Synthesis,microstructure and properties of ternary layered i-MAX (Mo2/3M1/3)2AlC (M = Sc and Lu) ceramics fabricated by spark plasma sintering

Recently, a new i-MAX phase with in-plane chemical order has been discovered. In this study, the i-MAX phase (Mo_2/3Sc_1/3)₂AlC and (Mo_2/3Lu_1/3)₂AlC ceramics were synthesized by spark plasma sintering (SPS) with purity up to 96.45 wt% and 95.46 wt%, respectively. Relative densities were up to 98.29 % (M = Sc) and 98.23 % (M = Lu). Microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of (Mo_2/3M_1/3)₂AlC (M = Sc and Lu) ceramics were systematically investigated. Grain sizes of (Mo_2/3M_1/3)₂AlC (M = Sc and Lu) were also counted. The measured coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) were 8.95 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ (M = Sc) and 8.97 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ (M = Lu), from 25 °C to 1200 °C. Regarding mechanical properties, the Vickers hardness of (Mo_2/3Lu_1/3)₂AlC was much higher than that of (Mo_2/3Sc_1/3)₂AlC, while the differences in flexural strength, fracture toughness and compressive strength were small. It indicates that both ceramics have good application prospects.     

Crystal structure,densification, and microwave dielectric properties of Li3Mg2(Nb(1−x)Mox)O6+x/2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) ceramics

A novel system Li₃Mg₂(Nb_(1−x)Mo_x)O_6+x/2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) microwave dielectric ceramics were fabricated by the solid-state method. The charge compensation of Mo⁶⁺ ions substitution for Nb⁵⁺ ions was performed by introducing oxygen ions. The X-ray diffraction patterns and Rietveld refinements indicated Li₃Mg₂(Nb_(1−x)Mo_x)O_6+x/2 ceramics with single phase and orthorhombic structure. Micro-structure and density confirmed that the grain of Li₃Mg₂(Nb_(1-x)Mo_x)O_6+x/2 ceramics grew well. In addition, the permittivity of Li₃Mg₂(Nb_(1−x)Mo_x)O_6+x/2 ceramics with the same trend as density decreased slightly with increasing Mo⁶⁺ ions content. However, the Q*f and τ_f were obviously improved with an appropriate amount of Mo⁶⁺ ions. When x ≤ 0.04, the Q*f was closely related to the bond valence of samples, while when x ≥ 0.06, the Q*f was closely related to the density of samples. The variations of τ_f and oxygen octahedral distortion were the opposite. In conclusions, the Li₃Mg₂(Nb_0.98Mo_0.02)O_6.01 ceramic sintered at 1200°C for 6 hours exhibited outstanding properties: ε_r ~ 15.18, Q*f ~ 116 266 GHz, τ_f ~ −15.71 ppm/^oC.     

Synthesis,microstructure and property characterization of Mo4Y2Al3B6 ceramic fabricated by spark plasma sintering

Polycrystalline Mo₄Y₂Al₃B₆ ceramic (92.84 wt% Mo₄Y₂Al₃B₆ and 7.16 wt% MoB) was prepared by spark plasma sintering at 1250 ℃ under 30 MPa using Mo, Y, Al, and B as starting materials. The dense sample obtained has a high relative density of 96.6 %. The average thermal expansion coefficient is 8.38 × 10^?6 K^?1 in the range of 25–1000 ℃. The thermal diffusivity decreases from 6.50 mm²/s at 25 °C to 4.33 mm²/s at 800 °C. The heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity are 0.30 J·g^?1·K^?1, 11.73 W·m^?1·K^?1, and 0.66 × 10⁶ Ω^?1·m^?1 at 25 °C, respectively. Vickers hardness with increasing load in the range of 10–300 N at room temperature decreases from 10.82 to 9.49 GPa, and the fracture toughness, compressive strength, and flexural strength are 5.14 MPa·m^1/2, 1255.14 MPa, and 384.82 MPa, respectively, showing the promising applications as structural-functional ceramics.     

High pyroelectric performance in Pb0.99Nb0.02[(Zr0.57Sn0.43)0.94Ti0.06]0.98O3/Al2O3 composites by design

High pyroelectric performance around human body temperature is essential for ultra-sensitive infrared detectors of medical systems. Herein, toward human health monitoring, composite ceramics (1-x)Pb_0.99Nb_0.02[(Zr_0.57Sn_0.43)_0.94Ti_0.06]_0.98O₃/xAl₂O₃ (x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) were designed. A metastable ferroelectric (FE) phase was induced in the anti-FE matrix by the Al₂O₃ component-induced internal stress, and in turn FE-anti-FE phase boundary was constructed. The ceramics at x = 0.2 exhibit high pyroelectric coefficient with p = 10.9 × 10⁻⁴ C·m⁻²·K⁻¹ and figures of merit with current responsivity F_i = 6.23 × 10⁻¹⁰ m·V⁻¹, voltage responsivity F_v = 12.71 × 10⁻² m²·C⁻¹, and detectivity F_d = 7.03 × 10⁻⁵ Pa^−1/2 around human body temperature. Moreover, the enhanced pyroelectric coefficients exist in a broad operation temperature range with a large full width at half maximums of 18.5°C and peak value of 29.2 × 10⁻⁴ C·m⁻²·K⁻¹ at 48.2°C. The designed composite ceramic is a promising candidate for infrared thermal imaging technology of noncontact human health monitoring system.     

High quality factor microwave dielectric ceramics in the (Mg1/3Nb2/3)O2–ZrO2–TiO2 ternary system

Novel high quality factor microwave dielectric ceramics (1?x)ZrTiO₄?x(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)TiO₄ (0.325≤x≤0.4) and (ZrTi)_1?y(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)_yO₄ (0.2≤y≤0.5) with the addition of 0.5 wt% MnCO₃ in the (Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₂–ZrO₂–TiO₂ ternary system were prepared, using solid‐state reaction method. The relationship between the structure and microwave dielectric properties of the ceramics was studied. The XRD patterns of the sintered samples reveal the main phase belonged to α‐PbO₂‐type structure. Raman spectroscopy and infrared reflectivity (IR) spectra were employed to evaluate phonon modes of ceramics. The 0.65ZrTiO₄?0.35(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)TiO₄?0.5 wt% MnCO₃ ceramic can be well densified at 1240°C for 2 hours and exhibits good microwave dielectric properties with a relative permittivity (ε_r) of 42.5, a quality factor (Q×f) value of 43 520 GHz (at 5.9 Ghz) and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) value of ?5ppm/°C. Furthermore, the (ZrTi)_0.7(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)_0.3O₄?0.5 wt% MnCO₃ ceramic sintered at 1260°C for 2 hours possesses a ε_r of 31.8, a Q×f value of 35 640 GHz (at 6.3 GHz) and a near zero τ_f value of ?5.9 ppm/°C. The results demonstrated that the (Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₂–ZrO₂–TiO₂ ternary system with excellent properties was a promising material for microwave electronic device applications.     

A High‐Temperature Neutron Diffraction and First‐Principles Study of Ti 3 AlC 2 and Ti 3( Al 0.8 Sn 0.2) C 2

Herein, we report on the temperature‐dependent crystal structures of Ti ₃ AlC ₂ and Ti ₃ Al _0.8 Sn _0.2 C ₂ in the 373–1273 K temperature range, as determined by Rietveld analysis of high‐temperature neutron diffraction time‐of‐flight data. The compositions are 86(1) wt% Ti ₃ AlC ₂ and 14(1) wt% TiC _0.92(2) for the sample with no Sn , and 95(1) wt% Ti ₃( Al _0.8 Sn _0.2) C ₂ and 5(1) wt% Ti ₂ AlC for the solid solution with Sn . The average linear volumetric thermal expansion is 8.0(2) × 10^?6 K ^?1 for Ti ₃ AlC ₂ and 8.2(5) × 10^?6 K^?1 for Ti ₃( Al _0.8 Sn _0.2) C ₂. The average linear thermal expansion in the a and c directions, respectively, are 7.6(2) × 10^?6 K^?1 and 8.9(2) × 10^?6 K^?1 for Ti ₃ AlC ₂. For Ti ₃( Al _0.8 Sn _0.2) C ₂, the respective values are 8.0(5) × 10^?6 K^?1 and 8.6(6) × 10^?6 K^?1. In the case of the solid solution, the quadratic thermal expansion coefficients are also given. Detailed bond lengths analysis shows that the thermal expansions along the a and c directions are controlled by the thermal expansions of the Ti – C , and Ti – Al bond lengths, respectively. The atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) show that the Al and Sn atoms vibrate with a higher amplitude than the Ti and C atoms. Consistent with first‐principles calculations, the ADPs of the Al/Sn site(s) in Ti ₃( Al _0.8 Sn _0.2) C₂ are lower than the ADPs of Al in Ti ₃ AlC ₂.     

Multi-component strategy for remarkable suppression of thermal conductivity in strontium diyttrium oxide: The case of high-entropy Sr(Y0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Dy0.2Yb0.2)2O4 ceramic

Anti-spinel oxide SrY₂O₄ has attracted extensive attention as a promising host lattice due to its outstanding high-temperature structural stability and large thermal expansion coefficient (TEC). However, the overhigh thermal conductivity limits its application in the field of thermal barrier coatings. To address this issue, a novel high-entropy Sr(Y_0.2Sm_0.2Gd_0.2Dy_0.2Yb_0.2)₂O₄ ceramic was designed and synthesized for the first time via the solid-state method. It is found that the thermal conductivity of Sr(Y_0.2Sm_0.2Gd_0.2Dy_0.2Yb_0.2)₂O₄ is reduced to 1.61 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, 53 % lower than that of SrY₂O₄ (3.44 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹) at 1500 °C. Furthermore, reasonable TEC (11.53 ×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹, 25 °C ∼ 1500 °C), excellent phase stability, and improved fracture toughness (1.92 ± 0.04 MPa·m^1/2) remained for the high-entropy Sr(Y_0.2Sm_0.2Gd_0.2Dy_0.2Yb_0.2)₂O₄ ceramic, making it a promising material for next-generation thermal barrier coatings.     

Lattice dynamics of yttria: A combined investigation from spectrum measurements and first-principle calculations

C-type Y₂O₃ ceramics (relative density ~94%) were prepared at 1500 °C for 2 hours with 1% wt. ZnO as sintering aid. The cell parameters of Y₂O₃ from Rietveld refinements are a = 10.6113(1) Å, V = 1194.8(1) ų. The vibrational modes / lattice dynamics of Y₂O₃ were investigated using vibrational spectra (Raman and infrared reflection spectra) and first-principle (DFT) calculations. Eight of the 22 predicted first-order Raman modes and 12 of 16 predicted IR modes are observed and reliably assigned. For the observed vibrational modes, an excellent linearity (f_exp = 1.023f_theo, R² = 0.9999) between frequency from calculations (f_theo) and that from measurements (f_exp) is observed. Accordingly, the corrected frequency (f_cor) of vibrational modes, phonon band structure, and density of phonon states (DOPS) of Y₂O₃ are presented, in which, the frequency of phonons of Y₂O₃ is ≤625.2 cm⁻¹ (wavelength ≥16.0 μm) with a gap of 30.6 cm⁻¹ from 486.0 to 516.6 cm⁻¹ (wavelength 20.6 - 19.4 μm) at room temperature. The modes with f_theo ≥292.5 cm⁻¹ (f_cor ≥299.2 cm⁻¹) are dominated by the vibrations of O²⁻ (light atom vibrations) and the vibrational modes with f_theo ≤239.0 cm⁻¹ (f_cor ≤244.5 cm⁻¹) are dominated by the vibrations of both Y³⁺ and O²⁻ (co-vibrations). The three modes T_u⁽⁷⁾ at 301.6 cm⁻¹, T_u⁽¹⁰⁾ at 333.7 cm⁻¹, and T_u⁽¹²⁾ at 369.7 cm⁻¹ of Y-O stretch vibrations dominate the phonon dielectric constant and dielectric loss of Y₂O₃ with more than 85% contributions.     

Effects of SmF3 addition on aluminum nitride ceramics via pressureless sintering

Aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics with dense structure, high thermal conductivity, and exceptional mechanical properties were fabricated by pressureless sintering with a novel non-oxide sintering additive, samarium fluoride (SmF₃). The results showed that the use of a moderate amount of SmF₃ promoted significant densification of AlN and removed the oxygen impurity. This led to the formation of fine and isolated secondary phase that cleaned the grain boundaries and increased the contact between AlN grains, remarkably enhancing thermal conductivity. Furthermore, SmF₃ also exhibited grain refinement and grain boundary strengthening effects similar to traditional sintering additive, samarium oxide (Sm₂O₃), leading to high mechanical properties in SmF₃-doped AlN samples. The most optimal characteristics (thermal conductivity of 190.67 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, flexural strength of 403.86 ± 18.27 MPa, and fracture toughness of 3.71 ± 0.19 MPa·m^1/2) were achieved in the AlN ceramic with 5 wt% SmF₃.     

Structural and Thermo‐Mechanical Properties of Nd: Y2O3 Transparent Ceramics

Various content of neodymia Nd: Y₂O₃ (Nd: 0.5–5.0 at.%) transparent ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering. The prepared Nd: Y₂O₃ ceramics exhibit high transmittance (~80%) at the wavelength of 1100 nm. It is found that the increase in Nd concentration enhances the grain size growth, while decreases the phonon energy, which is benefit for improving both the luminescence quantum and up‐conversion efficiency. The thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient of the transparent 1.0 at.% Nd: Y₂O₃ ceramic is 5.51 W·(m·K)^?1 and 8.11 × 10^?6 K^?1, respectively. The hardness and the fracture toughness of the transparent ceramic is 9.18 GPa and 1.03 Mpa·m^1/2, respectively. The results indicate that the Nd: Y₂O₃ transparent ceramic is a potential candidate material for laser.     

Enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction catalyzed by carbon-rich Mo4.8Si3C0.6/C/SiC nanocomposites via a PDC approach

In this study, mesoporous carbon-rich Mo_4.8Si₃C_0.6/C/SiC ceramic nanocomposites were successfully prepared via a single-source precursor route, starting from allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS, SMP-10), bis(acetylacetonato) dioxomolybdenum (VI) [MoO₂(acac)₂], and divinylbenzene (DVB). Besides, polystyrene (PS) was used as a pore former. The obtained carbon-rich single-source precursor/PS mixtures were pyrolyzed at 1100°C, and then annealed at 1350°C-1600°C to fabricate a series of carbon-rich Mo_4.8Si₃C_0.6/C/SiC ceramics comprised of high carbon content above 50 wt%. In comparison to the carbon-poor materials, the carbon-rich samples retain the higher specific surface area up to 214.6-304 m²/g at higher annealing temperatures (1350°C-1600°C) due to the enhancement of carbothermal reaction. The carbon-rich samples synthesized at 1500°C, denoted as SM/Mo/PS/DVB 2-1-4-2 1500 exhibit enhanced electrocatalytic performance with ultra-low overpotentials of 119 mV vs reversible hydrogen electrode at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² in acidic media, which is superior to that of the Mo_4.8Si₃C_0.6/C/SiC ceramic (138 mV) with lower carbon content reported in our previous study. Therefore, our porous materials comprised of high carbon content and Nowotny phase (Mo_4.8Si₃C_0.6, NP) are considered as promising catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).     

Large electrocaloric responses in [Bi1/2(Na,K)1/2]TiO3‐based ceramics with giant electro‐strains

The electrocaloric effect (ECE) is investigated through indirect measurement in two lead‐free [Bi_1/2(Na,K)_1/2]TiO₃‐based ceramics that were previously reported to display giant electro‐strains. In the Nb‐doped ceramic, denoted as BNKT‐2.5Nb, a decent temperature change of ΔT=1.85 K and an electrocaloric responsivity of ΔT/ΔE=0.37 (10^?6Km V^?1) are found around room temperature (32°C). While in the Ta‐doped ceramic, BNKT‐1.5Ta, a wide operation temperature range (T_span ~55 K) is observed near room temperature. Additional electrical measurements, as well as transmission electron microscopy experiments, are performed to identify the mechanisms of the ECE in both ceramics.     

Solidification of glass-ceramics of simulated fission products RE3+, Sr2+, Ba2+ in chlorine-containing waste molten salt

Embedding nuclear waste in glass-ceramic and immobilizing nuclides in ceramic lattice is an effective way for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste. In this paper, a method of solidification of simulated various nuclides was proposed, i.e., RE³⁺(RE = La, Sm, Nd, Dy), Sr²⁺ and Ba²⁺ precipitated from waste molten salt in the form of REPO₄, SrCO₃ and BaCO₃ were solidified in glass-ceramics. To avoid the decomposition of SrCO₃ and BaCO₃ at high temperature, SrCO₃/BaCO₃ containing Cl⁻ salt was further sintered with NH₄H₂PO₄ to form Sr₅(PO₄)₃Cl/Ba₅(PO₄)₃Cl ceramics. It was found that the prepared REPO₄ belonged to monoclinic or tetragonal crystal system, while Sr₅(PO₄)₃Cl and Ba₅(PO₄)₃Cl belonged to hexagonal crystal system. REPO₄, Sr₅(PO₄)₃Cl and Ba₅(PO₄)₃Cl ceramics were co-solidified in iron phosphate glass. BET results showed that the ceramics had a dense structure without any pore inside. XRD, TEM and HRTEM results showed all ceramics had high crystallinity, and nuclides could enter the lattice structure of ceramics through isomorphic replacement, which made the nuclides stable in the crystal structure. The effects of embedding rate on the volume density, Vickers hardness and wettability of glass-ceramics were explored. It was found that the density of the glass-ceramics gradually increased with the increase of ceramic embedding rate, however, the Vickers hardness firstly increased and then decreased. When the embedding rate reached 20 wt%, the Vickers hardness of the glass-ceramics could reach 583.90 GPa. The water contact angles of glass-ceramics with an embedding rate 0–40 wt% were measured to be 70.45°–84.05°, indicating glass-ceramics having a good water leaching resistance. Furthermore, the normalized leaching rate NR_i of La³⁺, Sm³⁺, Nd³⁺, Dy³⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cl⁻ on the 28th day were estimated to be 7.53 × 10⁻⁷, 5.02 × 10⁻⁷, 5.12 × 10⁻⁷, 4.04 × 10⁻⁷, 1.22 × 10⁻³, 1.59 × 10⁻⁴, 1.07 × 10⁻⁴ g‧m⁻²‧d⁻¹, which indicating that all elements remained good leaching resistance.     

Achieving single domain in rhombohedral and tetragonal Mn-doped Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)-PbTiO3 crystals for infrared detecting applications

The [111]-oriented rhombohedral Mn-doped 0.15Pb(In_1/2Nb_1/2)-0.55Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-0.30PbTiO₃ (Mn:PIMNT(15/55/30)) crystal and the [001]-oriented tetragonal Mn-doped 0.29Pb(In_1/2Nb_1/2)-0.29Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-0.42PbTiO₃ (Mn:PIMNT(29/29/42)) crystal were poled under different conditions. The pyroelectric performance of the two crystals as a function of poling temperature, as well as the relationship with ferroelectric domain configuration and phase structure was investigated systematically. The pyroelectric properties of the two crystals enhance with rising the poling temperature, which can be attributed to the improvement of the single state. And for the rhombohedral Mn:PIMNT(15/55/30) crystal locating near morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), the increase of tetragonal phase induces the deterioration of pyroelectric properties. Due to more residual tetragonal phase, the pyroelectric coefficient of the Mn:PIMNT(15/55/30) crystal poled at 150°C is lower than that poled at 100°C. In general, both the crystals poled above T_C achieve nearly single state, exhibiting the best pyroelectric properties with relatively high Curie temperature (T_C), where P = 9.71 × 10⁻⁴ C m⁻² K⁻¹, F_i = 3.88 × 10⁻¹⁰ m V⁻¹, F_v = 0.068 m² C⁻¹ and F_d = 29.7 × 10⁻⁵ Pa^−1/2 for the rhombohedral Mn:PIMNT(15/55/30) crystal (T_C = 171°C) and P = 6.78 × 10⁻⁴ C m⁻² K⁻¹, F_i = 2.71 ×10⁻¹⁰ mV⁻¹, F_v = 0.1 m² C⁻¹, F_d = 23.54 × 10⁻⁵ Pa^−1/2 for the tetragonal Mn:PIMNT(29/29/42) single crystal (T_C = 251°C), meeting the stable operation of infrared detector at relatively high environmental temperatures.     

Effects of adding B2O3 on microwave dielectric properties of 0.9625MgTiO3-0.0375(Ca0.5Sr0.5)TiO3 composite ceramics

A series of 0.9625MgTiO₃-0.0375(Ca_0.5Sr_0.5)TiO₃ composite ceramics added with different amounts of B₂O₃ (1-5 wt%) were prepared via the solid state sintering method using the pre-synthesized raw MgTiO₃ and (Ca_0.5Sr_0.5)TiO₃ powders by molten-salt reaction. The sintering temperature of 0.9625MgTiO₃-0.0375(Ca_0.5Sr_0.5)TiO₃ composite ceramics can be reduced from 1275°C to 1175°C due to the liquid phase sintering effect of B₂O₃. When the adding amount of B₂O₃ was more than 2 wt%, a new phase MgTi₂O₅ could be detected by X-ray diffraction, which would substantially degrade the dielectric properties of the obtained ceramics. Resultantly, the quality factor (Q·f) and dielectric constant (ε_r) of the samples increase first and decrease later with increasing addition amount of B₂O₃. In addition, the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) progressively increases with increasing content of B₂O₃. By sintering at 1175°C for 4 hours, the obtained 0.9625MgTiO₃-0.0375Ca_0.5Sr_0.5TiO₃ composite ceramics with 2 wt% B₂O₃ possess the optimal microwave dielectric properties of ε_r = 18.9, Q·f = 57 000 GHz and τ_f = −1.2 ppm/°C.     

The improving thick film properties of Er2O3 doping fcc-ZrO2 type solid electrolyte for SOFC applications

In this study, the binary system of (ZrO₂)_1-x(Er₂O₃)_x was investigated in the doping range of x; 0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.12 by the Pechini method. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement results, Er₂O₃ doping face-centered cubic (fcc) ZrO₂-based solid solution was stabilized in the doping range of 0.08 ≤ x ≤ 0.12 at 1200°C for 12 hours. Thick films of fcc-ZrO₂ type powders were produced using ethyl cellulose organic binder mixture and spin-coating method. The crystallographic, microstructural, and electrical conductivity properties of the thick films were characterized via XRD, SEM, and a.c. impedance measurements, respectively. 8-ESZ ((ZrO₂)_1-x(Er₂O₃)_x, x = 0.08) thick film electrolyte showed the highest electrical conduction level which is 2.51 × 10⁻² ohm⁻¹ cm⁻¹ at 850°C under 150 mL min⁻¹ O₂ volumetric flow rate. All thick film properties of fcc-ESZ materials were optimized and improved experimentally for using as a solid electrolyte component in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems. A pre-treatment of 8-ESZ and the cathode-supported type electrochemical cell were primarily fabricated. The power density measurements of 40-LNF (LaNi_1-xFe_xO₃, x = 0.4) Cathode|Cathode Active (50:50 wt % 40-LNF:8-ESZ)| 8-ESZ Electrolyte|Anode Active (60:40 wt % NiO:8-ESZ)|NiO Anode Electrode cell stack suggest that the produced electrolytes had the usefully properties for SOFC applications.     

Synthesis and thermophysical properties of ATa2O6 (A = Co,Ni, Mg,Ca) tantalates with robust CMAS resistance

A new family of ceramic environmental/thermal barrier coating (E/TBC) materials, that is, ATa₂O₆ (A = Co, Ni, Mg, Ca), for high-temperature applications, are investigated and reported in this study. We focus on the synthesis and features of crystal structures, and on the mechanical and high-temperature properties. ATa₂O₆ oxides have an extraordinary phase stability (up to 1300°C), and their thermal expansion coefficients (6.2–7.3 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹) match those of SiC fiber-enhanced SiC ceramic matrix composites (3–7 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹). Their low thermal conductivities (min: 1.15 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹) root in the slow phonon spreading speed and fierce phonon-phonon scattering process, and they will provide exceptional thermal insulation. Moreover, their hardness (5.6–8.8 GPa), toughness (1.4–1.9 MPa·m^1/2), and moduli (100–210 GPa) have good comparability with current E/TBCs. We propose the 33CaO-9MgO-13AlO_1.5-45SiO₂ (CMAS) corrosion mechanisms of ATa₂O₆ ceramics, and their robust CMAS resistance relies on the phase stability of CaTa₂O₆ oxides. The excellent high-temperature properties ensure that ATa₂O₆ can be used as E/TBCs to provide thermal insulation and CMAS corrosion protection.     

Resistance of 2ZrO2·Y2O3 top coat in thermal/environmental barrier coatings to calcia‐magnesia‐aluminosilicate attack at 1500°C

Internally cooled, hollow SiC‐based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) components that may replace metallic components in the hot section of future high‐efficiency gas‐turbine engines will require multilayered thermal/environmental barrier coatings (T/EBCs) for insulation and protection. In the T/EBC system, the thermally insulating outermost (top coat) ceramic layer must also provide resistance to attack by molten calcia‐magnesia‐aluminosilicate (CMAS) deposits. The interactions between a potential candidate for top coat made of air‐plasma‐sprayed (APS) 2ZrO₂·Y₂O₃ solid‐solution (ss) ceramic and two different CMASs (sand and fly ash) are investigated at a relevant high temperature of 1500°C. APS 2ZrO₂·Y₂O₃(ss) top coat was found to resist CMAS penetration at 1500°C for 24 hours via reaction products that block CMAS penetration pathways. In situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies have identified the main reaction product to be an Ca‐Y‐Si apatite, and have helped elucidate the proposed mechanism for CMAS attack mitigation. Ex situ electron microscopy and analytical spectroscopy studies have identified the advantageous characteristics of the reaction products in helping the CMAS attack mitigation in the APS 2ZrO₂·Y₂O₃(ss) coating at 1500°C. Finally, the Y³⁺ solubility limit and transport behavior are identified as potential comparative tools for assessing the CMAS resistance ability of top‐coat ceramics.     

Hardness and toughness improvement of SiC-based ceramics with the addition of (Hf0.2Mo0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)B2

The influences of different contents ranging 0–15 wt% of high-entropy boride (HEB) (Hf_0.2Mo_0.2Ta_0.2Nb_0.2Ti_0.2)B₂ on the mechanical properties of SiC-based ceramics using Al₂O₃-Y₂O₃ sintering additives sintered by spark plasma sintering process were investigated in this study. The results showed that the introduction of 5 and 10 wt% (Hf_0.2Mo_0.2Ta_0.2Nb_0.2Ti_0.2)B₂ could facilitate the densification and the grain growth of SiC-based ceramics via the mechanism of liquid phase sintering. However, the grain growth of SiC-based ceramics was inhibited by the grain boundary pinning effect with the addition of 15 wt% (Hf_0.2Mo_0.2Ta_0.2Nb_0.2Ti_0.2)B₂. The SiC-based ceramics with 15 wt% (Hf_0.2Mo_0.2Ta_0.2Nb_0.2Ti_0.2)B₂ showed the enhanced hardness (21.9±0.7 GPa) and high toughness (4.88±0.88 MPa·m^1/2) as compared with high-entropy phase-free SiC-based ceramics, which exhibited a hardness of 16.6 GPa and toughness of 3.10 MPa·m^1/2. The enhancement in mechanical properties was attributed to the addition of higher hardness of HEB phase, crack deflection toughening mechanism, and presence of residual stress due to the mismatch of coefficient of thermal expansion.     

Enhanced electrical properties in W/Cu co-doped CaBi2Nb2O9 high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics

CaBi₂Nb₂O₉ (CBN)-based high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics with the formula of CaBi₂Nb_2−x(W_3/4Cu_1/4)_xO₉ were prepared via the traditional solid-state reaction method. Both the bulk microstructure and the electrical performance of the W/Cu co-doped CBN-based ceramics were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the W/Cu incorporation into the Nb-site altered the crystal structure, which enhanced the piezoelectricity and resistivity. The ceramic with the composition CaBi₂Nb_1.96(W_3/4Cu_1/4)_0.04O₉ exhibited good performance with a high d₃₃ (~14 pC/N) and T_C (~939℃). Moreover, the ceramic exhibited a good electrical resistivity (ρ) of 4.91 × 10⁵ Ω·cm and a low dielectric loss (tanδ) of 0.1 at 600℃. Furthermore, the ceramic that was annealed at 900℃ for 2 h presented a d₃₃ value of 13 pC/N, thus indicating good thermal stability of the piezoelectric properties. All these results confirm that the CaBi₂Nb_1.96(W_3/4Cu_1/4)_0.04O₉ ceramic may act as a potential promising candidate for piezoelectric device applications in high-temperature environments.