A study on wear resistance and microcrack of the Ti3Al/TiAl + TiC ceramic layer deposited by laser cladding on Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Laser cladding of the Al + TiC alloy powder on Ti-6Al-4V alloy can form the Ti₃Al/TiAl + TiC ceramic layer. In this study, TiC particle-dispersed Ti₃Al/TiAl matrix ceramic layer on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy by laser cladding has been researched by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, electron probe micro-analyzer, energy dispersive spectrometer. The main difference from the earlier reports is that Ti₃Al/TiAl has been chosen as the matrix of the composite coating. The wear resistance of the Al + 30 wt.% TiC and the Al + 40 wt.% TiC cladding layer was approximately 2 times greater than that of the Ti-6Al-4V substrate due to the reinforcement of the Ti₃Al/TiAl + TiC hard phases. However, when the TiC mass percent was above 40 wt.%, the thermal stress value was greater than the materials yield strength limit in the ceramic layer, the microcrack was present and its wear resistance decreased.     

Microstructure and tribological properties of TiN, TiC and Ti(C, N) thin films prepared by closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering ion plating

TiN, TiC and Ti(C, N) films have been respectively prepared using closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering ion plating technology, with graphite target serving as the C supplier in an Ar-N₂ mixture gas. Bonding states and microstructure of the films are characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) in combination with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The friction coefficients are measured by pin-on-disc test and the wear traces of deposited films are observed by optical microscope. Results show that the TiN film and Ti(C, N) film exhibit dense columnar structure while the TiC film exhibits a mixed microstructure of main nanocrystallite and little amorphous phases. The Ti(C, N) film has the highest microhardness value and the TiC film has the lowest. Because of small amount of pure carbon with sp² bonds existing in the film, the friction coefficients of Ti(C, N) and TiC multilayer films are lower than that of TiN film. In addition, the multilayer structure of films also contributes visually to decrease of friction coefficients. The TiC film has extremely low friction coefficient while the wear ratio is the highest in all of the films. The results also show that the Ti(C, N) film has excellent anti-abrasion property.     

Helical nanocables with SiC core and SiO2 shell

A novel one-dimensional helical nanocable structure has been synthesized through the reaction of carbon fiber with SiO vapor. The crystalline SiC core typically has diameters of 10–20 nm with a helical periodicity of 30–40 nm and is covered by a uniform layer of 10–20 nm thick amorphous SiO₂. A growth mechanism is proposed on the basis of difference in the growth rate between crystalline SiC core and amorphous SiO₂ shell.     

Electronic structure and bonding properties for Laves-phase RV2 (R=Ti, Nb, Hf, and Ta) compounds

The electronic structure and bonding properties of Laves-phase compounds RV₂ (R=Ti, Nb, Hf, and Ta) with C15 structure have been investigated using the full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method. The results show that the chemical bonding is metallic–ionic–covalent in nature in these compounds, and the covalent bonding between V and V atoms strengthens with the atomic number, increasing among the RV₂ (R=Ti, Nb, Hf, and Ta) compounds. The density of states (DOS), equilibrium volume, and elastic properties are discussed, which is important for understanding the physical properties of RV₂ (R=Ti, Nb, Hf, and Ta) and may inspire future experimental research.     

Electron impact ionization cross-section of C2, C3, Si2, Si3, SiC,SiC2 and Si2C

Total ionization cross-sections for C₂, C₃, Si₂, Si₃, SiC, SiC₂ and Si₂C molecules have been calculated by electron impact. Spherical complex optical potential formalism has been employed for obtaining the inelastic cross-sections for these molecules. Then by applying complex scattering potential-ionization contribution method, total ionization cross-sections are derived. These cross-sections are calculated in the energy range from ionization threshold to 2?keV. There are no measurements available in the literature to the best of our knowledge with which our results can be compared. The results show a linear relationship between maximum ionization cross-section and square root of the ratio of polarizability to ionization potential, depending on its atomicity. This gives a confirmation for the consistency of the data reported here. Present work is a maiden attempt to find electron impact ionization cross-section for these molecules, except for C₂ and C₃.     

Morphologies,microstructures, and mechanical properties of samples produced using laser metal deposition with 316 L stainless steel wire

Laser metal deposition (LMD) with a filler has been demonstrated to be an effective method for additive manufacturing because of its high material deposition efficiency, improved surface quality, reduced material wastage, and cleaner process environment without metal dust pollution. In this study, single beads and samples with ten layers were successfully deposited on a 316 L stainless steel surface under optimized conditions using a 4000 W continuous wave fibre laser and an arc welding machine. The results showed that satisfactory layered samples with a large deposition height and smooth side surface could be achieved under appropriate parameters. The uniform structures had fine cellular and network austenite grains with good metallurgical bonding between layers, showing an austenite solidification mode. Precipitated ferrite at the grain boundaries showed a subgrain structure with fine uniform grain size. A higher microhardness (205–226 HV) was detected in the middle of the deposition area, while the tensile strength of the 50 layer sample reached 669 MPa. In addition, ductile fracturing was proven by the emergence of obvious dimples at the fracture surface.     

Investigation of formation mechanism of Ti3SiC2 by high pressure and high-temperature synthesis

ABSTRACT

In this paper, synthesis of titanium silicon carbide (Ti₃SiC₂) under high pressure and high-temperature condition has been investigated by using the reactant systems Ti/Si/C, Ti/SiC/TiC, Ti/SiC/C and Ti/TiC/Si. Results reveal that Ti/TiC/Si is unsuited to the synthesis of Ti₃SiC₂ under a high pressure of 2.0?GPa, while an elemental mixture of Ti/Si/C is applicable. By the addition of Al, Ti₃SiC₂ with 95.8?wt% purity was obtained from elemental mixture with a large excess of silicon. The optimum experimental parameters were determined as Ti/Si/Al/C having the molar ratio of 3:1.5:0.5:1.9, holding at 2.0?GPa and 1300?°C for 60?min.     

Effect of boron, nitrogen, and oxygen impurities on the electronic structure and deformation behavior of Ti3SiC2

The effect of nitrogen, oxygen, and boron impurities on the lattice parameters, local distortions, stability, and electronic structure of ternary silicon carbide Ti₃SiC₂ was studied by the ab initio density functional theory method. An axial tension was simulated, and the effect of impurities on the deformation behavior of Ti₃SiC₂ was predicted. It was shown that nitrogen can favor the strengthening of Ti₃SiC₂, whereas boron and oxygen should lead to the laminate separation.     

First‐order Raman scattering of the MAX phases: Ti2AlN,Ti2AlC0.5N0.5, Ti2AlC, (Ti0.5V0.5)2AlC,V2AlC,Ti3AlC2, and Ti3GeC2

Here, we report, for the first time, on the Raman spectra of Ti₂AlN, Ti₂AlC_0.5N_0.5, (Ti_0.5V_0.5)₂AlC, Ti₃AlC₂, and Ti₃GeC₂ and compare the results with those of Ti₂AlC and V₂AlC reported previously. The first‐order mode peaks of the end members are narrower than those of their respective solid‐solution compounds. The Ti₃AlC₂ and Ti₃GeC₂ phases show, in addition to atomic displacements of the ‘M’ and ‘A’ atomic planes, modes that correspond with vibrations of the ‘X’ sublattice relative to itself. We also predict the Raman modes using density functional theory. The agreement between theory and experiment was found to be satisfactory. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nanoscale imaging of ferroelectric domain and resistance switching in hybrid improper ferroelectric Ca3Ti2O7 thin films

Hybrid improper ferroelectrics have their electric polarization generated by two or more combined non-ferroelectric structural distortions such as the rotation and tilting of Ti-O octahedral in Ca₃Ti₂O₇ (CTO) family. In this work, we prepared different thickness CTO thin films on Pt substrates by pulsed laser deposition, and investigated their ferroelectric polarization reversal and the current transport properties by using the piezoresponse force microscopy and conducting atomic force microscopy, respectively. It is found that the CTO films exhibit clear ferroelectric domain switching and ferroelectric resistance switching behaviors, and the maximum resistive ratios of CTO film reaches ∼1750. These results demonstrate that hybrid improper ferroelectrics CTO films are promising materials for being employed in non-volatile memory and logic devices.     

Magnetic, structural and micro-structural properties of mechanically alloyed nano-structured Fe48Co48V4 powder containing inter-metallic Co3V

The Fe₄₈Co₄₈V₄ alloy was synthesized in a planetary high-energy ball-mill under an argon atmosphere. The structure, microstructure and magnetic properties of the mechanically alloyed powders were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and a Vibration Sample Magnetometer, respectively. During the mechanical alloying of Fe₄₈Co₄₈V₄, inter-metallic Co₃V appears. The lattice parameter decreases up to 55 h of milling time with an oscillation and then increases from 55 to 125 h of milling time. The coercivity increases during the milling treatment from 49 to 58 Oe. The saturation magnetization has some fluctuations during the milling treatment and finally reaches ∼190 emu/g at 125 h.     

A photoelectron and energy-loss spectroscopy study of Ti and its interaction with H2, O2, N2 and NH3

A unified electron spectroscopic study of polycrystalline Ti and its interaction with H₂, O₂, N₂, and NH₃ are described. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), electron energy-loss spectroscopy (ELS), ultraviolet and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS and XPS) are combined to provide detailed information about the electronic structure of the titanium surface and its interaction with these adsorbates. X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectra and electron energy-loss spectra are presented for the clean titanium surface, and following exposure to H₂, O₂, N₂ and NH₃. Spectral assignments are provided in each case. The electron spectra of oxygen exposed Ti and nitrogen sputtered Ti are quite similar, and are interpreted with reference to band structure calculations for TiO and TiN. Electron spectroscopy indicates essentially complete dissociative adsorption of NH₃ on the clean titanium surface.     

Investigations on structural,elastic, thermodynamic and electronic properties of TiN,Ti2N and Ti3N2 under high pressure by first-principles

The lattice parameters, cell volume, elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are calculated at zero pressure, and their values are in excellent agreement with the available data, for TiN, Ti₂N and Ti₃N₂. By using the elastic stability criteria, it is shown that the three structures are all stable. The brittle/ductile behaviors are assessed in the pressures from 0 GPa to 50 GPa. Our calculations present that the performances for TiN, Ti₂N and Ti₃N₂ become from brittle to ductile with pressure rise. The Debye temperature rises as pressure increase. With increasing N content, the enhancement of covalent interactions and decline of metallicity lead to the increase of the micro-hardness. Their constant volume heat capacities increase rapidly in the lower temperature, at a given pressure. At higher temperature, the heat capacities are close to the Dulong–Petit limit, and the heat capacities of TiN and Ti₂N are larger than that of c-BN. The thermal expansion coefficients of titanium nitrides are slightly larger than that of c-BN. The band structure and the total Density of States (DOS) are calculated at 0 GPa and 50 GPa. The results show that TiN and Ti₂N present metallic character. Ti₃N₂ present semiconducting character. The band structures have some discrepancies between 0 GPa and 50 GPa. The extent of energy dispersion increases slightly at 50 GPa, which means that the itinerant character of electrons becomes stronger at 50 GPa. The main bonding peaks of TiN, Ti₂N and Ti₃N₂ locate in the range from −10 to 10 eV, which originate from the contribution of valance electron numbers of Ti s, Ti p, Ti d, N s and N p orbits. We can also find that the pressure makes that the total DOS decrease at the Fermi level for Ti₂N. The bonding behavior of N–Ti compounds is a combination of covalent and ionic nature. As N content increases, valence band broadens, valence electron concentration increases, and covalent interactions become stronger. This is reflected in shortening of Ti–N bonds.     

La调节Pb(Zr,Sn,Ti)O_3反铁电陶瓷的相变与电学性质

利用X射线衍射、弱场介电温度谱、强场极化强度研究了不同La含量(Pb1-xLa2x3)(Zr06Sn03Ti01)O3(000≤x≤012)(PLZSnT)陶瓷的相变与电学特性.实验发现,随La含量增大,室温下材料由铁电三方相(x=000)转变为反铁电四方相(003≤x≤009)和立方相(x=012).介电测试表明,La含量增大,反铁电→顺电相变温度降低,峰值介电常量减小.在x=006的PLZSnT三元相图中,反铁电四方相区扩大到Ti含量约为18at%,该系统反铁电陶瓷具有“窄、斜”型双电滞回线和“三电滞回线”;在高Zr、高Sn区,反铁电→顺电相变呈现弥散相变和介电频率色散特征,即反铁电极化弛豫现象.从ABO3钙钛矿结构的容忍因子(t)和反铁电相的结构特征出发,讨论了La对Pb(Zr,Sn,Ti)O3相变与电学性质的影响机理 关键词： 场诱相变 弛豫型反铁电体 介电性能 La调节Pb(Zr Sn Ti)O3     

Synthesis,photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of LiNa3P2O7:Tb3+ green emitting phosphor

The alkaline phosphate based LiNa₃P₂O₇:Tb³⁺ phosphors are prepared by solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that all the powders possess orthorhombic structure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy studies suggest that the phosphor belong to the diphosphate family. The morphology of the phosphors is identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Upon 378 nm excitation, the LiNa₃P₂O₇:Tb³⁺ phosphors shown emission bands at 482, 545, 588 and 620 nm corresponding to the transitions ⁵D₄→⁷F₆, ⁵D₄→⁷F₅, ⁵D₄→⁷F₄ and ⁵D₄→⁷F₃, respectively. The optimized concentration of Tb³⁺ in LiNa₃P₂O₇ phosphor is found to be 9 mol%. The concentration quenching mechanism was proved to be the exchange interaction between two nearest Tb³⁺ ions with the critical distance (R_c) of 1.18 nm. The Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates evidence that the phosphors emit in the green light region. Thermoluminescence properties of the prepared phosphors are studied by pre-irradiating the powders with different doses of UV irradiation. The kinetic parameters of TL glow curves are calculated using Chen's peak shape method.     

Influences of Bi2O3 additive on the microstructure, permeability, and power loss characteristics of Ni-Zn ferrites

Nickel-zinc ferrite materials containing different Bi₂O₃ concentrations have been prepared by the conventional ceramic technique. Micrographs have clearly revealed that the Bi₂O₃ additive promoted grain growth. When the Bi₂O₃ content reached 0.15 wt%, a dual microstructure with both small grains (<5 μm) and some extremely large grains (>50 μm) appeared. With higher Bi₂O₃ content, the samples exhibited a very large average grain size of more than 30 μm. The initial permeability gradually decreased with increasing Bi₂O₃ content. When the Bi₂O₃ content exceeded 0.15 wt%, the permeability gradually decreased with frequency due to the low-frequency resonance induced by the large grain size. Neither the sintering density nor the saturation magnetization was obviously influenced by the Bi₂O₃ content or microstructure of the samples. However, power loss (Pcv) characteristics were evidently influenced. At low flux density, the sample with 0.10 wt% Bi₂O₃, which was characterized by an average grain size of 3-4 μm and few closed pores, displayed the lowest Pcv, irrespective of frequency. When the flux density was equal to or greater than the critical value of 40 mT, the sample with 0.20 wt% Bi₂O₃, which had the largest average grain size, displayed the lowest Pcv.     

First-principles study of structural, mechanical, electronic and optical properties of 3R- and 2H-CuGaO2

We calculated the structural parameters, elastic, mechanical, electronic and optical properties of 3R- and 2H-CuGaO₂ using the first-principles density-functional theory. The results show that the structural parameters of two phases are in good agreement with previous theoretical and experimental data. Two phases are mechanically stable, behave in ductile manner and have indirect band gap. The analyses of electronic structures and charge densities of two phases show mainly covalent nature in Cu-O bonds and coexistence of both ionic and covalent nature in Ga-O bonds. The optical properties are obtained and discussed, including the complex dielectric function, refractive index, extinction coefficient, optical reflectivity, absorption coefficient, energy-loss spectrum and complex conductivity function, which provide useful information for the future applications of CuGaO₂.     

Microstructure and properties of Ni-Co/nano-Al2O3 composite coatings by pulse reversal current electrodeposition

Ni-Co/nano-Al₂O₃ (Ni-Co/Al₂O₃) composite coatings were prepared under pulse reversal current (PRC) and direct current (dc) methods respectively. The microstructure of coatings was characterized by means of XRD, SEM and TEM. Both the Ni-Co alloy and composite coatings exhibit single phase of Ni matrix with face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure, and the crystal orientation of the Ni-Co/Al₂O₃ composite coating was transformed from crystal face (2 0 0) to (1 1 1) compared with alloy coatings. The hardness, anti-wear property and macro-residual stress were also investigated. The results showed that the microstructure and performance of the coatings were greatly affected by Al₂O₃ content and the electrodeposition methods. With the increasing of Al₂O₃ content, the hardness and wear resistance of the composite coatings enhanced. The PRC composite coatings exhibited compact surface, high hardness, better wear resistance and lower macro-residual stress compared with that of the dc composite coatings.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3-Al composite coatings deposited by plasma spraying

Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-Al composite coatings were prepared by plasma spraying. Phase composition of powders and as-sprayed coatings was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), while optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to investigate the morphology of impacted droplets, polished and fractured surface, and the element distribution in terms of wavelength-dispersive spectrometer (WDS). Mechanical properties including microhardness, adhesion and bending strength, fracture toughness and sliding wear rate were evaluated. The results indicated that the addition of Al into Al₂O₃ was beneficial to decrease the splashing of impinging droplets and to increase the deposition efficiency. The Al₂O₃-Al composite coating exhibited homogeneously dispersed pores and the co-sprayed Al particles were considered to be distributed in the splat boundary. Compared with Al₂O₃ coating, the composite coating showed slightly lower hardness, whereas the coexistence of metal Al phase and Al₂O₃ ceramic phase effectively improved the toughness, strength and wear resistance of coatings.     

Phase Structure,Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene/Hollow Glass Microsphere Composites Modified with Maleated Poly(ethylene-octene)

Maleated poly(ethylene-octene) (POE-g-MAH), as a compatilizer and toughener, was incorporated in polypropylene/hollow glass microspheres (PP/HGM) binary composites, and the phase structure and thermal and mechanical properties of these composites were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the phase structure of ternary composites could be controlled by POE-g-MAH and the surface treatment of HGM. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that there was an amidation reaction between the treated HGM and POE-g-MAH during melt compounding. Differential scanning calorimetry suggested that the crystallization and melting behaviors of ternary composites were influenced by phase structure. Evaluation of mechanical properties showed that the amide linkage between the treated HGM and POE-g-MAH was favorable for improving the properties of ternary composites.