Physico-Chemical Investigation of Component Interactions of the Si ― Al ― O ― N ― Ti System in the Region Si3N4 ― AlN ― Al2O3 ― SiO2 ― TiN ― TiO2. Part 1. Subsystems Si3N4 ― Al2O3, Si3N4 ― TiN,and Al2O3 ― TiN

Using the methods of differential thermal and x-ray diffraction analysis an investigation was made of component reactions in the Si Al O N Ti system, particularly between the compounds Si ₃N₄ Al₂O₃, Si₃N₄ TiN, and Al₂O TiN under conditions approximating those used in the hot pressing of composites. It was established that in the reaction of Si₃N₄ with Al₂O₃, -sialon, SiO₂, AlN, and the intermediate reaction products (mullite and X-phase) are formed. In the reaction of Si₃N₄ with TiN, as a result of the decomposition of Si₃N₄ at 1650-1900°C titanium disilicide is produced, which forms eutectics with free silicon and residual TiN at 1320 and 1280°C, respectively. The reaction of Al₂O₃ with TiN similarly leads to the formation of a eutectic between Al₂O₃ and spinel at 1850°C. The presence of eutectic liquids in the specimens after sintering promotes densification of the material, and improves certain of its mechanical properties.     

The Solidus Surface in the Ti ― Ni ― Hf System in the Ti ― TiNi ― HfNi ― Hf Region

Studies have been done on the phase equilibria at subsolidus temperatures in the Ti TiNi HfNi Hf region of the Ti Ni Hf ternary system. The phases based on binary compounds and solid solutions of these components are accompanied in the equilibria by a phase based on an equiatomic ternary compound. This new phase belongs to the family of Laves phases and has a hexagonal crystal structure of MgZn₂ type. The solidus surface in the Ti TiNi HfNi Hf subsystem consists of the surface of the ternary phase alone, the surfaces of the six solid solutions based on the components and binary intermediate phases, the planes of five conode triangles, and the corresponding lineated surfaces.     

Equilibrium Phase Diagrams for the Dy ― Al ― B and Er ― Al ― B Systems

X-ray diffraction has been applied to component interactions in order to construct isothermal sections of the phase diagrams for ternary systems Dy Al B at 600°C (region above 50 at.% Al) and 800°C (region below 50 at.% Al) and Er Al B at 800°C. It is confirmed that there are ternary borides: DyAl₃B> _x (structure type BaPb₃, space group R , a = 0.6156(3) nm, and c = 2.109(1) nm), DyAlB₁₄ (type MgAlB₁₄, Imma, a = 0.5819(2) nm, b = 1.0380(3) nm, c = 0.8176(5) nm), ErAlB₄ (type YCrB₄, Pbam, a = 0.59258(7) nm, b = 1.1515(2) nm, c = 0.35340(6) nm), and ErAlB₁₄ (type MgAlB₁₄, Imma, a = 0.5819(1) nm, b = 1.0401(2) nm, c = 0.8189(1) nm). The {Dy, Er} Al B systems lack signs of solid solutions based on binary and ternary compounds.     

The Cr ― Ta ― C Melting Diagram in the (Cr) ― (Ta) ― (TaC) Region

It has been found from an experimental study on alloys in the Cr Ta C system in the region of the (Cr) (Ta) (TaC) subsystem at melting (crystallization) temperatures that there are two nonvariant four-phase equilibria of congruent type: L_E (Ta) + (Ta₂C) + (TaCr₂) at 1935°C and L_E (TaC) + (Cr) + (TaCr₂) at 1675°C; there is also one four-phase nonvariant equilibrium of incongruent transition type: L_U + (Ta₂C) (TaC) + (TaCr₂) at 1943°C, and two nonvariant three-phase equilibria of congruent type: L_e (Ta₂C) + (TaCr₂) at 1960°C and L_e (TaC) + (Cr) at 1695°C. The phase diagram for the subsystem has been constructed in the form of projections of the solidus and liquidus surfaces, and a melting diagram has been constructed.     

Solidus Surface and Phase Equilibria in Al2O3 ― ZrO2 ― La2O3 Alloy Crystallization

The projection of the solidus surface in the phase diagram for the Al₂O₃ ZrO₂ La₂O₃ system on the plane of a concentration triangle has been constructed, which consists of seven isothermal three-phase fields corresponding to three nonvariant equilibria of eutectic type and four nonvariant equilibria of peritectic type, as well as four lineated surfaces for the end of crystallization in the binary eutectics. The highest temperature on the solidus surface is 2710°C, and the lowest is 1665°C. No ternary phases and appreciable areas of solid solution are observed. Data on the bounding binary systems, liquidus and solidus surfaces have been used to construct the phase-equilibrium diagram together with a scheme for the reactions in equilibrium crystallization in the Al₂O₃ ZrO₂ La₂O₃ system.     

Study of Phase Formation Processes in the Systems Li ― N,Si3N4 ― Li3N,Si3N4 ― Li3N ― Y2O3

We have studied phase formation processes in the systems Li N and Si₃N₄ Li₃N. By nitriding lithium powder at temperatures of 400-600°C, we obtained lithium nitride Li₃N with a composition approaching stoichiometric. In the system Si₃N₄ Li₃N in the temperature range 300-1300°C, the ternary compounds Li₈SiN₄ (500°C), Li₅SiN₃, Li₂SiN₂ (900°C), and LiSi₂N₃ (1300°C) are formed. The studied properties of the hot-pressed composite material of the system Si₃N₄ Li₃N Y₂O₃ allow us to provisionally assign it to the class of solid electrolytes.     

Interactions in the Al2O3 ― ZrO2 ― La2O3 System at 1250 and 1650°C

Triangulation has been determined for the Al₂O₃ ZrO₂ La₂O₃ system, and 1250 and 1650°C isothermal sections of the phase diagram have been constructed. The LaAlO₃ La₂Zr₂O₇ section is quasibinary, while the LaAlO₃ T-ZrO₂ and La₂O₃ ·11Al₂O₃ T-ZrO₂ ones are partially quasibinary. The triangulation of the ternary system is based on ZrO₂ and a phase containing it. No ternary compounds or regions of ternary solid solutions have been identified.     

Effect of Mineralizing Agent on the Phase Composition of Nanocrystalline Powder in the System ZrO2 ― Y2O3 ― CeO2

The effect of mineralizing agent (AlF₃) on microstructural rebuilding and phase transformation that occurs during heat treatment in the range 600-1000°C for powder of the composition ZrO₂ 7 mole% CeO₂ 1 mole% Y₂O₃ is studied. The original nanocrystalline powder is prepared by high-temperature hydrolysis and sol-gel technology. It is established that during heat treatment there is decomposition of the solid solution based on T-ZrO₂ by a eutectoid reaction with formation of M-ZrO₂ and Ce₂Zr₃O₁₀. The compound Ce₂Zr₃O₁₀ is retained under these conditions at 1000°C. Anisotropic crystals of different chemical composition (M-ZrO₂, Ce₂Zr₃O₁₀, -Al₂O₃) form within the sintered matrix of a solid solution based on T-ZrO₂.     

Investigation of Liquid-Phase Sintering in W ― Sn ― Si Pseudoalloys

The kinetics of reaction between particles of tungsten and silicon during liquid-phase sintering of W Si Sn pseudoalloys was studied. Specimen growth caused by the formation of tungsten disilicide was observed. The growth rate in the investigated ranges of time and temperature obeyed a linear law. The rate constant was determined, and also the activation energy of the process, which agreed with the standard heat of formation of WSi₂.     

Some Characteristic Features of Formation of Ceramics Based on Composite Powders SiC ― Si3N4 ― Si2N2O

We have studied the characteristic features of synthesis of composite powders SiC Si₃N₄ Si₂N₂O. We have investigated processes involving hot pressing of these powders without activating additives and a protective atmosphere. We consider the mechanical properties of ceramics obtained on the basis of these composite powders.     

The Equilibrium Phase Diagram for the Tm ― Mn ― B System

X-ray diffraction has been applied to the component interaction study in the ternary Tm Mn B system, and the 1070 K isothermal section of the phase diagram has been constructed. The ternary boride TmMnB₄ is confirmed as present, which has the YCrB₄ structure type (space group Pbam, a = 0.5868-0.5894 nm; b = 1.1320-1.1370 nm; c = 0.3368-0.34018 nm). The lattice parameter variation indicates that the ternary boride has only a narrow homogeneity region, which is in the direction of higher manganese contents. There are no solid solutions based on binary compounds in the Tm Mn B system.     

Regularities of Reactive Diffusion and Phase Formation in Ni ― Bi,Ni ― Zn,and Co ― Zn Binary Systems

Intermetallide layers enriched in bismuth or zinc are the first to grow in the Ni Bi, Ni Zn, and Co Zn reaction pairs. It is not found that high-symmetry phases of equiatomic composition are formed. There is not even a weak correlation between the rate of layer growth and the width of the homogeneity region for these intermetallic compounds. The main factors that determine the formation sequence for the intermetallic layers are the differences in melting point and atomic radius between the components, as well as the crystal structures of the intermetallides. The Kirkendall effect cannot be observed in the growing intermetallic layers. In that case, there is no physical basis for determining integrated diffusion coefficients.     

Phase Formation and Structure of Bronze ― Iron ― Graphite Composite Powder Material during Hot Forming

Copper tin iron graphite material prepared by hot forming is studied. It is established that on heating billets to 850°C Cu Sn alloy forms and there is no copper or tin in pure form after heating. The Fe Sn phase does not even form locally. Bronze grains have a banded relief that is connected with formation of a large number of twins and additional dislocations in Cu(Sn) solid solution. This structural inhomogeneity facilitates material strengthening and high operating properties.     

Bioceramics ― Yesterday,Today, Tomorrow

Developments and applications of bioceramics are reviewed. Used initially as alternatives to metallic materials in order to increase the biocompatibility of implants, bioceramics have become a diverse class of biomaterials presently including three basic types: bioinert high-strength ceramics; bioactive ceramics which form direct chemical bonds with bone or even with the soft tissue of a living organism; various bioresorbable ceramics which are actively included in the metabolic processes of an organism with predictable results. Certain members of the different types of bioceramics are the most bioinert and biocompatible of all known biomaterials. A review of the composition, physicochemical properties, and biological behavior of the principal types of bioceramic materials is given, based on the literature and some of our own data. The materials include, in addition to classical sintered ceramics, bioglass-ceramics and bioglasses which are similar in composition, properties, and applications. Special attention is given to structure as the main physical parameter determining not only the properties of the ceramic materials, but also their reaction with the biomedium. The present status of research and development in bioceramics is characterized as a first step in the solution of complex problems at the confluence of materials science, biology, and medicine by the synthesis of smart materials.     

Model of Quasi-Isostatic Hot Pressing of SHS Products in the System Titanium ― Carbon ― Nickel. Part 2. Results of Modelling and Experimental Studies

Results are provided for modelling and experimental studies of hot quasi-isostatic pressing of SHS products of the system Ti C Ni. Good conformity is demonstrated between experimental data and calculated results using a rheological model for nonlinearly-viscous synthesis products. The model considers presence of a melt and the local nature of solid phase particle flow. Quantitative estimates are obtained for compaction of different zones of the loose shell, the force characteristics of the process, and the nonisostatic coefficient. This information is of interest for production planning and optimization of SHS product compaction.     

Synthesis of Alloy Ti ― 6Al ― 4V with Low Residual Porosity by a Powder Metallurgy Method

The possibility of producing titanium alloy Ti 6Al 4V with minimal residual porosity from mixtures of elemental powders by the method of pressing and sintering without hot deformation during or after sintering was investigated. Various powder mixtures based on titanium and titanium hydride with alloying additions of either elemental powders having different particle sizes, or master alloys, were studied. It was shown that the synthesis of Ti 6Al 4V from mixtures of titanium hydride and master alloys is optimal with respect to the attainment of high relative density. In this case the sintered material has density up to 99%, homogeneous microstructure with relatively small (100-120 m) -phase grains, and a low concentration of impurities, in particular oxygen, which provide a high level of mechanical properties (_ten = 970 MPa, = 6%).     

Phase Diagram of the Al ― Rh System

Phase equilibria in the Al Rh system over the range 15-50 at.% Rh were investigated by the methods of scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and electron-probe microanalysis.     

Reaction of Tungsten with Liquid Co ― Sn Alloys

The solubility of tungsten in Co Sn melts and the growth kinetics of a W₆Co₇ phase layer at the tungsten melt interface were studied at 1200°C. The liquid alloys composition in the three-phase equilibrium W W₆Co₇ melt was established as (at. fraction) 0.51 Co, 0.49 Sn, 2.3·10^–3 W. The solubility of tungsten in the investigated range of melt compositions is well represented by the equation lgx _W = –0.964-3.420x _Sn, where x _W and x _Sn are atomic fractions of the elements in the melt. The calculated thermodynamic properties can be used for the analysis of other systems which include cobalt and tungsten.     

Investigation of the Structure and Properties of Materials in the SiC ― TiB2 System

The structure and properties of sintered and hot-pressed materials of the SiC TiB₂ system were investigated. The optimal conditions for obtaining dense ceramics with minimum grain size of the phase components was determined. It was established that composites containing from 25 to 50 vol.@percnt; TiB₂ have a bend strength equal to 450 MPa at 20°C; this increases to 500 MPa at 1600°C for ceramics with a pseudoeutectic structure. The material is highly heat resistant in the temperature range 900-1200°C.     

Thermodynamics of Component Interactions in Liquid Alloys of the Ternary Systems Ge(Al,Si) ― Ga ― Gd

The concentration dependence of the integral enthalpy of mixing in liquid alloys of the ternary systems Ge(Al, Si) Ga Gd at 1760 K, determined by the method of isoperibolic calorimetry and calculated using the surrounded atom model, was analyzed. Good agreement between H values obtained by both methods is noted. It was established that the interaction of gadolinium with components of the adjoining binary systems, which are characterized by the presence of intermetallic compounds, have a defining effect on the thermodynamics of alloy formation in the ternary systems Ge(Al, Si) Ga Gd.