Energy dependence of the relative light output of YAlO<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Ce,Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>SiO<Subscript>5</Subscript>:Ce,and YPO<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Ce scintillators

The nonlinear dependence of the relative light output on the energy deposited in single-crystal scintillation materials YAlO₃:Ce (YAP:Ce), Y₂SiO₅:Ce (YSO:Ce), and YPO₄:Ce (YPO:Ce) has been studied. The investigations have been conducted under quasi-monochromatic X-ray excitation in the energy range of 9.5–100 keV. In addition to the standard technique for measuring the nonproportional scintillator response based on the dependence of the full-energy peak position on the energy of incident radiation, a method is proposed for measuring the light output by X-ray fluorescence peaks. Using this method for YAP:Ce, it is possible to investigate the nonlinear dependence of the light output on the photon energy in the energy range of 2–40 keV. Along with this method, the K-dip spectroscopy method has been proposed and tested by measuring the dependence of the relative light output on the electron energy in the range of 0.1–80.0 keV. The processes resulting in the loss of the scintillation material efficiency at a high ionization density are considered.     

Synergistic Effect of Nano-MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript> and Anatase Nano-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> on the Lubrication Properties of MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Nano-Clusters

A MoS₃ precursor deposited on anatase nano-TiO₂ is heated at 450 °C in an H₂ atmosphere to synthesize MoS₂/TiO₂ nano-clusters. The nano-clusters are then characterized, and their tribological properties are evaluated. MoS₂ is found to be composed of layered structures with 1–10 nm thicknesses, 10–30 nm lengths, and 0.63–0.66 nm layer distances. The MoS₂ sizes in the MoS₂/TiO₂ nano-clusters are smaller and their layer distances are larger than those of pure nano-MoS₂. The MoS₂/TiO₂ nano-clusters also present a lower average friction coefficient than pure nano-MoS₂, but the anti-wear properties of both the nano-clusters and pure nano-MoS₂ are similar. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that nano-TiO₂ and the element Mo are transferred to the friction surface from the MoS₂/TiO₂ nano-clusters through a tribochemical reaction. This produces a lubrication film containing TiO₂, MoO₃, and other chemicals. The nano-MoS₂ changes in size and layer distance when combined with nano-TiO₂, producing a synergistic effect. This may further be explained using a micro-cooperation model between MoS₂ nano-platelets and TiO₂ solid nanoparticles.     

Tribological Performance of Fe<Subscript>67</Subscript>B<Subscript>33</Subscript> Alloy Prepared by a Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis Technique

A bulk Fe₆₇B₃₃ alloy was prepared by a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis technique that is convenient, low in cost, and capable of being scaled up for tailoring the bulk materials. The Fe₆₇B₃₃ alloy is composed of dendrites with the t-Fe₂B phase and eutectic matrix with the α-Fe and t-Fe₂B phases. The content of the dendrite t-Fe₂B is above 80 vol.%. The compressive fractured strength and Vickers microhardness are 3400 MPa and 12.4 GPa, respectively. The tribological performance of the Fe₆₇B₃₃ alloy is investigated under dry sliding and water lubricant against Si₃N₄ ceramic ball. The wear rates of the Fe₆₇B₃₃ alloy are of the magnitude of 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁴ mm³/m under water lubricant. It is lower than that of the Fe₆₇B₃₃ alloy under dry sliding (10⁻⁴ mm³/m). But both the friction coefficients are almost identical. Oxide layers form in both environments via different tribochemical mechanisms, which led to significant differences in wear behavior.     

Tribological behaviors and mechanisms of Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>AlC<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Tribological behaviors and the relevant mechanism of a highly pure polycrystalline bulk Ti₃AlC₂ sliding dryly against a low carbon steel disk were investigated. The tribological tests were carried out using a block-on-disk type high-speed friction tester, at the sliding speeds of 20–60 m/s under a normal pressure of 0.8 MPa. The results showed that the friction coefficient is as low as 0.1∼0.14 and the wear rate of Ti₃AlC₂ is only (2.3–2.5) × 10⁻⁶ mm³/Nm in the sliding speed range of 20–60 m/s. Such unusual friction and wear properties were confirmed to be dependant dominantly upon the presence of a frictional oxide film consisting of amorphous Ti, Al, and Fe oxides on the friction surfaces. The oxide film is in a fused state during the sliding friction at a fused temperature of 238–324 °C, so it takes a significant self-lubricating effect.     

Tribological duality of Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>SiC<Subscript>2</Subscript>

We report here on the friction behavior of fine- and coarse-grained Ti₃SiC₂ against steel and Si₃N₄ balls. Two successive friction regimes have been identified for both grain sizes and both counterparts. First, Type I regime is characterized by a relatively low (0.1–0.15) friction coefficient, and very little wear. Sliding occurs between a tribofilm on the ball and the Ti₃SiC₂ plane when against steel. Then, a Type II regime often follows, with increased friction coefficients (0.4–0.5) and significant wear. Compacted wear debris seems to act as a third body resulting in abrasion of the ball, even in the case of Si₃N₄. The transition between the two regimes occurs at different times, depending on various factors such as grain size, type of pin, and normal load applied. Some experiments under vacuum showed that the atmosphere plays also a major role. The reason for this evolution is not fully clear at that time, but its understanding is of major technological importance given the unusual good properties of this material.     

A Raman Spectroscopic Study of MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript> and MoO<Subscript>3</Subscript>: Applications to Tribological Systems

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and molybdenum trioxide are investigated using Raman spectroscopy with emphasis on the application to tribological systems. The Raman vibrational modes were investigated for excitation wavelengths at 632.8 and 488 nm using both micro-crystalline MoS₂ powder and natural MoS₂ crystals. Differences are noted in the Raman spectra for these two different wavelengths, which are attributed to resonance effects due to overlap of the 632.8 nm source with electronic absorption bands. In addition, significant laser intensity effects are found that result in laser-induced transformation of MoS₂ to MoO₃. Finally, the transformation to molybdenum trioxide is explored as a function of temperature and atmosphere, revealing an apparent transformation at 375 K in the presence of oxygen. Overall, Raman spectroscopy is an useful tool for tribological study of MoS₂ coatings, including the role of molybdenum trioxide transformations, although careful attention must be given to the laser excitation parameters (both wavelength and intensity) when interpreting Raman spectra.     

Tribological Property of Ni<Subscript>3</Subscript>Al Matrix Composites with Addition of BaMoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The Ni₃Al matrix composites with addition of 10, 15, and 20 wt% BaMoO₄ were fabricated by powder metallurgy technique, and the tribological behaviors were studied from room temperature to 800 °C. It was found that BaAl₂O₄ formed during the fabrication process. The Ni₃Al composites showed poor tribological property below 400 °C, with high friction coefficients (above 0.6) and wear rates (above 10⁻⁴ mm³/Nm). However, the composites exhibited excellent self-lubricating and anti-wear properties at higher temperatures, and the composite with addition of 15 wt% BaMoO₄ had the lowest wear rate (1.10 × 10⁻⁵ mm³/Nm) and friction coefficient (0.26). In addition, the results also indicated that BaAl₂O₄ for the Ni₃Al composites did not exhibit lubricating property from room temperature to 800 °C.     

The Effect of Morphology on the Tribological Properties of MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript> in Liquid Paraffin

The tribological properties of liquid paraffin (LP) containing molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) additives, including nano-balls, nano-slices, and bulk 2H-MoS₂, are evaluated using a four-ball tribometer. Results show that all MoS₂ additives used can improve the tribological properties of LP, and that nanosized MoS₂ particles function as lubrication additives in LP better than micro-MoS₂ particles do. The LP with nano-balls presents the best antifriction and antiwear properties at the MoS₂ content of 1.5 wt%. This is ascribed to the chemical stability of the layer-closed spherical structure of nano-balls. The Stribeck curves confirm that the rotation speed of 1,450 rpm used is located at the mixed lubrication region under 300 N. MoS₂ nano-slices have small sizes and easily enter into the interface of the friction pair with a roughness of 0.032 μm, functioning as a lubricant in LP better than nano-balls do at the MoS₂ content of 1.0 wt%. The Stribeck curves also show that the differences between the two nano samples were magnified at high rotation speeds in hydrodynamic lubrication region. The application of nano-slices in high sliding speeds will be more advantageous. This work furthers the understanding of the relationship between the tribological properties and morphology of MoS₂.     

Double-diffusive natural convection of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-water nanofluid in an enclosure with partially active side walls using variable properties

Natural convection heat and mass transfer characteristics in a square enclosure using variable thermal conductivity and variable viscosity are numerically studied. The fluid in the enclosure is a water-based nanofluid containing Al₂O₃ nanoparticles. The top and bottom horizontal walls are insulated, while a source (T_h, C_h) and a sink (T_c, C_c) are located at the vertical left and right walls as active parts, respectively, with T_h>T_c and C_h>C_c. The governing equations in the two-dimensional space are discretized using the control volume method. A proper upwinding scheme is employed to obtain stabilized solutions. The study has been carried out for the Rayleigh numbers of 10⁴ to 10⁶, the buoyancy ratios of ?5～5, and different configurations of the source and sink. Results are presented in the form of the streamlines, isotherms and iso-concentraions as well as the average Nusselt and Sherwood numbers. It is observed that average Nusselt number is increased by adding the nanoparticles, while average Sherwood number is reduced. Moreover, both Nusselt and Sherwood number are increased as absolute value of the buoyancy ratio or Rayleigh number is increased.     

Study on the Synthesis and Tribological Property of Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> Based Magnetic Fluids

In this paper, Fe₃O₄ based magnetic fluids with different particle concentrations were prepared by the co-precipitation technique. The size of the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles is about 13 nm and their shape is spherical. The tribological performances of the fluids with different concentration Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were evaluated in a MMW-1A four-ball machine. The results show that the tribological performance of magnetic fluids with proper Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles can be improved significantly. The maximum nonseized load (P _B) has been increased by 38.4% compared with carrier liquid. The wear scar diameter has been reduced from 0.68 mm to 0.53 mm and the relative percentage in friction coefficient has decreased to 31.3%. The optimal concentration of the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in the carrier liquid is about 4 wt.%.     

Dry-sliding Tribological Properties of Nano-Eutectic Fe<Subscript>83</Subscript>B<Subscript>17</Subscript> Alloy

This paper reports the tribological performance of the nano-eutectic Fe₈₃B₁₇ alloy under dry sliding against Si₃N₄ ceramic ball in ambient environment with varying applied loads and sliding speeds. Worn surfaces of the nano-eutectic Fe₈₃B₁₇ alloy were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an X-ray energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS). The wear debris of the samples were also analyzed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The wear rate of the nano-eutectic Fe₈₃B₁₇ alloy was of the magnitude of 10⁻⁴ mm³/m, which was lower than that of the coarse grained Fe₈₃B₁₇ alloy. The friction coefficient of the nano-eutectic Fe₈₃B₁₇ alloy was almost the same as that of the coarse grained Fe₈₃B₁₇ alloy. The Fe₂SiO₄ oxide layer was formed on the worn surface of the nano-eutectic Fe₈₃B₁₇ alloy. However, on the worn surface of the coarse grained Fe₈₃B₁₇ alloy was found only a little Fe₂SiO₄. These results demonstrated that the nanostructure improved the wear resistance of the Fe₈₃B₁₇ alloy, but did not significantly affect the friction coefficient. The wear mechanism of the nano-eutectic Fe₈₃B₁₇ alloy was delamination abrasion mainly.     

Dry and oil-lubricated sliding wear of Si<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> and Si<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript>/BN fibrous monoliths

A high-temperature ball-on-flat tribometer was used to investigate dry and oil-lubricated friction and wear of sintered Si₃N₄ and Si₃N₄/hexagonal boron nitride (H-BN) fibrous monoliths. The friction coefficients of base Si₃N₄ flats sliding against Si₃N₄ balls were in the range of 0.6–0.8 for dry and 0.03–0.15 for lubricated sliding, and the average wear rates of Si₃N₄ were 10^–5 mm³ N^–1 m^–1 for dry sliding and 10^–10–10^–8 mm³ N ^–1m^–1 for lubricated sliding. The friction coefficients of Si₃N₄ balls against composite fibrous monoliths were 0.7 for dry sliding and 0.01–0.08 for lubricated sliding. The average specific wear rates of the pairs were of the same order as those measured for the conventional Si₃N₄ pairs. However, the fibrous monoliths, in combination with sprayed dry boron nitride, resulted in reduction in the lubricated friction coefficients of the test pairs and significant reduction in their wear rates. The most striking result of this study was that the coefficients of friction of the Si₃N₄/H-BN fibrous monolith test pair were 70–80 lower than those of either roughened or polished Si₃N₄ when tests were performed under oil-lubricated sliding conditions over long distances (up to 5000 m). The results indicated that Si₃N₄/H-BN fibrous monoliths have good wear resistance and can be used to reduce friction under lubricated sliding conditions.     

Voltage-current characteristics of diodes on MBE-grown Hg<Subscript>0.78</Subscript>Cd<Subscript>0.22</Subscript>Te layers

Results of measuring the voltage-current characteristics (VCCs) of diodes for IR detectors with the cutoff wavelength λ _c = 11μm are presented. The diodes are based on variband Hg_0.78Cd_0.22Te layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy on semi-insulating GaAs substrates. It is found that diffusion current and generation current in the depletion layer of the p-n junction are the main mechanisms of carrier generation at the reverse bias voltage V ₁ < −0.2 V. It is shown that good agreement between calculated and experimental VCCs is achieved if the decrease of the effective depth of recombination levels in the depletion layer as a result of the Poole — Frenkel effect is taken into account, as well as the longitudinal charge spreading in the reverse current diffusion component.     

Tribological Properties of a Nano-Eutectic Fe<Subscript>1.87</Subscript>C<Subscript>0.13</Subscript> Alloy Under Water Environment

Tribological properties of a nano-eutectic Fe_1.87C_0.13 alloy were investigated under distilled-water lubrication against AISI52100 steel ball for various applied loads and sliding speeds. For comparison, the tribological behavior of annealed coarse-grained Fe_1.87C_0.13 alloy was also examined under the same testing conditions. Worn surfaces of both alloys were analyzed by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The wear rate of nano-eutectic Fe_1.87C_0.13 alloy was on the order of 10⁻⁵ mm³/m. The wear rate of nano-eutectic Fe_1.87C_0.13 alloy was higher than that of annealed Fe_1.87C_0.13 alloy at lower load, but lower under higher load. The friction coefficients of the two alloys were similar and exhibited a slight increase with increasing sliding speed, but a small decrease with increasing applied load. The wear mechanism of the nano-eutectic Fe_1.87C_0.13 alloy was transformed from plowing and corrosion wear to slight fatigue cracking with increasing applied load, whereas that of the annealed coarse-grained Fe_1.87C_0.13 alloy was transformed from plowing and corrosion wear to severe fatigue flaking.     

Characteristics of a pulse–periodic CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> laser for applications in the field of laser-produced plasma

The design of a pulse–periodic СО₂ laser oscillator that operates at a high level of the specific energy deposition into a self-sustained discharge is described. The laser is intended for generating pulses with a high-density radiation flux in a laser-plasma generator of multiply charged ions at the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics (ITEP). The results of investigations of the spatiotemporal and energy characteristics of laser output radiation in a wide range of the discharge excitation level and the mixture composition are presented. The optimal conditions are determined under which the oscillator provides an output energy of >10 J in a pulse with a duration of ~28 ns and a record specific peak radiation power of 190 MW per liter of the active volume of a CO₂: N₂: He mixture. The high quality of the spatial characteristics was confirmed in measurements of the radial energy-density distribution in the far-field zone, whose characteristic size is close to the diffraction limit.     

Comparison of the efficiency of modification of SHMPE by nanofibers (C,Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>) and nanoparticles (Cu,SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>) when obtaining antifriction composites

The effect of various nanofillers (nanofibers of Al₂O₃ and carbon, nanopowders of copper and SiO₂) on the physico-mechanical and tribotechnical properties of superhigh-molecular polyethylene is investigated. It is determined that the modification of superhigh-molecular polyethylene by nanofibers and nanoparticles within the limits of 0.1–05 wt % results in a substantial rise in its deformation-strength characteristics and a multifold increase in its tribotechnical characteristics. By the methods of X-ray structure analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and electron microscopy, it is shown that modification of the polymer by the mentioned nanofillers results in the formation of an ordered (lamellar) permolecular structure. It is revealed that nanofibers form a stable film of friction transfer more quickly in comparison with nanoparticles. The optimum compositions of nanofillers, which determine the high wear resistance and the low constant of friction for polymer, are determined. The mechanical activation of the binder and filler powders provides a uniform distribution of the nanopowder within the binder and additionally enhances the physico-mechanical and tribotechnical properties of the composite.     

On the possibility of improving antifriction properties of MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript> coatings by alloying

The paper presents an explanation of the improved antifriction properties of MoS₂ in vacuum compared to their properties in air. It is shown that the effect of superlow friction upon intensive irradiation results from the formation of a “two-dimensional gas” consisting of sulfur atoms knocked out of their positions. The possibility of the alloying of MoS₂ by elements which do not react with sulfur is analyzed. The alloying of MoS₂ coatings by an excess number of sulfur atoms to realize the effect of superlow friction in vacuum and air is substantiated.     

Synthesis and Tribological Properties of Stearic Acid-Modified Anatase (TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>) Nanoparticles

Anatase (TiO₂) nanoparticles with an average diameter of 10 nm were synthesized by solvothermal method followed by surface modification with stearic acid (SA). As-prepared, the nanoparticles (SA-TiO₂) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The tribological properties of SA-TiO₂ as an additive of liquid paraffin (LP) were evaluated by a four-ball tester. The results show that LP with SA-TiO₂ exhibited good anti-wear and friction-reduction properties under the all applied loads. Comparing LP with LP-containing SA, LP-containing TiO₂, and LP-containing SA-TiO₂, the LP-containing SA-TiO₂ had the best load-carrying capacity. It was deduced that the boundary lubricating film was mainly composed of TiO₂ deposits and an adsorbing film of SA which contribute to the excellent lubricating effect of SA-TiO₂ in LP.     

An experimental study on laminar CH<Subscript>4</Subscript>/O<Subscript>2</Subscript>/N<Subscript>2</Subscript> premixed flames under an electric field

This work investigates the electric field effect on gas temperature, radiative heat flux and flame speed of premixed CH₄/O₂/N₂ flames in order to gain a better insight into the mechanism of controlling the combustion process by electrophysical means. Experiments were performed on laminar Bunsen flames (Re<2200) of lean to rich mixture composition (φ =0.8–1.2) with slight oxygen enrichment (Ω=0.21-0.30). The Schlieren flame angle technique was used to determine the flame speed, and thermocouple measurements at the post flame gas were conducted. The radiative heat flux was measured by using a heat flux meter. At high field strengths, coincident with the appearance and enhancement of flame surface curvatures, an apparent change in flame speed and gas temperature was observed. However, the application of an electric field had no significant effect on flame speed and temperature when the flame geometry was unaltered. This was supported by radiative heat flux showing negligible electric field effects. The modification in flame temperature and flame speed under electric field was attributed to the field-induced flame stretch due to the body forces produced by the ionic winds. This additional flame stretch, coupled with the influence of non-unity Lewis number, accounts for such changes. This reinforces the idea that the action of an electric field on flames with a geometry that remains practically undeformed produces very minimal effect on flame speed, temperature and radiative heat flux. A possible mechanism of combustion control by the application of flame stretch using electric field was introduced.     

Mechanical properties and tribological behavior of ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> thin films deposited on sulfonated self-assembled monolayer of 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane

A silane coupling reagent (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (abridged as MPTS) was self-assembled on a single-crystal Si substrate to form a two-dimensional organic monolayer (MPTS-SAM). The terminal –SH group in the MPTS-SAM film was in-situ oxidized to –SO₃H group to endow the film with good chemisorption ability. Then ZrO₂ thin films were deposited on the oxidized MPTS-SAM by way of the enhanced hydrolysis of aqueous zirconium sulfate (Zr(SO₄)₂·4H₂O) in the presence of aqueous HCl at 50 °C, making use of the chemisorption ability of the –SO₃H group. The thickness of the ZrO₂ films was determined with an ellipsometer, while their morphologies and corresponding friction forces were analyzed by means of atomic force microscopy. The hardness and elastic modulus of the ZrO₂ thin films were determined on a Nanoindentation II (MET) instrument. The macro-friction and wear behaviors of the ZrO₂ films sliding against an AISI-52100 steel ball were examined on a unidirectional friction and wear tester and the worn surface morphologies observed on a scanning electron microscope (SEM). As the results, the as-deposited ZrO₂ thin film at a deposition duration of 100 h is about 100 nm thick, it decreases to 48 nm after annealing at 500 °C and further decreases to 45 nm after heating at 800 °C. The as-deposited ZrO₂ film is relatively rougher, with the rms to be about 1.0 nm, while the ZrO₂ thin films heated at 500 and 800 °C have surface roughness rms of 0.76 nm and 0.68 nm, respectively. The ZrO₂ film annealed at 800 °C has a high hardness to elastic modulus (H/E) ratio (0.062) as compared to the as-deposited ZrO₂ film and the film annealed at 500 °C. Both the two annealed ZrO₂ films show excellent wear-resistance as they slide against AISI-52100 steel at a normal load below 2.0 N, while the one annealed at 800 °C has better wear-resistance. The differences in the friction and wear behaviors of the as-deposited ZrO₂ film, the ZrO₂ film annealed at 500 °C and that annealed at 800 °C are attributed to their different micro structures and compositions. Since the ZrO₂ films was well adhered to the underlying MPTS-SAM, it might find promising application in the surface-protection of single crystal Si and SiC subject to sliding at small normal load in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).