Showing papers on "Ceramic published in 2016"

Additive manufacturing of polymer-derived ceramics

Abstract: The extremely high melting point of many ceramics adds challenges to additive manufacturing as compared with metals and polymers. Because ceramics cannot be cast or machined easily, three-dimensional (3D) printing enables a big leap in geometrical flexibility. We report preceramic monomers that are cured with ultraviolet light in a stereolithography 3D printer or through a patterned mask, forming 3D polymer structures that can have complex shape and cellular architecture. These polymer structures can be pyrolyzed to a ceramic with uniform shrinkage and virtually no porosity. Silicon oxycarbide microlattice and honeycomb cellular materials fabricated with this approach exhibit higher strength than ceramic foams of similar density. Additive manufacturing of such materials is of interest for propulsion components, thermal protection systems, porous burners, microelectromechanical systems, and electronic device packaging.

Plating a Dendrite-Free Lithium Anode with a Polymer/Ceramic/Polymer Sandwich Electrolyte.

Abstract: A cross-linked polymer containing pendant molecules attached to the polymer framework is shown to form flexible and low-cost membranes, to be a solid Li+ electrolyte up to 270 °C, much higher than those based on poly(ethylene oxide), to be wetted by a metallic lithium anode, and to be not decomposed by the metallic anode if the anions of the salt are blocked by a ceramic electrolyte in a polymer/ceramic membrane/polymer sandwich electrolyte (PCPSE). In this sandwich architecture, the double-layer electric field at the Li/polymer interface is reduced due to the blocked salt anion transfer. The polymer layer adheres/wets the lithium metal surface and makes the Li-ion flux at the interface more homogeneous. This structure integrates the advantages of the ceramic and polymer. With the PCPSE, all-solid-state Li/LiFePO4 cells showed a notably high Coulombic efficiency of 99.8–100% over 640 cycles.

High Ionic Conductivity of Composite Solid Polymer Electrolyte via In Situ Synthesis of Monodispersed SiO2 Nanospheres in Poly(ethylene oxide).

Abstract: High ionic conductivity solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) has long been desired for the next generation high energy and safe rechargeable lithium batteries. Among all of the SPEs, composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) with ceramic fillers has garnered great interest due to the enhancement of ionic conductivity. However, the high degree of polymer crystallinity, agglomeration of ceramic fillers, and weak polymer–ceramic interaction limit the further improvement of ionic conductivity. Different from the existing methods of blending preformed ceramic particles with polymers, here we introduce an in situ synthesis of ceramic filler particles in polymer electrolyte. Much stronger chemical/mechanical interactions between monodispersed 12 nm diameter SiO2 nanospheres and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains were produced by in situ hydrolysis, which significantly suppresses the crystallization of PEO and thus facilitates polymer segmental motion for ionic conduction. In addition, an improved degree of LiClO4 dissociati...

Flexible, solid-state, ion-conducting membrane with 3D garnet nanofiber networks for lithium batteries

Abstract: Beyond state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology with metallic lithium anodes to replace conventional ion intercalation anode materials is highly desirable because of lithium's highest specific capacity (3,860 mA/g) and lowest negative electrochemical potential (∼3.040 V vs. the standard hydrogen electrode). In this work, we report for the first time, to our knowledge, a 3D lithium-ion-conducting ceramic network based on garnet-type Li6.4La3Zr2Al0.2O12 (LLZO) lithium-ion conductor to provide continuous Li(+) transfer channels in a polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based composite. This composite structure further provides structural reinforcement to enhance the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. The flexible solid-state electrolyte composite membrane exhibited an ionic conductivity of 2.5 × 10(-4) S/cm at room temperature. The membrane can effectively block dendrites in a symmetric Li | electrolyte | Li cell during repeated lithium stripping/plating at room temperature, with a current density of 0.2 mA/cm(2) for around 500 h and a current density of 0.5 mA/cm(2) for over 300 h. These results provide an all solid ion-conducting membrane that can be applied to flexible LIBs and other electrochemical energy storage systems, such as lithium-sulfur batteries.

High-Entropy Metal Diborides: A New Class of High-Entropy Materials and a New Type of Ultrahigh Temperature Ceramics.

Abstract: Seven equimolar, five-component, metal diborides were fabricated via high-energy ball milling and spark plasma sintering. Six of them, including (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)B2, (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2)B2, (Hf0.2Zr0.2Mo0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)B2, (Hf0.2Mo0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)B2, (Mo0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)B2, and (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Cr0.2Ti0.2)B2, possess virtually one solid-solution boride phase of the hexagonal AlB2 structure. Revised Hume-Rothery size-difference factors are used to rationalize the formation of high-entropy solid solutions in these metal diborides. Greater than 92% of the theoretical densities have been generally achieved with largely uniform compositions from nanoscale to microscale. Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC STEM), with high-angle annular dark-field and annular bright-field (HAADF and ABF) imaging and nanoscale compositional mapping, has been conducted to confirm the formation of 2-D high-entropy metal layers, separated by rigid 2-D boron nets, without any detectable layered segregation along the c-axis. These materials represent a new type of ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) as well as a new class of high-entropy materials, which not only exemplify the first high-entropy non-oxide ceramics (borides) fabricated but also possess a unique non-cubic (hexagonal) and layered (quasi-2D) high-entropy crystal structure that markedly differs from all those reported in prior studies. Initial property assessments show that both the hardness and the oxidation resistance of these high-entropy metal diborides are generally higher/better than the average performances of five individual metal diborides made by identical fabrication processing.

Transition of lithium growth mechanisms in liquid electrolytes

Abstract: Next-generation high-energy batteries will require a rechargeable lithium metal anode, but lithium dendrites tend to form during recharging, causing short-circuit risk and capacity loss, by mechanisms that still remain elusive. Here, we visualize lithium growth in a glass capillary cell and demonstrate a change of mechanism from root-growing mossy lithium to tip-growing dendritic lithium at the onset of electrolyte diffusion limitation. In sandwich cells, we further demonstrate that mossy lithium can be blocked by nanoporous ceramic separators, while dendritic lithium can easily penetrate nanopores and short the cell. Our results imply a fundamental design constraint for metal batteries (“Sand's capacity”), which can be increased by using concentrated electrolytes with stiff, permeable, nanoporous separators for improved safety.

Giant Strains in Non-Textured (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3-Based Lead-Free Ceramics

Abstract: Giant electric-field-induced strain of 0.70%, corresponding to a d33 * value of 1400 pm V(-1) , is observed in a lead-free (Bi1/2 Na1/2 )TiO3 -based polycrystalline ceramic. This is comparable to the properties of single crystals. An in situ transmission electron microscopy study indicates that the excellent performance originates from phase transitions under the applied electric fields.

Recent trends of ceramic humidity sensors development: A review

Abstract: We have reviewed the humidity sensors based on ceramic materials. We first discuss the operating principle of ceramic humidity sensors. This is followed by a section on the relationship between the conduction mechanism and microstructure characteristics of the sensing elements of ceramic humidity sensors. This part of the review is also focused on the methods for optimization of the microstructure of ceramic porous elements. The next section summarizes the information on the materials used for the ceramic humidity sensors fabrication and effect of dopants or hybrid compositions on the sensing ceramic-based materials. Then we analyze state-of-the-art techniques for producing ceramic sensors. The key research and technological challenges in the field are discussed at the end of the review. The review is based on 424 references published during from 1998–2013.

A new classification system for all-ceramic and ceramic-like restorative materials.

Abstract: Classification systems for all-ceramic materials are useful for communication and educational purposes and warrant continuous revisions and updates to incorporate new materials. This article proposes a classification system for ceramic and ceramic-like restorative materials in an attempt to systematize and include a new class of materials. This new classification system categorizes ceramic restorative materials into three families: (1) glass-matrix ceramics, (2) polycrystalline ceramics, and (3) resin-matrix ceramics. Subfamilies are described in each group along with their composition, allowing for newly developed materials to be placed into the already existing main families. The criteria used to differentiate ceramic materials are based on the phase or phases present in their chemical composition. Thus, an all-ceramic material is classified according to whether a glass-matrix phase is present (glass-matrix ceramics) or absent (polycrystalline ceramics) or whether the material contains an organic matrix highly filled with ceramic particles (resin-matrix ceramics). Also presented are the manufacturers' clinical indications for the different materials and an overview of the different fabrication methods and whether they are used as framework materials or monolithic solutions. Current developments in ceramic materials not yet available to the dental market are discussed.

Ceramic Stereolithography: Additive Manufacturing for Ceramics by Photopolymerization

Abstract: Ceramic stereolithography and related additive manufacturing methods involving photopolymerization of ceramic powder suspensions are reviewed in terms of the capabilities of current devices. The practical fundamentals of the cure depth, cure width, and cure profile are related to the optical properties of the monomer, ceramic, and photo-active components. Postpolymerization steps, including harvesting and cleaning the objects, binder burnout, and sintering, are discussed and compared with conventional methods. The prospects for practical manufacturing are discussed.

Stereolithography of SiOC Ceramic Microcomponents

Abstract: The first example of the fabrication of complex 3D polymer-derived-ceramic structures is presented with micrometer-scale features by a 3D additive manufacturing (AM) technology, starting with a photosensitive preceramic precursor. Dense and crack-free silicon-oxycarbide-based microparts with features down to 200 μm are obtained after pyrolysis at 1000 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere.

Characterization of hybrid aluminum matrix composites for advanced applications – A review

Abstract: Hybrid aluminum matrix composites (HAMCs) are the second generation of composites that have potential to substitute single reinforced composites due to improved properties. This paper investigates the feasibility and viability of developing low cost-high performance hybrid composites for automotive and aerospace applications. Further, the fabrication characteristics and mechanical behavior of HAMCs fabricated by stir casting route have also been reviewed. The optical micrographs of the HAMCs indicate that the reinforcing particles are fairly distributed in the matrix alloy and the porosity levels have been found to be acceptable for the casted composites. The density, hardness, tensile behavior and fracture toughness of these composites have been found to be either comparable or superior to the ceramic reinforced composites. It has been observed from the literature that the direct strengthening of composites occurs due to the presence of hard ceramic phase, while the indirect strengthening arises from the thermal mismatch between the matrix alloy and reinforcing phase during solidification. Based on the database for material properties, the application area of HAMCs has been proposed in the present review. It has been concluded that the hybrid composites offer more flexibility and reliability in the design of possible components depending upon the reinforcement's combination and composition.

High-Performance Anode Material Sr2FeMo0.65Ni0.35O6-δ with In Situ Exsolved Nanoparticle Catalyst.

Abstract: A metallic nanoparticle-decorated ceramic anode was prepared by in situ reduction of the perovskite Sr2FeMo0.65Ni0.35O6−δ (SFMNi) in H2 at 850 °C. The reduction converts the pure perovksite phase into mixed phases containing the Ruddlesden–Popper structure Sr3FeMoO7−δ, perovskite Sr(FeMo)O3−δ, and the FeNi3 bimetallic alloy nanoparticle catalyst. The electrochemical performance of the SFMNi ceramic anode is greatly enhanced by the in situ exsolved Fe–Ni alloy nanoparticle catalysts that are homogeneously distributed on the ceramic backbone surface. The maximum power densities of the La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3−δ electrolyte supported a single cell with SFMNi as the anode reached 590, 793, and 960 mW cm–2 in wet H2 at 750, 800, and 850 °C, respectively. The Sr2FeMo0.65Ni0.35O6−δ anode also shows excellent structural stability and good coking resistance in wet CH4. The prepared SFMNi material is a promising high-performance anode for solid oxide fuel cells.

Robocasting of structural ceramic parts with hydrogel inks

Abstract: Robocasting is a 3D printing technique that may be able to achieve the much-coveted goal of reliable, complex ceramic parts with low porosity and high strength. In this work a robust hydrogel formulation was optimised for use as the extrusion paste for robocasting. The paste’s rheological properties were characterised and the printing process was optimised with the aim of attaining dense monolithic ceramic parts. The pastes exhibit a characteristic shear thinning behaviour with yield stresses that can reach values above 1 kPa and depend mostly on their solid content and the particle size distribution. It is possible to formulate printable Al2O3 and SiC inks with solid contents as high as 40 vol% that reached densities up to 95th% for SiC and 97th% for Al2O3 with flexural strengths of 300 MPa and 230 MPa respectively after sintering. The sources of strength limiting defects are identified and related to the printing process.

Lead-free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics with high optical transparency and energy storage ability

Abstract: We prepared highly transparent relaxor ferroelectric ceramics based on (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 using a pressure-less solid-state sintering method without using hot isostatic pressing and spark plasma sintering. A high energy storage density of 2.48 J cm−3 and high transparency in the visible region (ca. 60% at 0.7 μm) were achieved for the 0.8(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3–0.2Sr(Sc0.5Nb0.5)O3 ceramics with submicron-sized grains (about 0.5 μm). The energy storage density of 2.48 J cm−3 exceeded all previous reports for lead-free bulk ceramics. These results demonstrate that the 0.8(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3–0.2Sr(Sc0.5Nb0.5)O3 ceramics are promising lead-free transparent dielectric materials for use in transparent electronic devices. This study not only opens up a new avenue for the design of lead-free transparent ferroelectric ceramics with a high energy storage density, but also expands the applications of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3-based ceramics into new areas beyond piezoelectric applications.

A comparison of TEM and DLS methods to characterize size distribution of ceramic nanoparticles

Abstract: The accuracy of dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements are compared with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies for characterization of size distributions of ceramic nanoparticles. It was found that measurements by DLS using number distribution presented accurate results when compared to TEM. The presence of dispersants and the enlargement of size distributions induce errors to DLS particle sizing measurements and shifts its results to higher values.

Directionally tunable and mechanically deformable ferroelectric crystals from rotating polar globular ionic molecules

Abstract: Ferroelectrics are used in a wide range of applications, including memory elements, capacitors and sensors. Recently, molecular ferroelectric crystals have attracted interest as viable alternatives to conventional ceramic ferroelectrics because of their solution processability and lack of toxicity. Here we show that a class of molecular compounds-known as plastic crystals-can exhibit ferroelectricity if the constituents are judiciously chosen from polar ionic molecules. The intrinsic features of plastic crystals, for example, the rotational motion of molecules and phase transitions with lattice-symmetry changes, provide the crystals with unique ferroelectric properties relative to those of conventional molecular crystals. This allows a flexible alteration of the polarization axis direction in a grown crystal by applying an electric field. Owing to the tunable nature of the crystal orientation, together with mechanical deformability, this type of molecular crystal represents an attractive functional material that could find use in a diverse range of applications.

High energy density in silver niobate ceramics

Abstract: Solid-state dielectric energy storage is the most attractive and feasible way to store and release high power energy compared to chemical batteries and electrochemical super-capacitors. However, the low energy density (ca. 1 J cm−3) of commercial dielectric capacitors has limited their development. Dielectric materials showing field induced reversible phase transitions have great potential to break the energy storage density bottleneck. In this work, dense AgNbO3 ceramic samples were prepared successfully using solid state methods. Ferroelectric measurements at different temperatures reveal evidence of two kinds of polar regions. One of these is stable up to 70 °C, while the other remains stable up to 170 °C. The associated transition temperatures are supported by second harmonic generation measurements on poled samples and are correlated with the occurrence of two sharp dielectric responses. The average unit cell volume is seen to increase with increasing DC field and has been interpreted in terms of increasing levels of structural disorder in the system. At a high electric field the structure becomes ferroelectric with high polarization. This field induced transition exhibits a recoverable energy density of 2.1 J cm−3, which represents one of the highest known values for lead-free bulk ceramics.

Cold Sintering Process: A Novel Technique for Low‐Temperature Ceramic Processing of Ferroelectrics

Abstract: Research on sintering of dense ceramic materials has been very active in the past decades and still keeps gaining in popularity. Although a number of new techniques have been developed, the sintering process is still performed at high temperatures. Very recently we established a novel protocol, the “Cold Sintering Process (CSP)”, to achieve dense ceramic solids at extraordinarily low temperatures of <300°C. A wide variety of chemistries and composites were successfully densified using this technique. In this article, a comprehensive CSP tutorial will be delivered by employing three classic ferroelectric materials (KH2PO4, NaNO2, and BaTiO3) as examples. Together with detailed experimental demonstrations, fundamental mechanisms, as well as the underlying physics from a thermodynamics perspective, are collaboratively outlined. Such an impactful technique opens up a new way for cost-effective and energy-saving ceramic processing. We hope that this article will provide a promising route to guide future studies on ultralow temperature ceramic sintering or ceramic materials related integration.

Lead-free AgNbO3 anti-ferroelectric ceramics with an enhanced energy storage performance using MnO2 modification

Abstract: Dielectric ceramic materials have been actively studied for advanced pulsed power capacitor applications. Despite the good properties obtained in lead-based ceramics, lead-free counterparts are highly desired due to environmental regulations. This study revealed the potential of AgNbO3 to be a promising lead-free ceramic for energy storage applications. AgNbO3 ceramics fabricated using a conventional solid-state reaction method under an O2 atmosphere show a characteristic anti-ferroelectric (AFE) double hysteresis loop at an electric field of >130 kV cm−1, with a peak recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) of 1.6 J cm−3 at 140 kV cm−1. In addition, the incorporation of MnO2 into AgNbO3 can further increase Wrec, exceeding 2.3 J cm−3 at 150 kV cm−1 by the reduction of the remnant polarization, which is due to the enhanced AFE stability induced by the addition of MnO2. Of particular importance is that the 0.1 wt% MnO2-doped AgNbO3 ceramics were found to possess a good thermal stability with Wrec = 2.5–2.9 J cm−3 over a temperature range of 20–180 °C at 150 kV cm−1 and 1 Hz.

Low temperature co-fired ceramics with ultra-low sintering temperature: A review

Abstract: The recent rapid advances in wireless telecommunication, Internet of Things, the Tactile Internet (5th generation wireless systems), the Industrial Internet, electronic warfare, satellite broadcasting, and intelligent transport systems demand low loss dielectric materials with ultra-low sintering temperatures with modern component fabrication techniques. Properties of microwave ceramics depend on several parameters including their composition, the purity of starting materials, processing conditions, and their ultimate densification/porosity. The preparation, characterization and properties of important materials families such as glass ceramics and molybdates, tellurates, tungstates and vanadates, in combination with Bi, K, Na, Ag, Li, Ba, Ca, etc. with ultra-low sintering temperatures are discussed. In this review the data for all reported low-loss microwave dielectric ceramic materials with ultra-low sintering temperatures are collected and tabulated. The table of these materials gives the relative permittivity, quality factor (tan δ ), temperature variation of the resonant frequency, crystal structure, sintering temperature, measurement frequency and references. The data arranged in the order of increasing relative permittivity will be very useful for scientists, industrialists, engineers and students working on current and emerging applications of microelectronics.

Hierarchical graphene/SiC nanowire networks in polymer-derived ceramics with enhanced electromagnetic wave absorbing capability

Abstract: A high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbing composite based on graphene and polysiloxane-derived SiOC ceramic is realized via the polymer pyrolysis process. Hierarchical architecture consisting of two-dimensional graphene and one-dimensional SiC nanowire in ceramic matrix is achieved owing to the heterogeneous nucleation of SiC nanowires promoted by graphene at lower temperature. The dielectric and microwave absorption properties of the composites were studied at 293–673 K. When graphene oxide loading is 3 wt%, the composite attains a minimum reflection loss value of −69.3 dB at 10.55 GHz with a thickness of 2.35 mm. With the increase of temperature, the composite exhibits better absorbing performance that the effective absorption bandwidth reaches 3.9 GHz at 673 K. The hierarchical networks with graphene/SiC nanowires achieved in SiOC matrix provide a feasible process for the realization of efficient electromagnetic wave absorption in ceramic-based composites at high temperature.

Actuating Soft Matter with Magnetic Torque

Abstract: Here, recent significant developments are reviewed in manipulating soft matter systems through the use of magnetic torque. Magnetic torque enables the orientation, assembly, and manipulation of thermally fluctuating systems in broad material fields including biomaterials, ceramic and composite precursor suspensions, polymer solutions, fluids, foams, and gels. Magnetism offers an effective, safe, and massively parallel manufacturing approach. By exploiting magnetic torque, leading soft matter researchers have demonstrated new technologies in rheology, life sciences, optics, and structural materials. Specifically, magnetic torque has been used to assemble particle suspensions, to fabricate and actuate composite materials, and to control and manipulate biological materials. In each of these applications, there are energetic limitations to magnetic torque that need to be understood and characterized. However, magnetic torque offers a promising remote-controlled approach to creating and enabling new soft matter technologies.

Al2O3–YAG:Ce composite phosphor ceramic: a thermally robust and efficient color converter for solid state laser lighting

Abstract: Solid state laser lighting is a newly emerging technology that combines a blue laser diode (LD) with a yellow-emitting phosphor converter to generate high-brightness white light. Due to high flux irradiation as well as thermal attack from the incident laser, this technology draws a demanding requirement on the thermal performance of the color converter. In this work, we design a Al2O3–YAG:Ce phosphor ceramic with a unique composite structure, where yellow-emitting YAG:Ce particles are embedded in a non-luminescent Al2O3 matrix having high thermal conductivity. The large YAG:Ce particles (5–20 μm) show good crystallinity and a high external quantum efficiency of 76% (upon 460 nm excitation) while the fine Al2O3 grains (0.5–2 μm) contribute to the superior in-line transmittance of 55% at 800 nm by minimizing the birefringence related scattering. The phosphor ceramic exhibits a high thermal conductivity of 18.5 W m−1 K−1 and a remarkable improvement in thermal stability (only an 8% reduction at 200 °C). When irradiated under 445 nm blue laser diodes, the phosphor ceramic shows no luminescence saturation even under a high power density of 50 W mm−2, validating its suitability for high-power solid state laser lighting.

Cold Sintering Process of Composites: Bridging the Processing Temperature Gap of Ceramic and Polymer Materials

Abstract: Co-sintering ceramic and thermoplastic polymer composites in a single step with very high volume fractions of ceramics seems unlikely, given the vast differences in the typical sintering temperatures of ceramics versus polymers. These processing limitations are overcome with the introduction of a new sintering approach, namely “cold sintering process” (CSP). CSP utilizes a transient low temperature solvent, such as water or water with dissolved solutes in stoichiometric ratios consistent with the ceramic composition, to control the dissolution and precipitation of ceramics and effect densification between room temperature and ≈200 °C. Under these conditions, thermoplastic polymers and ceramic materials can be jointly formed into dense composites. Three diphasic composite examples are demonstrated to show the overall diversity of composite material design between organic and inorganic oxides, including the microwave dielectric Li2MoO4–(C2F4 ) n , electrolyte Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3–(CH2CF2 ) x [CF2CF(CF3)] y , and semiconductor V2O5–poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate composites. Cold sintering is more general and shall have a major impact on the processing of composite materials for many different applications, mechanical, thermal, and electronic, to mention a few possibilities. CSP concepts open up new composite material design and device integration schemes, impacting a wide variety of applications.

Waste immobilization in glass and ceramic based hosts

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