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Ultra-strong nanoceramics

Sponsored by: University of California, Davis, College of Engineering; Department of Energy and National Science Foundation

Understanding correlation between thermodynamics and mechanical behavior
Because nanocrystalline materials have their properties strongly dependent on the interfacial features, in this project we design low energy grain boundaries to improve mechanical behavior. In particular we are looking at oxide nanoceramics. This project is in its initial stages and the concept is slowly being developed.

Some related publications:

Colossal Grain Boundary Strengthening in Ultrafine Nanocrystalline Oxides

Thermodynamic Strengthening of Heterointerfaces in Nanoceramics

Thermochemistry of Nanoceramics: Controlling Sintering and Grain Growth

Sponsored by: National Science Foundation, DMR Ceramics, 1609781 (and previously 1055504)

Ceramic materials often exhibit novel physical and chemical properties as their sizes approach nanometer dimensions.
These new properties have inspired a variety of new applications in several fields, ranging from nanosensors to cathode materials for fuel cells and lithium batteries. As well, the possibility is opened for the development of new materials in response to the current energy problems such as the U.S. increasing demand for energy, dependence on foreign oils, and climate change. However, the optimization of nanoceramic processing is still a challenge, and understanding the fundamental concepts requires further research. Within this project, Prof. Castro focuses on the larger volume fraction of interfaces present in nanoceramics to improve processing control. His groups uses ultra-sensitive calorimetric techniques to quantify interfacial energies and use the data to predict and control properties.

Some related publications:

Sintering and Nanostability: The Thermodynamic Perspective

On the thermodynamic stability of nanocrystalline ceramics

Fast firing of bismuth doped yttria-stabilized zirconia for enhanced densification and ionic conductivity

The Nanocrystalline SnO2-TiO2 SystemPart I: Structural Features

The Nanocrystalline SnO2-TiO2 SystemPart II: Surface Energies and Thermodynamic Stability

Grain growth resistant nanocrystalline zirconia by targeting zero grain boundary energies

Obtaining highly dense YSZ nanoceramics by pressureless, unassisted sintering

Energetics of Oriented Attachment of Mn-Doped SnO2 Nanoparticles

Modeling grain growth kinetics of binary substitutional alloys by the thermodynamic extremal principle

Phase Stability in Nanocrystals: A Predictive Diagram for Yttria-Zirconia

Thermodynamic Stability of SnO2 Nanoparticles: The Role of Interface Energies and Dopants

Water Adsorption Microcalorimetry Model: Deciphering Surface Energies and Water Chemical Potentials of Nanocrystalline Oxides

Surface and grain boundary energies of tin dioxide at low and high temperatures and effects on densification behavior

Design of Desintering in Tin Dioxide Nanoparticles

Radiation Tolerance of Nanoceramics

Sponsored by: Department of Energy

Nanomaterials can potentially present higher radiaton tolerance
Nanostructured materials are likely to play a large role in future nuclear reactors and radioactive waste storage due to their strength and potential resistance to structural damage from radiation. However, this potential is hindered by significant gaps in the understanding of interfaces' properties and their role in the overall performance of the nanocrystalline structures. The lack of reliable thermodynamical data of nanomaterials makes it extremely difficult to predict and fully exploit nanomaterials' properties in high-radiation environments, this being one of the major reasons why the stability of the nanomaterials is still a big unresolved question. The goal of this project is to investigate nanomaterials with potential interest for nuclear components [the aluminate based spinels (MAl2O4, M = Mg, Ni, or Zn), investigate zirconia based materials (ZrO2 doped with Mg, Y, or Ca), and establish the link between composition, interface thermodynamics, and radiation resistance, aiming to enable a better understanding of the nature of enhanced performance in nanocrystalline ceramics. Thereafter, we will exploit the achieved knowledge as a foundation in order to design a new nanocomposite ceramic capable of withstanding high radiation exposition by using elements of interface engineering on a thermodynamic basis. This project is in collaboration with the Los Alamos National Laboratory and is supported by the US Department of Energy, division of Basic Energy Sciences. Materials Design Institute also support a parallel research. In an independent effort, we are trying to identify the role of the nanoscale in CeO2 nanostructures, and if it is possible to improve radiation tolerance of CeO2 upon doping with Mn. This work is supported by UC LabFee.

Some related publications:

Radiation Tolerance of Nanocrystalline Ceramics: Insights from Yttria Stabilized Zirconia

Irradiation-induced grain growth and defect evolution in nanocrystalline zirconia with doped grain boundaries

Improving the Thermodynamic Stability of Aluminate Spinel Nanoparticles with Rare Earths

Stabilization of MgAl2O4 spinel surfaces via doping

Phase Stability in Calcia-Doped Zirconia Nanocrystals

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Peter A. Rock Thermochemistry Laboratory Our group is a part of this unique laboratory, check the website!

Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
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SHPE - Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.
Get to know this great Society, even if you're not a Latino.

I'm a scientist with faith. Learn more about Castro's faith and how science can co-exist with God.

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