Materials Characterization & Processing
X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM, DSC and TGA, tensile, hardness, fatigue and fracture testing, ASTM methods, polymer, ceramic and thin-film processing, and materials databases.
Leads to: Materials Scientist
Before you start
This course builds on Materials Science Fundamentals, Lab Techniques & Instrumentation and Scientific Python. Take them first if you are new to the topic.
About this course
A mid-level course for future materials scientists that turns materials science theory into the daily work of a characterization and process lab. In characterization you will index X-ray diffraction peaks with Bragg's law, choose between SEM and TEM for a question, and read DSC and TGA curves. In mechanical testing you will compute modulus, yield and tensile strength from test data, read an S-N curve, estimate a critical crack size from fracture toughness, and learn how to find and follow an ASTM test method. In processing you will relate polymer and composite processing to properties, follow ceramic, semiconductor and thin-film processes, and query a materials database with pandas. Prerequisites: Materials Science Fundamentals, Lab Techniques & Instrumentation, and Scientific Python. All hands-on work here is data analysis in Python or paper exercises: real instruments (X-ray sources, electron microscopes, furnaces, load frames, deposition tools) are used only after your lab's training and under supervision. This course builds knowledge, not a credential: materials scientist roles usually need a bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering, chemistry, physics or engineering with instrument lab time, and research roles often need an MS or PhD.
Course content
Module 1
Characterization
3 lessons · 2hIdentify phases and lattice parameters with X-ray diffraction, choose between SEM and TEM, and read DSC and TGA curves.
- 49mX-ray diffractionReading
Use Bragg's law to turn XRD peak positions into d-spacings, index a cubic pattern and find the lattice parameter.
- 23mSEM and TEMReading
Compare scanning and transmission electron microscopy and choose the right imaging technique for a materials question.
- 48mThermal analysisReading
Read DSC and TGA curves: glass transitions, melting enthalpy, crystallinity and decomposition mass-loss steps.
Module 2
Mechanical Testing
3 lessons · 1h 41mCompute properties from tensile and hardness tests, read S-N curves and fracture toughness data, and find and follow ASTM test methods.
- 37mTensile and hardness testingReading
Turn load-extension data into stress and strain, then compute modulus, 0.2% offset yield, tensile strength and Vickers hardness.
- 35mFatigue and fracture testingReading
Read and fit an S-N curve, correct for mean stress, and use fracture toughness to estimate a critical crack size.
- 29mASTM methodsReading
Find the right ASTM or ISO test method, read its structure, and plan a test and report that follow it.
Module 3
Processing and Development
3 lessons · 2h 24mRelate polymer, composite, ceramic, semiconductor and thin-film processing to properties, and query materials databases.
- 49mPolymers and compositesReading
Relate molecular weight, crystallinity and processing (extrusion, injection molding, curing) to polymer and composite properties.
- 12mCeramics, semiconductors, and thin filmsReading
Follow ceramic powder processing and sintering, the main semiconductor fabrication steps, and how PVD, CVD and ALD deposit thin films.
- 1h 23mMaterials informaticsReading
Query a materials database for candidates by band gap and stability, understand where computed data are reliable, and screen with pandas.