| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T21: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Probing Defect Properties and Behavior under Mechanical Deformation and Extreme Conditions
|
| Presentation Title |
The Role of Interfaces in Mechanical Response and Radiation Resistance of Ceramics |
| Author(s) |
Izabela A. Szlufarska, Hongliang Zhang, Jianqi Xi, Xing Wang |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Izabela A. Szlufarska |
| Abstract Scope |
Engineering of interfaces has been shown a promising way to control the response of materials to harsh environments. Here, I will discuss the role that interfaces play in response to radiation and/or mechanical stresses, focusing on high-temperature ceramics. I will demonstrate that in ceramics, the effects of interfaces are closely coupled to the complex energy landscape for defect reactions, leading to surprising new phenomena. For example, we discovered that even in ceramics that form line compounds, radiation can cause segregation of constituent elements to grain boundaries without precipitating new phases. Such radiation-induced segregation is expected to have significant impact on corrosion resistance. Secondly, although radiation generally causes degradation of materials properties, it can be also used as a tool to improve materials. In particular, I will demonstrate that radiation can be used as a tool for nano-engineering of interfaces in SiC-carbon nanotube composites, leading to significant improvements of fracture toughness. |