Abstract
Seeding and templated grain growth (TGG) have been well demonstrated to yield high quality random and textured ceramics (Lotgering factor >90% and FWHM of 6-7 degrees). Proper use of these strategies for microstructure regulation open a myriad of possible microstructure designs and access to new property combinations. Seeding and TGG require the control over a combination of thermodynamic and kinetic processes. Using examples from our work on mullite, alumina, sodium bismuth titanate and PMN-PT, we will demonstrate the complexity of balancing these factors while meeting specific microstructure goals. The discussion will view the necessary conditions for epitaxy for nucleation and manipulation of diffusion for template growth. The attainment of high quality texture is influenced by both matrix growth and template-template impingement. These issues will be presented using model predictions and experiments for alumina and PMN-PT. The presentation will conclude with process requirements for attaining the improved levels of microstructure control.
