Use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for determining the diffusion layer thickness at the surface of ion-exchange membranes

Three ion-exchange membranes (an AMX homogeneous anion-exchange membrane, a MK-40 heterogeneous cation-exchange membrane, and a Nafion-117 homogeneous cation-exchange membrane) have been studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Processing of the experimental impedance spectra according to the model developed previously has made it possible to find the Nernst diffusion boundary layer (DBL) thickness δ as a function of current density. The behavior of the AMX membrane has been shown to be close to the “ideal” one described by the model: the impedance spectrum of the membrane is close to the theoretical spectrum and the value of δ is only slightly smaller than the quantity δ _Lev calculated by the Leveque equation derived in terms of classical convective diffusion theory. The behavior of the MK-40 and Nafion membranes markedly differs from the “ideal” behavior: the reactive component of the impedance in the region of medium frequencies corresponding to the maximum point in the low-frequency range of a Warburg type finite-length impedance spectrum is significantly lower than its theoretically predicted value. The value of δ is less than δ _Lev even for underlimiting currents, and the deviation increases with the increasing current density. This specific behavior of the membranes correlate well with the voltammetry data. The behavior of the studied membranes is associated with the surface properties: the heterogeneity (case of MK-40) and, especially, high hydrophobicity of the (Nafion-117) surface facilitate the development of electroconvection. Homogeneity and high hydrophilicity of the surface of the AMX membrane determine its behavior, which is close to the ideal.     

Spontaneous formation of arrays of three-dimensional islands in epitaxial layers

An analysis is made of a theoretical model of the formation of three-dimensional nanometer-size islands in molecular beam epitaxy. The kinetics of the self-organization processes are described using a lattice gas model of the adsorbate with self-consistent allowance for lateral interactions in the activation energies of the diffusion processes. It is shown that at below-critical temperatures in a certain range of thicknesses, decay of the spatially uniform state gives rise to arrays of three-dimensional nano-islands which do not participate in the coalescence process after growth has ceased. The average size of the islands, their geometric profile, and the spatial ordering depend strongly on the kinetic parameters of the model. Pis’ma Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 24, 20–26 (July 12, 1998)     

Energy-Based Micromechanics Analysis on Fatigue Crack Propagation Behavior in Sn-Ag Eutectic Solder

Sn-Ag-eutectic-based solders are replacing Sn-Pb eutectic solders in the electronics industry. The current paper extends the recently developed approach based on phase transformation theory, micromechanics, and fracture mechanics to treat fatigue crack nucleation and propagation for steels and alloys to predict fatigue crack propagation in solder alloys. To verify the proposed method, fatigue experiments were conducted on Sn-3.5Ag solder alloys. Finite element analysis is performed to predict the stress intensity factor range ΔK and the required energy U to increase the crack by a unit area. Unified creep-plasticity theory and a cohesive zone model are incorporated to predict the creep and hysteresis effects on fatigue crack propagation in solder and the interfacial behavior between the solder alloy and the intermetallic layer, respectively. With U determined numerically, the predicted fatigue crack propagation rate using phase transformation theory is compared with experimental data for Sn-3.5Ag and Sn-37Pb eutectic solders. Reasonable agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results is obtained.     

Solubility of β-stabilizers in α-titanium

Conclusions We have determined the solubilities of iron, chromium, manganese, silicon, copper, molybdenum, vanadium, and tantalum in -titanium (Table 1) and in the -solid solution of Ti+6% Al (Table 2).Translated from Metallovedenie i Termicheskaya Obrabotka Metallov, No. 2, pp. 13–16, February, 1963     

Large-aperture plasma-assisted deposition of inertial confinement fusion laser coatings

Plasma-assisted electron-beam evaporation leads to changes in the crystallinity, density, and stresses of thin films. A dual-source plasma system provides stress control of large-aperture, high-fluence coatings used in vacuum for substrates 1m in aperture.     

Influence of diffusion annealing on residual resistivity of Nb3Sn-based chromium-plated strands obtained by a bronze process

The residual resistivity ratio, R₂₇₃/R₂₀, is an important parameter for multifilament superconductors (strands) based on Nb₃Sn that are used to manufature cables of magnetic systems. High values of RRR impart stability to the cable with regard to thermal excitations. Nb₃Sn strands for magnetic system of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor are manufactured from high purity oxygen-free copper with RRR > 250 units; however, after extended diffusion annealing intended to form superconducting phase Nb₃Sn, the residual resistivity ratio values of the strands decrease. This work investigates the influence of diffusion annealing for 55?C200 h during the final stage at 650°C on the residual resistivity ratio of chromium-plated Nb₃Sn strands. The contents of chromium and oxygen have been analyzed using X-ray spectral microanalysis of the strand surface and peripheral copper layers. Mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP mass spectrometry) has been used to determine the total chromium content in the copper shell. The influence of chromium and oxygen diffusion from coating during annealing at 650°C on the residual resistivity ratio has been demonstrated. Based on the data of ICP mass spectrometry, the depth of the penetration of chromium in a copper shell has been assessed.