TEM investigations of Ultra-high Temperature Ceramics

The main purpose of this work is to produce and fully characterize reinforced ultra-high temperature ceramics. After thorough analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), conventional and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in combination with spectroscopic analytical methods, such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), will be the main tools used for a detailed microstructure characterization. In particular, phase identification, distribution of secondary phases and crystallinity of the triple point junctions, as well as the presence or absence of intergranular films are important issues that need to be addressed. These investigations will help a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between processing, microstructure and mechanical properties of UHTCs