Showing papers in "Journal of Materials Science in 2011"

Review of the anatase to rutile phase transformation

Abstract: Titanium dioxide, TiO2, is an important photocatalytic material that exists as two main polymorphs, anatase and rutile. The presence of either or both of these phases impacts on the photocatalytic performance of the material. The present work reviews the anatase to rutile phase transformation. The synthesis and properties of anatase and rutile are examined, followed by a discussion of the thermodynamics of the phase transformation and the factors affecting its observation. A comprehensive analysis of the reported effects of dopants on the anatase to rutile phase transformation and the mechanisms by which these effects are brought about is presented in this review, yielding a plot of the cationic radius versus the valence characterised by a distinct boundary between inhibitors and promoters of the phase transformation. Further, the likely effects of dopant elements, including those for which experimental data are unavailable, on the phase transformation are deduced and presented on the basis of this analysis.

A review on nano-TiO2 sol–gel type syntheses and its applications

Abstract: Nanomaterials, defined as particles ranging from 1 to 100 nm diameter, have become widely utilized because of their unique physicochemical properties. Among those nanoparticles, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is frequently used in the production of paints, paper, plastics, welding rod-coating material, cosmetics, etc. TiO2 is the most commonly used semiconductor photocatalyst. Among the different nanomaterials, it is the most studied. Activated by UV-A irradiation, its photocatalytic properties have been utilized in various applications. A wealth of information on TiO2 photocatalytic in activation of bacteria has been acquired over the last 20 years. Hence, in this review article we have described synthesis methods mainly sol–gel type method like sol–gel method, ultrasonic-assisted sol–gel method, microemulsion method, colloidal synthesis, and also other method are discussed like solvo-thermal method, thermal plasma process, supersonically expanded plasma jet method, induction plasma torch, reactive plasma processing, plasma electrolytic oxidation, hydrolysis method, thermohydrolysis method, coprecipitation method, citrate–nitrate autocombustion method, etc. Also applications of TiO2 like medical applications, environmental application, sensor application, photocatalytic applications, and also its health impact for long-term exposure are discussed.

Overview of transient liquid phase and partial transient liquid phase bonding

Abstract: Transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding is a relatively new bonding process that joins materials using an interlayer. On heating, the interlayer melts and the interlayer element (or a constituent of an alloy interlayer) diffuses into the substrate materials, causing isothermal solidification. The result of this process is a bond that has a higher melting point than the bonding temperature. This bonding process has found many applications, most notably the joining and repair of Ni-based superalloy components. This article reviews important aspects of TLP bonding, such as kinetics of the process, experimental details (bonding time, interlayer thickness and format, and optimal bonding temperature), and advantages and disadvantages of the process. A wide range of materials that TLP bonding has been applied to is also presented. Partial transient liquid phase (PTLP) bonding is a variant of TLP bonding that is typically used to join ceramics. PTLP bonding requires an interlayer composed of multiple layers; the most common bond setup consists of a thick refractory core sandwiched by thin, lower-melting layers on each side. This article explains how the experimental details and bonding kinetics of PTLP bonding differ from TLP bonding. Also, a range of materials that have been joined by PTLP bonding is presented.

Review on polymer/graphite nanoplatelet nanocomposites

Abstract: Graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) are a type of graphitic nanofillers composed of stacked 2D graphene sheets, having outstanding electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, owing to the abundance of naturally existing graphite as the source material for GNPs, it is considered an ideal reinforcing component to modify the properties of polymers. The 2D confinement of GNPs to the polymer matrix and the high surface area make the GNP a distinctive nanofiller, showing superiorities in modification of most properties, compared with other carbon nanofillers. This review will summarize the development of polymer/GNP nanocomposites in recent years, including the fabrication of GNPs and its nanocomposites, processing issues, viscoelastic properties, mechanical properties, electrical and dielectric properties, thermal conductivity and thermal stability. The discussion of reinforcing effect will be based on dispersion, particle geometry, concentrations, as well as the 2D structures and exfoliation of GNPs. The synergy of GNPs with other types of carbon nanofillers used as hybrid reinforcing systems shows great potential and could significantly broaden the application of GNPs. The relevant research will also be included in this review.

A wide-ranging review on Nasicon type materials

Abstract: Nasicons (sodium super ion conductors) are a class of solid electrolytes. Their structure, compositional diversity, evolution, and applications are reviewed. A wide range of materials is considered based on crystalline and glassy Nasicon compositions.

Grain boundary energy anisotropy: a review

Abstract: This paper reviews findings on the anisotropy of the grain boundary energies. After introducing the basic concepts, there is a discussion of fundamental models used to understand and predict grain boundary energy anisotropy. Experimental methods for measuring the grain boundary energy anisotropy, all of which involve application of the Herring equation, are then briefly described. The next section reviews and compares the results of measurements and model calculations with the goal of identifying generally applicable characteristics. This is followed by a brief discussion of the role of grain boundary energies in nucleating discontinuous transitions in grain boundary structure and chemistry, known as complexion transitions. The review ends with some questions to be addressed by future research and a summary of what is known about grain boundary energy anisotropy.

TiO2/graphene composite from thermal reaction of graphene oxide and its photocatalytic activity in visible light

Abstract: In this study, the P25 TiO2 nanoparticles and graphene sheets (GSs) composite were prepared from a facile thermal reaction of graphene oxide. Its microstructures and photocatalytic properties were characterized and measured using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific area analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), FT-IR spectra, and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Compared with pure P25 nanoparticles, the results reveal that (1) there is a red shift about 20 nm in the absorption edge of the P25/graphene composite; (2) the photocurrent of the composite is about 15 times higher than that of pure P25; (3) the visible light photocatalytic activity of the composite is enhanced greatly on decomposition of methylene blue (MB). The photocatalytic mechanism of the P25/graphene composite is also discussed.

Grain boundary engineering: historical perspective and future prospects

Abstract: A brief introduction of the historical background of grain boundary engineering for structural and functional polycrystalline materials is presented herewith. It has been emphasized that the accumulation of fundamental knowledge about the structure and properties of grain boundaries and interfaces has been extensively done by many researchers during the past one century. A new approach in terms of the concept of grain boundary and interface engineering is discussed for the design and development of high performance materials with desirable bulk properties. Recent advancements based on these concepts clearly demonstrate the high potential and general applicability of grain boundary engineering for various kinds of structural and functional materials. Future prospects of the grain boundary and interface engineering have been outlined, hoping that a new dimension will emerge pertaining to the discovery of new materials and the generation of a new property originating from the presence of grain boundaries and interfaces in advanced polycrystalline materials.

Mechanical and thermal characterisation of geopolymers based on silicate-activated metakaolin/slag blends

Abstract: This article assesses the effect of mix design parameters on the compressive strength and thermal performance of alkali silicate-activated blends of metakaolin (MK) and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS). A strong interrelationship between the effects of activator composition and the GBFS/(GBFS + MK) ratio is identified through statistical analysis of compressive strength data. Pastes formulated with higher SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratios show improvements in mechanical strength with increasing GBFS addition, associated with the formation of a structure comprising coexisting aluminosilicate ‘geopolymer’ gel and Ca-rich Al-substituted silicate hydrate (C-(A)-S-H) reaction products. The inclusion of GBFS in MK-based geopolymers seems also to improve their performance when exposed to high temperatures, as higher residual compressive strengths are reported for these mixtures compared to solely MK-based systems. Only slight differences in shrinkage behaviour are observed at temperatures of up to 600 °C with the inclusion of GBFS; however, slag-blended pastes exhibit enhanced stability at temperatures exceeding 800 °C, as no variation in the compressive strength and no additional shrinkage are identified. These results suggest that nanostructural modifications are induced in the gel by the inclusion of GBFS into MK-based geopolymers, improving the overall performance of these materials.

The effect of carbon nanotubes on the fracture toughness and fatigue performance of a thermosetting epoxy polymer

Abstract: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes, with a typical length of 140 μm and a diameter of 120 nm, have been used to modify an anhydride-cured epoxy polymer. The modulus, fracture energy and the fatigue performance of the modified polymers have been investigated. Microscopy showed that these long nanotubes were agglomerated, and that increasing the nanotube content increased the severity of the agglomeration. The addition of nanotubes increased the modulus of the epoxy, but the glass transition temperature was unaffected. The measured fracture energy was also increased, from 133 to 223 J/m2 with the addition of 0.5 wt% of nanotubes. The addition of the carbon nanotubes also resulted in an increase in the fatigue performance. The threshold strain-energy release-rate, G th, increased from 24 J/m2 for the unmodified material to 73 J/m2 for the epoxy with 0.5 wt% of nanotubes. Electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces showed clear evidence of nanotube debonding and pull-out, plus void growth around the nanotubes, in both the fracture and fatigue tests. The modelling study showed that the modified Halpin–Tsai equation can fit very well with the measured values of the Young’s modulus, when the orientation and agglomeration of the nanotubes are considered. The fracture energy of the nanotube-modified epoxies was predicted, by considering the contributions of the toughening mechanisms of nanotube debonding, nanotube pull-out and plastic void growth of the epoxy. This indicated that debonding and pull-out contribute to the toughening effect, but the contribution of void growth is not significant. There was excellent agreement between the predictions and the experimental results.

Production of cellulose nanocrystals using hydrobromic acid and click reactions on their surface

Abstract: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were prepared by acidic hydrolysis of cotton fibers (Whatman #1 filter paper). In our efforts to select conditions in which the hydrolysis media does not install labile protons on the cellulose crystals, a mineral acid other than sulfuric acid (H2SO4) was used. Furthermore, in our attempts to increase the yields of nanocrystals ultrasonic energy was applied during the hydrolysis reaction. The primary objective was to develop hydrolysis reaction conditions for the optimum and reproducible CNC production. As such, the use of hydrobromic acid (HBr) with the application of sonication as a function of concentration (1.5–4.0 M), temperature (80–100 °C), and time (1–4 h) was examined. Applying sonic energy during the reaction was found to have significant positive effects as far as reproducible high yields are concerned. Overall, the combination of 2.5 M HBr, 100 °C, and 3 h associated with the sonication during the reaction generated the highest nanocrystal yields. In addition to the optimization study three types of surface modifications including TEMPO-mediated oxidation, alkynation, and azidation were used to prepare surface-activated, reactive CNCs. Subsequently, click chemistry was employed for bringing together the modified nanocrystalline materials in a unique regularly packed arrangement demonstrating a degree of molecular control for creating these structures at the nano level.

High thermal conductivity composites consisting of diamond filler with tungsten coating and copper (silver) matrix

Abstract: Tungsten coatings with thickness of 5–500 nm are applied onto plane-faced synthetic diamonds with particle sizes of about 430 and 180 μm. The composition and structure of the coatings are investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectral analysis, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. The composition of the coatings varies within the range W–W2C–WC. The average roughness, R a, of the coatings’ surfaces (20–100 nm) increases with the weight–average thickness of the coating. Composites with a thermal conductivity (TC) as high as 900 W m−1 K−1 are obtained by spontaneous infiltration, without the aid of pressure, using the coated diamond grains as a filler, and copper or silver as a binder. The optimal coating thickness for producing a composite with maximal TC is 100–250 nm. For this thickness the heat conductance of coatings as a filler/matrix interface is calculated as G = (2–10) × 107 W m−2 K−1. The effects of coating composition, thickness and roughness, as well as of impurities, on wettability during the metal impregnation process and on the TC of the composites are considered.

Properties of magnesium alloys reinforced with nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes: a review

Abstract: Magnesium alloys suffer from only moderate high-temperature strength and creep resistance. Aluminium-free magnesium alloys for sand casting or alloys containing aluminium with expensive additional alloying elements may be in use, but only microparticle or microfibre-reinforced magnesium alloys really exhibit satisfactory creep strengths at temperatures up to 250 °C. Reinforcing magnesium alloys with ceramic nanoparticles could be a solution for preserving a low density while increasing the high-temperature performance. When produced using melting processes, nanoparticle-reinforced magnesium composites are expected to enjoy strengthening due to the grain refinement described in the Hall–Petch relation. When an isotropic distribution of nanoparticles is achieved, the composites are additionally expected to be Orowan-strengthened. In this review, a variety of ceramic materials, such as SiC, Al2O3, Y2O3, SiO2 and carbon nanotubes were investigated for reinforcement. Pure magnesium and various magnesium alloys were chosen as the matrix material and both powder metallurgical (PM) and melting processes were used for production of the composites. The mechanical properties of the composites were generally enhanced, compared to an unreinforced alloy; not only at room temperature, but also at elevated temperatures. In some cases an increase in strength in combination with increased ductility was also identified.

Preparation and characterisation of cellulose nanofibres

Abstract: Two different procedures were compared for the preparation of cellulose nanofibres from flax and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The first involved a combination of high energy ball milling, acid hydrolysis and ultrasound, whilst the second employed a high pressure homogenisation technique, with and without various pre-treatments of the fibrous feedstock. The geometry and microstructure of the cellulose nanofibres were observed by SEM and TEM and their particle size measured using image analysis and dynamic light scattering. Aspect ratios of nanofibres made by microfluidisation were orders of magnitude greater than those achieved by acid hydrolysis. FTIR, XRD and TGA were used to characterise changes to chemical functionality, cellulose crystallinity and thermal stability resulting from the approaches used for preparing the cellulose nanofibres. Hydrolysis using sulphuric acid gave rise to esterification of the cellulose nanofibres, a decrease in crystallinity with MCC, but an increase with flax, together with an overall reduction in thermal stability. Increased shear history of flax subjected to multiple passes through the microfluidiser, raised both cellulose nanofibril crystallinity and thermal stability, the latter being strongly influenced by acid, alkaline and, most markedly, silane pretreatment.

Development of high performance EMI shielding material from EVA, NBR, and their blends: effect of carbon black structure

Abstract: The conductive composites were prepared using two different types of conductive black (Conductex and Printex XE2) filled in matrices like EVA and NBR and their different blends. The electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of all composites was measured in the X band frequency range 8–12 GHz. Both conductivity and EMI SE increase with filler loading. However, Printex black shows higher conductivity and better EMI SE at the same loading compared to Conductex black, and this can be used as a material having high EMI shielding effectiveness value. The conductivity of different blends with same filler loading generally found to increase slightly with the increase in NBR concentration. However, EMI SE has some dependency on blend composition. EMI SE increases linearly with thickness of the sample. EMI SE versus conductivity yields two master curves for two different fillers. EMI SE depends on formation of closed packed conductive network in insulating matrix, and Printex black is better than Conductex black in this respect. Some of the composites show appreciably high EMI SE (>45 dB).

Intermetallic phase formation in diffusion-bonded Cu/Al laminates

Abstract: Intermetallic phase formation in diffusion-bonded Cu/Al laminates prepared by plasma activated sintering (PAS) was investigated in the temperature range 673–773 K for 10–30 min. Three intermetallic phases, Al4Cu9, AlCu, and Al2Cu, were identified in all the samples. The formation of Al2Cu as the first phase was rationalized on the basis of the effective heat of formation (EHF) model. The thermodynamic driving force for the preferential appearance of Al4Cu9 at the α-Cu(Al)/Al2Cu interface was evaluated. The time and temperature dependences of the growth of the three intermetallic layers were determined, and their apparent activation energies were calculated. The growth kinetic of the layers conformed to the parabolic law, implying that the intermetallic phase formation was volume diffusion-controlled in the temperature range. The apparent activation energies calculated for the growth of the total intermetallic layer, Al4Cu9, AlCu, and Al2Cu layers were about 80.8, 89.8, 84.6, and 71.1 kJ/mol, respectively.

Toughening of epoxy using core–shell particles

Abstract: An epoxy resin, cured using an anhydride hardener, has been modified by the addition of preformed core–shell rubber (CSR) particles which were approximately 100 or 300 nm in diameter. The glass transition temperature, T g, of the cured epoxy polymer was 145 °C. Microscopy showed that the CSR particles were well dispersed through the epoxy matrix. The Young’s modulus and tensile strength were reduced, and the glass transition temperature of the epoxy was unchanged by the addition of the CSR particles. The fracture energy increased from 77 J/m2 for the unmodified epoxy to 840 J/m2 for the epoxy with 15 wt% of 100-nm diameter CSR particles. The measured fracture energies were compared to those using a similar amount of carboxyl-terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile (CTBN) rubber. The CTBN particles provided a larger toughening effect when compared to CSR particles, but reduced the glass transition temperature of the epoxy. For the CSR-modified epoxies, the toughening mechanisms were identified using scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces. Debonding of the cores of the CSR particles from the shells was observed, accompanied by plastic void growth of the epoxy and shell. The observed mechanisms of shear band yielding and plastic void growth were modelled using the Hsieh et al. approach (J Mater Sci 45:1193–1210). Excellent agreement between the experimental and the predicted fracture energies was found. This analysis showed that the major toughening mechanism, responsible for 80–90% of the increase in fracture energy, was the plastic void growth.

Synthesis of nanocomposites and amorphous alloys by mechanical alloying

Abstract: Mechanical alloying (MA) is a powder metallurgy processing technique that involves repeated cold welding, fracturing, and rewelding of powder particles in a high-energy ball mill. Due to the specific advantages offered by this technique, MA was used to synthesize a variety of advanced materials. This article presents two specific examples of synthesis of nanocomposites containing a high volume fraction of the reinforcement phase in Al and TiAl matrices. It was possible to uniformly disperse 50 vol% of nanometric (50 nm) Al2O3 in Al and achieve high strength and modulus of elasticity. Similarly, it was possible to disperse 60 vol% of Ti5Si3 phase in the γ-TiAl intermetallic. Fully consolidated material showed superplastic behavior at 950 °C and a strain rate of 4 × 10−5 s−1. Amorphous phases were produced by MA of blended elemental powder mixtures in several Fe-based compositions. From the systematic investigations carried out, it was possible to deduce the criteria for glass formation and understand the interesting phenomenon of mechanical crystallization. By conducting some controlled experiments, it was also possible to explain the mechanism of amorphization in these mechanically alloyed powder blends. Other examples of synthesis of advanced materials, e.g., photovoltaic materials and energetic materials, have also been briefly referred to. This article concludes with an indication of the topics that need special attention for further exploitation of these materials.

Recent developments in the preparation, characterization and applications of glass- and glass–ceramic-to-metal seals and coatings

Abstract: There has, in recent years, been a major revival of interest in glass- and glass–ceramic-to-metal seals and coatings for new applications. Experience dictates that many factors need to be taken into consideration in the successful design and manufacture of high-quality seals, particularly if an adequate component lifetime is to be achieved. For example, during their preparation, undesirable reactions may occur between diffusing metal species and glass constituents, and these can lead to the formation of highly localized internal stresses, which can initiate failure of a seal either during manufacture or, more seriously, whilst in service due to the influence of static fatigue. In the case of high-temperature systems, reactions under hostile operating conditions also need to be taken into consideration. In this review, the factors learnt from past experience that influence the formation and lifetime behaviour of glass and glass–ceramic/metal systems are briefly introduced, and their relevance to the newer applications including solid oxide fuel cell sealants and coatings on titanium for biomedical applications is discussed.

Preparation of MnO2/graphene composite as electrode material for supercapacitors

Abstract: MnO2/graphene composite was synthesized by a facile and effective polymer-assisted chemical reduction method. The nanosized MnO2 particles were homogeneously distributed on graphene nanosheets, which have been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The capacitive properties of the MnO2/graphene composite have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry(CV). MnO2/graphene composite exhibited a high specific capacitance of 324 F g−1 in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. In addition, the MnO2/graphene composite electrode shows excellent long-term cycle stability (only 3.2% decrease of the specific capacitance is observed after 1,000 CV cycles).

Formation of intermetallic phases in diffusion-welded joints of aluminium and magnesium alloys

Abstract: Basic research has been done on diffusion-welded joints with the overall aim of an adjusted interface design. The phase formation of aluminium alloy/magnesium alloy bonds has been revealed by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and electron back-scatter diffraction. The presence of Al12Mg17 and Al3Mg2 phases in a bi-layer has been confirmed. The distribution and microstructure of the formed intermetallics and the arrangement of the precipitates originating from the alloys have been determined. Precipitates originating from the alloys agglomerate in the bi-layered welding zone. Their arrangement in combination with the grain boundary evolution of the intermetallics and the change of the aluminium base solid solution in the interface region has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the joint.

Dissimilar joining of Al/Mg light metals by compound casting process

Abstract: “Compound casting” was used for production of lightweight Al/Mg couples In order to prepare the Al/Mg couples using this process, each of the aluminum and magnesium molten metal was cast around solid cylindrical inserts of the other metal After solidification, the interfacial microstructure and shear strength of the joint were studied Characterization of Al/Mg interface by an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope showed that in the case of casting aluminum melt around a magnesium insert, a gap is formed at the interface, while in the process of casting magnesium melt around an aluminum insert, a relatively uniform interface composed of three different layers is formed at the interface The results of the X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and microhardness analysis of the interface showed that these three layers are mainly composed of high-hardness Al–Mg intermetallic compounds Furthermore, it was found that the thickness of the interface is not constant throughout Al/Mg joint, and varies gradually from 190 μm at the bottom to 140 μm in the middle and 50 μm at the top of the sample The results of shear strength tests obviously showed that the strength of the interface depends on the interface thickness and increases by decreasing the thickness of the interface

The dynamic water vapour sorption behaviour of natural fibres and kinetic analysis using the parallel exponential kinetics model

Abstract: Hygroscopic behaviour is an inherent characteristic of natural fibres which can influence their applications as textile fabrics and composite reinforcements. In this study, the water vapour sorption kinetic properties of cotton, filter paper, flax, hemp, jute, and sisal fibres were determined using a dynamic vapour sorption apparatus and the results were analyzed by use of a parallel exponential kinetics (PEK) model. With all of the fibres tested, the magnitude of the sorption hysteresis observed varied, but it was always greatest at the higher end of the hygroscopic range. Flax and sisal fibres displayed the lowest and highest total hysteresis, respectively. The PEK model, which is comprised of fast and slow sorption components, exhibited hysteresis in terms of mass for both processes between the adsorption and desorption isotherm. The hysteresis derived from the slow sorption process was less than from the fast process for all tested fibres. The fast processes for cotton and filter paper dominated the isotherm process; however, the hemp and sisal fibres displayed a dominant slow process in the isotherm run. The characteristic time for the fast sorption process did not vary between adsorption and desorption, except at the top end of the hygroscopic range. The characteristic time for the slow process was invariably larger for the desorption process. The physical interpretation of the PEK model is discussed.

An investigation of the potential of polypropylene and its blends for use in recyclable high voltage cable insulation systems

Abstract: Most modern extruded high voltage cables employ cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) as the insulation material. XLPE has excellent thermo-mechanical properties, is relatively cheap and has a low dielectric loss, which make it an ideal material for this application. Unfortunately, XLPE is not easily recycled at the end of its lifetime leading to questions concerning its long-term sustainability. A previous investigation in this series considered the potential of a range of ethylene-based systems to provide suitable recyclable alternatives to XLPE. Whilst blending could allow systems having similar thermo-mechanical and electrical properties to XLPE to be designed, it was not possible to obtain better performance than XLPE using these systems. Polypropylene offers, potentially, a route to improved insulation systems by virtue of its higher melting point and excellent dielectric properties. However, traditional isotactic polypropylenes have always had the problem of being too brittle for inclusion into practical cable designs. Recently a broad range of propylene co-polymers having improved ductility have become available, which may prove more suitable. The current study compares traditional isotactic and syndiotactic polypropylenes to a range of commercially available propylene co-polymers and focuses on their morphology, thermal, thermo-mechanical and electrical properties. These parameters were then taken together to identify the most suitable candidate materials for future cable applications. The use of blending as a means to further optimise the various material properties was also explored.

Magnetic properties of La and (La, Zr) doped BiFeO3 ceramics

Abstract: Bi0.9La0.1FeO3 (BLF) and Bi0.9La0.1Fe0.98Zr0.02O3 (BLFZ) ceramics were synthesized by conventional solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction studies and Rietveld refinements indicated that both of the samples possessed rhombohedrally distorted perovskite structure. The average grain size of BLFZ (~700 nm) was greatly reduced in comparison with BLF (~6 μm). The remanent magnetization of BLFZ was greatly enhanced compared with BLF. The enhancement of remanent magnetization was attributed to the collapse of the spiral spin structure. Both samples showed exchange bias. The possible reason for the appearance of exchange bias was attributed to the inhomogeneity in doping. The measurements of magnetization as a function of temperature indicated that BLF and BLFZ had almost the same magnetic transition temperature (~355 °C).

The renaissance of unsupported nanostructured catalysts for low-temperature fuel cells: from the size to the shape of metal nanostructures

Abstract: A resurgence of interest in unsupported catalysts, commonly nanostructured Pt or Pt-based catalysts, for use in low-temperature fuel cells has occurred in recent years: indeed, the use of unsupported nanostructured catalysts may provide improved long-term stability during fuel cell operation compared to the carbon-supported catalysts because the carbon corrosion issue is eliminated. Catalyst utilization can be increased by developing novel nanostructures with high surface area and/or high catalytic activity. Indeed, in recent years, the strategy to increase the catalyst utilization has gone from decreasing the nanoparticle size to tailoring new nanostructures. This work presents an overview of recent studies on novel metal nanostructures for their possible use in low-temperature fuel cells, highlighting that these materials can better perform than the commonly utilized carbon-supported catalysts at similar catalyst loadings, having at the same time a higher stability.

Optical properties of Dy3+-doped sodium–aluminum–phosphate glasses

Abstract: Trivalent dysprosium (Dy3+)-doped sodium–aluminum–phosphate (NAP) glasses were prepared and characterized by their optical absorption, excitation, emission spectra, and decay time measurements. Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters were derived from the absorption spectrum and used to calculate the radiative lifetime and stimulated emission cross section of the 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 transitions. The luminescence intensity ratio of 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 to 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 transitions of Dy3+ in NAP glasses gives the feasibility of extracting white light. The lifetime and quantum efficiency of 4F9/2 level is found to be higher than other reported glasses. With increase in Dy3+ ion concentration, the decay from 4F9/2 level is found to be faster with decrease in lifetime due to cross relaxation between Dy3+ ions.

Recent developments on WC-based bulk composites

Abstract: In order to achieve improved properties and performance with WC-based cemented carbides, research efforts have been directed towards the development of nanostructured cemented carbides. With the recent development of ‘spray conversion process’ for synthesizing nanosized powders and the advent of spark plasma sintering technique, it has been possible to successfully develop bulk nanostructured cemented carbides, possessing improved hardness and wear resistance. On a different note, realisation of the fact that the presence of metallic binder phase is deleterious towards certain applications of WC-based cermets has led to a recent surge of interest towards the development of novel ‘binderless’ WC-based ceramics by replacing the metallic binder phase with ceramic sinter-additives. More recently, it has been possible to develop dense WC-based ceramic composites without considerable deterioration of fracture toughness in the absence of the metallic binder phase. In the above perspective, the present review focuses mainly on the recent research results concerned with the processing and characterisation of nanostructured WC-based cermets and binderless WC-based ceramic composites.

Electrical conductivity and shielding effectiveness of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites

Abstract: Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites have been fabricated to evaluate the potential of PTT composites as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material. The room temperature electrical conductivity, complex permittivity, and shielding effectiveness (SE) of PTT/MWCNT composites were studied in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz (X-band). The dc conductivity (σ) of composites increased with increasing MWCNT loading and a typical percolation behavior was observed at 0.48 vol% MWCNT loading. The highest EMI SE of PTT/MWCNT composites was ~23 decibel (dB) at 4.76 vol% MWCNT loading which suggest that these composites can be used as light weight EMI shielding materials. The correlation among the SE, complex permittivity, and electrical conductivity was also studied. The EMI shielding mechanism of PTT/MWCNT composites was studied by resolving the total EMI SE into absorption and reflection loss.

Synthesis and hydration of calcium sulfoaluminate-belite cements with varied phase compositions

Abstract: The production of portland cement is energy intensive and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. One method of reducing the environmental impact of concrete production is the use of an alternative binder, such as calcium sulfoaluminate-belite (CSAB) cement. The relatively low lime requirement of CSAB cement compared to portland cement reduces energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions from cement production. Moreover, CSAB cement can be produced at temperatures approximately 200 °C lower than portland cement, further reducing energy and carbon dioxide. Major drawbacks to the implementation of CSAB cements are the lack of standard phase composition and published data on composition-processing-performance relationships. In this study, three CSAB cement clinkers with different phase compositions were synthesized from reagent-grade chemicals. The synthetic clinkers were analyzed for phase composition using X-ray diffraction and phase distribution using scanning electron microscopy. The synthetic clinkers were then tested for hydration rate using isothermal conduction calorimetry to investigate the effects of phase composition and gypsum addition on early-age hydration behavior. A proportioning method for predicting phase composition was refined and an equation for calculating the minimum gypsum content for CSAB cement clinker was developed.