Multicomponent ultrafine microstructures

Abstract

In these proceedings, the 33 articles are organized under four main headings: ceramics; composites; alloys, metals, and magnetic materials; multilayers and superlattices. At this stage in the development of the field, research emphasis is on the synthesis and characterization of novel nanophase materials. Chemical and physical vapor deposition techniques remain one of the most active research areas in the synthesis of nanophase materials. A growing activity in the chemical synthesis of nanophases is apparent. Such methods depend on controlled thermochemical conversion of precursor molecules to achieve the desired ultrafine microstructures. A major effort is being made to characterize the intergranular and interphase interfaces using x-ray and neutron scattering, M{umlt o}ssbauer spectroscopy and coercivity measurements, atom probe, and high resolution electron microscopy. Controversy still exists regarding the nature of grain boundaries in nanophase materials produced by compaction of fine powders. Some authors claim that these boundaries have a random gas-like structure, whereas others contend that the boundaries are of conventional type, although perhaps containing a distribution of small pores. Major contributions have been made in the determination of magnetic and mechanical properties.