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At least 37 records · Page 2

Mitigation of tin whisker growth by inserting Ni nanocones

Highlights: • Tin whisker growth is mitigated effectively by inserting Ni nanocones. • Ni nanocones impede Sn dynamic recrystallization by blocking dislocation motions. • The inhibition method and mechanism are important to the study of tin whisker. - Abstract: An innovative controllable way has been proposed to mitigate tin whisker growth by inserting Ni nanocones prepared by electrodeposition. The results reveal that, after inserting Ni nanocones, tin whisker formation is mitigated effectively for 1.6 μm Sn coating but there is no inhibition effect for 4.5 μm Sn coating. The coatings are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The EBSD results show that Sn grain size without Ni nanocones increases significantly after indentation test compared with Sn grains with Ni nanocones. The inhibition effect of Ni nanocones on whisker growth can be ascribed to its specific structure which prevents dynamic recrystallization and produces horizontal grain boundaries of Sn grains. The structural inhibition method and mechanism proposed are of great importance to the research of tin whisker.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Effect of Pulse Detonation-Plasma Technology Treatment on T8 Steel Microstructures

T8 steel surfaces were treated by pulse detonation-plasma technology (PDT) at capacitance values of 600, 800, and 1000 μF, and the effects of PDT were analyzed using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron back-scattered diffraction, and micro-hardness tester and friction wear tester. The surface of T8 steel is first smoothed out, and then, craters are formed due to the inhomogeneity of the PDT energy and targeting during PDT treatment. The initial martensite in the T8 steel surface layer changes to austenite, and Fe{sub 3}N is formed due to nitriding. The thickness of the modified layer, which is composed of columnar and fine grain structures, increases with the increasing capacity. Preferential orientation occurred in the {110} 〈 001 〉 direction in the modified layer, and the number of low-angle grain boundaries increased significantly after PDT treatment. The micro-hardness and wear resistance of the T8 steel was improved by PDT treatment, even doubled after the treatment with the capacitance of 1000 μF.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of Nd Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Extruded Mg-6Gd-2.5Y-0.5Zr Alloy

The microstructure, age-hardening behavior, mechanical properties and texture of extruded Mg-6Gd-2.5Y-0.5Zr alloys with various additions of Nd have been investigated through optical microscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron back-scattered diffraction, hardness and tensile tests. The results indicate that the number of second-phase particles in the as-extruded alloys increases (especially with the addition of 1.5 wt.% Nd), and the amount of the strengthening β′ phase in the peak-aged sample initially increases, and then decreases when the content of Nd increases above 1.0 wt.%. The precipitation of second-phase particles in the extrusion process weakens the age strengthening. The peak-aged Mg-6Gd-2.5Y-1Nd-0.5Zr alloy shows a maximum yield strength of 259 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 350 MPa, which can be attributed to the finely dispersed strengthening β′ phase. All as-extruded alloys exhibit that (0001) planes are aligned perpendicular to the extrusion direction, and the maximum intensity of the texture increases gradually with Nd addition.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Investigation of the phase relations in the U-Al-Ge ternary system: Influence of the Al/Ge substitution on the properties of the intermediate phases

The phase relations within the U-Al-Ge ternary system were studied for two isothermal sections, at 673 K for the whole Gibbs triangle and at 1173 K for the concentration range 25–100 at% U. The identification of the phases, their composition ranges and stability were determined by x-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis. The tie-lines and the solubility domains were determined for the U-Ge and U-Al binaries, the UAl{sub 3}-UGe{sub 3} solid-solution and for the unique ternary intermediate phase U{sub 3}Al{sub 2−x}Ge{sub 3+x}. The experimental isopleth section of the pseudo-binary UAl{sub 3}-UGe{sub 3} reveals an isomorphous solid solution based on the Cu{sub 3}Au-type below the solidus. The U{sub 3}Al{sub 2−x}Ge{sub 3+x} solid solution extends for −0.1≤x≤1.35 and −0.2≤x≤1.5 at 673 K and 1173 K respectively. It crystallizes in the I-centered tetragonal symmetry. The reciprocal lattice of several compositions of the U{sub 3}Al{sub 2−x}Ge{sub 3+x} solid solution was examined by electron diffraction at room temperature, revealing the presence of a c-glide plane. Their crystal structure was refined by single crystal x-ray diffraction suggesting an isomorphous solid solution best described with the non-centrosymmetric space group I4cm in the paramagnetic domain. The magnetic measurements confirm the ferromagnetic ordering of the solid solution U{sub 3}Al{sub 2−x}Ge{sub 3+x} with an increase of Tc with the Al content. The thermal variation of the specific heat bear out the magnetic transitions with some delocalized character of the uranium 5f electrons. - Graphical abstract: The phase relations within the U-Al-Ge ternary system were experimentally assessed for two isothermal sections, at 673 K for the whole Gibbs triangle and at 1173 K for the concentration range 25–100 at% U. A complete UAl{sub 3}-UGe{sub 3} solid-solution based on the Cu{sub 3}Au-type forms below the solidus. A unique ternary phase showing a large homogeneity domain, U{sub 3}Al{sub 2−x}Ge{sub 3+x} for −0.1≤x≤1.35 and −0.2≤x≤1.5 at 673 K and 1173 K respectively has been evidenced. It is best described with the non-centrosymmetric space group I4cm above room temperature. A linear increase of the ferromagnetic ordering is observed with the Al content. - Highlights: • Isothermal sections of the U-Al-Ge system were investigated for 673 K and 1173 K. • An isomorphous solid-solution UAl{sub 3}-UGe{sub 3} forms for the whole composition range. • U{sub 3}Al{sub 2−x}Ge{sub 3+x} the unique ternary phase to form exists for a large homogeneity domain. • U{sub 3}Al{sub 2−x}Ge{sub 3+x} is best described in I4cm space group above room temperature. • The ferromagnetic transition of U{sub 3}Al{sub 2−x}Ge{sub 3+x} linearly increases with the Al content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Growth, structural, and magnetic properties of single-crystal full-Heusler Co 2 TiGe thin films

This paper presents the growth, structural characterization, and measurement of magnetic properties of Co 2 TiGe thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy on insulating MgO (001) substrates and conductive lattice matched InAlAs/InGaAs/InAlAs epitaxial layers grown on n-InP (001) substrates. A GdAs diffusion barrier was used to minimize interfacial reactions during Co 2 TiGe growth on InAlAs. The surface morphology, structural quality, and magnetic behavior were examined by reflection high-energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. The results reveal high quality Co 2 TiGe thin films with a saturation magnetization of ~1.8 μ B /formula unit and a Curie temperature of ~375 K. Finally, the magnetic easy axis was found to lie in the [110] direction but magnetometry also reveals that there is only a small difference in energy between the [110] and [010] magnetization directions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Morphology, structure, and mechanical properties of the surface of PbTe crystals after etching with H{sub 2}O{sub 2}–HBr–ethylene glycol solutions

The morphology and microstructure of PbTe surfaces polished with H{sub 2}O{sub 2}–HBr–ethylene glycol solutions have been studied by atomic force and electron microscopy techniques. The surface of PbTe single crystals after chemical–mechanical and dynamic chemical polishing with bromine-releasing etchants has been examined by optical microscopy and profilometry. The structural perfection and composition of the PbTe surface after chemical treatment have been determined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The mechanical properties of the crystals have been studied using microindentation. Using X-ray microanalysis, we have monitored the concentrations of the host elements (Pb and Te) and possible contamination with chemical compounds present in the etchants and the solutions used to rinse the samples.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microstructural and Oxidation Effects of Nb Additions to U3Si2

U3Si2 is a long term, accident-tolerant nuclear fuel candidate for light-water reactors because of its superior thermal conductivity and increased uranium density when compared to traditional uranium dioxide (UO2). While reducing internal thermal stresses and increasing efficiency, U3Si2 exhibits energetic oxidation during certain off-normal and accident scenarios, which include coolant or steam exposure. To mitigate this, Nb is investigated as an alloy constituent to enhance corrosion resistance and increase mechanical strength. The work presented investigates the response of Nb-alloyed U3Si2 to steam atmospheres. A thermogravimetric analysis is conducted in flowing steam to T > 1000 °C to assess oxidation resistance. The phase characterization of as-melted, thermally annealed and post-oxidation compositions with up to 12 vol% Nb by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy is reported.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Microstructure and Properties of Fe{sub 3}Al-Fe{sub 3}AlC{sub x} Composite Prepared by Reactive Liquid Processing

A Fe{sub 3}Al-Fe{sub 3}AlC{sub x} composite was prepared using reactive liquid processing (RLP) through controlled mixture of carbon steel and aluminum in the liquid state. The microstructure and phases of the composite were assessed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, the density, hardness, microhardness, and elastic modulus were evaluated. The Fe{sub 3}Al-Fe{sub 3}AlC{sub x} composite consisted of 65 vol pct Fe{sub 3}Al and 35 vol pct Fe{sub 3}AlC{sub x} (κ). The κ phase contained 10.62 at. pct C, resulting in the stoichiometry Fe{sub 3}AlC{sub 0.475}. The elastic modulus of the Fe{sub 3}Al-Fe{sub 3}AlC{sub 0.475} composite followed the rule of mixtures. The RLP technique was shown to be capable of producing Fe{sub 3}Al-Fe{sub 3}AlC{sub 0.475} with a microstructure and properties similar to those achieved using other processing techniques reported in the literature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electrodeposition and Characterization of Cr-MoS{sub 2} Composite Coatings

In this study, Cr-MoS{sub 2} composite coatings were electrodeposited from conventional Cr{sup +6} baths containing different amounts of MoS{sub 2} particles and various types of surfactant (cationic and anionic). The effect of bath chemical composition on the coatings properties like their microstructure, morphology, chemical composition, corrosion behavior, surface roughness and microhardness was investigated using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, surface profilometry and Vickers microhardness measurement techniques, respectively. The results showed that incorporation of MoS{sub 2} particles into the composite coatings is very limited and Cr matrix with very low crystallinity will be electrodeposited at various experimental conditions. The presence of MoS{sub 2} particles in the bath (up to an optimum value) leads to the formation of the composite coatings with lower surface roughness values than that of conventional chromium coating. Although more MoS{sub 2} particles will be incorporated into the electrodeposits when the solid content of the bath increases, chromium cannot be electrodeposited from baths containing high amounts of MoS{sub 2} particles. Application of cationic surfactant promotes incorporation of particles into the Cr metallic matrix. Moreover, the presence of surfactant in the bath results in the formation of coatings with less microcracks. All the composite coatings have more hardness values than that of conventional chromium coating; maximum hardness is attributed to the coatings that were electrodeposited from baths containing no surfactant. The corrosion test results revealed that the smooth coatings containing more MoS{sub 2} particles and less microcracks exhibit more corrosion resistance than the other ones.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis and control the morphology of Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+}/Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors by precipitation method

Highlights: • Use facile and mild precipitation method obtained Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+}/Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors. • Through controlling the morphology to tune the photoluminescence properties. • The columnar structure Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor shows better emission intensity. • Self-assembled phenomenon appears by changing the Mn{sup 2+} concentration of the Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphor. - Abstract: Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+}/Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors have been synthesized by the facile and mild precipitation method and they are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectra. The SEM results indicate the obtained Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphors have the columnar structure and the Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors is the sphere like. The effects of the stirring and sintering temperature on the morphology of Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+}/Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors have been investigated. The photoluminescence spectra of Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+} and Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors showed that the Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphors can be excited by 345 nm and exhibit blue emission around 421 nm and the Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors can be excited by 355 nm and exhibited the emission around 420 nm and 578 nm showing the white light.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Photoluminescent properties and Judd–Ofelt analysis of novel Na0.5Sr0.25NbO3: Eu3+ red phosphor with high quantum efficiency

Highlights: • The Na{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.25}NbO{sub 3}: Eu{sup 3+} phosphor with high quantum efficiency has been successfully synthesized by using a molten salt synthesis method. • The effect of the crystal field surrounding the Eu{sup 3+} ions on the luminescent performance was analyzed by the Judd–Ofelt theory. • Photoluminescent properties of Na{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.25}NbO{sub 3}: Eu{sup 3+} phosphor were investigated for the first time. - Abstract: We report on a novel Na{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.25}NbO{sub 3}: Eu{sup 3+} phosphor fabricated by a molten salt synthesis method with the potential application in white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) as a red phosphor. The crystal structure, morphology, emission/excitation spectra, as well as decay curves were characterized with X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope and photoluminescence spectrometer, respectively. Concentration quenching occurred when the concentration of Eu{sup 3+} was beyond 5 mol% due to the dipole-dipole interaction by nonradiative energy transfer. Besides, the effect of the crystal field surrounding the Eu{sup 3+} ions on the luminescent performance under 396 nm and 466 nm excitions has been investigated by the Judd–Ofelt theory. The result indicated that the quantum efficiency of the phosphor was 62.65% excited by 466 nm, which was superior to 41.43% excited by 396 nm. The optimal sample’s CIE coordinates were (0.6471, 0.3504) with the color purity of 97%, showing a potential application in (WLEDs) illumination field.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Three-dimensional nanostructure determination from a large diffraction data set recorded using scanning electron nanodiffraction

A diffraction-based technique is developed for the determination of three-dimensional nanostructures. The technique employs high-resolution and low-dose scanning electron nanodiffraction (SEND) to acquire three-dimensional diffraction patterns, with the help of a special sample holder for large-angle rotation. Grains are identified in three-dimensional space based on crystal orientation and on reconstructed dark-field images from the recorded diffraction patterns. Application to a nanocrystalline TiN thin film shows that the three-dimensional morphology of columnar TiN grains of tens of nanometres in diameter can be reconstructed using an algebraic iterative algorithm under specified prior conditions, together with their crystallographic orientations. The principles can be extended to multiphase nanocrystalline materials as well. Thus, the tomographic SEND technique provides an effective and adaptive way of determining three-dimensional nanostructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Comparison of the Microstructure and Flux Pinning Properties of Polycrystalline YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-d} Containing Zn{sub 0.95}Mn{sub 0.05}O or Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} Nanoparticles

Here we compare the microstructure and flux pinning properties of polycrystalline YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-d} (Y-123 or YBCO) containing either Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} or Zn{sub 0.95}Mn{sub 0.05}O nanoparticles. Samples were prepared using a standard solid-state reaction process, and nanoparticles were added up to a concentration of 0.1 wt%. The crystal structure, microstructure, electrical and magnetic properties were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrical resistivity and DC magnetization measurements, respectively. TEM observations showed that the addition of Zn{sub 0.95}Mn{sub 0.05}O resulted in a high density of fine twins and a variety of interacting microstructures, while Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} addition resulted in a high density of Al-rich nanoscale inhomogeneities embedded in the Y-123 matrix. Flux pinning forces were determined, and predominant pinning mechanisms in the prepared samples were proposed. We evaluated the superconducting properties of YBCO considering the effects of adding insulating or magnetic nanoparticles.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Effect of Zr Content on Mechanical Properties of Diamond/Cu-Zr Composites Produced by Gas Pressure Infiltration

Diamond particle-reinforced Zr-alloyed Cu matrix (diamond/Cu-xZr) composites were produced by a gas pressure infiltration route, with x = 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 wt.%. The x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy characterization confirms the formation of ZrC at the diamond/Cu interface. With increasing Zr content, the tensile, bending, and compressive strengths of the diamond/Cu-Zr composites are found to firstly increase and then decrease. The maximum tensile, bending, and compressive strengths at 0.75 wt.% Zr are 108, 360, and 441 MPa, respectively. The variation of the mechanical properties is attributed to the formation of interfacial ZrC. The increase in amount of ZrC strengthens the interface, but large ZrC particles formed at high Zr content are harmful to the interfacial bonding. The result suggests that the mechanical properties of diamond/Cu composites can be enhanced by Cu matrix alloying with Zr.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Cr3+ doped ZnGa2O4 far-red emission phosphor-in-glass: Toward high-power and color-stable plant growth LEDs with responds to all of phytochrome

Highlights: • A high-power and color-stable far-red emission phosphor-convertor LEDs is proposed. • The Cr{sup 3+} ion as the center of luminescence not only increase choice in plant lighting but also provides far-red light. • The ZGO:Cr{sup 3+}-PiG shows a quantum efficiency of ∼52.8%. • The high-power plant growth LEDs was fabricated, triggering providing broad spectral range for plant growth LEDs. - Abstract: In present work, a series of luminescent glass ceramic plates were prepared via phosphor-in-glass (PiG) technology, in which included the phosphor of ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Cr{sup 3+} (ZGO:Cr{sup 3+}) and glass host with composition of 30SiO{sub 2}-30ZnO-22B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-12BaO-6Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} as matrix. The structure of ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Cr{sup 3+}-based PiG (ZGO:Cr{sup 3+}-PiG) samples are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive spectrometer mapping. These phosphors are found to be embedded in glass matrix without interfacial reaction. In addition, the ZGO:Cr{sup 3+}-PiG sample shows a quantum efficiency of ∼52.8% and its fluorescence intensity maintains 68.2% when temperature reaching 150 °C. Finally, high-power and color-stable far-red emission plant growth LEDs was fabricated by ZGO:Cr{sup 3+}-PiG and 400 nm near-UV LED chip, which spectra matches well the absorption of plant's photosynthetic pigments. More importantly, it responds to all of phytochrome, triggering providing broad spectral range for plant growth LEDs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A Comparative Analysis of Catalysts for the Preparation of Germanium through Hydrogen Reduction of Germanium Tetrachloride

We have synthesized catalysts for the hydrogen reduction of germanium tetrachloride: a catalyst based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes and a hybrid catalyst based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes whose surface was decorated with copper-containing nanoparticles. The hybrid catalyst has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that it consists of multiwalled carbon nanotubes whose surface is decorated with copper nanoparticles in a cuprous oxide shell (Cu{sub 2}O/Cu/MWCNTs). The catalytic activity of the hybrid catalyst exceeds that of the as-prepared MWCNTs. The use of the Cu{sub 2}O/Cu/MWCNT hybrid catalyst as a catalyst for the hydrogen reduction of germanium tetrachloride allows the reaction temperature to be lowered and ensures 95.7% germanium tetrachloride conversion at 873 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The Structural, Electronic, and Magnetic Features of Co{sub 2}Mn{sub 1−x}Al{sub x}Ti (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) Heusler Alloys

The structural, electronic, and magnetic features of Co{sub 2}Mn{sub 1−x}Al{sub x}Ti (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) Heusler alloys (HAs) have been systematically investigated by experimental techniques (X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and magnetization measurements) and ab initio theoretical calculations. Whole alloys have cubic structures at room temperature and exhibit ferromagnetic properties. The Curie temperature of Co{sub 2}Mn{sub 1−x}Al{sub x}Ti (x = 0) is approximately 790 K, which is compatible with other studies. By increasing Al content, the temperature dependence of magnetization trials has proved a linear diminishment on Curie temperature and saturation magnetization.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Formulation and Evaluation of Matrix Type Transdermal Patch Containing Silver Nanoparticles

This research aimed to prepare the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-loaded antimicrobial wound dressing patch using ethyl cellulose as a matrix membrane and diethyl phthalate as a plasticizer. The polymer suspension was homogeneously mixed with plasticizer, and then added to the colloidal AgNPs suspension. This mixture was poured into Petri dish and subsequently dried in a hot air oven at 80 ± 2 °C for 10 h. The minimum inhibition concentration of the colloidal AgNPs suspension was 2.5 µg/ml. The AgNPs-loaded antimicrobial wound dressing patch was evaluated for physical properties by differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and in vitro study. The antimicrobial wound dressing patch did not exhibit any interaction between the matrix membrane and AgNPs. The AgNPs were evenly dispersed in the patch. The patch could control the release of silver at 102.98 ± 4.11% over 12 h. Although the AgNPs-loaded antimicrobial wound dressing patches can be easily prepared by the simple method, in future studies antimicrobial wound dressing patch will be developed by employing different types of film forming agents.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗