Silicon carbide electronics are expected to play a role in future space missions to hot celestial bodies, such as Venus and the sun. A new study by researchers at NASA Glenn Research Center investigated the electrical properties of several ceramic and glass packaging materials to determine which would best protect silicon carbide electronics at temperatures of more than 800°C.
Read MoreTheoretical studies have predicted that 2D silicon carbide in a stable honeycomb structure is possible, but experimentally achieving this material has proven difficult. Two recent papers successfully synthesized monolayer silicon carbide using top-down and bottom-up synthesis methods, respectively.
Read MoreSilicon carbide-based semiconductor chips are starting to be embraced by automotive manufacturers looking to overcome the limitations of traditional silicon. To prepare for an expected surge in demand for SiC electronics, several semiconductor manufacturers have announced plans to construct new or expand existing fabrication facilities.
Read MoreVerifying the purity of ultrahigh-purity materials can be a challenge. Researchers in Italy and Norway developed a new analytical protocol based on laser ablation paired with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine the purity of silicon carbide.
Read MoreSiC/SiC composites are one of the main ceramic matrix composites being investigated for aerospace applications. Researchers from Germany and China explored the potential of shaping such composites using the “gentle” machining process of plasma etching.
Read MoreThermal energy storage technologies are one way to store energy generated from renewable sources. But producing materials that can contain the high-temperature and corrosive materials integral to this technology is an ongoing area of research. Two recent ACerS journal articles explore methods of fabricating C/C-SiC CMCs for use as container materials.
Read MoreFabricating dense, complex-shaped items from silicon carbide can be challenging due to the material’s properties. Manufacturers benefit from studies on reducing viscosity of SiC slurries, such as two recent ones published in an ACerS journal, but open access to the data behind such studies may benefit them even more.
Read MoreReducing oxide glass brittleness is an active area of research. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, created a tough oxide glass with a stress-modulus relationship near the theoretical limit by dispersing nanoparticles in a glass melt.
Read MoreScientists create continuously emitting microlasers with nanoparticle-coated beads, Rutgers physicists create new class of 2-D artificial materials, and other materials stories that may be of interest for June 27, 2018.
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