Showing papers in "Materials Science Forum in 2006"

Recently-Developed Aluminium Solutions for Aerospace Applications

Abstract: Two principal approaches are available to materials’ engineers to improve the overall cost-weight balance of metallic airframe structures: improving alloy performance and optimising materials’ utilisation. Although both approaches have been successful in the past, they are most effective when applied concomitantly. The Aluminium industry has a long record of improving aerospace alloys’ performance. Nevertheless, even in apparently well-explored alloy systems such as the 7xxx family, products with improved damage tolerance-strength balances have recently been developed, thanks to an improved understanding of the optimum Zn-Mg-Cu combinations for the required property balances but also to developments in casting capability. Novel dispersoids and dispersoid combinations have enabled further improvements of the performance of existing alloy families. For example, appropriate Sc and Zr additions have a significant impact on the grain structure of 2xxx alloys and thus on performance. Another high potential approach for alloy performance improvements is the optimisation of Al-Cu-Li-(Mg-Ag-Zn) alloys. These so-called “third generation Al-Li alloys” were principally developed for military and space applications; in order to meet the demands of future commercial airframes, more damage tolerant variants are being developed. AA2198 and AA2050 are used to illustrate the potential of these higher damage tolerance Al-Cu-Li alloys. However, materials performance improvements are only part of the potential developments of metallic solutions for airframes. Further gains of a similar magnitude in component weight and cost can be achieved by applying new technologies and new design solutions to metallic structures. The future of metallic airframes will depend on the concomitant application of both these approaches.

α - to - β transformation on PVDF films obtained by uniaxial stretch

Abstract: The α to β phase transformation of PVDF through the stretching process at different temperatures was investigated. The optimum stretching conditions were studied and characterised by infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The maximum β−phase content was achieved at 80°C and a stretch ratio of 5. Accompanying the phase transformation, a orientation of the polymer chains and a packing of the crystalline structure is observed. The stretch ratio does not significantly affect the degree of crystallinity.

Deformation Induced Vacancies with Severe Plastic Deformation: Measurements and Modelling

Abstract: In discussing hardening characteristics in terms of crystalline lattice defects, in most cases the properties and kinetics of dislocations and their arrangement have been considered. However, during plastic deformation also vacancies and/or vacancy type defects are produced in very high densities which are typically close to those of vacancies in thermal equilibrium at the melting point. The effect of high vacancy concentrations on the hardening characteristics is twofold: (i) direct effects by impeding the movement of dislocations (ii) indirect one by inducing climbing and annihilation of edge dislocations leading to softening or even absolute decreases in strength. This paper presents first measurements of deformation induced vacancies in SPD materials which have been achieved by combined evaluation of resistometry, calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The density of vacancies during and after SPD deformation is found to be markedly higher than in cases of conventional deformation and/or coarse grained material which may be partly attributed to the particular conditions of SPD namely the enhanced hydrostatic pressure as well as the changes in deformation path. It is suggested to make this high vacancy concentration responsible for both dynamic and static recovery and/or recrystallisation processes recently found during and after SPD, being potential reasons for enhanced ductility and superplasticity which only occur with nanomaterials originating from SPD. Recent publications show that in alloys, SPD induced vacancies can also enable the existence of phases which do not appear in the equilibrium diagram.

Techniques for Minimizing the Basal Plane Dislocation Density in SiC Epilayers to Reduce Vf Drift in SiC Bipolar Power Devices

Abstract: Forward voltage instability, or Vf drift, has confounded high voltage SiC device makers for the last several years. The SiC community has recognized that the root cause of Vf drift in bipolar SiC devices is the expansion of basal plane dislocations (BPDs) into Shockley Stacking Faults (SFs) within device regions that experience conductivity modulation. In this presentation, we detail relatively simple procedures that reduce the density of Vf drift inducing BPDs in epilayers to

Intergranular Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Cracking of Sensitised AA5182

Abstract: AA5182 (Al-4.5 wt% Mg) can become susceptible to intergranular corrosion (IGC) with time at moderately elevated service temperatures owing to precipitation of Mg-rich β-phase at grain boundaries, which can lead to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). The IGC and SCC susceptibility of AA5182 was found to depend strongly on sensitisation heat treatments. AFM and TEM studies demonstrated that the degree of precipitation and thus susceptibility to attack for a boundary can be related to its crystallographic misorientation. Low angle boundaries (

Advanced Aluminium and Hybrid Aerostructures for Future Aircraft

Abstract: Alcoa has made a fundamental shift in its aerospace R&D program, broadening its scientific and engineering portfolio by creating an integrated, strategic, long-term initiative. The ultimate goal is to help re-define the future performance, cost and value of the metallic and hybrid aerostructures that the company feels will be required to meet the mission requirements of tomorrow’s aircraft. Having intensely studied various structural options, Alcoa believes Hybrid Structural Assembly optimized with a combination of Advanced Aluminum and Hybrid Components offer the best opportunities to maximize structural performance. Not only do the new alloys, notably 3rd Generation Al-Li alloys and high strength and high toughness 7xxx alloys provide structural performance enhancements, they also offer dramatic improvements in corrosion resistance. In this paper, several advanced alloys and structural concepts targeted for next generation wing and fuselage applications and large scale test article results supporting Alcoa’s optimism for Advanced Metallic and Hybrid Structures are reviewed.

Designing Aluminium Alloys for a Recycling Friendly World

Abstract: Recycling aluminum alloys has been shown to provide major economic benefits, as a result it is appropriate for the aluminum industry and the United States as a whole to identify, develop, and implement all technologies that will optimize the benefits of recycling. This paper will focus primarily alloy design for optimizing the reuse of recycled metal; this is both the most forward looking as we move toward a more recycling friendly world and the most overlooked for its potential in maximizing the recycle loop. Some specific approaches to alloy design for recycling are put forth, and some specific compositions for evaluation are proposed. Options for moving forward to further capitalize of the advantages of aluminum recycling are also addressed.

Correlation of strength with hardness and electrical conductivity for aluminium alloy 7010

Abstract: The tensile strength, proof strength, hardness and electrical conductivity of Al alloy 7010 under different temper and ageing conditions were investigated with the aim to correlate strength with hardness and electrical conductivity so that the strength of the alloy can be determined nondestructively. Following the solutionising treatment, continuous age hardening was performed on a series of test coupons, taken from a large plate, to produce a wide range of precipitation hardening conditions, which gave rise to progressive variations of strength, hardness and conductivity. The relationship between strength and hardness was found to be reasonably linear, whereas the relationship between hardness and strength with electrical conductivity was non-linear. The ageing conditions and therefore the mechanical properties of the components can be predicted more accurately by the simultaneous combination of hardness and conductivity values.

The Effect of Grain Refinement and Cooling Rate on the Hot Tearing of Wrought Aluminium Alloys

Abstract: Using modifications to the Rappaz-Drezet-Gremaud hot tearing model, and using empirical equations developed for grain size and dendrite arm spacing (DAS) on the addition of grain refiner for a range of cooling rates, the effect of grain refinement and cooling rate on hot tearing susceptibility has been analysed. It was found that grain refinement decreased the grain size and made the grain morphology more globular. Therefore refining the grain size of an equiaxed dendritic grain decreased the hot tearing susceptibility. However, when the alloy was grain refined such that globular grain morphologies where obtained, further grain refinement increased the hot tearing susceptibility. Increasing the cooling decreased the grain size and made the grain morphology more dendritic and therefore increased the likelihood of hot tearing. The effect was particularly strong for equiaxed dendritic grain morphologies; hence grain refinement is increasingly important at high cooling rates to obtain more globular grain morphologies to reduce the hot tearing susceptibility.

Bias Stress-Induced Threshold-Voltage Instability of SiC MOSFETs

Abstract: We have observed instability in the threshold voltage, VT, of SiC metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) due to gate-bias stressing. This effect has routinely been observed by us in all 4H and 6H SiC MOSFETs from three different manufacturers—even at room temperature. A positive-bias stress, applying an electric field of about 1 to 2 MV/cm across the gate oxide, for 3 minutes followed by a negative-bias stress for another 3 minutes typically results in a shift of the ID-VGS current-voltage characteristic in the range of 0.25 to 0.5 V and is repeatable. We speculate that this effect is due to the presence of a large number of near-interfacial oxide traps that presumably lie in the oxide transition region that extends several nm into the oxide from the SiC interface, caused by the presence of C and strained SiO2. This instability is consistent with charge tunneling in and out of these near-interfacial oxide traps, which in irradiated Si MOSFETs has been attributed to border traps. Also consistent with charge tunneling is the observed linear increase in the magnitude of the SiC VT instability with log (time).

Residual Strength after Low Velocity Impact in Carbon-Epoxy Laminates

Abstract: The aim of present work is to study the influence of low energy impacts on residual strength of carbon-epoxy laminates. Experimental tests were performed on [0,90,0,90]2s and [0,90]8 laminates using a drop weight-testing machine. The influence of the laminate stacking sequence is analysed under 1.5 J, 2 J, 2.5 J and 3 J impact energies, corresponding to a 0.91 ms-1, 1.05 ms-1, 1.18 ms-1 and 1.29 ms-1 of impact velocity, respectively. The impacted plates were inspected by CScan to evaluate the size, shape and position of the delaminations through the thickness of the plate. The same plates were inspected by C-Scan before the impact, to evaluate the eventual presence of defects produced during the manufacturing process. The residual flexural strength showed that the [0,90,0,90]2s laminates have better performance than the [0,90]8 ones. The explanation is related with the lower flexural stiffness of the antisymmetric lay-up relatively to the symmetric one.

Creep of Al-Sc Microalloys with Rare-Earth Element Additions

Abstract: Cast and aged Al-Sc microalloys are creep-resistant to 300‰, due to the blocking of dislocations by nanosize, coherent Al3Sc (L12) precipitates. Rare-earth elements substitute for Sc in these precipitates, leading to a higher number density of smaller precipitates, which have a greater lattice-parameter mismatch with Al than in the Al-Sc binary microalloy. This leads to an improvement in both ambient temperature microhardness and high temperature creep. Creep threshold stresses of Al-Sc-RE (RE = Y, Dy, or Er) at 300‰ are higher than for Al-Sc and Al-Sc-M (M = Mg, Ti, or Zr) microalloys. This is in agreement with a dislocation climb model that includes the elastic stress fields of the precipitates.

Si/SiO2 and SiC/SiO2 Interfaces for MOSFETs – Challenges and Advances

Abstract: Silicon has been the semiconductor of choice for microelectronics largely because of the unique properties of its native oxide (SiO2) and the Si/SiO2 interface. For high-temperature and/or high-power applications, however, one needs a semiconductor with a wider energy gap and higher thermal conductivity. Silicon carbide has the right properties and the same native oxide as Si. However, in the late 1990’s it was found that the SiC/SiO2 interface had high interface trap densities, resulting in poor electron mobilities. Annealing in hydrogen, which is key to the quality of Si/SiO2 interfaces, proved ineffective. This paper presents a synthesis of theoretical and experimental work by the authors in the last six years and parallel work in the literature. High-quality SiC/SiO2 interfaces were achieved by annealing in NO gas and monatomic H. The key elements that lead to highquality Si/SiO2 interfaces and low-quality SiC/SiO2 interfaces are identified and the role of N and H treatments is described. More specifically, optimal Si and SiC surfaces for oxidation are identified and the atomic-scale processes of oxidation and resulting interface defects are described. In the case of SiC, we conclude that excess carbon at the SiC/SiO2 interface leads to a bonded Si-C-O interlayer with a mix of fourfold- and threefold-coordinated C and Si atoms. The threefold coordinated atoms are responsible for the high interface trap density and can be eliminated either by H-passivation or replacement by N. Residual Si-Si bonds, which are partially passivated by H and N remain the main limitation. Perspectives for the future for both Si- and SiC-based MOSFETs are discussed.

Application of twist extrusion

Abstract: Twist Extrusion (TE) is a process of severe plastic deformation (SPD) being developed by us during recent 5 years. Upon this time we published few papers on mechanics of the process and influence of the TE processing on materials structure and properties. Here we reported some results on application of the twist extrusion processing and made few general conclusions.

A Surge Current Stable and Avalanche Rugged SiC Merged pn Schottky Diode Blocking 600V Especially Suited for PFC Applications

Abstract: Today silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diodes are mainly used in the power factor control (PFC) unit of high end switched mode power supplies, due to their outstanding switching performance compared to Si pn diodes. In the case of the PFC it is required that the diodes are capable of handling surge currents up to several times the current of normal operation. The paper shows the surge current capability of a merged pn Schottky diode where the p-areas are optimized as efficient emitters. During normal operation the diode is behaving like a normal Schottky diode whereas during surge current condition the diode is behaving like a pn diode. For a sine half wave of 10 ms we achieved a non repetitive peak forward current capability of about 3700 A/cm2 which is about ten times rated current (for comparison: destructive current density of a standard Schottky diode ~ 1650 A/cm²). Additionally the device shows a stable avalanche and is able to withstand a single shot avalanche of 9.5 3s and 12.5 mJ.

Modification of Mg2Si Morphology in As-Cast Mg-Al-Si Alloys with Strontium and Antimony

Abstract: The effects of antimony (Sb) and strontium (Sr) additions on the microstructure of Mg-Al-Si alloys were studied. The results show that the additions of Sb and Sr can modify the Mg2Si particles from Chinese script shape to refined polygonal shape. Tensile strength and creep resistance are improved, and tensile elongation is also increased in the modified alloy. Sr modification is more effective than Sb modification of AS52 alloy for refining the microstructure and thus improving its properties.

Concrete Products with Waste's Plastic Material (Bottle, Glass, Plate)

Abstract: Plastic material is not easily biodegradable even after a long period, in fact a wide variety of waste materials can be utilized as inert in matrix cement. In this paper we have focused the attention on the use of plastic material particles incorporated as aggregate in concrete and we have evaluated the chemical, physical and mechanical properties

The Effect of Intermediate Storage Temperature and Time on the Age Hardening Response of Al-Mg-Si Alloys

Abstract: Specimens of three Al-Mg-Si alloys, 6060, 6005 and 6082, were solution heat treated, stored at different temperatures for different time, and artificially aged. Properties were measured before and after artificial ageing. The natural ageing response of the alloys is dependent on the storage temperature. Decreasing storage temperature leads to a delayed onset of natural ageing, but also to a higher strength after prolonged ageing, particularly for lean alloys such as 6060. The temperature and time of intermediate storage between solution heat treatment and artificial ageing has a significant effect on the strength of the artificially aged material. For the 6005 and 6082 alloys the processes that take place during natural ageing lead to a reduced strength after artificial ageing.

Scaling up of Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) for the Production of Forging Stock

Abstract: Over the past two decades equal channel angular processing (ECAP) and other severe plastic deformation (SPD) processes have been shown, in the laboratory scale, to produce material with promising properties for industrial applications. In particular, ultrafine grain (UFG) metals produced by ECAP process, for example, have been shown to exhibit higher strain rate sensitivity at lower temperatures and higher strain rates. These factors translate to improved hot formability. However, scale up of these processes to manufacture industrial size components has not been widely undertaken. In this study, billets of annealed AA6061 with 12.5 mm (0.5-in), 50 mm (2-in) and 100 mm (4-in) square cross section were ECAP processed. For the first time, these larger SPD billets were used as starting stock for subsequent hot forging. Several parts were forged on an industrial scale press with the UFG material, as well as conventional stock materials. These parts varied in complexity, as well as size in order to cover the variability in industrial components. This paper will present the effect of scaling up on the mechanical properties, microstructure, and the hot workability of the alloy from the laboratory scale (12.5 mm) to industrial scale (100 mm). Results show that both the forging temperature of the billets and the starting billet size can be substantially decreased compared to conventional forging practice. Therefore, the use of SPD materials, as forging stock, results in decreased energy usage and increased material yield. Results presented will include examples of forged parts, estimated energy savings associated with the use of SPDUFG stock, and properties after forging and subsequent heat treatment.

Damage Tolerance Capability of an Al-Cu-Mg-Ag Alloy (2139)

Abstract: The effects of dispersoid forming elements on the mechanical properties of Al-Cu- Mg-Ag alloys are examined. It is found that a small amount of Zr addition is detrimental to the damage tolerance of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloys in artificially aged temper, while Mn addition is beneficial. The superior damage tolerance capability of Alloy 2139 is demonstrated by comparing it to other high performance alloys used for DT critical applications

Demonstration of a 4H SiC Betavoltaic Cell

Abstract: A betavoltaic cell in 4H SiC is demonstrated. An abrupt p-n diode structure was used to collect the charge from a 1mCi Ni-63 source. An open circuit voltage of 0.95V and a short circuit current density of 8.8 nA/cm2 were measured in a single p-n junction. An efficiency of 3.7% was obtained. A simple photovoltaic type model was used to explain the results. Good correspondence with the model was obtained. Fill factor and backscattering effects were included. Efficiency was limited by edge recombination and poor fill factor.

Interfacial Microstructure of Magnetic Pressure Seam Welded Al-Fe, Al-Ni and Al-Cu Lap Joints

Abstract: A new welding method, magnetic pressure seam welding, was used to lap join dissimilar metals (Al-Fe, Al-Ni and Al-Cu). The circuit for magnetic pressure seam welding consists of a capacitor, an electric discharge gap switch, and a plate-type coil. The overlapped metal plates are placed over the coil. When an impulse current from an energy-storage capacitor bank passes through the coil, a high-density magnetic flux is suddenly generated around the coil. The generated high-density magnetic flux lines cross the end of the overlapped plates. Eddy currents are induced mainly inside the Al plate because it has a high electrical conductivity. Both the Joule heat generated in the plates and the magnetic pressure applied from the Al side promote the joining of the lapped plates. The welding is normally achieved within 10 μs. This results in very little microstructural change in the parent plates aside from the area around the weld interface. Strong lap joints were obtained for every metal combination and no tensile fracture took place in the weld region. A characteristic wavy morphology was observed at the weld interface. An intermediate phase layer was also observed at the weld interface. TEM observation revealed that the intermediate layer consisted of fine Al grains and intermetallic compound particles dispersed among the Al grains. The growth direction of the wave, the welding condition dependency of the wavelength and the amplitude of the interfacial wave were intensively investigated in order to clarify the welding mechanism of this method.

Ferromagnetic Shape-Memory Alloys

Abstract: The magnetic shape-memory effect is a consequence of the coupling between magnetism and structure in ferromagnetic alloys undergoing a martensitic transformation. In these materials large reversible strains can be magnetically induced by the rearrangement of the martensitic twin-variant structure. Several Heusler and intermetallic alloys have been studied in connec- tion with this property. In this paper we will focus on the Ni-Mn-Ga Heusler alloy which is considered to be the prototypical magnetic shape-memory alloy. After a brief summary of the general properties of this class of materials, we will present recent results of relevance for the understanding of the effect of magnetism on the martensitic transformation. Finally, we will discuss the requirements for the occurrence of the magnetic shape-memory effect.

Oxidation Behavior of Pt+Hf-Modified γ-Ni +γ'-Ni3Al Alloys

Abstract: The oxidation behavior of Pt+Hf-modified γ-Ni+γ′-Ni3Al alloys containing up to 20 at.% Pt and either 15 or 20 at.% Al was studied by oxidizing the alloys in air at 1150°C under both isothermal and thermal cycling conditions. It was found that the co-addition of Pt and Hf was extremely beneficial to oxidation resistance, to the extent that Ni-20Al-20Pt-Hf and Ni-20Al-10Pt-Hf alloys (all compositions are in at.%) oxidized at significantly slower rates than that of a Ni-50Al-15Pt β-NiAl alloy. A Ni-20Al-5Pt-Hf alloy also showed good oxidation resistance, with the steady-state oxidation rate being almost the same as that obtained for the β alloy. Over a period of up to 500 one-hour oxidation cycles, no oxide spallation from the modified γ+γ′ alloys was observed. From cross-sectional SEM examination coupled with X-ray diffraction analyses, it was found that a compact and planar exclusive scale layer of α-Al2O3 formed on the Ni-20Al-20Pt-Hf alloy. By contrast, the Ni-20Al-10Pt-Hf and Ni-20Al-5Pt-Hf alloys formed a very thin outer layer of NiAl2O4 and a planar inner layer of α-Al2O3. The thickness of the inner Al2O3 layer increased with increasing oxidation time relative to that of the NiAl2O4 layer, meaning that the latter primarily formed during the initial stages of scale formation. Both NiO and NiAl2O4 were found in the scales formed on the Ni-20Al-Hf and Ni-15Al-0~10Pt-Hf alloys, with the thickness of these oxide layers decreasing with increasing Pt content in the alloys. Further, it was found that the extent of internal HfO2 formation decreased significantly with increasing Pt content, to the extent that no HfO2 was found in the oxidized Ni-20Al-20Pt-Hf alloy. Inferences for the observed beneficial effects of Pt promoting protective Al2O3 formation and decreasing the tendency for Hf to oxidize in γ+γ′ alloys are discussed.

Direct Chill Casting of CLAD Ingot

Abstract: Novelis Inc. recently released its first new innovative technology which opens new opportunities in the clad aluminum product marketplace, where a combination of mechanical and physical properties can be obtained which are superior to the monolithic material alone. Clad aerospace and brazing products are well known commercial products which are provided by commercial roll bonding processes, but which can now be produced with the new Novelis technology. This paper discusses the new technology, e.g., the casting, fabrication, the properties of clad sheet are reported and it is established that the clad-core interface is comprised of a high strength, oxide free zone. This technology enables a new family of clad products with clad/core combinations which cannot be produced by the conventional roll bonding process.

The New Materials Science Diffractometer STRESS-SPEC at FRM-II

Abstract: In response to the development of new materials and the application of materials and components in new technologies the direct measurement, calculation and evaluation of textures and residual stresses has gained worldwide significance in recent years. Non-destructive analysis for phase specific residual stresses and textures is only possible by means of diffraction methods. In order to cater for the development of these analytical techniques the new Materials Science Diffractometer STRESS-SPEC at FRM-II is designed to be equally applied to texture and residual stress analyses by virtue of its flexible configuration. The system compromises a highly flexible monochromator setup using three different monochromators: Ge (511), bent silicon (400) and pyrolitic graphite (PG). This range of monochromators and the possibility to vary the take-off angles from 2θM = 35o to 110o allows wavelength adjustment such that measurements can be performed around a scattering angle of 2θS ~ 90o. This is important in order to optimise neutron flux and resolution, especially for stress analysis on components, since the gauge volume element in that case is cubic and large vertical divergences due to focusing monochromators do not affect the spatial resolution. The instrument is now available for routine operation and here we will present details of recent experiments and instrument performance.

Effects of Confinement, Strain and Nonstoichiometry on Raman Spectra of Anatase TiO2 Nanopowders

Abstract: Nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO2) powders in anatase phase were prepared by laserinduced pyrolysis. Specific surface area of as-grown powders measured by BET method was between 77 and 110 m2/g. The particle sizes (14.4-20.6 nm) estimated from these data coincide well with the crystallite sizes (12.3-17.4 nm) determined by XRD measurements. The mean particle sizes (35-41 nm) obtained from the subsequent SEM measurements refer to considerable agglomeration of nanoparticles. Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate the structural properties as well as the changes under laser irradiation of TiO2 nanopowders. The blueshift and broadening of the lowest frequency Eg Raman mode were analyzed using a phonon-confinement model which includes strain effect and broadening associated with the size distribution. Influence of the nonstoichiometry and anharmonic effects on this mode have been also investigated. Besides, different changes in Raman spectra after the laser irradiation in vacuum were observed for the nanopowders with different strain values.

Solution growth of SiC crystal with high growth rate using accelerated crucible rotation technique

Abstract: We performed solution growth of SiC single crystals from Si-Ti-C ternary solution using the accelerated crucible rotation technique (ACRT). It was confirmed that the growth rate exceeding 200 μm/hr was achievable by several ACRT conditions. This high growth rate might be due to the enhancement of the carbon transport from the graphite crucible to the growth interface using the ACRT. Moreover, the incorporation of inclusions of the Si-Ti solvent in the grown crystal was significantly suppressed by using the ACRT. It was thought that the intensive convection near the growth interface resulted in not only the marked increase of SiC growth rate but also the superior homogeneity in the surface morphology. It was concluded that faster stable growth can be accomplished in the SiC solution growth using the ACRT.

Limit of dislocation density and dislocation strengthening in iron

Abstract: The limit of dislocation density was investigated by means of mechanical milling (MM) treatment of an iron powder. Mechanical milling enabled an ultimate severe deformation of iron powder particles and dislocation density in the MM iron powder showed the clear saturation at around the value of 1016m-2. On the other hand, the relation between hardness and dislocation density was examined in cold-rolled iron sheets, and the linear Bailey-Hirsch relationship; HV[GPa]=0.7+3×10-8ρ1/2 was obtained in the dislocation density region up to 3×1015m-2. Extrapolation of the Bailey-Hirsch relationship indicated that the dislocation strengthening should be limited to about 3.7GPa in Vickers hardness which corresponds to about 1.1GPa in 0.2% proof stress.

Thermoelectric Properties of Bi2Te3 / Sb2Te3 Thin Films

Abstract: The deposition and characterization of n-type Bi2Te3 and p-type Sb2Te3 semiconductor films are reported. The films were deposited by thermal co-evaporation on a 25 µm thick polyimide (kapton) substrate. The co-evaporation method is inexpensive, simple, and reliable, when compared to other techniques that need longer time periods to prepare the starting material or require more complicated and expensive deposition equipment. Seebeck coefficients of -189 µVK-1 and +140 µVK-1 and electrical resistivities of 7.7 µ0m and 15.1 µ0m were measured at room temperature on n-type and p-type films, respectively. These values are better than those reported for films deposited by co-sputtering or electrochemical deposition, and are close to those reported for films deposited by metal-organic chemical vapour deposition or flash evaporation. Because of their high figures of merit, these films will be used for the fabrication of a micro-Peltier element, useful in temperature control and laser-cooling for telecommunications.