Projects / Programmes
Electronic ceramics, nano, 2D and 3D structures
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.09.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Electronic components and technologies |
|
| 2.04.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T153 |
Technological sciences |
Ceramic materials and powders |
| T170 |
Technological sciences |
Electronics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
electronic ceramics, synthesis, ferroelectrics, conductive oxides, nanostructures, 2D-structures, 3D-structures, electronic components, miniaturisation, hybrid circuits, sensors, actuators
Researchers (40)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0106 |
Jožef Stefan Institute |
Ljubljana |
5051606000 |
90,742 |
Abstract
Electronic ceramics are used in a wide range of applications, for example, in industrial processing and process control, robotics, multimedia, telecommunications, medical diagnostics and therapy. The general trend in development has been towards miniaturization, increased complexity and reliability. There is an emphasis on environmental factors. These aims will be reached by developing materials with improved characteristics as well as technologies that will enable the fabrication of complex, miniaturized 2D and 3D structures and devices.
Improved, or new, ferroelectric materials based on lead perovskites, environment-friendly materials based on alkaline and earth-alkaline niobates and tantalates, and electrically conducting complex perovskites will be prepared. Solid-state synthesis, mechanochemical synthesis, synthesis based on water suspensions and the solution synthesis of complex ceramics will be studied. Materials will be processed as nanoparticles, thin and thick films on various substrates (2D and 3D structures), and bulk ceramics. The process in hybrid thick-film technology will be studied. The processing parameters, structural and functional characteristics of materials will be correlated.
Significance for science
The importance of the research programme for the development of science is in the following fields: • New materials or materials with improved properties, mainly piezoelectrics, ferroelectrics, tunable ferroelectrics, and relaxors, materials for transparent electronics (dielectrics, n- and p-type conducting oxides): understanding composition – structure – functional properties relationship. • Contribution to understanding of mechanisms of selected processes, including mechanochemical synthesis of particles, solid state synthesis, sintering, chemical solution deposition of thin films, patterning and constrained sintering of discrete structures on different substrates. • Understanding of fundamental problems of integration of ceramic materials: comparison of properties of bulk ceramics, thick-, thin films and discrete structures. Selected research topics: Contribution to understanding of synthesis, sintering, crystal structure and phase transitions of environment friendly piezoelectric ceramics based on sodium potassium niobate, understanding of ferroelectric and electromechanical properties of high-temperature piezoelectric bismuth ferrite; new approach to solid state synthesis of complex lead-based perovskites based on designing contacts between reagent particles in water dispersions. Contribution to understanding of chemical solution deposition of thin films, that enables processing of films of conductive oxides and high-K dielectrics at temperatures not exceeding 400 oC; sodium potassium thin films with designed microstructure and functional properties; patterning of discrete structures by inkjet printing. Contribution to processing of sodium potassium niobate thick films by screen-printing and understanding of their piezoelectric properties; influence of mechanical stress on piezoelectric properties of thick films; patterning of thick-film structures by electrophoretic deposition for ultrasonic transducers. Design, modelling and realization of complex three-dimensional structures based on Low-temperature-cofired-ceramics (LTCC) for chemical micro-reactors and ceramic micro-electro-mechanical systems (c-MEMS).
Significance for the country
In our opinion the research programme Electronic ceramics, nano, 2D and 3D structures is important for Slovenia for several reasons. The group is active in the fields of basic and applied research of ceramic materials for electronic components and ceramic microsystems (chemical, micro-electro-mechanical systems, MEMS). This enables cooperation with many Slovenian companies, for example HIPOT-RR, KEKO-Equipment, KEKON, KEKO Varicon, HYB, ETI Elektroelement, BSH, LPKF. To improve the cooperation and to enable the technology transfer some of the researchers from industry are permanent members of the research group. Collaboration with the company ETI Elektroelement d.d. in the field of silicate materials for applications in electrotechnics resulted in obtaining (national) Puh award for inventions and development achievements (2009) for R&D of high-alumina porcelain with improved mechanical properties and thermal shock resistance, and Silver innovation award of the regional Chamber of commerce (2014) for R&D of cordierite ceramics with improved mechanical and thermal properties, two national patents and three PCT patent applications. Microsystems are miniaturized devices that perform electronic and non-electronic functions. Typically, they have mechanical parts; electrical parts; different fluidic, thermal and optical structures; different sensors and actuators; etc. Complex microsystems combine different materials and technologies. With the linking role of Centre of Excellence NAMASTE, the value chain in the field of ceramic-microsystems has been established, including also Department of Systems and Control, Jožef Stefan Institute, National Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana and industrial partners HIPOT-RR, TC SEMTO, KEKO Equipment, KEKON and HYB. Materials and technology for fabrication of ceramic pressure sensors can be mentioned as an outstanding result of the cooperation with the company HYB in the previous period. Beside intensive cooperation with electronics and electrical industry, which is one of the most importan industrial segments in Slovenia, the activities of the research group include: (i) inclusion of researchers and experts from industry into the group; (ii) dissemination of knowledge as a continuous process based on consulting, expertise, education, and exchange of experts; (iii) projects and services; (iv) cooperation in joint projects. Networking with other research and development groups is also important, not only to obtain a critical mass in selected fields but also for more effective use of expensive research infrastructure. Researchers are members of professional associations in Slovenia and Europe, and participate in organization of different events (conferences, workshops …). They are active also in MIDEM, Society for microelectronics, electronic components and materials, Technological centre SEMTO and are founding members of the European Piezo Institute. Six colleagues of the research group are habilitated at the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School and are involved in the education process. Beside PhD students within the Young researchers programme also two postgraduate students from industry are included in the group. The research group maintains close research contacts with leading laboratories in the field of electronic ceramics, which is reflected also in many invited papers at international conferences, lectures at Universities, and several multi-institutional international projects.
Audiovisual sources (1)
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
