Project Description :
The students will undertake literature search and review of aluminium/ boron materials. They will also be involved in processing and optimisation of selected aluminium/boron-rich materials using high energy mechanical milling.

The following properties of the materials will be studied:

1. Microstructure study using SEM, TEM
2. Crystallographic phase analyses using XRD and analysis of crystallite size / %strain and lattice parameter with Williamson Hall method and precise lattice parameter method.
3. Thermal / combustion properties studies using DSC-TGA, heated from room temperature to 1400C in argon and air.
4. XRD analyses / identification of phase transformation during heating from room temperature to 1400C in air and argon (or vacuum)
5. Energy content analysis using bomb calorimetry in oxygen and argon
6. Study of the reaction kinetics using Parr dynamic pressure system in air
7. Particle size and distribution using particle size analyser

In the project, students will learn to design and plan for experiments, the techniques of instrumental characterisation, analysis of results and laboratory safety.


Pre-requisite :
Students should have taken modules on materials processing and characterisation and laboratory safety.