Pranjal Nautiyal

My group works at the intersection of materials science, solid mechanics, and surface science to understand interfacial phenomena in materials under extreme conditions. Our research focuses on friction, wear, deformation, and bonding at interfaces – from atomic to macroscopic length scales. Using in-situ methods, we uncover the physical and chemical processes that drive these interfacial phenomena. We apply this knowledge to design advanced materials, enable advanced manufacturing processes, and develop next-generation lubricants for emerging technologies.

Our current research projects study the science of microstructure formation in cold spray metal additive manufacturing, the effects of electric fields in tribology (the science of friction, wear, and lubrication), and the mechanochemistry of nanostructured materials.