MATSE 420: Ceramics Mat'ls and Properties

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Textbook: Kingery, Bowen, Ulhmann, Introduction to Ceramics.

References: Chiang, Birnie, Kingery, Physical Ceramics.

Catalog Description, Prerequisites and Schedule:

Basic principles and understanding of structure-property relations in ceramic materials ­ examples will be drawn from both traditional and advanced ceramics. Knowledge of structure on multiple length scales (including atomic, grain boundary, and grain structure as well as the structure of clays and amorphous materials) and several properties (including electrical, magnetic, mechanical and thermal) will be gained. Prerequisite: MATSE 182 or 200. 3 hours, or 3/4 unit. 3 lecture-discussion hours/week.

Course Topics:

1. Atomic structure including ionic and covalent bonding, ceramic crystal structures, clay structures, and amorphous materials (network formers, modifiers and intermediate oxides)
2. Atomic defects including intrinsic and extrinsic point defects, Kroger-Vink notation, defect reaction equilibria
3. Electrical properties including ferroelectrics, varistors, thermistors, electrical conductors, dielectrics
4. Magnetic properties including ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials
5. Microstructure development including: solid state sintering, densification vs. coarsening processes, grain boundary mobility mechanisms, porosity evolution (stability/entrapment), viscous densification, liquid phase sintering, constrained sintering.
6. Thermal properties including thermal expansion, creep, and thermal stresses
7. Mechanical properties including strength, toughness, and microstructural design

Course Objectives:

1. Develop understanding of the structure of ceramic materials on multiple length scales
2. Develop knowledge of point defect generation in ceramic materials, and their impact on transport properties
3. Develop knowledge of electrical properties including examples of ceramics applications in which behavior is governed by materials structure over varying length scales
4. Develop knowledge of structural evolution during sintering, including solid-state, viscous flow, and liquid phase sintering.
5. Develop understanding of the magnetic, thermal and mechanical properties of ceramics
6. Develop ability to critically evaluate processing literature through exploration of current research articles
7. Develop an oral presentation (in small working groups) that delineates structure-property relations for a given ceramic application

Course Outcomes:

1. Knowledge of the crystal structures of a wide range of ceramic materials
2. Knowledge of the structure of clays, minerals, and glasses
3. Given a ceramic component be able to calculate its intrinsic and extrinsic defect populations
4. Design a suitable sintering schedule for heat treating ceramics and understand the effects of existing microstructural features (e.g., porosity, impurities, etc.) on microstructural evolution during this process
5. Knowledge of properties of ceramics and their structural origin
6. Familiarization with a wide array of characterization techniques
7. Ability to critically evaluate current literature in the area of ceramic structure/property relations
8. Working in small groups focused on oral presentations of knowledge to the class

Assessment Tools:

1. Homework problems focused on ceramic structure, properties, or relations between these two topics
2. Two written exams on course content designed to test the students ability to apply his/her knowledge.
3. Written article summaries in which students must critically evaluate current journal papers published on various course topics
4. Group oral presentation in which students must convey their knowledge of structure-property relations for a specified ceramic application

Contribution of Course to Meeting the Professional Component:

100%

Prepared by :

Jennifer Lewis, March, 2001