Unravelling the structural origin of cyclic fatigue in ferroelectrics. Ferroelectric materials have extensive applications in electromechanical devices and memories and in service are often subjected to repeat mechanical and/or electrical loading, leading to cyclic fatigue and failure. This project aims to apply in-situ electron microscopy techniques and computational modelling to explore cyclic ferroelectric fatigue behaviour and to understand the relationships between local atomic scale struct ....Unravelling the structural origin of cyclic fatigue in ferroelectrics. Ferroelectric materials have extensive applications in electromechanical devices and memories and in service are often subjected to repeat mechanical and/or electrical loading, leading to cyclic fatigue and failure. This project aims to apply in-situ electron microscopy techniques and computational modelling to explore cyclic ferroelectric fatigue behaviour and to understand the relationships between local atomic scale structure and fatigue. The structural origin of ferroelectric fatigue has not been clear because of the limitations of previous measurement capabilities. This project will provide guidance in materials design to increase ferroelectric fatigue lifetime for more reliable ferroelectric-based electronic devices.Read moreRead less
New Ceramic: Fully Stabilised Monoclinic ZrO2 by Al2O3 + SiO2 Additions. Aim: To use conventional manufacturing and advanced manufacturing to produce an unprecedented form of zirconia: Fully stabilised monoclinic zirconia. Significance: The product utilises waste and inexpensive raw materials and it avoids the universal nanoscale transformation from the tetragonal and cubic forms of zirconia, which are commercialised. Outcomes: The product can have widespread uses in the chemical, refractory and ....New Ceramic: Fully Stabilised Monoclinic ZrO2 by Al2O3 + SiO2 Additions. Aim: To use conventional manufacturing and advanced manufacturing to produce an unprecedented form of zirconia: Fully stabilised monoclinic zirconia. Significance: The product utilises waste and inexpensive raw materials and it avoids the universal nanoscale transformation from the tetragonal and cubic forms of zirconia, which are commercialised. Outcomes: The product can have widespread uses in the chemical, refractory and mining industries and the technology aims to expand the industrial partner's commodity base from structural ceramics to high-tech ceramics. Benefits: Greater utilisation of waste and Australian raw materials, new commercialisation opportunities, new training and employment opportunities and breakthrough research.Read moreRead less
Design of Non-Equilibrium Architectures: Leveraging High Entropy Materials. Novel metallic alloys, termed as ‘high entropy materials’, will be investigated as surface coatings in order to provide improved strength, corrosion and wear performance under extreme industrial environments. This new evolution in materials engineering is created by mixing at least 5 elements in equal ratios and has recently been proven to provide excellent functionality in the bulk form. The novelty of this project is t ....Design of Non-Equilibrium Architectures: Leveraging High Entropy Materials. Novel metallic alloys, termed as ‘high entropy materials’, will be investigated as surface coatings in order to provide improved strength, corrosion and wear performance under extreme industrial environments. This new evolution in materials engineering is created by mixing at least 5 elements in equal ratios and has recently been proven to provide excellent functionality in the bulk form. The novelty of this project is that thermal spray engineering will be employed to manufacture bespoke coatings for industries such as the mining and power generation sectors. We now need to understand the materials science for a technological tipping point that directly impacts manufacturing industries for improved performance, efficiency and reliability.Read moreRead less