Residual stress measurement of an EB-PVD Y2O3-ZrO2 thermal barrier coating by micro-Raman spectroscopy

Residual stress distribution in an EB-PVD 4 mol% Y₂O₃-ZrO₂ thermal barrier coating (TBC) layer coated on a superalloy substrate has been measured by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Piezo-spectroscopic coefficient was independently calibrated on a freestanding TBC layer. The coefficient for uniaxial stress is Π_uni = 5.43 cm^− 1GPa^− 1. The stress measurement through the TBC thickness shows compressive stress distribution from small to an almost large constant value. Such a distribution agrees with theoretical consideration since the small stress correctly reflects the free edge effect and the large constant stress is closely related to TBC bulk stresses.     

Conductivity of a new pyrophosphate Sn0.9Sc0.1(P2O7)1−δ prepared by an aqueous solution method

New pyrophosphate Sn_0.9Sc_0.1(P₂O₇)_1−δ was prepared by an aqueous solution method. The structure and conductivity of Sn_0.9Sc_0.1(P₂O₇)_1−δ have been investigated. XRD analysis indicates that Sn_0.9Sc_0.1(P₂O₇)_1−δ exhibits a 3 × 3 × 3 super structure. It was found that Sn_0.9Sc_0.1(P₂O₇)_1−δ prepared by an aqueous method is not conductive. The total conductivity of Sn_0.9Sc_0.1(P₂O₇)_1−δ in open air is 2.35 × 10⁻⁶ and 2.82 × 10⁻⁹ S/cm at 900 and 400 °C respectively. In wet air, the total conductivity is about two orders of magnitude higher (8.1 × 10⁻⁷ S/cm at 400 °C) than in open air indicating some proton conduction. SnP₂O₇ and Sn_0.92In_0.08(P₂O₇)_1−δ prepared by an acidic method were reported fairly conductive but prepared by similar solution methods are not conductive. Therefore, the conductivity of SnP₂O₇-based materials might be related to the synthetic history. The possible conduction mechanism of SnP₂O₇-based materials has been discussed in detail.     

Spontaneous magnetostriction of R2Fe13.6Si3.4 (R = U, Lu)

The thermal expansion of U₂Fe_13.6Si_3.4 and Lu₂Fe_13.6Si_3.4 has been measured by X-ray powder diffraction. Both compounds exhibit a large spontaneous magnetostriction. In the ground state, the volume effect 11.2 × 10⁻³ in U₂Fe_13.6Si_3.4 consists of almost equal contributions from the Fe–Fe and U–Fe exchange interactions (6 × 10⁻³ and 5 × 10⁻³, respectively). In Lu₂Fe_13.6Si_3.4, the volume effect is 8.9 × 10⁻³.     

Effect of CrB2 addition on densification, properties and oxidation resistance of TiB2

This paper presents the results of detailed studies carried out on the densification of TiB₂ with CrB₂ as sinter additive by hot pressing. The dense compacts were characterized by measurement of hardness, indentation fracture toughness, flexural strength, coefficient of thermal expansion and electrical resistivity. Oxidation characteristics were investigated between 600 °C and 1000 °C and isothermal oxidation kinetics at 850 °C. Phase identification and surface morphology analysis of hot pressed and oxidized samples were done using XRD and SEM. A high density of 96.61% Τ.D was obtained with the addition of 2.5% CrB₂ by hot pressing at 1750 °C under 35 MPa pressure. Hardness values of composites with 2.5–10% CrB₂ were close to 24 GPa and fracture toughness in the range of 3–5 MPa m^1/2. Coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite with 10% CrB₂ was measured in the range of 6.21–7.43 × 10⁻⁶/K from room temperature to 1000 °C. Electrical resistivity of TiB₂ + 10%CrB₂ was measured as 32.83, 75.97 and 120 μΩ cm at 25 °C, 500 °C and 900 °C, respectively. Observed nature of oxidation was parabolic for all composites. Formation of continuous and thick glassy film was observed with increased CrB₂ content in the composite. TiO₂ and CrBO₃ phases were identified on the oxidized surface which are responsible for the improved oxidation resistance of this composite.     

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.     

Crystal structure, thermal expansion and electrical properties of the new Al0.32ErGe2 compound

A new ternary compound Al_0.32ErGe₂ has been synthesized and studied from 298 K to 773 K using X-ray powder diffraction technique. Its structure has been determined at room temperature by Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder diffraction data. The ternary compound Al_0.32ErGe₂ crystallizes in the orthorhombic with the defect CeNiSi₂ structure type (space group Cmcm, a = 0.40701(2) nm, b = 1.60401(9) nm, c = 0.39240(2) nm, Z = 4 and D_calc = 8.326 g/cm³). The average thermal expansion coefficients , and of Al_0.32ErGe₂ are 1.72 × 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹, 1.11 × 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹ and 1.52 × 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹, respectively. The bulk thermal expansion coefficient is 4.35 × 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹. Electrical resistivity of Al_0.32ErGe₂ was measured between 5 K and 300 K.     

Effect of Cr7C3 on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of Cr2AlC

In this work, phase pure Cr₂AlC and impure Cr₂AlC with Cr₇C₃ have been fabricated to investigate the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. The thermal expansion coefficient is determined as 1.25 × 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹ in the temperature range of 25-1200 °C. The thermal conductivity of the Cr₂AlC is 15.73 W/m K when it is measured at 200 °C. With increasing temperature from 25 °C to 900 °C, the electrical conductivity of Cr₂AlC decreases from 1.8 × 10⁶ Ω⁻¹ m⁻¹ to 5.6 × 10⁵ Ω⁻¹ m⁻¹. For the impure phase of Cr₇C₃, it has a strengthening and embrittlement effect on the bulk Cr₂AlC. And the Cr₂AlC with Cr₇C₃ would result in a lower high-temperature thermal expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and electrical conductivity.     

Investigation of the microwave dielectric properties of Ca1−xMgxLa4Ti5O17 ceramics for application in coplanar patch antenna

In this paper, the dielectric properties of Ca_1−xMg_xLa₄Ti₅O₁₇ ceramics at microwave frequency have been studied. The diffraction peaks of Ca_(1−x)Mg_xLa₄Ti₅O₁₇ ceramics nearly unchanged with x increasing from 0 to 0.03. Similar X-ray diffraction peaks of Ca_0.99Mg_0.01La₄Ti₅O₁₇ ceramic were observed at different sintering temperatures. A maximum density of 5.3 g/cm³ can be obtained for Ca_0.99Mg_0.01La₄Ti₅O₁₇ ceramic sintered at 1500 °C for 4 h. A maximum dielectric constant (_r) and quality factor (Q × f) of Ca_0.99Mg_0.01La₄Ti₅O₁₇ ceramic sintered at 1500 °C for 4 h are 56.3 and 12,300 GHz (at 6.4 GHz), respectively. A near-zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) of −9.6 ppm/°C can be obtained for Ca_0.99Mg_0.01La₄Ti₅O₁₇ ceramic sintered at 1500 °C for 4 h. The measurement results for the aperture-coupled coplanar patch antenna at 2.5 GHz are presented. With this technique, a 3.33% bandwidth (return loss <−10 dB) with a center frequency at approximately 2.5 GHz has been successfully achieved.     

Improved high-Q microwave dielectric resonator using ZnO-doped La(Co1/2Ti1/2)O3 ceramics

The microwave dielectric properties and the microstructures of ZnO-doped La(Co_1/2Ti_1/2)O₃ ceramics prepared by conventional solid-state route have been studied. Doped with ZnO (up to 0.75 wt%) can effectively promote the densification of La(Co_1/2Ti_1/2)O₃ ceramics with low sintering temperature. At 1320 °C, La(Co_1/2Ti_1/2)O₃ ceramics with 0.75 wt% ZnO addition possesses a dielectric constant (_r) of 30.2, a Q × f value of 73,000 GHz (at 8 GHz) and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) of −35 ppm/°C.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of Ba3Si4C2

SiC powder prepared by the Na flux method at 1023 K for 24 h and Ba were used as starting materials for synthesis of tribarium tetrasilicide acetylenide, Ba₃Si₄C₂. Single crystals of the compound were obtained by heating the starting materials with Na at 1123 K for 1 h and by cooling to 573 K at a cooling rate of −5.5 K/h. The single crystal X-ray diffraction peaks were indexed with tetragonal cell dimensions of a = 8.7693(4) and c = 12.3885(6) Å, space group I4/mcm (No.140). Ba₃Si₄C₂ has the Ba₃Ge₄C₂ type structure which can be described as a cluster-replacement derivative of perovskite (CaTiO₃), and contains isolated anion groups of slightly compressed [Si₄]⁴⁻ tetrahedra and [C₂]²⁻ dumbbells. The electrical conductivity measured for a not well-sintered polycrystalline sample was 2.6 × 10⁻²–7 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ in the temperature range of 370–600 K and slightly increased with increasing temperature. The Seebeck coefficient showed negative values of around −200 to −300 μV K⁻¹.     

Thermophysical properties of lanthanum zirconate coating prepared by plasma spraying and the influence of post-annealing

Nano-scaled lanthanum zirconate powder prepared by co-precipitation–calcination method was plasma-sprayed into a thick coating on an alloy substrate. We investigated the thermophysical properties of the free-standing coating, including thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficients (TECs). Minimum value of the thermal conductivity (at 900 °C) of the coating was about 0.73 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, and the average TEC in the measurement range was about 9.45 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹. Although the TEC value was similar to that of the bulk material, the change tendency versus temperature was different. After annealing at 1300 or 1400 °C for 50 h, we found that the heat insulation performance of the coating decreased with the heat treatment temperature, while the hardness and fracture toughness increased. A peak of sudden decrease in TEC value can be observed in the curve, and with increasing temperature, the peak shifted to high-temperature direction.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a new calcium borate, CaB6O10

A new calcium borate, CaB₆O₁₀, has been prepared by solid-state reactions at temperature below 750 °C. The single-crystal X-ray structural analysis showed that CaB₆O₁₀ crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 9.799(1) Å, b = 8.705(1) Å, c = 9.067(1) Å, β = 116.65(1)°, Z = 4. It represents a new structure type in which two [B₃O₇]⁵⁻ triborate groups are bridged by one oxygen atom to form a [B₆O₁₃]⁸⁻ group that is further condensed into a 3D network, with the shorthand notation 6: ∞³[2 × (3:2Δ + T)]. The 3D network affords intersecting open channels running parallel to three crystallographically axis directions, where Ca²⁺ cations reside. The IR spectrum further confirms the presence of both BO₃ and BO₄ groups.     

Novel thermal barrier coatings based on La2(Zr0.7Ce0.3)2O7/8YSZ double-ceramic-layer systems deposited by electron beam physical vapor deposition

Double-ceramic-layer (DCL) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) of La₂(Zr_0.7Ce_0.3)₂O₇ (LZ7C3) and yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were deposited by electron beam-physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD). The thermal cycling test at 1373 K in an air furnace indicates the DCL coating has a much longer lifetime than the single layer LZ7C3 coating, and even longer than that of the single layer YSZ coating. The superior sintering-resistance of LZ7C3 coating, the similar thermal expansion behaviors of YSZ interlayer with LZ7C3 coating and thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer, and the unique growth modes of columns within DCL coating are all very helpful to the prolongation of thermal cycling life of DCL coating. The failure of DCL coating is mainly a result of the reduction-oxidation of cerium oxide, the crack initiation, propagation and extension, the abnormal oxidation of bond coat, the degradation of t′-phase in YSZ coating and the outward diffusion of Cr alloying element into LZ7C3 coating.     

Investigations of GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors with sputtered HfO2 gate dielectrics

This work elucidates the properties of Al/HfO₂/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors using reactively sputtered HfO₂ as a gate dielectric. The influence of GaN surface treatments and the post-annealing of HfO₂ films on the leakage current, flat-band voltage, interface trap densities, dielectric constants, and effective oxide charges of the GaN MOS capacitors are presented. The Ga oxynitride on the surface of GaN was effectively removed by chemical solutions that also slightly reduced the dielectric constant, slightly increased the flat-band voltage, eliminated the hysteresis of the capacitance–voltage measurement, and yielded a similar leakage to that without surface treatment. A highest dielectric constant of HfO₂ (17) was obtained when the sample was annealed at 600 °C for 20 min, while the lowest interface trap density (5.3 × 10¹¹ cm⁻²) was obtained when the sample was annealed at 800 °C for 40 min. The leakage mechanism was well fitted by the Schottky emission and Frenkel–Poole emission models at a lower and higher electric field.     

Interfacial interaction of solid nickel with liquid Pb-free Sn–Bi–In–Zn–Sb soldering alloys

The dissolution process of nickel in liquid Pb-free 87.5% Sn–7.5% Bi–3% In–1% Zn–1% Sb and 80% Sn–15% Bi–3% In–1% Zn–1% Sb soldering alloys has been investigated by the rotating disc technique at 250–450 °C. The temperature dependence of the nickel solubility in soldering alloys obeys a relation of the Arrhenius type c_s = 4.94 × 10² exp(−39500/RT)% for the former alloy and c_s = 4.19 × 10² exp(−40200/RT)% for the latter, where R is in J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹ (8.314 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹) and T is in K. Whereas the solubility values differ considerably, the dissolution rate constants are rather close for these alloys and fall in the range (1–9) × 10⁻⁵ m s⁻¹ at disc rotational speeds of 6.45–82.4 rad s⁻¹. Appropriate diffusion coefficients vary from 0.16 × 10⁻⁹ to 2.02 × 10⁻⁹ m² s⁻¹. With both alloys, the Ni₃Sn₄ intermetallic layer is formed at the interface of nickel and the saturated or undersaturated melt at dipping times of 300–2400 s. The other Ni–Sn intermetallic compounds are found to be missing. A simple mathematical equation is proposed to evaluate the Ni₃Sn₄ layer thickness in the case of undersaturated melts. The tensile strength of the nickel-to-alloy joints is 94–102 MPa, with the relative elongation being 2.0–2.5%.     

Polymer-induced generation and characterization of electrophoretic properties of hollow TiOX nanospheres for electronic paper

Hollow TiO_X nanospheres have been successfully prepared using hollow core–double shell latex particles (poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (abbreviated in poly(St-co-MMA-co-BA-co-MAA)) as template, which involves the deposition of inorganic coating on the surface of hollow core–shell latex particles and subsequent removal of the latex by calcinations in air or ammonia gas. Ti(OBu)₄ was used as precursor for the preparation of hollow TiO_X nanospheres. TEM of white hollow core–double shell polymers particles with an aperture of approximately 225 nm displays the perfect characteristic hollow nanospheres structure of primary core–double shell particles. The formation of TiO_X was confirmed by XRD analysis and hollow structure of the particles was revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). When the calcined temperature was at 800 °C, hollow TiO₂ nanospheres were arranged regularly with the diameter range of 130–170 nm. The electrophoretic properties were characterized by JS94J micro-electrophoresis apparatus. The electrophoretic mobility of white TiO₂ and black TiO hollow spheres in tetrachloroethylene were 1.09 × 10⁻⁵ and 3.12 × 10⁻⁵ cm²/V s, and the zeta potentials were 7.10 and 20.24 mV, respectively. The results show that white TiO₂ particles and black TiO hollow nanoparticles are suitable as electrophoretic particles and possess the application potential in the future electrophoretic display.     

Cyclic oxidation behavior and thermal barrier effect of YSZ-(Al2O3/YAG) double-layer TBCs prepared by the composite sol-gel method

Novel YSZ (6 wt.% yttria partially stabilized zirconia)-(Al₂O₃/YAG) (alumina-yttrium aluminum garnet, Y₃Al₅O₁₂) double-layer ceramic coatings were fabricated using the composite sol-gel and pressure filtration microwave sintering (PFMS) technologies. The thin Al₂O₃/YAG layer had good adherence with substrate and thick YSZ top layer, which presented the structure of micro-sized YAG particles embedded in nano-sized α-Al₂O₃ film. Cyclic oxidation tests at 1000 °C indicated that they possessed superior properties to resist oxidation of alloy and improve the spallation resistance. The thermal insulation capability tests at 1000 °C and 1100 °C indicate that the 250 μm coating had better thermal barrier effect than that of the 150 μm coating at different cooling gas rates. These beneficial effects should be mainly attributed to that, the oxidation rate of thermal grown oxides (TGO) scale is decreased by the “sealing effect” of α-Al₂O₃, the “reactive element effect”, and the reduced thermal stresses by means of nano/micro composite structure. This double-layer coating can be considered as a promising TBC.     

Characteristics of thermal transitions during annealing of a nanocrystalline Ni3Al-based alloy

In this study, the changes in atomic ordering of a Ni₃Al-based alloy were investigated. The mechanically alloyed powders were annealed at different temperatures up to 1300 °C and then subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. In addition, differential thermal analysis (DTA) with different heating rates was used for calculating the activation energy (using Kissinger and Augis & Bennet methods) and enthalpy of the three transitions: atomic ordering of crystalline structure, transformation of and melting. According to the results obtained, the maximum atomic ordering in this Ni₃Al-based alloy obtained at 600 °C, beyond which it decreased with increasing temperature. Ultimately, atomic ordering completely vanished at 1300 °C due to a lattice transformation occurring from L1₂ ordered structure to the Ni-based solid solution phase.     

Structures, electrical and thermal expansion properties of Sr-doped La2Mo2O9 oxide-ion conductors

The oxide-ion conductors (La_1−xSr_x)₂Mo₂O_9−δ (x = 0.01–0.08) were prepared by means of a conventional solid-state reaction. The effects of Sr doping for La site on the structures, electrical and thermal expansion properties of the oxide-ion conductor La₂Mo₂O₉ were investigated using X-ray diffraction, direct current four-probe method, thermal dilatometer and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results show that the lattice constants were first decreased, then increased, and decreased again with the increase of Sr doping content. The solid solubility of Sr in (La_1−xSr_x)₂Mo₂O_9−δ is x = 0.07. The sinterability of samples is markedly improved with the increase of Sr doping content. The sintered density of sample x > 0.07 is higher than 96% of its theoretical density. When x > 0.02, doping Sr in La₂Mo₂O₉ can inhibit the excessive growth of grains, thus increases the sintered density of samples. The structural transition temperature shifts to the low side with the increase of Sr doping content, and the phase transition is completely suppressed when the doping content reaches 0.07. The conductivity of sample increases with the increase of Sr doping content. The conductivity of sample x = 0.07 reaches a maximum of 0.078 S/cm and 0.101 S/cm at 800 °C and 850 °C, respectively. In this study, it was demonstrated that doping 7 mol% Sr for La site not only can completely suppress the structural phase transition in La₂Mo₂O₉, but also can effectively enhance electrical conductivity of samples at higher temperature.     

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.