Materials World Network: Nanostructure and Thermodynamics of Polymer Derived Ceramics

聚合物衍生陶瓷是一种新型的轻质耐用材料，能够承受非常高的温度。它们在航空航天、能源、电子和其他行业有潜在的用途。然而，它们的结构是什么，它们有多稳定，以及它们的结构和稳定性如何决定它们的性质和用途，人们知之甚少。这个材料世界网络项目汇集了合成、结构测定、热力学和理论方面的专家来解决这些问题。该项目还为加州大学戴维斯分校和德国达姆施塔特大学提供教育交流机会。Si-C-N-O体系中的聚合物衍生陶瓷具有独特的机械和热性能，重量轻，并能保持在1400°C以上，这使得它们在航空航天、能源、电子和其他应用中具有潜在的用途。这项研究的目标是通过结合最先进的合成、量热法、核磁共振、振动光谱学、电子显微镜和理论，对它们的结构和稳定性进行定量的原子水平的理解。这样的理解将把与它们的合成和性质相关的经验科学转变为更加定量和预测性的理解，从而能够微调特定的材料性质。学生、博士后和教师将拥有上述技术的科学经验以及在美国和德国工作的文化经验。该材料世界网络由DMR陶瓷项目、DMR特别项目办公室和OISE中欧和东欧地区共同资助。

Polymer derived ceramics are a new class of lightweight and durable materials able to withstand very high temperatures. They have potential uses in aerospace, energy, electronics, and other industries. Yet what their structures are, how stable they are, and how their structure and stability determine their properties and uses are poorly known. This Materials World Network project brings together experts in synthesis, structure determination, thermodynamics, and theory to address these questions. It also provides educational opportunities for exchange between UC Davis and Darmstadt University in Germany.Polymer derived ceramics in the Si-C-N-O system have unique mechanical and thermal properties, are lightweight, and persist to above 1400 °C, making them potentially useful for aerospace, energy, electronic, and other applications. The goal of this research is to develop a quantitative atomic-level understanding of their structure and stability through a combination of state-of-the-art synthesis, calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and vibrational spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and theory. Such understanding will transform the very empirical science related to their synthesis and properties into a much more quantitative and predictive understanding that will enable fine-tuning specific materials properties. Students, postdocs, and faculty will have scientific experience in a number of the techniques listed above and the cultural experience of working in the U.S. and Germany.This Materials World Network is cofunded by the DMR Ceramics program, the DMR Office for Special Programs, and the OISE Central & Eastern Europe Region.