Effect of rare-earth oxides on properties of silicon nitride obtained by normal sintering and sinter-HIP

This paper presented the microstructure,mechanical properties and oxidation behavior of silicon nitride obtained by both conventional sintering and sintering followed by hot isostatic pressing(HIP).Silicon nitride with additives such as 5 wt.% Al2O3 and 5 wt.% Ln2O3(Ln= La,La concentrate,Gd or La+Gd) were studied.The results revealed that Gd2O3 additions increased the formation of elongated grains of β-Si3N4,the fracture toughness and oxidation resistance.La2O3 additions led to higher densification and hardness values,while addition of La2O3 concentrate promoted the formation of materials with intermediate properties,compared to the other studied compositions.Hot isostatic pressing increased the hardness but decreased the fracture toughness of the material,mainly because it allowed residual pores to close and also reduced the average aspect ratio of β-Si3N4 grains.     

Influence of Er2O3 content on microstructure and mechanical properties of ZTA-TiO2 composites

The influence of Er_2 O_3 addition on the phase evolution and mechanical properties of sintered(1600 ℃,4 h) ZTA(yttria stabilized zirconia toughened alumina)-TiO_2 composites was investigated. The SEM and XRD results reveal the formation of a new erbium zirconium oxide,Zr_3 Er_4 O_(12),with a granulate morphology when Er_2 O_3 content is higher than 1 wt%. The grain sizes of both Al_2 O_3 and yttria-stabilized zirconia phases decrease with an increase in the Er_2 O_3 content. The relative density, Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of the composites are found to be strongly dependent on their grain sizes, relative densities and the formation of the Zr_3 Er_4 O_(12) secondary phases. The composite with 5 wt% Er_2 O_3 shows the highest relative density(99.93%), Vickers hardness(1752 HV) and fracture toughness(7.92 MPa·m~(1/2)).     

Influence of La2O3 addition on nano indentation hardness and residual stress of Stellite 6 coating prepared by plasma cladding

One of the problems limiting the application of Stellite 6 coating is the residual stress resulting in cracks in the coating easily. In order to reduce the residual stress and increase the nano-indentation hardness, La₂O₃ was added to Stellite 6 coating in this study, and the influence on the microstructure, nano indentation hardness and residual stress of the coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nano-indentation tester. Results indicate that the addition of La₂O₃ leads to the phenomenon that the dendrite is partly transformed into the equiaxed grain, which results in the grain refinement. The nano-indentation hardness of coatings is improved, which is attributed to the fine-grain strengthening and dispersion strengthening effect of La₂O₃. With the addition of La₂O₃, the residual stress in coatings is decreased significantly. Especially, when the content of La₂O₃ is 0.8 wt%, the nano indentation hardness increases by 1.31 times and residual stress decreases to 20 percent, compared with coating without La₂O₃.     

Development of a high-performance green Fe–Al2O3 composites using Bayan Obo minerals: Enhancement effects of CeO2

With the deepening understanding for the concept of sustainable development, the utilization of minerals is no longer limited to the traditional way. In this study, an environment friendly method for preparing Fe–Al₂O₃ composites by using natural minerals was investigated. Additionally, the effects of CeO₂ on the properties of composites were studied. The mechanical properties of Fe–Al₂O₃ composites prepared by natural minerals are affected by the brittleness of glass phase. The strength and toughness of the glass phase in the composite are improved successfully by using rare earth oxides, indicating that the natural rare earths in Bayan Obo minerals have an enhanced influence on the properties of composite materials. The results show that the properties of glass phase can be significantly improved by addition of CeO₂. At the optimal addition of 3 wt% CeO₂, the composite achieves the density of 4.21 g/cm³, flexural strength of 401 MPa, Vickers hardness of 13.07 GPa and fracture toughness of 6.58 MPa⋅m^1/2. The composite has excellent mechanical properties, which can be used in engineering as a cheap structural material. This study aims at reducing waste emissions, improving energy efficiencies and avoiding waste of rare earth resources during the preparation of composite materials.     

Microstructure and phase formation of mullite-Pr6O11 composite prepared by spark plasma sintering

The present work investigates the effect of high praseodymium oxide(Pr₆O₁₁) content on the microstructure and phase formation of mullite(3Al₂O₃·2SiO₂) precursor by means of the spark plasma sintering process.30 wt% Pr₆O₁₁ was added to a mullite precursor consisting of aluminum nitrate nonahydrate and tetraethyl orthosilicate through a high energy mixer mill in ethanol media.The spark plasma sintering was performed at a ...     

Effect of La2O3 on granular bainite microstructure and wear resistance of hardfacing layer metal

The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of La2 O3 on the granular bainite microstructure and wear resistance of hardfacing layer metal. The hardfacing layer metals with different contents of La2 O3 were prepared. The microstructures of the hardfacing layer metals were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The hardness and wear resistance of the hardfacing layer metals were measured respectively. The results indicated that with the increasing content of La2 O3, the amount of granular bainite increased, while that of martensite decreased and that of retained austenite did not change obviously. When the content of La2 O3 was 2.55 wt.%, the volume fraction of the granular bainite in the hardfacing layer metal was 73.2%. Meanwhile, the wear resistance of the hardfacing layer metal was the largest, which was 12100 min/g. The mismatch between the face(100) of LaAlO3 and the face(100) of δ-Fe was 7.1%. Therefore, LaAlO3 could act as moderate effective heterogeneous nuclei of δ-Fe and the granular bainite could be refined.     

La_2Ce_2O_7 supported ruthenium as a robust catalyst for ammonia synthesis

La_2Ce_2O_7 nanoparticles were prepared by citric acid complexation method followed by calcination at varied temperatures. Then, supported with 4 wt% Ru, they were evaluated as the catalysts for ammonia synthesis under conditions similar with industry. With La_2Ce_2O_7 being calcinated at 700 or 800℃, the experimental results indicate that the Ru/La_2Ce_2O_7 catalyst exhibits much higher ammonia concentration or ammonia synthesis rate than that of Ru/CeO_2 and Ru/La_2O_3. In addition, Ru/La_2Ce_2O_7 possesses high stability under over-heating test. In the absence of any promotor, ammonia concentration of Ru/La_2Ce_2O_7 catalyst approaches 14% at 450℃, GHSV of 10000 h~(-1) and pressure of 10 MPa. The rate-determining step of ammonia synthesis, dissociation of N_2 is significantly facilitated by the strong metalesupport interaction(SMSI) between Ru and La_2Ce_2O_7. Due to the interaction, La_2Ce_2O_7 tends to donate electrons to Ru,resulting in the high electron density over the surface of Ru active sites which is favorable for the dissociation of N_2. Consequently, high activity is achieved.     

Effects of CeO2 Addition on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of PNW-PMN-PZT Piezoelectric Ceramics

Microstructure and mechanical properties of CeO₂ doped Pb_0.94Sr_0.06 (Ni_1/2 W_1/2)_0.02 (Mn_1/3 Nb_2/3)_0.07 (Zr_0.51 Ti_0.49)_0.91O₃ (PNW-PMN-PZT) were investigated. The results indicated that the solution limit of CeO₂ was about 5% (mass fraction), and a phase transition from tetragonal to rhombohedral would occur with the increase of the CeO₂ dopant. Meanwhile, the tetragonallity also increased with the increase of the CeO₂ dopant. Incorporation of CeO₂ could suppress the grain growth and increase the remnant strain on the grain surface. Compositional non-homogeneity and serious Fe element segregation at grain boundaries was found due to the doping of CeO₂. Owing to brittleness of the glassy phase, the fracture behavior of the materials tended to occur at the Fe-rich grain boundaries. The ceramic with 5% CeO₂ addition showed good mechanical properties with the hardness 115 and the flexural strength 112.9 MPa, which should be attributed to the effects of a suitable CeO₂ addition on the grain growing, remnant strain and densification.     

Catalytic action of rare earth oxide (La2O3, CeO2, Pr6O11) on electrochemical oxidation of activated carbon in molten KOH–NaOH

The oxidation of anode carbon fuel directly affects the electrochemical performance of molten hydroxide direct carbon fuel cell (MHDCFC). In general, the anode carbon fuel can be oxidized at high temperature, thus the direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) can show great electrochemical performance. In this study, rare earth oxides (La₂O₃, CeO₂, Pr₆O₁₁) were prepared by the method of precipitation. Activated carbon was prepared by pretreatment of lignite. Rare earth oxides and activated carbon were mixed as anode carbon fuel, and rare earth oxides were used to catalyze the electrochemical oxidation of anode carbon fuel. The results show that CeO₂ has better electrocatalytic activity compared with La₂O₃ and Pr₆O₁₁ in the MHDCFC. The electrochemical test results show that the current density (at 0.4 V) increases from 81.02 to 112.90 mA/cm² and the maximum power density increases from 34.78 to 47.05 mW/cm² at 450 °C, when the mass fraction of CeO₂ is increased from 0 to 40%. When the mass fraction of CeO₂ is 30%, the current density (82.55 mA/cm² at 0.4 V) at 400 °C is higher than that (81.02 mA/cm² at 0.4 V) without CeO₂ at 450 °C. The electrochemical oxidation mechanism of CeO₂ catalyzed anode carbon fuel is discussed.     

Al2O3/TiCN-0.2% Y2O3 Composite Prepared by HP and Its Cutting Performance

Al₂O₃/TiCN-0.2% Y₂O₃ composites were fabricated by hot pressing sintering. The effect on mechanical property and microstructure of the sample composition and HP temperate was investigated. The results of Al₂O₃/TiCN-0.2% Y₂O₃ were satisfied. The bending strength, fracture toughness, Vickers hardness was respectively 1015 MPa, 6.89 MPa·m^1/2 20.82 MPa at 1650 °C for 20 min. Good wear resistance was found for the kind of ceramic material when used as cutting tools in the machining of the hardened carbon steel. By the compared experiment for the cutting performances, it could be seen that the performance of this composite material was better than that of the ceramic tool material YT15 for continuously cutting quenched steel. This kind of composite tool material is suitable for continuously cutting quenched steel No.45, especially intermittently cutting quenched steel.     

Effects of Sintering Additives on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hot-Pressed α-SiC Ceramics

In this work, α-SiC ceramics with aluminum or yttria sintering additives ranging from 1.0 to 4.0 wt pct were prepared by hot pressing, and the effect of sintering additives on the microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC ceramics was investigated. Specimens with Al additive exhibited fully dense microstructure with relative density > 99.4 pct. However, the relative density of specimens with Y₂O₃ decreases constantly from 99.5 to 95.7 pct as Y₂O₃ content increases, which is possibly due to the formation of gaseous phase and evaporation of volatile compounds resulting from the chemical reaction between SiC matrix and Y₂O₃ additive. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectra results showed that Al addition leads to the transformation from 6H to 4H polytypes, and the transformation degree increases as increasing the Al content, while no obvious polytype transformation is observed for specimens with Y₂O₃ additive. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations revealed that specimens with Y₂O₃ are composed of equiaxed grains with average size about 1.0 μm, whereas the specimens with Al additive exhibit larger grain size with partly elongated grain structure. Additionally, it is found that the grain growth of specimens with Al addition is accompanied by the polytype transformation. Further analysis revealed that, for specimens with Al additive, enhanced grain size and formation of elongated of SiC grains lead to an improvement in fracture toughness from 5.7 to 7.1 MPa m^1/2 but a slight decline in flexural strength from 706 to 632 MPa. The crack deflection and bridging as well as undesirable stress effects related to the large elongated grains are responsible for the variation in mechanical properties. In the case of SiC sintered with Y₂O₃, there are obvious declines in flexural strength and fracture toughness from 714 to 492 MPa and from 5.9 to 3.4 MPa m^1/2, respectively, which are mainly attributed to the increased porosity. The impact of Al and Y₂O₃ on the microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC ceramics was discussed.

     

Double perovskite anti-supported rare earth oxide catalyst CeO_2/La_2CoFeO_6 for efficient ventilation air methane combustion

Ventilation air methane is one of available resources with a massive reserve.However,most of ventilation air methane is discharged into the air and pollutes the environment.Catalysts with high temperature resistance(>800℃)for ventilation air methane are very essential for utilization of the ventilation air methane.We mainly prepared catalysts CeO₂/La₂CoFeO₆and La₂CoFeO₆/CeO₂and comparative samples CeO₂and La₂CoFeO₆by the simple sol-gel method and calcined them under 9000C,and tested the catalytic performance of ventilation air methane combustion under the condition of 5 vol%H₂O.The experimental results show that the light-off temperature(T_1O)and complete combustion temperature(T₉₀)of the ventilation air methane combustion reaction of CeO₂/La₂CoFeO₆catalyst are 417.4 and 587.7℃,respectively.T_1Oand Tgo of La₂CoFeO₆/CeO₂only reach 425.5 and 615.8℃.The T₁₀and T_9Oof CeO₂/La₂CoFeO₆are 417.4 and 587.7℃,which are lower than those of La₂CoFeO₆[T₁₀=452.4℃and T₉₀=673.0℃)and La₂CoFeO₆/CeO₂(T₁₀=425.5℃and T₉₀=615.8℃).Therefore,the catalytic performance of the anti-supported rare earth oxide catalyst CeO₂/La₂CoFeO₆is better than that of La₂CoFeO₆and supported catalyst La₂CoFeO₆/CeO₂.     

Effect of erbium doping on phase composition,mechanical and thermal properties of ZrO2-based ceramics

Er_xTi_0.1Zr_0.9–xO_2–1.5x (x = 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08) ceramics were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. The influence of the Er³⁺ addition on the phase composition, Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, and thermal conductivity of this ceramic material was investigated. The X-ray diffraction results reveal that the c-ZrO₂ content increases from 1.85 vol% to 33.89 vol%, and the percentage of t-ZrO₂ decreases from 98.15 vol% to 66.11 vol% with the increase in Er³⁺ content from 4 mol% to 8 mol%. Moreover, the addition of Er³⁺ is beneficial to the volume expansion of the unit cell. At the same time, the incorporation of Er³⁺ weakens the coordination of oxygen ions around the metal cations, resulting in a corresponding decrease in the tetragonality of the t-ZrO₂. The Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of the Er_xTi_0.1Zr_0.9–xO_2–1.5x ceramics show increasing and decreasing trends, respectively. The thermal conductivity has a significant decline due to point defects caused by the Er³⁺ doping. The 8ETZ ceramic exhibits the highest Vickers hardness (12.7 GPa), the lowest fracture toughness (7.6 MPa?m^1/2), and the lowest average thermal conductivity (1.85 W/(m·K)) in the temperature range of 200–1000 °C. All of the above properties are higher than those of the Y₂O₃-stabilized ZrO₂ ceramic.     

Catalytic combustion of toluene on Pt/Al2O3 and Pd/Al2O3 catalysts with CeO2,CeO2-Y2O3 and La2O3 as coatings

CeO₂,La₂O₃,and CeO₂-Y₂O₃ oxides were coated on the surface of spherical granular AI₂O₃(3-5 mm)through impregnation method,and proved as better supports of Pd and Pt catalysts.The influences of rare earth metal doping on the adsorption rates of Pd and Pt ions,as well as the catalytic performance,were investigated.Results show that the H₂PtCl₆·6H₂O adsorption rates of the Al     

Electric-discharge sintering of TiN-AlN nanocomposites

The structurization and properties of TiN-AlN and TiN-AlN-Y₂O₃ nanocomposites consolidated by electric-discharge sintering are examined. TiN-AlN composites with a relative density of about 98 to 99% are produced. Their structure is not homogenous and consists of TiN and AlN grains of about 200 nm in size. There are also large spherical grains of titanium nitride of 2 to 10 µm. This effect is probably caused by microdischarges between particles of the conducting phase and subsequent meltback of the interacting surfaces. The effect of yttrium oxide additives on the material structure and properties is investigated. It is shown that TiN-AlN composites consolidated by electric-discharge sintering have high hardness (HV ～ 25 GPa) and fracture toughness (K_1c ～ 6 MPa · m^1/2).     

Optical and electrical conductivity properties of rare earth elements (Sm,Y, La,Er) co-doped CeO2

In this research, un-doped CeO₂ and Ce_0.85La_0.10M_0.05O₂ (M: Sm, Er, Y) compounds were synthesized by hydrothermal method and the multi-functional properties are reported. Oxygen defects were created with the additives of rare earth ions. The electrical and luminescence behaviors of the synthesized compounds were investigated in accord with the types of additives. The synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) measurement, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS). All synthesized compounds are found to be nano-structured and have cubic phase. The total conductivity of all samples was calculated. Hence, the total conductivity of un-doped CeO₂, Ce_0.85La_0.10Y_0.05O₂, Ce_0.85La_0.10Er_0.05O₂ and Ce_0.85La_0.10Sm_0.05O₂ is found to be 2.07 × 10^?10, 5.70 × 10^?4, 1.0 × 10^?3 and 0.0747 S/cm, respectively. Also, bandgap energy (E_g) of these samples calculated from UV visible absorption spectra is discussed, and the optical results show variation between 3.2 and 2.15 eV. Additionally, the luminescence properties of the compounds were investigated and different emissions occur depending on the additive type. Accordingly, photoluminescent emission spectra of Ce_0.85La_0.10Y_0.05O₂, Ce_0.85La_0.10Er_0.05O₂ and Ce_0.85La_0.10Sm_0.05O₂ phosphors indicate that these phosphors have red, green and orange-red colors, respectively.     

Effect of manganese and/or ceria loading on V_2O_5-MoO_3/TiO_2 NH_3 selective catalytic reduction catalyst

The effect of manganese and/or ceria loading of V_2 O_5-Mo_O_3/TiO_2 catalysts was investigated for selective catalytic reduction(SCR) of NO_x by NH_3.The manganese and/or ceria loaded V_2 O_5-MoO_3/TiO_2 catalysts we re prepared by the wetness impregnation method.The physicochemical characteristics of the catalysts were thoroughly characterized.The catalytic performance of 1.5 wt% V_2 O_5-3 wt% MoO_3/TiO_2(V1.5 Mo3/Ti) is greatly enhanced by addition of 2.5 wt% MnO_x and 3.0 wt% CeO_2(V1.5 Mo3 Mn2.5 Ce3/Ti) below450℃.Compared with the V1.5 Mo3/Ti catalyst with NO_x conversion of 75% at 275 ℃,V1.5 Mo3 Mn2.5 Ce3/Ti exhibits higher NO_x conversion of 84% with good resistance to SO_2 and H_2 O at a gas hourly space velocity value of 150000 h~(-1).The active manganese,cerium,molybdenum,and vanadium oxide species are highly dispersed on the catalyst surface and some synergistic effects exist among these species.Addition of MnO_x significantly enhances the redox ability of the cerium,vanadium,and molybdenum species.Addition of Ce increases the acidity of the catalyst.More active oxygen species,including surface chemisorbed oxygen,form with addition of Mn and/or Ce.Because of the synergistic effects,appropriate proportions of manganese in different valence states exist in the catalysts.In summary,the good redox ability and the strong acidity contribute to the high NH3-SCR activity and N2 selectivity of the V1.5 Mo3 Mn2.5 Ce3/Ti catalyst in a wide temperature range.And the V1.5 Mo3 Mn2.5 Ce3/Ti catalyst shows good resistance to H_2 O and SO2 in long-time catalytic testing,which can be ascribed to the highly sulfated species adsorbed on the catalyst.     

Study on Sulfation of CeO2/γ-Al2O3 Sorbent in Simulated Flue Gas

It is well known that sulfur dioxide(SO2) , morethan50%of which arise fromcombustion of fossil fu-els ,are precursors of acidrain andtheir emission pos-es a global threat tothe atmosphere .Environmental a-gencies have ,therefore ,regulated emissions of SO…     

Effect of grain size on thermal stability and oxygen storage capacity of Ce0.17Zr0.73La0.02Nd0.04Y0.04O2 solid solutions

Nanostructured CeO_2-ZrO_2 materials are an irreplaceable constituent in catalytic systems for automobile exhaust purification due to their unique oxygen storage capacity(OSC). However, traditional CeO_2-ZrO_2 materials are easy to sinter at high temperature, which causes a sharp decrease of OSC. In this paper,La~(3+) , Nd~(3+) and Y~(3+) are chosen as dopants for CeO_2-ZrO_2 to improve anti-sintering and OSC properties.The Ce_(0.17) Zr_(0.73) La_(0.02) Nd_(0.04) Y_(0.04) O_2 powders(CZLNY) were prepared by co-precipitation method. The effects of grain sizes with different mixed chlorinated solution concentrations on performances were investigated. X-ray diffraction(XRD) and transmission electron micrograph(TEM) were performed to calculate the grain sizes of CZLNY. The specific surfaces, OSC and redox properties were investigated by N_2 adsorption/desorption and temperature programmed reduction(H2-TPR). The results show that introducing La~(3+) , Nd~(3+) and Y~(3+) into CeO_2-ZrO_2 lattice can improve the stability of phase structure and anti-sintering ability. Moreover, low concentration of mixed chlorinated solution remarkably improves structural and textural properties of CZLNY. Relatively large fresh grain exhibits superior thermal stability and OSC under the condition of being calcined at 800℃ for 3 h. The specific surface and OSC are42.37 m~2/g and 333.13 mmol/g after calcining at 1000℃ for 10 h, respectively. This is owing to the low sintered driving force of large grain and long-range migration energy of large pores during the sintering process, which are beneficial to the stability of structure in CZLNY materials.     

Influence of particle size and volume percent of flaky mo particles on the mechanical properties of AI2O3/Mo composites

The influence of particle size and volume percent of Mo particles on flake-forming behavior of Mo powders during a ball milling process and three-point flexural strength and fracture toughness of A1₂O₃ composites reinforced with flaky Mo particles have been investigated. The flake-forming behavior of Mo powders mixed with A1₂O₃ powders becomes prominent with increasing Mo particle size, while remaining almost independent of Mo volume percent. The microstructure of the composites reinforced with flaky Mo particles is anisotropic, depending on the arrangement of these Mo particles in the A1₂O₃ matrix. The microdispersion of flaky Mo particles contributes remarkably to an increase in both flexural strength and fracture toughness. The flexural strength increases with decreasing Mo particle size, while the fracture toughness increases with increasing Mo particle size, which corresponds to an increase of the flake-forming tendency of these particles. Furthermore, the flexural strength and fracture toughness can be simultaneously improved by increasing the volume fraction of flaky Mo particles. The microstructural observations indicate that the improvement in strength may be attributed to a grain-refining effect due to inhibition of grain growth of the matrix by the presence of Mo particles. In addition, the improvement in fracture toughness may be due to plastic deformation of Mo particles at a crack tip, which is accelerated more by the flaky rather than the small spherical shape.