Ben Iverson
Domain Orientation and Textures of Piezoelectric Materials

Ben Iverson presented results of the research program investigating correlation between properties and performance of piezoelectric ceramics with domain orientation and crystallographic texture. Ferro-elastic attributes of domain orientation of the lead metaniobates were examined by the neutron time-of-flight diffractometer HIPPO at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. Spectral data was subjected to spectrum analysis using Rietveld Materials Analysis Using Diffraction (MAUD) software and was compared to results on lead metaniobates obtained using x-ray diffraction via an area detector and a synchrotron beamline.

Jeff Reding
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and their Advancement at Purdue

Jeff Reding spoke about "Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and their Advancement at Purdue MSE." Fuel cells represent a prime component in the promise of a hydrogen economy. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells are the most efficient of the major fuel cell types under development. The challenges regarding their future involve reducing costs sufficiently to allow them to economically compete with current energy conversion technologies.

Many current research efforts are being directed toward lowering the operating temperature of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells in order to use cheaper materials in their construction. Topics include thin film electrolytes and alternative electrolyte materials. Many of these efforts will be discussed as will the current work being undertaken at Purdue.