Characterization of nanolaminated materials by electron microscopy
Metals are ductile and ceramics are stiff. Ideally, these advantageous properties of each material class can be combined in one material. Examples are nanolaminated systems such as Mo2BC. In this project, we focus on the investigation of the micro- and nanostructure of Mo2BC before and after mechanical test using electron microscopy methods.
The demand for materials in structural and functional applications which are stiff and also ductile is very high. The goal is to combine the properties of a metal and a ceramic. This ambivalent nature can be realized in nanolaminated structures. The investigation and understanding of their micro- and nanostructure is very important regarding a continuing optimizing of the materials and finally to benefit from their advantageous properties in the future.
An example of this class of material is Mo2BC. While the mechanical properties and the electronic structure of the material has been investigated in detail, electron microscopy investigations of Mo2BC are rare. Therefore, we focus on the characterization of the micro- and nanostructure before and after mechanical deformation especially by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods.