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Introduction

Research in our laboratory focuses on the development of technologies concerned in interface control processes . Interfaces may be differentiated into two categories. One is a surface where environment interacts from outside on substrata, the other is internal interface between particles constructing substrata. By controlling structure and formation of such interfaces, special quality, high performance, and high resistance to corrosion will be given to metal and other materials.

1. Research on the preparation of biocompatible inorganic materials for use in biological hard tissues.
2. Research on the utilization of intermetalic compounds as heat-and rot-proof materials and/or hydrogenous materials.
3. Joining of high performance composites using pseudo hot isostatic pressing.
4. Joint Research on Composite Formation from Porous Carbon by Combustion Synthesis.
5. Research on interface-controlling-process and preparation of high performance material.

Staff

Recent reserch activities

1. Research on the preparation of biocompatible inorganic materials for use in biological hard tissues.

In order to product an artificial dental root and/or an artificial joint suitable to human body, a new technology of bonding ceramic particles, which are active in vivo, to the surface of a Ti-base alloy substrata is being developed. A distinguishing trait of the technology is the very strong mechanical bonding enabled by the use of superplastic property of Ti base alloy. Film forming technology such as sputter deposition of pure titanium on a Ti base alloy is also developed so that harmful elements in the alloy do not dissolve in vivo.

Hot-press Furnace for Superplastic Forming






Superplastic Forming of Titanium Alloy

2. Research on the utilization of intermetalic compounds as heat- and rot-proof materials and/or hydrogenous materials.

Intermetalic compounds utilized as heat- and rot-proof materials and/or hydrogenous materials have poor moldability due to considerable difference in the boiling points and/or the melting points of both metals. An alloy-slurry-molding method, and a sintering with the use of plasma reactions are investigated.

3. Joining of high performance composites using pseudo hot isostatic pressing.

To make the sintering density of a body of intricate shape higher, an isostatic pressing method combined with heating caused by an application of pulse and D.C. electric current is newly being developed by us. The method is more advantageous than the conventional hot isotatic pressing methods. The merits of the new method are as follows. Firstly, cost of the equipment is less than that of HIP. Secondly, less time is required in sintering process. Finally, total man-hour is reduced.

4. Joint Research on Composite Formation from Porous Carbon by Combustion Synthesis.

We are making joint research on composite formation with Technical University of Chemnitz Institute for Composite Materials and Surface Technology (Germany). Methods of controlling microstructure of porous carbon and C/C composite will be developed. A new composite will be prepared by impregnating the porous carbon and/or the C/C composite with melted Si. The composite newly developed will be light and strong, consequently usage as aerospace material is expected.

5. Research on interface-controlling-process and preparation of high performance material.

An analysis of formation and structure of interface followed by a basic research on the control of interface are being conducted. A fundamental research on the preparation of high performance material is also being conducted as an application of the control technique.