Aims

1.To give students an informed picture of the role of nano-sized and nano-structured phases in contemporary materials through the use of case studies of nanomaterial applications: This will include an appreciation of (a) the chemistry of producing nano-structured materials and nano-particles, (b) the controlled synthesis of nano-particles and bulk nanomaterials in order to generate an advantages in performance not possible at the larger (e.g. micron) scale and (c) an appreciation of the health and safety, environmental and sustainability issues associated with novel nanomaterials.
2.To develop skills in personally researching a topic and presenting the result in the form of a technical report.

The case studies in Nanomaterials module looks at the synthesis and role of nano-sized and nano-structured phases in contemporary materials, illustrating the advantages that can be achieved by the use of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials by means of case Studies selected from a range of typical applications.

Outline Of Syllabus

Synthesis of nanomaterials and powders
• Nanodimensionality of materials (1 nano dimension (thin films), 2 nano dimensions (nanotubes) and three nanodimensions (nanoparticles))
• Gas and liquid phase routes for nanoparticles
• Production routes for bulk nano-structured materials (consolidation of nanopowders, vapour deposition, spinodal decomposition, decomposition of supersaturated solid solutions, devitrification of glasses, sol-gel methods, mechanical alloying)
• Chemical synthesis of nanotubes and C60 derivatives.
• Self-assembly and templated-growth of nanostructured materials and surfaces
• Kinetic advantages of nanoparticles.
Nano composites
• Control of microstructure and properties
Microstructural stability in nanomaterials
• Thermal stability
• Defects and damage mechanisms
Properties of nanomaterials
• Surface vs bulk property control
• Scale-sensitivity of properties
Applications of nanomaterials.
• Case studies of current nanomaterial applications.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Knowledge and information is passed on to the students in lectures. Tutorials are used to go through case studies with the students, and also to give feedback for the written technical assignment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assignment tests the student’s ability to research information in this field, and to assemble an informed and critically presented report on a given subject.