Microstructural characterization of Mg–Al–Sr alloys

The microstructural details of fourteen Mg–Al–Sr alloys were investigated in the as-cast form by a combination of scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS) analysis and quantitative electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The heat transfer method coupled with the DSC measurement has been utilized to determine the solidification curves of the alloys. The morphology and the chemical composition of the phases were characterized. The microstructure of the alloys is primarily dominated by (Mg) and (Al₄Sr). In the present investigation, ternary solid solubility of three binary compounds extended into the ternary system has been reported and denoted as: (Al₄Sr), (Mg₁₇Sr₂) and (Mg₃₈Sr₉). The (Al₄Sr) phase is a substitutional solid solution represented by Mg_xAl_4–xSr and has a plate-like structure. The maximum solubility of Al in Mg₁₇Sr₂ was found to be 21.3 at%. It was also observed that Mg₃₈Sr₉ dissolved 12.5 at% Al.     

Experimental study of the crystal structure of the Mg15 − xZnxSr3 ternary solid solution in the Mg–Zn–Sr system at 300 °C

A new ternary compound, Mg_15 − xZn_xSr₃ with extensive solid solubility in the Mg–Zn–Sr system was observed and studied using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), scanning electron microscopy SEM, and X-ray techniques. The solid solubility limits of this compound were found to be Mg_15 − xZn_xSr₃ (0.24 ≤ x ≤ 10.58, at.%) at 300 °C using a diffusion couple and several equilibrated alloys. Analysis of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns was carried out by Rietveld method. XRD data has shown that this solid solution crystallizes in the hexagonal P6₃/mmc (194) space group with the Ni₁₁Si₄Sc₃ prototype. The lattice parameters decrease linearly with decreasing Mg content indicating substitutional solid solubility. The fractional atomic occupancy of the 6h, 6g, 4f, 2b and 12k sites of this compound are function of Mg content.     

An investigation of second phases in as-cast AZ31 magnesium alloys with different Sr contents

Second phases in the AZ31 as-cast magnesium alloys with different Sr contents (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 wt%) were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that the Mg₂₁(Zn, Al)₁₇ phase with small amount was formed in the AZ31 as-cast alloy without Sr addition, in addition to the Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase. At the same time, the alloy with the addition of 0.1 wt% Sr mainly consisted of the α-Mg, Mg₁₇Al₁₂, Mg₂₁(Zn, Al)₁₇, and Al₄Sr phases. In addition, the α-Mg, Mg₂₁(Zn, Al)₁₇ and Al₄Sr phases were found to be the main second phases for the alloy with the addition of 0.5 wt% Sr. However, only the α-Mg, Al₄Sr and (Mg, Al)₁₇Sr₂ phases were mainly formed in the AZ31 alloy with the addition of 1.0 wt% Sr. As for the alloys with the additions of 2 and 5 wt% Sr, their as-cast microstructures were mainly composed of the α-Mg and (Mg, Al)₁₇Sr₂ phases.     

Composition range and hydrogen-induced decomposition of Ca4Al3Mg

The effect of composition on the structural stability of Ca₄Al₃Mg has been studied. It was found that the Ca₄Al₃Mg structure stabilizes in a narrow composition range. In the Ca₄Al_4−xMg_x alloys, the single Ca₄Al₃Mg phase exists in an approximate composition range from x = 0.8 to 1.2. Further decreasing x to 0.5, the alloy contains two phases Ca₄Al₃Mg and Ca₁₃Al₁₄. Increasing x to 1.5, however, the alloy consists of Ca₄Al₃Mg, CaMg₂ and Ca. The effect of temperature on the structural stability of Ca₄Al₃Mg under hydrogen atmosphere has also been investigated. The ternary compound Ca₄Al₃Mg can react with hydrogen to form CaH₂ and Al starting at about 373 K. The Mg atoms dissolve in CaH₂ and Al after the hydrogen-induced decomposition of Ca₄Al₃Mg.     

Theoretical studies of surface phonon polariton in wurtzite AlInN ternary alloy

In this study, we report the surface phonon polariton (SPP) characteristics of wurtzite structure aluminium indium nitride (Al_xIn_1 − xN) ternary alloys over the whole Al composition range. An anisotropic model is used to simulate the surface polariton (SP) dispersion curves of the Al_xIn_1 − xN ternary alloys. The characteristics of these dispersion curves are discussed in detail and the effects of the composition dependence of the Al_xIn_1 − xN on the SPs are illustrated and explained. Moreover, the relevant experimental information from the attenuated total reflection (ATR) method is also presented, namely, the corresponding ATR spectra are simulated based on the standard matrix formulation. Through this study, it has been found that the SPP mode of the wurtzite Al_xIn_1 − xN exhibits mixed-mode behaviour.     

An investigation on the reaction mechanism of LiAlH4–MgH2 hydrogen storage system

The mechanism and hydrogen absorption/desorption properties of LiAlH₄ + xMgH₂ (where x = 1, 2.5, and 4) composites have been investigated. With the combination of MgH₂ and LiAlH₄ by mechanical grinding, initial decomposition temperatures of the mixtures can be reduced by about 50 °C. Mechanical grinding treatment makes MgH₂ react with LiAlH₄ to release a certain amount of hydrogen. The final resultants of the composites after thermal decomposition contain Al₁₂Mg₁₇. Intermetallic Al₁₂Mg₁₇ hydrogenated into Al₂Mg₃, MgH₂ and Al firstly, intermediate Al₂Mg₃ then transforms into MgH₂ and Al in the subsequent hydriding process. Hydrogenation of intermediate Al₂Mg₃ is supposed to occur synchronously to that of Al₁₂Mg₁₇, therefore demarcation of the two hydrogenation processes is ambiguous. Al₁₂Mg₁₇ can be totally recovered by complete dehydriding. Formation of Al₁₂Mg₁₇ alters the reaction pathway of LiAlH₄ + xMgH₂ (where x = 1, 2.5, and 4) systems and improves their thermodynamic properties. The dehydrogenation process of LiAlH₄ + xMgH₂ (x = 1, 2.5, and 4) composites contain two stages, their maximum desorption capacity reaches 7.46 wt.%.     

The formation of Sr6.33Mg16.67Si13 in magnesium alloy AM50 and its effect on mechanical properties

The increasing use of magnesium castings for automotive components and the number of newly developed alloys raise the question of suitable recycling processes. Remelting offers a high potential of energy saving and thereby improves the live cycle balance of magnesium components. Effective recycling processes are likely to involve the mixing of different alloys but little is known about the interaction of alloying elements. In order to approach this issue, the influence of strontium, silicon and calcium on phase formation and mechanical properties of magnesium alloy AM50 has been investigated. After strontium addition, X-ray diffraction demonstrated the formation of the Al₄Sr and the Mg₁₇Sr₂ phases. However, after simultaneous alloying with strontium, silicon and calcium the ternary Zintl phase Sr_6.33Mg_16.67Si₁₃ was detected. This phase forms preferably instead of Al₄Sr, Mg₁₇Sr₂ and Mg₂Si. Compared to the two strontium-containing phases, precipitates of the ternary Zintl phase exhibit a rather compact morphology. This results in a higher elongation-at-fracture under tensile stress.     

Extended solid solubility in ball-milled Al-Mg alloys

Mixtures of elemental aluminium and magnesium powders corresponding to Al₇₀Mg₃₀ and Al₅₀Mg₅₀ compositions have been mechanically alloyed. After milling, an extended solid solubility of magnesium in aluminium upto 18 at% in the case of Al₇₀Mg₃₀ and 45 at% for Al₅₀Mg₅₀ was observed. These materials typically nanostructural (grain size 2–10 nm) transform into equilibrium structure upon heating. The stability of these materials was investigated using thermal analysis.     

Role of aluminium addition on structure of Fe substituted Fe73·5 − x Si13·5B9Nb3Cu1Al x alloy ribbons

The investigation has dealt with the structure and magnetic properties of rapidly solidified and annealed Fe_73·5???x Si_13·5B₉Nb₃Cu₁Al _x (x?=?0, 2, 4, 6 at%) ribbons prepared by melt spinning. Complete amorphous structure was obtained in as-spun ribbons of x?=?0 and 2 at% compositions, whereas structure of ribbons containing higher Al was found to be partially crystalline. Detailed thermal analyses of the alloys and the melt spun ribbons revealed that the glass forming ability in the form of ${{ \textit{T}}}_{\mathbf{x}}{/}{{ \textit{T}}}_{\mathbf{l}}$ (ratio between crystallization and liquidus temperature) is the highest for 2 at% Al alloys and decreases with further addition of Al. Annealing of all as spun ribbons resulted in the precipitation of nanocrystalline phase embedded in amorphous matrix in the form of either ${ \textit{DO}}_{{ 3}}$ phase or bcc ${\upalpha}$ -Fe(Si/Al) solid solution depending on the initial composition of the alloy. Only bcc ${\upalpha}$ -Fe(Si/Al) solid solution was formed in 2 at% Al ribbons whereas ordered DO₃ structure was found to be stabilized in other ribbons including 0 at% Al. A detailed study on determination of precision lattice parameter of nanocrystalline phase revealed that the lattice parameter increases with the addition of Al indicating the partitioning behaviour of Al in nanocrystalline phase.     

Sol-gel composition of multicomponent hybrid precursors to long afterglow of CaxSr1 − xAl2O4: Eu phosphors

Ca_xSr_1 − xAl₂O₄: Eu²⁺ photoluminescent materials with high brightness and long afterglow were in situ synthesized by hybrid precursor assembly sol-gel technology in a reductive atmosphere. The particle size of luminescent materials is in the range of 30-60 nm by the estimation of XRD. And SEM shows that there exists uniform morphology and microstructure owing to the hybrid precursors. The influence of co-doping Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺ on the luminescence of the phosphor was studied. Their excitation and emission spectra were very similar to that of SrAl₂O₄: Eu²⁺ phosphors and all of them have long afterglow phenomenon. Changing the co-doping concentrations of Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺ in Ca_xSr_1 − xAl₂O₄: Eu²⁺ phosphors, the luminescent intensities are different. When the proportion of Ca and Sr is 6 to 4, the phosphor reaches the strongest emitting intensity.     

Wetting of grain boundaries in Al by the solid Al<Subscript>3</Subscript>Mg<Subscript>2</Subscript> phase

The microstructure of binary Al_100−x –Mg _x (x = 10, 15, 18 and 25 wt%) alloys after long anneals (600–4000 h) was studied between 210 and 440 °C. The transition from incomplete to complete wetting of Al/Al grain boundaries (GBs) by the second solid phase Al₃Mg₂ has been observed. The portion of completely wetted GBs increases with increasing temperature beginning from T _wsmin = 220 °C. Above T _wsmax = 410 °C all Al/Al GBs are completely wetted by the Al₃Mg₂ phase.     

Luminescent properties of Eu-activated (Sr1−z, Caz)(Al1−y, By)2O4 phosphors for UV LEDs

A series of (Sr_1−z, Ca_z)(Al_1−y, B_y)₂O₄:xEu²⁺ phosphors were synthesized by the sol–gel process and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra. The experiment results revealed that the highest intensity of Sr(Al_1.98, B_0.02)O₄:Eu²⁺ phosphor with pure monoclinic SrAl₂O₄ was achieved by annealing at the temperature of 1200 °C and the Eu²⁺ content of 8 mol%. However, when the post-treatment temperature for Sr(Al_1.98, B_0.02)O₄: Eu²⁺ was over 1200 °C, the Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅ phase appeared as a minor phase, inducing small blue-shift in the emission peak (520–509 nm). Doping higher content of B³⁺ (y = 0.02–0.40) into SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ at 1200 °C resulted in the transformation of phase from SrAl₂O₄ to Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅ as well as to SrB₂Al₂O₇, which made the emission intensity enhance and the emission shift to a much shorter wavelength region (λ_p = 467 nm). It was found that, instead of purely using Sr atoms, Ca atoms with content of 20–40% could induce the crystal structure of (Sr_1−z, Ca_z)(Al_1−y, B_y)₂O₄:xEu²⁺, which led to SrAl₂O₄ from monoclinic to hexagonal phase. As a result, SrAl₂O₄ solid solution was obtained and then SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ to emit 518 nm green light. At higher Ca content (z > 40%), a new CaAl₂O₄ solid solution was formed and a blue emission of CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ was obtained.     

Microwave dielectric properties of MgAl2O4–CoAl2O4 spinel compounds prepared by reaction-sintering process

MgAl₂O₄ spinel exhibits fascinating microwave dielectric properties, but the synthesis of dense MgAl₂O₄ ceramics requires high firing temperatures. In this study, Co is introduced into MgAl₂O₄ ceramics to improve their sinterability and microwave dielectric properties. An Mg_1−xCo_xAl₂O₄ solid solution of a spinel structure was observed in the MgAl₂O₄–CoAl₂O₄ system, and dense Mg_1−xCo_xAl₂O₄ ceramics were obtained by sintering at 1475–1500 °C in air for 2–6 h. Co addition is effective in lowering the sintering temperature to 1475 °C. Q × f of Mg_1−xCo_xAl₂O₄ ceramics was increased to 49,300 GHz with an increase in Co content to 0.2, but degraded with a further increase in Co content. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency of Mg_1−xCo_xAl₂O₄ ceramics was sustained at between −73 and −23 ppm/°C to the variation of Co content.     

TEM microstructural characterization of melt-spun aged Al–6Si–3Cu–xMg alloys

Three Al–6Si–3Cu–xMg alloys (x = 0.59, 3.80 and 6.78 wt.%) were produced using melt-spinning. As-melt-spun ribbons were aged at 150, 180 and 210 °C for times between 0.05 and 100 h. Microstructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and microhardness was measured. TEM analysis of the as-melt-spun alloys revealed 5 nm nanoparticles and larger particles (50 nm) composed of Al₂Cu (θ) for the 0.59% Mg alloy and Al₅Cu₂Mg₈Si₆ (Q) for 3.80% and 6.78% Mg alloys. Silicon solid solubility was extended to 9.0 at.% and Mg in solid solution reached 6.7 at.%. After aging treatments the 6.78% Mg alloy exhibited the most significant increase in microhardness, reaching 260 kg/mm². TEM analysis of aged specimens also showed θ and Q phase (5–20 nm nanoparticles and 35–40 nm particles). The combination of the volume fraction and size of the particles plays an important role in microhardness variation.     

Microstructure and magnetocaloric effects in partially amorphous Gd55Co15Al30−xSix alloys

In order to clarify the phase components and further improve the glass-forming ability of Gd₅₅Co₁₅Al₃₀ alloy, substitution of Al with Si was adopted. Although the X-ray powder diffraction experiment indicated an amorphous structure of the Gd₅₅Co₁₅Al_30−xSi_x (x = 1, 2, 3) alloys, precipitation of crystalline Gd₂Al phase was evident from the energy-dispersive spectroscopy, selected-area diffraction, and magnetization measurements. The magnetocaloric effect of Si substituted alloys is lower than that of Gd_52.5Co_16.5Al₃₁ alloy with a similar composition and full amorphous structure, which is ascribed to the presence of antiferromagnetic Gd₂Al phase whose magnetic entropy change is lower.     

Structural properties of GaN and related alloys grown by radio-frequency magnetron sputter epitaxy

Single-crystalline layers of GaN and related alloys such as AlGaN and InGaN were grown on Al₂O₃ (0001) substrates by radio-frequency magnetron sputter epitaxy. The crystalline structures of these layers were studied as functions of substrate temperature, N₂ composition ratio in N₂/Ar mixture source gas and gas pressure during the growth. Surface structure of GaN layer depended on Ga/N ratio in flux density, and nitrogen-rich growth condition resulted in pyramid-type facet structure whereas Ga-rich growth produced flat surface. The crystalline quality of GaN layer improved at relatively low N₂ composition ratios, and the GaN layer grown at 30% N₂ condition was transparent and colorless. Al_xGa_1−xN layers with x = 0.06-0.08 and In_xGa_1−xN layers with x = 0.45-0.5, were obtained at 30-40% and 30-50% N₂ composition ratios, respectively. The AlN and InN molar fractions in these layers were considerably different from Al and In molar fractions in starting metal alloys (x = 0.15 in both Al_xGa_1−x and In_xGa_1−x alloys).     

Experimental study of the Ca–Mg–Zn system using diffusion couples and key alloys

Nine diffusion couples and 32 key samples were prepared to map the phase diagram of the Ca–Mg–Zn system. Phase relations and solubility limits were determined for binary and ternary compounds using scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystal structure of the ternary compounds was studied by XRD and electron backscatter diffraction. Four ternary intermetallic (IM) compounds were identified in this system: Ca₃Mg_xZn_15−x (4.6 ⩽ x ⩽ 12 at 335 °C, IM1), Ca_14.5Mg_15.8Zn_69.7 (IM2), Ca₂Mg₅Zn₁₃ (IM3) and Ca_1.5Mg_55.3Zn_43.2 (IM4). Three binary compounds were found to have extended solid solubility into ternary systems: CaZn₁₁, CaZn₁₃ and Mg₂Ca form substitutional solid solutions where Mg substitutes for Zn atoms in the first two compounds, and Zn substitutes for both Ca and Mg atoms in Mg₂Ca. The isothermal section of the Ca–Mg–Zn phase diagram at 335 °C was constructed on the basis of the obtained experimental results. The morphologies of the diffusion couples in the Ca–Mg–Zn phase diagram at 335 °C were studied. Depending on the terminal compositions of the diffusion couples, the two-phase regions in the diffusion zone have either a tooth-like morphology or contain a matrix phase with isolated and/or dendritic precipitates.     

Larger Ba(NO3)2/Sr(NO3)2 crystal growth and solubility determination

The solubility of Ba(NO₃)₂ and Sr(NO₃)₂ crystals in aqueous solution from 25 to 65 °C has been determined by both an optical interferometer and a weight technique. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer was used for measuring the concentration distribution of Ba(NO₃)₂ and Sr(NO₃)₂ near the solid/liquid interface during crystal growth and dissolution. A fringe carrier technique was introduced to visualize more clearly the boundary layer and to solve the concentration distribution. Crystals were successfully grown with sizes larger than  mm by a temperature cooling method. The Ba_xSr_1−x(NO₃)₂ crystal was also nucleated and grown. The Raman spectra of Ba_xSr_1−x(NO₃)₂ indicate that the barium ions probably degrade the properties of Sr(NO₃)₂.     

Synthesis and crystallographic study of Pb-Sr hydroxyapatite solid solutions by high temperature mixing method under hydrothermal conditions

The solid solutions in the system of Pb and Sr hydroxyapatite, Sr_10−xPb_xHAp (x = 0-10), were successfully synthesized by high-temperature mixing method (HTMM) at 160 °C for 12 h under hydrothermal conditions. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis and electron microscopic observation, and the site of the metal ions in the solid solutions was analyzed with the Rietveld method. The lattice constants, both a and c, of the solid solutions varied linearly with Pb content. It was found that Pb ions in the solid solutions preferentially occupied the M(2) site in the apatite structure. HTMM gives Sr-Pb HAp solid solutions much better crystallization. However, due to the formation of intermediate compound of Pb₃O₂(OH)₂ in the Pb(NO₃)₂·4H₂O solution before mixing with (NH₄)₂HPO₄ solution at 160 °C, HTMM causes the decrease of crystallization of the samples with high Pb content.     

Electrochemical properties of (La1−xTix)0.67Mg0.33Ni2.75Co0.25 (x = 0-0.20, at%) hydrogen storage alloys

(La_1−xTi_x)_0.67Mg_0.33Ni_2.75Co_0.25 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20, at%) alloys are synthesized by arc-melting and subsequent heat solid-liquid diffusing techniques, and the crystalline structures and electrochemical properties of the alloys are investigated systematically. The structural analysis results show that all the alloys mainly consist of (La, Mg)Ni₃ phase with the rhombohedral PuNi₃-type structure and LaNi₅ phase with the hexagonal CaCu₅-type structure. However, when the Ti content is higher than 0.10, a little amount of TiNi₃ phase start to form. Electrochemical measurements show that the alloy electrodes could be activated to their maximum discharge capacity within four cycles, the maximum discharge capacity is around 321.9-384.6 mAh g⁻¹, both the cyclic stability and the high-rate discharge ability first increased and then decrease with increasing x. All the results show that a little amount of Ti substitution for La in AB₃-type hydrogen storage alloys is effective to the improvement of the overall electrochemical properties.