Ceramics with enhanced high-temperature toughness

The performance of ceramics at temperatures of relevance (>1000 K) to applications is limited by the inherent tendency to crack (brittleness) of these materials and/or by temperature-induced reductions in strength.

The goal of this theoretical research project is to guide realization of refractory Transition-Metal Nitride, Carbide, diBoride (TMX) ceramics that combine high-temperature strength and toughness (fracture resistance). These materials would ensure performance, reliability, thus also reducing costs and emissions during use.

Building upon my previous demonstrations of electronic, phase-stability, and atomistic effects, the goal will be accomplished through identification and understanding of mechanisms that govern plastic deformation at different length-scales; a formidable challenge, because plasticity oppositely affects strength vs toughness.

I will lead my research group and coordinate an international network of experts devoted to fundamental understanding and development of TMX with superior properties.

We will combine innovative first-principles and semi-empirical methods that provide nm-to-µm-scale visualization of materials mechanical behaviors under stress and temperature.

The predictions will be verified at every stage of progress by TMX synthesis, mechanical-testing, ex situ and in situ characterization.

The knowledge gained can lead to design of materials with properties tailored to demands of diverse high-temperature, high-pressure technologies.