Metallic and Ceramic Material Development Research

This final report details progress made on various topics related to advanced metallic, advanced metallic composites and ceramic materials. The development and sustainment of Air Force systems depends on both the optimal performance of traditional materials and the continued exploration of materials technologies. Major requirements driving the research into these new technologies include: 1) reducing the weight of engineering components of aircraft, 2) increasing the operating temperatures of engines, 3) providing advanced materials for thermal protection systems, and 4) producing geopolymer-based material for space mirror applications. Research was carried out three different classes of materials, advanced metallics, advanced metallic composites, and ceramics. In the latter case, both monolithic and fiber-reinforced materials were evaluated, along with geopolymers. The process-microstructure-property relationships were extensively and critically assessed for these material classes. Much of this research has been published elsewhere in the open literature as journal articles and papers.