| Project name | Simulation of precipitate morphologies in ferroelectric materials |
|---|---|
| Acronym | Ferroelectrics |
| Project partner |
|
| Grantor | DFG |
| Duration | from: 1.1.2024 to: 31.12.2026 |
|
Research field |
M+M (E+E > Energy + Environment I+I > Information + Intelligence M+M > Matter + Materials) |
| Project content |
Precipitation hardening is a heat treatment well known to enhance the mechanical properties of metals by introducing precipitation particles in the microstructure. However, this technique can also be applied to ferroelectric crystals, as recent studies have shown. As an alternative to doping, it effectively reduces domain wall mobility as well as heat dissipation and by that enhancing the mechanical quality factor of ferroelectric materials. Determining the optimal shape and size of the precipitates is the key question of our research with the goal to improve the efficiency of ferroelectric material. Within the framework of the project, various models for the parameterization of particle geometries are investigated. Furthermore, the microstructure of ferroelectric materials is simulated using a phase-field model for polarization, and the interaction between domain walls and precipitate particles is studied. The cooperation partners from the Department of Nonmetallic-Inorganic Materials (NAW) are able to fabricate exemplary materials in order to experimentally investigate their ferroelectric properties. |
