Field Effects in the Nucleation of Ceramics from Solid Solution
Abstract
The U.S. Anny has needs to make and deploy new materials with exceptional properties for use in a variety of applications where specific mechanical, optical, electronic or magnetic behaviors are required. Such new materials will only be possible with innovations in processing and manufacturing. One of the major fundamental challenges in processing materials stems from the lack of understanding about how a material transitions from a single phase solution to a two-phase system, something particularly relevant to the design of nanostructured composites. The present proposal addresses this challenge by examining nucleation and pre-nucleation phenomena in a mixed oxide solid solution based on the ceramic Y203, a material currently used for windows and missile domes as well as laser hosts. The effect of an external electrical field on the spatial distribution of ions at the pre-clustering stage, and the subsequent impact on the final nanostructure will be used to better understand nucleation phenomena. The proposed research is predicated on the concept that an electric field may be used to modify the local equilibrium state and it will thereby modify kinetic pathways for nucleation. A suite of experiments is proposed to quantify pre-nucleation clustering, including electron microscopy (ex situ and in situ) and atom probe tomography and in situ synchrotron x-ray scattering measurements. Ultimately, it is desired to link the early stages of nucleation with final nanostructures in the context of optical and mechanical performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 19, 2023
- Source ID
- W911NF2310131
Entities
People
- Ivar Reimanis
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Colorado School of Mines
- United States Army