Nano-objects in own matrix – Self composite (NOOM – SeC)
With this project, a completely new type of the composite material, Self composite, will be introduced. A nanocomposite is a multiphase solid material where at least one of the phases has one, two or three dimensions of less than 100 nm. Nano-objects, such as nanoparticles, nanofiber and nanoplate, have the potential to revolutionizes the performance of materials and structures. However, their small scale means their (nano-objects) behavior is fundamentally different to that of bulk materials.
Our idea and goal is to produce Self composite in which the dispersed phase is in the nanometric size, with the specificity that the nano-object are formed from the same material, or its parts, such as matrix. Matrix is a multicomponent solid solution or compound which is formed from, for example, two binary components AB and AC. Monocrystal solid solution AB1-xCx, or similar compound, do not exist for every value of x, i.e., the solubility of one phase into the other is limited. The excess of component AC in the starting mixture (over the limit of its solubility) will cause the formation of the solid solution matrix AB1-xCx with the dispersed AC phase in the form of the nano-objects.
Self composites will be produced by using standard methods for the monocrystal growth – Czochralski and Bridgman. Molecular beam epitaxy will be used for the preparation of the thin films. Expected result of the Project is to produce the following self composites (matrix/nano-objects): Bi12GeO20/Bi2O3, Bi12GeO20/GeO2, Bi12SiO20/Bi2O3, Bi12SiO20/SiO2, Cd1-xFexTe1−ySey/FeTe, Pb0.88Mn0.12Te/MnTe, Cd1-xMnxTe/MnTe, Cd1-xMnxGeAs2/MnAs, Zn1-xMnxSnAs2/MnAs, Cd1-xMnxSnAs2/MnAs, Pb1-xSixSeyTe1-y/SiTe, Pb1-x-ySixGdyTe/GdTe. Synthesized self composites will be characterized and results will be analyzed in the frame of the effective medium theory. Functionality and potential application of these materials in the optics, magneto-optics, and in the field of the thermoelectric materials will be examined.