Effectiveness of paper-structured catalyst for the operation of biodiesel-fueled solid oxide fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quang-Tuyen, Tran; Kaida, Taku; Sakamoto, Mio; Sasaki, Kazunari; Shiratori, Yusuke

2015-06-01

Mg/Al-hydrotalcite (HDT)-dispersed paper-structured catalyst (PSC) was prepared by a simple paper-making process. The PSC exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the steam reforming of model biodiesel fuel (BDF), pure oleic acid methyl ester (oleic-FAME, C19H36O2) which is a mono-unsaturated component of practical BDFs. The PSC exhibited fuel conversion comparable to a pelletized catalyst material, here, conventional Ni-zirconia cermet anode for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with less than one-hundredth Ni weight. Performance of electrolyte-supported cell connected with the PSC was evaluated in the feed of oleic-FAME, and stable operation was achieved. After 60 h test, coking was not observed in both SOFC anode and PSC.

Model anodes and anode models for understanding the mechanism of hydrogen oxidation in solid oxide fuel cells.

PubMed

Bessler, Wolfgang G; Vogler, Marcel; Störmer, Heike; Gerthsen, Dagmar; Utz, Annika; Weber, André; Ivers-Tiffée, Ellen

2010-11-14

This article presents a literature review and new results on experimental and theoretical investigations of the electrochemistry of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) model anodes, focusing on the nickel/yttria-stabilized zirconia (Ni/YSZ) materials system with operation under H(2)/H(2)O atmospheres. Micropatterned model anodes were used for electrochemical characterization under well-defined operating conditions. Structural and chemical integrity was confirmed by ex situ pre-test and post-test microstructural and chemical analysis. Elementary kinetic models of reaction and transport processes were used to assess reaction pathways and rate-determining steps. The comparison of experimental and simulated electrochemical behaviors of pattern anodes shows quantitative agreement over a wide range of operating conditions (p(H(2)) = 8×10(2) - 9×10(4) Pa, p(H(2)O) = 2×10(1) - 6×10(4) Pa, T = 400-800 °C). Previously published experimental data on model anodes show a strong scatter in electrochemical performance. Furthermore, model anodes exhibit a pronounced dynamics on multiple time scales which is not reproduced in state-of-the-art models and which is also not observed in technical cermet anodes. Potential origin of these effects as well as consequences for further steps in model anode and anode model studies are discussed.

Poisoning of Ni-Based anode for proton conducting SOFC by H2S, CO2, and H2O as fuel contaminants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Shichen; Awadallah, Osama; Cheng, Zhe

2018-02-01

It is well known that conventional solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) based on oxide ion conducting electrolyte (e.g., yttria-stabilized zirconia, YSZ) and nickel (Ni) - ceramic cermet anodes are susceptible to poisoning by trace amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) while not significantly impacted by the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) and moisture (H2O) in the fuel stream unless under extreme operating conditions. In comparison, the impacts of H2S, CO2, and H2O on proton-conducting SOFCs remain largely unexplored. This study aims at revealing the poisoning behaviors caused by H2S, CO2, and H2O for proton-conducting SOFCs. Anode-supported proton-conducting SOFCs with BaZe0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3 (BZCYYb) electrolyte and Ni-BZCYYb anode and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF) cathode as well as Ni-BZCYYb/BZCYYb/Ni-BZCYYb anode symmetrical cells were subjected to low ppm-level H2S or low percentage-level CO2 or H2O in the hydrogen fuel, and the responses in cell electrochemical behaviors were recorded. The results suggest that, contrary to conventional SOFCs that show sulfur poisoning and CO2 and H2O tolerance, such proton-conducting SOFCs with Ni-BZCYYb cermet anode seem to be poisoned by all three types of "contaminants". Beyond that, the implications of the experimental observations on understanding the fundamental mechanism of anode hydrogen electrochemical oxidation reaction in proton conducting SOFCs are also discussed.

Internal reforming characteristics of cermet supported solid oxide fuel cell using yttria stabilized zirconia fed with partially reformed methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Momma, Akihiko; Takano, Kiyonami; Tanaka, Yohei; Negishi, Akira; Kato, Ken; Nozaki, Ken; Kato, Tohru; Ichigi, Takenori; Matsuda, Kazuyuki; Ryu, Takashi

In order to investigate the internal reforming characteristics in a cermet supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) using YSZ as the electrolyte, the concentration profiles of the gaseous species along the gas flow direction in the anode were measured. Partially reformed methane using a pre-reformer kept at a constant temperature is supplied to the center of the cell which is operated with a seal-less structure at the gas outlet. The anode gas is sucked in via silica capillaries to the initially evacuated gas tanks. The process is simultaneously carried out using five sampling ports. The sampled gas is analyzed by a gas chromatograph. Most of the measurements are made at the cell temperature (T cell) of 750 °C and at various temperatures of the pre-reformer (T ref) with various fuel utilizations (U f) of the cell. The composition of the fuel at the inlet of the anode was confirmed to be almost the same as that theoretically calculated assuming equilibrium at the temperature of the pre-reformer. The effect of internal reforming in the anode is clearly observed as a steady decrease in the methane concentration along the flow axis. The effect of the water-gas shift reaction is also observed as a decrease in the CO 2 concentration and an increase of CO concentration around the gas inlet region, as the water-gas shift reaction inversely proceeds when T cell is higher than T ref. The diffusion of nitrogen from the seal-less outermost edge is observed, and the diffusion is confirmed to be more significant as U f decreases. The observations are compared with the results obtained by the SOFC supported by lanthanum gallate electrolyte. With respect to the internal reforming performance, the cell investigated here is found to be more effective when compared to the previously reported electrolyte supported cell.

Process for fabrication of cermets

DOEpatents

Landingham, Richard L [Livermore, CA

2011-02-01

Cermet comprising ceramic and metal components and a molten metal infiltration method and process for fabrication thereof. The light weight cermets having improved porosity, strength, durability, toughness, elasticity fabricated from presintered ceramic powder infiltrated with a molten metal or metal alloy. Alumina titanium cermets biocompatible with the human body suitable for bone and joint replacements.

Cermets from molten metal infiltration processing

DOEpatents

Landingham, Richard Lee

2012-09-18

New cermets with improved properties and applications are provided. These new cermets have lower density and/or higher hardness than B4C cermet. By incorporating other new ceramics into B4C powders or as a substitute for B4C, lower densities and/or higher hardness cermets result. The ceramic powders have much finer particle size than those previously used which significantly reduces grain size of the cermet microstructure and improves the cermet properties.

Cermets from molten metal infiltration processing

DOEpatents

Landingham, Richard L.

2013-09-10

New cermets with improved properties and applications are provided. These new cermets have lower density and/or higher hardness than B4C cermet. By incorporating other new ceramics into B4C powders or as a substitute for B4C, lower densities and/or higher hardness cermets result. The ceramic powders have much finer particle size than those previously used which significantly reduces grain size of the cermet microstructure and improves the cermet properties.

Fabrication of High Temperature Cermet Materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hickman, Robert; Panda, Binayak; Shah, Sandeep

2005-01-01

Processing techniques are being developed to fabricate refractory metal and ceramic cermet materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP). Significant advances have been made in the area of high-temperature cermet fuel processing since RoverNERVA. Cermet materials offer several advantages such as retention of fission products and fuels, thermal shock resistance, hydrogen compatibility, high conductivity, and high strength. Recent NASA h d e d research has demonstrated the net shape fabrication of W-Re-HfC and other refractory metal and ceramic components that are similar to UN/W-Re cermet fuels. This effort is focused on basic research and characterization to identify the most promising compositions and processing techniques. A particular emphasis is being placed on low cost processes to fabricate near net shape parts of practical size. Several processing methods including Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) and conventional PM processes are being evaluated to fabricate material property samples and components. Surrogate W-Re/ZrN cermet fuel materials are being used to develop processing techniques for both coated and uncoated ceramic particles. After process optimization, depleted uranium-based cermets will be fabricated and tested to evaluate mechanical, thermal, and hot H2 erosion properties. This paper provides details on the current results of the project.

Formulation of steam-methane reforming rate in Ni-YSZ porous anode of solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugihara, Shinichi; Kawamura, Yusuke; Iwai, Hiroshi

2018-02-01

The steam-methane reforming reaction on a Ni-YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia) cermet was experimentally investigated under atmospheric pressure and in the temperature range from 650 to 750 °C. We examined the effects of the partial pressures of methane and steam in the supply gas on the reaction rate. The experiments were conducted with a low Ni contained Ni-YSZ cermet sheet of thickness 0.1 mm. Its porous microstructure and accompanied parameters were quantified using the FIB-SEM (focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy) technique. A power-law-type rate equation incorporating the reaction-rate-limiting conditions was obtained on the basis of the unit surface area of the Ni-pore contact surface in the cermet. The kinetics indicated a strong positive dependence on the methane partial pressure and a negative dependence on the steam partial pressure. The obtained rate equation successfully reproduced the experimental results for Ni-YSZ samples having different microstructures in the case of low methane consumption. The equation also reproduced the limiting-reaction behaviours at different temperatures.

Plasma sprayed metal supported YSZ/Ni-LSGM-LSCF ITSOFC with nanostructured anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Changsing; Tsai, Chun-Huang; Lo, Chih-Hung; Sun, Cha-Hong

Intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ITSOFCs) supported by a porous Ni-substrate and based on Sr and Mg doped lanthanum gallate (LSGM) electrolyte, lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (LSCF) cathode and nanostructured yttria stabilized zirconia-nickel (YSZ/Ni) cermet anode have been fabricated successfully by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). From ac impedance analysis, the sprayed YSZ/Ni cermet anode with a novel nanostructure and advantageous triple phase boundaries after hydrogen reduction has a low resistance. It shows a good electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen oxidation reactions. The sprayed LSGM electrolyte with ∼60 μm in thickness and ∼0.054 S cm -1 conductivity at 800 °C shows a good gas tightness and gives an open circuit voltage (OCV) larger than 1 V. The sprayed LSCF cathode with ∼30 μm in thickness and ∼30% porosity has a minimum resistance after being heated at 1000 °C for 2 h. This cathode keeps right phase structure and good porous network microstructure for conducting electrons and negative oxygen ions. The APS sprayed cell after being heated at 1000 °C for 2 h has a minimum inherent resistance and achieves output power densities of ∼440 mW cm -2 at 800 °C, ∼275 mW cm -2 at 750 °C and ∼170 mW cm -2 at 700 °C. Results from SEM, XRD, ac impedance analysis and I- V- P measurements are presented here.

High-performance electrodes for reduced temperature solid oxide fuel cells with doped lanthanum gallate electrolyte. II. La(Sr)CoO 3 cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inagaki, Toru; Miura, Kazuhiro; Yoshida, Hiroyuki; Maric, Radenka; Ohara, Satoshi; Zhang, Xinge; Mukai, Kazuo; Fukui, Takehisa

The reduced temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with 0.5 mm thick La 0.9Sr 0.1Ga 0.8Mg 0.2O 3- α (LSGM) electrolyte, La 0.6Sr 0.4CoO 3- δ (LSCo) cathode, and Ni-(CeO 2) 0.8(SmO 1.5) 0.2 (SDC) cermet anode showed an excellent initial performance, and high maximum power density, 0.47 W/cm 2, at 800°C. The results were comparable to those for the conventional SOFC with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte, La(Sr)MnO 3-YSZ cathode and Ni-YSZ cermet anode at 1000°C. Using an LSCo powder prepared by spray pyrolysis, and selecting appropriate sintering temperatures, the lowest cathodic polarization of about 25 mV at 300 mA/cm 2 was measured for a cathode prepared by sintering at 1000°C. Life time cell test results, however, showed that the polarization of the LSCo cathode increased with operating time. From EPMA results, this behavior was considered to be related to the interdiffusion of the elements at the cathode/electrolyte interface. Calcination of LSCo powder could be a possible way to suppress this interdiffusion at the interface.

Experimental analysis of performance degradation of micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells fed by different fuel mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calise, F.; Restucccia, G.; Sammes, N.

This paper analyzes the thermodynamic and electrochemical dynamic performance of an anode supported micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) fed by different types of fuel. The micro-tubular SOFC used is anode supported, consisting of a NiO and Gd 0.2Ce 0.8O 2- x (GDC) cermet anode, thin GDC electrolyte, and a La 0.6Sr 0.4Co 0.2Fe 0.8O 3- y (LSCF) and GDC cermet cathode. The fabrication of the cells under investigation is briefly summarized, with emphasis on the innovations with respect to traditional techniques. Such micro-tubular cells were tested using a Test Stand consisting of: a vertical tubular furnace, an electrical load, a galvanostast, a bubbler, gas pipelines, temperature, pressure and flow meters. The tests on the micro-SOFC were performed using H 2, CO, CH 4 and H 2O in different combinations at 550 °C, to determine the cell polarization curves under several load cycles. Long-term experimental tests were also performed in order to assess degradation of the electrochemical performance of the cell. Results of the tests were analyzed aiming at determining the sources of the cell performance degradation. Authors concluded that the cell under investigation is particularly sensitive to the carbon deposition which significantly reduces cell performance, after few cycles, when fed by light hydrocarbons. A significant performance degradation is also detected when hydrogen is used as fuel. In this case, the authors ascribe the degradation to the micro-cracks, the change in materials crystalline structure and problems with electrical connections.

Preconditioning of the YSZ-NiO Fuel Cell Anode in Hydrogenous Atmospheres Containing Water Vapor.

PubMed

Vasyliv, Bogdan; Podhurska, Viktoriya; Ostash, Orest

2017-12-01

The YSZ-NiO ceramics for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) anode have been investigated. A series of specimens were singly reduced in a hydrogenous atmosphere (Ar-5 vol% H 2 mixture) at 600 °C under the pressure of 0.15 MPa or subjected to 'reduction in the mixture-oxidation in air' (redox) cycling at 600 °C. The YSZ-Ni cermets formed in both treatment conditions were then aged in 'water vapor in Ar-5 vol% H 2 mixture' atmosphere at 600 °C under the pressure of 0.15 MPa. Additionally, the behaviour of the as-received material in this atmosphere was studied. It was revealed that small amount of water vapor in Ar-5 vol% H 2 mixture (water vapor pressure below 0.03 MPa) does not affect the reduction of the nickel phase in the YSZ-NiO ceramics, but causes some changes in the YSZ-Ni cermet structure. In particular, nanopore growth in tiny Ni particles takes place. At higher concentration of water vapor in the mixture (water vapor pressure above 0.03-0.05 MPa), converse changes in the kinetics of reduction occur. The best physical and mechanical properties were revealed for the material treated by redox cycling after holding at 600 °C in water depleted gas mixture. The dual effect of water vapor on nickel-zirconia anode behaviour is discussed basing on scanning electron microscopy analysis data, material electrical conductivity, and strength.

In operando spectroscopic studies of high temperature electrocatalysts used for energy conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McIntyre, Melissa Dawn

Solid-state electrochemical cells are efficient energy conversion devices that can be used for clean energy production or for removing air pollutants from exhaust gas emitted by combustion processes. For example, solid oxide fuel cells generate electricity with low emissions from a variety of fuel sources; solid oxide electrolysis cells produce zero-emission H2 fuel; and solid-state DeNOx cells remove NOx gases from diesel exhaust. In order to maintain high conversion efficiencies, these systems typically operate at temperatures ≥ 500°C. The high operating temperatures, however, accelerate chemical and mechanical cell degradation. To improve device durability, a mechanistic understanding of the surface chemistry occurring at the cell electrodes (anode and cathode) is critical in terms of refining cell design, material selection and operation protocols. The studies presented herein utilized in operando Raman spectroscopy coupled with electrochemical measurements to directly correlate molecular/material changes with device performance in solid oxide cells under various operating conditions. Because excessive carbon accumulation with carbon-based fuels destroys anodes, the first three studies investigated strategies for mitigating carbon accumulation on Ni cermet anodes. Results from the first two studies showed that low amounts of solid carbon stabilized the electrical output and improved performance of solid oxide fuel cells operating with syn-gas (H 2/CO fuel mixture). The third study revealed that infiltrating anodes with Sn or BaO suppressed carbon accumulation with CH4 fuel and that H2O was the most effective reforming agent facilitating carbon removal. The last two studies explored how secondary phases formed in traditional solid oxide cell materials doped with metal oxides improve electrochemical performance. Results from the fourth study suggest that the mixed ion-electron conducting Zr5Ti7O24 secondary phase can expand the electrochemically active region and increase electrochemical activity in cermet electrodes. The final study of lanthanum strontium manganite cathodes infiltrated with BaO revealed the reversible decomposition/formation of a Ba3Mn2O8 secondary phase under applied potentials and proposed mechanisms for the enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen reduction associated with this compound under polarizing conditions. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that mechanistic information obtained from molecular/material specific techniques coupled with electrochemical measurements can be used to help optimize materials and operating conditions in solid-state electrochemical cells.

A simplified approach to predict performance degradation of a solid oxide fuel cell anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Muhammad Zubair; Mehran, Muhammad Taqi; Song, Rak-Hyun; Lee, Jong-Won; Lee, Seung-Bok; Lim, Tak-Hyoung

2018-07-01

The agglomeration of nickel (Ni) particles in a Ni-cermet anode is a significant degradation phenomenon for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). This work aims to predict the performance degradation of SOFCs due to Ni grain growth by using a simplified approach. Accelerated aging of Ni-scandia stabilized zirconia (SSZ) as an SOFC anode is carried out at 900 °C and subsequent microstructural evolution is investigated every 100 h up to 1000 h using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The resulting morphological changes are quantified using a two-dimensional image analysis technique that yields the particle size, phase proportion, and triple phase boundary (TPB) point distribution. The electrochemical properties of an anode-supported SOFC are characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The changes of particle size and TPB length in the anode as a function of time are in excellent agreement with the power-law coarsening model. This model is further combined with an electrochemical model to predict the changes in the anode polarization resistance. The predicted polarization resistances are in good agreement with the experimentally obtained values. This model for prediction of anode lifetime provides deep insight into the time-dependent Ni agglomeration behavior and its impact on the electrochemical performance degradation of the SOFC anode.

Tin doped PrBaFe 2O 5+δ anode material for solid oxide fuel cells

DOE PAGES

Dong, Guohui; Yang, Chunyang; He, Fei; ...

2017-04-25

Ceramic anodes have many advantages over cermet anodes for solid oxide fuel cells. We report the synthesis and characterization of Sn doped double perovskite PrBaFe (2-x)Sn xO 5+δ (x = 0–0.3) anode materials. Different crystal structures were observed depending on the Sn doping level and gas atmosphere. The materials demonstrated excellent stability in both reducing and redox atmospheres at elevated temperatures. The oxygen content in the as-prepared PrBaFe (2-x)Sn xO 5+δ was nonlinearly correlated to the Sn doping level and reached maximum values around x = 0.1. After the reducing treatment, the oxygen content linearly decreased with increasing Sn dopingmore » level. The electrical conductivity of bulk PrBaFe (2-x)Sn xO 5+δ (x = 0.1) reached 63.6 S cm -1 at 800 °C in humidified hydrogen. At 750 °C, the surface exchange coefficient and bulk diffusivity of PrBaFe (2-x)Sn xO 5+δ reached the maximum values of 4.42 × 10 -6 m s -1 and 6.04 × 10 -7 m 2 s -1, respectively, in the reducing process when the Sn doping level was x = 0.1. The activation energies of surface exchange coefficient and bulk diffusivity of PrBaFe (2-x)Sn xO 5+δ (x = 0.1) were 0.22 eV and 0.16 eV, respectively, in the reducing process. The area specific resistance of the PrBaFe (2-x)Sn xO 5+δ (x = 0.1) anode was 0.095–0.285 Ω cm 2 from 850–750 °C in humidified hydrogen, better than or comparable to the best ceramic anodes in the literature.« less

Use of cermet thin film resistors with nitride passivated metal insulator field effect transistor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, G. A.; Harrap, V.

1971-01-01

Film deposition of cermet resistors on same chip with metal nitride oxide silicon field effect transistors permits protection of contamination sensitive active devices from contaminants produced in cermet deposition and definition processes. Additional advantages include lower cost, greater reliability, and space savings.

Nickel-based anode with water storage capability to mitigate carbon deposition for direct ethanol solid oxide fuel cells.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Su, Chao; Ran, Ran; Zhao, Bote; Shao, Zongping; Tade, Moses O; Liu, Shaomin

2014-06-01

The potential to use ethanol as a fuel places solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) as a sustainable technology for clean energy delivery because of the renewable features of ethanol versus hydrogen. In this work, we developed a new class of anode catalyst exemplified by Ni+BaZr0.4Ce0.4Y0.2O3 (Ni+BZCY) with a water storage capability to overcome the persistent problem of carbon deposition. Ni+BZCY performed very well in catalytic efficiency, water storage capability and coking resistance tests. A stable and high power output was well maintained with a peak power density of 750 mW cm(-2) at 750 °C. The SOFC with the new robust anode performed for seven days without any sign of performance decay, whereas SOFCs with conventional anodes failed in less than 2 h because of significant carbon deposition. Our findings indicate the potential applications of these water storage cermets as catalysts in hydrocarbon reforming and as anodes for SOFCs that operate directly on hydrocarbons. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Impact of cell design and operating conditions on the performances of SOFC fuelled with methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laurencin, J.; Lefebvre-Joud, F.; Delette, G.

An in-house-model has been developed to study the thermal and electrochemical behaviour of a planar SOFC fed directly with methane and incorporated in a boiler. The usual Ni-YSZ cermet has been considered for the anode material. It has been found that methane reforming into hydrogen occurs only at the cell inlet in a limited depth within the anode. A sensitivity analysis has allowed establishing that anode thicknesses higher than ∼400-500 μm are required to achieve both the optimal methane conversion and electrochemical performances. The direct internal reforming (DIR) mechanisms and the impact of operating conditions on temperature gradients and SOFC electrical efficiencies have been investigated considering the anode supported cell configuration. It has been shown that the temperature gradient is minimised in the autothermal mode of cell operation. Thermal equilibrium in the stack has been found to be strongly dependent on radiative heat losses with the stack envelope. Electrochemical performance and cell temperature maps have been established as a function of methane flow rates and cell voltages.

Investigation on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mo2FeB2 based cermets with and without PVA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yupeng; Huang, Zhifu; Jian, Yongxin; Yang, Ming; Li, Kemin

2018-03-01

Mo2FeB2 based cermets with and without PVA have been investigated by x-ray diffractometry (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The density and transverse rupture strength (TRS) of green compact, relative density, hardness (HRA), fracture toughness (KIC) and TRS of Mo2FeB2 based cermets were also measured. The results indicate that, compared with the Mo2FeB2 based cermets without PVA, the density of green compact with PVA can be improved slightly at the same pressure. However, the much higher TRS is obtained for the green compact without PVA. Meanwhile, Mo2FeB2 particles exhibit the finer and less congruity feature for Mo2FeB2 based cermets without PVA. In addition, the higher relative density, hardness, fracture toughness and TRS can be acquired for the cermets without PVA. Obviously, considering the mechanical properties and preparation period of Mo2FeB2 based cermets, no adding PVA is the optimized process of powder molding in the manufacture of Mo2FeB2 based cermets.

Preparation of refractory cermet structures for lithium compatibility testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heestand, R. L.; Jones, R. A.; Wright, T. R.; Kizer, D. E.

1973-01-01

High-purity nitride and carbide cermets were synthesized for compatability testing in liquid lithium. A process was developed for the preparation of high-purity hafnium nitride powder, which was subsequently blended with tungsten powder or tantalum nitride and tungsten powders and fabricated into 3 in diameter billets by uniaxial hot pressing. Specimens were then cut from the billets for compatability testing. Similar processing techniques were applied to produce hafnium carbide and zirconium carbide cermets for use in the testing program. All billets produced were characterized with respect to chemistry, structure, density, and strength properties.

Electrodeposition of metals and metal/cermet composites in low gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, Clyde; Coble, Dwain; Maybee, George

1987-01-01

Electrodeposition experiments were carried out on the bench and a KC-135 aircraft at 0.01 g in anticipation of microgravity flights on NASA's Space Transportation System Shuttle. Experimental results obtained by interferometry compare concentration gradients as a function of time in the vicinity of a reducing electrode (cathode) for Cu(+2) and Co(+2) electrodeposition cells. No difference was found between bench and 0.01 g produced gradients for a .1M CuSO4 cell, but a significant difference was noted between the gradients in a 1M CoSO4 cell even though the bench cells were operated in a nonconvecting shielded (cathode over anode) mode. The gradient for Co(+2) depletion produced at 0.01 g was greater and the entire layer was thicker than found on the bench. Neutral buoyancy/matched density codeposition experiments were performed on the bench in an attempt to physically duplicate the results of metal/cermet codepositions in microgravity. Polystyrene spheres with average diameter 11.8 microns and density approximately matching that of 1M CoSO4 were utilized to emulate nonsedimenting cermets in microgravity. The cells were operated in a shielded convectionless mode. Comparison with literature data on codeposition with stirred cells indicate significant improvement in volume percent neutral occluded in the depositing metal matrix. A multicell electrodeposition flight apparatus that has been designed, constructed and is undergoing testing is discussed.

Cermet Coatings for Solar Stirling Space Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaworske, Donald A.; Raack, Taylor

2004-01-01

Cermet coatings, molecular mixtures of metal and ceramic are being considered for the heat inlet surface of a solar Stirling space power converter. This paper will discuss the solar absorption characteristics of as-deposited cermet coatings as well as the solar absorption characteristics of the coatings after heating. The role of diffusion and island formation, during the deposition process and during heating will also be discussed.

Final report on cermet high-level waste forms

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kobisk, E.H.; Quinby, T.C.; Aaron, W.S.

1981-08-01

Cermets are being developed as an alternate method for the fixation of defense and commercial high level radioactive waste in a terminal disposal form. Following initial feasibility assessments of this waste form, consisting of ceramic particles dispersed in an iron-nickel base alloy, significantly improved processing methods were developed. The characterization of cermets has continued through property determinations on samples prepared by various methods from a variety of simulated and actual high-level wastes. This report describes the status of development of the cermet waste form as it has evolved since 1977. 6 tables, 18 figures.

On direct internal methane steam reforming kinetics in operating solid oxide fuel cells with nickel-ceria anodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thallam Thattai, A.; van Biert, L.; Aravind, P. V.

2017-12-01

Major operating challenges remain to safely operate methane fuelled solid oxide fuel cells due to undesirable temperature gradients across the porous anode and carbon deposition. This article presents an experimental study on methane steam reforming (MSR) global kinetics for single operating SOFCs with Ni-GDC (gadolinium doped ceria) anodes for low steam to carbon (S/C) ratios and moderate current densities. The study points out the hitherto insufficient research on MSR global and intrinsic kinetics for operating SOFCs with complete Ni-ceria anodes. Further, it emphasizes the need to develop readily applicable global kinetic models as a subsequent step from previously reported state-of-art and complex intrinsic models. Two rate expressions of the Power law (PL) and Langmuir-Hinshelwood (LH) type have been compared and based on the analysis, limitations of using previously proposed rate expressions for Ni catalytic beds to study MSR kinetics for complete cermet anodes have been identified. Firstly, it has been shown that methane reforming on metallic (Ni) current collectors may not be always negligible, contrary to literature reports. Both PL and LH kinetic models predict significantly different local MSR reaction rate and species partial pressure distributions along the normalized reactor length, indicating a strong need for further experimental verifications.

Advances in catalysts for internal reforming in high temperature fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dicks, A. L.

Catalytic steam reforming of natural gas is an attractive method of producing the hydrogen required by the present generation of fuel cells. The molten carbonate (MCFC) and solid oxide (SOFC) fuel cells operate at high enough temperatures for the endothermic steam reforming reaction to be carried out within the stack. For the MCFC, the conventional anodes have insufficient activity to catalyse the steam reforming of natural gas. For these cells, internal reforming can be achieved only with the addition of a separate catalyst, preferably located in close proximity to the anode. However, in the so-called `Direct Internal Reforming' configuration, attack from alkali in the MCFC may severely limit catalyst lifetime. In the case of the state-of-the-art SOFC, natural gas can be reformed directly on the nickel cermet anode. However, in the SOFC, temperature variations in the cell caused by the reforming reaction may limit the amount of internal reforming that can be allowed in practice. In addition, some external pre-reforming may be desirable to remove high molecular weight hydrocarbons from the fuel gas, which would otherwise crack to produce elemental carbon. Degradation of the SOFC anode may also be a problem when internal reforming is carried out. This has prompted several research groups to investigate the use of alternative anode materials.

Thermal cycling and electrochemical characteristics of solid oxide fuel cell supported on stainless steel with a new 3-phase composite anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dayaghi, Amir Masoud; Kim, Kun Joong; Kim, Sun Jae; Kim, Sunwoong; Bae, Hongyeul; Choi, Gyeong Man

2017-06-01

We report design, fabrication method, and fast thermal-cycling ability of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) that use stainless steel (STS) as a support, and a new 3-phase anode. La and Ni co-doped SrTiO3 (La0.2Sr0.8Ti0.9Ni0.1O3-d, LSTN), replaces some of the Ni in conventional Ni-yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anode; the resultant LSTN-YSZ-Ni 3-phase-composite anode is tested as a new reduction (or decomposition)-resistant anode of STS-supported SOFCs that can be co-fired with STS. A multi-layered cell with YSZ electrolyte (thickness ∼5 μm), composite anode, STS-cermet contact-layer, and STS support is designed, then fabricated by tape casting, lamination, and co-firing at 1250 °C in reducing atmosphere. The maximum power density (MPD) is 325 mW cm-2 at 650 °C; this is one of the highest among STS-supported cells fabricated by co-firing. The cell also shows stable open-circuit voltage and Ohmic resistance during 100 rapid thermal cycles between 170 and 600 °C. STS support minimizes stress and avoids cracking of electrolyte during rapid thermal cycling. The excellent MPD and stability during thermal cycles, and promising characteristics of SOFC as a power source for vehicle or mobile devices that requires rapid thermal cycles, are attributed to the new design of the cell with new anode structure.

Cermet crucible for metallurgical processing

DOEpatents

Boring, Christopher P.

1995-01-01

A cermet crucible for metallurgically processing metals having high melting points comprising a body consisting essentially of a mixture of calcium oxide and erbium metal, the mixture comprising calcium oxide in a range between about 50 and 90% by weight and erbium metal in a range between about 10 and 50% by weight.

Direct ethanol solid oxide fuel cell operating in gradual internal reforming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nobrega, S. D.; Galesco, M. V.; Girona, K.; de Florio, D. Z.; Steil, M. C.; Georges, S.; Fonseca, F. C.

2012-09-01

An electrolyte supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) using standard electrodes, doped-lanthanum manganite cathode and Ni-cermet anode, was operated with direct (anhydrous) ethanol for more than 100 h, delivering essentially the same power output as running on hydrogen. A ceria-based layer provides the catalytic activity for the gradual internal reforming, which uses the steam formed by the electrochemical oxidation of hydrogen for the decomposition of ethanol. Such a concept opens up the way for multi-fuel SOFCs using standard components and a catalytic layer.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ohmi, Tatsuya; Matsuura, Kiyotaka; Iguchi, Manabu

A centrifugal combustion synthesis (CCS) process has been investigated to join a Ni-Al intermetallic compound and a Ni-TiC cermet. The cermet, a tubular graphite mold, and a green compact of reactants consisting of Al, Ni and NiO were set in a centrifugal caster. When the combustion synthesis reaction was induced in the centrifugal force field, a synthesized molten Ni-Al alloy flowed into the graphite mold and joined to the cermet. The soundness of the joint interface depended on the volume percentage of TiC phase in the cermet. A lot of defects were formed near the interface between the Ni-TiC cermetmore » and the cast Ni-Al alloy when the volume percentage of TiC was 50% or higher. For this kind of cermet system, using a functionally graded cermet such as Ni-10 vol.%TiC/Ni-25 vol.%TiC/Ni-50 vol.%TiC overcame this difficulty. The four-point bending strength of the joined specimen consisting of the three-layered FGM cermet and cast Ni-29 mol%Al alloy was 1010 MPa which is close to the result for a Ni-29 mol%Al alloy specimen.« less

Cermet crucible for metallurgical processing

DOEpatents

Boring, C.P.

1995-02-14

A cermet crucible is disclosed for metallurgically processing metals having high melting points comprising a body consisting essentially of a mixture of calcium oxide and erbium metal, the mixture comprising calcium oxide in a range between about 50 and 90% by weight and erbium metal in a range between about 10 and 50% by weight.

Spark Plasma Sintering of Load-Bearing Iron-Carbon Nanotube-Tricalcium Phosphate CerMets for Orthopaedic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montufar, Edgar B.; Horynová, Miroslava; Casas-Luna, Mariano; Diaz-de-la-Torre, Sebastián; Celko, Ladislav; Klakurková, Lenka; Spotz, Zdenek; Diéguez-Trejo, Guillermo; Fohlerová, Zdenka; Dvorak, Karel; Zikmund, Tomáš; Kaiser, Jozef

2016-04-01

Recently, ceramic-metallic composite materials (CerMets) have been investigated for orthopaedic applications with promising results. This first generation of bio-CerMets combine the bioactivity of hydroxyapatite with the mechanical stability of titanium to fabricate bioactive, tough and biomechanically more biocompatible osteosynthetic devices. Nonetheless, these first CerMets are not biodegradable materials and a second surgery is required to remove the implant after bone healing. The present work aims to develop the next generation bio-CerMets, which are potential biodegradable materials. The process to produce the new biodegradable CerMet consisted of mixing powder of soluble and osteoconductive alpha tricalcium phosphate with biocompatible and biodegradable iron with consolidation through spark plasma sintering (SPS). The microstructure, composition and mechanical strength of the new CerMet were studied by metallography, x-ray diffraction and diametral tensile strength tests, respectively. The results show that SPS produces CerMet with higher mechanical performance (120 MPa) than the ceramic component alone (29 MPa) and similar mechanical strength to the pure metallic component (129 MPa). Nonetheless, although a short sintering time (10 min) was used, partial transformation of the alpha tricalcium phosphate into its allotropic and slightly less soluble beta phase was observed. Cell adhesion tests show that osteoblasts are able to attach to the CerMet surface, presenting spread morphology regardless of the component of the material with which they are in contact. However, the degradation process restricted to the small volume of the cell culture well quickly reduces the osteoblast viability.

Investigation of the laser engineered net shaping process for nanostructured cermets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Yuhong

Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENSRTM) is a solid freeform fabrication (SFF) technology that combines high power laser deposition and powder metallurgy technologies. The LENSRTM technology has been used to fabricate a number of metallic alloys with improved physical and mechanical material properties. The successful application provides a motivation to also apply this method to fabricate non-metallic alloys, such as tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) cermets in a timely and easy way. However, reports on this topic are very limited. In this work, the LENSRTM technology was used to investigate its application to nanostructured WC-Co cermets, including processing conditions, microstructural evolution, thermal behavior, mechanical properties, and environmental and economic benefits. Details of the approaches are described as follows. A comprehensive analysis of the relationships between process parameters, microstructural evolution and mechanical properties was conducted through various analytical techniques. Effects of process parameters on sample profiles and microstructures were analyzed. Dissolution, shape change and coarsening of WC particles were investigated to study the mechanisms of microstructural evolution. The thermal features were correlated with the microstructure and mechanical properties. The special thermal behavior during this process and its relevant effects on the microstructure have been experimentally studied and numerically simulated. A high-speed digital camera was applied to study the temperature profile, temperature gradient and cooling rate in and near the molten pool. Numerical modeling was employed for 3D samples using finite element method with ADINA software for the first time. The validated modeling results were used to interpret microstructural evolution and thermal history. In order to fully evaluate the capability of the LENSRTM technology for the fabrication of cermets, material properties of WC-Co cermets produced by different powder metallurgy technologies were compared. In addition, another cermet system, nanostructured titanium/tungsten carbide-nickel ((Ti,W)C-Ni) powder, prepared using high-energy ball milling process, was also deposited by the LENSRTM technology. Because of the near net shape feature of the LENSRTM process, special emphasis was also placed on its potential environmental and economic benefits by applying life cycle assessment (LCA) and technical cost modeling (TCM). Comparisons were conducted between the conventional powder metallurgy processes and the LENSRTM process.

Multi-Phase Field Models and Microstructural Evolution with Applications in Fuel Cell Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Ryan Scott

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has shown tremendous potential as an efficient energy conversion device that may be instrumental in the transition to renewable resources. However, commercialization is hindered by many degradation mechanisms that plague long term stability. In this dissertation, computation methods are used to explore the relationship between the microstructure of the fuel cell anode and performance critical metrics. The phase field method and standard modeling procedures are introduced using a classic model of spinodal decomposition. This is further developed into a complete, multi-phase modeling framework designed for the complex microstructural evolution of SOFC anode systems. High-temperature coarsening of the metallic phase in the state-of-the-art SOFC cermet anode is investigated using our phase field model. A systematic study into the effects of interface properties on microstructural evolution is accomplished by altering the contact angle between constituent phases. It is found that metrics of catalytic activity and conductivity display undesirable minima near the contact angle of conventional SOFC materials. These results suggest that tailoring the interface properties of the constituent phases could lead to a significant increase in the performance and lifetime of SOFCs. Supported-metal catalyst systems are investigated in the first detailed study of their long-term stability and application to SOFC anode design. Porous support structures are numerically sintered to mimic specific fabrication techniques, and these structures are then infiltrated with a nanoscale catalyst phase ranging from 2% to 21% loading. Initially, these systems exhibit enhanced potential for catalytic activity relative to conventional cells. However, extended evolution results in severe degradation, and we show that Ostwald ripening and particle migration are key kinetic processes. Strong geometric heterogeneity in the support structure via a novel approach to nanopore formation is proposed as a potential solution for catalyst stabilization.

Kinetics of (reversible) internal reforming of methane in solid oxide fuel cells under stationary and APU conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timmermann, H.; Sawady, W.; Reimert, R.; Ivers-Tiffée, E.

The internal reforming of methane in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is investigated and modeled for flow conditions relevant to operation. To this end, measurements are performed on anode-supported cells (ASC), thereby varying gas composition (y CO = 4-15%, yH2 = 5 - 17 % , yCO2 = 6 - 18 % , yH2O = 2 - 30 % , yCH4 = 0.1 - 20 %) and temperature (600-850 °C). In this way, operating conditions for both stationary applications (methane-rich pre-reformate) as well as for auxiliary power unit (APU) applications (diesel-POX reformate) are represented. The reforming reaction is monitored in five different positions alongside the anodic gas channel by means of gas chromatography. It is shown that methane is converted in the flow field for methane-rich gas compositions, whereas under operation with diesel reformate the direction of the reaction is reversed for temperatures below 675 °C, i.e. (exothermic) methanation occurs along the anode. Using a reaction model, a rate equation for reforming could be derived which is also valid in the case of methanation. By introducing this equation into the reaction model the methane conversion along a catalytically active Ni-YSZ cermet SOFC anode can be simulated for the operating conditions specified above.

Preparation of cermets

DOEpatents

Morgan, Chester S.

1978-01-01

Cermets are produced by the process of forming a physical mixture of a ceramic powder material with an elemental metal precursor compound and by decomposing the elemental metal precursor compound within the mixture. The decomposition step may be carried out either prior to or during a forming and densification step.

Reduction Dynamics of Doped Ceria, Nickel Oxide, and Cermet Composites Probed Using In Situ Raman Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Shearing, Paul R.; Brightman, Edward; Brett, Dan J. L.; Brandon, Nigel P.; Cohen, Lesley F.

2016-01-01

The redox properties of gadolinium doped ceria (CGO) and nickel oxide (NiO) composite cermets underpin the operation of solid oxide electrochemical cells. Although these systems have been widely studied, a full comprehension of the reaction dynamics at the interface of these materials is lacking. Here, in situ Raman spectroscopic monitoring of the redox cycle is used to investigate the interplay between the dynamic and competing processes of hydrogen spillover and water dissociation on the doped ceria surface. In order to elucidate these mechanisms, the redox process in pure CGO and NiO is studied when exposed to wet and dry hydrogen and is compared to the cermet behavior. In dry hydrogen, CGO reduces relatively rapidly via a series of intermediate phases, while NiO reduces via a single‐step process. In wet reducing atmospheres, however, the oxidation state of pure CGO is initially stabilized due to the dissociation of water by reduced Ce(III) and subsequent incorporation of oxygen into the structure. In the reduction process involving the composite cermet, the close proximity of the NiO improves the efficiency and speed of the composite reduction process. Although NiO is already incorporated into working cells, these observations suggest direct routes to further improve cell performance. PMID:27595058

Reduction Dynamics of Doped Ceria, Nickel Oxide, and Cermet Composites Probed Using In Situ Raman Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Maher, Robert C; Shearing, Paul R; Brightman, Edward; Brett, Dan J L; Brandon, Nigel P; Cohen, Lesley F

2016-01-01

The redox properties of gadolinium doped ceria (CGO) and nickel oxide (NiO) composite cermets underpin the operation of solid oxide electrochemical cells. Although these systems have been widely studied, a full comprehension of the reaction dynamics at the interface of these materials is lacking. Here, in situ Raman spectroscopic monitoring of the redox cycle is used to investigate the interplay between the dynamic and competing processes of hydrogen spillover and water dissociation on the doped ceria surface. In order to elucidate these mechanisms, the redox process in pure CGO and NiO is studied when exposed to wet and dry hydrogen and is compared to the cermet behavior. In dry hydrogen, CGO reduces relatively rapidly via a series of intermediate phases, while NiO reduces via a single-step process. In wet reducing atmospheres, however, the oxidation state of pure CGO is initially stabilized due to the dissociation of water by reduced Ce(III) and subsequent incorporation of oxygen into the structure. In the reduction process involving the composite cermet, the close proximity of the NiO improves the efficiency and speed of the composite reduction process. Although NiO is already incorporated into working cells, these observations suggest direct routes to further improve cell performance.

Affordable Development and Optimization of CERMET Fuels for NTP Ground Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hickman, Robert R.; Broadway, Jeramie W.; Mireles, Omar R.

2014-01-01

CERMET fuel materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) are currently being developed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The work is part of NASA's Advanced Space Exploration Systems Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (NCPS) Project. The goal of the FY12-14 project is to address critical NTP technology challenges and programmatic issues to establish confidence in the affordability and viability of an NTP system. A key enabling technology for an NCPS system is the fabrication of a stable high temperature nuclear fuel form. Although much of the technology was demonstrated during previous programs, there are currently no qualified fuel materials or processes. The work at MSFC is focused on developing critical materials and process technologies for manufacturing robust, full-scale CERMET fuels. Prototypical samples are being fabricated and tested in flowing hot hydrogen to understand processing and performance relationships. As part of this initial demonstration task, a final full scale element test will be performed to validate robust designs. The next phase of the project will focus on continued development and optimization of the fuel materials to enable future ground testing. The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed overview of the CERMET fuel materials development plan. The overall CERMET fuel development path is shown in Figure 2. The activities begin prior to ATP for a ground reactor or engine system test and include materials and process optimization, hot hydrogen screening, material property testing, and irradiation testing. The goal of the development is to increase the maturity of the fuel form and reduce risk. One of the main accomplishmens of the current AES FY12-14 project was to develop dedicated laboratories at MSFC for the fabrication and testing of full length fuel elements. This capability will enable affordable, near term development and optimization of the CERMET fuels for future ground testing. Figure 2 provides a timeline of the development and optimization tasks for the AES FY15-17 follow on program.

A Science-Based Understanding of Cermet Processing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cesarano, III, Joseph; Roach, Robert Allen; Kilgo, Alice C.

2006-04-01

This report is a summary of the work completed in FY01 for science-based characterization of the processes used to fabricate 1) cermet vias in source feedthrus using slurry and paste-filling techniques and 2) cermet powder for dry pressing. Common defects found in cermet vias were characterized based on the ability of subsequent processing techniques (isopressing and firing) to remove the defects. Non-aqueous spray drying and mist granulation techniques were explored as alternative methods of creating CND50, the powder commonly used for dry pressed parts. Compaction and flow characteristics of these techniques were analyzed and compared to standard dry-ball-milled CND50. Duemore » to processing changes, changes in microstructure can occur. A microstructure characterization technique was developed to numerically describe cermet microstructure. Machining and electrical properties of dry pressed parts were also analyzed and related to microstructure using this analytical technique.3 Executive SummaryThis report outlines accomplishments in the science-based understanding of cermet processing up to fiscal year 2002 for Sandia National Laboratories. The three main areas of work are centered on 1) increasing production yields of slurry-filled cermets, 2) evaluating the viability of high-solids-loading pastes for the same cermet components, and 3) optimizing cermet powder used in pressing processes (CND50). An additional development that was created as a result of the effort to fully understand the impacts of alternative processing techniques is the use of analytical methods to relate microstructure to physical properties. Recommendations are suggested at the end of this report. Summaries of these four efforts are as follows:1.Increase Production Yields of Slurry-Filled Cermet Vias Finalized slurry filling criteria were determined based on three designs of experiments where the following factors were analyzed: vacuum time, solids loading, pressure drop across the filter paper, slurry injection rate, via prewetting, slurry injection angle, filter paper prewetting, and slurry mixing time. Many of these factors did not have an influence on defect formation. In order of decreasing importance, critical factors for defect formation by slurry filling are vacuum time (20 sec. optimal), slurry solids loading (20.0 g of cermet with 13.00 g of DGBEA solvent (21.2 vol%)), filling with the pipette in a vertical position, and faster injection rates (%7E765 l/s) as preferable to slower. No further recommendations for improvement to this process can be suggested. All findings of the slurry filling process have been transferred to CeramTec, the supplier. Paste filling methods appear to show more promise of increasing production yields. The types of flaws commonly found in slurry-filled vias were identified and followed throughout the entire source feedthru process. In general, all sizes of cracks healed during isopressing and firing steps. Additionally, small to medium sized voids (less than 1/3 the via diameter) can be healed. Porosity will usually lead to via necking, which may cause the part to be out of specification. Large voids (greater 4 than 1/3 of the diameter) and partial fills are not healed or produce significant necking. 2.Viability of High-Solids-Loading-Cermet Paste for Filling Source Feedthru ViaThe paste-filling process is easy to implement and easier to use. The high solids loading (>40 vol %) reduces the incidence of drying defects, which are seen in slurry filled (%7E23 vol %) vias. Additionally, the way in which the vias are filled (the paste is pushed from entrance to exit, displacing air as the paste front progresses), reduces the chance of entrapped voids, which are common in the slurry filling process. From the fair number of samples already filled, the likelihood of this process being a viable and reliable process is very good. Issues of concern for the paste process, as with any new process, are any problems that may arise in subsequent manufacturing stages of the neutron tube that may be affected by subtle changes in microstructure. Both MC4277 and MC4300-type source feedthrus were paste-filled by hand. X-ray analysis showed a much lower existence of voids in the green parts as compared to slurry-filled parts. The paste shows improvements in shelf life (weeks) as compared to slurry (minutes). This method of introducing the cermet to the via also lends itself very well to an automated filling process where a machine can either drill vias or, with the aid of a vision system, find pre-drilled vias and fill them with paste. The pastes used in this work prove the concept of this automated filling process as MC4277 sources have been filled using such a prototype machine, however, better performing pastes can be developed which are less hazardous (aqueous systems). The paste process was also used to successfully fill MC4300 "dogleg" type sources.3.Optimize CND50 Two methods of creating granulated cermet powder for comparison with dry-ball milled CND50 were explored. The first method, non-aqueous spray drying, was performed at Niro Inc. used a 40/60 (wt %) ethanol/toluene solvent and three binder systems; polyvinyl butyral (B79), ethylcellulose (Ethocel), and hydroxypropylcellulose (Klucel). Due to the nature of small spray-dry systems, an excess amount of fines was present in the granulated powder, which may have contributed to the low angles of repose (68 to 78). This is a moderate increase in 5 flowability as standard dry-ball milled powder possesses an angle of repose of 79-89. Mist granulated powders were produced with a tert-butanol solvent and polyvinyl butyral binder system. The angles of repose were more promising (28). More investigation into the mist granulation method is required. Also, aqueous spray drying may be possible with cermet and should be explored. Compaction of all granulated powders is much closer to a proven pressing powder (Sandi94 - angle of repose 29) which should allow cermet to be pressed to near net shape where die filling is difficult for non-flowing powders.4.Microstructure Characterization An analytical technique was developed to numerically characterize microstructures in terms of molybdenum dispersion, homogeneity, and percolation indices. This technique was applied to dry-ball-milled samples of various ball-milling times (0.5 to 20 hours). Significant change in the microstructure could be seen with milling time. Increased milling time caused agglomeration of molybdenum particles, increasing the percolation index, whereas short milling times promoted higher dispersion indices. This phenomenon is contrary to conventional understanding of mixing. However, conventional ball milling does not usually incorporate granules with binder and separate particles. This discrepancy may explain the odd mixing behavior. It is important to note that the high percolation index possessed by long ball mill times showed lower electrical resistance than low-percolation-index microstructures. However, machinability of high percolation, low-dispersion-index microstructures were poor as compared to microstructures with high dispersion indices and moderate percolation indices. This trade-off between dispersion and percolation (at constant molybdenum levels) suggests that microstructures can be achieved that posses good mechanical and electrical properties. Coincidentally, microstructures that satisfy this condition are produced by the standard dry-ball-milled CND50 (4 hour ball mill time). The performance and sensitivity of the microstructure characterization technique should be evaluated, specifically for electrical conductivity. Processing techniques to decrease the percolation index (lowering molybdenum content, excess ball milling, 6 larger molybdenum particles, etc.) should be employed to determine the point where cermet is not conductive or falls below electrical conduction specifications.7« less

Polarization-Induced Interfacial Reactions between Nickel and Selenium in Ni/Zirconia SOFC Anodes and Comparison with Sulfur Poisoning

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marina, Olga A.; Pederson, Larry R.; Coyle, Christopher A.

2011-01-10

Three distinctly different characteristic responses of a nickel/yttria-stabilized zirconia (Ni/YSZ) cermet anode to the presence of hydrogen selenide in synthetic coal gas were observed, depending on temperature (650-800oC), H2Se concentration (0-40 ppm), and especially on the extent of anodic polarization (0 to ~0.5 V). The first level of response was characterized by a rapid but modest decrease in power density to a new steady state, with no further degradation observed in tests up to 700 hours in duration. Mostly observed at high temperatures, low H2Se concentrations, and low anodic polarizations, this response level was similar to effects caused by themore » presence of H2S, but with slower onset and lower reversibility. Higher anodic polarization at a constant current could trigger a second level of response characterized by oscillatory behavior involving cycles of rapid performance loss followed by rapid recovery. Oscillations at the constant current density were accompanied by the appearance and disappearance of a new feature in the electrochemical impedance spectrum with a summit frequency of ~100 Hz. Oscillatory behavior ceased when the current density was lowered. Such behavior was not observed for cells operated at a constant potential of similar magnitude, though. A third level of response, irreversible cell failure, could be induced by further increases in anodic polarization, additionally favored by low temperature and high H2Se concentration. Post-test analyses of failed cells by electron microscopy revealed the extensive microstructural changes including the appearance of nickel oxide and nickel selenide alteration phases, only at the anode/electrolyte interface. From bulk thermochemical considerations the formation of nickel selenides could not be expected. Local chemical conditions created at the anode/electrolyte interface appear to be of overriding importance with respect to the extent of Ni/YSZ anode interactions with H2Se in coal gas.« less

Powder Processing of High Temperature Cermets and Carbides at Marshall Space Flight Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salvail, Pat; Panda, Binayak; Hickman, Robert R.

2007-01-01

The Materials and Processing Laboratory at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is developing Powder Metallurgy (PM) processing techniques for high temperature cermet and carbide material consolidation. These new group of materials would be utilized in the nuclear core for Nuclear Thermal Rockets (NTR). Cermet materials offer several advantages for NTR such as retention of fission products and fuels, better thermal shock resistance, hydrogen compatibility, high thermal conductivity, and high strength. Carbide materials offer the highest operating temperatures but are sensitive to thermal stresses and are difficult to process. To support the effort, a new facility has been setup to process refractory metal, ceramic, carbides and depleted uranium-based powders. The facility inciudes inert atmosphere glove boxes for the handling of reactive powders, a high temperature furnace, and powder processing equipment used for blending, milling, and sieving. The effort is focused on basic research to identify the most promising compositions and processing techniques. Several PM processing methods including Cold and Hot Isostatic Pressing are being evaluated to fabricate samples for characterization and hot hydrogen testing.

Stability study of cermet-supported solid oxide fuel cells with bi-layered electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xinge; Gazzarri, Javier; Robertson, Mark; Decès-Petit, Cyrille; Kesler, Olivera

Performance and stability of five cermet-supported button-type solid oxide fuel cells featuring a bi-layered electrolyte (SSZ/SDC), an SSC cathode, and a Ni-SSZ anode, were analyzed using polarization curves, impedance spectroscopy, and post-mortem SEM observation. The cell performance degradation at 650 °C in H 2/air both with and without DC bias conditions was manifested primarily as an increase in polarization resistance, approximately at a rate of 2.3 mΩ cm 2 h -1 at OCV, suggesting a decrease in electrochemical kinetics as the main phenomenon responsible for the performance decay. In addition, the initial series resistance was about ten times higher than the calculated resistance corresponding to the electrolyte, reflecting a possible inter-reaction between the electrolyte layers that occurred during the sintering stage. In situ and ex situ sintered cathodes showed no obvious difference in cell performance or decay rate. The stability of the cells with and without electrical load was also investigated and no significant influence of DC bias was recorded. Based on the experimental results presented, we preliminarily attribute the performance degradation to electrochemical and microstructural degradation of the cathode.

Carbon deposition thresholds on nickel-based solid oxide fuel cell anodes II. Steam:carbon ratio and current density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuhn, J.; Kesler, O.

2015-03-01

For the second part of a two part publication, coking thresholds with respect to molar steam:carbon ratio (SC) and current density in nickel-based solid oxide fuel cells were determined. Anode-supported button cell samples were exposed to 2-component and 5-component gas mixtures with 1 ≤ SC ≤ 2 and zero fuel utilization for 10 h, followed by measurement of the resulting carbon mass. The effect of current density was explored by measuring carbon mass under conditions known to be prone to coking while increasing the current density until the cell was carbon-free. The SC coking thresholds were measured to be ∼1.04 and ∼1.18 at 600 and 700 °C, respectively. Current density experiments validated the thresholds measured with respect to fuel utilization and steam:carbon ratio. Coking thresholds at 600 °C could be predicted with thermodynamic equilibrium calculations when the Gibbs free energy of carbon was appropriately modified. Here, the Gibbs free energy of carbon on nickel-based anode support cermets was measured to be -6.91 ± 0.08 kJ mol-1. The results of this two part publication show that thermodynamic equilibrium calculations with appropriate modification to the Gibbs free energy of solid-phase carbon can be used to predict coking thresholds on nickel-based anodes at 600-700 °C.

High-performance low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell with novel BSCF cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Q. L.; Khor, K. A.; Chan, S. H.

An anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), consisting of a dense 10 μm Gd 0.1Ce 0.9O 1.95 (GDC) electrolyte, a porous Ba 0.5Sr 0.5Co 0.8Fe 0.2O 3- δ (BSCF) cathode and a porous Ni-GDC cermet anode, is successfully assembled and electrochemically characterized. With humidified (3% water vapour) hydrogen as the fuel and air as the oxidant, the cell exhibits open-circuit voltages of 0.903 and 0.984 V when operating at 600 and 500 °C, respectively. The cell produces peak power densities of 1329, 863, 454, 208 and 83 mW cm -2 at 600, 550, 500, 450 and 400 °C, respectively. These results are impressive and demonstrate the potential of BSCF for use as the cathode material in new-generation SOFCs with GDC as the electrolyte. In addition, the sustained performance at temperatures below 600 °C warrants commercial exploitation of this SOFC in stationary and mobile applications.

Materiais a base de oxidos com estrutura do tipo perovskite e compositos como anodos de PCES: Propriedades Funcionais e Comportamento Eletroquimico em Celulas com Eletrolitos Solidos a Base de Galatos e Silicatos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolotygin, Vladislav

This work was focused on the analysis of transport, thermomechanical and electrochemical properties of a series of perovskite-like oxide materials and composites for potential applications as anodes of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with lanthanum gallate and silicate solid electrolytes. The primary attention was centered on A(Mn,Nb)O3-delta (A = Sr, Ca) and (La,Sr)(Mn,Ti)O3-based systems, lanthanum chromite substituted with acceptor-type and variable-valence cations, and various Ni-containing cermets. Emphasis was given to phase stability of the materials, their crystal structure, microstructure of porous electrode layers and dense ceramics, electronic conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, oxygen permeability, thermal and chemical induced expansion, and anodic overpotentials of the electrodes deposited onto (La,Sr)(Ga,Mg)O3- and La10(Si,Al)6O27-based electrolyte membranes. In selected cases, roles of oxygen diffusivity, states of the transition metal cations relevant for the electronic transport, catalytically active additives and doped ceria protective interlayers introduced in the model electrochemical cells were assessed. The correlations between transport properties of the electrode materials and electrochemical behavior of porous electrodes showed that the principal factors governing anode performance include, in particular, electronic conduction of the anode compositions and cation interdiffusion between the electrodes and solid electrolytes. The latter is critically important for the silicatebased electrolyte membranes, leading to substantially worse anode properties compared to the electrochemical cells with lanthanum gallate solid electrolyte. The results made it possible to select several anode compositions exhibiting lower area-specific electrode resistivity compared to known analogues, such as (La,Sr)(Cr,Mn)O3-delta.

Biogas as a fuel for solid oxide fuel cells and synthesis gas production: effects of ceria-doping and hydrogen sulfide on the performance of nickel-based anode materials.

PubMed

Laycock, Christian J; Staniforth, John Z; Ormerod, R Mark

2011-05-28

Numerous investigations have been carried out into the conversion of biogas into synthesis gas (a mixture of H(2) + CO) over Ni/YSZ anode cermet catalysts. Biogas is a variable mixture of gases consisting predominantly of methane and carbon dioxide (usually in a 2 : 1 ratio, but variable with source), with other constituents including sulfur-containing gases such as hydrogen sulfide, which can cause sulfur poisoning of nickel catalysts. The effect of temperature on carbon deposition and sulfur poisoning of 90 : 10 mol% Ni/YSZ under biogas conversion conditions has been investigated by carrying out a series of catalytic reactions of methane-rich (2 : 1) CH(4)/CO(2) mixtures in the absence and presence of H(2)S over the temperature range 750-1000 °C. The effect of ceria-doping on carbon dioxide reforming, carbon deposition and sulfur tolerance has also been investigated by carrying out a similar series of reactions over ceria-doped Ni/YSZ. Ceria was doped at 5 mol% of the nickel content to give an anode catalyst composition of 85.5 : 4.5 : 10 mol% Ni/CeO(2)/YSZ. Reactions were followed using quadrupolar mass spectrometry (QMS) and the amount of carbon deposition was analysed by subjecting the reacted catalyst samples to a post-reaction temperature programmed oxidation (TPO). On undoped Ni/YSZ, carbon deposition occurred predominantly through thermal decomposition of methane. Ceria-doping significantly suppressed methane decomposition and at high temperatures simultaneously promoted the reverse Boudouard reaction, significantly lowering carbon deposition. Sulfur poisoning of Ni/YSZ occurred in two phases, the first of which caused the most activity loss and was accelerated on increasing the reaction temperature, while the second phase had greater stability and became more favourable with increasing reaction temperature. Adding H(2)S significantly inhibited methane decomposition, resulting in much less carbon deposition. Ceria-doping significantly increased the sulfur tolerance of Ni/YSZ, however, in the presence of H(2)S ceria did not promote the reverse Boudouard reaction and at high temperatures carbon deposition was greater over ceria-doped Ni/YSZ. In order to further study the effects of ceria-doping, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) was constructed with a ceria-doped anode cermet and its electrical performance on simulated biogas compared to hydrogen was tested. This fuel cell was subsequently ran for 1000 h on simulated biogas with no degradation in its overall electrical performance.

Dynamic SEM wear studies of tungsten carbide cermets. [friction and wear experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brainard, W. A.; Buckley, D. H.

1975-01-01

Dynamic friction and wear experiments were conducted in a scanning electron microscope. The wear behavior of pure tungsten carbide and composite with 6 and 15 weight percent cobalt binder was examined, and etching of the binder was done to selectively determine the role of the binder in the wear process. Dynamic experiments were conducted as the tungsten carbide (WC) and bonded WC cermet surfaces were transversed by a 50 micron radiused diamond stylus. These studies show that the predominant wear process in WC is fracture initiated by plastic deformation, and the wear of the etched cermets is similar to pure WC. The presence of the cobalt binder reduces both friction and wear. The cementing action of the cobalt reduces granular separation, and promotes a dense polished layer because of its low shear strength film-forming properties. The wear debris generated from unetched surface is approximately the same composition as the bulk.

Molybdenum-base cermet fuel development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilger, James P.; Gurwell, William E.; Moss, Ronald W.; White, George D.; Seifert, David A.

Development of a multimegawatt (MMW) space nuclear power system requires identification and resolution of several technical feasibility issues before selecting one or more promising system concepts. Demonstration of reactor fuel fabrication technology is required for cermet-fueled reactor concepts. The MMW reactor fuel development activity at Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) is focused on producing a molybdenum-matrix uranium-nitride (UN) fueled cermte. This cermet is to have a high matrix density (greater than or equal to 95 percent) for high strength and high thermal conductance coupled with a high particle (UN) porosity (approximately 25 percent) for retention of released fission gas at high burnup. Fabrication process development involves the use of porous TiN microspheres as surrogate fuel material until porous Un microspheres become available. Process development was conducted in the areas of microsphere synthesis, particle sealing/coating, and high-energy-rate forming (HERF) and the vacuum hot press consolidation techniques. This paper summarizes the status of these activities.

Dynamic SEM wear studies of tungsten carbide cermets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brainard, W. A.; Buckley, D. H.

1975-01-01

Dynamic friction and wear experiments were conducted in a scanning electron microscope. The wear behavior of pure tungsten carbide and composite with 6 and 15 weight percent cobalt binder was examined. Etching of the binder was done to selectively determine the role of the binder in the wear process. Dynamic experiments were conducted as the WC and bonded WC cermet surfaces were transversed by a 50 micron radiused diamond stylus. These studies show that the predominant wear process in WC is fracture initiated by plastic deformation. The wear of the etched cermets is similar to pure WC. The presence of the cobalt binder reduces both friction and wear. The cementing action of the cobalt reduces granular separation and promotes a dense polished layer because of its low shear strength film-forming properties. The wear debris generated from unetched surface is approximately the same composition as the bulk.

A Comparison in Mechanical Properties of Cermets of Calcium Silicate with Ti-55Ni and Ti-6Al-4V Alloys for Hard Tissues Replacement

PubMed Central

Pramanik, Sumit; Shirazi, Seyed Farid Seyed; Mehrali, Mehdi; Yau, Yat-Huang; Abu Osman, Noor Azuan

2014-01-01

This study investigated the impact of calcium silicate (CS) content on composition, compressive mechanical properties, and hardness of CS cermets with Ti-55Ni and Ti-6Al-4V alloys sintered at 1200°C. The powder metallurgy route was exploited to prepare the cermets. New phases of materials of Ni16Ti6Si7, CaTiO3, and Ni31Si12 appeared in cermet of Ti-55Ni with CS and in cermet of Ti-6Al-4V with CS, the new phases Ti5Si3, Ti2O, and CaTiO3, which were emerged during sintering at different CS content (wt%). The minimum shrinkage and density were observed in both groups of cermets for the 50 and 100 wt% CS content, respectively. The cermets with 40 wt% of CS had minimum compressive Young's modulus. The minimum of compressive strength and strain percentage at maximum load were revealed in cermets with 50 and 40 wt% of CS with Ti-55Ni and Ti-6Al-4V cermets, respectively. The cermets with 80 and 90 wt% of CS showed more plasticity than the pure CS. It concluded that the composition and mechanical properties of sintered cermets of Ti-55Ni and Ti-6Al-4V with CS significantly depend on the CS content in raw cermet materials. Thus, the different mechanical properties of the cermets can be used as potential materials for different hard tissues replacements. PMID:25538954

U-PuO2, U-PuC, U-PuN cermet fuel for fast reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Sudhir; Kaity, Santu; Banerjee, Joydipta; Nandi, Chiranjeet; Dey, G. K.; Khan, K. B.

2018-02-01

Cermet fuel combines beneficial properties of both ceramic and metal and attracts global interest for research as a candidate fuel for nuclear reactors. In the present study, U matrix PuC/PuN/PuO2 cermet for fast reactor have been fabricated on laboratory scale by the powder metallurgy route. Characterization of the fuel has been carried out using Dilatometer, Differential Thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffractometer and Optical microscope. X ray diffraction study of the fuel reveals presence of different phases. The PuN dispersed cermet was observed to have high solidus temperature as compared to PuC and PuO2 dispersed cermet. Swelling was observed in U matrix PuO2 cermet which also showed higher thermal expansion. Among the three cermets studied, U matrix PuC cermet showed maximum thermal conductivity.

Direct metal brazing to cermet feedthroughs

DOEpatents

Not Available

1982-07-29

An improved method for brazing metallic components to a cermet surface in an alumina substrate eliminates the prior art metallized layer over the cermet via and adjoining alumina surfaces. Instead, a nickel layer is applied over the cermet surface only and metallic components are brazed directly to this nickel coated cermet surface. As a result, heretofore unachievable tensile strength joints are produced. In addition, cermet vias with their brazed metal components can be spaced more closely in the alumina substrate because of the elimination of the prior art metallized alumina surfaces.

Direct metal brazing to cermet feedthroughs

DOEpatents

Hopper, Jr., Albert C.

1984-12-18

An improved method for brazing metallic components to a cermet surface in an alumina substrate eliminates the prior art metallized layer over the cermet via and adjoining alumina surfaces. Instead, a nickel layer is applied over the cermet surface only and metallic components are brazed directly to this nickel coated cermet surface. As a result, heretofore unachievable tensile strength joints are produced. In addition, cermet vias with their brazed metal components can be spaced more closely in the alumina substrate because of the elimination of the prior art metallized alumina surfaces.

Cermet materials, self-cleaning cermet filters, apparatus and systems employing same

DOEpatents

Kong, Peter C.

2005-07-19

A self-cleaning porous cermet material, filter and system utilizing the same may be used in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The porous cermet filter may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an alumina phase. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The porous filter may also be electrically conductive so that a current may be passed therethrough to heat the filter during use. Further, a heating element may be incorporated into the porous cermet filter during manufacture. This heating element can be coated with a ceramic material to electrically insulate the heating element. An external heating element may also be provided to heat the cermet filter during use.

Electrochemical reduction of CerMet fuels for transmutation using surrogate CeO2-Mo pellets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Claux, B.; Souček, P.; Malmbeck, R.; Rodrigues, A.; Glatz, J.-P.

2017-08-01

One of the concepts chosen for the transmutation of minor actinides in Accelerator Driven Systems or fast reactors proposes the use of fuels and targets containing minor actinides oxides embedded in an inert matrix either composed of molybdenum metal (CerMet fuel) or of ceramic magnesium oxide (CerCer fuel). Since the sufficient transmutation cannot be achieved in a single step, it requires multi-recycling of the fuel including recovery of the not transmuted minor actinides. In the present work, a pyrochemical process for treatment of Mo metal inert matrix based CerMet fuels is studied, particularly the electroreduction in molten chloride salt as a head-end step required prior the main separation process. At the initial stage, different inactive pellets simulating the fuel containing CeO2 as minor actinide surrogates were examined. The main studied parameters of the process efficiency were the porosity and composition of the pellets and the process parameters as current density and passed charge. The results indicated the feasibility of the process, gave insight into its limiting parameters and defined the parameters for the future experiment on minor actinide containing material.

Methods of producing cermet materials and methods of utilizing same

DOEpatents

Kong, Peter C [Idaho Falls, ID

2008-12-30

Methods of fabricating cermet materials and methods of utilizing the same such as in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The cermet material may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an alumina phase. The mixture may be pressed to form a green compact body and then heated in a nitrogen-containing atmosphere so as to melt aluminum particles and form the cermet. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The cermet material may also be formed so as to pass an electrical current therethrough to heat the material during use.

Methods of fabricating cermet materials and methods of utilizing same

DOEpatents

Kong, Peter C.

2006-04-04

Methods of fabricating cermet materials and methods of utilizing the same such as in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The cermet material may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an aluminia phase. The mixture may be pressed to form a green compact body and then heated in a nitrogen-containing atmosphere so as to melt aluminum particles and form the cermet. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The cermet material may also be formed so as to pass an electrical current therethrough to heat the material during use.

Enhancing charge transfer kinetics by nanoscale catalytic cermet interlayer.

PubMed

An, Jihwan; Kim, Young-Beom; Gür, Turgut M; Prinz, Fritz B

2012-12-01

Enhancing the density of catalytic sites is crucial for improving the performance of energy conversion devices. This work demonstrates the kinetic role of 2 nm thin YSZ/Pt cermet layers on enhancing the oxygen reduction kinetics for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells. Cermet layers were deposited between the porous Pt cathode and the dense YSZ electrolyte wafer using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Not only the catalytic role of the cermet layer itself but the mixing effect in the cermet was explored. For cells with unmixed and fully mixed cermet interlayers, the maximum power density was enhanced by a factor of 1.5 and 1.8 at 400 °C, and by 2.3 and 2.7 at 450 °C, respectively, when compared to control cells with no cermet interlayer. The observed enhancement in cell performance is believed to be due to the increased triple phase boundary (TPB) density in the cermet interlayer. We also believe that the sustained kinetics for the fully mixed cermet layer sample stems from better thermal stability of Pt islands separated by the ALD YSZ matrix, which helped to maintain the high-density TPBs even at elevated temperature.

Cermet-fueled reactors for advanced space applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cowan, C.L.; Palmer, R.S.; Taylor, I.N.

Cermet-fueled nuclear reactors are attractive candidates for high-performance advanced space power systems. The cermet consists of a hexagonal matrix of a refractory metal and a ceramic fuel, with multiple tubular flow channels. The high performance characteristics of the fuel matrix come from its high strength at elevated temperatures and its high thermal conductivity. The cermet fuel concept evolved in the 1960s with the objective of developing a reactor design that could be used for a wide range of mobile power generating sytems, including both Brayton and Rankine power conversion cycles. High temperature thermal cycling tests for the cermet fuel weremore » carried out by General Electric as part of the 710 Project (General Electric 1966), and by Argonne National Laboratory in the Direct Nuclear Rocket Program (1965). Development programs for cermet fuel are currently under way at Argonne National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest Laboratory. The high temperature qualification tests from the 1960s have provided a base for the incorporation of cermet fuel in advanced space applications. The status of the cermet fuel development activities and descriptions of the key features of the cermet-fueled reactor design are summarized in this paper.« less

Gradient SiNO anti-reflective layers in solar selective coatings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ren, Zhifeng; Cao, Feng; Sun, Tianyi

A solar selective coating includes a substrate, a cermet layer having nanoparticles therein deposited on the substrate, and an anti-reflection layer deposited on the cermet layer. The cermet layer and the anti-reflection layer may each be formed of intermediate layers. A method for constructing a solar-selective coating is disclosed and includes preparing a substrate, depositing a cermet layer on the substrate, and depositing an anti-reflection layer on the cermet layer.

Development of an Engineered Producet Storage Concept for the UREX+1 Combined Transuraqnic?Lanthanide Product Streams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dr. Sean M. McDeavitt; Thomas J. Downar; Dr. Temitope A. Taiwo

2009-03-01

The U.S. Department of Energy is developing next generation processing methods to recycle uranium and transuranic (TRU) isotopes from spent nuclear fuel. The objective of the 3-year project described in this report was to develop near-term options for storing TRU oxides isolated through the uranium extraction (UREX+) process. More specifically, a Zircaloy matrix cermet was developed as a storage form for transuranics with the understanding that the cermet also has the ability to serve as a inert matrix fuel form for TRU burning after intermediate storage. The goals of this research projects were: 1) to develop the processing steps requiredmore » to transform the effluent TRU nitrate solutions and the spent Xircaloy cladding into a zireonium matrix cermet sotrage form; and 2) to evaluate the impact of phenomena that govern durability of the storage form, material processing, and TRU utiliztion in fast reactor fuel. This report represents a compilation of the results generated under this program. The information is presented as a brief technical narrative in the following sections with appended papers, presentations and academic theses to provide a detailed review of the project's accomplishments.« less

Cermet materials

DOEpatents

Kong, Peter C [Idaho Falls, ID

2008-12-23

A self-cleaning porous cermet material, filter and system utilizing the same may be used in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The porous cermet filter may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an alumina phase. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The porous filter may also be electrically conductive so that a current may be passed therethrough to heat the filter during use. Further, a heating element may be incorporated into the porous cermet filter during manufacture. This heating element can be coated with a ceramic material to electrically insulate the heating element. An external heating element may also be provided to heat the cermet filter during use.

Zr-ZrO2 cermet solar coatings designed by modelling calculations and deposited by dc magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qi-Chu; Hadavi, M. S.; Lee, K.-D.; Shen, Y. G.

2003-03-01

High solar performance Zr-ZrO2 cermet solar coatings were designed using a numerical computer model and deposited experimentally. The layer thickness and Zr metal volume fraction for the Zr-ZrO2 cermet solar selective coatings on a Zr or Al reflector with a surface ZrO2 or Al2O3 anti-reflection layer were optimized to achieve maximum photo-thermal conversion efficiency at 80°C under concentration factors of 1-20 using the downhill simplex method in multi-dimensions in the numerical calculation. The dielectric function and the complex refractive index of Zr-ZrO2 cermet materials were calculated using Sheng's approximation. Optimization calculations show that Al2O3/Zr-ZrO2/Al solar coatings with two cermet layers and three cermet layers have nearly identical solar absorptance, emittance and photo-thermal conversion efficiency that are much better than those for films with one cermet layer. The optimized Al2O3/Zr-ZrO2/Al solar coating film with two cermet layers has a high solar absorptance value of 0.97 and low hemispherical emittance value of 0.05 at 80°C for a concentration factor of 2. The Al2O3/Zr-ZrO2/Al solar selective coatings with two cermet layers were deposited using dc magnetron sputtering technology. During the deposition of Zr-ZrO2 cermet layer, a Zr metallic target was run in a gas mixture of argon and oxygen. By control of oxygen flow rate the different metal volume fractions in the cermet layers were achieved using dc reactive sputtering. A solar absorptance of 0.96 and normal emittance of 0.05 at 80°C were achieved.

Oxidation-resistant cermet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, W. M.

1977-01-01

Chromium metal alloys and chromium oxide ceramic are combined to produce cermets with oxidation-resistant properties. Application of cermets includes use in hot corrosive environments requiring strong resistive materials.

The development of nano-modified Ti(C,N) cermets.

PubMed

Rong, Chunlan; Chen, Wenling; Zhang, Xiaobo; Liu, Ning

2007-01-01

The unique combination of mechanical properties such as excellent wear resistance and good chemical stability at elevated temperature helps titanium carbonitride based (Ti (C, N)-based) cermets to play an important roles in metal cutting operations. Nowadays, cermets cutting tools are widely used for semi-finishing and finishing works on steel and cast iron. However, their brittleness is still an unavoidable limitation for their utilization. With the development of nano-technology, nano-modified cermets have received more attention due to the high toughening enhancements. In this review, the development of nano-modified Ti(C,N) cermets is discussed including the fabrication, microstructure, mechanical properties, cutting performance and the practical applications in different fields. Many patents having important effect on the development of cermets were noticed, too.

Optimizing the vacuum plasma spray deposition of metal, ceramic, and cermet coatings using designed experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kingswell, R.; Scott, K. T.; Wassell, L. L.

1993-06-01

The vacuum plasma spray (VPS) deposition of metal, ceramic, and cermet coatings has been investigated using designed statistical experiments. Processing conditions that were considered likely to have a significant influence on the melting characteristics of the precursor powders and hence deposition efficiency were incorporated into full and fractional factorial experimental designs. The processing of an alumina powder was very sensitive to variations in the deposition conditions, particularly the injection velocity of the powder into the plasma flame, the plasma gas composition, and the power supplied to the gun. Using a combination of full and fractional factorial experimental designs, it was possible to rapidly identify the important spraying variables and adjust these to produce a deposition efficiency approaching 80 percent. The deposition of a nickel-base alloy metal powder was less sensitive to processing conditions. Generally, however, a high degree of particle melting was achieved for a wide range of spray conditions. Preliminary experiments performed using a tungsten carbide/cobalt cermet powder indicated that spray efficiency was not sensitive to deposition conditions. However, microstructural analysis revealed considerable variations in the degree of tungsten carbide dissolution. The structure and properties of the optimized coatings produced in the factorial experiments are also discussed.

Solar Absorptance of Cermet Coatings Evaluated

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaworske, Donald A.

2004-01-01

Cermet coatings, molecular mixtures of metal and ceramic, are being considered for the heat inlet surface of solar Stirling convertors. In this application, the key role of the cermet coating is to absorb as much of the incident solar energy as possible. To achieve this objective, the cermet coating has a high solar absorptance value. Cermet coatings are manufactured utilizing sputter deposition, and many different metal and ceramic combinations can be created. The ability to mix metal and ceramic at the atomic level offers the opportunity to tailor the composition, and hence, the optical properties of these coatings. The NASA Glenn Research Center has prepared and characterized a wide variety of cermet coatings utilizing different metals deposited in an aluminum oxide ceramic matrix. In addition, the atomic oxygen durability of these coatings has been evaluated.

Inverted amorphous silicon solar cell utilizing cermet layers

DOEpatents

Hanak, Joseph J.

1979-01-01

An amorphous silicon solar cell incorporating a transparent high work function metal cermet incident to solar radiation and a thick film cermet contacting the amorphous silicon opposite to said incident surface.

Development and Characterization of Nanostructured Cermet Coatings Produced by Co-electrodeposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farrokhzad, Mohammad Ali

Nanostructured cermet (ceramic-metallic) coatings are a group of materials that combine properties possessed by ceramics, such as oxidation resistance and high hardness, and the properties of metals such as strength and ductility. These coatings consist of nano-sized metal-oxide particles (i.e. Al2 O3) dispersed into a corrosion resistant metal matrix such as nickel. Cermet coatings have been used in many industrial applications such as cutting tools and jet engines where high temperature and erosion resistance performance are required. However, despite the promising properties, the lack of experimental data and theories on high temperature oxidation and mechanical properties of cermet coatings have restricted their full potential to be used in technologies for oil sand production such as In-Situ Combustion (ISC). In this study, the structure of cermet coatings was investigated to identify the characteristics that give rise to oxidation performance and wear resistance properties of cermet coatings. The experimental oxidation results on the single-component oxide cermet coatings showed that when Al2O3 and TiO2 were combined in the electrolyte, the new combination can improve oxidation performance (less mass gain) as compared to a pure Ni coating. Based on the oxidation and micro-hardness results, a new group of nanostructured cermet coatings (double-component oxides) was developed and investigated using long term oxidation tests, thermo-gravimetric analysis in mixed gas, thermal cycling, micro-hardness and abrasive wear tests. The mechanical analysis of the newly developed coatings showed improved resistance against wear and thermal cycling compared to single-component oxide cermet and pure Ni coatings. Furthermore, some new theoretical analysis were also put forward that aims at a new explanation of high temperature oxidation for cermet coatings.

Effect of graphite content on magnetic and mechanical properties of TiC-TiN-Mo-Ni cermets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Man; Yang, Qingqing; Xiong, Weihao; Huang, Bin; Ruan, Linji; Mao, Qiao; Li, Shengtao

2018-04-01

TiC-10TiN-6Mo-xGr-yNi (mol%, Gr represents graphite, x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and y = 15, 30) cermets were prepared by powder metallurgy method, in order to inverstigate the effect of Gr content on magnetic and mechanical properties of TiC-TiN-Mo-Ni cermets. Room-temperature (RT) saturation magnetization (Ms) and remanence (Mr) of cermets increased with increasing x. This was mainly attributed to that the total content of non-ferromagnetic carbonitride-forming elements Ti and Mo in Ni-based binder phase decreased with increasing x. At the same x, cermets for y = 15 had lower RT Ms and Mr than those for y = 30. Cermets containing more than 2 mol% Gr became ferromagnetic at RT. Bending strength of cermets first increased and then decreased with increasing x. It reached the maximum at x = 2, mainly due to high total content of solutes Ti and Mo in Ni-based binder phase, and moderate thickness of outer rim of Ti(C,N) ceramic grains. Hardness of cermets was not significantly affected by x, mainly due to the combined action of the decrease of the total content of Ti and Mo in binder phase and the increase of the volume fraction of ceramic grains. At the same x, cermets for y = 15 had lower bending strength and higher hardness than those for y = 30.

Effect of magnesium oxide content on oxidation behavior of some superalloy-base cermets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zaplatynsky, I.

1975-01-01

The effect of increasing magnesium oxide (MgO) content on the cyclic oxidation resistance of hot-pressed cermets of MgO in NiCrAlY, MgO in Hoskins-875, MgO in Inconel-702, and MgO in Hastelloy-X was investigated. The cermets with magnesium oxide levels of 5, 10, 20, and 40 vol percent were examined. The cyclic oxidation behavior of these cermets at 1100 and 1200 C in still air was determined by a thermogravimetric method supplemented by X-ray diffraction analysis and light and electron microscopy. In all instances, MgO prevented grain growth in the metallic phase. No evidence of oxidation along interphase boundaries was detected. Cermets of MgO in NiCrAlY and MgO in Hoskins-875 were superior to cermets of MgO in Inconel-702 and MgO in Hastelloy-X. Their oxidation resistance was degraded only when the MgO content was 40 vol percent. The oxidation behavior of MgO-in-Inconel-702 powder cermets containing 5- and 10-vol percent MgO was approximately similar to that of pure Inconel-702 compacts. The 20- and 40-vol percent MgO content reduced the oxidation resistance of MgO-in-Inconel-702 powder cermets relative to that of pure Inconel-702.

Oxidation behavior of nickel-chromium-aluminum-yttrium - Magnesium oxide and nickel-chromium-aluminum-yttrium - zirconate type of cermets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zaplatynsky, I.

1976-01-01

The 1100 and 1200 C cyclic oxidation resistance of dense Ni-Cr-Al-Y - MgO, Ni-Cr-Al-Y - CaZrO3, Ni-Cr-Al-Y - SrZrO3, Ni-Cr-Al-Y - MgZro3 cermets and a 70 percent dense Ni-Cr-Al-Y developmental material was determined. The cermets contained 60 and 50 volume percent of Ni-Cr-Al-Y which formed a matrix with the oxide particles imbedded in it. The cermets containing MgO were superior to cermets based on zirconates and to the porous Ni-Cr-Al-Y material.

Solid solution cermet: (Ti,Nb)(CN)-Ni cermet.

PubMed

Kwon, Hanjung; Jung, Sun-A

2014-11-01

Solid solution powders without W, (Ti,Nb)(CN) powders with a B1 structure (NaCl like), were synthesized by high energy milling and carbothermal reduction in nitrogen. The range of molar ratios of Ti/Nb for forming complete (Ti,Nb)(CN) phase was broader than that of Ti/W for the (Ti,W)(CN) phase because carbide or carbonitride of Nb had a B1 crystal structure identical to Ti(CN) while WC had a hexagonal crystal structure. The results revealed that the hardness of (Ti,Nb)(CN)-Ni cermets was higher than that of (Ti,W)(CN)-Ni cermets. The lower density of the (Ti,Nb)(CN) powder contributed to the higher hardness compared to (Ti,W)(CN) because the volumetric ratio of (Ti,Nb)(CN) in the (Ti,Nb)(CN)-Ni cermets was higher than that of (Ti,Nb)(CN) in the (Ti,W)(CN)-Ni cermets at the same weight ratio of Ni. Additionally, it was assumed that intrinsic the properties of (Ti,Nb)(CN) could also be the cause for the high hardness of the (Ti,Nb)(CN)-Ni cermets.

Microstructure analysis and wear behavior of titanium cermet femoral head with hard TiC layer.

PubMed

Luo, Yong; Ge, Shirong; Liu, Hongtao; Jin, Zhongmin

2009-12-11

Titanium cermet was successfully synthesized and formed a thin gradient titanium carbide coating on the surface of Ti6Al4V alloy by using a novel sequential carburization under high temperature, while the titanium cermet femoral head was produced. The titanium cermet phase and surface topography were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and backscattered electron imaging (BSE). And then the wear behavior of titanium cermet femoral head was investigated by using CUMT II artificial joint hip simulator. The surface characterization indicates that carbon effectively diffused into the titanium alloys and formed a hard TiC layer on the Ti6Al4V alloys surface with a micro-porous structure. The artificial hip joint experimental results show that titanium cermet femoral head could not only improve the wear resistance of artificial femoral head, but also decrease the wear of UHMWPE joint cup. In addition, the carburized titanium alloy femoral head could effectively control the UHMWPE debris distribution, and increase the size of UHMWPE debris. All of the results suggest that titanium cermet is a prospective femoral head material in artificial joint.

[Comparative studies on fissure sealing: composite versus Cermet cement].

PubMed

Hickel, R; Voss, A

1989-06-01

Fifty two molars sealed with either composite or Cermet cement were compared. The composite sealant was applied after enamel etching using a rubber dam. Before sealing with Cermet cement the enamel was only cleaned with pumice powder and sodium hypochlorie and the material was applied without enamel etching. After an average follow-up of 1.6 years composite sealants proved to be significantly more reliable. Cermet cement sealings showed defects more frequently.

High-Temperature Tolerance in Multi-Scale Cermet Solar-Selective Absorbing Coatings Prepared by Laser Cladding.

PubMed

Pang, Xuming; Wei, Qian; Zhou, Jianxin; Ma, Huiyang

2018-06-19

In order to achieve cermet-based solar absorber coatings with long-term thermal stability at high temperatures, a novel single-layer, multi-scale TiC-Ni/Mo cermet coating was first prepared using laser cladding technology in atmosphere. The results show that the optical properties of the cermet coatings using laser cladding were much better than the preplaced coating. In addition, the thermal stability of the optical properties for the laser cladding coating were excellent after annealing at 650 °C for 200 h. The solar absorptance and thermal emittance of multi-scale cermet coating were 85% and 4.7% at 650 °C. The results show that multi-scale cermet materials are more suitable for solar-selective absorbing coating. In addition, laser cladding is a new technology that can be used for the preparation of spectrally-selective coatings.

In situ transmission electron microscopic observations of redox cycling of a Ni-ScSZ cermet fuel cell anode.

PubMed

Matsuda, Junko; Kawasaki, Tatsuya; Futamura, Shotaro; Kawabata, Tsutomu; Taniguchi, Shunsuke; Sasaki, Kazunari

2018-05-19

In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of a Ni(O)-Sc2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (ScSZ; 10 mol% Sc2O3, 1 mol% CeO2, 89 mol% ZrO2) anode in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) have been performed at high temperatures under a hydrogen/oxygen gas atmosphere using an environmental transmission electron microscope (ETEM); the specimens were removed from cross-sections of the real SOFC by focused ion beam milling and lifting. When heating the NiO-ScSZ anode under a hydrogen atmosphere of 3 mbar in ETEM, nano-pores were formed at the grain boundaries and on the surface of NiO particles at around 400°C due to the volume shrinkage accompanying the reduction of NiO to Ni. Moreover, densification of Ni occurred when increasing the temperature from 600 to 700°C. High-magnification TEM images obtained in the early stages of NiO reduction revealed that the (111) planes of Ni grew almost parallel to the (111) planes of NiO. In the case of heating Ni-ScSZ under an oxygen atmosphere of 3 mbar in ETEM, oxidation of Ni starting from the surface of the particles occurred above 300°C. All Ni particles became polycrystalline NiO after the temperature was increased to 800°C. Volume expansion/contraction by mass transfer to the outside/inside of the Ni particles in the anode during repeated oxidation/reduction seems to result in the agglomeration of Ni catalysts during long-term SOFC operation. We emphasize that our in situ TEM observations will be applied to observe electrochemical reactions in SOFCs under applied electric fields.

Phase III Advanced Anodes and Cathodes Utilized in Energy Efficient Aluminum Production Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

R.A. Christini; R.K. Dawless; S.P. Ray

2001-11-05

During Phase I of the present program, Alcoa developed a commercial cell concept that has been estimated to save 30% of the energy required for aluminum smelting. Phase ii involved the construction of a pilot facility and operation of two pilots. Phase iii of the Advanced Anodes and Cathodes Program was aimed at bench experiments to permit the resolution of certain questions to be followed by three pilot cells. All of the milestones related to materials, in particular metal purity, were attained with distinct improvements over work in previous phases of the program. NiO additions to the ceramic phase andmore » Ag additions to the Cu metal phase of the cermet improved corrosion resistance sufficiently that the bench scale pencil anodes met the purity milestones. Some excellent metal purity results have been obtained with anodes of the following composition: Further improvements in anode material composition appear to be dependent on a better understanding of oxide solubilities in molten cryolite. For that reason, work was commissioned with an outside consultant to model the MeO - cryolite systems. That work has led to a better understanding of which oxides can be used to substitute into the NiO-Fe2O3 ceramic phase to stabilize the ferrites and reduce their solubility in molten cryolite. An extensive number of vertical plate bench electrolysis cells were run to try to find conditions where high current efficiencies could be attained. TiB2-G plates were very inconsistent and led to poor wetting and drainage. Pure TiB2 did produce good current efficiencies at small overlaps (shadowing) between the anodes and cathodes. This bench work with vertical plate anodes and cathodes reinforced the importance of good cathode wetting to attain high current efficiencies. Because of those conclusions, new wetting work was commissioned and became a major component of the research during the third year of Phase III. While significant progress was made in several areas, much work needs to be done. The anode composition needs further improvements to attain commercial purity targets. At the present corrosion rate, the vertical plate anodes will wear too rapidly leading to a rapidly increasing anode-cathode gap and thermal instabilities in the cell. Cathode wetting as a function of both cathode plate composition and bath composition needs to be better understood to ensure that complete drainage of the molten aluminum off the plates occurs. Metal buildup appears to lead to back reaction and low current efficiencies.« less

Glass-ionomer-silver-cermet interim Class I restorations for permanent teeth.

PubMed

Croll, T P; Killian, C M

1992-11-01

Glass-ionomer-silver-cermet cement has proved to be a worthy alternative to silver amalgam for restoring certain Class I lesions in primary teeth. Such restorations are now known to last up to 8 years without need for repair or replacement. Cermet cement has also been used for interim restoration of permanent teeth in special cases, with ideal results. The procedure for placing a glass-ionomer-silver-cermet cement Class I restoration is described.

Biocompatibility assessment of spark plasma-sintered alumina-titanium cermets.

PubMed

Guzman, Rodrigo; Fernandez-García, Elisa; Gutierrez-Gonzalez, Carlos F; Fernandez, Adolfo; Lopez-Lacomba, Jose Luis; Lopez-Esteban, Sonia

2016-01-01

Alumina-titanium materials (cermets) of enhanced mechanical properties have been lately developed. In this work, physical properties such as electrical conductivity and the crystalline phases in the bulk material are evaluated. As these new cermets manufactured by spark plasma sintering may have potential application for hard tissue replacements, their biocompatibility needs to be evaluated. Thus, this research aims to study the cytocompatibility of a novel alumina-titanium (25 vol. % Ti) cermet compared to its pure counterpart, the spark plasma sintered alumina. The influence of the particular surface properties (chemical composition, roughness and wettability) on the pre-osteoblastic cell response is also analyzed. The material electrical resistance revealed that this cermet may be machined to any shape by electroerosion. The investigated specimens had a slightly undulated topography, with a roughness pattern that had similar morphology in all orientations (isotropic roughness) and a sub-micrometric average roughness. Differences in skewness that implied valley-like structures in the cermet and predominance of peaks in alumina were found. The cermet presented a higher surface hydrophilicity than alumina. Any cytotoxicity risk associated with the new materials or with the innovative manufacturing methodology was rejected. Proliferation and early-differentiation stages of osteoblasts were statistically improved on the composite. Thus, our results suggest that this new multifunctional cermet could improve current alumina-based biomedical devices for applications such as hip joint replacements. © The Author(s) 2015.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sherman, Andrew J

A heterogeneous body having ceramic rich cermet regions in a more ductile metal matrix. The heterogeneous bodies are formed by thermal spray operations on metal substrates. The thermal spray operations apply heat to a cermet powder and project it onto a solid substrate. The cermet powder is composed of complex composite particles in which a complex ceramic-metallic core particle is coated with a matrix precursor. The cermet regions are generally comprised of complex ceramic-metallic composites that correspond approximately to the core particles. The cermet regions are approximately lenticular shaped with an average width that is at least approximately twice themore » average thickness. The cermet regions are imbedded within the matrix phase and generally isolated from one another. They have obverse and reverse surfaces. The matrix phase is formed from the matrix precursor coating on the core particles. The amount of heat applied during the formation of the heterogeneous body is controlled so that the core particles soften but do not become so fluid that they disperse throughout the matrix phase. The force of the impact on the surface of the substrate tends to flatten them. The flattened cermet regions tend to be approximately aligned with one another in the body.« less

Re-activation of degraded nickel cermet anodes - Nano-particle formation via reverse current pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hauch, A.; Marchese, M.; Lanzini, A.; Graves, C.

2018-02-01

The Ni/yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) cermet is the most commonly applied fuel electrode for solid oxide cells (SOCs). Loss of Ni/YSZ electrode activity is a key life-time limiting factor of the SOC. Developing means to mitigate this loss of performance or re-activate a fuel electrode is therefore important. In this work, we report a series of five tests on state-of-the-art Ni/YSZ-YSZ-CGObarrier-LSC/CGO cells. All cells were deliberately degraded via gas stream impurities in CO2/CO or harsh steam electrolysis operation. The cells were re-activated via a variety of reverse current treatments (RCTs). Via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, we found that the Ni/YSZ electrode performance could be recovered via RCT, but not via constant fuel cell operation. For optimized RCT, we obtained a lower Ni/YSZ electrode resistance than the initial resistance. E.g. at 700 °C we measured fuel electrode resistance of 180 mΩ cm2, 390 mΩ cm2, and 159 mΩ cm2 before degradation, after degradation and after re-activation via RCT, respectively. Post-test SEM revealed that the RCT led to formation of nano-particles in the fuel electrode. Besides the remarkable improvement, the results also showed that RCTs can weaken Ni/YSZ interfaces and the electrode/electrolyte interface. This indicates that finding an optimum RCT profile is crucial for achieving maximum benefit.

Mitigation of corrosion attack on carbon steel coated cermet alloy in different anion contents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalid, Muhamad Azrin Mohd; Ismail, Azzura

2017-12-01

This research study evaluated the corrosion mechanism attack on carbon steel coated with cermet alloys (WC-9% Ni) in seawater at different sulphate-to-chloride ratios. The four different sulphate-to-chloride ratios were synthesised with the same seawater salinity of 3.5 % and same pH of real seawater. The corrosion tests involved immersion and electrochemical tests. The immersion test is used to determine the cermet coating ability to withstand the corrosion attack based on different ratios of anions present in the seawater at different periods of immersion. The corrosion attack was characterized by optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The aggressive anions present in the seawater influenced the corrosion attack on the cermet coating. For immersion test, results revealed that increasing sulphate more than chloride, increased the weight loss of cermets. The electrochemistry analysis showed that the passive layer forms on cermet coating prevented the material from further corrosion attack. However, due to its porosity, the passive layer collapsed and exposed the material for other corrosion reaction. For electrochemical test, the result shows that the solution with sulphate-to-chloride ratio of 0.14 (real seawater) has the highest corrosion current and Open Circuit Potential (OCP) compared to other solutions (different sulphate-to-chloride ratio). In conclusion, sulfate and chloride show their competition to attack the cermet coating on carbon steel and the higher the amount of chloride present in seawater, the higher the corrosion rate and pits formed on the cermet coating.

A Historical Review of Cermet Fuel Development and the Engine Performance Implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, Mark E.

2015-01-01

To better understand Cermet engine performance, examined historical material development reports two issues: High vaporization rate of UO2, High temperature chemical stability of UO2. Cladding and chemical stabilizers each result in large, order of magnitude improvements in high temperature performance. Few samples were tested above 2770 K. Results above 2770 K are ambiguous. Contemporary testing may clarify performance. Cermet sample testing during the NERVA Rover era. Important properties, melting temperature, vaporization rate, strength, Brittle-to-Ductile Transition, cermet sample test results, engine performance, location, peak temperature.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Optimization of Novel Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Elizabeth C.

This dissertation presents research on the development of novel materials and fabrication procedures for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes. The work discussed here is divided into three main categories: all-oxide anodes, catalyst exsolution oxide anodes, and Ni-infiltrated anodes. The all-oxide and catalyst exsolution anodes presented here are further classi?ed as Ni-free anodes operating at the standard 700-800°C SOFC temperature while the Ni-infiltrated anodes operate at intermediate temperatures (≤650°C). Compared with the current state-of-the-art Ni-based cermets, all-oxide, Ni-free SOFC anodes offer fewer coking issues in carbon-containing fuels, reduced degradation due to fuel contaminants, and improved stability during redox cycling. However, electrochemical performance has proven inferior to Ni-based anodes. The perovskite oxide Fe-substituted strontium titanate (STF) has shown potential as an anode material both as a single phase electrode and when combined with Gd-doped ceria (GDC) in a composite electrode. In this work, STF is synthesized using a modified Pechini processes with the aim of reducing STF particle size and increasing the electrochemically active area in the anode. The Pechini method produced particles ? 750 nm in diameter, which is signi°Cantly smaller than the typically micron-sized solid state reaction powder. In the first iteration of anode fabrication with the Pechini powder, issues with over-sintering of the small STF particles limited gas di?usion in the anode. However, after modifying the anode firing temperature, the Pechini cells produced power density comparable to solid state reaction based cells from previous work by Cho et al. Catalyst exsolution anodes, in which metal cations exsolve out of the lattice under reducing conditions and form nanoparticles on the oxide surface, are another Ni-free option for standard operating temperature SOFCs. Little information is known about the onset of nanoparticle formation, which presents opportunities for the new kinds of ex situ and in situ experiments performed in this thesis. Ex situ experiments involved reducing powder samples at SOFC operating temperatures under hydrogen gas and characterizing them via electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). For the in situ experiments, powders were heated, then reduced at temperature, and catalyst exsolution was observed in real-time. Pechini-synthesized cerium oxide substituted with 2-5 mol% Pd was studied using in situ X-ray heating experiments at Argonne National Laboratory's Advanced Photon Source. In these experiments, the powder was subjected to several cycles of reduction and oxidation at 800°C, and Pd metal formation was confirmed through the appearance of Pd peaks in the X-ray spectra. Next, Fe- and Ru-substituted lanthanum strontium chromite (LSCrFeRu14) synthesized by solid state reaction was characterized with ex situ and in situ microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in situ heating experiments were conducted to observe Ru nanoparticle evolution under the reducing conditions of the TEM vacuum chamber. LSCrFeRu14 was heated to 750°C and observed over ˜ 90 min at temperature during which time nanoparticle formation, coarsening, and di?usion were observed. Experiments on both materials sought to understand the conditions and timing of nanoparticle formation in the anode, which is not necessarily apparent from electrochemical data. Reducing the operating temperature of SOFCs from the current state-of-the-art range of 700-800°C to ≤ 650°C has many advantages, among them increased long-term stability, reduced balance of plant costs, fewer interconnect/seal material issues, and decreased start-up times. In order to maintain good performance at reduced temperature, these intermediate temperature SOFCs require new materials including highly active alternatives to micron-scale Ni-YSZ composite anodes. The present work focuses on the development of IT-SOFCs with Sr0.8La 0.2TiO3 (SLT) anode supports, thin La1--xSr x Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 (x = 0.1, 0.2) dense electrolytes, and porous LSGM anode functional layers. The SLT support and the LSGM functional layer are infiltrated with nanoscale Ni, creating extensive electrochemically active triple phase boundary area. The scope of the work presented here encompasses every step of cell development including powder synthesis, optimization of firing conditions, and long-term stability testing. Using an optimized fabrication process, cells with power density > 1.2 W cm-2 were fabricated. Dry pressing and colloidal de-position were used to make the first generation of these cells, and once suitable times and temperatures were determined, the process was shifted to tape casting to make larger batches of uniform cells. After obtaining initial results of low anode polarization resistance and high power density, the long-term stability of the Ni-infiltrated anodes was examined. A coarsening model was developed using the data from accelerated degradation tests to predict cell performance over a typical device lifetime. This thesis encompasses a broad range of novel SOFC anode materials, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. Presenting several possible avenues for SOFC development provides a complete picture of the ?eld and its current focuses. The wide scope of this work offers multiple solutions for the SOFC community and demonstrates that SOFCs are a strong candidate for meeting the United States' need for energy conversion and storage.

Strength and fracture mechanism of iron reinforced tricalcium phosphate cermet fabricated by spark plasma sintering.

PubMed

Tkachenko, Serhii; Horynová, Miroslava; Casas-Luna, Mariano; Diaz-de-la-Torre, Sebastian; Dvořák, Karel; Celko, Ladislav; Kaiser, Jozef; Montufar, Edgar B

2018-05-01

The present work studies the microstructure and mechanical performance of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) based cermet toughened by iron particles. A novelty arises by the employment of spark plasma sintering for fabrication of the cermet. Results showed partial transformation of initial alpha TCP matrix to beta phase and the absence of oxidation of iron particles, as well as a lack of chemical reaction between TCP and iron components during sintering. The values of compressive and tensile strength of TCP/Fe cermet were 3.2 and 2.5 times, respectively, greater than those of monolithic TCP. Fracture analysis revealed the simultaneous action of crack-bridging and crack-deflection microstructural toughening mechanisms under compression. In contrast, under tension the reinforcing mechanism was only crack-bridging, being the reason for smaller increment of strength. Elastic properties of the cermet better matched values reported for human cortical bone. Thereby the new TCP/Fe cermet has potential for eventual use as a material for bone fractures fixation under load-bearing conditions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of a Cermet Gas-turbine-blade Material of Titanium Carbide Infiltrated with Hastalloy C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffman, Charles A

1955-01-01

A cermet composition was investigated as a potential material for gas-turbine blades. Blades of HS-21 alloy were also operated in the engine simultaneously to provide a basis of comparison. The cermet blades survived as long as approximately 312-1/2 hours at about 1500 degrees F with an average midspan centrifugal stress of approximately 11,500 psi. The alloy blade midspan stress was about 15,300 psi. Because of extensive damage to both types of blade due to external causes, a reliable comparison of operating lives could not be made. The cermet blades tended to fail in the airfoil rather than in the base, although the base was the usual location of failure in a prior study of cold-pressed and sintered cermets of other compositions with the same blade shape.

Interfacial engineering of solution-processed Ni nanochain-SiO x (x< 2) cermets towards thermodynamically stable, anti-oxidation solar selective absorbers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, Xiaobai; Wang, Xiaoxin; Zhang, Qinglin

Here, cermet solar thermal selective absorber coatings are an important component of high-efficiency concentrated solar power (CSP) receivers. The oxidation of the metal nanoparticles in cermet solar absorbers is a great challenge for vacuum-free operation. Recently, we have demonstrated that oxidation is kinetically retarded in solution processed, high-optical-performance Ni nanochain-SiO x cermet system compared to conventional Ni-Al 2O 3 system when annealed in air at 450–600 °C for several hours. However, for long-term, high-temperature applications in CSP systems, thermodynamically stable antioxidation behavior is highly desirable, which requires new mechanisms beyond kinetically reducing the oxidation rate. Towards this goal, in thismore » paper, we demonstrate that pre-operation annealing of Ni nanochain-SiO x cermets at 900 °C in N 2 forms the thermodynamically stable orthorhombic phase of NiSi at the Ni/SiO x interfaces, leading to self-terminated oxidation at 550 °C in air due to this interfacial engineering. In contrast, pre-operation annealing at a lower temperature of 750 °C in N 2 (as conducted in our previous work) cannot achieve interfacial NiSi formation directly, and further annealing in air at 450–600 °C for >4 h only leads to the formation of the less stable (metastable) hexagonal phase of NiSi. Therefore, the high-temperature pre-operation annealing is critical to form the desirable orthorhombic phase of NiSi at Ni/SiO x interfaces towards thermodynamically stable antioxidation behavior. Remarkably, with this improved interfacial engineering, the oxidation of 80-nm-diameter Ni nanochain-SiO x saturates after annealing at 550 °C in air for 12 h. Additional annealing at 550 °C in air for as long as 20 h (i.e., 32 h air annealing at >550 °C in total) has almost no further impact on the structural or optical properties of the coatings, the latter being very sensitive to any interfacial changes due to the localized surface plasmon resonances of the metal nanostructures. This phenomenon holds true for Ni nanoparticle diameter down to 40 nm in Ni-SiO x system, where the optical response remains stable for 53 h at 550 °C in air. The oxidation vs. time curve also shows saturation behavior deviating from the kinetic Deal-Grove oxidation model. These results strongly suggest a promising approach to thermodynamically stable, anti-oxidation Ni/SiO x cermet absorbers via interfacial engineering.« less

Interfacial engineering of solution-processed Ni nanochain-SiO x (x< 2) cermets towards thermodynamically stable, anti-oxidation solar selective absorbers

DOE PAGES

Yu, Xiaobai; Wang, Xiaoxin; Zhang, Qinglin; ...

2016-04-01

Here, cermet solar thermal selective absorber coatings are an important component of high-efficiency concentrated solar power (CSP) receivers. The oxidation of the metal nanoparticles in cermet solar absorbers is a great challenge for vacuum-free operation. Recently, we have demonstrated that oxidation is kinetically retarded in solution processed, high-optical-performance Ni nanochain-SiO x cermet system compared to conventional Ni-Al 2O 3 system when annealed in air at 450–600 °C for several hours. However, for long-term, high-temperature applications in CSP systems, thermodynamically stable antioxidation behavior is highly desirable, which requires new mechanisms beyond kinetically reducing the oxidation rate. Towards this goal, in thismore » paper, we demonstrate that pre-operation annealing of Ni nanochain-SiO x cermets at 900 °C in N 2 forms the thermodynamically stable orthorhombic phase of NiSi at the Ni/SiO x interfaces, leading to self-terminated oxidation at 550 °C in air due to this interfacial engineering. In contrast, pre-operation annealing at a lower temperature of 750 °C in N 2 (as conducted in our previous work) cannot achieve interfacial NiSi formation directly, and further annealing in air at 450–600 °C for >4 h only leads to the formation of the less stable (metastable) hexagonal phase of NiSi. Therefore, the high-temperature pre-operation annealing is critical to form the desirable orthorhombic phase of NiSi at Ni/SiO x interfaces towards thermodynamically stable antioxidation behavior. Remarkably, with this improved interfacial engineering, the oxidation of 80-nm-diameter Ni nanochain-SiO x saturates after annealing at 550 °C in air for 12 h. Additional annealing at 550 °C in air for as long as 20 h (i.e., 32 h air annealing at >550 °C in total) has almost no further impact on the structural or optical properties of the coatings, the latter being very sensitive to any interfacial changes due to the localized surface plasmon resonances of the metal nanostructures. This phenomenon holds true for Ni nanoparticle diameter down to 40 nm in Ni-SiO x system, where the optical response remains stable for 53 h at 550 °C in air. The oxidation vs. time curve also shows saturation behavior deviating from the kinetic Deal-Grove oxidation model. These results strongly suggest a promising approach to thermodynamically stable, anti-oxidation Ni/SiO x cermet absorbers via interfacial engineering.« less

Phase and crystallite size analysis of (Ti1-xMox)C-(Ni,Cr) cermet obtained by mechanical alloying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suryana, Anis, Muhammad; Manaf, Azwar

2018-04-01

In this paper, we report the phase and crystallite size analysis of (Ti1-xMox)C-(Ni,Cr) with x = 0-0.5 cermet obtained by mechanical alloying of Ti, Mo, Ni, Cr and C elemental powders using a high-energy shaker ball mill under wet condition for 10 hours. The process used toluene as process control agent and the ball to mass ratio was 10:1. The mechanically milled powder was then consolidated and subsequently heated at a temperature 850°C for 2 hours under an argon flow to prevent oxidation. The product was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive analyzer. Results shown that, by the selection of appropriate condition during the mechanical alloying process, a metastable Ti-Ni-Cr-C powders could be obtained. The powder then allowed the in situ synthesis of TiC-(Ni,Cr) cermet which took place during exposure time at a high temperature that applied in reactive sintering step. Addition to molybdenum has caused shifting the TiC XRD peaks to a slightly higher angle which indicated that molybdenum dissolved in TiC phase. The crystallite size distribution of TiC is discussed in the report, which showing that the mean size decreased with the addition of molybdenum.

Experimental Evaluation of Cermet Turbine Stator Blades for Use at Elevated Gas Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chiarito, Patrick T.; Johnston, James R.

1959-01-01

The suitability of cermets for turbine stator blades of a modified turbojet engine was determined at an average turbine-inlet-gas temperature of 2000 F. Such an increase in temperature would yield a premium in thrust from a service engine. Because the cermet blades require no cooling, all the available compressor bleed air could be used to cool a turbine made from conventional ductile alloys. Cermet blades were first run in 100-hour endurance tests at normal gas temperatures in order to evaluate two methods for mounting them. The elevated gas-temperature test was then run using the method of support considered best for high-temperature operation. After 52 hours at 2000 F, one of the group of four cermet blades fractured probably because of end loads resulting from thermal distortion of the spacer band of the nozzle diaphragm. Improved design of a service engine would preclude this cause of premature failure.

Cermet based metamaterials for multi band absorbers over NIR to LWIR frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradhan, Jitendra K.; Behera, Gangadhar; Agarwal, Amit K.; Ghosh, Amitava; Ramakrishna, S. Anantha

2017-06-01

Cermets or ceramic-metals are known for their use in solar thermal technologies for their absorption across the solar band. Use of cermet layers in a metamaterial perfect absorber allows for flexible control of infra-red absorption over the short wave infra-red, to long wave infra-red bands, while keeping the visible/near infra-red absorption properties constant. We design multilayered metamaterials consisting of a conducting ground plane, a low metal volume fraction cermet/ZnS as dielectric spacer layers, and a top structured layer of an array of circular discs of metal/high volume metal fraction cermet that give rise to specified absorption bands in the near-infra-red (NIR) frequencies, as well as any specified band at SWIR-LWIR frequencies. Thus, a complete decoupling of the absorption at optical/NIR frequencies and the infra-red absorption behaviour of a structured metamaterial is demonstrated.

A cermet fuel reactor for nuclear thermal propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kruger, Gordon

1991-01-01

Work on the cermet fuel reactor done in the 1960's by General Electric (GE) and the Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) that had as its goal the development of systems that could be used for nuclear rocket propulsion as well as closed cycle propulsion system designs for ship propulsion, space nuclear propulsion, and other propulsion systems is reviewed. It is concluded that the work done in the 1960's has demonstrated that we can have excellent thermal and mechanical performance with cermet fuel. Thousands of hours of testing were performed on the cermet fuel at both GE and AGL, including very rapid transients and some radiation performance history. We conclude that there are no feasibility issues with cermet fuel. What is needed is reactivation of existing technology and qualification testing of a specific fuel form. We believe this can be done with a minimum development risk.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bunshah, R.F.; Shabaik, A.H.

The process of Activated Reactive Evaporation is used to synthesize superhard materials like carbides, oxides, nitrides, ultrafine grain cermets. The deposits are characterized by hardness, microstructure and lattice parameter measurements. The synthesis and characterization of TiC-Ni cermets, Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and VC-TiC alloy carbides is given. Tools of different coating characteristics are tested for machining performance at different speeds and feeds. The machining evaluation and the selection of coatings is based on the rate of deterioration of the costing, tool temperature, and cutting forces. Tool life tests show coated high speed steel tools show a 300% improvement in tool life.more » (Author) (GRA)« less

Molybdenum-UO2 cermet irradiation at 1145 K.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdonald, G.

1971-01-01

Two molybdenum-uranium dioxide cermet fuel pins with molybdenum clad were fission-heated in a forced-convection helium coolant for sufficient time to achieve 5.3% burnup. The cermet core contained 20 wt % of 93.2% enriched uranium dioxide. The results were as follows: there was no visible change in the appearance of the molybdenum clad during irradiation; the maximum increase in diameter of the fuel pins was 0.8%; there was no migration of uranium dioxide along grain boundaries and no evident interaction between molybdenum and uranium dioxide; and, finally, approximately 12% of the fission gas formed was released from the cermet core into the gas plenum.

Design of a Uranium Dioxide Spheroidization System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cavender, Daniel P.; Mireles, Omar R.; Frendi, Abdelkader

2013-01-01

The plasma spheroidization system (PSS) is the first process in the development of tungsten-uranium dioxide (W-UO2) fuel cermets. The PSS process improves particle spherocity and surface morphology for coating by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Angular fully dense particles melt in an argon-hydrogen plasma jet at between 32-36 kW, and become spherical due to surface tension. Surrogate CeO2 powder was used in place of UO2 for system and process parameter development. Particles range in size from 100 - 50 microns in diameter. Student s t-test and hypothesis testing of two proportions statistical methods were applied to characterize and compare the spherocity of pre and post process powders. Particle spherocity was determined by irregularity parameter. Processed powders show great than 800% increase in the number of spherical particles over the stock powder with the mean spherocity only mildly improved. It is recommended that powders be processed two-three times in order to reach the desired spherocity, and that process parameters be optimized for a more narrow particles size range. Keywords: spherocity, spheroidization, plasma, uranium-dioxide, cermet, nuclear, propulsion

Structural state scale-dependent physical characteristics and endurance of cermet composite for cutting metal

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ovcharenko, V. E., E-mail: ovcharenko.ove45@mail.ru; Ivanov, Yu. F., E-mail: ivanov.yufi55@mail.ru; Mohovikov, A. A., E-mail: mohovikov.maa28@rambler.ru

A structural-phase state developed on the surface of a TiC/Ni–Cr–Al cermet alloy under superfast heating and cooling produced by pulse electron beam melting has been presented. The effect of the surface’s structural state multimodality on the temperature dependencies of the friction and endurance of the cermet tool in cutting metal has been investigated. The high-energy flux treatment of subsurface layers by electron beam pulses in argon-containing gas discharge plasma serves to improve the endurance of metal cutting tools manifold (by a factor of 6), to reduce the friction via precipitation of secondary 200 nm carbides in binder interlayers. It ismore » possible to improve the cermet tool endurance for cutting metal by a factor of 10–12 by irradiating the cermet in a reactive nitrogen-containing atmosphere with the ensuing precipitation of nanosize 50 nm AlN particles in the binder interlayers.« less

Interfacial engineering of solution-processed Ni nanochain-SiO{sub x} (x < 2) cermets towards thermodynamically stable, anti-oxidation solar selective absorbers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, Xiaobai; Wang, Xiaoxin; Liu, Jifeng, E-mail: Jifeng.Liu@dartmouth.edu

Cermet solar thermal selective absorber coatings are an important component of high-efficiency concentrated solar power (CSP) receivers. The oxidation of the metal nanoparticles in cermet solar absorbers is a great challenge for vacuum-free operation. Recently, we have demonstrated that oxidation is kinetically retarded in solution processed, high-optical-performance Ni nanochain-SiO{sub x} cermet system compared to conventional Ni-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} system when annealed in air at 450–600 °C for several hours. However, for long-term, high-temperature applications in CSP systems, thermodynamically stable antioxidation behavior is highly desirable, which requires new mechanisms beyond kinetically reducing the oxidation rate. Towards this goal, in this paper, wemore » demonstrate that pre-operation annealing of Ni nanochain-SiO{sub x} cermets at 900 °C in N{sub 2} forms the thermodynamically stable orthorhombic phase of NiSi at the Ni/SiO{sub x} interfaces, leading to self-terminated oxidation at 550 °C in air due to this interfacial engineering. In contrast, pre-operation annealing at a lower temperature of 750 °C in N{sub 2} (as conducted in our previous work) cannot achieve interfacial NiSi formation directly, and further annealing in air at 450–600 °C for >4 h only leads to the formation of the less stable (metastable) hexagonal phase of NiSi. Therefore, the high-temperature pre-operation annealing is critical to form the desirable orthorhombic phase of NiSi at Ni/SiO{sub x} interfaces towards thermodynamically stable antioxidation behavior. Remarkably, with this improved interfacial engineering, the oxidation of 80-nm-diameter Ni nanochain-SiO{sub x} saturates after annealing at 550 °C in air for 12 h. Additional annealing at 550 °C in air for as long as 20 h (i.e., 32 h air annealing at >550 °C in total) has almost no further impact on the structural or optical properties of the coatings, the latter being very sensitive to any interfacial changes due to the localized surface plasmon resonances of the metal nanostructures. This phenomenon holds true for Ni nanoparticle diameter down to 40 nm in Ni-SiO{sub x} system, where the optical response remains stable for 53 h at 550 °C in air. The oxidation vs. time curve also shows saturation behavior deviating from the kinetic Deal-Grove oxidation model. These results strongly suggest a promising approach to thermodynamically stable, anti-oxidation Ni/SiO{sub x} cermet absorbers via interfacial engineering.« less

Manufacture of annular cermet articles

DOEpatents

Forsberg, Charles W.; Sikka, Vinod K.

2004-11-02

A method to produce annular-shaped, metal-clad cermet components directly produces the form and avoids multiple fabrication steps such as rolling and welding. The method includes the steps of: providing an annular hollow form with inner and outer side walls; filling the form with a particulate mixture of ceramic and metal; closing, evacuating, and hermetically sealing the form; heating the form to an appropriate temperature; and applying force to consolidate the particulate mixture into solid cermet.

Revised Point of Departure Design Options for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fittje, James E.; Schnitzler, Bruce G.; Borowoski, Stanley

2015-01-01

Four Revised Point of Departure NTR Engines were Designed and Analyzed using MCNP and NESS. All Four Engines Have Thermodynamically Closed Cycles at Nominal Chamber Pressures. 111 kilonewton (25 kip-force) Cermet Design Required Dedicated Heater Elements to Close the Cycle. Cermet Based Designs had Slightly Higher TW Ratios, but Required Substantially More U-235. NERVA Derived Criticality Limited Engine Could Operate at Lower Power and Thrust Levels Compared to the Criticality Limited Cermet Design.

Advances in the Development of a WCl6 CVD System for Coating UO2 Powders with Tungsten

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mireles, Omar R.; Tieman, Alyssa; Broadway, Jeramie; Hickman, Robert

2013-01-01

W-UO2 CERMET fuels are under development to enable Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) for deep space exploration. Research efforts with an emphasis on fuel fabrication, testing, and identification of potential risks is underway. One primary risk is fuel loss due to CTE mismatch between W and UO2 and the grain boundary structure of W particles resulting in higher thermal stresses. Mechanical failure can result in significant reduction of the UO2 by hot hydrogen. Fuel loss can be mitigated if the UO2 particles are coated with a layer of high density tungsten before the consolidation process. This paper discusses the work to date, results, and advances of a fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system that utilizes the H2-WCl6 reduction process. Keywords: Space, Nuclear, Thermal, Propulsion, Fuel, CERMET, CVD, Tungsten, Uranium

Influence of Ceramic Powder Size on Process of Cermet Coating Formation by Cold Spray

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sova, A.; Papyrin, A.; Smurov, I.

2009-12-01

Influence of the ceramic particle size on the process of formation of cermet coatings by cold spray is experimentally studied. A specially developed nozzle with separate injection of ceramic and metal powders into the gas stream is used in the experiments. The results obtained demonstrate that fine ceramic powders (Al2O3, SiC) produce a strong activation effect on the process of spraying soft metal (Al, Cu) and increase deposition efficiency of the metal component of the mixture compared to the pure metal spraying. At the same time, coarse ceramic powder produces a strong erosion effect that considerably reduces coating mass growth and deposition efficiency of the metal component. It is experimentally shown that the addition of fine hard powder to soft metals as Al and Cu allows to significantly reduce the “critical” temperature (the minimum gas stagnation temperature at which a nonzero particle deposition is observed) for spraying these metals.

Treatment of root fracture with accompanying resorption using cermet cement.

PubMed

Lui, J L

1992-02-01

A method of treating an apical root fracture with accompanying resorption at the junction of the fracture fragments using glass-cermet cement is described. Endodontically, the material had previously been used for repair of lateral resorptive root defects and retrograde root fillings. Complete bone regeneration was observed three years post-operatively following treatment of the root fracture in the conventional manner. The various advantages of glass-cermet cement as a root filling material used in the technique described are discussed.

Analytical determination of thermal conductivity of W-UO2 and W-UN CERMET nuclear fuels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webb, Jonathan A.; Charit, Indrajit

2012-08-01

The thermal conductivity of tungsten based CERMET fuels containing UO2 and UN fuel particles are determined as a function of particle geometry, stabilizer fraction and fuel-volume fraction, by using a combination of an analytical approach and experimental data collected from literature. Thermal conductivity is estimated using the Bruggeman-Fricke model. This study demonstrates that thermal conductivities of various CERMET fuels can be analytically predicted to values that are very close to the experimentally determined ones.

Design Evolutuion of Hot Isotatic Press Cans for NTP Cermet Fuel Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mireles, O. R.; Broadway, J.; Hickman, R.

2014-01-01

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is under consideration for potential use in deep space exploration missions due to desirable performance properties such as a high specific impulse (> 850 seconds). Tungsten (W)-60vol%UO2 cermet fuel elements are under development, with efforts emphasizing fabrication, performance testing and process optimization to meet NTP service life requirements [1]. Fuel elements incorporate design features that provide redundant protection from crack initiation, crack propagation potentially resulting in hot hydrogen (H2) reduction of UO2 kernels. Fuel erosion and fission product retention barriers include W coated UO2 fuel kernels, W clad internal flow channels and fuel element external W clad resulting in a fully encapsulated fuel element design as shown.

Clinical behaviour of glass ionomer restorations in primary teeth.

PubMed

Espelid, I; Tveit, A B; Tornes, K H; Alvheim, H

1999-08-01

To compare a silver-reinforced glass ionomer material (cermet) with a resin-modified glass ionomer in minimal Class II preparations in primary teeth. Matched pairs of primary molars with approximal caries that required operative treatment were used. Each cavity was filled with either Vitremer or Ketac-Silver. The restorations were followed for at least 36 months and examined annually using bitewing radiographs and clinical inspections. Impressions were taken at each recall and models were examined microscopically. After 36 months, one of the resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) restorations and 13 (26.5%) of the silver cermet restorations had failed. The RMGI failed because of secondary caries, while most of the failures of the silver cermet fillings were marginal defects alone or in combination with secondary caries. The median survival time (MST) for the silver cermet restorations was 37 months. The RMGI restorations had a MST exceeding 42 months, but MST could not be calculated exactly because of the low failure rate during the study period. The resin-modified glass ionomer had the overall best performance of the two materials under comparison. The silver cermet material cannot be recommended for Class II restorations in primary teeth.

Cermet reinforcement of a weakened endodontically treated root: a case report.

PubMed

Lui, J L

1992-08-01

Many clinical applications have been recommended for glass-cermet cement because of its improved properties compared to the original glass-ionomer cements. It has also been accepted as a dentinal substitute that can strengthen teeth. In this paper, an additional clinical application for glass-cermet cement, the reinforcement of weakened endodontically treated roots, is suggested. This technique is in keeping with the trends of tooth conservation and the use of an adhesive restorative material in the restoration of severely damaged teeth by a conservative approach.

Analysis of space systems for the space disposal of nuclear waste follow-on study. Volume 2. Technical report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

1982-01-01

Some of the conclusions reached as a result of this study are summarized. Waste form parameters for the reference cermet waste form are available only by analogy. Detail design of the waste payload would require determination of actual waste form properties. The billet configuration constraints for the cermet waste form limit the packing efficiency to slightly under 75% net volume. The effect of this packing inefficiency in reducing the net waste form per waste payload can be seen graphically. The cermet waste form mass per unit mass of waste payload is lower than that of the iodine waste form evenmore » though the cermet has a higher density (6.5 versus 5.5). This is because the lead iodide is cast achieving almost 100% efficiency in packing. This inefficiency in the packing of the cermet results in a 20% increase in number of flights which increases both cost and risk. Alternative systems for waste mixes requiring low flight rates (technetium-99, iodine-129) can make effective use of the existing 65K space transportation system in either single- or dual-launch scenarios. A comprehensive trade study would be required to select the optimum orbit transfer system for low-launch-rate systems. This study was not conducted as part of the present effort due to selection of the cermet waste form as the reference for the study. Several candidates look attractive for both single- and dual-launch systems (see sec. 4.4), but due to the relatively small number of missions, a comprehensive comparison of life cycle costs including DDT and E would be required to select the best system. The reference system described in sections 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 offers the best combination of cost, risk, and alignment with ongoing NASA technology development efforts for disposal of the reference cermet waste form.« less

Cermets and method for making same

DOEpatents

Aaron, W. Scott; Kinser, Donald L.; Quinby, Thomas C.

1983-01-01

The present invention is directed to a method for making a wide variety of general-purpose cermets and for radioactive waste disposal from ceramic powders prepared from urea-dispersed solutions containing various metal values. The powders are formed into a compact and subjected to a rapid temperature increase in a reducing atmosphere. During this reduction, one or more of the more readily reducible oxides in the compact is reduced to a selected substoichiometric state at a temperature below the eutectic phase for that particular oxide or oxides and then raised to a temperature greater than the eutectic temperature to provide a liquid phase in the compact prior to the reduction of the liquid phase forming oxide to solid metal. This liquid phase forms at a temperature below the melting temperature of the metal and bonds together the remaining particulates in the cermet to form a solid polycrystalline cermet.

Occlusal glass ionomer cermet, resin sandwich and amalgam restorations: a 2-year clinical study.

PubMed

Lidums, A; Wilkie, R; Smales, R

1993-08-01

This study compared the clinical behavior of a glass ionomer silver cermet (Ketac-Silver), a posterior resin composite (Visio-Molar) used with the "sandwich" technique, and a high-copper amalgam (Dispersalloy) for restoring conventional Class I occlusal cavity preparations. Two dentists placed 116 restorations in the posterior permanent teeth of 35 adults treated at a dental hospital. Restorations were assessed at 6-month intervals over 2 years for bulk loss of material and occlusal wear, surface voids, roughness and cracking, surface and marginal staining, and marginal fracture. Losses of material and surface voids were obvious with the cermet material, with surface crazing or cracking being present in 33% of the restorations. The cermet cannot be recommended as a long-term permanent restorative material if the restorations are likely to be subjected to heavy occlusal stresses and abrasive wear.

Sealing ability of cermet ionomer cement as a retrograde filling material.

PubMed

Aktener, B O; Pehlivan, Y

1993-03-01

An in vitro dye leakage study was performed to compare the sealing ability of high copper amalgam with cavity varnish and cermet ionomer cement with and without varnish when used as retrofilling materials. The root canals of 54 maxillary anterior teeth were instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha and sealer. The apical 3 mm of the roots were resected and apical class I cavity preparations were made. The roots were then randomly divided into three groups and retrofilled with one of the experimental materials. After 72 h of immersion in India ink, the roots were cleared and evaluated for leakage with a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis indicated that the cermet ionomer cement with varnish group had significantly less leakage than the amalgam group (P < 0.0014) and the cermet ionomer cement without varnish group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the other two groups (P > 0.05).

A Historical Review of Cermet Fuel Development and the Engine Performance Implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, Mark E. M.

2015-01-01

This paper reviews test data for cermet fuel samples developed in the 1960's to better quantify Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) cermet engine performance, and to better understand contemporary fuel testing results. Over 200 cermet (W-UO2) samples were tested by thermally cycling to 2500 deg (2770 K) in hydrogen. The data indicates two issues at high temperatures: the vaporization rate of UO2 and the chemical stability of UO2. The data show that cladding and chemical stabilizers each result in large, order of magnitude improvements in high temperature performance, while other approaches yield smaller, incremental improvements. Data is very limited above 2770 K, and this complicates predictions of engine performance at high Isp. The paper considers how this material performance data translates into engine performance. In particular, the location of maximum temperature within the fuel element and the effect of heat deposition rate are examined.

Fabrication of cermet bearings for the control system of a high temperature lithium cooled nuclear reactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yacobucci, H. G.; Heestand, R. L.; Kizer, D. E.

1973-01-01

The techniques used to fabricate cermet bearings for the fueled control drums of a liquid metal cooled reference-design reactor concept are presented. The bearings were designed for operation in lithium for as long as 5 years at temperatures to 1205 C. Two sets of bearings were fabricated from a hafnium carbide - 8-wt. % molybdenum - 2-wt. % niobium carbide cermet, and two sets were fabricated from a hafnium nitride - 10-wt. % tungsten cermet. Procedures were developed for synthesizing the material in high purity inert-atmosphere glove boxes to minimize oxygen content in order to enhance corrosion resistance. Techniques were developed for pressing cylindrical billets to conserve materials and to reduce machining requirements. Finishing was accomplished by a combination of diamond grinding, electrodischarge machining, and diamond lapping. Samples were characterized in respect to composition, impurity level, lattice parameter, microstructure and density.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Becher, P.F.; Sun, E.Y.; Hsueh, C.H.

The development of high strength ({ge} 1 GPa), high toughness ({ge} 10 MPa {radical}m) ceramic systems is being examined using two approaches. In silicon nitride, toughening is achieved by the introduction of large prismatic shaped grains dispersed in a fine grain matrix. For the system examined herein, both the microstructure and the composition must be controlled. A distinctly bimodal distribution of grain diameters combined with controlled yttria to alumina ratio in additives to promote interfacial debonding is required. Using a cermet approach, ductile Ni{sub 3}Al-bonded TiC exhibited toughening due to plastic deformation within the Ni{sub 3}Al binder phase assisted bymore » interfacial debonding and cleavage of TiC grains. The TiC-Ni{sub 3}Al cermets have toughness values equal to those of the WC-Co cermets. Furthermore, the TiC-Ni{sub 3}Al cermets exhibit high strengths that are retained in air to temperatures of {approximately} 1,000 C.« less

Compatibility evaluation between La 2Mo 2O 9 fast oxide-ion conductor and Ni-based materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corbel, Gwenaël; Lacorre, Philippe

2006-05-01

The chemical reactivity of La 2NiO 4+δ and nickel metal or nickel oxide with fast oxide-ion conductor La 2Mo 2O 9 is investigated in the annealing temperature range between 600 and 1000 °C, using room temperature X-ray powder diffraction. Within the La 2NiO 4+δ/La 2Mo 2O 9 system, subsequent reaction is evidenced at relatively low annealing temperature (600 °C), with formation of La 2MoO 6 and NiO. The reaction is complete at 1000 °C. At reverse, no reaction occurs between Ni or NiO and La 2Mo 2O 9 up to 1000 °C. Together with a previous work [G. Corbel, S. Mestiri, P. Lacorre, Solid State Sci. 7 (2005) 1216], the current study shows that Ni-CGO cermets might be chemically and mechanically compatible anode materials to work with LAMOX electrolytes in solid oxide fuel cells.

Processing effects on microstructure, percolation and resistive sensor properties of nickel-zirconium oxide cermet films on silicon substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundeen, John Edward, Jr.

Thin Ni-ZrO2 cermet films were developed on silicon substrates using solution based, metallo-organic deposition (MOD) technique. The nickel based cermet films on silicon are of interest for heater, temperature and flow sensor devices, particularly in automotive or aerospace applications at UP to 250°C. In this study, precursors for the NiO-ZrO2 composite films were derived from metal carboxylate and nitrate based solutions. Composition and heat treatment conditions were the main process variables for controlling the structure, particle size and morphology, on which the electrical properties depend. Electrical resistance behavior was studied for Ni-ZrO2 films with 25--78 vol.% Ni content. This Ni amount exceeds the percolation threshold for conduction. The dependence of the resistance on individual processing variables, including film thickness, ambient flow rate, sintering temperature and time, and specimen geometry was studied. Electrical characterization included establishing the percolative resistive behavior in the MOD Ni-ZrO2 films. A resistive percolation threshold (pc) at ˜25 vol.% Ni was found for 800°C sintered, 1mum thick Ni-ZrO2 films. Existing models including the general effective media (GEM) percolation equation, and mixture rules were used to develop a predictive expression for Ni-ZrO2 film resistance as a function of composition. Kinetic analysis of particle size in the 55 vol.% Ni cermet films was directly correlated to the sheet resistance (Rs) of the films. The temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) was also correlated to R s, by the equation: (TCR)alpha = alphao - betaR s. These electrical characteristics make the films suitable for use as gas flow and temperature sensors. Calculated figure of merit (rho-TCR), values for the MOD Ni-ZrO2 films Compared favorably to commercial Pt and Ni based thin and thick film formulations used for heaters and thermal sensors. An added advantage of the MOD Ni-ZrO2, compared to the non-linear behavior of Ni, was that film resistance response to temperature is highly linear over the temperature range of 20--160°C. Select films could be heated to 45--100°C with a low (I2R) power input of 400mW-2W. Then films demonstrated stable hot resistance, high sensitivity and rapid response to gas flow. Significant accomplishments from this work included the development of: (a) MOD derived cermet films of 40--78 vol.% Ni, with high positive TCR of 2600--4250ppm/°C and Rs of 2.5--60%O/□/1mum which are highly suitable for thermal sensing applications, (b) A simple mixture rule rho = rhoo - m·VNi describing the film resistivity with composition; and (c) Expressions correlating film TCR and resistance to sintering time and temperature using particle growth kinetics.

Class II glass ionomer cermet tunnel, resin sandwich and amalgam restorations over 2 years.

PubMed

Wilkie, R; Lidums, A; Smales, R

1993-08-01

This study compared the clinical behavior of a glass ionomer (polyalkenoate) silver cermet, a posterior resin composite used with the "tunnel" technique, a posterior resin composite used with the "closed sandwich" technique, and a high-copper amalgam for restoring small, proximal surface carious lesions. Two dentists placed 86 restorations in the posterior permanent teeth of 26 adults treated at a dental hospital. Restorations were assessed at 6-month intervals over 2 years for gingivitis adjacent to them, the tightness of proximal contacts, occlusal wear, surface voids, roughness and cracking, surface and marginal staining, and marginal fracture. Small filling defects, surface voids and occlusal wear were obvious with the cermet material, with surface crazing and cracking present in 48% of the tunnel restorations. Two of the posterior resin composites, but none of the amalgam restorations, also failed. The cermet cannot be recommended as a long-term permanent restorative material in situations where it is likely to be subjected to heavy occlusal stresses and abrasive wear.

[Evaluation of cermet fillings in abutment teeth in removable partial prostheses].

PubMed

Saulic, S; Tihacek-Sojic, Lj

2001-01-01

The aim of the study was to describe the clinical process of setting the purpose filling on abutment teeth, after finishing the removable partial dentures. The aim was also to investigate the use of cermet glass-ionomer cement for the purpose filling in the abutment teeth for removable partial dentures, as well as to investigate the surface of the purpose filling. For the clinical evaluation of purpose filling slightly modified criteria according to Ryg's were used in 20 patients with different type of edentulousness. Changes occurring on the surface of purpose filling have been experimentally established by the method of scanning electron microscopy on the half-grown third molars in seven patients. It could be concluded that cement glass-ionomer was not the appropriate material for the purpose fillings in abutment teeth for removable partial dentures.

Boron-carbide-aluminum and boron-carbide-reactive metal cermets

DOEpatents

Halverson, Danny C.; Pyzik, Aleksander J.; Aksay, Ilhan A.

1986-01-01

Hard, tough, lightweight boron-carbide-reactive metal composites, particularly boron-carbide-aluminum composites, are produced. These composites have compositions with a plurality of phases. A method is provided, including the steps of wetting and reacting the starting materials, by which the microstructures in the resulting composites can be controllably selected. Starting compositions, reaction temperatures, reaction times, and reaction atmospheres are parameters for controlling the process and resulting compositions. The ceramic phases are homogeneously distributed in the metal phases and adhesive forces at ceramic-metal interfaces are maximized. An initial consolidation step is used to achieve fully dense composites. Microstructures of boron-carbide-aluminum cermets have been produced with modulus of rupture exceeding 110 ksi and fracture toughness exceeding 12 ksi.sqroot.in. These composites and methods can be used to form a variety of structural elements.

Boron-carbide-aluminum and boron-carbide-reactive metal cermets. [B/sub 4/C-Al

DOEpatents

Halverson, D.C.; Pyzik, A.J.; Aksay, I.A.

1985-05-06

Hard, tough, lighweight boron-carbide-reactive metal composites, particularly boron-carbide-aluminum composites, are produced. These composites have compositions with a plurality of phases. A method is provided, including the steps of wetting and reacting the starting materials, by which the microstructures in the resulting composites can be controllably selected. Starting compositions, reaction temperatures, reaction times, and reaction atmospheres are parameters for controlling the process and resulting compositions. The ceramic phases are homogeneously distributed in the metal phases and adhesive forces at ceramic-metal interfaces are maximized. An initial consolidated step is used to achieve fully dense composites. Microstructures of boron-carbide-aluminum cermets have been produced with modules of rupture exceeding 110 ksi and fracture toughness exceeding 12 ksi..sqrt..in. These composites and methods can be used to form a variety of structural elements.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bunshah, R.F.; Shabaik, A.H.

The process of Activated Reactive Evaporation is used to synthesize superhard materials like carbides, oxides, nitrides and ultrafine grain cermets. The deposits are characterized by hardness, microstructure, microprobe analysis for chemistry and lattice parameter measurements. The synthesis and characterization of TiC-Ni cermets and Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ are given. High speed steel tool coated with TiC, TiC-Ni and TaC are tested for machining performance at different speeds and feeds. The machining evaluation and the selection of coatings is based on the rate of deterioration of the coating tool temperature, and cutting forces. Tool life tests show coated high speed steel toolsmore » having 150 to 300% improvement in tool life compared to uncoated tools. Variability in the quality of the ground edge on high speed steel inserts produce a great scatter in the machining evaluation data.« less

Durability of cermet ionomer cement conditioned in different media.

PubMed

el-Din, I M

1992-01-01

The glass ionomer cement has exhibited significant adhesion to hard tooth structures, and good cariostatic properties. The sintering of the silver alloy powder and glass ionomer cement "cermet cement" has provided additional improvement in the physical properties of the restorative material. These were flexural resistance, wear resistance, increased radio-opacity, hardness and porosity. The improvement in the physical properties of the cermet glass cements has provided an extension in their clinical use as core build up, lining for inlays, amalgam and composite restoratives, fissure filling, restoration of primary teeth, class II tunnel preparation, treatment of root caries and repair of defective metal margins in crown and inlays.

High temperature resistant cermet and ceramic compositions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, W. M. (Inventor)

1978-01-01

Cermet compositions having high temperature oxidation resistance, high hardness and high abrasion and wear resistance, and particularly adapted for production of high temperature resistant cermet insulator bodies are presented. The compositions are comprised of a sintered body of particles of a high temperature resistant metal or metal alloy, preferably molybdenum or tungsten particles, dispersed in and bonded to a solid solution formed of aluminum oxide and silicon nitride, and particularly a ternary solid solution formed of a mixture of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride and aluminum nitride. Also disclosed are novel ceramic compositions comprising a sintered solid solution of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride and aluminum nitride.

An advanced plasmonic cermet solar absorber for high temperature solar energy conversion applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bilokur, M.; Gentle, A.; Arnold, M.; Cortie, M.; Smith, G.

2017-08-01

Cermet coatings based on nanoparticles of Au or Ag in a stable dielectric matrix provide a combination of spectral-selectivity and microstructural stability at elevated temperatures. The nanoparticles provide an absorption peak due to their localized surface plasmon resonance and the dielectric matrix provides red-shifting and intrinsic absorption from defects. The matrix and two separated cermet layers combined add mechanical support, greater thermal stability and extra absorptance. The coatings may be prepared by magnetron sputtering. They have solar absorptance ranging between 91% and 97% with low thermal emittance making them suitable for application in solar thermal conversion installations.

High temperature oxidation resistant cermet compositions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, W. M. (Inventor)

1976-01-01

Cermet compositions are designed to provide high temperature resistant refractory coatings on stainless steel or molybdenum substrates. A ceramic mixture of chromium oxide and aluminum oxide form a coating of chromium oxide as an oxidation barrier around the metal particles, to provide oxidation resistance for the metal particles.

High Power Attenuator and Termination.

DTIC Science & Technology

sections are configured from a single thin film series resistor comprised of gold and a plurality of shunt resistors formed from a layer of cermet which...underlies the gold film resistor. The cermet shunt resistors extend away from the series resistor to the side edge of the substrate where they

In vitro caries-inhibitory properties of a silver cermet.

PubMed

Swift, E J

1989-06-01

Recurrent caries is one of the primary causes of failure of dental restorations. One method for reducing the frequency and severity of this problem is the use of fluoride-releasing restorative materials. The glass-ionomer cements are a type of fluoride-releasing material. They have been used extensively in recent years for a variety of clinical applications. However, in comparison with other restorative materials such as amalgam and composite resins, glass ionomers have relatively poor physical properties. Sintering of silver particles to glass-ionomer powder is a means of improving these physical properties. The sintered material is called a silver-glass ionomer or silver cermet. This study examined the in vitro caries-inhibitory potential of a silver cement by means of two methods. First, long-term fluoride release was measured. Second, an artificial caries system was used for evaluation of caries inhibition by cerment restorations in extracted teeth. In comparison with a standard glass-ionomer restorative material, fluoride release from the cermet material was significantly less throughout a 12-month period. The results from the artificial caries system indicated that this decreased fluoride release corresponded with a lesser degree of caries inhibition. Lesions around cermet restorations in both enamel and root surfaces were significantly more severe than those around conventional glass-ionomer restorations. However, in comparison with amalgam and composite resin restorations, the cermet did have some cariostatic activity.

Design and fabrication of segmented-in-series solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Tammy S.

Segmented-in-series solid oxide fuel cells (SS-SOFC) consist of several thick film cells deposited onto a porous, flattened tubular substrate. SS-SOFCs have a reduced need for gas-tight seals relative to planar SOFCs and can have a short current path compared to tubular SOFCs, limiting electrode ohmic resistance. Like tubular SOFCs, SS-SOFCs are suitable for stationary power generation. Their potentially small cell size makes them candidates for portable applications as well. The goals of this thesis project were to develop SS-SOFCs with 1-2 mm cell lengths and to analyze the effects of cell geometry and support current shunting on performance. Standard SOFC materials were chosen for the active components: yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte; Ni-YSZ cermet anode; and (La,Sr)MnO 3-based cathode. A Pt-YSZ cermet was used as the interconnect material. Screen printing was the deposition method for all layers due to its low cost and patterning ability. A power density of >900 mW/cm2 was achieved with a cathode sheet resistance of ≈3 O/□ (≈90 mum LSM thickness). A D-optimal study was conducted to find processing conditions yielding substrates with ≥30 vol% porosity and high strength. Uniaxially pressed partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) with 15 wt% starch pore former met the requirements, though 20 wt% graphite pore former was later found to give a smoother surface that improved screen printed layer quality. Calculations presented in this thesis take into account losses due to cell resistances, electrode ohmic resistances, interconnect resistance, and shunting by a weakly-conductive support material. Power density was maximized at an optimal cell length---it decreased at larger cell lengths due to electrode lateral resistance loss and at smaller cell lengths due to a decreasing fraction of cell active area. Assuming dimensions expected for screen printing and typical area specific resistances (RAS), optimal cell lengths typically ranged from 1 to 3 mm. The calculated and experimental values for the array RAS (active and inactive areas) showed similar dependences on cathode sheet resistance. The impact of shunting current increased with decreasing cell lengths. Shunting current was predicted to decrease array current by ˜10% for a 1.5 mm active cell length, though experimental measurements suggest that the calculation may overestimate the shunting effect.

Cermet cements.

PubMed

McLean, J W

1990-01-01

Cermet ionomer cements are sintered metal/glass powders, which can be made to react with poly(acids). These new cements are significantly more resistant to abrasion than regular glass ionomer cements and are widely accepted as core build-up materials and lining cements. They can strengthen teeth and provide the clinician with an opportunity to treat early dental caries.

Nuclear fuel cycle waste stream immobilization with cermets for improved thermal properties and waste consolidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortega, Luis H.; Kaminski, Michael D.; Zeng, Zuotao; Cunnane, James

2013-07-01

In the pursuit of methods to improve nuclear waste form thermal properties and combine potential nuclear fuel cycle wastes, a bronze alloy was combined with an alkali, alkaline earth metal bearing ceramic to form a cermet. The alloy was prepared from copper and tin (10 mass%) powders. Pre-sintered ceramic consisting of cesium, strontium, barium and rubidium alumino-silicates was mixed with unalloyed bronze precursor powders and cold pressed to 300 × 103 kPa, then sintered at 600 °C and 800 °C under hydrogen. Cermets were also prepared that incorporated molybdenum, which has a limited solubility in glass, under similar conditions. The cermet thermal conductivities were seven times that of the ceramic alone. These improved thermal properties can reduce thermal gradients within the waste forms thus lowering internal temperature gradients and thermal stresses, allowing for larger waste forms and higher waste loadings. These benefits can reduce the total number of waste packages necessary to immobilize a given amount of high level waste and immobilize troublesome elements.

Influence of the shielding effect on the formation of a micro-texture on the cermet with nanosecond pulsed laser ablation.

PubMed

Yuan, Jiandong; Liang, Liang; Jiang, Lelun; Liu, Xin

2018-04-01

The degree of laser pulse overlapping in a laser scanning path has a significant impact on the ablation regime in the laser machining of a micro-texture. In this Letter, a nanosecond pulsed laser is used to prepare the micro-scaled groove on WC-8Co cermet under different scanning speeds. It is observed that as the scanning speed increases, the ablated trace morphology in the first scanning pass transits from a succession of intermittent deep dimples to the consecutive overlapped shallow pits. The test result also indicates that ablated trace morphology with respect to the low scanning speed stems from a plume shielding effect. Moreover, the ablation regime considering the shielding effect in micro-groove formation process is clarified. The critical scanning speed that can circumvent the shielding effect is also summarized with respect to different laser powers.

Thermal shock resistance ceramic insulator

DOEpatents

Morgan, Chester S.; Johnson, William R.

1980-01-01

Thermal shock resistant cermet insulators containing 0.1-20 volume % metal present as a dispersed phase. The insulators are prepared by a process comprising the steps of (a) providing a first solid phase mixture of a ceramic powder and a metal precursor; (b) heating the first solid phase mixture above the minimum decomposition temperature of the metal precursor for no longer than 30 minutes and to a temperature sufficiently above the decomposition temperature to cause the selective decomposition of the metal precursor to the metal to provide a second solid phase mixture comprising particles of ceramic having discrete metal particles adhering to their surfaces, said metal particles having a mean diameter no more than 1/2 the mean diameter of the ceramic particles, and (c) densifying the second solid phase mixture to provide a cermet insulator having 0.1-20 volume % metal present as a dispersed phase.

Wear and repair of stainless steel crowns.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Y; Kara, N Belduz; Yilmaz, A; Sahin, H

2011-03-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the wear of stainless steel crowns (SSCs) in children, and compare the extent of microleakage in SSCs that had been repaired using either a cermet glass-ionomer cement (GIC) or a packable composite resin (CR). For the first aim, the occlusal surface thickness of 31 harvested SSCs (21 primary first and 10 second molars) and 18 unused SSCs was measured, and then examined under scanning electron microscopy. For the second aim, standardised holes were prepared on the occlusal surfaces of 20 SSCs, and then repaired using either a cermet GIC or packable CR. After their repair, the extent of microleakage was determined using 0.5% basic fuchsin and stereomicroscopy. The thickness of all the harvested SCCs was 5.3 μm less than that of the unused SCCs (p<0.02), and there were no significant differences between the thickness and occlusal wear rates of harvested SSCs from the first and second primary molars. Although neither of the two repair materials completely prevented microleakage, the number of specimens in which microleakage occurred after repair with a cermet GIC was significantly lower than the number of specimens in which a packable CR was used (p<0.05). We concluded that the occlusal surfaces of SSCs for first and second primary molars display wear. Although perforated SSCs can be repaired using either a cermet GIC or a packable CR, less microleakage occurs in SSCs that were repaired with a cermet GIC than those with a packable CR.

Hot Hydrogen Testing of Tungsten-Uranium Dioxide (W-UO2) CERMET Fuel Materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hickman, Robert; Broadway, Jeramie

2014-01-01

CERMET fuel materials are being developed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center for a Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage. Recent work has resulted in the development and demonstration of a Compact Fuel Element Environmental Test (CFEET) System that is capable of subjecting depleted uranium fuel material samples to hot hydrogen. A critical obstacle to the development of an NCPS engine is the high-cost and safety concerns associated with developmental testing in nuclear environments. The purpose of this testing capability is to enable low-cost screening of candidate materials, fabrication processes, and further validation of concepts. The CERMET samples consist of depleted uranium dioxide (UO2) fuel particles in a tungsten metal matrix, which has been demonstrated on previous programs to provide improved performance and retention of fission products1. Numerous past programs have utilized hot hydrogen furnace testing to develop and evaluate fuel materials. The testing provides a reasonable simulation of temperature and thermal stress effects in a flowing hydrogen environment. Though no information is gained about radiation damage, the furnace testing is extremely valuable for development and verification of fuel element materials and processes. The current work includes testing of subscale W-UO2 slugs to evaluate fuel loss and stability. The materials are then fabricated into samples with seven cooling channels to test a more representative section of a fuel element. Several iterations of testing are being performed to evaluate fuel mass loss impacts from density, microstructure, fuel particle size and shape, chemistry, claddings, particle coatings, and stabilizers. The fuel materials and forms being evaluated on this effort have all been demonstrated to control fuel migration and loss. The objective is to verify performance improvements of the various materials and process options prior to expensive full scale fabrication and testing. Post test analysis will include weight percent fuel loss, microscopy, dimensional tolerance, and fuel stability.

Hertzian indentation of colloidally processed titanium carbide-nickel aluminide composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collier, R. Bradley

Advanced cermets based on titanium carbide (TiC), with a ductile nickel aluminide (Ni3Al) binder, have shown significant promise for use in a variety of demanding wear environments, due to a combination of high strength and good corrosion behaviour. A unique feature of TiC-Ni3Al cermets is that they show increasing strength from room temperature up to ˜1,000°C, while current materials such as tungsten carbide/cobalt (WC/Co) show significant strength degradation above ˜500°C. In this thesis, aqueous colloidal forming methods have been applied to process TiC preforms. The mechanisms and effectiveness of suspension stabilization were examined using methods such as zeta potential analysis, rheological measurements, and sedimentation trials for two common dispersants; an ammonium salt of polymethacrylate (PMA-NH 4) and two molecular weights (l,800 and 10,000) of polyethylenimine (PEI). TiC preforms were prepared by slip casting suspensions of up to 50 vol. % solids content. After drying, the TiC-based cermets were processed by melt infiltration with the Ni3Al alloy (IC-50) at 1475°C.Ni 3Al content was varied between 20 and 50 vol. % using this approach, resulting in final densities that exceeded 98% of theoretical. These samples were subjected to Hertzian indentation testing with loads ranging from 250 -- 2000 N, using WC-Co spheres with sizes ranging from 1.191 to 2.38 mm. Indentation stress-strain curves were produced from the indentation data and compared to the calculated elastic Hertzian response. The bonded interface method was used to examine the subsurface deformation of the material under load. Significant deformation of the binder and the eventual fracture of the TiC grains were observed. The nature of the quasi-plasticity of TiC-Ni 3Al and the effects of binder content on surface and subsurface deformation is examined.

High-velocity-oxidation performance of metal-chromium-aluminum (MCrAl), cermet, and modified aluminide coatings on IN-100 and type VIA alloys at 1093 C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deadmore, D. L.

1974-01-01

Cermet, MCrAl, and modified aluminide types of coatings applied to IN-100 and NASA-TRW-VIA alloy specimens were cyclically oxidation tested in a high velocity (Mach 1) gas flame at 1093 C. Several coating compositions of each type were evaluated for oxidation resistance. The modified aluminide coating, Pt-Al, applied to alloy 6A proved to be the best, providing oxidation protection to approximately 750 hours based on weight change measurements. The second best, a CoCrAlY coating applied to 6A, provided protection to 450 hours. The third best was a cermet + aluminide coating on 6A with a protection time to 385 hours.

Advanced propulsion engine assessment based on a cermet reactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parsley, Randy C.

1993-01-01

A preferred Pratt & Whitney conceptual Nuclear Thermal Rocket Engine (NTRE) has been designed based on the fundamental NASA priorities of safety, reliability, cost, and performance. The basic philosophy underlying the design of the XNR2000 is the utilization of the most reliable form of ultrahigh temperature nuclear fuel and development of a core configuration which is optimized for uniform power distribution, operational flexibility, power maneuverability, weight, and robustness. The P&W NTRE system employs a fast spectrum, cermet fueled reactor configured in an expander cycle to ensure maximum operational safety. The cermet fuel form provides retention of fuel and fission products as well as high strength. A high level of confidence is provided by benchmark analysis and independent evaluations.

Electrically conductive anodized aluminum coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alwitt, Robert S. (Inventor); Liu, Yanming (Inventor)

2001-01-01

A process for producing anodized aluminum with enhanced electrical conductivity, comprising anodic oxidation of aluminum alloy substrate, electrolytic deposition of a small amount of metal into the pores of the anodized aluminum, and electrolytic anodic deposition of an electrically conductive oxide, including manganese dioxide, into the pores containing the metal deposit; and the product produced by the process.

Internal passivation of Al-based microchannel devices by electrochemical anodization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hymel, Paul J.; Guan, D. S.; Mu, Yang; Meng, W. J.; Meng, Andrew C.

2015-02-01

Metal-based microchannel devices have wide-ranging applications. We report here a method to electrochemically anodize the internal surfaces of Al microchannels, with the purpose of forming a uniform and dense anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) layer on microchannel internal surfaces for chemical passivation and corrosion resistance. A pulsed electrolyte flow was utilized to emulate conventional anodization processes while replenishing depleted ionic species within Al microtubes and microchannels. After anodization, the AAO film was sealed in hot water to close the nanopores. Focused ion beam (FIB) sectioning, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were utilized to characterize the AAO morphology and composition. Potentiodynamic polarization corrosion testing of anodized Al microtube half-sections in a NaCl solution showed an order of magnitude decrease in anodic corrosion current when compared to an unanodized tube. The surface passivation process was repeated for Al-based microchannel heat exchangers. A corrosion testing method based on the anodization process showed higher resistance to ion transport through the anodized specimens than unanodized specimens, thus verifying the internal anodization and sealing process as a viable method for surface passivation of Al microchannel devices.

High Temperature Oxidation of Nickel-based Cermet Coatings Composed of Al2O3 and TiO2 Nanosized Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farrokhzad, M. A.; Khan, T. I.

2014-09-01

New technological challenges in oil production require materials that can resist high temperature oxidation. In-Situ Combustion (ISC) oil production technique is a new method that uses injection of air and ignition techniques to reduce the viscosity of bitumen in a reservoir and as a result crude bitumen can be produced and extracted from the reservoir. During the in-situ combustion process, production pipes and other mechanical components can be exposed to air-like gaseous environments at extreme temperatures as high as 700 °C. To protect or reduce the surface degradation of pipes and mechanical components used in in-situ combustion, the use of nickel-based ceramic-metallic (cermet) coating produced by co-electrodeposition of nanosized Al2O3 and TiO2 have been suggested and earlier research on these coatings have shown promising oxidation resistance against atmospheric oxygen and combustion gases at elevated temperatures. Co-electrodeposition of nickel-based cermet coatings is a low-cost method that has the benefit of allowing both internal and external surfaces of pipes and components to be coated during a single electroplating process. Research has shown that the volume fraction of dispersed nanosized Al2O3 and TiO2 particles in the nickel matrix which affects the oxidation resistance of the coating can be controlled by the concentration of these particles in the electrolyte solution, as well as the applied current density during electrodeposition. This paper investigates the high temperature oxidation behaviour of novel nanostructured cermet coatings composed of two types of dispersed nanosized ceramic particles (Al2O3 and TiO2) in a nickel matrix and produced by coelectrodeposition technique as a function of the concentration of these particles in the electrolyte solution and applied current density. For this purpose, high temperature oxidation tests were conducted in dry air for 96 hours at 700 °C to obtain mass changes (per unit of area) at specific time intervals. Statistical techniques as described in ASTM G16 were used to formulate the oxidation mass change as a function of time. The cross-section and surface of the oxidized coatings were examined for both visual and chemical analyses using wavelength dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (WDS) element mapping, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that the volume fraction for each type of particle in the nickel matrix corresponded to its partial molar concentration in the electrolyte solutions. Increase in volume fraction of particles in the nickel matrix was correlated to lower oxidation rates. It was concluded that formation of Ni3TiO5 and NiTiO3 compounds can reduce the oxidation rate of cermet coatings by capturing some inward diffusing oxygen ions resulting in a lower number of nickel cations diffusing upward into the oxide layer.

Cermet materials prepared by combustion synthesis and metal infiltration

DOEpatents

Holt, Joseph B.; Dunmead, Stephen D.; Halverson, Danny C.; Landingham, Richard L.

1991-01-01

Ceramic-metal composites (cermets) are made by a combination of self-propagating high temperature combustion synthesis and molten metal infiltration. Solid-gas, solid-solid and solid-liquid reactions of a powder compact produce a porous ceramic body which is infiltrated by molten metal to produce a composite body of higher density. AlN-Al and many other materials can be produced.

Method of removing the effects of electrical shorts and shunts created during the fabrication process of a solar cell

DOEpatents

Nostrand, Gerald E.; Hanak, Joseph J.

1979-01-01

A method of removing the effects of electrical shorts and shunts created during the fabrication process and improving the performance of a solar cell with a thick film cermet electrode opposite to the incident surface by applying a reverse bias voltage of sufficient magnitude to burn out the electrical shorts and shunts but less than the break down voltage of the solar cell.

The Effect of Mo Particles Addition in Ag-Cu-Ti Filler Alloy on Ti(C,N)-Based Cermet/45 Steel-Brazed Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Hu; Du, Xueming; Huang, Xiaokai; Xu, Weijian; Yao, Zhenhua

2018-05-01

Reliable brazing of Ti(C,N)-based cermet and 45 steel was successfully achieved by using the Mo-particle-reinforced Ag-Cu-Ti composite filler. The effects of Mo content on the interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermet/45 steel joints were analyzed. The results showed that the joint microstructure was primarily composed of Ni3Ti+Cu3Ti2, Ag(s,s)+Cu(s.s), CuTi+Mo, Ti-based solid solution, and FeTi+Fe2Ti. With the increase in Mo content in filler, the thickness of the Ni3Ti+Cu3Ti2 layer adjacent to the Ti(C,N)-based cermet decreases, while more blocky Ti-Cu intermetallic were observed in the brazing seam. The shear strength of the joint could be significantly improved by adding suitable amounts of Mo into the Ag-Cu-Ti filler, and the peak value of 263 MPa was achieved when the alloys were brazed with Ag-Cu-Ti+8wt.%Mo composite filler at 920 °C for 20 min.

Novel Cryogenic Heaters: Sputter Deposited Cermet Materials with Low Temperature Coefficients of Resistivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeager, C. J.; Courts, S. S.; Chapin, L.

2004-06-01

The electrical properties of a novel cryogenic heater are presented. A new ceramic-metal composition (cermet) has been developed that can be sputter deposited. This material has a very low temperature coefficient of resistivity. Resistivity measurements as a function of temperature are presented. The cermet has a constant resistance to within 0.1% between 77 K and 50 mK. At 4.2 K the d(logR)/d(logT) value is approximately -0.0005. The resistance change between room temperature and 4.2 K is 2.5%. The cermet heater will be compared to other low temperature coefficient of resistivity alloys (Evanohm, phosphor-bronze, nichrome and platinum-tungsten wire) that are used for cryogenic heaters and fixed resistors. Unlike the wire alloys, this material can be sputter deposited. This allows various die designs (meander patterns) to control the final resistance. The die can be mounted into standard commercial cryogenic sensor packages. Compared to other wire alloys, this allows for a simpler implementation for a cryogenic heater and fixed resistance standards. The material can also be deposited onto existing structures such as MEMS based heat capacity chip under development.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sibley, L.B.; Mace, A.E.; Grieser, D.R.

Various ceramic and cermet materials were evaluated for unlubricated wear resistance at high sliding speed (100 to 200 fps) and low unit load (5to 50 psi) in 1000 to 1800 deg F air. A statistical correlation was obtained between the measured wear rates under these conditions and the coefficient of friction, the thermal-stress resistance, and the thermal dlffusivity of the mated materials on which wear predominated. A mechanism of wear was evolved based on the above correlation and on the experimental study of friction and wear surface- temperature fluctuations using special transducers and color-motion-picture photography. During high-speed sliding, wear appearsmore » to be induced by the inability of ceramic and cermet materials to resist thermal stresses produced by temperature gradients within each rubbing surface between small asperities or hot spots. in frictional contact and the body of the respective materials. In this situation the wear rate is influenced both by the configuration of the rubbing pants and by the thermalstress-resistance properties of the materials. Promising materials for high-temperature high-speed sliding bearings and seals include Al/ sub 2/O/sub 3/-Cr-Mo cermets, SiC ceramics, and TiC-Ni-Mo cermets. (auth)« less

Anodization process produces opaque, reflective coatings on aluminum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1965-01-01

Opaque, reflective coatings are produced on aluminum articles by an anodizing process wherein the anodizing bath contains an aqueous dispersion of finely divided insoluble inorganic compounds. These particles appear as uniformly distributed occlusions in the anodic deposit on the aluminum.

Cermet materials prepared by combustion synthesis and metal infiltration

DOEpatents

Holt, J.B.; Dunmead, S.D.; Halverson, D.C.; Landingham, R.L.

1991-01-29

Ceramic-metal composites (cermets) are made by a combination of self-propagating high temperature combustion synthesis and molten metal infiltration. Solid-gas, solid-solid and solid-liquid reactions of a powder compact produce a porous ceramic body which is infiltrated by molten metal to produce a composite body of higher density. AlN-Al and many other materials can be produced. 6 figures.

Preliminary Investigation of Several Root Designs for Cermet Turbine Blades in Turbojet Engine III : Curved-root Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinkel, Benjamin; Deutsch, George C; Morgan, William C

1955-01-01

Stresses om tje root fastenings of turbine blades were appreciably reduced by redesign of the root. The redesign consisted in curving the root to approximately conform to the camber of the airfoil and elimination of the blade platform. Full-scale jet-engine tests at rated speed using cermet blades of the design confirmed the improvement.

Mars Mission Analysis Trades Based on Legacy and Future Nuclear Propulsion Options

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joyner, Russell; Lentati, Andrea; Cichon, Jaclyn

2007-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the results of mission-based system trades when using a nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) system for Solar System exploration. The results are based on comparing reactor designs that use a ceramic-metallic (CERMET), graphite matrix, graphite composite matrix, or carbide matrix fuel element designs. The composite graphite matrix and CERMET designs have been examined for providing power as well as propulsion. Approaches to the design of the NTP to be discussed will include an examination of graphite, composite, carbide, and CERMET core designs and the attributes of each in regards to performance and power generation capability. The focus is on NTP approaches based on tested fuel materials within a prismatic fuel form per the Argonne National Laboratory testing and the ROVER/NERVA program. NTP concepts have been examined for several years at Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne for use as the primary propulsion for human missions beyond earth. Recently, an approach was taken to examine the design trades between specific NTP concepts; NERVA-based (UC)C-Graphite, (UC,ZrC)C-Composite, (U,Zr)C-Solid Carbide and UO2-W CERMET. Using Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's multidisciplinary design analysis capability, a detailed mission and vehicle model has been used to examine how several of these NTP designs impact a human Mars mission. Trends for the propulsion system mass as a function of power level (i.e. thrust size) for the graphite-carbide and CERMET designs were established and correlated against data created over the past forty years. These were used for the mission trade study. The resulting mission trades presented in this paper used a comprehensive modeling approach that captures the mission, vehicle subsystems, and NTP sizing.

Effect of Particle Morphology on Cold Spray Deposition of Chromium Carbide-Nickel Chromium Cermet Powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandez, Ruben; Jodoin, Bertrand

2017-08-01

Nickel chromium-chromium carbide coatings provide good corrosion and wear resistance at high temperatures, making them ideal for applications where a harsh environment and high temperatures are expected. Thermal spray processes are preferred as deposition technique of cermets, but the high process temperatures can lead to decarburization and reduction of the coatings properties. Cold spray uses lower temperatures preventing decarburization. Since the metallic phase remains solid, the feedstock powder morphology becomes crucial on the deposition behavior. Six commercially available powders were studied, varying in morphology and metal/ceramic ratios. The powders were categorized into 4 groups depending on their morphology. Spherical powders lead to substrate erosion due to their limited overall ductility. Porous agglomerated and sintered powders lead to severely cracked coatings. For dense agglomerated and sintered powders, the outcome depended on the initial metal/ceramic ratio: powders with 25 wt.% NiCr led to substrate erosion while 35 wt.% NiCr powders led to dense coatings. Finally, blended ceramic-metal mixtures also lead to dense coatings. All coatings obtained had lower ceramic content than the initial feedstock powders. Interrupted spray tests, combined with FEA, helped drawing conclusions on the deposition behavior to explain the obtained results.

Thermal Performance of an Annealed Pyrolytic Graphite Solar Collector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaworske, Donald A.; Hornacek, Jennifer

2002-01-01

A solar collector having the combined properties of high solar absorptance, low infrared emittance, and high thermal conductivity is needed for applications where solar energy is to be absorbed and transported for use in minisatellites. Such a solar collector may be used with a low temperature differential heat engine to provide power or with a thermal bus for thermal switching applications. One concept being considered for the solar collector is an Al2O3 cermet coating applied to a thermal conductivity enhanced polished aluminum substrate. The cermet coating provides high solar absorptance and the polished aluminum provides low infrared emittance. Annealed pyrolytic graphite embedded in the aluminum substrate provides enhanced thermal conductivity. The as-measured thermal performance of an annealed pyrolytic graphite thermal conductivity enhanced polished aluminum solar collector, coated with a cermet coating, will be presented.

Microscopic Examination of Cold Spray Cermet Sn+In2O3 Coatings for Sputtering Target Materials

PubMed Central

Baszczuk, A.; Rutkowska-Gorczyca, M.; Jasiorski, M.; Małachowska, A.; Posadowski, W.; Znamirowski, Z.

2017-01-01

Low-pressure cold spraying is a newly developed technology with high application potential. The aim of this study was to investigate potential application of this technique for producing a new type of transparent conductive oxide films target. Cold spraying technique allows the manufacture of target directly on the backing plate; therefore the proposed sputtering target has a form of Sn+In2O3 coating sprayed onto copper substrate. The microstructure and properties of the feedstock powder prepared using three various methods as well as the deposited ones by low-pressure cold spraying coatings were evaluated, compared, and analysed. Produced cermet Sn+In2O3 targets were employed in first magnetron sputtering process to deposit preliminary, thin, transparent conducting oxide films onto the glass substrates. The resistivity of obtained preliminary films was measured and allows believing that fabrication of TCO (transparent conducting oxide) films using targets produced by cold spraying is possible in the future, after optimization of the deposition conditions. PMID:29109810

Microscopic Examination of Cold Spray Cermet Sn+In2O3 Coatings for Sputtering Target Materials.

PubMed

Winnicki, M; Baszczuk, A; Rutkowska-Gorczyca, M; Jasiorski, M; Małachowska, A; Posadowski, W; Znamirowski, Z; Ambroziak, A

2017-01-01

Low-pressure cold spraying is a newly developed technology with high application potential. The aim of this study was to investigate potential application of this technique for producing a new type of transparent conductive oxide films target. Cold spraying technique allows the manufacture of target directly on the backing plate; therefore the proposed sputtering target has a form of Sn+In 2 O 3 coating sprayed onto copper substrate. The microstructure and properties of the feedstock powder prepared using three various methods as well as the deposited ones by low-pressure cold spraying coatings were evaluated, compared, and analysed. Produced cermet Sn+In 2 O 3 targets were employed in first magnetron sputtering process to deposit preliminary, thin, transparent conducting oxide films onto the glass substrates. The resistivity of obtained preliminary films was measured and allows believing that fabrication of TCO (transparent conducting oxide) films using targets produced by cold spraying is possible in the future, after optimization of the deposition conditions.

Process and apparatus for recovery of fissionable materials from spent reactor fuel by anodic dissolution

DOEpatents

Tomczuk, Zygmunt; Miller, William E.; Wolson, Raymond D.; Gay, Eddie C.

1991-01-01

An electrochemical process and apparatus for the recovery of uranium and plutonium from spent metal clad fuel pins is disclosed. The process uses secondary reactions between U.sup.+4 cations and elemental uranium at the anode to increase reaction rates and improve anodic efficiency compared to prior art processes. In another embodiment of the process, secondary reactions between Cd.sup.+2 cations and elemental uranium to form uranium cations and elemental cadmium also assists in oxidizing the uranium at the anode.

Cermet insert high voltage holdoff improvement for ceramic/metal vacuum devices

DOEpatents

Ierna, W.F.

1986-03-11

An improved metal-to-ceramic seal is provided wherein the ceramic body of the seal contains an integral region of cermet material in electrical contact with the metallic member, e.g., an electrode, of the seal. The seal is useful in high voltage vacuum devices, e.g., vacuum switches, and increases the high-voltage holdoff capabilities of such devices. A method of fabricating such seals is also provided.

Cermet insert high voltage holdoff for ceramic/metal vacuum devices

DOEpatents

Ierna, William F.

1987-01-01

An improved metal-to-ceramic seal is provided wherein the ceramic body of the seal contains an integral region of cermet material in electrical contact with the metallic member, e.g., an electrode, of the seal. The seal is useful in high voltage vacuum devices, e.g., vacuum switches, and increases the high-voltage holdoff capabilities of such devices. A method of fabricating such seals is also provided.

Method for fabricating cermets of alumina-chromium systems

DOEpatents

Morgan, Chester S.

1983-01-01

Cermet insulators resistant to thermal and mechanical shock are prepared from alumina-chromium systems by providing an Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 material of about 0.5 to 7.0 micron size with a solid-hydrocarbon overcoating by slurring an effective amount of said solid hydrocarbon in a solvent mixture containing said Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and thereafter evaporating said solvent, contacting said coated Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 with a solution of chromium precursor compound, heating the resulting mixture in a reducing environment to a temperature above the decomposition temperature of said chromium precursor compound but less than the melting temperature of the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 or chromium for sufficient duration to yield a particulate compound having chromium essentially dispersed throughout the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and then densifying said particulate to provide said cermet characterized by a theoretical density in excess of 96% and having 0.1 to 10.0 vol.% elemental chromium metal present therein as a dispersed phase at the boundaries of the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 material. Cermet components prepared thereby are useful in high temperature equipment, advanced heat engines, and nuclear-related equipment applications where electrical or thermal insulators are required.

Tunnel restorations using glass ionomer or glass cermet: in vitro marginal ridge fracture and microleakage.

PubMed

Shetty, R; Munshi, A K

1996-01-01

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the marginal ridge fracture resistance and microleakage following restorations of partial tunnel preparations using glass ionomer and glass cermet cements. Sixty eight sound premolars were selected for this study and were divided randomly into six groups. A standardized partial tunnel preparation was done on all the teeth except specimens belonging to Group I. The partial tunnel preparations of Groups III & V were restored with glass ionomer and that of Groups IV & VI were restored with glass cermet. The teeth belonging to Groups I, II, III & IV were subjected to marginal ridge fracture resistance testing. The teeth of Groups V & VI were tested for microleakage after immersing them in 5% methylene blue solution for 4 hours. The results indicated that the teeth restored with glass cermet were marginally better than that with glass ionomer in terms of marginal ridge fracture resistance. Both the materials failed to reinforce the marginal ridge to the level of an intact tooth. The microleakage which occurred around both the materials were statistically insignificant, but on comparison glass ionomer showed better results. Hence, glass ionomer is preferred as a restorative material for partial tunnel preparations because of additional inherent advantages like superior esthetics and fluoride leachability.

[A study of different polishing techniques for amalgams and glass-cermet cement by scanning electron microscope (SEM)].

PubMed

Kakaboura, A; Vougiouklakis, G; Argiri, G

1989-01-01

Finishing and polishing an amalgam restoration, is considered as an important and necessary step of the restorative procedure. Various polishing techniques have been recommended to success a smooth amalgam surface. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of three different polishing treatments on the marginal integrity and surface smoothness of restorations made of three commercially available amalgams and a glass-cermet cement. The materials used were the amalgams, Amalcap (Vivadent), Dispersalloy (Johnson and Johnson), Duralloy (Degussa) and the glass-cermet Katac-Silver (ESPE). The occlusal surfaces of the restorations were polished by the methods: I) round bur, No4-rubber cup-zinc oxide paste in a small brush, II) round bur No 4-bur-brown, green and super green (Shofu) polishing cups and points successively and III) amalgam polishing bur of 12-blades-smooth amalgam polishing bur. Photographs from unpolished and polished surfaces of the restorations, were taken with scanning electron microscope, to evaluate the polishing techniques. An improvement of marginal integrity and surface smoothness of all amalgam restorations was observed after the specimens had been polished with the three techniques. Method II, included Shofu polishers, proved the best results in comparison to the methods I and III. Polishing of glass-cermet cement was impossible with the examined techniques.

Method for fabricating cermets of alumina-chromium systems. [Patent application

DOEpatents

Morgan, C.S.

1981-10-05

Cermet insulators resistant to thermal and mechanical shock are prepared from alumina-chromium systems in the following way: by providing an Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ material of about 0.5 to 7.0 micron size with a solid-hydrocarbon overcoating by slurrying an effective amount of said solid hydrocarbon in a solvent mixture containing said Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and thereafter evaporating said solvent, contacting said coated Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ with a solution of chromium precursor compound, heating the resulting mixture in a reducing environment to a temperature above the decomposition temperature of said chromium precursor compound but less than the melting temperature of the Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ or chromium for sufficient duration to yield a particulate compound having chromium essentially dispersed throughout the Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and then densifying said particulate to provide said cermet characterized by a theoretical density in excess of 96% and having 0.1 to 10.0 vol. % elemental chromium metal present therein as a dispersed phase at the boundaries of the Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ material. Cermet components prepared thereby are useful in high temperature equipment, advanced heat engines, and nuclear-related equipment applications where electrical or thermal insulators are required.

A Highly Controllable Electrochemical Anodization Process to Fabricate Porous Anodic Aluminum Oxide Membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yuanjing; Lin, Qingfeng; Liu, Xue; Gao, Yuan; He, Jin; Wang, Wenli; Fan, Zhiyong

2015-12-01

Due to the broad applications of porous alumina nanostructures, research on fabrication of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) with nanoporous structure has triggered enormous attention. While fabrication of highly ordered nanoporous AAO with tunable geometric features has been widely reported, it is known that its growth rate can be easily affected by the fluctuation of process conditions such as acid concentration and temperature during electrochemical anodization process. To fabricate AAO with various geometric parameters, particularly, to realize precise control over pore depth for scientific research and commercial applications, a controllable fabrication process is essential. In this work, we revealed a linear correlation between the integrated electric charge flow throughout the circuit in the stable anodization process and the growth thickness of AAO membranes. With this understanding, we developed a facile approach to precisely control the growth process of the membranes. It was found that this approach is applicable in a large voltage range, and it may be extended to anodization of other metal materials such as Ti as well.

A Highly Controllable Electrochemical Anodization Process to Fabricate Porous Anodic Aluminum Oxide Membranes.

PubMed

Lin, Yuanjing; Lin, Qingfeng; Liu, Xue; Gao, Yuan; He, Jin; Wang, Wenli; Fan, Zhiyong

2015-12-01

Due to the broad applications of porous alumina nanostructures, research on fabrication of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) with nanoporous structure has triggered enormous attention. While fabrication of highly ordered nanoporous AAO with tunable geometric features has been widely reported, it is known that its growth rate can be easily affected by the fluctuation of process conditions such as acid concentration and temperature during electrochemical anodization process. To fabricate AAO with various geometric parameters, particularly, to realize precise control over pore depth for scientific research and commercial applications, a controllable fabrication process is essential. In this work, we revealed a linear correlation between the integrated electric charge flow throughout the circuit in the stable anodization process and the growth thickness of AAO membranes. With this understanding, we developed a facile approach to precisely control the growth process of the membranes. It was found that this approach is applicable in a large voltage range, and it may be extended to anodization of other metal materials such as Ti as well.

Manufacturing High-Quality Carbon Nanotubes at Lower Cost

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benavides, Jeanette M.; Lidecker, Henning

2004-01-01

A modified electric-arc welding process has been developed for manufacturing high-quality batches of carbon nanotubes at relatively low cost. Unlike in some other processes for making carbon nanotubes, metal catalysts are not used and, consequently, it is not necessary to perform extensive cleaning and purification. Also, unlike some other processes, this process is carried out at atmospheric pressure under a hood instead of in a closed, pressurized chamber; as a result, the present process can be implemented more easily. Although the present welding-based process includes an electric arc, it differs from a prior electric-arc nanotube-production process. The welding equipment used in this process includes an AC/DC welding power source with an integral helium-gas delivery system and circulating water for cooling an assembly that holds one of the welding electrodes (in this case, the anode). The cathode is a hollow carbon (optionally, graphite) rod having an outside diameter of 2 in. (approximately equal to 5.1 cm) and an inside diameter of 5/8 in. (approximately equal to 1.6 cm). The cathode is partly immersed in a water bath, such that it protrudes about 2 in. (about 5.1 cm) above the surface of the water. The bottom end of the cathode is held underwater by a clamp, to which is connected the grounding cable of the welding power source. The anode is a carbon rod 1/8 in. (approximately equal to 0.3 cm) in diameter. The assembly that holds the anode includes a thumbknob- driven mechanism for controlling the height of the anode. A small hood is placed over the anode to direct a flow of helium downward from the anode to the cathode during the welding process. A bell-shaped exhaust hood collects the helium and other gases from the process. During the process, as the anode is consumed, the height of the anode is adjusted to maintain an anode-to-cathode gap of 1 mm. The arc-welding process is continued until the upper end of the anode has been lowered to a specified height above the surface of the water bath. The process causes carbon nanotubes to form in the lowest 2.5 cm of the anode. It also causes a deposit reminiscent of a sandcastle to form on the cathode. The nanotube-containing material is harvested. The cathode and anode can then be cleaned (or the anode is replaced, if necessary) and the process repeated to produce more nanotubes. Tests have shown that the process results in approximately equal to 50-percent yield of carbon nanotubes (mostly of the single-wall type) of various sizes. Whereas the unit cost of purified single-wall carbon nanotubes produced by other process is about $1,000/g in the year 2000, it has been estimated that for the present process, the corresponding cost would be about $10/g.

Development and Testing of High Surface Area Iridium Anodes for Molten Oxide Electrolysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shchetkovskiy, Anatoliy; McKechnie, Timothy; Sadoway, Donald R.; Paramore, James; Melendez, Orlando; Curreri, Peter A.

2010-01-01

Processing of lunar regolith into oxygen for habitat and propulsion is needed to support future space missions. Direct electrochemical reduction of molten regolith is an attractive method of processing, because no additional chemical reagents are needed. The electrochemical processing of molten oxides requires high surface area, inert anodes. Such electrodes need to be structurally robust at elevated temperatures (1400-1600?C), be resistant to thermal shock, have good electrical conductivity, be resistant to attack by molten oxide (silicate), be electrochemically stable and support high current density. Iridium with its high melting point, good oxidation resistance, superior high temperature strength and ductility is the most promising candidate for anodes in high temperature electrochemical processes. Several innovative concepts for manufacturing such anodes by electrodeposition of iridium from molten salt electrolyte (EL-Form? process) were evaluated. Iridium electrodeposition to form of complex shape components and coating was investigated. Iridium coated graphite, porous iridium structure and solid iridium anodes were fabricated. Testing of electroformed iridium anodes shows no visible degradation. The result of development, manufacturing and testing of high surface, inert iridium anodes will be presented.

Development and Testing of High Surface Area Iridium Anodes for Molten Oxide Electrolysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shchetkovskiy, Anatoliy; McKechnie, Timothy; Sadoway, Donald R.; Paramore, James; Melendez, Orlando; Curreri, Peter A.

2010-01-01

Processing of lunar regolith into oxygen for habitat and propulsion is needed to support future space missions. Direct electrochemical reduction of molten regolith is an attractive method of processing, because no additional chemical reagents are needed. The electrochemical processing of molten oxides requires high surface area, inert anodes. Such electrodes need to be structurally robust at elevated temperatures (1400-1600 C), be resistant to thermal shock, have good electrical conductivity, be resistant to attack by molten oxide (silicate), be electrochemically stable and support high current density. Iridium with its high melting point, good oxidation resistance, superior high temperature strength and ductility is the most promising candidate for anodes in high temperature electrochemical processes. Several innovative concepts for manufacturing such anodes by electrodeposition of iridium from molten salt electrolyte (EL-Form process) were evaluated. Iridium electrodeposition to form of complex shape components and coating was investigated. Iridium coated graphite, porous iridium structure and solid iridium anodes were fabricated. Testing of electroformed iridium anodes shows no visible degradation. The result of development, manufacturing and testing of high surface, inert iridium anodes will be presented.

The Influence of Technological Regimes of Synthesizing a Solar Furnace on the Phase Composition of TiO2-CuO Cermets and the Optical Properties of Coatings on Their Basis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suleimanov, S. Kh.; Dyskin, V. G.; Dzhanklich, M. U.; Dudko, O. A.; Kulagina, N. A.

2018-01-01

We present the results of studying the effect of technological synthesis regimes of a solar furnace using the method of a partial metal reduction of one of the oxides on the phase formation of cermet composite materials of the TiO2-CuO system. It has been established that the phase composition of the synthesized cermet composite materials depends on the carbon concentration, melting temperature and cooling rate. The dependence of the spectral-optical properties of selectively absorbing coatings on the production technology and properties of synthesized composite materials has been presented. It has been found that the coatings fabricated by melting in air with overheating at a melt cooling rate of about 105-106°C/s have the highest values of the integral absorption coefficient, α s = 91.0-94.5%.

Modified low-temperture direct bonding method for vacuum microelectronics application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ju, Byeong-Kwon; Lee, Duck-Jung; Choi, Woo-Beom; Lee, Yun-Hi; Jang, Jin; Lee, Kwang-Bae; Oh, Myung-Hwan

1997-06-01

This paper presents the process and experimental results for the improved silicon-to-glass bonding using silicon direct bonding (SDB) followed by anodic bonding. The initial bonding between glass and silicon was caused by the hydrophilic surfaces of silicon-glass ensemble using SDB method. Then the initially bonded specimen had to be strongly bonded by anodic bonding process. The effects of the bonding process parameters on the interface energy were investigated as functions of the bonding temperature and voltage. We found that the specimen which was bonded using SDB process followed by anodic bonding process had higher interface energy than one using anodic bonding process only. The main factor contributing to the higher interface energy in the glass-to-silicon assemble bonded by SDB followed by anodic bonding was investigated by secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis.

Anodizing And Sealing Aluminum In Nonchromated Solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Emmons, John R.; Kallenborn, Kelli J.

1995-01-01

Improved process for anodizing and sealing aluminum involves use of 5 volume percent sulfuric acid in water as anodizing solution, and 1.5 to 2.0 volume percent nickel acetate in water as sealing solution. Replaces process in which sulfuric acid used at concentrations of 10 to 20 percent. Improved process yields thinner coats offering resistance to corrosion, fatigue life, and alloy-to-alloy consistency equal to or superior to those of anodized coats produced with chromated solutions.

Laser-Ultrasonic Measurement of Elastic Properties of Anodized Aluminum Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singer, F.

Anodized aluminum oxide plays a great role in many industrial applications, e.g. in order to achieve greater wear resistance. Since the hardness of the anodized films strongly depends on its processing parameters, it is important to characterize the influence of the processing parameters on the film properties. In this work the elastic material parameters of anodized aluminum were investigated using a laser-based ultrasound system. The anodized films were characterized analyzing the dispersion of Rayleigh waves with a one-layer model. It was shown that anodizing time and temperature strongly influence Rayleigh wave propagation.

Method for fabricating thin californium-containing radioactive source wires

DOEpatents

Gross, Ian G; Pierce, Larry A

2006-08-22

A method for reducing the cross-sectional diameter of a radioactive californium-containing cermet wire while simultaneously improving the wire diameter to a more nearly circular cross section. A collet fixture is used to reduce the wire diameter by controlled pressurization pulses while simultaneously improving the wire cross-sectional diameter. The method is especially suitable for use in hot cells for the production of optimized cermet brachytherapy sources that contain large amounts of radioactive californium-252.

Solid electrolytes strengthened by metal dispersions

DOEpatents

Lauf, Robert J.; Morgan, Chester S.

1983-01-01

An improvement in solid electrolytes of advanced secondary batteries of the sodium-sulfur, sodium-halogen, and like combinations is achieved by providing said battery with a cermet electrolyte containing a metal dispersion ranging from 0.1 to 10.0 vol. % of a substantially nonreactive metal selected from the group consisting essentially of Pt, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Nb, their alloys, and their physical mixtures in the elemental or uncombined state, the remainder of said cermet being an ion-conductive ceramic material.

Solid electrolytes strengthened by metal dispersions

DOEpatents

Lauf, R.J.; Morgan, C.S.

1981-10-05

An improvement in solid electrolytes of advanced secondary batteries of the sodium-sulfur, sodium-halogen, and like combinations is achieved by providing said battery with a cermet electrolyte containing a metal dispersion ranging from 0.1 to 10.0 vol. % of a substantially nonreactive metal selected from the group consisting essentially of Pt, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Nb, their alloys, and their physical mixtures in the elemental or uncombined state, the remainder of said cermet being an ion-conductive ceramic material.

Development of a Novel Erosion Resistant Coating System for Use on Rotorcraft Blades

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

Technologies Research Center (UTRC) and Sikorsky utilizes a two part metal/ cermet coating system on the leading edge of the blades to provide unmatched...ARL, United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) and Sikorsky utilizes a two part metal/ cermet coating system on the leading edge of the blades to...Rotor Blade Tip Fairing A study by Ely et.al. evaluated dozens of coating technologies and down-selected a two-part metal/ceramic coating system on

Single-step direct fabrication of pillar-on-pore hybrid nanostructures in anodizing aluminum for superior superhydrophobic efficiency.

PubMed

Jeong, Chanyoung; Choi, Chang-Hwan

2012-02-01

Conventional electrochemical anodizing processes of metals such as aluminum typically produce planar and homogeneous nanopore structures. If hydrophobically treated, such 2D planar and interconnected pore structures typically result in lower contact angle and larger contact angle hysteresis than 3D disconnected pillar structures and, hence, exhibit inferior superhydrophobic efficiency. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the anodizing parameters can be engineered to design novel pillar-on-pore (POP) hybrid nanostructures directly in a simple one-step fabrication process so that superior surface superhydrophobicity can also be realized effectively from the electrochemical anodization process. On the basis of the characteristic of forming a self-ordered porous morphology in a hexagonal array, the modulation of anodizing voltage and duration enabled the formulation of the hybrid-type nanostructures having controlled pillar morphology on top of a porous layer in both mild and hard anodization modes. The hybrid nanostructures of the anodized metal oxide layer initially enhanced the surface hydrophilicity significantly (i.e., superhydrophilic). However, after a hydrophobic monolayer coating, such hybrid nanostructures then showed superior superhydrophobic nonwetting properties not attainable by the plain nanoporous surfaces produced by conventional anodization conditions. The well-regulated anodization process suggests that electrochemical anodizing can expand its usefulness and efficacy to render various metallic substrates with great superhydrophilicity or -hydrophobicity by directly realizing pillar-like structures on top of a self-ordered nanoporous array through a simple one-step fabrication procedure.

Class II glass ionomer/silver cermet restorations and their effect on interproximal growth of mutans streptococci.

PubMed

Berg, J H; Farrell, J E; Brown, L R

1990-02-01

The release of fluoride from glass ionomer materials is one of the most important features of this newly implemented material, and the remineralization effects of this phenomenon have been documented (Hicks and Silverstone 1986). This paper examines the effects of glass ionomer/silver cermet restorations on the plaque levels of interproximal mutans streptococci. Fifteen patients with Class II lesions in primary molars were selected for study. Interproximal plaque samples were obtained from each of the lesion sites and from one caries-free site approximal to a primary molar. One lesion was restored with composite resin to serve as a treated control to the glass ionomer/silver cermet (Ketac Silver, ESPE/Premier Sales Corp., Norristown, Pennsylvania) test site. A sound (unaltered) interproximal site served as the untreated control site. Plaque samples were collected before and at one week, one month, and three months post-treatment. Samples were serially diluted to enable colony counts of mutans streptococci. One week post-treatment counts showed that the glass ionomer/silver cermet restorations significantly reduced (P less than 0.05) the approximal plaque levels of mutans streptococci. Conversely, the untreated and treated control sites did not exhibit reductions in approximal plaque levels of mutans streptococci. These results indicate that glass ionomer restorations may be inhibitory to the growth of mutans streptococci in dental plaque approximal to this restorative material in the primary dentition.

Demonstration of Subscale Cermet Fuel Specimen Fabrication Approach Using Spark Plasma Sintering and Diffusion Bonding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, Marvin W.; Tucker, Dennis S.; Benensky, Kelsa M.

2018-01-01

Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) has the potential to expand the limits of human space exploration by enabling crewed missions to Mars and beyond. The viability of NTP hinges on the development of a robust nuclear fuel material that can perform in the harsh operating environment (> or = 2500K, reactive hydrogen) of a nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) engine. Efforts are ongoing to develop fuel material and to assemble fuel elements that will be stable during the service life of an NTR. Ceramic-metal (cermet) fuels are being actively pursued by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) due to their demonstrated high-temperature stability and hydrogen compatibility. Building on past cermet fuel development research, experiments were conducted to investigate a modern fabrication approach for cermet fuel elements. The experiments used consolidated tungsten (W)-60vol%zirconia (ZrO2) compacts that were formed via spark plasma sintering (SPS). The consolidated compacts were stacked and diffusion bonded to assess the integrity of the bond lines and internal cooling channel cladding. The assessment included hot hydrogen testing of the manufactured surrogate fuel and pure W for 45 minutes at 2500 K in the compact fuel element environmental test (CFEET) system. Performance of bonded W-ZrO2 rods was compared to bonded pure W rods to access bond line integrity and composite stability. Bonded surrogate fuels retained structural integrity throughout testing and incurred minimal mass loss.

Fabrication of Well-Ordered, Anodic Aluminum Oxide Membrane Using Hybrid Anodization.

PubMed

Kim, Jungyoon; Ganorkar, Shraddha; Choi, Jinnil; Kim, Young-Hwan; Kim, Seong-II

2017-01-01

Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) is one of the most favorable candidates for fabrication of nano-meshed membrane for various applications due to its controllable pore size and self-ordered structure. The mechanism of AAO membrane is a simple and has been studied by many research groups, however the actual fabrication of membrane has several difficulties owing to its sensitivity of ordering, long anodizing time and unclearness of the pore. In this work, we have demonstrated enhanced process of fabrication symmetric AAO membrane by using “hybrid anodizing” (Hyb-A) method which include mild anodization (MA) followed by hard anodization (HA). This Hyb-A process can give highly ordered membrane with more vivid pore than two-step anodizing process. HA was implemented on the Al plate which has been already textured by MA for more ordered structure and HA plays a key role for formation of more obvious pore in Hyb-A. Our experimental results indicate that Hyb-A with proper process sequence would be one of the fast and useful fabrication methods for the AAO membrane.

A Study on Sealing Process of Anodized Al Alloy Film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsujita, Takeshi; Sato, Hiroshi; Tsukahara, Sonoko; Ishikawa, Yuuichi

Since sealing is an important process to improve the corrosion resistance in practical application of anodized aluminum, we prepared anodic oxide films on A5052 alloy in an oxalic acid bath and a sulfuric acid bath, sealed them at various conditions, and analyzed them by scanning electron microscopy, acid-dissolution examination, admittance measurements and infrared spectroscopy. The pore radius of the oxalic acid anodized film was about 5 times larger than that of sulfuric acid anodized film, while the corrosion resistance of the former showed about 2 times higher value than the latter with the same sealed state and amount of hydroxide formed by sealing process of the former was 6 times larger than the latter, respectively. Steam sealing formed dense hydroxide and boiling water sealing formed big coral-like hydroxide, whereas the corrosion resistance of the film sealed by the former showed about 1.5 times higher value than that sealed by the latter, respectively. Thus microstructure of anodic oxide films and their surface morphology after sealing process clearly depended on their anodizing solution and the sealing condition and showed obvious relation to electric and corrosive properties.

Fault Detection and Diagnosis In Hall-Héroult Cells Based on Individual Anode Current Measurements Using Dynamic Kernel PCA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Yuchen; Bao, Jie; Skyllas-Kazacos, Maria; Welch, Barry J.; Akhmetov, Sergey

2018-04-01

Individual anode current signals in aluminum reduction cells provide localized cell conditions in the vicinity of each anode, which contain more information than the conventionally measured cell voltage and line current. One common use of this measurement is to identify process faults that can cause significant changes in the anode current signals. While this method is simple and direct, it ignores the interactions between anode currents and other important process variables. This paper presents an approach that applies multivariate statistical analysis techniques to individual anode currents and other process operating data, for the detection and diagnosis of local process abnormalities in aluminum reduction cells. Specifically, since the Hall-Héroult process is time-varying with its process variables dynamically and nonlinearly correlated, dynamic kernel principal component analysis with moving windows is used. The cell is discretized into a number of subsystems, with each subsystem representing one anode and cell conditions in its vicinity. The fault associated with each subsystem is identified based on multivariate statistical control charts. The results show that the proposed approach is able to not only effectively pinpoint the problematic areas in the cell, but also assess the effect of the fault on different parts of the cell.

Analysis and fabrication of tungsten CERMET materials for ultra-high temperature reactor applications via pulsed electric current sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webb, Jonathan A.

The optimized development path for the fabrication of ultra-high temperature W-UO2 CERMET fuel elements were explored within this dissertation. A robust literature search was conducted, which concluded that a W-UO 2 fuel element must contain a fine tungsten microstructure and spherical UO2 kernels throughout the entire consolidation process. Combined Monte Carlo and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis were used to determine the effects of rhenium and gadolinia additions on the performance of W-UO 2 fuel elements at refractory temperatures and in dry and water submerged environments. The computational analysis also led to the design of quasi-optimized fuel elements that can meet thermal-hydraulic and neutronic requirements A rigorous set of experiments were conducted to determine if Pulsed Electric Current Sintering (PECS) can fabricate tungsten and W-Ce02 specimens to the required geometries, densities and microstructures required for high temperature fuel elements as well as determine the mechanisms involved within the PECS consolidation process. The CeO2 acts as a surrogate for UO 2 fuel kernels in these experiments. The experiments seemed to confirm that PECS consolidation takes place via diffusional mass transfer methods; however, the densification process is rapidly accelerated due to the effects of current densities within the consolidating specimen. Fortunately the grain growth proceeds at a traditional rate and the PECS process can yield near fully dense W and W-Ce02 specimens with a finer microstructure than other sintering techniques. PECS consolidation techniques were also shown to be capable of producing W-UO2 segments at near-prototypic geometries; however, great care must be taken to coat the fuel particles with tungsten prior to sintering. Also, great care must be taken to ensure that the particles remain spherical in geometry under the influence of a uniaxial stress as applied during PECS, which involves mixing different fuel kernel sizes in order to reduce the porosity in the initial green compact. Particle mixing techniques were also shown to be capable of producing consolidated CERMETs, but with a less than desirable microstructure. The work presented herin will help in the development of very high temperature reactors for terrestrial and space missions in the future.

Preparation and Ablating Behavior of FGM used in a Heat Flux Rocket Engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Xiaodong; Han, Jiecai; Zhang, Xinghong

2002-01-01

Functionally Graded Material (FGM) is a new kind of nonhomogeneous materials, which composition varies gradually and continuously from metals to ceramics, thus excellence of both ceramic and metal is brought fully into play. The impetus for the development of FGM was to make thermal barrier materials for space shuttles and structure such as combustion chamber, gas vane, air vane, nose cone, fuel valve sheets and piston crown. There are several main techniques for making FGMs including chemical vapor deposition (CVD), powder metallurgy, plasma spraying and self-propagating high temperate synthesis (SHS). SHS Technology is the process by which condensed phases are produced by self - sustaining exothermic chemical reaction. Demonstrated advantages of SHS as a method for the preparation of materials include higher purity of the products, low energy requirements, and the relative simplicity of the process. SHS is particularly well suited to fabricating FGM. Due to the rapidity of the combustion reaction, the initial arrangement of the constituent in the green body is unchanged during combustion. In this paper, TiB2-Cu FGM and homogeneous cermets have been prepared by combing forced compaction with SHS. The experimental results show that process parameters significantly influence the combustion synthesis procedure of Ti-B-Cu system. Optimal process parameters have been gained for preparing TiB2-Cu FGM and cermets. TiB2-Cu FGM by SHS has a continuous distribution in microstructure along its thickness. The macroscopic interface of ceramic/metal joint is elemented. Mechanical properties of TiB2-Cu cermets were investigated at room and high temperature. The thermal stress of TiC-Ni FGM prepared by SHS are simulated at working condition, as well as comparing with a layered TiB2-Cu Non- FGM. Obviously, the TiB2-Cu FGM has the function of distortion and thermal stress relation. TiB2-Cu FGM was tested in the limited wind tunnel simulating the real condition of the heat flux rocket engine. As a result, TiB2-Cu FGM showed excellent resistant ablating properties. There is only a little loss of the mass after heated for 40 seconds in the wind tunnel. Meanwhile no cracks and breakup appeared in the FGM under the sharp thermal shock condition. Key words: functionally graded materials, combustion synthesis, ablation, thermal shock, thermal stress

Electrowinning process with electrode compartment to avoid contamination of electrolyte

DOEpatents

Poa, Davis S.; Pierce, R. Dean; Mulcahey, Thomas P.; Johnson, Gerald K.

1993-01-01

An electrolytic process and apparatus for reducing calcium oxide in a molten electrolyte of CaCl.sub.2 -CaF.sub.2 with a graphite anode in which particles or other contamination from the anode is restricted by the use of a porous barrier in the form of a basket surrounding the anode which may be removed from the electrolyte to burn the graphite particles, and wherein the calcium oxide feed is introduced to the anode compartment to increase the oxygen ion concentration at the anode.

Processing Ti-25Ta-5Zr Bioalloy via Anodic Oxidation Procedure at High Voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ionita, Daniela; Grecu, Mihaela; Dilea, Mirela; Cojocaru, Vasile Danut; Demetrescu, Ioana

2011-12-01

The current paper reports the processing of Ti-25Ta-5Zr bioalloy via anodic oxidation in NH4BF4 solution under constant potentiostatic conditions at high voltage to obtain more suitable properties for biomedical application. The maximum efficiency of the procedure is reached at highest applied voltage, when the corrosion rate in Hank's solution is decreased approxomately six times. The topography of the anodic layer has been studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the results indicated that the anodic oxidation process increases the surface roughness. The AFM images indicated a different porosity for the anodized surfaces as well. After anodizing, the hydrophilic character of Ti-25Ta-5Zr samples has increased. A good correlation between corrosion rate obtained from potentiodynamic curves and corrosion rate from ions release analysis was obtained.

Recovery of Silver and Gold from Copper Anode Slimes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ailiang; Peng, Zhiwei; Hwang, Jiann-Yang; Ma, Yutian; Liu, Xuheng; Chen, Xingyu

2015-02-01

Copper anode slimes, produced from copper electrolytic refining, are important industrial by-products containing several valuable metals, particularly silver and gold. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the development of the extraction processes for recovering silver and gold from conventional copper anode slimes. Existing processes, namely pyrometallurgical processes, hydrometallurgical processes, and hybrid processes involving the combination of pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical technologies, are discussed based in part on a review of the form and characteristics of silver and gold in copper anode slimes. The recovery of silver and gold in pyrometallurgical processes is influenced in part by the slag and matte/metal chemistry and related characteristics, whereas the extraction of these metals in hydrometallurgical processes depends on the leaching reagents used to break the structure of the silver- and gold-bearing phases, such as selenides. By taking advantage of both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical techniques, high extraction yields of silver and gold can be obtained using such combined approaches that appear promising for efficient extraction of silver and gold from copper anode slimes.

Stripping methods studies for HVOF WC-10Co-4Cr coating removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menini, Richard; Salah, Nihad Ben; Nciri, Rachid

2004-04-01

The use of high-velocity oxyfuel (HVOF) cermet coatings is considered to be a valuable and innovative alternative technology to replace Cr(VI) electroplating. Among others, a WC-10Co-4Cr coating is one of the best choices for landing gear components due to its excellent tribology and corrosion properties. The stripping process of such a cermet coating was studied due to its importance for the repair and overhaul of landing gear components. Stripping solutions fulfill the following criteria: keep substrate integrity; exhibit a high strip rate (SR); lead to uniform dissolution; show no galvanic corrosion; and be environmentally friendly. Three different high-strength steel substrates (4340, 300M, and Aermet100) were studied. Five different stripping solutions were selected for the electrochemical study. Only three met the targeted criteria: the meta-nitrobenzane sulfonate-sodium cyanide solution; the Rochelle salt; and a commercial nickel stripper. It was found that the process must be electrolytic, and that ultrasonic agitation is needed to enhance the overall mass transport and removal of WC particles and metallic matrix residues. When choosing the most efficient solution and conditions, the SR was found to be as high as 162 µm h-1, which is a very acceptable SR for productivity sake.

Effect of synthesis process on the microstructure and electrical conductivity of nickel/yttria-stabilized zirconia powders prepared by urea hydrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jyung-Dong; Wu, Zhao-Lun

In this study, NiO/YSZ composite powders were synthesized using hydrolysis on two solutions, one contains YSZ particles and Ni 2+ ion, and the other contains NiO particles, Zr 4+, and Y 3+ ions, with the aid of urea. The microstructure of the powders and sintered bulks was further characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that various synthesis processes yielded NiO/YSZ powders with different morphologies. The NiO precursors would deposit onto the surface of YSZ particles, and NiO-deposited YSZ composite powders were obtained. Alternatively, it was not observed that YSZ precursors deposited onto the surface of NiO particles, thus, a uniform powder mixture of fine NiO and fine YSZ particles was produced. After sintering and subsequent reduction, these powders would lead to the variations of Ni distribution in the YSZ matrix and conductivity of cermets. Owing to the core-shell structure of the powders and the higher size ratio of YSZ and NiO particles, the conductivity of cermet with NiO-deposited YSZ powders containing 23 wt% NiO is comparable to those with a NiO/YSZ powder mixture containing 50 wt% NiO.

Fabrication and Testing of CERMET Fuel Materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hickman, Robert; Broadway, Jeramie; Mireles, Omar

2012-01-01

A first generation Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (NCPS) based on Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is currently being developed for Advanced Space Exploration Systems. The overall goal of the project is to address critical NTP technology challenges and programmatic issues to establish confidence in the affordability and viability of NTP systems. The current technology roadmap for NTP identifies the development of a robust fuel form as a critical near term need. The lack of a qualified nuclear fuel is a significant technical risk that will require a considerable fraction of program resources to mitigate. Due to these risks and the cost for qualification, the development and selection of a primary fuel must begin prior to Authority to Proceed (ATP) for a specific mission. The fuel development is a progressive approach to incrementally reduce risk, converge the fuel materials, and mature the design and fabrication process of the fuel element. A key objective of the current project is to advance the maturity of CERMET fuels. The work includes fuel processing development and characterization, fuel specimen hot hydrogen screening, and prototypic fuel element testing. Early fuel materials development is critical to help validate requirements and fuel performance. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview and status of the work at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Porous carbon-free SnSb anodes for high-performance Na-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jeong-Hee; Ha, Choong-Wan; Choi, Hae-Young; Seong, Jae-Wook; Park, Cheol-Min; Lee, Sang-Min

2018-05-01

A simple melt-spinning/chemical-etching process is developed to create porous carbon-free SnSb anodes. Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) incorporating these anodes exhibit excellent electrochemical performances by accomodating large volume changes during repeated cycling. The porous carbon-free SnSb anode produced by the melt-spinning/chemical-etching process shows a high reversible capacity of 481 mAh g-1, high ICE of 80%, stable cyclability with a high capacity retention of 99% after 100 cycles, and a fast rate capability of 327 mAh g-1 at 4C-rate. Ex-situ X-ray diffraction and high resolution-transmission electron microscopy analyses demonstrate that the synthesized porous carbon-free SnSb anodes involve the highly reversible reaction with sodium through the conversion and recombination reactions during sodiation/desodiation process. The novel and simple melt-spinning/chemical-etching synthetic process represents a technological breakthrough in the commercialization of Na alloy-able anodes for SIBs.

[Cermet cements for milk tooth fillings. Preliminary results].

PubMed

Hickel, R; Petschelt, A; Voss, A

1989-06-01

106 Ketac-Silver fillings in deciduous molars were reevaluated after 1 to 3.3 years, i.e. 25 month on the average. About 90% of 50 occlusal fillings and about 84% of 56 multisurface restorations were unchanged. Without claiming statistical evidence for their conclusiveness, we consider these results as an indication that cermet cements are a useful alternative to amalgam fillings in deciduous teeth, particularly since the life of these fillings is limited to the time until the milk tooth is physiologically lost.

Some neutron and gamma radiation characteristics of plutonium cermet fuel for isotopic power sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neff, R. A.; Anderson, M. E.; Campbell, A. R.; Haas, F. X.

1972-01-01

Gamma and neutron measurements on various types of plutonium sources are presented in order to show the effects of O-17, O-18 F-19, Pu-236, age of the fuel, and size of the source on the gamma and neutron spectra. Analysis of the radiation measurements shows that fluorine is the main contributor to the neutron yields from present plutonium-molybdenum cermet fuel, while both fluorine and Pu-236 daughters contribute significantly to the gamma ray intensities.

Novel structure formation at the bottom surface of porous anodic alumina fabricated by single step anodization process.

PubMed

Ali, Ghafar; Ahmad, Maqsood; Akhter, Javed Iqbal; Maqbool, Muhammad; Cho, Sung Oh

2010-08-01

A simple approach for the growth of long-range highly ordered nanoporous anodic alumina film in H(2)SO(4) electrolyte through a single step anodization without any additional pre-anodizing procedure is reported. Free-standing porous anodic alumina film of 180 microm thickness with through hole morphology was obtained. A simple and single step process was used for the detachment of alumina from aluminum substrate. The effect of anodizing conditions, such as anodizing voltage and time on the pore diameter and pore ordering is discussed. The metal/oxide and oxide/electrolyte interfaces were examined by high resolution scanning transmission electron microscope. The arrangement of pores on metal/oxide interface was well ordered with smaller diameters than that of the oxide/electrolyte interface. The inter-pore distance was larger in metal/oxide interface as compared to the oxide/electrolyte interface. The size of the ordered domain was found to depend strongly upon anodizing voltage and time. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of Bond Coat on HVOF-Sprayed Gradient Cermet Coating on Copper Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ke, Peng; Cai, Fei; Chen, Wanglin; Wang, Shuoyu; Ni, Zhenhang; Hu, Xiaohong; Li, Mingxi; Zhu, Guanghong; Zhang, Shihong

2017-06-01

Coatings are required on mold copper plates to prolong their service life through enhanced hardness, wear resistance, and oxidation resistance. In the present study, NiCr-30 wt.%Cr3C2 ceramic-metallic (cermet) layers were deposited by high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying on different designed bond layers, including electroplated Ni, HVOF-sprayed NiCr, and double-decker Ni-NiCr. Annealing was also conducted on the gradient coating (GC) with NiCr bond layer to improve the wear resistance and adhesion strength. Coating microstructure was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis. Mechanical properties including microhardness, wear resistance, and adhesion strength of the different coatings were evaluated systematically. The results show that the types of metallic bond layer and annealing process had a significant impact on the mechanical properties of the GCs. The GCs with electroplated Ni bond layer exhibited the highest adhesion strength (about 70 MPa). However, the GC with HVOF-sprayed NiCr bond layer exhibited better wear resistance. The wear resistance and adhesion strength of the coating with NiCr metallic bond layer were enhanced after annealing.

Light metal production

DOEpatents

Fan, Qinbai

2016-04-19

An electrochemical process for the production of light metals, particularly aluminum. Such a process involves contacting a light metal source material with an inorganic acid to form a solution containing the light metal ions in high concentration. The solution is fed to an electrochemical reactor assembly having an anode side containing an anode and a cathode side containing a cathode, with anode side and the cathode side separated by a bipolar membrane, with the solution being fed to the anode side. Light metal ions are electrochemically transferred through the bipolar membrane to the cathode side. The process further involves reducing the light metal ions to light metal powder. An associated processing system is also provided.

The alkaline zinc electrode as a mixed potential system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fielder, W. L.

1979-01-01

Cathodic and anodic processes for the alkaline zinc electrode in 0.01 molar zincate electrolyte (9 molar hydroxide) were investigated. Cyclic voltammograms and current-voltage curves were obtained by supplying pulses through a potentiostat to a zinc rotating disk electrode. The data are interpreted by treating the system as one with a mixed potential; the processes are termed The zincate and corrosion reactions. The relative proportions of the two processes vary with the supplied potential. For the cathodic region, the cathodic corrosion process predominates at higher potentials while both processes occur simultaneously at a lower potential (i.e., 50 mV). For the anodic region, the anodic zincate process predominates at higher potentials while the anodic corrosion process is dominant at lower potential (i.e., 50 mV) if H2 is present.

Stainless steel anodes for alkaline water electrolysis and methods of making

DOEpatents

Soloveichik, Grigorii Lev

2014-01-21

The corrosion resistance of stainless steel anodes for use in alkaline water electrolysis was increased by immersion of the stainless steel anode into a caustic solution prior to electrolysis. Also disclosed herein are electrolyzers employing the so-treated stainless steel anodes. The pre-treatment process provides a stainless steel anode that has a higher corrosion resistance than an untreated stainless steel anode of the same composition.

Detection and classification of gaseous sulfur compounds by solid electrolyte cyclic voltammetry of cermet sensor array.

PubMed

Kramer, Kirsten E; Rose-Pehrsson, Susan L; Hammond, Mark H; Tillett, Duane; Streckert, Holger H

2007-02-12

Electrochemical sensors composed of a ceramic-metallic (cermet) solid electrolyte are used for the detection of gaseous sulfur compounds SO(2), H(2)S, and CS(2) in a study involving 11 toxic industrial chemical (TIC) compounds. The study examines a sensor array containing four cermet sensors varying in electrode-electrolyte composition, designed to offer selectivity for multiple compounds. The sensors are driven by cyclic voltammetry to produce a current-voltage profile for each analyte. Raw voltammograms are processed by background subtraction of clean air, and the four sensor signals are concatenated to form one vector of points. The high-resolution signal is compressed by wavelet transformation and a probabilistic neural network is used for classification. In this study, training data from one sensor array was used to formulate models which were validated with data from a second sensor array. Of the 11 gases studied, 3 that contained sulfur produced the strongest responses and were successfully analyzed when the remaining compounds were treated as interferents. Analytes were measured from 10 to 200% of their threshold-limited value (TLV) according to the 8-h time weighted average (TWA) exposure limits defined by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). True positive classification rates of 93.3, 96.7, and 76.7% for SO(2), H(2)S, and CS(2), respectively, were achieved for prediction of one sensor unit when a second sensor was used for modeling. True positive rates of 83.3, 90.0, and 90.0% for SO(2), H(2)S, and CS(2), respectively, were achieved for the second sensor unit when the first sensor unit was used for modeling. Most of the misclassifications were for low concentration levels (such 10-25% TLV) in which case the compound was classified as clean air. Between the two sensors, the false positive rates were 2.2% or lower for the three sulfur compounds, 0.9% or lower for the interferents (eight remaining analytes), and 5.8% or lower for clean air. The cermet sensor arrays used in this analysis are rugged, low cost, reusable, and show promise for multiple compound detection at parts-per-million (ppm) levels.

Advanced CerMet ceramic composites for medical applications.

PubMed

Dittmer, Robert; Schaefer, Christian M; Fischer, Jean-Francois; Hausch, Ulrich; Troetzschel, Jens; Specht, Heiko

2017-11-01

Implantable active devices such as pacemakers are facing rigorous requirements. Because they reside within the body for years, materials applied in this surrounding must exhibit biocompatibility and extraordinary reliability. They also have to provide a number of functional properties. In this work we present a method that enables the realization of a highly complex profile of properties by means of a dual composite approach. Using multilayer technology, an electrical conductor is embedded into a ceramic matrix, thus, creating conductive paths that are insulated from each other. In addition to this macroscopically hybrid architecture, this approach features a second composite aspect: the conductor is not composed of a single metallic phase, but is a ceramic-metal mixture. Owing to its interpenetrating microstructure, this CerMet allows for a strong and hermetic integration of the conductor into the ceramic matrix otherwise impossible due to mismatch in thermal expansion. In fact, the CerMet ceramic composite exhibits a higher strength than the pure ceramic as revealed by a three-point bending test study. At the same time, the CerMet offers high and virtually metal-like conductor properties, enabling a down-scaling of the conductive paths to 150µm diameter and smaller. Furthermore, the described composite is biocompatible, non-magnetic, and chemically inert, which is vital for the application in active, implantable, medical devices. Beside the general fabrication route, we present the microstructural, functional, and mechanical properties of this newly developed class of dual composites. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modelling the growth process of porous aluminum oxide film during anodization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aryslanova, E. M.; Alfimov, A. V.; Chivilikhin, S. A.

2015-11-01

Currently it has become important for the development of metamaterials and nanotechnology to obtain regular self-assembled structures. One such structure is porous anodic alumina film that consists of hexagonally packed cylindrical pores. In this work we consider the anodization process, our model takes into account the influence of layers of aluminum and electrolyte on the rate of growth of aluminum oxide, as well as the effect of surface diffusion. In present work we consider those effects. And as a result of our model we obtain the minimum distance between centers of alumina pores in the beginning of anodizing process.

Natural gas anodes for aluminium electrolysis in molten fluorides.

PubMed

Haarberg, Geir Martin; Khalaghi, Babak; Mokkelbost, Tommy

2016-08-15

Industrial primary production of aluminium has been developed and improved over more than 100 years. The molten salt electrolysis process is still suffering from low energy efficiency and considerable emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2 and PFC). A new concept has been suggested where methane is supplied through the anode so that the CO2 emissions may be reduced significantly, the PFC emissions may be eliminated and the energy consumption may decrease significantly. Porous carbon anodes made from different graphite grades were studied in controlled laboratory experiments. The anode potential, the anode carbon consumption and the level of HF gas above the electrolyte were measured during electrolysis. In some cases it was found that the methane oxidation was effectively participating in the anode process.

Effect of alloying elements Al and Ca on corrosion resistance of plasma anodized Mg alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anawati, Asoh, Hidetaka; Ono, Sachiko

2016-04-01

Plasma anodizing is a surface treatment used to form a ceramic-type oxide film on Mg alloys by the application of a high anodic voltage to create intense plasma near the metal surface. With proper selection of the process parameters, the technique can produce high quality oxide with superior adhesion, corrosion resistance, micro-hardness, wear resistance and strength. The effect of alloying element Al on plasma anodizing process of Mg alloys was studied by comparing the anodizing curves of pure Mg, AZ31, and AZ61 alloys while the effect of Ca were studied on AZ61 alloys containing 0, 1, and 2 wt% Ca. Anodizing was performed in 0.5 M Na3PO4 solution at a constant current density of 200 Am-2 at 25°C. Anodic oxide films with lava-like structure having mix composition of amorphous and crystal were formed on all of the alloys. The main crystal form of the oxide was Mg3(PO4)2 as analyzed by XRD. Alloying elements Al and Ca played role in modifying the plasma lifetime during anodization. Al tended to extend the strong plasma lifetime and therefore accelerated the film thickening. The effect of Ca on anodizing process was still unclear. The anodic film thickness and chemical composition were altered by the presence of Ca in the alloys. Electrochemical corrosion test in 0.9% NaCl solution showed that the corrosion behavior of the anodized specimens depend on the behavior of the substrate. Increasing Al and Ca content in the alloys tended to increase the corrosion resistance of the specimens. The corrosion resistance of the anodized specimens improved significantly about two orders of magnitude relative to the bare substrate.

Microbial fuel cell treatment of ethanol fermentation process water

DOEpatents

Borole, Abhijeet P [Knoxville, TN

2012-06-05

The present invention relates to a method for removing inhibitor compounds from a cellulosic biomass-to-ethanol process which includes a pretreatment step of raw cellulosic biomass material and the production of fermentation process water after production and removal of ethanol from a fermentation step, the method comprising contacting said fermentation process water with an anode of a microbial fuel cell, said anode containing microbes thereon which oxidatively degrade one or more of said inhibitor compounds while producing electrical energy or hydrogen from said oxidative degradation, and wherein said anode is in electrical communication with a cathode, and a porous material (such as a porous or cation-permeable membrane) separates said anode and cathode.

A Database Approach for Predicting and Monitoring Baked Anode Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauzon-Gauthier, Julien; Duchesne, Carl; Tessier, Jayson

2012-11-01

The baked anode quality control strategy currently used by most carbon plants based on testing anode core samples in the laboratory is inadequate for facing increased raw material variability. The low core sampling rate limited by lab capacity and the common practice of reporting averaged properties based on some anode population mask a significant amount of individual anode variability. In addition, lab results are typically available a few weeks after production and the anodes are often already set in the reduction cells preventing early remedial actions when necessary. A database approach is proposed in this work to develop a soft-sensor for predicting individual baked anode properties at the end of baking cycle. A large historical database including raw material properties, process operating parameters and anode core data was collected from a modern Alcoa plant. A multivariate latent variable PLS regression method was used for analyzing the large database and building the soft-sensor model. It is shown that the general low frequency trends in most anode physical and mechanical properties driven by raw material changes are very well captured by the model. Improvements in the data infrastructure (instrumentation, sampling frequency and location) will be necessary for predicting higher frequency variations in individual baked anode properties. This paper also demonstrates how multivariate latent variable models can be interpreted against process knowledge and used for real-time process monitoring of carbon plants, and detection of faults and abnormal operation.

Improving operational anodising process performance using simulation approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liong, Choong-Yeun; Ghazali, Syarah Syahidah

2015-10-01

The use of aluminium is very widespread, especially in transportation, electrical and electronics, architectural, automotive and engineering applications sectors. Therefore, the anodizing process is an important process for aluminium in order to make the aluminium durable, attractive and weather resistant. This research is focused on the anodizing process operations in manufacturing and supplying of aluminium extrusion. The data required for the development of the model is collected from the observations and interviews conducted in the study. To study the current system, the processes involved in the anodizing process are modeled by using Arena 14.5 simulation software. Those processes consist of five main processes, namely the degreasing process, the etching process, the desmut process, the anodizing process, the sealing process and 16 other processes. The results obtained were analyzed to identify the problems or bottlenecks that occurred and to propose improvement methods that can be implemented on the original model. Based on the comparisons that have been done between the improvement methods, the productivity could be increased by reallocating the workers and reducing loading time.

Exploring As-Cast PbCaSn-Mg Anodes for Improved Performance in Copper Electrowinning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuwono, Jodie A.; Clancy, Marie; Chen, Xiaobo; Birbilis, Nick

2018-06-01

Lead calcium tin (PbCaSn) alloys are the common anodes used in copper electrowinning (Cu EW). Given a large amount of energy consumed in Cu EW process, anodes with controlled oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics and a lower OER overpotential are advantageous for reducing the energy consumption. To date, magnesium (Mg) has never been studied as an alloying element for EW anodes. As-cast PbCaSn anodes with the addition of Mg were examined herein, revealing an improved performance compared to that of the industrial standard PbCaSn anode. The alloy performances in the early stages of anode life and passivation were established from electrochemical studies which were designed to simulate industrial Cu EW process. The 24-hour polarization testing revealed that the Mg alloying depolarizes the anode potential up to 80 mV; thus, resulting in a higher Cu EW efficiency. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the alteration of the alloy microstructure and the corresponding interfacial reactions contribute to the changes of the anode electrochemical performances. The present study reveals for the first time the potency of Mg alloying in reducing the overpotential of PbCaSn anode.

Controlling the anodizing conditions in preparation of an nanoporous anodic aluminium oxide template

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazemi, Azadeh; Abolfazl, Seyed; Sadjadi, Seyed

2014-12-01

Porous anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) template is commonly used in the synthesis of one-dimensional nanostructures, such as nanowires and nanorods, due to its simple fabrication process. Controlling the anodizing conditions is important because of their direct influence on the size of AAO template pores; it affects the size of nanostructures that are fabricated in AAO template. In present study, several alumina templates were fabricated by a two-step electrochemical anodization in different conditions, such as the time of first process, its voltage, and electrolyte concentration. The effect of these factors on pore diameters of AAO templates was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Optimization of an integrated electrodisinfection/electrocoagulation process with Al bipolar electrodes for urban wastewater reclamation.

PubMed

Cotillas, Salvador; Llanos, Javier; Cañizares, Pablo; Mateo, Sara; Rodrigo, Manuel A

2013-04-01

In this work, a novel integrated electrochemical process for urban wastewater regeneration is described. The electrochemical cell consists in a Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) or a Dimensionally Stable Anode (DSA) as anode, a Stainless Steel (SS) as cathode and a perforated aluminum plate, which behaves as bipolar electrode, between anode and cathode. Thus, in this cell, it is possible to carry out, at the same time, two different electrochemical processes: electrodisinfection (ED) and electrocoagulation (EC). The treatment of urban wastewater with different anodes and different operating conditions is studied. First of all, in order to check the process performance, experiments with synthetic wastewaters were carried out, showing that it is possible to achieve a 100% of turbidity removal by the electrodissolution of the bipolar electrode. Next, the effect of the current density and the anode material are studied during the ED-EC process of actual effluents. Results show that it is possible to remove Escherichia coli and turbidity simultaneously of an actual effluent from a WasteWater Treatment Facility (WWTF). The use of BDD anodes allows to remove the E. coli completely at an applied electric charge of 0.0077 A h dm(-3) when working with a current density of 6.65 A m(-2). On the other hand, with DSA anodes, the current density necessary to achieve the total removal of E. coli is higher (11.12 A m(-2)) than that required with BDD anodes. Finally, the influence of cell flow path and flow rate have been studied. Results show that the performance of the process strongly depends on the characteristics of the initial effluent (E. coli concentration and Cl(-)/NH(4)(+) initial ratio) and that a cell configuration cathode (inlet)-anode (outlet) and a higher flow rate enhance the removal of the turbidity from the treated effluent. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced stability of Zr-doped Ba(CeTb)O(3-δ)-Ni cermet membrane for hydrogen separation.

PubMed

Wei, Yanying; Xue, Jian; Fang, Wei; Chen, Yan; Wang, Haihui; Caro, Jürgen

2015-07-25

A mixed protonic and electronic conductor material BaCe(0.85)Tb(0.05)Zr(0.1)O(3-δ) (BCTZ) is prepared and a Ni-BCTZ cermet membrane is synthesized for hydrogen separation. Stable hydrogen permeation fluxes can be obtained for over 100 h through the Ni-BCTZ membrane in both dry and humid conditions, which exhibits an excellent stability compared with Ni-BaCe(0.95)Tb(0.05)O(3-δ) membrane due to the Zr doping.

[Comparative investigation of compressive resistance of glass-cermet cements used as a core material in post-core systems].

PubMed

Ersoy, E; Cetiner, S; Koçak, F

1989-09-01

In post-core applications, addition to the cast designs restorations that are performed on fabrication posts with restorative materials are being used. To improve the physical properties of glass-ionomer cements that are popular today, glass-cermet cements have been introduced and those materials have been proposed to be an alternative restorative material in post-core applications. In this study, the compressive resistance of Ketac-Silver as a core material was investigated comparatively with amalgam and composite resins.

History of ``NANO''-Scale VERY EARLY Solid-State (and Liquid-State) Physics/Chemistry/Metallurgy/ Ceramics; Interstitial-Alloys Carbides/Nitrides/Borides/...Powders and Cermets, Rock Shocks, ...

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maiden, Colin; Siegel, Edward

History of ``NANO'': Siegel-Matsubara-Vest-Gregson[Mtls. Sci. and Eng. 8, 6, 323(`71); Physica Status Solidi (a)11,45(`72)] VERY EARLY carbides/nitrides/borides powders/cermets solid-state physics/chemistry/metallurgy/ ceramics FIRST-EVER EXPERIMENTAL NANO-physics/chemistry[1968 ->Physica Status Solidi (a)11,45(`72); and EARLY NANO-``physics''/NANO-``chemistry'' THEORY(after: Kubo(`62)-Matsubara(`60s-`70s)-Fulde (`65) [ref.: Sugano[Microcluster-Physics, Springer('82 `98)

Methods of three-dimensional electrophoretic deposition for ceramic and cermet applications and systems thereof

DOEpatents

Rose, Klint Aaron; Kuntz, Joshua D.; Worsley, Marcus

2016-09-27

A ceramic, metal, or cermet according to one embodiment includes a first layer having a gradient in composition, microstructure and/or density in an x-y plane oriented parallel to a plane of deposition of the first layer. A ceramic according to another embodiment includes a plurality of layers comprising particles of a non-cubic material, wherein each layer is characterized by the particles of the non-cubic material being aligned in a common direction. Additional products and methods are also disclosed.

PROPULSION AND POWER RAPID RESPONSE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) SUPPORT. Deliver Order 0002: Power-Dense, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems: High-Performance, High-Power-Density Solid Oxide Fuel Cells - Materials and Load Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

aluminum titanate has evolved from a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) lowering additive in traditional nickel/YSZ cermets to an anchoring...provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently...volumetric concentrations well below percolation for traditional cermets . The coarsening of nickel after high temperature thermal treatment poses

Nano structural anodes for radiation detectors

DOEpatents

Cordaro, Joseph V.; Serkiz, Steven M.; McWhorter, Christopher S.; Sexton, Lindsay T.; Retterer, Scott T.

2015-07-07

Anodes for proportional radiation counters and a process of making the anodes is provided. The nano-sized anodes when present within an anode array provide: significantly higher detection efficiencies due to the inherently higher electric field, are amenable to miniaturization, have low power requirements, and exhibit a small electromagnetic field signal. The nano-sized anodes with the incorporation of neutron absorbing elements (e.g., .sup.10B) allow the use of neutron detectors that do not use .sup.3He.

Dissecting anode swelling in commercial lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ningxin; Tang, Huaqiong

2012-11-01

An innovative method is applied to investigate anode swelling during electrochemical processes in commercial lithium-ion batteries. Cathode surface is partially covered with a piece of paste to block the transportation of lithium ion from active material during charging/discharging, and the corresponding part on the anode film shows no formation of Li-graphite compounds during different electrochemical processes, which is confirmed by XRD analysis. The increases of anode thickness within and outside lithiated zone are measured, and defined as electrochemical swelling and physical swelling respectively. The microscopic lattice expansion of graphite due to lithiation process correlates to mesoscopic electrochemical swelling synchronically, while physical swelling tends to decrease steadily with time. The relationship among the microscopic stress due to lithium-ion intercalation, the mesoscopic stress resulting in anode swelling, and the macroscopic rippling of pouch cell after a large number of cycle test, is analyzed and correlated in terms of stress evolution across different scales, and suggestions for solving anode swelling are provided.

Effect of TiO2 Addition on Grain Growth, Anodic Bubble Evolution and Anodic Overvoltage of NiFe2O4-Based Composite Inert Anodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bin; Du, Jinjing; Liu, Yihan; Fang, Zhao; Hu, Ping

2017-11-01

A two-step powder compaction and sintering process was employed to fabricate TiO2-doped NiFe2O4 ceramic-based inert anodes. Grain growth during isothermal sintering was analyzed using Brook grain growth model. The bubble behavior of NiFe2O4 ceramic-based inert anodes was investigated in a two-compartment see-through quartz cell for aluminum electrolysis process. Anodic overvoltage and potential decay curves of the inert anodes were measured by using the steady state and current interruption technique. The results showed that the kinetic index of grain growth decreased with an increase in temperature. The average activation energy of grain growth for 1.0 wt.% TiO2-doped NiFe2O4 ceramic samples with a sintering temperature range from 1373 to 1673 K dropped from 675.30 to 183.47 kJ/mol. The diameter size of bubbles before releasing from the bottom surface of the anodes was reduced with increasing the current density, and the larger average releasing bubble size for carbon anode at the same current density could be obtained, which was compared to the NiFe2O4 inert anodes. Besides, the cell voltage of carbon anodes fluctuated much more violently under the same experimental conditions. After adding small amount of TiO2, a minor reduction in anodic overvoltage of NiFe2O4-based anodes can be observed.

Optimal condition for fabricating superhydrophobic Aluminum surfaces with controlled anodizing processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saffari, Hamid; Sohrabi, Beheshteh; Noori, Mohammad Reza; Bahrami, Hamid Reza Talesh

2018-03-01

A single step anodizing process is used to produce micro-nano structures on Aluminum (1050) substrates with sulfuric acid as electrolyte. Therefore, surface energy of the anodized layer is reduced using stearic acid modification. Undoubtedly, effects of different parameters including anodizing time, electrical current, and type and concentration of electrolyte on the final contact angle are systemically studied and optimized. Results show that anodizing current of 0.41 A, electrolyte (sulfuric acid) concentration of 15 wt.% and anodizing time of 90 min are optimal conditions which give contact angle as high as 159.2° and sliding angle lower than 5°. Moreover, the study reveals that adding oxalic acid to the sulfuric acid cannot enhance superhydrophobicity of the samples. Also, scanning electron microscopy images of samples show that irregular (bird's nest) structures present on the surface instead of high-ordered honeycomb structures expecting from normal anodizing process. Additionally, X-ray diffraction analysis of the samples shows that only amorphous structures present on the surface. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area of the anodized layer is 2.55 m2 g-1 in optimal condition. Ultimately, the surface keeps its hydrophobicity in air and deionized water (DIW) after one week and 12 weeks, respectively.

Occurrence and Removal of Organic Micropollutants in Landfill Leachates Treated by Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes.

PubMed

Oturan, Nihal; van Hullebusch, Eric D; Zhang, Hui; Mazeas, Laurent; Budzinski, Hélène; Le Menach, Karyn; Oturan, Mehmet A

2015-10-20

In recent years, electrochemical advanced oxidation processes have been shown to be an effective alternative for the removal of refractory organic compounds from water. This study is focused on the effective removal of recalcitrant organic matter (micropollutants, humic substances, etc.) present in municipal solid waste landfill leachates. A mixture of eight landfill leachates has been studied by the electro-Fenton process using a Pt or boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode and a carbon felt cathode or by the anodic oxidation process with a BDD anode. These processes exhibit great oxidation ability due to the in situ production of hydroxyl radicals ((•)OH), a highly powerful oxidizing species. Both electrochemical processes were shown to be efficient in the removal of dissolved total organic carbon (TOC) from landfill leachates. Regarding the electro-Fenton process, the replacement of the classical anode Pt by the anode BDD allows better performance in terms of dissolved TOC removal. The occurrence and removal yield of 19 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 15 volatile organic compounds, 7 alkylphenols, 7 polychlorobiphenyls, 5 organochlorine pesticides, and 2 polybrominated diphenyl ethers in landfill leachate were also investigated. Both electrochemical processes allow one to reach a quasicomplete removal (about 98%) of these organic micropollutants.

Anodizing Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

This anodizing process traces its origin to the 1960's when Reynolds Metals Company, under contract with Goddard Space Flight Center, developed a multipurpose anodizing electrolyte (MAE) process to produce a hard protective finish for spacecraft aluminum. MAE produces a high-density, abrasion-resistant film prior to the coloring step, in which the pores of the film are impregnated with a metallic form of salt. Tru-Color product applications include building fronts, railing, curtain walls, doors and windows.

Investigation on the Oxidation and Reduction of Titanium in Molten Salt with the Soluble TiC Anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shulan; Wan, Chaopin; Liu, Xuan; Li, Li

2015-12-01

To reveal the oxidation process of titanium from TiC anode and the reduction mechanism of titanium ions in molten NaCl-KCl, the polarization curve of TiC anode in molten NaCl-KCl and cyclic voltammograms of the molten salt after polarization were studied. Investigation on the polarization curve shows that titanium can be oxidized and dissociated from the TiC anode at very low potential. The cyclic voltammograms demonstrated that the reduction reaction of titanium ions in the molten salt is a one-step process. By potentiostatic electrolysis, dendritic titanium is obtained on the steel plate. The work promotes the understanding on the process of electrochemical oxidization/dissociation of titanium from TiC anode and the reduction mechanism of titanium ions in molten salt.

Development of 10×10 Matrix-anode MCP-PMT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jie; Li, Yongbin; Xu, Pengxiao; Zhao, Wenjin

2018-02-01

10×10 matrix-anode is developed by high-temperature co-fired ceramics (HTCC) technology. Based on the new matrix-anode, a new kind of photon counting imaging detector - 10×10 matrix-anode MCP-PMT is developed, and its performance parameters are tested. HTCC technology is suitable for the MCP-PMT's air impermeability and its baking process. Its response uniformity is better than the metal-ceramic or metal-glass sealing anode, and it is also a promising method to realize a higher density matrix-anode.

Submersion criticality safety of tungsten-rhenium urania cermet fuel for space propulsion and power applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

A.E. Craft; R. C. O'Brien; S. D. Howe

Nuclear thermal rockets are the preferred propulsion technology for a manned mission to Mars, and tungsten–uranium oxide cermet fuels could provide significant performance and cost advantages for nuclear thermal rockets. A nuclear reactor intended for use in space must remain subcritical before and during launch, and must remain subcritical in launch abort scenarios where the reactor falls back to Earth and becomes submerged in terrestrial materials (including seawater, wet sand, or dry sand). Submersion increases reflection of neutrons and also thermalizes the neutron spectrum, which typically increases the reactivity of the core. This effect is typically very significant for compact,more » fast-spectrum reactors. This paper provides a submersion criticality safety analysis for a representative tungsten/uranium oxide fueled reactor with a range of fuel compositions. Each submersion case considers both the rhenium content in the matrix alloy and the uranium oxide volume fraction in the cermet. The inclusion of rhenium significantly improves the submersion criticality safety of the reactor. While increased uranium oxide content increases the reactivity of the core, it does not significantly affect the submersion behavior of the reactor. There is no significant difference in submersion behavior between reactors with rhenium distributed within the cermet matrix and reactors with a rhenium clad in the coolant channels. The combination of the flooding of the coolant channels in submersion scenarios and the presence of a significant amount of spectral shift absorbers (i.e. high rhenium concentration) further decreases reactivity for short reactor cores compared to longer cores.« less

Buried anode lithium thin film battery and process for forming the same

DOEpatents

Lee, Se-Hee; Tracy, C. Edwin; Liu, Ping

2004-10-19

A reverse configuration, lithium thin film battery (300) having a buried lithium anode layer (305) and process for making the same. The present invention is formed from a precursor composite structure (200) made by depositing electrolyte layer (204) onto substrate (201), followed by sequential depositions of cathode layer (203) and current collector (202) on the electrolyte layer. The precursor is subjected to an activation step, wherein a buried lithium anode layer (305) is formed via electroplating a lithium anode layer at the interface of substrate (201) and electrolyte film (204). The electroplating is accomplished by applying a current between anode current collector (201) and cathode current collector (202).

The Manufacture of W-UO2 Fuel Elements for NTP Using the Hot Isostatic Pressing Consolidation Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broadway, Jeramie; Hickman, Robert; Mireles, Omar

2012-01-01

NTP is attractive for space exploration because: (1) Higher Isp than traditional chemical rockets (2)Shorter trip times (3) Reduced propellant mass (4) Increased payload. Lack of qualified fuel material is a key risk (cost, schedule, and performance). Development of stable fuel form is a critical path, long lead activity. Goals of this project are: Mature CERMET and Graphite based fuel materials and Develop and demonstrate critical technologies and capabilities.

Electrochemical corrosion behaviour of nickel chromium-chromium carbide coating by HVOF process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amudha, A.; Nagaraja, H. S.; Shashikala, H. D.

2018-04-01

To overcome the corrosion problem in marine industry, coatings are one of the most economical solutions. In this paper, the corrosion behaviour of 25(NiCr)-75Cr3C2 cermet coating on low carbon steel substrate by HVOF process is studied. Different phases such as Cr7C3 and Cr3C2, along with Ni and chromium oxide(Cr3O2) constituents present in the coating were revealed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The morphology of the coating obtained by scanning electron microscope (SEM) gave confirmation for the XRD analysis. Electrochemical corrosion techniques such as Linear Polarization Resistance (LPR) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were used to study the corrosion behaviour of the cermet in 3.5wt% NaCl electrolyte solution. The corrosion current density of the coated sample and substrate were found to be 6.878µA/cm-2 and 21.091µA/cm-2 respectively. The Nyquist Impedance spectra were used to derive an equivalent circuit to analyze the interaction between the coating and electrolyte. The Bode Impedance plots obtained by EIS for the coating showed a typical passive material capacitive behaviour, indicated by medium to low frequency with phase angle approaching -60o, suggesting that a stable film is formed on the tested material in the electrolyte used.

A new structural approach for uniform sub-micrometer anode metallization of planar THz Schottky components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cojocari, O.; Mottet, B.; Rodriguez-Girones, M.; Biber, S.; Marchand, L.; Schmidt, L.-P.; Hartnagel, H. L.

2004-03-01

This paper presents the evaluation of a Schottky contact technology based on electrochemical metal deposition. The results of a long-term systematic investigation and optimization of the anode formation process to improve the yield and performance of Schottky-based GaAs mixer diodes are detailed. Surface preparation prior to the Schottky-metal deposition and anode metallization as previously optimized for whisker-contacted diodes are successfully transferred to the fabrication of planar structures. This uses an auxiliary honeycomb array of anode-like structures called 'dummy anodes', which are processed simultaneously with the real anodes and then removed in the later technological processes. Consequently, the scattering of planar diodes electrical parameters is significantly reduced and the yield of the fabrication process increases from about 5% up to about 50%. Very good dc characteristics such as series resistance (Rs) below 8 OHgr, ideality factor (eegr) below 1.2 and saturation current (Isat) of the order of 10-17A are achieved for the anode diameter as small as 1 µm. An excellent IF-noise figure of 250 K at 4.8 GHz up to 280 K at 2.1 GHz with current bias up to 3 mA is obtained for non-cooled THz mixer planar diodes. The use of this technological approach has enabled the extraction of statistically significant data which have been used to characterize the criticality of each step of the fabrication process on the device performance.

Experimental Studies of the Effects of Anode Composition and Process Parameters on Anode Slime Adhesion and Cathode Copper Purity by Performing Copper Electrorefining in a Pilot-Scale Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Weizhi; Wang, Shijie; Free, Michael L.

2016-10-01

Copper electrorefining tests were conducted in a pilot-scale cell under commercial tankhouse environment to study the effects of anode compositions, current density, cathode blank width, and flow rate on anode slime behavior and cathode copper purity. Three different types of anodes (high, mid, and low impurity levels) were used in the tests and were analyzed under SEM/EDS. The harvested copper cathodes were weighed and analyzed for impurities concentrations using DC Arc. The adhered slimes and released slimes were collected, weighed, and analyzed for compositions using ICP. It was shown that the lead-to-arsenic ratio in the anodes affects the sintering and coalescence of slime particles. High current density condition can improve anode slime adhesion and cathode purity by intensifying slime particles' coalescence and dissolving part of the particles. Wide cathode blanks can raise the anodic current densities significantly and result in massive release of large slime particle aggregates, which are not likely to contaminate the cathode copper. Low flow rate can cause anode passivation and increase local temperatures in front of the anode, which leads to very intense sintering and coalescence of slime particles. The results and analyses of the tests present potential solutions for industrial copper electrorefining process.

Improving Efficiency of Aluminium Sacrificial Anode Using Cold Work Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asmara, Y. P.; Siregar, J. P.; Tezara, C.; Ann, Chang Tai

2016-02-01

Aluminium is one of the preferred materials to be used as sacrificial anode for carbon steel protection. The efficiency of these can be low due to the formation of oxide layer which passivate the anodes. Currently, to improve its efficiency, there are efforts using a new technique called surface modifications. The objective of this research is to study corrosion mechanism of aluminium sacrificial anode which has been processed by cold work. The cold works are applied by reducing the thickness of aluminium sacrificial anodes at 20% and 40% of thickness reduction. The cathodic protection experiments were performed by immersion of aluminium connected to carbon steel cylinder in 3% NaCl solutions. Visual inspections using SEM had been conducted during the experiments and corrosion rate data were taken in every week for 8 weeks of immersion time. Corrosion rate data were measured using weight loss and linear polarization technique (LPR). From the results, it is observed that cold worked aluminium sacrificial anode have a better corrosion performance. It shows higher corrosion rate and lower corrosion potential. The anodes also provided a long functional for sacrificial anode before it stop working. From SEM investigation, it is shown that cold works have changed the microstructure of anodes which is suspected in increasing corrosion rate and cause de-passivate of the surface anodes.

Relaxation process of the discharge channel near the anode in long air gaps under positive impulse voltages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xiangen; He, Junjia; Luo, Bing; Jia, Lei; Yang, Yongchao; Xiao, Pei

2017-12-01

The relaxation process of the discharge channel near the anode in a long air gap was observed using a Schlieren system with a temporal resolution of 5 µs and a spatial resolution of 70 µm. The dynamic characteristics of the decay process in the vicinity of the anode are obtained. The discharge channel evolves just as a growing mushroom in nature during the relaxation phase. Two physical quantities, angle θ and velocity v, are defined to describe the process in this paper. The average value of the angle and velocity under lightning impulses are 71.7° and 3.3 m s-1 respectively, while 7.7 m s-1 under switching impulses. A simplified model was established to simulate the formation of mushroom-shaped channel. The simulation and experimental results show that the formation and development of the mushroom-shaped channel are due to two factors. One is the convection of the high temperature and high pressure air near the anode produced by the first corona discharge; the other is the ionic migration. These two factors result in the phenomena that the cooling process in the vicinity of the anode is much more efficient than further into the gap, whereas the thermal conductivity of the anode may have little contribution to that.

Activated microporous-mesoporous carbon derived from chestnut shell as a sustainable anode material for high performance microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Chen, Qin; Pu, Wenhong; Hou, Huijie; Hu, Jingping; Liu, Bingchuan; Li, Jianfeng; Cheng, Kai; Huang, Long; Yuan, Xiqing; Yang, Changzhu; Yang, Jiakuan

2018-02-01

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are promising biotechnologies tool to harvest electricity by decomposing organic matter in waste water, and the anode material is a critical factor in determining the performance of MFCs. In this study, chestnut shell is proposed as a novel anode material with mesoporous and microporous structure prepared via a simple carbonization procedure followed by an activation process. The chemical activation process successfully modified the macroporous structure, created more mesoporous and microporous structure and decreased the O-content and pyridinic/pyrrolic N groups on the biomass anode, which were beneficial for improving charge transfer efficiency between the anode surface and microbial biofilm. The MFC with activated biomass anode achieved a maximum power density (23.6 W m -3 ) 2.3 times higher than carbon cloth anode (10.4 W m -3 ). This study introduces a promising and feasible strategy for the fabrication of high performance anodes for MFCs derived from cost-effective, sustainable natural materials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Acoustical and thermo physical properties of metal-ceramics composites in dependence on few volume concentration of metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abramovich, A.

2016-04-01

Metal-ceramics composites (cermets) are modern construction material used in different industry branches. Their strength and heat resistance depend on elastic and thermos physical properties. In this work cermets based on corundum and stainless steel (sintered in high vacuum at temperatures 1500 - 1600°C) are investigated. The volume steel concentration in the samples varies up 2 to 20 vol %. The elastic modules were measured by ultrasonic method at room temperature, measuring of thermo conductivity coefficient were carried out at temperatures 100, 200°C by method of continued heating in adiabatic calorimeter. We founded appearance of two extremes on dependences of elastic modules (E, G) on stainless steel concentrations, nature of which is unknown, modules values change in range: E = 110 - 310, G = 60 - 130GPa (for different temperatures of sintering). Similar dependence is observed for thermo conductivity coefficient which values varies up 10 to 40 W/(m.K). There is presented also discussion of results based on structure cermet model as multiphase micro heterogeneous media with isotropic physical properties in the work.

Improving operational anodising process performance using simulation approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liong, Choong-Yeun, E-mail: lg@ukm.edu.my; Ghazali, Syarah Syahidah, E-mail: syarah@gapps.kptm.edu.my

The use of aluminium is very widespread, especially in transportation, electrical and electronics, architectural, automotive and engineering applications sectors. Therefore, the anodizing process is an important process for aluminium in order to make the aluminium durable, attractive and weather resistant. This research is focused on the anodizing process operations in manufacturing and supplying of aluminium extrusion. The data required for the development of the model is collected from the observations and interviews conducted in the study. To study the current system, the processes involved in the anodizing process are modeled by using Arena 14.5 simulation software. Those processes consist ofmore » five main processes, namely the degreasing process, the etching process, the desmut process, the anodizing process, the sealing process and 16 other processes. The results obtained were analyzed to identify the problems or bottlenecks that occurred and to propose improvement methods that can be implemented on the original model. Based on the comparisons that have been done between the improvement methods, the productivity could be increased by reallocating the workers and reducing loading time.« less

Thin-film sulfuric acid anodizing as a replacement for chromic acid anodizing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kallenborn, K. J.; Emmons, J. R.

1995-01-01

Chromic acid has long been used to produce a thin, corrosion resistant (Type I) coating on aluminum. Following anodizing, the hardware was sealed using a sodium dichromate solution. Sealing closes up pores inherent in the anodized coating, thus improving corrosion resistance. The thinness of the brittle coating is desirable from a fatigue standpoint, and chromium was absorbed by the coating during the sealing process, further improving corrosion resistance. Unfortunately, both chromic acid and sodium dichromate contain carcinogenic hexavalent chromium. Sulfuric acid is being considered as a replacement for chromic acid. Sulfuric acid of 10-20 percent concentration has traditionally been used to produce relatively thick (Types II and III) or abrasion resistant (Type III) coatings. A more dilute, that is five weight percent, sulfuric acid anodizing process, which produces a thinner coating than Type II or III, with nickel acetate as the sealant has been developed. The process was evaluated in regard to corrosion resistance, throwing power, fatigue life, and processing variable sensitivity, and shows promise as a replacement for the chromic acid process.

Investigation of the mechanical and chemical characteristics of nanotubular and nano-pitted anodic films on grade 2 titanium dental implant materials.

PubMed

Weszl, Miklós; Tóth, Krisztián László; Kientzl, Imre; Nagy, Péter; Pammer, Dávid; Pelyhe, Liza; Vrana, Nihal E; Scharnweber, Dieter; Wolf-Brandstetter, Cornelia; Joób F, Árpád; Bognár, Eszter

2017-09-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the reproducibility, mechanical integrity, surface characteristics and corrosion behavior of nanotubular (NT) titanium oxide arrays in comparison with a novel nano-pitted (NP) anodic film. Surface treatment processes were developed to grow homogenous NT and NP anodic films on the surface of grade 2 titanium discs and dental implants. The effect of process parameters on the surface characteristics and reproducibility of the anodic films was investigated and optimized. The mechanical integrity of the NT and NP anodic films were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, surface roughness measurement, scratch resistance and screwing tests, while the chemical and physicochemical properties were investigated in corrosion tests, contact angle measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The growth of NT anodic films was highly affected by process parameters, especially by temperature, and they were apt to corrosion and exfoliation. In contrast, the anodic growth of NP film showed high reproducibility even on the surface of 3-dimensional screw dental implants and they did not show signs of corrosion and exfoliation. The underlying reason of the difference in the tendency for exfoliation of the NT and NP anodic films is unclear; however the XPS analysis revealed fluorine dopants in a magnitude larger concentration on NT anodic film than on NP surface, which was identified as a possible causative. Concerning other surface characteristics that are supposed to affect the biological behavior of titanium implants, surface roughness values were found to be similar, whereas considerable differences were revealed in the wettability of the NT and NP anodic films. Our findings suggest that the applicability of NT anodic films on the surface of titanium bone implants may be limited because of mechanical considerations. In contrast, it is worth to consider the applicability of nano-pitted anodic films over nanotubular arrays for the enhancement of the biological properties of titanium implants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrical characterization of anodic alumina substrate with via-in-pad structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Moonjung

2013-10-01

An anodic alumina substrate has been developed as a package substrate for dynamic random access memory devices. Unlike the conventional package substrates commonly made by laminating an epoxy-based core and cladding with copper, this substrate is fabricated using aluminum anodization technology. The anodization process produces a thick aluminum oxide layer on the aluminum substrate to be used as a dielectric layer. Placing copper patterns on the anodic aluminum oxide layer forms a new substrate structure that consists of a layered structure of aluminum, anodic aluminum oxide, and copper. Using selective anodization in the fabrication process, a via structure connecting the top copper layer and bottom aluminum layer is demonstrated. Additionally, by putting vias directly in the bond and ball pads in the substrate design, the via-in-pad structure is applied in this work. These two-layer metal structures and via-in-pad arrangements make routing easier and thus provide more design flexibility. Additionally, this new package substrate has improved the power distribution network impedance given the characteristics of these structures.

Method of manufacturing carbon nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benavides, Jeanette M. (Inventor); Leidecker, Henning W. (Inventor); Frazier, Jeffrey (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, including a step of inducing electrical current through a carbon anode and a carbon cathode under conditions effective to produce the carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbon cathode is larger than the carbon anode. Preferably, a welder is used to induce the electrical current via an arc welding process. Preferably, an exhaust hood is placed on the anode, and the process does not require a closed or pressurized chamber. The process provides high-quality, single-walled carbon nanotubes, while eliminating the need for a metal catalyst.

Effect of processing on structural features of anodic aluminum oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erdogan, Pembe; Birol, Yucel

2012-09-01

Morphological features of the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates fabricated by electrochemical oxidation under different processing conditions were investigated. The selection of the polishing parameters does not appear to be critical as long as the aluminum substrate is polished adequately prior to the anodization process. AAO layers with a highly ordered pore distribution are obtained after anodizing in 0.6 M oxalic acid at 20 °C under 40 V for 5 minutes suggesting that the desired pore features are attained once an oxide layer develops on the surface. While the pore features are not affected much, the thickness of the AAO template increases with increasing anodization treatment time. Pore features are better and the AAO growth rate is higher at 20 °C than at 5 °C; higher under 45 V than under 40 V; higher with 0.6 M than with 0.3 M oxalic acid.

The Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houts, Michael G.; Kim, Tony; Emrich, William J.; Hickman, Robert R.; Broadway, Jeramie W.; Gerrish, Harold P.; Belvin, Anthony D.; Borowski, Stanley K.; Scott, John H.

2014-01-01

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) development efforts in the United States have demonstrated the technical viability and performance potential of NTP systems. For example, Project Rover (1955 - 1973) completed 22 high power rocket reactor tests. Peak performances included operating at an average hydrogen exhaust temperature of 2550 K and a peak fuel power density of 5200 MW/m3 (Pewee test), operating at a thrust of 930 kN (Phoebus-2A test), and operating for 62.7 minutes in a single burn (NRX-A6 test). Results from Project Rover indicated that an NTP system with a high thrust-to-weight ratio and a specific impulse greater than 900 s would be feasible. Excellent results were also obtained by the former Soviet Union. Although historical programs had promising results, many factors would affect the development of a 21st century nuclear thermal rocket (NTR). Test facilities built in the US during Project Rover no longer exist. However, advances in analytical techniques, the ability to utilize or adapt existing facilities and infrastructure, and the ability to develop a limited number of new test facilities may enable affordable development, qualification, and utilization of a Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (NCPS). Bead-loaded graphite fuel was utilized throughout the Rover/NERVA program, and coated graphite composite fuel (tested in the Nuclear Furnace) and cermet fuel both show potential for even higher performance than that demonstrated in the Rover/NERVA engine tests.. NASA's NCPS project was initiated in October, 2011, with the goal of assessing the affordability and viability of an NCPS. FY 2014 activities are focused on fabrication and test (non-nuclear) of both coated graphite composite fuel elements and cermet fuel elements. Additional activities include developing a pre-conceptual design of the NCPS stage and evaluating affordable strategies for NCPS development, qualification, and utilization. NCPS stage designs are focused on supporting human Mars missions. The NCPS is being designed to readily integrate with the Space Launch System (SLS). A wide range of strategies for enabling affordable NCPS development, qualification, and utilization should be considered. These include multiple test and demonstration strategies (both ground and in-space), multiple potential test sites, and multiple engine designs. Two potential NCPS fuels are currently under consideration - coated graphite composite fuel and tungsten cermet fuel. During 2014 a representative, partial length (approximately 16") coated graphite composite fuel element with prototypic depleted uranium loading is being fabricated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). In addition, a representative, partial length (approximately 16") cermet fuel element with prototypic depleted uranium loading is being fabricated at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). During the development process small samples (approximately 3" length) will be tested in the Compact Fuel Element Environmental Tester (CFEET) at high temperature (approximately 2800 K) in a hydrogen environment to help ensure that basic fuel design and manufacturing process are adequate and have been performed correctly. Once designs and processes have been developed, longer fuel element segments will be fabricated and tested in the Nuclear Thermal Rocket Element Environmental Simulator (NTREE) at high temperature (approximately 2800 K) and in flowing hydrogen.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sereda, N.N.; Gerikhanov, A.K.; Koval'chenko, M.S.

The authors examined the cyclic strength of cermets based on titanium and tungsten carbides. The first material is represented by three modifications: KTS-1N, KTSL-1 and KTNKH-70, whereas the second material is represented by a single modification, VK-15. Calculations were carried out using the simplified equation of the transverse oscillations without taking into account the inertia forces of the cross section under the effect of the transverse force on deflection. Comparison of the results of the tests on VK-15 cermet and the three titanium carbide alloys showed that the former has high fatigue failure resistance at all the lives.

Marginal ridge fracture resistance, microleakage and pulpal response to glass ionomer/glass cermet partial tunnel restorations.

PubMed

Prabhu, N T; Munshi, A K; Shetty, T R

1997-01-01

Sixty sound premolars which were to be extracted for orthodontic treatment purposes were restored either with glass ionomer cement or glass cermet cements after partial tunnel preparation, and prior to the extraction after a time interval of 30 and 60 days respectively. The teeth were then subjected to marginal ridge fracture resistance, microleakage study using dye penetration and histological evaluation of the pulpal response to these materials. Both the materials exhibited increase in marginal ridge fracture resistance at 60 days, with minimal degree of microleakage and were biologically compatible with the dental pulp.

Preliminary Investigation of the Effect of Surface Treatment on the Strength of a Titanium Carbide - 30 Percent Nickel Base Cermet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robins, Leonard; Grala, Edward M

1957-01-01

Specimens of a nickel-bonded titanium carbide cermet were given the following surface treatments: (1) grinding, (2) lapping, (3) blast cleaning, (4) acid roughening, (5) oxidizing, and (6) oxidizing and refinishing. Room-temperature modulus-of-rupture and impact strength varied with the different surface treatments. Considerable strength losses resulted from the following treatments: (1) oxidation at 1600 F for 100 hours, (2) acid roughening, and (3) severe grinding with 60-grit silicon carbide abrasive. The strength loss after oxidation was partially recovered by grit blasting or diamond grinding.

Inert electrode containing metal oxides, copper and noble metal

DOEpatents

Ray, Siba P.; Woods, Robert W.; Dawless, Robert K.; Hosler, Robert B.

2001-01-01

A cermet composite material is made by treating at an elevated temperature a mixture comprising a compound of iron and a compound of at least one other metal, together with an alloy or mixture of copper and a noble metal. The alloy or mixture preferably comprises particles having an interior portion containing more copper than noble metal and an exterior portion containing more noble metal than copper. The noble metal is preferably silver. The cermet composite material preferably includes alloy phase portions and a ceramic phase portion. At least part of the ceramic phase portion preferably has a spinel structure.

Inert electrode containing metal oxides, copper and noble metal

DOEpatents

Ray, Siba P.; Woods, Robert W.; Dawless, Robert K.; Hosler, Robert B.

2000-01-01

A cermet composite material is made by treating at an elevated temperature a mixture comprising a compound of iron and a compound of at least one other metal, together with an alloy or mixture of copper and a noble metal. The alloy or mixture preferably comprises particles having an interior portion containing more copper than noble metal and an exterior portion containing more noble metal than copper. The noble metal is preferably silver. The cermet composite material preferably includes alloy phase portions and a ceramic phase portion. At least part of the ceramic phase portion preferably has a spinel structure.

In-pile and out-of-pile testing of a molybdenum-uranium dioxide cermet fueled themionic diode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diianni, D. C.

1972-01-01

The behavior of Mo-UO2 cermet fuel in a diode for thermionic reactor application was studied. The diode had a Mo-0.5 Ti emitter and niobium collector. Output power ranged from 1.4 to 2.8 W/cm squared at emitter and collector temperatures of 1500 deg and 540 C. Thermionic performance was stable within the limits of the instrumentation sensitivity. Through 1000 hours of in-pile operation the emitter was dimensionally stable. However, some fission gases (15 percent) leaked through an inner clad imperfection that occurred during fuel fabrication.

Uranium migration in spark plasma sintered W/UO2 CERMETS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tucker, Dennis S.; Wu, Yaqiao; Burns, Jatuporn

2018-03-01

W/UO2 CERMET samples were sintered in a Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) furnace at various temperature under vacuum and pressure. High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) was performed on the samples to determine interface structures and uranium diffusion from the UO2 particles into the tungsten matrix. Local Electrode Atom Probe (LEAP) was also performed to determine stoichiometry of the UO2 particles. It was seen that uranium diffused approximately 10-15 nm into the tungsten matrix. This is explained in terms of production of oxygen vacancies and Fick's law of diffusion.

Low cost fuel cell diffusion layer configured for optimized anode water management

DOEpatents

Owejan, Jon P; Nicotera, Paul D; Mench, Matthew M; Evans, Robert E

2013-08-27

A fuel cell comprises a cathode gas diffusion layer, a cathode catalyst layer, an anode gas diffusion layer, an anode catalyst layer and an electrolyte. The diffusion resistance of the anode gas diffusion layer when operated with anode fuel is higher than the diffusion resistance of the cathode gas diffusion layer. The anode gas diffusion layer may comprise filler particles having in-plane platelet geometries and be made of lower cost materials and manufacturing processes than currently available commercial carbon fiber substrates. The diffusion resistance difference between the anode gas diffusion layer and the cathode gas diffusion layer may allow for passive water balance control.

Porous membrane electrochemical cell for uranium and transuranic recovery from molten salt electrolyte

DOEpatents

Willit, James L [Ratavia, IL

2007-09-11

An improved process and device for the recovery of the minor actinides and the transuranic elements (TRU's) from a molten salt electrolyte. The process involves placing the device, an electrically non-conducting barrier between an anode salt and a cathode salt. The porous barrier allows uranium to diffuse between the anode and cathode, yet slows the diffusion of uranium ions so as to cause depletion of uranium ions in the catholyte. This allows for the eventual preferential deposition of transuranics present in spent nuclear fuel such as Np, Pu, Am, Cm. The device also comprises an uranium oxidation anode. The oxidation anode is solid uranium metal in the form of spent nuclear fuel. The spent fuel is placed in a ferric metal anode basket which serves as the electrical lead or contact between the molten electrolyte and the anodic uranium metal.

Porous membrane electrochemical cell for uranium and transuranic recovery from molten salt electrolyte

DOEpatents

Willit, James L [Batavia, IL

2010-09-21

An improved process and device for the recovery of the minor actinides and the transuranic elements (TRU's) from a molten salt electrolyte. The process involves placing the device, an electrically non-conducting barrier between an anode salt and a cathode salt. The porous barrier allows uranium to diffuse between the anode and cathode, yet slows the diffusion of uranium ions so as to cause depletion of uranium ions in the catholyte. This allows for the eventual preferential deposition of transuranics present in spent nuclear fuel such as Np, Pu, Am, Cm. The device also comprises an uranium oxidation anode. The oxidation anode is solid uranium metal in the form of spent nuclear fuel. The spent fuel is placed in a ferric metal anode basket which serves as the electrical lead or contact between the molten electrolyte and the anodic uranium metal.

Study the effect of striping in two-step anodizing process on pore arrangement of nano-porous alumina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahimi, M. H.; Saramad, S.; Tabaian, S. H.; Marashi, S. P.; Zolfaghari, A.; Mohammadalinezhad, M.

2009-10-01

Two-step anodic oxidation of aluminum is generally employed to produce the ordered porous anodized alumina (PAA). Dissolving away (striping) the oxide film after the first anodizing step plays a key role in the final arrangement of nano-pores. In this work, different striping durations between 1 and 6 h were applied to the sample that was initially anodized at a constant voltage of 40 V at 17 °C for 15 h. The striping duration of 3 h was realized as the optimum time for achieving the best ordering degree for the pores. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used during and at the end of the process to examine the cross section and finishing surface of the specimens. Linear-angular fast Fourier transform (LA-FFT), an in-house technique based on MATLAB software, was employed to assess the ordering degree of the anodized samples.

Effects of half-wave and full-wave power source on the anodic oxidation process on AZ91D magnesium alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ximei; Zhu, Liqun; Li, Weiping; Liu, Huicong; Li, Yihong

2009-03-01

Anodic films have been prepared on the AZ91D magnesium alloys in 1 mol/L Na 2SiO 3 with 10 vol.% silica sol addition under the constant voltage of 60 V at room temperature by half-wave and full-wave power sources. The weight of the anodic films has been scaled by analytical balance, and the thickness has been measured by eddy current instrument. The surface morphologies, chemical composition and structure of the anodic films have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that the thickness and weight of the anodic films formed by the two power sources both increase with the anodizing time, and the films anodized by full-wave power source grow faster than that by half-wave one. Furthermore, we have fitted polynomial to the scattered data of the weight and thickness in a least-squares sense with MATLAB, which could express the growth process of the anodic films sufficiently. The full-wave power source is inclined to accelerate the growth of the anodic films, and the half-wave one is mainly contributed to the uniformity and fineness of the films. The anodic film consists of crystalline Mg 2SiO 4 and amorphous SiO 2.

Fabrication of Self-Ordered Alumina Films with Large Interpore Distance by Janus Anodization in Citric Acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yingjun; Wen, Yihao; Li, Juan; Li, Yuxin; Zhang, Zhiying; Feng, Chenchen; Sun, Runguang

2016-12-01

Self-organized porous anodic alumina (PAA) formed by electrochemical anodization have become a fundamental tool to develop various functional nanomaterials. However, it is still a great challenge to break the interpore distance (Dint) limit (500 nm) by using current anodization technologies of mild anodization (MA) and hard anodization (HA). Here, we reported a new anodization mode named “Janus anodization” (JA) to controllably fabricate self-ordered PAA with large Dint at high voltage of 350-400 V. JA naturally occurs as anodizing Al foils in citric acid solution, which possessing both the characteristics of MA and HA. The process can be divided into two stages: I, slow pore nucleation stage similar to MA; II, unequilibrium self-organization process similar to HA. The as-prepared films had the highest modulus (7.0 GPa) and hardness (127.2 GPa) values compared with the alumina obtained by MA and HA. The optical studies showed that the black films have low reflectance (<10 %) in the wavelength range of 250-1500 nm and photoluminescence property. Dint can be tuned between 645-884 nm by controlling citric acid concentration or anodization voltage. JA is a potential technology to efficiently and controllably fabricate microstructured or hybrid micro- and nanostructured materials with novel properties.

Fabrication of Self-Ordered Alumina Films with Large Interpore Distance by Janus Anodization in Citric Acid

PubMed Central

Ma, Yingjun; Wen, Yihao; Li, Juan; Li, Yuxin; Zhang, Zhiying; Feng, Chenchen; Sun, Runguang

2016-01-01

Self-organized porous anodic alumina (PAA) formed by electrochemical anodization have become a fundamental tool to develop various functional nanomaterials. However, it is still a great challenge to break the interpore distance (Dint) limit (500 nm) by using current anodization technologies of mild anodization (MA) and hard anodization (HA). Here, we reported a new anodization mode named “Janus anodization” (JA) to controllably fabricate self-ordered PAA with large Dint at high voltage of 350–400 V. JA naturally occurs as anodizing Al foils in citric acid solution, which possessing both the characteristics of MA and HA. The process can be divided into two stages: I, slow pore nucleation stage similar to MA; II, unequilibrium self-organization process similar to HA. The as-prepared films had the highest modulus (7.0 GPa) and hardness (127.2 GPa) values compared with the alumina obtained by MA and HA. The optical studies showed that the black films have low reflectance (<10 %) in the wavelength range of 250–1500 nm and photoluminescence property. Dint can be tuned between 645–884 nm by controlling citric acid concentration or anodization voltage. JA is a potential technology to efficiently and controllably fabricate microstructured or hybrid micro- and nanostructured materials with novel properties. PMID:27958365

Effects of Complex Structured Anodic Oxide Dielectric Layer Grown in Pore Matrix for Aluminum Capacitor.

PubMed

Shin, Jin-Ha; Yun, Sook Young; Lee, Chang Hyoung; Park, Hwa-Sun; Suh, Su-Jeong

2015-11-01

Anodization of aluminum is generally divided up into two types of anodic aluminum oxide structures depending on electrolyte type. In this study, an anodization process was carried out in two steps to obtain high dielectric strength and break down voltage. In the first step, evaporated high purity Al on Si wafer was anodized in oxalic acidic aqueous solution at various times at a constant temperature of 5 degrees C. In the second step, citric acidic aqueous solution was used to obtain a thickly grown sub-barrier layer. During the second anodization process, the anodizing potential of various ranges was applied at room temperature. An increased thickness of the sub-barrier layer in the porous matrix was obtained according to the increment of the applied anodizing potential. The microstructures and the growth of the sub-barrier layer were then observed with an increasing anodizing potential of 40 to 300 V by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). An impedance analyzer was used to observe the change of electrical properties, including the capacitance, dissipation factor, impedance, and equivalent series resistance (ESR) depending on the thickness increase of the sub-barrier layer. In addition, the breakdown voltage was measured. The results revealed that dielectric strength was improved with the increase of sub-barrier layer thickness.

Osteoconductivity and Hydrophilicity of TiO2 Coatings on Ti Substrates Prepared by Different Oxidizing Processes

PubMed Central

Yamamoto, Dai; Kawai, Ikki; Kuroda, Kensuke; Ichino, Ryoichi; Okido, Masazumi; Seki, Azusa

2012-01-01

Various techniques for forming TiO2 coatings on Ti have been investigated for the improvement of the osteoconductivity of Ti implants. However, it is not clear how the oxidizing process affects this osteoconductivity. In this study, TiO2 coatings were prepared using the following three processes: anodizing in 0.1 M H3PO4 or 0.1 M NaOH aqueous solution; thermal oxidation at 673 K for 2 h in air; and a two-step process of anodizing followed by thermal oxidation. The oxide coatings were evaluated using SEM, XRD, and XPS. The water contact angle on the TiO2 coatings was measured as a surface property. The osteoconductivity of these samples was evaluated by measuring the contact ratio of formed hard tissue on the implanted samples (defined as the R B-I value) after 14 d implantation in rats' tibias. Anatase was formed by anodizing and rutile by thermal oxidation, but the difference in the TiO2 crystal structure did not influence the osteoconductivity. Anodized TiO2 coatings were hydrophilic, but thermally oxidized TiO2 coatings were less hydrophilic than anodized TiO2 coatings because they lacked in surface OH groups. The TiO2 coating process using anodizing without thermal oxidation gave effective improvement of the osteoconductivity of Ti samples. PMID:23316128

Morphology and Mechanism of Benign Inhibitors

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-01

AAO resulting in much lower SLD. ....... 84 xiv List of Acronyms AA: Aluminum alloy; AAO : Anodic aluminum oxide ; AMCC: Advanced Materials...shown, we achieved excellent vanadate, trivalent chromium process (TCP) and anodic aluminum oxide ( AAO ) films. We also tried Ce but Ce did not form a...we also initiated the study of anodizing of aluminum . According to the literature anodic aluminum oxide

Effective regeneration of anode material recycled from scrapped Li-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jin; Li, Xuelei; Song, Dawei; Miao, Yanli; Song, Jishun; Zhang, Lianqi

2018-06-01

Recycling high-valuable metal elements (such as Li, Ni, Co, Al and Cu elements) from scrapped lithium ion batteries can bring significant economic benefits. However, recycling and reusing anode material has not yet attracted wide attention up to now, due to the lower added-value than the above valuable metal materials and the difficulties in regenerating process. In this paper, a novel regeneration process with significant green advance is proposed to regenerate anode material recycled from scrapped Li-ion batteries for the first time. After regenerated, most acetylene black (AB) and all the styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC) in recycled anode material are removed, and the surface of anode material is coated with pyrolytic carbon from phenolic resin again. Finally, the regenerated anode material (graphite with coating layer, residual AB and a little CMC pyrolysis product) is obtained. As expected, all the technical indexs of regenerated anode material exceed that of a midrange graphite with the same type, and partial technical indexs are even closed to that of the unused graphite. The results indicate the effective regeneration of anode material recycled from scrapped Li-ion batteries is really achieved.

Prognosis and comparison of performances of composite CERCER and CERMET fuels dedicated to transmutation of TRU in an EFIT ADS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobolev, V.; Uyttenhove, W.; Thetford, R.; Maschek, W.

2011-07-01

The neutronic and thermomechanical performances of two composite fuel systems: CERCER with (Pu,Np,Am,Cm)O 2-x fuel particles in ceramic MgO matrix and CERMET with metallic Mo matrix, selected for transmutation of minor actinides in the European Facility for Industrial Transmutation (EFIT), were analysed aiming at their optimisation. The ALEPH burnup code system, based on MNCPX and ORIGEN codes and JEFF3.1 nuclear data library, and the modern version of the fuel rod performance code TRAFIC were used for this analysis. Because experimental data on the properties of the mixed minor-actinide oxides are scarce, and the in-reactor behaviour of the T91 steel chosen as cladding, as well as of the corrosion protective layer, is still not well-known, a set of "best estimates" provided the properties used in the code. The obtained results indicate that both fuel candidates, CERCER and CERMET, can satisfy the fuel design and safety criteria of EFIT. The residence time for both types of fuel elements can reach about 5 years with the reactivity swing within ±1000 pcm, and about 22% of the loaded MA is transmuted during this period. However, the fuel centreline temperature in the hottest CERCER fuel rod is close to the temperature above which MgO matrix becomes chemically instable. Moreover, a weak PCMI can appear in about 3 years of operation. The CERMET fuel can provide larger safety margins: the fuel temperature is more than 1000 K below the permitted level of 2380 K and the pellet-cladding gap remains open until the end of operation.

Use of Less Reactive Materials and More Stable Gases to Reduce Corrosive Wear When Lubricating with Halogenated Gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buckley, Donald H.; Johnson, Robert L.

1960-01-01

The gases CF2Cl-CF2Cl, CF2Cl2, and CF2Br-CF2Br were used to lubricate metals, cermets, and ceramics in this study. One of the criteria for determining the effectiveness of a reactive-gas-lubricated systems is the stability of the halogen-containing gas molecule. The carbon-to-halogen bond in the ethane molecule has extremely good thermal stability superior to the methane analogs (CF2Cl2 and CF2Br2) used in earlier research. For this reason, the ethane compounds CF2Cl-CF2Cl and CF2Br-CF2Br were considered as high-temperature lubricants. Friction and wear studies were made with a hemisphere (3/16-in. rad.) rider sliding in a circumferential path on the flat surface of a rotating disk (21/2-in. diam. ). The specimens of metal alloys, cermets, and ceramics were run In an atmosphere of the various gases with a load of 1200 grams, sliding velocities from 75 to 8000 feet per minute, and temperatures from 75 to 1400 F. The gas CF2Cl-CF2Cl was found to be an effective lubricant for the cermet LT-LB (59.0 Cr, 19.0 Al2O3, 20.0 Mo, 2.0 Ti) and the ceramic Al2O3 sliding on Stellite Star J (cobalt-base alloy) at temperatures to 1400 F. The bromine-containing gas CF2Br-CF2Br was found to give friction and wear values that can be considered to be in a region of effective boundary lubrication for the cermet K175D (nickel-bonded metal carbide) sliding on the metal Hastelloy R-235 (nickel-base alloy) at temperatures to 1200 F.

Assessment of anodal and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on MMN-indexed auditory sensory processing.

PubMed

Impey, Danielle; de la Salle, Sara; Knott, Verner

2016-06-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation which uses a very weak constant current to temporarily excite (anodal stimulation) or inhibit (cathodal stimulation) activity in the brain area of interest via small electrodes placed on the scalp. Currently, tDCS of the frontal cortex is being used as a tool to investigate cognition in healthy controls and to improve symptoms in neurological and psychiatric patients. tDCS has been found to facilitate cognitive performance on measures of attention, memory, and frontal-executive functions. Recently, a short session of anodal tDCS over the temporal lobe has been shown to increase auditory sensory processing as indexed by the Mismatch Negativity (MMN) event-related potential (ERP). This preliminary pilot study examined the separate and interacting effects of both anodal and cathodal tDCS on MMN-indexed auditory pitch discrimination. In a randomized, double blind design, the MMN was assessed before (baseline) and after tDCS (2mA, 20min) in 2 separate sessions, one involving 'sham' stimulation (the device is turned off), followed by anodal stimulation (to temporarily excite cortical activity locally), and one involving cathodal stimulation (to temporarily decrease cortical activity locally), followed by anodal stimulation. Results demonstrated that anodal tDCS over the temporal cortex increased MMN-indexed auditory detection of pitch deviance, and while cathodal tDCS decreased auditory discrimination in baseline-stratified groups, subsequent anodal stimulation did not significantly alter MMN amplitudes. These findings strengthen the position that tDCS effects on cognition extend to the neural processing of sensory input and raise the possibility that this neuromodulatory technique may be useful for investigating sensory processing deficits in clinical populations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Carbonate fuel cell anodes

DOEpatents

Donado, R.A.; Hrdina, K.E.; Remick, R.J.

1993-04-27

A molten alkali metal carbonates fuel cell porous anode of lithium ferrite and a metal or metal alloy of nickel, cobalt, nickel/iron, cobalt/iron, nickel/iron/aluminum, cobalt/iron/aluminum and mixtures thereof wherein the total iron content including ferrite and iron of the composite is about 25 to about 80 percent, based upon the total anode, provided aluminum when present is less than about 5 weight percent of the anode. A process is described for production of the lithium ferrite containing anode by slipcasting.

Carbonate fuel cell anodes

DOEpatents

Donado, Rafael A.; Hrdina, Kenneth E.; Remick, Robert J.

1993-01-01

A molten alkali metal carbonates fuel cell porous anode of lithium ferrite and a metal or metal alloy of nickel, cobalt, nickel/iron, cobalt/iron, nickel/iron/aluminum, cobalt/iron/aluminum and mixtures thereof wherein the total iron content including ferrite and iron of the composite is about 25 to about 80 percent, based upon the total anode, provided aluminum when present is less than about 5 weight percent of the anode. A process for production of the lithium ferrite containing anode by slipcasting.

Nanopatterning of Crystalline Silicon Using Anodized Aluminum Oxide Templates for Photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Tsu-An

A novel thin film anodized aluminum oxide templating process was developed and applied to make nanopatterns on crystalline silicon to enhance the optical properties of silicon. The thin film anodized aluminum oxide was created to improve the conventional thick aluminum templating method with the aim for potential large scale fabrication. A unique two-step anodizing method was introduced to create high quality nanopatterns and it was demonstrated that this process is superior over the original one-step approach. Optical characterization of the nanopatterned silicon showed up to 10% reduction in reflection in the short wavelength range. Scanning electron microscopy was also used to analyze the nanopatterned surface structure and it was found that interpore spacing and pore density can be tuned by changing the anodizing potential.

Large area organic light emitting diodes with multilayered graphene anodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Jaehyun; Hwang, Joohyun; Choi, Hong Kyw; Kim, Taek Yong; Choi, Sung-Yool; Joo, Chul Woong; Han, Jun-Han; Shin, Jin-Wook; Lee, Bong Joon; Cho, Doo-Hee; Huh, Jin Woo; Park, Seung Koo; Cho, Nam Sung; Chu, Hye Yong; Lee, Jeong-Ik

2012-09-01

In this work, we demonstrate fully uniform blue fluorescence graphene anode OLEDs, which have an emission area of 10×7 mm2. Catalytically grown multilayered graphene films have been used as the anode material. In order to compensate the current drop, which is due to the graphene's electrical resistance, we have furnished metal bus lines on the support. Processing and optical issues involved in graphene anode OLED fabrications are presented. The fabricated OLEDs with graphene anode showed comparable performances to that of ITO anode OLEDs. Our works shows that metal bus furnished graphene anode can be extended into large area OLED lighting applications in which flexibility and transparency is required.

Novel Bonding Technology for Hermetically Sealed Silicon Micropackage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Duck-Jung; Ju, Byeong-Kwon; Choi, Woo-Beom; Jeong, Jee-Won; Lee, Yun-Hi; Jang, Jin; Lee, Kwang-Bae; Oh, Myung-Hwan

1999-01-01

We performed glass-to-silicon bonding and fabricated a hermetically sealed silicon wafer using silicon direct bonding followed by anodic bonding (SDAB). The hydrophilized glass and silicon wafers in solution were dried and initially bonded in atmosphere as in the silicon direct bonding (SDB) process, but annealing at high temperature was not performed. Anodic bonding was subsequently carried out for the initially bonded specimens. Then the wafer pairs bonded by the SDAB method were different from those bonded by the anodic bonding process only. The effects of the bonding process on the bonded area and tensile strength were investigated as functions of bonding temperature and voltage. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the cross-sectional view of the bonded interface region was observed. In order to investigate the migration of the sodium ions in the bonding process, the concentration of the bonded glass was compared with that of standard glass. The specimen bonded using the SDAB process had higher efficiency than that using the anodic bonding process only.

Collective acceleration of ions in a system with an insulated anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bystritskii, V. M.; Didenko, A. N.; Krasik, Ya. E.; Lopatin, V. S.; Podkatov, V. I.

1980-11-01

An investigation was made of the processes of collective acceleration of protons in vacuum in a system with an insulated anode and trans-anode electrodes, which were insulated or grounded, in high-current Tonus and Vera electron accelerators. The influence of external conditions and parameters of the electron beam on the efficiency of acceleration processes was investigated. Experiments were carried out in which protons were accelerated in a system with trans-anode electrodes. A study was made of the influence of a charge prepulse and of the number of trans-anode electrodes on the energy of the accelerated electrons. A system with a single anode produced Np=1014 protons of 2Ee < Ep < 3Ee energy. Suppression of a charge prepulse increased the proton energy to (6 8)Ee and the yield was then 1013. The maximum proton energy of 14Ee was obtained in a system with three trans-anode electrodes. A possible mechanism of proton acceleration was analyzed. The results obtained were compared with those of other investigations. Ways of increasing the efficiency of this acceleration method were considered.

Improved performance of anodic titanium oxide nanotube arrays synthesized by sonoelectrochemical anodization method for dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peighambardoust, Naeimeh-Sadat; Khameneh-Asl, Shahin; Azimi, Hamid

2017-05-01

With rising demand for using solar cell systems for energy and environmental applications, considerable interest in anode materials of these cells has dramatically emerged. In this work, TiO2 nanotubular electrodes of varying thicknesses as anode were fabricated using effective process in a short time by sonoelectrochemical anodizing of Ti using an organic electrolyte, containing Na2[H2EDTA]. Long TiO2 nanotubes about 30-40 μm thick containing ordered hexagonal TiO2 were achieved through manipulating anodization parameters. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with different TiO2 electrode morphologies of varying thicknesses were compared to DSSCs based on TiO2 Nanoparticle electrodes. The effect of controlling parameters of the sonoelectrochemical process including surface preparation and anodizing time was investigated. This report brings to attention the desirable properties of the structurally oriented TiO2 for dye-sensitized solar cell applications. It found that the best cell performance was achieved about 3.14% in the case of using TiO2 NT layers that were treated by TiCl4 treatment.

Process for producing a high emittance coating and resulting article

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, Huong G. (Inventor); O'Brien, Dudley L. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

Process for anodizing aluminum or its alloys to obtain a surface particularly having high infrared emittance by anodizing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate surface in an aqueous sulfuric acid solution at elevated temperature and by a step-wise current density procedure, followed by sealing the resulting anodized surface. In a preferred embodiment the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate is first alkaline cleaned and then chemically brightened in an acid bath The resulting cleaned substrate is anodized in a 15% by weight sulfuric acid bath maintained at a temperature of 30.degree. C. Anodizing is carried out by a step-wise current density procedure at 19 amperes per square ft. (ASF) for 20 minutes, 15 ASF for 20 minutes and 10 ASF for 20 minutes. After anodizing the sample is sealed by immersion in water at 200.degree. F. and then air dried. The resulting coating has a high infrared emissivity of about 0.92 and a solar absorptivity of about 0.2, for a 5657 aluminum alloy, and a relatively thick anodic coating of about 1 mil.

Infiltration processing of boron carbide-, boron-, and boride-reactive metal cermets

DOEpatents

Halverson, Danny C.; Landingham, Richard L.

1988-01-01

A chemical pretreatment method is used to produce boron carbide-, boron-, and boride-reactive metal composites by an infiltration process. The boron carbide or other starting constituents, in powder form, are immersed in various alcohols, or other chemical agents, to change the surface chemistry of the starting constituents. The chemically treated starting constituents are consolidated into a porous ceramic precursor which is then infiltrated by molten aluminum or other metal by heating to wetting conditions. Chemical treatment of the starting constituents allows infiltration to full density. The infiltrated precursor is further heat treated to produce a tailorable microstructure. The process at low cost produces composites with improved characteristics, including increased toughness, strength.

Aluminothermic Reduction-Molten Salt Electrolysis Using Inert Anode for Oxygen and Al-Base Alloy Extraction from Lunar Soil Simulant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Kaiyu; Shi, Zhongning; Xu, Junli; Hu, Xianwei; Gao, Bingliang; Wang, Zhaowen

2017-10-01

Aluminothermic reduction-electrolysis using an inert anode process is proposed to extract oxygen and metals from Minnesota Lunar Simulant-1 (MLS-1). Effective aluminothermic reduction between dissolved MLS-1 and dissolved metal aluminum was achieved in cryolite salt media. The product phases obtained by aluminothermic reduction at 980°C for 4 h were Al, Si, and Al5FeSi, while the chemical components were 79.71 mass% aluminum, 12.03 mass% silicon, 5.91 mass% iron, and 2.35 mass% titanium. The cryolite salt containing Al2O3 was subsequently electrolyzed with Fe0.58-Ni0.42 inert anode at 960°C for 4 h. Oxygen was evolved at the anode with an anodic current efficiency of 78.28%. The results demonstrate that this two-step process is remarkably feasible for the extraterrestrial extraction of oxygen and metals. This process will help expand the existing in situ resource utilization methods.

Humectants to augment current from metallized zinc cathodic protection systems on concrete : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-12-01

Cathodic protection (CP) systems using thermal-sprayed zinc anodes are employed to mitigate the corrosion process in reinforced concrete structures. However, the performance of the anodes is improved by moisture at the anode-concrete interface. Resea...

A three-mask process for fabricating vacuum-sealed capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers using anodic bonding.

PubMed

Yamaner, F Yalçın; Zhang, Xiao; Oralkan, Ömer

2015-05-01

This paper introduces a simplified fabrication method for vacuum-sealed capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) arrays using anodic bonding. Anodic bonding provides the established advantages of wafer-bondingbased CMUT fabrication processes, including process simplicity, control over plate thickness and properties, high fill factor, and ability to implement large vibrating cells. In addition to these, compared with fusion bonding, anodic bonding can be performed at lower processing temperatures, i.e., 350°C as opposed to 1100°C; surface roughness requirement for anodic bonding is more than 10 times more relaxed, i.e., 5-nm rootmean- square (RMS) roughness as opposed to 0.5 nm for fusion bonding; anodic bonding can be performed on smaller contact area and hence improves the fill factor for CMUTs. Although anodic bonding has been previously used for CMUT fabrication, a CMUT with a vacuum cavity could not have been achieved, mainly because gas is trapped inside the cavities during anodic bonding. In the approach we present in this paper, the vacuum cavity is achieved by opening a channel in the plate structure to evacuate the trapped gas and subsequently sealing this channel by conformal silicon nitride deposition in the vacuum environment. The plate structure of the fabricated CMUT consists of the single-crystal silicon device layer of a silicon-on-insulator wafer and a thin silicon nitride insulation layer. The presented fabrication approach employs only three photolithographic steps and combines the advantages of anodic bonding with the advantages of a patterned metal bottom electrode on an insulating substrate, specifically low parasitic series resistance and low parasitic shunt capacitance. In this paper, the developed fabrication scheme is described in detail, including process recipes. The fabricated transducers are characterized using electrical input impedance measurements in air and hydrophone measurements in immersion. A representative design is used to demonstrate immersion operation in conventional, collapse-snapback, and collapse modes. In collapsemode operation, an output pressure of 1.67 MPa pp is shown at 7 MHz on the surface of the transducer for 60-Vpp, 3-cycle sinusoidal excitation at 30-V dc bias.

Surface characterization of anodized zirconium for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez, A. Gomez; Schreiner, W.; Duffó, G.; Ceré, S.

2011-05-01

Mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of zirconium make this material suitable for biomedical implants. Its good in vivo performance is mainly due to the presence of a protective oxide layer that minimizes corrosion rate, diminishes the amount of metallic ions released to the biological media and facilitates the osseointegration process. Since the implant surface is the region in contact with living tissues, the characteristics of the surface film are of great interest. Surface modification is a route to enhance both biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of permanent implant materials. Anodizing is presented as an interesting process to modify metal surfaces with good reproducibility and independence of the geometry. In this work the surface of zirconium before and after anodizing in 1 mol/L phosphoric acid solution at a fixed potential between 3 and 30 V, was characterized by means of several surface techniques. It was found that during anodization the surface oxide grows with an inhomogeneous coverage on zirconium surface, modifying the topography. The incorporation of P from the electrolyte to the surface oxide during the anodizing process changes the surface chemistry. After 30 days of immersion in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) solution, Ca-P rich compounds were present on anodized zirconium.

Preparation and Characterization of Anode-Supported YSZ Thin Film Electrolyte by Co-Tape Casting and Co-Sintering Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Q. L.; Fu, C. J.; Chan, S. H.; Pasciak, G.

2011-06-01

In this study, a co-tape casting and co-sintering process has been developed to prepare yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte films supported on Ni-YSZ anode substrates in order to substantially reduce the fabrication cost of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Through proper control of the process, the anode/electrolyte bilayer structures with a size of 7.8cm × 7.8cm were achieved with good flatness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation indicated that the YSZ electrolyte film was about 16 μm in thickness, highly dense, crack free and well-bonded to the anode support. The electrochemical properties of the prepared anode-supported electrolyte film was evaluated in a button cell mode incorporating a (LaSr)MnO3-YSZ composite cathode. With humidified hydrogen as the fuel and stationary air as the oxidant, the cell demonstrated an open-circuit voltage of 1.081 V and a maximum power density of 1.01 W/cm2 at 800°C. The obtained results represent the important progress in the development of anode-supported intermediate temperature SOFC with reduced fabrication cost.

Thermophysical and Electronic Properties Information Analysis Center (TEPIAC). A Continuing Systematic Program on Data Tables of Thermophysical and Electronic Properties of Materials.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-05-01

cermets, intermetallics, polymers, tomposites, elements, compounds, glasses , coatings, systems, materials, data 1tion. data evaluation, data analysis...intermetallics, glasses , ceramics, cermets, applied coatings, polymers, composites, and systems. The strategy of literature search has been to use both the...Tv i]3qTMt- I I [ 1 f-TL 1i 1: I 11c IQ I HT. Tsfl-)EN11R2 P- J 99’)~ 0 J917 V2O5 Vanadium Ox ide Li~~~~~~~~j ff T7AV~fi YJ rILLVL7T_(For

Overlay metallic-cermet alloy coating systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gedwill, M. A.; Levine, S. R.; Glasgow, T. K. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

A substrate, such as a turbine blade, vane, or the like, which is subjected to high temperature use is coated with a base coating of an oxide dispersed, metallic alloy (cermet). A top coating of an oxidation, hot corrosion, erosion resistant alloy of nickel, cobalt, or iron is then deposited on the base coating. A heat treatment is used to improve the bonding. The base coating serves as an inhibitor to interdiffusion between the protective top coating and the substrate. Otherwise, the protective top coating would rapidly interact detrimentally with the substrate and degrade by spalling of the protective oxides formed on the outer surface at elevated temperatures.

Osteoblastic cell response to spark plasma-sintered zirconia/titanium cermets.

PubMed

Fernandez-Garcia, Elisa; Guillem-Marti, Jordi; Gutierrez-Gonzalez, Carlos F; Fernandez, Adolfo; Ginebra, Maria-Pau; Lopez-Esteban, Sonia

2015-01-01

Ceramic/metal composites, cermets, arise from the idea to combine the dissimilar properties in the pure materials. This work aims to study the biocompatibility of new micro-nanostructured 3 Y-TZP/Ti materials with 25, 50 and 75 vol.% Ti, which have been successfully obtained by spark slasma sintering technology, as well as to correlate their surface properties (roughness, wettability and chemical composition) with the osteoblastic cell response. All samples had isotropic and slightly waved microstructure, with sub-micrometric average roughness. Composites with 75 vol.% Ti had the highest surface hydrophilicity. Surface chemical composition of the cermets correlated well with the relative amounts used for their fabrication. A cell viability rate over 80% dismissed any cytotoxicity risk due to manufacturing. Cell adhesion and early differentiation were significantly enhanced on materials containing the nanostructured 3 Y-TZP phase. Proliferation and differentiation of SaOS-2 were significantly improved in their late-stage on the composite with 75 vol.% Ti that, from the osseointegration standpoint, is presented as an excellent biomaterial for bone replacement. Thus, spark plasma sintering is consolidated as a suitable technology for manufacturing nanostructured biomaterials with enhanced bioactivity. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Compressive fracture resistance of the marginal ridge in large Class II tunnels restored with cermet and composite resin.

PubMed

Ehrnford, L E; Fransson, H

1994-01-01

Compressive fracture resistance of the marginal ridge was studied in large tunnel preparations, before and after restoration with cermet (Ketac Silver, ESPE), a universal hybrid composite (Superlux, DMG) and an experimental composite. Each group was represented by six tunnels in extracted upper premolars. The tunnels were prepared by the use of round burs up to size #6. Remaining ridge width was 1.5 mm and ridge height 1.7 mm in the contact area. The ridge was loaded to fracture by a rod placed perpendicular to the ridge. Generally this resulted in a shear fracture of the restoration. There was no significant reinforcement of the ridge by the cermet whereas the composites both reinforced by the same magnitude, averaging 62%. It was concluded that the ridge could be considered a "megafiller" where contact need to be preserved and contour protected against proximal and occlusal wear of the restoration. Clinically there would therefore be good reasons to save even ridge areas with very low inherent strength. Based on the present study composite resin might therefore be the filling material of choice for such tunnel preparations.

Development of UO2/PuO2 dispersed in uranium matrix CERMET fuel system for fast reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinha, V. P.; Hegde, P. V.; Prasad, G. J.; Pal, S.; Mishra, G. P.

2012-08-01

CERMET fuel with either PuO2 or enriched UO2 dispersed in uranium metal matrix has a strong potential of becoming a fuel for the liquid metal cooled fast breeder reactors (LMR's). In fact it may act as a bridge between the advantages and disadvantages associated with the two extremes of fuel systems (i.e. ceramic fuel and metallic fuel) for fast reactors. At Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), R & D efforts are on to develop this CERMET fuel by powder metallurgy route. This paper describes the development of flow sheet for preparation of UO2 dispersed in uranium metal matrix pellets for three different compositions i.e. U-20 wt%UO2, U-25 wt%UO2 and U-30 wt%UO2. It was found that the sintered pellets were having excellent integrity and their linear mass was higher than that of carbide fuel pellets used in Fast Breeder Test Reactor programme (FBTR) in India. The pellets were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique for phase analysis and lattice parameter determination. The optical microstructures were developed and reported for all the three different U-UO2 compositions.

Growth and Filling Regularities of Filamentary Channels in Non-Metallic Inorganic Coatings Under Anodic Oxidation of Valve Metals. Mathematical Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamaev, A. I.; Mamaeva, V. A.; Kolenchin, N. F.; Chubenko, A. K.; Kovalskaya, Ya. B.; Dolgova, Yu. N.; Beletskaya, E. Yu.

2015-12-01

Theoretical models are developed for growth and filling processes in filamentary channels of nanostructured non-metallic coatings produced by anodizing and microplasma oxidation. Graphical concentration distributions are obtained for channel-reacting anions, cations, and sparingly soluble reaction products depending on the time of electric current transmission and the length of the filamentary channel. Graphical distributions of the front moving velocity for the sparingly soluble compound are presented. The resulting model representation increases the understanding of the anodic process nature and can be used for a description and prediction of porous anodic film growth and filling. It is shown that the character of the filamentary channel growth and filling causes a variety of processes determining the textured metal - nonmetallic inorganic coating phase boundary formation.

A new, bright and hard aluminum surface produced by anodization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Fengyan; Hu, Bo; Tay, See Leng; Wang, Yuxin; Xiong, Chao; Gao, Wei

2017-07-01

Anodized aluminum (Al) and Al alloys have a wide range of applications. However, certain anodized finishings have relatively low hardness, dull appearance and/or poor corrosion resistance, which limited their applications. In this research, Al was first electropolished in a phosphoric acid-based solution, then anodized in a sulfuric acid-based solution under controlled processing parameters. The anodized specimen was then sealed by two-step sealing method. A systematic study including microstructure, surface morphology, hardness and corrosion resistance of these anodized films has been conducted. Results show that the hardness of this new anodized film was increased by a factor of 10 compared with the pure Al metal. Salt spray corrosion testing also demonstrated the greatly improved corrosion resistance. Unlike the traditional hard anodized Al which presents a dull-colored surface, this newly developed anodized Al alloy possesses a very bright and shiny surface with good hardness and corrosion resistance.

Thermal investigation of an electrical high-current arc with porous gas-cooled anode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eckert, E. R. G.; Schoeck, P. A.; Winter, E. R. F.

1984-01-01

The following guantities were measured on a high-intensity electric arc with tungsten cathode and transpiration-cooled graphite anode burning in argon: electric current and voltage, cooling gas flow rate (argon), surface temperature of the anode and of the anode holder, and temperature profile in three cross-sections of the arc are column. The last mentioned values were obtained from spectroscopic photographs. From the measured quantities, the following values were calculated: the heat flux into the anode surface, the heat loss of the anode by radiation and conduction, and the heat which was regeneratively transported by the cooling gas back into the arc space. Heat balances for the anode were also obtained. The anode losses (which are approximately 80% of the total arc power for free burning arcs) were reduced by transpiration cooling to 20%. The physical processes of the energy transfer from the arc to the anode are discussed qualitatively.

A new binder-free and conductive-additive-free TiO2/WO3-W integrative anode material produced by laser ablation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Yibo; Zhang, Hongjun; Liang, Peng; Liu, Kai; Cai, Mingyong; Huang, Zeya; Wang, Chang-An; Zhong, Minlin

2018-02-01

Although transition metal oxides anodes have attracted lots of attention, there are still many problems to be resolved. Complicated fabrication process, high cost and poor electrochemical performances are the most important ones, together hindering transition metal oxides anodes for practical use. Herein, we provide a new approach to fabricate a binder-free and conductive-additive-free TiO2/WO3-W integrative anode material through the nanosecond laser ablation and dip-coating technology, which simplifies the entire anode preparation process with no need for a conventional tape-casting procedure. Using this method, great time cost, machine cost and labor cost related to mixing and tape-casting process can be saved on the basis of good electrochemical performances. The prepared TiO2/WO3-W integrative anode realizes a first Coulombic efficiency of 75.6% and attains to a stable capacity within the first five cycles. It can still maintain a capacity of 600 mAh g-1 in the range of 0.01-3 V vs. Li+/Li at a current rate of 0.2 C after 500 cycles. This work offers a new way to achieve a fast fabrication of the integrative anode for lithium ion battery, which is universal for other transition metals (such as Fe, Cu, Ni, Co, Mo, W etc.).

Fuzzy Multicriteria Ranking of Aluminium Coating Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batzias, A. F.

2007-12-01

This work deals with multicriteria ranking of aluminium coating methods. The alternatives used are: sulfuric acid anodization, A1; oxalic acid anodization, A2; chromic acid anodization, A3; phosphoric acid anodization, A4; integral color anodizing, A5; chemical conversion coating, A6; electrostatic powder deposition, A7. The criteria used are: cost of production, f1; environmental friendliness of production process, f2; appearance (texture), f3; reflectivity, f4; response to coloring, f5; corrosion resistance, f6; abrasion resistance, f7; fatigue resistance, f8. Five experts coming from relevant industrial units set grades to the criteria vector and the preference matrix according to a properly modified Delphi method. Sensitivity analysis of the ranked first alternative A1 against the `second best', which was A3 at low and A7 at high resolution levels proved that the solution is robust. The dependence of anodized products quality on upstream processes is presented and the impact of energy price increase on industrial cost is discussed.

Determination of sulfuric acid concentration for anti-cavitation characteristics of Al alloy by two step anodizing process to forming nano porous.

PubMed

Lee, Seung-Jun; Kim, Seong-Kweon; Jeong, Jae-Yong; Kim, Seong-Jong

2014-12-01

Al alloy is a highly active metal but forms a protective oxide film having high corrosion resistance in atmosphere environment. However, the oxide film is not suitable for practical use, since the thickness of the film is not uniform and it is severly altered with formation conditions. This study focused on developing an aluminum anodizing layer having hardness, corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance equivalent to a commercial grade protective layer. Aluminum anodizing layer was produced by two-step aluminum anodizing oxide (AAO) process with different sulfuric acid concentrations, and the cavitation characteristics of the anodized coating layer was investigated. In hardness measurement, the anodized coating layer produced with 15 vol.% of sulfuric acid condition had the highest value of hardness but exhibited poor cavitation resistance due to being more brittle than those with other conditions. The 10 vol.% of sulfuric acid condition was thus considered to be the optimum condition as it had the lowest weight loss and damage depth.

Synthesis and characterization of hybrid micro/nano-structured NiTi surfaces by a combination of etching and anodizing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huan, Z.; Fratila-Apachitei, L. E.; Apachitei, I.; Duszczyk, J.

2014-02-01

The purpose of this study was to generate hybrid micro/nano-structures on biomedical nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi). To achieve this, NiTi surfaces were firstly electrochemically etched and then anodized in fluoride-containing electrolyte. With the etching process, the NiTi surface was micro-roughened through the formation of micropits uniformly distributed over the entire surface. Following the subsequent anodizing process, self-organized nanotube structures enriched in TiO2 could be superimposed on the etched surface under specific conditions. Furthermore, the anodizing treatment significantly reduced water contact angles and increased the surface free energy compared to the surfaces prior to anodizing. The results of this study show for the first time that it is possible to create hybrid micro/nano-structures on biomedical NiTi alloys by combining electrochemical etching and anodizing under controlled conditions. These novel structures are expected to significantly enhance the surface biofunctionality of the material when compared to conventional implant devices with either micro- or nano-structured surfaces.

Synthesis and characterization of hybrid micro/nano-structured NiTi surfaces by a combination of etching and anodizing.

PubMed

Huan, Z; Fratila-Apachitei, L E; Apachitei, I; Duszczyk, J

2014-02-07

The purpose of this study was to generate hybrid micro/nano-structures on biomedical nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi). To achieve this, NiTi surfaces were firstly electrochemically etched and then anodized in fluoride-containing electrolyte. With the etching process, the NiTi surface was micro-roughened through the formation of micropits uniformly distributed over the entire surface. Following the subsequent anodizing process, self-organized nanotube structures enriched in TiO2 could be superimposed on the etched surface under specific conditions. Furthermore, the anodizing treatment significantly reduced water contact angles and increased the surface free energy compared to the surfaces prior to anodizing. The results of this study show for the first time that it is possible to create hybrid micro/nano-structures on biomedical NiTi alloys by combining electrochemical etching and anodizing under controlled conditions. These novel structures are expected to significantly enhance the surface biofunctionality of the material when compared to conventional implant devices with either micro- or nano-structured surfaces.

An Insoluble Titanium-Lead Anode for Sulfate Electrolytes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ferdman, Alla

2005-05-11

The project is devoted to the development of novel insoluble anodes for copper electrowinning and electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) production. The anodes are made of titanium-lead composite material produced by techniques of powder metallurgy, compaction of titanium powder, sintering and subsequent lead infiltration. The titanium-lead anode combines beneficial electrochemical behavior of a lead anode with high mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of a titanium anode. In the titanium-lead anode, the titanium stabilizes the lead, preventing it from spalling, and the lead sheathes the titanium, protecting it from passivation. Interconnections between manufacturing process, structure, composition and properties of the titanium-lead compositemore » material were investigated. The material containing 20-30 vol.% of lead had optimal combination of mechanical and electrochemical properties. Optimal process parameters to manufacture the anodes were identified. Prototypes having optimized composition and structure were produced for testing in operating conditions of copper electrowinning and EMD production. Bench-scale, mini-pilot scale and pilot scale tests were performed. The test anodes were of both a plate design and a flow-through cylindrical design. The cylindrical anodes were composed of cylinders containing titanium inner rods and fitting over titanium-lead bushings. The cylindrical design allows the electrolyte to flow through the anode, which enhances diffusion of the electrolyte reactants. The cylindrical anodes demonstrate higher mass transport capabilities and increased electrical efficiency compared to the plate anodes. Copper electrowinning represents the primary target market for the titanium-lead anode. A full-size cylindrical anode performance in copper electrowinning conditions was monitored over a year. The test anode to cathode voltage was stable in the 1.8 to 2.0 volt range. Copper cathode morphology was very smooth and uniform. There was no measurable anode weight loss during this time period. Quantitative chemical analysis of the anode surface showed that the lead content after testing remained at its initial level. No lead dissolution or transfer from the anode to the product occurred.A key benefit of the titanium-lead anode design is that cobalt additions to copper electrolyte should be eliminated. Cobalt is added to the electrolyte to help stabilize the lead oxide surface of conventional lead anodes. The presence of the titanium intimately mixed with the lead should eliminate the need for cobalt stabilization of the lead surface. The anode should last twice as long as the conventional lead anode. Energy savings should be achieved due to minimizing and stabilizing the anode-cathode distance in the electrowinning cells. The anode is easily substitutable into existing tankhouses without a rectifier change.The copper electrowinning test data indicate that the titanium-lead anode is a good candidate for further testing as a possible replacement for a conventional lead anode. A key consideration is the cost. Titanium costs have increased. One of the ways to get the anode cost down is manufacturing the anodes with fewer cylinders. Additional prototypes having different number of cylinders were constructed for a long-term commercial testing in a circuit without cobalt. The objective of the testing is to evaluate the need for cobalt, investigate the effect of decreasing the number of cylinders on the anode performance, and to optimize further the anode design in order to meet the operating requirements, minimize the voltage, maximize the life of the anode, and to balance this against a reasonable cost for the anode. It is anticipated that after testing of the additional prototypes, a whole cell commercial test will be conducted to complete evaluation of the titanium-lead anode costs/benefits.« less

Influence of anodization parameters on the volume expansion of anodic aluminum oxide formed in mixed solution of phosphoric and oxalic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kao, Tzung-Ta; Chang, Yao-Chung

2014-01-01

The growth of anodic alumina oxide was conducted in the mixed solution of phosphoric and oxalic acids. The influence of anodizing voltage, electrolyte temperature, and concentration of phosphoric and oxalic acids on the volume expansion of anodic aluminum oxide has been investigated. Either anodizing parameter is chosen to its full extent of range that allows the anodization process to be conducted without electric breakdown and to explore the highest possible volume expansion factor. The volume expansion factors were found to vary between 1.25 and 1.9 depending on the anodizing parameters. The variation is explained in connection with electric field, ion transport number, temperature effect, concentration, and activity of acids. The formation of anodic porous alumina at anodizing voltage 160 V in 1.1 M phosphoric acid mixed with 0.14 M oxalic acid at 2 °C showed the peak volume expansion factor of 1.9 and the corresponding moderate growth rate of 168 nm/min.

Advanced electrolyte/additive for lithium-ion batteries with silicon anode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Shuo; He, Meinan; Su, Chi-Cheung

State-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are based on a lithium transition metal oxide cathode, a graphite anode and a nonaqueous carbonate electrolyte. To further increase the energy and power density of LIBs, silicon anodes have been intensively explored due to their high theoretical capacity, low operation potential, and low cost. However, the main challenges for Si anode are the large volume change during lithiation/delithiation process and the instability of the solid-electrolyte-interphase associated with this process. Recently, significant progress has been achieved via advanced material fabrication technologies and rational electrolyte design in terms of improving the Coulombic efficiency and capacity retention. Inmore » this paper, new developments in advanced electrolyte and additive for LIBs with Si anode were systematically reviewed, and perspectives over future research were suggested.« less

Study of the highly ordered TiO2 nanotubes physical properties prepared with two-step anodization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pishkar, Negin; Ghoranneviss, Mahmood; Ghorannevis, Zohreh; Akbari, Hossein

2018-06-01

Highly ordered hexagonal closely packed titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2 NTs) were successfully grown by a two-step anodization process. The TiO2 NTs were synthesized by electrochemical anodization of titanium foils in an ethylene glycol based electrolyte solution containing 0.3 wt% NH4F and 2 vol% deionized (DI) water at constant potential (50 V) for 1 h at room temperature. Physical properties of the TiO2 NTs, which were prepared via one and two-step anodization, were investigated. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed that anodization and subsequently peeled off the TiO2 NTs caused to the periodic pattern on the Ti surface. In order To study the nanotubes morphology, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) was used, which was revealed that the two-step anodization resulted highly ordered hexagonal TiO2 NTs. Crystal structures of the TiO2 NTs were mainly anatase, determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Optical studies were performed by Diffuse Reflection Spectra (DRS) and Photoluminescence (PL) analysis showed that the band gap of TiO2 NTs prepared via two-step anodization was lower than the band gap of samples prepared by one-step anodization process.

Performance of (in)active anodic materials for the electrooxidation of phenolic wastewaters from cashew-nut processing industry.

PubMed

Oliveira, Edna M S; Silva, Francisco R; Morais, Crislânia C O; Oliveira, Thiago Mielle B F; Martínez-Huitle, Carlos A; Motheo, Artur J; Albuquerque, Cynthia C; Castro, Suely S L

2018-06-01

This study investigated the anodic oxidation of phenolic wastewater generated by cashew-nut processing industry (CNPI) using active (Ti/RuO 2 -TiO 2 ) and inactive (boron doped diamond, BDD) anodes. During electrochemical treatment, various operating parameters were investigated, such as current density, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phenols, O 2 production, temperature, pH, as well as current efficiency and energy consumption. After electrolysis under optimized working conditions, samples were evaluated by chromatography and toxicological tests against L. sativa. When both electrode materials were compared under the same operating conditions, higher COD removal efficiency was achieved for BDD anode; achieving lower energy requirements when compared with the values estimated for Ti/RuO 2 -TiO 2 . The presence of Cl - in the wastewater promoted the electrogeneration of strong oxidant species as chlorine, hypochlorite and mainly hypochlorous acid, increasing the efficiency of degradation process. Regarding the temperature effect, BDD showed slower performances than those achieved for Ti/RuO 2 -TiO 2 . Chromatographic and phytotoxicity studies indicated formation of some by-products after electrolytic process, regardless of the anode evaluated, and phytotoxic action of the effluent. Results encourage the applicability of the electrochemical method as wastewater treatment process for the CNPI, reducing depuration time. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The charge-discharge characteristics and diffusion mechanism of Ti-Si-Al thin film anode using an electrically induced crystallization process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yen-Ting; Hung, Fei-Yi; Lui, Truan-Sheng

2018-04-01

In this study, an Al-Si-Ti multilayer thin film structure is designed as the anode of a lithium ion battery. The novel structure restricts the expansion of Si during charge-discharge, and its battery capacity can reach 1112 mA h g-1 after a 100-cycle charge-charging test under a 0.2 C charge-discharge rate without annealing. Notably, after a 200 °C vacuum annealing process, the cyclic capacity of the anode rises to 1208 mA h g-1 through crystallization of the Al and Ti buffer layer. However, its thermal diffusion behavior in the Al/Si or Ti/Si interfaces seriously reduces the performance and restricts the expansion of Si. The electrically induced crystallization (EIC) process not only performs crystallization but also controls the interfacial stability, after which its capacity can obviously improve to 1602 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles. Using EIC, the electron flow drives the Cu and Al atoms to endow the Si matrix with doping properties and further increases the electron conductivity of the anode. This result demonstrates that the EIC process is a suitable post-treatment process for multilayer anodes and provides a reference for future battery designs.

The application of the barrier-type anodic oxidation method to thickness testing of aluminum films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jianwen; Yao, Manwen; Xiao, Ruihua; Yang, Pengfei; Hu, Baofu; Yao, Xi

2014-09-01

The thickness of the active metal oxide film formed from a barrier-type anodizing process is directly proportional to its formation voltage. The thickness of the consumed portion of the metal film is also corresponding to the formation voltage. This principle can be applied to the thickness test of the metal films. If the metal film is growing on a dielectric substrate, when the metal film is exhausted in an anodizing process, because of the high electrical resistance of the formed oxide film, a sudden increase of the recorded voltage during the anodizing process would occur. Then, the thickness of the metal film can be determined from this voltage. As an example, aluminum films are tested and discussed in this work. This method is quite simple and is easy to perform with high precision.

Extended self-ordering regime in hard anodization and its application to make asymmetric AAO membranes for large pitch-distance nanostructures.

PubMed

Kim, Minwoo; Ha, Yoon-Cheol; Nguyen, Truong Nhat; Choi, Hae Young; Kim, Doohun

2013-12-20

We report here a fast and reliable hard anodization process to make asymmetric anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes which can serve as a template for large pitch-distance nanostructures. In order to make larger pitch distances possible, the common burning failure associated with the high current density during the conventional constant voltage hard anodization, especially at a voltage higher than a known limit, i.e., 155 V for oxalic acid, was effectively suppressed by using a burning-protective agent. A new self-ordering regime beyond the voltage limit was observed with a different voltage-interpore distance relationship of 2.2 nm V(-1) compared to the reported 2.0 nm V(-1) for hard anodization. Combining a sulfuric acid mild anodization with this new regime of hard anodization, we further demonstrate a scalable process to make an asymmetric membrane with size up to ~47 mm in diameter and ~60 μm in thickness. This free-standing membrane can be used as a template for novel nanopatterned structures such as arrays of quantum dots, nanowires or nanotubes with diameters of a few tens of nanometers and pitch distance of over 400 nm.

Extended self-ordering regime in hard anodization and its application to make asymmetric AAO membranes for large pitch-distance nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Minwoo; Ha, Yoon-Cheol; Nhat Nguyen, Truong; Choi, Hae Young; Kim, Doohun

2013-12-01

We report here a fast and reliable hard anodization process to make asymmetric anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes which can serve as a template for large pitch-distance nanostructures. In order to make larger pitch distances possible, the common burning failure associated with the high current density during the conventional constant voltage hard anodization, especially at a voltage higher than a known limit, i.e., 155 V for oxalic acid, was effectively suppressed by using a burning-protective agent. A new self-ordering regime beyond the voltage limit was observed with a different voltage-interpore distance relationship of 2.2 nm V-1 compared to the reported 2.0 nm V-1 for hard anodization. Combining a sulfuric acid mild anodization with this new regime of hard anodization, we further demonstrate a scalable process to make an asymmetric membrane with size up to ˜47 mm in diameter and ˜60 μm in thickness. This free-standing membrane can be used as a template for novel nanopatterned structures such as arrays of quantum dots, nanowires or nanotubes with diameters of a few tens of nanometers and pitch distance of over 400 nm.

Anodized Steel Electrodes for Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Sagu, Jagdeep S; Wijayantha, K G Upul; Bohm, Mallika; Bohm, Siva; Kumar Rout, Tapan

2016-03-09

Steel was anodized in 10 M NaOH to enhance its surface texture and internal surface area for application as an electrode in supercapacitors. A mechanism was proposed for the anodization process. Field-emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM) studies of anodized steel revealed that it contains a highly porous sponge like structure ideal for supercapacitor electrodes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements showed that the surface of the anodized steel was Fe2O3, whereas X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements indicated that the bulk remained as metallic Fe. The supercapacitor performance of the anodized steel was tested in 1 M NaOH and a capacitance of 18 mF cm(-2) was obtained. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed that there was a large psueudocapacitive contribution which was due to oxidation of Fe to Fe(OH)2 and then further oxidation to FeOOH, and the respective reduction of these species back to metallic Fe. These redox processes were found to be remarkably reversible as the electrode showed no loss in capacitance after 10000 cycles. The results demonstrate that anodization of steel is a suitable method to produce high-surface-area electrodes for supercapacitors with excellent cycling lifetime.

Anode film formation and control

DOEpatents

Koski, Oscar; Marschman, Steven C.

1990-01-01

A protective film is created about the anode within a cryolite-based electrolyte during electrolytic production of aluminum from alumina. The film function to minimize corrosion of the anode by the cryolitic electrolyte and thereby extend the life of the anode. Various operating parameters of the electrolytic process are controlled to maintain the protective film about the anode in a protective state throughout the electrolytic reduction of alumina. Such parameters include electrolyte temperature, electrolyte ratio, current density, and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 concentration. An apparatus is also disclosed to enable identification of the onset of anode corrosion due to disruption of the film to provide real time information regarding the state of the film.

Spontaneous oscillations of cell voltage, power density, and anode exit CO concentration in a PEM fuel cell.

PubMed

Lu, Hui; Rihko-Struckmann, Liisa; Sundmacher, Kai

2011-10-28

The spontaneous oscillations of the cell voltage and output power density of a PEMFC (with PtRu/C anode) using CO-containing H(2) streams as anodic fuels have been observed during galvanostatic operating. It is ascribed to the dynamic coupling of the CO adsorption (poisoning) and the electrochemical CO oxidation (reactivating) processes in the anode chamber of the single PEMFC. Accompanying the cell voltage and power density oscillations, the discrete CO concentration oscillations at the anode outlet of the PEMFC were also detected, which directly confirms the electrochemical CO oxidation taking place in the anode chamber during galvanostatic operating. This journal is © the Owner Societies 2011

Anode film formation and control

DOEpatents

Koski, O.; Marschman, S.C.

1990-05-01

A protective film is created about the anode within a cryolite-based electrolyte during electrolytic production of aluminum from alumina. The film functions to minimize corrosion of the anode by the cryolitic electrolyte and thereby extend the life of the anode. Various operating parameters of the electrolytic process are controlled to maintain the protective film about the anode in a protective state throughout the electrolytic reduction of alumina. Such parameters include electrolyte temperature, electrolyte ratio, current density, and Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] concentration. An apparatus is also disclosed to enable identification of the onset of anode corrosion due to disruption of the film to provide real time information regarding the state of the film. 3 figs.

U.sup.+4 generation in HTER

DOEpatents

Miller, William E [Naperville, IL; Gay, Eddie C [Park Forest, IL; Tomczuk, Zygmunt [Homer Glen, IL

2006-03-14

A improved device and process for recycling spent nuclear fuels, in particular uranium metal, that facilitates the refinement and recovery of uranium metal from spent metallic nuclear fuels. The electrorefiner device comprises two anodes in predetermined spatial relation to a cathode. The anodese have separate current and voltage controls. A much higher voltage than normal for the electrorefining process is applied to the second anode, thereby facilitating oxidization of uranium (III), U.sup.+, to uranium (IV), U.sup.+4. The current path from the second anode to the cathode is physically shorter than the similar current path from the second anode to the spent nuclear fuel contained in a first anode shaped as a basket. The resulting U.sup.+4 oxidizes and solubilizes rough uranium deposited on the surface of the cathode. A softer uranium metal surface is left on the cathode and is more readily removed by a scraper.

Electrochemical Performance Estimation of Anodized AZ31B Magnesium Alloy as Function of Change in the Current Density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girón, L.; Aperador, W.; Tirado, L.; Franco, F.; Caicedo, J. C.

2017-08-01

The anodized AZ31B magnesium alloys were synthesized via electrodeposition processes. The aim of this work was to determine the electrochemical behavior of magnesium alloys by using anodized alloys as a protective coating. The anodized alloys were characterized by x-ray diffraction, exhibiting the crystallography orientation for Mg and MgO phases. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to determine the chemical composition of anodized magnesium alloys. By using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel curves, it was possible to estimate the electrochemical behavior of anodized AZ31B magnesium alloys in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS). Scanning electron microscopy was performed to analyze chemical changes and morphological surface changes on anodized Mg alloys due to the reaction in HBSS/anodized magnesium surface interface. Electrochemical behavior in HBSS indicates that the coatings may be a promising material for biomedical industry.

Low Cost Nuclear Thermal Rocket Cermet Fuel Element Environment Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradley, David E.; Mireles, Omar R.; Hickman, Robert R.

2011-01-01

Deep space missions with large payloads require high specific impulse (Isp) and relatively high thrust in order to achieve mission goals in reasonable time frames. Conventional, storable propellants produce average Isp. Nuclear thermal rockets (NTR) capable of high Isp thrust have been proposed. NTR employs heat produced by fission reaction to heat and therefore accelerate hydrogen which is then forced through a rocket nozzle providing thrust. Fuel element temperatures are very high (up to 3000K) and hydrogen is highly reactive with most materials at high temperatures. Data covering the effects of high temperature hydrogen exposure on fuel elements is limited. The primary concern is the mechanical failure of fuel elements which employ high-melting-point metals, ceramics or a combination (cermet) as a structural matrix into which the nuclear fuel is distributed. It is not necessary to include fissile material in test samples intended to explore high temperature hydrogen exposure of the structural support matrices. A small-scale test bed designed to heat fuel element samples via non-contact RF heating and expose samples to hydrogen is being developed to assist in optimal material and manufacturing process selection without employing fissile material. This paper details the test bed design and results of testing conducted to date.

Fabrication of free standing anodic titanium oxide membranes with clean surface using recycling process.

PubMed

Meng, Xianhui; Lee, Tae-Young; Chen, Huiyu; Shin, Dong-Wook; Kwon, Kee-Won; Kwon, Sang Jik; Yoo, Ji-Beom

2010-07-01

Large area of self-organized, free standing anodic titanium oxide (ATO) nanotube membranes with clean surfaces were facilely prepared to desired lengths via electrochemical anodization of highly pure Ti sheets in an ethylene glycol electrolyte, with a small amount of NH4F and H2O at 50 V, followed by self-detachment of the ATO membrane from the Ti substrate using recycling processes. In the first anodization step, the nanowire oxide layer existed over the well-arranged ATO nanotube. After sufficiently rinsing with water, the whole ATO layer was removed from the Ti sheet by high pressure N2 gas, and a well-patterned dimple layer with a thickness of about 30 nm existed on the Ti substrate. By using these naturally formed nano-scale pits as templates, in the second and third anodization process, highly ordered, vertically aligned, and free standing ATO membranes with the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO)-like clean surface were obtained. The inter-pore distance and diameter was 154 +/- 2 nm and 91+/- 2 nm, the tube arrays lengths for 25 and 46 hours were 44 and 70 microm, respectively. The present study demonstrates a simple approach to producing high quality, length controllable, large area TiO2 membrane.

Influence of process parameters on plasma electrolytic surface treatment of tantalum for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sowa, Maciej; Woszczak, Maja; Kazek-Kęsik, Alicja; Dercz, Grzegorz; Korotin, Danila M.; Zhidkov, Ivan S.; Kurmaev, Ernst Z.; Cholakh, Seif O.; Basiaga, Marcin; Simka, Wojciech

2017-06-01

This work aims to quantify the effect of anodization voltage and electrolyte composition used during DC plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), operated as a 2-step process, on the surface properties of the resulting oxide coatings on tantalum. The first step consisted of galvanostatic anodization (150 mA cm-2) of the tantalum workpiece up to several limiting voltages (200, 300, 400 and 500 V). After attaining the limiting voltage, the process was switched to voltage control, which resulted in a gradual decrease of the anodic current density. The anodic treatment was realized in a 0.5 M Ca(H2PO2)2 solution, which was then modified by the addition of 1.15 M Ca(HCOO)2 as well as 1.15 M and 1.5 M Mg(CH3COO)2. The increasing voltage of anodization led to the formation of thicker coatings, with larger pores and enriched with electrolytes species to a higher extent. The solutions containing HCOO- and CH3COO- ions caused the formation of coatings which were slightly hydrophobic (high contact angle). In the case of the samples anodized up to 500 V, scattered crystalline deposits were observed. Bioactive phases, such as hydroxyapatite, were detected in the treated oxide coatings by XRD and XPS.

Offset Initial Sodium Loss To Improve Coulombic Efficiency and Stability of Sodium Dual-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Ma, Ruifang; Fan, Ling; Chen, Suhua; Wei, Zengxi; Yang, Yuhua; Yang, Hongguan; Qin, Yong; Lu, Bingan

2018-05-09

Sodium dual-ion batteries (NDIBs) are attracting extensive attention recently because of their low cost and abundant sodium resources. However, the low capacity of the carbonaceous anode would reduce the energy density, and the formation of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) in the anode during the initial cycles will lead to large amount consumption of Na + in the electrolyte, which results in low Coulombic efficiency and inferior stability of the NDIBs. To address these issues, a phosphorus-doped soft carbon (P-SC) anode combined with a presodiation process is developed to enhance the performance of the NDIBs. The phosphorus atom doping could enhance the electric conductivity and further improve the sodium storage property. On the other hand, an SEI could preform in the anode during the presodiation process; thus the anode has no need to consume large amounts of Na + to form the SEI during the cycling of the NDIBs. Consequently, the NDIBs with P-SC anode after the presodiation process exhibit high Coulombic efficiency (over 90%) and long cycle stability (81 mA h g -1 at 1000 mA g -1 after 900 cycles with capacity retention of 81.8%), far more superior to the unsodiated NDIBs. This work may provide guidance for developing high performance NDIBs in the future.

Structural and characteristic variation of anodic oxide on pure Ti with anodization duration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizukoshi, Yoshiteru; Ohtsu, Naofhumi; Masahashi, Naoya

2013-10-01

Change in the structural and characteristic of the anodic oxide on pure Ti with the duration of anodization time was investigated. With the progress of the anodization, the phase of the formed TiO2 successively changed from anatase phase to rutile phase. In the transition process, peak intensities of rutile TiO2 1 0 1, 1 1 1 and 2 1 1 planes of X-ray diffraction characteristically increased. The contact angles of water droplets on the anodize TiO2 were monotonously decreased with the progress of the anodization except on the characteristically oriented rutile surface. In the evaluations of acetaldehyde photocatalysis under UV illumination, the anatase TiO2 anodized for short period exhibited high activities. On the other hand, when illuminated with visible light (>422 nm), rutile-structured TiO2 formed by anodization with a long duration exhibited superior photocatalytic activities probably due to high rutile fraction and sulfur incorporation from the electrolyte.

Microbial fuel cell treatment of fuel process wastewater

DOEpatents

Borole, Abhijeet P; Tsouris, Constantino

2013-12-03

The present invention is directed to a method for cleansing fuel processing effluent containing carbonaceous compounds and inorganic salts, the method comprising contacting the fuel processing effluent with an anode of a microbial fuel ell, the anode containing microbes thereon which oxidatively degrade one or more of the carbonaceous compounds while producing electrical energy from the oxidative degradation, and directing the produced electrical energy to drive an electrosorption mechanism that operates to reduce the concentration of one or more inorganic salts in the fuel processing effluent, wherein the anode is in electrical communication with a cathode of the microbial fuel cell. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for practicing the method.

Selective laser sintering of cermet mixtures Ti and B4C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippov, A. A.; Fomin, V. M.; Malikov, A. G.; Orishich, A. M.

2016-10-01

The work is dedicated to the creation of a new heterogeneous ceramic-composite materials based on boron carbide and titanium, using a laser, in order to further layer-growing 3D products from these materials. The paper discussed two methods for obtaining ceramic-composite material: laser sintering of boron carbide powder and a metal-melting the powder mixture. We study the microstructure of the samples at various energy process modes. An attempt was made to justify the applicability of the regime used for the cultivation of layered products.

Controlled atmosphere for fabrication of cermet electrodes

DOEpatents

Ray, Siba P.; Woods, Robert W.

1998-01-01

A process for making an inert electrode composite wherein a metal oxide and a metal are reacted in a gaseous atmosphere at an elevated temperature of at least about 750.degree. C. The metal oxide is at least one of the nickel, iron, tin, zinc and zirconium oxides and the metal is copper, silver, a mixture of copper and silver or a copper-silver alloy. The gaseous atmosphere has an oxygen content that is controlled at about 5-3000 ppm in order to obtain a desired composition in the resulting composite.

Controlled atmosphere for fabrication of cermet electrodes

DOEpatents

Ray, S.P.; Woods, R.W.

1998-08-11

A process is disclosed for making an inert electrode composite wherein a metal oxide and a metal are reacted in a gaseous atmosphere at an elevated temperature of at least about 750 C. The metal oxide is at least one of the nickel, iron, tin, zinc and zirconium oxides and the metal is copper, silver, a mixture of copper and silver or a copper-silver alloy. The gaseous atmosphere has an oxygen content that is controlled at about 5--3000 ppm in order to obtain a desired composition in the resulting composite. 2 figs.

A Study of the "toss Factor" in the Impact Testing of Cermets by the Izod Pendulum Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Probst, H B; Mchenry, Howard T

1957-01-01

The test method presented shows that the "toss energy" contributed by the apparatus for brittle materials is negligible. The total toss energy is considered to consist of two components. (a) recovered stored elastic energy and (b) kinetic energy contributed directly by the apparatus. The results were verified by high-speed motion pictures of the test in operation. From these photographs, velocities of tossed specimens were obtained and toss energy computed. In addition, impact energies of some titanium carbide base cermets and high-temperature alloys, as measured by the low-capacity Izod pendulum test, compare well with impact energies measured by the NACA drop test.

High temperature resistant cermet and ceramic compositions. [for thermal resistant insulators and refractory coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, W. M. (Inventor)

1978-01-01

High temperature oxidation resistance, high hardness and high abrasion and wear resistance are properties of cermet compositions particularly to provide high temperature resistant refractory coatings on metal substrates, for use as electrical insulation seals for thermionic converters. The compositions comprise a sintered body of particles of a high temperature resistant metal or metal alloy, preferably molybdenum or tungsten particles, dispersed in and bonded to a solid solution formed of aluminum oxide and silicon nitride, and particularly a ternary solid solution formed of a mixture of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride and aluminum nitride. Ceramic compositions comprising a sintered solid solution of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride and aluminum nitride are also described.

Clinical evaluation of glass ionomer-silver cermet restorations in primary molars: one year results.

PubMed

Hung, T W; Richardson, A S

1990-03-01

Using the half mouth technique, 33 silver amalgam (Dispersalloy) and 40 glass ionomer (Ketec silver) restorations were placed in the primary molars of children aged five to seven years. After one year, 73 restorations were evaluated. The amalgam restorations rated 90-100 per cent alpha for anatomic form and margins with no recurrent caries or fractures. The glass ionomer restorations rated 35 to 55 per cent alpha for anatomic form and margins with 40 per cent being replaced due to fracture of the material. Within the guidelines of this study, glass ionomer silver cermet was not a suitable material for the restoration of interproximal cavities in primary molars.

Coating with overlay metallic-cermet alloy systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gedwill, M. A.; Levine, S. R.; Glasgow, T. K. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

A base layer of an oxide dispersed, metallic alloy (cermet) is arc plasma sprayed onto a substrate, such as a turbine blade, vane, or the like, which is subjected to high temperature use. A top layer of an oxidation, hot corrosion, erosion resistant alloy of nickel, cobalt, or iron is then arc plasma sprayed onto the base layer. A heat treatment is used to improve the bonding. The base layer serves as an inhibitor to interdiffusion between the protective top layer and the substrate. Otherwise, the 10 protective top layer would rapidly interact detrimentally with the substrate and degrade by spalling of the protective oxides formed on the outer surface at elevated temperatures.

Optimization of Milling Parameters Employing Desirability Functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro, J. L. S.; Rubio, J. C. Campos; Abrão, A. M.

2011-01-01

The principal aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of tool material (one cermet and two coated carbide grades), cutting speed and feed rate on the machinability of hardened AISI H13 hot work steel, in order to identify the cutting conditions which lead to optimal performance. A multiple response optimization procedure based on tool life, surface roughness, milling forces and the machining time (required to produce a sample cavity) was employed. The results indicated that the TiCN-TiN coated carbide and cermet presented similar results concerning the global optimum values for cutting speed and feed rate per tooth, outperforming the TiN-TiCN-Al2O3 coated carbide tool.

The Weinstein conjecture with multiplicities on spherizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hertzberg, Benjamin J.

2011-07-01

Si-based anodes have recently received considerable attention for use in Li-ion batteries, due to their extremely high specific capacity---an order of magnitude beyond that offered by conventional graphite anode materials. However, during the lithiation process, Si-based anodes undergo extreme increases in volume, potentially by more than 300 %. The stresses produced within the electrode by these volume changes can damage the electrode binder, the active Si particles and the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), causing the electrode to rapidly fail and lose capacity. These problems can be overcome by producing new anode materials incorporating both Si and C, which may offer a favorable combination of the best properties of both materials, and which can be designed with internal porosity, thereby buffering the high strains produced during battery charge and discharge with minimal overall volume changes. However, in order to develop useful anode materials, we must gain a thorough understanding of the structural, microstructural and chemical changes occurring within the electrode during the lithiation and delithiation process, and we must develop new processes for synthesizing composite anode particles which can survive the extreme strains produced during lithium intercalation of Si and exhibit no volume changes in spite of the volume changes in Si. In this work we have developed several novel synthesis processes for producing internally porous Si-C nanocomposite anode materials for Li-ion batteries. These nanocomposites possess excellent specific capacity, Coulombic efficiency, cycle lifetime, and rate capability. We have also investigated the influence of a range of different parameters on the electrochemical performance of these materials, including pore size and shape, carbon and silicon film thickness and microstructure, and binder chemistry.

Printed biofuel cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Joseph; Windmiller, Joshua Ray; Jia, Wenzhao

2016-11-22

Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing a biofuel cell device for extracting energy from a biofuel. In one aspect, a biofuel cell device includes a substrate, an anode including a catalyst to facilitate the conversion of a fuel in a biological fluid in an oxidative process that releases electrons captured at the anode, thereby extracting energy from the fuel substance, a cathode configured on the substrate adjacent to the anode and separated from the anode by a spacing region, and a load electrically coupled to the anode and cathode via electrical interconnects to obtain the extracted energy asmore » electrical energy.« less

Radiation imaging apparatus

DOEpatents

Anger, Hal O.; Martin, Donn C.; Lampton, Michael L.

1983-01-01

A radiation imaging system using a charge multiplier and a position sensitive anode in the form of periodically arranged sets of interconnected anode regions for detecting the position of the centroid of a charge cloud arriving thereat from the charge multiplier. Various forms of improved position sensitive anodes having single plane electrode connections are disclosed. Various analog and digital signal processing systems are disclosed, including systems which use the fast response of microchannel plates, anodes and preamps to perform scintillation pulse height analysis digitally.

Effect of Adding SiO2-Al2O3 Sol into Anodizing Bath on Corrosion Resistance of Oxidation Film on Magnesium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Huicong; Zhu, Liqun; Li, Weiping

Due to the widely use in automobile and construction field, AZ91D magnesium alloy need to be protected more effectively for its high chemical activity. In this paper, three kinds of films were formed on magnesium alloy. The first kind of film, named as anodic oxidation film, was prepared by anodic oxidation in the alkaline solution. The processes for preparing the second kind of film, named as multiple film, involved coating sol-gel on the samples and heat-treating before anodic oxidation. The third kind of film was prepared by anodic oxidation in the alkaline oxidation solution containning 5% (vol) SiO2-Al2O3 sol, named as modified oxidation film. The corrosion resistance of the three different films was investigated. The results showed that the modified oxidation film had the highest corrosion resistance due to the largest thickness and most dense surface morphology. Sol was discussed to react during the film forming process, which leaded to the difference between modified oxidation film and anodic oxidation film.

Porous aluminum room temperature anodizing process in a fluorinated-oxalic acid solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhahri, S.; Fazio, E.; Barreca, F.; Neri, F.; Ezzaouia, H.

2016-08-01

Anodizing of aluminum is used for producing porous insulating films suitable for different applications in electronics and microelectronics. Porous-type aluminum films are most simply realized by galvanostatic anodizing in aqueous acidic solutions. The improvement in application of anodizing technique is associated with a substantial reduction of the anodizing voltage at appropriate current densities as well as to the possibility to carry out the synthesis process at room temperature in order to obtain a self-planarizing dielectric material incorporated in array of super-narrow metal lines. In this work, the anodizing of aluminum to obtain porous oxide was carried out, at room temperature, on three different substrates (glass, stainless steel and aluminum), using an oxalic acid-based electrolyte with the addition of a relatively low amount of 0.4 % of HF. Different surface morphologies, from nearly spherical to larger porous nanostructures with smooth edges, were observed by means of scanning electron microscopy. These evidences are explained by considering the formation, transport and adsorption of the fluorine species which react with the Al3+ ions. The behavior is also influenced by the nature of the original substrate.

Nernst-ping-pong model for evaluating the effects of the substrate concentration and anode potential on the kinetic characteristics of bioanode.

PubMed

Peng, Sikan; Liang, Da-Wei; Diao, Peng; Liu, Yanyan; Lan, Fei; Yang, Yuhan; Lu, Shanfu; Xiang, Yan

2013-05-01

Understanding the electron-transfer mechanism and kinetic characteristics of bioanodes is greatly significant to enhance the electron-generating efficiencies in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). A Nernst-ping-pong model is proposed here to investigate the kinetics and biochemical processes of bioanodes in a microbial electrolysis cell. This model can accurately describe the effects of the substrate (including substrate inhibition) and the anode potential on the current of bioanodes. Results show that the half-wave potential positively shifts as the substrate concentration increases, indicating that the rate-determining steps of anodic processes change from substrate oxidation to intracellular electron transport reaction. The anode potential has negligible effects on the enzymatic catalysis of anodic microbes in the range of -0.25 V to +0.1 V vs. a saturated calomel electrode. It turns out that to reduce the anodic energy loss caused by overpotential, higher substrate concentrations are preferred, if the substrate do not significantly and adversely affect the output current. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Air plasma spray processing and electrochemical characterization of Cu-SDC coatings for use in solid oxide fuel cell anodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benoved, Nir; Kesler, O.

Air plasma spraying has been used to produce porous composite anodes based on Ce 0.8Sm 0.2O 1.9 (SDC) and Cu for use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Preliminarily, a range of plasma conditions has been examined for the production of composite coatings from pre-mixed SDC and CuO powders. Plasma gas compositions were varied to obtain a range of plasma temperatures. After reduction in H 2, coatings were characterized for composition and microstructure using EDX and SEM. As a result of these tests, symmetrical sintered electrolyte-supported anode-anode cells were fabricated by air plasma spraying of the anodes, followed by in situ reduction of the CuO to Cu. Full cells deposited on SS430 porous substrates were then produced in one integrated process. Fine CuO and SDC powders have been used to produce homogeneously mixed anode coatings with higher surface area microstructures, resulting in area-specific polarization resistances of 4.8 Ω cm 2 in impedance tests in hydrogen at 712 °C.

Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Production by the Arc Process: A Parametric Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, Carl D.; Gorelik, Olga; Proft, William J.

2000-01-01

Single wall carbon nanotubes are produced using the arc discharge process. Graphite anodes are filled with a mixture of nickel and yttrium metallic powders, then vaporized by creating a high current arc. By varying the current, gap distance, and ambient pressure it is shown that the best yield of single wall carbon nanotubes is obtained within a narrow range of conditions. The relative yield and purity of the product are indicated semi-quantitatively from scanning electric microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Two types of anodes have been investigated. The first is hollow and filled with a powder mixture of graphite, nickel and yttrium. The second is filled with a paste made of a mixture of metal nitrates, graphite powder and carbon adhesive, then reduced in an argon atmosphere at high temperature. Product purity and yield will be compared for the two types of anodes. The graphite in the anodes may have hydrogen attached in the pores. To remove this impurity anodes have been baked up to 1400 - 1500 C. The effect of baking the anodes on impurities in the product will be given.

Impedance analysis of a disk-type SOFC using doped lanthanum gallate under power generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, Tohru; Nozaki, Ken; Negishi, Akira; Kato, Ken; Monma, Akihiko; Kaga, Yasuo; Nagata, Susumu; Takano, Kiyonami; Inagaki, Toru; Yoshida, Hiroyuki; Hosoi, Kei; Hoshino, Koji; Akbay, Taner; Akikusa, Jun

Impedance measurements were carried out under practical power generation conditions in a disk-type SOFC, which may be utilized as a small-scale power generator. The tested cell was composed of doped lanthanum gallate (La 0.8Sr 0.2Ga 0.8Mg 0.15Co 0.05O 3- δ) as the electrolyte, Sm 0.5Sr 0.5CoO 3 as the cathode electrode and Ni/Ce 0.8Sm 0.2O 2 cermet as the anode electrode. The cell impedance was measured between 10 mHz and 10 kHz by varying the fuel utilization and gas flow rate and plotted in complex impedance diagrams. The observed impedance shows a large semi-circular pattern on the low frequency side. The semi-circular impedance, having a noticeably low characteristic frequency between 0.13 and 0.4 Hz, comes from the change in gas composition, originally caused by the cell reaction. The change in impedance with the fuel utilization (load current) and the gas flow rate agreed qualitatively well with the theoretical predictions from a simulation. This impedance was dominant under high fuel-utilization power-generation conditions. The impedance, which described the activation polarizations in the electrode reactions, was comparatively small and scarcely changed with the change in fuel utilization (load current) and gas flow rate.

Modelling the growth of porous alumina matrix for creating hyperbolic media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aryslanova, E. M.; Alfimov, A. V.; Chivilikhin, S. A.

2016-08-01

Porous aluminum oxide is a regular self-assembled structure. During anodization it is possible to control nano-parameters of the structure using macroscopic parameters of anodization. Porous alumina films can be used as a template for the creation of hyperbolic media. In this work we consider the anodization process, our model takes into account the influence of layers of aluminum and electrolyte on the rate of growth of aluminum oxide, as well as the effect of surface diffusion. As a result of our model we obtain the minimum distance between centers of alumina pores in the beginning of anodizing process. We also present the results obtained by numerical modelling of hyperbolic media based on porous alumina film.

Facile preparation of porous alumina through-hole masks for sputtering by two-layer anodization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanagishita, Takashi; Masuda, Hideki

2016-08-01

Highly ordered porous alumina through-hole masks were fabricated on a substrate by combining two-layer anodization with subsequent through-holing by selective etching. This process allowed the fabrication of porous alumina masks without an increase in pore size during the etching performed for through-holing. Additionally, the process contributed to improved operability in the setting of the masks on substrates because the second anodizing layer acts as a supporting layer for the handling of the mask. The fabrication of ordered Au nanodot arrays was demonstrated as an example application of the through-hole masks obtained by the present process.

Using Copper Nanoparticle Additive to Improve the Performance of Silicon Anodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bachand, Gabrielle

In the foreseeable future, global energy demand is expected to rapidly increase as a result of the swelling population and higher standards of living. Current energy generation and transportation methods predominantly involve the combustion of non-renewable fossil fuels, and greenhouse gas emissions from these processes have been shown to contribute to global climate change and to be detrimental to human and environmental health. To satisfy future energy needs and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the advancement of renewable energy generation and electric vehicles is important. The proliferation of intermittent renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind) and electric vehicles depends upon reliable, high-capacity energy storage to serve the practical needs of society. The present-day lithium-ion battery offers excellent qualities for this purpose; however, improvements in the capacity and cost-effectiveness of these batteries are needed for further growth. As an anode material, silicon has exceptionally high theoretical capacity and is an earth-abundant, low-cost option. However, silicon also suffers from poor conductivity and long-term stability, prompting many studies to investigate the use of additive materials to mitigate these issues. This thesis focuses on the improvement of silicon anode performance by using a nanoparticulate copper additive to increase material conductivity and an inexpensive, industry-compatible anode fabrication process. Three main fabrication processes were explored using differing materials and heat treatment techniques for comparison. Anodes were tested using CR2032 type coin cells. The final anodes with the most-improved characteristics were fabricated using a high-temperature heating step for the anode material, and an additional batch was formed to test the viability of the copper additive functioning as a full substitute for carbon black, which is the traditional choice of conductive additive for electrode materials. Anodes materials were characterized using a variety of techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate surface qualities and material content. Electrochemical techniques including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and charge/discharge cycling were also used to determine the conductivity and functional behavior of the anode materials. Anodes from the final experimental study achieved initial capacities of 309 mA/g and 957 mA/g for the silicon-only control and silicon with copper additive anodes, respectively, demonstrating an over 300% increase in specific capacity. Si-Cu (NC) anodes also showed superior performance over control anodes with an initial capacity of 775 mA/g. For all three anodes, high efficiencies of over 96% were achieved for the testing duration of 100 cycles and reached near or over 99% in final cycles. Results also show a significant decrease in the resistance of anodes with copper additive, contributing to the improved performance of these anodes.

Fabrication of a novel aluminum surface covered by numerous high-aspect-ratio anodic alumina nanofibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakajima, Daiki; Kikuchi, Tatsuya; Natsui, Shungo; Sakaguchi, Norihito; Suzuki, Ryosuke O.

2015-11-01

The formation behavior of anodic alumina nanofibers via anodizing in a concentrated pyrophosphoric acid under various conditions was investigated using electrochemical measurements and SEM/TEM observations. Pyrophosphoric acid anodizing at 293 K resulted in the formation of numerous anodic alumina nanofibers on an aluminum substrate through a thin barrier oxide and honeycomb oxide with narrow walls. However, long-term anodizing led to the chemical dissolution of the alumina nanofibers. The density of the anodic alumina nanofibers decreased as the applied voltage increased in the 10-75 V range. However, active electrochemical dissolution of the aluminum substrate occurred at a higher voltage of 90 V. Low temperature anodizing at 273 K resulted in the formation of long alumina nanofibers measuring several micrometers in length, even though a long processing time was required due to the low current density during the low temperature anodizing. In contrast, high temperature anodizing easily resulted in the formation and chemical dissolution of alumina nanofibers. The structural nanofeatures of the anodic alumina nanofibers were controlled by choosing of the appropriate electrochemical conditions, and numerous high-aspect-ratio alumina nanofibers (>100) can be successfully fabricated. The anodic alumina nanofibers consisted of a pure amorphous aluminum oxide without anions from the employed electrolyte.

Radiation imaging apparatus

DOEpatents

Anger, H.O.; Martin, D.C.; Lampton, M.L.

1983-07-26

A radiation imaging system using a charge multiplier and a position sensitive anode in the form of periodically arranged sets of interconnected anode regions for detecting the position of the centroid of a charge cloud arriving thereat from the charge multiplier. Various forms of improved position sensitive anodes having single plane electrode connections are disclosed. Various analog and digital signal processing systems are disclosed, including systems which use the fast response of microchannel plates, anodes and preamps to perform scintillation pulse height analysis digitally. 15 figs.

Localised anodic oxidation of aluminium material using a continuous electrolyte jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuhn, D.; Martin, A.; Eckart, C.; Sieber, M.; Morgenstern, R.; Hackert-Oschätzchen, M.; Lampke, T.; Schubert, A.

2017-03-01

Anodic oxidation of aluminium and its alloys is often used as protection against material wearout and corrosion. Therefore, anodic oxidation of aluminium is applied to produce functional oxide layers. The structure and properties of the oxide layers can be influenced by various factors. These factors include for example the properties of the substrate material, like alloy elements and heat treatment or process parameters, like operating temperature, electric parameters or the type of the used electrolyte. In order to avoid damage to the work-piece surface caused by covering materials in masking applications, to minimize the use of resources and to modify the surface in a targeted manner, the anodic oxidation has to be localised to partial areas. Within this study a proper alternative without preparing the substrate by a mask is investigated for generating locally limited anodic oxidation by using a continuous electrolyte jet. Therefore aluminium material EN AW 7075 is machined by applying a continuous electrolyte jet of oxalic acid. Experiments were carried out by varying process parameters like voltage or processing time. The realised oxide spots on the aluminium surface were investigated by optical microscopy, SEM and EDX line scanning. Furthermore, the dependencies of the oxide layer properties from the process parameters are shown.

Anodization Mechanism on SiC Nanoparticle Reinforced Al Matrix Composites Produced by Power Metallurgy.

PubMed

Ferreira, Sonia C; Conde, Ana; Arenas, María A; Rocha, Luis A; Velhinho, Alexandre

2014-12-19

Specimens of aluminum-based composites reinforced by silicon carbide nanoparticles (Al/SiC np ) produced by powder metallurgy (PM) were anodized under voltage control in tartaric-sulfuric acid (TSA). In this work, the influence of the amount of SiC np on the film growth during anodizing was investigated. The current density versus time response and the morphology of the porous alumina film formed at the composite surface are compared to those concerning a commercial aluminum alloy (AA1050) anodized under the same conditions. The processing method of the aluminum alloys influences the efficiency of the anodizing process, leading to a lower thicknesses for the unreinforced Al-PM alloy regarding the AA1050. The current density versus time response is strongly dependent on the amount of SiC np . The current peaks and the steady-state current density recorded at each voltage step increases with the SiC np volume fraction due to the oxidation of the SiC np . The formation mechanism of the anodic film on Al/SiC np composites is different from that occurring in AA1050, partly due the heterogeneous distribution of the reinforcement particles in the metallic matrix, but also to the entrapment of SiC np in the anodic film.

Anodization Mechanism on SiC Nanoparticle Reinforced Al Matrix Composites Produced by Power Metallurgy

PubMed Central

Ferreira, Sonia C.; Conde, Ana; Arenas, María A.; Rocha, Luis A.; Velhinho, Alexandre

2014-01-01

Specimens of aluminum-based composites reinforced by silicon carbide nanoparticles (Al/SiCnp) produced by powder metallurgy (PM) were anodized under voltage control in tartaric-sulfuric acid (TSA). In this work, the influence of the amount of SiCnp on the film growth during anodizing was investigated. The current density versus time response and the morphology of the porous alumina film formed at the composite surface are compared to those concerning a commercial aluminum alloy (AA1050) anodized under the same conditions. The processing method of the aluminum alloys influences the efficiency of the anodizing process, leading to a lower thicknesses for the unreinforced Al-PM alloy regarding the AA1050. The current density versus time response is strongly dependent on the amount of SiCnp. The current peaks and the steady-state current density recorded at each voltage step increases with the SiCnp volume fraction due to the oxidation of the SiCnp. The formation mechanism of the anodic film on Al/SiCnp composites is different from that occurring in AA1050, partly due the heterogeneous distribution of the reinforcement particles in the metallic matrix, but also to the entrapment of SiCnp in the anodic film. PMID:28788295

Etching Behavior of Aluminum Alloy Extrusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Hanliang

2014-11-01

The etching treatment is an important process step in influencing the surface quality of anodized aluminum alloy extrusions. The aim of etching is to produce a homogeneously matte surface. However, in the etching process, further surface imperfections can be generated on the extrusion surface due to uneven materials loss from different microstructural components. These surface imperfections formed prior to anodizing can significantly influence the surface quality of the final anodized extrusion products. In this article, various factors that influence the materials loss during alkaline etching of aluminum alloy extrusions are investigated. The influencing variables considered include etching process parameters, Fe-rich particles, Mg-Si precipitates, and extrusion profiles. This study provides a basis for improving the surface quality in industrial extrusion products by optimizing various process parameters.

Electrolytic production of high purity aluminum using ceramic inert anodes

DOEpatents

Ray, Siba P.; Liu, Xinghua; Weirauch, Douglas A.; DiMilia, Robert A.; Dynys, Joseph M.; Phelps, Frankie E.; LaCamera, Alfred F.

2002-01-01

A method of producing commercial purity aluminum in an electrolytic reduction cell comprising ceramic inert anodes is disclosed. The method produces aluminum having acceptable levels of Fe, Cu and Ni impurities. The ceramic inert anodes used in the process may comprise oxides containing Fe and Ni, as well as other oxides, metals and/or dopants.

Method of electrode fabrication for solid oxide electrochemical cells

DOEpatents

Jensen, R.R.

1990-11-20

A process for fabricating cermet electrodes for solid oxide electrochemical cells by sintering is disclosed. First, a porous metal electrode is fabricated on a solid oxide cell, such as a fuel cell by, for example, sintering, and is then infiltrated with a high volume fraction stabilized zirconia suspension. A second sintering step is used to sinter the infiltrated zirconia to a high density in order to more securely attach the electrode to the solid oxide electrolyte of the cell. High performance fuel electrodes can be obtained with this process. Further electrode performance enhancement may be achieved if stabilized zirconia doped with cerium oxide, chromium oxide, titanium oxide, and/or praseodymium oxide for electronic conduction is used. 5 figs.

Method of electrode fabrication for solid oxide electrochemical cells

DOEpatents

Jensen, Russell R.

1990-01-01

A process for fabricating cermet electrodes for solid oxide electrochemical cells by sintering is disclosed. First, a porous metal electrode is fabricated on a solid oxide cell, such as a fuel cell by, for example, sintering, and is then infiltrated with a high volume fraction stabilized zirconia suspension. A second sintering step is used to sinter the infiltrated zirconia to a high density in order to more securely attach the electrode to the solid oxide electrolyte of the cell. High performance fuel electrodes can be obtained with this process. Further electrode performance enhancement may be achieved if stabilized zirconia doped with cerium oxide, chromium oxide, titanium oxide, and/or praseodymium oxide for electronic conduction is used.

The effect of ethylene glycol on pore arrangement of anodic aluminium oxide prepared by hard anodization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Yang; Zhang, Li; Han, Mangui; Wang, Xin; Xie, Jianliang; Deng, Longjiang

2018-03-01

The influence of the addition of ethylene glycol (EG) on the pore self-ordering process in anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) membranes prepared by hard anodization (HA) was investigated. It was illustrated that EG has a substantial effect on the pore arrangement of AAO, and it was found that a smaller pore size can be obtained with an EG concentration reaching 20 wt% in aqueous electrolyte. The number of estimated defects of AAO increases significantly with an increase in EG concentration to 50 wt%. Excellent ordering of pores was realized when the samples were anodized in the 30 wt%-EG-containing aqueous electrolyte.

Thin film buried anode battery

DOEpatents

Lee, Se-Hee [Lakewood, CO; Tracy, C Edwin [Golden, CO; Liu, Ping [Denver, CO

2009-12-15

A reverse configuration, lithium thin film battery (300) having a buried lithium anode layer (305) and process for making the same. The present invention is formed from a precursor composite structure (200) made by depositing electrolyte layer (204) onto substrate (201), followed by sequential depositions of cathode layer (203) and current collector (202) on the electrolyte layer. The precursor is subjected to an activation step, wherein a buried lithium anode layer (305) is formed via electroplating a lithium anode layer at the interface of substrate (201) and electrolyte film (204). The electroplating is accomplished by applying a current between anode current collector (201) and cathode current collector (202).

Effect of fabrication parameters on coating properties of tubular solid oxide fuel cell electrolyte prepared by vacuum slurry coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Son, Hui-Jeong; Song, Rak-Hyun; Lim, Tak-Hyoung; Lee, Seung-Bok; Kim, Sung-Hyun; Shin, Dong-Ryul

The process of vacuum slurry coating for the fabrication of a dense and thin electrolyte film on a porous anode tube is investigated for application in solid oxide fuel cells. 8 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia is coated on an anode tube by vacuum slurry-coating process as a function of pre-sintering temperature of the anode tube, vacuum pressure, slurry concentration, number of coats, and immersion time. A dense electrolyte layer is formed on the anode tube after final sintering at 1400 °C. With decrease in the pre-sintering temperature of the anode tube, the grain size of the coated electrolyte layer increases and the number of surface pores in the coating layer decreases. This is attributed to a reduced difference in the respective shrinkage of the anode tube and the electrolyte layer. The thickness of the coated electrolyte layer increases with the content of solid powder in the slurry, the number of dip-coats, and the immersion time. Although vacuum pressure has no great influence on the electrolyte thickness, higher vacuum produces a denser coating layer, as confirmed by low gas permeability and a reduced number of defects in the coating layer. A single cell with the vacuum slurry coated electrolyte shows a good performance of 620 mW cm -2 (0.7 V) at 750 °C. These experimental results indicate that the vacuum slurry-coating process is an effective method to fabricate a dense thin film on a porous anode support.

Low Cost Nuclear Thermal Rocket Cermet Fuel Element Environment Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradley, D. E.; Mireles, O. R.; Hickman, R. R.

2011-01-01

Deep space missions with large payloads require high specific impulse and relatively high thrust to achieve mission goals in reasonable time frames.1,2 Conventional storable propellants produce average specific impulse. Nuclear thermal rockets capable of producing high specific impulse are proposed. Nuclear thermal rockets employ heat produced by fission reaction to heat and therefore accelerate hydrogen, which is then forced through a rocket nozzle providing thrust. Fuel element temperatures are very high (up to 3000 K), and hydrogen is highly reactive with most materials at high temperatures. Data covering the effects of high-temperature hydrogen exposure on fuel elements are limited.3 The primary concern is the mechanical failure of fuel elements that employ high-melting-point metals, ceramics, or a combination (cermet) as a structural matrix into which the nuclear fuel is distributed. The purpose of the testing is to obtain data to assess the properties of the non-nuclear support materials, as-fabricated, and determine their ability to survive and maintain thermal performance in a prototypical NTR reactor environment of exposure to hydrogen at very high temperatures. The fission process of the planned fissile material and the resulting heating performance is well known and does not therefore require that active fissile material be integrated in this testing. A small-scale test bed designed to heat fuel element samples via non-contact radio frequency heating and expose samples to hydrogen is being developed to assist in optimal material and manufacturing process selection without employing fissile material. This paper details the test bed design and results of testing conducted to date.

A Model of Anode Sheath Potential Evolution in a Transverse Magnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foster, John E.; Gallimore, Alec D.

1996-11-01

It has been conjectured that the growth in the magnitude of the anode fall voltage with changing transverse magnetic field is a function of the ratio of available transverse current to the discharge current. It has been postulated that at small values of this ratio, the anode fall voltage and thus the near-anode electric field increases in order to assure that the prescribed discharge is maintained.footnote H. Hugel, IEEE Tran. Plas. Sci., PS-8,4, 1980 In this present work, a model is presented which predicts the behavior of the anode fall voltage as a function of transverse magnetic field. The model attempts to explain why the anode fall voltage depends so strongly on this ratio. In addition, it is further shown that because of the current ratio's strong dependence on local electron number density, ultimately it is the changes in near-anode ionization processes with varying transverse magnetic field that control the anode fall voltage.

Comparison of electrokinetic soil remediation methods using one fixed anode and approaching anodes.

PubMed

Shen, Zhemin; Chen, Xuejun; Jia, Jinping; Qu, Liya; Wang, Wenhua

2007-11-01

During the cation exchange membrane (CEM) enhanced electrokinetic (EK) soil remediation, the nearer to the anode, the higher are the H+ concentrations and the redox potentials. As both low pH and high redox potential are helpful to speed-up Cd electro-migration, soils near the anode can be quickly remedied. Usually EK process is operated with one fixed anode (FA). A novel CEM enhanced EK method with approaching anodes (AAs) is proposed to accelerate electro-migration effect. Several mesh Ti/Ru anodes were inserted as AAs in the treated soil. They were switched in turn from the anode towards the cathode. Thus high H+ ions concentrations and high redox potentials quickly migrate to the cathode. Consequently, soil remediation is accelerated and nearly 44% of energy and 40% of time can be saved. The mechanism of Cd electro-migration behavior in soils during CEM enhanced EK is described as the elution in an electrokinetically driven chromatogram.

Surface States and Effective Surface Area on Photoluminescent P-Type Porous Silicon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weisz, S. Z.; Porras, A. Ramirez; Resto, O.; Goldstein, Y.; Many, A.; Savir, E.

1997-01-01

The present study is motivated by the possibility of utilizing porous silicon for spectral sensors. Pulse measurements on the porous-Si/electrolyte system are employed to determine the surface effective area and the surface-state density at various stages of the anodization process used to produce the porous material. Such measurements were combined with studies of the photoluminescence spectra. These spectra were found to shift progressively to the blue as a function of anodization time. The luminescence intensity increases initially with anodization time, reaches a maximum and then decreases with further anodization. The surface state density, on the other hand, increases with anodization time from an initial value of about 2 x 10(exp 12)/sq cm surface to about 1013 sq cm for the anodized surface. This value is attained already after -2 min anodization and upon further anodization remains fairly constant. In parallel, the effective surface area increases by a factor of 10-30. This behavior is markedly different from the one observed previously for n-type porous Si.

Properties of nanostructures obtained by anodization of aluminum in phosphoric acid at moderate potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaraska, L.; Sulka, G. D.; Jaskuła, M.

2009-01-01

The influence of the process duration, anodizing potential and methanol addition on the structural features of porous anodic alumina formed in a 0.3 M H3PO4 solutions by twostep self-organized anodizing was investigated for potentials ranging from 100 to 170 V. The structural features of porous structures including pore diameter and interpore distance were evaluated from FE-SEM top-view images for samples anodized in the presence and absence of methanol. For the highest studied anodizing time and methanol volume fraction, an excellent agreement between experimental values of the interpore distance and theoretical predictions was observed. The pore arrangement regularity was analyzed for various electrolyte compositions and anodizing potentials. It was found that the regularity ratio of porous alumina increases linearly with increasing anodizing potential and time. The addition of methanol improves the quality of nanostructures and especially better uniformity of pore sizes is observed in the presence of the highest studied methanol content.

Surface treatments for aluminium alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardelean, M.; Lascău, S.; Ardelean, E.; Josan, A.

2018-01-01

Typically, in contact with the atmosphere, the aluminium surface is covered with an aluminium oxide layer, with a thickness of less than 1-2μm. Due to its low thickness, high porosity and low mechanical strength, this layer does not protect the metal from corrosion. Anodizing for protective and decorative purposes is the most common method of superficial oxidation processes and is carried out through anodic oxidation. The oxide films, resulted from anodizing, are porous, have a thickness of 20-50μm, and are heat-resistant, stable to water vapour and other corrosion agents. Hard anodizing complies with the same obtains principles as well as decorative and protective anodization. The difference is in that hard anodizing is achieved at low temperatures and high intensity of electric current. In the paper are presented the results of decorative and hard anodization for specimens made from several aluminium alloys in terms of the appearance of the specimens and of the thickness of the anodized.

Optimization of Aluminum Anodization Conditions for the Fabrication of Nanowires by Electrodeposition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fucsko, Viola

2005-01-01

Anodized alumina nanotemplates have a variety of potential applications in the development of nanotechnology. Alumina nanotemplates are formed by oxidizing aluminum film in an electrolyte solution.During anodization, aluminum oxidizes, and, under the proper conditions, nanometer-sized pores develop. A series of experiments was conducted to determine the optimal conditions for anodization. Three-micrometer thick aluminum films on silicon and silicon oxide substrates were anodized using constant voltages of 13-25 V. 0.1-0.3M oxalic acid was used as the electrolyte. The anodization time was found to increase and the overshooting current decreased as both the voltage and the electrolyte concentrations were decreased. The samples were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Anodizing with 25V in 0.3M oxalic acid appears to be the best process conditions. The alumina nanotemplates are being used to fabricate nanowires by electrodeposition. The current-voltage characteristics of copper nanowires have also been studied.

Analysis of cadmium in undissolved anode materials of Mark-IV electro-refiner

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yoo, Tae-Sic; Fredrickson, G.L.; Vaden, D.

2013-07-01

The Mark-IV electro-refiner (Mk-IV ER) is a unit process in the FCF (Fuel Conditioning Facility), which is primarily assigned to treating the used driver fuels. Mk-IV ER contains an electrolyte/molten cadmium system for refining uranium electrochemically. Typically, the anode of the Mk-IV ER consists of the chopped sodium-bonded metallic driver fuels, which have been primarily U-10Zr binary fuels. Chemical analysis of the residual anode materials after electrorefining indicates that a small amount of cadmium is removed from the Mk-IV ER along with the undissolved anode materials. Investigation of chemical analysis data indicates that the amount of cadmium in the undissolvedmore » anode materials is strongly correlated with the anode rotation speeds and the residence time of the anode in the Mk-IV ER. Discussions are given to explain the prescribed correlation. (authors)« less

Progress in Nano-Engineered Anodic Aluminum Oxide Membrane Development.

PubMed

Poinern, Gerrard Eddy Jai; Ali, Nurshahidah; Fawcett, Derek

2011-02-25

The anodization of aluminum is an electro-chemical process that changes the surface chemistry of the metal, via oxidation, to produce an anodic oxide layer. During this process a self organized, highly ordered array of cylindrical shaped pores can be produced with controllable pore diameters, periodicity and density distribution. This enables anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes to be used as templates in a variety of nanotechnology applications without the need for expensive lithographical techniques. This review article is an overview of the current state of research on AAO membranes and the various applications of nanotechnology that use them in the manufacture of nano-materials and devices or incorporate them into specific applications such as biological/chemical sensors, nano-electronic devices, filter membranes and medical scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Progress in Nano-Engineered Anodic Aluminum Oxide Membrane Development

PubMed Central

Poinern, Gerrard Eddy Jai; Ali, Nurshahidah; Fawcett, Derek

2011-01-01

The anodization of aluminum is an electro-chemical process that changes the surface chemistry of the metal, via oxidation, to produce an anodic oxide layer. During this process a self organized, highly ordered array of cylindrical shaped pores can be produced with controllable pore diameters, periodicity and density distribution. This enables anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes to be used as templates in a variety of nanotechnology applications without the need for expensive lithographical techniques. This review article is an overview of the current state of research on AAO membranes and the various applications of nanotechnology that use them in the manufacture of nano-materials and devices or incorporate them into specific applications such as biological/chemical sensors, nano-electronic devices, filter membranes and medical scaffolds for tissue engineering. PMID:28880002

Remediation of phosphate-contaminated water by electrocoagulation with aluminium, aluminium alloy and mild steel anodes.

PubMed

Vasudevan, Subramanyan; Lakshmi, Jothinathan; Jayaraj, Jeganathan; Sozhan, Ganapathy

2009-05-30

The present study provides an electrocoagulation process for the remediation of phosphate-contaminated water using aluminium, aluminium alloy and mild steel as the anodes and stainless steel as the cathode. The various parameters like effect of anode materials, effect of pH, concentration of phosphate, current density, temperature and co-existing ions, and so forth, and the adsorption capacity was evaluated using both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. The adsorption of phosphate preferably fitting the Langmuir adsorption isotherm suggests monolayer coverage of adsorbed molecules. The results showed that the maximum removal efficiency of 99% was achieved with aluminium alloy anode at a current density of 0.2 A dm(-2), at a pH of 7.0. The adsorption process follows second-order kinetics.

A study of the microstructure and optical properties of thin lead-dielectric cermet films. Ph.D. Thesis - Va. Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Owen, R. B.

1972-01-01

A transmission electron microscopy study involving direct and replicating techniques is directed to a definition of the microstructure of radio frequency-sputtered, thin lead-dielectric cermet films. Once defined, this microstructure is used to obtain theoretical film refractive indices. The Maxwell Garnett theory provides a basis for the theoretical results. Measurements of film transmission and reflectivity are used to obtain rough experimental values for film refractive indices by the Tekucheva method. More exact values are obtained via ellipsometry. The rough Tekucheva values are used to determine the range over which computer calculations interpreting the ellipsometric results must be made. This technique yields accurate values for the film refractive indices.

Multidisciplinary Simulation of Graphite-Composite and Cermet Fuel Elements for NTP Point of Departure Designs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, Mark E.; Schnitzler, Bruce G.

2015-01-01

This paper compares the expected performance of two Nuclear Thermal Propulsion fuel types. High fidelity, fluid/thermal/structural + neutronic simulations help predict the performance of graphite-composite and cermet fuel types from point of departure engine designs from the Nuclear Thermal Propulsion project. Materials and nuclear reactivity issues are reviewed for each fuel type. Thermal/structural simulations predict thermal stresses in the fuel and thermal expansion mis-match stresses in the coatings. Fluid/thermal/structural/neutronic simulations provide predictions for full fuel elements. Although NTP engines will utilize many existing chemical engine components and technologies, nuclear fuel elements are a less developed engine component and introduce design uncertainty. Consequently, these fuel element simulations provide important insights into NTP engine performance.

Cold spraying of aluminum bronze on profiled submillimeter cermet structures formed by laser cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryashin, N. S.; Malikov, A. G.; Shikalov, V. S.; Gulyaev, I. P.; Kuchumov, B. M.; Klinkov, S. V.; Kosarev, V. F.; Orishich, A. M.

2017-10-01

The paper presents results of the cold spraying of aluminum bronze coatings on substrates profiled with WC/Ni tracks obtained by laser cladding. Reinforcing cermet frames shaped as grids with varied mesh sizes were clad on stainless steel substrates using a CO2 laser machine "Siberia" (ITAM SB RAS, Russia). As a result, surfaces/substrates with heterogeneous shape, composition, and mechanical properties were obtained. Aluminum bronze coatings were deposited from 5lF-NS powder (Oerlikon Metco, Switzerland) on those substrates using cold spraying equipment (ITAM SB RAS). Data of profiling, microstructure diagnostics, EDS analysis, and mechanical tests of obtained composites is reported. Surface relief of the sprayed coatings dependence on substrate structure has been demonstrated.

Preparation and properties of TiC-Ni cermets using Ni-plated TiC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Soon-Gi

2002-04-01

TiC powders were coated with Ni by a chemical plating technique and the pressed compacts sintered at 1623K. The density of the sintered bodies was 98-99%. Compared with mechanically-mixed powder, Ni-plated TiC powders gave a more uniform microstructure in which TiC particles were well dispersed in the Ni matrix. The cermets exhibited ductile fracture for TiC-70 vol.% Ni and brittle fracture for TiC-30 vol.% Ni. The flexural strength was improved by the homogeneous dispersion of TiC. The thermal expansion coefficient increased with a decrease in Ni content, following a nearly linear law of mixtures on the basis of volume fractions of pure TiC and Ni.

Numerical simulation of the baking of porous anode carbon in a vertical flue ring furnace

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jacobsen, M.; Melaaen, M.C.

The interaction of pitch pyrolysis in porous anode carbon during heating and volatiles combustion in the flue gas channel has been analyzed to gain insight in the anode baking process. A two-dimensional geometry of a flue gas channel adjacent to a porous flue gas wall, packing coke, and an anode was used for studying the effect of heating rate on temperature gradients and internal gas pressure in the anodes. The mathematical model included porous heat and mass transfer, pitch pyrolysis, combustion of volatiles, radiation, and turbulent channel flow. The mathematical model was developed through source code modification of the computationalmore » fluid dynamics code FLUENT. The model was useful for studying the effects of heating rate, geometry, and anode properties.« less

Effects of Heat Treatment on the Discharge Behavior of Mg-6wt.%Al-1wt.%Sn Alloy as Anode For Magnesium-Air Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Hanqing; Zhu, Hualong; Luo, Jie; Yu, Kun; Shi, Chunli; Fang, Hongjie; Zhang, Yu

2017-05-01

Mg-6wt.%Al-1wt.%Sn alloys under different conditions are prepared. Primary magnesium-air batteries are assembled using such experimental Mg-Al-Sn alloys as anodes. The discharge behaviors of different alloys are investigated in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The results show that the solution treatment can facilitate the homogeneous distribution of alloy elements and reduce the accumulation of discharge products. The magnesium-air battery based on the solution-treated Mg-Al-Sn anode presents higher operating voltage and more stable discharge process than those on the as-cast and the aged ones. Although the solution treatment cannot effectively improve the capacity density and the anodic efficiency of the experimental Mg-Al-Sn alloy, it is an effective approach to increasing the power and the energy density during discharge process. Especially at the applied current density of 30 mA cm-2 for 5 h, the solution-treated anode supplies 1.212 V average operating voltage, the anode energy density reaches 1527.2 mWhg-1, while the cast one is 1481.3 mWhg-1 and the aged one is 1478.8 mWhg-1.

Facile Fabrication of Ordered Anodized Aluminum Oxide Membranes with Controlled Pore Size by Improved Hard Anodization.

PubMed

Fan, Jiangxia; Zhu, Xinxin; Wang, Kunzhou; Chen, Xiaoyuan; Wang, Xinqing; Yan, Minhao; Ren, Yong

2018-05-01

We have fabricated highly ordered anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes with different diameter through improved hard anodization (HA) at high temperature. This process can generate thick AAO membranes (30 μm) in a short anodizing time with high growth rate 20-60 μm h-1 which is much faster than that in traditional mild two-step anodization. We enlarged the AAO pore diameter by adjusting the voltage rise rate at the same time, which has a great influence on current density and temperature. The AAO pore diameter varies from 60-110 nm to 160-190 nm. The pore diameter (Dp) of the AAO prepared by this improved process is much larger than that prepared by HA (40-60 nm) when H2C2O4 as electrolyte. It can expand potential use of the AAO membranes such as for the template-based synthesis of nanowires or nanotubes with modulated diameters and also for practical separation technology. We also has used the AAO with different diameters prepared by this improved HA to fabricate Co nanowires and γ-Fe2O3 superparamagnetic nanorods.

Process for forming sulfuric acid

DOEpatents

Lu, Wen-Tong P.

1981-01-01

An improved electrode is disclosed for the anode in a sulfur cycle hydrogen generation process where sulfur dioxie is oxidized to form sulfuric acid at the anode. The active compound in the electrode is palladium, palladium oxide, an alloy of palladium, or a mixture thereof. The active compound may be deposited on a porous, stable, conductive substrate.

More About Arc-Welding Process for Making Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benavides, Jeanette M.; Leidecker, Henning

2005-01-01

High-quality batches of carbon nanotubes are produced at relatively low cost in a modified atmospheric-pressure electric-arc welding process that does not include the use of metal catalysts. What would normally be a welding rod and a weldment are replaced by an amorphous carbon anode rod and a wider, hollow graphite cathode rod. Both electrodes are water-cooled. The cathode is immersed in ice water to about 0.5 cm from the surface. The system is shielded from air by flowing helium during arcing. As the anode is consumed during arcing at 20 to 25 A, it is lowered to maintain it at an approximately constant distance above the cathode. The process causes carbon nanotubes to form on the lowest 5 cm of the anode. The arcing process is continued until the anode has been lowered to a specified height. The nanotube-containing material is then harvested. The additional information contained in the instant report consists mostly of illustrations of carbon nanotubes and a schematic diagram of the arc-welding setup, as modified for the production of carbon nanotubes.

Leakage current and charging/discharging processes in barrier-type anodic alumina thin films for use in metal-insulator-metal capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hourdakis, E.; Koutsoureli, M.; Papaioannou, G.; Nassiopoulou, A. G.

2018-06-01

Barrier-type anodic alumina thin films are interesting for use in high capacitance density metal-insulator-metal capacitors due to their excellent dielectric properties at small thickness. This thickness is easily controlled by the anodization voltage. In previous papers we studied the main parameters of interest of the Al/barrier-type anodic alumina/Al structure for use in RF applications and showed the great potential of barrier-type anodic alumina in this respect. In this paper, we investigated in detail charging/discharging processes and leakage current of the above dielectric material. Two different sets of metal-insulator-metal capacitors were studied, namely, with the top Al electrode being either e-gun deposited or sputtered. The dielectric constant of the barrier-type anodic alumina was found at 9.3. Low leakage current was observed in all samples studied. Furthermore, depending on the film thickness, field emission following the Fowler-Nordheim mechanism was observed above an applied electric field. Charging of the anodic dielectric was observed, occurring in the bulk of the anodic layer. The stored charge was of the order of few μC/cm2 and the calculated trap density ˜2 × 1018 states/cm3, the most probable origin of charge traps being, in our opinion, positive electrolyte ions trapped in the dielectric during anodization. We do not think that oxygen vacancies play an important role, since their existence would have a more important impact on the leakage current characteristics, such as resistive memory effects or significant changes during annealing, which were not observed. Finally, discharging characteristic times as high as 5 × 109 s were measured.

Gamma-insensitive optical sensor

DOEpatents

Kruger, Hans W.

1994-01-01

An ultra-violet/visible/infra-red gamma-insensitive gas avalanche focal plane array comprising a planar photocathode and a planar anode pad array separated by a gas-filled gap and across which is applied an electric potential. Electrons ejected from the photocathode are accelerated sufficiently between collisions with the gas molecules to ionize them, forming an electron avalanche. The gap acts like a proportional counter. The array of anode pad are mounted on the front of an anode plate and are connected to matching contact pads on the back of the anode via feed through wires. Connection of the anode to signal processing electronics is made from the contact pads using standard indium bump techniques, for example.

The effect of ethylene glycol on pore arrangement of anodic aluminium oxide prepared by hard anodization.

PubMed

Guo, Yang; Zhang, Li; Han, Mangui; Wang, Xin; Xie, Jianliang; Deng, Longjiang

2018-03-01

The influence of the addition of ethylene glycol (EG) on the pore self-ordering process in anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) membranes prepared by hard anodization (HA) was investigated. It was illustrated that EG has a substantial effect on the pore arrangement of AAO, and it was found that a smaller pore size can be obtained with an EG concentration reaching 20 wt% in aqueous electrolyte. The number of estimated defects of AAO increases significantly with an increase in EG concentration to 50 wt%. Excellent ordering of pores was realized when the samples were anodized in the 30 wt%-EG-containing aqueous electrolyte.

The effect of ethylene glycol on pore arrangement of anodic aluminium oxide prepared by hard anodization

PubMed Central

Zhang, Li; Han, Mangui; Wang, Xin; Xie, Jianliang; Deng, Longjiang

2018-01-01

The influence of the addition of ethylene glycol (EG) on the pore self-ordering process in anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) membranes prepared by hard anodization (HA) was investigated. It was illustrated that EG has a substantial effect on the pore arrangement of AAO, and it was found that a smaller pore size can be obtained with an EG concentration reaching 20 wt% in aqueous electrolyte. The number of estimated defects of AAO increases significantly with an increase in EG concentration to 50 wt%. Excellent ordering of pores was realized when the samples were anodized in the 30 wt%-EG-containing aqueous electrolyte. PMID:29657754

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meng, Ling-Jian

A gamma ray detector apparatus comprises a solid state detector that includes a plurality of anode pixels and at least one cathode. The solid state detector is configured for receiving gamma rays during an interaction and inducing a signal in an anode pixel and in a cathode. An anode pixel readout circuit is coupled to the plurality of anode pixels and is configured to read out and process the induced signal in the anode pixel and provide triggering and addressing information. A waveform sampling circuit is coupled to the at least one cathode and configured to read out and processmore » the induced signal in the cathode and determine energy of the interaction, timing of the interaction, and depth of interaction.« less

New generation photoelectric converter structure optimization using nano-structured materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dronov, A.; Gavrilin, I.; Zheleznyakova, A.

2014-12-01

In present work the influence of anodizing process parameters on PAOT geometric parameters for optimizing and increasing ETA-cell efficiency was studied. During the calculations optimal geometrical parameters were obtained. Parameters such as anodizing current density, electrolyte composition and temperature, as well as the anodic oxidation process time were selected for this investigation. Using the optimized TiO2 photoelectrode layer with 3,6 μm porous layer thickness and pore diameter more than 80 nm the ETA-cell efficiency has been increased by 3 times comparing to not nanostructured TiO2 photoelectrode.

Multiscale Interfacial Strategy to Engineer Mixed Metal-Oxide Anodes toward Enhanced Cycling Efficiency.

PubMed

Ma, Yue; Tai, Cheuk-Wai; Li, Shaowen; Edström, Kristina; Wei, Bingqing

2018-06-13

Interconnected macro/mesoporous structures of mixed metal oxide (MMO) are developed on nickel foam as freestanding anodes for Li-ion batteries. The sustainable production is realized via a wet chemical etching process with bio-friendly chemicals. By means of divalent iron doping during an in situ recrystallization process, the as-developed MMO anodes exhibit enhanced levels of cycling efficiency. Furthermore, this atomic-scale modification coherently synergizes with the encapsulation layer across a micrometer scale. During this step, we develop a quasi-gel-state tri-copolymer, i.e., F127-resorcinol-melamine, as the N-doped carbon source to regulate the interfacial chemistry of the MMO electrodes. Electrochemical tests of the modified Fe x Ni 1- x O@NC-NiF anode in both half-cell and full-cell configurations unravel the favorable suppression of the irreversible capacity loss and satisfactory cyclability at the high rates. This study highlights a proof-of-concept modification strategy across multiple scales to govern the interfacial chemical process of the electrodes toward better reversibility.

Simulation results of influence of constricted arc column on anode deformation and melting pool swirl in vacuum arcs with AMF contacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lijun; Zhang, Xiao; Huang, Xiaolong; Jia, Shenli

2017-11-01

In the process of vacuum arc breaking, the energy injected into the anode will cause anode melting, evaporation, and deformation, resulting in the formation of the anode melting pool. The anode activities have great influence on the arc behavior. When the arc current is large enough, even the influence of axial magnetic field is considered, the arc column still is in contraction state, which means the arc burns only on a part of the electrode. In this paper, the model of anode melting pool deformation and rotation is used, and the model includes anode melting and solidification module, magneto-hydro-dynamic module of the anode melting pool, the volume of fraction method, and the current continuity equation. In this paper, the diffuse arc area is selected as 100%, 75%, and 50%, respectively. The anode temperature and deformation, the anode melting layer thickness, and the rotational velocity of the anode melting pool are obtained. The results show that when the current is at 17.5 kA (rms) and the diffuse arc area is 100%, the anode's maximum temperature is 1477 K and the crater depth is 0.83 mm. But when the diffuse arc areas are 75% and 50%, the anode's maximum temperatures reach 1500 K and 1761 K, and the crater depths reach 1.2 mm and 3 mm, respectively. Arc contraction will lead to more serious anode deformation. A similar result is obtained when the simulation current is 12.5 kA. Under the similar situation, the simulation results in the crater depth, the residual melt layer thickness, the rotational speed of the melting pool, and the maximum temperature of the anode at current zero are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Preparation of Ti/IrO2 Anode with Low Iridium Content by Thermal Decomposition Process: Electrochemical removal of organic pollutants in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yaqub, Asim; Isa, Mohamed Hasnain; Ajab, Huma; Kutty, S. R. M.; Ezechi, Ezerie H.; Farooq, Robina

2018-04-01

In this study IrO2 (Iridium oxide) was coated onto a titanium plate anode from a dilute (50 mg/10 ml) IrCl3×H2O salt solution. Coating was done at high temperature (550∘C) using thermal decomposition. Surface morphology and characteristics of coated surface of Ti/IrO2 anode were examined by FESEM and XRD. The coated anode was applied for electrochemical removal of organic pollutants from synthetic water samples in 100 mL compartment of batch electrochemical cell. About 50% COD removal was obtained at anode prepared with low Ir content solution while 72% COD removal was obtained with anode prepared at high Ir content. Maximum COD removal was obtained at 10 mA/cm2 current density.

Solution-processed MoS(x) as an efficient anode buffer layer in organic solar cells.

PubMed

Li, Xiaodong; Zhang, Wenjun; Wu, Yulei; Min, Chao; Fang, Junfeng

2013-09-25

We reported a facile solution-processed method to fabricate a MoSx anode buffer layer through thermal decomposition of (NH4)2MoS4. Organic solar cells (OSCs) based on in situ growth MoSx as the anode buffer layer showed impressive improvements, and the power conversion efficiency was higher than that of conventional PEDOT:PSS-based device. The MoSx films obtained at different temperatures and the corresponding device performance were systematically studied. The results indicated that both MoS3 and MoS2 were beneficial to the device performance. MoS3 could result in higher Voc, while MoS2 could lead to higher Jsc. Our results proved that, apart from MoO3, molybdenum sulfides and Mo(4+) were also promising candidates for the anode buffer materials in OSCs.

Effect of temperature on the anodizing process of aluminum alloy AA 5052

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Theohari, S.; Kontogeorgou, Ch.

2013-11-01

The effect of temperature (10-40 °C) during the anodizing process of AA 5052 for 40 min in 175 g/L sulfuric acid solution at constant voltage (15 V) was studied in comparison with pure aluminum. The incorporated magnesium species in the barrier layer result in the further increase of the minimum current density passed during anodizing, as the temperature increases, by about 42% up to 30 °C and then by 12% up to 40 °C. Then during the anodizing process for 40 min a blocking effect on oxide film growth was gradually observed as the temperature increased until 30 °C. The results of EDAX analysis on thick films reveal that the mean amount of the magnesium species inside the film is about 50-70% less than that in the bulk alloy, while it is higher at certain locations adjacent to the film surface at 30 °C. The increase of anodizing temperature does not influence the porosity of thin films (formed for short times) on pure aluminum, while it reduces it on the alloy. At 40 °C the above mentioned blocking effects disappear. It means that the presence of magnesium species causes an impediment to the effect of temperature on iss, on the film thickness and on the porosity of thin films, only under conditions where film growth takes place without significant loss of the anodizing charge to side reactions.

Effects of Mg Doping on the Performance of InGaN Films Made by Reactive Sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Dong-Hau; Li, Cheng-Che; Tuan, Thi Tran Anh; Yen, Wei-Chun

2015-01-01

Mg-doped InGaN (Mg-InGaN) films have been deposited directly on Si (100) substrates by radio-frequency reactive sputtering technique with single cermet targets in an Ar/N2 atmosphere. The cermet targets with a constant 5% indium content were made by hot pressing the mixture of metallic In, Ga, and Mg powders and ceramic GaN powder. The Mg-InGaN films had a wurtzite structure with a preferential () growth plane. The SEM images showed that Mg-InGaN films were smooth, continuous, free from cracks and holes, and composed of nanometer-sized grains. As the Mg dopant content in Mg-InGaN increased to 7.7 at.%, the film was directly transformed into p-type conduction without a post-annealing process. It had high hole concentration of 5.53 × 1018 cm-3 and electrical mobility of 15.7 ± 4.2 cm2 V-1 s-1. The over-doping of Mg in InGaN degraded the electrical properties. The bandgap of Mg-InGaN films decreased from 2.92 eV to 2.84 eV, as the Mg content increased from 7.7% to 18.2%. The constructed p-type Mg-InGaN/ n-type GaN diode was used to confirm the realization of the p-type InGaN by sputtering technique.

Melt-Spun Fe-Sb Intermetallic Alloy Anode for Performance Enhanced Sodium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Edison, Eldho; Sreejith, Sivaramapanicker; Madhavi, Srinivasan

2017-11-15

Owing to the high theoretical sodiation capacities, intermetallic alloy anodes have attracted considerable interest as electrodes for next-generation sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of intermetallic Fe-Sb alloy anode for SIBs via a high-throughput and industrially viable melt-spinning process. The earth-abundant and low-cost Fe-Sb-based alloy anode exhibits excellent cycling stability with nearly 466 mAh g -1 sodiation capacity at a specific current of 50 mA g -1 with 95% capacity retention after 80 cycles. Moreover, the alloy anode displayed outstanding rate performance with ∼300 mAh g -1 sodiation capacity at 1 A g -1 . The crystalline features of the melt-spun fibers aid in the exceptional electrochemical performance of the alloy anode. Further, the feasibility of the alloy anode for real-life applications was demonstrated in a sodium-ion full-cell configuration which could deliver a sodiation capacity of over 300 mAh g -1 (based on anode) at 50 mA g -1 with more than 99% Coulombic efficiency. The results further exhort the prospects of melt-spun alloy anodes to realize fully functional sodium-ion batteries.

High-absorptance high-emittance anodic coating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, Huong Giang (Inventor); Chesterfield, John L. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

A colored anodic coating for use on surfaces of substrates, e.g. aluminum substrates in which it is desirable to maintain a high solar absorptance (a) and a high infrared emittance (e), particularly in low earth orbit space environments. This anodic coating is preferably a dark colored coating, and even more preferably a black coating. This coating allows a touch temperature within an acceptable design range to preclude burning of an astronaut in case of contact, but also allows a solar radiation absorption in an amount such that an a/e ratio of unity is achieved. The coating of the invention comprises a first layer in the form of an acid anodized colored anodic layer for achieving a high solar absorptance and a second or high emittance layer in the form of a clear acid anodized layer for achieving a high emittance. The entire coating is quite thin, e.g. 1-2 mils and is quite stable in a hostile space environment of the type encountered in a low earth orbit. The coating is obtained by first creating the high emittance clear anodized coating on the metal surface followed by anodizing using a colored anodizing process.

High-absorptance high-emittance anodic coating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, Huong Giang (Inventor); Chesterfield, John L. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A colored anodic coating for use on surfaces of substrates, e.g. aluminum substrates in which it is desirable to maintain a high solar absorptance (.alpha.) and a high infrared emittance (.epsilon.), particularly in low earth orbit space environments. This anodic coating is preferably a dark colored coating, and even more preferably a black coating. This coating allows a touch temperature within an acceptable design range to preclude burning of an astronaut in case of contact, but also allows a solar radiation absorption in an amount such that an .alpha./.epsilon. ratio of unity is achieved. The coating of the invention comprises a first layer in the form of an acid anodized colored anodic layer for achieving a high solar absorptance and a second or high emittance layer in the form of a clear acid anodized layer for achieving a high emittance. The entire coating is quite thin, e.g. 1-2 mils and is quite stable in a hostile space environment of the type encountered in a low earth orbit. The coating is obtained by first creating the high emittance clear anodized coating on the metal surface followed by anodizing using a colored anodizing process.

FY-16 Technology Gap Study Technical Report: Analysis of Undissolved Anode Materials of Mark-IV Electrorefiner

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yoo, Tae-Sic; Vaden, DeeEarl; Westphal, Brian Robert

2016-01-01

The Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) is a sodium cooled fast reactor developed at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). The used fuels from the EBR-II are currently being treated in the Fuel Conditioning Facility (FCF) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The Mark IV (Mk-IV) electrorefiner (ER) is a unit process in the FCF, which is primarily assigned to treating the used driver fuels. The stainless steel anode baskets hold the chopped spent driver fuel segments. During electrorefining, the anode baskets are immersed into the electrolyte and the used fuel is dissolved electrochemically. Perforated sides and bottoms allow the flow ofmore » the electrolyte into and out of the anode baskets. The steel cathode is also immersed into the electrolyte and collects the reduced products. The active metal contents in the used fuel (e.g., Cs, Sr, lanthanides, Pu, etc.) reacts with uranium cations in the electrolyte and progressively reports to the electrolyte. Noble metals are mostly retained in the cladding hulls. Varying quantities of zirconium are retained in the cladding hulls depending on the operational conditions of the Mk-IV ER. The undissolved anode materials are removed from the anode baskets and stored for subsequent metal waste form processing. These undissolved materials typically include undissolved fuels, stainless steel cladding, and adhering electrolyte. A couple of hulls are retrieved for chemical analysis and used for estimating the composition of the entire undissolved anode materials. The mass balance attempt based on this practice of estimating the undissolved anode materials has been a challenge due to inherently high sampling errors associated with heterogeneous undissolved material compositions. Responding to the prescribed challenge, this report investigates chemical analysis data as a whole and finds noticeable trends in the compositions of undissolved anode material samples with respect to the mass of the whole undissolved anode materials. Based upon this discovery, an empirical model is proposed.« less

Development of a low-energy charged particle detector with on-anode ASIC for in-situ plasma measurement in the Earth's magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, M.; Saito, Y.; Mukai, T.; Asamura, K.

2009-06-01

The future magnetospheric exploration missions (ex. SCOPE: cross Scale COupling in the Plasma universE) aim to obtain electron 3D distribution function with very fast time resolution below 10 ms to investigate the electron dynamics that is regarded as pivotal in understanding the space plasma phenomena such as magnetic reconnection. This can be achieved by developing a new plasma detector system which is fast in signal processing with small size, light weight and low power consumption. The new detector system consists of stacked micro channel plates and a position sensitive multi-anode detector with on-anode analogue ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Multi-anode system usually suffers from false signals caused by mainly two effects. One is the effect of the electrostatic crosstalk between the discrete anodes since our new detector consists of many adjacent anodes with small gaps to increase the detection areas. Our experimental results show that there exists electrostatic crosstalk effect of approximately 10% from the adjacent anodes. The effect of 10% electrostatic crosstalk can be effectively avoided by a suitable discrimination level of the signal processing circuit. Non negligible charge cloud size on the anode also causes false counts. Optimized ASIC for in-situ plasma measurement in the Earth's magnetosphere is under development. The initial electron cloud at the MCP output has angular divergence. Furthermore, space charge effects may broaden the size of the charge cloud. We have obtained the charge cloud size both experimentally and theoretically. Our test model detector shows expected performance that is explained by our studies above.

Surface Modification of Porous Titanium Granules for Improving Bioactivity.

PubMed

Karaji, Zahra Gorgin; Houshmand, Behzad; Faghihi, Shahab

The highly porous titanium granules are currently being used as bone substitute material and for bone tissue augmentation. However, they suffer from weak bone bonding ability. The aim of this study was to create a nanostructured surface oxide layer on irregularly shaped titanium granules to improve their bioactivity. This could be achieved using optimized electrochemical anodic oxidation (anodizing) and heat treatment processes. The anodizing process was done in an ethylene glycol-based electrolyte at an optimized condition of 60 V for 3 hours. The anodized granules were subsequently annealed at 450°C for 1 hour. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the surface structure and morphology of the granules. The in vitro bioactivity of the samples was evaluated by immersion of specimens in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 1, 2, and 3 weeks. The human osteoblastic sarcoma cell line, MG63, was used to evaluate cell viability on the samples using dimethylthiazol-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results demonstrated the formation of amorphous nanostructured titanium oxide after anodizing, which transformed to crystalline anatase and rutile phases upon heat treatment. After immersion in SBF, spherical aggregates of amorphous calcium phosphate were formed on the surface of the anodized sample, which turned into crystalline hydroxyapatite on the surface of the anodized annealed sample. No cytotoxicity was detected among the samples. It is suggested that anodic oxidation followed by heat treatment could be used as an effective surface treatment procedure to improve bioactivity of titanium granules implemented for bone tissue repair and augmentation.

Effect of CrO3 Sealing Time on Anodized A12024-T3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korda, Akhmad A.; Hidayat, R. Z.

2016-08-01

The effect of CrO3 sealing time on anodized aluminum alloy has been investigated. A1 2024-T3 were used as substrate. Anodizing was carried out using chromic acid. CrO3 sealing was conducted in CrO3 solution for 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes. As comparison, other specimens were also prepared as anodized and boiled water sealing. Thickness of the coating was observed by optical microscope. Anodized and sealing layer was analyzed by X- ray diffraction. The hardness of as anodized, boiled water sealing and CrO3 sealing were compared. The highest hardness is achieved by CrO3 sealed specimen and followed by boiled water sealing and as anodized specimens. The longer the processes of CrO3 sealing the higher layer thickness and therefore the higher hardness of the oxide layer. The best resistance to electrolyte penetration is achieved by the CrO3 sealed specimen followed by boiled water sealed and as anodized specimens. The higher thickness of oxide layer, the higher the resistance against electrolyte penetration.

Alternative Anodes for the Electrolytic Reduction of Uranium Dioxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merwin, Augustus

Reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel is an essential step in closing the nuclear fuel cycle. In order to consume current stockpiles, ceramic uranium dioxide spent nuclear fuel will be subjected to an electrolytic reduction process. The current reduction process employs a platinum anode and a stainless steel alloy 316 cathode in a molten salt bath consisting of LiCl-2wt% Li 2O and occurs at 700°C. A major shortcoming of the existing process is the degradation of the platinum anode under the severely oxidizing conditions encountered during electrolytic reduction. This work investigates alternative anode materials for the electrolytic reduction of uranium oxide. The high temperature and extreme oxidizing conditions encountered in these studies necessitated a unique set of design constraints on the system. Thus, a customized experimental apparatus was designed and constructed. The electrochemical experiments were performed in an electrochemical reactor placed inside a furnace. This entire setup was housed inside a glove box, in order to maintain an inert atmosphere. This study investigates alternative anode materials through accelerated corrosion testing. Surface morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy. Surface chemistry was characterized using energy dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical behavior of candidate materials was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization characteristics. After narrowing the number of candidate electrode materials, ferrous stainless steel alloy 316, nickel based Inconel 718 and elemental tungsten were chosen for further investigation. Of these materials only tungsten was found to be sufficiently stable at the anodic potential required for electrolysis of uranium dioxide in molten salt. The tungsten anode and stainless steel alloy 316 cathode electrode system was studied at the required reduction potential for UO2 with varying lithium oxide concentrations. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed mixed (kinetic and diffusion) control and an overall low impedance due to extreme corrosion. It was observed that tungsten is sufficiently stable in LiCl - 2wt% Li 2O at 700°C at the required anodic potential for the reduction of uranium oxide. This study identifies tungsten to be a superior anode material to platinum for the electrolytic reduction of uranium oxide, both in terms of superior corrosion behavior and reduced cost, and thus recommends that tungsten be further investigated as an alternative anode for the electrolytic reduction of uranium dioxide.

Effects of anodic oxidation parameters on a modified titanium surface.

PubMed

Park, Il Song; Lee, Min Ho; Bae, Tae Sung; Seol, Kyeong Won

2008-02-01

Anodic oxidation is an electrochemical treatment that can be used to control the thickness of an oxide layer formed on a titanium surface. This procedure has the advantage of allowing the ions contained in an electrolyte to deposit onto the oxide layer. The characteristics of a layer treated with anodic oxidation can vary according to the type and concentration of the electrolytes as well as the processing variables used during anodic oxidation. In this study, the constant electrolyte for anodic oxidation was a mixed solution containing 0.02 M DL-alpha-glycerophosphate disodium salt and 0.2M calcium acetate. Anodic oxidation was carried out at different voltages, current densities, and duration of anodic oxidation. The results showed that the current density and variation in the duration of anodic oxidation did not have a large effect on the change in the characteristics of the layer. On the other hand, the size of the micropores was increased with increasing voltage of anodic oxidation, and anatase and rutile phases were found to co-exist in the porous titanium dioxide layer. In addition, the thickness of the oxide layer on titanium and the characteristic of corrosion resistance increased with increasing voltage. The MTT test showed that the cell viability was increased considerably as a result of anodic oxidation. The anodizing voltage is an important parameter that determines the characteristics of the anodic oxide layer of titanium. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Electrochemical studies on the performance of SS316L electrode in electrokinetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jeong-Hee; Maruthamuthu, Sundaram; Lee, Hyun-Goo; Ha, Tae-Hyun; Bae, Jeong-Hyo

2009-10-01

Organic and trace metal pollutants are removed by employing various electrodes in an electrokinetic (EK) process. Stainless steel was used either as an anode or a cathode by various investigators in electroremediation systems. In the present study, the role of SS316L as an anode and cathode in EK system was studied by the measurements of pH, conductivity of electrolyte, and potential of the anode and cathode at different current densities. The weight loss of the anode and cathode and the leaching of chromium, iron, and nickel at different current densities were measured and discussed with an electroosmosis process. The electrochemical behavior of SS316L electrode in neutral, acidic and alkaline pH in soil environment was studied by an electrochemical technique viz. polarization study. Surface analysis of SS316L after EK was done by XPS and SEM. The higher conductivity was noticed at anolyte when compared to catholyte. The weight loss of the anode was in the following order 0.615 > 0.307 > 0.123 mA/cm2 and the cathode corrosion rate was vice versa. Peroxide production was also noticed at the anolyte, which may encourage the degradation of the total organic content (TOC) in the soil. The OCP (open circuit potential) of SS316L was about +75 mV vs SCE in the soil extract; while adding acetic acid, the potential shifted to the positive side, to about +380 mV vs SCE. The breakdown potential and the range of passivation potential were higher in acetic acid added system when compared to other systems. Pitting was observed on both the anode and cathode within 48 h during the EK process. The present study concludes that SS is not a proper electrode material for the EK process.

Gold-coated silicon nanowire-graphene core-shell composite film as a polymer binder-free anode for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Han-Jung; Lee, Sang Eon; Lee, Jihye; Jung, Joo-Yun; Lee, Eung-Sug; Choi, Jun-Hyuk; Jung, Jun-Ho; Oh, Minsub; Hyun, Seungmin; Choi, Dae-Geun

2014-07-01

We designed and fabricated a gold (Au)-coated silicon nanowires/graphene (Au-SiNWs/G) hybrid composite as a polymer binder-free anode for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A large amount of SiNWs for LIB anode materials can be prepared by metal-assisted chemical etching (MaCE) process. The Au-SiNWs/G composite film on current collector was obtained by vacuum filtration using an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane and hot pressing method. Our experimental results show that the Au-SiNWs/G composite has a stable reversible capacity of about 1520 mA h/g which was maintained for 20 cycles. The Au-SiNWs/G composite anode showed much better cycling performance than SiNWs/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/Super-P, SiNWs/G composite, and pure SiNWs anodes. The improved electrochemical properties of the Au-SiNWs/G composite anode material is mainly ascribed to the composite's porous network structure.

Self-consistent modeling of self-organized patterns of spots on anodes of DC glow discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bieniek, M. S.; Almeida, P. G. C.; Benilov, M. S.

2018-05-01

Self-organized patterns of spots on a flat metallic anode in a cylindrical glow discharge tube are simulated. A standard model of glow discharges is used, comprising conservation and transport equations for a single species of ion and electrons, written with the use of the drift-diffusion and local-field approximations, and the Poisson equation. Only processes in the near-anode region are considered and the computation domain is the region between the anode and the discharge column. Multiple solutions, existing in the same range of discharge current and describing modes with and without anode spots, are computed for the first time. A reversal of the local anode current density in the spots was found, i.e. mini-cathodes are formed inside the spots or, as one could say, anode spots operate as a unipolar glow discharge. The solutions do not fit into the conventional pattern of self-organization in bistable nonlinear dissipative systems; In particular, the modes are not joined by bifurcations.

Superhydrophobic NiTi shape memory alloy surfaces fabricated by anodization and surface mechanical attrition treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ou, Shih-Fu; Wang, Kuang-Kuo; Hsu, Yen-Chi

2017-12-01

This paper describes the fabrication of superhydrophobic NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) surfaces using an environmentally friendly method based on an economical anodizing process. Perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane was used to reduce the surface energy of the anodized surfaces. The wettability, morphology, composition, and microstructure of the surfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface of the treated NiTi SMA exhibited superhydrophobicity, with a water contact angle of 150.6° and sliding angle of 8°. The anodic film on the NiTi SMA comprised of TiO2 and NiO, as well as traces of TiCl3. In addition, before the NiTi SMA was anodized, it underwent a surface mechanical attrition treatment to grain-refine its surface. This method efficiently enhanced the growth rate of the anodic oxide film, and improved the hydrophobic uniformity of the anodized NiTi-SMA-surface.

Removal of ammonium ion from produced waters in petroleum offshore exploitation by a batch single-stage electrolytic process.

PubMed

de Lima, Rosilda Maria Gomes; da Silva Wildhagen, Glória Regina; da Cunha, José Waldemar Silva Dias; Afonso, Julio Carlos

2009-01-30

This work describes a batch single-stage electrochemical process to remove quantitatively the ammonium ion from produced waters from petroleum exploration of the Campos' Basin, seeking to fulfil the directories of the National Brazilian Environmental Council. The anode was made out of titanium covered by a layer of RuO(2)+TiO(2) oxides (Dimensionally Stable Anode), whereas the cathode was made out of pure titanium. Anodic and cathodic compartments were separated by a membrane. The applied current varied from 0.3 to 1.5A. As the current increased NH(4)(+) removal was faster and pH was rapidly decreased to 3. The pH of the anodic compartment increased to approximately 10. When the current was 0.92 A chlorine evolution was observed after 40 min or only 15 min when that current was 1.50 A. In this voltage a deposit containing alkali-earth metal hydroxides/sulphates was formed on the membrane surface of the cathode side, thus suggesting a diffusion process from the anodic to the cathodic compartment. The maximum current applied to the cell must not exceed approximately 0.70 A in order to avoid chlorine evolution. Ammonia removal was over 99.9 wt% at 0.68 A in about 75 min.

Lateral-access Class II restoration using resin-modified glass-ionomer or silver-cermet cement.

PubMed

Croll, T P

1995-02-01

Direct-access preparation of a carious proximal surface is perhaps the most conservative approach to restoration. Physical properties and handling characteristics of silver amalgam and of resin composite and lack of fluoride ion release make these materials unsuitable for direct buccal- or lingual-access proximal restoration. Insufficient strengths and radiolucency of self-hardening glass-ionomer cements preclude their use for Class II restorations. However, glass-ionomer silver-cermet cement and some resin-modified glass-ionomer materials are proving useful for non-stress-bearing Class II restorations and may have applications in preventive dentistry. This article describes lateral-access Class II restoration with modified glass-ionomer cements. Emphasis is placed on careful handling of materials, maintenance of an ideal operative field, and conservation of tooth structure.

Mechanical properties of direct core build-up materials.

PubMed

Combe, E C; Shaglouf, A M; Watts, D C; Wilson, N H

1999-05-01

This work was undertaken to measure mechanical properties of a diverse group of materials used for direct core build-ups, including a high copper amalgam, a silver cermet cement, a VLC resin composite and two composites specifically developed for this application. Compressive strength, elastic modulus, diametral tensile strength and flexural strength and modulus were measured for each material as a function of time up to 3 months, using standard specification tests designed for the materials. All the materials were found to meet the minimum specification requirements except in terms of flexural strength for the amalgam after 1 h and the silver cermet at all time intervals. There proved to be no obvious superior material in all respects for core build-ups, and the need exists for a specification to be established specifically for this application.

A Comparison of Materials Issues for Cermet and Graphite-Based NTP Fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, Mark E.; Schnitzler, Bruce G.

2013-01-01

This paper compares material issues for cermet and graphite fuel elements. In particular, two issues in NTP fuel element performance are considered here: ductile to brittle transition in relation to crack propagation, and orificing individual coolant channels in fuel elements. Their relevance to fuel element performance is supported by considering material properties, experimental data, and results from multidisciplinary fluid/thermal/structural simulations. Ductile to brittle transition results in a fuel element region prone to brittle fracture under stress, while outside this region, stresses lead to deformation and resilience under stress. Poor coolant distribution between fuel element channels can increase stresses in certain channels. NERVA fuel element experimental results are consistent with this interpretation. An understanding of these mechanisms will help interpret fuel element testing results.

Rolling-element fatigue life of silicon nitride balls. [as compared to that of steel, ceramic, and cermet materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, R. J.; Zaretsky, E. V.

1974-01-01

The five-ball fatigue tester was used to evaluate silicon nitride as a rolling-element bearing material. Results indicate that hot-pressed silicon nitride running against steel may be expected to yield fatigue lives comparable to or greater than those of bearing quality steel running against steel at stress levels typical rolling-element bearing application. The fatigue life of hot-pressed silicon nitride is considerably greater than that of any ceramic or cermet tested. Computer analysis indicates that there is no improvement in the lives of 120-mm-bore angular--contact ball bearings of the same geometry operating at DN values from 2 to 4 million where hot-pressed silicon nitride balls are used in place of steel balls.

The behaviour of post-retained core materials supported by coronal tooth structure in vitro.

PubMed

Russell, M D; Masood, M; Cunningham, L

1997-11-01

This study was designed to investigate the effect of retaining coronal tooth substance on the performance of post-retained core materials, and to compare the fracture resistance of the system with an intact tooth prepared to similar dimensions. Ten teeth restored with post-retained silver amalgam, and 10 teeth restored with silver-glass cermet, all with a retained single wall of coronal tooth substance, were compared with 10 unrestored teeth prepared to similar dimensions when subjected to a shearing load. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the unrestored teeth and those restored with a silver-glass cermet. Whilst the teeth restored with silver amalgam had a significantly higher fracture resistance (P > 0.01) there was greater tendency to root fracture.

Surface modification of graphene using HBC-6ImBr in solution-processed OLEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Tsung-Chin; Ku, Ting-An; Huang, Kuo-You; Chou, Ang-Sheng; Chang, Po-Han; Chang, Chao-Chen; Yue, Cheng-Feng; Liu, Chia-Wei; Wang, Po-Han; Wong, Ken-Tsung; Wu, Chih-I.

2018-01-01

In this work, we report a simple method for solution-processed organic light emitting devices (OLEDs), where single-layer graphene acts as the anode and the hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene exfoliating agent (HBC-6ImBr) provides surface modification. In SEM images, the PEDOT:PSS solution fully covered the graphene electrode after coating with HBC-6ImBr. The fabricated solution-processed OLEDs with a single-layer graphene anode showed outstanding brightness at 3182 cd/m2 and current efficiency up to 6 cd/A which is comparable to that of indium tin oxide films, and the OLED device brightness performance increases six times compared to tri-layer graphene treated with UV-Ozone at the same driving voltage. This method can be used in a wide variety of solution-processed organic optoelectronics on surface-modified graphene anodes.

Metallic oxide switches using thick film technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patel, D. N.; Williams, L., Jr.

1974-01-01

Metallic oxide thick film switches were processed on alumina substrates using thick film technology. Vanadium pentoxide in powder form was mixed with other oxides e.g., barium, strontium copper and glass frit, ground to a fine powder. Pastes and screen printable inks were made using commercial conductive vehicles and appropriate thinners. Some switching devices were processed by conventional screen printing and firing of the inks and commercial cermet conductor terminals on 96% alumina substrates while others were made by applying small beads or dots of the pastes between platinum wires. Static, and dynamic volt-ampere, and pulse tests indicate that the switching and self-oscillatory characteristics of these devices could make them useful in memory element, oscillator, and automatic control applications.

Fast anodization fabrication of AAO and barrier perforation process on ITO glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Sida; Xiong, Zuzhou; Zhu, Changqing; Li, Ma; Zheng, Maojun; Shen, Wenzhong

2014-04-01

Thin films of porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) on tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) substrates were fabricated through evaporation of a 1,000- to 2,000-nm-thick Al, followed by anodization with different durations, electrolytes, and pore widening. A faster method to obtain AAO on ITO substrates has been developed, which with 2.5 vol.% phosphoric acid at a voltage of 195 V at 269 K. It was found that the height of AAO films increased initially and then decreased with the increase of the anodizing time. Especially, the barrier layers can be removed by extending the anodizing duration, which is very useful for obtaining perforation AAO and will broaden the application of AAO on ITO substrates.

Polymer membrane based electrolytic cell and process for the direct generation of hydrogen peroxide in liquid streams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, James H. (Inventor); Schwartz, Michael (Inventor); Sammells, Anthony F. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

An electrolytic cell for generating hydrogen peroxide is provided including a cathode containing a catalyst for the reduction of oxygen, and an anode containing a catalyst for the oxidation of water. A polymer membrane, semipermeable to either protons or hydroxide ions is also included and has a first face interfacing to the cathode and a second face interfacing to the anode so that when a stream of water containing dissolved oxygen or oxygen bubbles is passed over the cathode and a stream of water is passed over the anode, and an electric current is passed between the anode and the cathode, hydrogen peroxide is generated at the cathode and oxygen is generated at the anode.

Fast anodization fabrication of AAO and barrier perforation process on ITO glass

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Thin films of porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) on tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) substrates were fabricated through evaporation of a 1,000- to 2,000-nm-thick Al, followed by anodization with different durations, electrolytes, and pore widening. A faster method to obtain AAO on ITO substrates has been developed, which with 2.5 vol.% phosphoric acid at a voltage of 195 V at 269 K. It was found that the height of AAO films increased initially and then decreased with the increase of the anodizing time. Especially, the barrier layers can be removed by extending the anodizing duration, which is very useful for obtaining perforation AAO and will broaden the application of AAO on ITO substrates. PMID:24708829

TiO2 anode materials for lithium-ion batteries with different morphology and additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiang; Ng, Yip Hang; Leung, Yu Hang; Liu, Fangzhou; Djurišic, Aleksandra B.; Xie, Mao Hai; Chan, Wai Kin

2014-03-01

Electrochemical performances of different TiO2 nanostructures, TiO2/CNT composite and TiO2 with titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) treatment anode were investigated. For different TiO2 nanostructures, we investigated vertically aligned TiO2 nanotubes on Ti foil and TiO2 nanotube-powders fabricated by rapid breakdown anodization technique. The morphology of the prepared samples was characterized by scanning probe microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical lithium storage abilities were studied by galvanostatic method. In addition, carbon nanotubes (CNT) additives and solution treatment process of TiO2 anode were investigated, and the results show that the additives and treatment could enhance the cycling performance of the TiO2 anode on lithium ion batteries.

Fast anodization fabrication of AAO and barrier perforation process on ITO glass.

PubMed

Liu, Sida; Xiong, Zuzhou; Zhu, Changqing; Li, Ma; Zheng, Maojun; Shen, Wenzhong

2014-01-01

Thin films of porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) on tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) substrates were fabricated through evaporation of a 1,000- to 2,000-nm-thick Al, followed by anodization with different durations, electrolytes, and pore widening. A faster method to obtain AAO on ITO substrates has been developed, which with 2.5 vol.% phosphoric acid at a voltage of 195 V at 269 K. It was found that the height of AAO films increased initially and then decreased with the increase of the anodizing time. Especially, the barrier layers can be removed by extending the anodizing duration, which is very useful for obtaining perforation AAO and will broaden the application of AAO on ITO substrates.

Improvement of desolvation and resilience of alginate binders for Si-based anodes in a lithium ion battery by calcium-mediated cross-linking.

PubMed

Yoon, Jihee; Oh, Dongyeop X; Jo, Changshin; Lee, Jinwoo; Hwang, Dong Soo

2014-12-14

Si-based anodes in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have exceptionally high theoretical capacity, but the use of a Si-based anode in LIBs is problematic because the charging-discharging process can fracture the Si particles. Alginate and its derivatives show promise as Si particle binders in the anode. We show that calcium-mediated "egg-box" electrostatic cross-linking of alginate improves toughness, resilience, electrolyte desolvation of the alginate binder as a Si-binder for LIBs. Consequently, the improved mechanical properties of the calcium alginate binder compared to the sodium alginate binder and other commercial binders extend the lifetime and increase the capacity of Si-based anodes in LIBs.

A high energy and power sodium-ion hybrid capacitor based on nitrogen-doped hollow carbon nanowires anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dongdong; Ye, Chao; Chen, Xinzhi; Wang, Suqing; Wang, Haihui

2018-04-01

The sodium ion hybrid capacitor (SHC) has been attracting much attention. However, the SHC's power density is significantly confined to a low level due to the sluggish ion diffusion in the anode. Herein, we propose to use an electrode with a high double layer capacitance as the anode in the SHC instead of insertion anodes. To this aim, nitrogen doped hollow carbon nanowires (N-HCNWs) with a high specific surface area are prepared, and the high capacitive contribution during the sodium ion storage process is confirmed by a series of electrochemical measurements. A new SHC consisting of a N-HCNW anode and a commercial active carbon (AC) cathode is fabricated for the first time. Due to the hybrid charge storage mechanism combining ion insertion and capacitive process, the as-fabricated SHC strikes a balance between the energy density and power density, a energy density of 108 Wh kg-1 and a power density of 9 kW kg-1 can be achieved, which overwhelms the electrochemical performances of most reported AC-based SHCs.

Energy Storage Materials from Nature through Nanotechnology: A Sustainable Route from Reed Plants to a Silicon Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Liu, Jun; Kopold, Peter; van Aken, Peter A; Maier, Joachim; Yu, Yan

2015-08-10

Silicon is an attractive anode material in energy storage devices, as it has a ten times higher theoretical capacity than its state-of-art carbonaceous counterpart. However, the common process to synthesize silicon nanostructured electrodes is complex, costly, and energy-intensive. Three-dimensional (3D) porous silicon-based anode materials have been fabricated from natural reed leaves by calcination and magnesiothermic reduction. This sustainable and highly abundant silica source allows for facile production of 3D porous silicon with very good electrochemical performance. The obtained silicon anode retains the 3D hierarchical architecture of the reed leaf. Impurity leaching and gas release during the fabrication process leads to an interconnected porosity and the reductive treatment to an inside carbon coating. Such anodes show a remarkable Li-ion storage performance: even after 4000 cycles and at a rate of 10 C, a specific capacity of 420 mA h g(-1) is achieved. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Understanding and Shaping the Morphology of the Barrier Layer of Supported Porous Anodized Alumina on Gold Underlayers.

PubMed

Berger, Nele; Es-Souni, Mohammed

2016-07-12

Large-area ordered nanorod (NR) arrays of various functional materials can be easily and cost-effectively processed using on-substrate anodized porous aluminum oxide (PAO) films as templates. However, reproducibility in the processing of PAO films is still an issue because they are prone to delamination, and control of fabrication parameters such as electrolyte type and concentration and anodizing time is critical for making robust templates and subsequently mechanically reliable NR arrays. In the present work, we systematically investigate the effects of the fabrication parameters on pore base morphology, devise a method to avoid delamination, and control void formation under the barrier layer of PAO films on gold underlayers. Via systematic control of the anodization parameters, particularly the anodization current density and time, we follow the different stages of void development and discuss their formation mechanisms. The practical aspect of this work demonstrates how void size can be controlled and how void formation can be utilized to control the shape of NR bases for improving the mechanical stability of the NRs.

Columbia/Willamette Skill Builders Consortium. Final Performance Report. Appendix 5B Anodizing Inc. (Aluminum Extrusion Manufacturing). Basic Measurement Math. Instructors' Reports and Sample Curriculum Materials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Marjorie; And Others

Anodizing, Inc., Teamsters Local 162, and Mt. Hood Community College (Oregon) developed a workplace literacy program for workers at Anodizing. These workers did not have the basic skill competencies to benefit from company training efforts in statistical process control and quality assurance and were not able to advance to lead and supervisory…

Proceedings of the USAF Structural Integrity Program Conference Held in 11-13 December 1990 in San Antonio, Texas

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-08-01

mill 3 dp Chromic Anodizing plus Polyurethane Fuel Coating 2 ep Sulfuric Acid Anodizing 1 Alloys other than aluminums require independent evaluation...generators for recircula- aluminum . During manufactur- tion. After peening, the ing, the iron is removed anodic coating and paint were prior to the...Growth Retardation in Aluminum Alloys . . 310 Quality Nondestructive Evaluation, and the ". .. IP’ Process

US-Korea Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and Information Technology (NBIT) Symbiosys Program - Phase 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-01

diameter, length, and spacing. Fabrication Technology: Synthesis of self-organized AAO ( Anodic aluminum oxide ) templates with controlled diameter...nanowires arrayed in anodized aluminum oxide ( AAO ) templates and the diameter is precisely controlled by using atomic layer deposition (ALD) process...Jin, “Highly Self-assembled Nanotubular Aluminum Oxide by Hard Anodization ”, J. Mater. Res. (in press, December 2010). 3. J.Y. Kim, K. Noh, C. Choi

In situ, simultaneous thermal imaging and infrared molecular emission studies of solid oxide fuel cell electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirtley, J. D.; Qadri, S. N.; Steinhurst, D. A.; Owrutsky, J. C.

2016-12-01

Various in situ probes of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have advanced recently to provide detailed, real time data regarding materials and chemical processes that relate to device performance and degradation. These techniques offer insights into complex fuel chemistry at the anode in particular, especially in the context of model predictions. However, cell-to-cell variations can hinder mechanistic interpretations of measurements from separate, independent techniques. The present study describes an in situ technique that for the first time simultaneously measures surface temperature changes using near infrared thermal imaging and gas species using Fourier-transform infrared emission spectra at the anodes of operating SOFCs. Electrolyte-supported SOFCs with Ni-based anodes are operated at 700 °C with internal, dry-reformed methane at 75% maximum current and at open circuit voltage (OCV) while electrochemical and optical measurements are collected. At OCV, more cooling is observed coincident with more CO reforming products. Under load, CO decreases while the anode cools less, especially near the current collectors. The extent of cooling is more sensitive to polarization for electrolyte-supported cells because their anodes are thinner relative to anode-supported cells. This study exemplifies how this duplex technique can be a useful probe of electrochemical processes in SOFCs.

A self-cleaning Li-S battery enabled by a bifunctional redox mediator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Y. X.; Zhao, T. S.; Liu, M.; Zeng, Y. K.; Jiang, H. R.

2017-09-01

The polysulfide shuttle effect and lithium dendrite growth in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries can repeatedly breach the anodic solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) over cycling. As a result, irreversible short-chain sulfide side products (Li2Sx, x = 1, 2) keep depositing on the Li anode, leading to the active material loss, increasing the Li+ transport resistance, and thereby reducing the cycle life. In this work, indium iodide (InI3) is investigated as a bifunctional electrolyte additive for Li-S batteries to protect the Li anode and decompose the side products spontaneously. On the one hand, Indium (In) is electrodeposited onto the Li anode prior to Li plating during the initial charging process, forming a chemically and mechanically stable SEI to prevent the Li anode from reacting with soluble polysulfide species to form Li2Sx (x = 1, 2) side products. On the other hand, by adequately overcharging the battery, the triiodide/iodide redox mediator is capable of chemically transforming side products deposited on the Li anode and separator into soluble polysulfides, which can be recycled by the cathode. It is shown that the battery with the InI3 additive exhibits a prolonged cycle life, and is capable of retrieving its capacity by a facile overcharging process.

Fabrication of anodic aluminium oxide templates on curved surfaces.

PubMed

Yin, Aijun; Guico, Rodney S; Xu, Jimmy

2007-01-24

Aluminium anodization provides a simple and inexpensive way to obtain nanoporous templates with uniform and controllable pore diameters and periods over a wide range. Moreover, one of the interesting possibilities afforded by the anodization process is that the anodization can take place on arbitrary surfaces, such as curved surfaces, which has not yet been well studied or applied in nanofabrication. In this paper, we characterize the anodization of Al films on silicon substrates with a curved top surface. The structures of the resultant anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) films are examined by scanning electron microscopy. Unique features including cessation, bending, and branching of pore channels are observed in the curved area. Possible growth mechanisms are proposed, which can also contribute to the understanding of the self-organization mechanism in the formation of porous AAO membranes. The new structures may open new opportunities in optical, electronic and electrochemical applications.

Effects of various applied voltages on physical properties of TiO2 nanotubes by anodization method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoseinzadeh, T.; Ghorannevis, Z.; Ghoranneviss, M.; Sari, A. H.; Salem, M. K.

2017-09-01

Three steps anodization process is used to synthesize highly ordered and uniform multilayered titanium oxide (TiO2) nanotubes and effect of different anodization voltages are studied on their physical properties such as structural, morphological and optical. The crystalized structure of the synthesized tubes is investigated by X-ray diffractometer analysis. To study the morphology of the tubes, field emission scanning electron microscopy is used, which showed that the wall thicknesses and the diameters of the tubes are affected by the different anodization voltages. Moreover, optical studies performed by diffuse reflection spectra suggested that band gap of the TiO2 nanotubes are also changed by applying different anodization voltages. In this study using physical investigations, an optimum anodization voltage is obtained to synthesize the uniform crystalized TiO2 nanotubes with suitable diameter, wall thickness and optical properties.

Theoretical study of a consumable anode in a gas metal welding arc

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, P.; Simpson, S.W.

1996-12-31

A better understanding of the behavior of the metal transfer process in a welding arc is important for further improvement of quality control for gas-metal-arc welding (GMAW). The problems related to the metal transfer are generally complicated because (a) the metal transfer process is strongly coupled with the arc plasma, which is not stable, for example, the length of the arc plasma varies during the formation and detachment of a metal droplet, and (b) the formation of the electrode droplet itself is influenced by energy transfer, the anode-plasma interface, and also the location of the liquid-solid interface inside the anode.more » This paper presents primary results of an investigation of the consumable anode in a gas metal welding arc. The study includes theoretical predictions of the properties related to metal transfer including moving anode temperature profile, welding arc length and arc current as a function of time for various wire feed rates, as well as numerical treatment of droplet formation. The anode temperature profile and the melting rate are analyzed by a metal transfer model which couples a two-dimensional arc model to a one-dimensional anode thermal model. The droplet formation is predicted by a quasi-one-dimensional dynamic model of a pendant drop which accounts for the electromagnet pinch effect, the surface tension, gravitation and the momentum transfer due to wire motion. Comparison between experimental observation and theoretical predictions will also be discussed.« less

Usage of Neural Network to Predict Aluminium Oxide Layer Thickness

PubMed Central

Michal, Peter; Vagaská, Alena; Gombár, Miroslav; Kmec, Ján; Spišák, Emil; Kučerka, Daniel

2015-01-01

This paper shows an influence of chemical composition of used electrolyte, such as amount of sulphuric acid in electrolyte, amount of aluminium cations in electrolyte and amount of oxalic acid in electrolyte, and operating parameters of process of anodic oxidation of aluminium such as the temperature of electrolyte, anodizing time, and voltage applied during anodizing process. The paper shows the influence of those parameters on the resulting thickness of aluminium oxide layer. The impact of these variables is shown by using central composite design of experiment for six factors (amount of sulphuric acid, amount of oxalic acid, amount of aluminium cations, electrolyte temperature, anodizing time, and applied voltage) and by usage of the cubic neural unit with Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm during the results evaluation. The paper also deals with current densities of 1 A·dm−2 and 3 A·dm−2 for creating aluminium oxide layer. PMID:25922850

Usage of neural network to predict aluminium oxide layer thickness.

PubMed

Michal, Peter; Vagaská, Alena; Gombár, Miroslav; Kmec, Ján; Spišák, Emil; Kučerka, Daniel

2015-01-01

This paper shows an influence of chemical composition of used electrolyte, such as amount of sulphuric acid in electrolyte, amount of aluminium cations in electrolyte and amount of oxalic acid in electrolyte, and operating parameters of process of anodic oxidation of aluminium such as the temperature of electrolyte, anodizing time, and voltage applied during anodizing process. The paper shows the influence of those parameters on the resulting thickness of aluminium oxide layer. The impact of these variables is shown by using central composite design of experiment for six factors (amount of sulphuric acid, amount of oxalic acid, amount of aluminium cations, electrolyte temperature, anodizing time, and applied voltage) and by usage of the cubic neural unit with Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm during the results evaluation. The paper also deals with current densities of 1 A · dm(-2) and 3 A · dm(-2) for creating aluminium oxide layer.

Synergistic integration of sonochemical and electrochemical disinfection with DSA anodes.

PubMed

Cotillas, Salvador; Llanos, Javier; Castro-Ríos, Katherin; Taborda-Ocampo, Gonzalo; Rodrigo, Manuel A; Cañizares, Pablo

2016-11-01

This work focuses on the disinfection actual urban wastewater by the combination of ultrasound (US) irradiation and electrodisinfection with Dimensionally Stable Anodes (DSA). First, the inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) during the sonochemical disinfection was studied at increasing ultrasound power. Results showed that it was not possible to achieve a complete disinfection, even at the highest US power (200 W) dosed by the experimental device used. Next, the electrodisinfection with DSA anodes at different current densities was studied, finding that it was necessary a minimum current density of 11.46 A m(-2) to reach the complete disinfection. Finally, an integrated sonoelectrodisinfection process was studied. Results showed a synergistic effect when coupling US irradiation with DSA electrodisinfection, with a synergy coefficient higher than 200% of the disinfection rate attained for the highest US power applied. In this process, hypochlorite and chloramines were identified as the main reagents for the disinfection process (neither chlorate nor perchlorate were detected), and the presence of trihalomethanes was far below acceptable values. Confirming this synergistic effect with DSA anodes opens the door to novel efficient disinfection processes, limiting the occurrence of hazardous disinfection by-products. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Induction Heating Model of Cermet Fuel Element Environmental Test (CFEET)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gomez, Carlos F.; Bradley, D. E.; Cavender, D. P.; Mireles, O. R.; Hickman, R. R.; Trent, D.; Stewart, E.

2013-01-01

Deep space missions with large payloads require high specific impulse and relatively high thrust to achieve mission goals in reasonable time frames. Nuclear Thermal Rockets (NTR) are capable of producing a high specific impulse by employing heat produced by a fission reactor to heat and therefore accelerate hydrogen through a rocket nozzle providing thrust. Fuel element temperatures are very high (up to 3000 K) and hydrogen is highly reactive with most materials at high temperatures. Data covering the effects of high-temperature hydrogen exposure on fuel elements are limited. The primary concern is the mechanical failure of fuel elements due to large thermal gradients; therefore, high-melting-point ceramics-metallic matrix composites (cermets) are one of the fuels under consideration as part of the Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (NCPS) Advance Exploration System (AES) technology project at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The purpose of testing and analytical modeling is to determine their ability to survive and maintain thermal performance in a prototypical NTR reactor environment of exposure to hydrogen at very high temperatures and obtain data to assess the properties of the non-nuclear support materials. The fission process and the resulting heating performance are well known and do not require that active fissile material to be integrated in this testing. A small-scale test bed; Compact Fuel Element Environmental Tester (CFEET), designed to heat fuel element samples via induction heating and expose samples to hydrogen is being developed at MSFC to assist in optimal material and manufacturing process selection without utilizing fissile material. This paper details the analytical approach to help design and optimize the test bed using COMSOL Multiphysics for predicting thermal gradients induced by electromagnetic heating (Induction heating) and Thermal Desktop for radiation calculations.

Theoretical model and experimental investigation of current density boundary condition for welding arc study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boutaghane, A.; Bouhadef, K.; Valensi, F.; Pellerin, S.; Benkedda, Y.

2011-04-01

This paper presents results of theoretical and experimental investigation of the welding arc in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes. A theoretical model consisting in simultaneous resolution of the set of conservation equations for mass, momentum, energy and current, Ohm's law and Maxwell equation is used to predict temperatures and current density distribution in argon welding arcs. A current density profile had to be assumed over the surface of the cathode as a boundary condition in order to make the theoretical calculations possible. In stationary GTAW process, this assumption leads to fair agreement with experimental results reported in literature with maximum arc temperatures of ~21 000 K. In contrast to the GTAW process, in GMAW process, the electrode is consumable and non-thermionic, and a realistic boundary condition of the current density is lacking. For establishing this crucial boundary condition which is the current density in the anode melting electrode, an original method is setup to enable the current density to be determined experimentally. High-speed camera (3000 images/s) is used to get geometrical dimensions of the welding wire used as anode. The total area of the melting anode covered by the arc plasma being determined, the current density at the anode surface can be calculated. For a 330 A arc, the current density at the melting anode surface is found to be of 5 × 107 A m-2 for a 1.2 mm diameter welding electrode.

Influence of surfactants on the microstructure and electrochemical performance of the tin oxide anode in lithium ion batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Yan-Hui, E-mail: sunyanhui0102@163.com; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006; Dong, Pei-Pei

2016-02-15

Highlights: • CTAB and SDS alter the formation of SnO{sub 2} from nanosheets to nanocubes during oxalate precipitation. • The CTAB concentration affects the SnO{sub 2} crystal growth direction, morphology and size. • The SnO{sub 2} anode synthesized using CTAB exhibited superior electrochemical performance. • Proposed a mechanism of influence of surfactant on SnO{sub 2} in the precipitation and annealing process. - Abstract: Different SnO{sub 2} micro–nano structures are prepared by precipitation using a surfactant-assisted process. The surfactants, such as cetyltriethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), can change the crystal growth direction and microstructure of SnO{sub 2}more » primary and secondary particles. Larger SnO{sub 2} nanosheets were synthesized without surfactant, and micro-fragments composed of small nanospheres or nanocubes were synthesized using CTAB and SDBS. The CTAB-assisted process resulted in smaller primary particles and larger specific surface area and larger pore volume, as a lithium-ion-battery anode that exhibits superior electrochemical performance compared to the other two anodes. Further investigation showed that the concentration of CTAB had a substantial influence on the growth of the crystal face, morphology and size of the SnO{sub 2} secondary particles, which influenced the electrochemical performance of the anode. A simple mechanism for the influence of surfactants on SnO{sub 2} morphology and size in the precipitation and annealing process is proposed.« less

Fabrication and characterization of anode-supported micro-tubular solide oxide fuel cell by phase inversion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Cong

Nowadays, the micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (MT-SOFCs), especially the anode supported MT-SOFCs have been extensively developed to be applied for SOFC stacks designation, which can be potentially used for portable power sources and vehicle power supply. To prepare MT-SOFCs with high electrochemical performance, one of the main strategies is to optimize the microstructure of the anode support. Recently, a novel phase inversion method has been applied to prepare the anode support with a unique asymmetrical microstructure, which can improve the electrochemical performance of the MT-SOFCs. Since several process parameters of the phase inversion method can influence the pore formation mechanism and final microstructure, it is essential and necessary to systematically investigate the relationship between phase inversion process parameters and final microstructure of the anode supports. The objective of this study is aiming at correlating the process parameters and microstructure and further preparing MT-SOFCs with enhanced electrochemical performance. Non-solvent, which is used to trigger the phase separation process, can significantly influence the microstructure of the anode support fabricated by phase inversion method. To investigate the mechanism of non-solvent affecting the microstructure, water and ethanol/water mixture were selected for the NiO-YSZ anode supports fabrication. The presence of ethanol in non-solvent can inhibit the growth of the finger-like pores in the tubes. With the increasing of the ethanol concentration in the non-solvent, a relatively dense layer can be observed both in the outside and inside of the tubes. The mechanism of pores growth and morphology obtained by using non-solvent with high concentration ethanol was explained based on the inter-diffusivity between solvent and non-solvent. Solvent and non-solvent pair with larger Dm value is benefit for the growth of finger-like pores. Three cells with different anode geometries was prepared, La0.85Sr0.15MnO 3 (LSM) was selected as the cathode. Cells were tested at 800°C using humidified H2 as fuel. Cell with anode prepared by using pure water as non-solvent shows a maximum power density up to 437mW/cm 2. By comparing the anode geometry and electrochemical performance, it indicated that microstructure with longer finger-like pores and thinner macrovoid free layer close to the inner side of the tube is benefit to cell performance. Another factor that can affect the microstructure of anode support is the ratio of solvent and polymer binder. In this research, anode-supported MT-SOFCs have been fabricated by phase inversion method. The effect of the viscosity of the casting slurry on the microstructure of YSZ-NiO anode support has been investigated. The microstructure of the YSZ-NiO support can be effectively controlled by varying the slurry composition with different solvent and polymer binder content. Gas permeation and mechanical strength of the YSZ-NiO support have been measured and four YSZ-NiO anode supports have been chosen for subsequent cell fabrication. The effective conductivity of the different anode supports has been measured at room temperature after reduced. Anode-supported single cells with YSZ electrolyte and LSM/YSZ cathode are fabricated and tested. Maximum cell power densities of 606 mWcm-2, 449 mWcm -2, 339 mWcm-2 and 253 mWcm-2 have been obtained respectively at 750 °C with humidified hydrogen as fuel and ambient air as oxidant. The correlation between the cell electrochemical performance and anode microstructures has been discussed. Adjusting the slurry composition by introducing additive is also an effective approach to tailor the microstructure of the anode support. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), which is a common applied polymer additive, was selected to fabricate the YSZ-NiO anode supports. The effect of molecular weight and amount of PEG additive on the thermodynamics of the casting solutions was characterized by measuring the coagulation value. Viscosity of the casting slurries was also measured and the influence of PEG additive on viscosity was studied and discussed. The presence of PEG in the casting slurry can greatly influence the final anode support microstructure. Based on the microstructure result and the measured gas permeation value, two anode supports were selected for cell fabrication. For cell with the anode support fabricated using slurry with PEG additive, a maximum cell power density of 704 mWcm-2 is obtained at 750 oC with humidified hydrogen as fuel and ambient air as oxidant; cell fabricated without any PEG additive shows the peak cell power density of 331 mWcm-2. The relationship between anode microstructure and cell performance was discussed. Anode-supported micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (MT-SOFCs) based on BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O 3-delta (BZCYYb) proton-conducting electrolyte have been prepared using a phase inversion method. Three sulfur-free polymer binder candidates ethyl cellulose (EC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyetherimide (PEI) and sulfur-containing polythersulfone (PESf) were used as polymer binders to fabricate NiO-BZCYYb anode. The overall influence of polymer binder on the anode supports was evaluated. Sulfide impurity generated from PESf was revealed by XRD and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The difference in the anode microstructure for samples fabricated by different polymer binders was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analyzed by measuring the gas permeation data of the reduced samples. Single cells based on different anode supports were characterized in anode-supported MT-SOFCs with the cell configuration of Ni-BZCYYb anode, BZCYYb electrolyte and La0.6Sr 0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-delta (LSCF)-BZCYYb cathode at 650 °C using hydrogen as fuel and ambient air as oxidant. MT-SOFCs of the anode fabricated using PEI show maximum power density of 0.45 Wcm -2 compared with 0.35 Wcm-2 for cells fabricated with PESf. The difference in cell performance was attributed to the phase purity of the anode fabricated by different polymer binders. Sulfur-free polymer binder PEI exhibits advantages over the commonly applied PESf and other sulfur-free polymer binder candidates. To eliminate the skin layer formed close to the inner side of the tubular sample when using the phase inversion method. Polyethersulfone (PESf)-polyethylenimine (PEI) blend was employed as the polymer binder to fabricate the micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (MT-SOFCs). The potential impurity introduced in the anode support by the polymer binder was examined by XPS and the resulting novel microstructure was analyzed based on the backscattered electron (BSE) images. Cells fabricated with blend polymer binder showed significantly enhanced power output compared with those cells only fabricated with PEI or PESf. The improved cell performance demonstrated that using blend polymer as binder is a promising and versatile approach for MT-SOFC fabrication via phase inversion method. Finally, to investigate the effect of the anode microstructure on the total cell performance, two types of anode support with different microstructure were prepared via the phase inversion method at different temperature. Cells fabricated based on these two anode supports were tested at 750 °C with hydrogen or hydrogen mixture with fuel gas. The measured current density-voltage (I-V) curves were fitted by a polarization model, and several parameters were archived through the modeling process. The influence of the anode support on the total cell performance was discussed based on the calculated result.

Correlation of microstructure and thermo-mechanical properties of a novel hydrogen transport membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yongjun

A key part of the FutureGen concept is to support the production of hydrogen to fuel a "hydrogen economy," with the use of clean burning hydrogen in power-producing fuel cells, as well as for use as a transportation fuel. One of the key technical barriers to FutureGen deployment is reliable and efficient hydrogen separation technology. Most Hydrogen Transport Membrane (HTM) research currently focuses on separation technology and hydrogen flux characterization. No significant work has been performed on thermo-mechanical properties of HTMs. The objective of the thesis is to understand the structure-property correlation of HTM and to characterize (1) thermo mechanical properties under different reducing environments and thermal cycles (thermal shock), and (2) evaluate the stability of the novel HTM material. A novel HTM cermet bulk sample was characterized for its physical and mechanical properties at both room temperature and at elevated temperature up to 1000°C. Micro-structural properties and residual stresses were evaluated in order to understand the changing mechanism of the microstructure and its effects on the mechanical properties of materials. A correlation of the microstructural and thermo mechanical properties of the HTM system was established for both HTM and the substrate material. Mechanical properties of both selected structural ceramics and the novel HTM cermet bulk sample are affected mainly by porosity and microstructural features, such as grain size and pore size-distribution. The Young's Modulus (E-value) is positively correlated to the flexural strength for materials with similar crystallographic structure. However, for different crystallographic materials, physical properties are independent of mechanical properties. Microstructural properties, particularly, grain size and crystallographic structure, and thermodynamic properties are the main factors affecting the mechanical properties at both room and high temperatures. The HTM cermet behaves more like an elastic material at room temperature and as a ductile material at temperature above 850°C. The oxidation and the plasticity of Pd phase mainly affected the mechanical properties of HTM cermet at high temperature, also as a result of thermal cycling. Residual stress induced in the HTM by thermo cycles also plays a very critical role in defining the thermo-mechanical properties.

Effects of the voltage and time of anodization on modulation of the pore dimensions of AAO films for nanomaterials synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chahrour, Khaled M.; Ahmed, Naser M.; Hashim, M. R.; Elfadill, Nezar G.; Maryam, W.; Ahmad, M. A.; Bououdina, M.

2015-12-01

Highly-ordered and hexagonal-shaped nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) of 1 μm thickness of Al pre-deposited onto Si substrate using two-step anodization was successfully fabricated. The growth mechanism of the porous AAO film was investigated by anodization current-time behavior for different anodizing voltages and by visualizing the microstructural procedure of the fabrication of AAO film by two-step anodization using cross-sectional and top view of FESEM imaging. Optimum conditions of the process variables such as annealing time of the as-deposited Al thin film and pore widening time of porous AAO film were experimentally determined to obtain AAO films with uniformly distributed and vertically aligned porous microstructure. Pores with diameter ranging from 50 nm to 110 nm and thicknesses between 250 nm and 1400 nm, were obtained by controlling two main influential anodization parameters: the anodizing voltage and time of the second-step anodization. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals amorphous-to-crystalline phase transformation after annealing at temperatures above 800 °C. AFM images show optimum ordering of the porous AAO film anodized under low voltage condition. AAO films may be exploited as templates with desired size distribution for the fabrication of CuO nanorod arrays. Such nanostructured materials exhibit unique properties and hold high potential for nanotechnology devices.

Maximization of current efficiency for organic pollutants oxidation at BDD, Ti/SnO2-Sb/PbO2, and Ti/SnO2-Sb anodes.

PubMed

Xing, Xuan; Ni, Jinren; Zhu, Xiuping; Jiang, Yi; Xia, Jianxin

2018-08-01

Whereas electrochemical oxidation is noted for its ability to degrade bio-refractory organics, it has also been incorrectly criticized for excessive energy consumption. The present paper rectifies this misunderstanding by demonstrating that the energy actually consumed in the degradation process is much less than that wasted in the side reaction of oxygen evolution. To minimize the side reaction, the possible highest instantaneous current efficiency (PHICE) for electrochemical oxidation of phenol at Boron-doped Diamond (BDD), Ti/SnO 2 -Sb/PbO 2 (PbO 2 ), and Ti/SnO 2 -Sb (SnO 2 ) anodes has been investigated systematically, and found to reach almost 100% at the BDD anode compared with 23% at the PbO 2 anode and 9% at the SnO 2 anode. The significant discrepancy between PHICE values at the various anodes is interpreted in terms of different existing forms of hydroxyl radicals. For each anode system, the PHICEs are maintained experimentally using a computer-controlled exponential decay current mode throughout the electrolysis process. For applications, the minimized energy consumption is predicted by response surface methodology, and demonstrated for the BDD anode system. Consequently, almost 100% current efficiency is achieved (for a relatively meagre energy consumption of 17.2 kWh kgCOD -1 ) along with excellent COD degradation efficiency by optimizing the initial current density, flow rate, electrolysis time, and exponential decay constant. Compared with galvanostatic conditions, over 70% of the energy is saved in the present study, thus demonstrating the great potential of electrochemical oxidation for practical applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ion beam enhancement in magnetically insulated ion diodes for high-intensity pulsed ion beam generation in non-relativistic mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, X. P.; Zhang, Z. C.; Pushkarev, A. I.; Lei, M. K.

2016-01-01

High-intensity pulsed ion beam (HIPIB) with ion current density above Child-Langmuir limit is achieved by extracting ion beam from anode plasma of ion diodes with suppressing electron flow under magnetic field insulation. It was theoretically estimated that with increasing the magnetic field, a maximal value of ion current density may reach nearly 3 times that of Child-Langmuir limit in a non-relativistic mode and close to 6 times in a highly relativistic mode. In this study, the behavior of ion beam enhancement by magnetic insulation is systematically investigated in three types of magnetically insulated ion diodes (MIDs) with passive anode, taking into account the anode plasma generation process on the anode surface. A maximal enhancement factor higher than 6 over the Child-Langmuir limit can be obtained in the non-relativistic mode with accelerating voltage of 200-300 kV. The MIDs differ in two anode plasma formation mechanisms, i.e., surface flashover of a dielectric coating on the anode and explosive emission of electrons from the anode, as well as in two insulation modes of external-magnetic field and self-magnetic field with either non-closed or closed drift of electrons in the anode-cathode (A-K) gap, respectively. Combined with ion current density measurement, energy density characterization is employed to resolve the spatial distribution of energy density before focusing for exploring the ion beam generation process. Consistent results are obtained on three types of MIDs concerning control of neutralizing electron flows for the space charge of ions where the high ion beam enhancement is determined by effective electron neutralization in the A-K gap, while the HIPIB composition of different ion species downstream from the diode may be considerably affected by the ion beam neutralization during propagation.

Optimization and Domestic Sourcing of Lithium Ion Battery Anode Materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wood, III, D. L.; Yoon, S.

2012-10-25

The purpose of this Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between ORNL and A123Systems, Inc. was to develop a low-temperature heat treatment process for natural graphite based anode materials for high-capacity and long-cycle-life lithium ion batteries. Three major problems currently plague state-of-the-art lithium ion battery anode materials. The first is the cost of the artificial graphite, which is heat-treated well in excess of 2000°C. Because of this high-temperature heat treatment, the anode active material significantly contributes to the cost of a lithium ion battery. The second problem is the limited specific capacity of state-of-the-art anodes based on artificial graphites, whichmore » is only about 200-350 mAh/g. This value needs to be increased to achieve high energy density when used with the low cell-voltage nanoparticle LiFePO4 cathode. Thirdly, the rate capability under cycling conditions of natural graphite based materials must be improved to match that of the nanoparticle LiFePO4. Natural graphite materials contain inherent crystallinity and lithium intercalation activity. They hold particular appeal, as they offer huge potential for industrial energy savings with the energy costs essentially subsidized by geological processes. Natural graphites have been heat-treated to a substantially lower temperature (as low as 1000-1500°C) and used as anode active materials to address the problems described above. Finally, corresponding graphitization and post-treatment processes were developed that are amenable to scaling to automotive quantities.« less

Dynamic evaluation of low-temperature metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell oriented to auxiliary power units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhenwei; Berghaus, Jörg Oberste; Yick, Sing; Decès-Petit, Cyrille; Qu, Wei; Hui, Rob; Maric, Radenka; Ghosh, Dave

A metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) composed of a Ni-Ce 0.8Sm 0.2O 2- δ (Ni-SDC) cermet anode and an SDC electrolyte was fabricated by suspension plasma spraying on a Hastelloy X substrate. The cathode, an Sm 0.5Sr 0.5CoO 3 (SSCo)-SDC composite, was screen-printed and fired in situ. The dynamic behaviour of the cell was measured while subjected to complete fuel shutoff and rapid start-up cycles, as typically encountered in auxiliary power units (APU) applications. A promising performance - with a maximum power density (MPD) of 0.176 W cm -2 at 600 °C - was achieved using humidified hydrogen as fuel and air as the oxidant. The cell also showed excellent resistance to oxidation at 600 °C during fuel shutoff, with only a slight drop in performance after reintroduction of the fuel. The Cr and Mn species in the Hastelloy X alloy appeared to be preferentially oxidized while the oxidation of nickel in the metallic substrate was temporarily alleviated. In rapid start-up cycles with a heating rate of 60 °C min -1, noticeable performance deterioration took place in the first two thermal cycles, and then continued at a much slower rate in subsequent cycles. A postmortem analysis of the cell suggested that the degradation was mainly due to the mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficient across the cathode/electrolyte interface.

From macro- to micro-single chamber solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buergler, B. E.; Ochsner, M.; Vuillemin, S.; Gauckler, L. J.

Single chamber solid oxide fuel cells (SC-SOFCs) with interdigitating electrodes were prepared and operated in CH 4/air mixtures. Both electrodes (Ni-Ce 0.8Gd 0.2O 1.9 cermet and Sm 0.5Sr 0.5CoO 3- δ perovskite) were placed on the same side of a Ce 0.8Gd 0.1O 1.95 electrolyte disc. The separating gap between the electrodes was varied from 1.2 to 0.27 mm and finally down to 10 μm. Screen-printing was used for the preparation of the cells with a gap in the millimetre range, whereas micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC) was used for the preparation of the micro-SC-SOFCs. The prepared micro-SC-SOFCs consisted of an array of 19 individual cells that were connected in parallel having 100 μm wide electrodes. An open circuit voltage of 0.65-0.75 V was measured in flowing mixtures of methane and air. The maximum power density of 17 mW cm -2 was limited by the ohmic resistance of the long conduction paths along the thin electrodes to the active sites of the individual cells. The feasibility of the micro-cell was demonstrated by comparing the performance with the performance of the cells having feature sizes in the millimetre range. The cell resistance of micro-SC-SOFCs may be significantly reduced when connecting the cells in series using interconnections between anode and cathodes of adjacent cells.

Template-Growth of Highly Ordered Carbon Nanotube Arrays on Silicon POSTPRINT

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

packed uni- form CNTs that are spatially isolated from each other is to use a growth template. Highly ordered anodic aluminum oxide ( AAO ) template can...process for evaporating thick aluminum of high quality and good adhesion. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Anodic Aluminum Oxide Template, Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs...within the highly ordered nanopores of an alumina oxide template, which is in turn formed on silicon through anodization of aluminum of unprecedented

Design, Fabrication and Characterization of Indefinite Metamaterials of Nanowires

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

polymer, nanochannel array glass, radiation track etched mica, block copolymers and anodic aluminium oxide ( AAO ) have been utilized as the mask or the...pores in anodized aluminum oxide . Chem. Mater. 10, 2470–2480. (doi:10.1021/cm980163a) Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A (2011) on August 3...The formation of alumina starts from the surface of the aluminium metal facing the electrolyte. During the anodization process [24,25], oxidation of

Leaching lithium from the anode electrode materials of spent lithium-ion batteries by hydrochloric acid (HCl).

PubMed

Guo, Yang; Li, Feng; Zhu, Haochen; Li, Guangming; Huang, Juwen; He, Wenzhi

2016-05-01

Spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are considered as an important secondary resource for its high contents of valuable components, such as lithium and cobalt. Currently, studies mainly focus on the recycling of cathode electrodes. There are few studies concentrating on the recovery of anode electrodes. In this work, based on the analysis result of high amount of lithium contained in the anode electrode, the acid leaching process was applied to recycle lithium from anode electrodes of spent LIBs. Hydrochloric acid was introduced as leaching reagent, and hydrogen peroxide as reducing agent. Within the range of experiment performed, hydrogen peroxide was found to have little effect on lithium leaching process. The highest leaching recovery of 99.4wt% Li was obtained at leaching temperature of 80°C, 3M hydrochloric acid and S/L ratio of 1:50g/ml for 90min. The graphite configuration with a better crystal structure obtained after the leaching process can also be recycled. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rapid, in Situ Synthesis of High Capacity Battery Anodes through High Temperature Radiation-Based Thermal Shock.

PubMed

Chen, Yanan; Li, Yiju; Wang, Yanbin; Fu, Kun; Danner, Valencia A; Dai, Jiaqi; Lacey, Steven D; Yao, Yonggang; Hu, Liangbing

2016-09-14

High capacity battery electrodes require nanosized components to avoid pulverization associated with volume changes during the charge-discharge process. Additionally, these nanosized electrodes need an electronically conductive matrix to facilitate electron transport. Here, for the first time, we report a rapid thermal shock process using high-temperature radiative heating to fabricate a conductive reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite with silicon nanoparticles. Silicon (Si) particles on the order of a few micrometers are initially embedded in the RGO host and in situ transformed into 10-15 nm nanoparticles in less than a minute through radiative heating. The as-prepared composites of ultrafine Si nanoparticles embedded in a RGO matrix show great performance as a Li-ion battery (LIB) anode. The in situ nanoparticle synthesis method can also be adopted for other high capacity battery anode materials including tin (Sn) and aluminum (Al). This method for synthesizing high capacity anodes in a RGO matrix can be envisioned for roll-to-roll nanomanufacturing due to the ease and scalability of this high-temperature radiative heating process.

Nanostructural Engineering of Nanoporous Anodic Alumina for Biosensing Applications

PubMed Central

Ferré-Borrull, Josep; Pallarès, Josep; Macías, Gerard; Marsal, Lluis F.

2014-01-01

Modifying the diameter of the pores in nanoporous anodic alumina opens new possibilities in the application of this material. In this work, we review the different nanoengineering methods by classifying them into two kinds: in situ and ex situ. Ex situ methods imply the interruption of the anodization process and the addition of intermediate steps, while in situ methods aim at realizing the in-depth pore modulation by continuous changes in the anodization conditions. Ex situ methods permit a greater versatility in the pore geometry, while in situ methods are simpler and adequate for repeated cycles. As an example of ex situ methods, we analyze the effect of changing drastically one of the anodization parameters (anodization voltage, electrolyte composition or concentration). We also introduce in situ methods to obtain distributed Bragg reflectors or rugate filters in nanoporous anodic alumina with cyclic anodization voltage or current. This nanopore engineering permits us to propose new applications in the field of biosensing: using the unique reflectance or photoluminescence properties of the material to obtain photonic barcodes, applying a gold-coated double-layer nanoporous alumina to design a self-referencing protein sensor or giving a proof-of-concept of the refractive index sensing capabilities of nanoporous rugate filters. PMID:28788127

The critical pressure drop for the purge process in the anode of a fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Xiao; Pingwen, Ming; Ming, Hou; Baolian, Yi; Shao, Zhi-Gang

Purge operation is an effective way to remove the accumulated liquid water in the anode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This paper studies the phenomenon of the two-phase flow as well as the pressure drop fluctuation inside the flow field of a single cell during the purge process. The flow patterns are identified as intermittent purge and annular purge, and the two purge processes are contrastively analyzed and discussed. The intermittent purge greatly affects the fuel cell performance and thus it is not suitable for the in situ application. The annular purge process requires a higher pressure drop, and the critical pressure drop is calculated from the annular purge model. Furthermore, this value is quantitatively analyzed and validated by experiments. The results show that the annular purge is appropriate for removing liquid water out of the anode in the fuel cell.

Inspection of baked carbon anodes using a combination of multi-spectral acousto-ultrasonic techniques and principal component analysis.

PubMed

Boubaker, Moez Ben; Picard, Donald; Duchesne, Carl; Tessier, Jayson; Alamdari, Houshang; Fafard, Mario

2018-05-17

This paper reports on the application of an acousto-ultrasonic (AU) scheme for the inspection of industrial-size carbon anode blocks used in the production of primary aluminium by the Hall-Héroult process. A frequency-modulated wave is used to excite the anode blocks at multiple points. The collected attenuated AU signals are decomposed using the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DTW) after which vectors of features are calculated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is utilized to cluster the AU responses of the anodes. The approach allows locating cracks in the blocks and the AU features were found sensitive to crack severity. The results are validated using images collected after cutting some anodes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Catalyst inks and method of application for direct methanol fuel cells

DOEpatents

Zelenay, Piotr; Davey, John; Ren, Xiaoming; Gottesfeld, Shimshon; Thomas, Sharon C.

2004-02-24

Inks are formulated for forming anode and cathode catalyst layers and applied to anode and cathode sides of a membrane for a direct methanol fuel cell. The inks comprise a Pt catalyst for the cathode and a Pt--Ru catalyst for the anode, purified water in an amount 4 to 20 times that of the catalyst by weight, and a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer in an amount effective to provide an ionomer content in the anode and cathode surfaces of 20% to 80% by volume. The inks are prepared in a two-step process while cooling and agitating the solutions. The final solution is placed in a cooler and continuously agitated while spraying the solution over the anode or cathode surface of the membrane as determined by the catalyst content.

Electrically Conductive Anodized Aluminum Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Trung Hung

2006-01-01

Anodized aluminum components can be treated to make them sufficiently electrically conductive to suppress discharges of static electricity. The treatment was conceived as a means of preventing static electric discharges on exterior satin-anodized aluminum (SAA) surfaces of spacecraft without adversely affecting the thermal-control/optical properties of the SAA and without need to apply electrically conductive paints, which eventually peel off in the harsh environment of outer space. The treatment can also be used to impart electrical conductivity to anodized housings of computers, medical electronic instruments, telephoneexchange equipment, and other terrestrial electronic equipment vulnerable to electrostatic discharge. The electrical resistivity of a typical anodized aluminum surface layer lies between 10(exp 11) and 10(exp 13) Omega-cm. To suppress electrostatic discharge, it is necessary to reduce the electrical resistivity significantly - preferably to < or = 10(exp 9) Omega-cm. The present treatment does this. The treatment is a direct electrodeposition process in which the outer anodized surface becomes covered and the pores in the surface filled with a transparent, electrically conductive metal oxide nanocomposite. Filling the pores with the nanocomposite reduces the transverse electrical resistivity and, in the original intended outer-space application, the exterior covering portion of the nanocomposite would afford the requisite electrical contact with the outer-space plasma. The electrical resistivity of the nanocomposite can be tailored to a value between 10(exp 7) and 10(exp 12) Omega-cm. Unlike electrically conductive paint, the nanocomposite becomes an integral part of the anodized aluminum substrate, without need for adhesive bonding material and without risk of subsequent peeling. The electrodeposition process is compatible with commercial anodizing production lines. At present, the electronics industry uses expensive, exotic, electrostaticdischarge- suppressing finishes: examples include silver impregnated anodized, black electroless nickel, black chrome, and black copper. In comparison with these competing finishes, the present nanocomposite finishes are expected to cost 50 to 20 percent less and to last longer.

Unstable behavior of anodic arc discharge for synthesis of nanomaterials

DOE PAGES

Gershman, Sophia; Raitses, Yevgeny

2016-07-27

A short carbon arc operating with a high ablation rate of the graphite anode exhibits a combined motion of the arc and the arc attachment to the anode. A characteristic time scale of this motion is in a 10 -3 sec range. The arc exhibits a negative differential resistance before the arc motion occurs. Thermal processes in the arc plasma region interacting with the ablating anode are considered as possible causes of this unstable arc behavior. It is also hypothesized that the arc motion could potentially cause mixing of the various nanoparticles synthesized in the arc in the high ablationmore » regime.« less

Unstable behavior of anodic arc discharge for synthesis of nanomaterials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gershman, Sophia; Raitses, Yevgeny

A short carbon arc operating with a high ablation rate of the graphite anode exhibits a combined motion of the arc and the arc attachment to the anode. A characteristic time scale of this motion is in a 10 -3 sec range. The arc exhibits a negative differential resistance before the arc motion occurs. Thermal processes in the arc plasma region interacting with the ablating anode are considered as possible causes of this unstable arc behavior. It is also hypothesized that the arc motion could potentially cause mixing of the various nanoparticles synthesized in the arc in the high ablationmore » regime.« less

Evolution of insoluble eutectic Si particles in anodic oxidation films during adipic-sulfuric acid anodizing processes of ZL114A aluminum alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, Lei; Liu, Jian-hua; Li, Song-mei; Yu, Mei; Wang, Lei; Cui, Yong-xin

2015-03-01

The effects of insoluble eutectic Si particles on the growth of anodic oxide films on ZL114A aluminum alloy substrates were investigated by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The anodic oxidation was performed at 25°C and a constant voltage of 15 V in a solution containing 50 g/L sulfuric acid and 10 g/L adipic acid. The thickness of the formed anodic oxidation film was approximately 7.13 μm. The interpore distance and the diameters of the major pores in the porous layer of the film were within the approximate ranges of 10-20 nm and 5-10 nm, respectively. Insoluble eutectic Si particles strongly influenced the morphology of the anodic oxidation films. The anodic oxidation films exhibited minimal defects and a uniform thickness on the ZL114A substrates; in contrast, when the front of the oxide oxidation films encountered eutectic Si particles, defects such as pits and non-uniform thickness were observed, and pits were observed in the films.

Electrolysis of metal oxides in MgCl2 based molten salts with an inert graphite anode.

PubMed

Yuan, Yating; Li, Wei; Chen, Hualin; Wang, Zhiyong; Jin, Xianbo; Chen, George Z

2016-08-15

Electrolysis of solid metal oxides has been demonstrated in MgCl2-NaCl-KCl melt at 700 °C taking the electrolysis of Ta2O5 as an example. Both the cathodic and anodic processes have been investigated using cyclic voltammetry, and potentiostatic and constant voltage electrolysis, with the cathodic products analysed by XRD and SEM and the anodic products by GC. Fast electrolysis of Ta2O5 against a graphite anode has been realized at a cell voltage of 2 V, or a total overpotential of about 400 mV. The energy consumption was about 1 kW h kgTa(-1) with a nearly 100% Ta recovery. The cathodic product was nanometer Ta powder with sizes of about 50 nm. The main anodic product was Cl2 gas, together with about 1 mol% O2 gas and trace amounts of CO. The graphite anode was found to be an excellent inert anode. These results promise an environmentally-friendly and energy efficient method for metal extraction by electrolysis of metal oxides in MgCl2 based molten salts.

Electrochemical processing of lead-containing waste ballistics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huber, C.O.; Olsen, G.P.

1995-12-31

Literature review indicates that propellant ingredients in NOSIH-AA2 have been investigated electrochemical separation. Papers on related electroanalytical chemistry offer help in indicating which electrolytic separation systems to investigate. These included copper and nickel electrodes in alkaline solution. Voltammetry studies in 0.1 M NaOH showed that lead metal can be readily collected at a copper cathode and that lead dioxide can be deposited at a nickel anode. Cathodic and anodic deposition reactions begin at less than minus or plus 0.5 V. resp. Other species present in the propellant are also reactive at the anode. Deposits with good mechanical properties resulted, evenmore » with 40 mA/cm{sup 2} current density. Lead concentrations in alkaline solutions can readily be monitored using anodic amperometry with the nickel electrode. Separations from actual propellant solutions in 3 M NaOH were demonstrated using nickel as anode and cathode. Gravimetric monitoring of both anode and cathode showed accumulations suggesting the exhaustive lead collection. Associated voltammetry data showed decreasing amounts of other electroactive species at the anode as well as lead.« less

A 3D mathematical model for the horizontal anode baking furnace

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kocaefe, Y.S.; Dernedde, E.; Kocaefe, D.

In the aluminum industry, carbon anodes are baked in large horizontal or vertical ring-type furnaces. The anode quality depends strongly on the baking conditions (heating rate, soaking time and final anode temperature). A three-dimensional mathematical model has been developed for a horizontal anode baking furnace to assess the effects of different parameters on the baking process and to improve the furnace operation and design at Noranda Aluminum Smelter in New Madrid, Missouri. The commercial CFD code CFDS-FLOW3D is used to solve the governing differential equations. The model gives the temperature, velocity and concentration distributions in the flue, and the variationmore » of the temperature distribution with time in the pit. In this paper, a description of the 3D model for the horizontal anode baking furnace will be given. Some of the results from a case study will also be presented. The results show clearly the importance of flue geometry on the gas flow distribution in the flue and the heat transfer to the anodes.« less

Mussel-Inspired Conductive Polymer Binder for Si-Alloy Anode in Lithium-Ion Batteries

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Hui; Wei, Yang; Wang, Cheng; ...

2018-01-15

The excessive volume changes during cell cycling of Si-based anode in lithium ion batteries impeded its application. One major reason for the cell failure is particle isolation during volume shrinkage in delithiation process, which makes strong adhesion between polymer binder and anode active material particles a highly desirable property. Here, a biomimetic side-chain conductive polymer incorporating catechol, a key adhesive component of the mussel holdfast protein, was synthesized. Atomic force microscopy-based single-molecule force measurements of mussel-inspired conductive polymer binder contacting a silica surface revealed a similar adhesion toward substrate when compared with an effective Si anode binder, homo-poly(acrylic acid), withmore » the added benefit of being electronically conductive. Electrochemical experiments showed a very stable cycling of Si-alloy anodes realized via this biomimetic conducting polymer binder, leading to a high loading Si anode with a good rate performance. We attribute the ability of the Si-based anode to tolerate the volume changes during cycling to the excellent mechanical integrity afforded by the strong interfacial adhesion of the biomimetic conducting polymer.« less

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of cermet tunnel restorations on primary molars.

PubMed

Zenkner, J E; Baratieri, L N; Monteiro, S J; de Andrada, M A; Vieira, L C

1993-11-01

Fifty-one restorations of the tunnel type were performed with "cermet" cement on primary molars. The restorations were assessed clinically, radiographically, and by direct examination of the proximal surface 6 months (group I) and 12 months (group II) after placement. The incidence of fractured marginal ridges was found to be 3.8% in group I and 4.2% in group II. All restorations had their occlusal portion intact and were caries-free. Clinically detectable occlusal wear was found in 7.7% of teeth in group I and in 4.2% of teeth in group II. No correlation was found between direct and radiographic assessment of proximal caries. White spots, without carious penetration, were detected on 53.8% of proximal surfaces at 6 months and on 60.0% of proximal surfaces at 12 months.

Experimental investigation of various surface integrity aspects in hard turning of AISI 4340 alloy steel with coated and uncoated cermet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Anshuman; Patel, S. K.; Sateesh Kumar, Ch.; Biswal, B. B.

2018-03-01

The newer technological developments are exerting immense pressure on domain of production. These fabrication industries are busy finding solutions to reduce the costs of cutting materials, enhance the machined parts quality and testing different materials, which can be made versatile for cutting materials, which are difficult for machining. High-speed machining has been the domain of paramount importance for mechanical engineering. In this study, the variation of surface integrity parameters of hardened AISI 4340 alloy steel was analyzed. The surface integrity parameters like surface roughness, micro hardness, machined surface morphology and white layer of hardened AISI 4340 alloy steel were compared using coated and uncoated cermet inserts under dry cutting condition. From the results, it was deduced that coated insert outperformed uncoated one in terms of different surface integrity characteristics.

Effect of Vacuum-Sintering Temperature on Magnetic and Mechanical Properties of TiC-TiN-Ni-Mo-C Cermets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Man; Yang, Qingqing; Xiong, Weihao; Zhou, Shiquan; Wang, Shengqing; Luo, Haifeng; Ruan, Linji

2018-05-01

The effect of vacuum-sintering temperature (T vs ), ranging from 1390 °C to 1470 °C, on magnetic and mechanical properties of TiC-10TiN-30Ni-6Mo-4C (mol pct) cermet was investigated in the present article. Room-temperature (RT) magnetization and maximum susceptibility decreased with increasing T vs up to 1450 °C, and then increased. This was mainly attributed to the fact that Ti content in the Ni-based binder phase increased with increasing T vs up to 1450 °C, suppressing ferromagnetism of the Ni matrix. RT ferromagnetism disappeared at T vs ≥ 1430 °C. Transverse rupture strength (TRS) reached a peak value at T vs = 1430 °C, and hardness did not significantly vary with T vs .

A clinical trial to evaluate the retention of a silver cermet-ionomer cement used as a fissure sealant.

PubMed

Mills, R W; Ball, I A

1993-01-01

A randomized clinical trial was under-taken to compare the retention of a silver cermet-ionomer cement, Ketac Silver, with a conventional, autopolymerizing BIS-GMA resin sealant, Delton, using matched pairs of fissure sites within each subject's mouth. One hundred twenty matched contralateral pairs of fissure sites in first and second permanent molars of 53 school children were sealed with the two materials. The choice of site and material was selected at random. The ages of the children ranged from five to 16 years; first permanent molars were sealed in the five- to 10-year age group, and second permanent molars in the 11- to 16-year age group. Sealants were assessed as present, partly present, or absent at 6, 12, and 24 months. The number of pairs of sites available for reassessment declined from 102 at six months to 59 at 24 months as patients were lost to the study. Retention rates were higher for the Ketac Silver sealants at all three inspection intervals (P < 0.01): 93% compared with 74% at six months, 81% compared with 65% at 12 months, and 83% compared with 58% at 24 months. When analyzed according to age range, the difference between the retention rates was statistically significant in the five- to 10-year-olds but not significant in the 11- to 16-year-olds. The conclusion reached in this study was that cermet cement was better retained than conventional resin sealants in younger children.

Scalable Production of the Silicon-Tin Yin-Yang Hybrid Structure with Graphene Coating for High Performance Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes.

PubMed

Jin, Yan; Tan, Yingling; Hu, Xiaozhen; Zhu, Bin; Zheng, Qinghui; Zhang, Zijiao; Zhu, Guoying; Yu, Qian; Jin, Zhong; Zhu, Jia

2017-05-10

Alloy anodes possessed of high theoretical capacity show great potential for next-generation advanced lithium-ion battery. Even though huge volume change during lithium insertion and extraction leads to severe problems, such as pulverization and an unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI), various nanostructures including nanoparticles, nanowires, and porous networks can address related challenges to improve electrochemical performance. However, the complex and expensive fabrication process hinders the widespread application of nanostructured alloy anodes, which generate an urgent demand of low-cost and scalable processes to fabricate building blocks with fine controls of size, morphology, and porosity. Here, we demonstrate a scalable and low-cost process to produce a porous yin-yang hybrid composite anode with graphene coating through high energy ball-milling and selective chemical etching. With void space to buffer the expansion, the produced functional electrodes demonstrate stable cycling performance of 910 mAh g -1 over 600 cycles at a rate of 0.5C for Si-graphene "yin" particles and 750 mAh g -1 over 300 cycles at 0.2C for Sn-graphene "yang" particles. Therefore, we open up a new approach to fabricate alloy anode materials at low-cost, low-energy consumption, and large scale. This type of porous silicon or tin composite with graphene coating can also potentially play a significant role in thermoelectrics and optoelectronics applications.

Effect of crystallographic orientation on the anodic formation of nanoscale pores/tubes in TiO 2 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalantar-zadeh, K.; Sadek, A. Z.; Zheng, H.; Partridge, J. G.; McCulloch, D. G.; Li, Y. X.; Yu, X. F.; Wlodarski, W.

2009-10-01

Self-organized nanopores and nanotubes have been produced in thin films of titanium (Ti) prepared using filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA), DC- and RF-sputter deposition systems. The anodization process was performed using a neutral electrolyte containing fluoride ions with an applied potential between 2 and 20 V (for clarity the results are only presented for 5 V). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to characterise the films. It was found that the crystallographic orientation of the Ti films played a significant role in determining whether pores or tubes were formed during the anodic etching process.

Investigation of the electrochemically active surface area and lithium diffusion in graphite anodes by a novel OsO4 staining method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfaffmann, Lukas; Birkenmaier, Claudia; Müller, Marcus; Bauer, Werner; Mitsch, Tim; Feinauer, Julian; Krämer, Yvonne; Scheiba, Frieder; Hintennach, Andreas; Schleid, Thomas; Schmidt, Volker; Ehrenberg, Helmut

2016-03-01

Negative electrodes of lithium-ion batteries generally consist of graphite-based active materials. In order to realize batteries with a high current density and therefore accelerated charging processes, the intercalation of lithium and the diffusion processes of these carbonaceous materials must be understood. In this paper, we visualized the electrochemical active surface area for three different anode materials using a novel OsO4 staining method in combination with scanning electron microscopy techniques. The diffusion behavior of these three anode materials is investigated by potentiostatic intermittent titration technique measurements. From those we determine the diffusion coefficient with and without consideration of the electrochemical active surface area.

Influence of anodizing conditions on generation of internal cracks in anodic porous tin oxide films grown in NaOH electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaraska, Leszek; Gawlak, Karolina; Gurgul, Magdalena; Dziurka, Magdalena; Nowak, Marlena; Gilek, Dominika; Sulka, Grzegorz D.

2018-05-01

Nanoporous tin oxide layers were synthesized via simple one-step anodic oxidation of a low-purity Sn foil (98.8%) in sodium hydroxide electrolyte. The process of pore formation at the early stage of anodization was discussed on the basis of concepts of oxygen bubble mould effect and viscous flow of oxide. The effect of anodizing conditions on the generation of internal cracks and fractures within the anodic film was investigated in detail. It was confirmed that crack-free tin oxide films can be obtained if the anodization is carried out at the potential of 4 V independently of the electrolyte concentration. On the other hand, the porous anodic film with a totally stacked internal morphology is obtained at the potential of 5 V in 0.1 M NaOH electrolyte. The generation of internal cracks and voids can be attributed to a much lower surface porosity and local trapping of O2 inside the pores of the oxide layer. However, increasing electrolyte concentration allows for obtaining less cracked porous films due to effective and uniform liberation of oxygen bubbles from the channels through completely open pore mouths. Furthermore, it was confirmed that uniformity of the anodic tin oxide layers can be significantly improved by vigorous electrolyte stirring. Finally, we observed that the addition of ethanol to the electrolyte can reduce anodic current density and the oxide growth rate. In consequence, less cracked anodic film can be formed even at the potential of 6 V. The generation of oxygen at the pore bottoms, together with the open pore mouths were found to be critical factors responsible for the anodic formation of crack-free porous tin oxide films.

Fabrication of the micro/nano-structure superhydrophobic surface on aluminum alloy by sulfuric acid anodizing and polypropylene coating.

PubMed

Wu, Ruomei; Liang, Shuquan; Liu, Jun; Pan, Anqiang; Yu, Y; Tang, Yan

2013-03-01

The preparation of the superhydrophobic surface on aluminum alloy by anodizing and polypropylene (PP) coating was reported. Both the different anodizing process and different PP coatings of aluminum alloy were investigated. The effects of different anodizing conditions, such as electrolyte concentration, anodization time and current on the superhydrophobic surface were discussed. By PP coating after anodizing, a good superhydrophobic surface was facilely fabricated. The optimum conditions for anodizing were determined by orthogonal experiments. After the aluminium-alloy was grinded with 600# sandpaper, pretreated by 73 g/L hydrochloric acid solution at 1 min, when the concentration of sulfuric acid was 180 g/L, the concentration of oxalic acid was 5 g/L, the concentration of potassium dichromate was 10 g/L, the concentration of chloride sodium was 50 g/L and 63 g/L of glycerol, anodization time was 20 min, and anodization current was 1.2 A/dm2, anodization temperature was 30-35 degrees C, the best micro-nanostructure aluminum alloy films was obtained. On the other hand, the PP with different concentrations was used to the PP with different concentrations was used to coat the aluminum alloy surface after anodizing. The results showed that the best superhydrophobicity was achieved by coating PP, and the duration of the superhydrophobic surface was improved by modifying the coat the aluminum alloy surface after anodizing. The results showed that the best superhydrophobicity was surface with high concentration PP. The morphologies of micro/nano-structure superhydrophobic surface were further confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The material of PP with the low surface free energy combined with the micro/nano-structures of the surface resulted in the superhydrophobicity of the aluminum alloy surface.

Effects of Coke Calcination Level on Pore Structure in Carbon Anodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Ning; Xue, Jilai; Lang, Guanghui; Bao, Chongai; Gao, Shoulei

2016-02-01

Effects of coke calcination levels on pore structure of carbon anodes have been investigated. Bench anodes were prepared by 3 types of cokes with 4 calcination temperatures (800°C, 900°C, 1000°C and 1100°C). The cokes and anodes were characterized using hydrostatic method, air permeability determination, mercury porosimetry, image analysis and confocal microscopy (CSLM). The cokes with different calcination levels are almost the same in LC values (19-20 Å) and real density (1.967-1.985 g/cm3), while the anode containing coke calcined at 900°C has the lowest open porosity and air permeability. Pore size distribution (represented by Anode H sample) can be roughly divided into two ranges: small and medium pores in diameter of 10-400 μm and large pores of 400-580 μm. For the anode containing coke calcined at 800°C, a number of long, narrow pores in the pore size range of 400-580 μm are presented among cokes particles. Formation of these elongated pores may be attributed to coke shrinkages during the anode baking process, which may develop cracking in the anode under cell operations. More small or medium rounded pores with pore size range of 10-400 μm emerge in the anodes with coke calcination temperatures of 900°C, 1000°C and 1100°C, which may be generated due to release of volatiles from the carbon anode during baking. For the anode containing coke calcined at 1100°C, it is found that many rounded pores often closely surround large coke particles, which have potential to form elongated, narrow pores.

Bone Cell–materials Interactions and Ni Ion Release of Anodized Equiatomic NiTi Alloy

PubMed Central

Bernard, Sheldon A.; Balla, Vamsi Krishna; Davies, Neal M.; Bose, Susmita; Bandyopadhyay, Amit

2011-01-01

Laser processed NiTi alloy was anodized for different durations in H2SO4 electrolyte with varying pH to create biocompatible surfaces with low Ni ion release as well as bioactive surfaces to enhance biocompatibility and bone cell-materials interactions. The anodized surfaces were assessed for their in vitro cell-materials interactions using human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells for 3, 7 and 11 days, and Ni ion release up to 8 weeks in simulated body fluids. The results were correlated with surface morphologies of anodized surfaces characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results show that the anodization creates a surface with nano/micro roughness depending on anodization conditions. The hydrophilicity of NiTi surface was found to improve after anodization due to lower contact angles in cell media, which dropped from 32° to < 5°. The improved wettability of anodized surfaces is further corroborated by their high surface energy comparable to that of cp Ti. Relatively high surface energy, especially polar component, and nano/micro surface features of anodized surfaces significantly increased the number of living cells and their adherence and growth on these surfaces. Finally, a significant drop in Ni ion release from 268 ± 11 to 136 ± 15 ppb was observed for NiTi surfaces after anodization. This work indicates that anodization of NiTi alloy has a positive influence on the surface energy and surface morphology, which in turn improve bone cell-materials interactions and reduce Ni ion release in vitro. PMID:21232641

Preparation of mesoporous titanium dioxide anode by a film- and pore-forming agent for the dye-sensitized solar cell

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hou, Wenjing; Xiao, Yaoming, E-mail: ymxiao@sxu.edu.cn; Han, Gaoyi, E-mail: han_gaoyis@sxu.edu.cn

2016-04-15

Highlights: • PVP is used as a film- and pore-forming agent to prepare the mesoporous TiO{sub 2} anode. • The TiO{sub 2} anode supplies high surface area for the dye adsorption. • The DSSC efficiency is strongly dependent on the pore properties of the TiO{sub 2} anode. • The DSSC efficiency with the TiO{sub 2} anode prepared by 20 wt% PVP reaches 8.39%. - Abstract: A novel mean of generating mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) anodes by employing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the film- and pore-forming agent are proposed for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The influences on the morphology and photovoltaicmore » performances of the TiO{sub 2} anodes are investigated by adjusting the PVP content in synthesizing the mesoporous TiO{sub 2} anodes. The photovoltaic conversion efficiency of the DSSC is found to be strongly dependent on the pore properties of the TiO{sub 2} anode. After the sintering process, the removal of the PVP leaves porously interconnected channel structures inside the TiO{sub 2} anode, supplying enhanced specific surface area for the dye adsorption as well as the efficient electron transmission. As a result, the TiO{sub 2} anode prepared by 20 wt% PVP presents the highest performances, based on which the DSSC achieves the highest conversion efficiency of 8.39%, approximately increased by 56.53% than that of the DSSC fabricated without PVP (5.36%).« less

Room-Temperature-Processed Flexible Amorphous InGaZnO Thin Film Transistor.

PubMed

Xiao, Xiang; Zhang, Letao; Shao, Yang; Zhou, Xiaoliang; He, Hongyu; Zhang, Shengdong

2017-12-13

A room-temperature flexible amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide thin film transistor (a-IGZO TFT) technology is developed on plastic substrates, in which both the gate dielectric and passivation layers of the TFTs are formed by an anodic oxidation (anodization) technique. While the gate dielectric Al 2 O 3 is grown with a conventional anodization on an Al:Nd gate electrode, the channel passivation layer Al 2 O 3 is formed using a localized anodization technique. The anodized Al 2 O 3 passivation layer shows a superior passivation effect to that of PECVD SiO 2 . The room-temperature-processed flexible a-IGZO TFT exhibits a field-effect mobility of 7.5 cm 2 /V·s, a subthreshold swing of 0.44 V/dec, an on-off ratio of 3.1 × 10 8 , and an acceptable gate-bias stability with threshold voltage shifts of 2.65 and -1.09 V under positive gate-bias stress and negative gate-bias stress, respectively. Bending and fatigue tests confirm that the flexible a-IGZO TFT also has a good mechanical reliability, with electrical performances remaining consistent up to a strain of 0.76% as well as after 1200 cycles of fatigue testing.

A novel rotating electrochemically anodizing process to fabricate titanium oxide surface nanostructures enhancing the bioactivity of osteoblastic cells.

PubMed

Chang, Chih-Hung; Lee, Hsin-Chun; Chen, Chia-Chun; Wu, Yi-Hau; Hsu, Yuan-Ming; Chang, Yin-Pen; Yang, Ta-I; Fang, Hsu-Wei

2012-07-01

Titanium oxide (TiO(2) ) surface layers with various surface nanostructures (nanotubes and nanowires) have been developed using an anodizing technique. The pore size and length of TiO(2) nanotubes can be tailored by changing the anodizing time and applied voltage. We developed a novel method to transform the upper part of the formed TiO(2) nanotubes into a nanowire-like structure by rotating the titanium anode during anodizing process. The transformation of nanotubes contributed to the preferential chemical dissolution of TiO(2) on the areas with intense interface tension stress. Furthermore, we further compared the effect of various TiO(2) surface nanostructures including flat, nanotubes, and nanowires on bioactive applications. The MG-63 osteoblastic cells cultured on the TiO(2) nanowires exhibited a polygonal shape with extending filopodia and showed highest levels of cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP). The TiO(2) nanowire structure formed by our novel method can provide beneficial effects for MG-63 osteoblastic cells in attachment, proliferation, and secretion of ALP on the TiO(2) surface layer. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical compatibility and properties of suspension plasma-sprayed SrTiO3-based anodes for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shan-Lin; Li, Cheng-Xin; Li, Chang-Jiu

2014-10-01

La-doped strontium titanate (LST) is a promising, redox-stable perovskite material for direct hydrocarbon oxidation anodes in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). In this study, nano-sized LST and Sm-doped ceria (SDC) powders are produced by the sol-gel and glycine-nitrate processes, respectively. The chemical compatibility between LST and electrolyte materials is studied. A LST-SDC composite anode is prepared by suspension plasma spraying (SPS). The effects of annealing conditions on the phase structure, microstructure, and chemical stability of the LST-SDC composite anode are investigated. The results indicate that the suspension plasma-sprayed LST-SDC anode has the same phase structure as the original powders. LST exhibits a good chemical compatibility with SDC and Mg/Sr-doped lanthanum gallate (LSGM). The anode has a porosity of ∼40% with a finely porous structure that provides high gas permeability and a long three-phase boundary for the anode reaction. Single cells assembled with the LST-SDC anode, La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 electrolyte, and La0.8Sr0.2CoO3-SDC cathode show a good performance at 650-800 °C. The annealing reduces the impedances due to the enhancement in the bonding between the particles in the anode and interface of anode and LSGM electrolyte, thus improving the output performance of the cell.

Process for forming a nickel foil with controlled and predetermined permeability to hydrogen

DOEpatents

Engelhaupt, Darell E.

1981-09-22

The present invention provides a novel process for forming a nickel foil having a controlled and predetermined hydrogen permeability. This process includes the steps of passing a nickel plating bath through a suitable cation exchange resin to provide a purified nickel plating bath free of copper and gold cations, immersing a nickel anode and a suitable cathode in the purified nickel plating bath containing a selected concentration of an organic sulfonic acid such as a napthalene-trisulfonic acid, electrodepositing a nickel layer having the thickness of a foil onto the cathode, and separating the nickel layer from the cathode to provide a nickel foil. The anode is a readily-corrodible nickel anode. The present invention also provides a novel nickel foil having a greater hydrogen permeability than palladium at room temperature.

Nickel-Tin Electrode Materials for Nonaqueous Li-Ion Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ehrlich, Grant M.; Durand, Christopher

2005-01-01

Experimental materials made from mixtures of nickel and tin powders have shown promise for use as the negative electrodes of rechargeable lithium-ion electrochemical power cells. During charging (or discharging) of a lithium-ion cell, lithium ions are absorbed into (or desorbed from, respectively) the negative electrode, typically through an intercalation or alloying process. The negative electrodes (for this purpose, designated as anodes) in state-of-the-art Li-ion cells are made of graphite, in which intercalation occurs. Alternatively, the anodes can be made from metals, in which alloying can occur. For reasons having to do with the electrochemical potential of intercalated lithium, metallic anode materials (especially materials containing tin) are regarded as safer than graphite ones; in addition, such metallic anode materials have been investigated in the hope of obtaining reversible charge/discharge capacities greater than those of graphite anodes. However, until now, each of the tin-containing metallic anode formulations tested has been found to be inadequate in some respect.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Hui; Wei, Yang; Wang, Cheng

The excessive volume changes during cell cycling of Si-based anode in lithium ion batteries impeded its application. One major reason for the cell failure is particle isolation during volume shrinkage in delithiation process, which makes strong adhesion between polymer binder and anode active material particles a highly desirable property. Here, a biomimetic side-chain conductive polymer incorporating catechol, a key adhesive component of the mussel holdfast protein, was synthesized. Atomic force microscopy-based single-molecule force measurements of mussel-inspired conductive polymer binder contacting a silica surface revealed a similar adhesion toward substrate when compared with an effective Si anode binder, homo-poly(acrylic acid), withmore » the added benefit of being electronically conductive. Electrochemical experiments showed a very stable cycling of Si-alloy anodes realized via this biomimetic conducting polymer binder, leading to a high loading Si anode with a good rate performance. We attribute the ability of the Si-based anode to tolerate the volume changes during cycling to the excellent mechanical integrity afforded by the strong interfacial adhesion of the biomimetic conducting polymer.« less

Effects of wastewater constituents and operational conditions on the composition and dynamics of anodic microbial communities in bioelectrochemical systems.

PubMed

Kokko, Marika; Epple, Stefanie; Gescher, Johannes; Kerzenmacher, Sven

2018-06-01

Over the last decade, there has been an ever-growing interest in bioelectrochemical systems (BES) as a sustainable technology enabling simultaneous wastewater treatment and biological production of, e.g. electricity, hydrogen, and further commodities. A key component of any BES degrading organic matter is the anode where electric current is biologically generated from the oxidation of organic compounds. The performance of BES depends on the interactions of the anodic microbial communities. To optimize the operational parameters and process design of BES a better comprehension of the microbial community dynamics and interactions at the anode is required. This paper reviews the abundance of different microorganisms in anodic biofilms and discusses their roles and possible side reactions with respect to their implications on the performance of BES utilizing wastewaters. The most important operational parameters affecting anodic microbial communities grown with wastewaters are highlighted and guidelines for controlling the composition of microbial communities are given. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide with a long-range order and tunable cell sizes by phosphoric acid anodization on pre-patterned substrates

PubMed Central

Surawathanawises, Krissada; Cheng, Xuanhong

2014-01-01

Nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) has been explored for various applications due to its regular cell arrangement and relatively easy fabrication processes. However, conventional two-step anodization based on self-organization only allows the fabrication of a few discrete cell sizes and formation of small domains of hexagonally packed pores. Recent efforts to pre-pattern aluminum followed with anodization significantly improve the regularity and available pore geometries in AAO, while systematic study of the anodization condition, especially the impact of acid composition on pore formation guided by nanoindentation is still lacking. In this work, we pre-patterned aluminium thin films using ordered monolayers of silica beads and formed porous AAO in a single-step anodization in phosphoric acid. Controllable cell sizes ranging from 280 nm to 760 nm were obtained, matching the diameters of the silica nanobead molds used. This range of cell size is significantly greater than what has been reported for AAO formed in phosphoric acid in the literature. In addition, the relationships between the acid concentration, cell size, pore size, anodization voltage and film growth rate were studied quantitatively. The results are consistent with the theory of oxide formation through an electrochemical reaction. Not only does this study provide useful operational conditions of nanoindentation induced anodization in phosphoric acid, it also generates significant information for fundamental understanding of AAO formation. PMID:24535886

Effects of anodizing conditions and annealing temperature on the morphology and crystalline structure of anodic oxide layers grown on iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pawlik, Anna; Hnida, Katarzyna; Socha, Robert P.; Wiercigroch, Ewelina; Małek, Kamilla; Sulka, Grzegorz D.

2017-12-01

Anodic iron oxide layers were formed by anodization of the iron foil in an ethylene glycol-based electrolyte containing 0.2 M NH4F and 0.5 M H2O at 40 V for 1 h. The anodizing conditions such as electrolyte composition and applied potential were optimized. In order to examine the influence of electrolyte stirring and applied magnetic field, the anodic samples were prepared under the dynamic and static conditions in the presence or absence of magnetic field. It was shown that ordered iron oxide nanopore arrays could be obtained at lower anodizing temperatures (10 and 20 °C) at the static conditions without the magnetic field or at the dynamic conditions with the applied magnetic field. Since the as-prepared anodic layers are amorphous in nature, the samples were annealed in air at different temperatures (200-500 °C) for a fixed duration of time (1 h). The morphology and crystal phases developed after anodization and subsequent annealing were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. The results proved that the annealing process transforms the amorphous layer into magnetite and hematite phases. In addition, the heat treatment results in a substantial decrease in the fluorine content and increase in the oxygen content.

Structural tuning of photoluminescence in nanoporous anodic alumina by hard anodization in oxalic and malonic acids

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

We report on an exhaustive and systematic study about the photoluminescent properties of nanoporous anodic alumina membranes fabricated by the one-step anodization process under hard conditions in oxalic and malonic acids. This optical property is analysed as a function of several parameters (i.e. hard anodization voltage, pore diameter, membrane thickness, annealing temperature and acid electrolyte). This analysis makes it possible to tune the photoluminescent behaviour at will simply by modifying the structural characteristics of these membranes. This structural tuning ability is of special interest in such fields as optoelectronics, in which an accurate design of the basic nanostructures (e.g. microcavities, resonators, filters, supports, etc.) yields the control over their optical properties and, thus, upon the performance of the nanodevices derived from them (biosensors, interferometers, selective filters, etc.) PMID:22515214

Self-ordered, controlled structure nanoporous membranes using constant current anodization.

PubMed

Lee, Kwan; Tang, Yun; Ouyang, Min

2008-12-01

We report a constant current (CC) based anodization technique to fabricate and control structure of mechanically stable anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes with a long-range ordered hexagonal nanopore pattern. For the first time we show that interpore distance (Dint) of a self-ordered nanopore feature can be continuously tuned over a broad range with CC anodization and is uniquely defined by the conductivity of sulfuric acid as electrolyte. We further demonstrate that this technique can offer new degrees of freedom for engineering planar nanopore structures by fine tailoring the CC based anodization process. Our results not only facilitate further understanding of self-ordering mechanism of alumina membranes but also provide a fast, simple (without requirement of prepatterning or preoxide layer), and flexible methodology for controlling complex nanoporous structures, thus offering promising practical applications in nanotechnology.

Method for manufacturing high quality carbon nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benavides, Jeanette M. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

A non-catalytic process for the production of carbon nanotubes includes supplying an electric current to a carbon anode and a carbon cathode which have been securely positioned in the open atmosphere with a gap between them. The electric current creates an electric arc between the carbon anode and the carbon cathode, which causes carbon to be vaporized from the carbon anode and a carbonaceous residue to be deposited on the carbon cathode. Inert gas is pumped into the gap to flush out oxygen, thereby preventing interference with the vaporization of carbon from the anode and preventing oxidation of the carbonaceous residue being deposited on the cathode. The anode and cathode are cooled while electric current is being supplied thereto. When the supply of electric current is terminated, the carbonaceous residue is removed from the cathode and is purified to yield carbon nanotubes.

High-speed growth of TiO2 nanotube arrays with gradient pore diameter and ultrathin tube wall under high-field anodization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Xiaoliang; Zheng, Maojun; Ma, Li; Shen, Wenzhong

2010-10-01

Highly ordered TiO2 nanotubular arrays have been prepared by two-step anodization under high field. The high anodizing current densities lead to a high-speed film growth (0.40-1.00 µm min - 1), which is nearly 16 times faster than traditional fabrication of TiO2 at low field. It was found that an annealing process of Ti foil is an effective approach to get a monodisperse and double-pass TiO2 nanotubular layer with a gradient pore diameter and ultrathin tube wall (nearly 10 nm). A higher anodic voltage and longer anodization time are beneficial to the formation of ultrathin tube walls. This approach is simple and cost-effective in fabricating high-quality ordered TiO2 nanotubular arrays for practical applications.

High-speed growth of TiO2 nanotube arrays with gradient pore diameter and ultrathin tube wall under high-field anodization.

PubMed

Yuan, Xiaoliang; Zheng, Maojun; Ma, Li; Shen, Wenzhong

2010-10-08

Highly ordered TiO(2) nanotubular arrays have been prepared by two-step anodization under high field. The high anodizing current densities lead to a high-speed film growth (0.40-1.00 microm min(-1)), which is nearly 16 times faster than traditional fabrication of TiO(2) at low field. It was found that an annealing process of Ti foil is an effective approach to get a monodisperse and double-pass TiO(2) nanotubular layer with a gradient pore diameter and ultrathin tube wall (nearly 10 nm). A higher anodic voltage and longer anodization time are beneficial to the formation of ultrathin tube walls. This approach is simple and cost-effective in fabricating high-quality ordered TiO(2) nanotubular arrays for practical applications.

Process for making dense thin films

DOEpatents

Jacobson, Craig P.; Visco, Steven J.; DeJonghe, Lutgard C.

2005-07-26

Provided are low-cost, mechanically strong, highly electronically conductive porous substrates and associated structures for solid-state electrochemical devices, techniques for forming these structures, and devices incorporating the structures. The invention provides solid state electrochemical device substrates of novel composition and techniques for forming thin electrode/membrane/electrolyte coatings on the novel or more conventional substrates. In particular, in one embodiment the invention provides techniques for firing of device substrate to form densified electrolyte/membrane films 5 to 20 microns thick. In another embodiment, densified electrolyte/membrane films 5 to 20 microns thick may be formed on a pre-sintered substrate by a constrained sintering process. In some cases, the substrate may be a porous metal, alloy, or non-nickel cermet incorporating one or more of the transition metals Cr, Fe, Cu and Ag, or alloys thereof.

Process for Testing Compaction of a Swaged Heater for an Anode Sub-Assembly of a Hollow Cathode Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, Michael J. (Inventor); Verhey, Timothy R. R. (Inventor); Soulas, George C. (Inventor)

2003-01-01

A process for testing compaction of a swaged heater for an anode sub-assembly of a Hollow Cathode Assembly (HCA), in which a test sample is cleaned, its mass measured before and after immersion in kerosene for 24 hours, and a compaction percentage calculated. A swaged heater is rejected if the compaction percentage exceeds 84%, plus or minus 4%.

Theoretical derivation of anodizing current and comparison between fitted curves and measured curves under different conditions.

PubMed

Chong, Bin; Yu, Dongliang; Jin, Rong; Wang, Yang; Li, Dongdong; Song, Ye; Gao, Mingqi; Zhu, Xufei

2015-04-10

Anodic TiO2 nanotubes have been studied extensively for many years. However, the growth kinetics still remains unclear. The systematic study of the current transient under constant anodizing voltage has not been mentioned in the original literature. Here, a derivation and its corresponding theoretical formula are proposed to overcome this challenge. In this paper, the theoretical expressions for the time dependent ionic current and electronic current are derived to explore the anodizing process of Ti. The anodizing current-time curves under different anodizing voltages and different temperatures are experimentally investigated in the anodization of Ti. Furthermore, the quantitative relationship between the thickness of the barrier layer and anodizing time, and the relationships between the ionic/electronic current and temperatures are proposed in this paper. All of the current-transient plots can be fitted consistently by the proposed theoretical expressions. Additionally, it is the first time that the coefficient A of the exponential relationship (ionic current j(ion) = A exp(BE)) has been determined under various temperatures and voltages. And the results indicate that as temperature and voltage increase, ionic current and electronic current both increase. The temperature has a larger effect on electronic current than ionic current. These results can promote the research of kinetics from a qualitative to quantitative level.

Theoretical derivation of anodizing current and comparison between fitted curves and measured curves under different conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, Bin; Yu, Dongliang; Jin, Rong; Wang, Yang; Li, Dongdong; Song, Ye; Gao, Mingqi; Zhu, Xufei

2015-04-01

Anodic TiO2 nanotubes have been studied extensively for many years. However, the growth kinetics still remains unclear. The systematic study of the current transient under constant anodizing voltage has not been mentioned in the original literature. Here, a derivation and its corresponding theoretical formula are proposed to overcome this challenge. In this paper, the theoretical expressions for the time dependent ionic current and electronic current are derived to explore the anodizing process of Ti. The anodizing current-time curves under different anodizing voltages and different temperatures are experimentally investigated in the anodization of Ti. Furthermore, the quantitative relationship between the thickness of the barrier layer and anodizing time, and the relationships between the ionic/electronic current and temperatures are proposed in this paper. All of the current-transient plots can be fitted consistently by the proposed theoretical expressions. Additionally, it is the first time that the coefficient A of the exponential relationship (ionic current jion = A exp(BE)) has been determined under various temperatures and voltages. And the results indicate that as temperature and voltage increase, ionic current and electronic current both increase. The temperature has a larger effect on electronic current than ionic current. These results can promote the research of kinetics from a qualitative to quantitative level.

Anodizing of High Electrically Stressed Components

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Flores, P.; Henderson, D. J.; Good, D. E.

2013-06-01

Anodizing creates an aluminum oxide coating that penetrates into the surface as well as builds above the surface of aluminum creating a very hard ceramic-type coating with good dielectric properties. Over time and use, the electrical carrying components (or spools in this case) experience electrical breakdown, yielding undesirable x-ray dosages or failure. The spool is located in the high vacuum region of a rod pinch diode section of an x-ray producing machine. Machine operators have recorded decreases in x-ray dosages over numerous shots using the reusable spool component, and re-anodizing the interior surface of the spool does not provide themore » expected improvement. A machine operation subject matter expert coated the anodized surface with diffusion pump oil to eliminate electrical breakdown as a temporary fix. It is known that an anodized surface is very porous, and it is because of this porosity that the surface may trap air that becomes a catalyst for electrical breakdown. In this paper we present a solution of mitigating electrical breakdown by oiling. We will also present results of surface anodizing improvements achieved by surface finish preparation and surface sealing. We conclude that oiling the anodized surface and using anodized hot dip sealing processes will have similar results.« less

Atmospheric pressure arc discharge with ablating graphite anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemchinsky, V. A.; Raitses, Y.

2015-06-01

The anodic carbon arc discharge is used to produce carbon nanoparticles. Recent experiments with the carbon arc at atmospheric pressure helium demonstrated the enhanced ablation rate for narrow graphite anodes resulting in high deposition rates of carbonaceous products on the copper cathode (Fetterman et al 2008 Carbon 46 1322-6). The proposed model explains these results with interconnected steady-state models of the cathode and the anode processes. When considering cathode functioning, the model predicts circulation of the particles in the near-cathode region: evaporation of the cathode material, ionization of evaporated atoms and molecules in the near-cathode plasma, return of the resulting ions to the cathode, surface recombination of ions and electrons followed again by cathode evaporation etc. In the case of the low anode ablation rate, the ion acceleration in the cathode sheath provides the major cathode heating mechanism. In the case of an intensive anode ablation, an additional cathode heating is due to latent fusion heat of the atomic species evaporated from the anode and depositing at the cathode. Using the experimental arc voltage as the only input discharge parameter, the model allows us to calculate the anode ablation rate. A comparison of the results of calculations with the available experimental data shows reasonable agreement.

Characterization of Bending Magnetostriction in Iron-Gallium Alloys for Nanowire Sensor Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

presence of an applied voltage. The pores that self assemble in a typical commercial batch of anodized alu- minum oxide ( AAO ) have only short range order...Moskovits. Magnetic properties of Fe deposited into anodic aluminum oxide pores as a function of particle size. J. Appl. Phys., 70:4421–4425, 1991. [96...The process begins by anodizing aluminum [92, 82] to produce porous tem- plates into which the nanowires can be grown. There are many recipes for the

Interfacial Characteristics of Efficient Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells Fabricated on MoOx Anode Interlayers.

PubMed

Jasieniak, Jacek J; Treat, Neil D; McNeill, Christopher R; de Villers, Bertrand J Tremolet; Della Gaspera, Enrico; Chabinyc, Michael L

2016-05-01

The role of the interface between an MoOx anode interlayer and a polymer:fullerene bulk heterojunction is investigated. Processing differences in the MoOx induce large variations in the vertical stratification of the bulk heterojunction films. These variations are found to be inconsistent in predicting device performance, with a much better gauge being the quantity of polymer chemisorbed to the anode interlayer. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Electrolytic production of metals using a resistant anode

DOEpatents

Tarcy, Gary P.; Gavasto, Thomas M.; Ray, Siba P.

1986-01-01

An electrolytic process comprising evolving oxygen on an anode in a molten salt, the anode comprising an alloy comprising a first metal and a second metal, both metals forming oxides, the oxide of the first metal being more resistant than the second metal to attack by the molten salt, the oxide of the second metal being more resistant than the first metal to the diffusion of oxygen. The electrode may also be formed of CuAlO.sub.2 and/or Cu.sub.2 O.

Chromic acid anodizing of aluminum foil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dursch, H.

1988-01-01

The success of the Space Station graphite/epoxy truss structure depends on its ability to endure long-term exposure to the LEO environment, primarily the effects of atomic oxygen and the temperture cycling resulting from the 94 minute orbit. This report describes the development and evaluation of chromic acid anodized (CAA) aluminum foil as protective coatings for these composite tubes. Included are: development of solar absorptance and thermal emittance properties required of Al foil and development of CAA parameters to achieve these optical properties; developing techniques to CAA 25 ft lengths of Al foil; developing bonding processes for wrapping the Al foil to graphite/epoxy tubes; and atomic oxygen testing of the CAA Al foil. Two specifications were developed and are included in the report: Chromic Acid Anodizing of Aluminum Foil Process Specification and Bonding of Anodized Aluminum Foil to Graphite/Epoxy Tubes. Results show that CAA Al foil provides and excellent protective and thermal control coating for the Space Station truss structure.

An alternative route for the synthesis of silicon nanowires via porous anodic alumina masks

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Amorphous Si nanowires have been directly synthesized by a thermal processing of Si substrates. This method involves the deposition of an anodic aluminum oxide mask on a crystalline Si (100) substrate. Fe, Au, and Pt thin films with thicknesses of ca. 30 nm deposited on the anodic aluminum oxide-Si substrates have been used as catalysts. During the thermal treatment of the samples, thin films of the metal catalysts are transformed in small nanoparticles incorporated within the pore structure of the anodic aluminum oxide mask, directly in contact with the Si substrate. These homogeneously distributed metal nanoparticles are responsible for the growth of Si nanowires with regular diameter by a simple heating process at 800°C in an Ar-H2 atmosphere and without an additional Si source. The synthesized Si nanowires have been characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman. PMID:21849077

Silicon algae with carbon topping as thin-film anodes for lithium-ion microbatteries by a two-step facile method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biserni, E.; Xie, M.; Brescia, R.; Scarpellini, A.; Hashempour, M.; Movahed, P.; George, S. M.; Bestetti, M.; Li Bassi, A.; Bruno, P.

2015-01-01

Silicon-based electrodes for Li-ion batteries (LIB) attract much attention because of their high theoretical capacity. However, their large volume change during lithiation results in poor cycling due to mechanical cracking. Moreover, silicon can hardly form a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer with common electrolytes. We present a safe, innovative strategy to prepare nanostructured silicon-carbon anodes in a two-step process. The nanoporosity of Si films accommodates the volume expansion while a disordered graphitic C layer on top promotes the formation of a stable SEI. This approach shows its promises: carbon-coated porous silicon anodes perform in a very stable way, reaching the areal capacity of ∼175 μAh cm-2, and showing no decay for at least 1000 cycles. With requiring only a two-step deposition process at moderate temperatures, this novel very simple cell concept introduces a promising way to possibly viable up-scaled production of next-generation nanostructured Si anodes for lithium-ion microbatteries.

Advanced Micro/Nanostructures for Lithium Metal Anodes

PubMed Central

Zhang, Rui; Li, Nian‐Wu; Cheng, Xin‐Bing; Yin, Ya‐Xia

2017-01-01

Owning to their very high theoretical capacity, lithium metal anodes are expected to fuel the extensive practical applications in portable electronics and electric vehicles. However, unstable solid electrolyte interphase and lithium dendrite growth during lithium plating/stripping induce poor safety, low Coulombic efficiency, and short span life of lithium metal batteries. Lately, varies of micro/nanostructured lithium metal anodes are proposed to address these issues in lithium metal batteries. With the unique surface, pore, and connecting structures of different nanomaterials, lithium plating/stripping processes have been regulated. Thus the electrochemical properties and lithium morphologies have been significantly improved. These micro/nanostructured lithium metal anodes shed new light on the future applications for lithium metal batteries. PMID:28331792

Spinel lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) as novel anode material for room-temperature sodium-ion battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Liang; Pan, Hui-Lin; Hu, Yong-Sheng; Li, Hong; Chen, Li-Quan

2012-02-01

This is the first time that a novel anode material, spinel Li4Ti5O12 which is well known as a “zero-strain" anode material for lithium storage, has been introduced for sodium-ion battery. The Li4Ti5O12 shows an average Na storage voltage of about 1.0 V and a reversible capacity of about 145 mAh/g, thereby making it a promising anode for sodium-ion battery. Ex-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to investigate the structure change in the Na insertion/deinsertion process. Based on this, a possible Na storage mechanism is proposed.

Fuel cells with doped lanthanum gallate electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Man; Goodenough, John B.; Huang, Keqin; Milliken, Christopher

Single cells with doped lanthanum gallate electrolyte material were constructed and tested from 600 to 800°C. Both ceria and the electrolyte material were mixed with NiO powder respectively to form composite anodes. Doped lanthanum cobaltite was used exclusively as the cathode material. While high power density from the solid oxide fuel cells at 800°C was achieved. our results clearly indicate that anode overpotential is the dominant factor in the power loss of the cells. Better anode materials and anode processing methods need to be found to fully utilize the high ionic conductivity of the doped lanthanum galiate and achieve higher power density at 800°C from solid oxide fuel cells.

Electrical power production from low-grade waste heat using a thermally regenerative ethylenediamine battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahimi, Mohammad; D'Angelo, Adriana; Gorski, Christopher A.; Scialdone, Onofrio; Logan, Bruce E.

2017-05-01

Thermally regenerative ammonia-based batteries (TRABs) have been developed to harvest low-grade waste heat as electricity. To improve the power production and anodic coulombic efficiency, the use of ethylenediamine as an alternative ligand to ammonia was explored here. The power density of the ethylenediamine-based battery (TRENB) was 85 ± 3 W m-2-electrode area with 2 M ethylenediamine, and 119 ± 4 W m-2 with 3 M ethylenediamine. This power density was 68% higher than that of TRAB. The energy density was 478 Wh m-3-anolyte, which was ∼50% higher than that produced by TRAB. The anodic coulombic efficiency of the TRENB was 77 ± 2%, which was more than twice that obtained using ammonia in a TRAB (35%). The higher anodic efficiency reduced the difference between the anode dissolution and cathode deposition rates, resulting in a process more suitable for closed loop operation. The thermal-electric efficiency based on ethylenediamine separation using waste heat was estimated to be 0.52%, which was lower than that of TRAB (0.86%), mainly due to the more complex separation process. However, this energy recovery could likely be improved through optimization of the ethylenediamine separation process.