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.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
The knowledge acquired with this course contributes to reaching the UN objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as with new functional materials it is possible to fabricate devices with lower energy consumption and higher performance.
