Developing new and maturing existing processing techniques for ceramics and ceramic matrix composites (CMC) will be key to advance Air Force high-speed flight technologies. For example, fabrication of ceramic-based parts that can exhibit high effective strains during flight will require the use of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques that have not been developed for high-temperature materials such as ultra-high temperature borides and carbides. Development of manufacturing methods for low-cost CMCs and ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites is also critical for advancing propulsion-based technologies. Current ceramic processing strategies to include slip casting, additive manufacturing including material extrusion (MEX) and vat photopolymerization (VPP), and more conventional composite lay-up methods, are of interest. Each technique has processing challenges that need to be investigated. For example, the organic binders used for MEX and VPP often cause defects upon thermal debinding; these defects ultimately cause cracks and/or delamination in sintered parts, greatly affecting mechanical properties. In VPP, interactions of light with highly absorbing boride powders can reduce cure thickness. Strategies are required to make these powders more reflective to facilitate AM. In summary, there are numerous processing challenges to advance ceramic and CMC processing for Air Force applications.

Candidates should have strong written and oral communication skills and enjoy working in a team environment. Candidates with backgrounds in various engineering disciplines (e.g. materials, mechanical, chemical, etc.) and science disciplines (e.g. chemistry and physics) are encouraged to contact the advisor.

Recent Publications

Kyle R. Cox, Tess D. Marconie, Raina A. Shreiner Barger, Karan M. Motwani, Jeffrey P. Youngblood, and Rodney W. Trice, “Slurry Material Extrusion of Chopped Carbon Fiber Reinforced Silicon Carbide Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs),” I. J. App. Ceram. Tech. Vol.22 [1] 2025. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijac.14915

A.R. Kimery, M. A. Thompson, C.J. Martinez, and R.W. Trice, “Slip Casting Porous Silicon Nitride for High-Temperature Radar Frequency Radomes,” Int. J. Appl. Ceram. Tech., 22[6] 2025 DOI: 10.1111/ijac.70016

R.Orta-Guerra, O. Brandt, A.R. Kimery, E.S. Romero, J. Youngblood, and R.W. Trice, “Development of Reaction Bonded Method for Bonding Silicon Carbide Using Ceramic Suspensions,” Int. J. Appl. Ceram. Tech., 2025;e70003,  https://doi.org/10.1111/ijac.70003

References

Ceramic; Vat Photopolymerization; Extrusion Manufacturing; Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics; Ceramic Composites; Rheology; Polymer Burnout; Colloidal Chemistry

citizenship

Open to U.S. citizens

level

Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants

Additional Benefits

relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.