Al2O3-nanodiamond composite coatings with high durability and hydrophobicity prepared by aerosol deposition

We attempted the room-temperature fabrication of Al₂O₃-based nanodiamond (ND) composite coating films on glass substrates by an aerosol deposition (AD) process to improve the anti-scratch and anti-smudge properties of the films. Submicron Al₂O₃ powder capable of fabricating transparent hard coating films was used as a base material for the starting powders, and ND treated by 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFOTES) was added to the Al₂O₃ to increase the hydrophobicity and anti-wear properties. The ND powder treated by PFOTES was mixed with the Al₂O₃ powder by ball milling to ratios of 0.01 wt.%, 0.03 wt.%, and 0.05 wt.% ND. The water contact angle (CA) of the Al₂O₃-ND composite coating films was increased as the ND ratio increased, and the maximum water CA among all the films was 110°. In contrast to the water CA, the Al₂O₃-ND composite coating films showed low transmittance values of below 50% at a wavelength of 550 nm due to the strong agglomeration of ND. To prevent the agglomeration of ND, the starting powders were mixed by attrition milling. As a result, Al₂O₃-ND composite coating films were produced that showed high transmittance values of close to 80%, even though the starting powder included 1.0 wt.% ND. In addition, the Al₂O₃-ND composite coating films had a high water CA of 109° and superior anti-wear properties compared to those of glass substrates.     

Fabrication of A356 composite reinforced with micro and nano Al2O3 particles by a developed compocasting method and study of its properties

Aluminum/alumina composites are used in automotive and aerospace industries due to their low density and good mechanical strength. In this study, compocasting was used to fabricate aluminum-matrix composite reinforced with micro and nano-alumina particles. Different weight fractions of micro (3, 5 and 7.5 wt.%) and nano (1, 2, 3 and 4 wt.%) alumina particles were injected by argon gas into the semi-solid state A356 aluminum alloy and stirred by a mechanical stirrer with different speeds of 200, 300 and 450 rpm. The microstructure of the composite samples was investigated by Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Also, density and hardness variation of micro and nano composites were measured. The microstructure study results revealed that application of compocasting process led to a transformation of a dendritic to a nondendritic structure of the matrix alloy. The SEM micrographs revealed that Al₂O₃ nano particles were surrounded by silicon eutectic and inclined to move toward inter-dendritic regions. They were dispersed uniformly in the matrix when 1, 2 and 3 wt.% nano Al₂O₃ or 3 and 5 wt.% micro Al₂O₃ was added, while, further increase in Al₂O₃ (4 wt.% nano Al₂O₃ and 7.5 wt.% micro Al₂O₃) led to agglomeration. The density measurements showed that the amount of porosity in the composites increased with increasing weight fraction and speed of stirring and decreasing particle size. The hardness results indicated that the hardness of the composites increased with decreasing size and increasing weight fraction of particles.     

Effects of Y2O3 addition on the phase evolution and thermophysical properties of lanthanum zirconate

Lanthanum zirconate (La₂Zr₂O₇, LZ) powders with the addition of various Y₂O₃ contents for potential thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) application were synthesized by solid-state reaction. The structure evolution, sintering-resistance and thermophysical properties of the synthesized powders and sintered ceramics were systematically studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that LZ containing 3–12 wt.% Y₂O₃ mainly keeps a pyrochlore-type structure, and two new phases of LaYO₃ and Y_0.18Zr_0.82O_1.91 are also detected. Raman spectra confirm that the higher the Y₂O₃ content, the easier is the formation of LaYO₃. With the increase of Y₂O₃ content, the linear thermal expansion coefficients (TEC) of different La₂O₃–ZrO₂–Y₂O₃ ceramics may gradually decrease. Additionally, LZ ceramics doped with 3 wt.% Y₂O₃ have the lowest relative density and the highest sintering-resistance among all samples, implying that it is the best candidate for TBCs among those samples in this investigation.     

Effect of MoSi2/rare earth composite particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of molybdenum

MoSi₂/La₂O₃ and MoSi₂/Y₂O₃ composite particles were prepared by mechanical milling and doped into molybdenum by solid-solid method, respectively. Rods with a diameter of 17 mm were made by pressing and sintering. The effects of different composite particles on microstructures and strength of the as-sintered molybdenum were investigated. Results show that the MoSi₂/La₂O₃ and MoSi₂/Y₂O₃ composite particles transformed to La₂O₃/Mo₅Si₃ and Y₂O₃/Mo₅Si₃ composite particles due to the in situ reaction between Mo and MoSi₂ during sintering process. Mo₅Si₃/La₂O₃ and Mo₅Si₃/Y₂O₃ composite particles can reduce the grain size and improve both strength and toughness of sintered molybdenum significantly. Mo₅Si₃/Y₂O₃ composite particles contribute more to the strength, while the effect of Mo₅Si₃/La₂O₃ on toughness is greater than that of Mo₅Si₃/Y₂O₃.     

Chemical vapor deposition of C on SiO2 and subsequent carbothermal reduction for the synthesis of nanocrystalline SiC particles/whiskers

This study investigates chemical vapor deposition of C from CH₄ on particulate SiO₂ and subsequent carbothermal conversion of the resultant composite particles to SiC powders. Mass measurements, HR-TEM, SEM and XRD were used to characterize the products at various stages of the processes. It was found that oxide particles gained mass rapidly at 1300 K under CH₄ atmosphere owing to enhanced C uptake. Pyrolytic carbon layers 5-8 nm thick were deposited on SiO₂ particles. The coated powders with high C loadings (40-42.6 wt.% C) were converted to SiC under Ar flow in a temperature range of 1700-1800 K. Almost pure SiC powders containing a mixture of particles and whiskers of ~ 100 nm were synthesized at 1750 K for 45 min and at 1800 K for 30 min using the starting powder with 40 wt.% C. Whisker diameter increased with the C content of the coated powder. It was proposed that SiC whisker was grown by a vapor-solid mechanism. Equilibrium thermodynamic analysis by the method of minimization of Gibbs’ free energy predicted the reaction pathways to SiC and to the product species in the Si-O-C-Ar system. This study demonstrated that either C shell-SiO₂ core powders or SiC powders could be synthesized rapidly in the same reactor.     

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.     

Comparison of ZrB2-SiC ceramics with Yb2O3 additive prepared by hot pressing and spark plasma sintering

This work compared phase composition, microstructures and mechanical properties of ZrB₂—20 vol.% SiC—5 vol.%Yb₂O₃ prepared by hot pressing (HP) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) in vacuum. Despite the same raw material composition, the two densification techniques led to the appearance of different secondary phases. The HP ceramics had coarsened microstructure, predominantly intergranular fracture characteristic and high fracture toughness. The SPS ceramics exhibited refined microstructure, transgranular fracture model and high bending strength.     

Low temperature sintering and microwave dielectric properties of (Mg0.7Zn0.3)0.95Co0.05TiO3 ceramics with BaCu(B2O5) additions

The effects of BaCu(B₂O₅) additives on the sintering temperature and microwave dielectric properties of (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics were investigated. The (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics were not able to be sintered below 1000 °C. However, when BaCu(B₂O₅) were added, they were sintered below 1000 °C and had the good microwave dielectric properties. It was suggested that a liquid phase with the composition of BaCu(B₂O₅) was formed during the sintering and assisted the densification of the (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics at low temperature. BaCu(B₂O₅) powders were produced and used to reduce the sintering temperature of the (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics. Good microwave dielectric properties of Q × f = 35,000 GHz, ?_r = 18.5.0 and τ_f = −51 ppm/°C were obtained for the (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics containing 7 wt.% mol% BaCu(B₂O₅) sintered at 950 °C for 4 h.     

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。     

Microstructure and electrical properties of PLZT ceramics from Pb3O4 as the lead source

In this paper, Pb₃O₄, rather than conventional PbO, was introduced in the solid phase synthesis of (Pb_0.92La_0.08)(Zr_0.35Ti_0.65)_0.98O₃ (PLZT) ceramics. The microstructure and electrical properties of the PLZT ceramics were investigated. Results showed that due to the activity of Pb₃O₄, pyrochlore phase PLZT was depressed effectively. The PLZT ceramics with 5.0 wt.% excess Pb₃O₄ in the original materials had a well-crystallized pure perovskite structure when being sintered at 1100 °C for 6 h. In addition, the amount of Pb₃O₄ had an influence on the electrical properties of the PLZT ceramics. Residual polarization as high as 36.9 μC/cm² was obtained from the samples with 5.0 wt.% excess Pb₃O₄.     

Mechanical and tribological performance of Al2O3-TiO2 coatings elaborated by flame and plasma spraying

Mechanical properties and wear rates of Al₂O₃-13 wt.% TiO₂ (AT-13) and Al₂O₃-43 wt.% TiO₂ (AT-43) coatings obtained by flame and atmospheric plasma spraying were studied. The feed stock was either ceramic cords or powders. Results show that the wear resistance of AT-13 coatings is higher than that of AT-43 and it seems that the effect of hardness on wear resistance is more important than that of toughness. Additionally, it was established that, according to conditions used to elaborate coatings and the sliding tribological test chosen, spray processes do not seem to have an important effect on the wear resistance of these coatings.     

硅树脂添加量对氧化铝基陶瓷型芯性能的影响

以氧化铝粉末为基体,添加具有粘结性和一定陶瓷产率的硅树脂粉末,通过干压成型和无压烧结制备出氧化铝基陶瓷型芯,重点研究了硅树脂添加量对氧化铝基陶瓷型芯性能的影响。结果表明:硅树脂在裂解过程中会形成二氧化硅,二氧化硅与氧化铝基体发生反应形成新相莫来石。由于硅树脂在交联和裂解过程中会释放大量气体,导致烧结体失重,且气体的逸出会抑制由烧结引起的收缩,因此,随着硅树脂添加量增加,产生的气体量增加,烧结体的失重率增加,收缩率降低。硅树脂含量的增加使得烧结体的气孔率变大和体积密度减小,烧结体的室温抗弯强度逐渐减小。硅树脂的添加虽然降低了其室温强度,但是保证了陶瓷型芯的尺寸精度。     

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。     

Effect of applied current on the electrodeposited Ni-Al2O3 composite coatings

Nano-sized Al₂O₃ ceramic particles (50 nm) were co-deposited with nickel using electrodeposition technique to develop composite coatings. The coatings were produced in an aqueous nickel bath at different current densities and the research investigated the effect of applied current on microstructure and thickness of the coatings. The variation in some mechanical properties such as hardness, wear resistance, and the adhesive strength of the composite coatings is influenced by the applied current and this was also studied. The morphology of the coatings was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The hardness, wear resistance, and bond strength of the coatings were evaluated by Vickers micro-hardness test, pin-on-disc test, and tensile test, respectively. Results showed that the Al₂O₃ particles were uniformly distributed in the coatings, and the coatings deposited at a current density of 0.01 A/cm² was most favorable in achieving a maximum current efficiency which causes the co-deposition of a maximum amount of Al₂O₃ particles (4.3 wt.%) in the coatings. The increase in Al₂O₃ particles in the coatings increased the mechanical properties of the Ni-Al₂O₃ composite coatings by grain refining and dispersion strengthening mechanisms.     

Tunneling magnetoresistance in sintered Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> samples diluted with Fe and α-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Electric transport and magnetoresistance characteristics were investigated for Fe₃O₄-x Fe(x=0, 10, 20 wt.%) samples and Fe₃O₄-α-Fe₂O₃ samples sintered at 500°C. For composition dependence of Fe₃O₄-x Fe samples, the largest room temperature MR, 3.3% at 10 kOe, was obtained from a Fe₃O₄-10 Fe sample. For the surface heat treatment dependence of Fe₃O₄ powders, the largest room temperature MR, 4% at 10 kOe, was obtained from a Fe₃O₄-α-Fe₂O₃ sample sintered with Fe₃O₄ powders heated at 200°C in air. It was found that these enhanced MR ratios always appear together with the appropriate excess resistance which is regarded as the tunneling barrier. These enhanced MR ratios of Fe₃O₄-10 Fe and Fe₃O₄-α-Fe₂O₃ samples can be explained by the increased interparticle contact sites and the appropriate thickness of α-Fe₂O₃, respectively.     

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.     

Investigation on the corrosion and oxidation resistance of Ni-Al2O3 nano-composite coatings prepared by sediment co-deposition

Ni-Al₂O₃ composite coatings were prepared by using sediment co-deposition (SCD) technique from a Watt's type electrolyte containing nano-Al₂O₃ particles. The corrosion resistance and high temperature oxidation resistance of resulting composite coatings were investigated. It was found that the incorporation of nano-Al₂O₃ particles in Ni matrix refined the Ni crystal and changed the preferential orientation of composite coatings. Meanwhile, the corrosion and oxidation resistance were improved after the incorporation of nano-Al₂O₃ particles into Ni matrix. The nano-Al₂O₃ content in deposits plays an important role for improving the corrosion and oxidation protection. The corrosion and oxidation resistance of Ni-Al₂O₃ nano-composite coatings produced via SCD technique are superior to that of CEP technique. Compared to pure Ni and Ni-Al₂O₃ composite coatings fabricated using CEP technique, the Ni-7.58 wt.% Al₂O₃ composite coating obtained by SCD technique exhibits better corrosion resistance and enhanced high temperature oxidation resistance. Moreover, the mechanism of corrosion and high temperature oxidation resistance of Ni-Al₂O₃ nano-composite coatings are discussed.     

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.     

W18O49@Cu2O纳微米复合材料的制备及其光催化性能研究

本文首先用热蒸发方法制备得到了W₁₈O₄₉纳微米棒,然后经醋酸铜饱和溶液浸泡后再热处理的办法成功在W₁₈O₄₉纳微米棒表面负载Cu₂O制得得到了W₁₈O₄₉@Cu₂O纳微米复合材料;采用X-射线衍射仪、扫描电子显微镜、X-射线能谱分析及透射电子显微镜对样品进行分析表征;最后选用亚甲基蓝溶液作为目标降解物模拟污水处理测试材料的光催化性能。实验结果表明,W₁₈O₄₉纳微米棒在饱和醋酸铜溶液中浸泡时间越长,所得到的催化剂中Cu₂O的负载量越多,且所制备的W₁₈O₄₉@Cu₂O的纳微米复合材料相对于纯W₁₈O₄₉纳微米棒,其光催化效率得到了显著提高。     

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.