Research > Laboratory of Materials Physics
Research in this laboratory aims at understanding the link between materials properties and their microstructure in general (phase nature and morphology, defects...). Activities range from the preparation and design of synthesized materials (metallic multilayers for example) to the characterization of existing materials in view of specific industrial applications (e.g. behavior of ceramics under heat ).
Multilayer activity is currently focused on the search for materials with original magnetic properties (giant mangeto-resistance, new permanent magnets...), prepared by evaporation, cathodic pulverization or epitaxy by molecular jets and characterized both from a structural point of view (X rays, electronic microscopy) as well as from functional point of view (magnetic dichrosm, neutrons...).
Ionic microanalysis is used to study the diffusion between compounds. Current studies address segregations in oxide ceramics and ceramics/metals interfaces. Through fine control of the stoechiometry of compounds and doping elements, the preparation of thermoelements with high merit factor is achieved, under microcrystallic form or through mecanosynthesis.
As far as polymers are concerned, behavior laws are established in view of modeling and optimizing manufacturing processes and in- service behavior. We determine the respective contributions of phases in semicrystalline polymers and study the major deformations taking place in networks (elastomeres, ultimate behavior of amorphic polymers).
Work on ceramics is based on expertise in mechanical trials (compression, flexion, traction) at temperatures above 1500°C, with aluminium nitride and silicium carbide as the materials studied.
Silicium on the other hand is used as the model materials for the study of the behavioral transition between fragile and ductile.
After studying microcrystalline metallic alloys (Al and Mg basis) obtained through centrifugal pulverization, the laboratory now addresses the preparation of ceramic/metal nanocompounds starting from ultrafine powders.
Theoretical studies are most often linked to experimental work performed in the laboratory, be it two-dimension inhomogeneous critical systems or the calculation of electronic structures of compounds, or multilayers.