Materials Science and Engineering Commons^™

Raman Microscopic Analysis Of Internal Stress In Boron-Doped Diamond Thin Films, Emma M.A. Sundin

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The correlations between induced stress on undoped and boron-doped diamond (BDD) thin films, sample chemical composition, and fabrication substrate are investigated in this study via confocal Raman microspectroscopic analysis. Stability of BDD films is relevant to fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, as film delamination and dislocation of BDD-coated electrodes that can occur during neurosurgical electrode implantation can negatively impact the biosensing reliability of this technique. Electrodes were fabricated by coating cylindrical tungsten rods using a custom-built chemical vapor deposition reactor. The results of the analysis reveal a direct correlation between regions of pure diamond and enhanced material stress, as well as preferential …

Material Behavior Of Window 7 Carrier Panel Tiles And Thermal Pane Fragments Recovered From The Space Shuttle Columbia, Brenda Roseanne Arellano

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Since the end of the space shuttle program, a new generation spacecraft has been developed to transport humans back into space. NASAâ??s Orion will carry a crew beyond low-earth orbit and the exploration of Mars may be possible in the future. Space safety becomes significant with human spaceflight and the risks are high. However, aerospace materials may provide opportunities to prevent future disasters. When the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry in 2001, thousands of debris were collected for analysis. In contrast, when the Challenger space shuttle broke apart in 1986, all shuttle debris were buried. These tragic disasters are …

The Interplay Between Grain Size And Austenite Stability On Deformation Behavior Of High Strength-High Ductility Combination Nanostructured Stainless Steel, Venkata Sai Ananth Challa

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The concept of phase reversion involving severe cold deformation of metastable austenite to generate strain-induced martensite, followed by temperature-time annealing sequence, was used to obtain varying grain size from nanograined/ultrafine-grained (NG/UFG) to coarse-grained (CG) regime. This concept was used to obtain â??high strength-high ductilityâ?? combination in nano/ultrafine-grained (NG/UFG) austenitic stainless steel. Using this concept, the objective of the study is to elucidate the dependence of grain size on deformation mechanisms and deformation-induced microstructural changes. The objective was accomplished by combining depth-sensing nanoindentation experiments conducted at various strain rates, and interrupted tensile testing at various strain and post-mortem analyses of deformed …

Process-Structure-Property Relationship In Magnesium-Based Biodegradable Alloy For Biomedical Applications, Pramanshu Trivedi

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Magnesium alloys are considered to be the next generation of biomaterials because of their ability to degrade in the physiological environment. We elucidate here the impact of multiaxial forging of Mg-2Zn-2Gd alloy on grain refinement to sub-micron regime and relate the structure to mechanical properties and biological functionality. As-cast and annealed samples were multiaxial forged (MAF) for a total number of two passes with a true strain of ~2/pass. Considering that the microstructure governs the biological response of materials, we studied the constituents of the microstructure in conjunction with the mechanical behavior. The antimicrobial behavior in a Mg-2Zn-2Gd alloy with …

Electronic Structure Studies On Transition Metal Containing Endohedral Fullerenes, Carbon Onions And Zinc Sulfide Cages, Shusil Bhusal

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

We present the most stable structures for VXSc3-XN@C2n (where X=1-3 and 2n=70, 76, 78 and 80) using a systematic procedure that involves all possible isomers of the host fullerene cages. Subsequently, a detailed investigation of structural and electronic properties of the lowest energy isomers is performed using density functional theory in combination with large polarized Gaussian basis sets. The search procedure developed involved structural optimizations of thousands of fullerenes and correctly identifies the experimentally observed VSc2N@C80 and V2ScN@C80 isomer as the most stable structures. The structural analysis shows that a few V-doped endohedral fullerenes do not follow the isolated pentagon …

Mechanical Characterization Of Parts Produced By Ceramic On‐Demand Extrusion Process, Amir Ghazanfari, Wenbin Li, Ming Leu, Gregory Hilmas

Faculty Publications, Mechanical Engineering

Ceramic On‐Demand Extrusion (CODE) is an additive manufacturing process recently developed to produce dense three‐dimensional ceramic components. In this paper, the properties of parts produced using this freeform extrusion fabrication process are described. High solids loading (~60 vol%) alumina paste was prepared to fabricate parts and standard test methods were employed to examine their properties including the density, strength, Young's modulus, Weibull modulus, toughness, and hardness. Microstructural evaluation was also performed to measure the grain size and critical flaw size. The results indicate that the properties of parts surpass most other ceramic additive manufacturing processes and match conventional fabrication techniques.

Light Soaking Phenomena In Organic-Inorganic Mixed Halide Perovskite Single Crystals, Hye Ryung Byun, Dae Young Park, Hye Min Oh, Gon Namkoong, Mun Seok Jeong

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Recently, organic inorganic mixed halide perovskite (MAPbX₃; MA = CH₃NH₃^+, X = Cl^-, Br^-, or I^-) single crystals with low defect densities have been highlighted as candidate materials for high-efficiency photovoltaics and optoelectronics. Here we report the optical and structural investigations of mixed halide perovskite (MAPbBr_3-xI_x) single crystals. Mixed halide perovskite single crystals showed strong light soaking phenomena with light illumination conditions that were correlated to the trapping and detrapping events from defect sites. By systematic investigation with optical analysis, we found that the …

Optical Spectroscopy Of Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Heterostructures And Group-Iv Alloy Quantum Dots, Tanner A. Nakagawara

Theses and Dissertations

Efficient and robust blue InGaN multiple quantum well (MQW) light emitters have become ubiquitous; however, they still have unattained theoretical potential. It is widely accepted that “localization” of carriers due to indium fluctuations theoretically enhance their efficiency by moderating defect-associated nonradiative recombination. To help develop a complete understanding of localization effects on carrier dynamics, this thesis explores degree of localization in InGaN MQWs and its dependence on well thickness and number of wells, through temperature and power dependent photoluminescence measurements. Additionally, silicon-compatible, nontoxic, colloidally synthesizable 2-5 nm Ge_1-xSn_x alloy quantum-dots (QDs) are explored for potential visible to …

Development Of Magnetorheological Elastomers (Mres) For Strength And Fatigue Resistance, J. Mcintyre, Stephen Jerrams

Books/Book Chapters

Natural rubber (NR)-based magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) exhibiting a reasonable switching effect were fabricated and tested. They were strong enough for use in automotive applications but still needed protection against ageing. Ethylene–propylene–diene rubber (EPDM) is a cost-effective material that is frequently used in the automotive industry because of its advantageous range of properties. With these applications in mind, it was a logical progression to the development of EPDM-based MREs. Unlike strain-crystallising NR, EPDM requires reinforcement to render its tensile and fatigue strength suitable for use in most applications. While small amounts of carbon black were sufficient for the NR-based MREs, a …

Engineering Icephobic Coatings: Surface Characterization Of Pt Cured Silicones, Sithara Shylaja Nair

Theses and Dissertations

Ice buildup on structures leads to problems that include reduced performance, structural damage and power outages. It is therefore important to limit the energy required for removal of ice from substrates to minimize buildup. Understanding the mechanism of ice adhesion and its dependence on variables like coating thickness, stiffness, surface free energy and morphology is critical for minimizing adhesion. Despite several developments in “icephobic” coatings, which are those that have low ice adhesion, it is important to understand adhesion on the fundamental level to make way for advanced coatings. To do so, a study has been carried out that explores …

Optimising The Performance Of Cement-Based Batteries, Aimee Byrne, Shane Barry, Niall Holmes Dr., Brian Norton

Articles

The development of a battery using different cement-based electrolytes to provide a low but potentially sustainable source of electricity is described. The current, voltage, and lifespan of batteries produced using different electrolyte additives, copper plate cathodes, and (usually) aluminium plate anodes were compared to identify the optimum design, components, and proportions to increase power output and longevity. Parameters examined include water/cement ratio, anode to cathode surface area ratio, electrode material, electrode spacing, and the effect of sand, aggregate, salts, carbon black, silica fume, and sodium silicate on the electrolyte. The results indicate that the greatest and longest lasting power can …

3d Bioprinting Of Stem Cells And Polymer/Bioactive Glass Composite Scaffolds For Bone Tissue Engineering, Caroline Murphy, Krishna Kolan, Wenbin Li, Julie A. Semon, D. E. Day, Ming-Chuan Leu

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

A major limitation of using synthetic scaffolds in tissue engineering applications is insufficient angiogenesis in scaffold interior. Bioactive borate glasses have been shown to promote angiogenesis. There is a need to investigate the biofabrication of polymer composites by incorporating borate glass to increase the angiogenic capacity of the fabri-cated scaffolds. In this study, we investigated the bioprinting of human adipose stem cells (ASCs) with a polycaprolac-tone (PCL)/bioactive borate glass composite. Borate glass at the concentration of 10 to 50 weight %, was added to a mixture of PCL and organic solvent to make an extrudable paste. ASCs suspended in Matrigel …

Cathodic Protection Measurement Through Inline Inspection Technology Uses And Observations, Briana Ley Ferguson

Masters Theses

"This research supports the evaluation of an impressed current cathodic protection (CP) system of a buried coated steel pipeline through alternative technology and methods, via an inline inspection device (ILI, CP ILI tool, or tool), in order to prevent and mitigate external corrosion. This thesis investigates the ability to measure the current density of a pipeline's CP system from inside of a pipeline rather than manually from outside, and then convert that CP ILI tool reading into a pipe-to-soil potential as required by regulations and standards. This was demonstrated through a mathematical model that utilizes applications of Ohm's Law, circuit …

Super-Strong Materials For Temperatures Exceeding 2000 ⁰C, Laura Silvestroni, Hans Joachim Kleebe, William Fahrenholtz, Jeremy Lee Watts

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Ceramics based on group IV-V transition metal borides and carbides possess melting points above 3000⁰C, are ablation resistant and are, therefore, candidates for the design of components of next generation space vehicles, rocket nozzle inserts, and nose cones or leading edges for hypersonic aerospace vehicles. As such, they will have to bear high thermo-mechanical loads, which makes strength at high temperature of great importance. While testing of these materials above 2000⁰C is necessary to prove their capabilities at anticipated operating temperatures, literature reports are quite limited. Reported strength values for zirconium diboride (ZrB₂) ceramics can exceed 1 GPa …

Control Of Columnar To Equiaxed Transition In Solidification Macrostructure Of Austenitic Stainless Steel Castings, Semen Naumovich Lekakh, Ronald J. O'Malley, Mark C. Emmendorfer, Brenton Hrebec

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Solidification macrostructure is of great importance for the properties and the quality of castings made from austenitic grade stainless steels (ASS) because there are limited options to change as-cast macrostructure in the solid condition. A typical cast macrostructure of ASS has a fine surface chilled zone followed by an elongated dendrite zone, columnar to equiaxed transition (CET) zone, and centrally located equiaxed crystals. Several castings from ASS were produced to determine the effects of casting geometry, chilling, and grain refinement on CET. The transient thermal field in solidified heavy castings was simulated and used to determine an isotherm velocity (V) …

Reversible Control Of The Magnetization Of Spinel Ferrites Based Electrodes By Lithium-Ion Migration, Guodong Wei, Lin Wei, Dong Wang, Yanxue Chen, Yufeng Tian, Shishen Yan, Liangmo Mei, Jun Jiao

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries based on spinel transition-metal oxide electrodes have exhibited excellent electrochemical performance. The reversible intercalation/deintercalation of Li-ions in spinel materials enables not only energy storage but also nondestructive control of the electrodes’ physical properties. This feature will beneft the fabrication of novel Li-ion controlled electronic devices. In this work, reversible control of ferromagnetism was realized by the guided motion of Li-ions in MnFe₂O₄ and γ-Fe₂O₃ utilizing miniature lithium-battery devices. The in-situ characterization of magnetization during the Li-ion intercalation/deintercalation process was conducted, and a reversible variation of saturation magnetization over 10% was observed …

Enhanced Corrosion And Wear Resistance Properties Of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Ni-Based Composite Coating By Laser Cladding, Jianbo Lei, Chuan Shi, Shenfeng Zhou, Zhenjie Gu, Laichang Zhang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

To enhance the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of Ni-based coatings, carbon fibers reinforced nickel-based composite coatings (CFs/Ni) were fabricated on the surface of 1Cr13 stainless steel by laser cladding (LC). The microstructure characteristics, microhardness, wear and corrosion performances of the composite coatings were investigated. The results show that CFs can effectively improve the corrosion and wear resistances of Ni-based coatings. With increasing laser scanning speed, the morphology of CFs in composite coatings is more integral and the corrosion and wear resistances of the composite coatings are improved. Especially, when laser scanning speed is increased to 8 mm/s, the average …

Ferric Carbide Nanocrystals Encapsulated In Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes As An Outstanding Environmental Catalyst, Chen Wang, Jian Kang, Ping Liang, Huayang Zhang, Hongqi Sun, Moses O. Tadé, Shaobin Wang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes encapsulating iron carbide (Fe₃C) nanocrystals (Fe₃C@NCNT) were fabricated by a simple and direct pyrolysis method using melamine and ferric chloride as the C, N and Fe precursors. The surface morphology, structure and composition of the Fe₃C@NCNT materials were thoroughly investigated. The nanomaterials were employed as novel catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation; outstanding efficiency, high stability and excellent reusability were observed in the catalytic oxidation of organics. The encapsulated Fe₃C nanoparticles played a key role in the emerging synergetic effects of the carbide and the protective graphitic layers. In addition, …

Processing And Properties Of Wc-Based Cu-Ni-Mn-Zn Metal Matrix Composites Produced Via Pressureless Infiltration, Paul M. Brune

Masters Theses

"This research focuses on the processing and properties of tungsten carbide-based (WC-based) Cu-Ni-Mn-Zn metal matrix composites (MMCs) fabricated by pressureless infiltration. The first goal of this project was to test the wettability of Cu-Ni-Mn and Cu-Ni-Mn-Zn on various carbides. The sessile drop technique was employed to determine if they were suitable candidates for pressureless infiltration. The carbides investigated were TaC, WC, B₄C, and SiC. It was determined that both alloys had contact angles of less than 70⁰ on TaC, WC, and B4C, which is one requirement for pressureless infiltration. However, both alloys reacted with B₄C to …

Processing, Microstructure, And Properties Of Engineered Diboride Structures, Connor Charles Wittmaier

Masters Theses

"The mechanical properties and processing parameters of boride ceramics in foam and laminate architectures were evaluated. The ceramic reticulated foam was produced through a polymer substrate replication technique and the hardness and compressive strength were tested. The laminate structure was tested to evaluate the flexure strength and work of fracture as a function of temperature.

The foam architecture was produced using a TiB₂ slurry coating on a polyurethane reticulated foam preform. Foams sintered to 2150⁰C displayed an average grain size of 8.9 ± 7.3 µm, and a hardness of 17.3 ± 2.4 GPa. Crush testing foams were sintered at …

An Experimental Study Of Non-Metallic Inclusions Precipitation And Its Effect On Impact Toughness Variations In Low Alloy Steel Subjected To Complex Deoxidation, Pavel Bizyukov

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A low level of non-metallic inclusions in steel is the key requirement in the concept of clean steel. Although the concept has received its name quite recently, it has been implemented at the large-scale steel mills for more than 40 years. Production of clean steel became possible due active development and adoption of the post-melting treatment of molten metal in the teeming ladle. Ladle metallurgy, an umbrella term for various methods of treatment, includes operations that cannot be performed during primary metallurgical processes such as melting in an electric arc, basic oxygen, or air induction furnace. Initially, the most common …

Electrospinning Novel Aligned Polymer Fiber Structures For Use In Neural Tissue Engineering, Rachel Martin

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

A suitable tissue scaffold to support and assist in the repair of damaged tissues or cells is important for success in clinical trials and for injury recovery. Electrospinning can create a variety of polymer nanofibers and microfibers, and is being widely used to produce experimental tissue scaffolds for neural applications. This dissertation examines various approaches by which electrospinning is being used for neural tissue engineering applications for the repair of injuries to the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Due to the poor regeneration of neural tissues in the event of injury, tissue scaffolds are being …

Design Of Robust Hydrogel Based On Mussel-Inspired Chemistry, Yuan Liu

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The structure of catechol is found in mussel adhesive proteins and contributed to both wet-resistant adhesion and cohesive curing of these proteins. A synthetic nano-silicate, Laponite was incorporated into catechol-containing hydrogels and the hydrogel network-bound catechol formed strong reversible interfacial interaction with Laponite. The contribution of incorporated catechol-Laponite reversible interfacial interactions to the mechanics of hydrogels constructed by different strategies was studied. In the first strategy, Laponite and catechol were introduced into the double network hydrogel (DN) via the free radical co-polymerization of a catechol-containing monomer, backbone monomer, and crosslinker. The introduction of catechol-Laponite interactions significantly improved the compressive strength …

A 3d Biomimetic Scaffold Using Electrospinning For Tissue Engineering Applications, Samerender Nagam Hanumantharao

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Electrospinning holds great promise for designing functional 3D biomimetic scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. The technique allows for the reproducible fabrication of 3D scaffolds with control over the porosity and thickness. In this work, a novel method for the synthesis of a 3D electroactive scaffold using electrospinning from polycaprolactone (PCL), Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) and Polyaniline (PANI) is reported. Additional scaffolds involving different morphologies of PCL, PCL-PVDF and PCL-PANI-PVDF were also fabricated and evaluated. The scaffolds were characterized using electron microscopy to visualize the morphologies. Infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the presence of polymers and their respective phases in the …

Electro-Optic Contact Poling Of Polymer Waveguide Devices And Thin Films, Michael Briseno

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Optical communication is a high speed, large bandwidth, low cost, and power efficient method of transferring data over short-haul and long-haul channels. Optical communication requires devices (optical modulators) that utilize the originating electrical signal information to modulate a corresponding optical signal. State of the art optical modulators can be used for communicating signals at modulation frequencies up to 100 GHz and faster. Polymer modulators are used over lithium niobate due to the large potential electro-optic coefficient, which has been shown to be as high as 226 pm/V in thin films.

Organic electro-optic polymers used in thin film modulators contain nonlinear …

Controlling Properties Of Agglomerates For Chemical Processes, Joseph A. Halt

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Iron ore pellets are hard spheres made from powdered ore and binders. Pellets are used to make iron, mainly in blast furnaces. Around the time that the pelletizing process was developed, starch was proposed as a binder because it’s viscous, adheres well to iron oxides, does not contaminate pellets and is relatively cheap. In practice, however, starch leads to weak pellets with rough surfaces – these increase the amount of dust generated within process equipment and during pellet shipping and handling. Thus, even though the usual binder (bentonite clay) contaminates pellets, pelletizers prefer it to starch or other organics.

This …

ผลของการเติมเถ้าแกลบต่อการเกิดชั้นฟิล์มในกระบวนการอะลูมิไนซิงแบบผงบนนิกเกิลบริสุทธิ์, บุญฤทธิ์ เฮงประยูร

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

การปรับปรุงกระบวนการอะลูมิไนซิงแบบผงทำได้โดยการเจือธาตุซิลิกอนเพื่อเพิ่มความเสถียรของชั้นออกไซด์ที่เกิดขึ้นในการใช้งานที่อุณหภูมิสูง ซึ่งเถ้าแกลบมีส่วนประกอบของซิลิกาอยู่มากกว่า 90 เปอร์เซ็นต์โดยน้ำหนัก ในงานวิจัยนี้จะหาความเป็นไปได้ในการใช้เถ้าแกลบแทนซิลิกาจากอุตสาหกรรม (ควอทซ์) เพื่อเจือซิลิกอนลงในกระบวนการอะลูมิไนซิงแบบผง โดยวิเคราะห์ถึงความแตกต่างของโครงสร้างผลึก สารเจือในเถ้าแกลบ ขนาดอนุภาค ลักษณะพิ้นผิวและพื้นที่ผิวจำเพาะระหว่างผงควอทซ์และผงเถ้าแกลบที่จะส่งผลต่อโครงสร้างจุลภาค โครงสร้างของสารประกอบของชั้นแพร่และปริมาณซิลิกอนที่พบในชั้นแพร่ในผิวชิ้นงานที่ใช้สารตั้งต้นเป็นควอทซ์และเถ้าแกลบ ซึ่งปริมาณสารเจือที่เติมคือ 9, 13.5, 18 เปอร์เซ็นต์โดยน้ำหนัก เผาที่อุณหภูมิ 800 และ 1000๐C เป็นเวลา 4 ชั่วโมง และทดสอบความต้านทานการเกิดออกซิเดชันที่อุณหภูมิ 1000๐C เป็นเวลา 100 ชั่วโมง ชิ้นงานที่นำมาทดสอบคือ นิกเกิลบริสุทธิ์, ชิ้นงานที่ทำอะลูมิไนซิงที่ 900๐C เป็นเวลา 4 ชั่วโมง, ชิ้นงานที่เติมควอทซ์ 13.5 เปอร์เซ็นต์โดยน้ำหนัก ทำอะลูมิไนซิงที่ 1000๐C เป็นเวลา 4 ชั่วโมงและชิ้นงานที่เติมเถ้าแกลบ 13.5 เปอร์เซ็นต์โดยน้ำหนัก ทำอะลูมิไนซิงที่ 1000๐C เป็นเวลา 4 ชั่วโมง นำชิ้นงานมาวิเคราะห์ลักษณะพื้นผิวและโครงสร้างของสารประกอบออกไซด์ที่เกิดขึ้นที่ผิว พบว่าชิ้นงานที่เติมเถ้าแกลบจะมีปริมาณซิลิกอนที่พบในชั้นแพร่มากกว่าและมีความสามารถในการต้านทานการเกิดออกซิเดชันที่อุณหภูมิสูงดีกว่าชิ้นงานที่เติมควอทซ์

Processing, Microstructure, And Mechanical Properties Of Zirconium Diboride-Molybdenum Disilicide Ceramics And Dual Composite Architectures, Ryan Joseph Grohsmeyer

Doctoral Dissertations

"This research had two objectives: characterization of processing-microstructure-mechanical property relationships of conventional ZrB₂-MoSi₂ ceramics at room temperature (RT) and 1500⁰C in air, and fabrication of ZrB₂-MoSi₂ dual composite architectures (DCAs) for use near 1500⁰C. Elastic moduli, fracture toughness, and flexure strength were measured at RT and 1500⁰C for 15 ZrB₂-MoSi₂ ceramics hot pressed using fine, medium, or coarse ZrB₂ starting powder with 5-70 vol.% MoSi₂, referred to as FX, MX, and CX respectively where X is the nominal MoSi₂ content. MoSi₂ decomposed during sintering, resulting in …

Understanding The Deformation Mechanisms In Nanostructured Metals By A Novel Discrete Crystal Plasticity Finite Element Model, Rui Yuan

Doctoral Dissertations

"Implementation of nanostructured metals and alloys for use in engineering applications requires a detailed knowledge of the underlying deformation mechanisms in these materials. It is well known that plastic deformation in metals and alloys is mainly mediated by dislocation activities. Nonetheless, TEM observations and atomistic simulations indicate that dislocation-mediated plasticity in nanostructured metals and alloys is significantly different from that in their coarse-grained counterparts. Therefore, this dissertation focuses on the exploration of the deformation mechanisms in nanostructured metals via crystal plasticity finite element modeling and simulation.

A statistical grain boundary dislocation source model accounting for dislocation nucleation and slip events …

Optimal Design And Freeform Extrusion Fabrication Of Functionally Gradient Smart Parts, Amir Ghazanfari

Doctoral Dissertations

"An extrusion-based additive manufacturing process, called the Ceramic On-Demand Extrusion (CODE) process, for producing three-dimensional ceramic components with near theoretical density was developed. In this process, an aqueous paste of ceramic particles with a very low binder content (<1 vol%) is extruded through a moving nozzle at room temperature. After a layer is deposited, it is surrounded by oil (to a level just below the top surface of most recent layer) to preclude non-uniform evaporation from the sides. Infrared radiation is then used to partially, and uniformly, dry the just-deposited layer so that the yield stress of the paste increases and the part maintains its shape. The same procedure is repeated for every layer until part fabrication is completed. Sample parts made of alumina and fully stabilized zirconia were produced using this process and their mechanical properties including density, strength, Young's modulus, Weibull modulus, toughness, and hardness were examined. Microstructural evaluation was also performed to measure the grain size, and critical flaw sizes were obtained. The results indicate that the proposed method enables fabrication of geometrically complex parts with superior mechanical properties. Furthermore, several methods were developed to increase the productivity of the CODE process and enable manufacturing of functionally graded materials with an optimum distribution of material composition. As an application of the CODE process, advanced ceramic components with embedded sapphire optical fiber sensors were fabricated and properties of parts and sensors were evaluated using standard test methods"--Abstract, page iv.