9502016 Terwilliger The goal of this research is to develop a scientific basis for the understanding of nanoscale ceramics with novel electrical properties. Enhanced electrical conductivity at low temperatures relative to conventional polycrystalline material is expected due to grain size-dependent nonstoichiometry as a result of impinging space charge layers. The effects of grain size, temperature, and oxygen partial pressure on de and ac conductivity will be evaluated for cryochemically synthesized, highly dense nanoscale titanium (grain size < 30 nm), both pure and doped with donor and acceptor solutes. Impedance spectroscopy and quantitative microanalysis will be used in parallel to establish correlations between grain boundary and bulk conductivity and chemistry, from which a unified model of defect chemistry in ultrafine-grained nonstoichiometric oxides will be developed. %%% The goal of this research is to develop a scientific basis for the understanding of nanoscale ceramics with novel electrical properties. Innovative uses of active and cooperative learning, student team work, and peer-assisted instruction will be developed and assessed quantitatively for several courses, with a concentrated effort in Introduction to Materials Science. In addition, the possibility of a cross-disciplinary team master's thesis as an innovative approach to graduate training will be explored. A long-term objective is to provide leadership at the local and national level in understanding the "pipeline" issues that continue to result in an underrepresentation of women in science and engineering.
