Transmittance and cathodoluminescence of AlN ceramics sintered with Ca3Al2O6 as sintering additive

Aluminum nitride ceramics were prepared by sintering with 0–4.8 mass% of Ca₃Al₂O₆ (C₃A) as a sintering additive. The transmittance in the range of 260–550 nm increased with increasing amount of C₃A. The cathodoluminescence intensity attributed to oxygen-induced defects decreased with increasing amount of C₃A. From the results, the increase of the transmittance in the range of 260–550 nm was considered to be related to the decrease of the oxygen-induced defect density.     

PAC质量指标的快速测定

根据液体PAC含量与密度间的关系，估算了固体PAC中Al2O3的含量。并根据盐基度的定义，用1份试样分别测出了PAC的盐基度及Al2O3含量。     

Mechanical properties of Al2O3/ZrO2 composites

In the present study, both t-phase zirconia and m-phase zirconia particles are incorporated into an alumina matrix. Dense Al₂O₃/(t-ZrO₂+m-ZrO₂) composites were prepared by sintering pressurelessly at 1600 °C. The microstructure of the composites are characterized, the elastic modulus, strength and toughness determined. Because the ZrO₂ inclusions are close to each other in the Al₂O₃ matrix, the yttrium ion originally in t-ZrO₂ particles can diffuse to nearby m-ZrO₂ particles during sintering, and the m-phase zirconia is thus stabilized after sintering. The strength of the Al₂O₃/(t-ZrO₂+m-ZrO₂) composites after surface grinding can reach values as high as 940 MPa, which is roughly three times that of Al₂O₃ alone. The strengthening effect is contributed by microstructural refinement together with the surface compressive stresses induced by grinding. The toughness of alumina is also enhanced by adding both t-phase and m-phase zirconia, which can reach values as high as two times that of Al₂O₃ alone. The toughening effect is attributed mainly to the zirconia t–m phase transformation.     

Effect of strontia on the densification and mechanical properties of sol–gel alumina

Boehmite sol was prepared by hot water hydrolysis of aluminum iso-propoxide using nitric acid as the catalyst. Hydrolysis was carried out at 80 °C for 80 min. Calcium nitrate was added and the peptization was complete at 80 °C for 1 h. The sol was precipitated in ammonia, the precipitate was aged for 24 h, dried at 120 °C and calcined at 500 °C for 3 h. The calcined powder was milled at 230 rpm for 6 h. The amount of calcium oxide was varied from 1 to 20 vol.%. The particle size and particle size distribution of the calcined powders were studied. The average particle size was found to increase with calcia content. The powder was compacted into cylindrical pellets using uni-axial press at 180 MPa and sintered at 1600 °C for 6 h. Mechanical properties such as hardness, fracture toughness, diametrical tensile strength and flexural strength for compacts containing various concentrations of strontium oxide was studied. There was a slight decrease in the density with increase in strontia content. Increase in the mechanical properties such as hardness, fracture toughness and diametrical tensile strength was observed with increase in strontia content.     

铝铬陶瓷材料抗熔渣腐蚀性的提高

在以前的研究中，发现熔渣中陶瓷材料的腐蚀主要依赖于渣的粘度和陶瓷与熔渣之间的碱性缝隙。本研究是在腐蚀测试的基础上，推荐用渣的粘度和碱性缝隙函数方程来预测陶瓷材料在熔渣中的腐蚀率。Cr2O3-Al2O3陶瓷材料是放在SiO2-CaO-B2O3碱性熔渣中进行测试的。     

Refined measurements of indentation fracture resistance of alumina using powerful optical microscopy

A round-robin of the indentation fracture (IF) method using two alumina ceramics was performed in 12 laboratories to confirm the significantly improved reproducibility of indentation fracture resistance K_IFR, using powerful optical microscopy. Powerful optical microscopy with both an objective lens of 40× or 50× and a traveling stage was employed to reduce the error in reading crack length. Indentations at 98 N for the two samples had moderate between-laboratory standard deviations of 0.3 and 0.2 MPa m^1/2 for K_IFR of 4.3 and 3.6 MPa m^1/2, respectively, which indicates the effectiveness of this measurement technique to improve the reliability of the IF method. The deviations of the grand average K_IFR reported by the laboratories from those re-measured by the authors using the returned samples were only ca. 0.4 MPa m^1/2, which was attributed to the slight misreading of the crack length by the participant laboratories. Thus, the reliability of the IF method seems reasonable by this advanced approach because our recent round-robins, together with this study, have confirmed that the precision for the three major structural ceramics, SiC, Si₃N₄ and alumina, could meet the necessary condition of reproducibility.     

Al_2O_3-MgAlON复合材料裂纹愈合机理研究

以刚玉粉(≤3μm)和MgAION粉(≤2 μm)为原料,按W(刚玉粉)=75%,w(MgAlON粉)=25%的配比配料,制成3 mm×4 mm×36 rnm的试样,在N2气氛中于1 500℃煅烧2 h,采用维氏硬度计在试样表面中心位置制造裂纹(压痕),然后在氮气保护下分别加热至1 000、1 100、1 200、1 300、1 500和1 550℃保温6 h进行愈合处理.通过愈合前后裂纹部位显微结构和物相组成的分析,探讨了Al2O3,-MgAlON复合材料中裂纹的愈合机理和过程.结果表明:愈合前后Al2O3-MgAlON复合材料的物相组成和化学成分变化不大,裂纹的愈合机理主要是:以Al2O3和MgAlON的扩散填充为主,并伴随一定的晶粒长大填充;Al2O3-MgAlON复合材料的裂纹愈合过程大致为:裂尖钝化-岛状凸起-凸起接触及融合-次生裂纹收缩-完全愈合.     

Role of supported metals in the selective reduction of nitrogen monoxide with hydrocarbons over metal/alumina catalysts

The promoting effect of supported metals on alumina catalyst was investigated for the reduction of nitrogen monoxide in oxygen-rich atmospheres. For NO reduction with propene over impregnated CoO/A1₂O₃, the first reaction step was found to be the oxidation of NO to NO₂ probably catalyzed by dispersed cobalt species. The next reaction step, which is the reaction of NO₂ with propene to form N₂, was considered to take place on the alumina surface. Although the activity of impregnated FeO/A1₂O₃ was low because of the presence of large iron oxide particles catalyzing propene oxidation with dioxygen, FeO/A1₂O₃ prepared with sol-gel method showed excellent deNO_x activity.     

Synthesis of resins as alpha-alumina precursors by the Pechini method using microwave and infrared heating

A polymeric method based on the Pechini process was successfully used to synthesize alpha-alumina. Different resins have been prepared in order to compare the effect of the heating source (microwave or conventional IR radiation) during the polyesterification reaction, the importance of the starting aluminium salt and the ratios between reactants. The resin precursor and the product powders were fully characterized in order to investigate the polymer decomposition and the characteristic of the resulting alumina. It is concluded that the control of the ethylene glycol to citric acid ratio is important to obtain weak agglomerated particles, which are required to achieve soft porous precursors. Comparing with a conventional infrared source, the 2.45 GHz-microwave heating reduces the polyesterification reaction time to a great extent followed by a solid polymeric resin formation; however, the reaction mechanisms do not change. The best final alumina powder was synthesised by applying the microwave radiation to a precursor resin obtained from the thermal reaction of the aluminium lactate with small amounts of ethylene glycol as the polymerizant agent.     

Development of Al2O3–SiC composite tool for machining application

Al₂O₃–SiC composites containing up to 30 wt.% of dispersed SiC particles (280 nm) were fabricated via hot-pressing and machined as cutting tools. The Al₂O₃–SiC particulate composites exhibit higher hardness than their unreinforced matrix because of the inhibited grain growth by adding SiC and the presence of hard secondary phase (SiC). The fracture toughness of the composites remains constant up to 10 wt.% loading of SiC. For machining heat-treated AISI 4144140 steel, the Al₂O₃–10 wt.% SiC composite tool showed the longest tool life, seven times longer than a commercial tool made of Al₂O₃–TiC composite, while the composite tool with 5 wt.% SiC showed the longest tool life for machining gray cast iron. The improved performance of the Al₂O₃–SiC composite tools attributes to the transformation of fracture mode from intergranular fracture for Al₂O₃ to intragranular fracture for Al₂O₃–SiC composites.     

Influence of the co-feeding of CO, H2, CO2 or H2O in the partial oxidation of methane over Ni and Rh supported catalysts

The influence of the addition of 5 vol.% of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide or water to the feed of partial oxidation of methane was investigated over Ni/γ-Al₂O₃ and Rh/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts. In addition to catalytic tests, thermodynamic calculations were performed to predict the effect of these gas co-feeds. Compared to the thermodynamic trends, differences in the influence of the co-feeding on catalytic performances were observed between both catalysts. Co-feeding of CO, H₂, CO₂ or H₂O can modify the oxidation state and dispersion of the metal component of the catalysts during reaction, and as a consequence, their performances. Changes in catalysts can be due to dynamic processes occurring during reaction. It is suggested to take these processes into account in a more complex kinetic equation for the reactions involved.     

The deposition of γ-Al2O3 layers on ceramic and metallic supports for the preparation of structured catalysts

Deposition of γ-Al₂O₃ washcoats onto Aluminium and FeCrAlloy^® supports in the form of slabs and onto -Al₂O₃ tubes was performed according to a two-step procedure involving: (a) deposition of a bohemite primer, (b) deposition of the γ-Al₂O₃ layer, both by dip coating into powder dispersions in HNO₃ aqueous solutions. We present herein data concerning the effects of the major preparation variables (HNO₃ and H₂O concentrations in the dispersion, withdrawal velocity, drying temperature, number of dipping cycles, calcination temperature) on the deposited coating load and on the adherence of the washcoat. Based on a rheological characterisation of the γ-Al₂O₃ dispersions, we propose also a correlation between their apparent viscosity and the washcoat load. Finally, we briefly illustrate the activity in catalytic combustion reactions of structured Pd-based catalysts prepared according to the investigated washcoating methods.     

Events and reaction mechanisms during the synthesis of an Al2O3-TiB2 nanocomposite via high energy ball milling

An Al₂O₃-TiB₂ nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by the high energy ball milling of Al, B₂O₃ and TiO₂. The structures of the powdered particles formed at different milling times were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermodynamic calculations showed that the composite formed in two steps via highly exothermic mechanically induced self-sustaining reactions (MSRs). The composite started to form at milling times of 9–10 h but the reaction was not complete. The remaining starting materials were consumed by increasing the milling time to 15 h. The XRD patterns of the annealed powders showed that aluminum borate is one of the intermediate products and that it is consumed at higher temperatures. Heat treatment of the 6-h milled sample at 1100^°C led to a complete formation of the composite. Increasing the milling time to 15 h led to a refining of the crystallite sizes. A nanocomposite powder with a mean crystallite size of 35–40 nm was obtained after milling for 15 h.     

Preparation and properties of porous Al2O3-based ceramics by gel casting using MgO as a gelling and consolidating agent

Low-cost and environment-friendly MgO was used as a new gelling and consolidating agent to fabricate porous Al₂O₃-based ceramics via a gel casting routine. Effects of 800°C calcined additions of MgO (.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt%, respectively) on open porosity (OP), pore size distribution, gas flux, and microstructure of the porous ceramics were investigated deliberately. The experimental results showed that 800°C calcined MgO exhibits excellent gelling and consolidating performance at 80°C, mainly owing to the hydration reaction between MgO and H₂O and thus results in high-quality porous Al₂O₃-based ceramics without deformation and cracking. The Al₂O₃–water suspensions with different MgO additions have good flowability at room temperature. Moreover, water absorption, open porosity, and gas flux of the as-prepared porous ceramics increase remarkably with rising of MgO addition. Furthermore, MgO addition significantly suppresses the abnormal growth of Al₂O₃ grains, and thus the microstructure of the porous Al₂O₃-based ceramics becomes more uniform. This technique of gel casting using MgO as a new gelling and consolidating agent offers an alternative routine for a large-scale production of porous ceramics.     

A study on the preparation of supported metal oxide catalysts using JRC-reference catalysts. I. Preparation of a molybdena–alumina catalyst. Part 2. Volume of an impregnation solution

Ten types of 13 wt% MoO₃/Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared by a conventional impregnation or equilibrium adsorption method using a common extrudate support. These catalysts were subjected to a comprehensive characterization and catalytic reactions to find important preparation parameters in practical preparations. It was demonstrated in the present group study that the formation of crystalline MoO₃ was strongly correlated with the Mo segregation on the outer surface of the extrudate. When the amount of the impregnation solution was large (ca. 10 cm³ g-Al₂O₃⁻¹), a considerably homogeneous distribution and high dispersion of Mo oxide species were attained irrespective of the other preparation parameters. It is suggested that when a pore volume impregnation or incipient wetness technique is employed, drying processes strongly affect the dispersion and distribution of Mo oxide species. Drying at a reduced pressure is suggested to result in a segregation of Mo oxides on the outer surface of the extrudate, and accordingly a formation of crystalline MoO₃.     

Analysis of the intragranular microstructure in ceramic nanocomposites and their effect on the mechanical properties

The formation of intragranular microstructure in Al₂O₃/ZrO₂ and Si₂N₂O/Si₃N₄ nanocomposites was analyzed, and the effect of intragranular microstructure on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites was investigated. Results suggest 3 requisite conditions for the formation of intragranular microstructure and the role of intracrystalline glass phase and scar microstructure. In case of Al₂O₃/ZrO₂, the intragranular microstructure leads to the formation of transgranular fracture, which in turn improves the mechanical properties via strengthening and toughening. On the other hand, in case of Si₃N₄/Si₂N₂O nanocomposites, intragranular microstructure reduces the possibility of bridging, pulling out, and crack deflection, thereby leading to the deterioration of strength and toughness. Based on these results, we can conclude that the formation of intragranular microstructure does not necessarily improve the mechanical properties in all kinds of materials. Rather, the effect of intragranular microstructure on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites is related to the strengthening and toughing mechanism of matrix materials.     

Effect of nano CuO addition on the tribo-mechanical behavior of alumina ceramics in non-conformal contact

Sintering of alumina from 1500°C to 1650°C and tribo-mechanical properties at room temperature had been investigated using nano CuO as a sintering aid. Bulk density gradually increases with sintering temperature from 1500°C to 1600°C and is optimized at 1600°C, beyond this, bulk density does not significantly increase at 1650°C. The addition of 2 wt% CuO showed the best result on densification. Densification of about 97.74% was attained at 1600°C with the incorporation of 2 wt% CuO. Nano CuO at grain boundaries forms CuAl₂O₄ liquid which modifies the morphology of the grain and improves mechanical properties. The formation of self-lubricating tribo-film on the wear track results in a low coefficient of friction <0.2 and reduces specific wear rate. 4 wt% CuO addition increases contact tensile stress (σ_max) by 51.2% and high Hertzian contact pressure (P_max≈1.51 GPa) causes plastic deformation of wear track. The re-solidified strengthening bond phase on the wear track simultaneously increases in friction coefficient and wear resistance with CuO addition. The optimizing effect of CuO addition shows that 2 wt% significantly decreases wear rate, and increases hardness and fracture toughness.     

Experimental and Kinetics Studies of Aromatic Hydrogenation in a Two‐Stage Hydrotreating Process using NiMo/Al2O3 and NiW/Al2O3 Catalysts

In this work, hydrogenation of aromatic compounds in light gas oil derived from Athabasca bitumen was carried out using a single‐ and two‐stage hydrotreating processes. Experiments were performed in a trickle‐bed reactor using two catalysts namely NiMo/Al₂O₃ and NiW/Al₂O₃. NiMo/Al₂O₃ was used in the first stage for nitrogen and sulphur containing heteroatoms removal whereas NiW/Al₂O₃ was used in the second stage for saturation of the aromatic rings in the hydrocarbon species. Temperature and liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) were varied from 350‐390°C and 1.0‐1.5 h^?1, respectively, while pressure was maintained constant at 11.0 MPa for all experiments. Results from single‐stage were compared with those from two‐stage process on the basis of reaction time. Kinetic analysis of the single‐stage hydrotreating process showed that HDA and HDS activities were retarded by the presence of hydrogen sulphide that is produced as a by‐product of the HDS process. However, with inter‐stage removal of hydrogen sulphide in the two‐stage process, significant improvement of the HDA and HDS activities were observed.