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Ferroelectric materials have the ability to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and vice versa, which makes them widely used as sensors, actuators, and ultrasonic transducers. While their electrical and electromechanical properties are well studied, mechanical properties like Young’s modulus (E) and hardness (H) remain known to a lesser extent. …

Whilst the interaction of multiple vascular mechanisms under various stressors is a well-documented topic, how this interaction effects the regional regulation of blood flow is less well known. In order to assess this phenomenon, a series of successive studies were conducted: I. Assessing the regional blood flow and haemodynamic response …

Thermal insulation materials have a strong impact on energy efficiency of buildings which are one of the main energy consumers in the EU. Thermal insulation materials are widely used and improving their properties or improving their production can therefore have a rapid impact on the efficient use of energy in …

Air pollution is an inevitable problem that modern society has to face today, with particulate matter (PM) being the most dangerous part of it, threatening human health and the environment. Not all PM particles, however, are equally harmful, since the dangerous potential depends on their size and chemical composition, which …

The miniaturization of electronic devices requires the fabrication of functional components in the form of μm-sized thick films. Some of the most promising functional materials are relaxor-ferroelectric (1-x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–xPbTiO3 (PMN–100xPT), as they exhibit versatile dielectric, piezoelectric and relaxor-ferroelectric properties. However, the integration of functional ceramic thick films with non-conventional substrates such …

This doctoral thesis describes the synthesis and characterization of calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings on zirconia ceramics. The main application of coated zirconia is in medicine, particularly in the area of dental bone implants. Due to the favourable biological characteristics of CaP, it can be expected that the application of CaP …

Sodium niobate (NaNbO3) is the end member of several alkaline niobate-based solid solutions, which represent an important group of environment-friendly lead-free piezoceramics. Even though alkaline niobates are of considerable technological importance, problems in obtaining high densities and a fine-grained microstructure are still reported and not much is known about the …

Buildings are complex systems as external factors are linked to, and have an effect on the characteristics of a building. In this dissertation, the focus is on the connection between external factors and the building’s characteristics, which have an impact on the living conditions, durability and energy efficiency of a …

The KNN solid solution was prepared from pre-synthesized binary compounds of, sodium and potassium niobate in a 1/1 molar ratio. The KNG sintering aid was prepared by homogenizing the pre-reacted binary mixtures of alkaline reagents and germanium oxide with the Na/Ge = 1/1 and K/Ge = 1/1 molar ratios. The …

This doctoral thesis describes the preparation of moderately porous Y-TZP ceramics with improved flexural strength. The main field of application is dentistry, where the elastic mismatch between the Y-TZP material and tooth substance influences the survival rate of fixed partial dentures (FPDs). By introducing porosity into the bulk samples a …