CHIM0248-1 : Advanced ceramic materials : synthesis, characterization and use

Study Programmes 2015-2016

CHIM0248-1

Advanced ceramic materials : synthesis, characterization and use

Duration :

15h Th

Number of credits :

Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)		2
Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)		2
Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)		2
Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)		2

Lecturer :

Rudi Cloots

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Course contents :

1. Introduction
- definition: ceramics - refractory materials - composite materials
2. Powders: production methods
- extraction processes
- synthetic powders: precipitation - vapour phase reaction - sol-gel procedure.
- main characteristics (size distribution, morphology, degree of agglomeration, ...)
- consolidation process: grinding process - granulation - densification
3. Shaping procedures
4. Microstructural aspects
- sintering: sintering during solid phase (growth phenomenon) - sintering during liquid phase ("moulding" effect)
- fusion
5. The influence of microstructure on the physical properties - concepts of characterisation (morphology, grain size, density, porosity, ...)
- macro- and micro-cracking phenomena
- mechanical properties
- thermal properties: thermal expansion co-efficient - thermal conductivity
6. Structural ceramics
- oxides, carbides, nitrides, ...
7. Functional ceramics
- ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics, magnetics, super-conductors, ...

Learning outcomes of the course :

The aim of this course, "Advanced ceramic materials", is to use general concepts to give students an insight into research programmes in the development of new ceramic materials (and/or composites), whether structural or functional. Recent examples of the development of a particular type of material, designed for a particular purpose, will be presented and discussed during the course. These examples are mostly taken from the "Materials Research Bulletin", the monthly journal published by the Materials Research Society.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

This course is principally designed for students undertaking a 2nd degree in Chemical Sciences and graduate students enrolled in the DEA Sciences programme. There are, therefore, no prerequisites.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

The course takes place according to the availability of the enrolled students. 10 sessions of 1¿ hours are planned (including a short presentation by the students on the subject of their degree or DEA dissertation).