Biography
Dr. Matt Caputo, Ph.D., associate teaching professor of engineering, instructs physics and engineering courses.
In the classroom, Dr. Caputo emphasizes the connection between what students learn and real-world science and engineering. He brings hands-on projects, educational trips, and cutting-edge technology into his courses to help students build the skills they need for successful careers.
Dr. Caputo’s research focuses on 3D printing smart materials, especially materials that can “remember” their shape and return to it after being bent or stretched. His research focuses on the mechanical behavior and fatigue performance of 3D-printed shape memory alloys. He recently was awarded a National Science Foundation equipment grant to conduct his collaborative research.
Dr. Caputo prepares students for successful engineering careers by emphasizing practical, career-focused skills throughout his courses. He integrates industry-relevant projects, simulation tools, and problem-solving exercises that reflect real industrial challenges.
His students learn how to work effectively in teams, communicate technical ideas clearly, and apply core scientific principles to real-world scenarios. Dr. Caputo also introduces students to the professional expectations of the field, helping them build the confidence and technical competence needed to transition smoothly into the workforce or competitive internship programs.
Research Interests
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
- Materials characterization
- Shape memory alloys (SMA’s) and ferromagnetic SMA’s
- Modeling of mechanical properties as porous structures
Publications
Extrusion and characterization of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) filaments compounded with chain extender and impact modifiers for material extrusion additive manufacturing, Scientific reports - September 25, 2023
Collaborators: Ola Rashwan, Author; Zach Koroneos, Co-Author; Trent Townsend, Co-Author; B Bylone; B. Wodrig; K Cantor
The Effects of the Ironing Process on the Surface Texture and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Material Extruded Polylactic Acid, Additive Manufacturing - August 17, 2022
Collaborators: Ola Rashwan, Co-Author; Daudi Waryoba, Co-Author; Kevin McDade, Co-Author
Sliding Corrosion Fatigue of Metallic Joint Implants: A Comparative Study of CoCrMo and Ti6Al4V in Simulated Synovial Environments , Lubricants - April 13, 2022
Collaborators: Edward Cudjoe, Co-Author; Mihir Patel, Co-Author
A Re-Design of the OneCar: A Project Based Learning Assignment for First Year Engineering Students, ASEE Peer - August 9, 2021
Collaborators: Georgia Macris, Co-Author; Daudi Waryoba, Co-Author
Modeling and characterization of binder jet 3D printed NiMnGa components using X-ray microscopy, Microscopy and Microanalysis - July 30, 2021
Collaborators: Steven Isacco, Author; B. Winiarski, Co-Author; Christopher Bansah, Co-Author; Array Array; Virgil Solomon, Corresponding Author
Microanalysis of the Cross-sectional Surface of 3D Printed NiMnGa Magnetic Shape Memory Alloy Using Electron Microscopy and Nanoindentation, Microscopy & Microanalysis - July 30, 2020
Collaborators: Constantin Solomon, Author; Yash Trivedi, Co-Author; Christopher Bansah, Co-Author
Sintering effects on additive manufactured Ni–Mn–Ga shape memory alloys: a microstructure and thermal analysis, Journal of Materials Science - January 10, 2020
Collaborators: Daudi Waryoba, Co-Author; Constantin Solomon, Co-Author
Education
B.S. in Physics, Clarion University
Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Youngstown State University
Post-Doctorate in Additive Manufacturing and Materials Characterization Research Scientist, Youngstown State University
Papers and Presentations
September 24, 2025
Workshops
Advising Workshop on Transfer credit/Audits
September 17, 2025
Webinars
Transfer Credit Presentation
Presentation focused on transfer students and transfer credits. Delivered by Lindsay Bolt.
September 15, 2025
Workshops
Advising Sessions
October 7, 2024
Oral Presentations
Thermal Strategies for Producing Metallic Componentss from Metal-Polymer Feed-Stock via Material Extrusion
Materials Science & Technology
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
The material extrusion of hybrid materials, such as metal-polymer
blends, are rendering an increased interest for the 3D printing of functional materials
due to these products becoming more commercially available. In this study, a
metal-polymer blend of copper-PLA was 3D printed and sintered to assess the
physical properties of the material in the as-printed and sintered states.
A thermal processing strategy was developed for the sintering of this
composites. This thermal approach examined the sample behavior in various sintering
conditions. The developed strategy was utilized to fuse the metallic powder
in the metal-polymer blends while incinerating the polymer. The result
produced metal parts manufactured using the material extrusion technique. This work
will report on the printability, challenges, and potentials of producing
metallic components from metal-polymer feedstock via material extrusion.
October 4, 2023
Oral Presentations
Extrusion of Compounded rPET with Graphite Powder into Filamentfor Material Extrusion (MEX) Additive Manufacturing Technology
Materials Science and Technology
Columbus, OH
Recycled Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) can be extruded into filament for material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEX). However, rPET filament is highly hygroscopic and is susceptible to degradation from recycling cycles. This research focuses on mitigating the deterioration of rPET filament by compounding rPET pellets with graphite powder. The rPET/graphite filament was extruded using a twin-screw extruder. Plain rPET filament was used as a control sample. The American Standards for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard test specimens were printed using MEX additive manufacturing technology: tensile, IZOD impact, and 3-point flexural samples. The graphite-reinforced rPET samples showed superior mechanical properties to the plain rPET. The enhancement of the mechanical properties of the graphite rPET samples demonstrated its potential to be a promising sustainable material for the fast–growing additive manufacturing MEX technology.
October 3, 2023
Posters
Synthesis and Characterization of Electroplated Alloys on 3D Printed Preforms
Materials Science and Technology
Columbus, OH
Shape memory alloys are known for producing relatively large strains due to the shape memory effect when subjected to a driving force such as changes in temperature, mechanical loads, and applied magnetic fields. In most cases, shape memory alloy applications are limited by their physical properties, manufacturability, and/or shape memory response characteristics. Fabrication methods for shape memory alloys include hot extrusion, hot pressing, hot isostatic pressing, and additive manufacturing via powder bed methods. These approaches of fabricating present inherent limitations for shape memory alloys by creating unwanted stable secondary phases and confine part production to simple geometries; in all cases except additive manufacturing. This study explores an innovative method to produce shape memory alloys by means of electroplating. The goal of this work is to synthesize shape memory materials through electrochemically depositing onto 3D printed polymers.
October 11, 2022
Oral Presentations
Extrusion and Characterization of Compounded rPET 3D Printing Filament
Materials Science and Technology
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
The continuous increase of polymers in additive manufacturing technology harms the environment and disturbs the ecosystem. This project investigates the extrusion of recycled PET into 3D printing filament. It was expected that if the rPET pellets were compounded with some additives, such as a thermal stabilizer, a chain extender, and an impact modifier, the mechanical properties of the extruded filament would be improved. A twin-screw extruder was used to compound and extrude rPET pellets with the additives into a filament of 1.75 mm in diameter. The standard test specimens were 3D printed and tested according to the ASTM tensile, impact, and flexural test standards. The test results show that the mechanical properties of the compounded rPET are improved compared to the plain recycled PET. This conclusion suggests that the reuse of the waste polymers in 3D Printing technology will make this technology a green manufacturing technology.
October 9, 2022
Oral Presentations
Effects of Ironing on the Surface and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed PLA via Material Extrusion
Materials Science and Technology
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Additive manufacturing (AM) has shown to provide profound applications in fields of engineering and science by offering design freedom along with versatility in feed-stock material. Polylactic-acid (PLA) is an exceedingly popular biodegradable polymer commonly used in material extrusion printing. As a promising alternative to petroleum based polymers, PLA has found use in several industries due to its bio-compatibility, renew-ability, and good mechanical properties. Several printing parameters in the material extrusion process can alter physical characteristics of a part such as ironing. To date, there is limited information on the effects the ironing process has on 3D printed PLA. This study utilized a fractional factorial design in order to correlate the impact ironing has on the surface morphology and thermo-mechanical properties of 3D printed and ironed PLA. This work reports the surface morphology, surface roughness, and visco-elastic properties, including storage modulus and glass transition temperature, of 3D printed and ironed PLA.
November 2, 2020 - November 6, 2020
Oral Presentations
Compressive Behavior of NiMnGa parts fabricated by binder jet additive manufacturing
Materials Science & Technology
Virtual
Solid and gyroid cube geometries had been fabricated by binder jet additive manufacturing from NiMnGa prealloyed powders. Sintering of cured parts was performed at temperatures between 10000C and 10800C for time intervals up to 20.5 hours. The compressive stress-strain curves were determined by combining the stress values calculated using the calibrated loading cell and sample geometry, and the strain calculated using digital image correlation and tracking. The sintering conditions are responsible for part’s final density, which play a determinant role in the part’s compressive behavior. Fracture analysis of compressed parts indicate a dual trans-, inter-granular brittle failure mechanism. Numerical modeling of part’s compressive behavior was performed using ANSYS Workbench. In order to account for part porosity, the part model was obtained by micro CT scanning of a 3D printed part. Good qualitative agreement had been obtained between the model and experimental data for compressive behavior of 3D printed NiMnGa parts.
September 7, 2020
Posters and Oral Presentations
Microanalysis of the Cross-sectional Surface of 3D Printed NiMnGa Magnetic Shape Memory Alloy Using Electron Microscopy and Nanoindentation
Microscopy and Microanalysis
Virtual
November 14, 2019
Lectures
The Re-design of the OneCar, a Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Global Entrepreneurship Week
Hermitage, PA
The talk discussed an engineering educational research project that had been performed during the Fall 2019 semester, Introduction to Engineering Design course (EDSGN 100).
October 23, 2019
Microscopy Society of NorthEastern Ohio (MSNEO)Youngstown, PA
July 28, 2019 - July 30, 2019
First Year Engineering Experience (FYEE)University Park, PA
February 21, 2019
Lectures
Local Engineering
Faculty Lecture Series
Sharon, PA
The lecture presented the local historical aspects of engineering, the rise and fall of manufacturing in the area, and current engineering in the area. In addition, research interests were also presented.
October 18, 2018
Oral Presentations
Numerical Modeling of Deformation Behavior of Lattice Structures 3D Printed from Inconel 718 and NiMnGa Powders
Materials Science and Technology
Columbus, Ohio
October 17, 2018
Oral Presentations
Binder Jetting 3D Printing of Fe77Ni5.5Co5.5Zr7B4Cu1 Magnetic Powders
Materials Science and Technology
Columbus, Ohio
October 17, 2018
Oral Presentations
Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of NiMnGa Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys Using Nanoindentation Techniques
Materials Science and Technology
Columbus, Ohio
October 17, 2018
Oral Presentations
Sintering of Binder jet 3D Printed Ni-Mn-Ga Alloys: An Overview of Sintering Conditions and Microstructural Effects
Materials Science and Technology
Columbus, Ohio