Thermal Dehydration and Vibrational Studies of ZnK4(P3O9)2 · 6H2O

The thermal dehydration of ZnK₄(P₃O₉)₂ · 6H₂O was studied in the range 25–500°C by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and DSC) and X‐ray diffraction. We found, based on the TGA and DSC scans, the dehydration of this salt takes place in three stages with a loss of the six water molecules. The infrared and Raman spectra of ZnK₄(P₃O₉)₂ · 6H₂O have been recorded and interpreted using a factor group analysis. The internal modes are assigned in terms of POP and PO₂ structural units using experimental and theoretical IR and Raman frequencies.     

Dielectric,structural and specific heat properties of lead-free [(1−x)(Na0.5Bi0.5)−xBa]Zr1−yTiyO3 ceramics (x = 0.06, 0.085, 0.09, 0.1 and y = 0.97)

Lead-free [(1?x)(Na_0.5Bi_0.5)?xBa]Zr_1?yTi_yO₃ ceramics (x = 0.06, 0.085, 0.09, 0.1 and y = 0.97) have been prepared by solid-state hot-pressing sintering process. The obtained samples reveal perovskite structure. Structural, thermal expansion, heat capacity, ferroelectric and dielectric measurements have been carried out on these samples in a wide temperature range. The broad anomalies were observed in thermal expansion and heat capacity, which approximately correspond to a structural, ferroelectric and dielectric properties anomaly. These anomalies can be related to temperature features of polar regions and a formation of long-range-order ferroelectric phase. The determined Burns temperature was found to increase with increasing Ba content. The obtained results are discussed in terms of local electric and strain fields caused by a difference in the ionic radii of (Na,Bi) and Ba, and Ti and Zr ions. The NBT–BTZ system is expected to be a new promising candidate for lead-free electronic ceramics.     

Radiation-induced synthesis of RuO2 nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of Ru-tris-acetylacetonate

Pure-phase RuO₂ nanoparticles were obtained by thermal decomposition of unirradiated and γ-irradiated Ru-tris-acetylacetonate precursors. Several influencing factors including absorbed dose, calcination times and temperatures and addition of surfactants were thoroughly investigated. The newly synthesized RuO₂ nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The results showed that the best conditions for the preparation of mono-dispersed RuO₂ nanoparticles were achieved by calcinations of unirradiated Ru-tris-acetylacetonate for 6 h at 600°C. For γ-irradiated Ru-tris-acetylacetonate with 10² Gy total γ-ray doses, the optimal conditions for RuO₂ preparation were calcination for 2 h at 200°C. Thermal stability of RuO₂ nanoparticles was studied using thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques, and the results were evaluated and discussed.     

Adjustment of Residual Stresses in Unsymmetric Fiber-Reinforced Composites Using Genetic Algorithms

During the manufacturing process of multilayered fiber-reinforced composites with variable fiber orientations, residual stresses build up in these composites due to the directional expansion of single unidirectionally reinforced layers. Depending on the laminate lay-up, the inhomogeneous residual stresses, which are caused by thermal effects, moisture absorption, and chemical shrinkage, can lead to large multistable out-of-plane deformations. Instead of avoiding these curvatures, they can be advantageously used for technical applications following the near-net-shape technology. In order to adjust the deformations to the technical requirements, genetic algorithms in combination with a nonlinear calculation method have been developed, which can purposefully adapt the laminate lay-up depending on the loading and process parameters.     

高功率氙灯脉冲放电过程中石英管壁热损伤机理

基于高功率激光装置对脉冲氙灯工程运行可靠性的要求,利用现有的能源模块开展了氙灯放电考核实验。实验结果表明：虽然氙灯运行在安全的能量负载水平,当能源模块单个放电回路的峰值功率超过300 MW时,氙灯石英玻璃管壁存在热损伤风险。肉眼观察到管壁损伤后在反射器对侧的灯管内壁出现乳白色沉积层。经扫描电镜和X射线光电子能谱测试分析,证实热损伤形成的乳白色沉积物为二氧化硅。为探究管壁热损伤机制,采用高速摄影观测了氙灯放电等离子体沟道发展过程。图像显示放大器内金属反射器的几何形状对放电沟道的分布产生了显著影响,尤其是在侧灯箱,灯内电弧沟道会靠近反射器一侧集中分布,因此,导致等离子体对灯管的偏烧。当放电峰值功率超过石英热负载极限时,管壁表面二氧化硅材料会被烧蚀至蒸发、气化,并随后沉积在灯管较冷部位。研究结果表明放电回路的放电峰值功率过高、放大器内金属反射器均会对氙灯造成热损伤。     

Graphene Modified Lipophilically by Stearic Acid and its Composite With Low Density Polyethylene

Graphene, prepared by the thermal reduction of graphite oxide (GO), was modified with stearic acid to enhance its lipophilicity. A novel method, using the intrinsic epoxy groups on the graphene, was utilized for reaction with stearic acid to minimize the negative impact of the normal functionalization method on the π-electronic system of graphene. Gravimetric analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that the stearic acid was effectively attached to the graphene. In addition, Raman spectroscopy and electric conductivity of the graphene showed that this novel modification method, utilizing intrinsic defects, did not damage the π-electronic system of the sp² bonded carbons. The dispersion of graphene in a low density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix was enhanced; consequently, the reinforcing effect in tensile testing was improved by the lipophilic modification. The crystallization behavior observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the crystallization of LDPE was hindered by dispersed graphene, more evidently when dispersed uniformly.     

Stability problem of a circular sandwich ring under uniform external pressure

The solution of the stability problem of a circular sandwich ring under uniform external pressure is given in a refined statement. The need to determinate the precritical stresses in load-bearing layers in the refined statement with regard to the transverse compression of the core is established, which is the basis for the detection of the mixed flexural buckling forms (BFs) with more than two half-waves along the circumferential coordinate (n>2). It is found that sandwich structures with a determining parameter of transverse compression corresponding to the limit of transition from the mixed BFs to synphasic ones are the most efficient from the weight viewpoint. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 317–328, May–June, 2000.     

In situ measurement of pressure and strain effects in corundum ceramics

Abstract

An Equipement has been built for the generation of uniaxial pressure and of bending stress respectivety directly in the cavity of an X-band ESR spectrometer. Changes of the structure of paramagnetic centres (Fe³⁺ on Al³⁺ sites) could be detected in materials with a high content of corundum under the innuence of pressure and bending stress. The objects of investigation are not only suitable model system but also have practical relevance. The Fe³⁺-ions, incorporated in the materials react very sensitive on mechanically or thermally induced changes of the state of the matrix. They give insight into the materials at a microscopic level The interpretation of the observed intensity and shift effects is possible on the basis of an adequate spin-hamiltonian.     

Laser cutting of Kevlar laminates and thermal stress formed at cutting sections

Laser cutting of Kevlar laminates is carried out and thermal stress field developed in the cutting region is predicted using the finite element code. Temperature predictions are validated through the thermocouple data. The morphological changes in the cutting section are examined by incorporating optical and scanning electron microscopes. It is found that temperature predictions agree well with the thermocouple data. High values of von Mises stress are observed at the cutting edges and at the mid-thickness of the Kevlar laminate due to thermal compression formed in this region. The laser cut edges are free from whiskers; however, striation formation and some small sideways burning is observed at the kerf edges.