Next-Generation Materials
Developing materials to redefine what’s possible
APL is dedicated to advancing next-generation materials for critical national security applications, such as hypersonic flight, space-based missions, and naval ship construction. We discover and develop innovative and mission-specific materials, thoroughly characterizing their properties and creating advanced screening capabilities to understand how they perform in extreme environments.
Contributing Mission Areas
Featured Work
Advancing Materials for Thermal Management
More than half the energy consumed in the American residential industry is spent on heating and cooling homes. Researchers at APL have made a significant breakthrough in the development of advanced materials technology that can efficiently manage thermal conditions, particularly in buildings and data centers.
Creating Coatings for Extreme Environments
The leading edges of hypersonics vehicles—as well as fins, control surfaces, and apertures—need to be protected against speeds exceeding Mach 5, temperatures well above 1,000 degrees Celsius, oxidation from the atmosphere, and tremendous aerodynamic shear loads. Custom materials can enable mission success in these extreme environments.
Developing Battery- and Solar-Powered Fibers
APL researchers have established new, scalable methods of developing battery- and solar-powered fibers, making it theoretically possible for electrical energy to be harvested from, and stored in, the clothing people wear.
Eliminating Forever Chemicals
Multiple studies have linked PFAS exposure to harmful health effects in humans and animals, and without a natural way to break them down, the chemicals persist in soil and contaminate the environment — including water. APL scientists are developing several technologies to capture and destroy these “forever chemicals.”
Reversing the Loss of Coral Reefs
Recognizing the need to safeguard America’s coastlines and the value natural structures play in their protection, APL researchers are finding ways to use materials science to support coral reef growth and restoration.
Revolutionizing Materials Discovery for National Security
APL is reimagining and accelerating the targeted discovery of materials tailored to withstand and perform in the most demanding conditions, ensuring enhanced capabilities in extreme environments.
Featured Program
Science of Extreme and Multifunctional Materials
Our team utilizes advanced chemistry, materials science, and computational tools across a variety of areas, inventing the future of research in extreme materials, materials characterization, materials design, synthesis and manufacturing, and multifunctional materials.
Featured Publications
Journals and Conference Proceedings
Research from APL experts is published in a number of peer-reviewed journals and in conference proceedings.
Explore recent publications from materials researchers at APL.
Related News
Press Release
Apr 2, 2025
Johns Hopkins APL, Microsoft Collaborate to Advance Robotics and Materials Discovery Using AI
APL and Microsoft are partnering to advance robotics and materials discovery by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI).
News
Mar 6, 2025
AI Reveals New Way to Strengthen Titanium Alloys and Speed Up Manufacturing
Johns Hopkins researchers have leveraged artificial intelligence to uncover faster, more efficient ways to manufacture titanium alloy parts while maximizing mechanical performance.
News
Nov 26, 2024
Shape-Shifting Antenna Poised to Transform Communications
Johns Hopkins APL researchers have leveraged cutting-edge additive manufacturing techniques and shape memory alloys to create an antenna that can change its shape — and offers a range of potential commercial, military and scientific applications.
News
Oct 29, 2024
Johns Hopkins Teams Poised to Create Transformative Technologies
Cheap and plentiful hydrogen harvested from water. Lightning-fast biocomputers running on brain-like substrates. Widely available noninvasive brain scans for early detection of neurological disease. A visual prosthesis in the form of glasses that returns sight to people with previously incurable vision loss. These are the four boundary-pushing proposals funded in this year’s cycle of the SURPASS initiative.
News
Oct 15, 2024
Johns Hopkins APL Biomanufacturing Breakthroughs Bolster National Security
APL researchers are developing biological solutions to address some of the most pressing security challenges facing the nation, including supply chain resilience, industrial base improvement and eco-friendly waste removal.