Papers by Author: Philippe Colomban

Abstract: Barium Strontium Titanate Ba_0.8Sr_0.2TiO₃ (BST) thin films have been deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO₂/Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the films crystallize in a perovskite phase. XRD and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) characterization reveal that the grains are nano-sized. Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) analysis shows the stoichiometry of the films to be close to the stoichiometry of the target. The Raman spectroscopy shows that the films exhibit the tetragonal structure by the presence of the Raman active modes at 301 cm^-1 and 729 cm^-1, at room temperature. Leakage current measurements of Au/ Ba_0.8Sr_0.2TiO₃/Pt capacitors have been done, at room temperature, to investigate the conduction mechanisms of the films. We found that there are two different conduction regions in the capacitors, namely, an ohmic behavior at low voltages and a Schottky emission mechanism at high voltages. The Schottky barrier height has been estimated to be 0.99 eV.

Abstract: The use of metal nanoparticles dispersed in an optically clear matrix by potters and glassmakers from the Bronze Age up to the present time is reviewed from the solid state chemistry and material science point of view. The nature of metal (gold, silver or copper), the importance of some other elements (Fe, Sn, Sb, Bi) added to control metal reduction in the glass in relation to the firing atmosphere (combined reducing oxidizing sequences, role of hydrogen and water) are considered in the light of ancient Treatises and recent analyses using advanced techniques (FIB- TEM, EXAFS,…) and classical methods (optical microscopy, UV-visible absorption). The different types of colour production, by absorption/reflection (red, yellow) or diffraction (iridescence) and the relationship between nanostructure (metal particle dispersion, layer stacking) and lustre colour are discussed. The very specific interaction between light and the metal nanoparticle makes Raman scattering a very useful "bottom up" technique to study the local glass structure around the metal particles as well as to detect incomplete metal reduction or residues tracing the preparation route, hence making it possible to differentiate between genuine artefacts and fakes.

Abstract: Ancient ceramic wall tiles, called “azulejo”, firstly used on Portuguese churches, monasteries and palaces (15-18th century) have progressively been used in particular houses till the last century. These tiles and its use in huge decorative panels can be considered as a precious but fragile cultural heritage from Brazil to India, in several countries influenced by Portuguese culture. Morphologically, these tiles are composed by a porous clay-based ceramic body, the terracotta, covered by a protective glassy phase, the glaze. As artistic paintings, these murals incorporated various kinds of pigments in the glaze layer to create a pictorial impact on the walls of rich palaces or churches, real and durable monumental works-of-art. In the 21st century, degradation marks are visible on these ceramic tiles because of their use under corrosive conditions (moisture, atmospheric cycles…) along centuries. In order to promote their conservation and enhance their restoration, the physical-chemical characterization of the azulejos is performed in the present work, using mainly non-destructive processes like micro-Raman spectroscopy or X-Ray diffraction. In particular, Raman spectroscopy allows the detection of some nano/microcrystals present in the amorphous glaze due to pigments or opacifying agents or related to the elaboration process of the azulejo. Based on the observation of various selected fragments, one states that very few pigments have been used as colouring agents in this ceramic art during 17-18th centuries. Thus, the relationship between the different colours, the introduced pigments and the structural aspects of the glass will be focused. Some features related with the ancient ceramic technology will also be discussed.

Abstract: The behavior of two different types of ultra-high-performance polyamide (PA) 66 fibers under fatigue loading up to failure, and the correlation between the fibers (nano)structures and their structural heterogeneity with fatigue lifetimes, have been studied using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, wide angle x-ray diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The role of the microstructure of the fibers in determining fatigue life is presented and the possibility of improving their resistance to fatigue or eliminating the fatigue process will be discussed.

Abstract: On the basis of previously recorded Raman and IR spectral data on different crystallohydrates of alkaline-earth 12-tungstophosphoric acid salts (obtained from mother solution and those kept under constant relative humidity (RH) of 35%), an effort was made to determine the position of cations in the Keggin unit. Shifts or band splitting in vibrational spectra of the salts, as well as the changes in band intensities were found to be connected to the cation properties. The spectral data also demonstrated a great influence of cation properties on the secondary structure of Keggin anions and dynamics of protonic species.