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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Enhanced Thermal Stability of W-Ni-Al 2 O 3 Cermet-Based Spectrally Selective Solar Absorbers with Tungsten Infrared Reflectors

Solar thermal technologies such as solar hot water and concentrated solar power trough systems rely on spectrally selective solar absorbers. These solar absorbers are designed to efficiently absorb the sunlight while suppressing re-emission of infrared radiation at elevated temperatures. Efforts for the development of such solar absorbers must not only be devoted to their spectral selectivity but also to their thermal stability for high temperature applications. In this work, selective solar absorbers based on two cermet layers are fabricated on mechanically polished stainless steel substrates using a magnetron sputtering technique. The targeted operating temperature is 500–600 °C. A detrimental change in the morphology, phase, and optical properties is observed if the cermet layers are deposited on a stainless steel substrate with a thin nickel adhesion layer, which is due to the diffusion of iron atoms from the stainless steel into the cermet layer forming a FeWO 4 phase. In order to improve thermal stability and reduce the infrared emittance, tungsten is found to be a good candidate for the infrared reflector layer due to its excellent thermal stability and low infrared emittance. Lastly, a stable solar absorptance of ≈0.90 is demonstrated, with a total hemispherical emittance of 0.15 at 500 °C.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Interfacial engineering of solution-processed Ni nanochain-SiO{sub x} (x < 2) cermets towards thermodynamically stable, anti-oxidation solar selective absorbers

Cermet solar thermal selective absorber coatings are an important component of high-efficiency concentrated solar power (CSP) receivers. The oxidation of the metal nanoparticles in cermet solar absorbers is a great challenge for vacuum-free operation. Recently, we have demonstrated that oxidation is kinetically retarded in solution processed, high-optical-performance Ni nanochain-SiO{sub x} cermet system compared to conventional Ni-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} system when annealed in air at 450–600 °C for several hours. However, for long-term, high-temperature applications in CSP systems, thermodynamically stable antioxidation behavior is highly desirable, which requires new mechanisms beyond kinetically reducing the oxidation rate. Towards this goal, in this paper, we demonstrate that pre-operation annealing of Ni nanochain-SiO{sub x} cermets at 900 °C in N{sub 2} forms the thermodynamically stable orthorhombic phase of NiSi at the Ni/SiO{sub x} interfaces, leading to self-terminated oxidation at 550 °C in air due to this interfacial engineering. In contrast, pre-operation annealing at a lower temperature of 750 °C in N{sub 2} (as conducted in our previous work) cannot achieve interfacial NiSi formation directly, and further annealing in air at 450–600 °C for >4 h only leads to the formation of the less stable (metastable) hexagonal phase of NiSi. Therefore, the high-temperature pre-operation annealing is critical to form the desirable orthorhombic phase of NiSi at Ni/SiO{sub x} interfaces towards thermodynamically stable antioxidation behavior. Remarkably, with this improved interfacial engineering, the oxidation of 80-nm-diameter Ni nanochain-SiO{sub x} saturates after annealing at 550 °C in air for 12 h. Additional annealing at 550 °C in air for as long as 20 h (i.e., 32 h air annealing at >550 °C in total) has almost no further impact on the structural or optical properties of the coatings, the latter being very sensitive to any interfacial changes due to the localized surface plasmon resonances of the metal nanostructures. This phenomenon holds true for Ni nanoparticle diameter down to 40 nm in Ni-SiO{sub x} system, where the optical response remains stable for 53 h at 550 °C in air. The oxidation vs. time curve also shows saturation behavior deviating from the kinetic Deal-Grove oxidation model. These results strongly suggest a promising approach to thermodynamically stable, anti-oxidation Ni/SiO{sub x} cermet absorbers via interfacial engineering.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

A review of cermet-based spectrally selective solar absorbers

Spectrally selective solar absorbers harvest solar energy in the form of heat. Solar absorbers using cermet-based coatings reflect a high absorptance of the solar spectrum and a low emittance in the infrared (IR) regime. Extensive work has been done to optimize cermet-based solar absorbers to achieve high performance by exploring different cermet (ceramic–metal composite) materials and film configurations through different preparation techniques such as electrodeposition, sputtering, pulsed laser deposition, and solution-based methods. Here in this work, we review the progress of cermet-based spectrally selective absorbers with high solar absorptance and low thermal emittance, such as Cr 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , AlN, SiO 2 , and ZrO 2 based cermets as absorption layers. We also present an outlook for cermet-based spectrally selective absorbers with high thermal stability and high conversion efficiency from sunlight to heat.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Fabrication of UN-Mo CERMET Nuclear Fuel Using Advanced Manufacturing Techniques

Ceramic-metallic nuclear fuels are a candidate fuel for nuclear thermal propulsion systems due to their high heat transport properties, which are necessary in very high-temperature environments. The conventional fabrication of uranium nitride–molybdenum fuel has been thoroughly studied in the past, but modern manufacturing techniques have presented a unique opportunity for further development within this field. This work demonstrates the use of advanced manufacturing techniques to produce nuclear fuel pellets composed of uranium nitride microspheres encased in a molybdenum matrix. Binder jetting is used to print molybdenum disks that are filled with uranium nitride microspheres and afterward sintered using spark plasma sintering. Two fuel pellets were fabricated to demonstrate the methodology and to provide a baseline analysis of the effects of temperature and pressure processing conditions. Characterization of the sintered fuel pellets includes detailed microstructural analysis and thermal conductivity measurements.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Behavior of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) during laser direct energy deposition of an Inconel 625-YSZ cermet

Thermal barrier coatings (TBC) are regularly used today to protect and extend the service life of several superalloys which are extensively used in high temperature applications. The existing TBCs are typically between 0.1 to 0.5 mm in thickness, are deposited on metal substrates using plasma spray or electron beam vapor deposition, and can reduce temperatures at the substrate surface by up to 300 °C. For greater temperature reductions there is a need for thicker TBCs. The building of thick TBCs has to date been stymied by poor adhesion, and cracking during deposition. It has been suggested that a functionally graded approach may reduce the residual stresses which result in these defects. To date there have been few reports on the deposition of ceramic or cermet coatings using laser AM and none have reported on the phase stability of ceramic particles post-deposition. This article is a first report on the phase stability of ceramic particles following the compositional segregation of elements during deposition using a powder feed additive manufacturing process. Functionally graded (FG), thick TBCs (>3 mm) consisting of Inconel 625 (IN625) and yttria-partially stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) were deposited on an A516 steel substrate via laser direct energy deposition (LDED). Good interfaces were observed between the bond coat (BC) and first cermet layer and between the graded cermet layers. However, cermet layers deposited with 10 wt.% or more YSZ developed a thin layer of YSZ on the surface. The thin layer of YSZ greatly hindered additional deposition of new cermet layers. In cermet layers that did exhibit good interfaces, fine, re-solidified, YSZ particles were homogenously distributed within the Inconel 625 matrix. The YSZ particles exhibited a tetragonal lattice structure and were depleted of yttrium. In contrast, the thin YSZ layer formed on a cermet surface showed no yttrium depletion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Ceramic–Metal (Cermet) Composites: A Review of Key Properties and Synthesis Methods Focused on Nuclear Waste Immobilization

Here this paper reviews key properties, applications, and examples of ceramic-metal composites (cermets), and metal matrix composites (MMC) with emphasis on their applicability as waste forms for immobilizing nuclear waste. While the literature is mature for vitrified and cementitious radioactive waste forms, cermet materials have not received adequate attention as potential candidates for immobilizing nuclear waste. To promulgate this effort, this review connects cermet and MMC design, such as hardened tools, with the chemistry of radioactive waste streams. A discussion on certification and qualification standards for cermet waste forms, literature gaps, and “how-to” sections on cermet processing techniques. Key parameters discussed include thermal conductivity, chemical durability, and waste loading, as well as examples for metal-containing waste forms. As cermet waste forms gain momentum within the community, this review paper aims ensure the end-of-life nuclear fuel cycle is addressed from a materials and waste disposition perspective.

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

Cermets from molten metal infiltration processing

New cermets with improved properties and applications are provided. These new cermets have lower density and/or higher hardness than B4C cermet. By incorporating other new ceramics into B4C powders or as a substitute for B4C, lower densities and/or higher hardness cermets result. The ceramic powders have much finer particle size than those previously used which significantly reduces grain size of the cermet microstructure and improves the cermet properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Spark Plasma Sintering of W-UO2 Cermets

About 50 vol.% 3 um depleted uranium dioxide (UO2) powder was encapsulated within a tungsten super alloy matrix produced from sub-micron tungsten powders using the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) process. An additive of 25 atom-percent (at.%) rhenium was included within the tungsten matrix to improve the ductility and fracture toughness of the ceramic–metallic (cermet) matrix. Cermet fabrication to 97.9% of the theoretical cermet density was achieved by sintering at 1500 degrees C with 40 MPa of applied pressure for 20 min. The results presented are from the first known trials of W–UO2 and nuclear cermet production via SPS.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Structural state scale-dependent physical characteristics and endurance of cermet composite for cutting metal

A structural-phase state developed on the surface of a TiC/Ni–Cr–Al cermet alloy under superfast heating and cooling produced by pulse electron beam melting has been presented. The effect of the surface’s structural state multimodality on the temperature dependencies of the friction and endurance of the cermet tool in cutting metal has been investigated. The high-energy flux treatment of subsurface layers by electron beam pulses in argon-containing gas discharge plasma serves to improve the endurance of metal cutting tools manifold (by a factor of 6), to reduce the friction via precipitation of secondary 200 nm carbides in binder interlayers. It is possible to improve the cermet tool endurance for cutting metal by a factor of 10–12 by irradiating the cermet in a reactive nitrogen-containing atmosphere with the ensuing precipitation of nanosize 50 nm AlN particles in the binder interlayers.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

High performance mid-temperature selective absorber based on titanium oxides cermet deposited by direct current reactive sputtering of a single titanium target

This paper reports the design and fabrication of a new double cermet-based low-mid temperature solar selective absorber based on TiO x cermet layers, which were deposited with a single Ti target by varying O 2 partial pressure in sputtering chamber as reactive gas. High metal volume fraction cermet 1 and low metal volume fraction cermet 2 were deposited with O 2 partial pressure of 0.15 mTorr and 0.25 mTorr, respectively, with direct current power density of 6.58 W cm -2 . The complex refractive indices from ellipsometry were used to design solar selective absorber. The reflectance, thermal stability, and morphology were studied in absorbers on Cu and stainless steel. The effect of TiO 2 and SiO 2 as anti-reflective coating layers was investigated. Finally, the absorber on Cu substrate has high absorptance of 90.8% and low emittance of 4.9% (100 °C), and changed to 96.0% and 6.6%, respectively, after annealing at 300 °C for 4 days.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2013

Solid solution lithium alloy cermet anodes

A metal-ceramic composite ("cermet") has been produced by a chemical reaction between a lithium compound and another metal. The cermet has advantageous physical properties, high surface area relative to lithium metal or its alloys, and is easily formed into a desired shape. An example is the formation of a lithium-magnesium nitride cermet by reaction of lithium nitride with magnesium. The reaction results in magnesium nitride grains coated with a layer of lithium. The nitride is inert when used in a battery. It supports the metal in a high surface area form, while stabilizing the electrode with respect to dendrite formation. By using an excess of magnesium metal in the reaction process, a cermet of magnesium nitride is produced, coated with a lithium-magnesium alloy of any desired composition. This alloy inhibits dendrite formation by causing lithium deposited on its surface to diffuse under a chemical potential into the bulk of the alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Microstructural evolution of Mo-UO 2 cermets under high temperature hydrogen environments

Ceramic-metallic (cermet) materials show promise for use in nuclear thermal propulsion applications due to attractive thermophysical properties including high temperature stability and high thermal conductivity. In this work, molybdenum-uranium dioxide (Mo-UO 2 ) cermet fuel elements were fabricated by means of spark plasma sintering (SPS) and were subsequently exposed to hydrogen at high temperatures (2500 K). Mo-UO 2 samples pre- and post-exposure were characterized by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Microscopy analyses of the as-produced material displayed microscopic cracking on the interior of the spherical UO 2 fuel particles but confirmed that the fuel particles were fully encapsulated in the Mo matrix. The results further showed mass loss, macroscopic swelling, and cracking in the cermet samples which occurred during high temperature hydrogen testing. Nanoscale swelling was evidenced by XRD in the Mo matrix and UO 2 fuel structure due to the incorporation of defects and accompanied microstrain.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

A comparative review on cold sprayed cermet coatings and their applications in high temperature corrosion, oxidation and wear resistance

This review article explores the properties and bonding mechanisms specific to cold sprayed cermet coatings, highlighting its contrast with that of pure metals, and pure ceramics. The general cost structure of cold spraying is compared with other thermal spray techniques and the advantages are highlighted. Several cold sprayed cermet coatings with good corrosion, oxidation and wear resistance behavior in elevated temperatures show convincing potential for applications in power generation industries. The important factors that are attributed to producing highly functional cold sprayed cermet coatings are discussed. A strategic approach involving material, equipment, and application specific optimization of the cold spray process is currently relevant and of utmost importance to meet the coating requirements in several industrial applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Porous Permeable SHS Cermets Based on Iron and Aluminum Oxides

Optimal batch composition is developed for porous permeable SHS cermets that may be used in processing smokestack gases at factories and also auto exhaust emissions. The physicomechanical properties of the cermets are determined when different batch compositions are employed. The permissible range of vibrational frequencies when such cermets are used as filters is determined.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗