SHS of shape memory CuZnAl alloys

Aiming at preparation of shape memory alloys (SMAs), we explored the SHS of Cu_{1 − x} Zn_{1 − y} Al_{1 − z} alloys (0.29 < x < 0.30, 0.74 < y < 0.75, and 0.83 < z < 0.96). The most pronounced shape memory effect was exhibited by the alloys of the following compositions (wt %): (1) Cu(70.6)Zn(25.4)Al(4.0), (2) Cu(70.1)Zn(25.9)Al(4.0), and (3) Cu(69.9)Zn(26.1)Al(4.0). The effect of process parameters on the synthesis of CuZnAl alloys was studied by XRD, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The grain size of CuZnAl was found to depend on the relative amount of the primary CuZn and AlZn phases. Changes in the transformation temperature and heat of transformation are discussed in terms of ignition intensity and compaction. Mechanism of the process depends on the level of the temperature attained relative to the melting point of components. At the melting point of AlZn, the process is controlled by the solid-state diffusion of AlZn into a product layer. The ignition temperature for this system depends on the temperature of the austenite-martensite transformation in CuZnAl alloys. The composition and structure of the products was found to markedly depend on process parameters. The SHS technique has been successfully used to prepare a variety of SMAs.      

Complex processing of fluorine-containing wastes of fluorite ores

The possibility of processing fluorine-containing wastes of fluorite ore, which include fluorite, calcite, quartz, and anorthite, has been investigated. A manufacturing flow chart of the complex processing of the ore waste materials with the production of sodium fluoride, alumina, soda ash, and raw materials suitable for the production of Portland cement and wollastonite is suggested.     

Removal of impurities from liquid solutions by vacuum desorption with solvent evaporation

Mass transfer with solvent evaporation in the vapor-liquid two-phase film evaporators used for the removal of undesirable impurities from liquid solutions at low pressure is studied. The average concentrations of solution components in the falling liquid film are determined. The most efficient operating conditions for impurity removal, in which the resistance to mass transfer is concentrated in the liquid phase, are found. Original Russian Text ? V.N. Babak, T.B. Babak, L.P. Kholpanov, 2008, published in Teoreticheskie Osnovy Khimicheskoi Tekhnologii, 2008, Vol. 42, No. 6, pp. 654–670.     

Some sulfides of gold and silver: Composition,mineral mineral assemblage,and conditions of formation

Characteristic mineral assemblage and special features of the composition of Au and Ag sulfides of gold-silver deposits have been established. The forms of the occurrence of Au and Ag in the minerals of the early and last stages have been analyzed. The conditions for the formation of uytenbogaardtite and petrovskaite in supergene and low-temperature hydrothermal processes have been considered. A thermodynamic model explaining their genesis in the oxidation zones is presented.     

Kinetics of the reaction of olefin synthesis from methanol and dimethyl ether

The kinetics of the reaction of olefin synthesis from dimethyl ether and methanol is studied. A kinetic model of the nine-route reaction under study is constructed. The constants of the model are estimated using experimental data. The adequacy of the model to the results of experiments is shown     

Oxidation of carbon nanofibers and materials obtained on their basis

The results of the oxidation of carbon nanofibers and materials obtained on their basis are presented; these results demonstrate that the nanofibers were formed by carbon with different degrees of crystal structure ordering. The experimental data supported previous hypotheses that amorphous carbon results from the decomposition of metal carbides. The subsequent formation of spatial structures and the appearance of crystalline carbon species resulted from catalytic graphitization. It was demonstrated that sorbents can be prepared based on carbon nanofibers after pyrolytic consolidation followed by activation, and these sorbents are more effective than well-known sorbents.     

Highly heat-resistant mullite-silicon carbide materials

Cross-linking additions of silicon carbide and waste material from ferroalloy production make it possible to increase the heat-resistance index for mullite-containing refractories. For briquette specimens based on a charge containing aluminum powder it reaches 45 thermal cycles (1300°C – water). Translated from Novye Ogneupory, No. 11, pp. 44–46, November 2008.     

Corundum concretes based on modified phosphate-containing binders

Physicotechnical properties are provided for concretes based on mechanically-activated phosphate suspensions previously modified with magnesium and aluminum hydroxides and silicic acid. The results obtained demonstrate the efficiency of using modifying additions in order to increase the strength and heat resistance of corundum concretes. Translated from Novye Ogneupory, No. 5, pp. 32–35, May 2008.     

Investigation of the structure and properties of modified Armenian minerals for polymer-based composites

The results of investigation of the modification of the Armenian minerals with fluorine-containing oligomers show that a modified product appears when the mineral fillers are treated with fluoroalkanes. The product preserves the structure of the fillers with a “grafted” fluoroalkane layer in which chlorine atoms locate mainly over their periphery. The composite materials based on heterochained polymers and the modified fillers possess a stronger wear resistance and a low friction coefficient.     

Single and matrix HgCdTe photovoltaic detectors

The recent researches and technological developments of middle and long wavelength infrared HgCdTe photovoltaic detectors are presented. Structure, topology, design and performance of HgCdTe photodiodes, silicon readout electronics, Focal Plane Arrays both staring and time delay and integration types, thermal imagers are discussed. Negative differential conductance, bistability and high frequency oscillations under background infrared radiation in HgCdTe photodiodes are reported.