| Abstract Scope |
Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are a class of structural materials capable of withstanding extreme environments. UHTCs have the potential to be used in applications ranging from hypersonic flight and rocket propulsion to advanced nuclear reactors to electrodes, sensors, and sheathing materials for metal production. These applications involve temperatures, heat fluxes, radiation levels, strain rates, chemical reactivities, or other stresses that are beyond the capabilities of existing materials. The presentation will highlight past research from the UHTC research group at Missouri S&T, focusing on breakthroughs in our understanding of the processing and properties of UHTCs. The presentation will then discuss more recent research on UHTCs, focusing on thermal and mechanical properties at temperatures of 2000°C or higher. Examples from research related to improving the elevated temperature strength and thermal conductivity of boride and carbide UHTCs will be presented. The presentation will conclude with discussion of some emerging trends and future needs. |