This course is an introduction to functional materials including a selection of basic fundamental principles, processing techniques, properties and applications. The range of materials covered are: conductors (metallic, ionic, superconducting and semiconducting), magnetic materials (hard, soft and recording media), and dielectric materials (insulators, piezoelectric and ferroelectric).
It will provide an introduction to functional materials and properties including the concept of intrinsic and extrinsic properties; describe the periodic table, atomic structure, types of bonding and how electronic structure influences functional properties of materials (eg resistivity/conductivity), basic crystal structures; introduce basic superconducting behaviour, processing and applications of superconducting (eg MRI); discuss semiconducting materials, including a simple model of energy levels and a range of applications (eg solar cells); describe hard and soft magnetic materials: properties, processing and applications (eg NdFeB magnets for bioMEMS), methods of data recording including magnetic, CD, CDR/W and DVD; describe dielectric materials: properties, electrostrictives, ferroelectrics and applications (eg capacitors), optical properties and optical fibres.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module the student should be able to: Explain the physical principles involved in the development and use of functional materials; Perform calculations on the electronic properties of materials; Describe the processing and application of superconducting materials; Explain the role of dopants in semiconductor materials and perform calculations on their influence on properties; Describe the typical applications of electronic materials; Discuss the relevance of magnetic properties for hard and soft materials; Describe methods of data storage; Describe the typical applications of magnetic materials; Discuss the mechanisms of polarisation in dielectric materials and perform calculations of dielectric properties; Describe the processing and function of optical fibres and give some typical applications of optical materials.
(UK-Spec Learning Outcomes:- US1, E1, P1)
Assessment
17035-01 : Module mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Written examination (70%); Continuous assessment (30%)