Co. This research is being conducted to examine the relationship between microstructure and mechanical performance in the Al 2 O 3 -ZrO 2 eutectic system. The study will concentrate on densification processes, thermal instability associated with phase distribution of zirconia in this eutectic composite. The effect of processing on the microstructural-mechanical properties will be evaluated. During sol-gel processing, structural developments occur as a result of network condensation. Consequently, the rigidity of the structure and the resistance it offers to the escaping solvent increase.
Pressure gradients build and the gels risk to fracture.
Using Brillouin light scattering in the course of the drying process, we monitor the complex mechanical modulus, characterizing the dynamic response of these gels on a molecular scale. This yields information concerning the change of elastic properties and viscous dissipation, as controlled by chemical composition and drying rates. Various synthesis methods have been investigated to determine the optimum chemical route for obtaining pure, single phase, high surface area powders. Additionally new synthesis techniques have been developed to fabricate coated powders. The objective has been to obtain unagglomerated homogeneously mixed dry powders suitable for dry powder processing.