MME9105: Ceramics and Powder Technology

This module provides a detailed coverage of the structure, properties and engineering use of advanced structural ceramics. It focuses on how control of the microstructure can lead to material improvements, especially in regard to toughness.  In the exercises, practical problems involving the preparation and use of ceramics and powder metallurgy products will be quantitatively illustrated. 
 
Course objectives 

• To introduce the students into the technology of powder metallurgy 
• To review the most important fabrication processes for the manufacturing of advanced technical ceramic components 
• To introduce the microstructure, properties and life cycle of the different ceramic material classes 

 
Learning Outcomes 
After completing the course, the student shall: 
 

• Explain how crystal structure and chemical bonding give ceramics their typical properties  
• Fabricate a ceramic component in the lab by using standard ceramic processing methods  
• Describe the behaviours of fine (micro- of nanosized) powders, granulates, and powder dispersions and be familiar with the basic uses of colloid chemistry in the processing of fine powders 
• Explain the driving forces for sintering and be familiar with commonly used sintering methods  
• Select proper forming methods based on the geometric design of a ceramic component 
• Analyse the fracture surface of a ceramic component and recognize typical fracture origins 
• Have a basic knowledge about how ceramics are used in electronic applications as insulators, dielectrics, piezoelectrics and magnets and be able to describe the structural properties that makes this possible  
• Explain how mechanical properties are measured in brittle materials and be able to evaluate and compare strength data from different sources  
• Describe how fracture toughening mechanisms such as transformation toughening and crack deflection can be used to strengthen ceramics