Evolution of “International Advanced Research Center for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI)”, a Unique Centre for Translating Materials Research to Technology

The International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) is a research and development institution established in 1990 as a product of India’s extensive bilateral cooperation program, the Integrated Long-Term Programme on Cooperation in Science and Technology with the erstwhile Soviet Union. The centre has a mandate of developing high-performance materials and processes for niche markets, demonstrating technologies at a prototype/pilot scale, transferring technologies to the Indian industry, and training personnel in the identified fields. ARCI has emerged as a nationally important research centre, aligning its research directions with national needs and national missions. The technical progress and evolution of the institute over the last 25 years, along with new initiatives and the vision for the institute, are discussed. The centre has three main thrust areas, namely powder metallurgy and nanomaterials, surface engineering, and new materials for energy applications.