Influence of heat treatment on microstructure and adhesion of Al2O3 fiber-reinforced electroless Ni–P coating on Al–Si casting alloy

Influence of heat treatment regime on microstructure, phase composition and adhesion of Al₂O₃ fiber-reinforced Ni–P electroless coating on an Al–10Si–0.3 Mg casting alloy is investigated in this work. The pre-treated substrate was plated using a bath containing nickel hypophosphite, nickel lactate and lactic acid. Al₂O₃ fibers pretreated with demineralised water were placed into the plating bath. Resulting Ni–P–Al₂O₃ coating thickness was about 12 μm. The coated samples were heat treated at 400–550 °C/1–8 h. LM, SEM, EDS and XRD were used to investigate phase transformations. Adhesion of coating was estimated using scratch test with an initial load of 8.80 N. It is found that annealing at high temperatures (450 °C and above) leads to the formation of hard intermetallic products (namely Al₃Ni and Al₃Ni₂ phases) at the substrate–coating interface. However, as determined by the light microscopy and by the scratch test, these phases reduce the coating adhesion (compared to coatings treated by the optimal annealing regime 400 °C/1 h). The analysis of scratch tracks proves that fiber reinforcement significantly reduces the coating scaling. However, due to the formed intermetallic sub-layers, partial coating delamination may occur on the samples annealed at 450 °C and above.     

Influence of yttrium on microstructure and point defects in α-Al2O3 in relation to oxidation

Although the influence of yttrium on transport properties of alumina has been the object of many studies, the mechanisms by which this element acts have not yet been elucidated. The method of modification by yttrium of the microstructure of polycrystalline alumina and the nature of the point defects created by this doping element were studied. The results obtained are discussed in relation to alumina transport properties and especially in relation with the effect of yttrium on the oxidation mechanism of alumina former alloys, taking into account the doping amount.     

Photocatalytic Properties of the MgHPO4·3H2O and MgKPO4·6H2O Phosphates

Inorganic Materials - Magnesium double phosphates, MgHPO4·3H2O and MgKPO4·6H2O, isostructural with the minerals newberyite and struvite-K have been synthesized in powder form via...     

Influence of different materials on the microstructure and optical band gap of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles

Composites of hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles with different materials (NiO, TiO₂, MnO₂ and Bi₂O₃) were synthesized. Effects of different materials on the microstructure and optical band gap of α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were studied. Crystallite size and strain analysis indicated that the pure α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were influenced by the presence of different materials in the composite sample. Crystallite size and strain estimated for all the samples followed opposite trends. However, the value of direct band gap decreased from ～2.67 eV for the pure α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles to ～2.5 eV for α-Fe₂O₃ composites with different materials. The value of indirect band gap, on the other hand, increased for all composite samples except for α-Fe₂O₃/Bi₂O₃.     

Influence of duty cycle on the microstructure and microhardness of pulse electrodeposited Ni–CeO2 nanocomposite coating

The Ni–CeO₂ nanocomposite coatings have been synthesized by pulse electrodeposition technique with different duty cycles (6, 9 and 17%) from a Watts-type electrolyte containing nano-sized CeO₂ particles. The XRD results show that the (2 0 0) orientation is dominant over (1 1 1) orientation in the Ni–CeO₂ nanocomposite coatings prepared with 6 and 17% duty cycles, while the opposite is true for the sample prepared with 9% duty cycle. The maximum amount of CeO₂ (10 wt%) incorporation in the coating occurs at 9% duty cycle. The crystallite size changes from micrometer to nanometer as the duty cycle changes from 6 to 9%. The hardness increases as the duty cycle increases from 6 to 17%. However, a coating with optimum smoothness and small number of microcracks is obtained at 9% duty cycle.     

Effects of SrO–B2O3–SiO2 glass additive on the microstructure and dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12

The effect of SrO–B₂O₃–SiO₂ glass additive (SBS) on the microstructure and dielectric properties of CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (CCTO) ceramics was investigated. This SBS–added CCTO ceramics were prepared by the solid state reaction. The undesirable impurity phases Ca₃SiO₅ started appearing in the XRD patterns, suggesting a possible chemical reaction between CaTiO₃ and SiO₂ (the devitrification production of SBS glass). The SBS glass additive promoted the grain growth and densification of CCTO ceramics. Cole–Cole plots of conductance suggested that the resistivity grain boundary decreased with increasing amount of SBS glass (when x = 0–2 wt%), then increased (when x = 2–3 wt%). The addition of SBS glass was desirable to increase the dielectric constants (up to 10⁴) and lowered the dielectric losses of CCTO over the frequency range of 450–40 kHz at the relatively lower sintering temperature for relatively shorter sintering time (1,050 °C, 12 h).     

Influence of the hard coated B4C particulates on wear resistance of Al–Cu alloys

In the present study, sliding wear tests were carried out on different sizes and volume fractions of coated B₄C particles reinforced 2024 aluminum alloy composites fabricated by a squeeze casting method. Microstructural examination showed that the B₄C distributions were generally homogeneous in the matrix while some particle clusterings were observed at relatively high particle containing composites. As compared to the 2024 Al matrix alloy, the hardness of the composites was found to be greater. It is observed that the wear resistance of the composites was significantly higher than that of the unreinforced aluminum alloy, and increased with increasing B₄C particles content and size. The hard B₄C particles act as a protrusion over the matrix, carries a major portion of the applied load and protect the abrasives from penetration into the specimen surface. Combination of rough and smooth regions is distinguished on the worn surface of the composites. The depth and number of grooves in composites decreased with increasing volume fraction of B₄C particles, and the worn surfaces of composites were relatively smooth.     

Effects of high-temperature annealing on the microstructure and properties of C/SiC–ZrB2 composites

C/SiC–ZrB₂ composites prepared via precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) were treated at high temperatures ranging from 1200 °C to 1800 °C. The mass loss rate of the composites increased with increasing annealing temperature and the flexural properties of the composites increased initially and then decreased reversely. Out of the four samples, the flexural strength and the modulus of the specimen treated at 1400 °C are maximal at 216.9 MPa and 35.5 GPa, suggesting the optimal annealing temperature for mechanical properties is 1400 °C. The fiber microstructure evolution during high-temperature annealing would not cause the decrease of fiber strength, and moderate annealing temperature enhanced the thermal stress whereas weakened the interface bonding, thus boosting the mechanical properties. However, once the annealing temperature exceeded 1600 °C, element diffusion and carbothermal reduction between ZrO₂ impurity and carbon fibers led to fiber erosion and a strong interface, jeopardizing the mechanical properties of the composites. The mass loss rate and linear recession rate of composites treated at 1800 °C are merely 0.0141 g/s and 0.0161 mm/s, respectively.     

Influence of material and process parameters on microstructure evolution during the fabrication of carbon–carbon composites: a review

Journal of Materials Science - Carbon–carbon composites (CCCs) are a unique form of carbon fiber-reinforced materials that exhibit excellent thermomechanical properties under extreme...     

Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O and Zn3(VO4)2 3D microspheres as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Three-dimensional Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂·2H₂O microspheres have been successfully synthesized by a simple and facile liquid phase precipitation method without using any surfactants or additives. The as-prepared microspheres were constructed by two-dimensional nanosheets, which interconnected with each other through self-assembly. The influences of the aging time, reaction temperature, and pH value on the morphologies of the products were systematically investigated. Moreover, three-dimensional Zn₃(VO₄)₂ microspheres could be formed through calcination of the Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂·2H₂O precursor. The obtained Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂·2H₂O and Zn₃(VO₄)₂ microspheres were further investigated as the anode materials of lithium-ion batteries. Electrochemical measurements showed that the Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂·2H₂O and Zn₃(VO₄)₂ microspheres exhibited high discharge capacity and good cycle stability, indicating potential anode candidates in advanced rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. It should be noted that this is the first report on the Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂·2H₂O and Zn₃(VO₄)₂ three-dimensional microspheres as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The present work will greatly expand the range of anode choices and could assist long-term endeavors in developing high capacity anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.     

Effects of binary additives B2O3–Y2O3 on the microstructure and thermal conductivity of aluminum nitride ceramics

Aluminum nitride (AIN) ceramics, with binary additives B₂O₃-Y₂O₃, were sintered at temperatures from 1700 to 1850 °C. The microstructure and sintering characteristics were studied by XRD, HREM, SEM and TEM/EDS, which showed that Y₂O₃ gave different yttrium aluminates through the reaction with Al₂O₃ under different conditions. With the increase of sintering temperature, the yttrium-to-aluminum atomic ratio Y/Al decreased in the secondary phases of the sintered bodies. It was discovered that B₂O₃ could dissolve in the yttrium aluminates, forming some ordered structure with a superlattice. After sintering at 1850 °C for 4 h, a specimen with a fine microstructure and a thermal conductivity of 190 Wm^–1K^–1 was obtained.     

Effect of TiO2 on the sintering temperature and dielectric properties of Li2O–MgO–ZnO–B2O3–SiO2 ceramic composites for LTCC applications

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics - The effects of injecting TiO2 to a Li2O–MgO–ZnO–B2O3–SiO2 (LMZBS) microwave dielectric composite on sinterability,...     

Effect of B2O3 on the densification and magnetic properties of Li–Zn ferrite

Densification, grain growth and magnetic properties of Li–Zn ferrite (Li_.30Zn_.4Fe_2.30O₄) doped with B₂O₃ as a sintering aid were investigated. B₂O₃ is a low melting point (460 °C) oxide and forms a liquid phase during sintering which affects the densification and grain growth of ferrites. Results showed that density and grain growth rate were sensitive to the B₂O₃ content and sintering temperature. At low amounts of B₂O₃ (<1 wt.%), an increase in the B₂O₃ content increased density and grain growth rate. The highest density and the maximum magnetization were obtained for the sample containing 1.0 wt.% B₂O₃ which was sintered at a lower temperature (1000 °C) for 1.5 h, in comparison with undoped samples. Higher B₂O₃ contents than 1.0 wt.% caused a decrease in density of samples due to secondary phases formation and evaporation of B₂O₃. The sample with the highest grain size showed the highest permeability and the lowest magnetic loss.     

Influence of TiC particle size on the load-independent hardness of Al2O3–TiC composites

Seven samples of Al₂O₃–30 wt.% TiC composites were prepared by hot-pressing the Al₂O₃ powder mixed with TiC particles of different particle sizes. Knoop and Vickers hardness measurements were conducted on these samples, respectively, in the indentation load range from 1.47 to 35.77 N. The load-independent hardness numbers were then determined by analyzing the relationship between the measured indentation size and the applied indentation load. It was found that the load-independent hardness number increases with the increasing TiC particle size, and this experimental phenomenon may be attributed to the effect of the residual internal stress resulting from the mismatch between the thermal expansion of Al₂O₃ matrix and that of the TiC particles.     

Effects of Y2O3 and La2O3 addition on the crystallization of Li2O·Al2O3·4SiO2 glass-ceramic

Effects of adding Y₂O₃ and La₂O₃ on the crystallization of -quartz solid solution (ss) and the subsequent -quartz ss to -spodumene transformation of Li₂O·Al₂O₃·4SiO₂ glass-ceramic were investigated. Adding 4 mol% YO_3/2 or 8 mol % LaO_3/2 effectively improved the control of the crystallization process of the glass. Y₂O₃ did not effectively induce bulk crystallization of -quartz ss, but can reduce the rate of surface crystallization. La₂O₃ completely suppressed the surface crystallization and promoted a uniform, bulk crystallization of -quartz ss. For both the Y₂O₃- and La₂O₃-doped glasses, the kinetics for glass crystallization to -quartz ss was delayed as the doping level increased. Except for the 8 mol % LaO_3/2-doped glass in which no -spodumene was formed, the kinetics for the -quartz ss to -spodumene transformation for the doped glasses was enhanced compared with that for the undoped glass. For the 4 and 8 mol % YO_3/2-doped compositions, the relative amount of -spodumene to -quartz revealed an anomalous decrease trend with heating temperature in a particular temperature range. This can be explained by the surface crystallization characteristic, which induced an overlap of crystallization and -quartz ss to -spodumene transformation. Glass doped with 8 mol % LaO_3/2 exhibited an Avrami exponent of about 2.4 and an activation energy for crystal growth of -quartz ss of about 418 kJ mol^–1.     

Effects of the electric field on microstructure and electrical properties of ZnO–Bi2O3–Co2O3 varistor by flash sintering

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics - The dense bulk ZnO–Bi2O3–Co2O3 varistor ceramics were obtained via flash sintering. The effect of electric field on...     

Effect of NiLaxFe2−xO4 nanoparticles on the thermal and coating properties of epoxy resin composites

Epoxy resin has been modified with Ni–La–Fe–O nanoparticles in the form of NiLa_xFe_2−xO₄/epoxy nanocomposites to improve their coating properties. The new composites of different x composition (x = 0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00) were synthesized in situ while epoxy resin was prepared by using a simple solution method with ultrasonic assistance. The new nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), thermogravemetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal degradation showed a more complicated behavior in the presence of Ni–Fe–La–O as shown by the presence of two maxima in the 300–475 °C temperature range. Reinforced composites with nanoparticles showed enhanced compressive coating properties. Ni–Fe formulations showed great promise to improve epoxy coating due to their higher barrier properties and ionic charge transfer resistance.     

Influence of solution treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of a near β titanium alloy Ti-7333

The effect of solution treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-7333, a newly developed near β titanium alloy, was investigated. Compared to Ti-5553 and Ti-1023, Ti-7333 possesses the slowest α to β dissolution rate, allowing a wider temperature window for processing. The rate of β grain growth decreases with the increase of soaking time and increases with the increase of solution temperature. The β grain growth exponents (n) are 0.30, 0.31, 0.32 and 0.33 for solution treatment temperature of 860 °C, 910 °C, 960 °C and 1010 °C, respectively. The activation energy (Q_g) for β grain growth is 395.6 kJ/mol. Water cooling or air cooling after solution treatment have no significant influence on microstructure, which offers large heat treatment cooling window. However, under furnace cooling, the fraction of α phase increases sharply. α phase maintains strictly the Burgers orientation relation with β phase ({0 0 0 1}_α//{1 1 0}_β and 〈1 1 −2 0〉_α//〈1 1 1〉_β), except the α_p particles formed during forging. The tensile strength decreases with the increase of the solution temperature when only solution treatment is applied, whereas the ductility increases gradually. When aging is applied subsequently, the tensile strength increases with the increase of the solution temperature and the ductility decreases gradually.     

Effect of Bi2O3 on structural and optical properties of Li2O·PbO·Bi2O3·B2O3 glasses

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics - The quaternary glass system has a composition of 30Li2O·20PbO·xBi2O3·(50-x)B2O3 (where x?=?0, 10, 20, 30, and...