Technical - Ceramics Final Exam 22-23

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University College Dublin

An Coláiste Ollscoile, Baile Átha Cliath

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2022/2023 AUTUMN TRIMESTER EXAMINATIONS


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MEEN40080

Technical Ceramics

Module Coordinator: Dr Kevin Roche

Student Number

Seat Number

Time Allowed: 120 minutes

Materials Permitted in the Exam Venue:


Non-programmable or scientific calculator

Materials to be Supplied to Students:


12 Page Answer Booklets

Instructions to Students:
Answer ALL questions from Section 1 AND Section 2

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Section 1 (70%)

Answer all questions. Each question in this section is worth 7%.

Question 1
What are the Miller Indices of the plane shown? (The corner marked ‘A’ is at the
lower back edge of the unit cell).

Question 2
a) Describe the basic principles of an yttria-zirconia oxygen concentration
sensor, referring to defect structure and oxygen partial pressure in the
surrounding atmosphere.

Question 3
a) Describe how Pauling’s first rule is used to predict ceramic crystal structures.
b) Name one limitation / assumption of this rule.

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Question 4
a) Describe two important features of the microstructure shown.
b) How might each of these features affect the bulk material properties?

Question 5
Describe the effects of increased non-bridging oxygens on the structure and
properties of silica glass.

Question 6
a) Name one way in which ceramic microstructure can affect optical
transparency.
b) Name a processing step that might be useful to increase the transparency of
sintered aluminium oxide.

Question 7
Describe the 5 atomistic models of solid-state sintering.

Question 8
Briefly describe one possible processing route for silicon nitride, including typical
properties of the final material.

Question 9
Distinguish between secondary electron and backscatter modes of a scanning
electron microscope, referring to the underlying electron interactions and advantages
of each mode.

Question 10
Zirconia is sometimes added to alumina to form a composite. Briefly explain:
a) What benefit does this provide?
b) How does the zirconia provide this benefit?

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Section 2 (30%)

Answer all questions. Each question in this section is worth 15%.

Question 1
a) Explain the development of sialons from silicon nitride, referring to:
• Composition
• Crystal structure
• Microstructure
• Processing
b) If you were selecting a standard commercial sialon grade for an application
requiring high hardness at extreme temperatures, which would you choose?
Explain your choice.

Question 2
Compare and contrast two different mineralised biological tissues, with sketches if
required. Include discussion of:
• composition,
• microstructure,
• formation,
• mechanical properties,
• function.

oOo

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