PROPERTIES OF METAL-OXIDE COMPOSITES.

This report constitutes a summary of the research carried out over a three-year period, directed toward the definition of problem areas and the exploration of possible composite systems for non-structural applications. Three principal avenues of approach have been followed 1 the investigation of electrical and thermal conductivity in composites, with the aim of defining tools and analytical methods for potential application in NDT and associated diagnostic methods 2 studies on the role of adhesion in composite systems, and the relationships among bulk, surface, and interface properties 3 preliminary experiments on transport properties in BaTiO3-Ni composites which show promise for unique materials, devices and systems. The research on this program had defined an entirely new class of materials and presents arguments on the potential utility of composites for nonstructural applications, with several specific examples of functional devices and materials, and reviews the application of transport theory to the analysis of materials parameters. In addition, it is shown how extensive studies on the relationships among bulk and surface properties can lead to methods for selecting materials systems to satisfy specific design criteria, taking into account the role of interface thermodynamics in the formation of adhesive bonds selected strengths for different applications. Author