Effect of beam interaction time on laser alloying with pulsed Nd–YAG laser

Abstract

Surface alloying of aluminium with nickel was carried out using a pulsed Nd–YAG laser. The effect of beam interaction time on laser alloying of aluminium with pulsed Nd–YAG laser has been studied. It was found that the beam interaction time of a pulsed laser has a significant effect on microstructure and properties of alloyed layers. The results indicated that with changes in the beam diameter, higher thickness of alloyed layer and higher microhardness are both obtained at a lower effective interaction time. When travel speed changes, the same conditions are obtained at a higher effective interaction time.     

The effect of Ca on the in vitro corrosion performance of biodegradable Mg–Nd–Y–Zr alloy

The effect of 0.4% Ca on the in vitro corrosion behavior of Mg–1.2% Nd–0.5% Y–0.5% Zr was evaluated in a simulated physiological environment in the form of 0.9% NaCl solution saturated with Mg(OH)₂ at ambient temperature and at 37 °C. The microstructure examination was carried out using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The corrosion behavior was evaluated by immersion test, salt spray testing, and potentiodynamic polarization analysis. The stress corrosion behavior was examined using slow strain rate testing analysis in different strain rates. The results obtained have shown that the addition of 0.4% Ca has a beneficial effect on the corrosion resistance of the tested alloy. This was mainly attributed to the effect of calcium, which reduces oxidation in the molten condition and consequently improves the soundness of the obtained casting. Hence, it is believed that the reduction in the extent of inherent casting defects in the alloy containing calcium overcomes the detrimental micro-galvanic effect of the Mg₂Ca phase that was formed in the tested alloy. Contrary to the beneficial effect of calcium on the corrosion performance, the addition of calcium has a damaging effect on the stress corrosion behavior in terms of reduced ultimate tensile strength and ductility. This was mainly due to the embrittlement effect of calcium that was generated by the formation and distribution of Mg₂Ca phase at grain boundaries.     

Development of a fiber-optic laser delivery system capable of delivering 213 and 266 nm pulsed Nd:YAG laser radiation for tissue ablation in a fluid environment

Ultraviolet (UV) lasers have the capability to precisely remove tissue via ablation; however, due to strong absorption of the applicable portion the UV spectrum, their surgical use is currently limited to extraocular applications at the air/tissue boundary. Here we report the development and characterization of a fiber-optic laser delivery system capable of outputting high-fluence UV laser pulses to internal tissue surfaces. The system has been developed with a view to intraocular surgical applications and has been demonstrated to ablate ocular tissue at the fluid/tissue boundary. The fifth (213?nm) and fourth(266?nm) harmonics of a Nd:YAG laser were launched into optical fibers using a hollow glass taper to concentrate the beam. Standard and modified silica/silica optical fibers were used, all commercially available. The available energy and fluence as a function of optical fiber length was evaluated and maximized. The maximum fluence available to ablate tissue was affected by the wavelength dependence of the fiber transmission; this maximum fluence was greater for 266?nm pulses (8.4?J/cm2) than for 213?nm pulses (1.4?J/cm2). The type of silica/silica optical fiber used did not affect the transmission efficiency of 266?nm pulses, but transmission of 213?nm pulses was significantly greater through modified silica/silica optical fiber. The optical fiber transmission efficiency of 213?nm pulses decreased as a function of number of pulses transmitted, whereas the transmission efficiency of 266?nm radiation was unchanged. Single pulses have been used to ablate fresh porcine ocular tissue. In summary, we report a method for delivering the fifth (213?nm) and fourth (266?nm) harmonics of a Nd:YAG laser to the surface of immersed tissue, the reliability and stability of the system has been characterized, and proof of concept via tissue ablation of porcine ocular tissue demonstrates the potential for the intraocular surgical application of this technique.     

The effect of rare earth CeO2 on microstructure and properties of in situ TiC/Al–Si composite

In this work, CeO₂ is investigated as an additive for in situ preparation of TiC/Al–Si composite using exothermal dispersion (XD)+casting technology. Experimental results show that CeO₂ at high temperature exhibits the same function as Ce, which is a kind of good modificator. When 0.5 wt.% CeO₂ additive is added, the microstructure of eutectic silicon is significantly changed (the size is greatly reduced). Meanwhile, the amount of TiC particles is increased and the size is reduced. Compared with the composite without added CeO₂, the hardness value (HB) value, tensile strength and tensile elongation are greatly increased. However, under dry sliding friction test, weight loss of the composite is not significantly changed.     

Influence of pore volume on laser performance of Nd : YAG ceramics

For present study, 1.1 at% Nd-doped YAG ceramics with a controlled pore volume (150–930 vol ppm) were fabricated by a solid-state reaction method using high-purity powders. The scattering coefficients of Nd:YAG ceramics, obtained from Fresnel' equation, increased simply with increases in the pore volume. The cw laser output power of Nd:YAG ceramics was clearly related to the scattering coefficients of the specimens examined in the present works, which in turn were affected on the pore volume. The effective scattering coefficients of Nd:YAG ceramics with a pore volume of 150 vol ppm were nearly equivalent to those of a 0.9 at%Nd:YAG single crystal by Czochralski method. As the exciting power was increased under excitation by an 808-nm diode laser, however, the laser output power of the Nd:YAG ceramics exceeded that of the Nd:YAG single crystal because of the fairly large amount of Nd additives. The lasing performance of the Nd:YAG ceramics changed drastically with change in pore volume. On the other hand, lasing performance was not affected by the existence of grain boundaries in the polycrystalline Nd:YAG ceramics.     

The influence of neutron irradiation on the thermal conductivity of aluminum in the range 5–50 K

Measurements of thermal conductivity of 6N to 3N pure aluminum in the temperature range 5–50 K subjected to fast neutron irradiation, with exposures of 10¹³ and 10¹⁶ n · cm^–2, are reported. The thermal conductivity maximum was found to shift towards higher temperatures with an increase in the fast neutron irradiation exposure. At high temperatures, a departure from Wilson's theory was observed, which may be attributed to the existence of additional electron scattering mechanisms. An increase in both ideal and residual thermal resistivity components with an increase in the radiation exposure was noted.Nomenclature I ₅ (/t) Debye integral of the fifth order - –m slope of the straight line that crosses maximum thermal conductivity values - n exponent in ideal thermal resistivity component - T _m temperature corresponding to maximum thermal conductivity - W _e total electronic thermal resistivity - W _i ideal thermal resistivity - W ₀ residual thermal resistivity - ideal thermal resistivity coefficient in Eq. (4) - ideal thermal resistivity coefficient in Eq. (1) - constant related to the ideal part of thermal resistivity in Eq. (2) - () ideal thermal resistivity coefficient depending on irradiation exposure - () residual thermal resistivity coefficient depending on irradiation exposure - thermal conductivity - _m maximum thermal conductivity - Debye characteristic temperature - irradiation exposure     

Ce–Nd codoping effect on the structural and optical properties of TiO2 nanoparticles

We report the changes in the structural and optical property of TiO₂ nanoparticles on codoping Ce–Nd ions. X-ray diffraction clearly demonstrates the structural changes occurring in the codoped TiO₂ nanoparticle. Oxygen defects disturb the TiO bonds in the TiO₆ octahedra and result in the shifting and broadening of the Raman E_g peak. Pure TiO₂ nanoparticles show absorption peak in the UV region. However, codoped TiO₂ nanoparticles exhibit absorption peaks in the visible region corresponding to the f–d and f–f electronic transition of Ce³⁺ and Nd³⁺ in the crystalline environment of TiO₂. The visible emission peaks of pure and codoped TiO₂ nanoparticles are mainly associated with oxygen vacancies. Incorporation of cerium intensifies the visible emission peaks of TiO₂ nanoparticles. On the other hand, codoping of Nd forms some non radiative recombination centres and increases the possibility of emission energy transfer among dopants, defects, thereby quenching the intensity of the visible emission peaks.     

The effect of meta-halloysite on alkali–aggregate reaction in concrete

Damage to concrete structures may occur as a result of internal effects. Alkali silica reaction (ASR) is a long term reaction between alkalis and reactive aggregate present in the concrete. The reaction product is sodium–potasium–calcium silica gel, able to absorb water, resulting in the expansion and cracking of concrete. The key problem is to find the right method for mitigating the internal damage. This paper presents the results of an investigation into the effectiveness of calcined halloysite (meta-halloysite) in improving the resistance to alkali-silica reaction (ASR). The pozzolanic reactivity of meta-halloysite was also evaluated using Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis. Microstructures of mortar bars were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) to investigate the location and chemical composition of ASR gel. The results from this study showed satisfactory level of pozzolanic reactivity when cement was partially replaced by meta-halloysite. It was demonstrated that a 20% addition of meta-halloysite are able to mitigate ASR and lower expansion of mortar bars with reactive aggregate to a safe level of not more than 0.1% at 14 days. Microstructural observations of the specimens containing meta-halloysite indicated the presence of a calcium–alkali–silicate–hydrate gel. But fewer reaction products and with different composition than those forming in the pastes without mineral additives are present.     

The formation of a hydroxyl bond and the effects thereof on bone-like apatite formation on a magnesia partially stabilized zirconia (MgO–PSZ) bioceramic following CO2 laser irradiation

For the purpose of improving the bioactivity of a magnesia partially stabilized zirconia (MgO-PSZ) and to explore a new technique for inducing OH group and apatite formation, a CO(2) laser has been used to modified the surface properties. The bioactivity of the CO(2) laser modified MgO-PSZ has been investigated in stimulated human fluids (SBF) with ion concentrations almost equal to those in human blood plasma. Some hydroxyl groups were found on the MgO-PSZ following CO(2) laser treatment with selected power densities. The surface melting on the MgO-PSZ induced by CO(2) laser processing provides the Zr(4+) ion and OH(-) ion, in turn, the incorporation of the Zr(4+) ion and the OH(-) ion creates the Zr-OH group on the surface. After 14 days of SBF soaking, the apatites formed on the MgO-PSZ with relatively high amount of hydroxyl groups generated by the CO(2) laser treatment, while no apatite was observed on the untreated with few hydroxyl groups. It exhibits that the Zr-OH groups on the MgO-PSZ surface is the functional groups to facilitate the apatite formation. The increased surface roughness provides more active sites, meantime, increased surface energy benefits to the adsorption and reaction on the surface.     

Computational fluid dynamics study on the effect of stirring parameters on solid–liquid suspension in the slurry electrolysis square tank

As a sustainable hydrometallurgical technology, slurry electrolysis (SE) offers certain advantages in the treatment of complex ores and secondary electronic waste. It is therefore of considerable interest to understand the solid–liquid suspension in the stirred tank for overall process control. Here, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on the Eulerian-Eulerian framework combined with the kinetic theory of granular flow was employed to investigate the effects of varying the impeller speed (70–150 rpm), solids volume fraction (8–21 %), and particle specific gravity (2–6.7) on solid–liquid suspension behavior in a square tank equipped with electrodes and impeller. The results show that as the impeller rotating speed increases, turbulent kinetic energy is gradually transferred from the lower part of the electrodes to the region near the impeller shaft and between the membrane bags. The solids volume fraction was found to have little effect on the final liquid flow fields, but significantly increased the power consumption. The homogeneity and power consumption were quantified as functions of specific gravity, allowing the degree of homogeneity to be predicted under different operating conditions.     

The effect of strontium on the mechanical properties of aluminum–silicon alloy

Technical Physics Letters - We have studied the influence of strontium additives on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an aluminum alloy with 15 wt % silicon prepared by directional...     

The effect of Ag additions on the microstructure of aluminium–lithium alloys

Minor quantities of Ag have been added to Al–Li–Cu–Mg–Zr alloys. Their microstructure has been studied by means of optical metallography, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. In the high Li, low Cu : Mg ratio alloys the main phases found were , , S and T₁, while fewer T₂ and Al₇Cu₂Fe precipitates were also observed. The addition of up to 0.5 wt% Ag diminishes the and T₁ precipitates size. This is attributed to a small increase of Li solubility in the matrix. In the low Li, high Cu : Mg ratio alloy the addition of 0.2 wt % Ag resulted in the precipitation of phase simultaneously with , , S and T₁ phases. Due to the low Li concentration an unusual growth of the / precipitates at the expense of the precipitates was also observed.     

The effect of Ag additions on the microstructure of aluminium–lithium alloys

Minor quantities of Ag have been added to Al–Li–Cu–Mg–Zr alloys. Their microstructure has been studied by means of optical metallography, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. In the high Li, low Cu:Mg ratio alloys the main phases found were , , S and T1, while fewer T2 and Al7Cu2Fe precipitates were also observed. The addition of up to 0.5 wt% Ag diminishes the and T1 precipitates size. This is attributed to a small increase of Li solubility in the matrix. In the low Li, high Cu:Mg ratio alloy the addition of 0.2 wt% Ag resulted in the precipitation of phase simultaneously with , , S and T1 phases. Due to the low Li concentration an unusual growth of the / precipitates at the expense of the precipitates was also observed. © 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers     

The influence of adhesive on the Al alloy in laser weld bonding Mg–Al process

Laser weld bonding is a new welding technology, being used to join Mg–Al alloys. The penetration depth of LWB Mg–Al joint was larger than that in simply laser welding joint in same welding parameters. The temperature at the edge of the Al fusion zone in LWB Mg–Al joint was higher than that in laser welding joint, which was measured through the thermal couples. The laser-introduced plasma in LWB Mg–Al process is observed by the high-speed camera, which is different from that in laser welding process. The surface temperature and state of the Al alloy were changed because of the addition of the adhesive, thus the laser absorptive of Al alloy was increased in LWB process, comparing with that in laser welding process; and the decomposition of the adhesive would make a depression in the Al fusion zone, which would be beneficial to the formation of keyhole welding in LWB Mg–Al joint.     

The effect of aging process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a Cu–Be–Co–Ni alloy

The paper investigated the effect of two aging processes (i.e. normal aging and interrupted aging) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a Cu–Be–Co–Ni alloy. The results of tensile and Kahn tear tests showed that the interrupted aging (IA) process could significantly improve the uniform elongation and plane stress fracture toughness with tiny decrease in ultimate tensile strength, when compared with the results from normal aging (NA) process. Under the scanning electron microscope, the fracture surface of samples treated by NA followed the intergranular fracture, while that of the samples treated by IA followed the transgranular fracture. The transmission electron microscope study revealed the differences between the microstructure of the alloy treated by NA and IA processes. After the NA process, the slender strip of γ′ precipitates aggregated at grain boundaries with a length of approximately 10 to 45 nm; the disk-shaped γ″ precipitates in the alloy treated by IA distributed homogenously throughout whole grains with a length of about 3 to 10 nm. The discussion of strengthening mechanisms demonstrated that the mechanism of precipitate shearing by dislocations made a contribution to the strengthening of the alloy treated by IA, while the Orowan mechanism was the dominant strengthening mechanism in the alloy treated by NA.     

The effect of SnO2 on the improvement of mechanical properties of MgO–MgAl2O4 composites

Incorporation of SnO₂ into MgO–spinel (M–S) increased mechanical properties significantly. Relationships between the parameters improving mechanical properties and microstructural variables were examined. Basic parameters improving the mechanical properties of M–S–SnO₂ composites were identified as follows: (a) when microcracks come across with either Mg₂SnO₄ particles or pores; crack branching and deviation of interlinked microcracks or crack arresting occurred more effectively than those of spinel particles, (b) fracture type was converted to intergranular fracture with incorporation of spinel into MgO, and transgranular fracture with addition of SnO₂ to M–S; additionally with the incorporation of additives, (c) critical defect size, (d) work of fracture values increased, and (e) MgO grain size decreased. R_st thermal shock parameter values of M–S–SnO₂ composites were markedly higher than those of M–S materials, associated with low strength loss, high thermal shock damage resistance and thus longer service life of M–S–SnO₂ composites for high-temperature industrial applications.     

The effect of size of the SiC inclusions in the AlN–SiC composite structure on its electrophysical properties

AlN–SiC–Y₃Al₅O₁₂ composite materials with a high absorption of microwave frequency (27–65 dB/cm) produced by pressureless sintering of mixtures consisting of AlN(2H), Y₂O₃, and SiC (6H) in 46, 4, 50 wt %, respectively, have been studied. The SiC components of the mixtures were used in sizes of 1, 5, and 50 μm. It has been shown that the resistivity of the developed materials depends essentially on the materials structures: sizes of SiC inclusions, distances between them, and state of the interfaces. It has been found that the increase of the SiC inclusions sizes in the material structure from 3 to 7 μm results in the decrease of the resistivity from 10⁴ to 90 Ω·m, and at the decrease of the SiC inclusions sizes from 3 to 0.5 μm there forms a SiC uninterrupted skeleton, which also decreases the resistivity to 210 Ω·m. Thus, composite materials that contain 50 wt % SiC (inclusions sizes of 3 μm) are the most efficient in producing absorbers of microwave radiation. Interlayers of yttrium aluminum garnet, which are located at the SiC grains boundaries, prevent the forming of AlN(2H)–SiC(6H) solid solutions and thus, make it possible to keep high dielectric characteristics of a composite material based on aluminum nitride and afford a high absorption of a microwave radiation.     

Statistical description of the effect of Zr addition on the behavior of microcracks in Cu–6Ni–2Mn–2Sn–2Al Alloy

As possible substitutes for high-strength Cu–Be alloys, Cu–6Ni–2Mn–2Sn–2Al alloys have been developed. To clarify the physical background of the effect of trace Zr on the fatigue strength of such alloys, the initiation and propagation behavior of a major crack that led to the fracture of the tested specimens was monitored. When the stress amplitude was less than σ _a = 350 MPa, the fatigue life of the alloys with Zr was about 2–2.5 times larger than that of the alloy without Zr. When σ _a > 350 MPa, the effect of Zr addition on the fatigue life dramatically decreases as the stress amplitude increases. The increased fatigue life due to Zr addition resulted from an enhancement of the crack initiation life and microcrack growth life. The enhanced crack initiation life was mainly attributed to the strengthening of grain boundaries due to the precipitation of SnZr compounds. A statistical analysis of the behavior of multiple cracks was made to quantitatively evaluate the scatter in fatigue behavior. The statistical analysis supported the conclusions obtained from the behavior of a major crack.