Learning objectives
In this course participants will gain:
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 for a desired material;
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
Categories of materials; Functional and structural materials; Functional materials as a key to innovative technologies; Examples of functional materials; 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
- Functionality and definition of functional materials
- Amorphous materials and crystalline materials
- Functional materials with particular electrical properties
- Functional materials with particular ferroelectric properties
- Functional materials with particular optical properties
- Functional materials with magnetic properties
- Functional materials with superconducting properties
- Defects and imperfections in solids
- Diffusion of defects and impurities
- Crystallization techniques
- Single crystals, thin films, nanocrystals
- State diagrams and phase transformations
Bibliography
1) William F Smith and Javad Hashemi, Foundations of Materials Science and Technology, McGraw-Hill (Edizione italiana a cura di Silvia Farè e Maria Cristina Tanzi, Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali, V edizione McGraw-Hill)
2) Deborah D.L. Chung, Functional Materials: electrical, dielectric, electromagnetic, optical and magnetic applications, World Scientific, 2022
3) William D. Callister and David G. Rethwisch, Materials Science and Engineering, J. Wiley & S. 2018 (Edizione italiana Scienza ed Ingegneria dei Materiali, EdiSES Edizioni, 2019)
4) Teaching handout and other didactical materials provided by the teacher
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.
