Ionic conductivity and crystal structure relationships in Ti/Cu substituted Bi4V2O11

Crystal structure and oxide ion conductivity of a series of Ti and Ti-Cu double substituted Bi₄V₂O₁₁ compounds, Bi₂V_(1–x)Ti _x O_(11–x)/2 (0.085 x 0.15), and Bi₂V_0.9Cu_(0.1–x)TixO_5.35+x (0 x 0.1), were investigated using X-ray powder diffraction and ac impedance spectroscopy in the temperature and frequency range of 100–700°C and 10^–2–10⁷ Hz, respectively.Structural phase transitions, and , occur as a function of composition in Ti substituted compounds for which the is evidenced to be stable at room temperature when x exceeds 0.125. For all Ti-Cu double substituted compounds studied, the room temperature phase was identified to be phase.The required amount of Ti for phase stabilization at room temperature was significantly reduced and the conductivity improved when Cu substituted a part of Ti. Therefore, for the Bi₂V_0.9Cu_(0.1–x)Ti _x O_5.35+x (0 x 0.075) compounds the ionic conductivity increased and activation energy decreased with decreasing x. At low temperature, the highest ion conductivity was obtained for Bi₂V_0.9Cu_0.1O_5.35. At high temperature (T>500°C), a different behavior was observed. The total conductivity increased at first with decreasing x values down to x = 0.05 and then decreased. The maximum conductivity was obtained for Bi₂V_0.9Cu_0.05Ti_0.05O_5.4, and the activation energy decreased with decreasing x values, such as what happened at low temperature.     

Martensitic transformation of γ-Fe precipitates in a Cu 1.5 at % Fe Alloy

In the present work, the mechanism of martensitic transformation, the influence of -Fe particle size on the martensitic transformation induced by cold working, and the transformation of -Fe into -Fe by thermal treatment alone in a Cu-1.5 at% Fe alloy, was studied using field ion microscopy (FIM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It has been found that -Fe precipitates smaller than about 10 nm did not transform martensitically to -Fe by cold working. Precipitates larger than 10 nm adopted a Kurdjumov-Sachs orientation relationship with the copper matrix; and the martensitically transformed -Fe precipitates were ellipsoidal in shape, with their major axes being oriented parallel to the 1 1 0 direction in the matrix. Dislocations were found in the matrix near the vicinity of transformed -Fe precipitates, giving support to the dislocation cutting mechanism proposed by other workers for the transformation. In thermally aged alloys, no transformation of -Fe to -Fe was observed during the coarsening of -Fe precipitates up to sizes as large as about 50 nm. These precipitates still remained coherent or semi-coherent with the copper matrix.     

Superconducting state in M3C60: Strong vs. weak coupling

The superconducting state in the doped fullerenes is due to strong coupling (e.g.,2.1 for Rb₃C₆₀) to low-frequency intramolecular modes _L 250 cm^–1 (^21/2). The analysis is based on an equation describingT _c for any strength of the coupling and on recent isotope effect and NMR data.     

Phase transformation and impact properties of type 17-8-2 austenitic weld metals

The influence of stress relieving and ageing treatments in the range 600 to 900° C on the phase transformations and change in room temperature impact properties has been studied for two manual metal arc 17-8-2 weld metals. The transformation of the-ferrite in the range 600 to 800° C was found to conform to a classical Johnson-Mehl equation; the initial precipitates were M₂₃C₆ carbides followed by the intermetallic-phase. At higher temperatures a slower transformation rate was found suggesting a C curve type of behaviour and the dominant intermetallic phase changed to. Room temperature impact toughness values were found to change with ageing time. Below 800° C there was a consistent fall in these values which became very marked when the-phase developed at the/-boundaries, Above 800° C, spherodization of the carbides and intermetallic phases delayed the fall in the impact values, and led to significant increases in the early stages of ageing. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the change from ductile to brittle fracture mode was normally associated with the development of the and phases, but at 600° C the fall in impact properties could be atrributed to carbide development.     

Temperature dependence of electrical resistivity of deformed and undeformed V-rich V3Si single crystals

The electrical resistivity (T) of V-rich V₃Si single crystals (T _c-11.4 K) was measured from 4.2 to 300 K along the directions of [1 0 0] and [1 1 1] before and after plastic deformation at 1573 K. Anisotropy of (T) was observed although V₃Si has the cubic A15 structure. Plastic deformation does not affect the normal-state (T) behaviour but changes the normal-superconducting transition width T_c. At low temperatures (T _c<T 40 K), (T) varies approximately as T ⁿ where n-2.5 and this behaviour does not contradict the (0)- phase-diagram plot proposed by Gurvitch, where is the electron-phonon coupling constant and (0) is the residual resistivity.     

Low temperature internal friction on γ-irradiated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)

A least-squares fitting of the below room temperature part of the internal friction spectra, obtained by the torsion pendulum technique on as-received and-irradiated (up to 1 Grad) strips and fibres of polyvinylidene fluoride [-(CH₂-CF₂-) _n -.; PVDF] by a superposition of single Debye functions, reveals that the spectral component features are determined not only by purely amorphous chain characteristics but also by the dosedependence of crystallinity. A careful analysis of the relaxation spectra confirms that at least one relaxation effect (236 K) is created upon irradiation. The analysis of the dose dependence of the characteristics of the (glass transition; 220 K) and _u (apparent upper glass transition; 270 K) relaxations, suggests the probable influence of crystallinity on the molecular motion in the amorphous phase. The increase of the intensity of the relaxation (190 K) is related to the irradiation-induced crystallite degradation.Fellow of the Interuniversitair Instituut voor Kernwetenschappen     

Synthesis, crystal structure and X-ray powder diffraction data of the phosphor matrix 4SrO·7Al2O3

The white phosphor matrix 4SrO·7Al₂O₃ has been synthesized by firing the appropriate mixture of SrCO₃, Al(OH)₃ and H₃BO₃ in the molar ratios 1:3.5:0.135 at 1300°C for 4–7 h. The crystal structure of 4SrO·7Al₂O₃ has been determined as a orthorhombic Pmma space group with a=24.7451(2)Å, b=8.4735(6)Å, c=4.8808(1)Å, V=1023.41(3)ų, Z=2, and D=3.66 g cm^–3 by the Rietveld analysis. The refinement figures of merit are R_p=8.26, R_wp=11.60, R_bragg=4.44 and s=2.61 for 844 reflections with 2<119.94°. And the corresponding X-ray powder diffraction data are presented for search/match analysis.     

Anisotropic spin diffusion and multiple spin echoes in3He-4He solutions

We propose a ₁-t₁-₂ pulse-NMR experiment to detect the spin-diffusion anisotropy, =D-D, in degenerate spin-polarized³He-⁴He mixtures, where D and dare the transverse and longitudinal spin diffusion coefficients. In such an experiment the nonlinearity of the dynamics produces multiple spin echoes (MSE). At the ³He concentration x₃ 4% the spinrotation parameter vanishes (M 0), so that the nonlinearity of the equations of motion is entirely due to the anisotropy. In this situation, detection of MSE amounts to observation of D. For slight anisotropy, i.e. D/D 0.25, we use a perturbation scheme similiar to that developed by Einzel et al. (in that case, for small M and small demagnetizing field) to calculate the second and third echo heights. For larger anisotropy we numerically calculate the echo heights. We find that for D/D = 0.5 the heights are 2 % of the first echo, and should be detectable. The (₁, ₂) tip-angle dependence of the D echoes is different from that of the M and demagnetization echoes, and furthermore, they occur at right angles to these echoes (in spin space). Thus, even when small spin-rotation and demagnetization effects are present, the ₁-t₁-₂ experiment provides a sensitive means of detecting the anisotropy.     

Mössbauer study on the magnetic state of iron particles in Fe-N and Fe-Zr-N soft magnetic thin films

The magnetic state of -Fe particles and the behaviour of nitrogen and zirconium during annealing in Fe₉₆N₄ and Fe_85.6Zr_7.6N_6.8 magnetic thin films have been studied by conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy for ⁵⁷Fe. The crystalline phases present in the Fe-N annealed films were -Fe and -Fe₄N, and those in the Fe-Zr-N annealed films were -Fe and ZrN. In the Fe-N films annealed below 300°C, about 60% nitrogen is incorporated interstitially into -Fe and the rest is used for the formation of -Fe₄N. In the Fe-N film annealed at 500°C, almost all nitrogen participates in the formation of -Fe₄N, leading to the grain growth of -Fe particles and an increase in coercive force. The values (291–325 kOe) of internal magnetic field of iron sites in -Fe in the Fe-Zr-N films are much smaller than that (333 kOe) of the iron site in pure -Fe. Even if the Fe-Zr-N films were annealed at 500–700°C, some zirconium and nitrogen is still incorporated substitutionally and interstitially into -Fe, respectively. In particular, the substitutional zirconium depresses the grain growth of -Fe particles, perhaps due to a chemical interaction between zirconium and iron.     

Compressibility measurements of β- and β″ -alumina

The compressibilities of the a- and c-axes for sodium - and -aluminas were determined up to 10 GPa from the pressure dependence of powder X-ray diffraction measured at room temperature using synchrotron radiation as an X-ray source. Powders of sodium - and -aluminas which were prepared from grinding synthesized single crystals were used as the specimens for X-ray diffraction. The compressibilities of - and -aluminas are 1.5 ± 0.2 ×10^–12 and 1.7 ± 0.2 × 10^–12 Pa^–1 for the a-axis and 2.9 ± 0.2x10^–12 and 1.6 ± 0.2 ×10^–12 Pa^–1 for the c-axis, respectively. For the c-axis, the compressibility of -alumina is larger than that of -alumina. This experimental fact is explained by the different stacking of oxygen layers and the different content in sodium ion between - and -aluminas.     

Correlation of fatigue and creep slow crack growth in a medium density polyethylene pipe material

The relationship between slow crack propagation in creep and fatigue in a medium density polyethylene pipe material was studied by increasing the R-ratio (defined as the ratio of minimum to maximum stress in the fatigue loading cycle) from 0.1 to 1.0 (creep). The study included characterization of the effects of R-ratio and temperature (21 to 80°C) on the mechanism and kinetics of slow crack propagation. With increasing R-ratio and decreasing temperature, the fracture mode changed from stepwise crack propagation, i.e. crack growth by the sequential formation and breakdown of a craze zone, to a quasi-continuous mode of crack growth through the preexisting craze. Despite the change in fracture mode, the damage zone, as characterized by the length of the main craze, shear crazes, and crack tip opening displacement, followed the same dependence on loading parameters, and crack growth rate followed the same kinetics. Crack growth rate (da/dt) was related to the maximum stress intensity factor K_{I, max} and R-ratio by a power law relationship (da/dt) = BK⁴ _{I, max}(1 + R)^–6. Alternatively, crack growth rate was expressed as (da/dt) = BK _I ⁴ (t)_T() with a creep contribution B‹K _I ⁴ (t)›_T, calculated by averaging the known dependence of creep crack growth rate on stress intensity factor K_I over the period T of the sinusoidal loading curve, and a fatigue acceleration factor () that depended on strain rate only. The correlation in crack growth kinetics allowed for extrapolation to creep fracture from short-term fatigue testing. The temperature dependence of crack growth rate was contained in the prefactors B and B. A change in slope of the Arrhenius plot of B at 55°C indicated that at least two mechanisms contributed to crack propagation, each dominating in a different temperature region. This implied that a simple extrapolation to ambient temperature creep fracture from elevated temperature tests might not be reliable.     

Thermal expansivity of teflon under high pressure

Results of (T/P) measurements are presented involving Teflon. The dependence of its thermal expansivity on the pressure has been determined within the stability range for various modifications of this material (P13 kbar, 0T50°C).Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 39, No. 4, pp. 671–673, October, 1980.     

Pressureless sintering of β-SiC with Al2O3 additions

-SiC was pressureless sintered to 98% theoretical density using Al₂O₃ as a liquid-phase forming additive. The reaction between SiC and Al₂O₃ which results in gaseous products, was inhibited by using a pressurized CO gas or, alternatively, a sealed crucible. The densification behaviour and microstructural development of this material are described. The microstructure consists of fine elongated -SiC grains (maximum length 10 m and width 2–3 m) in a matrix of fine equi-axed grains (2–3 m) and plate-like grains (2–5m). The densification behaviour, composition and phases in the sintered product were studied as a function of the sintering parameters and the initial composition. Typically, 50% of the -phase was transformed to the -phase.     

Microhardness response of nitrogen-implanted and X-irradiated lithium fluoride

The microhardness behaviour of {001} faces of LiF has been investigated before and after both nitrogen-ion implantation and implantation followed by X-irradiation. Implantation alone produced no changes in either hardness or dislocation etch-pit rosette sizes on the surface, though radial indentation fracture was promoted. Implantation followed by X-irradiation produced high densities of colour centres deep into the crystal, much deeper than the implantation damage depth (0.2m). Hardness and rosette sizes were affected to depths of 150m, which was less than the colouration depth. Thus the colour centres producing the colour are probably different from those impeding dislocation motion.     

Effect of Intense Self-Irradiation on the Phase Composition of Metallic Plutonium

The crystal structure of film samples of "high-level" (based on ²³⁸Pu) and low-level (based on ²³⁹Pu) metallic plutonium during their prolonged (up to 343 days) storage (self-irradiation) at room temperature was studied by X-ray diffraction. In the samples of high-level plutonium, the -Pu and -Pu lattices coexist. In the period of 40-60 days, the other known crystal modifications of plutonium (-Pu, -Pu, -Pu, and -Pu) are also present. Low-level plutonium had only the -Pu lattice. A possible origin of this phenomenon is discussed.     

Heat conduction in a multilayer composite wedge

A new method for analytically solving a problem of steady-state heat conduction for multilayer composite wedge-shaped bodies is suggested based on a generalization of the integral Mellin transform.Notation T temperature - _rr, thermal conductivity coefficients - thickness of composite material layers (1) - N₁(), N ₂ ⁽¹⁾ (), N ₂ ⁽²⁾ () auxiliary local functions from the rapid variable =r/ - m(r, p) auxiliary function entering the core of the generalized integral Mellin transform - ₀ half of the wedge aperture angle Moscow Institute of Chemical Engineering. Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 64, No. 4, pp. 487–491, April, 1993.     

Vertical motion of a sphere in an electrically conducting,stratified, diffusive medium

Summary The vertical (upwards) flow of an incompressible, Newtonian, viscous, stratified, diffusive, electrically conducting fluid embedded with a uniform magnetic field that is applied in the vertical direction, past a non-conducting sphere is considered. Quasisteady approximation is made allowing for a time dependent buoyancy force. Method of matched asymptotic expansions is employed to obtain the drag exerted on the sphere, for small values of a stratification parameter such that 1,R _e ^1/3, ^–1/3,P _e ^2/3 andR _m =O(^2/3). The drag is computed for certain typical values of the magnetic interaction parameter and diffusivity parameter. The results reveal the fact that while the stratification and magnetic field have the enhancing effect over the drag, the effect of diffusivity is to decrease it.With 3 Figures     

Rubber toughening of plastics

Creep measurements were made on a series of six ABS blends containing 0 to 20 vol% of 80m glass beads. At small strains, the beads raised the modulus of the ABS. However, debonding of the polymer from the glass resulted in a rapid drop in modulus with increasing strain and bead content, and at strains above 1.0% the order of stiffnesses was reversed. Debonding resulted in an increase in creep rate with, as measured by the time to reach 1% volume strain. Plots of In ^–1 against applied stress were linear, in accordance with the Eyring equation, and provided data for comparing stress concentration factors. The relationship between and fitted approximately to the Ishai Cohen effective area model. It is concluded that debonded glass beads accelerate multiple crazing by increasing average stresses in the ABS matrix, and in that respect resemble rubber particles. However, unlike rubber particles, debonded beads drastically reduce notched Charpy impact strength.     

The morphology of α′ martensite in a two-phase (α+γ) Fe-Cr-Ni stainless steel

Both lath-shaped and martensites are induced by tensile deformation within of a two-phase ( + ) Fe-Cr-Ni stainless steel, forms from the through the at an intersection of two crystals. These are observed both when is surrounded by and when borders . The amount of strain at which both and nucleate, increases with test temperatures in the range –196 to 50° C. Adjacent laths are either twin-related, or 5, 9, 15 or 19° off the twin relationship, as found by analysing electron diffraction patterns.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of rapidly quenched L20 and L20+L12 alloys in Ni-Al-Fe and Ni-Al-Co systems

Ductile L2₀-type wires and+L1₂-type duplex wires with high strengths and large elongation in the Ni-Al-Fe and Ni-Al-Co ternary systems have been manufactured directly from the liquid state by an in-rotating-water spinning method. The wire diameter was in the range 80 to 180m and the average grain size was 2 to 4m for the wires and 0.2 to 1.0m for the+ wires. _y, _f and _p of the wires were found to be about 360 to 760 MPa, 560 to 960 MPa, and 0.2 to 5.5%, respectively, for the Ni-Al-Fe system, those of the+ wires were about 395 to 660 MPa, 670 to 1285 MPa, and 3.5 to 17%, respectively, for the Ni-Al-Fe system, and about 260 to 365 MPa, 600 to 870 MPa, and 4.0 to 7.0%, respectively, for the Ni-Al-Co system. Cold-drawing caused a significant increase in _y and _f and the values attained were about 1850 and 2500 MPa, respectively, for Ni-20Al-30Fe and Ni-25Al-30Co wires drawn to about 90% reduction in area. The high strengths, large elongation and good cold-workability of the melt-quenched and+ compound wires have been inferred to be due to the structural change into a low-degree ordered state containing a high density of phase boundaries, suppression of grain-boundary segregation and refinement of grain size.