B5613 - METODI FISICI PER LA CARATTERIZZAZIONE DEI MATERIALI

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student is familiar with the basics of major characterization techniques for mechanical, optical, electrical, and structural properties for the main classes of materials (metals, polymers, ceramics). They also gain knowledge in the field of microscopic material characterization. The student obtains basic skills to conduct laboratory experiments and has learned to analyze, interpret, and present experimental results related to the properties and structure of materials.

Course contents

Measurement of mechanical, optical and electrical properties.
Detection of the microstructure of materials by X-ray diffraction and light or electron microscopy techniques.
Scanning probe microscopy
Main characterization techniques for different classes of materials (metallic, ceramic and polymeric)
Laboratory management and maintenance techniques
Microscopy techniques and the limit of resolution

Readings/Bibliography

• Scienza e Ingegneria dei Materiali, William D. Callister, EdiSES
• Scienza e Technologia dei Materiali, William F. Smith, McGraw Hill
• Materials Characterization, Yang Leng, Wiley-VCH

Teaching methods

Five laboratory tests will be carried out during which students, in groups of 2 or maximum 3 students, will conduct experiments to characterize materials.
• Observation of microcrystals using polarized light microscopy
• Characterization of the dielectric properties of polymers
• Scanning Probe Microscopy
• Determination of the elastic modulus of metals
• Determination of the lattice constant of a crystalline material using diffraction
• Microscopy with white light interference
For each experiment, a written report is required according to a standard scheme, which must be submitted by each student
The laboratory tests are introduced in a series of classic lessons with traditional methodology. Exercises with group work lead to learning to apply the concepts of material characterization.

Assessment methods

The exam for the integrated course Characterization of Materials will cover the topics addressed in the modules Microscopy with Laboratory and Spectroscopy of Materials.

For the Microscopy with Laboratory module, the exam includes laboratory tests and a final oral examination. For the laboratory tests, students must prepare a report following a template provided by the instructor, which should include the methodology, experimental results, and their analysis. Reports must be submitted in PDF format at the end of the lab sessions. The final oral exam consists of three questions on topics covered during the course. The final grade for the module will be based on the student’s knowledge demonstrated during the oral exam and the evaluation of the laboratory reports.

The final grade for the integrated course will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades obtained in the two modules. To pass the integrated course, a minimum grade of 18/30 must be achieved in both modules.

Teaching tools

Laboratory of physics of matter with instrumentation for the characterization of materials.

Office hours

See the website of Tobias Cramer