MEEN40080 Technical Ceramics

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module presents information about the theory and applications of technical ceramics (also known as advanced or fine ceramics). There are six main parts:
(i) The crystallography and crystal chemistry of ceramic materials
(ii) Analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, optical ceramography, spectroscopy techniques, thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analysis, and mechanical testing for brittle materials
(iii) Fundamentals of ceramic and glass production, including the theory of solid and liquid phase sintering mechanisms
(iv) Relationships between microstructure and mechanical properties, developed through case studies of some high performance structural ceramic materials such as the sialons and zirconias
(v) Important classes and applications of ceramics, including ceramic composites, glass-ceramics, bioceramics, refractories, electroceramics, and 2D materials
(vi) Recent developments in ceramic processing.

Each student will attend three laboratory classes (mechanical testing, X-ray diffraction, and simultaneous thermal analysis) and will be expected to write a report on two of those classes.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the crystal chemistry of ceramic materials

2. Evaluate the behaviour and properties of ceramic materials using various analytical techniques

3. Describe the relationship between microstructure, crystal structure, and properties

4. Carry out logical selection of ceramic materials for engineering applications.

Indicative Module Content:

composition and structure of ceramics: atomic bonding, crystallography, crystal chemistry, defects, microstructure

characterisation techniques: x-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, electron microscopy, thermal analysis, spectroscopy techniques, mechanical testing of brittle materials

sintering: theory of solid and liquid phase sintering, raw material preparation, pre- and post- sintering steps

glass production: amorphous phase production, example glass compositions, heat treatments

structural ceramics examples: relating structure to bulk properties, zirconias, toughening mechanisms, sialons, multiphase microstructures, effects of grain size and shape

Introduction to important classes and applications of ceramics: functional vs structural ceramics, ceramic composites, glass-ceramics, bioceramics, refractories, electroceramics, and 2D materials

Recent developments in ceramic processing


Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Laboratories

6
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Total

112
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures

Short in-class problem solving

Practical labs

Individual research essays 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Essay type research assignment. Students will have approximately 4 weeks to complete the assignment, beginning around mid-trimester. Unspecified n/a Graded No

20
Examination: Final examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

60
Lab Report: Two lab reports Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive feedback on their assignments before sitting the final exam

Barsoum, M. W., Fundamentals of Ceramics (CRC Press, Second ed, 2019)