MURI Photochemical and Photothermal Additive Manufacturing of Preceramic Polymers
Abstract
This project proposes a new route to optically-induced on-demand low-temperature one-step conversion of liquid or slurry ceramic precursors into ultra-high-temperature ceramic. Previous approaches to ceramic processing have relied on long heating cycles and conventional shaping technology which limits the type of ceramic components that can be produced. We have proposed a research program that includes advancements in: 1) novel Si-based and metal carbide ceramic precursor materials; 2) new computational capability that can predict both thermal and photo-initiated high-energy reaction pathways of the precursors to ceramics; 3) processing of currentlyunexplored regimes of laser heating of the precursors by photothermal or dielectric breakdown; 4) a multiscale computational platform connecting time-dependent density functional theory, reactive force fields, and machine learning to predict new precursor design. This program will open new avenues to additive manufacturing ceramic materials across a number of high-temperature metal carbides such as tungsten carbide, and Si-based ceramics such as silicon carbide and silicon nitride. Additionally, new computational capability will be built to predict high-energy reaction intermediates which will be used to design new precursors and processing regimes.The precursors to be synthesized will be based on polymers, small molecules, and nanocomposite materials. In each of the precursor feedstocks, inorganic particles can serve as photothermal moieties as well as to adjust the stoichiometry and composition of the resulting ceramic. By employing high-intensity laser processing, we estimate that we can reach local temperatures greater than 1000 degrees Celsius by photothermal heating and high-energy plasma states that can reach above 5000 degrees Celsius equivalent temperature- without bulk heating of the material. Laser excitation also opens emergent photochemical reaction pathways as alternative routesto additive manufacturing these ceramic materials. This work will impact future DOD capabilities by opening new approaches to additively manufacture high-temperature ceramic materials using light-driven approaches. We envision that the concepts explored in this work can be used in the manufacture of bulk components with complex geometries and large-area coatings of ceramic materials. This research will also impact future DOD capabilities in new feedstocks for ceramic materials to approach a diversity of new types of mixed metal carbides. Finally, the research proposed here will give DOD new capabilities in computational materials science and prediction of high-energy chemistry, which can be used across a variety of applications. Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412313
Entities
People
- Robert J. Hickey
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Pennsylvania State University
- United States Navy