Learning objectives
In this course, participants will acquire:
1) Good knowledge of the different categories of functional materials and their properties;
2) Knowledge of the preparation techniques of polycrystals, single crystals, epitaxial films and nanostructures;
3) Ability to identify the most suitable preparation technology according to the material of interest;
4) Knowledge about the methods for investigating the functional properties;
5) Information on how to minimize defects and improve the performance of the materials of interest.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of physics, chemistry and thermodynamics
Course unit content
Functional materials as a key to innovative technologies; Relations composition - structure - functionality; Methods of preparation of functional materials; Defects and physical characteristics; Single crystals, films, nanostructures; Relationship between preparation process and material properties; Examples of materials for advanced applications.
Full programme
- Introduction to materials science and technology
- Definition of functional materials
- Amorphous materials and crystalline materials
- Crystallization techniques
- State diagrams and phase transformations
- Defects and imperfections in solids
- Diffusion of defects and impurities
- Single crystals,polycrystals, thin films, nanocrystals
- Functional materials with special electrical properties
- Functional materials with special optical properties
- Functional materials with magnetic properties
- Functional materials with superconducting properties
Bibliography
William F Smith and Javad Hashemi, Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali, McGraw Hill,
Original English edition entitled Foundations of Materials Science and Engineering
Teaching methods
Lectures in classroom supported by audio-visual media. Copy of slides and materials utilized during the lectures will be posted in Elly.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral test including:
- Short seminar (max 20 min) on a topic chosen among those presented in the course
- Questions on course's content in order to check how familiar the student is with topics and basic concepts.
Final mark will be based for 1/3 on the seminar and 2/3 on the question time.
Other information
Visit of few labs for material preparation in the Campus of Science and Technology of Parma University.
