SBIR Phase I: Evaluation of Ternary Carbide Compounds that Exhibit Unique Characteristics

*96-61025 Mroz这个第一阶段小型企业创新研究项目将研究一种新的三元碳化物家族，这些化合物初步显示出陶瓷和金属特性的有趣组合。这些材料表现出一系列特性，将金属的延展性、抗冲击性和可加工性与陶瓷的耐火性、抗氧化性和强度结合在一起。这些新的作品已经过初步评估，但还没有在其他地方复制。为了更多地了解这些材料，同时进一步评估结构/性能关系，提出了一个基于成分变化的研究计划。该项目将通过与相关元素交换特定元素来评估结构中的特定晶格位置，因为它们与材料特性有关。这将提供原子尺寸和/或价势的变化。预计在这一组成范围内将形成广泛的固溶体，这将允许确定与原子组成变化有关的特征。这些材料将被表征，并与负责发现这些材料的原始研究人员的早期工作进行比较。此外，该项目将开始对这种材料的商业机会进行评估和优先排序，因为它们与从样品材料中获得的特性和特性有关。这一系列材料的应用预计会很广泛。早期的分析表明，石墨部件的替代将是一个巨大的市场，这些材料的电气和磨损性能的改善可以满足这些市场。其他应用可能包括电极、加热器、密封件和易损件以及发动机部件。由于这种技术的普及性，这种材料可能服务的市场的总价值相当大。***

*** 96-61025 Mroz This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project will investigate a new family of ternary carbide compounds which have initially shown an interesting combination of ceramic and metallic characteristics. These materials exhibit a set of characteristics that blends the ductility, shock resistance and machinability of metals with the refractoriness, oxidation resistance and strength of ceramics. These new compositions have been initially evaluated, however they have not been reproduced elsewhere. In order to learn more about these materials, and at the same time, further evaluate structure/properties relationships, a research program based on compositional variations is suggested. The project will evaluate the specific lattice sites within the structure as they relate to the material characteristics by exchanging specific elements with related elements. This will provide changes in atomic size and or valence potential. The formation of extensive solid solutions in this composition range, which will allow for determination of characteristics as they relate to changes made in atomic composition is anticipated. These materials will be characterized and compared to earlier work from the original researchers responsible for discovering these materials. In addition, the project will begin to evaluate and prioritize commercial opportunities for this material as they relate to the properties and characteristics obtained from sample materials. Applications for this family of materials are expected to be wide ranging. Early analysis suggests that replacement for graphite parts will be a large market that can be satisfied by the improved electrical and wear performance of these materials. Other applications might include electrodes, heaters, seals and wear parts, and engine components. The total value of the markets that may be serviced by this material is quite large due to the pervasive nature of the technology. ***