Study of the elementary plastic deformation mechanisms in aluminum carbonitrides

Pprime Institute (P’) is a research laboratory specialized in the fields of Physics and Engineering Sciences. It is a UPR CNRS linked with the University of Poitiers (The Faculty of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, the Faculty of Sport Sciences, ENSIP (National Higher School of Engineers of Poitiers)) and ISAE-ENSMA (National Higher School of Mechanics and Aeroengineering). Its research activities cover a large range of topics from physics of materials to fluids and mechanics of materials, mechanical engineering and energetics.

Aluminum carbonitrides (AlN)nAl₄C₃ are nanolamellar materials very promising for obtaining aluminum nitride (AlN) nanosheets by exfoliation. Although these aluminum carbonitrides were synthesized as early as 1935, very few studies have been devoted to them, with exception of some work in 2011 on the electronic structure of Al₅C₃N using ab initio calculations. Although their synthesis is now well mastered by powder metallurgy (SPS or HIP), their physical properties, and in particular their mechanical properties, are still poorly understood.

This internship aims to explore the plasticity of these materials using nanoindentation to initiate plasticity in submicrometric volumes in order to limit it to its early stages. The deformation mechanisms involved will first be studied through observation by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) of the slip lines left on the surface. In the medium term, TEM lamella will be extracted by focused ion beam (FIB) in cross-section through these nanoindents, to analyze the microstructure of deformation in volume by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and thus complete the information obtained on the surface by AFM.

The Master student will be trained in nanoindentation and AFM.

Master student or engineering school student. The candidate is expected to have knowledge in material science. Additional knowledge in the field of plasticity will be appreciated.