Reaction-Induced Sintering for Fabrication of Bulk Nanoporous and Composite Metals
Abstract
Nanoporous metals and metal-polymer composites are two types of ultra-low density materials thatcould enable breakthrough performance in aerospace applications as multifunctional structuralelements, radiation shielding, or chemical/biological sensor components. However, the development and deployment of nanoporous metals and metal-polymer composites have been hindered by significant difficulties in fabricating these materials; conventional fabrication techniques are only suitable for a handful of noble metals and for small samples (~mm scale). This proposed work will overcome these limitations through the creation of a new, low temperature (25-300°C), chemically driven sintering method for the fabrication of bulk nanoporous metals and metal composites with unparalleled materials versatility and precise control of nanoscale structure. This sintering process,termed “reaction-induced sintering,” has previously been observed at the nanoscale: individual metal nanostructures alloyed with high concentrations of lithium have been seen to fuse together, and strong bonds remain after lithium is removed. Despite such observations, there is little to no understanding or control of this phenomenon, and it has not been used for macroscopic samples. The objective of this proposal is to systematically determine the parameters that lead to low temperature reaction-induced sintering of bulk nanostructured lithium-containing metals (Al and Mg alloys, among others), and to investigate the fundamental physico-chemical processes that give riseto reaction-induced sintering at the nanoscale. If successful, this work will establish the scientific foundation for an entirely new and versatile fabrication approach for producing a wide variety of nanoporous metals and metal-polymer composites with tailored nanostructures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 02, 2017
- Source ID
- FA95501710130
Entities
People
- Matthew T McDowell
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Georgia Tech Research Corporation
- United States Air Force