Three-dimensional coherent X-ray diffraction imaging of a ceramic nanofoam: determination of structural deformation mechanisms

摘要

Ultra-low density polymers, metals, and ceramic nanofoams are valued fortheir high strength-to-weight ratio, high surface area and insulatingproperties ascribed to their structural geometry. We obtain the labrynthineinternal structure of a tantalum oxide nanofoam by X-ray diffractive imaging.Finite element analysis from the structure reveals mechanical propertiesconsistent with bulk samples and with a diffusion limited cluster aggregationmodel, while excess mass on the nodes discounts the dangling fragmentshypothesis of percolation theory.