The is a comprehensive review on the needs and potential storage technologies for electrical grid that is expected to integrate significant levels of renewables. This review offers details of the technologies, in terms of needs, status, challenges and future R&d directions.

/pdf/electrochemical-energy-storage-for-green-grid-22ttg0wpz1.pdf

Electrochemical Energy Storage for Green Grid

There have been a number of review papers on layered silicate and carbon nanotube reinforced polymer nanocomposites, in which the fillers have high aspect ratios. Particulate–polymer nanocomposites containing fillers with small aspect ratios are also an important class of polymer composites. However, they have been apparently overlooked. Thus, in this paper, detailed discussions on the effects of particle size, particle/matrix interface adhesion and particle loading on the stiffness, strength and toughness of such particulate–polymer composites are reviewed. To develop high performance particulate composites, it is necessary to have some basic understanding of the stiffening, strengthening and toughening mechanisms of these composites. A critical evaluation of published experimental results in comparison with theoretical models is given.

/pdf/effects-of-particle-size-particle-matrix-interface-adhesion-yv055zq7xi.pdf

Effects of particle size, particle/matrix interface adhesion and particle loading on mechanical properties of particulate–polymer composites

https://zirconia.typepad.com/files/zirconia-as-a-ceramic-biomaterial---piconi---biomaterials-1999.pdf

Zirconia as a ceramic biomaterial

In this review the phenomenon of proton conductivity in materials and the elements of proton conduction mechanismsproton transfer, structural reorganization and diffusional motion of extended moietiesare discussed with special emphasis on proton chemistry. This is characterized by a strong proton localization within the valence electron density of electronegative species (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen) and self-localization effects due to solvent interactions which allows for significant proton diffusivities only when assisted by the dynamics of the proton environment in Grotthuss and vehicle type mechanisms. In systems with high proton density, proton/proton interactions lead to proton ordering below first-order phase transition rather than to coherent proton transfers along extended hydrogen-bond chains as is frequently suggested in textbooks of physical chemistry. There is no indication for significant proton tunneling in fast proton conduction phenomena for which almost barrierless proton transfer is suggest...

Proton Conductivity: Materials and Applications

http://fcbt.mse.gatech.edu/PDF/Bersra2007.pdf

A review on fundamentals and applications of electrophoretic deposition (EPD)

A focussing element for use in a lenseless, focussed transducer for producing a semi-focussed, ultrasonic beam comprises a body formed of electrical insulating material and a plurality of piezoelectric elements disposed in one end of the body, each element being planar, extending outwardly from a common axis, and being disposed at a predetermined angel to the common axis whereby to define a common focal point on the axis, and electrical conductors secured to the piezoelectric element for electrically exciting the elements.

Method of making a focussing element for use in a lenseless focussed transducer

H3O+- and NH4 + -Al2O3 polycrystals have been conductivity-optimised by eliminating metastable grain-boundary phases (NaAlO2 and MgAl2O4) and texturing the microstructure. The grain-boundary conductivity is considerably improved (up to 5x10-5(Ω-cm)-i) from 10-6 (Ω-cm)-l). The dc-field-assisted, H3O+ ion exchange process for K+/Na+-s''-Al2O3 in HAC has been accelerated by cyclic switching of the dc field (cycle = 3secs) or injecting ultrasonic energy. The former doubles the steady-state ion-exchange current to 12 μA by dispersing the HAC/electrolyte, interfacial, H3O+ polarisation layer. The ion-exchange current-efficiency is not improved from 0.15. The ultrasound (23 MHz) markedly shortens the time to complete ion-exchange (400 hrs.vs. > 700 hrs), more than doubles the final ion-exchange current (360 μA.vs. 150 μA) and improves the ion-exchange current efficiency to 0.24. These results are interpreted in terms of ionic “activation” in the electrolyte. Evidence is presented of a mixed-cation-effect in H3O+-K=-s''-Al2O3.

Microstructural Design and Conductivity and Ultrasonic Activation in the Ion Exchange of H3O+ and NH4+β"-Aluminas

The characterization of defects in high performance ceramics is important when the components are to be used in situations of high stress. The shape, size, and composition of these defects will determine whether or not the ceramic will fail. Defect characterization by scattered ultrasonic signal analysis assumes that information about defect material, size, and shape is contained in the scattered signals (1). However, backscattered signals must be correlated with optical observations of the scatterer which for opaque ceramics means that the samples must be carefully cut and polished to expose the defect. For this reason studies have been initiated of the ultrasonic signals reflected from defects in glass which can be nondestructively examined. The intention is to subsequently extend the work to opaque ceramics.

Ultrasonic Flaw Detection in Model Ceramic Systems

Discussions and notes

In a method of making a solid polycrystaliine ceramic, that is a precursor conductor for the hydronium ion (HO3+), feed compounds, which in the preferred embodiment are alkalies in the ratio of 60 wt% Na2CO3 and 40 wt% K2CO3, are mixed with 3 wt% MgCO3 and the balance Al2O3, at the atomic scale whereupon a preferred, intermediate, crystalline powder is achieved with a chemical formula; (Na0?6K0?4)2O (3 W/o MgO) .beta./.beta."-Al2O3 yielding an ?(.beta.) of approximately 0.37 where; and .beta. and .beta." are the polymorphs of alumina. This powder can be compressed and sintered, for a very short period of time, so the value of ?(.beta.) does not migrate significantly, yet the surface energy levels of the polycrystals are relieved and a solid polycrystalline ceramic, of any predetermined shape, with the above formula is created. It is shown herein that this preferred solid has a conductivity greater than 10-1 (ohm)-1 (cm)-1 at 300°C.; 10-4 (ohm)-1 (cm)-1 at room tempera-ture; that the conductivity is discontinuous at selected values of ?(.beta.) vis a vis temperature; and, how to select ?(.beta.). Mixing at the atomic scale of the feed compounds may take place either by dissolving the feed compounds in water then freeze drying, or spray drying in a spray dryer; thereafter, calcine and drive off any H20 residual.

Patrick S. Nicholson

Papers

Method of making a focussing element for use in a lenseless focussed transducer

Microstructural Design and Conductivity and Ultrasonic Activation in the Ion Exchange of H3O+ and NH4+β"-Aluminas

Ultrasonic Flaw Detection in Model Ceramic Systems

Discussions and notes

Preparation of a precursor powder for the manufacture of a ceramic hydrogen ion conductor