SGER: Beta-Eucryptite and the Potential for Transformation Toughening

非技术描述：最近发现了一种新的材料行为，其中陶瓷颗粒在受到压缩载荷的刺激时从表面猛烈喷射，这促使人们探索在坚韧陶瓷的设计中使用该现象。 据推测，相同的材料行为，控制颗粒喷出物可以被操纵，以阻止裂纹在脆性材料受到静态和可能的动态负载。 一名博士生和一名本科生正在进行一项初步的、非常新颖的研究，这项研究可能会导致一种新的、坚韧的陶瓷。技术规格：在开发新型相变增韧陶瓷复合材料的背景下，对β-锂霞石的压力诱导相变进行了研究。 通过将β-锂霞石颗粒结合在陶瓷基体内制备的新型复合材料被制备和表征，其目的是控制从β-锂霞石到ε-锂霞石的置换相变。 除了培训一名研究生和几名本科生进行陶瓷加工和性能研究外，还设计了一项更广泛的教育活动，通过一种说明矿物和技术材料（如β-锂霞石）之间联系的媒介，最终“点燃”高中生的科学兴趣。

NON-TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION: The recent discovery of a new material behavior in which ceramic particles violently eject from the surface when stimulated by a compressive load has prompted the exploration of employing the phenomenon in the design of a tough ceramic. It is hypothesized that the same material behavior that controls the particle ejecta can be manipulated to arrest cracks in brittle materials subjected to static and possibly dynamic loads. A doctoral candidate and an undergraduate student are conducting the preliminary and highly novel research that may lead to a new, tough ceramic. TECHNICAL DETAILS: Research is performed to understand the pressure-induced phase transformation in beta-eucryptite, in the context of developing a new type of transformation-toughened ceramic composite. Novel composites prepared by incorporating beta-eucryptite particles within a ceramic matrix are prepared and characterized with the goal of controlling the displacive phase transformation from beta- to epsilon-eucryptite. In addition to training a graduate student and several undergraduates in performing ceramics processing and properties research, a broader educational activity is designed that ultimately 'ignites' science interest in high school students through a medium that illustrates the connection between minerals and technological materials such as beta-eucryptite.