Key strengths in aerospace alloys
We design alloys for next generation faster, cleaner and safer air travel.
Structure-property relationships
Multi-scale correlative methods for characterisation, testing and modelling.
Advanced manufacturing
Seeking balance between fundamental discovery and industrial application.
Interface engineering
Expertise in '6 degrees of freedom' (crystallography and chemistry) characterization and engineering of interfaces.
We are part of 3D additive!
State-of-the-art microscopy techniques to analyse interfaces in 3D printed components.
A short video about us
Watch Sophie and her team introducing their research on engineering microstructures. Learn where these structural metallic materials are used in real-life applications. Get a glimpse at the state-of-the-art facilities available at UNSW Sydney Materials Science & Engineering, and hear what current students think about being part of engineering microstructures.
Selected Projects
Highlights of our current research program on engineering microstructures are in aerospace materials, additive manufacturing and design of hierarchical microstructures.
More about current projectsEncoding 3D microstructural gradients via metal additive manufacturing
S. Primig Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (FT240100398)
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Sustainable and robust Australian Ni-based superalloy manufacturing
S. Primig, S. Street Australian Research Council Linkage Project (LP230100155)
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In-situ grain boundary engineering during metal additive manufacturing
S. Primig, N. Haghdadi Australian Research Council Discovery Project (DP230101063)
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Advanced hard metals: microstructure-property-processing relationships
S.P. Ringer, S. Primig, C. Czettl Australian Research Council Linkage Project (LP190100850)
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Structure-property relationships of next generation aero-engine materials
S. Primig, S.P. Ringer, B. Oberwinkler Australian Research Council Linkage Project (LP190101169)
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Industry collaborations
Direct industry collaborations with leading specialty alloy manufacturers
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Microstructure control during additive manufacturing
Research to advance the frontiers of metal 3D printing has received a major boost, with a partnership between UNSW researchers led by AProf Sophie Primig, researchers at The University of Sydney and six US-based universities, receiving a $5 million grant for an additive manufacturing initiative in Australia.
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Advancing the Australian specialty alloy processing capability
S. Primig, Australian Research Council Linkage Project (LP180100144)
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Unlocking the diverse property profile of ultra-lightweight magnesium alloys
M. Ferry, S. Primig, N. Birbilis, P. Nakashima, Australian Research Council Discovery Project (DP190103592)
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Microstructural design of next generation Ni-based superalloys via conventional and advanced manufacturing
Sophie's UNSW Scientia Fellowship
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Engineering hierarchical microstructures in high strength low alloy steels
Sophie's Australian Research Council DECRA Fellowship (DE180100440)
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Dumplings and cocktail making class
We had a fun Monday afternoon end of year activity in King’s Cross learning how to make cocktails and Chinese dumplings. Thanks to Hubert and Jane for findings this great place. We were happy to have Ming join us too after his graduation. This was to say a big Thank You to all group members […]
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Ming’s graduation ceremony
Congratulations to Dr Ming Luo, our second 2025 PhD submitter, for graduating today. Ming has done an excellent job in his PhD, and we miss him! Luckily he continues to pursue research on metal additive manufacturing at The University of Sydney close-by. Great to meet Ming’s parents, partner and many friends and to take many […]
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Cindy’s and Stella’s graduation
Congratulations to Cindy for graduating with an outstanding PhD thesis from our group. Another round of congratulations to Stella who was our Honour’s student in 2024. Stella graduated with a Bachelor of Materials Science & Engineering degree and received the Perfect Engineering prize for her Honour’s thesis. So, double congratulations to our two superstars! Unfortunately, […]
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