The primary objective of this project is to comprehensively explore the properties of silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiC NPs) and their potential applications in high-temperature environments, with a specific focus on investigating thermal conductivity. The SiC NPs are synthesised via pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL), and an exhaustive analysis of how various laser processing parameters influence the properties of the resultant nanoparticles is conducted.
In the subsequent phase of this endeavour, emphasis will be placed on the development of a ceramic-polymer composite matrix, which will be applied onto a substrate. This phase will involve a meticulous examination of the thermal conductivity of the composite layer, with the aim of assessing its viability as a potential thermal barrier coating.
The ceramic constituents earmarked for incorporation into the matrix comprise silicon carbide and aluminum oxide, which will be combined with polymer binders to form the composite material. This approach promises to yield insights into the efficacy of such composites in enhancing thermal resistance, thereby paving the way for their application in diverse high-temperature settings.
Nanomaterials (NMs) exhibit notable properties applicable across a diverse range of sectors, including physics, biology, materials science, chemistry, and engineering. Depending on the NMs size range, they have various unique physical properties including a huge surface-to-volume ratio. Only a few articles have been published on the fabrication of SiC NPs via PLAL; a green method in which a submerged target in a liquid is ablated by the laser over time. One main issue of the PLAL is the productivity of the method, which has led many researchers to try to increase for different materials.
The low thermal expansion coefficient of SiC further enhances its suitability as a raw material for advanced refractories, functional ceramics, and abrasives. This underscores its versatility in a wide range of industrial applications. While studies have explored the fabrication of SiC NPs utilising different laser energy sources, there remains a notable gap in the literature concerning the investigation of the productivity of the SiC NPs fabrication using static mode PLAL. This study adopts a systematic approach to investigate the ablation efficiency and the influence of varying laser fluences, scanning speeds, and ablation times on the resulting SiC NPs in batch mode to reduce the cost of the mass production of this material. This work also introduces the 3C SiC NPs as a potential candidate in high-temperature, biomedical and electronic applications.
Working with the Advanced Metallic Systems Centre for Doctoral Training has been an invaluable experience thus far, affording me the opportunity to enhance both my personal and academic skills through rigorous training sessions. Moreover, this endeavour has provided access to a wide array of cutting-edge equipment distributed across partner universities. My recent three-day visit to Sheffield and the Henry Royce Institute proved particularly rewarding, as it facilitated the utilisation of high-resolution X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques crucial to my research. This visit was meticulously planned to not only ensure the attainment of high-quality results for my work but also to foster new connections within the academic community. I am keenly interested in exploring potential collaborations that may arise from this visit and look forward to cultivating fruitful partnerships in the future.
Saeid Heidarinassab
Saeid Heidarinassab is a Ph.D. researcher with the Advanced Metallic Systems Centre for Doctoral Training, based at Dublin City University (DCU). Sponsored by Abcon Industrial Products, an Ireland-based company, Saeid's doctoral research is focused on the development of a ceramic-polymer composite material tailored for application as a thermal barrier layer. Central to his investigation is the synthesis of ceramics, particularly silicon carbide via pulsed laser ablation in liquid. Saeid meticulously explores the influence of laser processing parameters on the properties of the resultant ceramics and delves into their correlation with thermal conductivity. In the subsequent phase of his project, Saeid aims to establish an online vision-based quality control system. This system will leverage the capabilities of LabVIEW and Python, with a particular focus on automation and control. Prior to his doctoral studies, Saeid completed both his master's and bachelor's degrees in Materials Science and Engineering in Iran. His master's thesis delved into the development of Ni-Fe-TiO2 nanocomposite coatings, with a particular emphasis on investigating their corrosion behaviour and microstructure. Throughout his academic journey, Saeid has demonstrated a keen scholarly aptitude, reflected in his publication record in esteemed journals and active participation in numerous international conferences.
Equipment Accessed
- X-ray Diffraction (Royce at the University of Sheffield)
- Laser processing (Dublin City University)
- Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (Nano Research Facility, Dublin City University)
- Dynamic Light Scattering (Nano Research Facility, Dublin City University)
- UV-Vis Spectroscopy (Nano Research Facility, Dublin City University)
- Fourier Transform Infrared (Nano Research Facility, Dublin City University)
