Corrosion of reinforcement induced by environment containing chloride and carbon dioxide

Reinforced concrete structures during their exploitation may be exposed to the common action of carbonation and chlorides causing corrosion of steel reinforcement. Therefore, the related data seem to be interesting and important when the evaluation of the service life of the structures is the object of interest. This fact was a motivation for the present experimental study on the sequence of action of chloride solutions and carbonation of the embedding concrete. The results obtained show that carbonation of concrete foregoing the action of chloride solutions may intensify the process of corrosion of steel reinforcement in comparison to the converse sequence of the action of mentioned media. At the same time the natrium chloride solution has been shown as a more aggressive medium opposite to the calcium and magnesium chloride solutions.     

Surface studies on as-grown (111) faces of sodium bromate crystals

Single crystals of sodium bromate are grown at various supersaturations ranging from 3% to 8%. Surface studies have been carried out on as-grown and etched (111) faces of these crystals. Typical and systematically oriented growth hillocks are observed almost on all the faces. Further dislocation studies are made to understand the growth history of these crystals. These studies suggest that the crystals grow by 2D-growth mechanism. In addition to this, studies are also conducted on the formation of overgrowths and inclusions in these crystals.     

Space charge limited conduction in CdSe thin films

The current (I)-voltage (V) characteristics of thermally evaporated CdSe thin films having thickness in the range 850–3000 Å and deposited within the substrate temperature of 303–573 K show nearly linear dependence at low voltage and afterwards a non-linear behaviour at higher voltage range. A detailed study ofI-V curves in dark and under illumination clearly reveals the mechanism as ohmic at low voltage and that of trap limited space charge limited conduction (SCLC) at higher voltage. The transition voltage (V_t) from ohmic to SCLC is found to be quite independent of ambient temperature as well as intensity of illumination. SCLC is explained on the basis of the exponential trap distribution in CdSe films. Trap depths estimated from the lnI vs 10³/T plots are found to be within 0.60-0.37 eV. Using the relevant SCLC theory, the carrier concentration, n₀, total trap concentration, N_t, and the ratio of free charge to trapped charge, θ, have been calculated and correlated with ambient temperature and intensity of illumination.     

Ground state structures and properties of small hydrogenated silicon clusters

We present results for ground state structures and properties of small hydrogenated silicon clusters using the Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics with simulated annealing. We discuss the nature of bonding of hydrogen in these clusters. We find that hydrogen can form a bridge like Si-H-Si bond connecting two silicon atoms. We find that in the case of a compact and closed silicon cluster hydrogen bonds to the silicon cluster from outside. To understand the structural evolutions and properties of silicon cluster due to hydrogenation, we have studied the cohesive energy and first excited electronic level gap of clusters as a function of hydrogenation. We find that first excited electronic level gap of Sin and SinH fluctuates as function of size and this may provide a first principle basis for the short-range potential fluctuations in hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The stability of hydrogenated silicon clusters is also discussed.     

Study on steel corrosion in different seabed sediments

A series of simulation experiments on carbon steel (A₃ steel) and low alloy steel (16 Mn steel) in marine atmosphere (MA), seawater (SW) and seabed sediment (SBS) including rough sea sand, fine sea sand and seabed mud were carried out indoors for a year or so by means of individually hanging plates (IHP) and electrically connected hanging plates (ECHP). The corrosion of steels in SBS was mainly due to the macrogalvanic cell effect. The steel plates at the bottom of SBS, as the anode of a macrogalvanic cell, showed the heaviest corrosion with a corrosion rate of up to 0·12 mm/a, approximately equal to that of steel plates in marine atmosphere. The test results showed that the corrosion rates of A₃ and 16 Mn steel in marine environment were in the order: MA>SW>SBS by the IHP method; and MA>SBS>SW by the ECHP method. The corrosion rates of steels in the water/sediment interface were directly proportional to the grain size of the SBS by the ECHP method, but those of steels in the water/sediment interface did not vary with the grain size of SBS by the IHP method. The corrosion rate of low-alloy steel was a little higher than that of carbon steel. The results of this study have important applications for design of offshore steel structures such as oil platform, pier, and port.     

A study on fatigue crack growth in dual phase martensitic steel in air environment

Dual phase (DP) steel was intercritically annealed at different temperatures from fully martensitic state to achieve martensite plus ferrite, microstructures with martensite contents in the range of 32 to 76%. Fatigue crack growth (FCG) and fracture toughness tests were carried out as per ASTM standards E 647 and E 399, respectively to evaluate the potential of DP steels. The crack growth rates (da/dN) at different stress intensity ranges (ΔK) were determined to obtain the threshold value of stress intensity range (ΔK_th). Crack path morphology was studied to determine the influence of microstructure on crack growth characteristics. After the examination of crack tortuosity, the compact tension (CT) specimens were pulled in static mode to determine fracture toughness values. FCG rates decreased and threshold values increased with increase in vol.% martensite in the DP steel. This is attributed to the lower carbon content in the martensite formed at higher intercritical annealing (ICA) temperatures, causing retardation of crack growth rate by crack tip blunting and/or deflection. Roughness induced crack closure was also found to contribute to the improved crack growth resistance at higher levels of martensite content. Scanning electron fractography of DP steel in the near threshold region revealed transgranular cleavage fracture with secondary cracking. Results indicate the possibility that the DP steels may be treated to obtain an excellent combination of strength and fatigue properties.     

Effect of microalloying on aging of a Cu-bearing HSLA-100 (GPT) steel

Investigations were carried out on aging of a HSLA-100 steel containing Cu as the major alloying element and Nb, Ti and V as microalloying elements. The aging process after varying amounts of cold deformation was followed by hardness measurements and microstructural changes were studied using light and electron microscopy. Presence of Ti activates the formation of (Nb, Ti)C precipitates and completely suppresses the precipitation of Cu. Even a solution treatment at 1100°C is not sufficient to completely dissolve Nb and Ti in the matrix and undissolved (Nb, Ti)C precipitates were observed in oil quenched state. Strain induced aging at 400° C causes simultaneous coarsening of existing precipitates and nucleation of fresh carbides, which results in multi-stage hardening in this steel. Strong precipitate-dislocation interactions cause retardation in recrystallization of deformation structure leading to retention of high hardness levels even on prolonged aging     

Effect of alloy elements on the anticorrosion properties of low alloy steel

Effect of alloy elements on corrosion of low alloy steel was studied under simulated offshore conditions. The results showed that the elements Cu, P, Mo, W, V had evident effect on corrosion resistance in the atmosphere zone; Cu, P, V, Mo in the splash zone and Cr, Al, Mo in the submerged zone.     

Analysis of stainless steel samples by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry

A simple method for the analysis of stainless steel samples is presented which is based on radioisotope excited energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry and does not require any type-standards. Both absorption and enhancement effects have been taken into account in the fundamental parameter method for quantitative analysis and an iterative approach is followed for calculation of concentrations in steel samples. Non-linear least square fitting (NL-LSF) procedures have been used to determine accurately the fluorescent peak intensities. The method has been tested by analysing several CRM standard reference samples and 304 and 316 steel samples assuming as unknown. The EDXRF results have also been compared with the results of analysis of same samples by vacuum emission spark spectrometry (VES). Obtained values for concentration in steel samples match quite well with their certified values.     

Studies on POM/graphite/Ekonol composites

POM/graphite/Ekonol composites were prepared by the Torque Rheometer mixing and compression molding, and their hardness, compressive and impact strengths have been tested. The tribology behaviour was also investigated by the friction and wear experiment. The worn surface of the composite was studied by SEM technique, and on its basis, the wear mechanism was analysed. Results show that it was possible to prepare POM/graphite/Ekonol composites of high tribology performance and good mechanical properties by the Torque Rheometer mixing and compression molding. With the rise of Ekonol content, the wear mechanism was changed from adhesion plus plough to fatigue wear plus abrasive wear.     

Corrosion behaviour of amorphous Ti48Cu52, Ti50Cu50 and Ti60Ni40 alloys investigated by potentiodynamic polarization method

Potentiodynamic polarization studies were carried out on virgin specimens of amorphous alloys Ti₄₈Cu₅₂, Ti₅₀Cu₅₀ and Ti₆₀Ni₄₀ in 0.5 M HNO₃, 0.5 M H₂SO₄ and 0.5 M NaOH aqueous media at room temperature. The value of the corrosion current density (I_corr) was maximum for Ti₄₈Cu₅₂ alloy in all the three aqueous media as compared to the remaining two alloys. The value of I_corr for the alloy Ti₄₈Cu₅₂ was maximum (I_corr = 2.6 × 10^{- 5} A/cm²) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ and minimum (I_corr = 3.5 × 10^{- 6} A/cm²) in 0.5 M NaOH aqueous solutions. In contrast, the alloy Ti₆₀Ni₄₀ exhibited the least corrosion current density in 0.5 M HNO₃ (I_corr = 40 × 10^{- 7}A/cm²) and in 0.5 M NaOH (I_corr = 5.5 × 10^{- 7} A/cm²) aqueous media as compared to those for Ti-Cu alloys, while its value in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ was comparable to that for Ti₄₀Cu₅₀. It is suggested that the alloy Ti₆₀Ni₄₀ is more corrosion resistant than the alloys Ti₄₈Cu₅₂ and Ti₅₀Cu₅₀ in all the three aqueous media.     

Polyrotaxanes and related structures: synthesis and properties

Significant advances in the polyrotaxane field have been made in the past year, in terms of understanding information mechanisms and the development of new materials. The highlights include the recognition of hydrogen-bonding as a driving force for the formation of crown ether-based polyrotaxanes, preparation of mechanically-linked branched and crosslinked polymers, and the development of polyrotaxanes with new architectures.     

Impedance and a.c. conductivity studies on Ba(Nd0.2Ti0.6Nb0.2)O3 ceramic prepared through conventional and microwave sintering route

Electrical conduction studies on Ba(Nd_0.2Ti_0.6Nb_0.2)O₃ ceramic samples prepared through conventional and microwave sintering route are presented in this paper. D.C. and a.c. conductivities of these samples as a function of temperature from 300–900 K have been studied. Two types of conduction processes are evident from the frequency dependant conductivity plots, i.e. low-frequency conduction due to short-range hopping and high-frequency conduction due to the localized relaxation (reorientational) hopping mechanism. Grain and grain boundary contributions to the conductivity in these samples are obtained from impedance/admittance measurements via equivalent circuit modelling.     

Studies on broad spectrum corrosion resistant oxide coatings

The corrosion resistant oxide coatings, developed and applied by the conventional vitreous enamelling techniques, showed superior resistance to a range of mineral acids at various strengths and temperatures, alkaline solutions, boiling water and chrome plating solutions. These coatings possess considerable abrasion and impact resistance as well as high thermal shock resistance. The properties of the coating system have been studied in detail and found to be strongly dependent on composition and processing parameters. These coatings have been characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and SEM studies. Some of the coating materials have been found to be biocompatible.     

Material characterization of ancient Indian copper

A chalcolithic (2350-1800 BC) copper chisel from Balathal has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, microstructural and electrochemical methods. The surface patina was composed of sulfates and oxysulfates in the outer layers while the inner layers were rich in copper oxides. The chisel exhibited smaller grain sizes near two of the surfaces while the structure in the interior was equiaxed. The deformed grains and inclusions near the surfaces and variation in the microhardness of the sample from different faces proved that the copper chisel was processed by cold deformation after initial casting of the square cross-section chisel. The electrochemical behaviour of chalcolithic Cu has been compared with that of a modern Cu sample by potentiodynamic polarization studies. The corrosion rate of chalcolithic Cu in aerated 3.5% NaCl solution was only marginally higher than that of modern Cu. The higher rate of corrosion has been attributed to the presence of second phase sulfide inclusions. The excellent condition of preservation of the 3800-year-old copper object, with no indications of stress corrosion cracking, suggests that pure copper or copper-based materials can be seriously considered as candidate canister materials for long-term underground storage of nuclear wastes in underground repositories.     

Ground state structures and properties of Si<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Subscript>n</Subscript> (n = 1–6) clusters

The ground state structures and properties of Si ₃H_n (1 ≤n ≤ 6) clusters have been calculated using Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics with simulated annealing and steepest descent optimization methods. We have studied cohesive energy per particle and first excited electronic level gap of the clusters as a function of hydrogenation. Hydrogenation is done till all dangling bonds of silicon are saturated. Our results show that over coordination of hydrogen is favoured in Si3Hn clusters and the geometry of Si₃ cluster does not change due to hydrogenation. Cohesive energy per particle and first excited electronic level gap study of the clusters show that Si₃H₆ cluster is most stable and Si₃H₃ cluster is most unstable among the clusters considered here.     

Certified reference materials of trace elements in water

Measurement of trace elements is playing a vital role in industries and various sectors of science and technology including semiconductors, food, health and environmental sectors. In most of the cases a small error in measurement can vitiate all the measures taken for quality control and management. Many decisions regarding the suitability of material/products are based on the analysis. To reduce or eliminate the rejection rate of the products, accurate and reliable measurements are needed which can be achieved by the use of certified reference materials (CRMs). Their use in calibration of analytical equipments and validation of test methods ensures high quality in measurements and it provides traceability to the measurement data with national/international measurement systems (SI unit) also. In the present scenario of globalization of economy, use of certified reference materials (CRMs) in measurements is essential for global acceptance of products and test reports. Their use fulfil a mandatory requirement of international quality systems (ISO 9000, ISO/IEC standard 17025) including our national accreditation body, National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), World Trade Organization (WTO) etc. International manufacturers of CRMs are meeting most of the requirement of CRMs of the country. To meet the demand of CRMs indigenously, the National Physical Laboratory, India initiated a national programme on preparation and dissemination of certified reference materials.     

Analysis of microstress in neutron irradiated polyester fibre by X-ray diffraction technique

Microstresses developed in the crystallites of polymeric material due to irradiation of high-energy particle causes peak broadening and shifting of X-ray diffraction lines to lower angle. Neutron irradiation significantly changes the material properties by displacement of lattice atoms and the generation of helium and hydrogen by nuclear transmutation. Another important aspect of neutron irradiation is that the fast neutron can produce dense ionization at deep levels in the materials. The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibre of raw denier value, 78.2, were irradiated by fast neutron of energy, 4.44 MeV, at different fluences ranging from 1×10⁹ n/cm² to 1 × 10¹² n/cm². In the present work, the radiation heating microstresses developed in PET micro-crystallites was investigated applying X’Pert-MPD Philips Analytical X-ray diffractometer and the effects of microstresses in tensile strength of fibre measured by Instron have also been reported. The shift of 0.45 cm⁻¹ in the Raman peak position of 1614.65 cm{−1} to a higher value confirmed the development of microstresses due to neutron irradiation using micro-Raman technique. The defects due to irradiation were observed by SEM micrographs of single fibre for virgin and all irradiated samples.     

T-Stress Effects on Isochromatic Fringe Patterns in Mode II

The theory of photoelasticity is used to study analytically the effects of T-stress on the fringe patterns around the crack tip in mode II crack specimens. The locus of an isochromatic fringe determined by taking into account the T-stress is compared with the locus of a fringe with no T-stress. It is shown for mode II cracks that in the presence of T-stress, the fringe loops are neither symmetric nor continuous. Asymmetric and discontinuous fringe patterns predicted in this paper are consistent with the experimental results observed previously in photoelasticity tests.     

Thermally stimulated discharge conductivity in polymer composite thin films

This paper describes the results of thermally stimulated discharge conductivity study of activated charcoal-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) thin film thermoelectrets. TSDC has been carried out in the temperature range 308–400°K and at four different polarizing fields. Results are discussed on the basis of mobility of activated charcoal and polyvinyl chloride chains.