This proposal deals with chemically bonded ceramics (CBCs), materials formed by direct chemical reaction a temperatures below 500oC. Research involves solution chemistry and speciation, as well as processing and characterization of new ceramic materials to determine their mechanical and dielectric properties. Molecular species in reacting phosphate and silicate solutions are being identified by Raman and other spectroscopic techniques. Specific projects will emphasize use of organic templates in formation of CBC materials. Precipitation reactions leading to fibrous and composite materials will also be investigated. Research on the structure and composition of the solid/solution interface will make use of fractal structures to interpret tails in Raman spectra, and the use of strongly absorbing substrates to enhance spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements.
