Course content

The course is structured such that 2/3 of the subject is common and mandatory for all students while 1/3 consists of three modules of which the students must choose one. Common part: Review of HSE and procedures for work at IMA laboratories. Measurement and analysis with emphasis on concepts such as accuracy, resolution, and Gauss' law on error propagation. Review of some generic measurement and analysis methods, both theoretical and practical (demonstration / lab / exercise): Thermal analysis (TGA, DTA, DSC and DIL in combination with MS), X-ray diffraction (qualitative, quantitative, Rietveld, HTXRD) and Atom Probe Tomography (APT). The general principles for measurement and control of temperatures will also be presented. Modules: 1. Electrochemical methods and nano-characterization: A review of standard equipment used in electrochemistry such as potentiostat, function generator and reference electrodes. Demonstration/review of several measuring techniques and analytical methods, both theoretical and practical: Current distribution, voltammetry, potential step, impedance spectroscopy and rotating disk. Nano-characterization will focus on AFM- and STM-techniques. 2. Ceramic materials and processing: A general introduction to the different history, types and applications of different ceramic materials including refractories, functional oxides, toughened composites and glasses. Processing of ceramics: A review of powder processing, preconsolidation, green body forming and sintering, including a practical guide to the use the equipment required to perform each task. Emphasis will be given on the influence that each processing step has on the final properties of the ceramic. 3. Scanning electron microscopy, EBSD (electron backscatter diffraction): to record and index diffraction pictures and present the results as orientation maps, pole figures, grain size distribution, phase distribution, misorientations and textures. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM): to characterize the microstructures (particles, grains and dislocations) in metal alloys by using bright field image, dark field image, and electron diffraction pattern, and determine the thickness of TEM sample by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Thermo-mechanical processing (rolling, heat treatment). Light optical microscopy. Digital image processing.

Learning outcome

The course provides a general introduction to HES and risk assessment as well as a broad introduction to the basic experimental techniques and methods relevant to materials science, electrochemistry and materials chemistry. The theoretical foundation for the different measurement- and analysis methods will be reviewed. After completing the course, students should be able to make appropriate choices of methods for a given problem as well as being able to assess the accuracy of the measurement and to know which items are essential to make a good risk assessment.

Learning methods and activities

All course activities are mandatory (lectures, exercises, demonstrations and laboratory work). Exemption from some activities may be admitted after agreement. The students are guided through a number of experimental methods and techniques essential for the research activities at the department. Lectures are given in English on demand.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises
• Lecture
• Lab course

Recommended previous knowledge

General and inorganic chemistry. Electrochemistry. Materials Science. For students electing Module 2 it is highly recommended that they have a background similar to TMT4145 Ceramic engineering. For students electing Module 3, a background in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is mandatory.

Required previous knowledge

TMT4301 Material characterization or equivalent knowledge.

Course materials

Compendium. Other potential course material will be announced the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions