Clarification of multiscale sintering process by using synchrotron X-ray nano-CT

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K15289
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 26020:Inorganic materials and properties-related
• Research Institution: National Institute for Materials Science (2020-2022); Tokyo Institute of Technology (2019)
• Principal Investigator: OKUMA Gaku 国立研究開発法人物質・材料研究機構, 構造材料研究拠点, 研究員 (70838945)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 焼結 / 放射光X線CT / 微構造 / 欠陥

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Synchrotron X-ray multiscale tomography is a 3D imaging method that combines microtomography and nanotomography to perform a high spatial resolution measurement with a wide field of view. We show how this method can be used to track the 3D microstructural evolution at multiple length scales in powder processing, sintering, and microfracture of ceramics. Heterogeneity, complexity, diversity, and hierarchical structure of powder compact lead to various types of defects that control the quality, reliability, and lifetime of products. The elimination and formation of defects are affected by applied stress in spark plasma sintering and by internal stresses generated during differential sintering and constrained sintering. The complex subsurface crack system induced by Vickers indentation demonstrates how heterogeneous microstructures control the toughening mechanisms.

Free Research Field

材料工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

放射光X線CT技術を, 耐熱部品,や電子部品など産業界で幅広く使われている代表的な酸化物のアルミナや, 積層材料, ガラスセラミックスの焼結プロセス開発に展開し, 産業発展のための学術的基盤を構築できた.