Neutron scattering studies of industry-relevant materials: connecting microscopic behavior to applied properties

Certain systems of oxides, nitrides and carbides have been recognized as th e basic components of advanced materials for applications such as engineeri ng and electronic ceramics, catalysts, sensors, etc. under extreme environm ents. An understanding of the basic atomic and electronic properties of the se systems will benefit enormously the industrial development of new materi als featuring tailored properties. We present an overview of neutron scatte ring studies of the crystal phases, microstructure, phonon and magnetic exc itations of key materials including rare-earth phosphates, phosphate glasse s, nanostructured metal oxides, as well as silicon nitride and silicon carb ide ceramics. A close collaboration among neutron scattering experimentatio n, molecular-dynamics simulation and material synthesis is emphasized. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.