Heterogeneous electrolyte (YSZ-Al 2O 3) based direct oxidation solid oxide fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thokchom, J. S.; Xiao, H.; Rottmayer, M.; Reitz, T. L.; Kumar, B.

Bilayers comprised of dense and porous YSZ-Al 2O 3 (20 wt%) composite were tape cast, processed, and then fabricated into working solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The porous part of the bilayer was converted into anode for direct oxidation of fuels by infiltrating CeO 2 and Cu. The cathode side of the bilayer was coated with an interlayer [YSZ-Al 2O 3 (20 wt%)]: LSM (1:1) and LSM as cathode. Several button cells were evaluated under hydrogen/air and propane/air atmospheres in intermediate temperature range and their performance data were analyzed. For the first time the feasibility of using YSZ-Al 2O 3 material for fabricating working SOFCs with high open circuit voltage (OCV) and power density is demonstrated. AC impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were used to characterize the membrane and cell.

In-pile test results of U-silicide or U-nitride coated U-7Mo particle dispersion fuel in Al

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yeon Soo; Park, J. M.; Lee, K. H.; Yoo, B. O.; Ryu, H. J.; Ye, B.

2014-11-01

U-silicide or U-nitride coated U-Mo particle dispersion fuel in Al (U-Mo/Al) was in-pile tested to examine the effectiveness of the coating as a diffusion barrier between the U-7Mo fuel kernels and Al matrix. This paper reports the PIE data and analyses focusing on the effectiveness of the coating in terms of interaction layer (IL) growth and general fuel performance. The U-silicide coating showed considerable success, but it also provided evidence for additional improvement for coating process. The U-nitride coated specimen showed largely inefficient results in reducing IL growth. From the test, important observations were also made that can be utilized to improve U-Mo/Al fuel performance. The heating process for coating turned out to be beneficial to suppress fuel swelling. The use of larger fuel particles confirmed favorable effects on fuel performance.

DART model for irradiation-induced swelling of uranium silicide dispersion fuel elements

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

Rest, J.; Hofman, G.L.

1999-04-01

Models for the interaction of uranium silicide dispersion fuels with an aluminum matrix, for the resultant reaction product swelling, and for the calculation of the stress gradient within the fuel particles are described within the context of DART fission-gas-induced swelling models. The effects of an aluminide shell on fuel particle swelling are evaluated. Validation of the model is demonstrated by comparing DART calculations with irradiation data for the swelling of U{sub 3}SiAl-Al and U{sub 3}Si{sub 2}-Al in variously designed dispersion fuel elements.

Overview of lower length scale model development for accident tolerant fuels regarding U3Si2 fuel and FeCrAl cladding

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

Zhang, Yongfeng

2016-09-01

U3Si2 and FeCrAl have been proposed as fuel and cladding concepts, respectively, for accident tolerance fuels with higher tolerance to accident scenarios compared to UO2. However, a lot of key physics and material properties regarding their in-pile performance are yet to be explored. To accelerate the understanding and reduce the cost of experimental studies, multiscale modeling and simulation are used to develop physics-based materials models to assist engineering scale fuel performance modeling. In this report, the lower-length-scale efforts in method and material model development supported by the Accident Tolerance Fuel (ATF) high-impact-problem (HIP) under the NEAMS program are summarized. Significantmore » progresses have been made regarding interatomic potential, phase field models for phase decomposition and gas bubble formation, and thermal conductivity for U3Si2 fuel, and precipitation in FeCrAl cladding. The accomplishments are very useful by providing atomistic and mesoscale tools, improving the current understanding, and delivering engineering scale models for these two ATF concepts.« less

Preparation and characterization of α-Al2O3 film by low temperature thermal oxidation of Al8Cr5 coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Min; Xu, Bajin; Ling, Guoping

2015-03-01

In this paper, α-Al2O3 film was prepared by low temperature thermal oxidation of Al8Cr5 coating. The Al8Cr5 alloy coating was prepared on SUS430 stainless steel through a two-step approach including electrodepositing Cr/Al composite coating and subsequent heat treatment at 740 °C for 16 h. After mechanical polishing removal of voids on the surface, the Al8Cr5 coating was thermal oxidized at 720 °C in argon for 100 h. The samples were characterized by SEM, EDX, XRD, XPS and TEM. XPS detection on the surface of oxidized Al8Cr5 coating showed that the oxide film mainly consisted of Al2O3. TEM characterization of the oxide film showed that it was α-Al2O3 films ca. 110 nm. The formation of α-Al2O3 films at low temperature can be attributed to the formation of Cr2O3 nuclei at the initial stage of oxidation which lowers the nucleation energy barrier of α-Al2O3.

Band Offset Measurements in Atomic-Layer-Deposited Al2O3/Zn0.8Al0.2O Heterojunction Studied by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Yan, Baojun; Liu, Shulin; Heng, Yuekun; Yang, Yuzhen; Yu, Yang; Wen, Kaile

2017-12-01

Pure aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) and zinc aluminum oxide (Zn x Al 1-x O) thin films were deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The microstructure and optical band gaps (E g ) of the Zn x Al 1-x O (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 1) films were studied by X-ray diffractometer and Tauc method. The band offsets and alignment of atomic-layer-deposited Al 2 O 3 /Zn 0.8 Al 0.2 O heterojunction were investigated in detail using charge-corrected X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In this work, different methodologies were adopted to recover the actual position of the core levels in insulator materials which were easily affected by differential charging phenomena. Valence band offset (ΔE V ) and conduction band offset (ΔE C ) for the interface of the Al 2 O 3 /Zn 0.8 Al 0.2 O heterojunction have been constructed. An accurate value of ΔE V  = 0.82 ± 0.12 eV was obtained from various combinations of core levels of heterojunction with varied Al 2 O 3 thickness. Given the experimental E g of 6.8 eV for Al 2 O 3 and 5.29 eV for Zn 0.8 Al 0.2 O, a type-I heterojunction with a ΔE C of 0.69 ± 0.12 eV was found. The precise determination of the band alignment of Al 2 O 3 /Zn 0.8 Al 0.2 O heterojunction is of particular importance for gaining insight to the design of various electronic devices based on such heterointerface.

Modeling a failure criterion for U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Jae-Yong; Kim, Yeon Soo; Tahk, Young-Wook; Kim, Hyun-Jung; Kong, Eui-Hyun; Yim, Jeong-Sik

2016-05-01

The breakaway swelling in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel is known to be caused by large pore formation enhanced by interaction layer (IL) growth between fuel particles and Al matrix. In this study, a critical IL thickness was defined as a criterion for the formation of a large pore in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel. Specifically, the critical IL thickness is given when two neighboring fuel particles come into contact with each other in the developed IL. The model was verified using the irradiation data from the RERTR tests and KOMO-4 test. The model application to full-sized sample irradiations such as IRISs, FUTURE, E-FUTURE, and AFIP-1 tests resulted in conservative predictions. The parametric study revealed that the fuel particle size and the homogeneity of the fuel particle distribution are influential for fuel performance.

PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF FeCrAl CLADDING AND U-Si FUEL FOR ACCIDENT TOLERANT FUEL CONCEPTS

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

Hales, J. D.; Gamble, K. A.

2015-09-01

Since the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, enhancing the accident tolerance of light water reactors (LWRs) has become an important research topic. In particular, the community is actively developing enhanced fuels and cladding for LWRs to improve safety in the event of accidents in the reactor or spent fuel pools. Fuels with enhanced accident tolerance are those that, in comparison with the standard UO2-zirconium alloy system, can tolerate loss of active cooling in the reactor core for a considerably longer time period during design-basis and beyond design-basis events while maintaining or improving the fuel performance during normalmore » operations and operational transients. This paper presents early work in developing thermal and mechanical models for two materials that may have promise: U-Si for fuel, and FeCrAl for cladding. These materials would not necessarily be used together in the same fuel system, but individually have promising characteristics. BISON, the finite element-based fuel performance code in development at Idaho National Laboratory, was used to compare results from normal operation conditions with Zr-4/UO2 behavior. In addition, sensitivity studies are presented for evaluating the relative importance of material parameters such as ductility and thermal conductivity in FeCrAl and U-Si in order to provide guidance on future experiments for these materials.« less

Pore growth in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yeon Soo; Jeong, G. Y.; Sohn, D.-S.; Jamison, L. M.

2016-09-01

U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel is currently under development in the DOE's Material Management and Minimization program to convert HEU-fueled research reactors to LEU-fueled reactors. In some demanding conditions in high-power and high-performance reactors, large pores form in the interaction layers between the U-Mo fuel particles and the Al matrix, which pose a potential to cause fuel failure. In this study, comprehension of the formation and growth of these pores was explored. As a product, a model to predict pore growth and porosity increase was developed. The model includes three major topics: fission gas release from the U-Mo and the IL to the pores, stress evolution in the fuel meat, and the effect of amorphous IL growth. Well-characterized in-pile data from reduced-size plates were used to fit the model parameters. A data set from full-sized plates, independent and distinctively different from those used to fit the model parameters, was used to examine the accuracy of the model. The model showed fair agreement with the measured data. The model suggested that the growth of the IL has a critical effect on pore growth, as both its material properties and energetics are favorable to pore formation. Therefore, one area of the current effort, focused on suppressing IL growth, appears to be on the right track to improve the performance of this fuel.

Modulation-doped β-(Al0.2Ga0.8)2O3/Ga2O3 field-effect transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnamoorthy, Sriram; Xia, Zhanbo; Joishi, Chandan; Zhang, Yuewei; McGlone, Joe; Johnson, Jared; Brenner, Mark; Arehart, Aaron R.; Hwang, Jinwoo; Lodha, Saurabh; Rajan, Siddharth

2017-07-01

Modulation-doped heterostructures are a key enabler for realizing high mobility and better scaling properties for high performance transistors. We report the realization of a modulation-doped two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the β-(Al0.2Ga0.8)2O3/Ga2O3 heterojunction by silicon delta doping. The formation of a 2DEG was confirmed using capacitance voltage measurements. A modulation-doped 2DEG channel was used to realize a modulation-doped field-effect transistor. The demonstration of modulation doping in the β-(Al0.2Ga0.8)2O3/Ga2O3 material system could enable heterojunction devices for high performance electronics.

Trace metal assay of U(3)O(8) powder by electrothermal AAS.

PubMed

Page, A G; Godbole, S V; Kulkarni, M J; Porwal, N K; Shelar, S S; Joshi, B D

1983-10-01

Methods have been developed for the direct determination of Ag, Ca, K., Li, Mg, Na, Pb, Sn and Zn in U(3)O(8) powder samples by electrothermal AAS. Nanogram and lower amounts of these elements have been determined with a relative standard deviation of 6-16% in mg amounts of sample (either alone or mixed with an equal weight of graphite). The results for NBL reference samples were in reasonable agreement with the certified values. X-Ray diffraction studies on the residues left from the graphite mixtures after the atomization cycle, confirmed the formation of uranium carbide (UC(2)).

The effects of minor elements in La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ cathodes on oxygen reduction reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oishi, Junya; Otomo, Junichiro; Oshima, Yoshito; Koyama, Michihisa

2015-03-01

It is known that the minor elements affect the performance of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). In this study, we focus on the influence of minor elements on the SOFC cathode properties. The Ca, Ba, Al, and Si, which originate from raw materials and production processes for SOFC cathodes, are investigated as minor elements that may have effect on the properties of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF) cathode. To examine the effects of minor elements on the cathode properties, Ca, Ba, Al, and Si with a controlled concentration are added to the LSCF reference sample. Conductivity relaxation measurements are conducted to determine the chemical diffusion coefficient (Dchem) and surface exchange coefficient (ktr), which governs the overpotential characteristics of the LSCF cathode. The results show that Al and Si have negative effects on both Dchem and ktr while Ca and Ba do not alter Dchem and show weakly positive effects on ktr. The effects of Ca and Ba for the cathode properties are discussed on the basis of XPS measurements.

Thermal properties of U-7Mo/Al dispersion fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Tae Won; Kim, Yeon Soo; Park, Jong Man; Lee, Kyu Hong; Kim, Sunghwan; Lee, Chong-Tak; Yang, Jae Ho; Oh, Jang Soo; Won, Ju-Jin; Sohn, Dong-Seong

2017-12-01

The thermal diffusivity and heat capacity of U-7Mo/Al and U-7Mo/Al-5Si as functions of U-Mo fuel volume fraction and temperature were measured. The density of the sample was measured at room temperature and estimated using thermal expansion data at elevated temperatures. Using the measured data, the thermal conductivity was obtained as a function of U-Mo volume fraction and temperature. The thermal conductivity of U-7Mo/Al-5Si was found to be lower than that of U-7Mo/Al because of the Si addition to the Al. Due to a lower porosity and reduced interaction between U-Mo and Al in the sample, the thermal conductivity data reported in the present study were higher than those in the literature. The present data were found to be in agreement with the predictions of theoretical models.

Formation of gamma'-Ni3Al via the Peritectoid Reaction: gamma plus beta (+Al2O3) equals gamma'(+Al2O3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copland, Evan

2008-01-01

The activities of Al and Ni were measured using multi-cell Knudsen effusion-cell mass spectrometry (multi-cell KEMS), over the composition range 8 - 32 at.%Al and temperature range T = 1400 - 1750 K in the Ni-Al-O system. These measurements establish that equilibrium solidification of gamma'-Ni3Al-containing alloys occurs by the eutectic reaction, L (+ Al2O3) = gamma + beta (+ Al2O3), at 1640 plus or minus 1 K and a liquid composition of 24.8 plus or minus 0.2 at.%Al (at an unknown oxygen content). The {gamma + beta + Al2O3} phase field is stable over the temperature range 1633 - 1640 K, and gamma'-Ni3Al forms via the peritectiod, gamma + beta (+ Al2O3) = gamma'(+ Al2O3), at 1633 plus or minus 1 K. This behavior is inconsistent with the current Ni-Al phase diagram and a new diagram is proposed. This new Ni-Al phase diagram explains a number of unusual steady state solidification structures reported previously and provides a much simpler reaction scheme in the vicinity of the gamma'-Ni3Al phase field.

URANIUM OXIDE-CONTAINING FUEL ELEMENT COMPOSITION AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME

DOEpatents

Handwerk, J.H.; Noland, R.A.; Walker, D.E.

1957-09-10

In the past, bodies formed of a mixture of uranium dioxide and aluminum powder have been used in fuel elements; however, these mixtures were found not to be suitable when exposed to temperatures of about 600 deg C, because at such high temperatures the fuel elements were distorted. If uranosic oxide, U/sub 3/O/sub 8/, is substituted for UO/sub 2/, the mechanical properties are not impaired when these materials are used at about 600 deg C and no distortion takes place. The uranosic oxide and aluminum, both in powder form, are first mixed, and after a homogeneous mixture has been obtained, are shaped into fuel elements by extrusion at elevated temperature. Magnesium powder may be used in place of the aluminum.

Simulation of thermal stress in Er2O3 and Al2O3 tritium penetration barriers by finite-element analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ze, LIU; Guogang, YU; Anping, HE; Ling, WANG

2017-09-01

The physical vapor deposition method is an effective way to deposit Al2O3 and Er2O3 on 316L stainless steel substrates acting as tritium permeation barriers in a fusion reactor. The distribution of residual thermal stress is calculated both in Al2O3 and Er2O3 coating systems with planar and rough substrates using finite element analysis. The parameters influencing the thermal stress in the sputter process are analyzed, such as coating and substrate properties, temperature and Young’s modulus. This work shows that the thermal stress in Al2O3 and Er2O3 coating systems exhibit a linear relationship with substrate thickness, temperature and Young’s modulus. However, this relationship is inversed with coating thickness. In addition, the rough substrate surface can increase the thermal stress in the process of coating deposition. The adhesive strength between the coating and the substrate is evaluated by the shear stress. Due to the higher compressive shear stress, the Al2O3 coating has a better adhesive strength with a 316L stainless steel substrate than the Er2O3 coating. Furthermore, the analysis shows that it is a useful way to improve adhesive strength with increasing interface roughness.

METHOD OF PREPARING A FUEL ELEMENT FOR A NUCLEAR REACTOR

DOEpatents

Handwerk, J.H.; BAch, R.A.

1959-08-18

A method is described for preparing a reactor fuel element by forming a mixture of thorium dioxide and an oxide of uranium, the uranium being present. In an oxidation state at least as high as it is in U/sub 3/O/sub 8/, into a desired shape and firing in air at a temperature siifficiently high to reduce the higher uranium oxide to uranium dioxide.

Nouvelle serie d'oxydes derives de la structure de α-U 3U 8: MIIUMo 4O 16

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, M. R.; Jaulmes, S.

1987-04-01

A new family of isotypical oxides MIIUMo 4O 16 ( MII = Mg,Mn,Cd,Ca,Hg,Sr,Pb) is identified. The structure of the compound with Ca was determined by X-ray diffraction. It is triclinic, space group P overline1 with a = 13.239(5) Å, b = 6.651(2) Å, c = 8.236(3) Å, α = 90°00(4), β = 90°38(4), γ = 120°16(3), Z = 2. The final index and the weighted Rw index are 0.049 and 0.040, respectively. The cell is related to the orthorhombic one of α-U 3O 8: a = 2 a0, b = -( a0 + b0)/2, c = 2 c0. The structure, reminiscent of that of α-U 3O 8, consists of chains of [Ca,U]O 7 pentagonal bipyramids and MoO 6 octahedra, running parallel to the c axis. The UO distances along the UOCaO chains are shortened to 1.77(1) Å. The uranyl ion was characterized by its IR spectrum.

Formation of gamma(sup prime)-Ni3Al via the Peritectoid Reaction: gamma + beta (+ Al2O3)=gamma(sup prime)(+ Al2O3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copeland, Evan

2008-01-01

The activities of Al and Ni were measured using multi-cell Knudsen effusion-cell mass spectrometry (multi-cell KEMS), over the composition range 8-32 at.%Al and temperature range T=1400-1750 K in the Ni-Al-O system. These measurements establish that equilibrium solidification of gamma(sup prime)-Ni3Al-containing alloys occurs by the eutectic reaction, L (+ Al2O3)=gamma + Beta(+ Al2O3), at 1640 +/- 1 K and a liquid composition of 24.8 +/- 0.2 at.%al (at an unknown oxygen content). The {gamma + Beta (+Al2O3} phase field is stable over the temperature range 1633-1640 K, and gamma(sup prime)-Ni3Al forms via the peritectoid, gamma + Beta (+ Al2O3)=gamma(sup prime) (+ Al2O3), at 1633 +/- 1 K. This behavior is consistent with the current Ni-Al phase diagram and a new diagram is proposed. This new Ni-Al phase diagram explains a number of unusual steady-state solidification structures reported previously and provides a much simpler reaction scheme in the vicinity of the gamma(sup prime)-Ni2Al phase field.

Amorphization of the interaction products in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel during irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, Ho Jin; Kim, Yeon Soo; Hofman, G. L.

2009-04-01

The microstructures of the product resulting from interaction between U-Mo fuel particles and the Al matrix in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel are discussed. We analyzed the available characterization results for the Al matrix dispersion fuels from both the out-of-pile and in-pile tests and examined the difference between these results. The morphology of pores that form in the interaction products during irradiation is similar to the porosity previously observed in irradiation-induced amorphized uranium compounds. The available diffraction studies for the interaction products formed in both the out-of-pile and in-pile tests are analyzed. We have concluded that the interaction products in the U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel are formed as an amorphous state or become amorphous during irradiation, depending on the irradiation conditions.

TEM characterization of irradiated U-7Mo/Mg dispersion fuel

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

Gan, J.; Keiser, D. D.; Miller, B. D.

This paper presents the results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization on neutron-irradiated samples taken from the low-flux and high-flux sides of the same fuel plate with U-7Mo fuel particles dispersed in Mg matrix with aluminum alloy Al6061 as cladding material that was irradiated edge-on to the core in the Advanced Test Reactor. The corresponding local fission density and fission rate of the fuel particles and the average fuel-plate centerline temperature for the low-flux and high-flux samples are estimated to be 3.7 × 10 21 f/cm 3, 7.4 × 10 14 f/cm 3/s and 123 °C, and 5.5 × 10more » 21 f/cm3, 11.0 × 10 14 f/cm 3/s and 158 °C, respectively. Complex interaction layers developed at the Al-Mg interface, consisting of Al 3Mg 2 and Al 12Mg 17 along with precipitates of MgO, Mg 2Si and FeAl 5.3. No interaction between Mg matrix and U-Mo fuel particle was identified. For the U-Mo fuel particles, at low fission density, small elongated bubbles wrapped around the clean areas with a fission gas bubble superlattice, which suggests that bubble coalescence is an important mechanism for converting the fission gas bubble superlattice to large bubbles. At high fission density, no bubbles or porosity were observed in the Mg matrix, and pockets of residual fission gas bubble superlattice were observed in the U-Mo fuel particle interior.« less

TEM characterization of irradiated U-7Mo/Mg dispersion fuel

DOE PAGES

Gan, J.; Keiser, D. D.; Miller, B. D.; ...

2017-07-15

This paper presents the results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization on neutron-irradiated samples taken from the low-flux and high-flux sides of the same fuel plate with U-7Mo fuel particles dispersed in Mg matrix with aluminum alloy Al6061 as cladding material that was irradiated edge-on to the core in the Advanced Test Reactor. The corresponding local fission density and fission rate of the fuel particles and the average fuel-plate centerline temperature for the low-flux and high-flux samples are estimated to be 3.7 × 10 21 f/cm 3, 7.4 × 10 14 f/cm 3/s and 123 °C, and 5.5 × 10more » 21 f/cm3, 11.0 × 10 14 f/cm 3/s and 158 °C, respectively. Complex interaction layers developed at the Al-Mg interface, consisting of Al 3Mg 2 and Al 12Mg 17 along with precipitates of MgO, Mg 2Si and FeAl 5.3. No interaction between Mg matrix and U-Mo fuel particle was identified. For the U-Mo fuel particles, at low fission density, small elongated bubbles wrapped around the clean areas with a fission gas bubble superlattice, which suggests that bubble coalescence is an important mechanism for converting the fission gas bubble superlattice to large bubbles. At high fission density, no bubbles or porosity were observed in the Mg matrix, and pockets of residual fission gas bubble superlattice were observed in the U-Mo fuel particle interior.« less

Solution combustion synthesis of strontium aluminate, SrAl2O4, powders: single-fuel versus fuel-mixture approach.

PubMed

Ianoş, Robert; Istratie, Roxana; Păcurariu, Cornelia; Lazău, Radu

2016-01-14

The solution combustion synthesis of strontium aluminate, SrAl2O4, via the classic single-fuel approach and the modern fuel-mixture approach was investigated in relation to the synthesis conditions, powder properties and thermodynamic aspects. The single-fuel approach (urea or glycine) did not yield SrAl2O4 directly from the combustion reaction. The absence of SrAl2O4 was explained by the low amount of energy released during the combustion process, in spite of the highly negative values of the standard enthalpy of reaction and standard Gibbs free energy. In the case of single-fuel recipes, the maximum combustion temperatures measured by thermal imaging (482 °C - urea, 941 °C - glycine) were much lower than the calculated adiabatic temperatures (1864 °C - urea, 2147 °C - glycine). The fuel-mixture approach (urea and glycine) clearly represented a better option, since (α,β)-SrAl2O4 resulted directly from the combustion reaction. The maximum combustion temperature measured in the case of a urea and glycine fuel mixture was the highest one (1559 °C), which was relatively close to the calculated adiabatic temperature (1930 °C). The addition of a small amount of flux, such as H3BO3, enabled the formation of pure α-SrAl2O4 directly from the combustion reaction.

LaAlO{sub 3} thickness window for electronically controlled magnetism at LaAlO{sub 3}/SrTiO{sub 3} heterointerfaces

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

Bi, Feng; Huang, Mengchen; Irvin, Patrick

2015-08-24

Complex-oxide heterostructures exhibit rich physical behavior such as emergent conductivity, superconductivity, and magnetism that are intriguing for scientific reasons as well as for potential technological applications. It was recently discovered that in-plane magnetism at the LaAlO{sub 3}/SrTiO{sub 3} (LAO/STO) interface can be electronically controlled at room temperature. Here, we employ magnetic force microscopy to investigate electronically controlled ferromagnetism at the LAO/STO interface with LAO thickness t varied from 4 unit cell (u.c.) to 40 u.c. Magnetic signatures are observed only within a thickness window 8 u.c. ≤ t ≤ 25 u.c. Within this window, the device capacitance corresponds well to the expected geometric value, while for thicknessesmore » outside this window, the capacitance is strongly suppressed. The ability to modulate electronic and magnetic properties of LAO/STO devices depends on the ability to control carrier density, which is in turn constrained by intrinsic tunneling mechanisms.« less

Modelling the atomic structure of Al92U8 metallic glass.

PubMed

Michalik, S; Bednarcik, J; Jóvári, P; Honkimäki, V; Webb, A; Franz, H; Fazakas, E; Varga, L K

2010-10-13

The local atomic structure of the glassy Al(92)U(8) alloy was modelled by the reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) method, fitting x-ray diffraction (XRD) and extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) signals. The final structural model was analysed by means of partial pair correlation functions, coordination number distributions and Voronoi tessellation. In our study we found that the most probable atomic separations between Al-Al and U-Al pairs in the glassy Al(92)U(8) alloy are 2.7 Å and 3.1 Å with coordination numbers 11.7 and 17.1, respectively. The Voronoi analysis did not support evidence of the existence of well-defined building blocks directly embedded in the amorphous matrix. The dense-random-packing model seems to be adequate for describing the connection between solvent and solute atoms.

Performance of the MTR core with MOX fuel using the MCNP4C2 code.

PubMed

Shaaban, Ismail; Albarhoum, Mohamad

2016-08-01

The MCNP4C2 code was used to simulate the MTR-22 MW research reactor and perform the neutronic analysis for a new fuel namely: a MOX (U3O8&PuO2) fuel dispersed in an Al matrix for One Neutronic Trap (ONT) and Three Neutronic Traps (TNTs) in its core. Its new characteristics were compared to its original characteristics based on the U3O8-Al fuel. Experimental data for the neutronic parameters including criticality relative to the MTR-22 MW reactor for the original U3O8-Al fuel at nominal power were used to validate the calculated values and were found acceptable. The achieved results seem to confirm that the use of MOX fuel in the MTR-22 MW will not degrade the safe operational conditions of the reactor. In addition, the use of MOX fuel in the MTR-22 MW core leads to reduce the uranium fuel enrichment with (235)U and the amount of loaded (235)U in the core by about 34.84% and 15.21% for the ONT and TNTs cases, respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of thermal compatibility between atomized and comminuted U{sub 3}Si dispersion fuels

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

Ryu, Woo-Seog; Park, Jong-Man; Kim, Chang-Kyu

1997-08-01

Thermal compatibility of atomized U{sub 3}Si dispersion fuels were evaluated up to 2600 hours in the temperature range from 250 to 500{degrees}C, and compared with that of comminuted U{sub 3}Si. Atomized U{sub 3}Si showed better performance in terms of volume expansion of fuel meats. The reaction zone of U{sub 3}Si and Al occurred along the grain boundaries and deformation bands in U{sub 3}Si particles. Pores around fuel particles appeared at high temperature or after long-term annealing tests to remain diffusion paths over the trench of the pores. The constraint effects of cladding on fuel rod suppressed the fuel meat, andmore » reduced the volume expansion.« less

Pressure induced coordination change of Al in silicate melts from Al K edge XANES of high pressure NaAlSi2O6-NaAlSi3O8 glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dien; Secco, R. A.; Bancroft, G. M.; Fleet, M. E.

Aluminum K-edge XANES spectra of high pressure and high temperature (4.4 GPa and 1575°C) glasses along the NaAlSi2O6 (Jd)-NaAlSi3O8 (Ab) join are reported using synchrotron radiation, and shown to provide direct experimental evidence for the pressure-induced coordination change of Al. Five- and six-fold coordinated Al (5Al and 6Al), characterized by Al K-edge positions at 1567.8 and 1568.7 eV, respectively, first appear in glass of composition Jd60Ab40 and increase in proportion progressively with increasing Jd content. The end-member jadeite glass contains about 6% of each of 5Al and 6Al. The present direct measurements confirm literature suggestions for the important role of Al in controlling viscosity and diffusion in mantle melts.

Screened Hybrid and DFT + U Studies of the Structural, Electronic, and Optical Properties of U3O8

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

Wen, Xiaodong; Martin, Richard L.; Scuseria, Gustavo E.

2012-11-26

A systematic comparison of the structures and electronic and optical properties of U3O8 in the c2mm, P¯62m, and P21/m structures (the α, β, and γ phases, respectively) is performed using density functional theory + U (PBE + U) and the Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof screened hybrid functional (HSE). The relationship between the semiconducting C2mm phase of U3O8 and the high temperature, metallic P¯62m phase is explored in more detail. Our calculated results show that the HSE functional gives a better description of the electronic and optical properties when compared with available experimental data for the α and β phases, but neither approach doesmore » particularly well for the high pressure γ phase.« less

Preparation of a Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalyst with high activity and resistance to potassium poisoning during direct internal reforming of methane in molten carbonate fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Won-Jun; Jung, You-Shick; Shim, Jae-Oh; Roh, Hyun-Seog; Yoon, Wang Lai

2018-02-01

Steam reforming of methane (SRM) is conducted using a series of Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalysts for direct internal reforming (DIR) in molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalysts are prepared by the homogeneous precipitation method with a variety of MgO loading amounts ranging from 3 to 15 wt%. In addition, each precursor concentrations are systemically changed (Ni: 1.2-4.8 mol L-1; Mg: 0.3-1.2 mol L-1; Al: 0.4-1.6 mol L-1) at the optimized composition (10 wt% MgO). The effects of MgO loading and precursor concentration on the catalytic performance and resistance against poisoning of the catalyst by potassium (K) are investigated. The Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalyst with 10 wt% MgO and the original precursor concentration (Ni: 1.2 mol L-1; Mg: 0.3 mol L-1; Al: 0.4 mol L-1) exhibits the highest CH4 conversion and resistance against K poisoning even at the extremely high gas space velocity (GHSV) of 1,512,000 h-1. Excellent SRM performance of the Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalyst is attributed to strong metal (Ni) to alumina support interaction (SMSI) when magnesium oxide (MgO) is co-precipitated with the Ni-Al2O3. The enhanced interaction of the Ni with MgO-Al2O3 support is found to protect the active Ni species against K poisoning.

Molecular adsorption at electrolyte/α-Al2O3 interface of aluminum electrolytic capacitor revealed by sum frequency vibrational spectroscopy.

PubMed

Jia, Ming; Hu, Xiaoyu; Liu, Jin; Liu, Yexiang; Ai, Liang

2017-05-21

The operating voltage of an aluminum electrolytic capacitor is determined by the breakdown voltage (U b ) of the Al 2 O 3 anode. U b is related to the molecular adsorption at the Al 2 O 3 /electrolyte interface. Therefore, we have employed sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy (SFVS) to study the adsorption states of a simple electrolyte, ethylene glycol (EG) solution with ammonium adipate, on an α-Al 2 O 3 surface. In an acidic electrolyte (pH < 6), the Al 2 O 3 surface is positively charged. The observed SFVS spectra show that long chain molecules poly ethylene glycol and ethylene glycol adipate adopt a "lying" orientation at the interface. In an alkaline electrolyte (pH > 8), the Al 2 O 3 surface is negatively charged and the short chain EG molecules adopt a "tilting" orientation. The U b results exhibit a much higher value at pH < 6 compared with that at pH > 8. Since the "lying" long chain molecules cover and protect the Al 2 O 3 surface, U b increases with a decrease of pH. These findings provide new insights to study the breakdown mechanisms and to develop new electrolytes for high operating voltage capacitors.

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.

Swelling of U-7Mo/Al-Si dispersion fuel plates under irradiation - Non-destructive analysis of the AFIP-1 fuel plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wachs, D. M.; Robinson, A. B.; Rice, F. J.; Kraft, N. C.; Taylor, S. C.; Lillo, M.; Woolstenhulme, N.; Roth, G. A.

2016-08-01

Extensive fuel-matrix interactions leading to plate pillowing have proven to be a significant impediment to the development of a suitable high density low-enriched uranium molybdenum alloy (U-Mo) based dispersion fuel for high power applications in research reactors. The addition of silicon to the aluminum matrix was previously demonstrated to reduce interaction layer growth in mini-plate experiments. The AFIP-1 project involved the irradiation, in-canal examination, and post-irradiation examination of two fuel plates. The irradiation of two distinct full size, flat fuel plates (one using an Al-2wt%Si matrix and the other an Al-4043 (∼4.8 wt% Si) matrix) was performed in the INL ATR reactor in 2008-2009. The irradiation conditions were: ∼250 W/cm2 peak Beginning Of Life (BOL) power, with a ∼3.5e21 f/cm3 peak burnup. The plates were successfully irradiated and did not show any pillowing at the end of the irradiation. This paper reports the results and interpretation of the in-canal and post-irradiation non-destructive examinations that were performed on these fuel plates. It further compares additional PIE results obtained on fuel plates irradiated in contemporary campaigns in order to allow a complete comparison with all results obtained under similar conditions. Except for a brief indication of accelerated swelling early in the irradiation of the Al-2Si plate, the fuel swelling is shown to evolve linearly with the fission density through the maximum burnup.

Development of Al2O3 fiber-reinforced Al2O3-based ceramics.

PubMed

Tanimoto, Yasuhiro; Nemoto, Kimiya

2004-09-01

The purpose of this study was to use a tape casting technique to develop an Al2O3 fiber-reinforced Al2O3-based ceramic material (Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite) into a new type of dental ceramic. The Al2O3-based ceramic used a matrix consisting of 60 wt% Al2O3 powder and 40 wt% SiO2-B2O3 powder. The prepreg sheets of Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite (in which uniaxially aligned Al2O3 fibers were infiltrated with the Al2O3-based matrix) were fabricated continuously using tape casting technique with a doctor blade system. Multilayer preforms of Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite sheets were then sintered at a maximum temperature of 1000 degrees C under an atmospheric pressure in a furnace. The results showed that the shrinkage and bending properties of Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite exceeded those of unreinforced Al2O3--hence demonstrating the positive effects of fiber reinforcement. In conclusion, the tape casting technique has been utilized to successfully develop a new type of dental ceramic material.

Tribological Properties of Ti(Al,O)/Al2O3 Composite Coating by Thermal Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salman, Asma; Gabbitas, Brian; Cao, Peng; Zhang, Deliang

The use of thermal spray coatings provides protection to the surfaces operating in severe environments. The main goal of the current work is to investigate the possibility of using a high velocity air fuel (HVAF) thermally sprayed wear resistant Ti(Al,O)/Al2O3 coating on tool steel (H13) which is used for making dies for aluminium high pressure die casting and dummy blocks aluminium extrusion. A feedstock of Ti(Al,O)/Al2O3 composite powder was produced from a mixture of Al and TiO2 powders by high energy mechanical milling, followed by a thermal reaction process. The feedstock was then thermally sprayed using a high velocity air-fuel (HVAF) technique onto H13 steel substrates to produce a composite coating. The present study describes and compares the tribological properties such as friction and sliding wear rate of the coating both at room and high temperature (700°C). The wear resistance of the coating was investigated by a tribometer using a spherical ended alumina pin as a counter body under dry and lubricating conditions. The results showed that composite coating has lower wear rate at high temperature than at room temperature without using lubricant. The composite coating was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). This paper reports the experimental observations and discusses the wear resistance performance of the coatings at room and high temperatures.

Transparent and flexible capacitors based on nanolaminate Al2O3/TiO2/Al2O3.

PubMed

Zhang, Guozhen; Wu, Hao; Chen, Chao; Wang, Ti; Yue, Jin; Liu, Chang

2015-01-01

Transparent and flexible capacitors based on nanolaminate Al2O3/TiO2/Al2O3 dielectrics have been fabricated on indium tin oxide-coated polyethylene naphthalate substrates by atomic layer deposition. A capacitance density of 7.8 fF/μm(2) at 10 KHz was obtained, corresponding to a dielectric constant of 26.3. Moreover, a low leakage current density of 3.9 × 10(-8) A/cm(2) at 1 V has been realized. Bending test shows that the capacitors have better performances in concave conditions than in convex conditions. The capacitors exhibit an average optical transmittance of about 70% in visible range and thus open the door for applications in transparent and flexible integrated circuits.

Refractive index and compressibility of LiAlSi{sub 3}O{sub 8} glass in the pressure range up to 6.0 GPa

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

Kuryaeva, R.G., E-mail: rufina@igm.nsc.ru; Dmitrieva, N.V.; Surkov, N.V.

2016-02-15

Highlights: • Refractive index and the compressibility of LiAlSi{sub 3}O{sub 8} glass are obtained. • Among Li(Na,K)AlSi{sub 3}O{sub 8} glasses LiAlSi{sub 3}O{sub 8} glass has the lowest compressibility. • Degree of depolymerization (NBO/T = 0.31) for LiAlSi{sub 3}O{sub 8} glass was calculated. • NBO/T = 0.31 indicates a high content of NBOs atoms and Al in LiAlSi{sub 3}O{sub 8} glass. • Proposed reaction corresponds to the condition of the existence of ∼9% Al. - Abstract: The refractive index and the relative changes in the density for LiAlSi{sub 3}O{sub 8} glass in the pressure range up to 6.0 GPa were obtainedmore » using a polarization-interference microscope and an apparatus with diamond anvils. The results were compared with the previous data for the NaAlSi{sub 3}O{sub 8} and KAlSi{sub 3}O{sub 8} glasses. The compressibility of glasses increases in a series of alkali metal cations Li{sup +}, Na{sup +}, K{sup +}. From the previously found dependence of the compressibility (at P = 4.0 GPa) on the degree of depolymerization the value of NBO/T = 0.31 for LiAlSi{sub 3}O{sub 8} glass was calculated. A high degree of depolymerization of the LiAlSi{sub 3}O{sub 8} glass indicates not only a high content of NBOs atoms in the structural network, but also the presence of highly coordinated aluminum (according to the literature data ∼9%). The proposed schematic reaction for the formation of different structural groups corresponds to the condition of the existence of 9% highly coordinated aluminum.« less

Structural Evolution and Atom Clustering in β-SiAlON: β-Si 6–z Al z O z N 8–z

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

Cozzan, Clayton; Griffith, Kent J.; Laurita, Geneva

2017-02-06

SiAlON ceramics, solid solutions based on the Si 3N 4 structure, are important, lightweight structural materials with intrinsically high strength, high hardness, and high thermal and chemical stability. Described by the chemical formula β-Si 6–zAl zO zN 8–z, from a compositional viewpoint, these materials can be regarded as solid solutions between Si 3N 4 and Al 3O 3N. A key aspect of the structural evolution with increasing Al and O (z in the formula) is to understand how these elements are distributed on the β-Si 3N 4 framework. The average and local structural evolution of highly phase-pure samples of β-Simore » 6–zAl zO zN 8–z with z = 0.050, 0.075, and 0.125 are studied here, using a combination of X-ray diffraction, NMR studies, and density functional theory calculations. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction establishes sample purity and indicates subtle changes in the average structure with increasing Al content in these compounds. Solid-state magic-angle-spinning 27Al NMR experiments, coupled with detailed ab initio calculations of NMR spectra of Al in different AlO qN 4–q tetrahedra (0 ≤ q ≤ 4), reveal a tendency of Al and O to cluster in these materials. Independently, the calculations suggest an energetic preference for Al–O bond formation, instead of a random distribution, in the β-SiAlON system.« less

Spectra of surface plasmon polariton enhanced electroluminescence from electroformed Al-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Ag diodes

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

Hickmott, T. W.

Narrow band-pass filters have been used to measure the spectral distribution of electroluminescent photons with energies between 1.8 eV and 3.0 eV from electroformed Al-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Ag diodes with anodic Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} thicknesses between 12 nm and 18 nm. Electroforming of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes is a non-destructive dielectric breakdown that results in a conducting channel in the insulator and changes the initial high resistance of the MIM diode to a low resistance state. It is a critical step in the development of resistive-switching memories that utilize MIM diodes as the active element. Electroforming of Al-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Ag diodes in vacuum results in voltage-controlledmore » negative resistance (VCNR) in the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. Electroluminescence (EL) and electron emission into vacuum (EM) develop simultaneously with the current increase that results in VCNR in the I-V characteristics. EL is due to recombination of electrons injected at the Al-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} interface with radiative defect centers in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Measurements of EL photons between 1.8 eV and 3.0 eV using a wide band-pass filter showed that EL intensity is exponentially dependent on Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} thickness for Al-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Ag diodes between 12 nm and 20 nm thick. Enhanced El intensity in the thinnest diodes is attributed to an increase in the spontaneous emission rate of recombination centers due to high electromagnetic fields generated in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} when EL photons interact with electrons in Ag or Al to form surface plasmon polaritons at the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Ag or Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Al interface. El intensity is a maximum at 2.0–2.2 eV for Al-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Ag diodes with Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} thicknesses between 12 nm and 18 nm. EL in diodes with 12 nm or 14 nm of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} is enhanced by factors of 8–10 over EL from a diode with 18 nm of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The extent of EL

Thermal reactions of uranium metal, UO 2, U 3O 8, UF 4, and UO 2F 2 with NF 3 to produce UF 6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNamara, Bruce; Scheele, Randall; Kozelisky, Anne; Edwards, Matthew

2009-11-01

This paper demonstrates that NF 3 fluorinates uranium metal, UO 2, UF 4, UO 3, U 3O 8, and UO 2F 2·2H 2O to produce the volatile UF 6 at temperatures between 100 and 550 °C. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis reaction profiles are described that reflect changes in the uranium fluorination/oxidation state, physiochemical effects, and instances of discrete chemical speciation. Large differences in the onset temperatures for each system investigated implicate changes in mode of the NF 3 gas-solid surface interaction. These studies also demonstrate that NF 3 is a potential replacement fluorinating agent in the existing nuclear fuel cycle and in actinide volatility reprocessing.

Effect of Processing Parameters on Thermal Cycling Behavior of Al2O3-Al2O3 Brazed Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dandapat, Nandadulal; Ghosh, Sumana; Guha, Bichitra Kumar; Datta, Someswar; Balla, Vamsi Krishna

2016-10-01

In the present study, alumina ceramics were active metal brazed at different temperatures ranging from 1163 K to 1183 K (890 °C to 910 °C) using TICUSIL (68.8Ag-26.7Cu-4.5Ti in wt pct) foil as filler alloy of different thicknesses. The brazed joints were subjected to thermal cycling for 100 cycles between 323 K and 873 K (50 °C and 600 °C). The microstructural and elemental composition analysis of the brazed joints were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) before and after thermal cycling. Helium (He) leak test and brazing strength measurement were also conducted after thermal cycling for 100 cycles. The joint could withstand up to 1 × 10-9 Torr pressure and brazing strength was higher than 20 MPa. The experimental results demonstrated that joints brazed at the higher temperature with thinner filler alloy produced strong Al2O3-Al2O3 joints.

Nature of weak magnetism in SrTiO3/LaAlO3 multilayers.

PubMed

Salman, Z; Ofer, O; Radovic, M; Hao, H; Ben Shalom, M; Chow, K H; Dagan, Y; Hossain, M D; Levy, C D P; Macfarlane, W A; Morris, G M; Patthey, L; Pearson, M R; Saadaoui, H; Schmitt, T; Wang, D; Kiefl, R F

2012-12-21

We report the observation of weak magnetism in superlattices of LaAlO(3)/SrTiO(3) using β-detected nuclear magnetic resonance. The spin lattice relaxation rate of ^{8}Li in superlattices with a spacer layers of 8 and 6 unit cells of LaAlO(3) exhibits a strong peak near ~35 K, whereas no such peak is observed in a superlattice with spacer layer thickness of 3 unit cells. We attribute the observed temperature dependence to slowing down of weakly coupled electronic moments at the LaAlO(3)/SrTiO(3) interface. These results show that the magnetism at the interface depends strongly on the thickness of the spacer layer, and that a minimal thickness of ~4-6 unit cells is required for the appearance of magnetism. A simple model is used to determine that the observed relaxation is due to small fluctuating moments (~0.002μ(B)) in the two samples with a larger LaAlO(3) spacer thickness.

Construction of viscosity diagrams for CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-8% MgO-4% B2O3 slags by the simplex lattice method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babenko, A. A.; Istomin, S. A.; Zhuchkov, V. I.; Sychev, A. V.; Ryabov, V. V.; Upolovnikova, A. G.

2017-05-01

The simplex lattice method of planning experiments is used to study the viscosities of CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-8% MgO-4% B2O3 slags in a wide chemical composition range. For each viscosity, we developed an adequate mathematical model in the form of a reduced third-order polynomial. The results of mathematical simulation are presented in composition-viscosity diagrams. Composition regions with a high fluidity of slags, the viscosities of which are 0.8-1.2 Pa s in the temperature range 1500-1600°C, are indicated in the diagrams.

Nevadaite, (Cu2+, Al, V3+)6 [Al8 (PO4)8 F8] (OH 2 (H2O)22, a new phosphate mineral species from the Gold Quarry mine, Carlin, Eureka County, Nevada: description and crystal structure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cooper, M.A.; Hawthorne, F.C.; Roberts, Andrew C.; Foord, E.E.; Erd, Richard C.; Evans, H.T.; Jensen, M.C.

2004-01-01

Nevadaite, (Cu2+, ???, Al, V3+)6 (PO4)8 F8 (OH)2 (H2O)22, is a new supergene mineral species from the Gold Quarry mine, near Carlin, Eureka County, Nevada, U.S.A. Nevadaite forms radiating clusters to 1 mm of prismatic crystals, locally covering surfaces more that 2 cm across; individual crystals are elongate on [001] with a length:width ratio of > 10:1 and a maximum diameter of ???30 ??m. It also occurs as spherules and druses associated with colorless to purple-black fluellite, colorless wavellite, strengitevariscite, acicular maroon-to-red hewettite, and rare anatase, kazakhstanite, tinticite, leucophosphite, torbernite and tyuyamunite. Nevadaite is pale green to turquoise blue with a pale powder-blue streak and a vitreous luster; it does not fluoresce under ultra-violet light. It has no cleavage, a Mohs hardness of ???3, is brittle with a conchoidal fracture, and has measured and calculated densities of 2.54 and 2.55 g/cm3, respectively. Nevadaite is biaxial negative, with ?? 1.540, ?? 1.548, ?? 1.553, 2V(obs.) = 76??, 2V(calc.) = 76??, pleochroic with X pale greenish blue, Y very pale greenish blue, Z blue, and with absorption Z ??? X > Y and orientation X = c, Y = a, Z = b. Nevadaite is orthorhombic, space group P21mn, a 12.123(2), b 18.999(2), c 4.961(1) A?? , V 1142.8(2) A??3, Z = 1, a:b:c = 0.6391:1:0.2611. The strongest seven lines in the X-ray powder-diffraction pattern [d in A??(I)(hkl)] are: 6.077(10)(200), 5.618(9)(130), 9.535(8)(020), 2.983(6)(241), 3.430(4)(041), 2.661(4)(061 , and 1.844(4)(352). A chemical analysis with an electron microprobe gave P2O5 32.54, Al2O3 27.07, V2O3 4.24, Fe2O3 0.07, CuO 9.24, ZnO 0.11, F 9.22, H2O (calc.) 23.48, OH ??? F -3.88, sum 102.09 wt.%; the valence states of V and Fe, and the amount of H2O, were determined by crystal-structure analysis. The resulting empirical formula on the basis of 63.65 anions (including 21.65 H2O pfu) is (CU2+2.00 Zn0.02 V3+0.98 Fe3+0.01 Al1.15)??4.16 Al8 P7.90 O32 [F8.37 (OH 1.63]??10 (H2O

Optical properties of the Al2O3/SiO2 and Al2O3/HfO2/SiO2 antireflective coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marszałek, Konstanty; Winkowski, Paweł; Jaglarz, Janusz

2014-01-01

Investigations of bilayer and trilayer Al2O3/SiO2 and Al2O3/HfO2/SiO2 antireflective coatings are presented in this paper. The oxide films were deposited on a heated quartz glass by e-gun evaporation in a vacuum of 5 × 10-3 [Pa] in the presence of oxygen. Depositions were performed at three different temperatures of the substrates: 100 °C, 200 °C and 300 °C. The coatings were deposited onto optical quartz glass (Corning HPFS). The thickness and deposition rate were controlled with Inficon XTC/2 thickness measuring system. Deposition rate was equal to 0.6 nm/s for Al2O3, 0.6 nm - 0.8 nm/s for HfO2 and 0.6 nm/s for SiO2. Simulations leading to optimization of the thin film thickness and the experimental results of optical measurements, which were carried out during and after the deposition process, have been presented. The optical thickness values, obtained from the measurements performed during the deposition process were as follows: 78 nm/78 nm for Al2O3/SiO2 and 78 nm/156 nm/78 nm for Al2O3/HfO2/SiO2. The results were then checked by ellipsometric technique. Reflectance of the films depended on the substrate temperature during the deposition process. Starting from 240 nm to the beginning of visible region, the average reflectance of the trilayer system was below 1 % and for the bilayer, minima of the reflectance were equal to 1.6 %, 1.15 % and 0.8 % for deposition temperatures of 100 °C, 200 °C and 300 °C, respectively.

Effect of High Si Content on U3Si2 Fuel Microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosales, Jhonathan; van Rooyen, Isabella J.; Meher, Subhashish; Hoggan, Rita; Parga, Clemente; Harp, Jason

2018-02-01

The development of U3Si2 as an accident-tolerant nuclear fuel has gained research interest because of its promising high uranium density and improved thermal properties. In the present study, three samples of U3Si2 fuel with varying silicon content have been fabricated by a conventional powder metallurgical route. Microstructural characterization via scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of other stoichiometry of uranium silicide such as USi and UO2 in both samples. The detailed phase analysis by x-ray diffraction shows the presence of secondary phases, such as USi, U3Si, and UO2. The samples with higher concentrations of silicon content of 7.5 wt.% display additional elemental Si. These samples also possess an increased amount of the USi phase as compared to that in the conventional sample with 7.3 wt.% silicon. The optimization of U3Si2 fuel performance through the understanding of the role of Si content on its microstructure has been discussed.

Microstructural characterization of a thin film ZrN diffusion barrier in an As-fabricated U-7Mo/Al matrix dispersion fuel plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keiser, Dennis D.; Perez, Emmanuel; Wiencek, Tom; Leenaers, Ann; Van den Berghe, Sven

2015-03-01

The United States High Performance Research Reactor Fuel Development program is developing low enriched uranium fuels for application in research and test reactors. One concept utilizes U-7 wt.% Mo (U-7Mo) fuel particles dispersed in Al matrix, where the fuel particles are coated with a 1 μm-thick ZrN coating. The ZrN serves as a diffusion barrier to eliminate a deleterious reaction that can occur between U-7Mo and Al when a dispersion fuel is irradiated under aggressive reactor conditions. To investigate the final microstructure of a physically-vapor-deposited ZrN coating in a dispersion fuel plate after it was fabricated using a rolling process, characterization samples were taken from a fuel plate that was fabricated at 500 °C using ZrN-coated U-7Mo particles, Al matrix and AA6061 cladding. Scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy analysis were performed. Data from these analyses will be used to support future microstructural examinations of irradiated fuel plates, in terms of understanding the effects of irradiation on the ZrN microstructure, and to determine the role of diffusion barrier microstructure in eliminating fuel/matrix interactions during irradiation. The as-fabricated coating was determined to be cubic-ZrN (cF8) phase. It exhibited a columnar microstructure comprised of nanometer-sized grains and a region of relatively high porosity, mainly near the Al matrix. Small impurity-containing phases were observed at the U-7Mo/ZrN interface, and no interaction zone was observed at the ZrN/Al interface. The bonding between the U-7Mo and ZrN appeared to be mechanical in nature. A relatively high level of oxygen was observed in the ZrN coating, extending from the Al matrix in the ZrN coating in decreasing concentration. The above microstructural characteristics are discussed in terms of what may be most optimal for a diffusion barrier in a dispersion fuel plate application.

Irradiated microstructure of U-10Mo monolithic fuel plate at very high fission density

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

Gan, J.; Miller, B. D.; Keiser, D. D.

Monolithic U-10Mo alloy fuel plates with Al-6061 cladding are being developed for use in research and test reactors as low enrichment fuel (< 20% U-235 enrichment) as a result of its high uranium loading capacity compared to that of U-7Mo dispersion fuel. These fuel plates contain a Zr diffusion barrier between the U-10Mo fuel and Al-6061 cladding that suppresses the interaction between the U-Mo fuel foil and Al alloy cladding that is known to be problematic under irradiation. This paper discusses the TEM results of the U-10Mo/Zr/Al6061 monolithic fuel plate (Plate ID: L1P09T, ~ 59% U-235 enrichment) irradiated in Advancedmore » Test Reactor at Idaho National Laboratory as part of RERTR-9B irradiation campaign with an unprecedented high local fission density of 9.8E+21 fissions/cm3. The calculated fuel foil centerline temperature at the beginning of life and the end of life is 141 and 194 C, respectively. A total of 5 TEM lamellas were prepared using focus ion beam lift-out technique. The estimated U-Mo fuel swelling, based on the fuel foil thickness change from SEM, is approximately 76%. Large bubbles (> 1 µm) are distributed evenly in U-Mo and interlink of these bubbles is evident. The average size of subdivided grains at this fission density appears similar to that at 5.2E+21 fissions/cm3. The measured average Mo and Zr content in the fuel matrix is ~ 30 at% and ~ 7 at%, respectively, in general agreement with the calculated Mo and Zr from fission density.« less

Facile and rapid auto-combustion synthesis of nano-porous γ-Al2O3 by application of hexamethylenetetramine in fuel composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salem, Shiva; Salem, Amin; Parni, Mohammad Hosein; Jafarizad, Abbas

2018-06-01

In this article, urea, glycine and hexamethylenetetramine were blended in accordance with the mixture design algorithm to prepare γ-Al2O3 by auto-combustion technique. Aluminum nitrate was then mixed with the stoichiometric contents of prepared fuel solutions to obtain gel systems. The gels exhibited a typical self-propagating combustion behavior at low temperature, directly resulting amorphous materials. The precursors were calcined at various temperatures ranging from 700 to 900 °C. The treated powders were evaluated by determining the methylene blue (MB) adsorption efficiency. The production condition to obtain γ-Al2O3 with maximum surface area depends on fuel composition and calcination temperature. The alumina powder fabricated by this procedure was uniformly distributed and contains nano-sized secondary particles with diameter about 10-30 nm in which the average pore size is 3.2 nm induced large surface area, 240 m2g-1. The employment of hexamethylenetetramine provides a potential for synthesis of γ-Al2O3 at lower temperature, 700 °C, with maximum MB removal efficiency.

Solid state reactions of CeO 2, PuO 2, (U,Ce)O 2 and (U,Pu)O 2 with K 2S 2O 8

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keskar, Meera; Kasar, U. M.; Mudher, K. D. Singh; Venugopal, V.

2004-09-01

Solid state reactions of CeO 2, PuO 2 and mixed oxides (U,Ce)O 2 and (U,Pu)O 2 containing different mol.% of Ce and Pu, were carried out with K 2S 2O 8 at different temperatures to identify the formation of various products and to investigate their dissolution behaviour. X-ray, chemical and thermal analysis methods were used to characterise the products formed at various temperatures. The products obtained by heating two moles of K 2S 2O 8 with one mole each of CeO 2, PuO 2, (U,Ce)O 2 and (U,Pu)O 2 at 400 °C were identified as K 4Ce(SO 4) 4, K 4Pu(SO 4) 4, K 4(U,Ce)(SO 4) 4 and K 4(U,Pu)(SO 4) 4, respectively. K 4Ce(SO 4) 4 further decomposed to form K 4Ce(SO 4) 3.5 at 600 °C and mixture of K 2SO 4 and CeO 2 at 950 °C. Thus the products formed during the reaction of 2K 2S 2O 8 + CeO 2 show that cerium undergoes changes in oxidation state from +4 to +3 and again to +4. XRD data of K 4Ce(SO 4) 4 and K 4Ce(SO 4) 3.5 were indexed on triclinic and monoclinic system, respectively. PuO 2 + 2K 2S 2O 8 reacts at 400 °C to form K 4Pu(SO 4) 4 which was stable upto 750 °C and further decomposes to form K 2SO 4 + PuO 2 at 1000 °C. The products formed at 400 °C during the reactions of the oxides and mixed oxides were found to be readily soluble in 1-2 M HNO 3.

Rare-Earth Oxide Ion (Tm3+, Ho3+, and U3+) Doped Glasses and Fibres for 1.8 to 4 Micrometer Coherent and Broadband Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-24

oxide ( TeO2 ) , fluorine- containing silicate (SiOF2) and germanate (GeOF2) glass hosts for each dopant by characterising the spectroscopic properties...Earth Oxide Ion (Tm3+, Ho3+, And U3+) Doped Glasses And Fibres For 1.8 To 4 Micrometer Coherent And Broadband Sources 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 5d...Rare-earth oxide ion (Tm3+, Ho3+, and U3+) doped glasses and fibres for 1.8 to 4 micrometer coherent and broadband sources Report prepared

TiO2 and Al2O3 promoted Pt/C nanocomposites as low temperature fuel cell catalysts for electro oxidation of methanol in acidic media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naeem, Rabia; Ahmed, Riaz; Shahid Ansari, Muhammad

2014-06-01

Carbon corrosion and platinum dissolution are the two major catalyst layer degradation problems in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Ceramic addition can reduce the corrosion of carbon and increase the stability of catalysts. Pt/TiO2, Pt/TiO2-C, Pt/Al2O3 and Pt/Al2O3-C catalysts were synthesized and characterized. Electrochemical surface area of Pt/TiO2-C and Pt/Al2O3-C nanocomposite catalysts was much higher than the Pt/TiO2 and Pt/Al2O3 catalysts. Peak current, specific activity and mass activity of the catalysts was also determined by cyclic voltammetry and were much higher for the carbon nanocomposites. Exchange current densities were determined from Tafel plots. Heterogeneous rates of reaction of electro oxidation of methanol were determined for all the catalysts and were substantially higher for titania catalysts as compared to alumina added catalysts. Mass activity of Pt/TiO2-C was much higher than mass activity of Pt/Al2O3-C. Stability studies showed that addition of ceramics have increased the catalytic activity and durability of the catalysts considerably.

Identifying the Distribution of Al 3+ in LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2

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

Trease, Nicole M.; Seymour, Ieuan D.; Radin, Maxwell D.

2016-11-22

The doping of Al into layered Li transition metal (TM) oxide cathode materials, LiTMO 2, is known to improve the structural and thermal stability, although the origin of the enhanced properties is not well understood. The effect of aluminum doping on layer stabilization has been investigated using a combination of techniques to measure the aluminum distribution in layered LiNi 0.8Co 0.15Al 0.05O 2 (NCA) over multiple length scales with 27Al and 7Li MAS NMR, local electrode atom probe (APT) tomography, X-ray and neutron diffraction, DFT, and SQUID magnetic susceptibility measurements. APT ion maps show a homogenous distribution of Ni, Co,more » Al and O 2 throughout the structure at the single particle level in agreement with the high-temperature phase diagram. 7Li and 27Al NMR indicates that the Ni 3+ ions undergo a dynamic Jahn-Teller (JT) distortion. 27Al NMR spectra indicate that the Al reduces the strain associated with the JT distortion, by preferential electronic ordering of the JT long bonds directed toward the Al 3+ ion. The ability to understand the complex atomic and orbital ordering around Al 3+ demonstrated in the current method will be useful for studying the local environment of Al 3+ in a range of transition metal oxide battery materials.« less

Identifying the Distribution of Al 3+ in LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2

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

Trease, Nicole M.; Seymour, Ieuan D.; Radin, Maxwell D.

2016-10-07

The doping of Al into layered Li transition metal (TM) oxide cathode materials, LiTMO 2, is known to improve the structural and thermal stability, although the origin of the enhanced properties is not well understood. We have investigated the effect of aluminum doping on layer stabilization using a combination of techniques to measure the aluminum distribution in layered LiNi 0.8Co 0.15Al 0.05O 2 (NCA) over multiple length scales with 27Al and 7Li MAS NMR, local electron atom probe (LEAP) tomography, X-ray and neutron diffraction, DFT, and SQUID magnetic susceptibility measurements. LEAP tomographic maps show a homogenous distribution of Ni, Co,more » Al and O 2 throughout the structure at the particle level in agreement with the hightemperature phase diagram. 7Li and 27Al NMR indicates that the Ni 3+ ions undergo a dynamic Jahn-Teller (JT) distortion. 27Al NMR spectra indicate that the Al reduces the strain associated with the JT distortion, by preferential electronic ordering of the JT long bonds directed toward the Al 3+ ion. Our ability to understand the complex atomic and orbital ordering around Al 3+ demonstrated in the current method will be useful for studying the local environment of Al 3+ in a range of transition metal oxide battery materials.« less

NEUTRONIC REACTOR FUEL ELEMENT

DOEpatents

Shackleford, M.H.

1958-12-16

A fuel element possessing good stability and heat conducting properties is described. The fuel element comprises an outer tube formed of material selected from the group consisting of stainhess steel, V, Ti. Mo. or Zr, a fuel tube concentrically fitting within the outer tube and containing an oxide of an isotope selected from the group consisting of U/sup 235/, U/sup 233/, and Pu/sup 239/, and a hollow, porous core concentrically fitting within the fuel tube and formed of an oxide of an element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Be, and Zr.

Irradiated microstructure of U-10Mo monolithic fuel plate at very high fission density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gan, J.; Miller, B. D.; Keiser, D. D.; Jue, J. F.; Madden, J. W.; Robinson, A. B.; Ozaltun, H.; Moore, G.; Meyer, M. K.

2017-08-01

Monolithic U-10Mo alloy fuel plates with Al-6061 cladding are being developed for use in research and test reactors as low enrichment fuel (<20% U-235 enrichment) as a result of its high uranium loading capacity compared to that of U-7Mo dispersion fuel. These fuel plates contain a Zr diffusion barrier between the U-10Mo fuel and Al-6061 cladding that suppresses the interaction between the U-Mo fuel foil and Al alloy cladding that is known to be problematic under irradiation. Different methods have been employed to fabricate monolithic fuel plates, including hot-rolling with no cold-rolling. L1P09T is a hot-rolled fuel plate irradiated to high fission density in the RERTR-9B experiment. This paper discusses the TEM characterization results for this U-10Mo/Zr/Al6061 monolithic fuel plate (∼59% U-235 enrichment) irradiated in Advanced Test Reactor at Idaho National Laboratory with an unprecedented high local fission density of 9.8E+21 fissions/cm3. The calculated fuel foil centerline temperature at the beginning of life and the end of life is 141 and 194 °C, respectively. TEM lamellas were prepared using focus ion beam lift-out technique. The estimated U-Mo fuel swelling, based on the fuel foil thickness change from SEM, is approximately 76%. Large bubbles (>1 μm) are distributed evenly in U-Mo and interlink of these bubbles is evident. The average size of subdivided grains at this fission density appears similar to that at 5.2E+21 fissions/cm3. The measured average Mo and Zr content in the fuel matrix is ∼30 at% and ∼7 at%, respectively, in general agreement with the calculated Mo and Zr from fission density.

Minimizing of the boundary friction coefficient in automotive engines using Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Mohamed Kamal Ahmed; Xianjun, Hou; Elagouz, Ahmed; Essa, F. A.; Abdelkareem, Mohamed A. A.

2016-12-01

Minimizing of the boundary friction coefficient is critical for engine efficiency improvement. It is known that the tribological behavior has a major role in controlling the performance of automotive engines in terms of the fuel consumption. The purpose of this research is an experimental study to minimize the boundary friction coefficient via nano-lubricant additives. The tribological characteristics of Al2O3 and TiO2 nano-lubricants were evaluated under reciprocating test conditions to simulate a piston ring/cylinder liner interface in automotive engines. The nanoparticles were suspended in a commercially available lubricant in a concentration of 0.25 wt.% to formulate the nano-lubricants. The Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles had sizes of 8-12 and 10 nm, respectively. The experimental results have shown that the boundary friction coefficient reduced by 35-51% near the top and bottom dead center of the stroke (TDC and BDC) for the Al2O3 and TiO2 nano-lubricants, respectively. The anti-wear mechanism was generated via the formation of protective films on the worn surfaces of the ring and liner. These results will be a promising approach for improving fuel economy in automotive.

Effect of Nano-Si3N4 Additives and Plasma Treatment on the Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of Plasma Sprayed Al2O3-8YSZ Ceramic Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gou, Junfeng; Zhang, Jian; Zhang, Qiwen; Wang, You; Wang, Chaohui

2017-04-01

In this paper, the effect of nano-Si3N4 additives and plasma treatment on the wear behavior of Al2O3-8YSZ ceramic coatings was studied. Nano-Al2O3, nano-8YSZ (8 wt.% Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2) and nano-Si3N4 powders were used as raw materials to fabricate four types of sprayable feedstocks. Plasma treatment was used to improve the properties of the feedstocks. The surface morphologies of the ceramic coatings were observed. The mechanical properties of the ceramic coatings were measured. The dry sliding wear behavior of the Al2O3-8YSZ coatings with and without Si3N4 additives was studied. Nano-Si3N4 additives and plasma treatment can improve the morphologies of the coatings by prohibiting the initiation of micro-cracks and reducing the unmelted particles. The hardness and bonding strength of AZSP (Al2O3-18 wt.% 8YSZ-10 wt.% Si3N4-plasma treatment) coating increased by 79.2 and 44% compared to those of AZ (Al2O3-20 wt.% 8YSZ) coating. The porosity of AZSP coating decreased by 85.4% compared to that of AZ coating. The wear test results showed that the addition of nano-Si3N4 and plasma treatment could improve the wear resistance of Al2O3-8YSZ coatings.

Electrochemical sensing of modified ABO3 perovskite: LaFe0.8 R0.2O3(R= Cr, Co, Al)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vidya Rajan, N.; Alexander, L. K.

2017-06-01

Perovskite LaFeO3 with orthorhombic structure has been synthesized by citric acid mediated solution method. The effectiveness of ionic radii and Oxidation state of the doping material on ionic conductivity of the host matrix was evaluated by B-site (Fe) doping on LaFeO3 with Cr, Co and Al, resulting LaFe0.8 R0.2O3 (R = Cr, Co, Al). XRD with Rietveld refinement and Raman spectroscopic analysis demonstrate successful synthesis. The effect of the 20% B site doping on electrochemical activity is reported. The doped materials exhibit a decrease in sensing activity towards the non enzymatic detection of H2O2.

Properties of Lu3Al5O12, Lu3Al5O12:Pr, Lu3Al5O12:Pr,Mo, and (Lu1-x Y x )3Al5O12:Pr scintillator crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talik, E.; Kusz, J.; Guzik, A.; Szubka, M.; Balin, K.; Kisielewski, J.; Wierzchowski, W.; Malinowska, A.; Strojny-Nedza, A.; Pajaczkowska, A.; Drozdowski, W.

2017-05-01

Lattice parameters, magnetic susceptibility, electronic structure, distribution of the elements and thermal properties were examined for single crystals of Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG) and (Lu1-x Y x )3Al5O12 (LuYAG) (x  =  0.25, 0.50, 0.75), either pure or doped with Pr and optionally co-doped with Mo, which are predicted as potential fast and efficient scintillators. It was indicated that specific cage-like surrounding of rare earth and aluminum ions built from oxygen ions and proper doping can influence the thermal conductivity and the emission process. Maximum light emission (LY) was observed at praseodymium concentration about 0.3 at.%. The growth atmosphere (Ar or N2) influences the crystal quality. Additional molybdenum doping below 0.01 at% concentration increases LY.

Durability test on irradiated rock-like oxide fuels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuramoto, K.; Nitani, N.; Yamashita, T.

2003-06-01

For a profitable use of Pu, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute has been promoting researches for once-through type fuels. The strategy consists of stable rock-like oxide fuel fabrication in conventional fuel facilities followed by almost complete Pu burning in LWR and disposal of chemically stable spent fuel without further processing. Because leach rates of hazardous nuclides, such as TRU and β-emitters, that have long half-lives, are very important for the evaluation of geological safety, leaching tests in deionized water at 363 K were performed with reference to the MCC-1 method. Five irradiated fuel pellets, a single phase fuel of a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) containing UO 2 (U-YSZ), two fuels of U-YSZ particle dispersed in MgAl 2O 4 (SPI) or Al 2O 3 (COR) matrix, two homogeneous-blended fuels of U-YSZ and SPI or COR powders, were submitted to the tests. Stainless steel containers with Au coating and ethylene propylene diene monomer were used as leaching vessels and packing, respectively. The evaluated normalized leach rates of Zr, U and Pu were obviously lower than those of the other important elements and nuclides. Americium, Np and especially Y showed unexpectedly high evaluated normalized leach rates. The volatile elements, Cs and I, showed enhanced leaching within particle-dispersed type fuels because of crack formation around the particle.

Influence of alloying elements on the oxidation behavior of NbAl3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hebsur, M. G.; Stephens, J. R.; Smialek, J. L.; Barrett, C. A.; Fox, D. S.

1988-01-01

NbAL3 is one candidate material for advanced aeropropulsion systems because of its high melting point, low density, and good oxidation resistance. Although NbAl3 has the lowest oxidation rate among the binary Nb-Al alloys, it does not form exclusive layers of protective Al2O3 scales. Recently Perkin et al., have shown the feasibility of forming alumina scales on Nb-Al alloys at greatly reduced Al contents. However, the objective was to maintain the high Al content, and hence low density, while achieving the capability of growing protective alumina scales. Alloy development followed approaches similar to those used successfully for superalloys and oxidation resistant MCrAlY coatings. Among the three elements examined (Ti, Si, and Cr) as ternary additions to Nb-Al3, Cr was the most effective in favoring the selective oxidation of Al. Nb-41Al-8Cr formed exclusive layers of alumina and had a k sub p value of 0.22 mg squared/cm (sup 4)/hr at 1200 C. The addition of 1 wt percent Y to this alloy was also beneficial, resulting in nearly an order of magnitude decrease in K sub p at 1200 C. Further improvements were achieved by adding about 1 wt percent Si to the quaternary alloy. The k sub p value of 0.012 mg squared/cm (sup 4)/hr for Nb-40Al-8Cr-1Y-1Si at 1200 C was identical to the best NiAl + Zr alloys. These NbAl3 alloys also exhibited excellent cyclic oxidation resistance for 100 hr at 1200 C, being nearly equivalent to NiAl + Zr.

Development of PRIME for irradiation performance analysis of U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Gwan Yoon; Kim, Yeon Soo; Jeong, Yong Jin; Park, Jong Man; Sohn, Dong-Seong

2018-04-01

A prediction code for the thermo-mechanical performance of research reactor fuel (PRIME) has been developed with the implementation of developed models to analyze the irradiation behavior of U-Mo dispersion fuel. The code is capable of predicting the two-dimensional thermal and mechanical performance of U-Mo dispersion fuel during irradiation. A finite element method was employed to solve the governing equations for thermal and mechanical equilibria. Temperature- and burnup-dependent material properties of the fuel meat constituents and cladding were used. The numerical solution schemes in PRIME were verified by benchmarking solutions obtained using a commercial finite element analysis program (ABAQUS). The code was validated using irradiation data from RERTR, HAMP-1, and E-FUTURE tests. The measured irradiation data used in the validation were IL thickness, volume fractions of fuel meat constituents for the thermal analysis, and profiles of the plate thickness changes and fuel meat swelling for the mechanical analysis. The prediction results were in good agreement with the measurement data for both thermal and mechanical analyses, confirming the validity of the code.

Structure, strain, and control of ground state property in LaTiO3/LaAlO3 superlattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Alex Taekyung; Han, Myung Joon

2014-03-01

We examined the ground state property of LaTiO3/LaAlO3 superlattice through density functional band calculations. Total energy calculations, including the structural distortions, U dependence, and the exchange correlation functional dependence, clearly showed that the spin and orbital ground state can be controlled systematically by the epitaxial strain. In the wide range of strain, the ferromagnetic-spin and antiferro-orbital order are stabilized, which is notably different from the previously reported ground state in the titanate systems. By applying +2.8% of tensile strains, we showed that the antiferromagnetic-spin and ferro-orbital ordered phase become stabilized.

Crystal structure of Cr-bearing Mg3BeAl8O16, a new polytype of magnesiotaaffeite-2N'2S.

PubMed

Malcherek, Thomas; Schlüter, Jochen

2016-07-01

The crystal structure of a new polytype of magnesiotaaffeite-2N'2S, ideally Mg3BeAl8O16 (trimagnesium beryllium octa-aluminium hexa-deca-oxide), is described in space-group symmetry P-3m1. It has been identified in a fragment of a mineral sample from Burma (Myanmar). The new polytype is composed of two Mg2Al4O8 (S)- and two BeMgAl4O8 (N')-modules in a stacking sequence N'SSN'' which differs from the N'SN'S-stacking sequence of the known magnesiotaaffeite-2N'2S polytype. The crystal structure can be derived from a close-packed arrangement of O atoms and is discussed with regard to its polytypism and its Cr(3+) chromophore content.

Thermophysical properties of heat-treated U-7Mo/Al dispersion fuel

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

Cho, Tae Won; Kim, Yeon Soo; Park, Jong Man

In this study, the effects of interaction layer (IL) on thermophysical properties of U-7Mo/Al dispersion fuel were examined. Microstructural analyses revealed that ILs were formed uniformly on U-Mo particles during heating of U-7Mo/Al samples. The IL volume fraction was measured by applying image analysis methods. The uranium loadings of the samples were calculated based on the measured meat densities at 298 K. The density of the IL was estimated by using the measured density and IL volume fraction. Thermal diffusivity and heat capacity of the samples after the heat treatment were measured as a function of temperature and volume fractionsmore » of U-Mo and IL. The thermal conductivity of IL-formed U-7Mo/Al was derived by using the measured thermal diffusivity, heat capacity, and density. The thermal conductivity obtained in the present study was lower than that predicted by the modified Hashin–Shtrikman model due to the theoretical model’s inability to consider the thermal resistance at interfaces between the meat constituents.« less

Thermophysical properties of heat-treated U-7Mo/Al dispersion fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Tae Won; Kim, Yeon Soo; Park, Jong Man; Lee, Kyu Hong; Kim, Sunghwan; Lee, Chong Tak; Yang, Jae Ho; Oh, Jang Soo; Sohn, Dong-Seong

2018-04-01

In this study, the effects of interaction layer (IL) on thermophysical properties of U-7Mo/Al dispersion fuel were examined. Microstructural analyses revealed that ILs were formed uniformly on U-Mo particles during heating of U-7Mo/Al samples. The IL volume fraction was measured by applying image analysis methods. The uranium loadings of the samples were calculated based on the measured meat densities at 298 K. The density of the IL was estimated by using the measured density and IL volume fraction. Thermal diffusivity and heat capacity of the samples after the heat treatment were measured as a function of temperature and volume fractions of U-Mo and IL. The thermal conductivity of IL-formed U-7Mo/Al was derived by using the measured thermal diffusivity, heat capacity, and density. The thermal conductivity obtained in the present study was lower than that predicted by the modified Hashin-Shtrikman model due to the theoretical model's inability to consider the thermal resistance at interfaces between the meat constituents.

The synthesis and structure of a chiral 1D aluminophosphate chain compound: d-Co(en) 3[AlP 2O 8]·6.5H 2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Peng; Li, Jiyang; Yu, Jihong; Wang, Yu; Pan, Qinhe; Xu, Ruren

2005-06-01

A new chiral one-dimensional (1D) aluminophosphate chain compound [ d-Co(en) 3][AlP 2O 8]·6.5H 2O (designated AlPO-CJ22) has been hydrothermally synthesized by using the optically pure d-Co(en) 3I 3 complex as the template. Single-crystal structural analysis reveals that its structure is built up from alternating connection of AlO 4 and PO 2(=O 2) tetrahedra to form corner-shared Al 2P 2 four-membered ring (4-MR) chains. The d-Co(en) 33+ complex cations extended along the 2 1 screw axis interact with the inorganic chains through hydrogen-bonds of N⋯O atoms in a helical fashion. Optical rotation measurement shows that AlPO-CJ22 is chiral as with d-Co(en) 33+ complex cations. Crystal data: orthorhombic, I2 12 12 1, a=8.5573(8) Å, b=22.613(2) Å, c=22.605(2) Å, Z=8, R1=0.067, wR2=0.1291, and Flack parameter: -0.02(3). CCDC number: 254179.

Computational Study of Ethanol Conversion on Al 8 O 12 as a Model for γ-Al 2 O 3

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

Fang, Zongtang; Wang, Yong; Dixon, David A.

2015-10-15

Correlated molecular orbital theory at the coupled cluster CCSD(T) level with density functional theory geometries is used to study ethanol dehydration, dehydrogenation, and condensation reactions on an the Al8O12 cluster which is a model for γ-Al2O3. The Al in the active site on the cluster is a strong Lewis acid. The reactions begin with formation of a very stable Lewis acid–base ethanol–cluster adduct. Dehydration proceeds by β-H transfer to a bicoordinate oxygen leading to the direct formation of ethylene and two OH groups following an E2 mechanism. Dehydrogenation proceeds directly by α-H transfer to the active metal center and amore » proton transfer to a bicoordinate bridge O to form acetaldehyde plus a metal hydride and a hydroxyl, again an E2 mechanism. After addition of a second ethanol, diethyl ether is generated by an α-C transfer from the first to the second ethanol, an acid-driven SN2 mechanism. Condensation and dehydration with two alcohols have comparable energy barriers. The addition of a second ethanol or a water molecule raises the energy barriers. Condensation and dehydration are predicted to be more likely than dehydrogenation. The computational results for the mechanism and the energetics agree well with the available experimental data.« less

Fabrication and characterization of complex oxide RENiO3/LaAlO3 superlattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kareev, M.; Freeland, J. W.; Liu, J.; Kirby, B.; Keimer, B.; Chakhalian, J.

2008-03-01

Nowadays there has been growing interest to synthesis of atomically thin complex oxide superlattices which can result in novel electronic and magnetic properties at the interface. Here we report on digital synthesis of single unit cell nickel based heterostructures of RENiO3/LaAlO3 (RE = La, Nd and Pr) superlattices on SrTiO3 and LaAlO3 by laser MBE. RHEED analysis, grazing angle XRD and AFM imaging have confirmed the high quality of the epitaxially grown superlattices. The magnetic and electronic properties of the superlattices have been elucidated by polarized X-ray spectroscopies, which show a non-trivial evolution of magnetism and charge of the LNO layer with increasing LNO layer thickness. The work has been supported by U.S. DOD-ARO under Contract No. 0402-17291.

NaAlTi 3O 8, A Novel Anode Material for Sodium Ion Battery

DOE PAGES

Ma, Xuetian; An, Ke; Bai, Jianmin; ...

2017-03-13

Sodium ion batteries are being considered as an alternative to lithium ion batteries in large-scale energy storage applications owing to the low cost. In this paper, a novel titanate compound, NaAlTi 3O 8, was successfully synthesized and tested as a promising anode material for sodium ion batteries. Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and refinement were used to analyze the crystal structure. Electrochemical cycling tests under a C/10 rate between 0.01 - 2.5 V showed that ~83 mAh/g capacity could be achieved in the second cycle, with ~75% of which retained after 100 cycles, which corresponds to 0.75 Na + insertion andmore » extraction. The influence of synthesis conditions on electrochemical performances was investigated and discussed. Finally, NaAlTi 3O 8 not only presents a new anode material with low average voltage of ~0.5 V, but also provides a new type of intercalation anode with a crystal structure that differentiates from the anodes that have been reported.« less

Annealing tests of in-pile irradiated oxide coated U-Mo/Al-Si dispersed nuclear fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zweifel, T.; Valot, Ch.; Pontillon, Y.; Lamontagne, J.; Vermersch, A.; Barrallier, L.; Blay, T.; Petry, W.; Palancher, H.

2014-09-01

U-Mo/Al based nuclear fuels have been worldwide considered as a promising high density fuel for the conversion of high flux research reactors from highly enriched uranium to lower enrichment. In this paper, we present the annealing test up to 1800 °C of in-pile irradiated U-Mo/Al-Si fuel plate samples. More than 70% of the fission gases (FGs) are released during two major FG release peaks around 500 °C and 670 °C. Additional characterisations of the samples by XRD, EPMA and SEM suggest that up to 500 °C FGs are released from IDL/matrix interfaces. The second peak at 670 °C representing the main release of FGs originates from the interaction between U-Mo and matrix in the vicinity of the cladding.

Improvement of performance in low temperature solid oxide fuel cells operated on ethanol and air mixtures using Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 catalyst layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morales, M.; Espiell, F.; Segarra, M.

2015-10-01

Anode-supported single-chamber solid oxide fuel cells with and without Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 catalyst layers deposited on the anode support have been operated on ethanol and air mixtures. The cells consist of gadolinia-doped ceria electrolyte, Ni-doped ceria anode, and La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ-doped ceria cathode. Catalyst layers with different Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 ratios are deposited and sintered at several temperatures. Since the performance of single-chamber fuel cells strongly depends on catalytic properties of electrodes for partial oxidation of ethanol, the cells are electrochemically characterized as a function of the temperature, ethanol-air molar ratio and gas flow rate. In addition, catalytic activities of supported anode, catalytic layer-supported anode and cathode for partial oxidation of ethanol are analysed. Afterwards, the effect of composition and sintering temperature of catalyst layer on the cell performance are determined. The results indicate that the cell performance can be significantly enhanced using catalyst layers of 30:35:35 and 40:30:30 wt.% Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 sintered at 1100 °C, achieving power densities above 50 mW cm-2 under 0.45 ethanol-air ratio at temperatures as low as 450 °C. After testing for 15 h, all cells present a gradual loss of power density, without carbon deposition, which is mainly attributed to the partial re-oxidation of Ni at the anode.

Complete Al-SI Order in Scapolite Me[subscript 37.5], Ideally Ca[subscript 3]Na[subscript 5][Al[subscript 8]Si[subscript 16]O[subscript 48

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

Antao, Sytle M.; Hassan, Ishmael; West Indies)

2011-09-06

The structure of an intermediate scapolite (Me{sub 36.6}) from Lake Clear, Ontario, was obtained using synchrotron high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction (HRPXRD) data and Rietveld structure refinement in space group P4{sub 2}/n. The chemical formula obtained by electron microprobe is Na{sub 2.19}Ca{sub 1.35}K{sub 0.16}[Al{sub 3.95}Si{sub 8.05}O{sub 24}]Cl{sub 0.55}(CO{sub 3}){sub 0.41}(SO{sub 4}){sub 0.04}, equivalent to Me{sub 36.6}. The unit-cell parameters are a 12.07899(1), c 7.583467(9) {angstrom}, and V 1106.443(2) {angstrom}{sup 3}. The average distances are O> = 1.617(1) {angstrom}, O> = 1.744(1) {angstrom}, and 3-O> = 1.601(1) {angstrom}. Therefore, the T1 and T3 sites contain only Si atoms, and the T2 sitemore » contains only Al atoms, so the Al and Si atoms are completely ordered. Complete Al-Si order was predicted for Me{sub 37.5}, ideally Ca{sub 3}Na{sub 5}[Al{sub 8}Si{sub 16}O{sub 48}]Cl(CO{sub 3}), and is confirmed in this study. Antiphase domain boundaries (APBs) in scapolite cannot arise from Al-Si order because the average O> distances indicate complete Al-Si order in Me{sub 36.6}. If APBs were to arise from Al-Si order, switching of the T sites across the APBs will occur, and complete Al-Si order cannot be observed. Therefore, Al-Si order, which is present to various extents across the scapolite series, can be ruled out as the cause for the APBs. Order involving Cl and CO{sub 3} is the cause for the APBs in scapolite.« less

Development of PRIME for irradiation performance analysis of U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel

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

Jeong, Gwan Yoon; Kim, Yeon Soo; Jeong, Yong Jin

A prediction code for the thermo-mechanical performance of research reactor fuel (PRIME) has been developed with the implementation of developed models to analyze the irradiation behavior of U-Mo dispersion fuel. The code is capable of predicting the two-dimensional thermal and mechanical performance of U-Mo dispersion fuel during irradiation. A finite element method was employed to solve the governing equations for thermal and mechanical equilibria. Temperature-and burnup-dependent material properties of the fuel meat constituents and cladding were used. The numerical solution schemes in PRIME were verified by benchmarking solutions obtained using a commercial finite element analysis program (ABAQUS).The code was validatedmore » using irradiation data from RERTR, HAMP-1, and E-FUTURE tests. The measured irradiation data used in the validation were IL thickness, volume fractions of fuel meat constituents for the thermal analysis, and profiles of the plate thickness changes and fuel meat swelling for the mechanical analysis. The prediction results were in good agreement with the measurement data for both thermal and mechanical analyses, confirming the validity of the code. (c) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.« less

Carrier Density at LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Interfaces: Evidence of Electronic Reconstruction.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xi, Xiaoxing

The origin of the 2D electron gas at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface has been a controversial subject ever since its discovery. A serious inconsistency with the most accepted mechanism, an electronic reconstruction in response to a polar discontinuity at the interface, is that the carrier densities reported experimentally are invariably lower than the expected value except under conditions where reduction of SrTiO3 substrate is suspected. We have grown LaAlO3 films of different stoichiometry on TiO2-terminated SrTiO3 substrates using atomic layer-by-layer laser molecular beam epitaxy (ALL-Laser MBE), in which La2O3 and Al2O3 targets were sequentially ablated in 37 mTorr oxygen. The high oxygen pressure during growth prevents the possible oxygen reduction in SrTiO3, ensures that the LaAlO3 films are sufficiently oxygenated, and suppresses the La-Sr intermixing due to the bombardment effect. X-ray linear dichroism (XLD) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements show characteristics of oxygenated samples. In the electronic reconstruction picture, instead of the charge transfer of half of an electron in the case of a sufficiently thick stoichiometric LaAlO3, a LaAlO3 film thickness dependence is expected as well as a linear dependence on stoichiometry. Our experimental results on carrier densities in 10 nm-thick LaAl1 +yO3(1 +0.5y) films agree quantitatively with the theoretical expectations, lending a strong support for the electronic reconstruction mechanism. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, under Grant No. DE-SC0004764.

Image reconstruction algorithm for optically stimulated luminescence 2D dosimetry using laser-scanned Al2O3:C and Al2O3:C,Mg films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, M. F.; Schnell, E.; Ahmad, S.; Yukihara, E. G.

2016-10-01

The objective of this work was to develop an image reconstruction algorithm for 2D dosimetry using Al2O3:C and Al2O3:C,Mg optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) films imaged using a laser scanning system. The algorithm takes into account parameters associated with detector properties and the readout system. Pieces of Al2O3:C films (~8 mm  ×  8 mm  ×  125 µm) were irradiated and used to simulate dose distributions with extreme dose gradients (zero and non-zero dose regions). The OSLD film pieces were scanned using a custom-built laser-scanning OSL reader and the data obtained were used to develop and demonstrate a dose reconstruction algorithm. The algorithm includes corrections for: (a) galvo hysteresis, (b) photomultiplier tube (PMT) linearity, (c) phosphorescence, (d) ‘pixel bleeding’ caused by the 35 ms luminescence lifetime of F-centers in Al2O3, (e) geometrical distortion inherent to Galvo scanning system, and (f) position dependence of the light collection efficiency. The algorithm was also applied to 6.0 cm  ×  6.0 cm  ×  125 μm or 10.0 cm  ×  10.0 cm  ×  125 µm Al2O3:C and Al2O3:C,Mg films exposed to megavoltage x-rays (6 MV) and 12C beams (430 MeV u-1). The results obtained using pieces of irradiated films show the ability of the image reconstruction algorithm to correct for pixel bleeding even in the presence of extremely sharp dose gradients. Corrections for geometric distortion and position dependence of light collection efficiency were shown to minimize characteristic limitations of this system design. We also exemplify the application of the algorithm to more clinically relevant 6 MV x-ray beam and a 12C pencil beam, demonstrating the potential for small field dosimetry. The image reconstruction algorithm described here provides the foundation for laser-scanned OSL applied to 2D dosimetry.

Analysis of oxygen potential of (U 0.7Pu 0.3)O 2±x and (U 0.8Pu 0.2)O 2±x based on point defect chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, Masato; Konashi, Kenji; Nakae, Nobuo

2009-06-01

Stoichiometries in (U 0.7Pu 0.3)O 2±x and (U 0.8Pu 0.2)O 2±x were analyzed with the experimental data of oxygen potential based on point defect chemistry. The relationship between the deviation x of stoichiometric composition and the oxygen partial pressure P was evaluated using a Kröger-Vink diagram. The concentrations of the point defects in uranium and plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) were estimated from the measurement data of oxygen potentials as functions of temperature and P. The analysis results showed that x was proportional to PO2±1/2 near the stoichiometric region of both (U 0.7Pu 0.3)O 2±x and (U 0.8Pu 0.2)O 2±x, which suggested that intrinsic ionization was the dominant defect. A model to calculate oxygen potential was derived and it represented the experimental data accurately. Further, the model estimated the thermodynamic data, ΔH and ΔS, of stoichiometric (U 0.7Pu 0.3)O 2.00 and (U 0.8Pu 0.2)O 2.00 as -552.5 kJ·mol -1 and -149.7 J·mol -1, and -674.0 kJ · mol -1 and -219.4 J · mol -1, respectively.

Mechanical and thermal properties of SrO/BaO modified Y2O3-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 glasses and their compatibility with solid oxide fuel cell components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Navdeep; Kaur, Gurbinder; Kumar, Devender; Singh, K.

2018-07-01

In this study, various compositions of (30-x) SrO-xBaO-10Al2O3-45SiO2-5B2O3-10Y2O3 (mol%) (5 ≤ x ≤ 25) were synthesized using the melt-quench technique. The as-prepared glasses were characterized by X-ray diffraction, micro-hardness testing, dilatometry, and scanning electron microscopy to determine their thermal and mechanical properties. Powders of the glasses were used to make diffusion couples with Crofer 22 APU (interconnect) and yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) for the interfacial study. Diffusion couples of the pre-oxidized Crofer 22 APU/glasses and YSZ/glasses were tested for 500 h at 850 °C. The coefficients of thermal expansion obtained for all the glasses were in the required range for applications in solid oxide fuel cells. The highest hardness and fracture toughness were obtained for the glass with x = 10 mol% due to the mixed modifier effect. However, the glass with x = 15 mol% exhibited better adhesion with YSZ and Crofer 22 APU.

Computational materials design of negative effective U system in the hole-doped Delafossite of CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakanishi, Akitaka; Fukushima, Tetsuya; Uede, Hiroki; Katayama-Yoshida, Hiroshi

2015-03-01

In order to realize the super-high-TC superconductors (TC>1,000K) based on the general design rules for the negative Ueff system, we have performed computational materials design for theUeff<0 system in the hole-doped two-dimensional (2D) Delafossite CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2 from the first principles. We find the interesting chemical trend of TC in 2D and 3D systems; where the TC increases exponentially in the weak coupling regime (|Ueff (-0.44eV)|< W(2eV), W is the band width) for hole-doped CuFeS2, then the TC goes through a maximum when |Ueff (-4.88eV, -4.14eV)| ~ W (2.8eV, 3.5eV) for hole-doped AgAlO2 and AuAlO2, and the TC decreases with increasing |Ueff|in strong coupling regime, where |Ueff (-4.53eV)|> W(1.7eV) for hole-doped CuAlO2

Atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3-HfO2-Al2O3 dielectrics for metal-insulator-metal capacitor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Shi-Jin; Zhu, Chunxiang; Li, Ming-Fu; Zhang, David Wei

2005-08-01

Atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3-HfO2-Al2O3 dielectrics have been investigated to replace conventional silicon oxide and nitride for radio frequency and analog metal-insulator-metal capacitors applications. In the case of 1-nm-Al2O3, sufficiently good electrical performances are achieved, including a high dielectric constant of ˜17, a small dissipation factor of 0.018 at 100kHz, an extremely low leakage current of 7.8×10-9A/cm2 at 1MV/cm and 125°C, perfect voltage coefficients of capacitance (74ppm/V2 and 10ppm/V). The quadratic voltage coefficient of capacitance decreases with the applied frequency due to the change of relaxation time with different carrier mobility in insulator, and correlates with the dielectric composition and thickness, which is of intrinsic property owing to electric field polarization. Furthermore, the conduction mechanism of the AHA dielectrics is also discussed, indicating the Schottky emission dominated at room temperature.

Interdiffusion behavior of U3Si2 with FeCrAl via diffusion couple studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoggan, Rita E.; He, Lingfeng; Harp, Jason M.

2018-04-01

Uranium silicide (U3Si2) is a candidate to replace uranium oxide (UO2) as light water reactor (LWR) fuel because of its higher thermal conductivity and higher fissile density relative to the current standard, UO2. A class of Fe, Cr, Al alloys collectively known as FeCrAl alloys that have superior mechanical and oxidation resistance are being considered as an alternative to the standard Zirconium based LWR cladding. The interdiffusion behavior between FeCrAl and U3Si2 is investigated in this study. Commercially available FeCrAl, along with U3Si2 pellets were placed in diffusion couples. Individual tests were ran at temperatures ranging from 500 °C to 1000 °C for 30 h and 100 h. The interdiffusion was analyzed with an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. Uniform and planar interdiffusion layers along the material interface were illustrated with backscatter electron micrographs and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Electron diffraction was used to validate phases present in the system, including distinct U2Fe3Si/UFe2 and UFeSi layers at the material interface. U and Fe diffused far into the FeCrAl and U3Si2 matrix, respectively, in the higher temperature tests. No interaction was observed at 500 °C for 30 h.

Oxidation kinetics for conversion of U 3O 8 to ε-UO 3 with NO 2

DOE PAGES

Johnson, J. A.; Rawn, C. J.; Spencer, B. B.; ...

2017-04-04

The oxidation kinetics of U 3O 8 powder to ε-UO 3 in an NO 2 environment was measured by in situ x-ray diffraction (XRD). Experiments were performed at temperatures of 195, 210, 235, and 250°C using a custom designed and fabricated sample isolation stage. Data were refined to quantify phase fractions using a newly proposed structure for the ε-UO 3 polymorph. The kinetics data were modeled using a shrinking core approach. A proposed two-step reaction process is presented based on the developed models.

Synthesis of Vertically-Aligned Carbon Nanotubes from Langmuir-Blodgett Films Deposited Fe Nanoparticles on Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si Substrate.

PubMed

Takagiwa, Shota; Kanasugi, Osamu; Nakamura, Kentaro; Kushida, Masahito

2016-04-01

In order to apply vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) to a new Pt supporting material of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), number density and outer diameter of CNTs must be controlled independently. So, we employed Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique for depositing CNT growth catalysts. A Fe nanoparticle (NP) was used as a CNT growth catalyst. In this study, we tried to thicken VA-CNT carpet height and inhibit thermal aggregation of Fe NPs by using Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si substrate. Fe NP LB films were deposited on three typed of substrates, SiO2/Si, as-deposited Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si and annealed Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si at 923 K in Ar atmosphere of 16 Pa. It is known that Al2O3/Al catalyzes hydrocarbon reforming, inhibits thermal aggregation of CNT growth catalysts and reduces CNT growth catalysts. It was found that annealed Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si exerted three effects more strongly than as-deposited Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si. VA-CNTs were synthesized from Fe NPs-C16 LB films by thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. As a result, at the distance between two nearest CNTs 28 nm or less, VA-CNT carpet height on annealed Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si was about twice and ten times thicker than that on SiO2/Si and that on as-deposited Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si, respectively. Moreover, distribution of CNT outer diameter on annealed Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si was inhibited compared to that on SiO2/Si. These results suggest that since thermal aggregation of Fe NPs is inhibited, catalyst activity increases and distribution of Fe NP size is inhibited.

Thermodynamics, Diffusion, and Structure of Liquid NaAlSi3O8 at Elevated Temperature and Pressure from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neilson, R.; Spera, F. J.; Ghiorso, M. S.

2014-12-01

Thermodynamic properties of silicate melts at high temperature (T) and pressure (P) are crucial to understanding Earth accretion, magma oceans, petrogenesis, and crustal growth. However, equations of state for silicate liquids at mantle conditions are scarce, due to experimental challenges. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations allow investigation of thermodynamic and transport properties of silicate melts at high P and T and enable the correlation of liquid structure with computed properties. Using classical MD, we studied liquid NaAlSi3O8 in the range 0-42 GPa and 3000-5137 K. Density ranged from 2.2 to 3.6 g/cm3, and all simulations were performed in the microcanonical (NEV) ensemble using the potential from Matsui (1998). An equation of state with internal energy E(V,T) was developed using the RT scaling-Vinet formulation (Ghiorso et al., 2009). From thermodynamic relationships, the Grüneisen parameter, isobaric expansivity, isothermal compressibility, heat capacity, and other functions are computed over the P-T range of the MD simulations. Diffusion coefficients (D) range from 1.5×10-9 to 5.9×10-8 m2/s and typically order Na>Al>O>Si at a given state point. Generally, D decreases with P and increases with T except for a low P anomalous region along the 3065 K isotherm. Anomalous diffusion for Al, Si, and O is congruent with laboratory experiments at P<10 GPa (e.g., Shimizu and Kushiro, 1984; Poe et al., 1997; Tinker and Lesher, 2001; Tinker et al., 2003). Activation energy for Na is on the order of -75.3 kJ/mol with activation volume -1.74 cm3/mol. The anomalous peak in diffusivity for Si and O occurs at ~3 GPa, which marks a subtle increase in the average coordination number (CN) for O around O from 9.35 to 10.31. The average CN for O around O generally increases with P, but it systematically drops at 8, 15, and 20 GPa for 3065, 3944, and 5137 K, respectively. The concentrations of AlO5 and SiO5 polyhedra maximize near 16 and 35 GPa, respectively.

Inhibition of ammonia poisoning by addition of platinum to Ru/α-Al2 O3 for preferential CO oxidation in fuel cells.

PubMed

Sato, Katsutoshi; Yagi, Sho; Zaitsu, Shuhei; Kitayama, Godai; Kayada, Yuto; Teramura, Kentaro; Takita, Yusaku; Nagaoka, Katsutoshi

2014-12-01

In polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) systems, small amounts of ammonia (NH3 ) present in the reformate gas deactivate the supported ruthenium catalysts used for preferential oxidation (PROX) of carbon monoxide (CO). In this study, we investigated how the addition of a small amount of platinum to a Ru/α-Al2 O3 catalyst (Pt/Ru=1:9 w/w) affected the catalyst's PROX activity in both the absence and the presence of NH3 (130 ppm) under conditions mimicking the reformate conditions during steam reforming of natural gas. The activity of undoped Ru/α-Al2 O3 decreased sharply upon addition of NH3 , whereas Pt/Ru/α-Al2 O3 exhibited excellent PROX activity even in the presence of NH3 . Ruthenium K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra indicated that in the presence of NH3 , some of the ruthenium in the undoped catalyst was oxidized in the presence of NH3 , whereas ruthenium oxidation was not observed with Pt/Ru/α-Al2 O3 . These results suggest that ruthenium oxidation is retarded by the platinum, so that the catalyst shows high activity even in the presence of NH3 . © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

F8U-3 aircraft

NASA Image and Video Library

1959-09-10

Crusader on runway. Navy aircraft number 6340. L59-6101 caption: The Navy's Vought XF8U-3 Supersonic Fighter was an entirely new design as compared to the earlier F8U Crusader series. This jet plane lost in competition with the McDonnell F4H, however, and was never put into production. Langley used the XF8U-3 in some of the first flight measurements of sonic boom intensity. Photograph published in Engineer in Charge A History of the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, 1917-1958 by James R. Hansen. Page 507. Caption: Chance Vought F8U-3 airplane used in sonic boom investigation at Wallops, June-August 1959. Photograph published in A New Dimension Wallops Island Flight Test Range: The First Fifteen Years by Joseph Shortal. A NASA publication. Page 672.

On the entropy of glaucophane Na2Mg3Al2Si8O22(OH)2

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robie, R.A.; Hemingway, B.S.; Gillet, P.; Reynard, B.

1991-01-01

The heat capacity of glaucophane from the Sesia-Lanza region of Italy having the approximate composition (Na1.93Ca0.05Fe0.02) (Mg2.60Fe0.41) (Al1.83Fe0.15Cr0.01) (Si7.92Al0.08)O22(OH)2 was measured by adiabatic calorimetry between 4.6 and 359.4 K. After correcting the Cp0data to values for ideal glaucophane, Na2Mg3Al2Si8O22(OH)2 the third-law entropy S2980-S00was calculated to be 541.2??3.0 J??mol-1??K-1. Our value for S2980-S00is 12.0 J??mol-1??K-1 (2.2%) smaller than the value of Likhoydov et al. (1982), 553.2??3.0, is within 6.2 J??mol-1??K-1 of the value estimated by Holland (1988), and agrees remarkably well with the value calculated by Gillet et al. (1989) from spectroscopic data, 539 J??mol-1??K-1. ?? 1991 Springer-Verlag.

Crystallographic study of Si and ZrN coated U-Mo atomised particles and of their interaction with al under thermal annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zweifel, T.; Palancher, H.; Leenaers, A.; Bonnin, A.; Honkimaki, V.; Tucoulou, R.; Van Den Berghe, S.; Jungwirth, R.; Charollais, F.; Petry, W.

2013-11-01

-Mo/Si [41]). This analysis is furthermore in full agreement with the SEM/EDX characterisations which have highlighted the growth of a SiRDL in these U-Mo(Si)/Al_P fuel plates [30]. However it must be stressed that the amount of these U(Al,Si)3 and U3Si5 crystalline phases (about 0.3 wt%) is lower than the one obtained for fuel plates containing 4-6 wt% Si in the matrix [12]. It equals to the SiRDL amount measured in the IRIS4_2.1%Si fuel plate. Using these HE-XRD measurements, the Si concentration in SiRDLs is evaluated to 51 at%. This value is somewhat higher than when measured by EDX: it has been estimated to 40 at% in [30]. U2Mo and α"-U phase for compacts annealed at 340 °C, U2Mo and α'-U phase for compacts annealed at 450 °C [43], gamma;-U-Mo and α'-U for compacts annealed at 550 °C. These results obtained on compacts are in good agreement with previous works performed on U-8Mo ingots (see Fig. 9A) -even if some differences in the α-U phase structure must be mentioned - and in very close agreement with recent studies on thermally annealed U-Mo/Al fuel plates. Indeed destabilisation products found in this work are identical to those identified after fuel plate annealing at 550 °C [25] and 450 °C [43]. Moreover this work helps establishing that destabilisation products are U2Mo and α"-U at lower temperatures (below 450 °C). This was first demonstrated on fuel plates annealed at 425 °C for more than 50 h [43] and this is confirmed here with the analysis of the compacts annealed at 340 °C during 130 days. Note finally that whatever the presence of a coating, destabilisation ratios are very close in compacts annealed in the same conditions (see Fig. 9B) and that destabilisation ratios show the expected increase between 2 and 4 h annealing at 550 °C. The non-annealed U-Mo(Si)/Al compact has been lost during fabrication.

Tribological properties of thermally sprayed TiAl-Al2O3 composite coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salman, A.; Gabbitas, B.; Li, J.; Zhang, D.

2009-08-01

The use of thermal spray coatings provides protection to the surfaces operating in severe environments. The main goal of the current work is to investigate the possibility of using a high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) thermally sprayed wear resistant TiAl/Al2O3 coating on tool steel (H13) which is used for making dies for aluminium high pressure die casting. A feedstock of TiAl/Al2O3 composite powder was produced from a mixture of Al and TiO2 powders by high energy mechanical milling, followed by a thermal reaction process. The feedstock was then thermally sprayed using a high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) technique onto H13 steel substrates to produce a composite coating. The present study describes and compares the tribological properties such as friction and sliding wear rate of the coating both at room and high temperature (700°C). The results showed that the composite coating has lower wear rate at high temperature (700°C) than the uncoated H13 sample. At Room temperature without using lubricant there is no much significant difference between the wear rate of the coated and uncoated samples. The experimental results showed that the composite coating has great potential for high temperature application due to its lower wear rate at high temperature in comparison with the uncoated sample at the same temperature. The composite coating was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). This paper reports the experimental observations and discusses the wear resistance performance of the coatings at room and high temperatures.

Upper limit to magnetism in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitzsimmons, Michael

2012-02-01

In 2004 Ohtomo and Hwang reported unusually high conductivity in LaAlO3 and SrTiO3 bilayer samples. Since then, metallic conduction, superconductivity, magnetism, and coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism have been attributed to LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interfaces. Very recently, two studies have reported large magnetic moments attributed to interfaces from measurement techniques that are unable to distinguish between interfacial and bulk magnetism. Consequently, it is imperative to perform magnetic measurements that by being intrinsically sensitive to interface magnetism are impervious to experimental artifacts suffered by bulk measurements. Using polarized neutron reflectometry, we measured the neutron spin dependent reflectivity from four LaAlO3/SrTiO3 superlattices. Our results indicate the upper limit for the magnetization averaged over the lateral dimensions of the sample induced by an 11 T magnetic field at 1.7 K is less than 2 G. SQUID magnetometry of the neutron superlattice samples sporadically finds an enhanced moment (consistent with past reports), possibly due to experimental artifacts. These observations set important restrictions on theories which imply a strongly enhanced magnetism at the interface between LaAlO3 and SrTiO3. Work performed in collaboration with N.W. Hengartner, S. Singh, M. Zhernenkov (LANL), F.Y. Bruno, J. Santamaria (Universidad Complutense de Madrid), A. Brinkman, M.J.A. Huijben, H. Molegraaf (MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology), J. de la Venta and Ivan K. Schuller (UCSD). [4pt] Work supported by the Office of Basic Energy Science, U.S. Department of Energy, BES-DMS and DMR under grant DE FG03-87ER-45332. Work at UCM is supported by Consolider Ingenio CSD2009-00013 (IMAGINE), CAM S2009-MAT 1756 (PHAMA) and work at Twente is supported by the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM).

A screen-printed Ce 0.8Sm 0.2O 1.9 film solid oxide fuel cell with a Ba 0.5Sr 0.5Co 0.8Fe 0.2O 3- δ cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yaohui; Huang, Xiqiang; Lu, Zhe; Liu, Zhiguo; Ge, Xiaodong; Xu, Jiahuan; Xin, Xianshuang; Sha, Xueqing; Su, Wenhui

Screen-printing technology was developed to fabricate Ce 0.8Sm 0.2O 1.9 (SDC) electrolyte films onto porous NiO-SDC green anode substrates. After sintering at 1400 °C for 4 h, a gas-tight SDC film with a thickness of 12 μm was obtained. A novel cathode material of Ba 0.5Sr 0.5Co 0.8Fe 0.2O 3- δ was subsequently applied onto the sintered SDC electrolyte film also by screen-printing and sintered at 970 °C for 3 h to get a single cell. A fuel cell of Ni-SDC/SDC (12 μm)/Ba 0.5Sr 0.5Co 0.8Fe 0.2O 3- δ provides the maximum power densities of 1280, 1080, 670, 370, 180 and 73 mW cm -2 at 650, 600, 555, 505, 455 and 405 °C, respectively, using hydrogen as fuel and stationary air as oxidant. When dry methane was used as fuel, the maximum power densities are 876, 568, 346 and 114 mW cm -2 at 650, 600, 555 and 505 °C, respectively. The present fuel cell shows excellent performance at lowered temperatures.

Radiation Resistance of the U(Al, Si)3 Alloy: Ion-Induced Disordering

PubMed Central

Yaniv, Gili; Horak, Pavel; Vacik, Jiri; Mykytenko, Natalia; Rafailov, Gennady; Dahan, Itzchak; Fuks, David; Kiv, Arik

2018-01-01

During the exploitation of nuclear reactors, various U-Al based ternary intermetallides are formed in the fuel-cladding interaction layer. Structure and physical properties of these intermetallides determine the radiation resistance of cladding and, ultimately, the reliability and lifetime of the nuclear reactor. In current research, U(Al, Si)3 composition was studied as a potential constituent of an interaction layer. Phase content of the alloy of an interest was ordered U(Al, Si)3, structure of which was reported earlier, and pure Al (constituting less than 20 vol % of the alloy). This alloy was investigated prior and after the irradiation performed by Ar ions at 30 keV. The irradiation was performed on the transmission electron microscopy (TEM, JEOL, Japan) samples, characterized before and after the irradiation process. Irradiation induced disorder accompanied by stress relief. Furthermore, it was found that there is a dose threshold for disordering of the crystalline matter in the irradiated region. Irradiation at doses equal or higher than this threshold resulted in almost solely disordered phase. Using the program “Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter” (SRIM), the parameters of penetration of Ar ions into the irradiated samples were estimated. Based on these estimations, the dose threshold for ion-induced disordering of the studied material was assessed. PMID:29393870

The synthesis and structure of a chiral 1D aluminophosphate chain compound: d-Co(en){sub 3}[AlP{sub 2}O{sub 8}].6.5H{sub 2}O

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

Chen Peng; Li Jiyang; Yu Jihong

2005-06-15

A new chiral one-dimensional (1D) aluminophosphate chain compound [d-Co(en){sub 3}][AlP{sub 2}O{sub 8}].6.5H{sub 2}O (designated AlPO-CJ22) has been hydrothermally synthesized by using the optically pure d-Co(en){sub 3}I{sub 3} complex as the template. Single-crystal structural analysis reveals that its structure is built up from alternating connection of AlO{sub 4} and PO{sub 2}(=O{sub 2}) tetrahedra to form corner-shared Al{sub 2}P{sub 2} four-membered ring (4-MR) chains. The d-Co(en){sub 3}{sup 3+} complex cations extended along the 2{sub 1} screw axis interact with the inorganic chains through hydrogen-bonds of N...O atoms in a helical fashion. Optical rotation measurement shows that AlPO-CJ22 is chiral as with d-Co(en){submore » 3}{sup 3+} complex cations. Crystal data: orthorhombic, I2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1}, a=8.5573(8)A, b=22.613(2)A, c=22.605(2)A, Z=8, R{sub 1}=0.067, wR{sub 2}=0.1291, and Flack parameter: -0.02(3). CCDC number: 254179. -0.02(3). CCDC number: 254179.« less

Prediction of U-Mo dispersion nuclear fuels with Al-Si alloy using artificial neural network

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

Susmikanti, Mike, E-mail: mike@batan.go.id; Sulistyo, Jos, E-mail: soj@batan.go.id

2014-09-30

Dispersion nuclear fuels, consisting of U-Mo particles dispersed in an Al-Si matrix, are being developed as fuel for research reactors. The equilibrium relationship for a mixture component can be expressed in the phase diagram. It is important to analyze whether a mixture component is in equilibrium phase or another phase. The purpose of this research it is needed to built the model of the phase diagram, so the mixture component is in the stable or melting condition. Artificial neural network (ANN) is a modeling tool for processes involving multivariable non-linear relationships. The objective of the present work is to developmore » code based on artificial neural network models of system equilibrium relationship of U-Mo in Al-Si matrix. This model can be used for prediction of type of resulting mixture, and whether the point is on the equilibrium phase or in another phase region. The equilibrium model data for prediction and modeling generated from experimentally data. The artificial neural network with resilient backpropagation method was chosen to predict the dispersion of nuclear fuels U-Mo in Al-Si matrix. This developed code was built with some function in MATLAB. For simulations using ANN, the Levenberg-Marquardt method was also used for optimization. The artificial neural network is able to predict the equilibrium phase or in the phase region. The develop code based on artificial neural network models was built, for analyze equilibrium relationship of U-Mo in Al-Si matrix.« less

Temperature dependence of the dielectric response of anodized Al-Al2O3-metal capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickmott, T. W.

2003-03-01

The temperature dependence of capacitance, CM, and conductance, GM, of Al-Al2O3-metal capacitors with Cu, Ag, and Au electrodes has been measured between 100 and 340 K at seven frequencies between 10 kHz and 1 MHz. Al2O3 films between 15 and 64 nm thick were formed by anodizing evaporated Al films in borate-glycol or borate-H2O electrolyte. The interface capacitance at the Al2O3-metal interface, CI, which is in series with the capacitance CD due to the Al2O3 dielectric, is determined from plots of 1/CM versus insulator thickness. CI is not fixed for a given metal-insulator interface but depends on the vacuum system used to deposit the metal electrode. CI is nearly temperature independent. When CI is taken into account the dielectric constant of Al2O3 determined from capacitance measurements is ˜8.3 at 295 K. The dielectric constant does not depend on anodizing electrolyte, insulator thickness, metal electrode, deposition conditions for the metal electrode or measurement frequency. By contrast, GM of Al-Al2O3-metal capacitors depends on both the deposition conditions of the metal and on the metal. For Al-Al2O3-Cu capacitors, GM is larger for capacitors with large values of 1/CI that result when Cu is evaporated in an oil-pumped vacuum system. For Al-Al2O3-Ag capacitors, GM does not depend on the Ag deposition conditions.

Lattice crossover and phase transitions in NdAlO{sub 3}-GdAlO{sub 3} system

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

Vasylechko, L., E-mail: crystal-lov@polynet.lviv.ua; Shmanko, H.; Ohon, N.

2013-02-15

Phase and structural behaviour in the (1-x)NdAlO{sub 3}-xGdAlO{sub 3} system in a whole concentration range has been studied by means of in situ high-resolution X-ray synchrotron powder diffraction technique and differential thermal analysis. Two kinds of solid solutions Nd{sub 1-x}Gd{sub x}AlO{sub 3} have been found at room temperature: one with rhombohedral (x<0.15) and one with orthorhombic (x{>=}0.20) symmetry. A morphotropic phase transition occurs at x Almost-Equal-To 0.15, where the co-existence of both phases was observed. Peculiarity of the orthorhombic solid solution is the lattice parameter crossover at the compositions with x=0.33, 0.49 and 0.62. First-order structural transition Pbnm{r_reversible}R3{sup Macron }cmore » has been detected both from in situ powder diffraction and thermal analysis data. Continuous phase transformation R3{sup Macron }c{r_reversible}Pm3{sup Macron }m above 2140 K has been predicted for Nd-rich sample Nd{sub 0.85}Gd{sub 0.15}AlO{sub 3} from the extrapolation of high-temperature behaviour of the lattice parameter ratio of the rhombohedral phase. Based on the experimental data, the phase diagram of the pseudo-binary system NdAlO{sub 3}-GdAlO{sub 3} has been constructed. - Graphical abstract: Concentration dependencies of normalized lattice parameters of Nd{sub 1-x}Gd{sub x}AlO{sub 3} perovskite solid solutions. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Two kinds of solid solutions Nd{sub 1-x}Gd{sub x}AlO{sub 3} were found in the NdAlO{sub 3}-GdAlO{sub 3} system. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Morphotropic transition between both perovskite phases occurs at x Almost-Equal-To 0.15. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Lattice parameter crossover was found in orthorhombic solid solution. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Temperature driven first-order phase transition Pbnm{r_reversible}R3{sup Macron }c was found in Nd{sub 1-x}Gd{sub x}AlO{sub 3}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phase diagram of the pseudo-binary system NdAlO{sub 3}-GdAlO{sub 3

Reduced electron back-injection in Al2O3/AlOx/Al2O3/graphene charge-trap memory devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sejoon; Song, Emil B.; Min Kim, Sung; Lee, Youngmin; Seo, David H.; Seo, Sunae; Wang, Kang L.

2012-12-01

A graphene charge-trap memory is devised using a single-layer graphene channel with an Al2O3/AlOx/Al2O3 oxide stack, where the ion-bombarded AlOx layer is intentionally added to create an abundance of charge-trap sites. The low dielectric constant of AlOx compared to Al2O3 reduces the potential drop in the control oxide Al2O3 and suppresses the electron back-injection from the gate to the charge-storage layer, allowing the memory window of the device to be further extended. This shows that the usage of a lower dielectric constant in the charge-storage layer compared to that of the control oxide layer improves the memory performance for graphene charge-trap memories.

Characterization of ZrO2 and (ZrO2)x(Al2O3)1-X thin films on Si substrates: effect of the Al2O3 component

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vitanov, P.; Harizanova, A.; Ivanova, T.

2014-05-01

ZrO2 and (ZrO2)x(Al2O3)1-x films were deposited by the sol-gel technique on Si substrates. The effect of the Al2O3 additive on the film surface morphology was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The mixed oxide films showed a smoother morphology and lower values of the root-mean-square (RMS) roughness compared to ZrO2. Further, FTIR spectra indicated that ZrO2 underwent crystallization. The electrical measurements of the MIS structure revealed that the presence of Al2O3 and the amorphization affects its dielectric properties. The MIS structure with (ZrO2)x(Al2O3)1-x showed a lower fixed charge (~ 6×1010 cm-2) and an interface state density in the middle of the band gap of 6×1011 eV-1 cm-2). The dielectric constant measured was 22, with the leakage current density decreasing to 2×10-8 A cm-2 at 1×106 V cm-1.

Chemical strain-dependent two-dimensional transport at R AlO 3 / SrTiO 3 interfaces ( R = La , Nd , Sm , and Gd )

DOE PAGES

Li, Chen; Shen, Xuan; Yang, Yurong; ...

2016-12-27

Perovskite RAlO 3 (R = La, Nd, Sm, and Gd) films have been deposited epitaxially on (001) TiO 2-terminated SrTiO 3 substrates. In this paper, it is observed that the two-dimensional transport characteristics at the RAlO 3/SrTiO 3 interfaces are very sensitive to the species of rare-earth element, that is to chemical strain. Although electron energy loss spectroscopy measurements show that electron transfer occurs in all the four polar/nonpolar heterostructures, the amount of electrons transferred across SmAlO 3/SrTiO 3 and GdAlO 3/SrTiO 3 interfaces are much less than those across LaAlO 3/SrTiO 3 and NdAlO 3/SrTiO 3 interfaces. First-principles calculationsmore » reveal the competition between ionic polarization and electronic polarization in the polar layers in compensating the build-in polarization due to the polar discontinuity at the interface. Finally, in particular, a large ionic polarization is found in SmAlO 3/SrTiO 3 and GdAlO 3/SrTiO 3 systems (which experience the largest tensile epitaxial strain), hence reducing the amount of electrons transferred.« less

Thermal expansion of the nuclear fuel-sodium reaction product Na3(U0.84(2),Na0.16(2))O4 - Structural mechanism and comparison with related sodium-metal ternary oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Illy, Marie-Claire; Smith, Anna L.; Wallez, Gilles; Raison, Philippe E.; Caciuffo, Roberto; Konings, Rudy J. M.

2017-07-01

Na3.16(2)UV,VI0.84(2)O4 is obtained from the reaction of sodium with uranium dioxide under oxygen potential conditions typical of a sodium-cooled fast nuclear reactor. In the event of a breach of the steel cladding, it would be the dominant reaction product forming at the rim of the mixed (U,Pu)O2 fuel pellets. High-temperature X-ray diffraction measurements show that a distortion of the uranium environment in Na3.16(2)UV,VI0.84(2)O4 results in a strongly anisotropic thermal expansion. A comparison with several related sodium metallates Nan-2Mn+On-1 - including Na3SbO4 and Na3TaO4, whose crystal structures are reported for the first time - has allowed us to assess the role played in the lattice expansion by the Mn+ cation radius and the Na/M ratio. On this basis, the thermomechanical behavior of the title compound is discussed, along with those of several related double oxides of sodium and actinide elements, surrogate elements, or fission products.

The Albite Fusion Curve Re-examined: New Experiments and the Density and Compressibility of NaAlSi3O8 Liquid With Pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tenner, T. J.; Lange, R. A.

2005-12-01

Two half-reversals on the melting temperature of high albite (NaAlSi3O8) were determined at 2.3 GPa (1360-1370 °C) and 2.8 GPa (1383-1389 °C) in a piston-cylinder apparatus with NaAlSi3O8 glass as the starting material. A detailed thermal gradient across the sample capsule was mapped, which showed a 3.5 °C gradient across the upper third of the sample capsule and a 30 °C gradient across the lower two-thirds. A calibration against the melting curve of NaCl showed a -5 % pressure correction for the BaCO3/MgO/graphite pressure medium used in these experiments. In addition to the glass-crystal half-reversals, a crystal-glass half-reversal at 2.73 GPa was obtained (1389-1399 °C) using high albite as the starting material. All run products that quenched to a glass were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and were found to contain < 0.045 wt% H2O. Our experimental constraints on the albite fusion curve are in excellent agreement with those of Birch and LeComte (1960) and Boyd and England (1963), but deviate from those of Boettcher et al. (1982). Our new data on the albite fusion curve at high pressure are compared with the calculated melting reaction based on the best available thermodynamic data at one bar (Lange, 2003), and various values for the pressure dependence of liquid compressibility (K' = dKT,0/dP, where KT,0 = 1/βT,0) for NaAlSi3O8 liquid, using the 3rd-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state. Our phase-equilibrium data match the fusion curve calculated with a liquid value of 10.0 ± 1.0. This allows the density of NaAlSi3O8 liquid to be calculated at 1500 °C and 3.0 GPa (2.551 ± 0.01 g/cm3), with an uncertainty that is ~0.3 %. The results of this study show that the density and compressibility of this viscous and fully polymerized liquid can be calculated to high pressure (~3 GPa) with a remarkably high precision. Owing to the absence of any coordination change in NaAlSi3O8 liquid to ~8 GPa, calculations of its density and

Al2O3 Passivation Effect in HfO2·Al2O3 Laminate Structures Grown on InP Substrates.

PubMed

Kang, Hang-Kyu; Kang, Yu-Seon; Kim, Dae-Kyoung; Baik, Min; Song, Jin-Dong; An, Youngseo; Kim, Hyoungsub; Cho, Mann-Ho

2017-05-24

The passivation effect of an Al 2 O 3 layer on the electrical properties was investigated in HfO 2 -Al 2 O 3 laminate structures grown on indium phosphide (InP) substrate by atomic-layer deposition. The chemical state obtained using high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that interfacial reactions were dependent on the presence of the Al 2 O 3 passivation layer and its sequence in the HfO 2 -Al 2 O 3 laminate structures. Because of the interfacial reaction, the Al 2 O 3 /HfO 2 /Al 2 O 3 structure showed the best electrical characteristics. The top Al 2 O 3 layer suppressed the interdiffusion of oxidizing species into the HfO 2 films, whereas the bottom Al 2 O 3 layer blocked the outdiffusion of In and P atoms. As a result, the formation of In-O bonds was more effectively suppressed in the Al 2 O 3 /HfO 2 /Al 2 O 3 /InP structure than that in the HfO 2 -on-InP system. Moreover, conductance data revealed that the Al 2 O 3 layer on InP reduces the midgap traps to 2.6 × 10 12 eV -1 cm -2 (compared to that of HfO 2 /InP, that is, 5.4 × 10 12 eV -1 cm -2 ). The suppression of gap states caused by the outdiffusion of In atoms significantly controls the degradation of capacitors caused by leakage current through the stacked oxide layers.

Luminescence of Eu:Y3Al5O12, Eu:Lu3Al5O12, and Eu:GdAlO3 Nanocrystals Synthesized by Solution Combustion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vilejshikova, E. V.; Khort, A. A.; Podbolotov, K. B.; Loiko, P. A.; Shimanski, V. I.; Shashkov, S. N.; Yumashev, K. V.

2017-11-01

Nanocrystals of rare-earth garnets Y3Al5O12 and Lu3Al5O12 and perovskite GdAlO3 highly doped (10-20 at%) with Eu3+ are synthesized by the solution combustion technique and subsequent annealing in air at 800 and 1300oC. Their structure, morphology, and phase composition are studied. These materials exhibit intense red luminescence under UV excitation. Eu:GdAlO3 luminescence has CIE 1931 color coordinates (0.632, 0.368); dominant wavelength, 599.6 nm; and color purity, >99%. Judd-Ofelt parameters, luminescence branching ratios, and lifetimes of the Eu3+ 5D0 state are determined. The luminescence quantum yield for Eu:GdAlO3 (10 at%) reaches 74% with a lifetime of 1.4 ms for the 5D0 state. The synthesized materials are promising for red ceramic phosphors.

Design and syntheses of hybrid metal-organic materials based on K3[M(C2O4)3]·3H2O [M(III)=Fe, Al, Cr] metallotectons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yayong; Zong, Yingxia; Ma, Haoran; Zhang, Ao; Liu, Kang; Wang, Debao; Wang, Wenqiang; Wang, Lei

2016-05-01

By using K3[M(C2O4)3]·3H2O [M(III)=Fe, Al, Cr] (C2O42-=oxalate) metallotectons as the starting material, we have synthesized eight novel complexes with formulas [{Fe(C2O4)2(H2O)2}2]·(H-L1)2·H2O 1, [Fe(C2O4)Cl2]·(H2-L2)0.5·(L2)0.5·H2O 2, [{Fe(C2O4)1.5Cl2}2]·(H-L3)43, [Fe2(C2O4)Cl8]·(H2-L4)2·2H2O 4, K[Al(C2O4)3]·(H2-L5)·2H2O 5, K[Al(C2O4)3]·(H-L6)2·2H2O 6, K[Cr(C2O4)3]·2H2O 7, Na[Fe(C2O4)3]·(H-L6)2·2H2O 8 (with L1=4-dimethylaminopyridine, L2=2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, L3=2-aminobenzimidazole, L4=1,4-bis-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene, L5=1,4-bis((2-methylimidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene, L6=2-methylbenzimidazole). Their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, elemental analyses, IR spectra and thermogravimetric analyses. Compound 3 is a 2D H-bonded supramolecular architecture. Others are 3D supramolecular structures. Compound 1 shows a [Fe(C2O4)2(H2O)2]- unit and 3D antionic H-bonded framework. Compound 2 features a [Fe(C2O4)Cl2]- anion and 1D iron-oxalate-iron chain. Compound 3 features a [Fe2(C2O4)3Cl4]4- unit. Compound 4 features distinct [Fe2(C2O4)Cl8]4- units, which are mutual linked by water molecules to generated a 2D H-bonded network. Compound 5 features infinite ladder-like chains constructed by [Al(C2O4)3]3- units and K+ cations. The 1D chains are further extended into 3D antionic H-bonded framework through O-H···O H-bonds. Compounds 6-8 show 2D [KAl(C2O4)3]2- layer, [KCr(C2O4)3]2- layer and [NaFe(C2O4)3]2- layer, respectively.

Chemical quenching of positronium in Fe 2O 3/Al 2O 3 catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, C.; Zhang, H. J.; Chen, Z. Q.

2010-09-01

Fe 2O 3/Al 2O 3 catalysts were prepared by solid state reaction method using α-Fe 2O 3 and γ-Al 2O 3 nano powders. The microstructure and surface properties of the catalyst were studied using positron lifetime and coincidence Doppler broadening annihilation radiation measurements. The positron lifetime spectrum shows four components. The two long lifetimes τ3 and τ4 are attributed to positronium annihilation in two types of pores distributed inside Al 2O 3 grain and between the grains, respectively. With increasing Fe 2O 3 content from 3 wt% to 40 wt%, the lifetime τ3 keeps nearly unchanged, while the longest lifetime τ4 shows decrease from 96 ns to 64 ns. Its intensity decreases drastically from 24% to less than 8%. The Doppler broadening S parameter shows also a continuous decrease. Further analysis of the Doppler broadening spectra reveals a decrease in the p-Ps intensity with increasing Fe 2O 3 content, which rules out the possibility of spin-conversion of positronium. Therefore the decrease of τ4 is most probably due to the chemical quenching reaction of positronium with Fe ions on the surface of the large pores.

Characterization of thermochemical properties of Al nanoparticle and NiO nanowire composites

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Thermochemical properties and microstructures of the composite of Al nanoparticles and NiO nanowires were characterized. The nanowires were synthesized using a hydrothermal method and were mixed with these nanoparticles by sonication. Electron microscopic images of these composites showed dispersed NiO nanowires decorated with Al nanoparticles. Thermal analysis suggests the influence of NiO mass ratio was insignificant with regard to the onset temperature of the observed thermite reaction, although energy release values changed dramatically with varying NiO ratios. Reaction products from the fuel-rich composites were found to include elemental Al and Ni, Al2O3, and AlNi. The production of the AlNi phase, confirmed by an ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, was associated with the formation of some metallic liquid spheres from the thermite reaction. PMID:23601907

Characterization of thermochemical properties of Al nanoparticle and NiO nanowire composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, John Z.; Ringuette, Sophie; Bohlouli-Zanjani, Golnaz; Hu, Anming; Nguyen, Ngoc Ha; Persic, John; Petre, Catalin F.; Zhou, Y. Norman

2013-04-01

Thermochemical properties and microstructures of the composite of Al nanoparticles and NiO nanowires were characterized. The nanowires were synthesized using a hydrothermal method and were mixed with these nanoparticles by sonication. Electron microscopic images of these composites showed dispersed NiO nanowires decorated with Al nanoparticles. Thermal analysis suggests the influence of NiO mass ratio was insignificant with regard to the onset temperature of the observed thermite reaction, although energy release values changed dramatically with varying NiO ratios. Reaction products from the fuel-rich composites were found to include elemental Al and Ni, Al2O3, and AlNi. The production of the AlNi phase, confirmed by an ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, was associated with the formation of some metallic liquid spheres from the thermite reaction.

Characterization of thermochemical properties of Al nanoparticle and NiO nanowire composites.

PubMed

Wen, John Z; Ringuette, Sophie; Bohlouli-Zanjani, Golnaz; Hu, Anming; Nguyen, Ngoc Ha; Persic, John; Petre, Catalin F; Zhou, Y Norman

2013-04-20

Thermochemical properties and microstructures of the composite of Al nanoparticles and NiO nanowires were characterized. The nanowires were synthesized using a hydrothermal method and were mixed with these nanoparticles by sonication. Electron microscopic images of these composites showed dispersed NiO nanowires decorated with Al nanoparticles. Thermal analysis suggests the influence of NiO mass ratio was insignificant with regard to the onset temperature of the observed thermite reaction, although energy release values changed dramatically with varying NiO ratios. Reaction products from the fuel-rich composites were found to include elemental Al and Ni, Al2O3, and AlNi. The production of the AlNi phase, confirmed by an ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, was associated with the formation of some metallic liquid spheres from the thermite reaction.

Photochemistry of the α-Al 2O 3-PETN interface

DOE PAGES

Tsyshevsky, Roman V.; Zverev, Anton; Mitrofanov, Anatoly; ...

2016-02-29

Optical absorption measurements are combined with electronic structure calculations to explore photochemistry of an α-Al 2O 3-PETN interface formed by a nitroester (pentaerythritol tetranitrate, PETN, C 5H 8N 4O 12) and a wide band gap aluminum oxide (α-Al 2O 3) substrate. The first principles modeling is used to deconstruct and interpret the α-Al 2O 3-PETN absorption spectrum that has distinct peaks attributed to surface F 0-centers and surfacePETN transitions. We predict the low energy α-Al 2O 3 F 0-centerPETN transition, producing the excited triplet state, and α-Al 2O 3 F- 0-centerPETN charge transfer, generating the PETN anion radical. This impliesmore » that irradiation by commonly used lasers can easily initiate photodecomposition of both excited and charged PETN at the interface. As a result, the feasible mechanism of the photodecomposition is proposed.« less

Electrical conductivity optimization of the Na3AlF6-Al2O3-Sm2O3 molten salts system for Al-Sm intermediate binary alloy production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Chun-fa; Jiao, Yun-fen; Wang, Xu; Cai, Bo-qing; Sun, Qiang-chao; Tang, Hao

2017-09-01

Metal Sm has been widely used in making Al-Sm magnet alloy materials. Conventional distillation technology to produce Sm has the disadvantages of low productivity, high costs, and pollution generation. The objective of this study was to develop a molten salt electrolyte system to produce Al-Sm alloy directly, with focus on the electrical conductivity and optimal operating conditions to minimize the energy consumption. The continuously varying cell constant (CVCC) technique was used to measure the conductivity for the Na3AlF6-AlF3-LiF-MgF2-Al2O3-Sm2O3 electrolysis medium in the temperature range from 905 to 1055°C. The temperature ( t) and the addition of Al2O3 ( W(Al2O3)), Sm2O3 ( W(Sm2O3)), and a combination of Al2O3 and Sm2O3 into the basic fluoride system were examined with respect to their effects on the conductivity ( κ) and activation energy. The experimental results showed that the molten electrolyte conductivity increases with increasing temperature ( t) and decreases with the addition of Al2O3 or Sm2O3 or both. We concluded that the optimal operation conditions for Al-Sm intermediate alloy production in the Na3AlF6-AlF3-LiF-MgF2-Al2O3-Sm2O3 system are W(Al2O3) + W(Sm2O3) = 3wt%, W(Al2O3): W(Sm2O3) = 7:3, and a temperature of 965 to 995°C, which results in satisfactory conductivity, low fluoride evaporation losses, and low energy consumption.

Surface morphology of Al0.3Ga0.7N/Al2O3-high electron mobility transistor structure.

PubMed

Cörekçi, S; Usanmaz, D; Tekeli, Z; Cakmak, M; Ozçelik, S; Ozbay, E

2008-02-01

We present surface properties of buffer films (AIN and GaN) and Al0.3Gao.zN/Al2O3-High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) structures with/without AIN interlayer grown on High Temperature (HT)-AIN buffer/Al2O3 substrate and Al2O3 substrate. We have found that the GaN surface morphology is step-flow in character and the density of dislocations was about 10(8)-10(9) cm(-2). The AFM measurements also exhibited that the presence of atomic steps with large lateral step dimension and the surface of samples was smooth. The lateral step sizes are in the range of 100-250 nm. The typical rms values of HEMT structures were found as 0.27, 0.30, and 0.70 nm. HT-AIN buffer layer can have a significant impact on the surface morphology of Al0.3Ga0.7N/Al2O3-HEMT structures.

Comparing the Thermodynamic Behaviour of Al(1)+ZrO2(s) to Al(1)+Al2O3(s)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copland, Evan

2004-01-01

In an effort to better determine the thermodynamic properties of Al(g) and Al2O(g). the vapor in equilibrium with Al(l)+ZrO2(s) was compared to the vapor in equilibrium with Al(l)+Al2O3(s) over temperature range 1197-to-1509K. The comparison was made directly by Knudsen effusion-cell mass spectrometry with an instrument configured for a multiple effusion-cell vapor source (multi-cell KEMS). Second law enthalpies of vaporization of Al(g) and Al2O(g) together with activity measurements show that Al(l)+ZrO2(s) is thermodynamically equivalent to Al(l)+Al2O3(s), indicating Al(l) remained pure and Al2O3(s) was present in the ZrO2-cell. Subsequent observation of the Al(l)/ZrO2 and vapor/ZrO2 interfaces revealed a thin Al2O3-layer had formed, separating the ZrO2-cell from Al(l) and Al(g)+Al2O(g), effectively transforming it into an Al2O3 effusion-cell. This behavior agrees with recent observations made for Beta-NiAl(Pt) alloys measured in ZrO2 effusion-cell.

The optical properties of Sr3SiAl10O20 and Sr3SiAl10O20:Mn4+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jansen, Thomas; Jüstel, Thomas

2017-11-01

Mn4+-activated luminescent materials have attracted significant attention recently. In particular, alkaline earth aluminates, such as Sr4Al14O25:Mn4+ and CaAl12O19:Mn4+, emit light in the red region, which can be exploited in phosphor-converted LEDs. We applied a sol-gel precursor followed by a ceramic method to synthesize highly crystalline Mn4+-doped Sr3SiAl10O20. The compound Sr3SiAl10O20:Mn4+ exhibits deep red photoluminescence that peaks at 663 nm, which can be assigned to the 2Eg → 4A2g intraconfigurational transition of Mn4+ ([Ar]3d.3 configuration) within the [MnO6]8- octahedra on the aluminum site in the Sr3SiAl10O20 (Space group C12/m1) host structure. The photoluminescence properties, such as the temperature dependence of the luminescence intensity and luminescence lifetime, are presented. Furthermore, the luminescence intensity as function of the activator concentration was investigated. Additionally, the band structure of the undoped host material was treated with Density Functional Theory (DFT). The theoretical results were evaluated experimentally with diffuse UV reflectance spectroscopy. Finally, the crystal field and Racah parameters were extracted to compare with those reported in the literature.

Depolarization currents in Al 2O 3 and MgAl 2O 4 oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalhaes, R. P. M.; Rocha, M. S.; de Souza, S. S.; Blak, A. R.

2004-06-01

In the present work, dipole defects in γ-irradiated and thermally treated samples of Al 2O 3 and MgAl 2O 4 oxides are investigated, applying the thermally stimulated depolarisation currents technique (TSDC). The TSDC spectra of MgAl 2O 4 doped with Fe 2+, Fe 3+, Co 2+, Cr 3+ and Mn 2+ show four bands at 130 K, 160 K, 250 K and 320 K, and the spectra of Al 2O 3 doped with Mg 2+, Cr 3+ and Fe 3+ show bands between 230 K and 260 K. It has been observed that the bands at 130 K, 160 K and 250 K in MgAl 2O 4 spinel and that the 230 K and 240 K bands in Al 2O 3 are related to dipole defects. The other bands are possibly related to different types of charge storage mechanisms (space-charge and interfacial polarisation) or deal with distributions in activation energies and/or in relaxation times. A thermal decrease of the TSDC bands for heat treatments above 1000 K has been observed. In MgAl 2O 4 spinel, the 250 K band could be recovered after γ-irradiation and the two dipole peaks in Al 2O 3 were partially recovered. Thermal treatments affect the dipole aggregation processes in both oxides. Optical absorption (AO) results indicate that the presence of bands of water molecules in the infrared region obstructs the appearance of the TSDC bands in both Al 2O 3 and MgAl 2O 4. The 250 K peak in MgAl 2O 4 was correlated to V-type centres and the 250 K peak in Al 2O 3 to a substitutional Mg 2+ ion near a trapped hole localised on an adjacent oxygen ion.

Quantifying Morphological Features of α-U3O8 with Image Analysis for Nuclear Forensics.

PubMed

Olsen, Adam M; Richards, Bryony; Schwerdt, Ian; Heffernan, Sean; Lusk, Robert; Smith, Braxton; Jurrus, Elizabeth; Ruggiero, Christy; McDonald, Luther W

2017-03-07

Morphological changes in U 3 O 8 based on calcination temperature have been quantified enabling a morphological feature to serve as a signature of processing history in nuclear forensics. Five separate calcination temperatures were used to synthesize α-U 3 O 8 , and each sample was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (p-XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The p-XRD spectra were used to evaluate the purity of the synthesized U-oxide; the morphological analysis for materials (MAMA) software was utilized to quantitatively characterize the particle shape and size as indicated by the SEM images. Analysis comparing the particle attributes, such as particle area at each of the temperatures, was completed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov two sample test (K-S test). These results illustrate a distinct statistical difference between each calcination temperature. To provide a framework for forensic analysis of an unknown sample, the sample distributions at each temperature were compared to randomly selected distributions (100, 250, 500, and 750 particles) from each synthesized temperature to determine if they were statistically different. It was found that 750 particles were required to differentiate between all of the synthesized temperatures with a confidence interval of 99.0%. Results from this study provide the first quantitative morphological study of U-oxides, and reveals the potential strength of morphological particle analysis in nuclear forensics by providing a framework for a more rapid characterization of interdicted uranium oxide samples.

Releasing metal catalysts via phase transition: (NiO)0.05-(SrTi0.8Nb0.2O3)0.95 as a redox stable anode material for solid oxide fuel cells.

PubMed

Xiao, Guoliang; Wang, Siwei; Lin, Ye; Zhang, Yanxiang; An, Ke; Chen, Fanglin

2014-11-26

Donor-doped perovskite-type SrTiO3 experiences stoichiometric changes at high temperatures in different Po2 involving the formation of Sr or Ti-rich impurities. NiO is incorporated into the stoichiometric strontium titanate, SrTi0.8Nb0.2O3-δ (STN), to form an A-site deficient perovskite material, (NiO)0.05-(SrTi0.8Nb0.2O3)0.95 (Ni-STN), for balancing the phase transition. Metallic Ni nanoparticles can be released upon reduction instead of forming undesired secondary phases. This material design introduces a simple catalytic modification method with good compositional control of the ceramic backbones, by which transport property and durability of solid oxide fuel cell anodes are largely determined. Using Ni-STN as anodes for solid oxide fuel cells, enhanced catalytic activity and remarkable stability in redox cycling have been achieved. Electrolyte-supported cells with the cell configuration of Ni-STN-SDC anode, La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.87Mg0.13O3 (LSGM) electrolyte, and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF) cathode produce peak power densities of 612, 794, and 922 mW cm(-2) at 800, 850, and 900 °C, respectively, using H2 as the fuel and air as the oxidant. Minor degradation in fuel cell performance resulted from redox cycling can be recovered upon operating the fuel cells in H2. Such property makes Ni-STN a promising regenerative anode candidate for solid oxide fuel cells.

Composite fuel electrode La(0.2)Sr(0.8)TiO(3-δ)-Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-δ) for electrolysis of CO2 in an oxygen-ion conducting solid oxide electrolyser.

PubMed

Li, Yuanxin; Zhou, Jianer; Dong, Dehua; Wang, Yan; Jiang, J Z; Xiang, Hongfa; Xie, Kui

2012-11-28

Composite Ni-YSZ fuel electrodes are able to operate only under strongly reducing conditions for the electrolysis of CO(2) in oxygen-ion conducting solid oxide electrolysers. In an atmosphere without a flow of reducing gas (i.e., carbon monoxide), a composite fuel electrode based on redox-reversible La(0.2)Sr(0.8)TiO(3+δ) (LSTO) provides a promising alternative. The Ti(3+) was approximately 0.3% in the oxidized LSTO (La(0.2)Sr(0.8)TiO(3.1)), whereas the Ti(3+) reached approximately 8.0% in the reduced sample (La(0.2)Sr(0.8)TiO(3.06)). The strong adsorption of atmospheric oxygen in the form of superoxide ions led to the absence of Ti(3+) either on the surface of oxidized LSTO or the reduced sample. Reduced LSTO showed typical metallic behaviour from 50 to 700 °C in wet H(2); and the electrical conductivity of LSTO reached approximately 30 S cm(-1) at 700 °C. The dependence of [Ti(3+)] concentration in LSTO on P(O(2)) was correlated to the applied potentials when the electrolysis of CO(2) was performed with the LSTO composite electrode. The electrochemical reduction of La(0.2)Sr(0.8)TiO(3+δ) was the main process but was still present up to 2 V at 700 °C during the electrolysis of CO(2); however, the electrolysis of CO(2) at the fuel electrode became dominant at high applied voltages. The current efficiency was approximately 36% for the electrolysis of CO(2) at 700 °C and a 2 V applied potential.

Removal of nitrate and phosphate using chitosan/Al2O3/Fe3O4 composite nanofibrous adsorbent: Comparison with chitosan/Al2O3/Fe3O4 beads.

PubMed

Bozorgpour, Farahnaz; Ramandi, Hossein Fasih; Jafari, Pooya; Samadi, Saman; Yazd, Shabnam Sharif; Aliabadi, Majid

2016-12-01

In the present study the chitosan/Al 2 O 3 /Fe 3 O 4 composite nanofibrous adsorbent was prepared by electrospinning process and its application for the removal of nitrate and phosphate were compared with chitosan/Al 2 O 3 /Fe 3 O 4 composite bead adsorbent. The influence of Al 2 O 3 /Fe 3 O 4 composite content, pH, contact time, nitrate and phosphate initial concentrations and temperature on the nitrate and phosphate sorption using synthesized bead and nanofibrous adsorbents was investigated in a single system. The reusability of chitosan/Al 2 O 3 /Fe 3 O 4 composite beads and nanofibers after five sorption-desorption cycles were carried out. The Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the interaction effects of adsorbent dosage, nitrate and phosphate initial concentrations on the nitrate and phosphate removal efficiency. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and known Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were used to describe the kinetic and equilibrium data of nitrate and phosphate sorption using chitosan/Al 2 O 3 /Fe 3 O 4 composite beads and nanofibers. The influence of other anions including chloride, fluoride and sulphate on the sorption efficiency of nitrate and phosphate was examined. The obtained results revealed the higher potential of chitosan/Al 2 O 3 /Fe 3 O 4 composite nanofibers for nitrate and phosphate compared with chitosan/Al 2 O 3 /Fe 3 O 4 composite beads. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detailed measurements of local thickness changes for U-7Mo dispersion fuel plates with Al-3.5Si matrix after irradiation at different powers in the RERTR-9B experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keiser, Dennis D.; Williams, Walter; Robinson, Adam; Wachs, Dan; Moore, Glenn; Crawford, Doug

2017-10-01

The Materials Management and Minimization program is developing fuel designs to replace highly enriched fuel with fuels of low enrichment. Swelling is an important irradiation behavior that needs to be well understood. Data from high resolution thickness measurements performed on U-7Mo dispersion fuel plates with Al-Si alloy matrices that were irradiated at high power is sparse. This paper reports the results of detailed thickness measurements performed on two dispersion fuel plates that were irradiated at relatively high power to high fission densities in the Advanced Test Reactor in the same RERTR-9B experiment. Both plates were irradiated to similar fission densities, but one was irradiated at a higher power than the other. The goal of this work is to identify any differences in the swelling behavior when fuel plates are irradiated at different powers to the same fission densities. Based on the results of detailed thickness measurments, more swelling occurs when a U-7Mo dispersion fuel with Al-3.5Si matrix is irradiated to a high fission density at high power compared to one irradiated at a lower power to high fission density.

The Phase Relations in the In 2O 3-Al 2ZnO 4-ZnO System at 1350°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Masaki; Kimizuka, Noboru; Mohri, Takahiko; Isobe, Mitsumasa

1993-08-01

Phase relations in the In 2O 3-Al 2ZnO 4-ZnO system at 1350°C are determined by a classical quenching method. This system consists of In 2O 3, Al 2ZnO 4, ZnO, and homologous phases InAlO 3(ZnO) m ( m = 2, 3, …) having solid solutions with LuFeO 3(ZnO) m-type crystal structures. These solid solution ranges are as follows: In 1+ x1Al 1- x1O 3(ZnO) 2 ( x1 = 0.70)-In 1+ x2Al 1- x2O 3(ZnO) 2 ( x2 = 0.316-0.320), In 2O 3(ZnO) 3-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 3 ( x = 0.230), In 2O 3(ZnO) 4-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 4 ( x = 0.15-0.16), In 2O 3(ZnO) 5-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 5 ( x = 0.116-0.130), In 2O 3(ZnO) 6-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 6 ( x = 0.000-0.111), In 2O 3(ZnO) 7-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 7 ( x = 0.08), In 2O 3(ZnO) 8-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 8 ( x: undetermined), and In 2O 3(ZnO) m-InAlO 3(ZnO) m ( m = 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19). The space groups of these homologous phases belong to R3¯ m for m = odd or P6 3/ mmc for m = even. Their crystal structures, In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) m (0 < x < 1), consist of three kinds of layers: an InO 1.5 layer, an (In xAl 1- xZn)O 2.5 layer, and ZnO layers. A comparison of the phase relations in the In 2O 3- M2ZnO 4-ZnO systems ( M = Fe, Ga, or Al) is made and their characteristic features are discussed in terms of the ionic radii and site preferences of the M cations.

Pressure induced elastic softening in framework aluminosilicate- albite (NaAlSi 3O 8)

DOE PAGES

Mookherjee, Mainak; Mainprice, David; Maheshwari, Ketan; ...

2016-10-13

Albite (NaAlSi 3O 8) is an aluminosilicate mineral. Its crystal structure consists of 3-D framework of Al and Si tetrahedral units. We have used Density Functional Theory to investigate the high-pressure behavior of the crystal structure and how it affects the elasticity of albite. Our results indicate elastic softening between 6–8 GPa. This is observed in all the individual elastic stiffness components. Our analysis indicates that the softening is due to the response of the three-dimensional tetrahedral framework, in particular by the pressure dependent changes in the tetrahedral tilts. At pressure <6 GPa, the PAW-GGA can be described by amore » Birch-Murnaghan equation of state with V GGA 0 = 687.4Å 3, K GGA 0 = 51.7 GPa, and G GGA 0 = 4.7. The shear modulus and its pressure derivative are K ⊕GGA 0 = 33.7 GPa, and G ⊕GGA 0 = 2.9. At 1 bar, the azimuthal compressional and shear wave anisotropy AV GGA P = 42.8%, and AV GGA S = 50.1%. We also investigate the densification of albite to a mixture of jadeite and quartz. The transformation is likely to cause a discontinuity in density, compressional, and shear wave velocity across the crust and mantle. Furthermore, this could partially account for the Mohorovicic discontinuity in thickened continental crustal regions.« less

The Study of Electrical Properties for Multilayer La2O3/Al2O3 Dielectric Stacks and LaAlO3 Dielectric Film Deposited by ALD.

PubMed

Feng, Xing-Yao; Liu, Hong-Xia; Wang, Xing; Zhao, Lu; Fei, Chen-Xi; Liu, He-Lei

2017-12-01

The capacitance and leakage current properties of multilayer La 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 dielectric stacks and LaAlO 3 dielectric film are investigated in this paper. A clear promotion of capacitance properties is observed for multilayer La 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 stacks after post-deposition annealing (PDA) at 800 °C compared with PDA at 600 °C, which indicated the recombination of defects and dangling bonds performs better at the high-k/Si substrate interface for a higher annealing temperature. For LaAlO 3 dielectric film, compared with multilayer La 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 dielectric stacks, a clear promotion of trapped charges density (N ot ) and a degradation of interface trap density (D it ) can be obtained simultaneously. In addition, a significant improvement about leakage current property is observed for LaAlO 3 dielectric film compared with multilayer La 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 stacks at the same annealing condition. We also noticed that a better breakdown behavior for multilayer La 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 stack is achieved after annealing at a higher temperature for its less defects.

Energetics of multicomponent diffusion in molten CaO-Al 2O 3-SiO 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Yan; Davis, Andrew M.

2002-02-01

The energetics of multicomponent diffusion in molten CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 (CAS) were examined experimentally at 1440 to 1650°C and 0.5 to 2 GPa. Two melt compositions were investigated: a haplodacitic melt (25 wt.% CaO, 15% Al2O3, and 60% SiO2) and a haplobasaltic melt (35% CaO, 20% Al2O3, and 45% SiO2). Diffusion matrices were measured in a mass-fixed frame of reference with simple oxides as end-member components and Al2O3 as a dependent variable. Chemical diffusion in molten CAS shows clear evidence of diffusive coupling among the components. The diffusive flux of SiO2 is significantly enhanced whenever there is a large CaO gradient that is oriented in a direction opposite to the SiO2 gradient. This coupling effect is more pronounced in the haplodacitic melt and is likely to be significant in natural magmas of rhyolitic to andesitic compositions. The relative magnitude of coupled chemical diffusion is not very sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure. To a good approximation, the measured diffusion matrices follow well-defined Arrhenius relationships with pressure and reciprocal temperature. Typically, a change in temperature of 100°C results in a relative change in the elements of diffusion matrix of 50 to 100%, whereas a change in pressure of 1 GPa introduces a relative change in elements of diffusion matrix of 4 to 6% for the haplobasalt, and less than 5% for the haplodacite. At a pressure of 1 GPa, the ratios between the major and minor eigenvalues of the diffusion matrix λ1/λ2 are not very sensitive to temperature variations, with an average of 5.5 ± 0.2 for the haplobasalt and 3.7 ± 0.6 for the haplodacite. The activation energies for the major and minor eigenvalues of the diffusion matrix are 215 ± 12 and 240 ± 21 kJ mol-1, respectively, for the haplodacite and 192 ± 8 and 217 ± 14 kJ mol-1 for the haplobasalt. These values are comparable to the activation energies for self-diffusion of calcium and silicon at the same melt compositions and

Decay channels of Al L sub 2,3 excitons and the absence of O K excitons in. alpha. -Al sub 2 O sub 3

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

O'Brien, W.L.; Jia, J.; Dong, Q.

1991-12-15

The Al {ital L}{sub 2,3} and O {ital K} thresholds for single-crystal {alpha}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} have been studied by photoemission. Energy-distribution curves, constant-initial-state (CIS), and constant-final-state (CFS) spectra are reported and compared to the absorption spectrum reported previously. An exciton appears as a doublet at threshold in the Al {ital L}{sub 2,3} CFS, CIS, and absorption spectra. The details of the Al {ital L}{sub 2,3} CFS spectrum and absorption spectrum are similar, while the exciton is the only feature present in the CIS spectrum. Comparisons of the various Al {ital L}{sub 2,3} spectra allow the probabilities of different exciton decaymore » channels to be determined. The probability for nonradiative direct recombination of the exciton is found to be (8{plus minus}1)% and the probability for Auger decay of the exciton is found to be (72{plus minus}20)%. Comparisons of the O {ital K} CIS and CFS spectra suggest that no O {ital K} exciton is formed.« less

Microstructure and thermal stability of Cu/Zr0.3Al0.7N/Zr0.2Al0.8N/Al34O60N6 cermet-based solar selective absorbing coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Jian-ping; Guo, Rui-rui; Li, Hu; Zhao, Lu-ming; Liu, Xiao-peng; Li, Zhou

2018-05-01

Solar selective absorbing coatings play a valuable role in photo-thermal conversion for high efficiency concentrating solar power systems (CSP). In this paper, a novel Cu/Zr0.3Al0.7N/Zr0.2Al0.8N/Al34O60N6 cermet-based solar selective absorbing coating was successfully deposited by ion beam assisted deposition. The optical properties, microstructure and element distribution in depth were investigated by spectroscopic ellipsometry, UV-vis-NIR spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), respectively. A high absorptance of 0.953 and a low thermal emittance of 0.079 at 400 °C are obtained by the integral computation according to the whole reflectance from 300 nm to 28,800 nm. After annealing treatment at 400 °C (in vacuum) for 192 h, the deposited coating exhibits the high thermal stability. Whereas, the photothermal conversion efficiency decreases from 12.10 to 6.86 due to the emittance increase after annealing at 600 °C for 192 h. Meanwhile, the nitrogen atom in the Zr0.3Al0.7N sub-layer diffuses toward the adjacent sub-layer due to the spinodal decomposition of metastable c-ZrAlN and the phase transition from c-AlN to h-AlN, which leads to the composition of the Zr0.3Al0.7N sub-layer deviates the initial design. This phenomenon has a guide effect for the thermal-stability improvement of cermet coatings. Additionally, a serious diffusion between copper and silicon substrate also contributes to the emittance increase.

Neutronic fuel element fabrication

DOEpatents

Korton, George

2004-02-24

This disclosure describes a method for metallurgically bonding a complete leak-tight enclosure to a matrix-type fuel element penetrated longitudinally by a multiplicity of coolant channels. Coolant tubes containing solid filler pins are disposed in the coolant channels. A leak-tight metal enclosure is then formed about the entire assembly of fuel matrix, coolant tubes and pins. The completely enclosed and sealed assembly is exposed to a high temperature and pressure gas environment to effect a metallurgical bond between all contacting surfaces therein. The ends of the assembly are then machined away to expose the pin ends which are chemically leached from the coolant tubes to leave the coolant tubes with internal coolant passageways. The invention described herein was made in the course of, or under, a contract with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. It relates generally to fuel elements for neutronic reactors and more particularly to a method for providing a leak-tight metal enclosure for a high-performance matrix-type fuel element penetrated longitudinally by a multiplicity of coolant tubes. The planned utilization of nuclear energy in high-performance, compact-propulsion and mobile power-generation systems has necessitated the development of fuel elements capable of operating at high power densities. High power densities in turn require fuel elements having high thermal conductivities and good fuel retention capabilities at high temperatures. A metal clad fuel element containing a ceramic phase of fuel intimately mixed with and bonded to a continuous refractory metal matrix has been found to satisfy the above requirements. Metal coolant tubes penetrate the matrix to afford internal cooling to the fuel element while providing positive fuel retention and containment of fission products generated within the fuel matrix. Metal header plates are bonded to the coolant tubes at each end of the fuel element and a metal cladding or can completes the fuel-matrix enclosure

Arizona porphyry copper/hydrothermal deposits II: crystal structure of ajoite, (K + Na)3Cu20Al3Si29O76(OH)16*~8H2O.

PubMed

Pluth, Joseph J; Smith, Joseph V

2002-08-20

A crystal from the type locality Ajo, AZ, yielded just enough intensity from streaked diffractions using synchrotron x-rays at the Advanced Photon Source to solve the crystal structure with composition (K + Na)3Cu20Al3Si29O76(OH)16* approximately 8H2O; triclinic, P1, a = 13.634(5) A, b = 13.687(7), c = 14.522(7), alpha = 110.83(1) degrees, beta = 107.21(1), gamma = 105.68(1); refined to a final R = 12.5%. Electron microprobe analysis yielded a similar chemical composition that is slightly different from the combined chemical and electron microprobe analyses in the literature. The ajoite structure can be described as a zeolitic octahedral-tetrahedral framework that combines the alternate stacking of edge-sharing octahedral CuO6 layers and curved aluminosilicate layers and strings. Channels bounded by elliptical 12-rings and circular 8-rings of tetrahedra contain (K and Na) ions and water. The Al atoms occupy some of the Si tetrahedral sites. Each Cu atom has near-planar bonds to four oxygen atoms plus two longer distances that generate a distorted octahedron. Valence bond estimates indicate that 8 oxygen atoms of 46 are hydroxyl. Only one alkali atom was located in distorted octahedral coordination, and electron microprobe analyses indicate K and Na as major substituents. The water from chemical analysis presumably occurs as disordered molecules of zeolitic type not giving electron density from diffraction. The high R factor results from structural disorder and many weak intensities close to detection level. The crystal chemistry is compared with shattuckite, Cu5(SiO3)4(OH)2, and planchéite, Cu8Si8O22(OH)4.H2O, both found in oxidized copper deposits of Arizona but only the former directly with ajoite.

A modelling study of the inter-diffusion layer formation in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel plates at high power

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

Ye, B.; Hofman, G. L.; Leenaers, A.

Post irradiation examinations of full-size U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel plates fabricated with ZrN- or Sicoated U-Mo particles revealed that the reaction rate of irradiation-induced U-Mo-Al inter-diffusion, an important microstructural change impacting the performance of this type of fuel, is temperature and fission-rate dependent. In order to simulate the U-Mo/Al inter-diffusion layer (IL) growth behavior in full-size dispersion fuel plates, the existing IL growth correlation was modified with a temperaturedependent multiplication factor that transits around a threshold fission rate. In-pile irradiation data from four tests in the BR2 reactors, including FUTURE, E-FUTURE, SELEMIUM, and SELEMIUM-1a, were utilized to determine and validate themore » updated IL growth correlation. Irradiation behavior of the plates was simulated with the DART-2D computational code. The general agreement between the calculated and measured fuel meat swelling and constituent volume fractions as a function of fission density demonstrated the plausibility of the updated IL growth correlation. The simulation results also suggested the temperature dependence of the IL growth rate, similar to the temperature dependence of the intermixing rate in ion-irradiated bi-layer systems.« less

Postperovskite phase equilibria in the MgSiO3-Al2O3 system.

PubMed

Tsuchiya, Jun; Tsuchiya, Taku

2008-12-09

We investigate high-P,T phase equilibria of the MgSiO(3)-Al(2)O(3) system by means of the density functional ab initio computation methods with multiconfiguration sampling. Being different from earlier studies based on the static substitution properties with no consideration of Rh(2)O(3)(II) phase, present calculations demonstrate that (i) dissolving Al(2)O(3) tends to decrease the postperovskite transition pressure of MgSiO(3) but the effect is not significant ( approximately -0.2 GPa/mol% Al(2)O(3)); (ii) Al(2)O(3) produces the narrow perovskite+postperovskite coexisting P,T area (approximately 1 GPa) for the pyrolitic concentration (x(Al2O3) approximately 6 mol%), which is sufficiently responsible to the deep-mantle D'' seismic discontinuity; (iii) the transition would be smeared (approximately 4 GPa) for the basaltic Al-rich composition (x(Al2O3) approximately 20 mol%), which is still seismically visible unless iron has significant effects; and last (iv) the perovskite structure spontaneously changes to the Rh(2)O(3)(II) with increasing the Al concentration involving small displacements of the Mg-site cations.

Electron Mobility in γ -Al2O3/SrTiO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christensen, D. V.; Frenkel, Y.; Schütz, P.; Trier, F.; Wissberg, S.; Claessen, R.; Kalisky, B.; Smith, A.; Chen, Y. Z.; Pryds, N.

2018-05-01

One of the key issues in engineering oxide interfaces for electronic devices is achieving high electron mobility. SrTiO3 -based interfaces with high electron mobility have gained a lot of interest due to the possibility of combining quantum phenomena with the many functionalities exhibited by SrTiO3 . To date, the highest electron mobility (140 000 cm2/V s at 2 K) is obtained by interfacing perovskite SrTiO3 with spinel γ -Al2O3 . The origin of the high mobility, however, remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the scattering mechanisms limiting the mobility in γ -Al2O3/SrTiO3 at temperatures between 2 and 300 K and over a wide range of sheet carrier densities. For T >150 K , we find that the mobility is limited by longitudinal optical phonon scattering. For large sheet carrier densities (>8 ×1013 cm-2 ), the screened electron-phonon coupling leads to room-temperature mobilities up to μ ˜12 cm2/V s . For 5 K O3 . At carrier densities higher than the optimum, the SrTiO3 heterostructure gradually becomes bulk conducting, and the electron mobility decreases to approximately 20 000 cm2/V s . We argue that the high electron mobility observed arises from a spatial separation of donors and electrons with oxygen-vacancy donors preferentially forming at the interface, whereas the itinerant electrons extend deeper into SrTiO3 . Understanding the scattering mechanism in γ -Al2O3/SrTiO3 paves the way for creation of high-mobility nanoscale electronic devices.

Growth and characterization of single crystalline Zn0.8-xMg0.2AlxO films with UV band gap on GaN/Al2O3 template by RF magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Min-Sung; Lee, Byung-Teak

2013-02-01

Single crystalline Zn0.8-xMg0.2AlxO thin films were grown on a GaN/Al2O3 template. As the Al content is increased from 0 to 0.06, the optical band gap increased from 3.6 eV to 4.0 eV, growth rate decreased from 6 nm/min to 3 nm/min, and the surface roughness decreased from 17 nm to 0.8 nm. It was observed that interfacial layers were formed between the thin films and the substrates, identified as cubic MgAl2O4 in the case of ZnMgAlO/GaN and cubic MgO in the case of ZnMgO/GaN. It was proposed that the MgAl2O4 layer, with low lattice mismatch of ˜7% against the GaN substrate, acted as the buffer layer to correlate the film and the substrate, resulting in growth of the single crystalline thin films in the case of the ZnMgAlO/GaN system.

Optimization of Al2O3/TiO2/Al 2O3 Multilayer Antireflection Coating With X-Ray Scattering Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chao

Broadband multilayer antireflection coatings (ARCs) are keys to improving solar cell efficiencies. The goal of this dissertation is to optimize the multilayer Al2O3/TiO2/Al2O 3 ARC designed for a III-V space multi-junction solar cell with understanding influences of post-annealing and varying deposition parameters on the optical properties. Accurately measuring optical properties is important in accessing optical performances of ARCs. The multilayer Al2O3/TiO 2/Al2O3 ARC and individual Al2O 3 and TiO2 layers were characterized by a novel X-ray reflectivity (XRR) method and a combined method of grazing-incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and XRR developed in this study. The novel XRR method combining an enhanced Fourier analysis with specular XRR simulation effectively determines layer thicknesses and surface and interface roughnesses and/or grading with sub-nanometer precision, and densities less than three percent uncertainty. Also, the combined method of GISAXS, AFM, and XRR characterizes the distribution of pore size with one-nanometer uncertainty. Unique to this method, the diffuse scattering from surface and interface roughnesses is estimated with surface parameters (root mean square roughness sigma, lateral correlation length ξ, and Hurst parameter h) obtained from AFM, and layer densities, surface grading and interface roughness/grading obtained from specular XRR. It is then separated from pore scattering. These X-ray scattering techniques obtained consistent results and were validated by other techniques including optical reflectance, spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), glancing incidence X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The ARCs were deposited by atomic layer deposition with standard parameters at 200 °C. The as-deposited individual Al2O3 layer on Si is porous and amorphous as indicated by the combined methods of GISAXS, AFM, and XRR. Both post

Investigation the influences of B2O3 and R2O on the structure and crystallization behaviors of CaO-Al2O3 based F-free mold flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiangling; Kong, Bowen; Gao, Xiangyu; Liu, Qingcai; Shu, Qifeng; Chou, Kuochih

2018-04-01

The influences of B2O3 and R2O on the structure and crystallization of CaO-Al2O3 based F-free mold flux were investigated by Raman Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry Technique, respectively, for developing a new type of F-free mold flux. The results of structural investigations showed that B3+ is mainly in the form of [BO3]. And [BO3] appears to form BIII-O-Al linkage which will produce a positive effect on forming [AlO4] network. The number of bridging oxygen and the degree of polymerization of [AlO4] network structure for CaO-Al2O3 system were also increased with the increasing of B2O3. On the contrary, with the addition of R2O into CaO-Al2O3-B2O3 system, the number of bridging oxygen and the degree of polymerization of [AlO4] network were decreased. DSC results showed that the crystallization process became more sluggish with the increase of B2O3, which indicated that the crystallization ability was weakened. While the quenched mold fluxes crystallized more rapidly when introducing R2O. In other word, the crystallization rates of CaO-Al2O3 based slags were accelerated by the introduction of R2O. The liquidus temperature and crystallization temperature were decreased with the increasing amount of B2O3 or by addition of R2O into CaO-Al2O3 system. Only one kind of crystal was precipitated in 8% B2O3 and %R2O-containing samples, which was CaAl2O4 identified by SEM-EDS. When the content of B2O3 increased from 8% to 16%, Ca3B2O6 is clearly observed, demonstrating that the crystallization ability of Ca3B2O6 is enhanced by the increasing concentration of B2O3 in mold flux. The Ca/Al ratio of the generated calcium aluminate has been altered from 1:2 to 1:4 with the increasing of B2O3. The size of CaAl2O4 crystal is gradually increased with the addition of R2O. The crystallization ability of CaAl2O4 is promoted by R2O.

Two-dimensional confinement of 3d{1} electrons in LaTiO_{3}/LaAlO{3} multilayers.

PubMed

Seo, S S A; Han, M J; Hassink, G W J; Choi, W S; Moon, S J; Kim, J S; Susaki, T; Lee, Y S; Yu, J; Bernhard, C; Hwang, H Y; Rijnders, G; Blank, D H A; Keimer, B; Noh, T W

2010-01-22

We report spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements of the anisotropy of the interband transitions parallel and perpendicular to the planes of (LaTiO3)n(LaAlO3)5 multilayers with n=1-3. These provide direct information about the electronic structure of the two-dimensional (2D) 3d{1} state of the Ti ions. In combination with local density approximation, including a Hubbard U calculation, we suggest that 2D confinement in the TiO2 slabs lifts the degeneracy of the t{2g} states leaving only the planar d{xy} orbitals occupied. We outline that these multilayers can serve as a model system for the study of the t{2g} 2D Hubbard model.

High-pressure phase relations in the composition of albite NaAlSi3O8 constrained by an ab initio and quasi-harmonic Debye model, and their implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, L.; Liu, X.; Liu, H.; Dong, J.

2010-12-01

phase assemblage transforms into the CS phase assemblage at about 33.6 GPa at 0 K, and the Clayperon slope of this phase transition is about 0.014 GPa/K. This study implies that lingunite (Na-Holl), found in somemeteorites, is not possibly a thermodynamically stable high-P phase, and the Cf phase probably plays an important role in maintaining the sodium budget and hosting the large-ion lithophile elements in the deep interior of the Earth. References: Beck, P., Gillet, P., Gautron, L., Daniel, I., El Goresy, A., 2004. A new natural high-pressure (Na, Ca)-hexaluminosilicate [(CaxNa1-x)Al3+xSi3-xO11] in shocked Martian meteorites. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 219, 1-12. Liu, L., 1978. High-pressure phase transformations of albite, jadeite and nepheline. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 37, 438-444. Sekine, T., Ahrens, T.J., 1992. Shock-induced transformations in the system NaAlSi3O8-SiO2: a new interpretation. Phys. Chem. Mineral. 18, 359-364. Tutti, F., 2007. Formation of end-member NaAlSi3O8 hollandite-type structure (lingunite) in diamond anvil cell. Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 161, 143-149.

La0.8Sr0.2Fe0.8Cu0.2O3-δ as “cobalt-free” cathode for La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zurlo, Francesca; Di Bartolomeo, Elisabetta; D'Epifanio, Alessandra; Felice, Valeria; Natali Sora, Isabella; Tortora, Luca; Licoccia, Silvia

2014-12-01

A "cobalt-free" cathode material with stoichiometric composition La0.8Sr0.2Fe0.8Cu0.2O3-δ (LSFCu) was specifically developed for use with La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ (LSGM) electrolyte in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) systems. The chemical stability of LSFCu in contact with LSGM electrolyte was investigated by structural and morphological analysis. The electrochemical properties of LSFCu dense pellets were investigated in the temperature range 600-750 °C by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). LSFCu|LSGM|LSFCu symmetrical cells were prepared and area specific resistance (ASR) values, directly depending on the rate limiting step of the oxygen reduction reaction, were evaluated. Fuel cells were prepared using LSFCu as cathode material on a LSGM pellet and electrochemical tests were performed in the 700-800 °C temperature range and compared to similar fuel cells prepared by using commercial La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.8Co0.2O3-δ (LSFCo) as a cathode. The maximum current density and power density recorded for LSFCu and LSFCo were similar. This fact demonstrates that Cu can be used as Co substitute in perovskite cathode materials.

The effect of aluminum additions on the oxidation resistance of U 3Si 2

DOE PAGES

Wood, E. Sooby; White, J. T.; Nelson, A. T.

2017-04-01

The effect of aluminum additions to U 3Si 2 is investigated in this paper as a means to improve the oxidation resistance of this nuclear fuel form. Four U-Si-Al compositions have been synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The onsets of breakaway oxidation are identified in air thermal ramp tests using thermogravimetric analysis. The final oxidation products following 1000° C air exposure are identified using x-ray diffraction and compared to those of UO 2 and U metal oxidized in the same manner. Finally, thermogravimetric data acquired in this study indicates that increasing amountsmore » of Al in U 3Si 2 further delays the onset of breakaway oxidation, providing enhanced oxidation resistance in air. Al 2O 3 formation on U 3Al 2Si 3 is observed following a heat treatment performed at 500° C in air, demonstrating the potential of Al additions to improve the oxidation resistance of U 3Si 2.« less

The effect of aluminum additions on the oxidation resistance of U 3Si 2

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

Wood, E. Sooby; White, J. T.; Nelson, A. T.

The effect of aluminum additions to U 3Si 2 is investigated in this paper as a means to improve the oxidation resistance of this nuclear fuel form. Four U-Si-Al compositions have been synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The onsets of breakaway oxidation are identified in air thermal ramp tests using thermogravimetric analysis. The final oxidation products following 1000° C air exposure are identified using x-ray diffraction and compared to those of UO 2 and U metal oxidized in the same manner. Finally, thermogravimetric data acquired in this study indicates that increasing amountsmore » of Al in U 3Si 2 further delays the onset of breakaway oxidation, providing enhanced oxidation resistance in air. Al 2O 3 formation on U 3Al 2Si 3 is observed following a heat treatment performed at 500° C in air, demonstrating the potential of Al additions to improve the oxidation resistance of U 3Si 2.« less

Dissolution flowsheet for high flux isotope reactor fuel

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

Foster, T.

2016-09-27

As part of the Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) processing campaign, H-Canyon is planning to begin dissolving High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) fuel in late FY17 or early FY18. Each HFIR fuel core contains inner and outer fuel elements which were fabricated from uranium oxide (U 3O 8) dispersed in a continuous Al phase using traditional powder metallurgy techniques. Fuels fabricated in this manner, like other SNF’s processed in H-Canyon, dissolve by the same general mechanisms with similar gas generation rates and the production of H 2. The HFIR fuel cores will be dissolved and the recovered U will be down-blendedmore » into low-enriched U. HFIR fuel was previously processed in H-Canyon using a unique insert in both the 6.1D and 6.4D dissolvers. Multiple cores will be charged to the same dissolver solution maximizing the concentration of dissolved Al. The objective of this study was to identify flowsheet conditions through literature review and laboratory experimentation to safely and efficiently dissolve the HFIR fuel in H-Canyon. Laboratory-scale experiments were performed to evaluate the dissolution of HFIR fuel using both Al 1100 and Al 6061 T6 alloy coupons. The Al 1100 alloy was considered a representative surrogate which provided an upper bound on the generation of flammable (i.e., H 2) gas during the dissolution process. The dissolution of the Al 6061 T6 alloy proceeded at a slower rate than the Al 1100 alloy and was used to verify that the target Al concentration in solution could be achieved for the selected Hg concentration. Mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy were used to provide continuous monitoring of the concentration of H 2 and other permanent gases in the dissolution offgas allowing the development of H 2 generation rate profiles. The H 2 generation rates were subsequently used to evaluate if a full HFIR core could be dissolved in an H-Canyon dissolver without exceeding 60% of the calculated lower flammability limit (LFL) for H 2 at a given Hg

The use of MOX caramel fuel mixed with 241Am, 242mAm and 243Am as burnable absorber actinides for the MTR research reactors.

PubMed

Shaaban, Ismail; Albarhoum, Mohamad

2017-07-01

The MOX (UO 2 &PuO 2 ) caramel fuel mixed with 241 Am, 242m Am and 243 Am as burnable absorber actinides was proposed as a fuel of the MTR-22MW reactor. The MCNP4C code was used to simulate the MTR-22MW reactor and estimate the criticality and the neutronic parameters, and the power peaking factors before and after replacing its original fuel (U 3 O 8 -Al) by the MOX caramel fuel mixed with 241 Am, 242m Am and 243 Am actinides. The obtained results of the criticality, the neutronic parameters, and the power peaking factors for the MOX caramel fuel mixed with 241 Am, 242m Am and 243 Am actinides were compared with the same parameters of the U 3 O 8 -Al original fuel and a maximum difference is -6.18% was found. Additionally, by recycling 2.65% and 2.71% plutonium and 241 Am, 242m Am and 243 Am actinides in the MTR-22MW reactor, the level of 235 U enrichment is reduced from 4.48% to 3% and 2.8%, respectively. This also results in the reduction of the 235 U loading by 32.75% and 37.22% for the 2.65%, the 2.71% plutonium and 241 Am, 242m Am and 243 Am actinides, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The thermal conductivity of mixed fuel U xPu 1-xO 2: molecular dynamics simulations

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

Liu, Xiang-Yang; Cooper, Michael William Donald; Stanek, Christopher Richard

2015-10-16

Mixed oxides (MOX), in the context of nuclear fuels, are a mixture of the oxides of heavy actinide elements such as uranium, plutonium and thorium. The interest in the UO 2-PuO 2 system arises from the fact that these oxides are used both in fast breeder reactors (FBRs) as well as in pressurized water reactors (PWRs). The thermal conductivity of UO 2 fuel is an important material property that affects fuel performance since it is the key parameter determining the temperature distribution in the fuel, thus governing, e.g., dimensional changes due to thermal expansion, fission gas release rates, etc. Formore » this reason it is important to understand the thermal conductivity of MOX fuel and how it differs from UO 2. Here, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are carried out to determine quantitatively, the effect of mixing on the thermal conductivity of U xPu 1-xO 2, as a function of PuO 2 concentrations, for a range of temperatures, 300 – 1500 K. The results will be used to develop enhanced continuum thermal conductivity models for MARMOT and BISON by INL. These models express the thermal conductivity as a function of microstructure state-variables, thus enabling thermal conductivity models with closer connection to the physical state of the fuel.« less

Thermal conductivity of fresh and irradiated U-Mo fuels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huber, Tanja K.; Breitkreutz, Harald; Burkes, Douglas E.; Casella, Amanda J.; Casella, Andrew M.; Elgeti, Stefan; Reiter, Christian; Robinson, Adam. B.; Smith, Frances. N.; Wachs, Daniel. M.; Petry, Winfried

2018-05-01

The thermal conductivity of fresh and irradiated U-Mo dispersion and monolithic fuel has been investigated experimentally and compared to theoretical models. During in-pile irradiation, thermal conductivity of fresh dispersion fuel at a temperature of 150 °C decreased from 59 W/m·K to 18 W/m·K at a burn-up of 4.9·1021 f/cc and further to 9 W/m·K at a burn-up of 6.1·1021 f/cc. Fresh monolithic fuel has a considerably lower thermal conductivity of 15 W/m·K at a temperature of 150 °C and consequently its decrease during in-pile irradiation is less steep than for dispersion fuel. For a burn-up of 3.5·1021 f/cc of monolithic fuel, a thermal conductivity of 11 W/m·K at a temperature of 150 °C has been measured by Burkes et al. (2015). The difference of decrease for both fuels originates from effects in the matrix that occur during irradiation, like for dispersion fuel the gradual disappearance of the Al matrix with increased burn-up and the subsequent growth of an interaction layer (IDL) between the U-Mo fuel particle and Al matrix and subsequent matrix hardening. The growth of fission gas bubbles and the decomposition of the U-Mo crystal lattice also affect both dispersion and monolithic fuel.

Thermal conductivity of fresh and irradiated U-Mo fuels

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

Huber, Tanja K.; Breitkreutz, Harald; Burkes, Douglas E.

The thermal conductivity of fresh and irradiated U-Mo dispersion and monolithic fuel has been investigated experimentally and compared to theoretical models. During in-pile irradiation, the thermal conductivity of fresh dispersion fuel at a temperature of 150°C decreases from 59 W/m ·K down to 18  W/m ·K at a burn-up of 4.9 ·10 21 f/cc and further down to 9 W/m·K at a burn-up of 6.1·10 21 f/cc. Fresh monolithic fuel has a considerably lower thermal conductivity of 15 W/m·K at a temperature of 150 °C and consequently its decrease during in-pile irradiation is less steep as for the dispersion fuel. For a burn-up ofmore » 3.5·10 21 f /cc of monolithic fuel 11 W/m·K at a temperature of 150 °C has been measured by Burkes et al. The difference of the decrease of both fuels originates from effects in the matrix that occur during irradiation, like for dispersion fuel the gradual disappearance of the Al matrix with increasing burn-up and the subsequent growth of an interaction layer (IDL) between the U-Mo fuel particle and Al matrix and subsequent matrix hardening. The growth of fission gas bubbles and the decomposition of the U-Mo crystal lattice affects both dispersion and monolithic fuel.« less

Tunable thermodynamic activity of La x Sr1-x Mn y Al1-y O3-δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1) perovskites for solar thermochemical fuel synthesis.

PubMed

Ezbiri, M; Takacs, M; Theiler, D; Michalsky, R; Steinfeld, A

2017-02-28

Nonstoichiometric metal oxides with variable valence are attractive redox materials for thermochemical and electrochemical fuel processing. To guide the design of advanced redox materials for solar-driven splitting of CO 2 and/or H 2 O to produce CO and/or H 2 (syngas), we investigate the equilibrium thermodynamics of the La x Sr 1- x Mn y Al 1- y O 3- δ perovskite family (0 ≤ x ≤ 1, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1) and La 0.6 Ca 0.4 Mn 0.8 Al 0.2 O 3- δ , and compare them to those of CeO 2 as the baseline. Oxygen nonstoichiometry measurements from 1573 to 1773 K and from 0.206 to 180 mbar O 2 show a tunable reduction extent, increasing with increasing Sr content. Maximal nonstoichiometry of 0.32 is established with La 0.2 Sr 0.8 Mn 0.8 Al 0.2 O 3- δ at 1773 K and 2.37 mbar O 2 . As a trend, we find that oxygen capacities are most sensitive to the A-cation composition. Partial molar enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy changes for oxide reduction are extracted from the experimental data using defect models for Mn 4+ /Mn 3+ and Mn 3+ /Mn 2+ redox couples. We find that perovskites exhibit typically decreasing enthalpy changes with increasing nonstoichiometries. This desirable characteristic is most pronounced by La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Mn 0.4 Al 0.6 O 3- δ , rendering it attractive for CO 2 and H 2 O splitting. Generally, perovskites show lower enthalpy and entropy changes than ceria, resulting in more favorable reduction but less favorable oxidation equilibria. The energy penalties due to larger temperature swings and excess oxidants are discussed in particular. Using electronic structure theory, we conclude with a practical methodology estimating thermodynamic activity to rationally design perovskites with variable stoichiometry and valence.

Modulus, strength and thermal exposure studies of FP-Al2O3/aluminum and FP-Al2O3/magnesium composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhatt, R. T.

1981-01-01

The mechanical properties of FP-Al2O3 fiber reinforced composites prepared by liquid infiltration techniques are improved. A strengthening addition, magnesium, was incorporated with the aluminum-lithium matrix alloy usually selected for these composites because of its good wetting characteristics. This ternary composite, FP-Al2O3/Al-(2-3)Li-(3-5)Mg, showed improved transverse strength compared with FP-Al2O3/Al-(2-3)Li composites. The lower axial strengths found for the FP-Al2O3/Al-(2-3)Li-(3-5)Mg composites were attributed to fabrication related defects. Another technique was the use of Ti/B coated FP-Al2O3 fibers in the composites. This coating is readily wet by molten aluminum and permitted the use of more conventional aluminum alloys in the composites. However, the anticipated improvements in the axial and transverse strengths were not obtained due to poor bonding between the fiber coating and the matrix. A third approach studied to improve the strengths of FP-Al2O3 reinforced composites was the use of magnesium alloys as matrix materials. While these alloys wet fibers satisfactorily, the result indicated that the magnesium alloy composites used offered no axial strength or modulus advantage over FP-Al2O3/Al-(2-3)Li composites.

Synthesis and properties of γ-Ga2O3-Al2O3 solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afonasenko, T. N.; Leont'eva, N. N.; Talzi, V. P.; Smirnova, N. S.; Savel'eva, G. G.; Shilova, A. V.; Tsyrul'nikov, P. G.

2017-10-01

The textural and structural properties of mixed oxides Ga2O3-Al2O3, obtained via impregnating γ-Al2O3 with a solution of Ga(NO3)3 and subsequent heat treatment, are studied. According to the results from X-ray powder diffraction, gallium ions are incorporated into the structure of aluminum oxide to form a solid solution of spinel-type γ-Ga2O3-Al2O3 up to a Ga2O3 content of 50 wt % of the total weight of the sample, accompanied by a reduction in the specific surface area, volume, and average pore diameter. It is concluded that when the Ga2O3 content exceeds 50 wt %, the β-Ga2O3 phase is observed along with γ-Ga2O3-Al2O3 solid solution. 71Ga and 27Al NMR spectroscopy shows that gallium replaces aluminum atoms from the tetrahedral position to the octahedral coordination in the structure of γ-Ga2O3-Al2O3.

[Influences of R2O-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 system glass and superfine alpha-Al2O3 on the sintering and phase transition of hydroxyapatite ceramics].

PubMed

Wang, Zhiqiang; Chen, Xiaoxu; Cai, Yingji; Lü, Bingling

2003-06-01

The effects of R2O-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 system glass and superfine alpha-Al2O3 on the sintering and phase transition of hydroxyapatite (HAP) ceramics were assessed. The results showed that alpha-Al2O3 impeded the sintering of HAP and raised the sintering temperature. When glass and alpha-Al2O3 were used together to reinforce HAP ceramics, better results could be obtained; the bending strength of multiphase HAP ceramics approached 106 MPa when 10% (wt) alpha-Al2O3 and 20%(wt) glass were used and sintered at 1200 for 1 h.

Postperovskite phase equilibria in the MgSiO3–Al2O3 system

PubMed Central

Tsuchiya, Jun; Tsuchiya, Taku

2008-01-01

We investigate high-P,T phase equilibria of the MgSiO3–Al2O3 system by means of the density functional ab initio computation methods with multiconfiguration sampling. Being different from earlier studies based on the static substitution properties with no consideration of Rh2O3(II) phase, present calculations demonstrate that (i) dissolving Al2O3 tends to decrease the postperovskite transition pressure of MgSiO3 but the effect is not significant (≈-0.2 GPa/mol% Al2O3); (ii) Al2O3 produces the narrow perovskite+postperovskite coexisting P,T area (≈1 GPa) for the pyrolitic concentration (xAl2O3 ≈6 mol%), which is sufficiently responsible to the deep-mantle D″ seismic discontinuity; (iii) the transition would be smeared (≈4 GPa) for the basaltic Al-rich composition (xAl2O3 ≈20 mol%), which is still seismically visible unless iron has significant effects; and last (iv) the perovskite structure spontaneously changes to the Rh2O3(II) with increasing the Al concentration involving small displacements of the Mg-site cations. PMID:19036928

Four-Element Composite Triangular Dielectric Resonator Antenna Using Li2O-1.94MgO-0.02Al2O3-P2O5 Ceramic for Wideband Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumari, Preeti; Tripathi, Pankaj; Sahu, B.; Singh, S. P.; Kumar, Devendra

2018-05-01

A simulation and fabrication study of a coaxial probe-fed four-element composite triangular dielectric resonator antenna (TDRA) using low loss Li2O-1.94MgO-0.02Al2O3-P2O5 (LMAP) ceramic and Teflon. LMAP ceramic was carried out and the ceramic was synthesized using a solid-state sintering route. The phase, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of LMAP were investigated using x-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy and a network analyzer. A coaxial probe-fed four-element composite TDRA was designed and fabricated using LMAP as one section of each composite element of the proposed antenna. Each triangular element of the proposed dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) consists of two sections of different dielectric constant materials. The inner triangular section touching the coaxial probe at one of its corners is made of the LMAP ceramic (ɛ r = 6.2) while othe uter section is made of Teflon (ɛ r = 2.1). Four triangular DRA elements are excited bya centrally located 50-Ω coaxial probe. The parametric study of the proposed antenna was performed through simulation using Ansys High Frequency Structure Simulator software by varying the dimensions and dielectric constants of both sections of each triangular element of the TDRA to optimize the results for obtaining a wideband antenna. The simulated resonant frequency of 9.30 GHz with a percentage bandwidth of 61.65% for the proposed antenna is obtained within its operating frequency range of 7.82-14.8 GHz. Monopole-like radiation patterns with low cross-polarization levels and a peak gain of 5.63 dB are obtained for the proposed antenna through simulation. The antenna prototype having optimized dimensions has also been fabricated. The experimental resonant frequency of 9.10 GHz with a percentage bandwidth of 66.09% is obtained within its operating frequency range of 7.70-15.30 GHz. It is found that the simulation results for the proposed antenna are in close agreement with the measured data. The

SEM in situ MiniCantilever Beam Bending of U-10Mo/Zr/Al Fuel Elements

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

Mook, William; Baldwin, Jon K.; Martinez, Ricardo M.

2014-06-16

In this work, the fracture behavior of Al/Zr and Zr/dU-10Mo interfaces was measured via the minicantilever bend technique. The energy dissipation rates were found to be approximately 3.7-5 mj/mm 2 and 5.9 mj/mm 2 for each interface, respectively. It was found that in order to test the Zr/U-10Mo interface, location of the hinge of the cantilever was a key parameter. While this test could be adapted to hot cell use through careful alignment fixturing and measurement of crack lengths with an optical microscope (as opposed to SEM, which was used here out of convenience), machining of the cantilevers via MiniMillmore » in such a way as to locate the interfaces at the cantilever hinge, as well as proper placement of a femtosecond laser notch will continue to be key challenges in a hot cell environment.« less

Reaction between NiO and Al2O3 in NiO/γ-Al2O3 catalysts probed by positronium atom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, C. Y.; Zhang, H. J.; Chen, Z. Q.

2013-02-01

NiO/γ-Al2O3 catalysts with NiO content of 9 wt% and 24 wt% were prepared by solid state reaction method. They are annealed in air at temperatures from 100 °C to 1000 °C. Positron lifetime spectra were measured to study the microstructure variation during annealing process. Four positron lifetime components were resolved with two long lifetime τ3 and τ4, which can be attributed to the ortho-positronium lifetime in microvoids and large pores, respectively. It was found that the longest lifetime τ4 is rather sensitive to the chemical environment of the large pores. The NiO active centers in the catalysts cause decrease of both τ4 and its intensity I4, which is due to the spin-conversion of positronium induced by NiO. However, after heating the catalysts above 600 °C, abnormal increase of the lifetime τ4 is observed. This is due to the formation of NiAl2O4 spinel from the reaction of NiO and γ-Al2O3. The generated NiAl2O4 weakens the spin-conversion effect of positronium, thus leads to the increase of o-Ps lifetime τ4. Formation of NiAl2O4 is further confirmed by both X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements.

Nano SnO 2-Al 2O 3 mixed oxide and SnO 2-Al 2O 3-carbon composite oxides as new and novel electrodes for supercapacitor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayalakshmi, M.; Venugopal, N.; Raja, K. Phani; Rao, M. Mohan

New nano-materials like SnO 2-Al 2O 3 and SnO 2-Al 2O 3-carbon were synthesized by a single step hydrothermal method in searching for novel mixed oxides with high electrochemical double layer capacitance. A SnO 2-Al 2O 3-carbon sample was calcined at 600 °C and tested for its performance. The source of carbon was tetrapropyl ammonium hydroxide. The capacitive behavior of SnO 2 was compared to the performance of SnO 2-Al 2O 3, SnO 2-Al 2O 3-carbon and calcined SnO 2-Al 2O 3-carbon using the techniques of cyclic voltammetry, double potential step, chronopotentiometry and E-log I polarization. In 0.1 M NaCl solutions, SnO 2-Al 2O 3 gave the best performance with a value of 119 Fg -1 and cycled 1000 times. The nano-material mixed oxides were characterized by TEM, XRD, ICP-AES and SEM-EDAX.

Inhalation exposure to jet fuel (JP8) among U.S. Air Force personnel.

PubMed

Smith, Kristen W; Proctor, Susan P; Ozonoff, Al; McClean, Michael D

2010-10-01

As jet fuel is a common occupational exposure among military and civilian populations, this study was conducted to characterize jet fuel (JP8) exposure among active duty U.S. Air Force personnel. Personnel (n = 24) were divided a priori into high, moderate, and low exposure groups. Questionnaires and personal air samples (breathing zone) were collected from each worker over 3 consecutive days (72 worker-days) and analyzed for total hydrocarbons (THC), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, and naphthalene. Air samples were collected from inside the fuel tank and analyzed for the same analytes. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the exposure data. Our results show that the correlation of THC (a measure of overall JP8 inhalation exposure) with all other analytes was moderate to strong in the a priori high and moderate exposure groups combined. Inhalation exposure to all analytes varied significantly by self-reported JP8 exposure (THC levels higher among workers reporting JP8 exposure), a priori exposure group (THC levels in high group > moderate group > low group), and more specific job task groupings (THC levels among workers in fuel systems hangar group > refueling maintenance group > fuel systems office group > fuel handling group > clinic group), with task groupings explaining the most between-worker variability. Among highly exposed workers, statistically significant job task-related predictors of inhalation exposure to THC indicated that increased time in the hangar, working close to the fuel tank (inside > less than 25 ft > greater than 25 ft), primary job (entrant > attendant/runner/fireguard > outside hangar), and performing various tasks near the fuel tank, such as searching for a leak, resulted in higher JP8 exposure. This study shows that while a priori exposure groups were useful in distinguishing JP8 exposure levels, job task-based categories should be considered in epidemiologic study designs to improve exposure classification. Finally

Optical microcavities and enhanced electroluminescence from electroformed Al-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Ag diodes

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

Hickmott, T. W.

Electroluminescence (EL) and electron emission into vacuum (EM) occur when a non-destructive dielectric breakdown of Al-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Ag diodes, electroforming, results in the development of a filamentary region in which current-voltage (I-V) characteristics exhibit voltage-controlled negative resistance. The temperature dependence of I-V curves, EM, and, particularly, EL of Al-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Ag diodes with anodic Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} thicknesses between 12 nm and 30 nm, has been studied. Two filters, a long-pass (LP) filter with transmission of photons with energies less than 3.0 eV and a short-pass (SP) filter with photon transmission between 3.0 and 4.0 eV, have been used to characterize EL. The voltagemore » threshold for EL with the LP filter, V{sub LP}, is ∼1.5 V. V{sub LP} is nearly independent of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} thickness and of temperature and is 0.3–0.6 V less than the threshold voltage for EL for the SP filter, V{sub SP}. EL intensity is primarily between 1.8 and 3.0 eV when the bias voltage, V{sub S} ≲ 7 V. EL in the thinnest diodes is enhanced compared to EL in thicker diodes. For increasing V{sub S}, for diodes with the smallest Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} thicknesses, there is a maximum EL intensity, L{sub MX}, at a voltage, V{sub LMX}, followed by a decrease to a plateau. L{sub MX} and EL intensity at 4.0 V in the plateau region depend exponentially on Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} thickness. The ratio of L{sub MX} at 295 K for a diode with 12 nm of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} to L{sub MX} for a diode with 25 nm of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} is ∼140. The ratio of EL intensity with the LP filter to EL intensity with the SP filter, LP/SP, varies between ∼3 and ∼35; it depends on Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} thickness and V{sub S}. Enhanced EL is attributed to the increase of the spontaneous emission rate of a dipole in a non-resonant optical microcavity. EL photons interact with the Ag and Al films to create surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at the metal-Al

The distribution alloying elements in alnico 8 and 9 magnets: Site preference of ternary Ti, Fe, Co, and Ni additions in DO 3 Fe 3Al, Co 3Al, and Ni 3Al based intermetallic phases

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

Samolyuk, G. D.; Újfalussy, B.; Stocks, G. M.

Recently, interest in alnico magnetic alloys has been rekindled due to their potential to substitute for rare-earth based permanent magnets provided modest improvements in their coercivity can be achieved without loss of saturation magnetization. Recent experimental studies have indicated that atomic and magnetic structure of the two phases (one AlNi-based, the other FeCo-based) that comprise these spinodally decomposed alloy is not as simple as previously thought. A key issue that arises is the distribution of Fe, Co and Ti within the AlNi-based matrix phase. In our paper we report the results of first-principles calculations of the site preference of ternarymore » alloying additions in DO 3 Fe 3Al, Co 3Al and Ni 3Al alloys, as models for the aluminide phase. For compound compositions that are Al rich, which corresponds to experimental situation, Ti and Fe are found to occupy the sites, while Co and Ni prefer the sites of the DO 3 lattice. Finally, an important finding is that the magnetic moments of transition metals in Fe 3Al and Co 3Al are ordered ferromagnetically, whereas the Ni3Al were found to be nonmagnetic unless the Fe or Co are added as a ternary element.« less

The distribution alloying elements in alnico 8 and 9 magnets: Site preference of ternary Ti, Fe, Co, and Ni additions in DO 3 Fe 3Al, Co 3Al, and Ni 3Al based intermetallic phases

DOE PAGES

Samolyuk, G. D.; Újfalussy, B.; Stocks, G. M.

2014-11-07

Recently, interest in alnico magnetic alloys has been rekindled due to their potential to substitute for rare-earth based permanent magnets provided modest improvements in their coercivity can be achieved without loss of saturation magnetization. Recent experimental studies have indicated that atomic and magnetic structure of the two phases (one AlNi-based, the other FeCo-based) that comprise these spinodally decomposed alloy is not as simple as previously thought. A key issue that arises is the distribution of Fe, Co and Ti within the AlNi-based matrix phase. In our paper we report the results of first-principles calculations of the site preference of ternarymore » alloying additions in DO 3 Fe 3Al, Co 3Al and Ni 3Al alloys, as models for the aluminide phase. For compound compositions that are Al rich, which corresponds to experimental situation, Ti and Fe are found to occupy the sites, while Co and Ni prefer the sites of the DO 3 lattice. Finally, an important finding is that the magnetic moments of transition metals in Fe 3Al and Co 3Al are ordered ferromagnetically, whereas the Ni3Al were found to be nonmagnetic unless the Fe or Co are added as a ternary element.« less

Unraveling the Origin of Structural Disorder in High Temperature Transition Al2O3: Structure of θ-Al2O3

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

Kovarik, Libor; Bowden, Mark E.; Shi, Dachuan

The crystallography of transition Al2O3 has been extensively studied in the past due to the advantageous properties of the oxide in catalytic and a range of other technological applications. However, existing crystallographic models are insufficient to describe the structure of many important Al2O3 polymorphs due to their highly disordered nature. In this work, we investigate structure and disorder in high-temperature treated transition Al2O3, and provide a structural description for θ-Al2O3 by using a suite of complementary imaging, spectroscopy and quantum calculation techniques. Contrary to current understanding, our high-resolution imaging shows that θ-Al2O3 is a disordered composite phase of at leastmore » two different end members. By correlating imaging and spectroscopy results with DFT calculations, we propose a model that describes θ-Al2O3 as a disordered intergrowth of two crystallographic variants at the unit cell level. One variant is based on β-Ga2O3, and the other on a monoclinic phase that is closely-related to δ-Al2O3. The overall findings and interpretations afford new insight into the origin of poor crystallinity in transition Al2O3, and also provide new perspectives on structural complexity that can emerge from intergrowth of closely related structural polymorphs.« less

NUCLEAR REACTOR FUEL ELEMENT

DOEpatents

Wheelock, C.W.; Baumeister, E.B.

1961-09-01

A reactor fuel element utilizing fissionable fuel materials in plate form is described. This fuel element consists of bundles of fuel-bearing plates. The bundles are stacked inside of a tube which forms the shell of the fuel element. The plates each have longitudinal fins running parallel to the direction of coolant flow, and interspersed among and parallel to the fins are ribs which position the plates relative to each other and to the fuel element shell. The plate bundles are held together by thin bands or wires. The ex tended surface increases the heat transfer capabilities of a fuel element by a factor of 3 or more over those of a simple flat plate.

Arizona porphyry copper/hydrothermal deposits II: Crystal structure of ajoite, (K + Na)3Cu20Al3Si29O76(OH)16⋅∼8H2O

PubMed Central

Pluth, Joseph J.; Smith, Joseph V.

2002-01-01

A crystal from the type locality Ajo, AZ, yielded just enough intensity from streaked diffractions using synchrotron x-rays at the Advanced Photon Source to solve the crystal structure with composition (K + Na)3Cu20Al3Si29O76(OH)16⋅∼8H2O; triclinic, P1̄, a = 13.634(5) Å, b = 13.687(7), c = 14.522(7), α = 110.83(1)°, β = 107.21(1), γ = 105.68(1); refined to a final R = 12.5%. Electron microprobe analysis yielded a similar chemical composition that is slightly different from the combined chemical and electron microprobe analyses in the literature. The ajoite structure can be described as a zeolitic octahedral-tetrahedral framework that combines the alternate stacking of edge-sharing octahedral CuO6 layers and curved aluminosilicate layers and strings. Channels bounded by elliptical 12-rings and circular 8-rings of tetrahedra contain (K and Na) ions and water. The Al atoms occupy some of the Si tetrahedral sites. Each Cu atom has near-planar bonds to four oxygen atoms plus two longer distances that generate a distorted octahedron. Valence bond estimates indicate that 8 oxygen atoms of 46 are hydroxyl. Only one alkali atom was located in distorted octahedral coordination, and electron microprobe analyses indicate K and Na as major substituents. The water from chemical analysis presumably occurs as disordered molecules of zeolitic type not giving electron density from diffraction. The high R factor results from structural disorder and many weak intensities close to detection level. The crystal chemistry is compared with shattuckite, Cu5(SiO3)4(OH)2, and planchéite, Cu8Si8O22(OH)4⋅H2O, both found in oxidized copper deposits of Arizona but only the former directly with ajoite. PMID:12177404

Electrical Conductivity of Cancrinite-Type Na8 - 2 x Ca x [Al6Si6O24][CO3] · 2H2O ( x ≤ 0.03) Crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sorokin, N. I.

2018-05-01

The electrical conductivity of crystals of artificial cancrinite Na8 - 2 x Ca x [Al6Si6O24][CO3] · 2H2O ( x ≤ 0.03) has been studied in the temperature range of 498-604 K. These crystals were grown by hydrothermal synthesis on a seed in the Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O system ( t = 380-420°C, P = 3 × 107-9 × 107 Pa). The ionic conductivity of a single-crystal sample (sp. gr. P63), measured along the crystallographic axis c, is low: σ = 8 × 10-7 S/cm at 300°C. The electric transport activation energy is E a = 0.81 ± 0.05 eV. The relationship between the ionic conductivity and specific features of the atomic structure of cancrinites is discussed.

Oxidation and Hydration of U 3O 8 Materials Following Controlled Exposure to Temperature and Humidity

DOE PAGES

Tamasi, Alison L.; Boland, Kevin S.; Czerwinski, Kenneth; ...

2015-03-18

Chemical signatures correlated with uranium oxide processing are of interest to forensic science for inferring sample provenance. Identification of temporal changes in chemical structures of process uranium materials as a function of controlled temperatures and relative humidities may provide additional information regarding sample history. In our study, a high-purity α-U 3O 8 sample and three other uranium oxide samples synthesized from reaction routes used in nuclear conversion processes were stored under controlled conditions over 2–3.5 years, and powder X-ray diffraction analysis and X-ray absorption spectroscopy were employed to characterize chemical speciation. We measured signatures from the α-U 3O 8 samplemore » indicated that the material oxidized and hydrated after storage under high humidity conditions over time. Impurities, such as uranyl fluoride or schoepites, were initially detectable in the other uranium oxide samples. After storage under controlled conditions, the analyses of the samples revealed oxidation over time, although the signature of the uranyl fluoride impurity diminished. The presence of schoepite phases in older uranium oxide material is likely indicative of storage under high humidity and should be taken into account for assessing sample history. Finally, the absence of a signature from a chemical impurity, such as uranyl fluoride hydrate, in an older material may not preclude its presence at the initial time of production.« less

Oxidation and Hydration of U 3 O 8 Materials Following Controlled Exposure to Temperature and Humidity

DOE PAGES

Tamasi, Alison L.; Boland, Kevin S.; Czerwinski, Kenneth; ...

2015-03-18

Chemical signatures correlated with uranium oxide processing are of interest to forensic science for inferring sample provenance. Identification of temporal changes in chemical structures of process uranium materials as a function of controlled temperatures and relative humidities may provide additional information regarding sample history. In our study, a high-purity α-U 3O 8 sample and three other uranium oxide samples synthesized from reaction routes used in nuclear conversion processes were stored under controlled conditions over 2–3.5 years, and powder X-ray diffraction analysis and X-ray absorption spectroscopy were employed to characterize chemical speciation. We measured signatures from the α-U 3O 8 samplemore » indicated that the material oxidized and hydrated after storage under high humidity conditions over time. Impurities, such as uranyl fluoride or schoepites, were initially detectable in the other uranium oxide samples. After storage under controlled conditions, the analyses of the samples revealed oxidation over time, although the signature of the uranyl fluoride impurity diminished. The presence of schoepite phases in older uranium oxide material is likely indicative of storage under high humidity and should be taken into account for assessing sample history. Finally, the absence of a signature from a chemical impurity, such as uranyl fluoride hydrate, in an older material may not preclude its presence at the initial time of production. LA-UR-15-21495.« less

Study on Preparing Al2O3 Particles Reinforced ZL109 Composite by in Situ Reaction of Fe2O3/Al System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jing; Yu, Huashun; Zhao, Qi; Wang, Haitao; Min, Guanghui

Al2O3 particles reinforced ZL109 composite was prepared by in situ reaction between Fe2O3 and Al. The phases were identified by XRD and the microstructures were observed by SEM and TEM. The Al2O3 particles in sub-micron size distribute uniformly in the matrix and Fe displaced from the in situ reaction forms net-like alloy phases with Cu, Ni, Al, Mn ect. The hardness and the tensile strength at room temperature of the composites have a small increase compared with the matrix. However, the tensile strength at 350°C can reach 92.18 MPa, which is 18.87 MPa higher than that of the matrix. The mechanism of the reaction in the Fe2O3/Al system was studied by DSC. The reaction between Fe2O3 and Al involves two steps. The first step in which Fe2O3 reacts with Al to form FeO and Al2O3 takes place at the matrix alloy melting temperature. The second step in which FeO reacts with Al to form Fe and Al2O3 takes place at a higher temperature.

Room temperature radiolytic synthesized Cu@CuAlO(2)-Al(2)O(3) nanoparticles.

PubMed

Abedini, Alam; Saion, Elias; Larki, Farhad; Zakaria, Azmi; Noroozi, Monir; Soltani, Nayereh

2012-01-01

Colloidal Cu@CuAlO(2)-Al(2)O(3) bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared by a gamma irradiation method in an aqueous system in the presence of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and isopropanol respectively as a colloidal stabilizer and scavenger of hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals. The gamma irradiation was carried out in a (60)Co gamma source chamber with different doses up to 120 kGy. The formation of Cu@CuAlO(2)-Al(2)O(3) nanoparticles was observed initially by the change in color of the colloidal samples from colorless to brown. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of bonds between polymer chains and the metal surface at all radiation doses. Results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that Cu@CuAlO(2)-Al(2)O(3) nanoparticles are in a core-shell structure. By controlling the absorbed dose and precursor concentration, nanoclusters with different particle sizes were obtained. The average particle diameter increased with increased precursor concentration and decreased with increased dose. This is due to the competition between nucleation, growth, and aggregation processes in the formation of nanoclusters during irradiation.

Evaluation to the effect of B2O3-La2O3-SrO-Na2O-Al2O3 bonding agent on Ti6Al4V-porcelain bonding.

PubMed

Zhao, C Q; Wu, S Q; Lu, Y J; Gan, Y L; Guo, S; Lin, J J; Huang, T T; Lin, J X

2016-10-01

Low-fusing bonding agents have been widely applied in Ti-ceramics restorations. As an important category, borate bonding agents have great potentials in increasing Ti-porcelain bonding. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of borate bonding agent with addition of Na2O and Al2O3 on Ti6Al4V-porcelain bonding. The thermal properties of borate bonding agent, such as glass transition temperature (Tg) and crystallization peak temperature (Tp), were investigated to establish the sintering process. And the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was to evaluate the matching effect of porcelain to Ti6Al4V. The bond strength was analyzed by the three point bending test. The microscopic morphology of the borate bonding agent surface after sintering, the interface of Ti-borate bonding agent-porcelain, and the fracture mode after porcelains fracture, were studied to assess the influence of borate bonding agent on Ti6Al4V-ceramics. With the addition of Na2O and Al2O3, the porcelain residues were observed increased indication on the Ti6Al4V surface after porcelain fracture and the bond strength was acquired the maximum (49.45MPa) in the bonding agent composition of 75.70B2O3-5.92La2O3-11.84SrO-4.67Na2O-1.87Al2O3. Those results suggest that borate bonding agent is an effective way to improve the Ti6Al4V-ceramics bond strength. And the addition of Na2O and Al2O3 strengthen this effect. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of Content of Al2O3 on Structure and Properties of Nanocomposite Nb-B-Al-O films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Na; Dong, Lei; Dong, Lei; Yu, Jiangang; Pan, Yupeng; Wan, Rongxin; Gu, Hanqing; Li, Dejun

2015-11-01

Nb-B-Al-O nanocomposite films with different power of Al2O3 were successfully deposited on the Si substrate via multi-target magnetron co-sputtering method. The influences of Al2O3's content on structure and properties of obtained nanocomposite films through controlling Al2O3's power were investigated. Increasing the power of Al2O3 can influence the bombarding energy and cause the momentum transfer of NbB2. This can lead to the decreasing content of Al2O3. Furthermore, the whole films showed monocrystalline NbB2's (100) phase, and Al2O3 shaded from amorphous to weak cubic-crystalline when decreasing content of Al2O3. This structure and content changes were proof by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). When NbB2 grains were far from each other in lower power of Al2O3, the whole films showed a typical nanocomposite microstructure with crystalline NbB2 grains embedded in a matrix of an amorphous Al2O3 phase. Continuing increasing the power of Al2O3, the less content of Al2O3 tended to cause crystalline of cubic-Al2O3 between the close distances of different crystalline NbB2 grains. The appearance of cubic-crystallization Al2O3 can help to raise the nanocomposite films' mechanical properties to some extent. The maximum hardness and elastic modulus were up to 21.60 and 332.78 GPa, which were higher than the NbB2 and amorphous Al2O3 monolithic films. Furthermore, this structure change made the chemistry bond of O atom change from the existence of O-Nb, O-B, and O-Al bonds to single O-Al bond and increased the specific value of Al and O. It also influenced the hardness in higher temperature, which made the hardness variation of different Al2O3 content reduced. These results revealed that it can enhance the films' oxidation resistance properties and keep the mechanical properties at high temperature. The study highlighted the importance of controlling the Al2O3's content to prepare

The reactive element effect of yttrium and yttrium silicon on high temperature oxidation of NiCrAl coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramandhany, S.; Sugiarti, E.; Desiati, R. D.; Martides, E.; Junianto, E.; Prawara, B.; Sukarto, A.; Tjahjono, A.

2018-03-01

The microstructure formed on the bond coat affects the oxidation resistance, particularly the formation of a protective oxide layer. The adhesion of bond coat and TGO increased significantly by addition of reactive element. In the present work, the effect of yttrium and yttrium silicon as reactive element (RE) on NiCrAl coating was investigated. The NiCrAl (without RE) and NiCrAlX (X:Y or YSi) bond coating were deposited on Hastelloy C-276 substrate by High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) method. Isothermal oxidation was carried out at 1000 °C for 100 hours. The results showed that the addition of RE could prevent the breakaway oxidation. Therefore, the coating with reactive element were more protective against high temperature oxidation. Furthermore, the oxidation rate of NiCrAlY coating was lower than NiCrAlYSi coating with the total mass change was ±2.394 mg/cm2 after 100 hours of oxidation. The thickness of oxide scale was approximately 1.18 μm consisting of duplex oxide scale of spinel NiCr2O4 in outer scale and protective α-Al2O3 in inner scale.

Unprecedented reduction of the uranyl ion [UO2]2+ into a polyoxo uranium(IV) cluster: synthesis and crystal structure of the first f-element oxide with a M6(micro3-O)8 core.

PubMed

Berthet, Jean-Claude; Thuéry, Pierre; Ephritikhine, Michel

2005-07-21

The smooth comproportionation reaction of the U(VI) and U(III) complexes UO2(OTf)2 and U(OTf)3, afforded the hexanuclear U(IV) oxide cluster [U6(micro3-O)8(micro2-OTf)8(py)8], a rare example of a metal oxide with a M6(micro3-O)8 core.

Towards electrical spin injection into LaAlO3-SrTiO3.

PubMed

Bibes, M; Reyren, N; Lesne, E; George, J-M; Deranlot, C; Collin, S; Barthélémy, A; Jaffrès, H

2012-10-28

Future spintronics devices will be built from elemental blocks allowing the electrical injection, propagation, manipulation and detection of spin-based information. Owing to their remarkable multi-functional and strongly correlated character, oxide materials already provide such building blocks for charge-based devices such as ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FETs), as well as for spin-based two-terminal devices such as magnetic tunnel junctions, with giant responses in both cases. Until now, the lack of suitable channel materials and the uncertainty of spin-injection conditions in these compounds had however prevented the exploration of similar giant responses in oxide-based lateral spin transport structures. In this paper, we discuss the potential of oxide-based spin FETs and report magnetotransport data that suggest electrical spin injection into the LaAlO(3)-SrTiO(3) interface system. In a local, three-terminal measurement scheme, we analyse the voltage variation associated with the precession of the injected spin accumulation driven by perpendicular or longitudinal magnetic fields (Hanle and 'inverted' Hanle effects). The spin accumulation signal appears to be much larger than expected, probably owing to amplification effects by resonant tunnelling through localized states in the LaAlO(3). We give perspectives on how to achieve direct spin injection with increased detection efficiency, as well on the implementation of efficient top gating schemes for spin manipulation.

Solution of hydrogen in accident tolerant fuel candidate material: U3Si2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Middleburgh, S. C.; Claisse, A.; Andersson, D. A.; Grimes, R. W.; Olsson, P.; Mašková, S.

2018-04-01

Hydrogen uptake and accommodation into U3Si2, a candidate accident-tolerant fuel system, has been modelled on the atomic scale using the density functional theory. The solution energy of multiple H atoms is computed, reaching a stoichiometry of U3Si2H2 which has been experimentally observed in previous work (reported as U3Si2H1.8). The absorption of hydrogen is found to be favourable up to U3Si2H2 and the associated volume change is computed, closely matching experimental data. Entropic effects are considered to assess the dissociation temperature of H2, estimated to be at ∼800 K - again in good agreement with the experimentally observed transition temperature.

Initial Microstructure Evaluation of a U3Si2 + W Fuel Pin Fabricated Via Arc Melt Gravity Drop Casting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoggan, Rita E.; Harp, Jason M.

2018-02-01

Injection casting has historically been used to fabricate metallic nuclear fuel on a large scale. Casting of intermetallic fuel forms, such as U3Si2, may be an alternative pathway for fabrication of fuel pins to powder metallurgy. To investigate casting on a small scale, arc melt gravity drop casting was employed to cast a one-off pin of U3Si2 for evaluation as a fabrication method for U3Si2 as a light water reactor fuel. The pin was sectioned and examined via optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Image analysis was used to estimate the volume fraction of phase impurities as well as porosity. The primary phase determined by EDS was U3Si2 with U-O and U-Si-W phase impurities. Unusually high levels of tungsten were observed because of accidental tungsten introduction during arc melting. No significant changes in microstructure were observed after annealing a section of the pin at 800°C for 72 h. The average density of the sectioned specimens was 12.4 g/cm3 measured via Archimedes principle immersion density and He gas displacement.

Addition of NH{sub 3} to Al{sub 3}O{sub 3}{sup -}

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

Wyrwas, Richard B.; Jarrold, Caroline Chick; Das, Ujjal

2006-05-28

Recent computational studies on the addition of ammonia (NH{sub 3}) to the Al{sub 3}O{sub 3}{sup -} cluster anion [A. Guevara-Garcia, A. Martinez, and J. V. Ortiz, J. Chem. Phys. 122, 214309 (2005)] have motivated experimental and additional computational studies, reported here. Al{sub 3}O{sub 3}{sup -} is observed to react with a single NH{sub 3} molecule to form the Al{sub 3}O{sub 3}NH{sub 3}{sup -} ion in mass spectrometric studies. This is in contrast to similarly performed studies with water, in which the Al{sub 3}O{sub 5}H{sub 4}{sup -} product was highly favored. However, the anion PE spectrum of the ammoniated species ismore » very similar to that of Al{sub 3}O{sub 4}H{sub 2}{sup -}. The adiabatic electron affinity of Al{sub 3}O{sub 3}NH{sub 3} is determined to be 2.35(5) eV. Based on comparison between the spectra and calculated electron affinities, it appears that NH{sub 3} adds dissociatively to Al{sub 3}O{sub 3}{sup -}, suggesting that the time for the Al{sub 3}O{sub 3}{sup -}{center_dot}NH{sub 3} complex to either overcome or tunnel through the barrier to proton transfer (which is higher for NH{sub 3} than for water) is short relative to the time for collisional cooling in the experiment.« less

Fluor-ferro-leakeite, NaNa2(FC2+2Fe3+2Li)Si8O22F2, a new alkali amphibole from the Canada Pinabete pluton, Questa, New Mexico, U.S.A.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hawthorne, F.C.; Oberti, R.; Ungaretti, L.; Ottolini, L.; Grice, Joel D.; Czamanske, G.K.

1996-01-01

Fluor-ferro-leakeite is a new amphibole species from the Canada Pinabete pluton, Questa, New Mexico, U.S.A.; it occurs in association with quartz, alkali feldspar, acmite, ilmenite, and zircon. It forms as anhedral bluish black crystals elongated along c and up to 1 mm long. It is brittle, H = 6, Dmeas = 3.37 g/cm3, Dcalc = 3.34 g/cm3. In plane-polarized light, it is strongly pleochroic, X = very dark indigo blue, Y = gray blue, Z = yellow green; X ??? c = 10?? (in ??obtuse), Y = b, Z ??? a = 4?? (in ?? obtuse), with absorption X > Y > Z. Fluor-ferro-leakeite is biaxial positive, ?? = 1.675(2), ??= 1.683(2), ?? = 1.694(1); 2V = 87(2)??; dispersion is not visible because of the strong absorption. Fluor-ferro-leakeite is monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 9.792(1), b = 17.938(1), c = 5.3133(4) A??, ??= 103.87(7)??, V = 906.0(1) A??3, Z = 2. The ten strongest X-ray diffraction lines in the powder pattern are [d(I,hkl)]: 2.710(100,151), 2.536(92,202), 3.404(57,131), 4.481(54,040), 8.426(45,110), 2.985(38,241), 2.585(38,061), 3.122(29,310), 2.165(26,261), and 1.586(25,403). Analysis by a combination of electron microprobe, ion microprobe, and crystal-structure refinement (Hawthorne et al. 1993) gives SiO2 51.12, Al2O3 1.13, TiO2 0.68, Fe2O3 16.73, FeO 8.87, MgO 2.02, MnO 4.51, ZnO 0.57, CaO 0.15, Na2O 9.22, K2O 1.19, Li2O 0.99, F 2.87, H2Ocalc 0.60, sum 99.44 wt%. The formula unit, calculated on the basis of 23 O atoms, is (K0.23Na0.76)(Na1.97Ca0.03)(Mg 0.46Fe2+1.4Mn2+0.59Zn0.07Fe3+1.93-Ti 0.08Al0.02Li0.61])(Si7.81Al 0.19)O22(F1.39OH0.61). A previous crystal-structure refinement (Hawthorne et al. 1993) shows Li to be completely ordered at the M3 site. Fluor-ferro-leakeite, ideally NaNa2(Fe2+2Fe3+2Li)Si8O22F2, is related to leakeite, NaNa2(Mg2Fe3+3Li)Si 8O22(OH)2, by the substitutions Fe2+ ??? Mg and F ??? OH.

Influence of alloying elements on the oxidation behavior of NbAl3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hebsur, M. G.; Stephens, J. R.; Smialek, J. L.; Barrett, C. A.; Fox, D. S.

1989-01-01

NbAl3 is one candidate material for advanced aeropropulsion systems because of its high melting point, low density, and good oxidation resistance. Although NbAl3 has the lowest oxidation rate among the binary Nb-Al alloys, it does not form exclusive layers of protective Al203 scales. Recently Perkin et al., have shown the feasibility of forming alumina scales on Nb-Al alloys at greatly reduced Al contents. However, the objective was to maintain the high Al content, and hence low density, while achieving the capability of growing protective alumina scales. Alloy development followed approaches similar to those used successfully for superalloys and oxidation resistant MCrAly coatings. Among the three elements examined (Ti, Si, and Cr) as ternary additions to Nb-Al3, Cr was the most effective in favoring the selective oxidation of Al. Nb-41Al-8Cr formed exclusive layers of alumina and had a k sub p value of 0.22 mg squared/cm (sup 4)/hr at 1200 C. The addition of 1 wt percent Y to this alloy was also beneficial, resulting in nearly an order of magnitude decrease in K sub p at 1200 C. Further improvements were achieved by adding about 1 wt percent Si to the quaternary alloy. The k sub p value of 0.012 mg squared/cm (sup 4)/hr for Nb-40Al-8Cr-1Y-1Si at 1200 C was identical to the best NiAl + Zr alloys. These NbAl3 alloys also exhibited excellent cyclic oxidation resistance for 100 hr at 1200 C, being nearly equivalent to NiAl + Zr.

Photoemission study of absorption mechanisms in Bi2.0Sr1.8Ca0.8La0.3Cu2.1O8+δ, BaBiO3, and Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindberg, P. A. P.; Shen, Z.-X.; Wells, B. O.; Dessau, D. S.; Ellis, W. P.; Borg, A.; Kang, J.-S.; Mitzi, D. B.; Lindau, I.; Spicer, W. E.; Kapitulnik, A.

1989-11-01

Photoemission measurements in the constant-final-state (absorption) mode were performed on three different classes of high-temperature superconductors Bi2.0Sr1.8Ca0.8La0.3Cu2.1O8+δ, BaBiO3, and Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4 using synchrotron radiation from 20 to 200 eV. Absorption signals from all elements but Ce are identified. The results firmly show that the Bi 6s electrons are more delocalized in BaBiO3 than in Bi2.0Sr1.8Ca0.8La0.3Cu2.1O8+δ, in agreement with the results of band-structure calculations. Differences in the absorption signals due to O and Bi excitations between BaBiO3 and Bi2.0Sr1.8Ca0.8La0.3Cu2.1O8+δ are discussed. Delayed absorption onsets attributed to giant resonances (Ba 4d-->4f, La 4d-->4f, and Nd 4d-->4f transitions) are also reported.

Determination of elemental impurities and U and O isotopic compositions with a view to identify the geographical and industrial origins of uranium ore concentrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salaun, A.; Hubert, A.; Pointurier, F.; Aupiais, J.; Pili, E.; Richon, P.; Fauré, A.; Diallo, S.

2012-12-01

First events of illicit trafficking of nuclear and radiological materials occurred 50 years ago. Nuclear forensics expertise are aiming at determining the use of seized material, its industrial history and provenance (geographical area, place of production or processing), at assisting in the identification and dismantling of illicit trafficking networks. This information is also valuable in the context of inspections of declared facilities to verify the consistency of operator's declaration. Several characteristics can be used to determine the origin of uranium ore concentrates such as trace elemental impurity patterns (Keegan et al., 2008 ; Varga et al., 2010a, 2010b) or uranium, oxygen and lead isotopic compositions (Tamborini et al., 2002a, 2002b ; Wallenius et al., 2006; Varga et al., 2009). We developed analytical procedures for measuring the isotopic compositions of uranium (234U/238U and 235U/238U) and oxygen (18O/16O) and levels of elemental impurities (e.g. REE, Th) from very small amounts of uranium ore concentrates (or yellow cakes). Micrometer particles and few milligrams of material are used for oxygen isotope measurements and REE determination, respectively. Reference materials were analyzed by mass spectrometry (TIMS, SF-ICP-MS and SIMS) to validate testing protocols. Finally, materials of unknown origin were analyzed to highlight significant differences and determine whether these differences allow identifying the origin of these ore concentrates. References: Keegan, E., et al. (2008). Applied Geochemistry 23, 765-777. Tamborini, G., et al. (2002a). Analytical Chemistry 74, 6098-6101. Tamborini, G., et al. (2002b). Microchimica Acta 139, 185-188. Varga, Z., et al. (2009). Analytical Chemistry 81, 8327-8334. Varga, Z., et al. (2010a). Talanta 80, 1744-1749. Varga, Z., et al. (2010b). Radiochimica Acta 98, 771-778 Wallenius, M., et al. (2006). Forensic Science International 156, 55-62.

Role of Si on the Diffusional Interactions Between U-Mo and Al-Si Alloys at 823 K (550 °C)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perez, Emmanuel; Sohn, Yong-Ho; Keiser, Dennis D.

2013-01-01

U-Mo dispersions in Al-alloy matrix and monolithic fuels encased in Al-alloy are under development to fulfill the requirements for research and test reactors to use low-enriched molybdenum stabilized uranium alloy fuels. Significant interaction takes place between the U-Mo fuel and Al during manufacturing and in-reactor irradiation. The interaction products are Al-rich phases with physical and thermal characteristics that adversely affect fuel performance and result in premature failure. Detailed analysis of the interdiffusion and microstructural development of this system was carried through diffusion couples consisting of U-7 wt pct Mo, U-10 wt pct Mo and U-12 wt pct Mo in contact with pure Al, Al-2 wt pct Si, and Al-5 wt pct Si, annealed at 823 K (550 °C) for 1, 5 and 20 hours. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed for the analysis. Diffusion couples consisting of U-Mo in contact with pure Al contained UAl3, UAl4, U6Mo4Al43, and UMo2Al20 phases. Additions of Si to the Al significantly reduced the thickness of the interdiffusion zone. The interdiffusion zones developed Al- and Si-enriched regions, whose locations and size depended on the Si and Mo concentrations in the terminal alloys. In these couples, the (U,Mo)(Al,Si)3 phase was observed throughout the interdiffusion zone, and the U6Mo4Al43 and UMo2Al20 phases were observed only where the Si concentrations were low.

Crystal structure and physical properties of a novel Kondo antiferromagnet: U3Ru4Al12

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasturel, M; Tougait, O; Potel, M; Roisnel, T; Wochowski, K; Noël, H; Troć, R

2009-03-01

A novel ternary compound U3Ru4Al12 has been identified in the U-Ru-Al ternary diagram. Single-crystal x-ray diffraction indicates a hexagonal Gd3Ru4Al12-type structure for this uranium-based intermetallic. While this structure type usually induces geometrically a spin-glass behaviour, an antiferromagnetic ordering is observed at TN = 8.4 K in the present case. The reduced effective magnetic moment of U atoms (μeff = 2.6 µB) can be explained by Kondo-like interactions and crystal field effects that have been identified by a logarithmic temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity, negative values of the magnetoresistivity and particular shape of the Seebeck coefficient.

Laser Cladding of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy with Ti-Al2O3 Coating for Biomedical Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mthisi, A.; Popoola, A. P. I.; Adebiyi, D. I.; Popoola, O. M.

2018-05-01

The indispensable properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy coupled with poor tribological properties and delayed bioactivity make it a subject of interest to explore in biomedical application. A quite number of numerous coatings have been employed on titanium alloys, with aim to overcome the poor properties exhibited by this alloy. In this work, the possibility of laser cladding different ad-mixed powders (Ti - 5 wt.% Al2O3 and Ti - 8wt.% Al2O3) on Ti-6Al-4V at various laser scan speed (0.6 and 0.8 m/min) were investigated. The microstructure, phase constituents and corrosion of the resultant coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Optical microscope, X-Ray diffractometer (XRD) and potentiostat respectively. The electrochemical behaviour of the produced coatings was studied in a simulated body fluid (Hanks solution). The microstructural results show that a defect free coating is achieved at low scan speed and ad-mixed of Ti-5 wt. % Al2O3. Cladding of Ti - Al2O3 improved the corrosion resistance of Ti-6Al-4V alloy regardless of varying neither scan speed nor ad-mixed percentage. However, Ti-5 wt.% Al2O3 coating produced at low scan speed revealed the highest corrosion resistance among the coatings due to better quality coating layer. Henceforth, this coating may be suitable for biomedical applications.

High density dispersion fuel

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

Hofman, G.L.

1996-09-01

A fuel development campaign that results in an aluminum plate-type fuel of unlimited LEU burnup capability with an uranium loading of 9 grams per cm{sup 3} of meat should be considered an unqualified success. The current worldwide approved and accepted highest loading is 4.8 g cm{sup {minus}3} with U{sub 3}Si{sub 2} as fuel. High-density uranium compounds offer no real density advantage over U{sub 3}Si{sub 2} and have less desirable fabrication and performance characteristics as well. Of the higher-density compounds, U{sub 3}Si has approximately a 30% higher uranium density but the density of the U{sub 6}X compounds would yield the factormore » 1.5 needed to achieve 9 g cm{sup {minus}3} uranium loading. Unfortunately, irradiation tests proved these peritectic compounds have poor swelling behavior. It is for this reason that the authors are turning to uranium alloys. The reason pure uranium was not seriously considered as a dispersion fuel is mainly due to its high rate of growth and swelling at low temperatures. This problem was solved at least for relatively low burnup application in non-dispersion fuel elements with small additions of Si, Fe, and Al. This so called adjusted uranium has nearly the same density as pure {alpha}-uranium and it seems prudent to reconsider this alloy as a dispersant. Further modifications of uranium metal to achieve higher burnup swelling stability involve stabilization of the cubic {gamma} phase at low temperatures where normally {alpha} phase exists. Several low neutron capture cross section elements such as Zr, Nb, Ti and Mo accomplish this in various degrees. The challenge is to produce a suitable form of fuel powder and develop a plate fabrication procedure, as well as obtain high burnup capability through irradiation testing.« less

Room Temperature Radiolytic Synthesized Cu@CuAlO2-Al2O3 Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Abedini, Alam; Saion, Elias; Larki, Farhad; Zakaria, Azmi; Noroozi, Monir; Soltani, Nayereh

2012-01-01

Colloidal Cu@CuAlO2-Al2O3 bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared by a gamma irradiation method in an aqueous system in the presence of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and isopropanol respectively as a colloidal stabilizer and scavenger of hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals. The gamma irradiation was carried out in a 60Co gamma source chamber with different doses up to 120 kGy. The formation of Cu@CuAlO2-Al2O3 nanoparticles was observed initially by the change in color of the colloidal samples from colorless to brown. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of bonds between polymer chains and the metal surface at all radiation doses. Results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that Cu@CuAlO2-Al2O3 nanoparticles are in a core-shell structure. By controlling the absorbed dose and precursor concentration, nanoclusters with different particle sizes were obtained. The average particle diameter increased with increased precursor concentration and decreased with increased dose. This is due to the competition between nucleation, growth, and aggregation processes in the formation of nanoclusters during irradiation. PMID:23109893

High Temperature Mechanical Characterization and Analysis of Al2O3 /Al2O3 Composition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gyekenyesi, John Z.; Jaskowiak, Martha H.

1999-01-01

Sixteen ply unidirectional zirconia coated single crystal Al2O3 fiber reinforced polycrystalline Al2O3 was tested in uniaxial tension at temperatures to 1400 C in air. Fiber volume fractions ranged from 26 to 31%. The matrix has primarily open porosity of approximately 40%. Theories for predicting the Young's modulus, first matrix cracking stress, and ultimate strength were applied and evaluated for suitability in predicting the mechanical behavior of Al2O3/Al2O3 composites. The composite exhibited pseudo tough behavior (increased area under the stress/strain curve relative to monolithic alumina) from 22 to 1400 C. The rule-of-mixtures provides a good estimate of the Young's modulus of the composite using the constituent properties from room temperature to approximately 1200 C for short term static tensile tests in air. The ACK theory provides the best approximation of the first matrix cracking stress while accounting for residual stresses at room temperature. Difficulties in determining the fiber/matrix interfacial shear stress at high temperatures prevented the accurate prediction of the first matrix cracking stress above room temperature. The theory of Cao and Thouless, based on Weibull statistics, gave the best prediction for the composite ultimate tensile strength.

Comparison of Multilayer Dielectric Thin Films for Future Metal-Insulator-Metal Capacitors: Al2O3/HfO2/Al2O3 versus SiO2/HfO2/SiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Sang-Uk; Kwon, Hyuk-Min; Han, In-Shik; Jung, Yi-Jung; Kwak, Ho-Young; Choi, Woon-Il; Ha, Man-Lyun; Lee, Ju-Il; Kang, Chang-Yong; Lee, Byoung-Hun; Jammy, Raj; Lee, Hi-Deok

2011-10-01

In this paper, two kinds of multilayered metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors using Al2O3/HfO2/Al2O3 (AHA) and SiO2/HfO2/SiO2 (SHS) were fabricated and characterized for radio frequency (RF) and analog mixed signal (AMS) applications. The experimental results indicate that the AHA MIM capacitor (8.0 fF/µm2) is able to provide a higher capacitance density than the SHS MIM capacitor (5.1 fF/µm2), while maintaining a low leakage current of about 50 nA/cm2 at 1 V. The quadratic voltage coefficient of capacitance, α gradually decreases as a function of stress time under constant voltage stress (CVS). The parameter variation of SHS MIM capacitors is smaller than that of AHA MIM capacitors. The effects of CVS on voltage linearity and time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) characteristics were also investigated.

The MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 system - Free energy of pyrope and Al2O3-enstatite. [in earth mantle formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saxena, S. K.

1981-01-01

The model of fictive ideal components is used to determine Gibbs free energies of formation of pyrope and Al2O3-enstatite from the experimental data on coexisting garnet and orthopyroxene and orthopyroxene and spinel in the temperature range 1200-1600 K. It is noted that Al2O3 forms an ideal solution with MgSiO3. These thermochemical data are found to be consistent with the Al2O3 isopleths that could be drawn using most recent experimental data and with the reversed experimental data on the garnet-spinel field boundary.

Fabrication and mechanical properties of Al2O3/SiC/ZrO2 functionally graded material by electrophoretic deposition.

PubMed

Askari, E; Mehrali, M; Metselaar, I H S C; Kadri, N A; Rahman, Md M

2012-08-01

This study describes the synthesis of Al(2)O(3)/SiC/ZrO(2) functionally graded material (FGM) in bio-implants (artificial joints) by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). A suitable suspension that was based on 2-butanone was applied for the EPD of Al(2)O(3)/SiC/ZrO(2), and a pressureless sintering process was applied as a presintering. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) was used to densify the deposit, with beneficial mechanical properties after 2 h at 1800 °C in Ar atmosphere. The maximum hardness in the outer layer (90 vol.% Al(2)O(3)+10 vol.% SiC) and maximum fracture toughness in the core layer (75 vol.% Al(2)O(3)+10 vol.% SiC + 15 vol.% ZrO(2)) composite were 20.8±0.3 GPa and 8±0.1 MPa m(1/2), respectively. The results, when compared with results from Al(2)O(3)/ZrO(2) FGM, showed that SiC increased the compressive stresses in the outer layers, while the inner layers were under a residual tensile stress. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electron Trap Energy Distribution in ALD Al2O3, LaAl4Ox, and GdyAl2-yO3 Layers on Silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, W. C.; Badylevich, M.; Adelmann, C.; Swerts, J.; Kittl, J. A.; Afanas'ev, V. V.

2012-12-01

The energy distribution of electron trap density in atomic layer deposited Al2O3, LaAl4Ox and GdyAl2-yO3 insulating layers was studied by using the exhaustive photodepopulation spectroscopy. Upon filling the traps by electron tunneling from Si substrate, a broad energy distribution of trap levels in the energy range 2-4 eV is found in all studied insulators with trap densities in the range of 1012 cm-2eV-1. The incorporation of La and Gd cations reduces the trap density in aluminate layers as compared to Al2O3. Crystallization of the insulator by the post-deposition annealing is found to increase the trap density while the energy distribution remains unchanged. The similar trap spectra in the Al2O3 and La or Gd aluminate layers suggest the common nature of the traps, probably originating from imperfections in the AlOx sub-network.

Structure, strain, and the ground state of the LaTiO3/LaAlO3 superlattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Alex Taekyung; Han, Myung Joon

2014-03-01

The first-principles density functional theory calculations have been performed to understand LaTiO3/LaAlO3 superlattice. By taking into account of the structural distortions, U dependence, and the exchange correlation functional dependence, we show that the ferromagnetic spin and antiferro-orbital ordering is stabilized in the wide range of strains, which is notably different from the previous reports on the titanate systems. The ground-state spin and orbital configurations critically depend on the structural properties. Our results suggest a possible strain control of the magnetic property in transition-metal oxide heterostructures.

Modeling a failure criterion for U–Mo/Al dispersion fuel

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

Oh, Jae-Yong; Kim, Yeon Soo; Tahk, Young-Wook

2016-05-01

The breakaway swelling in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel is known to be caused by large pore formation enhanced by interaction layer (IL) growth between fuel particles and Al matrix. In this study, a critical IL thickness was defined as a criterion for the formation of a large pore in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel. Specifically, the critical IL thickness is given when two neighboring fuel particles come into contact with each other in the developed IL. The model was verified using the irradiation data from the RERTR tests and KOMO- 4 test. The model application to full-sized sample irradiations such as IRISs, FUTURE,more » E-FUTURE, and AFIP-1 tests resulted in conservative predictions. The parametric study revealed that the fuel particle size and the homogeneity of the fuel particle distribution are influential for fuel performance.« less

Structural and electronic properties of Ga2O3-Al2O3 alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peelaers, Hartwin; Varley, Joel B.; Speck, James S.; Van de Walle, Chris G.

2018-06-01

Ga2O3 is emerging as an important electronic material. Alloying with Al2O3 is a viable method to achieve carrier confinement, to increase the bandgap, or to modify the lattice parameters. However, the two materials have very different ground-state crystal structures (monoclinic β-gallia for Ga2O3 and corundum for Al2O3). Here, we use hybrid density functional theory calculations to assess the alloy stabilities and electronic properties of the alloys. We find that the monoclinic phase is the preferred structure for up to 71% Al incorporation, in close agreement with experimental phase diagrams, and that the ordered monoclinic AlGaO3 alloy is exceptionally stable. We also discuss bandgap bowing, lattice constants, and band offsets that can guide future synthesis and device design efforts.

Comparison of structural and electric properties of PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 and CoFe2O4/PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 films on (100)LaAlO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X. D.; Dho, Joonghoe; Park, Sungmin; Kwon, Hyosang; Hwang, Jihwan; Park, Gwangseo; Kwon, Daeyoung; Kim, Bongju; Jin, Yeryeong; Kim, Bog. G.; Karpinsky, D.; Kholkin, A. L.

2011-09-01

In this work, we investigated structural, electrical, and magnetic properties of ferroelectric PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 (PZT) and ferrimagnetic/ferroelectric [CoFe2O4(CFO)/PZT] bilayers grown on (100)LaAlO3 (LAO) substrates supplied with bottom 50 nm thick LaNiO3 electrodes. Interestingly, structural and electrical properties of the PZT layer exhibited remarkable changes after the top-layer CFO deposition. X-ray diffraction data suggested that both the c- and a-domains exist in the PZT layer and the tetragonality of the PZT decreases upon the top-layer deposition. A variation in the electrical properties of the PZT layer upon the CFO deposition was investigated by polarization versus voltage (P-V), capacitance versus voltage (C-V), and capacitance versus frequency (C-f) measurements. The CFO deposition induced a slight decrease of the remnant polarization and more symmetric behavior of P-V loops as well as led to the improvement of fatigue behavior. The tentative origin of enhanced fatigue endurance is discussed based on the measurement results. These results were corroborated by local piezoelectric measurements. Ferrimagnetic property of the CFO/PZT bilayer was confirmed by magnetic measurement at room temperature.

A comparative study of CeO2-Al2O3 support prepared with different methods and its application on MoO3/CeO2-Al2O3 catalyst for sulfur-resistant methanation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Minhong; Wang, Baowei; Yao, Yuqin; Li, Zhenhua; Ma, Xinbin; Qin, Shaodong; Sun, Qi

2013-11-01

The CeO2-Al2O3 supports prepared with impregnation (IM), deposition precipitation (DP), and solution combustion (SC) methods for MoO3/CeO2-Al2O3 catalyst were investigated in the sulfur-resistant methanation. The supports and catalysts were characterized by N2-physisorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). The N2-physisorption results indicated that the DP method was favorable for obtaining better textural properties. The TEM and RS results suggested that there is a CeO2 layer on the surface of the support prepared with DP method. This CeO2 layer not only prevented the interaction between MoO3 and γ-Al2O3 to form Al2(MoO4)3 species, but also improved the dispersion of MoO3 in the catalyst. Accordingly, the catalysts whose supports were prepared with DP method exhibited the best catalytic activity. The catalysts whose supports were prepared with SC method had the worst catalytic activity. This was caused by the formation of Al2(MoO4)3 and crystalline MoO3. Additionally, the CeO2 layer resulted in the instability of catalysts in reaction process. The increasing of calcination temperature of supports reduced the catalytic activity of all catalysts. The decrease extent of the catalysts whose supports were prepared with DP method was the lowest as the CeO2 layer prevented the interaction between MoO3 and γ-Al2O3.

Crack-resistant Al2O3-SiO2 glasses.

PubMed

Rosales-Sosa, Gustavo A; Masuno, Atsunobu; Higo, Yuji; Inoue, Hiroyuki

2016-04-07

Obtaining "hard" and "crack-resistant" glasses have always been of great important in glass science and glass technology. However, in most commercial glasses both properties are not compatible. In this work, colorless and transparent xAl2O3-(100-x)SiO2 glasses (30 ≤ x ≤ 60) were fabricated by the aerodynamic levitation technique. The elastic moduli and Vickers hardness monotonically increased with an increase in the atomic packing density as the Al2O3 content increased. Although a higher atomic packing density generally enhances crack formation in conventional oxide glasses, the indentation cracking resistance increased by approximately seven times with an increase in atomic packing density in binary Al2O3-SiO2 glasses. In particular, the composition of 60Al2O3 • 40SiO2 glass, which is identical to that of mullite, has extraordinary high cracking resistance with high elastic moduli and Vickers hardness. The results indicate that there exist aluminosilicate compositions that can produce hard and damage-tolerant glasses.

Crack-resistant Al2O3-SiO2 glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosales-Sosa, Gustavo A.; Masuno, Atsunobu; Higo, Yuji; Inoue, Hiroyuki

2016-04-01

Obtaining “hard” and “crack-resistant” glasses have always been of great important in glass science and glass technology. However, in most commercial glasses both properties are not compatible. In this work, colorless and transparent xAl2O3-(100-x)SiO2 glasses (30 ≤ x ≤ 60) were fabricated by the aerodynamic levitation technique. The elastic moduli and Vickers hardness monotonically increased with an increase in the atomic packing density as the Al2O3 content increased. Although a higher atomic packing density generally enhances crack formation in conventional oxide glasses, the indentation cracking resistance increased by approximately seven times with an increase in atomic packing density in binary Al2O3-SiO2 glasses. In particular, the composition of 60Al2O3•40SiO2 glass, which is identical to that of mullite, has extraordinary high cracking resistance with high elastic moduli and Vickers hardness. The results indicate that there exist aluminosilicate compositions that can produce hard and damage-tolerant glasses.

Rambutan-like CNT-Al2O3 scaffolds for high-performance cathode catalyst layers of polymer electrolyte fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, KwangHyun; Cho, Seonghun; Lim, Eun Ja; Park, Seok-Hee; Yim, Sung-Dae

2018-03-01

Rambutan-like CNT-Al2O3 scaffolds are introduced as a potential candidate for CNT-based catalyst supports to overcome the CNT issues, such as the easy bundling in catalyst ink and the poor pore structure of the CNT-based catalyst layers, and to achieve high MEA performance in PEFCs. Non-porous α-phase Al2O3 balls are introduced to enable the growth of multiwalled CNTs, and Pt nanoparticles are loaded onto the CNT surfaces. In a half-cell, the Pt/CNT-Al2O3 catalyst shows much higher durability than those of a commercial Pt/C catalyst even though it shows lower oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity than Pt/C. After using the decal process for MEA formation, the Pt/CNT-Al2O3 shows comparable initial performance characteristics to Pt/C, overcoming the lower ORR activity, mainly due to the facile oxygen transport in the cathode catalyst layers fabricated with the CNT-Al2O3 scaffolds. The Pt/CNT-Al2O3 also exhibits much higher durability against carbon corrosion than Pt/C owing to the durable characteristics of CNTs. Systematic analysis of single cell performance for both initial and after degradation is provided to understand the origin of the high initial performance and durable behavior of Pt/CNT-Al2O3-based catalyst layers. This will provide insights into the design of electrocatalysts for high-performance MEAs in PEFCs.

Oxidation of Al2O3 continuous fiber-reinforced/NiAl composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doychak, J.; Nesbitt, J. A.; Noebe, R. D.; Bowman, R. R.

1992-01-01

The 1200 C and 1300 C isothermal and cyclic oxidation behavior of Al2O3 continuous fiber-reinforced/NiAl composites were studied. Oxidation resulted in formation of Al2O3 external scales in a similar manner as scales formed on monolithic NiAl. The isothermal oxidation of an Al2O3/NiAl composite resulted in oxidation of the matrix along the fiber/matrix interface near the fiber ends. This oxide acted as a wedge between the fiber and the matrix, and, under cyclic oxidation conditions, led to further oxidation along the fiber lengths and eventual cracking of the composite. The oxidation behavior of composites in which the Al2O3 fibers were sputter coated with nickel prior to processing was much more severe. This was attributed to open channels around the fibers which formed during processing, most likely as a result of the diffusion of the nickel coating into the matrix.

Photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory study of TiAlO(y) (-) (y=1-3) and TiAl(2)O(y) (-) (y=2-3) clusters.

PubMed

Zhang, Zeng-Guang; Xu, Hong-Guang; Zhao, Yuchao; Zheng, Weijun

2010-10-21

Small titanium-aluminum oxide clusters, TiAlO(y) (-) (y=1-3) and TiAl(2)O(y) (-) (y=2-3), were studied by using anion photoelectron spectroscopy. The adiabatic detachment energies of TiAlO(y) (-) (y=1-3) were estimated to be 1.11±0.05, 1.70±0.08, and 2.47±0.08eV based on their photoelectron spectra; those of TiAl(2)O(2) (-) and TiAl(2)O(3) (-) were estimated to be 1.17±0.08 and 2.2±0.1eV, respectively. The structures of these clusters were determined by comparison of density functional calculations with the experimental results. The structure of TiAlO(-) is nearly linear with the O atom in the middle. That of TiAlO(2) (-) is a kite-shaped structure. TiAlO(3) (-) has a kite-shaped TiAlO(2) unit with the third O atom attaching to the Ti atom. TiAl(2)O(2) (-) has two nearly degenerate Al-O-Ti-O-Al chain structures that can be considered as cis and trans forms. TiAl(2)O(3) (-) has two low-lying isomers, kite structure and book structure. The structures of these clusters indicate that the Ti atom tends to bind to more O atoms.

Substitutional and Interstitial Diffusion in alpha2-Ti3Al(O)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copland, Evan; Young, David J.; Gleeson, Brian; Jacobson, Nathan

2007-01-01

The reaction between Al2O3 and alpha2-Ti3Al was studied with a series of Al2O3/alpha2-Ti3Al multiphase diffusion couples annealed at 900, 1000 and 1100 C. The diffusion-paths were found to strongly depend on alpha2- Ti3Al(O) composition. For alloys with low oxygen concentrations the reaction involved the reduction of Al2O3, the formation of a gamma-TiAl reaction-layer and diffusion of Al and O into the alpha2-Ti3Al substrate. Measured concentration profiles across the interaction-zone showed "up-hill" diffusion of O in alpha2-Ti3Al(O) indicating a significant thermodynamic interaction between O and Al, Ti or both. Diffusion coefficients for the interstitial O in alpha2-Ti3Al(O) were determined independently from the interdiffusion of Ti and Al on the substitutional lattice. Diffusion coefficients are reported for alpha2-Ti3Al(O) as well as gamma-TiAl. Interpretation of the results were aided with the subsequent measurement of the activities of Al, Ti and O in alpha 2-Ti3Al(O) by Knudsen effusion-cell mass spectrometry.

ALD Produced B{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and TiO{sub 2} Coatings on Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} Burnable Poison Nanoparticles and Carbonaceous TRISO Coating Layers

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

Weimer, Alan

2012-11-26

This project will demonstrate the feasibility of using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to apply ultrathin neutron-absorbing, corrosion-resistant layers consisting of ceramics, metals, or combinations thereof, on particles for enhanced nuclear fuel pellets. Current pellet coating technology utilizes chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in a fluidized bed reactor to deposit thick, porous layers of C (or PyC) and SiC. These graphitic/carbide materials degrade over time owing to fission product bombardment, active oxidation, thermal management issues, and long-term irradiation effects. ALD can be used to deposit potential ceramic barrier materials of interest, including ZrO{sub 2}, Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:ZrO{sub 2} (YSZ), Al{sub 2}O{sub 3},more » and TiO{sub 2}, or neutron-absorbing materials, namely B (in BN or B{sub 2}O{sub 3}) and Gd (in Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}). This project consists of a two-pronged approach to integrate ALD into the next-generation nuclear plant (NGNP) fuel pellet manufacturing process:« less

Effect of Al2O3 encapsulation on multilayer MoSe2 thin-film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hyun Ah; Yeoul Kim, Seong; Kim, Jiyoung; Choi, Woong

2017-03-01

We report the effect of Al2O3 encapsulation on the device performance of multilayer MoSe2 thin-film transistors based on statistical investigation of 29 devices with a SiO2 bottom-gate dielectric. On average, Al2O3 encapsulation by atomic layer deposition increased the field-effect mobility from 10.1 cm2 V-1 s-1 to 14.8 cm2 V-1 s-1, decreased the on/off-current ratio from 8.5  ×  105 to 2.3  ×  105 and negatively shifted the threshold voltage from  -1.1 V to  -8.1 V. Calculation based on the Y-function method indicated that the enhancement of intrinsic carrier mobility occurred independently of the reduction of contact resistance after Al2O3 encapsulation. Furthermore, contrary to previous reports in the literature, we observe a negligible effect of thermal annealing on contact resistance and carrier mobility during the atomic layer deposition of Al2O3. These results demonstrate that Al2O3 encapsulation is a useful method for improving the carrier mobility of multilayer MoSe2 transistors, providing important implications on the application of MoSe2 and other 2D materials into high-performance transistors.

Polarization and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling in anodized Al-Al2O3-Au diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickmott, T. W.

2000-06-01

Polarization in anodic Al2O3 films is measured by using quasi-dc current-voltage (I-V) curves of Al-Al2O3-Au diodes. A reproducible polarization state is established by applying a negative voltage to the Au electrode of a rectifying Al-Al2O3-Au diode. The difference between subsequent I-V curves with Au positive is a measure of polarization in the sample. The magnitude of polarization charge in Al2O3 depends on the anodizing electrolyte. Al2O3 films formed in H2O-based electrolytes have approximately ten times the polarization charge of Al2O3 films formed in ethylene glycol-based electrolyte. Anodizing conditions that produce greater polarizing charge in anodic Al2O3 result in voltage-time curves during anodization under galvanostatic conditions that are nonlinear. Anodic films with greater polarizing charge also have a greater apparent interface capacitance which is independent of Al2O3 thickness. I-V curves of Al-Al2O3-Au diodes for increasing voltage are dominated by polarization. I-V curves for decreasing voltage are reproducible and parallel but depend on the maximum current and voltage reached during the measurement. There is no single current corresponding to a given voltage. I-V curves for decreasing voltage are analyzed assuming that the conduction mechanism is Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling. There is a qualitative difference between the FN tunneling parameters for Al2O3 films formed in H2O-based electrolytes and those formed in ethylene glycol-based electrolyte. For the former the value of the exponential term in the FN analysis increases as the value of maximum voltage and current in an I-V characteristic increases, while the value of the pre-exponential term is nearly constant. For the latter, the exponential term is nearly constant as maximum voltage and current increase, but the pre-exponential term decreases by about 5 decades. Thus polarization charge incorporated during formation of anodized Al2O3 strongly affects the formation of the insulating

Millimeter distance effects of surface plasmon polaritons in electroformed Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickmott, T. W.

2017-02-01

Electroforming of metal-insulator-metal diodes is a soft dielectric breakdown that changes the high resistance of as-prepared diodes to a low resistance state. Electroforming of Al-Al2O3-metal diodes with anodic Al2O3 results in voltage-controlled negative resistance in the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics, electroluminescence (EL), and electron emission into vacuum (EM). EL is due to electrons injected at the Al-Al2O3 interface combining with radiative defects in Al2O3. Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are electromagnetic waves that can be excited by photons or electrons. SPPs are confined to a metal-dielectric interface, cause large electric fields in the metal and dielectric, and have ranges of micrometers. The temperature dependence of I-V curves, EL, and EM of a group of electroformed Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes with Al2O3 thicknesses between 12 nm and 20 nm, group A, was measured between 200 K and 300 K. After a sequence of temperature measurements, the Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes, the Al-Al2O3 regions between diodes, and portions of the Ag on the glass region that provides contacts to the diodes are darkened. The range of darkening is >7 mm in a diode with 12 nm of Al2O3 and 2.0-3.5 mm in diodes with Al2O3 thicknesses between 14 nm and 20 nm. Darkening is attributed to the occurrence of SPPs generated by EL photons at the Ag-Al2O3 and Al-Al2O3 interfaces. The results are compared to a second group of Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes with identical Al2O3 thicknesses, group B, that were prepared in the same way as the diodes of group A except for a difference in the deposition of Al films for the two groups. Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes of group B exhibit enhanced EL, which is attributed to spontaneous emission of recombination centers in Al2O3 being enhanced by large electromagnetic fields that are due to SPPs that are generated by EL photons.

Investigation into MIS 11 in the U.S. Great Basin Using Trace Elements and Stable Isotopes from two Lehman Caves Stalagmites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neary, A.; McGee, D.; Tal, I.; Shakun, J. D.

2015-12-01

Marine Isotope Stage 11 (MIS 11) represents a long interglacial period of high temperatures and muted orbital variability that occurred around 424-374 kya, and is referred to as a 'super-interglacial'. MIS 11 is marked by especially pronounced high latitude warming in the Northern Hemisphere from 410-400 ka and thus presents a natural experiment for investigating the response of Great Basin precipitation to high latitude temperatures.MIS 11 is recorded by stalagmites LC3 and BT1 from Lehman Caves in Great Basin National Park, Nevada. LC3 represents 378-413 ka, while BT1 has a bottom age of 410 ka. Ongoing U-Th dating will refine chronologies from these samples. We will present stable isotope (δ13C and δ18O) and trace element (Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca) data from these stalagmites to study changes in precipitation recorded in them. Previous studies have shown a relationship between Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, δ13C and prior calcite precipitation, and thus infiltration rates, in the cave system (Cross et al., 2015; Steponaitis et al., 2015). Meanwhile, δ18O has been shown to reflect larger scale atmospheric circulation.We will compare the records to previously published trace element and stable isotope data from more recent interglacials (Lachniet et al., 2014; Cross et al., 2015; Steponaitis et al., 2015) to test whether extensive high-latitude warming during MIS 11 was marked by anomalous precipitation patterns in the Great Basin. As they are coeval, we will also test the reproducibility between the stalagmites.References cited:Cross M., et al. (2015) Great Basin hydrology, paleoclimate, and connections with the North Atlantic: A speleothem stable isotope and trace element record from Lehman Caves, NV. Quaternary Science Reviews, in press.Steponaitis E., et al. (2015) Mid-Holocene drying the U.S. Great Basin recorded in Nevada speleothems. Quaternary Science Reviews, in press.Lachniet M. S., et al. (2014) Orbital control of western North America atmospheric circulation and climate

Transparent Al+3 doped MgO thin films for functional applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maiti, Payel; Sekhar Das, Pradip; Bhattacharya, Manjima; Mukherjee, Smita; Saha, Biswajit; Mullick, Awadesh Kumar; Mukhopadhyay, Anoop Kumar

2017-08-01

The present work reports the utilization of a relatively simple, cost effective sol-gel technique based route to synthesize highly transparent, spin coated 4.1 at% Al+3 doped MgO thin films on quartz substrates. The films were characterized by XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and SIMS techniques. The microstructures were characterized by FESEM and TEM while the nanomechanical properties were assessed by the nanoindentation technique. Finally the optical transmittance was measured by UV-vis technique. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) study suggests the crystal facet (2 0 0) of MgO lattice to be distorted after incorporation of Al+3 into MgO lattice. From FESEM the doped films were found to have a dense microstructure with a crystallite size of about 20 nm as revealed by the TEM studies. Nanoindentation measurements indicated drastic increase of elastic modulus for the Al+3 doped MgO thin films by ~73% compared to that of the pristine MgO thin films along with retaining the nanohardness at ~8 GPa. The transmittance of Al+3 doped MgO thin films in the visible range was significantly higher (~99%) than that of pristine MgO (~90%) thin films. The films also had a relatively higher refractive index of about 1.45 as evaluated from the optical properties. The enhanced transmittance as well as the improved elastic modulus of Al+3 doped MgO thin films suggest its promising candidature in magnetic memory devices and as buffer layers of solar cells.

Design and syntheses of hybrid metal–organic materials based on K{sub 3}[M(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 3}]·3H{sub 2}O [M(III)=Fe, Al, Cr] metallotectons

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

Sun, Yayong; Zong, Yingxia; Ma, Haoran

2016-05-15

By using K{sub 3}[M(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 3}]·3H{sub 2}O [M(III)=Fe, Al, Cr] (C{sub 2}O{sub 4}{sup 2−}=oxalate) metallotectons as the starting material, we have synthesized eight novel complexes with formulas [{Fe(C_2O_4)_2(H_2O)_2}{sub 2}]·(H–L{sub 1}){sub 2}·H{sub 2}O 1, [Fe(C{sub 2}O{sub 4})Cl{sub 2}]·(H{sub 2}–L{sub 2}){sub 0.5}·(L{sub 2}){sub 0.5}·H{sub 2}O 2, [{Fe(C_2O_4)_1_._5Cl_2}{sub 2}]·(H–L{sub 3}){sub 4}3, [Fe{sub 2}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4})Cl{sub 8}]·(H{sub 2}–L{sub 4}){sub 2}·2H{sub 2}O 4, K[Al(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 3}]·(H{sub 2}–L{sub 5})·2H{sub 2}O 5, K[Al(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 3}]·(H–L{sub 6}){sub 2}·2H{sub 2}O 6, K[Cr(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 3}]·2H{sub 2}O 7, Na[Fe(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 3}]·(H–L{sub 6}){sub 2}·2H{sub 2}O 8 (with L{sub 1}=4-dimethylaminopyridine, L{sub 2}=2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, L{sub 3}=2-aminobenzimidazole, L{sub 4}=1,4-bis-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene, L{sub 5}=1,4-bis((2-methylimidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene,more » L{sub 6}=2-methylbenzimidazole). Their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, elemental analyses, IR spectra and thermogravimetric analyses. Compound 3 is a 2D H-bonded supramolecular architecture. Others are 3D supramolecular structures. Compound 1 shows a [Fe(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]{sup −} unit and 3D antionic H-bonded framework. Compound 2 features a [Fe(C{sub 2}O{sub 4})Cl{sub 2}]{sup -} anion and 1D iron-oxalate-iron chain. Compound 3 features a [Fe{sub 2}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 3}Cl{sub 4}]{sup 4−} unit. Compound 4 features distinct [Fe{sub 2}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4})Cl{sub 8}]{sup 4−} units, which are mutual linked by water molecules to generated a 2D H-bonded network. Compound 5 features infinite ladder-like chains constructed by [Al(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 3}]{sup 3−} units and K{sup +} cations. The 1D chains are further extended into 3D antionic H-bonded framework through O–H···O H-bonds. Compounds 6–8 show 2D [KAl

Thermodynamic and kinetic modelling of fuel oxidation behaviour in operating defective fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewis, operating defective fuel B. J.; Thompson, W. T.; Akbari, F.; Thompson, D. M.; Thurgood, C.; Higgs, J.

2004-07-01

A theoretical treatment has been developed to predict the fuel oxidation behaviour in operating defective nuclear fuel elements. The equilibrium stoichiometry deviation in the hyper-stoichiometric fuel has been derived from thermodynamic considerations using a self-consistent set of thermodynamic properties for the U-O system, which emphasizes replication of solubilities and three-phase invariant conditions displayed in the U-O binary phase diagram. The kinetics model accounts for multi-phase transport including interstitial oxygen diffusion in the solid and gas-phase transport of hydrogen and steam in the fuel cracks. The fuel oxidation model is further coupled to a heat conduction model to account for the feedback effect of a reduced thermal conductivity in the hyper-stoichiometric fuel. A numerical solution has been developed using a finite-element technique with the FEMLAB software package. The model has been compared to available data from several in-reactor X-2 loop experiments with defective fuel conducted at the Chalk River Laboratories. The model has also been benchmarked against an O/U profile measurement for a spent defective fuel element discharged from a commercial reactor.

Al2O3/ZrO2/Y3Al5O12 Composites: A High-Temperature Mechanical Characterization

PubMed Central

Palmero, Paola; Pulci, Giovanni; Marra, Francesco; Valente, Teodoro; Montanaro, Laura

2015-01-01

An Al2O3/5 vol%·ZrO2/5 vol%·Y3Al5O12 (YAG) tri-phase composite was manufactured by surface modification of an alumina powder with inorganic precursors of the second phases. The bulk materials were produced by die-pressing and pressureless sintering at 1500 °C, obtaining fully dense, homogenous samples, with ultra-fine ZrO2 and YAG grains dispersed in a sub-micronic alumina matrix. The high temperature mechanical properties were investigated by four-point bending tests up to 1500 °C, and the grain size stability was assessed by observing the microstructural evolution of the samples heat treated up to 1700 °C. Dynamic indentation measures were performed on as-sintered and heat-treated Al2O3/ZrO2/YAG samples in order to evaluate the micro-hardness and elastic modulus as a function of re-heating temperature. The high temperature bending tests highlighted a transition from brittle to plastic behavior comprised between 1350 and 1400 °C and a considerable flexural strength reduction at temperatures higher than 1400 °C; moreover, the microstructural investigations carried out on the re-heated samples showed a very limited grain growth up to 1650 °C. PMID:28787961

Formation of epitaxial Al 2O 3/NiAl(1 1 0) films: aluminium deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lykhach, Y.; Moroz, V.; Yoshitake, M.

2005-02-01

Structure of epitaxial Al 2O 3 layers formed on NiAl(1 1 0) substrates has been studied by means of reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). The elucidated structure was compared to the model suggested for 0.5 nm-thick Al 2O 3 layers [K. Müller, H. Lindner, D.M. Zehner, G. Ownby, Verh. Dtsch. Phys. Ges. 25 (1990) 1130; R.M. Jaeger, H. Kuhlenbeck, H.J. Freund, Surf. Sci. 259 (1991) 235]. The stepwise growth of Al 2O 3 film, involving deposition and subsequent oxidation of aluminium onto epitaxial 0.5 nm-thick Al 2O 3 layers, has been investigated. Aluminium was deposited at room temperature, whereas its oxidation took place during annealing at 1070 K. The Al 2O 3 thickness was monitored by means of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). It was found that Al 2O 3 layer follows the structure of 0.5 nm thick Al 2O 3 film, although a tilting of Al 2O 3(1 1 1) surface plane with respect to NiAl(1 1 0) surface appeared after Al deposition.