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Results for “SINTERED ALUMINUM POWDER”

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

A study of the oxide dispersion and recrystallization in NiCrAl prepared from preoxidized powder

The sintered aluminum powder (SAP) technique of dispersion strengthening (formation of an oxide dispersion by preoxidation of metal powders) was applied to atomized powder of a nickel alloy containing, by weight, 17% Cr, 5% Al, and 0.2% Y. The SAP-NiCrAl alloy (without the ytterbium removed by oxdation) was worked by extrusion and rod rolling at 1205 C and by swaging at 760 C. Annealing treatments were applied after working to determine the recrystallization response. The NiCrAlY alloy, similarly prepared from atomized powder, but without a preoxidation treatment, was examined for comparison. The SAP-NiCrAl alloy exhibited oxide particle size and spacing much larger than that usually observed in oxide dispersion strengthened alloys; nonetheless, it was possible to achieve abnormal (secondary) recrystallization in the SAP-NiCrAl alloy as has been reported for other oxide dispersion strengthened alloys. In contrast, the unoxidized NiCrAlY alloy exhibited only primary recrystallization.

Glasgow, T. K.↗

High Temperature Mechanical Behavior of Polycrystalline Alumina from Mixed Nanometer and Micrometer Powders

Sintered aluminum oxide materials were formed using commercial methods from mechanically mixed powders of nano-and micrometer alumina. The powders were consolidated at 1500 and 1600 C with 3.2 and 7.2 ksi applied stress in argon. The conventional micrometer sized powders failed to consolidate. While 100 percent nanometer-sized alumina and its mixture with the micrometer powders achieved less than 99 percent density. Preliminary high temperature creep behavior indicates no super-plastic strains. However high strains (less than 0.65 percent) were generated in the nanometer powder, due to cracks and linked voids initiated by cavitation.

Goldsby, Jon C.↗

High-Performance Ambient-Temperature Heat Pipe

Heat pipe with two channels designed for regulation of temperature in enclosed spaces. Made of aluminum, heat-transfer material is ammonia. Contains two channels: one for vapor phase and one for liquid phase of ammonia. Porous wick of sintered aluminum powder lines vapor channel and fills slot between two channels. Design confers several advantages.

Keddy, Michael D.↗

Higher-Performance Ambient-Temperature Heat Pipe

Improved version of heat pipe described in "High-Performance Ambient-Temperature Heat Pipe" (MFS-26062). Lining of sintered aluminum powder added to liquid channel. Results in improved thermal performance.

Ernst, Donald M.↗

Influence of Cryomilling on Crystallite Size of Aluminum Powder and Spark Plasma Sintered Component

The present investigation aims to develop nanocrystalline (NC) pure aluminum powders using cryomilling technique and manufacture bulk components using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The cryomilling was performed on pure Al powders for 2, 6, and 8 h. The cryomilled powders were then consolidated using SPS to produce bulk components. The particle morphology and crystallite size of the powders and the bulk SPS components were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the crystallite size of pure Al powders decreases with increased cryomilling time. The results also showed that the SPS at elevated temperatures resulted in a slight increase in crystallite size, however, the changes were insignificant. The mechanical properties of the bulk components were determined using a Vickers microhardness tester. The hardness of the cryomilled SPS component was determined to be three times higher than that of the unmilled SPS component. The mechanism for the reduction in crystallite size with increasing cryomilling time is discussed. This fundamental study provides an insight into the development of bulk nanomaterials with superior mechanical properties for automotive, aerospace, marine, and nuclear applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Sinterability, strength and oxidation of alpha silicon carbide powders

An investigation is made of pressureless sintering of commercially available alpha-SiC powders at temperatures between 1900 and 2150 C for periods of 10 to 240 min under one atmosphere of argon pressure. It is found that alpha-SiC powder containing boron and carbon sintering aids is sinterable at 2150 C for a period of 30 min to a high final density (greater than 96 percent of theoretical). In alpha-SiC powder containing aluminum and carbon sintering aids, the final density achieved is only about 80 percent of theoretical. Determinations are made of room temperature and high temperature (1370 C) flexure strength and oxidation resistance on sintered high density (more than 96 percent of theoretical) alpha-SiC (boron, carbon) material. It is found that both the strength and the resistance to oxidation are equivalent and comparable to those of the sintered alpha-SiC which represents the state of the art.

Dutta, S.↗

Testing and Modeling of Functionally Graded Aluminum-Doped Zinc Oxide Using Spark Plasma Sintering and Discrete Powder Layers of Varying Composition

Functionally graded material (FGM) ZnO is made via spark plasma sintering/field-assisted sintering technique (SPS/FAST) by varying the Al dopant content along the z-axis or pressing direction. A wide range of Al content (0–5 wt%) is used by adding Al powder to nanosized ZnO powder. Thermoelectric (TE) measurements are done on the FGM and individual layers made separately. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows two phases, ZnO and spinel phase (ZnAl 2 O 4 ). High-resolution Raman spectroscopy reveals doped ZnO and spinel phase (ZnAl 2 O 4 ) spatially and shows segregation in the layer with highest Al content. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) reveals noticeable grain growth with decreasing Al content, and there is a common, random preferred orientation in all layers. The tested properties are used to simulate efficiency curves for a discretely graded, five-layer FGM as well as a homogenous material, where both graded structures provide an opportunity to widen the current density ranges and therefore the temperature range of useful energy conversion.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Manufacturing Bulk Nanocrystalline Al-3Mg Components Using Cryomilling and Spark Plasma Sintering

In the current study, pure aluminum (Al) powders were cryomilled with and without 3 wt.% pure magnesium (Mg) dopant for varying durations followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS) of powders to prepare bulk components with superior mechanical properties. The crystallite sizes were determined for powders and the bulk components by analyzing the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum. The calculations indicated a reduction in crystallite size with the increase in the cryomilling duration. The results also showed a more significant decrease in the crystallite sizes for Al-3Mg samples than that of pure Al. The changes in the surface morphology of powders were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elemental mapping analysis at nanoscale was carried out using Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The mechanical properties of the bulk components were assessed using a Vickers Microhardness tester. The test results demonstrated an improvement in the hardness of Mg-doped components. Higher hardness values were also reported with an increase in the cryomilling duration. This article discusses the mechanisms for the reduction in crystallite size for pure Al and Al-3Mg and its subsequent impact on improving mechanical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Strengthening Aluminum Alloys for High Temperature Applications Using Nanoparticles of Al203 and Al3-X Compounds (X= Ti, V, Zr)

In this paper the effect of nanoparticles A12O3 and A13-X compounds (X= Ti, V, Zr) on the improvement of mechanical properties of aluminum alloys for elevated temperature applications is presented. These nanoparticles were selected based on their chemical stability and low diffusions rates in aluminum matrix at high temperatures. The strengthening mechanism for aluminum alloy is based on the mechanical blocking of dislocation movements by these nanoparticles. Samples were prepared from A12O3 nanoparticle preforms, which were produced using ceramic injection molding process and pressure infiltrated by molten aluminum. A12O3 nanoparticles can also be homogeneously mixed with aluminum powder and consolidated into samples through hot pressing and sintering. On the other hand, the Al3-X nanoparticles are produced as precipitates via in situ reactions with molten aluminum alloys using conventional casting techniques. The degree of alloy strengthening using nanoparticles will depend on the materials, particle size, shape, volume fraction, and mean inter-particle spacing.

Lee, Jonathan A.↗

Cast Aluminum Alloys for High Temperature Applications Using Nanoparticles Al2O3 and Al3-X Compounds (X = Ti, V, Zr)

In this paper, the effect of nanoparticles Al2O3 and Al3-X compounds (X = Ti, V, Zr) on the improvement of mechanical properties of aluminum alloys for elevated temperature applications is presented. These nanoparticles were selected based on their low cost, chemical stability and low diffusions rates in aluminum at high temperatures. The strengthening mechanism at high temperature for aluminum alloy is based on the mechanical blocking of dislocation movements by these nanoparticles. For Al2O3 nanoparticles, the test samples were prepared from special Al2O3 preforms, which were produced using ceramic injection molding process and then pressure infiltrated by molten aluminum. In another method, Al2O3 nanoparticles can also be homogeneously mixed with fine aluminum powder and consolidated into test samples through hot pressing and sintering. With the Al3-X nanoparticles, the test samples are produced as precipitates from in-situ reactions with molten aluminum using conventional permanent mold or die casting techniques. It is found that cast aluminum alloy using nanoparticles Al3-X is the most cost effective method to produce high strength aluminum alloys for high temperature applications in comparison to nanoparticles Al2O3. Furthermore, significant mechanical properties retention in high temperature environment could be achieved with Al3-X nanoparticles, resulting in tensile strength of nearly 3 times higher than most 300- series conventional cast aluminum alloys tested at 600 F.

Lee, Jonathan A.↗

Development of Aluminum Feedstock for Additive Manufacturing

The rapid evolution of materials science and manufacturing technologies in recent years has offered new pathways to manipulate materials for bespoke manufacturing. Here we aim to develop feedstocks for applications such as radiator panels, fuel tanks, and structural components for outfitting. As a strong, light weight and thermally conductive material aluminum is ideal for these applications. An often-overlooked source of aluminum waste is food packaging used on the International Space Station. Reusing this waste stream will reduce the cost and logistics of regular sparing. In Space Manufacturing (ISM) will utilize this technology is such areas as sparing and outfitting. However, processing aluminum can present challenges, especially in the context of additive manufacturing and sintering, due to its high reactivity and tendency to form a tenacious oxide layer. Identifying appropriate binders and sintering profiles can overcome these challenges. Herein we present our work on obtaining aluminum powder derived from food packaging, binder selection for aluminum feedstock, and a demonstration of bound metal deposition printing.

aluminum↗

Silicon nitride-aluminum oxide solid solution (SiAION) formation and densification by pressure sintering

Stirred-ball-mill-blended Si3N4 and Al2O3 powders were pressure sintered in order to investigate the mechanism of solid solution formation and densification in the Si3N4-Al2O3 system. Powder blends with Si3N4:Al2O3 mole ratios of 4:1, 3:2, and 2:3 were pressure sintered at 27.6-MN/sq m pressure at temperatures to 17000 C (3090 F). The compaction behavior of the powder blends during pressure sintering was determined by observing the density of the powder compact as a function of temperature and time starting from room temperature. This information, combined with the results of X-ray diffraction and metallographic analyses regarding solutioning and phase transformation phenomena in the Si3N4-Al2O3 system, was used to describe the densification behavior.

Yeh, H. C.↗

Process Developed for Generating Ceramic Interconnects With Low Sintering Temperatures for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have been considered as premium future power generation devices because they have demonstrated high energy-conversion efficiency, high power density, and extremely low pollution, and have the flexibility of using hydrocarbon fuel. The Solid-State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and private industries, is leading the development and commercialization of SOFCs for low-cost stationary and automotive markets. The targeted power density for the initiative is rather low, so that the SECA SOFC can be operated at a relatively low temperature (approx. 700 C) and inexpensive metallic interconnects can be utilized in the SOFC stack. As only NASA can, the agency is investigating SOFCs for aerospace applications. Considerable high power density is required for the applications. As a result, the NASA SOFC will be operated at a high temperature (approx. 900 C) and ceramic interconnects will be employed. Lanthanum chromite-based materials have emerged as a leading candidate for the ceramic interconnects. The interconnects are expected to co-sinter with zirconia electrolyte to mitigate the interface electric resistance and to simplify the processing procedure. Lanthanum chromites made by the traditional method are sintered at 1500 C or above. They react with zirconia electrolytes (which typically sinter between 1300 and 1400 C) at the sintering temperature of lanthanum chromites. It has been envisioned that lanthanum chromites with lower sintering temperatures can be co-fired with zirconia electrolyte. Nonstoichiometric lanthanum chromites can be sintered at lower temperatures, but they are unstable and react with zirconia electrolyte during co-sintering. NASA Glenn Research Center s Ceramics Branch investigated a glycine nitrate process to generate fine powder of the lanthanum-chromite-based materials. By simultaneously doping calcium on the lanthanum site, and cobalt and aluminum on the chromium site, we could sinter the materials below 1400 C. The doping concentrations were adjusted so that the thermal expansion coefficient matched that of the zirconia electrolyte. Also, the investigation was focused on stoichiometric compositions so that the materials would have better stability. Co-sintering and chemical compatibility with zirconia electrolyte were examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (line scanning and dot map). The results showed that the materials bond well, but do not react, with zirconia electrolyte. The electric conductivity of the materials measured at 900 C in air was about 20 S/cm.

Zhong, Zhi-Min↗