We investigate diverse types of nanocomposite materials: (i) metal-ceramic composites, (ii) nanocomposites formed by two metallic crystalline phases with distinct microstructure and (iii) inorganic-organic hybrid materials.

The overall mechanical behavior of composite materials depends on the mechanical properties of each of the constituent phases. New progress in the improvement of flow properties relies very much on finding combinations of strengthening mechanisms that lead to synergetic effects. Grain size reduction is one of the most appealing routes for improving strength. Enhanced mechanical properties are obtained in nanocomposites consisting of a nanoeutectic matrix with micrometer-sized dendrites embedded.

Nanocomposite materials can be also obtained by thermally-induced partial nanocrystallization of a metallic glass. These nanocrystals act as pinning sites for shear band propagation, thus hindering premature mechanical failure during deformation. 

Finally, we also prepare multiferroic heterostructures comprising, for example, magnetostrictive films (e.g., FeGa) grown on top of ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) or PMN-PT substrates. Both direct and converse magnetoelectric (ME) effects are investigated in such structures. When voltage is applied, the ferroelectric substrate deforms, and strain is transferred to the magnetostrictive phase, inducing a change in the magnetic properties (direct ME effect, useful to enhance energy efficiency in magnetic and spintronic devices). Conversely, one can apply magnetic fields to deform the magnetostrictive phase (converse ME effect). In such a case, due to the strain transferred to the FE material, a voltage is generated. This effect can be used for wireless electric cell stimulation, in biomedicine. Both the magnetostrictive or FE phases can be made either dense or porous, with the aim of maximizing the strength of the ME coupling.