Multifunctional Ceramic/Graphene Thick Coatings for New Emerging Applications

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ehrenfried Zschech
• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Materials in Sintering Processes and Generative Manufacturing Processes
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 397380564

The goal of the project is to develop novel functionally graded materials (FGM) which are containing sandwich structures with several functional layers. These advanced layer stacks will contain graphene, hBN and other 2D materials as well as ceramic layers based on known materials, optimized for dedicated combinations of electrical, thermal and mechanical properties. These multilayer coatings - in combination with substrates or skeletons - will form novel types of nanocomposites. The process for manufacturing these ceramic composites will be SPS/HIP. The proper design of the distribution/stacking of graphene in combination of other ceramic layers, and the tailoring the ceramic and graphene interfaces allow an efficient transfer of electrical, thermal and mechanical loads in widely used non-oxide engineering ceramics. Transport properties of graphene additive with a two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal honeycomb lattice could be reflected in their electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity. The aim of work is development of ceramic/graphene multifunctional coatings by powder technology as electrical and thermal conductive layers for new potential emerging applications. The understanding of synthesis-structure-properties relationship will be optimized with the goal to tailor the electrical and thermal properties of non-oxide ceramic/graphene composite while maintaining the excellent mechanical properties.This research will be focused to fundamental understanding of synthesis, compacting and coating processes governed by mechanical deformation and percolation of additive phases, and characterization of multifunctional conductive non-oxide ceramic/graphene thick coatings for potential applications in automotive, aerospace and other branches of industry.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Hungary, Slovakia
• Co-Investigator: Dr.-Ing. Zhongquan Liao
• Cooperation Partners: Dr. Csaba Balázsi; Professor Dr. Jan Dusza