(Super) hard Nanocomposites
 

Prof. Dr. Edwin Kroke
TU Bergakademie
Freiberg
Institute of
Inorganic Chemistry
Freiberg

In collaboration with:

Dr. Marcus Schwarz
TU Bergakademie
Freiberg
Institute of
Inorganic Chemistry
Freiberg


Prof. Dr. David Rafaja
TU Bergakademie
Freiberg
Institute of
Materials Science
Freiberg


Based on the results achieved so far regarding the structure and property correlation in superhard BN nanocomposites, the aim of the 2nd project phase is to create nanoscaled composites in selected element systems suitable for the production of stable moulds for the conditioning of optical metal surfaces. Detailed investigations will be conducted on problems which have not yet been completely solved:
-the role of the intrinsic microstructure defects when forming nanoscaled BN composites
-the influence of microstructure defects on the mechanical properties
We also intend to extend the positive results achieved in the past 2 years to further systems, while primarily aiming to create new materials with a similar microstructure and similar properties. The main research focus will be on the element systems Ti(Al)Si/N and Cr/(Al)Si/N. In addition, single crystals of selected borides, carbides and nitrides will be examined. For amorphous and partial crystalline starting materials elemental organic precursors and key precursors will be used with different types of microstructure defects possessing varying densities. Based on our experience in the first two years, we would like to extend our methods of investigation. In addition to XRD, TEM, HRTEM, Knoop and Vickers hardness tests as well as tribology tests, we also plan to carry out in-situ synchrotron experiments in HASYLAB/DESY Hamburg as well as local strain and damage tests by means of nanoindentors and target preparation of the samples with FIB.