NASU corresponding member Andrey Ragulya

Position: Vice Director Institution attended: Frantsevich Institute for Problems in Materials Science, NAS of Ukraine Scientific interests: Nanoceramics, Nanocomposites

Lecture title: State-of-the Art and Challenges in Ceramic Nanocomposites

Lecture abstract: The lecture is addressed to the problems of nanocomposites with ceramic matrix as the most prospective class of 3D bulk nanomaterials. Main approaches concerning structure engineering and formation of multifunctionality in properties will be in the focus of presentation. The results of recent research of the Field Assisted Sintering of ceramic matrix nanocomposites based on nitrides and borides are summarized in this overview.

Conventional ceramic paradigm itself represents a combination of particulate technologies methods, which include powder synthesis stage, powder consolidation, sintering, and treatment, if necessary. This approach is quite universal, but it faces a number of challenges, mostly because of difficulties to achieve uniform component distribution through the bodies of multiphase materials. The nanocomposites represent the most promising class of bulk nanomaterials. Engineering of nanocomposites creates unlimited resources to prevent grain growth during consolidation and marry the best combination of structural and functional properties, however, their manufacturing is a challenge till now.

Numerous examples of experimental researches and characterizations of ceramic matrix nanocomposites obtained by both particle consolidation and polymer destruction methods under SPS conditions will be overviewed and potential applications of such materials described.