhD professors, researchers, engineers, graduate and undergraduate students. The center is dedicated to training the next generation of experts in materials science and engineering, offering advanced educational opportunities at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. SOFMAT fosters collaboration with industry partners, providing specialized services and custom research solutions to address real-world challenges and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology into practical applications.
SOFMAT's technical competencies include:
Flow Visualization Experiments: Investigating the behavior of soft materials in flow through advanced experimental techniques.
Rheology: Understanding the flow and deformation behavior of complex fluids under various conditions.
High Temperature and High Pressure: Analyzing material properties under extreme conditions, crucial for applications in energy, aerospace, and other high-performance industries.
Complex Fluid Formulation: Developing new formulations of complex fluids for a wide range of applications.
Numerical Simulation and modelling: Using computational tools to simulate material behaviors and optimize processes.
Neural Networks: Leveraging machine learning techniques to analyze data and enhance the design and performance of soft materials.
The center is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, featuring advanced instruments for characterizing the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of soft materials. We collaborate with leading national and international partners across multiple sectors to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology into real-world applications.
Get in touch to explore how our research and services can help address your specific challenges and drive your projects forward.