Novel Methods to Produce Nanocrystalline Materials

纳米晶体材料在许多应用中是期望的，这是由于 它们提供上级机械性能的能力 具有改进的耐磨性和耐腐蚀性。 这项i期 努力，开发出一批纳米晶的能力 使用脉冲反应电极（PRE）的材料， 杆，线，或在某些情况下，编织线浸没在一个 反应性或非反应性介电流体。 控制 可以得到纳米尺寸的粉末 具有定制的尺寸、形状和形态， 表征了 该技术可用于生产 碳化物、氮化物、硼化物或氧化物。 第二阶段后续 努力可能会集中在添加反应气体， 与电极并排放置在一个专门设计的保持器中， 用于将纳米晶体材料固结成 形状从使用高剪切压实的片状到板状 和其他复杂的形状。 对这些压实的 强度、腐蚀和高温性能的形状， 这也是第二阶段的计划。 扩大规模的方法 生产商业数量纳米晶体的技术 将考虑用于许多应用的粉末。 纳米晶粉末的生产可以导致量子跃迁 结构材料技术。 因此，合金和纳米复合材料 所生产的产品应有助于在许多电气， 磁性和包装应用。 其他用途包括 坩埚，喷嘴，智能材料，传感器，以及一些 结构部件。

Nanocrystalline materials are desired in many applications due to their ability to provide superior mechanical properties coupled with improved wear and corrosion resistance. In this Phase I effort, the ability to develop a number of nanocrystalline materials using pulsed reactive electrodes (PRE) either in the form of a rod, wire, or in some cases braided wires submerged in a reactive or nonreactive dielectric fluid, is demonstrated. Control over the processing parameters can result in nanometer size powders with tailored size, shape and morphology that can be characterized. The technique can be adapted for producing carbides, nitrides, borides or oxides. The follow-on Phase II effort will probably focus on adding reactive gases that flow alongside the electrode in a specially designed holder and a technique for consolidation of the nanocrystalline materials into shapes ranging from sheets, using high shear compaction, to plates and other intricate shapes. Extensive testing of these compacted shapes for strength, corrosion and high temperature behavior is also planned in the Phase II effort. Methods for scaling up this technique to produce commercial quantities of nano-crystalline powders for use in numerous applications will be considered. Production of nanocrystalline powders can result in a quantum jump in structural materials technology. Alloys and nanocomposites thus produced should facilitate applications in numerous electrical, magnetic, and packaging applications. Other uses include crucibles, nozzles, smart materials, sensors, and several structural components.