Observations on the formation of β-Al5FeSi phase in 319 type Al-Si alloys

In Al-Si alloys, the properties are influenced by the shape and distribution of the eutectic silicon particles in the matrix, as also by the iron intermetallics and copper phases that occur upon solidification. The -Al₅FeSi iron intermetallic phase, in particular, is known for its detrimental effect on the properties, and is controlled variously by the iron content and the melt/solidification conditions of the alloy. The formation of the iron intermetallics has been observed in commercial 319 alloy end-chilled castings, obtained from non-treated and treated melts, where the effects of cooling rate, strontium modification and grain refinement have been studied. The volume fraction of -phase formed was seen to increase with the decrease in cooling rate (i.e. with increasing distance from the chill) in the untreated alloy. Sympathetic (preferential) nucleation of the -iron needles was also observed, in which the branching of -needles from a parent needle resulted in the formation of large -needle entities that can cover distances of 1200 m across the matrix surface. The beneficial effect of modification, i.e. strontium addition to the melt, was manifested through its influence on the fragmentation and dissolution of the -needles. The strontium poisons the sites where sympathetic nucleation takes place. Dissolution was accelerated with increasing strontium content, the optimum level being 300 p.p.m. Grain refining, on the other hand, negated the beneficial effect of modification, in that the -needles underwent thickening and the sympathetic nucleation/branching also occurred. The modified alloy was found to possess the lowest volume fraction of -Al₅FeSi phase among the unmodified, modified, grainrefined, and modified/grain-refined alloys.     

Mechanical properties and microstructure of β-SiAION-β-SiC composites by pressureless sintering

-SiAION--SiC composites containing up to 12 wt% -SiC were prepared by pressureless sintering. The strength of composites at room temperature remained relatively unchanged, whereas strength at 1200 °C increased for composites. The fracture toughness (K _IC) for composites was higher than that for -SiAION ceramics. The maximum value was 5.4 MPa m^1/2 for 6 wt% -SiC, and this was an improvement of 15% in comparison with -SiAION ceramics. From SEM observations, an improvement inK _IC values was attributed to crack deflections and branching-off of cracks. Intra-granular fractures were frequently observed in -SiAION. From TEM observations, -SiAION crystals were nanocomposites, within which existed the fine crystals in -SiAION crystal. For composite, -SiAION and -SiC crystals were directly in contact. The mismatching zone was observed in -SiC.     

Evaluation of endothelial cell integrins after in vitro contact with polyethylene terephthalate

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of polyethylene terephthalate (Woven Dacron) on the expression of endothelial integrins. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured on the material for 24 h. The integrins VLA-2 (₂₁-CD49b/CD29), receptor for laminin and collagen, VLA-5 (₅₁-CD49e/CD29), receptor for fibronectin, VLA-6 (₆₁-CD49f/CD29), receptor for laminin, and V₃-CD51/CD61 (receptor for vitronectin) were evaluated by flow cytometry. After contact with polyethylene terephthalate, a slight but significant decrease in the percentage of both CD29 and CD49e positive cells was observed, which suggests a lower number of cells expressing the fibronectin receptor ₅₁. Moreover, a significant increase in the mean channel for CD49b and for the vitronectin receptor CD51/CD61 was observed. The reduction in the fibronectin receptor could account for the poor endothelialization observed in vivo on polyethylene terephthalate. The increased expression of the vitronectin receptor, favoring the migration of smooth muscle cells, could give some information about the pathogenesis of intimal hyperplasia, which is a complication of vascular grafts. © 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers     

Effects of Y2O3 and La2O3 addition on the crystallization of Li2O·Al2O3·4SiO2 glass-ceramic

Effects of adding Y₂O₃ and La₂O₃ on the crystallization of -quartz solid solution (ss) and the subsequent -quartz ss to -spodumene transformation of Li₂O·Al₂O₃·4SiO₂ glass-ceramic were investigated. Adding 4 mol% YO_3/2 or 8 mol % LaO_3/2 effectively improved the control of the crystallization process of the glass. Y₂O₃ did not effectively induce bulk crystallization of -quartz ss, but can reduce the rate of surface crystallization. La₂O₃ completely suppressed the surface crystallization and promoted a uniform, bulk crystallization of -quartz ss. For both the Y₂O₃- and La₂O₃-doped glasses, the kinetics for glass crystallization to -quartz ss was delayed as the doping level increased. Except for the 8 mol % LaO_3/2-doped glass in which no -spodumene was formed, the kinetics for the -quartz ss to -spodumene transformation for the doped glasses was enhanced compared with that for the undoped glass. For the 4 and 8 mol % YO_3/2-doped compositions, the relative amount of -spodumene to -quartz revealed an anomalous decrease trend with heating temperature in a particular temperature range. This can be explained by the surface crystallization characteristic, which induced an overlap of crystallization and -quartz ss to -spodumene transformation. Glass doped with 8 mol % LaO_3/2 exhibited an Avrami exponent of about 2.4 and an activation energy for crystal growth of -quartz ss of about 418 kJ mol^–1.     

Supercarrier Effective Mass Isotope Effect by Interband Scattering

Supercarrier effective mass isotope effect (exponent ) is investigated using a two-band model with interband pair scattering. The corresponding repulsive interaction incorporates besides the dominating electronic (Coulomb) part an electron-phonon contribution inversely proportional to the ionic mass factor. Calculations illustrating the behaviour of T _c , its isotope exponent , and with doping in La _2–x Sr _x CuO ₄ type underdoped system reflect the observed tendencies. ² Both and diminish with doping, the sign of is opposite to . A typical estimation gives || 0.2.     

Biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics: preparation, properties and applications

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) bioceramics belong to a group of bone substitute biomaterials that consist of an intimate mixture of hydroxyapatite (HA), Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂, and beta-tricalcium phosphate (-TCP), Ca₃(PO₄)₂, of varying HA/-TCP ratios. BCP is obtained when a synthetic or biologic calcium-deficient apatite is sintered at temperatures at and above 700 °C. Calcium deficiency depends on the method of preparation (precipitation, hydrolysis or mechanical mixture) including reaction pH and temperature. The HA/-TCP ratio is determined by the calcium deficiency of the unsintered apatite (the higher the deficiency, the lower the ratio) and the sintering temperature. Properties of BCP bioceramics relating to their medical applications include: macroporosity, microporosity, compressive strength, bioreactivity (associated with formation of carbonate hydroxyapatite on ceramic surfaces in vitro and in vivo), dissolution, and osteoconductivity. Due to the preferential dissolution of the -TCP component, the bioreactivity is inversely proportional to the HA/-TCP ratio. Hence, the bioreactivity of BCP bioceramics can be controled by manipulating the composition (HA/-TCP ratio) and/or the crystallinity of the BCP. Currently, BCP bioceramics is recommended for use as an alternative or additive to autogeneous bone for orthopedic and dental applications. It is available in the form of particulates, blocks, customized designs for specific applications and as an injectible biomaterial in a polymer carrier. BCP ceramic can be used also as grit-blasting abrasive for grit-blasting to modify implant substrate surfaces. Exploratory studies demonstrate the potential uses of BCP ceramic as scaffold for tissue engineering, drug delivery system and carrier of growth factors.     

Characterization of α ? β PbF2 phase transition by several techniques

X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic-Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Impedance Spectroscopy (IS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) have been used to the study of phase transition in PbF₂ pellets pressed uniaxially in the 37 MPa–480 MPa range. A mixture of and phases is detected and the -phase content at room temperature is found to be dependent on the applied load. The dilation results on DMA, the phase identification by XRD, the ionic conductivity results by IS analysis and the SEM micrographs of -PbF₂ pellets show evidences for the increase in -phase content at the expense of the -phase. SEM analysis provided further evidence for specimen sintering under heating at approximately 498 K.     

Microstructural study of two LAS-type glass-ceramics and their parent glass

The two glass-ceramics studied here derive from the complex system (MgO,ZnO,Li₂O)-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ and are obtained by controlled devitrification of the same parent glass. Although they have the same chemical composition, one is a -quartz (or -eucryptite) type while the other one is a -spodumene glass-ceramic. A detailed microstructural analysis of these materials has been performed at different scales by several complementary characterization methods (SEM, TEM, DTA, XRD and FTIR). This extensive study has shown the great microstructure difference (grain distribution, grain size, nature of vitreous and crystalline phases) between these two glass-ceramics obtained from the same parent glass.     

Microstructural development of a ZrO2 Naβ″-Al2O3 composite

Microstructural development in Na-Al₂O₃ containing 15 vol% ZrO₂ particles is described. Intergranular ZrO₂ particles inhibit abnormal grain growth of the Na-Al₂O₃. The growth of the Na-Al₂O₃ grains and the intergranular ZrO₂ followed a cubic time law. Direct particle coalescence consisting of encounter and spheroidizing processes was found to be the basic growth mechanism for the intergranular ZrO₂     

Hydrodynamic properties on superfluid3He in high magnetic fields up to 12 tesla

Using a torsional oscillator, superfluid fraction and viscosity of superfluid³He were measured in the A₁ and the a₂ phase up to 12 Tesla below 1 mK in the pressure of 29 bar. This is the first measurement in the high magnetic field region in a well defined geometry and in a controlled texture. The a₁ and the a₂ transition were seen clearly in the torsional oscillator frequency and amplitude. Two GL parameters, ₂₄₅ and ₂₄, are independent of field up to 12 Tesla. ₂₄₅ is 1.18 from the A₂ phase measurements, which agree with those from heat capacity measurement. While ₂₄ is 3.08 from the a₁ phase, which is smaller than that from recent spin entropy wave measurement.     

The influence of ageing on the stability of β-γ/γ′ derived microstructures in Ni-Al-Cr-(Co) alloys

Multiphase Ni-Al-(Fe)-(Cr)-(Co)-based intermetallics with (B2)- (A1)/(L1₂), - or - microstructures can exhibit significant room-temperature tensile ductility. In the case of Ni-Al-Cr-based alloys, microstructural development is complicated by the precipitation of -Cr, which can supplant the -phase during ageing of three-phase -/ microstructures. An investigation of the stability, during ageing, of cast Ni-Al-Cr-(Co) alloys with microstructures derived from -/ is reported. In the as-cast condition, the materials investigated consisted of a dendritic matrix containing L1₀ type martensite and interdendritic /. Extensive intra- and interdendritic -Cr precipitation was also observed. The stability during ageing of the interdendritic / microstructure is also considered and transformation of the L1₀ martensite is examined.     

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.     

Synthesis of thermosetting copolymer of polycarbosilane and perhydropolysilazane

A copolymer of polycarbosilane and perhydropolysilazane was obtained by reacting polycarbosilane with titanium n-butoxide and perhydropolysilazane. Titanium n-butoxide and perhydropolysilazane were essential for the polymer to show a thermosetting property. The thermosetting copolymers were converted into silicon carbide-based ceramics by pyrolysis in a stream of nitrogen to 1000 °C with about 80 wt% ceramic yield. The main phase of the pyrolysis product at 1500 °C in nitrogen was small crystallite -SiC. Elemental carbon, based on rule-of-mixtures composition, in the final ceramics could be reduced by varying the ratio of polycarbosilane/perhydropolysilazane. The copolymer was dry spun and pyrolysed to produce ceramic fibre. Pyrolysis in nitrogen to 1500 °C yielded a silicon carbide-based fibre with low oxygen and low elemental carbon content. A tensile strength of 1.8 GPa and an elastic modulus of 220 GPa were obtained for the fibre which ranged from 10–12 m in diameter. Crystallization to -Si₃N₄, -SiC, and -Si₃N₄ proceeded on annealing in nitrogen at 1700 °C for 1 h.     

Age hardening and precipitation in a cast magnesium-rare-earth alloy

The precipitation sequence responsible for the age-hardening behaviour of a cast Mg-1.3 wt% rare-earth alloy has been investigated by analytical electron microscopy. Very fine intermediate precipitates formed at an early stage of ageing. Plate-shaped Mg₃MM precipitates (MM = misch metal) and hexagonal prism-shaped Mg₁₂MM precipitates were primarily responsible for age hardening. Precipitate morphologies, crystal structures and crystallographic orientation relationship were determined for the various types of precipitates that formed during ageing at different temperatures.     

Effect of atmosphere on pyrolysis of Nicalon

The pyrolytic behaviour of Nicalon under a N₂ atmosphere was investigated at temperatures from 1673 to 1973 K, and was compared with that under an Ar atmosphere. The pyrolytic rate was measured by thermogravimetry, and heat-treated Nicalon was examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and tensile testing. The pyrolytic rate was smaller in N₂ than in Ar. The nitrided case retarded the crystallization into -SiC and retained its high strength. The effectiveness of the nitrided case disappeared on heating in Ar. The strength was related to the size of the -SiC crystal in Nicalon.     

Theory of RF SQUIDs Operating in the Presence of Large Thermal Fluctuations

A comprehensive analytical theory is presented for non-hysteretic RF SQUIDs operating in the adiabatic mode in the presence of large thermal fluctuations. When 1 ( = 2LI_c/₀ is the hysteresis parameter, L is the SQUID inductance, I_c is the critical current of the Josephson junction, and ₀ is the flux quantum) the theory is applicable also for RF SQUIDs operating in the non-adiabatic mode. In contrast to previous theories in which the noise is treated perturbatively and which therefore are applicable only if the product 1 ( = 2k_BT/ ₀ I_c is the noise parameter, k_B is the Boltzmann constant, and T is the absolute temperature)—the case of small thermal fluctuations—the present theory is valid for around unity or higher. In the limit 0 the theory reproduces the results of small thermal fluctuations theories. It has been found that in the presence of large thermal fluctuations the screening current in the SQUID inductance is suppressed by a factor that increases with increasing . Taking into account this new basic fact, all SQUID characteristics (output signal, transfer function, noise spectral density and energy sensitivity) have been recalculated and a good agreement with experimental data has been obtained. It has been also found that RF SQUIDs can be operated with substantially higher values of the inductance and of the noise parameter than DC SQUIDs. These two aspects, which are of particular importance at liquid nitrogen temperature, make high T_c RF SQUIDs very attractive.     

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.     

Properties of polyvinyl pyrrolidone/β-chitosan hydrogel membranes and their biocompatibility evaluation by haemorheological method

The semi-IPN hydrogel membranes of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and -chitosan were synthesized by crosslinking -chitosan with glutaraldehyde. Hydrogel membranes were characterized by spectroscopic, swelling, thermal and mechanical properties. The in vitro biocompatibility of hydrogel membranes was studied by haemorheological method. These hydrogels have water contents in the range of 60–70% with a high fraction contributed by free water (> 45%). The gel composition, amount of cross-linking agent and swelling temperature plays an important role in swelling kinetics of these semi-IPN membranes. Melting temperature (T _m ) of membranes increased with a decrease in endothermic peak with increasing -chitosan content. The tensile strength of membranes in the dry state was found to be high (29–43 MPa) and it increased with increasing -chitosan content. The in vitro haemorheological studies indicated the biocompatible nature of membranes with no significant changes in whole blood and plasma viscosity and red blood cell rigidity.     

Phase decomposition of liquid-quenched β-type Ti-Cr alloys

Phase decomposition behaviour of liquid-quenched (bcc) type Ti-Cr alloys was investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy and hardness measurements. It was found that decomposition of to ₁ (Ti-rich, bcc) + ₂ (Ti-lean, bcc) takes place in the intermediate composition range of the Ti-Cr system. This experimental result proves the theoretical prediction made by Menon and Aaronson, but the observed ₁ + ₂ two-phase field expands towards higher temperatures than the predicted binodal line. The coherent ₁ + ₂ two-phase state exhibits the so-called 100 modulated structure and it was concluded that the formation of such a structure is a result of spinodal decomposition of the -phase. We obtained time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagrams of -type Ti-30, 40 and 50 at % Cr alloys. A typical sequence of structural change is coherent ₁ + ₂ incoherent ₁ + ₂ incoherent ₁ + ₂ + grain boundary precipitates stable state of + TiCr₂ or + TiCr₂. Not all the states in the above sequence appear, depending on alloy composition, liquid-quenching rate and ageing temperature.     

Hall-Effect in LuNi2B2C and YNi2B2C Borocarbides in Normal and Superconducting Mixed States

It was shown that the Hall resistivity _xy for LuNi ₂ B ₂ C and YNi ₂ B ₂ C is negative in the normal and mixed states and has no sign reversal below T _c . In the mixed state the scaling relation _{xy xx} (_xx is the longitudinal resistivity) was found for both compounds with 2.0. In the normal state a distinct nonlinearity in the _xy(H) dependence, accompanied by a large magnetoresistance, was found below 40 K only for LuNi ₂ B ₂ C. The difference in the behaviour of Lu- and Y-based borocarbides seems to be connected with the difference in the Fermi surfaces of these compounds.