Thrust # 1 Creation of New Classes of Materials relevant to DoD needs based upon intelligent interphase tailoring.

Goals of Thrust #1:

A. To stablize atomic-scale interphase complexions of metals within the grain boundaries of bulk ceramics.

B. Establish "Selection Rules" for complexion formation and transitions for metallic complexions in ceramics.

C. Develop interphase complexion diagrams for metal-complexionized ceramics, incorporating effect of grain size.

D. Correlate individual complexion types with each of their associated physical properties.

E. Develop Ashby-type property maps incorporating important grain size (nanoscale) effects.

F. Develop processing strategies for controlling polycrystalline grain structures, e.g.

    1. unimodal vs. multi-modal

     2. nano grain size vs. micro grain size

Thrust #2 Exploitation of Interphase Complexions in the Processing of Bulk Nano-grain Materials

Goals of Thrust #2:

A. To determine the critical role of interphase complexions in the application of these processes for producing bulk nano-grain materials

Thrust #3 Exploitation of Interphase Complexions in Controlling Properties in Strategic Engineering Materials

Goals of Thrust #3:

A. Reveal existence of interphase complexions for each material class

B. Demonstrate how interphase complexions play a decisive role in materials' properties and functionality

C. Optimize properties by exploiting scientific principles and criteria developed in Thrust #1.