Metal – Ceramic Core-Shell Nanostructures

Shashank Priya, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, DMR 0757502

We have developed solid state reaction process for large-scale synthesis of single grain, two-phase BaTiO3-

(Mn0.5Zn0.5)Fe2O4 nanomaterials. The grains of BTO-rich

samples were found to exhibit a rod-like morphology with a high aspect ratio and diameter of 200 nm, whereas the grains of the MZF-rich samples had a tetrahedral/octahedral cross-section with a span of 200nm. Such a synthesis of two-phase perovskite/spinel single crystal grains with controlled grain geometries offers the potential to engineer new types of multi-ferroic materials.

Next, we have developed the process for coating nickel-metal on the ceramic particles in order to realize the electro-magnetostrictive effect. We utilized ionic interaction as the driving force for coating nickel onto ferrite particles by developing electro-less method. Ni coating onto ferrite was found to occur in the range of pH 10~12. We have been able to spread the monolayer of these composite particles onto glass substrates and characterize their magnetic response using MFM.

High School and Undergraduate Research, Summer 2009 Shashank Priya, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, DMR 0757502

Jaclyn Brennan, Summer Undergraduate Researcher: Initial experiments were conducted using copper wire around the PLA core instead of platinum as a novel fabrication method. Despite various attempts to produce uniform and consistent deposition through electro-polishing methods and solution modifications, synthesis resulted in minimal adherence of pyrole and inconsistent results. Platinum remains the metal of choice for these linear actuators. Next, we will experiment with nickel metal.

Alex Thayer, High school student: This summer I have learned a great deal about engineering and smart materials but there is always more to learn. I have learned all about CAD software and about different types of tools and devices used to make these creations possible. In future I plan to CAD a planetary gear system to allow three degrees of freedom in a wrist. After that I will try to optimize the dynamic finger motion to be as similar to a human’s as possible. I also plan to make a cavity in the skull to put servo motors.

Michael Ko, Summer Undergraduate Researcher: My goal was to design and model a functional artificial hand and arm with the ability to type on a computer keyboard using servo motors and piezoelectric sensors. I started with last year’s model to encompass more efficiency and better human-like functionality. In the process, I have learned computer-aided designing and mechanisms and kinematics of robotic hand as compared with human hand. I have also gained knowledge on smart materials.