MSE1061

This course examines the crystal and defect structures which determine the electrical and mass transport behaviours and the effects of microstructure on optical, magnetic, dielectric, and thermomechanical properties.

We also explore the influence of these structure-property relations on the performance of ceramic materials in specific applications such as sensors, solid oxide fuel cells, magnets, and structural components.

In this module we examine the types of defects that exist in ceramic materials, introduce Kroger-Vink notation as a way to efficiently describe point defects, and present several examples of defect formation reactions which illustrate how the need to balance charge and number of sites, as well as mass, effect the formation of defects in ceramic materials.

This module begins with a focus on primary bonds and progresses to simple and then more complex ceramic crystal structures. Finally, we look at the physical properties that are sensitive to bonding and crystal structure.