SFB 799:  TRIP-Matrix-Composites - Design of Tough, Transformation-Strengthened Composites and Structures Based on Fe-ZrO2

Subject Area Materials Science and Engineering
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Thermal Engineering/Process Engineering
Term from 2008 to 2020
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 54473466
 

Project Description

The vision of this Collaborative Research Centre consists of the investigation of novel high performance composite materials called TRIP-Matrix-Composites based on TRIP steels and zirconia ceramics (TRIP: transformation-induced plasticity). The aim of the Collaborative Research Centre is to establish excellent properties, which are modified to suit stresses of loaded components in a functional and mechanically adaptive way, and so to provide impetus for innovation in security and light construction. In TRIP-Matrix-Composites a newly developed austenitic TRIP cast steel material and a metastable ZrO2 ceramic are combined, which together, by the associated mechanism of martensitic phase transformation, can compensate for local overstraining.
The pioneering idea behind this material concept is based on the ability to link the mechanical, thermal and/or chemically induced phase transformations in a specific way through custom-made bounding surfaces. Combined with these mechanisms, properties for specific uses are to be established through the micro and macro structural design of the TRIP-Matrix-Composite.
Compared to other materials currently in use, the coordinated utilisation and mutual support of these mechanisms enable a distinctive increase in energy absorption, strength, plasticity, toughness, resistance to fatigue, endurance, or, respectively, resistance to wear. The design of the TRIP-Matrix-Composite is to be done in the form of micro and macro porous honeycomb structures, compact particle-reinforced steel-ceramic composite materials, homogeneous or graded steel-ceramic interpenetrating structures with infiltrated ceramic "hollow" or "full spaghetti structures" or, respectively, foam ceramics.
A further focus of the project deals with the investigation of the principles for the manufacture of technical semi-finished products and components made of TRIP-Matrix-Composites. In addition to steel infiltration in ceramic microstructures, green bodies made of steel and ZrO2 are made powder-metallurgically through plastic shaping and subsequently sintered. In particular, the adaptation of ceramic technology with plastic matter, which can be shaped into any possible form at room temperature and with minimal energy, opens up potential for complex, filigree components in light construction.
DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres

Completed projects

Applicant Institution Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg
Spokesperson Professor Dr.-Ing. Horst Biermann