Ceramic Fabrication with Control of Micrograin Structure via Nano Additives

A multidisciplinary team led by Applied Sciences, Inc. (ASI) will incorporate Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) functionalities to create a predictive design tool to control the formation of unique micrograin structures with a Ceramic Matrix Composite.  Initiation of the structures will be the result of using nanomaterials as nucleation seed crystals in the matrix rather than as reinforcements. This in turn will result in improved mechanical properties such as higher strain, enhanced thermal conductivity, enhanced oxidation resistance, higher strength and modulus, improved microcrack propagation resistance, and better brittle fracture resistance. In addition to ASI, our team is represented by three universities (University of Dayton Research Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, and University of Akron), a major aerospace OEM (Lockheed-Martin). Our strongest advantage is that we have highly credible means to change the microstructure of ceramic composite matrices by adding nucleation agents at the nanoscale level. Addition of less than 1% of the total mass of composite is all that is needed to observe the benefits of these materials. This is the type of data that will inform the ICME model in a unique and advantageous way. The intended result of these efforts is ceramic materials with a well-ordered atomic lattice and micrograin structure. This will impart the previously mentioned property improvements at higher temperatures.