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At least 577 records · Page 32
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Homochiral coordination polymers with helixes and metal clusters based on lactate derivatives

Utilizing the lactic acid derivatives (R)-4-(1-carboxyethoxy)benzoic acid (denoted: (R)-H{sub 2}CBA) and (S)-4-(1-carboxyethoxy)benzoic acid (denoted: (S)-H{sub 2}CBA)as chiral linkers to self-assemble with 4, 4′-bipyridine (denoted: BIP) and Cd(II) ions, a couple of three-dimensional homochiral coordination polymers, namely [Cd{sub 3}((R)-CBA){sub 3} (BIP){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O)]·xGuest (1-D) and [Cd{sub 3}((S)-CBA){sub 3}(BIP){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O)]·xGuest (1-L), have been synthesized under solvothermal reaction condition. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the two complexes contain single helical chains based on enantiopure ligands and cadmium clusters. Moreover, some physical characteristics such as PXRD, thermal stability, solid-state circular dichroism (CD) and luminescent were also investigated. - Graphical abstract: Utilizing enantiomeric lactic acid derivatives (R)-H{sub 2}CBA and (S)-H{sub 2}CBA to assemble with Cd{sup 2+} ions and ancillary BIP ligands, a couple of 3D homochiral coordination polymers with metal clusters and helical chains have been prepared by hydrothermal reaction. - Highlights: • Chiral lactic acid derivative. • Enantiomeric coordination polymer. • Helical chain. • Trinuclear cadmium cluster.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Preparation of single-crystal spherical γ-Mo{sub 2}N by temperature-programmed reaction between β-MoO{sub 3} and NH{sub 3}

In the present wok, single-crystalline spherical γ-Mo{sub 2}N powders was successfully prepared by the temperature-programmed reaction of single-crystal spherical β-MoO{sub 3} with NH{sub 3} in the temperature ranges of 1013–1073 K. Herein, the Mo source used was monoclinic system, β-MoO{sub 3}, a metastable phase of MoO{sub 3}. It is found that the characterizations of the as-prepared γ-Mo{sub 2}N powders are strongly depended on the selection of the MoO{sub 3} precursor. In other words, the as-prepared γ-Mo{sub 2}N powders inherited the shape, size and structure of the used β-MoO{sub 3} precursors upon reaction with NH{sub 3}. In order to make a comparison, β-MoO{sub 3} was also reduced by the mixed gases of N{sub 2} and H{sub 2} with the flow rate ratio of 1:3 at the identical conditions. It was found that pure β-Mo{sub 2}N polycrystalline can be obtained when the temperature was 1013 K; while further increasing the reaction temperature, metal Mo powder will be turned up. - Highlights: • Metastable phase β-MoO{sub 3} was used to prepare Mo{sub 2}N via temperature-programmed reaction. • Single-crystal spherical γ-Mo{sub 2}N can be obtained by reducing Single-crystal spherical β-MoO{sub 3} with NH{sub 3}. • The as-prepared γ-Mo{sub 2}N inherited the morphology and size of β-MoO{sub 3} precursors. • β-Mo{sub 2}N can be obtained if using the N{sub 2}-H{sub 2} mixed gases. • The morphologies of β-Mo{sub 2}N had no heredity with the parent MoO{sub 3}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Effect of reinforcing particle type on morphology and age-hardening behavior of Al–4.5 wt.% Cu based nanocomposites synthesized through mechanical milling

The effects of reinforcing particle type (SiC and TiC) on morphology and precipitation hardening behavior of Al–4.5%Cu based nanocomposites synthesized via mechanical milling were investigated in the current work. In order to study the microstructure and morphology of mechanically milled powder, X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy were utilized. Results revealed that at the early stages of mechanical milling, when reinforcing particles are polycrystal, the alloying process is enhanced more in the case of using the TiC particles as reinforcement. But, at the final stages of mechanical milling, when reinforcing particles are single crystal, the alloying process is enhanced more in the case of using the SiC ones. Transmission electron microscopy results demonstrated that Al–4.5 wt.%Cu based nanocomposite powders were synthesized and confirmed that the mutual diffusion of aluminum and copper occurs through the interfacial plane of (200). The hardness results showed that not only does introducing 4 vol.% of reinforcing particles (SiC or TiC) considerably decrease the porosity of the bulk composite samples, but also it approximately doubles the hardness of Al–4.5 wt.%Cu alloy (53.4 HB). Finally, apart from TEM and scanning electron microscopy observation which are localized, a decline in hardness in the TiC and SiC contained samples, respectively, after 1.5 and 2 h aging time at 473 K proves the fact that the size of SiC particles is smaller than the size of the TiC ones. - Highlights: ► HRTEM results show mutual diffusion of Al and Cu occurs through the (200) planes. ► TiC particles enhance alloying process more than the SiC ones at the early stages of MM. ► SiC particles enhance alloying process more than the TiC ones at the final stages of MM.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Creep property and microstructure evolution of a nickel-base single crystal superalloy in [011] orientation

The creep property and microstructure evolution of a single crystal superalloy with [011] orientation were investigated at the temperatures of 700 °C, 900 °C and 1040 °C. It is shown that there exist stages of primary, steady-state, and tertiary creep under the lower temperature 700 °C. As the temperature increases to high temperatures of 900 °C and 1040 °C, steady-state creep stage is reduced or disappears and the shape of creep curves is dominated by an extensive tertiary stage. The minimum creep strain rate exhibits power law dependence on the applied stress; the stress exponents at 700 °C, 900 °C and 1040 °C are 28, 13 and 6.5, respectively. Microstructure observation shows that the morphologies of γ′ phase almost keep original shape at the lower temperature 700 °C and high applied stress. With the increasing creep temperature, γ′ precipitates tend to link together and form lamellar structure at an angle of 45° inclined to the applied stress. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations reveal that multiple < 110 > (111) slip systems gliding in the matrix channels and shearing γ′ precipitates by stacking faults or bending dislocation pairs are the main deformation mechanism at the lower temperature of 700 °C. At the high temperatures of 900 °C and 1040 °C, dislocation networks are formed at γ/γ′ interfaces and the γ′ rafts are sheared by dislocation pairs. - Highlights: • Creep properties of < 011 >-oriented single crystal superalloys were investigated. • γ′ phases become rafting at an angle of 45° inclined to the applied stress. • Creep deformation mechanisms depend on temperature and stress.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Facile synthesis of ZnO nanostructures and investigation of structural and optical properties

ZnO nanostructures were synthesized by chemical bath deposition method, using zinc nitrate [Zn(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}] and hexa-methylene-tetra-amine [(HMT),C(H{sub 2}){sub 6}N{sub 4}] as precursors. Controlled size and shape evolution of ZnO nanostructures were achieved by changing the HMT concentration from 0.025 M to 0.1 M, whereas Zn(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} concentration kept constant. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman study confirmed the formation of single crystalline, hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure. Sharp peaks in Raman spectra, corresponding to E{sub 2}(low) and E{sub 2}(high) referred to wurtzite structure with higher order of crystallinity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the shape and size of the nanostructures reduced, with increasing concentration of HMT. Further, effect of structure's size was observed in the band gap (shift). Photoluminescence study showed two peaks at ∼ 380 nm and ∼ 540 nm corresponding to the band to band transition and defect transitions. Modifications of properties are explained in detail on the basis of shape and size change of the structures and possible mechanism is discussed. - Highlights: • ZnO nanostructures were synthesized by chemical bath deposition method. • Particle’s shape and sizes were controlled by varying the HMT concentrations. • Effect of particle’s sizes was observed in the band gap (shift) and photoluminescence. • HMT is an effective suppressor of ZnO directional growth. • Shape evolution of ZnO particles can be tailored by varying the HMT concentrations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

FIB–SEM tomography of 4th generation PWA 1497 superalloy

The effect of creep deformation on the microstructure of the PWA 1497 single crystal Ni-base superalloy developed for turbine blade applications was investigated. The aim of the present study was to characterize quantitatively a superalloy microstructure and subsequent development of rafted γ′ precipitates in the PWA 1497 during creep deformation at 982 °C and 248 MPa up to rupture. The PWA1497 microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and FIB–SEM electron tomography. The 3D reconstruction of the PWA1497 microstructure is presented and discussed. - Highlights: • The microstructure of PWA1497 superalloy was examined using FIB–SEM tomography. • In case of modern single crystal superalloys, measurements of A{sub A} are adequate for V{sub V}. • During creep the γ channel width increases from 65 to 193 nm for ruptured specimen. • Tomography is a useful technique for quantitative studies of material microstructure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Relationship between morphologies and orientations of Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grains in Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder joints on different Cu pads

The morphologies and orientations of Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} intermetallic compounds in the Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder joints both on polycrystalline and single crystal Cu pads under different peak reflow temperatures and times above liquids were investigated. The relationship between Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grain orientations and morphologies was clarified. At the interface of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu/polycrystalline Cu pad, scalloped Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} intermetallic compounds formed at 250 °C and roof shape Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} formed at 300 °C. Both scalloped Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} and roof shape Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} had a preferred orientation of (0001) plane being parallel to polycrystalline Cu pad surface. Besides, the percentage of large angle grain boundaries increased as the peak reflow temperature rose. At the interface of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu/(111) single crystal Cu pad, the Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} intermetallic compounds were mainly scallop-type at 250 °C and were prism type at 300 °C. The prismatic Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grains grew along the three preferred directions with the inter-angles of 60° on (111) single crystal Cu pad while along two perpendicular directions on (100) single crystal Cu pad. The orientation relationship between Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grains and the single crystal Cu pads was investigated by electron backscatter diffraction technology. In addition, two types of hollowed Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} intermetallic compounds were found inside the joints of polycrystalline Cu pads. The long hexagonal Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} strips were observed in the joints reflowing at 250 °C while the hollowed Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} strips with the ‘▪’ shape cross-sections appeared at 300 °C, which was attributed to the different grain growth rates of different Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} crystal faces. - Highlights: • The orientation of interfacial Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grains was obtained by EBSD technology. • Two types of hollowed Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} strips were found at different temperatures. • The formation mechanism of hollowed Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} was elaborated based on Bravais law. • The relationship between Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grain orientations and morphologies was clarified.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Extrinsic and intrinsic properties in metal–insulator transition of hydrothermally prepared vanadium dioxide crystals

The clear insulator (monoclinic-VO{sub 2}) to metal (rutile-VO{sub 2}) transition (IMT) was observed in electrical conductivity and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) measurements at around 340 K, which is IMT temperature (T{sub H}), in the hydrothermally prepared VO{sub 2} crystals. The occurrence of metal to insulator transition (MIT) temperature (T{sub C}) was observed below 333 K during the first resistance measurement cycle in the most of cases. The sudden jump of the electrical resistance at IMT and MIT points was amplified several times than that of the first cycle during the repeated successive thermal cycles (heating and cooling across the IMT and MIT temperatures). T{sub C} and T{sub H} shifted to higher temperature by the repeated successive thermal cycles. This shift and the amplified jump might be related to the mechanical stress between the VO{sub 2} crystals, i.e. extrinsic properties. However, the starting point of MIT, T{sub CS} = ∼ 336 K, and the starting point of IMT, T{sub HS} = ∼ 338 K, kept almost constant during the repeated thermal cycles (< 10 times). These two temperatures may be related to the intrinsic properties of the VO{sub 2}: the phase transitions initiated at these temperatures regardless of the number of the repeated thermal cycles. The neat surface of the VO{sub 2} crystals was severely damaged and the average size of particles reduced from 110 nm to 70–90 nm after extensively repeated thermal cycles (> 70 times). The damaged surface and the smaller particles, which would be originated from the mechanical stress caused by crystal volume change during the first order transition of the VO{sub 2}, would weaken the electrical conduction path (loosen grain boundaries) between the VO{sub 2} single crystals and would result in the amplified jump at the following MIT. This report may boost the study for the improved stability and lifetime of the VO{sub 2} based electronic devices. - Highlights: • The sharp phase transition in cluster of VO{sub 2} crystals depends on repeated thermal cycles. • Two intrinsic and two extrinsic temperatures are observed during the phase transition. • The mechanical stress change and surface damage may cause the extrinsic properties in transport measurement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Potential and limitations of microanalysis SEM techniques to characterize borides in brazed Ni-based superalloys

Brazed Ni-based superalloys containing complex phases of different Boron contents remain difficult to characterize at the micrometer scale. Indeed Boron is a light element difficult to measure precisely. The state-of-the-art microanalysis systems have been tested on a single crystal MC2 based metal brazed with BNi-2 alloy to identify boride precipitates. Effort has been made to evaluate the accuracy in Boron quantitation. Energy-dispersive and wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy attached to a Scanning Electron Microscope have first been used to determine the elemental composition of Boron-free phases, and then applied to various types of borides. Results have been compared to the ones obtained using a dedicated electron probe microanalysis, considered here as the reference technique. The most accurate method to quantify Boron using EDS is definitely by composition difference. A precision of 5 at.% could be achieved with optimized data acquisition and post-processing schemes. Attempts that aimed at directly quantifying Boron with various standards using EDS or coupled EDS/WDS gave less accurate results. Ultimately, Electron Backscatter Diffraction combined with localized EDS analysis has proved invaluable in conclusively identifying micrometer sized boride precipitates; thus further improving the characterization of brazed Ni-based superalloys. - Highlights: • We attempt to accurately identify Boron-rich phases in Ni-based superalloys. • EDS, WDS, EBSD systems are tested for accurate identification of these borides. • Results are compared with those obtained by electron probe microanalysis. • Boron was measured with EDS by composition difference with a precision of 5 at. %. • Additional EBSD in phase identification mode conclusively identifies the borides.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Comparative dielectric studies of nanostructured BaTiO{sub 3}, CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} and 0.5BaTiO{sub 3}⋅ 0.5CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} nano-composites synthesized by modified sol–gel and solid state methods

BaTiO{sub 3} (BTO), CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} (CCTO) and 0.5BaTiO{sub 3}·0.5CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} (BTO–CCTO), as a new nano-composite ceramic, were successfully designed and fabricated by a semi-wet gel route and a modified solid state method. The dielectric properties of the BTO–CCTO ceramic were compared to those of the BTO and CCTO ceramics at lower sintering temperatures and durations. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the BTO and CCTO ceramics form a single crystalline phase and the average crystalline sizes calculated from X-ray diffraction data were in the range of 40–65 nm. The particle sizes of the BTO, CCTO, and BTO–CCTO ceramics obtained from transmission electron microscopy images were in the ranges of 40–65 nm, 80–110 nm, and 70–95 nm, respectively. The phase composition and microstructure were studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The energy dispersive X-ray results demonstrated the purity and stoichiometry of the BTO–CCTO nano-composite. The grain sizes of the BTO, CCTO and BTO–CCTO ceramics were found to be in the ranges of 500 nm–1 μm, 4–24 μm, and 250 nm–4 μm, respectively. The AC conductivity as a function of frequency confirmed the semiconducting nature of all of the ceramics and obeyed the Jonscher's power law. The impedance spectrum measurement result showed that the CCTO ceramic possessed an exceptional grain boundary resistance, which supports the internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) mechanism present in this ceramic and is responsible for the high ε{sub r} values. - Highlights: • Nanostructured BaTiO{sub 3}, CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}, and 0.5BaTiO{sub 3}⋅ 0.5CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} have been synthesized. • XRD and TEM analysis confirmed the formation of nanoparticles, 40–65 and 50–90 nm. • Impedance analysis shows high grain-boundary resistance present in CCTO ceramic. • AC conductivity as a function of frequency confirms the semiconducting nature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Microstructural, chemical and textural characterization of ZnO nanorods synthesized by aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition

ZnO nanorods were synthesized by aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition onto TiO{sub 2} covered borosilicate glass substrates. Deposition parameters were optimized and kept constant. Solely the effect of different nozzle velocities on the growth of ZnO nanorods was evaluated in order to develop a dense and uniform structure. The crystalline structure was characterized by conventional X-ray diffraction in grazing incidence and Bragg–Brentano configurations. In addition, two-dimensional grazing incidence synchrotron radiation diffraction was employed to determine the preferred growth direction of the nanorods. Morphology and growth characteristics analyzed by electron microscopy were correlated with diffraction outcomes. Chemical composition was established by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction results and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed the presence of wurtzite ZnO and anatase TiO{sub 2} phases. Morphological changes noticed when the deposition velocity was lowered to the minimum, indicated the formation of relatively vertically oriented nanorods evenly distributed onto the TiO{sub 2} buffer film. By coupling two-dimensional X-ray diffraction and computational modeling with ANAELU it was proved that a successful texture determination was achieved and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Texture analysis led to the conclusion of a preferred growth direction in [001] having a distribution width Ω = 20° ± 2°. - Highlights: • Uniform and pure single-crystal ZnO nanorods were obtained by AACVD technique. • Longitudinal and transversal axis parallel to the [001] and [110] directions, respectively. • Texture was determined by 2D synchrotron diffraction and electron microscopy analysis. • Nanorods have its [001] direction distributed close to the normal of the substrate. • Angular spread about the preferred orientation is 20° ± 2°.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

First stage of reaction of molten Al with MgO substrate

The Al/MgO couple was produced in vacuum (~ 5 × 10{sup −} {sup 4} Pa) by contact heating from RT up to 1000 °C and holding at that temperature for 1 h of a small 4 × 4 × 4 mm aluminium (5 N) sample placed on the [100] MgO single crystal substrate. TEM observations backed with electron diffraction analysis indicated that the interaction between liquid aluminium and MgO starts from a redox reaction producing a continuous layer of MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} spinel on the substrate surface. Its growth is controlled by solid state out-diffusion of magnesium and oxygen towards the surface being in contact with liquid metal. The thickening of spinel layer is accompanied by its cracking and infiltration with aluminium. The above process enables local dissolution of the MgO substrate and formation in it of a thin region of interpenetrating metallic channels walled with spinel. The removal of dissolved magnesium through open aluminium channels towards the drop and to vacuum locally produces areas of aluminium enriched with dissolved oxygen, which results in the nucleation of α-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} at spinel clad walls. The growth of α-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} is controlled only by the dissolution rate of MgO by aluminium, liquid state diffusion of Mg to drop/vacuum and oxygen to the front of the of α-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} crystallites growing into MgO substrate. - Highlights: • New unique evidence of first stages of interaction of liquid Al with MgO substrates • Interaction of liquid Al with MgO starts with the formation of a layer MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}. • Growth of MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} is slow as controlled by solid state out-diffusion of Mg and O. • MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} serves as a nucleation site for Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and consumed by it soon after. • Growth of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} is fast as controlled by diffusion in liquid state.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Effect of minor carbon additions on the high-temperature creep behavior of a single-crystal nickel-based superalloy

Different amounts of carbon were added to a single-crystal nickel-based superalloy. The microstructural evolution of these alloys before and after high-temperature creep tests was investigated by employing scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Upon increasing the carbon contents, the volume fraction and diameter of the carbides increased gradually: however, the creep lives of the alloys increased slightly at first and subsequently decreased. The formation of second-phase particles, such as the nano-sized M{sub 23}C{sub 6}, blocky and needle-shaped μ phase, was observed in the creep samples, which was closely related to the high-temperature creep behaviors. - Highlights: • Creep behaviors of alloys with different amounts of carbon were investigated. • The creep rupture lives increased and later decreased with more carbon. • Second-phase particles were responsible for the different creep behaviors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Growth mechanism and magnetic and electrochemical properties of Na{sub 0.44}MnO{sub 2} nanorods as cathode material for Na-ion batteries

Nanorods of Na{sub 0.44}MnO{sub 2} are a promising cathode material for Na-ion batteries due to their large surface area and single crystalline structure. We report the growth mechanism of Na{sub 0.44}MnO{sub 2} nanorods via solid state synthesis and their physical properties. The structure and the morphology of the Na{sub 0.44}MnO{sub 2} nanorods are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and tunneling electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The growth mechanism of the rods is investigated and the effects of vapor pressure and partial melting of Na-rich regions are discussed. The magnetic measurements show an antiferromagnetic phase transition at 25 K and the μ{sub eff} is determined as 3.41 and 3.24 μ{sub B} from the χ–T curve and theoretical calculation, respectively. The electronic configuration and spin state of Mn{sup 3+} and Mn{sup 4+} are discussed in detail. The electrochemical properties of the cell fabricated using the nanorods are investigated and the peaks in the voltammogram are attributed to the diffusion of Na ions from different sites. Na intercalation process is explained by one and two Margules and van Laar models. - Highlights: • We synthesized Na{sub 0.44}MnO{sub 2} nanorods via a simple solid state reaction technique. • Our studies show that excess Na plays a crucial role in the nanorod formation. • Magnetization measurements show that Mn{sup 3+} ions are in LS and HS states. • The electrochemical properties of the cell fabricated using the nanorods are investigated. • Na intercalation process is explained by one and two Margules and van Laar models.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Microstructure tuning and magnetism switching of ferroelectric barium titanate

Single-crystal and polycrystal BaTiO{sub 3} (BTO) materials synthesized by the physical and chemical methods, respectively, have been studied based on microstructural characterizations and magnetic measurements. The results of X-ray diffraction and Raman scatting spectra show that a single crystal tetragonal to polycrystalline pseudo-cubic structure transformation occurs in BTO ferroelectrics, dependent of growth conditions and interface effects. High-resolution transmission electron microscope data indicate that the as-prepared BTO/SrTiO{sub 3} (001) and BTO/SrRuO{sub 3}/SrTiO{sub 3} (001) heterostructures are highly c-axis oriented with atomic sharp interfaces. Lattice defects (i.e., edge-type misfit dislocations and stacking faults) in the heterostructures could be identified clearly and showed tunable with the variations of interface strain. Furthermore, the effects of vacancy defects on magnetic properties of BTO are discussed, which shows a diamagnetism–ferromagnetism switching as intrinsic vacancies increase. This work opens up a possible avenue to prepare magnetic BTO ferroelectrics. - Highlights: • Structure of BTO is tunable, depending on growth conditions and interface strain. • STEM–EDX data indicate the presence of lattice defects in BTO ferroelectrics. • BTO magnetism could be controlled by defects showing dia-ferromagnetism switching. • BTO with more vacancies shows RTFM, as evidence of vacancy magnetism effects.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

The inhibiting effect of dislocation helices on the stress-induced orientation of S' precipitates in Al–Cu–Mg alloy

The phenomenon of restrained stress-induced preferential orientation of S′ precipitates is investigated using a single-crystal of Al–1.23Cu–0.43 Mg alloy. Al–1.23Cu–0.43 Mg single-crystal specimens are subjected to stress aging, and the microstructure is analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is found that the stress-induced preferential orientation of S′ precipitates is restrained owing to the dislocations produced by a higher stress. The effect of dislocations on the oriented precipitates depends on the total length of the intersection lines for precipitate habit planes and dislocation glide planes. This investigation not only provides important insight into solving the anisotropy problem attributed to precipitation strengthening, but also offers a benchmark for choosing the appropriate stress range in manufacturing of Al–Cu–Mg alloys. - Highlights: • Single crystals of an Al–Cu–Mg alloy were prepared for the investigations. • A phenomenon of restrained stress-induced preferential orientation of S′ precipitates was found. • The influence of dislocation helices on precipitation during stress-aging was studied. • Difference of orientation degree of S′ precipitates and θ′ precipitates was explained. • A basis for choosing the appropriate stress range in manufacturing of Al–Cu–Mg alloys is provided.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Characterisation of a complex thin walled structure fabricated by selective laser melting using a ferritic oxide dispersion strengthened steel

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys exhibit superior mechanical and physical properties due to the presence of nanoscopic Y(Al, Ti) oxide precipitates, but their manufacturing process is complex. The present study is aimed at further investigation of the application of an alternative, Additive Manufacturing (AM) technique, Selective Laser Melting (SLM), to the production of consolidated ODS alloy components. Mechanically alloyed PM2000 (ODS-FeCrAl) powders have been consolidated and a fine dispersion of Y-containing precipitates were observed in an as built thin-walled component, but these particles were typically poly-crystalline and contained a variety of elements including O, Al, Ti, Cr and Fe. Application of post-build heat treatments resulted in the modification of particle structures and compositions; in the annealed condition most precipitates were transformed to single crystal yttrium aluminium oxides. During the annealing treatment, precipitate distributions homogenised and localised variations in number density were diminished. The resulting volume fractions of those precipitates were 25–40% lower than have been reported in conventionally processed PM2000, which was attributed to Y-rich slag-like surface features and inclusions formed during SLM. - Highlights: • A wall structure was grown from ODS steel powder using selective laser melting. • A fine dispersion of nano-precipitates was apparent in as-build material. • Precipitates were multi-phased containing several elements, e.g. O, Ti, Al, Fe, Cr, Y. • Post-build annealing changed those into typically single-crystalline Y–Al–O. • The anneal also reduced and stabilised the volume fraction of precipitates to ~ 0.006.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Facile synthesis of three dimensional porous ZnO films with mesoporous walls and gas sensing properties

Controllable synthesis of 3-D mesoporous ZnO films is highly desirable for gas sensor application. Herein, we report a facile preparation of 3-D mesoporous ZnO film on Ag interdigitated electrodes substrate. The as-prepared ZnO film has a mesoporous walls ranging from 2–5 nm, as revealed by XRD, SEM, and TEM. Importantly, the as-prepared 3-D ZnO film shows an excellent ethanol gas sensing. - Graphical abstract: The detailed electron microscopy studies indicated that the as grown ZnO nanowalls exhibited a mesoporous structure composed of numerous tiny single crystals nanoparticles with an average size of 5 nm. One important issue for the application of the porous material was the specific surface area. - Highlights: • Novel three dimensional porous ZnO films with mesoporous walls were synthesized via a facile solution method. • The mesoporous ZnO nanowalls showed a high sensitivity (36.67) to 200 ppm ethanol at 285 °C. • The reason of their superior response time and changing amplitude was discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗