Thermodynamic study of CVD–ZrO2 phase diagrams

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) from zirconium acetylacetonate Zr(acac)₄ has been thermodynamically investigated using the Gibbs’ free energy minimization method and the FACTSAGE program. Thermodynamic data Cp°, ΔH° and S° for Zr(acac)₄ have been estimated using the Meghreblian–Crawford–Parr and Benson methods because they are not available in the literature. The effect of deposition parameters, such as temperature and pressure, on the extension of the region where pure ZrO₂ can be deposited was analyzed. The results are presented as calculated CVD stability diagrams. The phase diagrams showed two zones, one of them corresponds to pure monoclinic phase of ZrO₂ and the other one corresponds to a mix of monoclinic phase of ZrO₂ and graphite carbon.     

Synthesis and characterization of Y3Al5O12 and ZrO2-Y2O3 thermal barrier coatings by combustion spray pyrolysis

Y₃Al₅O₁₂ and ZrO₂-Y₂O₃ (8 mol% YSZ) coatings for potential application as thermal barrier coatings were prepared by combustion spray pyrolysis. Thermal cycling of as deposited coatings on stainless steel and FeCrAlY bond coat substrates was carried out at 1000 °C and 1200 °C to determine the thermal fatigue response. Structural and morphological studies on Y₃Al₅O₁₂ and 8 mol% YSZ coatings before and after thermal cycling have been carried out. It has been noted that the coatings on FeCrAlY substrates remain intact after 50 cycles between room temperature and 1200 °C, whereas the coatings on stainless steel show some minor damage such as peeling off near the periphery after 50 cycles at 1000 °C. Thermal diffusivity values of Y₃Al₅O₁₂ and 8 mol% YSZ films were measured by using photo thermal deflection spectroscopy and the values are lower than those of coatings produced by conventional techniques such as EBPVD and APS.     

TEM and DFT investigation of CVD TiN/κ-Al2O3 multilayer coatings

This paper investigates the interfacial structure in hot-wall CVD TiN/κ-Al₂O₃ multilayer coatings using both HREM and DFT modeling. Two multilayers with different thicknesses of the TiN layers (50 and 600 nm) separating the κ-Al₂O₃ layers are analyzed. The general microstructure of the two multilayers is relatively similar. The TiN layer in the thicker TiN/κ-Al₂O₃ coating is thick enough to be several TiN grains high. This means that epitaxial columns, which are often found in the thinner TiN/κ-Al₂O₃ coatings, are not present. However, the orientation relationships at the TiN/κ-Al₂O₃ interfaces are the same in both multilayers. The HREM investigations show that κ-Al₂O₃ (001) planes can grow directly on flat (111) TiN faces, without any other phases or detectable amounts of impurities, such as sulphur, present. Where the TiN layers are more curved, γ-Al₂O₃ can be grown, at least partly stabilized by the cube-on-cube orientation relationship between γ-Al₂O₃ and the underlying TiN. The DFT calculations show very similar adsorption strengths for an O monolayer positioned on Ti-terminated TiC(111) and TiN(111) surfaces, with preferred adsorption in the fcc site. O adsorption on N-terminated TiN(111) is much weaker, with preferred adsorption in the top site. Calculated elastic-energy contributions yield a higher stability for κ-Al₂O₃ on TiN(111) than on TiC(111) and a higher stability for κ-Al₂O₃ than for α-Al₂O₃ on both TiC and TiN. This indicates that the observed higher stability of κ-Al₂O₃ on TiC(111) than on TiN(111) is not due to the lattice mismatch, while the preferred epitaxial growth of κ-Al₂O₃ over α-Al₂O₃ can be partly attributed to the mismatch.     

Mechanochemical synthesis of Al2O3-TiB2 nanocomposite powder from Al-TiO2-H3BO3 mixture

Alumina-titanium diboride nanocomposite (Al₂O₃-TiB₂) was produced using mixtures of titanium dioxide, acid boric and pure aluminum as raw materials via mechanochemical process. The phase transformation and structural characterization during mechanochemical process were utilized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analyses (TG-DTA) techniques. A thermodynamic appraisal showed that the reaction between TiO₂, B₂O₃ and Al is highly exothermic and should be self-sustaining. XRD analyses exhibited that the Al₂O₃-TiB₂ nanocomposite was formed after 1.5 h milling time. The results indicate that increasing milling time up to 40 h had no significant effect other than refining the crystallite size.     

载体中ZrO2/Al2O3比对Pt/ZrO2-Al2O3催化剂性能的影响

相比汽油车而言,柴油车具有高效、低油耗的优势已得到广泛应用。本实验以ZrO₂作为改性剂,探究了ZrO₂与Al₂O₃的质量比对催化剂的影响。研究结果表明：随着ZrO₂的加入,Pt粒子先减小后增大;Pt粒子与载体的交互作用先增大后减小。活性实验数据分析表明,ZrO₂的最佳添加量为40 wt%,CO和C₃H₆完全氧化温度分别降低20 _oC 、25 _oC。贵金属在催化剂的分散度以及贵金属与载体的相互作用随着ZrO₂与Al₂O₃质量比的变化而变化。Pt粒子越小,其与载体的交互作用越强,这表明催化剂性能越强。     

Influence of micro-blasting on the microstructure and residual stresses of CVD κ-Al2O3 coatings

Cemented carbides coated with CVD multilayers are commonly used in metal cutting turning and milling operations. For many applications, a micro-blasting finishing procedure based on an impact treatment of the surfaces is carried out in order to smooth the coated surface and reduce sharp cutting edges. In this work, micro-blasting with corundum in aqueous solution at pressures between 0.05 and 0.3 MPa was applied to CVD TiN/Ti(C,N)/κ-Al₂O₃ multilayer coatings deposited onto cemented carbides in order to investigate its influence on the micro-topography, microstructure and residual stresses. The results showed that the micro-blasting reduces the surface roughness and affects the coating thickness. TEM investigations revealed no significant changes on the microstructure of the κ-Al₂O₃ top layer. Synchrotron X-ray investigations showed that the residual stress state of the as-deposited κ-Al₂O₃ top layer is not affected by the micro-blasting treatment under the conditions investigated.     

Toughening and strengthening mechanism of plasma sprayed nanostructured Al2O3–13 wt.%TiO2 coatings

The starting materials of Al₂O₃, TiO₂, ZrO₂ and CeO₂ nanoparticles were agglomerated into sprayable feedstock powders and plasma sprayed to form nanostructured coatings. There were net structures and fused structures in plasma sprayed nanostructured Al₂O₃–13 wt.%TiO₂ coatings. The net structures were derived from partially melted feedstock powders and the fused structures were derived from fully melted feedstock powders. The nanostructured Al₂O₃–13 wt.%TiO₂ coatings possessed higher hardness, bonding strength and crack growth resistance than conventional Metco 130 coatings which were mainly composed of lamellar fused structures. The higher toughness and strength of nanostructured Al₂O₃–13 wt.%TiO₂ coatings were mainly related to the obtained net structures.     

BN/Al2O3 复合粉末及其聚合物基复合材料的制备与导热性能

采用固-液相共混法制备了多种BN/Al₂O₃复合粉末,通过冻融法和表面修饰法对BN进行了改性处理,改变表面修饰剂类型和摩尔比得到了前驱体和烧结态BN/Al₂O₃复合粉末,并利用机械混合法制备了聚合物基BN/Al₂O₃复合材料,并测试分析了其导热性能。结果表明,经冻融处理的BN分散性和界面相容性明显优于未经冻融处理的BN。多巴胺对BN的改性效果优于聚乙二醇。采用多巴胺作为表面修饰剂且BN与Al(NO₃)₃的摩尔比为1:1时,能够得到纳米Al₂O₃均匀包覆的微米BN粉末,即BN/Al₂O₃微纳复合粉末,其聚合物基复合材料的导热系数可达0.62 W·m^-1·K^-1,是纯聚合物导热系数的3倍,是采用纯微米BN粉末制备的聚合物基复合材料导热系数的1.5倍。在BN表面附着的Al₂O₃可以形成层状热传导通道,能够有效提高聚合物基BN/Al₂O₃复合材料的热导率。     

Synthesis and characterization of Al2O3-Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 powders prepared by chemical coprecipitation method

Al₂O₃-Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ catalytic powders were synthesized by the coprecipitation (ACZ-C) and mechanical mixing (ACZ-M) methods, respectively. As-synthesized powders were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, surface area and thermogravimetric analyses. It was found that the mixing extent of Al³⁺ ions affected the phase development, texture and oxygen storage capacity (OSC) of the Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ powder. Single phase of ACZ-C could be maintained without phase separation and inhibit α-Al₂O₃ formation up to 1200 °C. The specific surface area value of ACZ-C (81.5 m²/g) was larger than that of ACZ-M (62.1 m²/g) and Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ (17.1 m²/g) powders, which were calcined at 1000 °C. In comparison with ACZ-C and Al₂O₃, which were calcined at high temperature (900–1200 °C), it was found that the degradation rate of specific surface area of ACZ-C was lower than that of Al₂O₃. ACZ-C sample showed a higher thermal stability to resist phase separation and crystallite growth, which enhanced the oxygen storage capacity property for Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ powders.     

Al_2O_3/MoS_2复合涂层的制备及摩擦磨损性能

以大气等离子喷涂工艺制备的Al_2O_3陶瓷涂层为模板,利用陶瓷涂层中存在的孔隙和微裂纹,采用水热反应在其内部原位合成具有润滑特性的MoS_2,制备出Al_2O_3/MoS_2的复合涂层。结果表明,通过水热反应在陶瓷涂层原有的微观缺陷中成功合成了MoS_2,合成的MoS_2固体粉末呈类球形状,并且这球状的粉末是由纳米片层状的MoS_2搭建组成的。摩擦试验结果表明,与纯Al_2O_3涂层相比,复合涂层中由于MoS_2润滑膜的形成,其摩擦因数和磨损率都显著降低,且载荷越大,复合涂层的摩擦性能越好。     

In-situ TiB2 and Al2O3 formation by DC plasma spraying

In-situ plasma spraying (IPS) is a promising process to fabricate composite coatings with in-situ formed thermodynamically stable phases. In the present study, mechanically alloyed Al-12Si, B₂O₃ and TiO₂ powder was deposited onto an aluminum substrate using atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). It has been observed that, during the coating process, TiB₂ and Al₂O₃ are in-situ formed through the reaction between starting powders and finely dispersed in hypereutectic Al-Si matrix alloy. Also, obtained results demonstrate that in-situ reaction intensity strongly depends on spray conditions.     

纳米级和微米级稀土氧化物掺杂W-La2O3-Y2O3-ZrO2 阴极尖端的组织和性能

使用粉末冶金法将纳米级(70–80 nm)和微米级(500–600 nm)稀土氧化物(La₂O₃,Y₂O₃)与钨粉混合,随后通过冷等静压、中频感应烧结、旋锻、拉拔等一系列工艺制备了W-1.5La₂O₃-0.1Y₂O₃-0.1ZrO₂(质量分数,%)材料。对含有纳米和微米尺寸稀土氧化物的阴极样品使用相同的焊接电流,分别进行了0.5、1、2 h的氩弧焊。结果表明,具有纳米级稀土氧化物的样品在焊接过程中表现出更高的工作稳定性,烧损同比降低了近85.4%。此外,随着工作时间的延长,阴极尖端不同区域的稀土氧化物聚集度显著增加。结合COMSOL Multiphysics温度模拟发现,第二相的扩散活化能降低了近34%。这是因为更为细小的第二相有效地控制了钨基体组织的演变,保留了大量晶界作为通道,促进了活性物质在电子发射过程中的扩散。     

Deposition, microstructure and properties of texture-controlled CVD α-Al2O3 coatings

The influence of nucleation on the microstructure and properties of CVD Al₂O₃ was investigated. The experimental α-Al₂O₃ layers were deposited (a) without nucleation control and (b) with nucleation steps resulting in pronounced , and growth textures. The experimental layers were characterised using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Wear properties of the textured coatings were evaluated in turning. The chemistry of the nucleation surface appeared to be an important factor in pre-determining the phase content and growth textures of the Al₂O₃ layers. Optimised nucleation resulted in substantially improved wear properties and these kinds of α-Al₂O₃ layers were typically composed of relatively small, defect-free grains exhibiting no porosity. The textured α-Al₂O₃ layer showed the best wear resistance.     

Effect of Nd2O3 addition on the surface phase of TiO2 and photocatalytic activity studied by UV Raman spectroscopy

TiO₂ modified with Nd₂O₃ (Nd-TiO₂) nanoparticles were prepared by a co-precipitation method and utilized as the photocatalysts for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The influence of Nd₂O₃ on the bulk and surface phase, surface area, particle size, and optical response of TiO₂ was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), BET, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra. It is found that the crystalline phase and phase composition in the bulk and surface region of Nd-TiO₂ calcined at high temperatures can be tuned by changing the amount of Nd₂O₃. Based on the results from XPS, EDX, XRD, and UV Raman spectra, it is assumed that Nd³⁺ ions do not enter the TiO₂ lattice, but highly disperse onto the Nd-TiO₂ particle surface in the form of Nd₂O₃ crystallites. These crystallites inhibit the agglomeration, growth in crystal size, and anatase-to-rutile phase transformation of TiO₂. In the photocatalytic degradation of RhB reaction, Nd-TiO₂ nanoparticles with higher surface area and wider optical response are more reactive in case of the same surface anatase phase. When the mixed phases of anatase and rutile exist in the surface region of Nd-TiO₂, the synergetic effect over surface area and optical response is the important parameter which determines optimal photocatalytic activity.     

Thermite reduction of Ta2O5/SiO2 powder mixtures for combustion synthesis of Ta-based silicides

Tantalum silicides (including TaSi₂, Ta₅Si₃, Ta₂Si, and Ta₃Si) were prepared by solid state combustion of the Ta-Si reaction system involving thermite reduction of Ta₂O₅ and SiO₂. The thermite-based combustion is self-sustaining and contributes to the in situ formation of tantalum silicides along with Al₂O₃. The combustion front temperature and propagation velocity increased with the extent of thermite reactions for the systems adopting the thermite mixture of Al-Ta₂O₅, while both of them decreased for those using Al, Ta₂O₅, and SiO₂ as the thermite reagents. Among four silicide compounds, a better degree of phase evolution was observed for TaSi₂ and Ta₅Si₃ when compared to that of Ta₂Si and Ta₃Si. The XRD analysis indicated the presence of a small amount of Ta₅Si₃ in the TaSi₂-Al₂O₃ composite. On the formation of Ta₅Si₃ with Al₂O₃, the minor phase was Ta₂Si for the Al-Ta₂O₅-containing system. In addition to Ta₂Si, an intermediate phase TaSi₂ was detected when the Al-Ta₂O₅-SiO₂ mixture was used. However, combustion yielded comparable amounts of Ta₂Si and Ta₅Si₃ in the synthesis of the Ta₂Si-Al₂O₃ composite. Moreover, instead of forming Ta₃Si the reaction produced Ta₂Si as the dominant phase along with unreacted Ta.     

SnO2@TiO2核-壳纳米线的制备及其光催化性能研究

本文通过固-液-气(VLS)生长机制,利用化学气相沉积法(CVD)制备SnO₂纳米线。利用原子层沉积(ALD)以钛酸四异丙酯为前驱体在SnO₂纳米线表面沉积不同厚度的TiO₂壳层,形成SnO₂@TiO₂核-壳纳米线结构。通过中间Al₂O₃插层,分别制备出金红石和锐钛矿两种不同晶型的TiO₂,从而制备出两种不同复合结构的SnO₂@TiO₂核-壳纳米线。实验研究该复合结构中TiO₂的厚度与晶型对紫外光下光催化降解甲基橙溶液活性的影响。     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3-Cr2O3 composite coatings produced by atmospheric plasma spraying

Al₂O₃, Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃ coatings were deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying. Phase composition of powders and as-sprayed coatings was determined by X-ray diffraction. Electron probe microanalyzer was employed to investigate the polished and fractured surface morphologies of the coatings. Mechanical properties including microhardness, fracture toughness and bending strength were evaluated. The results indicate that the addition of Cr₂O₃ is conducive to the stabilization of α-Al₂O₃. Compared with the pure Al₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃ coatings, Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ composite coatings show lower porosities and denser structures. Heterogeneous nucleation of α-Al₂O₃ occurs over the isostructural Cr₂O₃ lamellae and partial solid solution of Al₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃ might be occurring as well. Furthermore, grain refining and solid solution strengthening facilitate the mechanical property enhancement of Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ composite coatings.     

Preparation of nanometric CeO2–ZrO2–Nd2O3 solid solution and its catalytic performances

A kind of nanometric CeO₂–ZrO₂–Nd₂O₃ (CZN) solid solution for a carrier in the automotive three-way catalysts was synthesized by a coprecipitation method and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nitrogen adsorption–desorption (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and oxygen storage capacity (OSC). For the purpose of comparison, an unincorporated CeO₂–ZrO₂ (CZ) was also synthesized. The XRD measurements disclose the prepared CeO₂–ZrO₂–Nd₂O₃ have a face-centered cubic fluorite structure and nanoparticle sizes. According to the results of XPS, Nd³⁺ ions can enter the CZ lattice and form a homogenous solid solution. Oxygen storage capacity measurements reveal that CeO₂–ZrO₂–Nd₂O₃ display high oxygen mobility at a low temperature. The results of the activity tests show that the catalyst exhibits good three-way catalytic activity and fairly wide range of air-to-fuel ratios.     

Microstructural characterization of plasma sprayed Al2O3-40 wt.% TiO2 coatings on high density graphite with different post-treatments

Graphite is one of the candidate materials proposed for application in pyrochemical reprocessing plants involving aggressive molten chloride environment. Post treatments are promising techniques for the improvement of properties of thermal spray coatings for different industrial applications. In the present work, the effect of post treatments like vacuum annealing (VA) and laser melting (LM) on the microstructure and chemical modification of plasma sprayed Al₂O₃-40 wt.% TiO₂ coatings over high density (HD) graphite substrates has been investigated. When compared with sprayed coatings (SC), VA coatings showed cluster morphology and LM coatings exhibited homogenous microstructure. On laser melted surfaces networks of cracks were observed. XRD studies showed that the metastable γ-Al₂O₃ phase present in the SC is transformed to stable α-Al₂O₃ after post treatments. In LM coatings Al₂TiO₅ phase was more predominant in contrast to SC and VA coatings. The microhardness enhancement was observed in case of LM coating compared to the VA and SC. Due to elimination of coating defects in LM samples, there is a considerable reduction in the surface roughness.     

Mechanochemical and volume combustion synthesis of ZrB2

Formation of ZrB₂ by volume combustion synthesis (VCS) and mechanochemical process (MCP) from ZrO₂-Mg-B₂O₃ was studied. Production of ZrB₂ by VCS in air occurred with the formation of side products, Zr₂ON₂ and Mg₃B₂O₆ in addition to MgO and ZrB₂. Zr₂ON₂ formation was prevented by conducting VCS experiments under argon. Wet ball milling was applied to the VCS products before leaching for easier removal of Mg₃B₂O₆ phase. MgO and Mg₃B₂O₆ were removed from wet ball-milled products by leaching in 5 M HCl for 2.5 h. In MCP, 30-hour ball milling was found to be sufficient for the formation of ZrB₂ with no minor phase formation. Leaching of MCP products in 1 M HCl for 30 min was sufficient to remove MgO. Complete conversion of ZrO₂ to ZrB₂ did not take place in both production methods, even with excess amounts of Mg and B₂O₃. Therefore, formed ZrB₂ contained residual ZrO₂.