SYMPOSIUM 23: High Interfacial Materials – Controlling Grain Boundary Structure, Chemistry, and their Network

Electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties that control the function of ceramic devices are highly dependent on the structure and chemistry of grains, grain boundaries, and the subsequently formed grain boundary network. Bulk nanomaterials are a specific class of materials which have high volumetric densities of interfacial features with demonstrated impacts on these functional properties. The atomic structure, bonding configuration, defect distribution, segregation behavior of these boundaries, and the overall microstructure of the system are altered by material processing techniques. Developing a fundamental understanding of the effect of processing techniques on modifying these internal interfaces, and in turn, impacting the microstructure of ceramic materials is needed in order to tailor their properties and optimize their application in next generation technology. 

This symposium explores fundamental research into the modifications of internal interfacial structure and composition as well as microstructure evolution in functional materials as it relates to processing techniques with an overall goal of increasing the volumetric density of the internal interfacial network – i.e. creating stable bulk nanomaterials. Applicable processing techniques include sintering, electric fields, high temperature and cryogenic application, and gas environment. 

Proposed Sessions/Topics 

• Interface structure and chemistry 

• Atomic structure, chemistry, bonding configuration 

• Defect and segregation behavior 

• In situ microscopy evaluation 

• Microstructure evolution 

• Thermal stability 

• Chemical stability 

• Material properties 

• Processing parameters 

• Mechanical and electric fields (SPS, FAST, HIP, etc.) 

• Extreme temperatures (cold sintering, SPS, etc.) 

• Environments (oxygen, hydrogen, etc.) 

Symposium Organizer(s) 

• James Wollmerhauser, Naval Research Laboratory, USA 

• Edward Gorzkowski, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, USA 

• Amanda Krause, Carnegie Mellon University, USA 

• Hadas Sternlicht, The Pennsylvania State University, USA  

Point(s) of Contact 

• James Wollmerhauser; james.a.wollmershauser.civ@us.navy.mil  

• Edward Gorzkowski; edward.p.gorzkowski.civ@us.navy.mil  

• Amanda Krause; amandakr@andrew.cmu.edu  

• Hadas Sternlicht; hsternlicht@psu.edu 

Symposium Sponsor(s) 

• Basic Science Division