Techniques of Materials Characterisation

Code:

EMM0019

Acronym:

TCMA

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Science and Technology of Materials
OFICIAL	Physics

Instance: 2018/2019 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIEMM	31	Syllabus since 2006/2007	2	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Justification The materials analysis and characterization is an important area that allows the proper selection of material based on the performance of the system under study and development of new materials. Depending on the requests that the equipment or system shall be subjected, the characterization may include the evaluation of mechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical, chemical or thermal. The inclusion of this unit in MIEMM deepens the student's knowledge on this subject, with emphasis on techniques developed recently, but also allowing the knowledge of conventional techniques that will have the opportunity to work in other modules of MIEMM. Objectives The main objective of this course unit is to provide concepts on the several materials characterization techniques at the morphological, structural and chemical level. It covers various techniques for material characterization, from the most conventional to the most recent. This allows the students with the knowledge of various techniques available so that they can select options for future characterization of materials taking into account the needs and means at their disposal.

Learning outcomes and competences

-Develop skills and knowledge on basic concepts of materials characterization techniques.
-Develop skills to select the best techniques to materials characterization taking into account the needs and means at their disposal.
-Select, researches and present a technique for characterization of advanced materials that can be applied to situation of real case studies.
-Develop team work and communication skills (oral and written).

Working method

Presencial

Program

Part I Optical Microscopy (O.M.) – Constitution of an optical transmission and reflection microscope Transmission Electron Microscopy (T.E.M) – Basic concepts. Constitution of the equipment. Electron sources. Vacuum system. Magnetic lens. Ways of observation and registration. Specimen preparation: replica and its contrast. Thin blades of conductive materials. Ion-milling. Ultramicrotomy. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) – X-ray. Continuous and characteristic spectrum. Absorption limits. Filters. Principle of diffraction and its application to crystalline materials. Types of chambers. Diffractometer and spectrum interpretation. Electrons definition in T.E.M. Scanning Electron Microscopy (S.E.M) - Basic principles. Versatility of equipments and types of collected signals. Collection techniques of non conducting samples. Energy Dispersive Microanalysis and Wavelength Dispersive Microanalysis (EDS/WDS) – Principles of EDS and WDS. Information source zone. Technique boundaries. Detectable elements and analysis precision. Electron microprobe and accessories of S.E.M. Quantitative image analysis – principles and applications. Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES/SAM) – principle of Auger electron production. The importance of surface analysis. Elementary, space and depth resolutions. Information obtained from spectra. Typical applications. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) – Mode of operation. The spectrometer. Domain of application. Comparison with AES. Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) – mode of operation. Static and dynamic SIM. Examples of application. Scanning Tunnel Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (STM/AFM) – general modes of operation and two techniques of application. Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) – basic concepts and examples of application Part II Instrumental chemical analysis 1. Introduction to spectrometric methods Radiation absorption: atomic and molecular spectra; Emission of electromagnetic radiation; Continuous spectrum, fluorescence and phosphorescence. 2. Molecular absorption spectroscopy UV/Vis; Instrumentation; Quantitative application and analytical procedure; Processes of automatic analysis. 3. Atomic spectroscopy Radiation sources; Atomic absorption spectroscopy: atomization, types of flames, flame ionization; Hollow cathode lamps; graphite chamber; Chemical and physical interferences; Instruments and applications.

Mandatory literature

Brundle, C. R.; Evans, Charles A.; Wilson, Shaun; Encyclopedia of materials characterization: surfaces, interfaces, thin films.. ISBN: 0750691689
A. R. Clarke, C. N. Eberhardt; Microscopy techniques for materials science. ISBN: 159124613X
David B. Williams; C. Barry Carter; Transmission electron microscopy: A textbook for materials science.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical-practical classes are divided into the theoretical presentation of the program, along with discussion, analysis of real case studies, demonstrations, visits to laboratories (CEMUP, LNEG, IMBC/INEB, UA), and laboratory demonstration of instrumentation methods of analysis.

keywords

Technological sciences > Engineering
Technological sciences > Engineering > Materials engineering

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Teste	70,00
Trabalho escrito	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de relatório/dissertação/tese	40,00
Estudo autónomo	66,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Students will be admitted to exams if:
- they achieve a minimum grade of 9.5 in the tests

Calculation formula of final grade

Final Grade = reports (30%) + exam (70%)

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

The evaluation will be done by exam (70%) and a monograph (30%).

Classification improvement

Students can improve their grades by attending an extra exam, which will be a 2 hour long closed book exam. Students have to enrol before the deadline.

Observations

Classes will be given in English, if students do not master the Portuguese language.