The ICEBERG project, funded under the PRIN (Projects of Relevant National Interest) program, aims to develop next-generation shape memory alloys (SMAs) with enhanced elastocaloric properties, enabling more efficient and sustainable solid-state refrigeration systems. SMAs are promising materials for elastocaloric cooling applications, offering an alternative to traditional systems based on refrigerant fluids.

ICEBERG focuses on the exploration and optimization of new ternary and quaternary NiTi-based alloys, with the goal of improving their elastocaloric performance. The project is led by research groups from the National Research Council of Italy (Dr. Elena Villa) and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano (Prof. Riccardo Casati), who will employ advanced processing techniques to produce ingots, ribbons, and wires through vacuum arc melting. Their microstructures and compositions will be optimized to maximize the material's coefficient of performance.

ICEBERG will also explore additive manufacturing using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), overcoming the limitations of conventional processing and enabling the fabrication of near-net shape components with complex geometries and improved thermal efficiency. The ultimate goal is to develop high-performance solid-state refrigeration devices, contributing to the advancement of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient cooling technologies.