Symposium CD
Joining of Inorganic Materials: From Macro- to Nano-length Scales

The demand for joints of ceramics, glasses and their composites is still growing. New applications ranging from nano- and micro-mechanical systems to space components are continually being innovated. They require specialised joining solutions that enable the utilisation of the materials´ unique properties to meet complex end-product requirements. Challenges arise when components of differing materials with often incompatible behaviour must be joined. The understanding across length scales and research disciplines is thus crucial for the development of, reliable, fast and energy-efficient routes for inorganic materials integration in nano-, micro- and macro-scale devices and systems. The nano-scaled surfaces and interfaces of the materials need to be understood well and functionalized, as their properties ultimately control the reliability of material joints and systems at macroscale.
This symposium, which follows the ones held on similar subjects at previous CIMTEC Conferences, will discuss fundamental and practical issues of the joining of inorganic materials, at different length scales and from both the experimental and theoretical viewpoints concerning: physical-chemistry of surfaces and interfaces; wetting and interfacial reactions; diffusion and compound formation; joining techniques (soldering, brazing, solid state and transient liquid phase diffusion bonding and microwave/laser/electron beam welding, nano-bonding and sintering, femtosecond laser irradiation joining, ultrasonic nano-welding..); joint characterisation and testing; lifetime and reliability predictions of joints, and their in-service performance.
Contributions to every aspect of materials joining, from nano-materials science, theory of interfaces to practical issues of joining techniques are welcome. Specific matters on which the authors are encouraged to submit contributions include: i-Nano-materials science for joining inorganic materials; ii-Modelling of materials joints and processes at different length scales (from atomic scale modelling of interfaces to engineering scale simulations); iii-Experimental and theoretical studies on thermodynamics, diffusion kinetics, wetting and adhesion; iv-Control of the structure and properties of joint surfaces and interfaces; v-(Nano-/Micro-/Macro-)Joining of ceramics, glasses, composites; vi-Application engineering from micro- to macro-scale.
A special focus will be put onto the development of joining processes by controlling the surface and interface properties at the nano-scale.