Abstract:

Compared to metals and polymers, the incorporation of ceramics into the framework of Industry 4.0 has been lagged due to the inherent problems in the processing of ceramics. Green machining offers an economical and energy-efficient path to produce near-net shape ceramics especially for low volume, custom-made parts, and prototyping. Current routes rely on the optimization of a formulation of binders, dispersants, and plasticizers, and the utilization of isostatic pressing (cold isostatic pressing) or chemical reactions (gelcasting) to fabricate a machinable green body. At Sabanci University, we develop single additives that can generate doughs from ceramic nanoparticles through polymer bridging. This dough can be manipulated by hand, cut, or pushed into a mold. I will present our latest results on the laser-machining of yttria-stabilized zirconia and magnesia doughs, and overlay a roadmap for the digitalization of the processing of ceramics.

Short Biography of the Speaker:

Özge Akbulut is an Associate Professor at Sabancı University, Istanbul. She received her B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering at Sabancı University in 2004. Her PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2009) focused on the cost- effective fabrication of biomolecular devices and surface science. She continued her studies as a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University, (2009- 2011) on developing tools/techniques for resource- limited settings. Her main research interests are silicone-based composites and rheology modifiers for additive manufacturing and the cement industry. She also co-founded a company, Surgitate, on the design and fabrication of tactile surgical training platforms, in 2014.