Professor Schaffer’s research interests are in powder metallurgy science, particularly in alloy design for sintering, infiltration and rapid manufacturing of aluminium and titanium systems. His current programs include the design and development of:

i)

Press-and-sinter aluminium alloys and aluminium matrix composites.

ii)

Aluminium alloys for rapid manufacturing.

iii)

Aluminium alloys for powder injection moulding.

iv)

Press-and-sinter titanium alloys.

Specific projects include:

i)

The effects of the atmosphere on the sintering of aluminium.

ii)

Dimensional changes during the sintering of aluminium.

iii)

The fatigue of sintered aluminium alloys.

iv)

The kinetics of infiltration.

v)

The growth of aluminium nitride films on aluminium surfaces.

vi)

The effect of silicon on the sintering of titanium.