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At least 631 records · Page 35

Microstructure Characteristics and Comparative Analysis of Constitutive Models for Flow Stress Prediction of Inconel 718 Alloy

An accurate constitutive model is essential for analyzing deformation behavior of material and reliable numerical simulations in metal forming processes. In this study, hot tensile tests of Inconel 718 alloy have been conducted over a wide range of temperatures (300-973 K at an interval of 100 K), strains (0.01-0.3 at an interval of 0.01) and quasi-static strain rates (0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 s{sup −1}). Flow stress behavior is significantly affected by test temperatures and strain rates. Microstructure characteristics of deformed test specimens have been examined using scanning electron microscope and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The fractography study revealed that fracture is mix-mode type, i.e., ductile and brittle. Subsequently, EBSD analysis shown that dynamic recrystallization mechanism is more pronounced at a higher temperature. Furthermore, four constitutive models, namely modified Cowper–Symonds, modified Johnson Cook, modified Zerillie-Armstrong and integrated Johnson Cook–Zerillie-Armstrong (JC-ZA) models have been investigated for flow stress prediction. Capability of models has been evaluated based on the correlation coefficient (R), average absolute error (Δ) and its standard deviation (δ). Accurate prediction of flow stress behavior is found by integrated JC-ZA model with R = 0.9873, Δ = 2.44 and δ = 4.08%.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Preparation of zeolite supported TiO{sub 2}, ZnO and ZrO{sub 2} and the study on their catalytic activity in NO{sub x} reduction and 1-pentanol dehydration

Preparation of zeolite supported TiO{sub 2}, ZnO and ZrO{sub 2} and their catalytic activity was studied. Activated natural zeolite from Indonesia was utilized for the preparation and catalytic activity test on NO{sub x} reduction by NH{sub 3} and also 1-pentanol dehydration were examined. Physicochemical characterization of materials was studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement, scanning electron microscope, solid acidity determination and also gas sorption analysis. The results confirmed that the preparation gives some improvements on physicochemical characters suitable for catalysis mechanism in those reactions. Solid acidity and specific surface area contributed significantly to the activity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis mechanism and improved (100) oriented NaNbO{sub 3} templates by ultrasonication

The plate-like NaNbO{sub 3} (NN) templates with (100) preferential orientation was synthesized from bismuth layer structured ferroelectric Bi{sub 2.5}Na{sub 3.5}Nb{sub 5}O{sub 18} (BNN) precursor by topochemical microcrystal conversion (TMC) method. The large platelets of BNN were first obtained by molten salt synthesis at the 1125 °C with a salt-to oxide weight ratio 1.5: 1. The anisotropic NN templates were derived from BNN at the 975 °C with BNN/ Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} molar ratio of 1:1.5. The NaNbO{sub 3} templates have an average length of ~ 10-14 µm. The NN templates retains their elemental constitutes of Na, Nb and O in stoichiometric proportion. The effect of ultrasonication on the orientation factor (F{sub h00}) of NN templates was understood by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results. The degree of (100) orientation of as synthesized NN templates (~57%) was found to be increased (~89%) after ultrasonication. Moreover, the microstructure i.e. alignment / shape of as synthesized NN templates was changed from rectangular (110) orientation to square (100) orientation geometry after ultrasonication. Hence, ultrasonication is a cost effective approach to preparing the textured piezoelectric ceramics by the template grain growth technique using tape casting.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Change in the structure of amorphous alloys under high pressure

The influence of high pressure on the structure of amorphous alloys based on aluminum, iron, and cobalt is studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. It is found that the exposure of the alloys to a pressure of 5–8 GPa at room temperature leads to various changes in amorphous structures in the dependence on the alloy compositions: separation of initially homogeneous amorphous phase and the formation of a nanoglass, formation of nanocrystals, or does not cause any marked changes in the structure. It is shown that the differences in the deformed structures of the amorphous phase of aluminum- based alloys and alloys based on iron and cobalt are due to different values of the elastic constants of these groups of alloys and different temperature crystallization of the amorphous phase. It is shown that the value and the time of the pressure influence are important factors that determine the change in the amorphous structure and the formation of nanocrystals.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Epitaxial growth and electronic properties of mixed valence YbAl{sub 3} thin films

We report the growth of thin films of the mixed valence compound YbAl{sub 3} on MgO using molecular-beam epitaxy. Employing an aluminum buffer layer, epitaxial (001) films can be grown with sub-nm surface roughness. Using x-ray diffraction, in situ low-energy electron diffraction, and aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, we establish that the films are ordered in the bulk as well as at the surface. Our films show a coherence temperature of 37 K, comparable to that reported for bulk single crystals. Photoelectron spectroscopy reveals contributions from both f{sup 13} and f{sup 12} final states establishing that YbAl{sub 3} is a mixed valence compound and shows the presence of a Kondo Resonance peak near the Fermi-level.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Experimental Investigation of Microstructure and Phase Transitions in Ag-Cu-Zn Brazing Alloys

Microstructure and phase transitions of selected brazing alloys from the Ag-Cu-Zn ternary system were investigated. Four ternary alloys with silver content in the compositional range from 25 to 60 wt.% were studied using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with the energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). Phase transitions of the investigated alloys were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Experimentally obtained results were compared with the results of a thermodynamic calculation of the phase equilibria according to the CALPHAD method. The experiments confirmed the optimized thermodynamic parameters for the calculations from the thermodynamic assessment in literature. Phase compositions, liquidus and solidus temperatures were confirmed by the EDS and DTA methods. Additionally, the calculated solidification paths and predicted phase transformations were in agreement with the SEM images.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Sintering behaviors, phases, and dielectric properties of MO-TeO2-V2O5 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) ultralow temperature ceramics

Highlights: • Introduction of TeO{sub 2} to MO-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} (M = Ca,Sr,Ba) ceramics promoted a M{sub 2}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} phase formation, and obtain excellent dielectric properties and a densification sintering at below 600°. • Chemical compatibility of ULTCC ceramics with aluminum electrode indicated that aluminum did not react with MO-TeO{sub 2}-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} ceramics. • Aluminum easily encouraged the transformation of M{sub 2}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} structures to M{sub 3}(VO{sub 4}){sub 2} structures and other structures under the ultra-low temperature sintering. - Abstract: Influences of TeO{sub 2} on phase evolutions and sintering behaviors of MO-TeO{sub 2}-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) ultralow temperature ceramics were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Dielectric properties of MO-TeO{sub 2}-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) ceramics and their chemical compatibility with an aluminum electrode were also studied. Introducing TeO{sub 2} to MO-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) ceramics obviously decreased the sintering temperature and promoted formation of M{sub 2}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) phases. Also, dielectric properties mainly depend on the amount of TeO{sub 2} added to MO-TeO{sub 2}-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} ceramics. Investigation of chemical compatibility with aluminum shows that aluminum does not react chemically with MO-TeO{sub 2}-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} ceramics; however, aluminum causes transformation of M{sub 2}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} phases to other phases (such as M{sub 3}(VO{sub 4}){sub 2}) to be easier. Sintering temperature of MO-TeO{sub 2}-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) ceramics can be regulated below 600 °C, which is much less than the melting point of aluminum. In addition, MO-TeO{sub 2}-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} (M = Ca, Ba) ceramics maintain quality factors of ∼18,000 GHZ, a dielectric constant of 10–12, and dielectric loss lower than 10{sup −4}.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Synthesis and characterization of NiO nanopowder by sol-gel process

Preparation of nickel oxide (NiO) nanopowder by sol-gel process has been studied. NiO nanopowders were obtained by sol-gel method by using nickel nitrate hexahydrate and sodium hydroxide and aquadest were used as precursor, agent precipitator and solvent, respectively. The powders were formed by drying at 110°C and followed by heating in the furnace at 400°C for 1.5 hours. The product was obtained black powder. The product was characterized by Energy Dispesive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The ED-XRF pattern shows the composition of NiO produced was 97.1%. The XRD pattern showed NiO forms were produced generally in monoclinic stucture. The crystalline size of NiO was obtained in the range 40-85 nm. SEM micrograph clearly showed that powder had a spherical with uniform distribution size is 0.1-1.0 µm approximately.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Synthesis and luminescence properties of KSrPO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor for radiation dosimetry

The KSrPO{sub 4}:Eu phosphor was synthesized via solid state method. The structural and morphological characterizations were done through XRD (X-ray diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electronic Microscope). Additionally, the photoluminescence (PL), thermoluminescence (TL) and optically Stimulated luminescence (OSL) properties of powder KSrPO{sub 4}:Eu were studied. The PL spectra show blue emission under near UV excitation. It was advocated that KSrPO{sub 4}:Eu phosphor not only show OSL sensitivity (0.47 times) but also gives faster decay in OSL signals than that of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}:C (BARC) phosphor. The TL glow curve consist of two shoulder peaks and the kinetics parameters such as activation energy and frequency factors were determined by using peak shape method and also photoionization cross-sections of prepared phosphor was calculated. The radiation dosimetry properties such as minimum detectable dose (MDD), dose response and reusability were reported.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Effect of sintering treatment on structural and magnetic properties of Ni{sub 0.5}Co{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ferrites

Two sets of Ni{sub 0.5}Co{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ferrites were synthesized using sol-gel method. Both the samples were heat treated at different temperatures. The effect of sintering treatment analyzed on structural and magnetic properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used for structural analysis. Alternating gradient magnetometer (AGM) is used for magnetic measurements. In structural analysis, grains size is calculated using Debye - Scherrer’s formula and Williamson-Hall (W-H) plot. From both the techniques, grain size is found nearly same and increased in size with increase sintering temperature. Increased particle size is confirmed from SEM micrographs. Strain value is calculated from intercept of W-H plot. In both the samples, compressive strain in nature is found. Magnetic properties were also varying under different heat treatment. The change in magnetic properties with change in structural change at different sintering treatment is discussed in this report.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Milestone 1.2.15: Feasibility of In Situ Accelerated Aluminum Coupon Radiolysis by Synchrotron X-Rays

Extended dry storage of aluminum-clad spent nuclear fuel (ASNF) requires an assessment of the radiolytic generation of molecular hydrogen gas (H2) from the ASNF’s corrosion layers. H2 accumulation can potentially lead to storage canister embrittlement/rupture and the accumulation of flammable gas mixtures in accident scenarios. To date, computational models have been developed for the prediction of radiolytic H2 generation from samples exposed to lower absorbed dose regimes (up to ~3 MGy). However, greater accuracy is needed for higher absorbed doses (> 25 MGy) where the concentration of H2 ultimately reaches a steady-state. Data in this area is limited due to the amount of time taken (months) to accumulate such high gamma doses. Furthermore, a recent study observed radiation-induced damage to the surface of pre-corroded aluminum alloy coupons at high absorbed gamma doses. Despite this observation and its implications, there is currently no computational connection between the radiolytic formation of H2 and changes in the composition and morphology of the cladding’s corrosion layers with absorbed dose. To develop a better understanding of the processes and effects described above, the present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of leveraging synchrotron x-ray capabilities for coupled accelerated irradiation and in situ surface characterization of ASNF alloys. To that end, National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) beamtime was secured and a series of aluminum alloy 1100 (AA1100) wires, prepared under a variety of conditions, were interrogated using ex situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and ex situ and in situ XRD capabilities at the NSLS-II x-ray powder diffraction (XPD) beamline. Results indicated that performing synchrotron XRD using the available XPD beamline configuration can provide sufficient radiation dose but cannot discern changes in the composition and morphology of sample corrosion layers. Additionally, ex situ XRD and SEM data from Idaho National Laboratory (INL) indicated that the pre-corrosion of AA1100 wires did not generate an appreciably thick corrosion layer, as compared with previous aluminum coupon studies. These thinner surface corrosion layers were not sufficient for detection by both ex situ and in situ synchrotron XRD, specifically under consideration of the NSLS-II XPD beamline’s configuration primarily capturing information from the sample’s bulk material, i.e., aluminum metal. In summary, the use of the NSLS-II XPD beamline for promoting accelerated radiolysis and in situ surface characterization is not appropriate for this program’s goals.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

ANSTO Synroc Wasteforms for the Immobilization of a Range of Mo-99 Production Wastes - 19326

Tc-99m, the most commonly used radioisotope in nuclear medicine, is produced from the decay of Mo-99 which is predominantly produced in reactors by irradiation of enriched uranium targets. This results in three waste streams, one of which is a uranium filter cake containing fission products. This filter cake could itself be treated as a waste stream, or processed to retrieve the enriched uranium for further use, thus producing additional waste streams during reprocessing. All wastes are considered intermediate-level wastes and require an appropriate wasteform design for termination. ANSTO is collaborating with NECSA (Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa) to develop wasteform and processing solutions for the treatment of intermediate level wastes (ILW) from the production of Mo-99. The work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) with technical support from Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). Here we highlight some of the outcomes of this collaboration which has seen the investigation and performance testing of a range of waste treatment technologies. Among the treatment options for the various waste streams, including the enriched uranium filter cake itself, were glass, glass-ceramic, ceramic and geopolymer wasteforms. All wasteforms were characterized (e.g., by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) and their performance characteristics, for example compressive strength and aqueous durability, determined by standard methods and compared. Consideration has been given to the most suitable, practical and cost effective solutions for the immobilization of these Mo-99 wastes. This paper will discuss the down-selection of wasteforms and process technologies for Mo-99 wastes and compare these with regards to wasteform performance and process technology readiness. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Layered P2-Na 2/3 Co 1/2 Ti 1/2 O 2 as a high-performance cathode material for sodium-ion batteries

Layered oxides are regarded as promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries. We present Na2/3Co1/2Ti1/2O2 as a potential new cathode material for sodium-ion batteries. The crystal features and morphology of the pristine powder were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cathode material is evaluated in galvanostatic charge-discharge and galvanostatic intermittent titration tests, as well as ex-situ X-ray diffraction analysis. Synthesized by a high-temperature solid state reaction, Na2/3Co1/2Ti1/2O2 crystallizes in P2-type structure with P6(3)/mmc space group. The material presents reversible electrochemical behavior and delivers a specific discharge capacity of 100 mAh g(-1) when tested in Na half cells between 2.0 and 4.2 V (vs. Na+/Na), with capacity retention of 98% after 50 cycles. Furthermore, the electrochemical cycling of this titanium-containing material evidenced a reduction of the potential jumps recorded in the NaxCoO2 parent phase, revealing a positive impact of Ti substitution for Co. The ex-situ XRD measurements confirmed the reversibility and stability of the material. No structural changes were observed in the XRD patterns, and the P2-type structure was stable during the charge/discharge process between 2.0 and 4.2 V vs. Na+/Na. These outcomes will contribute to the progress of developing low cost electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sabi, Noha↗

Study on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Foam Titanium Carbide Ceramics Fabricated by Reaction Sintering Process

Foam titanium carbide (TiC) ceramics with a three-dimensional network structure were fabricated by the reaction sintering process, in which polyurethane foam was taken as the template, and TiO{sub 2} and phenolic resin were used as the reactants. Phase, microstructures and fracture morphologies of foam TiC ceramics were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The results show that when the mass ratios of phenolic resin and TiO{sub 2} (F/T) are (0.8-1.2): 1, foam TiC ceramics with pure TiC phase can be formed. As the F/T ratios increase, crystal lattice parameters of fabricated foam TiC ceramics become bigger. When the value of F/T decreases from 1.2 to 0.8, grain size of TiC grows larger and microstructures get denser; meanwhile, the compressive strength increases from 0.10 to 1.05 MPa. Additionally, either raising the sintering temperatures or extending holding time can facilitate the completion of the reaction process and increase the compressive strength.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Role of target-substrate distance on the growth of CuInSe{sub 2} thin films by pulsed laser ablation technique

CuInSe{sub 2} thin films have been deposited on corning glass substrates by pulsed laser ablation technique. The chamber pressure and substrate temperature was maintained at 1 × 10{sup −6} torr and 550°C respectively during deposition of the films. The influence of target to substrate (T-S) distance on the structural and optical properties of thin films have been investigated by grazing incidence x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The study reveals that thin films crystallized in a chalcopyrite structure with highly preferential orientation along (112) plane. Optimum T-S distance has been attained for the growth of thin films with large grain size. An intense Raman peak at 174 cm{sup −1} corresponding to dominant A{sub 1} vibration mode is gradually shifted to smaller wavenumber with the increase in T-S distance. The optical bandgap energy of the films was evaluated and found to vary with the T-S distance. The bandgap tailing was observed to obey the Urbach rule and the Urbach energy was also calculated for the films. Scanning electron micrographs depicts uniform densely packed grains and EDAX studies revealed the elemental composition of CuInSe{sub 2} thin films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Structural and magnetic studies of tin doped α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} (α-Sn{sub x}Fe{sub 2-x}O{sub 3}) nanoparticles prepared by microwave assisted synthesis

Hematite (α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) doped with tetravalent ions have potential applications in various fields such as gas sensors, memories, energy storage devices because of their electrical and magnetic properties. Microwave assisted synthesis was used to prepare Tin doped α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} [α-Sn{sub x}Fe{sub 2-x}O{sub 3}]. The structural and morphological studies were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD patterns revealed that α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and α-Sn{sub x}Fe{sub 2-x}O{sub 3} were having rhombohedral structure. The compositional study was done by Energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The magnetic properties were studied by Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). Results shows that the prepared samples were found to be antiferromagnetic in nature and the results are discussed in detail.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microstructure characterization of LAE442 magnesium alloy processed by extrusion and ECAP

The magnesium alloy LAE442 was processed by extrusion and equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) to achieve ultrafine grained microstructure. Detailed characterization of the microstructure was performed by scanning electron microscope, electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscope. The initial, as-cast, microstructure consisted of large grains of ~ 1 mm. The grain refinement due to the processing by severe plastic deformation led to a decrease of the average grain size to ~ 1.7 μm after the final step of ECAP. A detailed characterization of secondary phases showed the precipitation of Al{sub 11}RE{sub 3}, Al{sub 2}Ca and Al{sub 10}RE{sub 2}Mn{sub 7} intermetallic phases. X-ray diffraction measurements proved that Li is dissolved within the magnesium matrix in the as-cast condition. Newly formed Al{sub 3}Li phase was observed after ECAP. The texture formation due to the extrusion and ECAP was different from that in the other magnesium alloys due to the activation of non-basal slip systems as a result of the decrease of the c/a ratio. - Highlights: • Combined extrusion and equal channel angular pressing results in significant grain refinement by factor 1000 approximately. • Al{sub 11}RE{sub 3}, Al{sub 2}Ca and Al{sub 10}RE{sub 2}Mn{sub 7} secondary phases are present in the as-cast material while Li was dissolved in the Mg matrix. • Extrusion and ECAP have no effect on the composition of the secondary phases but they influence strongly their distribution. • Texture evolution is affected by decrease of c/a ratio due to the presence of Li and resulting activation of non-basal slip.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of Different Zirconium Contents on the Corrosion Resistance of ZrO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} Film-Coated Stainless Steel

This work discusses the corrosion resistance of x%zirconia (ZrO{sub 2})–x%titania (TiO{sub 2}) nanocomposite films with different percentages of ZrO{sub 2} prepared on stainless steel by dipping the substrates in sol–gel solutions. The phase compositions and microstructures of the films were investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tafel polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to investigate the corrosion resistance of the coated steel substrates during immersion in a 5% NaCl solution at room temperature. The results showed that when the percentage of ZrO{sub 2} in the sol–gel was relatively low, the film contained cracks, leading to a poor corrosion resistance. When the percentage of ZrO{sub 2} was higher, the corrosion resistance of the film was also affected by the sintering temperature; a sintering temperature of 650 °C gave the best protection of the metal surface, and the protection efficiency was 95%.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗