The LAFFIMAT (Thin Films and New Materials Laboratory) is a research laboratory within the Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering (PPGCEM) at UFPel, led by Professor Dr. César O. Avellaneda (Lattes). The laboratory focuses on the development of sustainable new materials, contributing to scientific and technological advancements that address global challenges and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Main Research Areas

The main research areas of LAFFIMAT include:

1. Development of Thin Oxide Films 1:
   Exploration of thin semiconductor films of TiO2, WO3, and Nb2O5 for applications in clean energy and sustainable materials. This research aligns with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, promoting the use of renewable and more sustainable resources in production processes.
2. Development of Thin Oxide Films 2:
   Exploration of thin films of TiO2, WO3, V2O5, CeO2, ZnO, and Nb2O5 for applications in energy efficiency and sustainable materials. This research aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, fostering sustainable technological and industrial innovations.
3. Natural Polymer-Based Electrolytes:
   Study and application of natural polymers with ionic conductivity in the form of flexible films and gels. These innovative and biodegradable materials, with adjustable mechanical and viscosity properties, are used in the development of optoelectronic devices and new materials. This research contributes to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, promoting sustainable technological and industrial innovations.
4. Optoelectronic Devices and Soil-Air Heat Exchangers:
   Study of electrochromic devices and heat exchangers with characteristics suitable for industrial and environmental applications. This research aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, fostering sustainable technological and industrial innovations, as well as SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting energy efficiency and thermal comfort in housing.
5. Mathematical Modeling:
   Study and simulation of real systems in diffusion processes to predict their behavior using mathematical methods. This aims to optimize the properties of the materials under investigation. This research aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, fostering sustainable technological and industrial innovations.
6. Corrosion:
   The consumption of cement has triggered a series of environmental problems directly related to its production. Hence, there is a need to study and develop alternative materials for incorporation into cementitious matrices. This research aligns with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, promoting sustainable and resilient construction using local materials.

Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

LAFFIMAT stands out for its innovative and sustainable research in the development of new materials, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The laboratory explores the use of natural polymers, such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, pectin, tragacanth, xanthan gum, agar, and chitosan, in the form of films and gels. It also develops various oxides and alternative materials for use in concrete. Additionally, the laboratory studies mathematical models for computational simulations to optimize the properties of materials under investigation. All these research efforts align with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, reinforcing its role in building a more sustainable and innovative society.

Access to the Laboratory

For more information about the LAFFIMAT, follow the laboratory on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/laffimat.ufpel/.