Journal•ISSN: 1066-7857
Materials Technology
Maney Publishing
About: Materials Technology is an academic journal published by Maney Publishing. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Materials science & Photocatalysis. It has an ISSN identifier of 1066-7857. Over the lifetime, 2115 publications have been published receiving 18205 citations. The journal is also known as: Materials technology.
Papers published on a yearly basis
Papers
More filters
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed the progress and present status of CZTS thin-film solar cells, with the hope of reducing the cost of producing Ga, In and Cd free absorber layers.
Abstract: Today’s thin film photovoltaic technologies comprising CuInS2 (CIS), CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) and CdTe rely on elements that are costly and rare in the earth’s crust (e.g. In, Ga, Te) and are toxic (e.g. Cd). Hence, in future cost reduction and increased production, using abundantly available non-toxic elements, seem to be the main issues. Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS), having the kesterite structure, is one of the most promising absorber layer candidates for low cost thin film solar cells, because of its suitable direct band gap between 1·4 and 1·5 eV and large absorption coefficient, over 104 cm−1. Also it is composed of earth abundant and non-toxic elements, promising price reductions in future. Recently, research in this area has gained momentum due to the desirability of producing Ga, In and Cd free absorber layers and the potential to obtain new insights. Hence, a review of recent literature is urgently warranted. The CZTS progress and present status of CZTS thin film solar cells has been reviewed, with the hope...
273 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the characterisation of the build defects, including porous (unmelted or unsintered) zones, inclusions and gas bubbles trapped in the atomised powder particles and retained in the build.
Abstract: Electron beam melting of Ti–6Al–4V powder (∼30 μm diameter) to create complex, three-dimensional components layer by layer using CAD is described along with the characterisation of these products (builds) by optical and electron microscopy, and mechanical testing. Build defects, including porous (unmelted or unsintered) zones, inclusions and gas bubbles trapped in the atomised powder particles and retained in the build, are illustrated. Reticulated mesh geometries and their applications are described along with examples having biomedical applications. Microstructures of solid components and mesh arrays are described. Powder chemistries and solid build chemistries are also examined and shown to be constant for up to 40 cycles of powder reuse, but there was a 10–15% reduction in Al content in the solid builds at optimised build conditions. Quality control and related issues are also described using duplicate products for destructive testing correlated with removable quality control tabs on the builds.
183 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an innovative Rapid Prototyping Process makes large Sized, Smooth Surfaced Complex Shapes in a Wide Variety of Materials using a wide range of materials, such as polysilicon, polypropylene, graphite, and graphite.
Abstract: (1998). Innovative Rapid Prototyping Process Makes Large Sized, Smooth Surfaced Complex Shapes in a Wide Variety of Materials. Materials Technology: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 53-56.
151 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the suitability of Ti for biomedical applications and then explore the methods for producing highly porous Ti foams are evaluated based on their ability to produce a macro-micro-structure appropriate for biomedical application.
Abstract: Metals are the oldest of biomedical implant materials and metallic alloys remain the material of choice for applications involving hard tissue replacement. Ti alloy scaffolds are deemed the best among all the metallic alloys. Recently, porous Ti alloy scaffolds have received increasing attention over other metallic counterparts, including monolithic alloys, due to advantages associated with an open porous structure. The main advantages of open porous structures are a low Young's moduli and enhanced bone ingrowth leading to better fixation with the host tissue. In this paper, the authors first review the suitability of Ti for biomedical applications and then explore the methods for producing highly porous Ti foams. The methods are assessed based on their ability to produce a macro-micro-structure appropriate for biomedical applications. The article concludes with a future outlook on porous Ti production.
132 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the use of selective laser melting (SLM) in the manufacturing of aluminium and aluminium matrix composites is presented. And the authors explore some of the inherent difficulties in working with aluminium including the presence of a stable oxide layer, high reflectivity and thermal conductivity and poor flowability of the powder.
Abstract: Selective laser melting (SLM) is gaining importance as companies begin to exploit its advantages to produce parts that will enable them to enter the market sooner, at a lower cost and/or with parts having an increased geometric complexity. Since aluminium is the second most popular engineering material after steel, its use in SLM was inevitable. In this review, we look at the SLM of aluminium and aluminium matrix composites. We explore some of the inherent difficulties in working with aluminium including the presence of a stable oxide layer, high reflectivity and thermal conductivity and poor flowability of the powder. We also review the unique microstructures that are produced during the SLM process and its effect on the mechanical properties. Included in this is the effect of heat treatment on the structure and properties. Finally, we look at the benefits and problems of producing aluminium metal matrix composites using SLM.
130 citations