The Institute of Materials Science and Technology Research (INTEMA) is one of the specialized research institutes of the National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET) and forms part of the National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP). Established in 1982, it originally evolved from the conjunction of five UNMdP-Faculty of Engineering independent research groups named: “Polymers”, “Corrosion”, “Weld and Mechanical Failure”, “Metallurgy” and “Catalysis”. Later, in 1988, a sixth group, “Ceramics”, was incorporated.
Over the years, the institute has expanded and built strong capabilities in different areas of materials science and technology knowledge and research: Catalysis and Surfaces, Ceramics, Ecomaterials, Polymer Science and engeeniring, Electrochemistry, Engineering of Interfases and Bioprocesses, Thermoplastic compound materials, Mechanics of materials, Metallurgy, Biomedical Polymers, Nanostructured Polymers and Stuctural Thermorigid compounds.
Currently, INTEMA is made up of 12 divisions that carry out research, extension and technological transfer activities, with application in the aforementioned areas of both basic knowledge and technological development of materials. Furthermore, the Institute is strongly committed and engaged in the materials science and technology related teaching activities of students from Faculty of Engineering of UNMdP and the academic formation and training of Phd fellows and researchers. 
History
OBJECTIVE
> Generate basic knowledge and technical developments in critical areas of materials science and technology research.
> Provide the academic environment, institute facilities and human resources to contribute to the formation of doctoral and post doctoral fellows, researchers and technical personnel and to the related teaching activities of undergraduate and post graduate students in the field of materials science and technology.
> Develop scientific research programs that promote the institute main areas of competence, the interdisciplinary work and the interaction with other research centers both in the country and abroad.
> Promote communications to academic journals, congresses, conferences and seminars both nationally and internationally.
> Provide support, advice and solutions related to the institute competences through extension activities and technology transfer.