Participating Lab: Air Force Research Laboratory’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL RX)

Processing and characterization of ultra-high temperature ceramics for extreme environments

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are of interest for a variety of DAF applications for enhanced survivability in extreme environments. In particular, extremely high melting temperatures >3000°C as well as oxidation and ablation resistance offer promise in such extreme environments. However, both oxidation and mechanical degradation at ultra-high temperatures limit practical use in the aforementioned applications. Dopants have been explored as a means to increase densification and to stabilize the oxide phase that forms during high temperature exposure. Additionally, fiber reinforcements, in the form of discrete or continuous carbon or UHTC fibers, have been shown to offer enhanced fracture toughness to provide more resistance to thermal shock. In both cases, limited knowledge exists in the community with many dopant and/or fiber compositions unexplored. This project seeks to gain a fundamental understanding of how dopant and fiber concentrations affect the mechanical and thermo-oxidative properties of UHTCs.

Materials and Process Development for Advanced Microelectronic Computing Devices

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
New materials and processes are necessary to push computing to the edge and into extreme environments. In this research opportunity, students will gain a hands-on experience working in a cleanroom environment doing material synthesis, characterization, process development and device evaluation. Materials to be investigated include 2D materials, ferroelectrics, oxides, and the interplay between the active material and other device considerations. such as contacts and dielectrics. The internship will leverage AFRL's brand new DEEP facility, a state of the art microelectronic materials development center for rapidly prototyping devices.

Synthesis, characterization and applications of phenazine-based organic materials

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
Phenazine-based organic materials are a class of conjugated compounds featuring dibenzo-annulated pyrazine systems. These materials have demonstrated potential in applications such as semiconductors, liquid crystals, water purification, ion sieving, and photothermal technologies. However, their low solubility in solvents presents a significant challenge to processing and fabrication, hindering research progress in the field. This study aims to improve processability by incorporating aliphatic components, with a focus on evaluating the resulting materials' thermal and mechanical properties. If successful, this approach could expand the range of applications for phenazine-based organic materials.