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

这个第一阶段的小企业创新研究项目将研究一种新的三元碳化物化合物家族，这种化合物最初显示出陶瓷和金属特征的有趣组合。这些材料表现出一系列特性，将金属的延展性、抗震性和可加工性与陶瓷的耐火性、抗氧化性和强度相结合。这些新作品已经过初步评估，但尚未在其他地方复制。为了进一步了解这些材料，同时进一步评价其结构/性能关系，提出了基于组分变化的研究方案。该项目将通过与相关元素交换特定元素来评估结构中与材料特性相关的特定晶格位置。这将提供原子大小和/或价势的变化。在这个组成范围内形成广泛的固溶体，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，该项目将开始评估和优先考虑这种材料的商业机会，因为它们与从样品材料中获得的特性和特征有关。这种材料的应用范围很广。早期的分析表明，石墨零件的替代品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一市场。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。由于这项技术的普遍性，这种材料可能服务的市场总价值相当大。＊＊＊

*** 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. ***