CH5716 Processing of Materials

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

10

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof J T S Irvine

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof J T S Irvine, Dr C Savaniu

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module focuses on the processing of materials, ceramics in particular. Fundamental properties such as crystallinity, composition, crystal phase, phase mixing, domain structure, grains and grain boundaries, as well as porosity will be covered. The main methods used to control these properties in order to develop and improve materials for specific applications will be addressed. Processes such as calcination, sintering, annealing, plasma treatments, mechanical working, crystallisation and dopant addition will be addressed. A discussion will be made on the influence of these processes on specific ceramic systems using phase diagrams. Specific techniques for preparation of bulk and thinner components, including sol-gel method, casting, extrusion, physical and chemical vapor deposition, screen printing or tape casting will be discussed. The role of various aspects of materials processing and their influence on the material and its integration in practical devices will be addressed.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS CH2501 AND PASS CH2701

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 - 3 lectures per week over 9 - 10 weeks (within Weeks 1-11) and 2 - 3 tutorials in total.

Scheduled learning hours

20

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

80

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Be aware of various types of film processing
  • Understand the limitations of conventional solid-state reactions, and compare to some solution-based methods
  • Understand the formulation, processing and properties of slurries
  • Understand the mechanism of sintering in solid and liquid phases