Three-dimensional coherent x-ray diffraction imaging of a ceramic nanofoam: determination of structural deformation mechanisms

Phys Rev Lett. 2008 Aug 1;101(5):055501. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.055501. Epub 2008 Jul 28.

Abstract

Ultralow density polymers, metals, and ceramic nanofoams are valued for their high strength-to-weight ratio, high surface area, and insulating properties ascribed to their structural geometry. We obtain the labrynthine internal structure of a tantalum oxide nanofoam by x-ray diffractive imaging. Finite-element analysis from the structure reveals mechanical properties consistent with bulk samples and with a diffusion-limited cluster aggregation model, while excess mass on the nodes discounts the dangling fragments hypothesis of percolation theory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Ceramics / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Oxides / chemistry*
  • Scattering, Small Angle
  • Tantalum / chemistry*
  • X-Ray Diffraction / instrumentation
  • X-Ray Diffraction / methods*

Substances

  • Oxides
  • Tantalum
  • tantalum oxide