Colloidal Chemistry and Ceramic Processing

Colloid Chemistry

Our primary goal is advancing ceramic processing science and technology by using Colloidal Chemistry principles. We combine basic and applied research and cross boarders to organic chemistry and biology. We research the stable states of colloids and their transitions to gels by using light scattering and rheology. The key to improved ceramic components is the control of hierarchical structures within the materials system. The design and fabrication of ceramic components with predictable properties starts at the atomic scale by the combination of the atoms in their crystal structure. Their transformation from a de-solved state into powder particles by sol-gel chemistry or other soft chemistry processes to homogenous powder particles involves different chemical pathways. It then requires to control the arrangement of powder particles to microstructures over the characteristic length scale spanning several orders of magnitude in length scale up to the size of the component. During sintering of powder compacts their microstructures undergo drastic changes which can be controlled temperature time schedules, atmosphere and pressure. It also addresses the integration of components into the materials system. This means controlling the composition of matter on different length scales from the Angstrom level over the sub-micrometer scale to the mm scale of a component. We apply these results immediately for the engineering of improved materials, processes, and product innovations.

Examples of research subjects are:

• Interaction of organic molecules with powder surfaces
• Interactions of proteins with metal oxide surfaces
• Colloidal forming techniques
• Processing of nanostructured ceramics, micropatterning and micromolding
• Direct Ceramic Machining (DCM) (More on Ceron ...)
• Structure and mechanical properties of suspensions and gels