Papers by Author: Kenta Takagi

Abstract: To fabricate artificial crystals with any structure from monosized spherical particles, we have so far manufactured a three-dimensionally particle assembling system with a combination of pick-and-place robotic manipulation and inter-particle laser welding. In the present study, we aimed to assemble large-scale artificial crystals of polyethylene (PE) particles by mean of the new system. In this method, an optimization of the laser welding conditions was indispensable for the strong bonding with maintaining the shape of particles. Thus, the two-particle welding tests were preliminarily conducted. On the basis of this result, we successfully assembled the large-scale artificial crystals with diamond structure from the PE -ceramic or -carbon composite particles. In order to discuss applicability of the obtained crystals to terahertz (THz) wave photonic crystals, the transmittance spectrum of the crystals was evaluated by a THz wave time domain spectroscopy. The PE-ceramic particle crystal presented an ideal photonic band gap which perfectly agreed with the theoretical one.

Abstract: Capability of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to create in-depth gradients in properties and functionalities of conventional materials has been investigated for the first time. Functionally graded material (FGM) concept has also been employed for the first time to bridge conventional materials to their advanced nanocomposites containing a high concentration of CNTs, which is promising for unexplored yet novel structural, electronic and biomaterial applications. In this study, α-alumina ceramics considered as the most challenging case has been used as the matrix. Bulk, layered, nanostructure-controlled, CNT-based, functionally graded α-alumina ceramics have been fabricated employing a recently established powder processing technology. In-depth gradients in microstructure, grain size and hardness have been successfully achieved in alumina ceramic without cracking, delamination or warping, after homogeneous and gradual incorporation of the CNTs within the alumina ceramic matrix. The FGM approach showed promise to successfully bridge conventional ceramics to their nanocomposites containing a high concentration of CNTs.

Abstract: We are investigating the feasibility of measuring thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of free-standing thermal barrier coatings with a practical thickness of several hundred micrometers by mean of a widespread thermomechanical analysis toward its industrial standardization. First of all, this study conducted the preliminary investigation for the accurate measurement of thin samples with dense yettria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramics. With a sample supporting jig and proper conditions, even the usual thermomechanical analysis could give the accurate CTE values of thin samples down to 0.3mm thick. Also it showed good reproducibility with small measurement error less than 5%. In actual, this modified method could provide the reasonable CTE values of plasma-sprayed YSZ samples with thickness of >0.3mm. Further investigation with this method found a slight monotonic decrease in the CTE with annealing. This decrease was estimated to arise from the continuous change of microstructure which still went on even after saturation of sintering shrinkage. All the results demonstrated the present method to be available for the industrial standard.

Abstract: This paper introduces the development of two kinds of graded piezoceramic bending actuators. For designing the graded compositional profiles, classical lamination theory (CLT) is used to explore the optimal gradient that generates large electromechanical response. As the first model material, a laminated piezoceramic bimorph actuator was designed and fabricated with a graded compositional distribution of PZT and Pt, and its electric-induced bending characteristics were evaluated and compared with the analytical results by CLT. Furthermore, porosity-graded PZT ceramics were developed, which may be used as the preforms for the infiltration process to fabricate bending actuators with graded ceramic/metal and/or ceramic/polymer interfaces. The fabrication process and property evaluation of homogenously porous and porosity-graded PZT ceramics were introduced.

Abstract: Mono-sized silicon particles were effectively fabricated by a novel way named pulsated orifice ejection method (POEM). The particles are with very narrow particles size distribution and very small standard deviation of mean particle size. There are two different types spherical silicon particles were found. One consists of many grains mainly in random boundaries. The other consists of two or three grains with only twin orientation relationships, even single crystal in cross-section was also found within this type spherical silicon particles.

Abstract: Monosized germanium micro particles are prepared by a newly developed Pulsated Orifice Ejection Method (POEM). The obtained particles are categorized into two kinds of the microstructures as refined and coarse ones. The morphological difference is estimated to be determined by the undercooling level during nucleation. Actually, the increase in the temperature of the melt was effective in coarsening the microstructure, because the temperature of the melt intensely relates to the undercooling level. The transition temperature of coarse and refined microstructures is found to be 1300-1350K. Furthermore, a triggered nucleation could improve the crystallinity of the particles in the short separation.

Abstract: Uniformly porous and porosity-graded piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by sintering powder compacts consisting of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and organic material powders as pore-forming agents (PFA) in air atmosphere. The dielectric, elastic and piezoelectric properties of uniformly porous PZT ceramics were investigated as a function of the porosity volume fraction. The electric-field-induced deflection characteristics of the beam-shaped actuator samples were measured with electric strain gages, and compared with the values calculated from the modified classical laminate theory using the elastic and piezoelectric constants of the non-FGM porous PZT ceramics.