AME 60647 - Powder Processing of Materials

Significance:

This course examines the science of processes for the production, consolidation and densification of powders, including the characterization of powders, colloidal suspensions and powder compacts. The course content is primarily applied to engineering materials (ceramics, metals, polymers and composites) but also translates to pharmaceutical, chemical, biological and agricultural applications. 

Prerequisites: 

CBE 30361 (or consent of the instructor).

The course content will be taught at a graduate level but will be suitable for undergraduates in good academic standing.

Goals:

1) To understand methods for the production and characterization of powders and particulates.
2) To understand the fundamental physics and chemistry governing particle interactions.
3) To understand methods for powder consolidation and characterization of powder compacts.
4) To understand the densification and microstructural development of powder compacts.

Course Outline:

1) Introduction
2) Powder Production (mechanical, physical, chemical and biological methods)
3) Powder Characterization (shape, surface area, size, size distribution, surface charge)
4) Particle Interactions (surface forces, DLVO theory, electrokinetics, surface functionalization)
5) Powder Consolidation (particle packing, dry and wet methods, suspension rheology, drying)
6) Powder Compact Characterization (density, porosimetry, imaging, mechanical strength)
7) Densification and Microstructural Development (sintering mechanisms, grain growth)

Coursework will include homework assignments, class projects, a midterm and a final exam. Homework will require the use of modern mathematical software such as Matlab, Mathcad, Mathematica, and the like.