Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Optical microscopy is arguably the most fundamental characterisation technique available to the materials scientist and engineer. The present application is for a state-of-the-art optical microscope, which allows differential interference contrast (DIC)/Nomarski, phase contrast and polarized light imaging modes, as well as conventional bright field/dark field and reflected/transmitted light. In addition, two digital camera systems are requested, along with image capture and analysis software, and a personal computer. The first camera is for high resolution imaging (12 mega-pixel), while the second has a high frame capture rate for dynamic imaging of in-situ deformation or corrosion experiments. The Materials Engineering program at Dalhousie is currently severely limited in the area of optical microscopy facilities, with the newest dedicated metallurgical microscope being more than 20 years old and lacking many of the advanced features outlined above. The requested instrument will have a significant impact on the research programs of each of the applicants, as well as other researchers at Dalhousie in the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Applied Oral Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Process Engineering and Applied Science. This instrument will be applied to studies of novel powder metallurgical (PM) alloys, including aluminium, magnesium and super-alloy systems, advanced structural and functional ceramics, fibre-reinforced composites and novel tribological materials. In addition, in-situ observation of mechanical testing will be possible using a miniature tension/compression stage, purchased through a prior CFI award. This unique facility will be employed to study the deformation behaviour of advanced PM derived alloys, metallic laminates and advanced ceramics. In-situ studies of crack growth behaviour will be also be conducted on piezoelectric ceramics under electromechanical fatigue loading conditions; in this instance DIC observation will highlight localised domain switching events around the crack, resulting in localised surface dilation. It is also anticipated that novel in-situ corrosion and coating deposition studies will be conducted with this state-of-the-art facility.