4. Technology solutions

Submicron systems are commonly manufactured using two techniques. The first involves the use of powder metallurgy processes, which are flexible and can be used to produce composites by mixing. It is now well established that the physical properties of the powder mixture, the pressing conditions, particle-particle interactions, and particle-binder interactions (if the binder is necessary for the cohesion of the mixture) constitute a set of important parameters for understanding microstructure-property relationships. Although this technology is low-cost and versatile, it produces imperfect materials (surface defects, porosity). However, there is room for improvement; in particular, the use of a hot isostatic press, which is the instrument of choice for producing low-porosity materials, could be considered. Such research has already been undertaken in our laboratory for the development of multiferroic...