The purpose of the network is to combine the different thematic specialties of different experts in the multidisciplinary field of materials science in order to design new composite materials with superior properties and performance. To achieve this goal it is necessary to develop in parallel new characterization techniques, especially for the 3D imaging and analysis of the material architecture. Techniques like Focused Ion Beam Tomograhy, x-Ray (including synchrotron) tomography and Atome Probe Tomography will be applied and further developed for the study of composite materials. In particular, Nickel reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes for electrical applications, Al-based Metal Matrix Composites for structural applications and Nanocmposites with nanostructured coating for application in manufactring technologies will be studied.