Nitride Ceramics and Fiber Composites

Group

Model of an ocher microturbine on a transparent model base.
© Fraunhofer IKTS
Model of a ceramic microturbine for high-temperature applications.
© Fraunhofer IKTS
Silicon nitride substrate fabricated from Si3N4 blocks via wire saws.

The working group has proven expertise in the field of nitride ceramics, in particular silicon nitride (Si3N4) and sialon. We also develop and test ceramic fiber composites (CMC) and environmental barrier coatings (EBC) based on oxide and non-oxide ceramic systems for use in high-temperature applications. The adaptation and optimization of materials to their subsequent application is supported by application-oriented characterization methods.

For the development of thermo-mechanically highly loaded materials and the component design, unique testing technology is available for the determination of mechanical characteristic values up to 1600 °C. In addition, we modify testing solutions on customer request, such as the notched ball test for the strength determination of ceramic ball bearing balls or the testing of thin substrates for SOFC/SOEC and power electronics applications. The test setups and loading regimes can be validated by accompanying load simulation.

 

Services offered

 

  • Application-oriented development and optimization of nitride ceramics (Si3N4, Sialon, AlN, BN) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) as well as corresponding components
  • Material and component characterization (mechanical, electrical, thermal, tribological, corrosion, high temperature, oxidation)
  • Optimization of manufacturing processes
  • Example applications: Gas turbines, wear tools, cutting tools, power electronics, aerospace industry, bearings.

Technical equipment

 

  • Laboratory for mechanical testing with test temperatures up to 1600 °C
  • Hot gas corrosion test stand
  • Pin-on-disc tribometer

Current research

Highly thermally conductive silicon nitride ceramics for power electronics

Current research

Determining the strength and fracture toughness of thin ceramic substrates

Current research

Sealing ceramic fiber composites with laser technology

Topic

Advanced ceramics for gas turbines

Topic

Silicon Nitride and Sialons

Current research

Turbine components made of silicon nitride

Topic

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)

Topic

Determination of mechanical properties at maximum application temperatures

Project

Publicly Funded Projects