Materials & Electronics Research Institute (MERI)

Upon the directive of the Minster of Science and Technology, the “Materials and Electronics Research Institute” was established in 2003. It is the newest of the institutes under the auspices of the National Research Center.

The middle of the twentieth century has witnessed intense interest in research activities on materials engineering, which has since claimed a sizable portion of the research efforts of a large number of research centers, both private and governmental. This has had a profound influence on the tremendous developments that have occurred in modern technologies, which have in turn resulted in immense advancements in the areas of construction, communications, computers, transportation, space technology and others.

A few examples may be found in the discovery of ferrites and their effect on the development of very small integrated circuits, making possible the emergence of personal computers, in the engineering of super- magnets and superconductors and the role they have played in generation and transmission of electric power and in transportation ( the Japanese super – train ), in the development of ultrahigh- strength materials which have revolutionized the design of automobiles and earthquake resistant high buildings, in super factories which have possible the space industries, in surface engineering techniques which have revolutionized the electronic industry specially in the manufacture of ultra-small components. No wonder, the habitualization of materials and electronic technologies constitutes a paramount priority for development and advancement in many fields.

The general aim of the MERI is indignation of conventional and advanced technologies in materials (metals, polymers, and ceramics) field, in general, and the semiconductors, in particular. This necessitates making available the necessary research facilities and attracting or training researchers who possess the factual knowledge, technical skills and behavioral attitudes that are prerequisite for successful research, production or instruction. This general goal may be spelled out in the following definitive objectives:

1. Developing deep appreciation for the importance of the prerequisites for advanced modern technologies. Such s ultra- high purity materials, establishment and containment of very high vacuum, precise control of process parameters, handling systems of extremely small dimensions, etc.
2. Development of the sensitivity and self assurance necessary for using advanced techniques and tools for research/production.
3. Acquiring the fundamental techniques needed for electronics components and devices, such as the separation and ultra- high purification of materials, production and maintenance of high vacuum, single crystal growth, thin film deposition, doping techniques, etc.
4. Development of materials of Sudanese specifications, which have properties equal of superior to those of materials developed elsewhere. These encompass metallic alloys, semiconductors, ceramic products and polymeric materials.
5. Establishment and operation of advanced laboratories for use by researchers within and outside the institute (research center, universities, industrial characterization lab, semiconductors, surface films deposition PVD, surface analysis (Auger, SIMS ) lab.
6. Contributing to the solution of technical problems in industrial establishments.

1. Conducting research projects aimed at the Indiginization of advanced technologies directed by researchers inside/outside the Institute, and coordinating such activities with other research centers and with universities, and making available to graduate students and faculty the atmosphere and tools conducive to serious research in materials and electronic.
2. Conducting laboratory tests for the complete characterization of materials: Chemical composition, microstructure, mechanical/thermal/electrical properties in accordance with international standards.
3. Initiating and conducting research projects aimed at the production of solar cells and basic electronic components (diodes, transistors, capacitors, resistors, etc.). Activities involve high- level purification, single-crystal production; wafer slicing, surface-film deposition and doping.
4. Initiating and conducting research projects on fibers and composite materials including Nan composite (priority will be given to textiles, pressed wood, paper).
5. Initiating and conducting research projects on the processing of ores with emphasis on those materials of economic value (Cr, Ni, Fe, Ti, Au, Ag, Pt, Pb, Mg, Zn, B, P). All of which have known deposits in the country.
6. Initiating and conducting research projects aimed at developing metallic alloys of Sudanese specifications research (Fe-, Cu- and Al-alloys).
7. Initiating and conducting research projects on the various types of ceramic materials with emphasis on refractors and those ceramics needed for the local industries and for water purification ( e.g. activated bentonite, kaolin, zeolite, alminite, etc.).
8. Initiating and conducting research projects on polymeric materials. A current project at present encompasses the various phenolic products, converting it to phenol, and then developing the techniques for producing the various phenolic products, with emphasis on adhesives and composites.

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