The Materials Preparation Center (MPC) is a U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences & Engineering speciallized research center located at the Ames Laboratory. MPC is recognized throughout the worldwide research community for its unique capabilities in the preparation, purification, single crystal growth, and characterization of rare earth metals, alkaline-earth metals, and refractory metal materials. MPC operations are primarily funded by the Materials Discovery, Design, & Synthesis team's Synthesis & Processing Science core research activity.

Established in 1981, the MPC is a one-of-a-kind facility, which is acutely sensitive to the needs of researchers. Providing research and developmental quantities of high-purity materials and unique characterization services to scientists at university, industry and government facilities on a cost-recovery basis, the MPC allows access to novel materials and new technologies as they are developed.

The MPC is renowned for its outstanding technical expertise in alloy design, creating materials that exhibit ultra-fine microstructures, and high strength and high conductivity - properties of great potential value to American technology. The MPC has an established a reputation for close interaction with its clients, providing the kind of personal service required to meet each client's individual needs. The MPC yearly satisfies hundreds of requests for customized materials and services that are unavailable from commercial suppliers and unmatched in quality anywhere else in the world. The range of our utilization is demonstrated by the scientific publications in which we are cited. Please view our bibliography.

For the most current information please contact our Director's Office.