Ultrahigh Carbon Steel.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-01

The unique mechanical properties achieved in UHC steels are due to the presence of micron-size ferrite grains and ultrafine spheroidized carbides. SN...unique mechanical properties achieved in UHC [0 steels are due to the presence of micron-size ferrite grains and ultrafine spheroidized carbides. 0... steel is that it has a low resistance to plastic flow upon deformation in the superplastic range at low strain rates (e.g., 2000 psi at 4 1041 e 10 s

Grain size effect on yield strength of titanium alloy implanted with aluminum ions

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

Popova, Natalya, E-mail: natalya-popova-44@mail.ru; Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science, SB RAS, 2/4, Akademicheskii Ave., 634021, Tomsk; Nikonenko, Elena, E-mail: vilatomsk@mail.ru

2016-01-15

The paper presents a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study of the microstructure and phase state of commercially pure titanium VT1-0 implanted by aluminum ions. This study has been carried out before and after the ion implantation for different grain size, i.e. 0.3 µm (ultra-fine grain condition), 1.5 µm (fine grain condition), and 17 µm (polycrystalline condition). This paper presents details of calculations and analysis of strength components of the yield stress. It is shown that the ion implantation results in a considerable hardening of the entire thickness of the implanted layer in the both grain types. The grain size has, however, a differentmore » effect on the yield stress. So, both before and after the ion implantation, the increase of the grain size leads to the decrease of the alloy hardening. Thus, hardening in ultra-fine and fine grain alloys increased by four times, while in polycrystalline alloy it increased by over six times.« less

Development of Age-Hardening Technology for Ultrafine-Grained Al-Li-Cu Alloys Fabricated by High-Pressure Torsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motoshima, Hiroaki; Hirosawa, Shoichi; Lee, Seungwon; Horita, Zenji; Matsuda, Kenji; Terada, Daisuke

The age-hardening behavior and precipitation microstructures with high dislocation density and ultrafine grains have been studied for cold-rolled and severely deformed 2091 Al-Li-Cu alloy. The age-hardenability at 463K was reduced by high-pressure torsion (HPT) due to the accelerated formation of larger 8-AlLi precipitates at grain boundaries, in place of transgranular precipitation of refined δ'-Al3Li particles that are predominantly observable in the no-deformed and 10%-rolled specimens. When aged at 373K, however, it was successfully achieved for the HPT specimen to increase the hardness up to 290HV, the highest level of hardness among conventional wrought aluminum alloys. The corresponding TEM microstructures confirmed that refined δ' particles precipitate within ultrafine grains while keeping the grain size at 206nm. This result suggests that the combined processing of severe plastic deformation with age-hardening technique enables the fabrication of novel aluminum alloys concurrently strengthened by ultrafine-grained and precipitation hardenings.

The Effects of Atmosphere on the Sintering of Ultrafine-Grained Tungsten with Ti

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Chai; Koopman, Mark; Fang, Z. Zak; Zhang, Huan

2016-11-01

Tungsten (W) is a brittle material at room temperature making it very difficult to fabricate. Although the lack of ductility remains a difficult challenge, nano-sized and ultrafine-grained (UFG) structures offer the potential to overcome tungsten's room-temperature brittleness. One way to manufacture UFG W is to compact and sinter nano-sized W powder. It is challenging, however, to control grain growth during sintering. As one method to inhibit grain growth, the effect of Ti-based additives on the densification and grain growth of nano-W powders was investigated in this study. Addition of 1% Ti into tungsten led to more than a 63% decrease in average grain size of sintered samples at comparable density levels. It was found that sintering in Ar yielded a finer grain size than sintering in H2 at similar densities. The active diffusion mechanisms during sintering were different for W-1% Ti nano powders sintered in Ar and H2.

Influence of Grain Size Distribution on the Mechanical Behavior of Light Alloys in Wide Range of Strain Rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skripnyak, Vladimir A.; Skripnyak, Natalia V.; Skripnyak, Evgeniya G.; Skripnyak, Vladimir V.

2015-06-01

Inelastic deformation and damage at the mesoscale level of ultrafine grained (UFG) Al 1560 aluminum and Ma2-1 magnesium alloys with distribution of grain size were investigated in wide loading conditions by experimental and computer simulation methods. The computational multiscale models of representative volume element (RVE) with the unimodal and bimodal grain size distributions were developed using the data of structure researches aluminum and magnesium UFG alloys. The critical fracture stress of UFG alloys on mesoscale level depends on relative volumes of coarse grains. Microcracks nucleation at quasi-static and dynamic loading is associated with strain localization in UFG partial volumes with bimodal grain size distribution. Microcracks arise in the vicinity of coarse and ultrafine grains boundaries. It is revealed that the occurrence of bimodal grain size distributions causes the increasing of UFG alloys ductility, but decreasing of the tensile strength. The increasing of fine precipitations concentration not only causes the hardening but increasing of ductility of UFG alloys with bimodal grain size distribution. This research carried out in 2014-2015 was supported by grant from ``The Tomsk State University Academic D.I. Mendeleev Fund Program''.

Microstructure, strengthening mechanisms and hot deformation behavior of an oxide-dispersion strengthened UFG Al6063 alloy

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

Asgharzadeh, H.; Kim, H.S.; Simchi, A., E-mail: simchi@sharif.edu

2013-01-15

An ultrafine-grained Al6063/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} (0.8 vol.%, 25 nm) nanocomposite was prepared via powder metallurgy route through reactive mechanical alloying and hot powder extrusion. Scanning electron microcopy, transmission electron microscopy, and back scattered electron diffraction analysis showed that the grain structure of the nanocomposite is trimodal and composed of nano-size grains (< 0.1 {mu}m), ultrafine grains (0.1-1 {mu}m), and micron-size grains (> 1 {mu}m) with random orientations. Evaluation of the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite based on the strengthening-mechanism models revealed that the yield strength of the ultrafine-grained nanocomposite is mainly controlled by the high-angle grain boundaries rather than nanometricmore » alumina particles. Hot deformation behavior of the material at different temperatures and strain rates was studied by compression test and compared to coarse-grained Al6063 alloy. The activation energy of the hot deformation process for the nanocomposite was determined to be 291 kJ mol{sup -1}, which is about 64% higher than that of the coarse-grained alloy. Detailed microstructural analysis revealed that dynamic recrystallization is responsible for the observed deformation softening in the ultrafine-grained nanocomposite. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The strengthening mechanisms of Al6063/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanocomposite were evaluated. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Hot deformation behavior of the nanocomposite was studied. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The hot deformation activation energy was determined using consecutive models. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The restoration mechanisms and microstructural changes are presented.« less

The Strength-Grain Size Relationship in Ultrafine-Grained Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balasubramanian, N.; Langdon, Terence G.

2016-12-01

Metals processed by severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques, such as equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) and high-pressure torsion (HPT), generally have submicrometer grain sizes. Consequently, they exhibit high strength as expected on the basis of the Hall-Petch (H-P) relationship. Examples of this behavior are discussed using experimental data for Ti, Al, and Ni. These materials typically have grain sizes greater than 50 nm where softening is not expected. An increase in strength is usually accompanied by a decrease in ductility. However, both high strength and high ductility may be achieved simultaneously by imposing high strain to obtain ultrafine-grain sizes and high fractions of high-angle grain boundaries. This facilitates grain boundary sliding, and an example is presented for a cast Al-7 pct Si alloy processed by HPT. In some materials, SPD may result in a weakening even with a very fine grain size, and this is due to microstructural changes during processing. Examples are presented for an Al-7034 alloy processed by ECAP and a Zn-22 pct Al alloy processed by HPT. In some SPD-processed materials, it is possible that grain boundary segregation and other features are present leading to higher strengths than predicted by the H-P relationship.

Sintering mantle mineral aggregates with submicron grains: examples of olivine and clinopyroxene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsubokawa, Y.; Ishikawa, M.

2017-12-01

Physical property of the major mantle minerals play an important role in the dynamic behavior of the Earth's mantle. Recently, it has been found that nano- to sub-micron scale frictional processes might control faulting processes and earthquake instability, and ultrafine-grained mineral aggregates thus have attracted the growing interest. Here we investigated a method for preparing polycrystalline clinoyproxene and polycrystalline olivine with grain size of sub-micron scale from natural crystals, two main constituents of the upper mantle. Nano-sized powders of both minerals are sintered under argon flow at temperatures ranging from 1130-1350 °C for 0.5-20 h. After sintering at 1180 °C and 1300 °C, we successfully fabricated polycrystalline clinopyroxene and polycrystalline olivine with grain size of < 500 nm, respectively. Our experiments demonstrate future measurements of ultrafine-grained mineral aggregates on its physical properties of Earth's mantle.

Combination of dynamic transformation and dynamic recrystallization for realizing ultrafine-grained steels with superior mechanical properties

PubMed Central

Zhao, Lijia; Park, Nokeun; Tian, Yanzhong; Shibata, Akinobu; Tsuji, Nobuhiro

2016-01-01

Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) is an important grain refinement mechanism to fabricate steels with high strength and high ductility (toughness). The conventional DRX mechanism has reached the limitation of refining grains to several microns even though employing high-strain deformation. Here we show a DRX phenomenon occurring in the dynamically transformed (DT) ferrite, by which the required strain for the operation of DRX and the formation of ultrafine grains is significantly reduced. The DRX of DT ferrite shows an unconventional temperature dependence, which suggests an optimal condition for grain refinement. We further show that new strategies for ultra grain refinement can be evoked by combining DT and DRX mechanisms, based on which fully ultrafine microstructures having a mean grain size down to 0.35 microns can be obtained without high-strain deformation and exhibit superior mechanical properties. This study will open the door to achieving optimal grain refinement to nanoscale in a variety of steels requiring no high-strain deformation in practical industrial application. PMID:27966603

Size and modal analyses of fines and ultrafines from some Apollo 17 samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greene, G. M.; King, D. T., Jr.; Banholzer, G. S., Jr.; King, E. A.

1975-01-01

Scanning electron and optical microscopy techniques have been used to determine the grain-size frequency distributions and morphology-based modal analyses of fine and ultrafine fractions of some Apollo 17 regolith samples. There are significant and large differences between the grain-size frequency distributions of the less than 10-micron size fraction of Apollo 17 samples, but there are no clear relations to the local geologic setting from which individual samples have been collected. This may be due to effective lateral mixing of regolith particles in this size range by micrometeoroid impacts. None of the properties of the frequency distributions support the idea of selective transport of any fine grain-size fraction, as has been proposed by other workers. All of the particle types found in the coarser size fractions also occur in the less than 10-micron particles. In the size range from 105 to 10 microns there is a strong tendency for the percentage of regularly shaped glass to increase as the graphic mean grain size of the less than 1-mm size fraction decreases, both probably being controlled by exposure age.

High-temperature studies of grain boundaries in ultrafine grained alloys by means of positron lifetime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Würschum, R.; Shapiro, E.; Dittmar, R.; Schaefer, H.-E.

2000-11-01

Atomic free volumes and vacancies in the ultrafine grained alloys Pd84Zr16, Cu 0.1 wt % ZrO2, and Fe91Zr9 were studied by means of positron lifetime. The thermally stable microstructures serve as a novel type of model system for studying positron trapping and annihilation as well as the thermal behavior of vacancy-sized free volumes over a wide temperature range up to ca. 1200 K by making use of a metallic 58Co positron source. In ultrafine grained Cu the thermal formation of lattice vacancies could be observed. In Pd84Zr16 an increase of the specific positron trapping rate of nanovoids and, in addition, detrapping of positrons from free volumes with a mean size slightly smaller than one missing atom in the grain boundaries contributes to a reversible increase of the positron lifetime of more than 60 ps with measuring temperature. In Fe91Zr9 similar linear high-temperature increases of the positron lifetime are observed in the nanocrystalline and the amorphous state. The question of thermal vacancy formation in grain boundaries is addressed taking into account the different types of interface structures of the present alloys.

Direct Observation of Sink-Dependent Defect Evolution in Nanocrystalline Iron under Irradiation

DOE PAGES

El Atwani, Osman; Nathaniel, James; Leff, Asher C.; ...

2017-05-12

Crystal defects generated during irradiation can result in severe changes in morphology and an overall degradation of mechanical properties in a given material. Nanomaterials have been proposed as radiation damage tolerant materials, due to the hypothesis that defect density decreases with grain size refinement due to the increase in grain boundary surface area. The lower defect density should arise from grain boundary-point defect absorption and enhancement of interstitial-vacancy annihilation. In this study, low energy helium ion irradiation on free-standing iron thin films were performed at 573 K. Interstitial loops of a 0 /2 [111] Burgers vector were directly observed asmore » a result of the displacement damage. Loop density trends with grain size demonstrated an increase in the nanocrystalline (<100 nm) regime, but scattered behavior in the transition from the nanocrystalline to the ultra-fine regime (100–500 nm). To examine the validity of such trends, loop density and area for different grains at various irradiation doses were compared and revealed efficient defect absorption in the nanocrystalline grain size regime, but loop coalescence in the ultra-fine grain size regime. Lastly, a relationship between the denuded zone formation, a measure of grain boundary absorption efficiency, grain size, grain boundary type and misorientation angle is determined.« less

Direct Observation of Sink-Dependent Defect Evolution in Nanocrystalline Iron under Irradiation

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

El Atwani, Osman; Nathaniel, James; Leff, Asher C.

Crystal defects generated during irradiation can result in severe changes in morphology and an overall degradation of mechanical properties in a given material. Nanomaterials have been proposed as radiation damage tolerant materials, due to the hypothesis that defect density decreases with grain size refinement due to the increase in grain boundary surface area. The lower defect density should arise from grain boundary-point defect absorption and enhancement of interstitial-vacancy annihilation. In this study, low energy helium ion irradiation on free-standing iron thin films were performed at 573 K. Interstitial loops of a 0 /2 [111] Burgers vector were directly observed asmore » a result of the displacement damage. Loop density trends with grain size demonstrated an increase in the nanocrystalline (<100 nm) regime, but scattered behavior in the transition from the nanocrystalline to the ultra-fine regime (100–500 nm). To examine the validity of such trends, loop density and area for different grains at various irradiation doses were compared and revealed efficient defect absorption in the nanocrystalline grain size regime, but loop coalescence in the ultra-fine grain size regime. Lastly, a relationship between the denuded zone formation, a measure of grain boundary absorption efficiency, grain size, grain boundary type and misorientation angle is determined.« less

In-Situ Analysis of the Chemical Vapor Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Silicon Carbide by Aerosol Mass Spectrometry

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-11-01

ultrafine particles with a narrow size distribution and high purity. Chemical Vapor Synthesis (CVS) is a method to generate particles in the size range...high temperatures due to strong covalent bonds. Ultrafine particles of SiC are promising for the production of dense bulk solids due to the small grain

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ultrafine-Grained Al-6061 Prepared Using Intermittent Ultrasonic-Assisted Equal-Channel Angular Pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Jianxun; Wu, Xiaoyu; Wu, Zhaozhi; Liu, Zhiyuan; Guo, Dengji; Lou, Yan; Ruan, Shuangchen

2017-10-01

Equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) is an efficient technique to achieve grain refinement in a wide range of materials. However, the extrusion process requires an excessive extrusion force, the microstructure of ECAPed specimens scatters heterogeneously because of considerable fragmentation of the structure and strain heterogeneity, and the resultant ultrafine grains exhibit poor thermal stability. The intermittent ultrasonic-assisted ECAP (IU-ECAP) approach was proposed to address these issues. In this work, ECAP and IU-ECAP were applied to produce ultrafine-grained Al-6061 alloys, and the differences in their mechanical properties, microstructural characteristics, and thermal stability were investigated. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the necessary extrusion force for IU-ECAP was significantly reduced; even more, the microhardness and ultimate tensile strength were strengthened. In addition, the IU-ECAPed Al alloy exhibited a smaller grain size with a more homogeneous microstructure. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the intensities of the textures were weakened using IU-ECAP, and a more homogeneous microstructure and larger dislocation densities were obtained. Investigation of the thermal stability revealed that the ultrafine-grained materials produced using IU-ECAP recrystallized at higher temperature or after longer time; the materials thus exhibited improved thermal stability.

Effect of the Thermomechanical Treatment on Structural and Phase Transformations in Cu-14Al-3Ni Shape Memory Alloy Subjected to High-Pressure Torsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lukyanov, A. V.; Pushin, V. G.; Kuranova, N. N.; Svirid, A. E.; Uksusnikov, A. N.; Ustyugov, Yu. M.; Gunderov, D. V.

2018-04-01

The possibilities of controlling the structure and properties of a Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloy due to the use of different schemes of the thermomechanical treatment, including forging, homogenizing in the austenitic state and subsequent quenching, and high-pressure torsion have been found. For the first time, an ultrafine-grain structure has been produced in this alloy via severe plastic deformation using high-pressure torsion. It has been detected that high-pressure torsion using ten revolutions of the anvils leads to the formation of a nanocrystalline structure with a grain size of less than 100 nm. The subsequent short-term heating of the alloy to 800°C (10 s) in the temperature region of the existence of the homogeneous β phase made it possible to form an ultrafine-grain structure with predominant sizes of recrystallized grains of 1 and 8 μm. The quenching after heating prevented the decomposition of the solid solution. The refinement of the grain structure changed the deformation behavior of the alloy, having provided the possibility of the significant plastic deformation upon mechanical tensile tests. The coarse-grained hot-forged quenched alloy was brittle, and fracture occurred along the boundaries of former austenite grains and martensite packets. The highstrength ultrafine-grained alloy also experienced mainly the intercrystalline fracture along the high-angle boundaries of elements of the structure, the grain size of which was less by two orders than that in the initial alloy. This determined an increase in its relative elongation upon mechanical tests.

Influence of the microstructure on the physicomechanical properties of the aluminum alloy Al-Mg-Si nanostructured under severe plastic deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mavlyutov, A. M.; Kasatkin, I. A.; Murashkin, M. Yu.; Valiev, R. Z.; Orlova, T. S.

2015-10-01

The microstructural features, strength, and electrical conductivity of the electrotechnical aluminum alloy 6201 of the Al-Mg-Si system was investigated. The alloy was nanostructured using severe plastic deformation by high pressure torsion at different temperatures and in different deformation regimes. As a result, the samples had an ultrafine-grain structure with nanoinclusions of secondary phases, which provided an excellent combination of high strength (conventional yield strength σ0.2 = 325-410 MPa) and electrical conductivity (55-52% IACS). The contributions from different mechanisms to the strengthening were analyzed. It was experimentally found that the introduction of an additional dislocation density (an increase from 2 × 1013 to 5 × 1013 m-2) with the same basic parameters of the ultrafine-grain structure (grain size, size and distribution of particles of secondary strengthening phases) leads to an increase in the strength of the alloy by ~15%, while the electrical conductivity of the material changes insignificantly. The contribution from grain boundaries to the electrical resistivity of the alloy with an ultrafine-grain structure upon the change in their state, most likely, due to a change in the degree of nonequilibrium was estimated.

Experimental study of microstructure changes due to low cycle fatigue of a steel nanocrystallised by Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT)

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

Sun, Z.

Electron Backscatter Diffraction technique is used to characterize the microstructure of 316L steel generated by Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT) before and after low cycle fatigue tests. A grain size gradient is generated from the top surface to the interior of the samples after SMAT so that three main regions can be distinguished below the treated surface: (i) the ultra-fine grain area within 5 μm under the top surface with preferably oriented grains, (ii) the intermediate area where the original grains are partially transformed, and (iii) the edge periphery area where the original grains are just mechanically deformed with themore » presence of plastic slips. Fatigue tests show that cyclic loading does not change the grain orientation spread and does not activate any plastic slip in the ultra-fine grain top surface area induced by SMAT. On the opposite, in the plastically SMAT affected region including the intermediate area and the edge periphery area, new slip systems are activated by low cycle fatigue while the grain orientation spread is increased. These results represent a first very interesting step towards the characterization and understanding of mechanical mechanisms involved during the fatigue of a grain size gradient material. - Highlights: •LCF tests are carried out on specimens processed by SMAT. •EBSD is used to investigate microstructural changes induced by LCF. •A grain size gradient is generated by SMAT from surface to the bulk of the fatigue samples. •New slip systems are activated by LCF and GOS is increased in plastically deformed region. •However, these phenomena are not observed in the top surface ultra-fine grain area.« less

Fabrication of ultra-fine grained aluminium tubes by RTES technique

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

Jafarzadeh, H., E-mail: h.jafarzadeh@ut.ac.ir; Abrinia, K.

Recently, repetitive tube expansion and shrinking have been exploited as a means for producing ultra-fine grained and nano-crystalline microstructures for magnesium alloy tubes. This method includes two different half-cycles and was based on pressing a tubular part through an angular channel die with two shear zones. Since the aluminium alloys are the most widely used materials in industries, in this study, repetitive tube expansion and shrinking as a new severe plastic deformation technique was applied to commercially pure aluminium for fabricating ultra-fine grained aluminium tubes for the first time and the ability of this process in significant grain refinement ismore » determined even after single cycle. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to evaluate the microstructure of the repetitive tube expansion and shrinking processed materials and the examinations showed ultra-fine grains with the average grain size of 320 nm after one cycle of repetitive tube expansion and shrinking. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength increased notably by the factor of 2.17 and 1.27 respectively, after one cycle of repetitive tube expansion and shrinking, whereas the elongation to failure as well as the uniform elongation decreased. Furthermore, micro-hardness distribution through the part's section proposed the hardness increasing to ~ 55 HV from the initial value of ~ 28 HV after one cycle of repetitive tube expansion and shrinking. - Highlights: • RTES was introduced for fabricating the UFGed AA1050 tubes for the first time. • Nano-grained AA1050 tube was obtained by RTES process. • Grain size of ~ 320 nm was obtained after two half-cycles of RTES process. • Yield and ultimate strength increased by the factor of 2.17 and 1.27 respectively. • The microhardness increased to ~ 55 HV from the initial value of ~ 28 HV.« less

In-situ TEM observation of the response of ultrafine- and nanocrystalline-grained tungsten to extreme irradiation environments

PubMed Central

El-Atwani, O.; Hinks, J. A.; Greaves, G.; Gonderman, S.; Qiu, T.; Efe, M.; Allain, J. P.

2014-01-01

The accumulation of defects, and in particular He bubbles, can have significant implications for the performance of materials exposed to the plasma in magnetic-confinement nuclear fusion reactors. Some of the most promising candidates for deployment into such environments are nanocrystalline materials as the engineering of grain boundary density offers the possibility of tailoring their radiation resistance properties. In order to investigate the microstructural evolution of ultrafine- and nanocrystalline-grained tungsten under conditions similar to those in a reactor, a transmission electron microscopy study with in situ 2 keV He+ ion irradiation at 950°C has been completed. A dynamic and complex evolution in the microstructure was observed including the formation of defect clusters, dislocations and bubbles. Nanocrystalline grains with dimensions less than around 60 nm demonstrated lower bubble density and greater bubble size than larger nanocrystalline (60–100 nm) and ultrafine (100–500 nm) grains. In grains over 100 nm, uniform distributions of bubbles and defects were formed. At higher fluences, large faceted bubbles were observed on the grain boundaries, especially on those of nanocrystalline grains, indicating the important role grain boundaries can play in trapping He and thus in giving rise to the enhanced radiation tolerance of nanocrystalline materials. PMID:24796578

A new insight into ductile fracture of ultrafine-grained Al-Mg alloys.

PubMed

Yu, Hailiang; Tieu, A Kiet; Lu, Cheng; Liu, Xiong; Liu, Mao; Godbole, Ajit; Kong, Charlie; Qin, Qinghua

2015-04-08

It is well known that when coarse-grained metals undergo severe plastic deformation to be transformed into nano-grained metals, their ductility is reduced. However, there are no ductile fracture criteria developed based on grain refinement. In this paper, we propose a new relationship between ductile fracture and grain refinement during deformation, considering factors besides void nucleation and growth. Ultrafine-grained Al-Mg alloy sheets were fabricated using different rolling techniques at room and cryogenic temperatures. It is proposed for the first time that features of the microstructure near the fracture surface can be used to explain the ductile fracture post necking directly. We found that as grains are refined to a nano size which approaches the theoretical minimum achievable value, the material becomes brittle at the shear band zone. This may explain the tendency for ductile fracture in metals under plastic deformation.

A new insight into ductile fracture of ultrafine-grained Al-Mg alloys

PubMed Central

Yu, Hailiang; Tieu, A. Kiet; Lu, Cheng; Liu, Xiong; Liu, Mao; Godbole, Ajit; Kong, Charlie; Qin, Qinghua

2015-01-01

It is well known that when coarse-grained metals undergo severe plastic deformation to be transformed into nano-grained metals, their ductility is reduced. However, there are no ductile fracture criteria developed based on grain refinement. In this paper, we propose a new relationship between ductile fracture and grain refinement during deformation, considering factors besides void nucleation and growth. Ultrafine-grained Al-Mg alloy sheets were fabricated using different rolling techniques at room and cryogenic temperatures. It is proposed for the first time that features of the microstructure near the fracture surface can be used to explain the ductile fracture post necking directly. We found that as grains are refined to a nano size which approaches the theoretical minimum achievable value, the material becomes brittle at the shear band zone. This may explain the tendency for ductile fracture in metals under plastic deformation. PMID:25851228

A new insight into ductile fracture of ultrafine-grained Al-Mg alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Hailiang; Tieu, A. Kiet; Lu, Cheng; Liu, Xiong; Liu, Mao; Godbole, Ajit; Kong, Charlie; Qin, Qinghua

2015-04-01

It is well known that when coarse-grained metals undergo severe plastic deformation to be transformed into nano-grained metals, their ductility is reduced. However, there are no ductile fracture criteria developed based on grain refinement. In this paper, we propose a new relationship between ductile fracture and grain refinement during deformation, considering factors besides void nucleation and growth. Ultrafine-grained Al-Mg alloy sheets were fabricated using different rolling techniques at room and cryogenic temperatures. It is proposed for the first time that features of the microstructure near the fracture surface can be used to explain the ductile fracture post necking directly. We found that as grains are refined to a nano size which approaches the theoretical minimum achievable value, the material becomes brittle at the shear band zone. This may explain the tendency for ductile fracture in metals under plastic deformation.

Effect of thermal treatment on the bio-corrosion and mechanical properties of ultrafine-grained ZK60 magnesium alloy.

PubMed

Choi, H Y; Kim, W J

2015-11-01

The combination of solid solution heat treatments and severe plastic deformation by high-ratio differential speed rolling (HRDSR) resulted in the formation of an ultrafine-grained microstructure with high thermal stability in a Mg-5Zn-0.5Zr (ZK60) alloy. When the precipitate particle distribution was uniform in the matrix, the internal stresses and dislocation density could be effectively removed without significant grain growth during the annealing treatment (after HRDSR), leading to enhancement of corrosion resistance. When the particle distribution was non-uniform, rapid grain growth occurred in local areas where the particle density was low during annealing, leading to development of a bimodal grain size distribution. The bimodal grain size distribution accelerated corrosion by forming a galvanic corrosion couple between the fine-grained and coarse-grained regions. The HRDSR-processed ZK60 alloy with high thermal stability exhibited high corrosion resistance, high strength and high ductility, and excellent superplasticity, which allow the fabrication of biodegradable magnesium devices with complicated designs that have a high mechanical integrity throughout the service life in the human body. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison Between Different Processing Schedules for the Development of Ultrafine-Grained Dual-Phase Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karmakar, Anish; Sivaprasad, S.; Nath, S. K.; Misra, R. D. K.; Chakrabarti, Debalay

2014-05-01

A comparative study was carried out on the development of ultrafine-grained dual-phase (DP) (ferrite-martensite) structures in a low-carbon microalloyed steel processed using two thermomechanical processing routes, (i) intercritical deformation and (ii) warm-deformation and intercritical annealing. The samples were deformed using Gleeble3500® simulator, maintaining a constant total strain ( ɛ = 1) and strain rate ( = 1/s). Evolution of microstructure and micro-texture was investigated by SEM, TEM, and EBSD. Ultrafine-grained DP structures could be formed by careful selection of deformation temperature, T def (for intercritical deformation) or annealing temperature, T anneal (for warm-deformation and annealing). Overall, the ferrite grain sizes ranged from 1.5 to 4.0 μm, and the sizes and fractions of the uniformly distributed fine-martensitic islands ranged from 1.5 to 3.0 μm and 15 to 45 pct, respectively. Dynamic strain-induced austenite-to-ferrite transformation followed by continuous (dynamic) recrystallization of the ferrite dictated the grain refinement during intercritical deformation, while, continuous (static) recrystallization by pronounced recovery dictated the grain refinement during the warm-deformation and the annealing. Regarding intercritical deformation, the samples cooled to T def indicated finer grain size compared with the samples heated to T def, which are explained in terms of the effects of strain partitioning on the ferrite and the heating during deformation. Alpha-fiber components dominated the texture in all the samples, and the fraction of high-angle boundaries (with >15 deg misorientation) increased with the increasing T def or T anneal, depending on the processing schedule. Fine carbide particles, microalloyed precipitates and austenitic islands played important roles in defining the mechanism of grain refinement that involved retarding conventional ferrite recrystallization and ferrite grain growth. With regard to the intercritical deformation, warm-deformation followed by annealing is a simpler process to control in the rolling mill; however, the need for high-power rolling mill and controlled annealing facility imposes industrial challenges.

Evidence for Seismic and Aseismic Slip along a Foreland Thrust Fault, Southern Appalachians

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newman, J.; Wells, R. K.; Holyoke, C. W.; Wojtal, S. F.

2013-12-01

Studies of deformation along ancient thrust faults form the basis for much of our fundamental understanding of fault and shear zone processes. These classic studies interpreted meso- and microstructures as formed during aseismic creep. Recent experimental studies, and studies of naturally deformed rocks in seismically active regions, reveal similar microstructures to those observed locally in a carbonate foreland thrust from the southern Appalachians, suggesting that this thrust fault preserves evidence of both seismic and aseismic deformation. The Copper Creek thrust, TN, accommodated 15-20 km displacement, at depths of 4-6 km, as estimated from balanced cross-sections. At the Diggs Gap exposure of the Copper Creek thrust, an approximately 2 cm thick, vein-like shear zone separates shale layers in the hanging wall and footwall. The shear zone is composed of anastomosing layers of ultrafine-grained calcite and/or shale as well as aggregate clasts of ultrafine-grained calcite or shale. The boundary between the shear zone and the hanging wall is sharp, with slickensides along the boundary, parallel to the shear zone movement direction. A 350 μm-thick layer of ultrafine-grained calcite separates the shear zone and the footwall. Fault parallel and perpendicular calcite veins are common in the footwall and increase in density towards the shear zone. Microstructures within the vein-like shear zone that are similar to those observed in experimental studies of unstable slip include: ultrafine-grained calcite (~0.34 μm), nano-aggregate clasts (100-300 nm), injection structures, and vein-wrapped and matrix-wrapped clasts. Not all structures within the shear zone and ultrafine-grained calcite layer suggest seismic slip. Within the footwall veins and calcite aggregate clasts within the shear zone, pores at twin-twin intersections suggest plasticity-induced fracturing as the main mechanism for grain size reduction. Interpenetrating grain boundaries in ultrafine-grained calcite and a lack of a lattice preferred orientation suggest ultrafine-grained calcite deformed by diffusion creep accommodated grain boundary sliding. These structures suggest a strain-rate between 10-15 - 10-11 s-1, using calcite flow laws at temperatures 150-250 °C. Microstructures suggest both seismic and aseismic slip along this ancient fault zone. During periods of aseismic slip, deformation is accommodated by plasticity-induced fracturing and diffusion creep. Calcite veins suggest an increase in pore-fluid pressure, contributing to fluidized and unstable flow, but also providing the calcite that deformed by diffusion creep during aseismic creep.

Mechanical Behavior of Nanostructured and Ultrafine Grained Materials under Shock Wave Loadings. Experimental Data and Results of Computer Simulation.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skripnyak, Vladimir

2011-06-01

Features of mechanical behavior of nanostructured (NS) and ultrafine grained (UFG) metal and ceramic materials under quasistatic and shock wave loadings are discussed in this report. Multilevel models developed within the approach of computational mechanics of materials were used for simulation mechanical behavior of UFG and NS metals and ceramics. Comparisons of simulation results with experimental data are presented. Models of mechanical behavior of nanostructured metal alloys takes into account a several structural factors influencing on the mechanical behavior of materials (type of a crystal lattice, density of dislocations, a size of dislocation substructures, concentration and size of phase precipitation, and distribution of grains sizes). Results show the strain rate sensitivity of the yield stress of UFG and polycrystalline alloys is various in a range from 103 up to 106 1/s. But the difference of the Hugoniot elastic limits of a UFG and coarse-grained alloys may be not considerable. The spall strength, the yield stress of UFG and NS alloys are depend not only on grains size, but a number of factors such as a distribution of grains sizes, a concentration and sizes of voids and cracks, a concentration and sizes of phase precipitation. Some titanium alloys with grain sizes from 300 to 500 nm have the quasi-static yield strength and the tensile strength twice higher than that of coarse grained counterparts. But the spall strength of the UFG titanium alloys is only 10 percents above than that of coarse grained alloys. At the same time it was found the spall strength of the bulk UFG aluminium and magnesium alloys with precipitation strengthening is essentially higher in comparison of coarse-grained counterparts. The considerable decreasing of the strain before failure of UFG alloys was predicted at high strain rates. The Hugoniot elastic limits of oxide nanoceramics depend not only on the porosity, but also on sizes and volume distribution of voids.

A new route for the synthesis of submicron-sized LaB{sub 6}

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

Lihong, Bao; Wurentuya,; Wei, Wei

Submicron crystalline LaB{sub 6} has been successfully synthesized by a solid-state reaction of La{sub 2}O{sub 3} with NaBH{sub 4} at 1200 °C. The effects of reaction temperature on the crystal structure, grain size and morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. It is found that when the reaction temperature is in the range of 1000–1100 °C, there are ultrafine nanoparticles and nanocrystals that coexist. When the reaction temperature elevated to 1200 °C, the grain morphology transformed from ultrafine nanoparticle to submicron crystals completely. High resolution transmission electron microscope images fully confirm the formation ofmore » LaB{sub 6} cubic structure. - Highlights: • Single-phased LaB{sub 6} have been synthesized by a solid-state reaction in a continuous evacuating process. • The reaction temperature has a important effect on the phase composition. • The grain size increase from nano-size to submicron with increasing reaction temperature.« less

Effect of Cyclic Thermal Process on Ultrafine Grain Formation in AISI 304L Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravi Kumar, B.; Mahato, B.; Sharma, Sailaja; Sahu, J. K.

2009-12-01

As-received hot-rolled commercial grade AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel plates were solution treated at 1060 °C to achieve chemical homogeneity. Microstructural characterization of the solution-treated material revealed polygonal grains of about 85- μm size along with annealing twins. The solution-treated plates were heavily cold rolled to about 90 pct of reduction in thickness. Cold-rolled specimens were then subjected to thermal cycles at various temperatures between 750 °C and 925 °C. X-ray diffraction showed about 24.2 pct of strain-induced martensite formation due to cold rolling of austenitic stainless steel. Strain-induced martensite formed during cold rolling reverted to austenite by the cyclic thermal process. The microstructural study by transmission electron microscope of the material after the cyclic thermal process showed formation of nanostructure or ultrafine grain austenite. The tensile testing of the ultrafine-grained austenitic stainless steel showed a yield strength 4 to 6 times higher in comparison to its coarse-grained counterpart. However, it demonstrated very poor ductility due to inadequate strain hardenability. The poor strain hardenability was correlated with the formation of strain-induced martensite in this steel grade.

Interplay between grain structure and protein adsorption on functional response of osteoblasts: ultrafine-grained versus coarse-grained substrates.

PubMed

Misra, R D K; Nune, C; Pesacreta, T C; Somani, M C; Karjalainen, L P

2013-01-01

The rapid adsorption of proteins is the starting and primary biological response that occurs when a biomedical device is implanted in the physiological system. The biological response, however, depends on the surface characteristics of the device. Considering the significant interest in nano-/ultrafine surfaces and nanostructured coatings, we describe here, the interplay between grain structure and protein adsorption (bovine serum albumin: BSA) on osteoblasts functions by comparing nanograined/ultrafine-grained (NG/UFG) and coarse-grained (CG: grain size in the micrometer range) substrates by investigating cell-substrate interactions. The protein adsorption on NG/UFG surface was beneficial in favorably modulating biological functions including cell attachment, proliferation, and viability, whereas the effect was less pronounced on protein adsorbed CG surface. Additionally, immunofluorescence studies demonstrated stronger vinculin signals associated with actin stress fibers in the outer regions of the cells and cellular extensions on protein adsorbed NG/UFG surface. The functional response followed the sequence: NG/UFG(BSA) > NG/UFG > CG(BSA) > CG. The differences in the cellular response on bare and protein adsorbed NG/UFG and CG surfaces are attributed to cumulative contribution of grain structure and degree of hydrophilicity. The study underscores the potential advantages of protein adsorption on artificial biomedical devices to enhance the bioactivity and regulate biological functions. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of corrosion behavior between coarse grained and nano/ultrafine grained alloy 690

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jinlong, Lv; Tongxiang, Liang; Chen, Wang; Ting, Guo

2016-01-01

The effect of grain refinement on corrosion resistance of alloy 690 was investigated. The electron work function value of coarse grained alloy 690 was higher than that of nano/ultrafine grained one. The grain refinement reduced the electron work function of alloy 690. The passive films formed on coarse grained and nano/ultrafine grained alloy 690 in borate buffer solution were studied by potentiodynamic curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that the grain refinement improved corrosion resistance of alloy 690. This was attributed to the fact that grain refinement promoted the enrichment of Cr2O3 and inhibited Cr(OH)3 in the passive film. More Cr2O3 in passive film could significantly improve the corrosion resistance of the nano/ultrafine grained alloy 690.

Ultrafine-grained titanium for medical implants

DOEpatents

Zhu, Yuntian T.; Lowe, Terry C.; Valiev, Ruslan Z.; Stolyarov, Vladimir V.; Latysh, Vladimir V.; Raab, Georgy J.

2002-01-01

We disclose ultrafine-grained titanium. A coarse-grained titanium billet is subjected to multiple extrusions through a preheated equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) die, with billet rotation between subsequent extrusions. The resulting billet is cold processed by cold rolling and/or cold extrusion, with optional annealing. The resulting ultrafine-grained titanium has greatly improved mechanical properties and is used to make medical implants.

Optimization of strength and ductility in nanotwinned ultrafine grained Ag: twin density and grain orientations

DOE PAGES

Ott, R. T.; Geng, J.; Besser, M. F.; ...

2015-06-27

Nanotwinned ultrafine grained Ag thick films with different twin densities and orientations have been synthesized by magnetron sputtering with a wide-range of deposition rates. The twin boundary (TB) spacings and orientations as well as the grain size for the different deposition conditions have been characterized by both synchrotron X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Structural characterization combined with uniaxial tensile tests of the free-standing films reveals a large increase in the yield strength for films deposited at high deposition rates without any accompanying change in the TB spacing – a behavior that is in contrast with what has beenmore » reported in the literature. We find that films deposited at lower deposition rates exhibit more randomly oriented grains with a lower overall twin density (averaged over all the grains) than the more heavily twinned grains with strong <111> fiber texture in the films deposited at higher deposition rates. The TB spacing in the twinned grains, however, does not show any significant dependence on the deposition rate. The dependence of the strength and ductility on the twin density and orientations can be described by two different soft deformation modes: 1) untwinned grains and 2) nanowinned grains that are not oriented with <111> along the growth direction. The untwinned grains provide relatively low resistance to slip, and thus decreased strength, while the nanotwinned grains that are not oriented with <111> along the growth direction are softer than nanotwinned grains that are oriented with <111> along the growth direction. We reveal that an ultrafine-grained (150-200 nm) structure consisting of a mixture of nanotwinned (~ 8-12 nm spacing) and untwined grains yields the best combination of high strength and uniform tensile ductility.« less

Ultrafine Ceramic Grains Embedded in Metallic Glass Matrix: Achieving Superior Wear Resistance via Increase in Both Hardness and Toughness.

PubMed

Yang, Lina; Wen, Mao; Dai, Xuan; Cheng, Gang; Zhang, Kan

2018-05-09

As structural materials, crystalline or metallic glass materials have attracted scientific and practical interests. However, some mechanisms involving critical size and shear bands have adverse effects on their mechanical properties. Here, we counter these two effects by introducing a special structure with ultrafine ceramic grains (with a diameter of ∼2.0 nm) embedded into a metallic glass matrix, wherein the grains are mainly composed of a Ta-W-N solid solution structure in nature, surrounded by a W-based amorphous matrix that contains Ta and N atoms. Such a structure is in situ formed during preparation, which combines the merits of both phases to achieve simultaneous increase in hardness and toughness relative to references (pure TaN and W) and thus superior wear resistance. Even more remarkable, a favorable variation of increased hardness but reduced elasticity modulus can be induced by this structure. Intrinsically, ultrafine ceramic grains (free of dislocations), embedded in the metallic glass matrix, could prevent shear band propagation within the glass matrix and further improve the hardness of the matrix material. In return, such glass matrix allows for stiffness neutralization and structural relaxation to reduce the elasticity modulus of ceramic grains. This study will offer a new guidance to fabricate ultrahigh-performance metal-based composites.

Refinement of Ferrite Grain Size near the Ultrafine Range by Multipass, Thermomechanical Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, S.; Neogy, S.; Kumar, Vinod; Chakrabarti, D.; Haldar, A.

2012-11-01

Plane-strain compression testing was carried out on a Nb-Ti-V microalloyed steel, in a GLEEBLE3500 simulator using a different amount of roughing, intermediate, and finishing deformation over the temperature range of 1373 K to 1073 K (1100 °C to 800 °C). A decrease in soaking temperature from 1473 K to 1273 K (1200 °C to 1000 °C) offered marginal refinement in the ferrite ( α) grain size from 7.8 to 6.6 μm. Heavy deformation using multiple passes between A e3 and A r3 with true strain of 0.8 to 1.2 effectively refined the α grain size (4.1 to 3.2 μm) close to the ultrafine size by dynamic-strain-induced austenite ( γ) → ferrite ( α) transformation (DSIT). The intensities of microstructural banding, pearlite fraction in the microstructure (13 pct), and fraction of the harmful "cube" texture component (5 pct) were reduced with the increase in finishing deformation. Simultaneously, the fractions of high-angle (>15 deg misorientation) boundaries (75 to 80 pct), beneficial gamma-fiber (ND//<111>) texture components, along with {332}<133> and {554}<225> components were increased. Grain refinement and the formation of small Fe3C particles (50- to 600-nm size) increased the hardness of the deformed samples (184 to 192 HV). For the same deformation temperature [1103 K (830 °C)], the difference in α-grain sizes obtained after single-pass (2.7 μm) and multipass compression (3.2 μm) can be explained in view of the static- and dynamic-strain-induced γ → α transformation, strain partitioning between γ and α, dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization of the deformed α, and α-grain growth during interpass intervals.

Fabrication of MEMS components using ultrafine-grained aluminium alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, Xiao Guang; Gao, Nong; Moktadir, Zakaria; Kraft, Michael; Starink, Marco J.

2010-04-01

A novel process for the fabrication of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) metallic component with features smaller than 10 µm and high thermal conductivity was investigated. This may be applied to new or improved microscale components, such as (micro-) heat exchangers. In the first stage of processing, equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) was employed to refine the grain size of commercial purity aluminium (Al-1050) to the ultrafine-grained (UFG) material. Embossing was conducted using a micro silicon mould fabricated by deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). Both cold embossing and hot embossing were performed on the coarse-grained and UFG Al-1050. Cold embossing on UFG Al-1050 led to a partially transferred pattern from the micro silicon mould and high failure rate of the mould. Hot embossing on UFG Al-1050 provided a smooth embossed surface with a fully transferred pattern and a low failure rate of the mould, while hot embossing on the coarse-grained Al-1050 resulted in a rougher surface with shear bands.

The Special Features of the Deformation Behavior of an Ultrafine-Grained Aluminum Alloy of the Al-Mg-Li System at Room Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naydenkin, E. V.; Mishin, I. P.; Ivanov, K. V.

2015-04-01

The special features of the deformation behavior of an ultrafine-grained aluminum alloy produced by severe plastic deformation are investigated. Unlike ultrafine-grained pure aluminum, the second-phase particles precipitated in the bulk and at the grain boundaries of the alloy are shown to hinder the development of grain boundary sliding and plastic strain localization. This increases the length of the strain hardening stage and uniformity of elongation of a heterogeneous aluminum alloy specimen as compared to pure aluminum.

High-velocity projectile impact induced 9R phase in ultrafine-grained aluminium.

PubMed

Xue, Sichuang; Fan, Zhe; Lawal, Olawale B; Thevamaran, Ramathasan; Li, Qiang; Liu, Yue; Yu, K Y; Wang, Jian; Thomas, Edwin L; Wang, Haiyan; Zhang, Xinghang

2017-11-21

Aluminium typically deforms via full dislocations due to its high stacking fault energy. Twinning in aluminium, although difficult, may occur at low temperature and high strain rate. However, the 9R phase rarely occurs in aluminium simply because of its giant stacking fault energy. Here, by using a laser-induced projectile impact testing technique, we discover a deformation-induced 9R phase with tens of nm in width in ultrafine-grained aluminium with an average grain size of 140 nm, as confirmed by extensive post-impact microscopy analyses. The stability of the 9R phase is related to the existence of sessile Frank loops. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the formation mechanisms of the 9R phase in aluminium. This study sheds lights on a deformation mechanism in metals with high stacking fault energies.

Unstable plastic deformation of ultrafine-grained copper at 0.5 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isaev, N. V.; Grigorova, T. V.; Shumilin, S. E.; Polishchuk, S. S.; Davydenko, O. A.

2017-12-01

We investigate the relation between the strain-hardening rate and flow instability of polycrystalline Cu-OF deformed by tension at a constant rate in a liquid 3He atmosphere. The microstructure of the ultrafine-grained crystal, obtained by the equal-channel angular hydro-extrusion method, was varied by annealing at recovery and recrystallization temperatures and was monitored by x-ray diffraction. It is shown that that the flow instability, manifesting itself as macroscopic stress serrations on the tension curve, appears at a threshold tension sufficient for activation of a dynamic recovery that leads to a decrease of the strain-hardening coefficient. We discuss the effect of grain size and the initial dislocation density on the evolution of the dislocation structure that determines the scale and the statistical properties of the flow instability in the investigated crystals at low temperature.

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

Kral, Petr, E-mail: pkral@ipm.cz; CEITEC – IPM ASCR, v.v.i., Zizkova 22, CZ-61662 Brno; Dvorak, Jiri

The deformation kinetics of ultrafine-grained Ti-6Al-4V with mean (sub)grain size about 150 nm (produced by isothermal multiaxial forging) and superplastic properties at the relatively low temperature of 873 K was investigated in compression and tension over a large range of strain rates from 10{sup −7} to 10{sup −2} s{sup −1}. Electron microscopic observations showed that the grains coarsen during deformation towards the quasi-stationary spacing w{sub qs} of strain induced boundaries. In spite of the grain coarsening the grains were generally smaller than w{sub qs} allowing high-angle boundaries to dominate the quasi-stationary strength. Texture measurements indicate that dislocation glide plays amore » large role in deformation. Glide in this alloy is significantly influenced by solid solution strengthening leading to a stress sensitivity of strain rate of n = 3. The present ultrafine-grained Ti alloy displays a stress sensitivity exponent n = 2 over an extended stress range where its superplastic behavior is optimal. While the deformation kinetics of present ultrafine-grained Ti alloy can be roughly explained by the traditional formula for superplastic flow, the significant discrepancy to the measured values suggests that solid solution strengthening must be taken into account to get a complete insight. - Highlights: • The UFG Ti-6Al-4V alloy behaves superplastically at low temperature of 873 K. • Grain coarsening at low stresses limits superplasticity of UFG Ti alloy. • Solute strengthening plays an important role in low-temperature superplasticity. • Acceleration of creep in UFG Ti alloy is caused by processes related to hab.« less

Microstructure and Strengthening Mechanisms in an Ultrafine Grained Al-Mg-Sc Alloy Produced by Powder Metallurgy

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

Tammy J. Harrell; Troy D. Topping; Haiming Wen

2014-12-01

Additions of Sc to an Al-Mg matrix were investigated, paying particular attention to the influence of Al3Sc precipitates and other dispersoids, as well as grain size, on mechanical behavior. Prior studies have shown that Sc significantly increases the strength of coarse-grained Al-Mg alloys. Prompted by these findings, we hypothesized that it would be of fundamental and technological interest to study the behavior of Sc additions to an ultrafine-grained (UFG) microstructure (e.g., 100’s nm). Accordingly, we investigated the microstructural evolution and mechanical behavior of a cryomilled ultrafine grained Al-5Mg-0.4Sc (wt pct) and compared the results to those of an equivalent fine-grainedmore » material (FG) produced by powder metallurgy. Experimental materials were consolidated by hot isostatic pressing (HIP’ing) followed by extrusion or dual mode dynamic forging. Under identical processing conditions, UFG materials generate large Al3Sc precipitates with an average diameter of 154 nm and spaced approximately 1 to 3 µm apart, while precipitates in the FG materials have a diameter of 24 nm and are spaced 50 to 200 nm apart. The strengthening mechanisms are calculated for all materials and it is determined that the greatest strengthening contributions for the UFG and FG materials are Mg-O/N dispersion strengthening and precipitate strengthening, respectively.« less

Enhanced Impact Toughness at Ambient Temperatures of Ultrafine-Grained Al-26 wt.% Si Alloy Produced by Equal-Channel Angular Pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jinghua; Yuan, Ting; Shi, Jun; Zhang, Lingling; Ma, Aibin; Song, Dan

2018-05-01

Overcoming general brittleness of hypereutectic Al-Si alloys is in urgent need for expanding their application in automotive, aerospace and construction industries. A unique phenomenon was observed that bulk ultrafine-grained Al-26 wt.% Si alloy, produced by severe plastic deformation via equal-channel angular pressing, exhibited higher toughness at the impact temperature of - 196 100 °C than the coarse-grained casting alloy. The improvement in impact toughness at all testing temperatures was mainly due to the homogeneous ultrafine-grained structure with the breakage of brittle primary silicon crystals, which generated more and deeper fracture dimples that consumed much higher fracture energy. It indicates the advantage of bulk ultrafine-grained Al-Si alloys and spurs their application interest at various ambient temperatures.

Enhanced Impact Toughness at Ambient Temperatures of Ultrafine-Grained Al-26 wt.% Si Alloy Produced by Equal-Channel Angular Pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jinghua; Yuan, Ting; Shi, Jun; Zhang, Lingling; Ma, Aibin; Song, Dan

2018-04-01

Overcoming general brittleness of hypereutectic Al-Si alloys is in urgent need for expanding their application in automotive, aerospace and construction industries. A unique phenomenon was observed that bulk ultrafine-grained Al-26 wt.% Si alloy, produced by severe plastic deformation via equal-channel angular pressing, exhibited higher toughness at the impact temperature of - 196 100 °C than the coarse-grained casting alloy. The improvement in impact toughness at all testing temperatures was mainly due to the homogeneous ultrafine-grained structure with the breakage of brittle primary silicon crystals, which generated more and deeper fracture dimples that consumed much higher fracture energy. It indicates the advantage of bulk ultrafine-grained Al-Si alloys and spurs their application interest at various ambient temperatures.

Cryomilled and spark plasma sintered titanium: the evolution of microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozlík, Jiří; Becker, Hanka; Harcuba, Petr; Stráský, Josef; Janeček, Milos

2017-05-01

Bulk ultra-fine grained (UFG) commercially pure Ti was prepared by cryogenic milling in liquid argon and subsequent spark plasma sintering (SPS). During cryogenic milling, individual powder particles are repetitively severely deformed by attrition forces. Powder particles were not significantly refined, but due to severe repetitive plastic deformation, ultra-fine grained microstructure emerges within each powder particle. Cryogenic milling can be therefore considered as a specific severe plastic deformation (SPD) method. Compactization of cryomilled powder by SPS technique (also referred to as field assisted sintering technique - FAST) requires significantly lower sintering temperatures and shorter sintering times for successful compaction when compared to any other sintering technique. This is crucial for maintaining the UFG microstructure due to its limited thermal stability. Several specimens were prepared by varying processing parameters, in particular the sintering temperature. The microstructure of powders and compacted samples was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Increased sintering temperature results in recrystallization and grain growth. A trade-off relationship between the density of compacted material and grain size was identified. Microhardness of the material was found to depend on residual porosity rather than grain size. This contribution presents cryogenic milling and spark plasma sintering as a viable alternative for achieving UFG microstructure in commercially pure Ti.

Sintering behavior of ultrafine silicon carbide powders obtained by vapor phase reaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Okabe, Y.; Miyachi, K.; Hojo, J.; Kato, A.

1984-01-01

The sintering behavior of ultrafine SiC powder with average particle size of about 0.01-0.06 microns produced by a vapor phase reaction of the Me4Si-H2 system was studied at the temperature range of 1400-2050 deg. It was found that the homogeneous dispersion of C on SiC particles is important to remove the surface oxide layer effectively. B and C and inhibitive effect on SiC grain growth.

Passivation Behavior of Ultrafine-Grained Pure Copper Fabricated by Accumulative Roll Bonding (ARB) Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fattah-alhosseini, Arash; Imantalab, Omid

2016-01-01

In this study, passivation behavior of ultrafine-grained (UFG) pure copper fabricated by ARB process in 0.01 M borax solution has been investigated. Before any electrochemical measurements, evaluation of microstructure was obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM observations revealed that with increasing the number of ARB passes, the grain size of specimens decrease. Also, TEM images showed that UFGs with average size of below 100 nm appeared after 7 passes of ARB. To investigate the passivation behavior of the specimens, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott-Schottky analysis was carried out. For this purpose, three potentials within the passive region were chosen for potentiostatic passive film growth. EIS results showed that both passive film and charge-transfer resistance increases with increasing the number of ARB passes. Moreover, Mott-Schottky analysis revealed that with increasing the number of ARB passes, the acceptor density of the passive films decreased. In conclusion, increasing the number of ARB passes offers better conditions for forming the passive films with higher protection behavior, due to the growth of a much thicker and less defective films.

An Investigation of Physico-Mechanical Properties of Ultrafine-Grained Magnesium Alloys Subjected to Severe Plastic Deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozulyn, A. A.; Skripnyak, V. A.; Krasnoveikin, V. A.; Skripnyak, V. V.; Karavatskii, A. K.

2015-01-01

The results of investigations of physico-mechanical properties of specimens made from the structural Mg-based alloy (Russian grade Ma2-1) in its coarse-grained and ultrafine-grained states after SPD processing are presented. To form the ultrafine-grained structure, use was made of the method of orthogonal equal-channel angular pressing. After four passes through the die, a simultaneous increase was achieved in microhardness, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation to failure under conditions of uniaxial tensile loading.

Resistance spot welding of ultra-fine grained steel sheets produced by constrained groove pressing: Optimization and characterization

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

Khodabakhshi, F.; Kazeminezhad, M., E-mail: mkazemi@sharif.edu; Kokabi, A.H.

2012-07-15

Constrained groove pressing as a severe plastic deformation method is utilized to produce ultra-fine grained low carbon steel sheets. The ultra-fine grained sheets are joined via resistance spot welding process and the characteristics of spot welds are investigated. Resistance spot welding process is optimized for welding of the sheets with different severe deformations and their results are compared with those of as-received samples. The effects of failure mode and expulsion on the performance of ultra-fine grained sheet spot welds have been investigated in the present paper and the welding current and time of resistance spot welding process according to thesemore » subjects are optimized. Failure mode and failure load obtained in tensile-shear test, microhardness, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope images have been used to describe the performance of spot welds. The region between interfacial to pullout mode transition and expulsion limit is defined as the optimum welding condition. The results show that optimum welding parameters (welding current and welding time) for ultra-fine grained sheets are shifted to lower values with respect to those for as-received specimens. In ultra-fine grained sheets, one new region is formed named recrystallized zone in addition to fusion zone, heat affected zone and base metal. It is shown that microstructures of different zones in ultra-fine grained sheets are finer than those of as-received sheets. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Resistance spot welding process is optimized for joining of UFG steel sheets. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Optimum welding current and time are decreased with increasing the CGP pass number. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Microhardness at BM, HAZ, FZ and recrystallized zone is enhanced due to CGP.« less

Microstructural Evolution at Micro/Meso-Scale in an Ultrafine-Grained Pure Aluminum Processed by Equal-Channel Angular Pressing with Subsequent Annealing Treatment.

PubMed

Xu, Jie; Li, Jianwei; Zhu, Xiaocheng; Fan, Guohua; Shan, Debin; Guo, Bin

2015-11-04

Micro-forming with ultrafine-grained (UFG) materials is a promising direction for the fabrication of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) components due to the improved formability, good surface quality, and excellent mechanical properties it provides. In this paper, micro-compression tests were performed using UFG pure aluminum processed by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) with subsequent annealing treatment. Microstructural evolution was investigated by electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that microstructural evolutions during compression tests at the micro/meso-scale in UFG pure Al are absolutely different from the coarse-grained (CG) materials. A lot of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and recrystallized fine grains are formed inside of the original large grains in CG pure aluminum after micro-compression. By contrast, ultrafine grains are kept with few sub-grain boundaries inside the grains in UFG pure aluminum, which are similar to the original microstructure before micro-compression. The surface roughness and coordinated deformation ability can be signmicrostructure; micro/meso-forming; ultrafine grains; ECAP; aluminumificantly improved with UFG pure aluminum, which demonstrates that the UFG materials have a strong potential application in micro/meso-forming.

Nano/ultrafine grained austenitic stainless steel through the formation and reversion of deformation-induced martensite: Mechanisms, microstructures, mechanical properties, and TRIP effect

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

Shirdel, M., E-mail: mshirdel1989@ut.ac.ir; Mirzadeh, H., E-mail: hmirzadeh@ut.ac.ir; Advanced Metalforming and Thermomechanical Processing Laboratory, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran

A comprehensive study was carried out on the strain-induced martensitic transformation, its reversion to austenite, the resultant grain refinement, and the enhancement of strength and strain-hardening ability through the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect in a commercial austenitic 304L stainless steel with emphasis on the mechanisms and the microstructural evolution. A straightforward magnetic measurement device, which is based on the measurement of the saturation magnetization, for evaluating the amount of strain-induced martensite after cold rolling and reversion annealing in metastable austenitic stainless steels was used, which its results were in good consistency with those of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. Amore » new parameter called the effective reduction in thickness was introduced, which corresponds to the reasonable upper bound on the obtainable martensite fraction based on the saturation in the martensitic transformation. By means of thermodynamics calculations, the reversion mechanisms were estimated and subsequently validated by experimental results. The signs of thermal martensitic transformation at cooling stage after reversion at 850 °C were found, which was attributed to the rise in the martensite start temperature due to the carbide precipitation. After the reversion treatment, the average grain sizes were around 500 nm and the nanometric grains of the size of ~ 65 nm were also detected. The intense grain refinement led to the enhanced mechanical properties and observation of the change in the work-hardening capacity and TRIP effect behavior. A practical map as a guidance for grain refining and characterizing the stability against grain growth was proposed, which shows the limitation of the reversion mechanism for refinement of grain size. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Nano/ultrafine grained austenitic stainless steel through martensite treatment • A parameter descriptive of a reasonable upper bound on the obtainable martensite • Characterization of martensite by virtue of a new developed magnetic device • Investigation of mechanical properties and TRIP effect and the effect of grain size.« less

Ultra-fine grained microstructure of metastable beta Ti-15Mo alloy and its effects on the phase transformations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Václavová, K.; Stráský, J.; Zháňal, P.; Veselý, J.; Polyakova, V.; Semenova, I.; Janeček, M.

2017-05-01

Processing of metastable titanium alloys by severe plastic deformation provides an opportunity to achieve exceptional grain refinement, to enhance the strength and to affect phase transformations occurring during thermal treatment. The main aim of this study is to investigate the microstructure of ultra-fine grained (UFG) material and effect of microstructural changes on phase transformations in metastable β-Ti alloy Ti-15Mo. Metastable β-Ti alloys are currently the most studied Ti-based materials with prospective use in medicine. Ti-15Mo alloy after solution treatment contains metastable β-phase. Metastable ω-phase and stable α-phase particles are formed upon annealing,. Solution treated Ti-15Mo alloy was deformed by high pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature. Severely deformed structure after HPT with grain size of ~200 nm was studied by transmission electron microscopy. In-situ electrical resistance measurements showed significant changes in undergoing phase transformations when compared to coarse-grained (CG) material. Scanning electron microscopy revealed heterogeneous precipitation of α-particles at grain boundaries (GB). Due to the high density of GBs in UFG structure, these precipitates are very fine and equiaxed. The study demonstrates that SPD is capable of enhancing mechanical properties due to grain refinement and via affecting precipitation processes in metastable β-Ti alloys.

Method for producing ultrafine-grained materials using repetitive corrugation and straightening

DOEpatents

Zhu, Yuntian T.; Lowe, Terry C.; Jiang, Honggang; Huang, Jianyu

2001-01-01

A method of refining the grain structure and improving the hardness and strength properties of a metal or metal alloy workpiece is disclosed. The workpiece is subjected to forces that corrugate and then straighten the workpiece. These steps are repeated until an ultrafine-grained product having improved hardness and strength is produced.

Occurrence and possible significance of rare Ti oxides (Magneli phases) in carbonaceous chondrite matrices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brearley, Adrian J.

1993-01-01

Rare, ultrafine-grained Ti oxides (Ti3O5 and the Magneli phases, Ti5O9 and Ti8O15) have been identified by TEM in the CM2 carbonaceous chondrite, Bells, and a carbonaceous chondrite matrix clast from the Nilpena polymict ureilite. In both meteorites the Ti oxides occur in the matrix as isolated grains and clusters of two or more grains. They are euhedral in shape and have grain sizes of 0.05-0.3 micron. Magneli phases have been recently shown to be a common component in some interplanetary dust particles, but this is the first reported occurrence in a meteorite. The morphological properties and grain size of the Ti oxides are consistent with formation by vapor phase condensation either within the solar nebula or possibly in a presolar environment.

Effect of Shear Strain on the Structure and Properties of Chromium-Nickel Corrosion-Resistant Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobatkin, S. V.; Rybal'chenko, O. V.; Kliauga, A.; Tokar', A. A.

2015-07-01

The structure and properties of metastable austenitic steel 08Kh18N10T and stable austenitic steel ASTM F138 under shear deformation implemented by torsion under hydrostatic pressure (THP) at T = 300 and 450°C and by equichannel angular pressing (ECAP) at T = 400°C are studied. The THP yields an ultrafine-grain structure in a fully austenitic matrix with grain size 45 - 70 nm in steel ASTM F138 and 87 - 123 nm in steel 08Kh1810T. The ECAP at 400°C yields a grain-subgrain structure with structural elements 100 - 300 nm in size in steel 08Kh18N10T and 200 - 400 nm in size in steel ASTM F138.

Direct synthesis of ultrafine tetragonal BaTiO3 nanoparticles at room temperature

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

A large quantity of ultrafine tetragonal barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles is directly synthesized at room temperature. The crystalline form and grain size are checked by both X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that the perovskite nanoparticles as fine as 7 nm have been synthesized. The phase transition of the as-prepared nanoparticles is investigated by the temperature-dependent Raman spectrum and shows the similar tendency to that of bulk BaTiO3 materials. It is confirmed that the nanoparticles have tetragonal phase at room temperature. PMID:21781339

Computational Investigation of Effects of Grain Size on Ballistic Performance of Copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Ge; Dou, Yangqing; Guo, Xiang; Liu, Yucheng

2018-01-01

Numerical simulations were conducted to compare ballistic performance and penetration mechanism of copper (Cu) with four representative grain sizes. Ballistic limit velocities for coarse-grained (CG) copper (grain size ≈ 90 µm), regular copper (grain size ≈ 30 µm), fine-grained (FG) copper (grain size ≈ 890 nm), and ultrafine-grained (UG) copper (grain size ≈ 200 nm) were determined for the first time through the simulations. It was found that the copper with reduced grain size would offer higher strength and better ductility, and therefore renders improved ballistic performance than the CG and regular copper. High speed impact and penetration behavior of the FG and UG copper was also compared with the CG coppers strengthened by nanotwinned (NT) regions. The comparison results showed the impact and penetration resistance of UG copper is comparable to the CG copper strengthened by NT regions with the minimum twin spacing. Therefore, besides the NT-strengthened copper, the single phase copper with nanoscale grain size could also be a strong candidate material for better ballistic protection. A computational modeling and simulation framework was proposed for this study, in which Johnson-Cook (JC) constitutive model is used to predict the plastic deformation of Cu; the JC damage model is to capture the penetration and fragmentation behavior of Cu; Bao-Wierzbicki (B-W) failure criterion defines the material's failure mechanisms; and temperature increase during this adiabatic penetration process is given by the Taylor-Quinney method.

Electrical resistivity of ultrafine-grained copper with nanoscale growth twins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, X. H.; Lu, L.; Lu, K.

2007-10-01

We have investigated electrical resistivities of high-purity ultrafine-grained Cu containing different concentrations of nanoscale growth twins, but having identical grain size. The samples were synthesized by pulsed electrodeposition, wherein the density of twins was varied systematically by adjusting the processing parameters. The electrical resistivity of the Cu specimen with a twin spacing of 15nm at room temperature (RT) is 1.75μΩcm (the conductivity is about 97% IACS), which is comparable to that of coarse-grained (CG) pure Cu specimen. A reduction in twin density for the same grain size (with twin lamellar spacings of 35 and 90nm, respectively) results in an increment in electrical resistivity from 1.75to2.12μΩcm. However, the temperature coefficient of resistivity at RT for these Cu specimens is insensitive to the twin spacing and shows a consistent value of ˜3.78×10-3/K, which is slightly smaller than that of CG Cu (3.98×10-3/K). The increased electrical resistivities of the Cu samples were ascribed dominantly to the intrinsic grain boundary (GB) scattering, while the GB defects and GB energy would decrease with increasing twin density. Transmission electron microscope observations revealed the GB configuration difference from the Cu samples with various twin densities. Plastic deformation would induce an apparent increase in the resistivity. The higher of the twin density, the higher increment of RT resistivity was detected in the Cu specimens subjected to 40% rolling strain. Both the deviated twin boundaries and strained GBs may give rise to an increase in the resistivity.

Effect of severe plastic deformation on microstructure and mechanical properties of magnesium and aluminium alloys in wide range of strain rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skripnyak, Vladimir; Skripnyak, Evgeniya; Skripnyak, Vladimir; Vaganova, Irina; Skripnyak, Nataliya

2013-06-01

Results of researches testify that a grain size have a strong influence on the mechanical behavior of metals and alloys. Ultrafine grained HCP and FCC metal alloys present higher values of the spall strength than a corresponding coarse grained counterparts. In the present study we investigate the effect of grain size distribution on the flow stress and strength under dynamic compression and tension of aluminium and magnesium alloys. Microstructure and grain size distribution in alloys were varied by carrying out severe plastic deformation during the multiple-pass equal channel angular pressing, cyclic constrained groove pressing, and surface mechanical attrition treatment. Tests were performed using a VHS-Instron servo-hydraulic machine. Ultra high speed camera Phantom V710 was used for photo registration of deformation and fracture of specimens in range of strain rates from 0,01 to 1000 1/s. In dynamic regime UFG alloys exhibit a stronger decrease in ductility compared to the coarse grained material. The plastic flow of UFG alloys with a bimodal grain size distribution was highly localized. Shear bands and shear crack nucleation and growth were recorded using high speed photography.

Development of a High-Strength Ultrafine-Grained Ferritic Steel Nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahmanifard, Roohollah; Farhangi, Hasan; Novinrooz, Abdul Javad; Moniri, Samira

2013-02-01

This article describes the microstructural and mechanical properties of 12YWT oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS)-ferritic steel nanocomposite. According to the annealing results obtained from X-ray diffraction line profile analysis on mechanically alloyed powders milled for 80 hours, the hot extrusion at 1123 K (850 °C) resulted in a nearly equiaxed ultrafine structure with an ultimate tensile strength of 1470 MPa, yield strength of 1390 MPa, and total elongation of 13 pct at room temperature comparable with high-strength 14YWT ODS steel. Maximum total elongation was found at 973 K (600 °C) where fractography of the tensile specimen showed a fully ductile dimple feature compared with the splitting cracks and very fine dimpled structure observed at room temperature. The presence of very small particles on the wall of dimples at 1073 K (800 °C) with nearly chemical composition of the matrix alloy was attributed to the activation of the boundaries decohesion mechanism as a result of diffusion of solute atoms. The results of Charpy impact test also indicated significant improvement of transition temperature with respect to predecessor 12YWT because of the decreased grain size and more homogeneity of grain size distribution. Hence, this alloy represented a good compromise between the strength and Charpy impact properties.

On the Similarity of Deformation Mechanisms During Friction Stir Welding and Sliding Friction of the AA5056 Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolubaev, A. V.; Zaikina, A. A.; Sizova, O. V.; Ivanov, K. V.; Filippov, A. V.; Kolubaev, E. A.

2018-04-01

A comparative investigation of the structure of an aluminum-manganese alloy is performed after its friction stir welding and sliding friction. Using the methods of optical and electron microscopy, it is shown that during friction identical ultrafine-grained structures are formed in the weld nugget and in the surface layer, in which the grains measure 5 μm irrespective of the initial grain size of the alloy. An assumption is made that the microstructure during both processes under study is formed by the mechanism of rotational plasticity.

Performance of surface on ultrafine grained Ti-0.2Pd in simulated body fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiu-Lai; Zhou, Qing; Yang, Kai; Zou, Cheng-Hong; Wang, Lei

2018-03-01

Ti-0.2 wt% Pd (Ti-0.2Pd) which has high crevice corrosion resistance is highlighted for implant applications. In this work, Ti-0.2Pd alloy is subjected to equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) for grain refinement. The effect of the microstructure on the surface performance of Ti-0.2Pd in a simulated body fluid (SBF) adding bovine serum albumin is investigated. Heat-treated specimens including furnace cooled (FC) and water quenched (WQ) specimens are also prepared for comparison. The corrosion resistance is evaluated by the tests of potentiodynamic polarization and the measurement of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The composition and morphology of the surface after exposing to SBF 60 days were examined by X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The results show an ultrafine grained microstructure with average grain size of 3.6 μm is obtained after ECAP. The ultrafine grained Ti-0.2Pd has higher corrosion resistance than AR(as-received), WQ and FC specimens. The quantitative analysis of the surface shows larger numbers of precipitations formed on ECAPed Ti-0.2Pd than those formed on heat-treated. The precipitation contains more oxygen, calcium and phosphorus on ECAPed specimen than those on other specimens. The Ca:P ratio is ranged from 1:0.7 to 1:4.4, no dependent on the specimen type. A larger Warburg resistance is obtained on WQ specimen indicating a denser layer formation on WQ specimen. The precipitation formed on WQ specimens is the least among three kinds of specimens. Palladium is not found on the surfaces after exposure to SBF.

Multiscale Modeling of Intergranular Fracture in Aluminum: Constitutive Relation For Interface Debonding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamakov, V.; Saether, E.; Glaessgen, E. H.

2008-01-01

Intergranular fracture is a dominant mode of failure in ultrafine grained materials. In the present study, the atomistic mechanisms of grain-boundary debonding during intergranular fracture in aluminum are modeled using a coupled molecular dynamics finite element simulation. Using a statistical mechanics approach, a cohesive-zone law in the form of a traction-displacement constitutive relationship, characterizing the load transfer across the plane of a growing edge crack, is extracted from atomistic simulations and then recast in a form suitable for inclusion within a continuum finite element model. The cohesive-zone law derived by the presented technique is free of finite size effects and is statistically representative for describing the interfacial debonding of a grain boundary (GB) interface examined at atomic length scales. By incorporating the cohesive-zone law in cohesive-zone finite elements, the debonding of a GB interface can be simulated in a coupled continuum-atomistic model, in which a crack starts in the continuum environment, smoothly penetrates the continuum-atomistic interface, and continues its propagation in the atomistic environment. This study is a step towards relating atomistically derived decohesion laws to macroscopic predictions of fracture and constructing multiscale models for nanocrystalline and ultrafine grained materials.

A Two-Step Approach for Producing an Ultrafine-Grain Structure in Cu-30Zn Brass (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-13

crystallization anneal at 400 °C (0.55Tm, where Tm is the melting point ) for times ranging from 1 min to 10 hours, followed by water quenching; an additional...200 words) A two-step approach involving cryogenic rolling and subsequent recrystallization annealing was developed to produce an ultrafine-grain...b s t r a c t A two-step approach involving cryogenic rolling and subsequent recrystallization annealing was devel- oped to produce an ultrafine

Microstructure and properties of ultrafine grain nickel 200 after hydrostatic extrusion processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitek, R.; Krajewski, C.; Kamiński, J.; Spychalski, M.; Garbacz, H.; Pachla, W.; Kurzydłowski, K. J.

2012-09-01

This paper presents the results of the studies of the structure and properties of ultrafine grained nickel 200 obtained by hydrostatic extrusion processes. Microstructure was characterized by means of optical microscopy and electron transmission microscopy. Corrosion resistance was studied by impedance and potentiodynamic methods using an AutoLab PGSTAT 100 potentiostat in 0.1 M Na2SO4 solution and in acidified (by addition of H2SO4) 0.1 M NaCl solution at pH = 4.2 at room temperature. Microhardness tests were also performed. The results showed that hydrostatic extrusion produces a heterogeneous, ultrafine-grained microstructure in nickel 200. The corrosive resistance tests showed that the grain refinement by hydrostatic extrusion is accompanied by a decreased corrosive resistance of nickel 200.

Fabrication, tribological and corrosion behaviors of ultra-fine grained Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Ren, Fuzeng; Zhu, Weiwei; Chu, Kangjie

2016-07-01

Nickel and carbides free Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy was fabricated by combination of mechanical alloying and warm pressing. The microstructure, mechanical properties, pin-on-disk dry sliding wear and corrosion behavior in simulated physiological solution were investigated. The produced Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy has elongated ultra-fine grained (UFG) structure of ε-phase with average grain size of 600nm in length and 150nm in thickness. The hardness and modulus were determined to be 8.87±0.56GPa and 198.27±7.02GPa, respectively. The coefficient of friction upon dry sliding against alumina is pretty close to that of the forged Co-29Cr-6Mo alloy. The initial ε-phase and UFG microstructure contribute to reduce the depth of severe plastic deformation region during wear and enable the alloy with excellent wear resistance. The corrosion potential of such UFG Co-Cr-Mo alloy has more positive corrosion potential and much lower corrosion current density than those of ASTM alloy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Initial Microstructure on Impact Toughness of 1200 MPa-Class High Strength Steel with Ultrafine Elongated Grain Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafari, Meysam; Garrison, Warren M.; Tsuzaki, Kaneaki

2014-02-01

A medium-carbon low-alloy steel was prepared with initial structures of either martensite or bainite. For both initial structures, warm caliber-rolling was conducted at 773 K (500 °C) to obtain ultrafine elongated grain (UFEG) structures with strong <110>//rolling direction (RD) fiber deformation textures. The UFEG structures consisted of spheroidal cementite particles distributed uniformly in a ferrite matrix of a transverse grain size of about 331 and 311 nm in samples with initial martensite and bainite structures, respectively. For both initial structures, the UFEG materials had similar tensile properties, upper shelf energy (145 J), and ductile-to-brittle transition temperatures 98 K (500 °C). Obtaining the martensitic structure requires more rapid cooling than is needed to obtain the bainitic structure and this more rapid cooling promote cracking. As the UFEG structures obtained from initial martensitic and bainitic structures have almost identical properties, but obtaining the bainitic structure does not require a rapid cooling which promotes cracking suggests the use of a bainitic structure in obtaining UFEG structures should be examined further.

Microstructure and texture of a nano-grained complex Al alloy fabricated by accumulative roll-bonding of dissimilar Al alloys.

PubMed

Lee, Seong-Hee; Jeon, Jae-Yeol; Lee, Kwang-Jin

2013-01-01

An ultrafine grain (UFG) complex lamella aluminum alloy sheet was successfully fabricated by ARB process using AA1050 and AA6061. The lamella thickness of the alloy became thinner and elongated to the rolling direction with increasing the number of ARB cycles. By TEM observation, it is revealed that the aspect ratio of UFGs formed by ARB became smaller with increasing the number of ARB cycles. In addition, the effect of ARB process on the development of deformation texture at the quarter thickness of ARB-processed sheets was clarified. ARB process leaded to the formation of the rolling texture with shear texture and weak cube orientation. The subdivision of the grains to the rolling direction began to occur after 3 cycles of the ARB, resulting in formation of ultrafine grains with small aspect ratio. After 5 cycles, the ultrafine grained structure with the average grain diameter of 560 nm develops in almost whole regions of the sample.

Tailoring microstructure of Mg–Zn–Y alloys with quasicrystal and related phases for high mechanical strength

PubMed Central

Singh, Alok

2014-01-01

The occurrence of a stable icosahedral (i-) phase, which is quasicrystalline with an icosahedral (fivefold) symmetry, on the equilibrium phase diagram of Mg–Zn–RE (RE = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho or Er) alloys opened up an interesting possibility of developing a new series of magnesium alloys for structural applications. Alloys based on the i-phase have been studied for the past 14 years. Ultra-high strengths combined with good ductility have been shown. Here we show two strategies for tailoring microstructures for very high strengths in Mg–Zn–Y alloys. One of them involves strengthening by a fine distribution of rod-like precipitates, where the matrix grain size is not critical. The alloy is solutionized at a high temperature of 480 °C to dissolve a large part of the i-phase, followed by a high temperature extrusion (∼430 °C) and a low temperature ageing to reprecipitate phases with fine size distribution. At first, phase transformations involved in this procedure are described. The closeness of the structure of the precipitates to the i-phase is brought out. By this procedure, tensile yield strengths of over 370 MPa are obtained in grain sizes of 20 μm. In another strategy, the alloys are chill cast and then extruded at low temperatures of about 250 °C. Ultra-fine grains are produced by enhanced recrystallization due to presence of the i-phase. At the same time nano-sized precipitates are precipitated dynamically during extrusion from the supersaturated matrix. Ultra-high tensile strengths of up to 400 MPa are obtained in combination with ductility of 12 to 16%. Analysis of the microstructure shows that strengthening by the i-phase occurs by enhanced recrystallization during extrusion. It produces ultra-fine grain sizes to give very high strengths, and moderate texture for good ductility. Fine distribution of the i-phase and precipitates contribute to strengthening and provide microstructre stability. Ultra-high strength over a very wide range of grain sizes is thus demonstrated, by utilizing different strengthening effects. PMID:27877701

Fracture and fracture toughness of nanopolycrystalline metals produced by severe plastic deformation

PubMed Central

Hohenwarter, A.; Pippan, R.

2015-01-01

The knowledge of the fracture of bulk metallic materials developed in the last 50 years is mostly based on materials having grain sizes, d, in the range of some micrometres up to several hundred micrometres regarding the possibilities of classical metallurgical methods. Nowadays, novel techniques provide access to much smaller grain sizes, where severe plastic deformation (SPD) is one of the most significant techniques. This opens the door to extend basic research in fracture mechanics to the nanocrystalline (NC) grain size regime. From the technological point of view, there is also the necessity to evaluate standard fracture mechanics data of these new materials, such as the fracture toughness, in order to allow their implementation in engineering applications. Here, an overview of recent results on the fracture behaviour of several different ultrafine-grained (d<1 μm) and NC (d<100 nm) metals and alloys covering examples of body- and face-centred cubic structures produced by SPD will be given. PMID:25713459

Changes in the physical and mechanical properties of Al-Mg alloy processed by severe plastic deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasnoveikin, V. A.; Kozulin, A. A.; Skripnyak, V. A.; Moskvichev, E. N.; Borodulin, D. A.

2017-12-01

This paper presents the results of studies into the effect of severe plastic deformation on the microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of coarse-grained Al-Mg alloy 1560 in the as-received state with an average grain size of 50 µm. Severe plastic deformation is performed by four-pass equal channel angular pressing (ECAP), which results in the formation of an ultrafine-grained structure with an average grain size of 3 µm in the alloy. Analysis of experimental data revealed that the physical and mechanical properties change significantly after severe plastic deformation. The microhardness of the ECAPed alloy increases by 50%, tensile yield strength by 80%, and ultimate strength by 44% in comparison with these parameters in the as-received state. The constants of approximating functions have been determined for the experimental stress-strain curves of the alloy specimens in the as-received and ECAPed states.

Biogenic magnetite as a primary remanence carrier in limestone deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Shih-Bin R.; Kirschvink, Joseph L.; Stolz, John F.

1987-06-01

Studies on the microbial communities and magnetic phases of samples collected from carbonate oozes at Sugarloaf Key, FL, U.S.A. and calcareous laminated sediments from Laguna Figueroa, Baja California, Mexico have revealed the existence of magnetotactic bacteria and ultrafine-grained single domain magnetite in both environments. Magnetotactic bacteria were identified by light and electron microscopy. The single domain magnetite was detected by coercivity spectra analysis with a SQUID magnetometer and examined under the transmission electron microscope. The similarity, in terms of size and shape, between the single domain magnetite found in these sediments and the magnetite observed in the bacterial magnetosome from enriched cultures indicates the ultrafine-grained magnetite in these two marine environments was biologically formed. These results, combined with the common occurrences of ultrafine-grained magnetite in limestone deposits detected rock magnetically, suggest biogenic magnetite may be present and contribute to the magnetic remanence in these rocks. Several Cambrian limestone samples, separately collected from Siberia, China, and Kazakhstan, were examined for the presence of bacterial magnetite. Samples from the Lower Cambrian Sinskian Formation at Siberia Platform were found to contain both a large amount of apparently bacterial magnetite particles and a very stable primary magnetic component. Post-Cambrian diagenesis does not seem to affect the microgranulometry of these apparently bacterial magnetite crystals or the magnetic remanence carried by them. Assessing the potential role of biogenic magnetite as a primary remanence carrier in other Phanerozoic limestone deposits ought to be further pursued.

Development of near β titanium alloy with high strength and superplastic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naydenkin, E. V.; Ratochka, I. V.; Mishin, I. P.; Lykova, O. N.

2017-12-01

Ultrafine-grained (UFG) structure with an average element size of about 0.25 µm was obtained in a near β titanium alloy under severe plastic deformation by abc pressing. It is shown that the formation of such structure greatly increases the ultimate strength of the alloy compared to its coarse-grained state (up to 1610 MPa). In addition, the UFG alloy features improved superplastic characteristics under tension at temperatures of 973-1073 K: its elongation to failure exceeds 1300% and the flow stress decreases to several MPa.

Spall Fracture Patterns for the Heterophase Cu-Al-Ni Alloy in Ultrafine- and Coarse-Grained States Exposed to a Nanosecond Relativistic High-Current Electron Beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dudarev, E. F.; Markov, A. B.; Mayer, A. E.; Bakach, G. P.; Tabachenko, A. N.; Kashin, O. A.; Pochivalova, G. P.; Skosyrskii, A. B.; Kitsanov, S. A.; Zhorovkov, M. F.; Yakovlev, E. V.

2013-05-01

A comparative study of spall fracture patterns for the heterophase Cu - 8.45% Al - 5.06% Ni alloy (аt.%) in ultrafine- and coarse-grained states under shock-wave loading using the "SINUS-7" electron accelerator is carried out. For electron energy of 1.4 MeV, pulse duration of 50 ns, and power density of 1.6·1010 W/cm2, the shock wave amplitude was 8 GPa and the strain rate was ~2·105 s-1. It is established that the thickness of the spalled layer increased for both grained structures, and the degree of plastic strain decreased with increasing target thickness. Based on experimental data obtained and results of theoretical calculations, it is demonstrated that the spall strength of ultrafine- and coarse-grained structures is ~3 GPa. The data on the grained structure at different distances from the spall surface and spall fraction patterns and mechanism are presented.

Delamination Effect on Impact Properties of Ultrafine-Grained Low-Carbon Steel Processed by Warm Caliber Rolling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Tadanobu; Yin, Fuxing; Kimura, Yuuji; Tsuzaki, Kaneaki; Ochiai, Shojiro

2010-02-01

Bulk ultrafine-grained (UFG) low-carbon steel bars were produced by caliber rolling, and the impact and tensile properties were investigated. Initial samples with two different microstructures, ferrite-pearlite and martensite (or bainite), were prepared and then caliber rolling was conducted at 500 °C. The microstructures in the rolled bars consisted of an elongated UFG structure with a strong α-fiber texture. The rolled bar consisting of spheroidal cementite particles that distributed uniformly in the elongated ferrite matrix of transverse grain sizes 0.8 to 1.0 μm exhibited the best strength-ductility balance and impact properties. Although the yield strength in the rolled bar increased 2.4 times by grain refinement, the upper-shelf energy did not change, and its value was maintained from 100 °C to -40 °C. In the rolled bars, cracks during an impact test branched parallel to the longitudinal direction of the test samples as temperatures decreased. Delamination caused by such crack branching appeared, remarkably, near the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT). The effect of delamination on the impact properties was associated with crack propagation on the basis of the microstructural features in the rolled bars. In conclusion, the strength-toughness balance is improved by refining crystal grains and controlling their shape and orientation; in addition, delamination effectively enhances the low-temperature toughness.

Demonstration of Shear Localization in Ultrafine Grained Tungsten Alloys via Powder Metallurgy Processing Route

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

of a di-tungsten boride (W2B) phase was not detected in the nW-B sample, but the low concentration of boron may have made this phase undetectable by...Split Hopkinson Bar UFG ultrafine grained W2B di-tungsten boride XRD x-ray diffraction NO. OF NO. OF COPIES ORGANIZATION COPIES

Slip-localization within confined gouge powder sheared at moderate to high slip-velocity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reches, Zeev; Chen, Xiaofeng; Morgan, Chance; Madden, Andrew

2015-04-01

Slip along faults in the upper crust is always associated with comminution and formation of non-cohesive gouge powder that can be lithified to cataclasite. Typically, the fine-grained powders (grain-size < 1 micron) build a 1-10 cm thick inner-core of a fault-zone. The ubiquitous occurrence of gouge powder implies that gouge properties may control the dynamic weakening of faults. Testing these properties is the present objective. We built a Confined ROtary Cell, CROC, with a ring-shape, ~3 mm thick gouge chamber, with 62.5 and 81.2 mm of inner and outer diameters. The sheared powder is sealed by two sets of seals pressurized by nitrogen. In CROC, we can control the pore-pressure and to inject fluids, and to monitor CO2 and H2O concentration; in addition, we monitor the standard mechanical parameters (slip velocity, stresses, dilation, and temperature). We tested six types of granular materials (starting grain-size in microns): Talc (<250), Kasota dolomite (125-250), ooides grains (125-250), San Andreas fault zone powder (< 840), montmorillonite powder (1-2), kaolinite powder and gypsum. The experimental slip-velocity ranged 0.001-1 m/s, slip distances from a few tens of cm to tens of m, effective normal stress up to 6.1 MPa. The central ultra-microscopic (SEM) observation is that almost invariably the slip was localized along principal-slip-zone (PSZ) within the granular layer. Even though the starting material was loose, coarse granular material, the developed PSZ was cohesive, hard, smooth and shining. The PSZ is about 1 micron thick, and built of agglomerated, ultra-fine grains (20-50 nm) that were pulverized from the original granular material. We noted that PSZs of the different tested compositions display similar characteristics in terms of structure, grain size, and roughness. Further, we found striking similarities between PSZ in the granular samples and the PZS that developed along experimental faults made of solid rock that were sheared at similar conditions. The ultra-fine grains and extreme slip localization in these experiments are generally similar to ultra-cataclasites found in exhumed faults-zones, and the intensely pulverized gouge found in drilling across active faults.

Thermal Stability of Nanocrystalline Copper for Potential Use in Printed Wiring Board Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woo, Patrick Kai Fai

Copper is a widely used conductor in the manufacture of printed wiring boards (PWB). The trends in miniaturization of electronic devices create increasing challenges to all electronic industries. In particular PWB manufacturers face great challenges because the increasing demands in greater performance and device miniaturization pose enormous difficulties in manufacturing and product reliability. Nanocrystalline and ultra-fine grain copper can potentially offer increased reliability and functionality of the PWB due to the increases in strength and achievable wiring density by reduction in grain size. The first part of this thesis is concerned with the synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline and ultra-fine grain-sized copper for potential applications in the PWB industry. Nanocrystalline copper with different amounts of sulfur impurities (25-230ppm) and grain sizes (31-49nm) were produced and their hardness, electrical resistivity and etchability were determined. To study the thermal stability of nanocrystalline copper, differential scanning calorimetry and isothermal heat treatments combined with electron microscopy techniques for microstructural analysis were used. Differential scanning calorimetry was chosen to continuously monitor the grain growth process in the temperature range from 40?C to 400?C. During isothermal annealing experiments samples were annealed at 23?C, 100?C and 300?C to study various potential thermal issues for these materials in PWB applications such as the long-term room temperature thermal stability as well as for temperature excursions above the operation temperature and peak temperature exposure during the PWB manufacturing process. From all annealing experiments the various grain growth events and the overall stability of these materials were analyzed in terms of driving and dragging forces. Experimental evidence is presented which shows that the overall thermal stability, grain boundary character and texture evolution of copper is greatly related to changes in driving and dragging forces, which in turn, are strongly depended on parameters such as annealing temperature and time, total sulfur impurity content and the distribution of the impurities within the material. It was shown that a simple increase in the sulfur impurity level does not necessarily improve the thermal stability of nanocrystalline copper.

Deformation and annealing response of TD-nickel chromium sheet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kane, R. D.; Ebert, L. J.

1973-01-01

The deformation and annealing response of TD-nickel chromium (TD-NiCr) 0.1 inch thick sheet was examined using various cold-rolling and annealing treatments. Upon annealing (above 816 C (1500 F), the as-received material was converted from an initially ultra-fine grain size (average grain dimension 0.51 micron) to a large grain structure. Increases in grain size by a factor of 100 to 200 were observed for this transformation. However, in those material states where the large grain transformation was absent, a fine grain recrystallized structure formed upon annealing (above 732 C (1350 F)). The deformation and annealing response of TD-NiCr sheet was evaluated with respect to the processing related variables as mode and severity of deformation and annealing temperature. Results indicate that the large grain transformation, classical primary recrystallization occurs. Using selected materials produced during the deformation and annealing study, the elevated temperature tensile properties of TD-NiCr sheet were examined in the temperature range 593 C (1100 F) to 1093 C (2000 F). It was observed that the elevated temperature tensile properties of TD-NiCr sheet could be optimized by the stabilization of a large grain size in this material using the cold working and/or annealing treatments developed during the present investigation.

Tensile Properties and Fracture Characteristics of Nanostructured Copper and Cu-SiC Nanocomposite Produced by Mechanical Milling and Spark Plasma Sintering Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akbarpour, M. R.

2018-03-01

The presence of large grains within nanometric and ultrafine grain matrix is an effective method in order to enhance strength while keeping the high ductility of metals. For this purpose, in this research, spark plasma sintering (SPS) was used to consolidate milled Cu and Cu-SiC powders. In SPS process, local sparks with high temperature between particles take place and locally lead to intense grain growth, and therefore, this method has the ability to produce bimodal grain structures in copper and copper-based composites. Microstructural and mechanical studies showed ≈ 185 and ≈ 437 nm matrix grain sizes, high tensile yield strength values of ≈ 188.4 and ≈ 296.9 MPa, and fracture strain values of 15.1 and 6.7% for sintered Cu and Cu-4 vol.% SiC nanocomposite materials, respectively. The presence of nanoparticles promoted the occurrence of static recrystallization and decreased the fraction of coarse grains in microstructure. The high tensile properties of the produced materials are attributed to fine grain size, homogenous dispersion of nanoparticles and retarded grain boundary migration during sintering.

Highly oriented NdFeCoB nanocrystalline magnets from partially disproportionated compacts by reactive deformation under low pressure

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

Zheng, Qing; Li, Jun; Liu, Ying, E-mail: liuying5536@163.com

2014-05-07

In the present investigation, we take advantage of the ultrafine grain size of NdFeCoB partially hydrogen-disproportionated phases, and prepare anisotropic nanocrystalline magnets with full density and homogenous microstructure and texture by reactive deformation under low pressure. Our results suggest that the pressure could properly promote an occurrence of desorption-recombination reaction due to a shorter-range rearrangement of the atoms, and the newly recombined Nd{sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B grains with fine grain size could undergo deformation immediately after the phase transformation, and then an obvious anisotropy and uniform alignment would be obtained. The maximum magnetic properties, (BH){sub max} = 25.8 MGOe, Br = 11.8 kG, H{sub cj} = 5.5more » kOe, were obtained after being treated for 5 min at 820 °C in vacuum. The present study highlights the feasibility to prepare anisotropic nanocrystalline magnets with homogeneous microstructure and a strong (00l) texture of uniform grain size under low pressure.« less

Simultaneous increase in the strength, plasticity, and corrosion resistance of an ultrafine-grained Ti-4Al-2V pseudo-alpha-titanium alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuvil'deev, V. N.; Kopylov, V. I.; Nokhrin, A. V.; Bakhmet'ev, A. M.; Sandler, N. G.; Kozlova, N. A.; Tryaev, P. V.; Tabachkova, N. Yu.; Mikhailov, A. S.; Ershova, A. V.; Gryaznov, M. Yu.; Chegurov, M. K.; Sysoev, A. N.; Smirnova, E. S.

2017-05-01

The influence of severe plastic deformation on the structural-phase state of grain boundaries in a Ti-4Al-2V (commercial PT3V grade) pseudo-alpha-titanium alloy has been studied. It is established that increase in the strength, plasticity, and corrosion resistance of this alloy is related to the formation of an ultrafine- grained structure. In particular, it is shown that an increase in the resistance to hot-salt intergranular corrosion is due to diffusion-controlled redistribution of aluminum and vanadium atoms at the grain boundaries of titanium formed during thermal severe plastic deformation.

Ultrafine-grained mineralogy and matrix chemistry of olivine-rich chondritic interplanetary dust particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rietmeijer, F. J. M.

1989-01-01

Olivine-rich chondritic interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) are an important subset of fluffy chondritic IDPs collected in the earth's stratosphere. Particles in this subset are characterized by a matrix of nonporous, ultrafine-grained granular units. Euhedral single crystals, crystals fragments, and platey single crystals occur dispersed in the matrix. Analytical electron microscopy of granular units reveals predominant magnesium-rich olivines and FeNi-sulfides embedded in amorphous carbonaceous matrix material. The variable ratio of ultrafine-grained minerals vs. carbonaceous matrix material in granular units support variable C/Si ratios, and some fraction of sulfur is associated with carbonaceous matrix material. The high Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratios in granular units is similar to this distribution in P/Comet Halley dust. The chondritic composition of fine-grained, polycrystalline IDPs gradually breaks down into nonchondritic, and ultimately, single mineral compositions as a function of decreased particle mass. The relationship between particle mass and composition in the matrix of olivine-rich chondritic IDPs is comparable with the relationship inferred for P/Comet Halley dust.

Simultaneous Strength-Ductility Enhancement of a Nano-Lamellar AlCoCrFeNi2.1 Eutectic High Entropy Alloy by Cryo-Rolling and Annealing.

PubMed

Bhattacharjee, T; Wani, I S; Sheikh, S; Clark, I T; Okawa, T; Guo, S; Bhattacharjee, P P; Tsuji, N

2018-02-19

Nano-lamellar (L1 2  + B2) AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 eutectic high entropy alloy (EHEA) was processed by cryo-rolling and annealing. The EHEA developed a novel hierarchical microstructure featured by fine lamellar regions consisting of FCC lamellae filled with ultrafine FCC grains (average size ~200-250 nm) and B2 lamellae, and coarse non-lamellar regions consisting of ultrafine FCC (average size ~200-250 nm), few coarse recrystallized FCC grains and rather coarse unrecrystallized B2 phase (~2.5 µm). This complex and hierarchical microstructure originated from differences in strain-partitioning amongst the constituent phases, affecting the driving force for recrystallization. The hierarchical microstructure of the cryo-rolled and annealed material resulted in simultaneous enhancement in strength (Yield Strength/YS: 1437 ± 26 MPa, Ultimate Tensile Strength/UTS: 1562 ± 33 MPa) and ductility (elongation to failure/e f  ~ 14 ± 1%) as compared to the as-cast as well as cold-rolled and annealed materials. The present study for the first time demonstrated that cryo-deformation and annealing could be a novel microstructural design strategy for overcoming strength-ductility trade off in multiphase high entropy alloys.

Detecting rare, abnormally large grains by x-ray diffraction

DOE PAGES

Boyce, Brad L.; Furnish, Timothy Allen; Padilla, H. A.; ...

2015-07-16

Bimodal grain structures are common in many alloys, arising from a number of different causes including incomplete recrystallization and abnormal grain growth. These bimodal grain structures have important technological implications, such as the well-known Goss texture which is now a cornerstone for electrical steels. Yet our ability to detect bimodal grain distributions is largely confined to brute force cross-sectional metallography. The present study presents a new method for rapid detection of unusually large grains embedded in a sea of much finer grains. Traditional X-ray diffraction-based grain size measurement techniques such as Scherrer, Williamson–Hall, or Warren–Averbach rely on peak breadth andmore » shape to extract information regarding the average crystallite size. However, these line broadening techniques are not well suited to identify a very small fraction of abnormally large grains. The present method utilizes statistically anomalous intensity spikes in the Bragg peak to identify regions where abnormally large grains are contributing to diffraction. This needle-in-a-haystack technique is demonstrated on a nanocrystalline Ni–Fe alloy which has undergone fatigue-induced abnormal grain growth. In this demonstration, the technique readily identifies a few large grains that occupy <0.00001 % of the interrogation volume. Finally, while the technique is demonstrated in the current study on nanocrystalline metal, it would likely apply to any bimodal polycrystal including ultrafine grained and fine microcrystalline materials with sufficiently distinct bimodal grain statistics.« less

Grain Refinement and Texture Mitigation in Low Boron Containing TiAl-Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hecht, Ulrike; Witusiewicz, Victor T.

2017-12-01

Controlling the grain size and texture of lamellar TiAl-alloys is essential for well-balanced creep and fatigue properties. Excellent refinement and texture mitigation are achieved in aluminum lean alloys by low boron additions of 0.2 at.%. This amount is sufficient to promote in situ formation of ultrafine borides during the last stages of body centered cubic (BCC) solidification. The borides subsequently serve as nucleation sites for hexagonal close packed (HCP) during the BCC-HCP phase transformation. Bridgman solidification experiments with alloy Ti-43Al-8Nb-0.2C-0.2B were performed under a different growth velocity, i.e., cooling rate, to evaluate the HCP grain size distribution and texture. For slow-to-moderate cooling rates, about 65% of HCP grains are randomly oriented, despite the pronounced texture of the parent BCC phase resulting from directional solidification. For high cooling rates, obtained by quenching, texture mitigation is less pronounced. Only 28% of the HCP grains are randomly oriented, the majority being crystallographic variants of the Burgers orientation relationship.

Benign joining of ultrafine grained aerospace aluminum alloys using nanotechnology.

PubMed

Longtin, Rémi; Hack, Erwin; Neuenschwander, Jürg; Janczak-Rusch, Jolanta

2011-12-22

Ultrafine grained aluminum alloys have restricted applicability due to their limited thermal stability. Metalized 7475 alloys can be soldered and brazed at room temperature using nanotechnology. Reactive foils are used to release heat for milliseconds directly at the interface between two components leading to a metallurgical joint without significantly heating the bulk alloy, thus preserving its mechanical properties. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

One-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional photonic crystals fabricated with interferometric techniques on ultrafine-grain silver halide emulsions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulibarrena, Manuel; Carretero, Luis; Acebal, Pablo; Madrigal, Roque; Blaya, Salvador; Fimia, Antonio

2004-09-01

Holographic techniques have been used for manufacturing multiple band one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional photonic crystals with different configurations, by multiplexing reflection and transmission setups on a single layer of holographic material. The recording material used for storage is an ultra fine grain silver halide emulsion, with an average grain size around 20 nm. The results are a set of photonic crystals with the one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional index modulation structure consisting of silver halide particles embedded in the gelatin layer of the emulsion. The characterisation of the fabricated photonic crystals by measuring their transmission band structures has been done and compared with theoretical calculations.

Ultrafine-Grained Plates of Al-Mg-Si Alloy Obtained by Incremental Equal Channel Angular Pressing: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lipinska, Marta; Chrominski, Witold; Olejnik, Lech; Golinski, Jacek; Rosochowski, Andrzej; Lewandowska, Malgorzata

2017-10-01

In this study, an Al-Mg-Si alloy was processed using via incremental equal channel angular pressing (I-ECAP) in order to obtain homogenous, ultrafine-grained plates with low anisotropy of the mechanical properties. This was the first attempt to process an Al-Mg-Si alloy using this technique. Samples in the form of 3 mm-thick square plates were subjected to I-ECAP with the 90 deg rotation around the axis normal to the surface of the plate between passes. Samples were investigated first in their initial state, then after a single pass of I-ECAP, and finally after four such passes. Analyses of the microstructure and mechanical properties demonstrated that the I-ECAP method can be successfully applied in Al-Mg-Si alloys. The average grain size decreased from 15 to 19 µm in the initial state to below 1 µm after four I-ECAP passes. The fraction of high-angle grain boundaries in the sample subjected to four I-ECAP passes lay within 53 to 57 pct depending on the examined plane. The mechanism of grain refinement in Al-Mg-Si alloy was found to be distinctly different from that in pure aluminum with the grain rotation being more prominent than the grain subdivision, which was attributed to lower stacking fault energy and the reduced mobility of dislocations in the alloy. The ultimate tensile strength increased more than twice, whereas the yield strength was more than threefold. Additionally, the plates processed by I-ECAP exhibited low anisotropy of mechanical properties (in plane and across the thickness) in comparison to other SPD processing methods, which makes them attractive for further processing and applications.

Corrosion Behavior of Ultra-fine Grained 1050 Aluminum Alloy Fabricated by ARB Process in a Buffer Borate Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fattah-alhosseini, A.; Gashti, S. O.

2015-09-01

Accumulative roll bonding (ARB) has been used as a severe plastic deformation process for the industrial production of ultra-fine grained (UFG) and nano-crystalline sheets with excellent mechanical properties. In the present study, the effect of the ARB process on the corrosion behavior of UFG and nano-crystalline 1050 aluminum alloy in a buffer borate solution (pH 5.5) has been investigated. The result of microhardness tests revealed that microhardness values increase with an increasing number of ARB cycles. A sharp increase in microhardness is seen after three ARB cycles, whereas moderate additional increases are observed afterward for up to nine cycles. Also, the XRD results showed that the mean crystallite size decreased to about 91 nm after nine cycles. The potentiodynamic plots show that as a result of ARB, the corrosion behavior of the UFG and nano-crystalline specimens improves, compared to the annealed 1050 aluminum alloy. Moreover, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements showed that the polarization resistance increases with an increasing number of ARB cycles.

Creep Response and Deformation Processes in Nanocluster Strengthened Ferritic Steels

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

Hayashi, Taisuke; Sarosi, P. M.; Schneibel, Joachim H

2008-01-01

There is increasing demand for oxide-dispersion-strengthened ferritic alloys that possess both high-temperature strength and irradiation resistance. Improvement of the high-temperature properties requires an understanding of the operative deformation mechanisms. In this study, the microstructures and creep properties of the oxide-dispersion-strengthened alloy 14YWT have been evaluated as a function of annealing at 1000 C for 1 hour up to 32 days. The ultra-fine initial grain size (approx. 100nm) is stable after the shortest annealing time, and even after subsequent creep at 800 C. Longer annealing periods lead to anomalous grain growth that is further enhanced following creep. Remarkably, the minimum creepmore » rate is relatively insensitive to this dramatic grain-coarsening. The creep strength is attributed to highly stable, Ti-rich nanoclusters that appear to pin the initial primary grains, and present strong obstacles to dislocation motion in the large, anomalously grown grains.« less

Quantification of the Barkhausen noise method for the evaluation of time-dependent degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong-Won; Kwon, Dongil

2003-02-01

The Barkhausen noise (BN) method has long been applied to measure the bulk magnetic properties of magnetic materials. Recently, this important nondestructive testing (NDT) method has been applied to evaluate microstructure, stress distribution analysis, fatigue, creep and fracture characteristics. Until now the BN method has been used only qualitatively in evaluating the variation of BN with variations in material properties. For this reason, few NDT methods have been applied in industrial plants and laboratories. The present investigation studied the coercive force and BN while varying the microstructure of ultrafine-grained steels and SA508 cl.3 steels. This variation was carried out according to the second heat-treatment condition with rolling of ultrafine-grained steels and the simulated time-dependent degradation of SA 508 cl.3 steels. An attempt was also made to quantify BN from the relationship between the velocity of magnetic domain walls and the retarding force, using the coercive force of the domain wall movement. The microstructure variation was analyzed according to time-dependent degradation. Fracture toughness was evaluated quantitatively by measuring the BN from two intermediary parameters; grain size and distribution of nonmagnetic particles. From these measurements, the variation of microstructure and fracture toughness can be directly evaluated by the BN method as an accurate in situ NDT method.

Ultrafine-Grained Pure Ti Processed by New SPD Scheme Combining Drawing with Shear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raab, A. G.; Bobruk, E. V.; Raab, G. I.

2018-05-01

The paper displays the results of the studies and analysis of a promising severe plastic deformation scheme that implements the conditions of a non-monotonous impact during shear drawing of long-length bulk metal materials. The paper describes the efficiency of the proposed severe plastic deformation technique to form a gradient ultrafine-grained state in rod-shaped billets on the example of commercially pure Ti and its further development for future industrial applications.

Recrystallization and grain growth induced by ELMs-like transient heat loads in deformed tungsten samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suslova, A.; El-Atwani, O.; Sagapuram, D.; Harilal, S. S.; Hassanein, A.

2014-11-01

Tungsten has been chosen as the main candidate for plasma facing components (PFCs) due to its superior properties under extreme operating conditions in future nuclear fusion reactors such as ITER. One of the serious issues for PFCs is the high heat load during transient events such as ELMs and disruption in the reactor. Recrystallization and grain size growth in PFC materials caused by transients are undesirable changes in the material, since the isotropic microstructure developed after recrystallization exhibits a higher ductile-to-brittle transition temperature which increases with the grain size, a lower thermal shock fatigue resistance, a lower mechanical strength, and an increased surface roughening. The current work was focused on careful determination of the threshold parameters for surface recrystallization, grain growth rate, and thermal shock fatigue resistance under ELM-like transient heat events. Transient heat loads were simulated using long pulse laser beams for two different grades of ultrafine-grained tungsten. It was observed that cold rolled tungsten demonstrated better power handling capabilities and higher thermal stress fatigue resistance compared to severely deformed tungsten. Higher recrystallization threshold, slower grain growth, and lower degree of surface roughening were observed in the cold rolled tungsten.

Characterization of ultra-fine grained aluminum produced by accumulative back extrusion (ABE)

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

Alihosseini, H., E-mail: hamid.alihossieni@gmail.com; Materials Science and Engineering Department, Engineering School, Amirkabir University, Tehran; Faraji, G.

2012-06-15

In the present work, the microstructural evolutions and microhardness of AA1050 subjected to one, two and three passes of accumulative back extrusion (ABE) were investigated. The microstructural evolutions were characterized using transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that applying three passes of accumulative back extrusion led to significant grain refinement. The initial grain size of 47 {mu}m was refined to the grains of 500 nm after three passes of ABE. Increasing the number of passes resulted in more decrease in grain size, better microstructure homogeneity and increase in the microhardness. The cross-section of ABEed specimen consisted of two different zones:more » (i) shear deformation zone, and (ii) normal deformation zone. The microhardness measurements indicated that the hardness increased from the initial value of 31 Hv to 67 Hv, verifying the significant microstructural refinement via accumulative back extrusion. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A significant grain refinement can be achieved in AA1050, Al alloy by applying ABE. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Microstructural homogeneity of ABEed samples increased by increasing the number of ABE cycles. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A substantial increase in the hardness, from 31 Hv to 67 Hv, was recorded.« less

Recrystallization and grain growth induced by ELMs-like transient heat loads in deformed tungsten samples

PubMed Central

Suslova, A.; El-Atwani, O.; Sagapuram, D.; Harilal, S. S.; Hassanein, A.

2014-01-01

Tungsten has been chosen as the main candidate for plasma facing components (PFCs) due to its superior properties under extreme operating conditions in future nuclear fusion reactors such as ITER. One of the serious issues for PFCs is the high heat load during transient events such as ELMs and disruption in the reactor. Recrystallization and grain size growth in PFC materials caused by transients are undesirable changes in the material, since the isotropic microstructure developed after recrystallization exhibits a higher ductile-to-brittle transition temperature which increases with the grain size, a lower thermal shock fatigue resistance, a lower mechanical strength, and an increased surface roughening. The current work was focused on careful determination of the threshold parameters for surface recrystallization, grain growth rate, and thermal shock fatigue resistance under ELM-like transient heat events. Transient heat loads were simulated using long pulse laser beams for two different grades of ultrafine-grained tungsten. It was observed that cold rolled tungsten demonstrated better power handling capabilities and higher thermal stress fatigue resistance compared to severely deformed tungsten. Higher recrystallization threshold, slower grain growth, and lower degree of surface roughening were observed in the cold rolled tungsten. PMID:25366885

Recrystallization and grain growth induced by ELMs-like transient heat loads in deformed tungsten samples.

PubMed

Suslova, A; El-Atwani, O; Sagapuram, D; Harilal, S S; Hassanein, A

2014-11-04

Tungsten has been chosen as the main candidate for plasma facing components (PFCs) due to its superior properties under extreme operating conditions in future nuclear fusion reactors such as ITER. One of the serious issues for PFCs is the high heat load during transient events such as ELMs and disruption in the reactor. Recrystallization and grain size growth in PFC materials caused by transients are undesirable changes in the material, since the isotropic microstructure developed after recrystallization exhibits a higher ductile-to-brittle transition temperature which increases with the grain size, a lower thermal shock fatigue resistance, a lower mechanical strength, and an increased surface roughening. The current work was focused on careful determination of the threshold parameters for surface recrystallization, grain growth rate, and thermal shock fatigue resistance under ELM-like transient heat events. Transient heat loads were simulated using long pulse laser beams for two different grades of ultrafine-grained tungsten. It was observed that cold rolled tungsten demonstrated better power handling capabilities and higher thermal stress fatigue resistance compared to severely deformed tungsten. Higher recrystallization threshold, slower grain growth, and lower degree of surface roughening were observed in the cold rolled tungsten.

Investigation of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of ECAP-Processed AM Series Magnesium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gopi, K. R.; Nayaka, H. Shivananda; Sahu, Sandeep

2016-09-01

Magnesium alloy Mg-Al-Mn (AM70) was processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at 275 °C for up to 4 passes in order to produce ultrafine-grained microstructure and improve its mechanical properties. ECAP-processed samples were characterized for microstructural analysis using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Microstructural analysis showed that, with an increase in the number of ECAP passes, grains refined and grain size reduced from an average of 45 to 1 µm. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis showed the transition from low angle grain boundaries to high angle grain boundaries in ECAP 4 pass sample as compared to as-cast sample. The strength and hardness values an showed increasing trend for the initial 2 passes of ECAP processing and then started decreasing with further increase in the number of ECAP passes, even though the grain size continued to decrease in all the successive ECAP passes. However, the strength and hardness values still remained quite high when compared to the initial condition. This behavior was found to be correlated with texture modification in the material as a result of ECAP processing.

Tools for Material Design and Selection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wehage, Kristopher

The present thesis focuses on applications of numerical methods to create tools for material characterization, design and selection. The tools generated in this work incorporate a variety of programming concepts, from digital image analysis, geometry, optimization, and parallel programming to data-mining, databases and web design. The first portion of the thesis focuses on methods for characterizing clustering in bimodal 5083 Aluminum alloys created by cryomilling and powder metallurgy. The bimodal samples analyzed in the present work contain a mixture of a coarse grain phase, with a grain size on the order of several microns, and an ultra-fine grain phase, with a grain size on the order of 200 nm. The mixing of the two phases is not homogeneous and clustering is observed. To investigate clustering in these bimodal materials, various microstructures were created experimentally by conventional cryomilling, Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), Extrusion, Dual-Mode Dynamic Forging (DMDF) and a new 'Gradient' cryomilling process. Two techniques for quantitative clustering analysis are presented, formulated and implemented. The first technique, the Area Disorder function, provides a metric of the quality of coarse grain dispersion in an ultra-fine grain matrix and the second technique, the Two-Point Correlation function, provides a metric of long and short range spatial arrangements of the two phases, as well as an indication of the mean feature size in any direction. The two techniques are implemented on digital images created by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Backscatter Detection (EBSD) of the microstructures. To investigate structure--property relationships through modeling and simulation, strategies for generating synthetic microstructures are discussed and a computer program that generates randomized microstructures with desired configurations of clustering described by the Area Disorder Function is formulated and presented. In the computer program, two-dimensional microstructures are generated by Random Sequential Adsorption (RSA) of voxelized ellipses representing the coarse grain phase. A simulated annealing algorithm is used to geometrically optimize the placement of the ellipses in the model to achieve varying user-defined configurations of spatial arrangement of the coarse grains. During the simulated annealing process, the ellipses are allowed to overlap up to a specified threshold, allowing triple junctions to form in the model. Once the simulated annealing process is complete, the remaining space is populated by smaller ellipses representing the ultra-fine grain phase. Uniform random orientations are assigned to the grains. The program generates text files that can be imported in to Crystal Plasticity Finite Element Analysis Software for stress analysis. Finally, numerical methods and programming are applied to current issues in green engineering and hazard assessment. To understand hazards associated with materials and select safer alternatives, engineers and designers need access to up-to-date hazard information. However, hazard information comes from many disparate sources and aggregating, interpreting and taking action on the wealth of data is not trivial. In light of these challenges, a Framework for Automated Hazard Assessment based on the GreenScreen list translator is presented. The framework consists of a computer program that automatically extracts data from the GHS-Japan hazard database, loads the data into a machine-readable JSON format, transforms the JSON document in to a GreenScreen JSON document using the GreenScreen List Translator v1.2 and performs GreenScreen Benchmark scoring on the material. The GreenScreen JSON documents are then uploaded to a document storage system to allow human operators to search for, modify or add additional hazard information via a web interface.

Influence of heat treatment and hot extrusion on the microstructure and tensile properties of rare earth modified Mg-Zn based alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheng, L. Y.; Wang, B. J.; Du, B. N.; Lai, C.; Xi, T. F.

2018-01-01

In the present paper, the Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy was prepared by casting, heat treatment and hot extrusion. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloys were tested by OM, SEM, TEM and tensile test. The results showed that the Mg3Zn2Y3 phase is the main strengthening phase and forms the eutectic structure with α-Mg matrix in the as cast alloy. The strengthening phases semi-continuously connect and separate the α-Mg matrix into cell structure. The average grain size of the as cast alloy is about 60 μm. The heat treatment promotes the solid solution of the strengthening phase and precipitation of small particles inside grain.Compared with the as cast alloy, the heat treatment increases grain size a little and mechanical properties more than 30%. The hot extrusion refines the grain and strengthening phase, which increase the mechanical properties significantly. Moreover, the great deformation by the hot extrusion results in the ultrafine structure and abundant of crystal defects. The intersection of micro-twins lead to the special region with nanometer size.

Characterization of ultrafine grained Cu-Ni-Si alloys by electron backscatter diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altenberger, I.; Kuhn, H. A.; Gholami, M.; Mhaede, M.; Wagner, L.

2014-08-01

A combination of rotary swaging and optimized precipitation hardening was applied to generate ultra fine grained (UFG) microstructures in low alloyed high performance Cu-based alloy CuNi3Si1Mg. As a result, ultrafine grained (UFG) microstructures with nanoscopically small Ni2Si-precipitates exhibiting high strength, ductility and electrical conductivity can be obtained. Grain boundary pinning by nano-precipitates enhances the thermal stability. Electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) and especially electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) are predestined to characterize the evolving microstructures due to excellent resolution and vast crystallographic information. The following study summarizes the microstructure after different processing steps and points out the consequences for the most important mechanical and physical properties such as strength, ductility and conductivity.

Microalloying Ultrafine Grained Al Alloys with Enhanced Ductility

PubMed Central

Jiang, L.; Li, J. K.; Cheng, P. M.; Liu, G.; Wang, R. H.; Chen, B. A.; Zhang, J. Y.; Sun, J.; Yang, M. X.; Yang, G.

2014-01-01

Bulk ultrafine grained (UFG)/nanocrystal metals possess exceptional strength but normally poor ductility and thermal stability, which hinder their practical applications especially in high-temperature environments. Through microalloying strategy that enables the control of grains and precipitations in nanostructured regime, here we design and successfully produce a highly microstructure-stable UFG Al-Cu-Sc alloy with ~275% increment in ductility and simultaneously ~50% enhancement in yield strength compared with its Sc-free counterpart. Although the precipitations in UFG alloys are usually preferentially occurred at grain boundaries even at room temperature, minor Sc addition into the UFG Al-Cu alloys is found to effectively stabilize the as-processed microstructure, strongly suppress the θ-Al2Cu phase precipitation at grain boundary, and remarkably promote the θ′-Al2Cu nanoparticles dispersed in the grain interior in artificial aging. A similar microalloying strategy is expected to be equally effective for other UFG heat-treatable alloys. PMID:24398915

Low-Temperature Friction-Stir Welding of 2024 Aluminum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benavides, S.; Li, Y.; Murr, L. E.; Brown, D.; McClure, J. C.

1998-01-01

Solid state friction-stir welding (FSW) has been demonstrated to involve dynamic recrystallization producing ultra-fine, equiaxed grain structures to facilitate superplastic deformation as the welding or joining mechanism. However, the average residual, equiaxed, grain size in the weld zone has ranged from roughly 0.5 micron to slightly more than 10 micron, and the larger weld zone grain sizes have been characterized as residual or static grain growth as a consequence of the temperatures in the weld zone (where center-line temperatures in the FSW of 6061 Al have been shown to be as high as 480C or -0.8 T(sub M) where T(sub M) is the absolute melting temperature)). In addition, the average residual weld zone grain size has been observed to increase near the top of the weld, and to decrease with distance on either side of the weld-zone centerline, an d this corresponds roughly to temperature variations within the weld zone. The residual grain size also generally decreases with decreasing FSW tool rotation speed. These observations are consistent with the general rules for recrystallization where the recrystallized grain size decreases with increasing strain (or deformation) at constant strain rate, or with increasing strain-rate, or with increasing strain rate at constant strain; especially at lower ambient temperatures, (or annealing temperatures). Since the recrystallization temperature also decreases with increasing strain rate, the FSW process is somewhat complicated because the ambient temperature, the frictional heating fraction, and the adiabatic heating fraction )proportional to the product of strain and strain-rate) will all influence both the recrystallization and growth within the FSW zone. Significantly reducing the ambient temperature of the base metal or work pieces to be welded would be expected to reduce the residual weld-zone grain size. The practical consequences of this temperature reduction would be the achievement of low temperature welding. This study compares the residual grain sizes and microstructures in 2024 Al friction-stir welded at room temperature (about 30C and low temperature (-30C).

Development of ultrafine-grained microstructure in Al-Cu-Mg alloy through equal-channel angular pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sai Anuhya, Danam; Gupta, Ashutosh; Nayan, Niraj; Narayana Murty, S. V. S.; Manna, R.; Sastry, G. V. S.

2014-08-01

Al-Cu-Mg alloys are extensively used for riveting applications in aerospace industries due to their relatively high shear strength coupled with high plasticity. The significant advantage of using V65 aluminum alloy ((Al-4Cu-0.2Mg) for rivet application also stems from its significantly slower natural aging kinetics, which gives operational flexibility to carryout riveting operation even after 4 days of solution heat treatment, in contrast to its equivalent alloy AA2024.Rivets are usually made by cold heading of wire rods. In order to form a defect free rivet head, grain size control in wire rods is essential at each and every stage of processing right from casting onwards upto the final wire drawing stage. Wire drawing is carried out at room temperature to reduce diameter as well as impart good surface finish. In the present study, different microstructures in V65 alloy bars were produced by rolling at different temperatures (room temperature to 523K) and subsequently deformed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at 423K upto an equivalent strain of 7. ECAP was carried out to study the effect of initial microstructure on grain refinement and degree of deformation on the evolution of ultrafine grain structure. The refinement of V65 alloy by ECAP is significantly influenced by Initial microstructure but amount of deformation strongly affects the evolution processes as revealed by optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

Anaerobic production of magnetite by a dissimilatory iron-reducing microorganism

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lovley, D.R.; Stolz, J.F.; Nord, G.L.; Phillips, E.J.P.

1987-01-01

The potential contribution of microbial metabolism to the magnetization of sediments has only recently been recognized. In the presence of oxygen, magnetotactic bacteria can form intracellular chains of magnetite while using oxygen or nitrate as the terminal electron acceptor for metabolism1. The production of ultrafine-grained magnetite by magnetotactic bacteria in surficial aerobic sediments may contribute significantly to the natural remanent magnetism of sediments2-4. However, recent studies on iron reduction in anaerobic sediments suggested that bacteria can also generate magnetite in the absence of oxygen5. We report here on a sediment organism, designated GS-15, which produces copious quantities of ultrafine-grained magnetite under anaerobic conditions. GS-15 is not magnetotactic, but reduces amorphic ferric oxide to extracellular magnetite during the reduction of ferric iron as the terminal electron acceptor for organic matter oxidation. This novel metabolism may be the mechanism for the formation of ultrafine-grained magnetite in anaerobic sediments, and couldaccount for the accumulation of magnetite in ancient iron formations and hydrocarbon deposits. ?? 1987 Nature Publishing Group.

Strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility of ultrafine-grained Mg alloys after different modes of severe plastic deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobatkin, S. V.; Lukyanova, E. A.; Martynenko, N. S.; Anisimova, N. Yu; Kiselevskiy, M. V.; Gorshenkov, M. V.; Yurchenko, N. Yu; Raab, G. I.; Yusupov, V. S.; Birbilis, N.; Salishchev, G. A.; Estrin, Y. Z.

2017-05-01

The effect of severe plastic deformation on the structure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility of the WE43 (Mg-Y-Nd-Zr) alloy earmarked for applications as bioresorbable material has been studied. The alloy was deformed by rotary swaging (RS), equal channel angular pressing (ECAP), and multiaxial deformation (MAD). The microstructure examination by transmission electron microscopy showed that all SPD modes lead to the formation of ultrafine-grained structure with a structural element size of 0.5-1 µm and the Mg12Nd phase particles 0.3 µm in size. The microstructure refinement by all three treatments resulted in strengthening of the alloy. ECAP and MAD also raised ductility to up to 12-17%, while RS increased the ultimate tensile strength to up to 415 MPa. The study of the corrosion properties showed that SPD does not affect the electrochemical corrosion of the alloy. Its biocompatibility in vitro was estimated after incubation of the samples with red blood cells (hemolysis study), white blood cells (cell viability assay), and mesenchymal stromal cells (cell proliferation analysis). The biodegradation rate in fetal bovine serum was also evaluated. ECAP and MAD were found to cause some deceleration of biodegradation by slowing down the gas formation in the biological fluid and, compared to MSC, to improve the biocompatibility of the WE43 alloy.

Understanding the impact of grain structure in austenitic stainless steel from a nanograined regime to a coarse-grained regime on osteoblast functions using a novel metal deformation-annealing sequence.

PubMed

Misra, R D K; Nune, C; Pesacreta, T C; Somani, M C; Karjalainen, L P

2013-04-01

Metallic biomedical devices with nanometer-sized grains (NGs) provide surfaces that are different from their coarse-grained (CG) (tens of micrometer) counterparts in terms of increased fraction of grain boundaries (NG>50%; CG<2-3%). The novel concept of 'phase-reversion' involving a controlled deformation-annealing sequence is used to obtain a wide range of grain structures, starting from the NG regime to the CG regime, to demonstrate that the grain structure significantly impacts cellular interactions and osteoblast functions. The uniqueness of this concept is the ability to address the critical aspect of cellular activity in nanostructured materials, because a range of grain sizes from NG to CG are obtained in a single material using an identical set of parameters. This is in addition to a high strength/weight ratio and superior wear and corrosion resistance. These multiple attributes are important for the long-term stability of biomedical devices. Experiments on the interplay between grain structure from the NG regime to CG in austenitic stainless steel on osteoblast functions indicated that cell attachment, proliferation, viability, morphology and spread varied with grain size and were favorably modulated on the NG and ultrafine-grain structure. Furthermore, immunofluorescence studies demonstrated stronger vinculin signals associated with actin stress fibers in the outer regions of the cells and cellular extensions on the NG surface. The differences in the cellular response with change in grain structure are attributed to grain structure and degree of hydrophilicity. The study lays the foundation for a new branch of nanostructured materials for biomedical applications. Copyright © 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shape effect of ultrafine-grained structure on static fracture toughness in low-alloy steel.

PubMed

Inoue, Tadanobu; Kimura, Yuuji; Ochiai, Shojiro

2012-06-01

A 0.4C-2Si-1Cr-1Mo steel with an ultrafine elongated grain (UFEG) structure and an ultrafine equiaxed grain (UFG) structure was fabricated by multipass caliber rolling at 773 K and subsequent annealing at 973 K. A static three-point bending test was conducted at ambient temperature and at 77 K. The strength-toughness balance of the developed steels was markedly better than that of conventionally quenched and tempered steel with a martensitic structure. In particular, the static fracture toughness of the UFEG steel, having a yield strength of 1.86 GPa at ambient temperature, was improved by more than 40 times compared with conventional steel having a yield strength of 1.51 GPa. Furthermore, even at 77 K, the fracture toughness of the UFEG steel was about eight times higher than that of the conventional and UFG steels, despite the high strength of the UFEG steel (2.26 GPa). The UFG steel exhibited brittle fracture behavior at 77 K, as did the conventional steel, and no dimple structure was observed on the fracture surface. Therefore, it is difficult to improve the low-temperature toughness of the UFG steel by grain refinement only. The shape of crystal grains plays an important role in delamination toughening, as do their refinement and orientation.

Shape effect of ultrafine-grained structure on static fracture toughness in low-alloy steel

PubMed Central

Inoue, Tadanobu; Kimura, Yuuji; Ochiai, Shojiro

2012-01-01

A 0.4C-2Si-1Cr-1Mo steel with an ultrafine elongated grain (UFEG) structure and an ultrafine equiaxed grain (UFG) structure was fabricated by multipass caliber rolling at 773 K and subsequent annealing at 973 K. A static three-point bending test was conducted at ambient temperature and at 77 K. The strength–toughness balance of the developed steels was markedly better than that of conventionally quenched and tempered steel with a martensitic structure. In particular, the static fracture toughness of the UFEG steel, having a yield strength of 1.86 GPa at ambient temperature, was improved by more than 40 times compared with conventional steel having a yield strength of 1.51 GPa. Furthermore, even at 77 K, the fracture toughness of the UFEG steel was about eight times higher than that of the conventional and UFG steels, despite the high strength of the UFEG steel (2.26 GPa). The UFG steel exhibited brittle fracture behavior at 77 K, as did the conventional steel, and no dimple structure was observed on the fracture surface. Therefore, it is difficult to improve the low-temperature toughness of the UFG steel by grain refinement only. The shape of crystal grains plays an important role in delamination toughening, as do their refinement and orientation. PMID:27877493

Influence of UFG structure formation on mechanical and fatigue properties in Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polyakova, V. V.; Anumalasetty, V. N.; Semenova, I. P.; Valiev, R. Z.

2014-08-01

Ultrafine-grained (UFG) Ti alloys have potential applications in osteosynthesis and orthopedics due to high bio-compatibility and increased weight-to- strength ratio. In current study, Ti6Al7Nb ELI alloy is processed through equal channel angular pressing-conform (ECAP-Conform) and subsequent thermomechanical processing to generate a UFG microstructure. The fatigue properties of UFG alloys are compared to coarse grained (CG) alloys. Our study demonstrates that the UFG alloys with an average grain size of ~180 nm showed 35% enhancement of fatigue endurance limit as compared to coarse-grained alloys. On the fracture surfaces of the UFG and CG samples fatigue striations and dimpled relief were observed. However, the fracture surface of the UFG sample looks smoother; fewer amounts of secondary micro-cracks and more ductile rupture were also observed, which testifies to the good crack resistance in the UFG alloy after high-cyclic fatigue tests.

Gas tungsten arc welding and friction stir welding of ultrafine grained AISI 304L stainless steel: Microstructural and mechanical behavior characterization

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

Sabooni, S., E-mail: s.sabooni@ma.iut.ac.ir; Karimzadeh, F.; Enayati, M.H.

In the present study, an ultrafine grained (UFG) AISI 304L stainless steel with the average grain size of 650 nm was successfully welded by both gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and friction stir welding (FSW). GTAW was applied without any filler metal. FSW was also performed at a constant rotational speed of 630 rpm and different welding speeds from 20 to 80 mm/min. Microstructural characterization was carried out by High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HRSEM) with Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Nanoindentation, microhardness measurements and tensile tests were also performed to study the mechanical properties ofmore » the base metal and weldments. The results showed that the solidification mode in the GTAW welded sample is FA (ferrite–austenite) type with the microstructure consisting of an austenite matrix embedded with lath type and skeletal type ferrite. The nugget zone microstructure in the FSW welded samples consisted of equiaxed dynamically recrystallized austenite grains with some amount of elongated delta ferrite. Sigma phase precipitates were formed in the region ahead the rotating tool during the heating cycle of FSW, which were finally fragmented into nanometric particles and distributed in the weld nugget. Also there is a high possibility that the existing delta ferrite in the microstructure rapidly transforms into sigma phase particles during the short thermal cycle of FSW. These suggest that high strain and deformation during FSW can promote sigma phase formation. The final austenite grain size in the nugget zone was found to decrease with increasing Zener–Hollomon parameter, which was obtained quantitatively by measuring the peak temperature, calculating the strain rate during FSW and exact examination of hot deformation activation energy by considering the actual grain size before the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization. Mechanical properties observations showed that the welding efficiency of the FSW welded sample is around 70%, which is more than 20% higher than the GTAW welded sample. - Highlights: • Microstructure and mechanical properties of UFG 304L stainless steel were studied during GTAW and FSW. • Sigma phase formation mechanism was studied during FSW of 304L stainless steel. • THERMOCALC analysis was performed to obtain possible formation temperatures for sigma phase. • Nano-mechanical twins were found in the TMAZ region.« less

Ultrafine-grained commercially pure titanium and microstructure response to hydroxyapatite coating methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calvert, Kayla L.

Commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) is an ideal biomaterial as it does not evoke an inflammatory foreign body response in the body. However, the low strength of cp-Ti prevents the use in most orthopaedic load bearing applications. Therefore, many metal orthopaedic implants are commonly made of higher strength metal alloys that are less biocompatible. Nanostructured materials exhibit superior mechanical properties compared to their conventional grain sized counterparts. Severe plastic deformation (SPD) of metals has been shown to produce nanostructured materials. SPD by machining is a single-step deformation route that refines the grain microstructure, to develop an ultrafine grained (UFG) microstructure. UFG cp-Ti strips were developed with induced shear strains of up to 4.0 using a machining-based process. Both Vickers microhardness evaluation and microstructural analysis were used to characterize the as-received (annealed) and machined states. For induced shear strains between 1.9 and 4.0 in grade 2 cp-Ti the hardness was increased from 188 +/- 7 kg/mm2 in the as-received state to between 244 +/- 6 and 264 +/- 12 kg/mm 2 in the as-machined state, corresponding to an increase in hardness between 31 and 41%. The microstructural analysis revealed a grain size reduction from 34 +/- 11 mum in the as-received state to ˜ 100 nm for machined grade 2-Ti. A complete annealing study suggested that recovery/recrystallization occurs between 300 and 400°C, with a significant hardness drop between 400 and 600°C, while grain growth is continuous, starting at the lowest annealing temperature of 300°C. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is commonly applied to orthopaedic devices to promote bone growth. Machined Ti strips were coated with HA using conventional plasma spray as well as two alternative low-temperature application routes (sol-gel with calcination and anodization with hydrothermal treatment) to evaluate the thermal influence on the UFG-Ti substrate. Plasma spray produced a thick (20 to 70 mum) HA crystalline coating, sol-gel followed by calcination did not produce crystalline HA, while anodization with the proper hydrothermal treatment yielded a homogenous crystalline HA coating 5 to 15 mum thick based on the anodization condition. Mechanical and microstructural evaluation of the UFG-Ti substrates revealed that both the plasma spray and anodization followed by hydrothermal treatment (220 -- 225°C) did not affect the substrate grain size or hardness, while the thermal processing and calcination treatment at 313 -- 446°C for the sol-gel method caused recovery and grain growth, as well as a significant decrease in the hardness of the Ti-substrates.

Magnetic changes accompanying the thermal decomposition of nontronite /in air/ and its relevance to Martian mineralogy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moskowitz, B. M.; Hargraves, R. B.

1982-01-01

It is found that the thermal treatment of nontronite in air, for long periods at 700 C or short periods at 900 C, results in the destruction of the nontronite structure, a distinct reddening in color, and a large increase in magnetic susceptibility and saturation magnetization. Measurements and calculations of the magnetic properties suggest that the magnetism is due to the presence of ultrafine particles of alpha or gamma Fe2O3. The highly magnetic thermally treated nontronite is amorphous to X-rays consistent with an ultrafine grain size. Prolonged heating results in the growth of alpha Fe2O3, while reflectivity spectra of a sample heated for 1 hr at 900 C indicate the presence of an opaque, magnetite-like phase in addition to alpha Fe2O3. It is found that the thermally treated nontronite has chemical, color, and magnetic properties similar to those found by Viking on Mars. It is concluded that these results indicate an origin for the fine grained Martian surface material by repeated impacts into an Fe-rich smectite-charged regolith (Weldon et al., 1980).

The Influence of Milling and Spark Plasma Sintering on the Microstructure and Properties of the Al7075 Alloy

PubMed Central

Málek, Přemysl; Minárik, Peter; Novák, Pavel; Průša, Filip

2018-01-01

The compact samples of an Al7075 alloy were prepared by a combination of gas atomization, high energy milling, and spark plasma sintering. The predominantly cellular morphology observed in gas atomized powder particles was completely changed by mechanical milling. The continuous-like intermetallic phases present along intercellular boundaries were destroyed; nevertheless, a small amount of Mg(Zn,Cu,Al)2 phase was observed also in the milled powder. Milling resulted in a severe plastic deformation of the material and led to a reduction of grain size from several µm into the nanocrystalline region. The combination of these microstructural characteristics resulted in abnormally high microhardness values exceeding 300 HV. Consolidation through spark plasma sintering (SPS) resulted in bulk samples with negligible porosity. The heat exposition during SPS led to precipitation of intermetallic phases from the non-equilibrium microstructure of both gas atomized and milled powders. SPS of the milled powder resulted in a recrystallization of the severely deformed structure. An ultra-fine grained structure (grain size close to 500 nm) with grains divided primarily by high-angle boundaries was formed. A simultaneous release of stored deformation energy and an increase in the grain size caused a drop of microhardness to values close to 150 HV. This value was retained even after annealing at 425 °C. PMID:29614046

Quantitative interpretation of magnetic properties as a way to characterize biogeophysical signatures of biodegraded contaminated sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ustra, A.; Kessouri, P.; Leite, A.; Mendonça, C. A.; Bandeira, N.

2017-12-01

Magnetic minerals in soils and rocks are one way to study biogechemical and paleoenvironmental processes. The ultrafine fraction of these minerals (superparmagnetic (SP) and stable single domain (SSD)) are usually investigated in environmental magnetism studies, since changes in mineralogy, concentration, size and morphology of the magnetic grains can be related to biogeochemical processes. In this study, we use low-field frequency dependent susceptibility (FDS) and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) to characterize the magnetic properties of materials in environmental magnetism. Magnetic susceptibility (MS) measurements are frequently used as a proxy of magnetic minerals present in soils and rocks. MS is a complex function of magnetic mineralogy and grain size, as well as magnitude and frequency of the applied field. This work presents a method for inverting low-field FDS data. The inverted parameters can be interpreted in terms of grain size variations of magnetic particles on the SP-SSD transition. This work also presents a method for inverting IRM demagnetization curves, to obtain the saturation magnetization, the individual magnetic moment for an assemblage of ultrafine SP minerals and estimate the concentration of magnetic carriers. IRM magnetization curves can be interpreted as resulting from distinct contributions of different mineral phases, which can be described by Cummulative Log-Gaussian (CLG) distributions. Each acquisition curve provides fundamental parameters that are characteristic of the respective mineral phase. The CLG decomposition is widely used in an interpretation procedure named mineral unmixing. In this work we present an inversion method for mineral unmixing, implementing the genetic algorithm to find the parameters of distinct components. These methodologies have been tested by synthetic models and applied to data from environmental magnetism studies. In this work we apply the proposed methodologies to characterize the magnetic properties of samples from the former Brandywine MD Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO). The results from the magnetic properties characterization will provide additional information that may assist the interpretation of the biogeophysical signatures observed at the site.

Gentamicin-Eluting Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes Grown on the Ultrafine-Grained Titanium.

PubMed

Nemati, Sima Hashemi; Hadjizadeh, Afra

2017-08-01

Titanium (Ti)-based materials is the most appropriate choices for the applications as orthopedic and dental implants. In this regard, ultrafine-grained (UFG) titanium with an enhanced mechanical properties and surface energy has attracted more attention. Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanotubes grown on the titanium could enhance bone bonding, cellular response and are good reservoirs for loading drugs and antibacterial agents. This article investigates gentamicin loading into and release from the TiO 2 nanotubes, grown on the UFG compared to coarse-grained (CG) titanium substrate surfaces. Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) was employed to produce the UFG structure titanium. TiO 2 nanotubes were grown by the anodizing technique on both UFG and CG titanium substrate surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging confirmed TiO 2 nanotube growth on the surface. The UV-vis spectroscopy analysis results show that the amount of gentamicin load-release in the anodized UFG titanium sample is higher than that of CG one which can be explained in terms of thicker TiO 2 nanotube arrays layer formed on UFG sample. Moreover, the anodized UFG titanium samples released the drug in a longer time than CG (1 day for the UFG titanium vs. 3 h for the CG one). Regarding wettability analysis, anodized UFG titanium sample showed more enhanced hydrophilicity than CG counterpart. Therefore, the significantly smaller grain size of pure titanium provided by the ECAP technique coupled with appropriate subsequent anodization treatment not only offers a good combination of biocompatibility and adequate mechanical properties but also it provides a delayed release condition for gentamicin.

Possible Gems and Ultra-Fine Grained Polyphase Units in Comet Wild 2.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gainsforth, Z.; Butterworth, A. L.; Jilly-Rehak, C. E.; Westphal, A. J.; Brownlee, D. E.; Joswiak, D.; Ogliore, R. C.; Zolensky, M. E.; Bechtel, H. A.; Ebel, D. S.;

A comprehensive study on the damage tolerance of ultrafine-grained copper

PubMed Central

Hohenwarter, A.; Pippan, R.

2012-01-01

In this study the fracture behavior of ultrafine-grained copper was assessed by means of elasto-plastic fracture mechanics. For the synthesis of the material high pressure torsion was used. The fracture toughness was quantitatively measured by JIC as a global measure by recording the crack growth resistance curve. Additionally, the initiation toughness in terms of the crack opening displacement (CODi) was evaluated as a local fracture parameter. The results presented here exhibit a low fracture initiation toughness but simultaneously a remarkably high fracture toughness in terms of JIC. The origin of the large difference between these two parameters, peculiarities of the fracture surface and the fracture mechanical performance compared to coarse grained copper will be discussed. PMID:23471016

On the effect of nonequilibrium vacancies on the melting and pore formation in ultrafine-grained aluminum alloys subjected to pulsed laser irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikin, P. Yu.; Perevezentsev, V. N.; Rusin, E. E.

2015-08-01

An analysis has been carried out of the experimental data concerning the interaction of pulsed laser radiation with the ultrafine-grained (UFG) Al-Mg alloys obtained by the methods of severe plastic deformation. It has been shown that the melting and pore formation in the UFG alloys under the effect of laser radiation start earlier than in their coarse-grained analogs. The observed behavior of the alloys can be explained from the united positions based on the concepts of the influence of the high concentration of nonequilibrium vacancies on the ability of the alloys to absorb the laser radiation and on the process of pore formation.

Microstructure, microtexture and precipitation in the ultrafine-grained surface layer of an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy processed by sliding friction treatment

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

Chen, Yanxia

2017-01-15

Precipitate redistribution and texture evolution are usually two concurrent aspects accompanying grain refinement induced by various surface treatment. However, the detailed precipitate redistribution characteristics and process, as well as crystallographic texture in the surface refined grain layer, are still far from full understanding. In this study, we focused on the microstructural and crystallographic features of the sliding friction treatment (SFT) induced surface deformation layer in a 7050 aluminum alloy. With the combination of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high angle angular dark field scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM) observations, a surface ultrafine grain (UFG) layer composed of both equiaxed and lamellar ultrafinemore » grains and decorated by high density of coarse grain boundary precipitates (GBPs) were revealed. Further precession electron diffraction (PED) assisted orientation mapping unraveled that high angle grain boundaries rather than low angle grain boundaries are the most favorable nucleation sites for GBPs. The prominent precipitate redistribution can be divided into three successive and interrelated stages, i.e. the mechanically induced precipitate dissolution, solute diffusion and reprecipitation. The quantitative prediction based on pipe diffusion along dislocations and grain boundary diffusion proved the distribution feasibility of GBPs around UFGs. Based on PED and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analyses, the crystallographic texture of the surface UFG layer was identified as a shear texture composed of major rotated cube texture (001) 〈110〉 and minor (111) 〈112〉, while that of the adjoining lamellar coarse grained matrix was pure brass. The SFT induced surface severe shear deformation is responsible for texture evolution. - Highlights: •The surface ultrafine grain layer in a 7050 aluminum alloy was focused. •Precipitate redistribution and texture evolution were discussed. •The quantitative prediction proved the distribution feasibility of GBPs. •Precession electron diffraction orientation mapping showed a shear texture.« less

Magnetite in Black Sea Turtles (Chelonia agassizi)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuentes, A.; Urrutia-Fucugauchi, J.; Garduño, V.; Sanchez, J.; Rizzi, A.

2004-12-01

Previous studies have reported experimental evidence for magnetoreception in marine turtles. In order to increase our knowledge about magnetoreception and biogenic mineralization, we have isolated magnetite particles from the brain of specimens of black sea turtles Chelonia agassizi. Our samples come from natural deceased organisms collected the reserve area of Colola Maruata in southern Mexico. The occurrence of magnetite particles in brain tissue of black sea turtles offers the opportunity for further studies to investigate possible function of ferrimagnetic material, its mineralogical composition, grain size, texture and its location and structural arrangement within the host tissue. After sample preparation and microscopic examination, we localized and identified the ultrafine unidimensional particles of magnetite by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Particles present grain sizes between 10.0 to 40.0Mm. Our study provides, for the first time, evidence for biogenic formation of this material in the black sea turtles. The ultrafine particles are apparently superparamagnetic. Preliminary results from rock magnetic measurements are also reported and correlated to the SEM observations. The black turtle story on the Michoacan coast is an example of formerly abundant resource which was utilized as a subsistence level by Nahuatl indigenous group for centuries, but which is collapsing because of intensive illegal commercial exploitation. The most important nesting and breeding grounds for the black sea turtle on any mainland shore are the eastern Pacific coastal areas of Maruata and Colola, in Michoacan. These beaches are characterized by important amounts of magnetic mineral (magnetites and titanomagnetites) mixed in their sediments.

Detection of structural changes and mechanical properties of light alloys after severe plastic deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasnoveikin, V. A.; Kozulin, A. A.; Skripnyak, V. A.

2017-11-01

Severe plastic deformation by equal channel angular pressing has been performed to produce light aluminum and magnesium alloy billets with ultrafine-grained structure. The physical and mechanical properties of the processed alloys are examined by studying their microstructure, measuring microhardness, yield strength, and uniaxial tensile strength. A nondestructive testing technique using three-dimensional X-ray tomography is proposed for detecting internal structural defects and monitoring damage formation in the structure of alloys subjected to severe plastic deformation. The investigation results prove the efficiency of the chosen method and selected mode of producing ultrafine-grained light alloys.

Effects of grain size on the quasi-static mechanical properties of ultrafine-grained and nanocrystalline tantalum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ligda, Jonathan Paul

The increase in strength due to the Hall-Petch effect, reduced strain hardening capacity, a reduced ductility, and changes in deformation mechanisms are all effects of reducing grain size (d) into the ultrafine-grained (UFG, 100 < d < 1000 nm) and nanocrystalline (NC, d<100 nm) state. However, most of the studies on the mechanical behavior of UFG/NC metals have been on face-centered cubic (FCC) metals. Of the few reports on UFG/NC body-centered cubic (BCC) metals, the interest is related to their increase in strength and reduced strain rate sensitivity. This combination increases their propensity to deform via adiabatic shear bands (ASBs) at high strain rates, which is a desired response for materials being considered as a possible replacement for depleted uranium in kinetic energy penetrators. However, an ideal replacement material must also plastically deform in tension under quasi-static rates to survive initial launch conditions. This raises the question: if the material forms ASBs at dynamic rates, will it also form shear bands at quasi-static isothermal rates? As well as, is there a specific grain size for a material that will plastically deform in tension at quasi-static rates but form adiabatic shear bands at dynamic rates? Using high pressure torsion, a polycrystalline bulk tantalum disk was refined into the UFG/NC regime. Using microscale mechanical testing techniques, such as nanoindentation, microcompression, and microtension, it is possible to isolate locations with a homogeneous grain size within the disk. Pillars are compressed using a nanoindenter with a flat punch tip, while "dog-bone" specimens were pulled in tension using a custom built in-situ tension stage within a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The observed mechanical behavior is related to the microstructure by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on the as-processed material and tested specimens. Synchrotron X-ray based texture analysis was also conducted on the disk to determine if any changes in the deformation texture occur during HPT processing. Nanoindentation data shows a trend of increasing hardness with radial position that saturates at 4.5 GPa near the edge, and decreasing strain rate sensitivity. The micromechanical tests show two distinct regions on a processed circular disk, a non-shearing region and a shearing region. Microcompression/tension tests in the region of 1.0< X < 5.3 mm (X is the radial distance from the disk center) show limited strain hardening, homogeneous plastic deformation, and tensile elongation that varies from 0.3--4.0%. Tests performed at X > 5.3 mm show a drastic switch to localized plastic deformation in the form of shear bands, with evidence of grain rotation as the active deformation mechanism, and a measureable tension-compression asymmetry. Grains are elongated at all locations, and while the minimum diameters are consistent between regions, the elongated diameter in the shearing region is reduced. The transition to localized deformation is attributed to this reduced dimension. A larger percentage of grains in the shearing region have an elongated diameter below the critical grain size necessary to activate the grain rotation mechanism. The tension-compression asymmetry is due to an increased dependence on the normal stress for yielding, meaning NC Ta would follow a Mohr-Coulomb criterion over the traditional Tresca or von Mises.

Origin of tension-compression asymmetry in ultrafine-grained fcc metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuru, T.

2017-08-01

A mechanism of anomalous tension-compression (T-C) asymmetry in ultrafine-grained (UFG) metals is proposed using large-scale atomistic simulations and dislocation theory. Unlike coarse-grained metals, UFG Al exhibits remarkable T-C asymmetry of the yield stress. The atomistic simulations reveal that the yield event is not related to intragranular dislocations but caused by dislocation nucleation from the grain boundaries (GBs). The dislocation core structure associated with the stacking fault energy in Al is strongly affected by the external stress compared with Cu; specifically, high tensile stress stabilizes the dissociation into partial dislocations. These dislocations are more likely to be nucleated from GBs and form deformation twins from an energetic viewpoint. The mechanism, which is different from well-known mechanisms for nanocrystalline and amorphous metals, is unique to high-strength UFG metals and can explain the difference in T-C asymmetry between UFG Cu and Al.

High Strength-High Ductility Combination Ultrafine-Grained Dual-Phase Steels Through Introduction of High Degree of Strain at Room Temperature Followed by Ultrarapid Heating During Continuous Annealing of a Nb-Microalloyed Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Yonggang; Di, Hongshuang; Hu, Meiyuan; Zhang, Jiecen; Misra, R. D. K.

2017-07-01

Ultrafine-grained dual-phase (UFG-DP) steel consisting of ferrite (1.2 μm) and martensite (1 μm) was uniquely processed via combination of hot rolling, cold rolling and continuous annealing of a low-carbon Nb-microalloyed steel. Room temperature tensile properties were evaluated and fracture mechanisms studied and compared to the coarse-grained (CG) counterpart. In contrast to the CG-DP steel, UFG-DP had 12.7% higher ultimate tensile strength and 10.7% greater uniform elongation. This is partly attributed to the increase in the initial strain-hardening rate, decrease in nanohardness ratio of martensite and ferrite. Moreover, a decreasing number of ferrite grains with {001} orientation increased the cleavage fracture stress and increased the crack initiation threshold stress with consequent improvement in ductility UFG-DP steel.

Powder metallurgy processing and deformation characteristics of bulk multimodal nickel

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

Farbaniec, L., E-mail: lfarban1@jhu.edu; Dirras, G., E-mail: dirras@univ-paris13.fr; Krawczynska, A.

2014-08-15

Spark plasma sintering was used to process bulk nickel samples from a blend of three powder types. The resulting multimodal microstructure was made of coarse (average size ∼ 135 μm) spherical microcrystalline entities (the core) surrounded by a fine-grained matrix (average grain size ∼ 1.5 μm) or a thick rim (the shell) distinguishable from the matrix. Tensile tests revealed yield strength of ∼ 470 MPa that was accompanied by limited ductility (∼ 2.8% plastic strain). Microstructure observation after testing showed debonding at interfaces between the matrix and the coarse entities, but in many instances, shallow dimples within the rim weremore » observed indicating local ductile events in the shell. Dislocation emission and annihilation at grain boundaries and twinning at crack tip were the main deformation mechanisms taking place within the fine-grained matrix as revealed by in-situ transmission electron microscopy. Estimation of the stress from loop's curvature and dislocation pile-up indicates that dislocation emission from grain boundaries and grain boundary overcoming largely contributes to the flow stress. - Highlights: • Bulk multi-modal Ni was processed by SPS from a powder blend. • Ultrafine-grained matrix or rim observed around spherical microcrystalline entities • Yield strength (470 MPa) and ductility (2.8% plastic strain) were measured. • Debonding was found at the matrix/microcrystalline entity interfaces. • In-situ TEM showed twinning, dislocation emission and annihilation at grain boundaries.« less

Spectral characterization of Martian soil analogues

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agresti, David G.

1987-01-01

As previously reported, reflectance spectra of iron oxide precipitated as ultrafine particles, unlike ordinary fine grained hematite, have significant similarities to reflectance spectra from the bright regions of Mars. These particles were characterized according to composition, magnetic properties, and particle size distribution. Mossbauer, magnetic susceptibility, and optical data were obtained for samples with a range of concentrations of iron oxide in silica gel of varying pore diameters. To analyze the Mossbauer spectra, a versatile fitting program was enhanced to provide user friendly screen input and theoretical models appropriate for the superparamagnetic spectra obtained.

Microstructure, Mechanical, and Fatigue Strength of Ti-54M Processed by Rotary Swaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Khazraji, Hasan; El-Danaf, Ehab; Wollmann, Manfred; Wagner, Lothar

2015-05-01

TIMETAL 54M is a newly developed (α + β) titanium alloy with nominal composition Ti-5Al-4V-0.6Mo-0.4Fe. The alloy can provide a cost benefit over Ti-6Al-4V due to improved machinability and formability. In the present work, evolution of mechanical properties in terms of tensile and hardness values is investigated as a function of deformation degrees imposed via rotary swaging (RS). Microstructure, mechanical properties, and fatigue performance of Ti-54M are investigated after severe plastic deformation by RS conducted at 850 °C and after being subjected to two different post-swaging annealing conditions. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy using electron back scatter diffraction were utilized to document the evolution of the microstructure. Tensile tests were conducted to characterize mechanical properties. RS, to a true strain of 3.0, is found to lead to a marked ultrafine-grained structure of about 1 μm grain size with low content of high angle grain boundaries (HAGBs). Post-swaging heat treatment at 800 °C followed by air cooling did not change the grain size but exhibited high content of HAGBs. Post-swaging heat treatment at 940 °C followed by furnace cooling resulted in a grain size of about 5 μm and enhanced work-hardening capability and ductility, which resulted in less fatigue notch sensitivity, but at the same time lower fatigue strength at 107 cycles.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of V-Nb Microalloyed Ultrafine-Grained Dual-Phase Steels Processed Through Severe Cold Rolling and Intercritical Annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papa Rao, M.; Subramanya Sarma, V.; Sankaran, S.

2017-03-01

Ultrafine-grained (UFG) dual-phase (DP) steel was produced by severe cold rolling (true strain of 2.4) and intercritical annealing of a low carbon V-Nb microalloyed steel in a temperature range of 1003 K to 1033 K (730 °C to 760 °C) for 2 minutes, and water quenching. The microstructure of UFG DP steels consisted of polygonal ferrite matrix with homogeneously distributed martensite islands (both of size <1 µm) and a small fraction of the inter lath films of retained austenite. The UFG DP steel produced through intercritical annealing at 1013 K (740 °C) has good combination of strength (1295 MPa) and ductility (uniform elongation, 13 pct). The nanoscale V- and Nb-based carbides/carbonitrides and spheroidized cementite particles have played a crucial role in achieving UFG DP microstructure and in improving the strength and work hardening. Analysis of work hardening behavior of the UFG DP steels through modified Crussard-Jaoul analysis showed a continuously varying work hardening rate response which could be approximated by 2 or 3 linear regimes. The transmission electron microscopy analysis on post tensile-tested samples indicated that these regimes are possibly related to the work hardening of ferrite, lath, and twin martensite, respectively.

Numerical analysis of back pressure equal channel angular pressing of an Al-Mg alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comăneci, R.

2017-08-01

Ultrafine grain size provides enhanced mechanical and/or physical properties such as strength and high ductility, superplasticity at relatively low temperatures and high strain rate and better corrosion resistance. Well-known as one of the most promising and effective structure refining method among other severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques, equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) has been intensively investigated due to spectacular improvements in structure and therefore properties of bulk ultrafine grained/nanostructured materials. A successful ECAP requires surpassing two obstacles: the necessary load level which directly affects tools and a favourable stress distribution so the material withstanding the accumulated strain of repeated deformation. Materials could withstand more passes if a back pressure (BP) is applied. In traditional ECAP, tensile stress along the contact surface between the work piece and the upper wall of the outlet channel leads to crack initiation, while in the presence of BP, a negative (compressive) stress appears during the process balancing the tensile stress. In this study a comparative tridimensional finite element analysis (FEA) is performed to evaluate the flow of an Al-Mg alloy depending on different BP levels and process parameters. The results in terms of load level and strain distribution show the influence of BP on the material behaviour, opening opportunities for industrial applications.

A thermally activated dislocation-based constitutive flow model of nanostructured FCC metals involving microstructural evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, J. Y.; Li, J.; Wu, K.; Liu, G.; Sun, J.

2017-03-01

Due to their interface and nanoscale effects associated with structural peculiarities of nanostructured, face-centered-cubic (FCC) ultrafine-grained/nanocrystalline (UFG/NC) metals, in particular nanotwinned (NT) metals exhibit unexpected deformation behaviours fundamentally different from their coarse-grained (CG) counterparts. These internal boundaries, including grain boundaries and twin boundaries in UFG/NC metals, strongly interact with dislocations as deformation barriers to enhance the strength and strain rate sensitivity (SRS) of materials on the one hand, and play critical roles in their microstructural evolution as dislocation sources/sinks to sustain plastic deformation on the other. In this work, building on the findings of twin softening and (de)twinning-mediated grain growth/refinement in stretched free-standing NT-Ni foils, a constitutive model based on the thermally activated depinning process of dislocations residing in boundaries has been proposed to predict the steady-state grain size and simulate the plastic flow of NT-Ni, by considering the blocking effects of nanotwins on the absorption of dislocations emitted from boundaries. It is uncovered that the stress ratio (ηstress) of effective-to-internal stress can be taken as a signature to estimate the stability of microstructures during plastic deformation. This model not only reproduces well the plastic flow of the stretched NT-Ni foils as well as reported NT-Cu and the steady-state grain size, but also sheds light on the size-dependent SRS and failure of FCC UFG/NC metals. This theoretical framework offers the opportunity to tune the microstructures in the polycrystalline materials to synthesise high performance engineering materials with high strength and great ductility.

Multi-scale characterization by FIB-SEM/TEM/3DAP.

PubMed

Ohkubo, T; Sepehri-Amin, H; Sasaki, T T; Hono, K

2014-11-01

In order to improve properties of functional materials, it is important to understand the relation between the structure and the properties since the structure has large effect to the properties. This can be done by using multi-scale microstructure analysis from macro-scale to nano and atomic scale. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with focused ion beam (FIB), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and 3D atom probe (3DAP) are complementary analysis tools making it possible to know the structure and the chemistry from micron to atomic resolution. SEM gives us overall microstructural and chemical information by various kinds of detectors such as secondary electron, backscattered electron, EDS and EBSD detectors. Also, it is possible to analyze 3D structure and chemistry via FIB serial sectioning. In addition, using TEM we can focus on desired region to get more complementary information from HRTEM/STEM/Lorentz images, SAED/NBD patterns and EDS/EELS to see the detail micro or nano-structure and chemistry. Especially, combination of probe Cs corrector and split EDS detectors with large detector size enable us to analyze the atomic scale elemental distribution. Furthermore, if the specimen has a complicated 3D nanostructure, or we need to analyze light elements such as hydrogen, lithium or boron, 3DAP can be used as the only technique which can visualize and analyze distribution of all constituent atoms of our materials within a few hundreds nm area. Hence, site-specific sample preparation using FIB/SEM is necessary to get desired information from region of interest. Therefore, this complementary analysis combination works very well to understand the detail of materials.In this presentation, we will show the analysis results obtained from some of functional materials by Carl Zeiss CrossBeam 1540EsB FIB/SEM, FEI Tecnai G(2) F30, Titan G2 80-200 TEMs and locally build laser assisted 3DAP. As the one of the example, result of multi-scale characterization for ultra-fine grain Nd-Fe-B permanent magnet will be shown [1]. In order to improve the magnetic properties, especially to increase the coercivity (resistance against magnetization reversal) of the magnet, decreasing the grain size and isolating each grain by non-ferromagnetic grain boundary phase are quite important since the nucleation of magnetic reversal from grain boundary phase can be suppressed and pinning force of magnetic domain wall at the grain boundary phase can be strengthened. Therefore, micro and nano structure and chemistry analysis can shed a light do grain boundary engineering.Figure 1(a,b) shows SEM BSE images of ultrafine grain Nd-Fe-B sintered magnet and the reconstructed 3D tomography of Nd-rich phases obtained by FIB/SEM serial sectioning. This data can provide us information about the distribution of Nd-rich phase and its volume fraction. Moreover, the HRTEM image from the grain boundary phase, the 3DAP maps and the concentration depth profiles are shown in Fig. 1(c,d,e). This magnet shows high coercivity (1517kA/m), and by comparing these results with the microstructures of low coercivity specimen, importance of grain boundary formation was confirmed and it gives us hint to improve the coercivity further. We will show the detail and results from other materials.jmicro;63/suppl_1/i6/DFU046F1F1DFU046F1Fig. 1.(a) SEM BSE images of ultrafine grain Nd-Fe-B sintered magnet. (b) 3D FIB/SEM tomography of Nd-rich phases. (c) HRTEM image from the grain boundary phase. (d) 3DAP maps of Nd, Cu and Al. (e) Concentration depth profiles for Fe, Nd+Pr, B, Co, Cu and Al, determined from the selected box in (d)[1]. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Influence of high-pressure torsion on formation/destruction of nano-sized spinodal structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alhamidi, Ali; Edalati, Kaveh; Horita, Zenji

2018-04-01

The microstructures and hardness of Al - 30 mol.% Zn are investigated after processing by high-pressure torsion (HPT) for different numbers of revolutions, N = 1, 3, 10 or 25, as well as after post-HPT annealing at different temperatures, T = 373 K, 473 K, 573 K and 673 K. It was found that a work softening occurs by decreasing the grain size to the submicrometer level and increasing the fraction of high-angle boundaries. As a result of HPT processing, a complete decomposition of supersaturated solid solution of Zn in Al occurs and the spinodal structure is destroyed. This suggests that softening of the Al-Zn alloys after HPT is due to the decomposition of the supersaturated solid solution and destruction of spinodal decomposition. After post-HPT annealing, ultrafine-grained Al-Zn alloys show an unusual mechanical properties and its hardness increased to 187 HV. Microstructural analysis showed that the high hardness after post-HPT annealing is due to the formation of spinodal structures.

Process-Structure-Property Relationship in Magnesium-Based Biodegradable Alloy for Biomedical Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trivedi, Pramanshu

Magnesium alloys are considered to be the next generation of biomaterials because of their ability to degrade in the physiological environment. We elucidate here the impact of multiaxial forging of Mg-2Zn-2Gd alloy on grain refinement to sub-micron regime and relate the structure to mechanical properties and biological functionality. As-cast and annealed samples were multiaxial forged (MAF) for a total number of two passes with a true strain of 2/pass. Considering that the microstructure governs the biological response of materials, we studied the constituents of the microstructure in conjunction with the mechanical behavior. The antimicrobial behavior in a Mg-2Zn-2Gd alloy with different grain size in the range of 44 microm to 710 nm was studied by seeding. Surface energy and contact angle measurements using goniometer and wettability were assessed with water, SBF, n-Hexane, and DMEM. The structure-property relationship in Mg-2Zn-2Gd alloy to maintaining mechanical integrity during degradation was studied by seeding Escherichia coli ( E. coli). Furthermore, we studied the effect of degradation behavior in the presence and absence of cells. This was followed by the study of bioactivity in terms of phases present on the surface and degradation products in simulated body fluid (SBF). Magnesium coated with apatite using a biomimetic approach were placed in a 24-well culture plate with alpha-MEM media and the degradation behavior was studied in the absence and presence of cells (seeding density: 10,000 cells/cm2). The change in pH was monitored at regular intervals. Cell attachment was studied by seeding the cells for 4h and cell viability was studied by seeding the cells for up to 1, 3, and 7 days. The study underscores that the fine-grained alloys exhibited superior mechanical properties, antimicrobial resistance, and cell attachment. The degradation rate was also least for fine-grained alloy. The higher surface energy of ultrafine-grained Mg-2Zn-2Gd alloy led to the release of more Mg+2 ions at an early stage, which consequently increased the pH of the fluid in the vicinity of the implant, therefore producing an unfavorable environment for the survival of bacteria. This led to damage of bacterial cell walls and reducing their adhesion. Furthermore, a significant degree of apatite formation was an indication of high bioactivity and cell attachment along with controlled degradation in the ultrafine-grained alloy. Thus, the reduction in grain size significantly improved load bearing capacity and biological functionality of Mg-2Zn-2Gd alloy.

Size-dependent proinflammatory effects of ultrafine polystyrene particles: a role for surface area and oxidative stress in the enhanced activity of ultrafines.

PubMed

Brown, D M; Wilson, M R; MacNee, W; Stone, V; Donaldson, K

2001-09-15

Studies into the effects of ultrafine particles in the lung have shown adverse effects considered to be due in part to the particle size. Air pollution particles (PM(10)) are associated with exacerbations of respiratory disease and deaths from cardiovascular causes in epidemiological studies and the ultrafine fraction of PM(10) has been hypothesized to play an important role. The aim of the present study was to investigate proinflammatory responses to various sizes of polystyrene particles as a simple model of particles of varying size including ultrafine. In the animal model, we demonstrated that there was a significantly greater neutrophil influx into the rat lung after instillation of 64-nm polystyrene particles compared with 202- and 535-nm particles and this was mirrored in other parameters of lung inflammation, such as increased protein and lactate dehydrogenase in bronchoalveolar lavage. When surface area instilled was plotted against inflammation, these two variables were directly proportional and the line passed through zero. This suggests that surface area drives inflammation in the short term and that ultrafine particles cause a greater inflammatory response because of the greater surface area they possess. In vitro, we measured the changes in intracellular calcium concentration in mono mac 6 cells in view of the potential role of calcium as a signaling molecule. Calcium changes after particle exposure may be important in leading to proinflammatory gene expression such as chemokines. We demonstrated that only ultrafine polystyrene particles induced a significant increase in cytosolic calcium ion concentration. Experiments using dichlorofluorescin diacetate demonstrated greater oxidant activity of the ultrafine particles, which may explain their activity in these assays. There were significant increases in IL-8 gene expression in A549 epithelial cells after treatment with the ultrafine particles but not particles of other sizes. These findings suggest that ultrafine particles composed of low-toxicity material such as polystyrene have proinflammatory activity as a consequence of their large surface area. This supports a role for such particles in the adverse health effects of PM(10). Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Thermal Stabilization and Mechanical Properties of Nanocrystalline Iron-Nickel-Zirconium Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotan, Hasan

Ultrafine grained and nanostructured materials are promising for structural applications because of the high strength compared to coarse grained counterparts. However, their widespread application is limited by an inherently high driving force for thermally induced grain growth, even at low temperatures. Accordingly, the understanding of and control over grain growth in nanoscale materials is of great technological and scientific importance as many physical properties (i.e. mechanical properties) are functions of the average grain size and the grain size distribution within the microstructure. Here, we investigate the microstructural evolution and grain growth in Fe-Ni alloys with Zr addition and differentiate the stabilization mechanisms acting on grain boundaries. Fe-Ni alloys are chosen for stability investigations since they are important for understanding the behavior of many steels and other ferrous alloys. Zirconium is proven to be an effective grain size stabilizer in pure Fe and Fe-base systems. In this study, nanocrystalline alloys were prepared by high energy ball milling. In situ and ex situ experiments were utilized to directly follow grain growth and microstructural evolution as a function of temperature and composition. The information obtained from these experiments enables the real time observation of microstructural evolution and phase transformation and provides a unique view of dynamic reactions as they occur. The knowledge of the thermal stability will exploit the potential high temperature applications and the consolidation conditions (i.e. temperature and pressure) to obtain high dense materials for advanced mechanical tests. Our investigations reveal that the grain growth of Fe-Ni alloys is not affected by Ni content but strongly inhibited by the addition of 1 at% Zr up to about 700 °C. The microstructural stability is lost due to the bcc-to-fcc transformation (occurring at 700°C) by the sudden appearance of abnormally grown fcc grains. However it was determined grain growth can be suppressed kinetically at higher temperatures for high Zr containing alloys by precipitation of intermetallic compounds. Eventually at high enough temperatures the retention of nanocrystallinity was lost, leaving behind fine micron grains filled with nanoscale intermetallic precipitates. Despite the loss of stability the in-situ formed precipitates were found to induce an Orowan hardening affect. The results from the mechanical tests show that Orowan particle strengthening can be as significant as Hall Petch hardening is at the smallest grain sizes.

Structure, Dynamic Cracking Resistance, and Crack Growth Micromechanism in Pipe Billets after Thermomechanical Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simonov, M. Yu.; Simonov, Yu. N.; Shaimanov, G. S.

2018-01-01

The structure, dynamic cracking resistance, and micromechanisms of crack growth in initially highly tempered pipe billets made of structural carbon steel are studied after thermomechanical treatment, including cold plastic deformation by radial forging followed by annealing, under various conditions. The strength is found to be maximum after cold radial forging followed by annealing at 300°C. Cold radial forging and annealing at 600°C are shown to cause the formation of an ultrafine-grained structure with an average grain/subgrain size of 900 nm. The structural features formed in both the axial and the transverse direction after cold radial forging have been revealed. The mechanism of crack growth after heat treatment and thermomechanical treatment has been studied. The fracture surface elements formed during dynamic-crackingresistance tests have been qualitatively analyzed.

Effects of sputtering mode on the microstructure and ionic conductivity of yttria-stabilized zirconia films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Tsung-Her; Lin, Ruei-De; Cherng, Bo-Ruei; Cherng, Jyh-Shiarn

2018-05-01

The microstructure and ionic conductivity of reactively sputtered yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) films are systematically studied. Those films were reactively sputtered in various sputtering modes using a closed-loop controlled system with plasma emission monitoring. A transition-mode sputtering corresponding to 45% of target poisoning produces a microstructure with ultrafine crystallites embedded in an amorphous matrix, which undergoes an abnormal grain growth upon annealing at 800 °C. At 500 °C, the measured ionic conductivity of this annealed film is higher, by about a half order of magnitude, than those of its poisoned-mode counterparts, which are in turn significantly higher than that of the YSZ bulk by about two orders of magnitude. The abnormally-grown ultra-large grain size of the film deposited in the transition mode and then annealed is believed to be responsible for the former comparison due to the suppression of the grain boundary blocking effect, while the latter comparison can be attributed to the interface effect.

Evolution of hardness, microstructure, and strain rate sensitivity in a Zn-22% Al eutectoid alloy processed by high-pressure torsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawasaki, Megumi; Lee, Han-Joo; Choi, In-Chul; Jang, Jae-il; Ahn, Byungmin; Langdon, Terence G.

2014-08-01

Severe plastic deformation (SPD) is an attractive processing method for refining microstructures of metallic materials to give ultrafine grain sizes within the submicrometer to even the nanometer levels. Experiments were conducted to discuss the evolution of hardness, microstructure and strain rate sensitivity, m, in a Zn-22% Al eutectoid alloy processed by high- pressure torsion (HPT). The data from microhardness and nanoindentation hardness measurements revealed that there is a significant weakening in the Zn-Al alloy during HPT despite extensive grain refinement. Excellent room-temperature (RT) plasticity was observed in the alloy after HPT from nanoindentation creep in terms of an increased value of m. The microstructural changes with increasing numbers of HPT turns show a strong correlation with the change in the m value. Moerover, the excellent RT plasticity in the alloy is discussed in terms of the enhanced level of grain boundary sliding and the evolution of microsturucture.

Fatigue behavior of ultrafine grained medium Carbon steel processed by severe plastic deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruffing, C.; Ivanisenko, Yu; Kerscher, E.

2014-08-01

The endurance limit of materials has been observed to be significantly increased in materials with an ultrafine grained microstructure [1, 2]. As this effect, however, has not yet been investigated in steels, fatigue experiments of an unalloyed medium carbon steel with a carbon content of 0.45 wt.-%, which was treated by high pressure torsion (HPT) [3-5] at elevated temperature were carried out. The treatments were applied to discs which had different initial carbide morphologies and showed an increase of hardness after HPT by a factor of 1.75 - 3.2 compared to the initial states, whereby the amount of increase depends on the initial carbide morphology. The maximum hardness achieved was 810 HV. The discs were cut into fatigue specimens in the form of bars of the size of 4 mm x 1 mm x 600 gm. Until a hardness of 500 HV the endurance limits correspond linearly with the hardness. This is no longer the case at higher hardness values, where inherent and process-initiated flaws lead to lower fatigue limits. The maximum endurance limit exceeded 1050 MPa in 4-point-micro-bending and at a load ratio of R = 0.1. Fractography revealed different crack initiation sites like pre cracks and shear bands [6, 7] resulting from HPT or fisheye fractures initiated from non-metallic inclusions.

Mechanisms of ultrafine-grained austenite formation under different isochronal conditions in a cold-rolled metastable stainless steel

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

Celada-Casero, C., E-mail: c.celada@cenim.csic.es

The primary objective of this work is to obtain fundamental insights on phase transformations, with focus on the reaustenitization process (α′→γ transformation), of a cold-rolled (CR) semi-austenitic metastable stainless steel upon different isochronal conditions (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 °C/s). For this purpose, an exhaustive microstructural characterization has been performed by using complementary experimental such as scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), micro-hardness Vickers and magnetization measurements. It has been detected that all microstructural changes shift to higher temperatures as the heating rate increases. The reaustenitization occurs in two-steps formore » all heating rates, which is attributed to the chemical banding present in the CR state. The α′→γ transformation is controlled by the migration of substitutional alloying elements across the austenite/martensite (γ/α′) interface, which finally leads to ultrafine-grained reaustenitized microstructures (440–280 nm). The morphology of the martensite phase in the CR state has been found to be the responsible for such a grain refinement, along with the presence of χ-phase and nanometric Ni{sub 3}(Ti,Al) precipitates that pin the austenite grain growth, especially upon slowly heating at 0.1 °C/s. - Highlights: •Ultrafine-grained austenite structures are obtained isochronally at 0.1–100 °C/s •The α′→γ transformation occurs in two steps due to the initial chemical banding •A diffusional mechanism governs the α′→γ transformation for all heating rates •The dislocation-cell-type of martensite promotes a diffusional mechanism •Precipitates located at α′/γ interfaces hinder the austenite growth.« less

Annealing Effects on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ultrafine-Grained Al Composites Reinforced with Nano-Al2O3 by Rotary Swaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Cunguang; Wang, Wenwen; Guo, Zhimeng; Sun, Chunbao; Volinsky, Alex A.; Paley, Vladislav

2018-03-01

Microstructure evolution and variations in mechanical properties of Al-Al2O3 nanocomposite produced by powder metallurgy were investigated and compared with commercially pure aluminum (Al-1050) after furnace annealing. Fine gas-atomized Al powder compacts were first sintered in flowing nitrogen, subsequently consolidated into wires by rotary swaging and eventually annealed at 300 and 500 °C for 24 h each. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy was utilized to document the microstructure evolution. Rotary swaging was proven to lead to a marked decrease in grain size. After heavy swaging to true deformation degree of φ = 6 and annealing at 500 °C, obvious recrystallization was observed at Al-1050's existing grain boundaries and the crystals began to grow perpendicular to the flow direction. In the Al-Al2O3 nanocomposite, fabricated from d 50 = 6 μm Al powder, recrystallization partially occurred, while grains were still extremely fine. Due to the dual role of fine-grained Al2O3 dispersion strengthening, the nanocomposite showed improved mechanical performance in terms of tensile strength, approximately twice higher than Al-1050 after annealing at 500 °C.

Microstructure stability of ultra-fine grained magnesium alloy AZ31 processed by extrusion and equal-channel angular pressing (EX–ECAP)

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

Stráská, Jitka, E-mail: straska.jitka@gmail.com; Janeček, Miloš, E-mail: janecek@met.mff.cuni.cz; Čížek, Jakub, E-mail: jcizek@mbox.troja.mff.cuni.cz

Thermal stability of the ultra-fine grained (UFG) microstructure of magnesium AZ31 alloy was investigated. UFG microstructure was achieved by a combined two-step severe plastic deformation process: the extrusion (EX) and subsequent equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP). This combined process leads to refined microstructure and enhanced microhardness. Specimens with UFG microstructure were annealed isochronally at temperatures 150–500 °C for 1 h. The evolution of microstructure, mechanical properties and dislocation density was studied by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), microhardness measurements and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). The coarsening of the fine-grained structure at higher temperatures was accompanied by a gradual decrease of the microhardnessmore » and decrease of dislocation density. Mechanism of grain growth was studied by general equation for grain growth and Arrhenius equation. Activation energies for grain growth were calculated to be 115, 33 and 164 kJ/mol in temperature ranges of 170–210 °C, 210–400 °C and 400–500 °C (443–483 K, 483–673 K and 673–773 K), respectively. - Highlights: • Microhardness of UFG AZ31 alloy decreases with increasing annealing temperature. • This fact has two reasons: dislocation annihilations and/or grain growth. • The activation energies for grain growth were calculated for all temperature ranges.« less

Towards the effect of acoustic emission (AE) sensor positioning within AE signal parameters in sliding on bulk ultrafine-grained materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippov, A. V.; Tarasov, S. Yu.; Podgornykh, O. A.; Chazov, P. A.; Shamarin, N. N.; Filippova, E. O.

2017-12-01

The effect of AE sensor positioning on the bulk ultrafine-grained materials used for sliding against steel ball has been investigated. Two versions of AE sensor positioning have been tested and showed the different attenuation levels. The experimentally obtained AE signal waveforms have been analyzed under the AE signal parameters such as a median frequency and AE energy. It was established that the AE sensor positioned on the sample supporting plate in the vicinity of the sample tested allowed redistribution of the signal energy from a low-frequency to high-frequency range as well as extending the median frequency range as compared to those obtained by mounting the sensor on the immobile sample holder.

X-ray studies of aluminum alloy of the Al-Mg-Si system subjected to SPD processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitdikov, V. D.; Murashkin, M. Yu; Khasanov, M. R.; Kasatkin, I. A.; Chizhov, P. S.; Bobruk, E. V.

2014-08-01

Recently it has been established that during high pressure torsion dynamic aging takes place in aluminum Al-Mg-Si alloys resulting in formation of nanosized particles of strengthening phases in the aluminum matrix, which greatly improves the electrical conductivity and strength properties. In the present paper structural characterization of ultrafine-grained (UFG) samples of aluminum 6201 alloy produced by severe plastic deformation (SPD) was performed using X-ray diffraction analysis. As a result, structure features (lattice parameter, size of coherent scattering domains) after dynamic aging of UFG samples were determined. The size and distribution of second- phase particles in the Al matrix were assessed with regard to HPT regimes. Impact of the size and distribution of the formed secondary phases on the strength, ductility and electrical conductivity is discussed.

Phase Transformations and Formation of Ultra-Fine Microstructure During Hydrogen Sintering and Phase Transformation (HSPT) Processing of Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Pei; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Koopman, Mark; Xia, Yang; Paramore, James; Ravi Chandran, K. S.; Ren, Yang; Lu, Jun

2015-12-01

The hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process is a novel powder metallurgy method for producing Ti alloys, particularly the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, with ultra-fine microstructure in the as-sintered state. The ultra-fine microstructure is obtained as a direct result of the use of H2 gas during sintering. The refinement of the microstructure during HSPT is similar to that of thermal hydrogen processing (THP) of bulk Ti alloys. For both THP and HSPT of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, the mechanisms of the grain refinement depend on the phase equilibria and phase transformations in the presence of hydrogen, which are surprisingly still not well established to date and are still subjected to research and debate. In recent work by the present authors, a pseudo-binary phase diagram of (Ti-6Al-4V)-H has been determined by using in situ synchrotron XRD and TGA/DSC techniques. Aided by this phase diagram, the current paper focuses on the series of phase transformations during sintering and cooling of Ti-6Al-4V in a hydrogen atmosphere and the mechanisms for the formation of the ultra-fine microstructures obtained. Using experimental techniques, including in situ synchrotron XRD, SEM, EBSD, and TEM, the microstructural refinement was found to be the result of (1) the precipitation of ultra-fine α/α2 within coarse β grains during an isothermal hold at intermediate temperatures, and (2) the eutectoid transformation of β → α + δ at approximately 473 K (200 °C).

The Effect of Grain Refinement on Solid Particle Erosion of Grade 5 Ti Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazarinov, N. A.; Evstifeev, A. D.; Petrov, Y. V.; Atroshenko, S. A.; Valiev, R. R.

2018-04-01

In this work, the results on solid particle erosion of an ultrafine-grained Grade 5 titanium alloy, which was produced using high-pressure torsion (HPT) technique, are presented. In order to assess influence of the HPT treatment on material's behavior in erosive conditions, special experimental procedures were developed. The ultrafine-grained (UFG) alloy was tested alongside with a conventional coarse-grained (CG) Grade 5 titanium alloy in equal conditions. The experiments were conducted in a small-scale wind tunnel with corundum particles as an abrasive material. Both particle dimensions and particle velocities were varied in course of the experiments. Erosion resistance of the samples was evaluated in two ways—mass reduction measurements with subsequent gravimetric erosion rate calculations and investigation of samples' surface roughness after erosion tests. The UFG titanium alloy demonstrated considerable improvement of static mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength, microhardness), whereas its CG counterpart appeared to be slightly more resistant to solid particle erosion, which might indicate the drop of dynamic strength properties for the HPT-processed material.

Cyclic Deformation of Ultra-Fine Grained Commercial Purity Aluminum Processed by Accumulative Roll-Bonding.

PubMed

Kwan, Charles C F; Wang, Zhirui

2013-08-13

Accumulative Roll-Bonding (ARB) is one of the more recently developed techniques capable of producing bulk ultra-fine grained (ufg) metals. There are still many aspects of the behavior of ufg metals that lacks an in-depth understanding, such as a generalized view of the factors that govern the cyclic deformation mechanism(s). This study aims to advance the understanding of the cyclic deformation behavior of ufg metals through the systematic investigation of ARB processed aluminum upon cyclic loading. It was found that the cyclic softening response often reported for ufg metals is largely influenced by the microstructure stability as the cyclic softening response is facilitated by grain coarsening which becomes inhibited with highly stable microstructure. On one hand, shear bands resembling braids of dislocations trespassing multiple grains have been observed to operate for the accommodation of the imposed cyclic strain in cases where grain coarsening is largely restricted. On the other hand, it was found that the microstructure stability can be overcome at higher applied cyclic plastic strain levels, leading to grain coarsening and thus a cyclic softening response. The findings in this study have further confirmed that the cyclic softening behavior found in many ufg metals, which may be detrimental in practical applications, can be inhibited by improvements in the microstructure stability.

Cyclic Deformation of Ultra-Fine Grained Commercial Purity Aluminum Processed by Accumulative Roll-Bonding

PubMed Central

Kwan, Charles C.F.; Wang, Zhirui

2013-01-01

Accumulative Roll-Bonding (ARB) is one of the more recently developed techniques capable of producing bulk ultra-fine grained (ufg) metals. There are still many aspects of the behavior of ufg metals that lacks an in-depth understanding, such as a generalized view of the factors that govern the cyclic deformation mechanism(s). This study aims to advance the understanding of the cyclic deformation behavior of ufg metals through the systematic investigation of ARB processed aluminum upon cyclic loading. It was found that the cyclic softening response often reported for ufg metals is largely influenced by the microstructure stability as the cyclic softening response is facilitated by grain coarsening which becomes inhibited with highly stable microstructure. On one hand, shear bands resembling braids of dislocations trespassing multiple grains have been observed to operate for the accommodation of the imposed cyclic strain in cases where grain coarsening is largely restricted. On the other hand, it was found that the microstructure stability can be overcome at higher applied cyclic plastic strain levels, leading to grain coarsening and thus a cyclic softening response. The findings in this study have further confirmed that the cyclic softening behavior found in many ufg metals, which may be detrimental in practical applications, can be inhibited by improvements in the microstructure stability. PMID:28811446

Influence of ECAP process on mechanical and corrosion properties of pure Mg and ZK60 magnesium alloy for biodegradable stent applications

PubMed Central

Mostaed, Ehsan; Vedani, Maurizio; Hashempour, Mazdak; Bestetti, Massimiliano

2014-01-01

Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) was performed on ZK60 alloy and pure Mg in the temperature range 150–250 °C. A significant grain refinement was detected after ECAP, leading to an ultrafine grain size (UFG) and enhanced formability during extrusion process. Comparing to conventional coarse grained samples, fracture elongation of pure Mg and ZK60 alloy were significantly improved by 130% and 100%, respectively, while the tensile strength remained at high level. Extrusion was performed on ECAP processed billets to produce small tubes (with outer/inner diameter of 4/2.5 mm) as precursors for biodegradable stents. Studies on extruded tubes revealed that even after extrusion the microstructure and microhardness of the UFG ZK60 alloy were almost stable. Furthermore, pure Mg tubes showed an additional improvement in terms of grain refining and mechanical properties after extrusion. Electrochemical analyses and microstructural assessments after corrosion tests demonstrated two major influential factors in corrosion behavior of the investigated materials. The presence of Zn and Zr as alloying elements simultaneously increases the nobility by formation of a protective film and increase the local corrosion damage by amplifying the pitting development. ECAP treatment decreases the size of the second phase particles thus improving microstructure homogeneity, thereby decreasing the localized corrosion effects. PMID:25482411

Grain Nucleation and Growth in Deformed NiTi Shape Memory Alloys: An In Situ TEM Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burow, J.; Frenzel, J.; Somsen, C.; Prokofiev, E.; Valiev, R.; Eggeler, G.

2017-12-01

The present study investigates the evolution of nanocrystalline (NC) and ultrafine-grained (UFG) microstructures in plastically deformed NiTi. Two deformed NiTi alloys were subjected to in situ annealing in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) at 400 and 550 °C: an amorphous material state produced by high-pressure torsion (HPT) and a mostly martensitic partly amorphous alloy produced by wire drawing. In situ annealing experiments were performed to characterize the microstructural evolution from the initial nonequilibrium states toward energetically more favorable microstructures. In general, the formation and evolution of nanocrystalline microstructures are governed by the nucleation of new grains and their subsequent growth. Austenite nuclei which form in HPT and wire-drawn microstructures have sizes close to 10 nm. Grain coarsening occurs in a sporadic, nonuniform manner and depends on the physical and chemical features of the local environment. The mobility of grain boundaries in NiTi is governed by the local interaction of each grain with its microstructural environment. Nanograin growth in thin TEM foils seems to follow similar kinetic laws to those in bulk microstructures. The present study demonstrates the strength of in situ TEM analysis and also highlights aspects which need to be considered when interpreting the results.

Effect of surface moisture on dielectric behavior of ultrafine BaTiO3 particulates.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mountvala, A. J.

1971-01-01

The effects of adsorbed H2O on the dielectric properties of ultrafine BaTiO3 particulates of varying particle size and environmental history were determined. The dielectric behavior depends strongly on surface hydration. No particle size dependence of dielectric constant was found for dehydroxylated surfaces in ultrafine particulate (unsintered) BaTiO3 materials. For equivalent particle sizes, the ac conductivity is sensitive to surface morphology. Reactions with H2O vapor appear to account for the variations in dielectric properties. Surface dehydration was effectively accomplished by washing as-received powders in isopropanol.

The effect of high-pressure torsion on the microstructure and properties of magnesium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Figueiredo, Roberto B.; Sabbaghianrad, Shima; Langdon, Terence G.

2017-05-01

High-pressure torsion provides the opportunity to introduce significant plastic strain at room temperature in magnesium and its alloys. It is now established that this processing operation produces ultrafine-grained structures and changes the properties of these materials. The present paper shows that the mechanism of grain refinement differs from f.c.c. and b.c.c. materials. It is shown that fine grains are formed at the grain boundaries of coarse grains and gradually consume the whole structure. Also, the processed material exhibits unusual mechanical properties due to the activation of grain boundary sliding at room temperature.

Nanophase materials assembled from clusters

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

Siegel, R.W.

1992-02-01

The preparation of metal and ceramic atom clusters by means of the gas-condensation method, followed by their in situ collection and consolidation under high-vacuum conditions, has recently led to the synthesis of a new class of ultrafine-grained materials. These nanophase materials, with typical average grain sizes of 5 to 50 nm and, hence, a large fraction of their atoms in interfaces, exhibit properties that are often considerably improved relative to those of conventional materials. Furthermore, their synthesis and processing characteristics should enable the design of new materials with unique properties. Some examples are ductile ceramics that can be formed andmore » sintered to full density at low temperatures without the need for binding or sintering aids, and metals with dramatically increased strength. The synthesis of these materials is briefly described along with what is presently known of their structure and properties. Their future impact on materials science and technology is also considered.« less

Microstructures and mechanical properties of Ti5553 alloy processed by high-pressure torsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, B. Z.; Emura, S.; Tsuchiya, K.

2014-08-01

In the present research, the effects of high-pressure torsion (HPT) processing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr (Ti5553) alloy were studied. HPT processing produced a white etching layer (WEL) in the middle section of the cross-section and numerous shear bands in the surface region of the cross-section. And the thickness of the WEL increased with increasing the HPT revolutions. TEM observation of the WEL revealed an ultrafine-grained structure with high degree of lattice distortions. The mechanical properties measurements showed that the hardness and ultimate tensile strength increased by HPT processing, accompanied with a decrease in the elongation to failure. It is considered that the mechanical properties of HPT processed Ti5553 alloy are mostly dominated by the shear banded region and the WEL where have the finest grain size and high density of dislocations.

Nanoclusters of α-Fe naturally formed in twinned martensite after martensitic transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X.; Ping, D. H.; Xiang, H. P.; Lu, X.; Shen, J.

2018-05-01

Various Fe-C binary alloys with the carbon content from 0.05 to 2.0 (wt. %) have been prepared and water-quenched at austenitizing temperatures. The fine structure of the twinned martensite in the quenched samples has been investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in order to understand the initial products during the formation of the martensite structure. In the twinned structure (body-centered-cubic {112}⟨111⟩-type twin), TEM dark field observations have revealed that both matrix and twinned crystal regions are fully composed of ultra-fine particles (α-Fe nano-crystallites). The particles tend to have the same preferred direction (or texture) in the twinned martensite and the size is almost the same (1-2 nm). The ultra-fine particle structure has been commonly observed regardless of the carbon content; however, such a fine particle structure has been observed only in the martensite with the twinning structure. After in-situ TEM heating, recrystallization occurred and the fine particles merged into larger α-Fe grains; at the same time, the twinned relationship also disappeared.

Influence of processing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 14YWT

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

Hoelzer, D. T.; Unocic, K. A.; Sokolov, Mikhail A.

2016-04-25

The investigation of the mechanical alloying (MA) conditions for producing the advanced oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) 14YWT ferritic alloy led to significant improvements in balancing the strength, ductility and fracture toughness properties while still maintaining the salient microstructural features consisting of ultra-fine grains and high concentration of Y-, Ti- and O-enriched nanoclusters. The implemented changes to the processing conditions included reducing the contamination of the powder during ball milling, applying a pre-extrusion annealing treatment on the ball milled powder and exploring different extrusion temperatures at 850 C (SM170 heat), 1000 C (SM185) and 1150 C (SM200). The microstructural studies ofmore » the three 14YWT heats showed similarities in the dispersion of nanoclusters and sub-micron size grains, indicating the microstructure was insensitive to the different extrusion conditions. Compared to past 14YWT heats, the three new heats showed lower strength, but higher ductility levels between 25 and 800 C and significantly higher fracture toughness values between 25 C and 700 C. The lower contamination levels of O, C and N achieved with improved ball milling conditions plus the slightly larger grain size were identified as important factors for improving the balance in mechanical properties of the three heats of 14YWT.« less

SOURCE STRENGTHS OF ULTRAFINE AND FINE PARTICLES DUE TO COOKING WITH A GAS STOVE

EPA Science Inventory

Cooking, particularly frying, is an important source of particles indoors. Few studies have measured a full range of particle sizes, including ultrafine particles, produced during cooking. In this study, semicontinuous instruments with fine size discriminating ability were us...

Development of nanostructured SUS316L-2%TiC with superior tensile properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakamoto, T.; Kurishita, H.; Matsuo, S.; Arakawa, H.; Takahashi, S.; Tsuchida, M.; Kobayashi, S.; Nakai, K.; Terasawa, M.; Yamasaki, T.; Kawai, M.

2015-11-01

Structural materials used in radiation environments require radiation tolerance and sufficient mechanical properties in the controlled state. In order to offer SUS316L austenitic stainless steel with the assumed requirements, nanostructured SUS316L with TiC addition of 2% (SUS316L-2TiC) that is capable of exhibiting enhanced tensile ductility and flow strength sufficient for structural applications was fabricated by advanced powder metallurgical methods. The methods include MA (Mechanical Alloying), HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing), GSMM (Grain boundary Sliding Microstructural Modification) for ductility enhancement, cold rolling at temperatures below Md (the temperature where the martensite phase occurs by plastic deformation) for phase transformation from austenite to martensite and heat treatment for reverse transformation from martensite to austenite. It is shown that the developed SUS316L-2TiC exhibits ultrafine grains with sizes of 90-270 nm, accompanied by TiC precipitates with 20-50 nm in grain interior and 70-110 nm at grain boundaries, yield strengths of 1850 to 900 MPa, tensile strengths of 1920 to 1100 MPa and uniform elongations of 0.6-21%, respectively, depending on the heat treatment temperature after rolling at -196 °C.

Superior radiation-resistant nanoengineered austenitic 304L stainless steel for applications in extreme radiation environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, C.; Zheng, S.; Wei, C. C.; Wu, Y.; Shao, L.; Yang, Y.; Hartwig, K. T.; Maloy, S. A.; Zinkle, S. J.; Allen, T. R.; Wang, H.; Zhang, X.

2015-01-01

Nuclear energy provides more than 10% of electrical power internationally, and the increasing engagement of nuclear energy is essential to meet the rapid worldwide increase in energy demand. A paramount challenge in the development of advanced nuclear reactors is the discovery of advanced structural materials that can endure extreme environments, such as severe neutron irradiation damage at high temperatures. It has been known for decades that high dose radiation can introduce significant void swelling accompanied by precipitation in austenitic stainless steel (SS). Here we report, however, that through nanoengineering, ultra-fine grained (UFG) 304L SS with an average grain size of ~100 nm, can withstand Fe ion irradiation at 500°C to 80 displacements-per-atom (dpa) with moderate grain coarsening. Compared to coarse grained (CG) counterparts, swelling resistance of UFG SS is improved by nearly an order of magnitude and swelling rate is reduced by a factor of 5. M23C6 precipitates, abundant in irradiated CG SS, are largely absent in UFG SS. This study provides a nanoengineering approach to design and discover radiation tolerant metallic materials for applications in extreme radiation environments.

Superior radiation-resistant nanoengineered austenitic 304L stainless steel for applications in extreme radiation environments

DOE PAGES

Sun, C.; Zheng, S.; Wei, C. C.; ...

2015-01-15

Nuclear energy provides more than 10% of electrical power internationally, and the increasing engagement of nuclear energy is essential to meet the rapid worldwide increase in energy demand. A paramount challenge in the development of advanced nuclear reactors is the discovery of advanced structural materials that can endure extreme environments, such as severe neutron irradiation damage at high temperatures. It has been known for decades that high dose radiation can introduce significant void swelling accompanied by precipitation in austenitic stainless steel (SS). Here we report, however, that through nanoengineering, ultra-fine grained (UFG) 304L SS with an average grain size ofmore » ~100 nm, can withstand Fe ion irradiation at 500°C to 80 displacements-per-atom (dpa) with moderate grain coarsening. Compared to coarse grained (CG) counterparts, swelling resistance of UFG SS is improved by nearly an order of magnitude and swelling rate is reduced by a factor of 5. M₂₃C₆ precipitates, abundant in irradiated CG SS, are largely absent in UFG SS. This study provides a nanoengineering approach to design and discover radiation tolerant metallic materials for applications in extreme radiation environments.« less

Superior radiation-resistant nanoengineered austenitic 304L stainless steel for applications in extreme radiation environments.

PubMed

Sun, C; Zheng, S; Wei, C C; Wu, Y; Shao, L; Yang, Y; Hartwig, K T; Maloy, S A; Zinkle, S J; Allen, T R; Wang, H; Zhang, X

2015-01-15

Nuclear energy provides more than 10% of electrical power internationally, and the increasing engagement of nuclear energy is essential to meet the rapid worldwide increase in energy demand. A paramount challenge in the development of advanced nuclear reactors is the discovery of advanced structural materials that can endure extreme environments, such as severe neutron irradiation damage at high temperatures. It has been known for decades that high dose radiation can introduce significant void swelling accompanied by precipitation in austenitic stainless steel (SS). Here we report, however, that through nanoengineering, ultra-fine grained (UFG) 304 L SS with an average grain size of ~100 nm, can withstand Fe ion irradiation at 500 °C to 80 displacements-per-atom (dpa) with moderate grain coarsening. Compared to coarse grained (CG) counterparts, swelling resistance of UFG SS is improved by nearly an order of magnitude and swelling rate is reduced by a factor of 5. M(23)C(6) precipitates, abundant in irradiated CG SS, are largely absent in UFG SS. This study provides a nanoengineering approach to design and discover radiation tolerant metallic materials for applications in extreme radiation environments.

Superior radiation-resistant nanoengineered austenitic 304L stainless steel for applications in extreme radiation environments

PubMed Central

Sun, C.; Zheng, S.; Wei, C. C.; Wu, Y.; Shao, L.; Yang, Y.; Hartwig, K. T.; Maloy, S. A.; Zinkle, S. J.; Allen, T. R.; Wang, H.; Zhang, X.

2015-01-01

Nuclear energy provides more than 10% of electrical power internationally, and the increasing engagement of nuclear energy is essential to meet the rapid worldwide increase in energy demand. A paramount challenge in the development of advanced nuclear reactors is the discovery of advanced structural materials that can endure extreme environments, such as severe neutron irradiation damage at high temperatures. It has been known for decades that high dose radiation can introduce significant void swelling accompanied by precipitation in austenitic stainless steel (SS). Here we report, however, that through nanoengineering, ultra-fine grained (UFG) 304L SS with an average grain size of ~100 nm, can withstand Fe ion irradiation at 500°C to 80 displacements-per-atom (dpa) with moderate grain coarsening. Compared to coarse grained (CG) counterparts, swelling resistance of UFG SS is improved by nearly an order of magnitude and swelling rate is reduced by a factor of 5. M23C6 precipitates, abundant in irradiated CG SS, are largely absent in UFG SS. This study provides a nanoengineering approach to design and discover radiation tolerant metallic materials for applications in extreme radiation environments. PMID:25588326

Scaling up of High-Pressure Sliding (HPS) for Grain Refinement and Superplasticity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takizawa, Yoichi; Masuda, Takahiro; Fujimitsu, Kazushige; Kajita, Takahiro; Watanabe, Kyohei; Yumoto, Manabu; Otagiri, Yoshiharu; Horita, Zenji

2016-09-01

The process of high-pressure sliding (HPS) is a method of severe plastic deformation developed recently for grain refinement of metallic materials under high pressure. The sample for HPS is used with a form of sheet or rod. In this study, an HPS facility with capacities of 500 tonnes for vertical pressing and of 500 and 300 tonnes for horizontal forward and backward pressings, respectively, was newly built and applied for grain refinement of a Mg alloy as AZ61, Al alloys such as Al-Mg-Sc, A2024 and A7075 alloys, a Ti alloy as ASTM-F1295, and a Ni-based superalloy as Inconel 718. Sheet samples with dimensions of 10 to 30 mm width, 100 mm length, and 1 mm thickness were processed at room temperature and ultrafine grains with sizes of ~200 to 300 nm were successfully produced in the alloys. Tensile testing at elevated temperatures confirmed the advent of superplasticity with total elongations of more than 400 pct in all the alloys. It is demonstrated that the HPS can make all the alloys superplastic through processing at room temperature with a form of rectangular sheets.

Thermal desorption spectroscopy of high fluence irradiated ultrafine and nanocrystalline tungsten: helium trapping and desorption correlated with morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Atwani, O.; Taylor, C. N.; Frishkoff, J.; Harlow, W.; Esquivel, E.; Maloy, S. A.; Taheri, M. L.

2018-01-01

Microstructural changes due to displacement damage and helium desorption are two phenomena that occur in tungsten plasma facing materials in fusion reactors. Nanocrystalline metals are being investigated as radiation tolerant materials that can mitigate these microstructural changes and better trap helium along their grain boundaries. Here, we investigate the performance of three tungsten grades (nanocrystalline, ultrafine and ITER grade tungsten), exposed to a high fluence of 4 keV helium at both RT and 773 K, during a thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) experiment. An investigation of the microstructure in pre-and post-TDS sample sets was performed. The amount of desorbed helium was shown to be highest in the ITER grade tungsten and lowest in the nanocrystalline tungsten. Correlating the desorption spectra and the microstructure (grain boundaries decorated with nanopores and crack formation) and comparing with previous literature on coarse grained tungsten samples at similar irradiation and TDS conditions, revealed the importance of grain boundaries in trapping helium and limiting helium desorption up to a high temperature of 1350 K in agreement with transmission electron microscopy studies on helium irradiated tungsten which showed preferential and large facetted bubble formation along the grain boundaries in the nanocrystalline tungsten grade.

Thermal desorption spectroscopy of high fluence irradiated ultrafine and nanocrystalline tungsten: helium trapping and desorption correlated with morphology

DOE PAGES

El-Atwani, Osman; Taylor, Chase N.; Frishkoff, James; ...

2017-11-09

Here, microstructural changes due to displacement damage and helium desorption are two phenomena that occur in tungsten plasma facing materials in fusion reactors. Nanocrystalline metals are being investigated as radiation tolerant materials that can mitigate these microstructural changes and better trap helium along their grain boundaries. Here, we investigate the performance of three tungsten grades (nanocrystalline, ultrafine and ITER grade tungsten), exposed to a high fluence of 4 keV helium at both RT and 773 K, during a thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) experiment. An investigation of the microstructure in pre-and post-TDS sample sets was performed. The amount of desorbed heliummore » was shown to be highest in the ITER grade tungsten and lowest in the nanocrystalline tungsten. Correlating the desorption spectra and the microstructure (grain boundaries decorated with nanopores and crack formation) and comparing with previous literature on coarse grained tungsten samples at similar irradiation and TDS conditions, revealed the importance of grain boundaries in trapping helium and limiting helium desorption up to a high temperature of 1350 K in agreement with transmission electron microscopy studies on helium irradiated tungsten which showed preferential and large facetted bubble formation along the grain boundaries in the nanocrystalline tungsten grade.« less

LASER DESORPTION IONIZATION OF ULTRAFINE AEROSOL PARTICLES. (R823980)

EPA Science Inventory

On-line analysis of ultrafine aerosol particle in the 12 to 150 nm size range is performed by
laser desorption/ionization. Particles are size selected with a differential mobility analyzer and then
sent into a linear time-of-flight mass spectrometer where they are ablated w...

Influence of injected interstitials on the void swelling in two structural variants of 304L stainless steel induced by self-ion irradiation at 500 °C

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

Sun, C.; Garner, F. A.; Shao, L.

The two variants of AISI 304L stainless steel (SS) with different grain size distributions were ion irradiated at 500 °C to a peak dose of ~60 dpa. In the coarse-grained annealed variant, a peak swelling of ~12% was observed closer to the specimen surface rather than at the depth of peak displacement damage. The forward shift in depth between peak swelling and peak dose is proposed to be a consequence of suppression of void nucleation by injected interstitials. The swelling behavior in the front portion of the ion range mirrors that of neutron-induced swelling in this steel, exhibiting significant curvaturemore » with increasing dose as the swelling rate approaches the terminal swelling rate of 1%/dpa. Furthermore, an ultrafine grain variant of this steel produced by severely plastic deformation exhibits a similar suppression of void nucleation in the injected interstitial region, but also shows a significantly extended transient regime, not reaching the terminal swelling rate by 60 dpa.« less

Influence of injected interstitials on the void swelling in two structural variants of 304L stainless steel induced by self-ion irradiation at 500 °C

DOE PAGES

Sun, C.; Garner, F. A.; Shao, L.; ...

2017-03-28

The two variants of AISI 304L stainless steel (SS) with different grain size distributions were ion irradiated at 500 °C to a peak dose of ~60 dpa. In the coarse-grained annealed variant, a peak swelling of ~12% was observed closer to the specimen surface rather than at the depth of peak displacement damage. The forward shift in depth between peak swelling and peak dose is proposed to be a consequence of suppression of void nucleation by injected interstitials. The swelling behavior in the front portion of the ion range mirrors that of neutron-induced swelling in this steel, exhibiting significant curvaturemore » with increasing dose as the swelling rate approaches the terminal swelling rate of 1%/dpa. Furthermore, an ultrafine grain variant of this steel produced by severely plastic deformation exhibits a similar suppression of void nucleation in the injected interstitial region, but also shows a significantly extended transient regime, not reaching the terminal swelling rate by 60 dpa.« less

Effects of welding and post-weld heat treatments on nanoscale precipitation and mechanical properties of an ultra-high strength steel hardened by NiAl and Cu nanoparticles

DOE PAGES

Jiao, Z. B.; Luan, J. H.; Guo, W.; ...

2016-09-01

The effects of welding and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on nanoscale co-precipitation, grain structure, and mechanical properties of an ultra-high strength steel were studied through a combination of atom probe tomography (APT) and mechanical tests. Our results indicate that the welding process dissolves all pre-existing nanoparticles and causes grain coarsening in the fusion zone, resulting in a soft and ductile weld without any cracks in the as-welded condition. A 550 °C PWHT induces fine-scale re-precipitation of NiAl and Cu co-precipitates with high number densities and ultra-fine sizes, leading to a large recovery of strength but a loss of ductility withmore » intergranular failure, whereas a 600 °C PWHT gives rise to coarse-scale re-precipitation of nanoparticles together with the formation of a small amount of reverted austenite, resulting in a great recovery in both strength and ductility. Our analysis indicates that the degree of strength recovery is dependent mainly upon the re-precipitation microstructure of nanoparticles, together with grain size and reversion of austenite, while the ductility recovery is sensitive to the grain-boundary structure. In conclusion, APT reveals that the grain-boundary segregation of Mn and P may be the main reason for the 550 °C embrittlement, and the enhanced ductility at 600 °C is ascribed to a possible reduction of the segregation and reversion of austenite.« less

Effects of welding and post-weld heat treatments on nanoscale precipitation and mechanical properties of an ultra-high strength steel hardened by NiAl and Cu nanoparticles

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

Jiao, Z. B.; Luan, J. H.; Guo, W.

The effects of welding and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on nanoscale co-precipitation, grain structure, and mechanical properties of an ultra-high strength steel were studied through a combination of atom probe tomography (APT) and mechanical tests. Our results indicate that the welding process dissolves all pre-existing nanoparticles and causes grain coarsening in the fusion zone, resulting in a soft and ductile weld without any cracks in the as-welded condition. A 550 °C PWHT induces fine-scale re-precipitation of NiAl and Cu co-precipitates with high number densities and ultra-fine sizes, leading to a large recovery of strength but a loss of ductility withmore » intergranular failure, whereas a 600 °C PWHT gives rise to coarse-scale re-precipitation of nanoparticles together with the formation of a small amount of reverted austenite, resulting in a great recovery in both strength and ductility. Our analysis indicates that the degree of strength recovery is dependent mainly upon the re-precipitation microstructure of nanoparticles, together with grain size and reversion of austenite, while the ductility recovery is sensitive to the grain-boundary structure. In conclusion, APT reveals that the grain-boundary segregation of Mn and P may be the main reason for the 550 °C embrittlement, and the enhanced ductility at 600 °C is ascribed to a possible reduction of the segregation and reversion of austenite.« less

Ultrafine particle emissions from modern Gasoline and Diesel vehicles: An electron microscopic perspective.

PubMed

Liati, Anthi; Schreiber, Daniel; Arroyo Rojas Dasilva, Yadira; Dimopoulos Eggenschwiler, Panayotis

2018-08-01

Ultrafine (<100 nm) particles related to traffic are of high environmental and human health concern, as they are supposed to be more toxic than larger particles. In the present study transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is applied to obtain a concrete picture on the nature, morphology and chemical composition of non-volatile ultrafine particles in the exhaust of state-of-the-art, Euro 6b, Gasoline and Diesel vehicles. The particles were collected directly on TEM grids, at the tailpipe, downstream of the after-treatment system, during the entire duration of typical driving cycles on the chassis dynamometer. Based on TEM imaging coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, numerous ultrafine particles could be identified, imaged and analyzed chemically. Particles <10 nm were rarely detected. The ultrafine particles can be distinguished into the following types: soot, ash-bearing soot and ash. Ash consists of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Fe, S, and minor Sn compounds. Most elements originate from lubricating oil additives; Sn and at least part of Fe are products of engine wear; minor W ± Si-bearing nearly spherical particles in Diesel exhaust derive from catalytic coating material. Ultrafine ash particles predominate over ultrafine soot or are nearly equal in amount, in contrast to emissions of larger sizes where soot is by far the prevalent particle type. This is probably due to the low ash amount per volume fraction in the total emissions, which does not favor formation of large ash agglomerates, opposite to soot, which is abundant and thus easily forms agglomerates of sizes larger than those of the ultrafine range. No significant differences of ultrafine particle characteristics were identified among the tested Gasoline and Diesel vehicles and driving cycles. The present TEM study gives information also on the imaging and chemical composition of the solid fraction of the unregulated sub-23 nm size category particles. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tailoring nanostructured, graded, and particle-reinforced Al laminates by accumulative roll bonding.

PubMed

Göken, Mathias; Höppel, Heinz Werner

2011-06-17

Accumulative roll bonding (ARB) is a very attractive process for processing large sheets to achieve ultrafine-grained microstructure and high strength. Commercial purity Al and many Al alloys from the 5xxx and the precipitation strengthened 6xxx alloy series have been successfully processed by the ARB process into an ultrafine-grained state and superior ductility have been achieved for some materials like technical purity Al. It has also been shown that the ARB process can be successfully used to produce multi-component materials with tailored properties by reinforcement or grading, respectively. This allows optimizing the properties based on two or more materials/alloys. For example, to achieve high corrosion resistance and good visual surface properties it is interesting to produce a composite of two different Al alloys, where for example a high strength alloy of the 5xxx series is used as the core material and a 6xxx series alloy as the clad material. It has been shown that such a composite achieves more or less the same strength as the core material although 50% of the composite consists of the significant softer clad alloy. Furthermore, it has been found, that the serrated yielding which typically appears in 5xxx series alloys and limits applications as outer skin materials completely disappears. Moreover, the ARB process allows many other attractive ways to design new composites and graded material structures with unique properties by the introduction of particles, fibres and sheets. Strengthening with nanoparticles for example is a very attractive way to improve the properties and accelerate the grain refining used in the severe plastic deformation process. With an addition of only 0.1 vol.-% Al2O3 nanoparticles a significantly accelerated grain refinement has been found which reduces the number of ARB passes necessary to achieve the maximum in strength. The paper provides a short review on recent developments in the field of ARB processing for producing multicomponent ultrafine-grained sheet materials with tailored properties.

Particle size distribution of mainstream tobacco and marijuana smoke. Analysis using the electrical aerosol analyzer.

PubMed

Anderson, P J; Wilson, J D; Hiller, F C

1989-07-01

Accurate measurement of cigarette smoke particle size distribution is important for estimation of lung deposition. Most prior investigators have reported a mass median diameter (MMD) in the size range of 0.3 to 0.5 micron, with a small geometric standard deviation (GSD), indicating few ultrafine (less than 0.1 micron) particles. A few studies, however, have suggested the presence of ultrafine particles by reporting a smaller count median diameter (CMD). Part of this disparity may be due tot he inefficiency to previous sizing methods in measuring ultrafine size range, to evaluate size distribution of smoke from standard research cigarettes, commercial filter cigarettes, and from marijuana cigarettes with different delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol contents. Four 35-cm3, 2-s puffs were generated at 60-s intervals, rapidly diluted, and passed through a charge neutralizer and into a 240-L chamber. Size distribution for six cigarettes of each type was measured, CMD and GSD were determined from a computer-generated log probability plot, and MMD was calculated. The size distribution parameters obtained were similar for all cigarettes tested, with an average CMD of 0.1 micron, a MMD of 0.38 micron, and a GSD of 2.0. The MMD found using the EAA is similar to that previously reported, but the CMD is distinctly smaller and the GSD larger, indicating the presence of many more ultrafine particles. These results may explain the disparity of CMD values found in existing data. Ultrafine particles are of toxicologic importance because their respiratory tract deposition is significantly higher than for particles 0.3 to 0.5 micron and because their large surface area facilitates adsorption and delivery of potentially toxic gases to the lung.

Effects of rolling temperature and subsequent annealing on mechanical properties of ultrafine-grained Cu–Zn–Si alloy

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

Zhang, Xiangkai; Yang, Xuyue, E-mail: yangxuyue@csu.edu.cn; Institute for Materials Microstructure, Central South University, Changsha 410083

2015-08-15

The effects of rolling temperature and subsequent annealing on mechanical properties of Cu–Zn–Si alloy were investigated by using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, electron back scattered diffraction and tensile tests. The Cu–Zn–Si alloy has been processed at cryogenic temperature (approximately 77 K) and room temperature up to different rolling strains. It has been identified that the cryorolled Cu–Zn–Si alloy samples show a higher strength compared with those room temperature rolled samples. The improved strength of cryorolled samples is resulted from grain size effect and higher densities of dislocations and deformation twins. And subsequent annealing, as a post-heat treatment, enhanced themore » ductility. An obvious increase in uniform elongation appears when the volume fraction of static recrystallization grains exceeds 25%. The strength–ductility combination of the annealed cryorolled samples is superior to that of annealed room temperature rolled samples, owing to the finer grains, high fractions of high angle grain boundaries and twins. - Highlights: • An increase in hardness of Cu–Zn–Si alloy is noticed during annealing process. • Thermal stability is reduced in Cu–Zn–Si alloy by cryorolling. • An obvious enhancement in UE is noticed when fraction of SRX grains exceeds 25%. • A superior strength–ductility combination is achieved in the cryorolling samples.« less

A Laboratory Comparison of Emission Factors, Number Size Distributions, and Morphology of Ultrafine Particles from 11 Different Household Cookstove-Fuel Systems

EPA Science Inventory

Ultrafine particle (UFP) emissions and particle number size distributions (PNSD) are critical in the evaluation of air pollution impacts on human health and climate change. Residential cookstove emissions are a major source of many air pollutants; however, data on UFP number emis...

Size resolved ultrafine particles emission model--a continues size distribution approach.

PubMed

Nikolova, Irina; Janssen, Stijn; Vrancken, Karl; Vos, Peter; Mishra, Vinit; Berghmans, Patrick

2011-08-15

A new parameterization for size resolved ultrafine particles (UFP) traffic emissions is proposed based on the results of PARTICULATES project (Samaras et al., 2005). It includes the emission factors from the Emission Inventory Guidebook (2006) (total number of particles, #/km/veh), the shape of the corresponding particle size distribution given in PARTICULATES and data for the traffic activity. The output of the model UFPEM (UltraFine Particle Emission Model) is a sum of continuous distributions of ultrafine particles emissions per vehicle type (passenger cars and heavy duty vehicles), fuel (petrol and diesel) and average speed representative for urban, rural and highway driving. The results from the parameterization are compared with measured total number of ultrafine particles and size distributions in a tunnel in Antwerp (Belgium). The measured UFP concentration over the entire campaign shows a close relation to the traffic activity. The modelled concentration is found to be lower than the measured in the campaign. The average emission factor from the measurement is 4.29E+14 #/km/veh whereas the calculated is around 30% lower. A comparison of emission factors with literature is done as well and in overall a good agreement is found. For the size distributions it is found that the measured distributions consist of three modes--Nucleation, Aitken and accumulation and most of the ultrafine particles belong to the Nucleation and the Aitken modes. The modelled Aitken mode (peak around 0.04-0.05 μm) is found in a good agreement both as amplitude of the peak and the number of particles whereas the modelled Nucleation mode is shifted to smaller diameters and the peak is much lower that the observed. Time scale analysis shows that at 300 m in the tunnel coagulation and deposition are slow and therefore neglected. The UFPEM emission model can be used as a source term in dispersion models. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation of strength characteristics of aluminum alloy under dynamic tension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evstifeev, A. D.

2018-04-01

The study presents the results of experimental-theoretical analysis for aluminum alloy subjected to static and dynamic tension on samples of different types. The material was tested under initial coarse-grained (CG) and in ultrafine-grained (UFG) condition. The time dependence of the tensile strength is calculated using an incubation time fracture criterion based on a set of fixed constants of the material.

Characterization of pure Ni ultrafine/nanoparticles synthesized by electromagnetic levitational gas condensation method

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

Khodaei, Azin, E-mail: Azin.Khodaei@gmail.com; Hasannasab, Malihe; Amousoltani, Narges

2016-02-15

Highlights: • Ni ultrafine/nanoparticles were produced using the single-step ELGC method. • Ar and He–20%Ar gas mixtures were used as the condensing gas under 1 atm. • Effects of gas type and flow rate on particle size distribution were investigated. • The nanoparticles showed both high saturation magnetization and low coercivity. - Abstract: In this work, Ni ultrafine/nanoparticles were directly produced using the one-step, relatively large-scale electromagnetic levitational gas condensation method. In this process, Ni vapors ascending from the levitated droplet were condensed by Ar and He–20%Ar gas mixtures under atmospheric pressure. Effects of type and flow rate of themore » condensing gas on the size, size distribution and crystallinity of Ni particles were investigated. The particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The process parameters for the synthesis of the crystalline Ni ultrafine/nanoparticles were determined.« less

Corrosion behavior of ultrafine-grained AA2024 aluminum alloy produced by cryorolling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laxman Mani Kanta, P.; Srivastava, V. C.; Venkateswarlu, K.; Paswan, Sharma; Mahato, B.; Das, Goutam; Sivaprasad, K.; Krishna, K. Gopala

2017-11-01

The objectives of this study were to produce ultrafine-grained (UFG) AA2024 aluminum alloy by cryorolling followed by aging and to evaluate its corrosion behavior. Solutionized samples were cryorolled to 85% reduction in thickness. Subsequent aging resulted in a UFG structure with finer precipitates of Al2CuMg in the cryorolled alloy. The (1) solutionized and (2) solutionized and cryorolled samples were uniformly aged at 160°C/24 h and were designated as CGPA and CRPA, respectively; these samples were subsequently subjected to corrosion studies. Potentiodynamic polarization studies in 3.5wt% NaCl solution indicated an increase in corrosion potential and a decrease in corrosion current density for CRPA compared to CGPA. In the case of CRPA, electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies indicated the presence of two complex passive oxide layers with a higher charge transfer resistance and lower mass loss during intergranular corrosion tests. The improved corrosion resistance of CRPA was mainly attributed to its UFG structure, uniform distribution of fine precipitates, and absence of coarse grain-boundary precipitation and associated precipitate-free zones as compared with the CGPA alloy.

Modification of the Surface Topography and Composition of Ultrafine and Coarse Grained Titanium by Chemical Etching.

PubMed

Nazarov, Denis V; Zemtsova, Elena G; Solokhin, Alexandr Yu; Valiev, Ruslan Z; Smirnov, Vladimir M

2017-01-13

In this study, we present the detailed investigation of the influence of the etching medium (acidic or basic Piranha solutions) and the etching time on the morphology and surface relief of ultrafine grained (UFG) and coarse grained (CG) titanium. The surface relief and morphology have been studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the spectral ellipsometry. The composition of the samples has been determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Significant difference in the etching behavior of UFG and CG titanium has been found. UFG titanium exhibits higher etching activity independently of the etching medium. Formed structures possess higher homogeneity. The variation of the etching medium and time leads to micro-, nano-, or hierarchical micro/nanostructures on the surface. Significant difference has been found between surface composition for UFG titanium etched in basic and acidic Piranha solution. Based on the experimental data, the possible reasons and mechanisms are considered for the formation of nano- and microstructures. The prospects of etched UFG titanium as the material for implants are discussed.

Superplasticity in a lean Fe-Mn-Al steel.

PubMed

Han, Jeongho; Kang, Seok-Hyeon; Lee, Seung-Joon; Kawasaki, Megumi; Lee, Han-Joo; Ponge, Dirk; Raabe, Dierk; Lee, Young-Kook

2017-09-29

Superplastic alloys exhibit extremely high ductility (>300%) without cracks when tensile-strained at temperatures above half of their melting point. Superplasticity, which resembles the flow behavior of honey, is caused by grain boundary sliding in metals. Although several non-ferrous and ferrous superplastic alloys are reported, their practical applications are limited due to high material cost, low strength after forming, high deformation temperature, and complicated fabrication process. Here we introduce a new compositionally lean (Fe-6.6Mn-2.3Al, wt.%) superplastic medium Mn steel that resolves these limitations. The medium Mn steel is characterized by ultrafine grains, low material costs, simple fabrication, i.e., conventional hot and cold rolling, low deformation temperature (ca. 650 °C) and superior ductility above 1300% at 850 °C. We suggest that this ultrafine-grained medium Mn steel may accelerate the commercialization of superplastic ferrous alloys.Research in new alloy compositions and treatments may allow the increased strength of mass-produced, intricately shaped parts. Here authors introduce a superplastic medium manganese steel which has an inexpensive lean chemical composition and which is suited for conventional manufacturing processes.

Modification of the Surface Topography and Composition of Ultrafine and Coarse Grained Titanium by Chemical Etching

PubMed Central

Nazarov, Denis V.; Zemtsova, Elena G.; Solokhin, Alexandr Yu.; Valiev, Ruslan Z.; Smirnov, Vladimir M.

2017-01-01

In this study, we present the detailed investigation of the influence of the etching medium (acidic or basic Piranha solutions) and the etching time on the morphology and surface relief of ultrafine grained (UFG) and coarse grained (CG) titanium. The surface relief and morphology have been studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the spectral ellipsometry. The composition of the samples has been determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Significant difference in the etching behavior of UFG and CG titanium has been found. UFG titanium exhibits higher etching activity independently of the etching medium. Formed structures possess higher homogeneity. The variation of the etching medium and time leads to micro-, nano-, or hierarchical micro/nanostructures on the surface. Significant difference has been found between surface composition for UFG titanium etched in basic and acidic Piranha solution. Based on the experimental data, the possible reasons and mechanisms are considered for the formation of nano- and microstructures. The prospects of etched UFG titanium as the material for implants are discussed. PMID:28336849

Thin Bioactive Zn Substituted Hydroxyapatite Coating Deposited on Ultrafine Grained Titanium Substrate: Structure Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prosolov, Konstantin A.; Belyavskaya, Olga A.; Muehle, Uwe; Sharkeev, Yurii P.

2018-02-01

Nanocrystalline Zn substituted hydroxyapatite coatings were deposited by radiofrequency magnetron sputtering on the surface of ultrafine-grained titanium substrates. Cross section transmission electron microscopy provided information about the morphology and texture of the thin film while in-column energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed the presence of Zn in the coating. The Zn substituted hydroxyapatite coating was formed by an equiaxed polycrystalline grain structure. Effect of substrate crystallinity on the structure of deposited coating is discussed. An amorphous TiO2 sublayer of 8 nm thickness was detected in the interface between the polycrystalline coating and the Ti substrate. Its appearance in the amorphous state is attributed to prior to deposition etching of the substrate and subsequent condensation of oxygen-containing species sputtered from the target. This layer contributes to the high coating-to-substrate adhesion. The major P-O vibrational modes of high intensity were detected by Raman spectroscopy. The Zn substituted hydroxyapatite could be a material of choice when antibacterial osteoconductive coating with a possibility of withstanding mechanical stress during implantation and service is needed.

Acquisition of a High Voltage/High resolution Transmission Electron Microscope.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-21

microstructural design starts at the nanometer level. One such method is colloidal processing of materials with ultrafine particles in which particle...applications in the colloidal processing of ceramics with ultrafine particles . Aftervards, nanometer-sized particles will be synthesized and...STRUCTURAL CONTROL WITH ULTRAFINE PARTICLES Jun Liu. Mehmet Sarikaya, and I. A. Aksay Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Advanced

Personal exposure to ultrafine particles from PVC welding and concrete work during tunnel rehabilitation.

PubMed

Jørgensen, Rikke Bramming; Buhagen, Morten; Føreland, Solveig

2016-07-01

To investigate the exposure to number concentration of ultrafine particles and the size distribution in the breathing zone of workers during rehabilitation of a subsea tunnel. Personal exposure was measured using a TSI 3091 Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPS), measuring the number concentration of submicrometre particles (including ultrafine particles) and the particle size distribution in the size range 5.6-560 nm. The measurements were performed in the breathing zone of the operators by the use of a conductive silicone tubing. Working tasks studied were operation of the slipforming machine, operations related to finishing the verge, and welding the PVC membrane. In addition, background levels were measured. Arithmetic mean values of ultrafine particles were in the range 6.26×10(5)-3.34×10(6). Vertical PVC welding gave the highest exposure. Horizontal welding was the work task with the highest maximum peak exposure, 8.1×10(7) particles/cm(3). Background concentrations of 4.0×10(4)-3.1×10(5) were found in the tunnel. The mobility diameter at peak particle concentration varied between 10.8 nm during horizontal PVC welding and during breaks and 60.4 nm while finishing the verge. PVC welding in a vertical position resulted in very high exposure of the worker to ultrafine particles compared to other types of work tasks. In evaluations of worker exposure to ultrafine particles, it seems important to distinguish between personal samples taken in the breathing zone of the worker and more stationary work area measurements. There is a need for a portable particle-sizing instrument for measurements of ultrafine particles in working environments. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

The Butterflies of Principal Components: A Case of Ultrafine-Grained Polyphase Units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rietmeijer, F. J. M.

1996-03-01

Dusts in the accretion regions of chondritic interplanetary dust particles [IDPs] consisted of three principal components: carbonaceous units [CUs], carbon-bearing chondritic units [GUs] and carbon-free silicate units [PUs]. Among others, differences among chondritic IDP morphologies and variable bulk C/Si ratios reflect variable mixtures of principal components. The spherical shapes of the initially amorphous principal components remain visible in many chondritic porous IDPs but fusion was documented for CUs, GUs and PUs. The PUs occur as coarse- and ultrafine-grained units that include so called GEMS. Spherical principal components preserved in an IDP as recognisable textural units have unique proporties with important implications for their petrological evolution from pre-accretion processing to protoplanet alteration and dynamic pyrometamorphism. Throughout their lifetime the units behaved as closed-systems without chemical exchange with other units. This behaviour is reflected in their mineralogies while the bulk compositions of principal components define the environments wherein they were formed.

Principal components - Petrology and chemistry of polyphase units in chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rietmeijer, Frans J. M.

1997-03-01

Chondritic porous (CP) interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) can be described as 'cosmic sediments'. It should be possible to recognize in these IDPs the 4500 Myrs old solar nebula dusts. The studies of unaltered chondritic IDPs show that their matrices are a mixture of three different principal components (PCs) that also describe variable C/Si ratios of chondritic IDPs. Among others, PCs include polyphase units (PUs) that are amorphous to holocrystalline, both ultrafine- and coarse-grained, ferromagnesiosilica(te) materials with minor Al and Ca. The properties of PCs and their alteration products define the physical and chemical processes that produced and altered these components. PCs are also cornerstones of IDP classification. For example, the bulk composition of ultrafine-grained PCs can be reconstructed using the 'butterfly method' and also allows an evaluation of the metamorphic signatures, (e.g., dynamic pyrometamorphism), in chondritic IDPs.

FORMATION MECHANISM FOR THE NANOSCALE AMORPHOUS INTERFACE IN PULSE-WELDED AL/FE BIMETALLIC SYSTEM

DOE PAGES

Li, Jingjing; Yu, Qian; Zhang, Zijiao; ...

2016-05-20

Pulse or impact welding traditionally has been referred to as “solid-state” welding. By integrating advanced interface characterizations and diffusion calculations, we report that the nanoscale amorphous interface in the pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic system is formed by rapid heating and melting of a thin Al layer at the interface, diffusion of iron atoms in the liquid aluminum, and subsequent rapid quenching with diffused iron atoms in solution. This finding challenges the commonly held belief regarding the solid-state nature of the impact-based welding process for dissimilar metals. Elongated ultra-fine grains with high dislocation density and ultra-fine equiaxed grains also are observed inmore » the weld interface vicinity on the steel and aluminum sides, respectively, which further confirms that melting and the resulted recrystallization occurred on the aluminum side of the interface.« less

FORMATION MECHANISM FOR THE NANOSCALE AMORPHOUS INTERFACE IN PULSE-WELDED AL/FE BIMETALLIC SYSTEM

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

Li, Jingjing; Yu, Qian; Zhang, Zijiao

Pulse or impact welding traditionally has been referred to as “solid-state” welding. By integrating advanced interface characterizations and diffusion calculations, we report that the nanoscale amorphous interface in the pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic system is formed by rapid heating and melting of a thin Al layer at the interface, diffusion of iron atoms in the liquid aluminum, and subsequent rapid quenching with diffused iron atoms in solution. This finding challenges the commonly held belief regarding the solid-state nature of the impact-based welding process for dissimilar metals. Elongated ultra-fine grains with high dislocation density and ultra-fine equiaxed grains also are observed inmore » the weld interface vicinity on the steel and aluminum sides, respectively, which further confirms that melting and the resulted recrystallization occurred on the aluminum side of the interface.« less

Formation mechanism for the nanoscale amorphous interface in pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic systems

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

Li, Jingjing; Yu, Qian; Zhang, Zijiao

Pulse or impact welding traditionally has been referred to as “solid-state” welding. By integrating advanced interface characterizations and diffusion calculations, we report that the nanoscale amorphous interface in the pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic system is formed by rapid heating and melting of a thin Al layer at the interface, diffusion of iron atoms in the liquid aluminum, and subsequent rapid quenching with diffused iron atoms in solution. This finding challenges the commonly held belief regarding the solid-state nature of the impact-based welding process for dissimilar metals. Elongated ultra-fine grains with high dislocation density and ultra-fine equiaxed grains also are observed inmore » the weld interface vicinity on the steel and aluminum sides, respectively, which further confirms that melting and the subsequent recrystallization occurred on the aluminum side of the interface.« less

Combined process "helical rolling-pressing" and its effect on the microstructure of ferrous and non-ferrous materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naizabekov, Abdrakhman; Lezhnev, Sergey; Arbuz, Alexandr; Panin, Evgeniy

2018-02-01

Ultrafine-grained materials are one of the most promising structural and functional materials. However, the known methods of obtaining them are not enough powerful and technologically advanced for profitable industrial applications. Development of the combined process "helical rolling-pressing" is an attempt to bring technology to produce ultrafine-grained materials to the industry. The combination of intense processing of the surface by helical rolling and the entire cross section of workpiece in equal channel angular matrix, with intense deformation by torsion between rolls and matrix will increase the degree of deformation per pass and allows to mutually compensate disadvantages of these methods in the case of their separate use. This paper describes the development of a laboratory stand and study of influence of combined process "helical rolling-pressing"on the microstructure of tool steel, technical copper and high alloy stainless high-temperature steel.

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

Sun, Pei; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Koopman, Mark

The hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process is a novel powder metallurgy method for producing Ti alloys, particularly the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, with ultra-fine microstructure in the as-sintered state. The ultra-fine microstructure is obtained as a direct result of the use of H-2 gas during sintering. The refinement of the microstructure during HSPT is similar to that of thermal hydrogen processing (THP) of bulk Ti alloys. For both THP and HSPT of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, the mechanisms of the grain refinement depend on the phase equilibria and phase transformations in the presence of hydrogen, which are surprisingly still not well establishedmore » to date and are still subjected to research and debate. In recent work by the present authors, a pseudo-binary phase diagram of (Ti-6Al-4V)-H has been determined by using in situ synchrotron XRD and TGA/DSC techniques. Aided by this phase diagram, the current paper focuses on the series of phase transformations during sintering and cooling of Ti-6Al-4V in a hydrogen atmosphere and the mechanisms for the formation of the ultra-fine microstructures obtained. Using experimental techniques, including in situ synchrotron XRD, SEM, EBSD, and TEM, the microstructural refinement was found to be the result of (1) the precipitation of ultra-fine alpha/alpha(2) within coarse beta grains during an isothermal hold at intermediate temperatures, and (2) the eutectoid transformation of beta -> alpha + delta d at approximately 473 K (200 degrees C). (C) The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2015« less

Influence of processing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 14YWT

DOE PAGES

Hoelzer, David T.; Unocic, Kinga A.; Sokolov, Mikhail A.; ...

2015-12-15

In this study, the investigation of the mechanical alloying (MA) conditions for producing the advanced oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) 14YWT ferritic alloy led to significant improvements in balancing the strength, ductility and fracture toughness properties while still maintaining the salient microstructural features consisting of ultra-fine grains and high concentration of Y-, Ti- and O-enriched nanoclusters. The implemented changes to the processing conditions included reducing the contamination of the powder during ball milling, applying a pre-extrusion annealing treatment on the ball milled powder and exploring different extrusion temperatures at 850 °C (SM170 heat), 1000 °C (SM185) and 1150 °C (SM200). Themore » microstructural studies of the three 14YWT heats showed similarities in the dispersion of nanoclusters and sub-micron size grains, indicating the microstructure was insensitive to the different extrusion conditions. Compared to past 14YWT heats, the three new heats showed lower strength, but higher ductility levels between 25 and 800 °C and significantly higher fracture toughness values between 25 °C and 700 °C. The lower contamination levels of O, C and N achieved with improved ball milling conditions plus the slightly larger grain size were identified as important factors for improving the balance in mechanical properties of the three heats of 14YWT.« less

Quasi-static Tensile and Compressive Behavior of Nanocrystalline Tantalum based on Miniature Specimen Testing—Part I: Materials Processing and Microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ligda, J.; Scotto D'Antuono, D.; Taheri, M. L.; Schuster, B. E.; Wei, Q.

2016-11-01

Grain size reduction of metals into ultrafine-grained (UFG, grain size 100 nm < d < 1000 nm) and nanocrystalline (NC, d < 100 nm) regimes results in considerable increase in strength along with other changes in mechanical behavior such as vanishing strain hardening and limited ductility. Severe plastic deformation (SPD) has been among the favored technologies for the fabrication of UFG/NC metals. Primary past research efforts on SPD UFG/NC metals have been focused on easy-to-work metals, especially face-centered cubic metals such as copper, nickel, etc., and the limited efforts on body-centered cubic metals have mainly focused on high strain rate behavior where these metals are shown to deform via adiabatic shear bands. Except for the work on Fe, only a few papers can be found associated with UFG/NC refractory metals. In the first part of the present work (Part I), high-pressure torsion (HPT) is used to process UFG/NC tantalum, a typical refractory metal. The microstructure of the HPT disk as a function of radial location as well as orientation will be examined. In the subsequent part (Part II), the location-specific mechanical behavior will be presented and discussed. It is suggested that refractory metals such as Ta are ideal to employ SPD technology for microstructure refinement because of the extremely high melting point and relatively good workability.

In situ neutron diffraction in quantifying deformation behaviors of nano-sized carbide strengthened UFG ferritic steel

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

Liang, J. W.; Shen, Y. F.; Zhang, C. S.

Here, the microstructures and mechanical properties of a low-alloy medium-carbon steel with a duplex microstructure composed of nanoscale spheroidized carbides in ultrafine-grained (UFG) ferritic steel are examined. The average grain size of the studied steel is ~ 430 nm, and these grains coexist with numerous carbides. Neutron diffraction reveals that the intensity of (011) and (022) peaks for the UFG sample is significantly enhanced, suggesting that the (011)//RD texture is a result of the warm rolling process. The lattice parameter of UFG steel is smaller than that of a martensitic steel (M steel) counterpart, indicating a lower carbon concentration inmore » the lattice. The estimated dislocation densities for M steel and UFG steel are 2.59 × 10 14 cm –2 and 1.76 × 10 12 cm –2, respectively. The UFG steel reveals a nearly isotropic lattice strain response under initial tension from 0 to 450 MPa, where the lattice strains of the (110), (002), and (112) planes are identical. The increase of lattice strain of the (110) plane becomes smaller than that of the (002) and (112) planes as the stress exceeds 450 MPa, suggesting that the nanosized carbides contribute to the hardening ability by promoting the accumulation of geometrically necessary dislocations around the particles, and the (110) lattice becomes harder compared to the other two planes.« less

In situ neutron diffraction in quantifying deformation behaviors of nano-sized carbide strengthened UFG ferritic steel

DOE PAGES

Liang, J. W.; Shen, Y. F.; Zhang, C. S.; ...

2018-04-25

Here, the microstructures and mechanical properties of a low-alloy medium-carbon steel with a duplex microstructure composed of nanoscale spheroidized carbides in ultrafine-grained (UFG) ferritic steel are examined. The average grain size of the studied steel is ~ 430 nm, and these grains coexist with numerous carbides. Neutron diffraction reveals that the intensity of (011) and (022) peaks for the UFG sample is significantly enhanced, suggesting that the (011)//RD texture is a result of the warm rolling process. The lattice parameter of UFG steel is smaller than that of a martensitic steel (M steel) counterpart, indicating a lower carbon concentration inmore » the lattice. The estimated dislocation densities for M steel and UFG steel are 2.59 × 10 14 cm –2 and 1.76 × 10 12 cm –2, respectively. The UFG steel reveals a nearly isotropic lattice strain response under initial tension from 0 to 450 MPa, where the lattice strains of the (110), (002), and (112) planes are identical. The increase of lattice strain of the (110) plane becomes smaller than that of the (002) and (112) planes as the stress exceeds 450 MPa, suggesting that the nanosized carbides contribute to the hardening ability by promoting the accumulation of geometrically necessary dislocations around the particles, and the (110) lattice becomes harder compared to the other two planes.« less

Comparison of Three Real-Time Measurement Methods for Airborne Ultrafine Particles in the Silicon Alloy Industry.

PubMed

Kero, Ida Teresia; Jørgensen, Rikke Bramming

2016-09-01

The aim of this study was to compare the applicability and the correlation between three commercially available instruments capable of detection, quantification, and characterization of ultrafine airborne particulate matter in the industrial setting of a tapping area in a silicon alloy production plant. The number concentration of ultrafine particles was evaluated using an Electric Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI(TM)), a Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPS(TM)), and a Condensation Particle Counter (CPC). The results are discussed in terms of particle size distribution and temporal variations linked to process operations. The instruments show excellent temporal covariation and the correlation between the FMPS and ELPI is good. The advantage of the FMPS is the excellent time- and size resolution of the results. The main advantage of the ELPI is the possibility to collect size-fractionated samples of the dust for subsequent analysis by, for example, electron microscopy. The CPC does not provide information about the particle size distribution and its correlation to the other two instruments is somewhat poor. Nonetheless, the CPC gives basic, real-time information about the ultrafine particle concentration and can therefore be used for source identification.

Comparison of Three Real-Time Measurement Methods for Airborne Ultrafine Particles in the Silicon Alloy Industry

PubMed Central

Kero, Ida Teresia; Jørgensen, Rikke Bramming

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the applicability and the correlation between three commercially available instruments capable of detection, quantification, and characterization of ultrafine airborne particulate matter in the industrial setting of a tapping area in a silicon alloy production plant. The number concentration of ultrafine particles was evaluated using an Electric Low Pressure Impactor (ELPITM), a Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPSTM), and a Condensation Particle Counter (CPC). The results are discussed in terms of particle size distribution and temporal variations linked to process operations. The instruments show excellent temporal covariation and the correlation between the FMPS and ELPI is good. The advantage of the FMPS is the excellent time- and size resolution of the results. The main advantage of the ELPI is the possibility to collect size-fractionated samples of the dust for subsequent analysis by, for example, electron microscopy. The CPC does not provide information about the particle size distribution and its correlation to the other two instruments is somewhat poor. Nonetheless, the CPC gives basic, real-time information about the ultrafine particle concentration and can therefore be used for source identification. PMID:27598180

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

Bedekar, Vikram; Poplawsky, Jonathan D.; Guo, Wei

In grain finement and non-equilibrium there is carbon segregation within grain boundaries alters the mechanical performance of hard turning layers in carburized bearing steel. Moreover, an atom probe tomography (APT) study on the nanostructured hard turning layers reveals carbon migration to grain boundaries as a result of carbide decomposition during severe plastic deformation. In addition, samples exposed to different cutting speeds show that the carbon migration rate increases with the cutting speed. For these two effects lead to an ultrafine carbon network structure resulting in increased hardness and thermal stability in the severely deformed surface layer.

Controlling the mechanical properties of carbon steel by thermomechanical treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balavar, Mohsen; Mirzadeh, Hamed

2018-01-01

The effect of thermomechanical processing and heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of low carbon steel was studied. It was revealed that the dual phase ferritic-martensitic microstructure shows a good combination of tensile strength and ductility along with superior work hardening response. On the other hand, the bimodal-sized structure containing ultrafine grained (UFG) and micron-sized ferrite phase can be easily produced by cold rolling and annealing of the dual phase starting microstructure. This steel showed high yield stress, tensile strength, and ductility, but poor work hardening ability. The full annealed ferritic-pearlitic sheet with banded morphology exhibited low strength and high total elongation with the appearance of the yield point phenomenon. The martensitic steels, however, had high tensile strength and low ductility. By comparing the tensile properties of these steels, it was shown that it is possible to control the mechanical properties of low carbon steel by simple processing routes.

Ultrafine cementitious grout

DOEpatents

Ahrens, E.H.

1998-07-07

An ultrafine cementitious grout is described having a particle size 90% of which are less than 6 {micro}m in diameter and an average size of about 2.5 {micro}m or less, and preferably 90% of which are less than 5 {micro}m in diameter and an average size of about 2 {micro}m or less containing Portland cement, pumice as a pozzolanic material and superplasticizer in the amounts of about 40 wt. % to about 50 wt. % Portland cement; from about 50 wt. % to about 60 wt. % pumice containing at least 60% amorphous silicon dioxide; and from 0.1 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. % superplasticizer. The grout is mixed with water in the W/CM ratio of about 0.4--0.6/1. The grout has very high strength and very low permeability with good workability. The ultrafine particle sizes allow for sealing of microfractures below 10 {micro}m in width. 4 figs.

Ultrafine cementitious grout

DOEpatents

Ahrens, Ernst H.

1998-01-01

An ultrafine cementitious grout having a particle size 90% of which are less than 6 .mu.m in diameter and an average size of about 2.5 .mu.m or less, and preferably 90% of which are less than 5 .mu.m in diameter and an average size of about 2 .mu.m or less containing Portland cement, pumice as a pozzolanic material and superplasticizer in the amounts of about 40 wt. % to about 50 wt. % Portland cement; from about 50 wt. % to about 60 wt. % pumice containing at least 60% amorphous silicon dioxide; and from 0.1 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. % superplasticizer. The grout is mixed with water in the W/CM ratio of about 0.4-0.6/1. The grout has very high strength and very low permeability with good workability. The ultrafine particle sizes allow for sealing of microfractures below 10 .mu.m in width.

What if chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles are not the real McCoy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rietmeijer, Frans J. M.

To select a target comet for a Comet Nucleus Sample Return Mission (CNSRM) it is necessary to have an experimental data base to evaluate the extent of diversity and similarity of comets. For example, the physical properties (e.g., low density) of chondritic porous (CP) interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) are believed to resemble these properties of cometary dust although it is yet to be demonstrated that the porous structure of CP IDPs is inherent to presolar dust particles stored in comet nuclei. Porous structures of IDPs could conceivably form during sublimation at the surface of active comet nuclei. Porous structures are also obtained during annealing of amorphous Mg-SiO smokes which initially forms porous aggregates of olivine + platey tridymite and which, upon continued annealing, react to fluffy enstatite aggregates. It is therefore uncertain that CP IDPs are entirely composed of unmetamorphosed presolar dust. Conceivably, new minerals and textures may form in situ in nuclei of active comets as a function of their individual thermal history. Unmetamorphosed comet dust is probably structurally amorphous. Thermal annealing of this dust can produce ultra fine-grained minerals and this ultrafine grain size of CP IDPs should be considered in assessments of aqueous alterations that could affect presolar dust in comet nuclei between 200 and 400 K. Devitrification and hydration may occur in situ in ice-dust mixtures and the mantle of active comet nuclei. Devitrification, or uncontrolled crystallization, of amorphous precursor dust can produce a range of chemical compositions of ultrafine-grained minerals and (non-equilibrium) mineral assemblages and textures in dust contained in comet nuclei as a function of period and trajectory of orbit and number of perihelion passages (not considering internal heating). Thus, experimental data on relevant processes and reaction rates between 200 and 400 K are needed in order to evaluate comet selection, penetration depth for sampling device and curation of samples for CNSRM.

What if chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles are not the real McCoy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rietmeijer, Frans J. M.

1989-01-01

To select a target comet for a Comet Nucleus Sample Return Mission (CNSRM) it is necessary to have an experimental data base to evaluate the extent of diversity and similarity of comets. For example, the physical properties (e.g., low density) of chondritic porous (CP) interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) are believed to resemble these properties of cometary dust although it is yet to be demonstrated that the porous structure of CP IDPs is inherent to presolar dust particles stored in comet nuclei. Porous structures of IDPs could conceivably form during sublimation at the surface of active comet nuclei. Porous structures are also obtained during annealing of amorphous Mg-SiO smokes which initially forms porous aggregates of olivine + platey tridymite and which, upon continued annealing, react to fluffy enstatite aggregates. It is therefore uncertain that CP IDPs are entirely composed of unmetamorphosed presolar dust. Conceivably, new minerals and textures may form in situ in nuclei of active comets as a function of their individual thermal history. Unmetamorphosed comet dust is probably structurally amorphous. Thermal annealing of this dust can produce ultra fine-grained minerals and this ultrafine grain size of CP IDPs should be considered in assessments of aqueous alterations that could affect presolar dust in comet nuclei between 200 and 400 K. Devitrification and hydration may occur in situ in ice-dust mixtures and the mantle of active comet nuclei. Devitrification, or uncontrolled crystallization, of amorphous precursor dust can produce a range of chemical compositions of ultrafine-grained minerals and (non-equilibrium) mineral assemblages and textures in dust contained in comet nuclei as a function of period and trajectory of orbit and number of perihelion passages (not considering internal heating). Thus, experimental data on relevant processes and reaction rates between 200 and 400 K are needed in order to evaluate comet selection, penetration depth for sampling device and curation of samples for CNSRM.

Study of deformation behavior, structure and mechanical properties of the AlSiMnFe alloy during ECAP-PBP.

PubMed

Naizabekov, A B; Andreyachshenko, V A; Kocich, Radim

2013-01-01

The presented article deals with the effects of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) with a newly adjusted die geometry on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al-Si-Mn-Fe alloy. This alloy was subjected to two modes of heat treatment followed by the ECAP process, which led to partial back pressure (ECAP-PBP). Ultra-fine grained (UFG) structure formed through ECAP-PBP process has been studied by methods of optical as well as electron microscopy. The obtained results indicate that quenched alloys, in comparison to slowly cooled alloys, do not contain large brittle particles which subsequently initiate a premature creation of cracks. It was shown that the mechanical properties of these alloys after such processing depend first and foremost on the selected type of heat treatment and on the number of performed passes. The maximum of ultimate tensile strength (417 MPa) was obtained for quenched alloy after 3 passes. On the other hand, maximum ductility was found in slowly cooled alloy after second pass. Further passes reduced strength due to the brittle behavior of excluded particles. One of the partial findings is that there is only a small dependency of the resulting size of grains on previously applied thermal processing. The minimum grain sizes were obtained after 3 passages, where their size ranged between 0.4 and 0.8 μm. The application of quick cooling after heat processing due to the occurrence of finer precipitates in the matrix seems to produce better results. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Facile synthesis of ultrafine cobalt oxide nanoparticles for high-performance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Liu, Fangyan; Su, Hai; Jin, Long; Zhang, Haitao; Chu, Xiang; Yang, Weiqing

2017-11-01

The ultrafine Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles are successfully prepared by a novel solvothermal-precipitation approach which exploits the supernatant liquid of Co 3 O 4 nanoflake micropheres synthesized by solvothermal method before. Interestingly, the water is only employed to obtain the ultrafine nanoparticles in supernatant liquid which was usually thrown away before. The microstructure measurement results of the as-grown samples present the homogeneous disperse ultrafine Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles with the size of around 5-10nm. The corresponding synthesis mechanism of the ultrafine Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles is proposed. More importantly, these ultrafine Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles obtained at 250°C show the highest specific capacitance of 523.0Fg -1 at 0.5Ag -1 , 2.6 times that of Co 3 O 4 nanoflake micropheres due to the quantum size effect. Meanwhile, the sample annealed under 350°C possesses the best cycling stability with capacitance retention of 104.9% after 1500 cycles. These results unambiguously demonstrate that this work not only provides a novel, facile, and eco-friendly approach to prepare high-performance Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles electrode materials for supercapacitors but also develops a widely used method for the preparation of other materials on a large scale. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

One-step rapid synthesis of ultrafine γ-Ga2O3 nanocrystals by microwave hydrothermal method in ammonium hydroxide medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Lu; Wang, Hong; Xin, Baifu; Mao, Guijie

2017-10-01

Ultrafine nanocrystals of γ-gallium oxide (γ-Ga2O3) were rapidly synthesized via microwave hydrothermal method at 140 °C, in which Ga(NO3)3 was used as the gallium source and urea was the precipitant. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen physisorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The crystallite size of ultrafine spinel γ-Ga2O3 was in the range from 4 to 5 nm and the optical bandgap was 4.61 eV. To improve the crystallinity, the ultrafine γ-Ga2O3 nanocrystals were calcined at 300-700 °C further. The ultrafine γ-Ga2O3 calcined at 500 °C (calcined-γ-Ga2O3) still remained the metastable γ-phase with relatively high crystallinity and the crystallite size around 5-7 nm. Photocatalytic performances of the synthesized samples were also evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). Results revealed that the ultrafine γ-Ga2O3 and the calcined-γ-Ga2O3 samples exhibited high photocatalytic efficiencies of 68.2 and 90.7%, respectively.

A Micro Aerosol Sensor for the Measurement of Airborne Ultrafine Particles.

PubMed

Zhang, Chao; Zhu, Rong; Yang, Wenming

2016-03-18

Particle number concentration and particle size are the two key parameters used to characterize exposure to airborne nanoparticles or ultrafine particles that have attracted the most attention. This paper proposes a simple micro aerosol sensor for detecting the number concentration and particle size of ultrafine particles with diameters from 50 to 253 nm based on electrical diffusion charging. The sensor is composed of a micro channel and a couple of planar electrodes printed on two circuit boards assembled in parallel, which thus integrate charging, precipitating and measurement elements into one chip, the overall size of which is 98 × 38 × 25 mm³. The experiment results demonstrate that the sensor is useful for measuring monodisperse aerosol particles with number concentrations from 300 to 2.5 × 10⁴ /cm³ and particle sizes from 50 to 253 nm. The aerosol sensor has a simple structure and small size, which is favorable for use in handheld devices.

A Micro Aerosol Sensor for the Measurement of Airborne Ultrafine Particles

PubMed Central

Zhang, Chao; Zhu, Rong; Yang, Wenming

2016-01-01

Particle number concentration and particle size are the two key parameters used to characterize exposure to airborne nanoparticles or ultrafine particles that have attracted the most attention. This paper proposes a simple micro aerosol sensor for detecting the number concentration and particle size of ultrafine particles with diameters from 50 to 253 nm based on electrical diffusion charging. The sensor is composed of a micro channel and a couple of planar electrodes printed on two circuit boards assembled in parallel, which thus integrate charging, precipitating and measurement elements into one chip, the overall size of which is 98 × 38 × 25 mm3. The experiment results demonstrate that the sensor is useful for measuring monodisperse aerosol particles with number concentrations from 300 to 2.5 × 104 /cm3 and particle sizes from 50 to 253 nm. The aerosol sensor has a simple structure and small size, which is favorable for use in handheld devices. PMID:26999156

Multi-channel Spiral Twist Extrusion (MCSTE): A Novel Severe Plastic Deformation Technique for Grain Refinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Garaihy, W. H.; Fouad, D. M.; Salem, H. G.

2018-07-01

Multi-channel Spiral Twist Extrusion (MCSTE) is introduced as a novel severe plastic deformation (SPD) technique for producing superior mechanical properties associated with ultrafine grained structure in bulk metals and alloys. The MCSTE design is based on inserting a uniform square cross-sectioned billet within stacked disks that guarantee shear strain accumulation. In an attempt to validate the technique and evaluate its plastic deformation characteristics, a series of experiments were conducted. The influence of the number of MCSTE passes on the mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of AA1100 alloy were investigated. Four passes of MCSTE, at a relatively low twisting angle of 30 deg, resulted in increasing the strength and hardness coupled with retention of ductility. Metallographic observations indicated a significant grain size reduction of 72 pct after 4 passes of MCSTE compared with the as-received (AR) condition. Moreover, the structural uniformity increased with the number of passes, which was reflected in the hardness distribution from the peripheries to the center of the extrudates. The current study showed that the MCSTE technique could be an effective, adaptable SPD die design with a promising potential for industrial applications compared to its counterparts.

Production of a Powder Metallurgical Hot Work Tool Steel with Harmonic Structure by Mechanical Milling and Spark Plasma Sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deirmina, Faraz; Pellizzari, Massimo; Federici, Matteo

2017-04-01

Commercial AISI-H13 gas atomized powders (AT) were mechanically milled (MM) to refine both the particle size and the microstructure. Different volume fractions of coarser grained (CG) AT powders were mixed with the ultra-fine grained (UFG) MM and consolidated by spark plasma sintering to obtain bulks showing a harmonic structure ( i.e. a 3D interconnected network of UFG areas surrounding the CG atomized particles). The low sintering temperature, 1373.15 K (1100 °C) and the short sintering time (30 minutes) made it possible to obtain near full density samples while preserving the refined microstructure induced by MM. A combination of high hardness and significantly improved fracture toughness is achieved by the samples containing 50 to 80 vol pct MM, essentially showing harmonic structure. The design allows to easily achieve specific application oriented properties by varying the MM volume fraction in the initial mixture. Hardness is governed by the fine-grained MM matrix and improved toughening is due to (1) deviatory effect of AT particles and (2) energy dissipation as a result of the decohesion in MM regions or AT and MM interface.

Multi-channel Spiral Twist Extrusion (MCSTE): A Novel Severe Plastic Deformation Technique for Grain Refinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Garaihy, W. H.; Fouad, D. M.; Salem, H. G.

2018-04-01

Multi-channel Spiral Twist Extrusion (MCSTE) is introduced as a novel severe plastic deformation (SPD) technique for producing superior mechanical properties associated with ultrafine grained structure in bulk metals and alloys. The MCSTE design is based on inserting a uniform square cross-sectioned billet within stacked disks that guarantee shear strain accumulation. In an attempt to validate the technique and evaluate its plastic deformation characteristics, a series of experiments were conducted. The influence of the number of MCSTE passes on the mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of AA1100 alloy were investigated. Four passes of MCSTE, at a relatively low twisting angle of 30 deg, resulted in increasing the strength and hardness coupled with retention of ductility. Metallographic observations indicated a significant grain size reduction of 72 pct after 4 passes of MCSTE compared with the as-received (AR) condition. Moreover, the structural uniformity increased with the number of passes, which was reflected in the hardness distribution from the peripheries to the center of the extrudates. The current study showed that the MCSTE technique could be an effective, adaptable SPD die design with a promising potential for industrial applications compared to its counterparts.

Electron back-scattered diffraction and nanoindentation analysis of nanostructured Al tubes processed by multipass tubular-channel angular pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mesbah, Mohsen; Faraji, Ghader; Bushroa, A. R.

2016-03-01

Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of nanostructured 1060 aluminum alloy tubes processed by tubular-channel angular pressing (TCAP) process were investigated using electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoindentation analyzes. EBSD scans revealed a homogeneous ultrafine grained microstructure after the third passes of the TCAP process. Apart from that the mean grain sizes of the TCAP processed tubes were refined to 566 nm, 500 nm and 480 nm respectively after the first, second and third passes. The results showed that after the three TCAP passes, the grain boundaries with a high angle comprised 78% of all the boundaries. This is in comparison to the first pass processed sample that includes approximately 20% HAGBs. The TEM inspection afforded an appreciation of the role of very low-angle misorientation boundaries in the process of refining microstructure. Nanoindentation results showed that hardness was the smallest form of an unprocessed sample while the largest form of the processed sample after the three passes of TCAP indicated the highest resistant of the material. In addition, the module of elasticity of the TCAP processed samples was greater from that of the unprocessed sample.

Ultrafine Angelica gigas powder normalizes ovarian hormone levels and has antiosteoporosis properties in ovariectomized rats: particle size effect.

PubMed

Choi, Kyeong-Ok; Lee, Inae; Paik, Sae-Yeol-Rim; Kim, Dong Eun; Lim, Jung Dae; Kang, Wie-Soo; Ko, Sanghoon

2012-10-01

The root of Angelica gigas (Korean angelica) is traditionally used to treat women's ailments that are caused by an impairment of menstrual blood flow and cycle irregularities. This study evaluated the effect particle size of Korean angelica powder on its efficacy for treating estrogen-related symptoms of menopause. Initially, Korean angelica roots were pulverized into ultrafine powder, and orally administered to the rats at a concentration of 500 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks. The effects of Korean angelica powder particle size on extraction yield, contents of bioactive compounds (decursin and decursinol angelate), levels of serum ovarian hormones (estradiol and progesterone), reproductive hormones (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone), and experimental osteoporosis parameters (mineral density, strength, and histological features) were determined. A significant increase (fivefold) in the contents of decursin and decursinol angelate in the extract of the ultrafine Korean angelica powder was observed compared to coarse Korean angelica powder. Rats were divided into sham-operated or ovariectomized (OVX) groups that were fed coarse (CRS) or ultrafine (UF) ground Korean angelica root. The serum levels of estradiol in the OVX_UF group were 19.2% and 54.1% higher than that of OVX_CRS group. Serum bone-alkaline phosphatase/total-alkaline phosphatase index in the OVX_UF group was half that of the OVX_CRS group. In addition, less trabecular bone loss and thick cortical areas were observed in rats administered ultrafine powder. Therefore, ultrafine grinding may enhance the bioactivity of herbal medicines and be especially useful when their extracted forms lose bioactivity during processing, storage, and oral intake.

Comparative cardiopulmonary effects of size-fractionated airborne particulate matter.

PubMed

Amatullah, Hajera; North, Michelle L; Akhtar, Umme S; Rastogi, Neeraj; Urch, Bruce; Silverman, Frances S; Chow, Chung-Wai; Evans, Greg J; Scott, Jeremy A

2012-02-01

Strong epidemiological evidence exists linking particulate matter (PM) exposures with hospital admissions of individuals for cardiopulmonary symptoms. The PM size is important in influencing the extent of infiltration into the respiratory tract and systemic circulation and directs the differential physiological impacts. To investigate the differential effects of the quasi-ultrafine (PM(0.2)), fine (PM(0.15-2.5)), and coarse PM (PM(2.5-10)) size fractions on pulmonary and cardiac function. Female BALB/c mice were exposed to HEPA-filtered laboratory air or concentrated coarse, fine, or quasi-ultrafine PM using Harvard Ambient Particle Concentrators in conjunction with our nose-only exposure system. These exposures were conducted as part of the "Health Effects of Aerosols in Toronto (HEAT)" campaign. Following a 4 h exposure, mice underwent assessment of respiratory function and recording of electrocardiograms using the flexiVent® system. Exposure to coarse and fine PM resulted in a significant reduction in quasistatic compliance of the lung. Baseline total respiratory resistance and maximum responsiveness to methacholine were augmented after coarse PM exposures but were not affected by quasi-ultrafine PM exposures. In contrast, quasi-ultrafine PM alone had a significant effect on heart rate and in reducing heart rate variability. These findings indicate that coarse and fine PM influence lung function and airways responsiveness, while ultrafine PM can perturb cardiac function. This study supports the hypothesis that coarse and fine PM exerts its predominant physiologic effects at the site of deposition in the airways, whereas ultrafine PM likely crosses the alveolar epithelial barrier into the systemic circulation to affect cardiovascular function.

Ultrafine particle concentration and new particle formation in a coastal arid environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alfoldy, Balint; Kotob, Mohamed; Obbard, Jeffrey P.

2017-04-01

Arid environments can be generally characterised by high coarse aerosol load due to the wind-driven erosion of the upper earth crust (i.e. Aeolian dust). On the other hand, anthropogenic activities and/or natural processes also generate significant numbers of particles in the ultrafine size range. Ultrafine particles (also referred as nano-particles) is considered as aerosol particles with the diameter less than 100 nm irrespectively their chemical composition. Due to their small size, these particles represent negligible mass portion in the total atmospheric particulate mass budget. On the other hand, these particles represent the majority of the total particle number budget and have the major contribution in the total aerosol surface distribution. Ultrafine particles are characterised by high mobility (diffusion) and low gravitational settling velocity. Consequently, these particles can be transported long distances and their atmospheric lifetime is relatively high (i.e. in the Accumulation Mode). Ultrafine particles play important role in the atmosphere as they take part in the atmospheric chemistry (high surface), impact the climate (sulphate vs. black carbon), and implies significant health effects due to their deep lung penetration and high mobility in the body. The Atmospheric Laboratory of Qatar University is conducting real-time monitoring of ultrafine particles and regularly taking aerosol samples for chemical analysis at the university campus. In this paper, recent results are presented regarding the size distribution and chemical composition of the ultrafine aerosol particles. Based on the concentration variation in time, sources of ultrafine particles can be clearly separated from the sources of fine or coarse particles. Several cases of new particle formation events have been observed and demonstrated in the paper, however, the precursors of the secondary aerosol particles are still unknown. Literature references suggest that among the sulphuric acid, iodine molecules can also play important role in new particle formation at coastal environments. Chemical analysis of size-segregated aerosol samples demonstrates that sulphate aerosol has a mean diameter at 300 nm that can be the Accumulation Mode of the previously nucleated sulphate particles. The mean diameter of black carbon particles was found at 180 nm. The new particle formation events were detected under 10 nm and particle concentration can reach up to 1.8x105 cm^-3 during severe events. The results demonstrate the significant natural and/or anthropogenic contribution of ultrafine particles to the total aerosol budget in an arid, coastal environment.

Polycrystalline Si nanoparticles and their strong aging enhancement of blue photoluminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Shikuan; Cai, Weiping; Zeng, Haibo; Li, Zhigang

2008-07-01

Nearly spherical polycrystalline Si nanoparticles with 20 nm diameter were fabricated based on laser ablation of silicon wafer immersed in sodium dodecyl sulfate aqueous solution. Such Si nanoparticles consist of disordered areas and ultrafine grains of 3 nm in mean size and exhibit significant photoluminescence in blue region. Importantly, aging at ambient air leads to continuing enhancement of the emission (more than 130 times higher in 16 weeks) showing stable and strong blue emission. This aging enhancement is attributed to progressive passivation of nonradiative Pb centers corresponding to silicon dangling bonds on the particles' surface. This study could be helpful in pushing Si into optoelectronic field and Si-based full color display, biomedical tagging, and flash memories.

The relationship between structure and magnetic properties in ultra-fine grained/nanostructured FePd alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okumura, Hideyuki

In this study, the magnetic behavior including coercivity and the magnetic phase transition (ferromagnetic ↔ paramagnetic) and related phenomena were qualitatively and quantitatively investigated in ultra-fine grained/nanostructured FePd permanent magnet alloys, in relation to the microstructure and defect structure, and the results were compared with bulk FePd. Most of the alloy specimens investigated were in the form of epoxybonded magnets or isostatically-pressed pellets, formed from powders which were produced with high energy ball milling. Some results of thin films and ribbons produced with sputtering and melt-spinning, respectively, are also included in this thesis. Characterization of the materials was performed by using X-ray diffraction techniques with texture measurement, transmission electron microscopy with Lorentz microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with EDS analysis, optical microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. X-ray line broadening analysis was utilized for the quantitative characterization of the nanoscale microstructure, and it was found that the Cauchy-Gaussian profile assumption best describes the broadening data. Enhanced coercivities ˜10 times those of the bulk FePd obtained using conventional heat treatments were explained as the result of statistical (stochastic) unpinning of interaction domain walls out of the potential well at the grain boundary, and there is also an additional effect ascribed to an increase of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy, which is mainly due to the metastable c/a ratio of the nanostructured ordered phase and possibly to stress anisotropy. At the same time, there is also a decrease of the coercivity for smaller grain sizes because of the "magnetically soft" grain boundary phase. A semi-quantitative theoretical model is proposed, which includes the effect of exchange coupling between the ordered grains. The so-called Kronmuller analysis based on the wall pinning model was self-consistent, supporting the notion that wall pinning by grain boundary is the dominant mechanism controlling the coercivity in the nanostructured aggregates in which the magnetic structure is comprised of interaction domains. Furthermore, conventionally structure-insensitive, intrinsic properties such as the saturation magnetization and Curie temperature were found to become structure-sensitive in these materials. The results were semi-quantitatively explained by consideration of the extraordinary microstructure and defect structure involving the high and complex strain fields, metastable tetragonalities, nonequilibrium grain boundaries, extremely high surface-to-volume ratios and perturbed coordination spheres. The possible change in the atomic bond character particularly around grain boundaries is also briefly discussed. It seems that there is a significant fluctuation in exchange couplings at the grain boundary volume, causing the variation of the saturation magnetization, while for the variation of the Curie temperature the powder surface instead of the grain boundary is more important. A modified localized moment model and thus Hund's rules seem applicable to the FePd alloy systems, and the spin density fluctuations seem small in the FePd alloys.

Time and size resolved Measurement of Mass Concentration at an Urban Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karg, E.; Ferron, G. A.; Heyder, J.

2003-04-01

Time- and size-resolved measurements of ambient particles are necessary for modelling of atmospheric particle transport, the interpretation of particulate pollution events and the estimation of particle deposition in the human lungs. In the size range 0.01 - 2 µm time- and size-resolved data are obtained from differential mobility and optical particle counter measurements and from gravimetric filter analyses on a daily basis (PM2.5). By comparison of the time averaged and size integrated particle volume concentration with PM2.5 data, an average density of ambient particles can be estimated. Using this density, the number concentration data can be converted in time- and size-resolved mass concentration. Such measurements were carried out at a Munich downtown crossroads. The spectra were integrated in the size ranges 10 - 100 nm, 100 - 500 nm and 500 - 2000 nm. Particles in these ranges are named ultrafine, fine and coarse particles. These ranges roughly represent freshly emitted particles, aged/accumulated particles and particles entrained by erosive processes. An average number concentration of 80000 1/cm3 (s.d. 67%), a particle volume concentration of 53 µm3/cm3 (s.d. 76%) and a PM2.5 mass concentration of 27 µg/m3 was found. These particle volume- and PM2.5 data imply an average density of 0.51 g/cm3. Average number concentration showed 95.3%, 4.7% and 0.006% of the total particle concentration in the size ranges mentioned above. Mass concentration was 14.7%, 80.2% and 5.1% of the total, assuming the average density to be valid for all particles. The variability in mass concentration was 94%, 75% and 33% for the three size ranges. Nearly all ambient particles were in the ultrafine size range, whereas most of the mass concentration was in the fine size range. However, a considerable mass fraction of nearly 15% was found in the ultrafine size range. As the sampling site was close to the road and traffic emissions were the major source of the particles, 1) the density was very low due to agglomerated and porous structures of freshly emitted combustion particles and 2) the variability was highest in the ultrafine range, obviously correlated to traffic activity and lowest in the micron size range. In conclusion, almost all ambient particles were ultrafine particles, whereas most of the particle mass was associated with fine particles. Nevertheless, a considerable mass fraction was found in the ultrafine size range. These particles had a very low density so that they can be considered as agglomerated and porous particles emitted from vehicles passing the crossroads. Therefore they showed a much higher variation in mass concentration than the fine and coarse particles.

Analysis of the ultrafine fraction of the Apollo 14 regolith

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finkelman, R. B.

1973-01-01

Analyses were obtained on more than 2400 randomly selected particles from the sub-37 micron (ultrafine) fraction of ten Apollo 14 regolith samples. The analyses were conducted with an energy dispersive electron microprobe system. The semiquantitative data were used to group the particles into ten categories. The pyroxene/plagioclase and olivine/plagioclase ratios are inconsistent with those ratios in the Apollo 14 breccias and rocks. The data suggest that fragmented basalts similar to Apollo 12 olivine basalts may have made significant contributions to the ultrafine fraction of the Fra Mauro regolith. Among a number of unusual particles encountered are brown, birefringent lath-shaped grains with 60 wt % SiO2 and 34 wt % FeO(FeSi2O5) and a glass with 20 to 25 wt % CaO, 0 to 8 wt % MgO, 40 to 45 wt % Al2O3 and approximately 30 wt % SiO2.

Temperature-dependent elastic anisotropy and mesoscale deformation in a nanostructured ferritic alloy

DOE PAGES

Stoica, G. M.; Stoica, A. D.; Miller, M. K.; ...

2014-10-10

Nanostructured ferritic alloys (NFA) are a new class of ultrafine-grained oxide dispersion-strengthened steels, promising for service in extreme environments of high temperature and high irradiation in the next-generation of nuclear reactors. This is owing to the remarkable stability of their complex microstructures containing a high density of Y-Ti-O nanoclusters within grains and along the grain boundaries. While nanoclusters have been recognized to be the primary contributor to the exceptional resistance to irradiation and high-temperature creep, very little is known about the mechanical roles of the polycrystalline grains that constitute the bulk ferritic matrix. Here we report the mesoscale characterization ofmore » anisotropic responses of the ultrafine NFA grains to tensile stresses at various temperatures using the state-of-the-art in situ neutron diffraction. We show the first experimental determination of temperature-dependent single-crystal elastic constants for the NFA, and reveal a strong temperature-dependent elastic anisotropy due to a sharp decrease in the shear stiffness constant [c'=(c_11-c_12)/2] when a critical temperature ( T_c ) is approached, indicative of elastic softening and instability of the ferritic matrix. We also show, from anisotropy-induced intergranular strain/stress accumulations, that a common dislocation slip mechanism operates at the onset of yielding for low temperatures, while there is a deformation crossover from low-temperature lattice hardening to high temperature lattice softening in response to extensive plastic deformation.« less

Investigation of structural-scale levels of spall fracture induced by a nanosecond relativistic high-current electron beam in ultrafine-grained Ti-Al-V-Mo alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dudarev, E. F.; Markov, A. B.; Bakach, G. P.; Maletkina, T. Yu.; Belov, N. N.; Tabachenko, A. N.; Skosirskii, A. B.; Habibullin, M. V.; Yakovlev, E. V.

2017-12-01

The results of an experimental and theoretical study of shock-wave processes and spall fracture in an ultrafine-grained and coarse-grained (α + β) Ti-Al-V-Mo alloy under the action of a nanosecond relativistic high-current electron beam are reported. Mathematical modeling is performed to show that when an electron beam with a power density of 1.65 × 1010 W/cm2 impacts this alloy, a shock wave with a compression amplitude of 13 GPa appears and its reflection gives rise to a tensile wave. Its amplitude increases with decreasing target thickness. The calculated increase in the thickness of the spalled layer at the rear surface of the target corresponds to the experimental data. It is established experimentally that plastic deformation precedes the spall fracture sequentially at three structural-scale levels. At the beginning pores are formed and merge, then microcracks are formed at different angles to the back surface of the target between the pores, and then a macrocrack is formed. As a result, the macrocrack surface is not smooth but exhibits pits of ductile fracture.

Effect of severe plastic deformation on the structure and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Mg alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khafizova, E.; Islamgaliev, R.

2014-08-01

Aluminum Al-Cu-Mg alloy has been subjected to high pressure torsion (HPT) and equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) at various temperatures. An ultrafine-grained (UFG) structure thermally stable up to a temperature of 175 °C was produced in all the investigated samples. Simultaneous increase in strength and ductility has been demonstrated in an ECAPed sample in comparison with a coarse-grained sample subjected to standard treatment.

Pulmonary effects induced by ultrafine PTFE particles.

PubMed

Johnston, C J; Finkelstein, J N; Mercer, P; Corson, N; Gelein, R; Oberdörster, G

2000-11-01

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) fumes consisting of large numbers of ultrafine (uf) particles and low concentrations of gas-phase compounds can cause severe acute lung injury. Our studies were designed to test three hypotheses: (i) uf PTFE fume particles are causally involved in the induction of acute lung injury, (ii) uf PTFE elicit greater pulmonary effects than larger sized PTFE accumulation mode particles, and (iii) preexposure to the uf PTFE fume particles will induce tolerance. We used uf Teflon (PTFE) fumes (count median particle size approximately 16 nm) generated by heating PTFE in a tube furnace to 486 degrees C to evaluate principles of ultrafine particle toxicity. Teflon fumes at ultrafine particle concentrations of 50 microg/m(3) were extremely toxic to rats when inhaled for only 15 min. We found that when generated in argon, the ultrafine Teflon particles alone are not toxic at these exposure conditions; neither were Teflon fume gas-phase constituents when generated in air. Only the combination of both phases when generated in air caused high toxicity, suggesting either the existence of radicals on the surface or a carrier mechanism of the ultrafine particles for adsorbed gas compounds. Aging of the fresh Teflon fumes for 3.5 min led to a predicted coagulation to >100 nm particles which no longer caused toxicity in exposed animals. This result is consistent with a greater toxicity of ultrafine particles compared to accumulation mode particles, although changes in particle surface chemistry during the aging process may have contributed to the diminished toxicity. Furthermore, the pulmonary toxicity of the ultrafine Teflon fumes could be prevented by adapting the animals with short 5-min exposures on 3 days prior to a 15-min exposure. Messages encoding antioxidants and chemokines were increased substantially in nonadapted animals, yet were unaltered in adapted animals. This study shows the importance of preexposure history for the susceptibility to acute ultrafine particle effects. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Atomic migration of carbon in hard turned layers of carburized bearing steel

DOE PAGES

Bedekar, Vikram; Poplawsky, Jonathan D.; Guo, Wei; ...

2016-01-01

In grain finement and non-equilibrium there is carbon segregation within grain boundaries alters the mechanical performance of hard turning layers in carburized bearing steel. Moreover, an atom probe tomography (APT) study on the nanostructured hard turning layers reveals carbon migration to grain boundaries as a result of carbide decomposition during severe plastic deformation. In addition, samples exposed to different cutting speeds show that the carbon migration rate increases with the cutting speed. For these two effects lead to an ultrafine carbon network structure resulting in increased hardness and thermal stability in the severely deformed surface layer.

Plume Mechanics and Particle Growth Processes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-10

ini- tiated by a critical review, subsequently published (1), of the kinetics of ultrafine particles . This review has had an IA 2 important influence...particles were found in the size range 0.01-0.25 p.m (7). 8 Publications and Technical Reports 1. Brock, J. R., "The Kinetics of Ultrafine Particles ," in...of Ultrafine Particles ," Sub- mitted for publication. 4. Brock, J. R., "On the Growth of Condensation Aerosols," Submitted for publication. 5. Brock

The Microstructural Design of Trimodal Aluminum Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Lin; Ma, Kaka; Yang, Hanry; Li, Meijuan; Lavernia, Enrique J.; Schoenung, Julie M.

2014-06-01

Trimodal composites, consisting of nanocrystalline or ultrafine grains (UFGs), coarse grains (CGs), and ceramic particles, were originally formulated to achieve combinations of physical and mechanical properties that are unattainable with the individual phases, such as strength, ductility, and high-strain-rate deformation. The concept of a trimodal structure is both scientifically novel as well as technologically promising because it provides multiple controllable degrees of freedom that allow for extensive microstructure design. The UFGs provide efficient obstacles for dislocation movement, such as grain boundaries and other crystalline defects. The size, distribution, and spatial arrangement of the CGs can be controlled to provide plasticity during deformation. The size, morphology, and distribution of the reinforcement particles can be tailored to attain various engineering and physical properties. Moreover, the interfaces that form among the various phases also help determine the overall behavior of the trimodal composites. In this article, a review is provided to discuss the selection and design of each component in trimodal Al composites. The toughening and strengthening mechanisms in the trimodal composite structure are discussed, paying particular attention to strategies that can be implemented to tailor microstructures for optimal mechanical behavior. Recent results obtained with high-performance trimodal Al composites that contain nanometric reinforcements are also discussed to highlight the ability to control particle-matrix interface characteristics. Finally, a perspective is provided on potential approaches that can be explored to develop the next generation of trimodal composites, and interesting scientific paradigms that evolve from the proposed design strategies are discussed.

Aluminizing a Ni sheet through severe plastic deformation induced by ball collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romankov, S.; Shchetinin, I. V.; Park, Y. C.

2015-07-01

Aluminizing a Ni sheet was performed through severe plastic deformation induced by ball collisions. The Ni sheet was fixed in the center of a mechanically vibrated vial between two connected parts. The balls were loaded into the vial on both sides of the Ni disk. Al disks, which were fixed on the top and the bottom of the vial, served as the sources of Al contamination. During processing, the Ni sheet was subject to intense ball collisions. The Al fragments were transferred and alloyed to the surface of the Ni sheet by these collisions. The combined effects of deformation-induced plastic flow, mechanical intermixing, and grain refinement resulted in the formation of a dense, continuous nanostructured Al layer on the Ni surface on both sides of the sheet. The Al layer consisted of Al grains with an average size of about 40 nm. The Al layer was reinforced with nano-sized Ni flakes that were introduced from the Ni surface during processing. The local amorphization at the Ni/Al interface revealed that the bonding between Ni and Al was formed by mechanical intermixing of atomic layers at the interface. The hardness of the fabricated Al layer was 10 times that of the initial Al plate. The ball collisions destroyed the initial rolling texture of the Ni sheet and induced the formation of the mixed [1 0 0] + [1 1 1] fiber texture. The laminar rolling structure of the Ni was transformed into an ultrafine grain structure.

Loop and void damage during heavy ion irradiation on nanocrystalline and coarse grained tungsten: Microstructure, effect of dpa rate, temperature, and grain size

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

El-Atwani, O.; Esquivel, E.; Efe, M.

Displacement damage, through heavy ion irradiation was studied on two tungsten grades (coarse grained tungsten (CGW) and nanocrystalline and ultrafine grained tungsten (NCW)) using different displacement per atom rates and different irradiation temperatures (RT and 1050 K). Percentage of <111> and <100> type loops at the irradiation conditions was determined. Irradiation damage in the microstructure was quantified using average loop areas and densities (method A) and loop areal fraction in the grain matrices under 2-beam diffraction conditions (method B). Average values of <111> and <100> loops were calculated from method A. Loop coalescence was shown to occur for CGW atmore » 0.25 dpa. Using both methods of quantifying microstructural damage, no effect of dpa rate was observed and damage in CGW was shown to be the same at RT and 1050 K. Swelling from voids observed at 1050 K was quantified. The loop damage in NCW was compared to CGW at the same diffraction and imaging conditions. NCW was shown to possess enhanced irradiation resistance at RT regarding loop damage and higher swelling resistance at 1050 K compared to CGW. For irradiation at 1050 K, the NCW was shown to have a similar defect densities to the CGW which is attributed to higher surface effects in the CGW, vacancy loop growth to voids and a better sink efficiency in the CGW deduced from the vacancy distribution profiles from Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Loop density and swelling was shown to have similar values in grains sizes that range from 80-600 nm. No loop or void denuded zones occurred at any of the irradiation conditions. This work has a collection of experiments and conclusions that are of vital importance to materials and nuclear communities.« less

Loop and void damage during heavy ion irradiation on nanocrystalline and coarse grained tungsten: Microstructure, effect of dpa rate, temperature, and grain size

DOE PAGES

El-Atwani, O.; Esquivel, E.; Efe, M.; ...

2018-02-20

Displacement damage, through heavy ion irradiation was studied on two tungsten grades (coarse grained tungsten (CGW) and nanocrystalline and ultrafine grained tungsten (NCW)) using different displacement per atom rates and different irradiation temperatures (RT and 1050 K). Percentage of <111> and <100> type loops at the irradiation conditions was determined. Irradiation damage in the microstructure was quantified using average loop areas and densities (method A) and loop areal fraction in the grain matrices under 2-beam diffraction conditions (method B). Average values of <111> and <100> loops were calculated from method A. Loop coalescence was shown to occur for CGW atmore » 0.25 dpa. Using both methods of quantifying microstructural damage, no effect of dpa rate was observed and damage in CGW was shown to be the same at RT and 1050 K. Swelling from voids observed at 1050 K was quantified. The loop damage in NCW was compared to CGW at the same diffraction and imaging conditions. NCW was shown to possess enhanced irradiation resistance at RT regarding loop damage and higher swelling resistance at 1050 K compared to CGW. For irradiation at 1050 K, the NCW was shown to have a similar defect densities to the CGW which is attributed to higher surface effects in the CGW, vacancy loop growth to voids and a better sink efficiency in the CGW deduced from the vacancy distribution profiles from Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Loop density and swelling was shown to have similar values in grains sizes that range from 80-600 nm. No loop or void denuded zones occurred at any of the irradiation conditions. This work has a collection of experiments and conclusions that are of vital importance to materials and nuclear communities.« less

Ultrafine Angelica gigas Powder Normalizes Ovarian Hormone Levels and Has Antiosteoporosis Properties in Ovariectomized Rats: Particle Size Effect

PubMed Central

Choi, Kyeong-Ok; Lee, Inae; Paik, Sae-Yeol-Rim; Kim, Dong Eun; Lim, Jung Dae; Kang, Wie-Soo; Ko, Sanghoon

2012-01-01

Abstract The root of Angelica gigas (Korean angelica) is traditionally used to treat women's ailments that are caused by an impairment of menstrual blood flow and cycle irregularities. This study evaluated the effect particle size of Korean angelica powder on its efficacy for treating estrogen-related symptoms of menopause. Initially, Korean angelica roots were pulverized into ultrafine powder, and orally administered to the rats at a concentration of 500 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks. The effects of Korean angelica powder particle size on extraction yield, contents of bioactive compounds (decursin and decursinol angelate), levels of serum ovarian hormones (estradiol and progesterone), reproductive hormones (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone), and experimental osteoporosis parameters (mineral density, strength, and histological features) were determined. A significant increase (fivefold) in the contents of decursin and decursinol angelate in the extract of the ultrafine Korean angelica powder was observed compared to coarse Korean angelica powder. Rats were divided into sham-operated or ovariectomized (OVX) groups that were fed coarse (CRS) or ultrafine (UF) ground Korean angelica root. The serum levels of estradiol in the OVX_UF group were 19.2% and 54.1% higher than that of OVX_CRS group. Serum bone-alkaline phosphatase/total-alkaline phosphatase index in the OVX_UF group was half that of the OVX_CRS group. In addition, less trabecular bone loss and thick cortical areas were observed in rats administered ultrafine powder. Therefore, ultrafine grinding may enhance the bioactivity of herbal medicines and be especially useful when their extracted forms lose bioactivity during processing, storage, and oral intake. PMID:23039111

Concentrations of ultrafine particles at a highway toll collection booth and exposure implications for toll collectors.

PubMed

Cheng, Yu-Hsiang; Huang, Cheng-Hsiung; Huang, Hsiao-Lin; Tsai, Chuen-Jinn

2010-12-15

Research regarding the magnitude of ultrafine particle levels at highway toll stations is limited. This study measured ambient concentrations of ultrafine particles at a highway toll station from October 30 to November 1 and November 5 to November 6, 2008. A scanning mobility particle sizer was used to measure ultrafine particle concentrations at a ticket/cash tollbooth. Levels of hourly average ultrafine particles at the tollbooth were about 3-6 times higher than those in urban backgrounds, indicating that a considerable amount of ultrafine particles are exhausted from passing vehicles. A bi-modal size distribution pattern with a dominant mode at about <6 nm and a minor mode at about 40 nm was observed at the tollbooth. The high amounts of nanoparticles in this study can be attributed to gas-to-particle reactions in fresh fumes emitted directly from vehicles. The influences of traffic volume, wind speed, and relative humidity on ultrafine particle concentrations were also determined. High ambient concentrations of ultrafine particles existed under low wind speed, low relative humidity, and high traffic volume. Although different factors account for high ambient concentrations of ultrafine particles at the tollbooth, measurements indicate that toll collectors who work close to traffic emission sources have a high exposure risk. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Health hazards of ultrafine metal and metal oxide powders

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boylen, G. W., Jr.; Chamberlin, R. I.; Viles, F. J.

1969-01-01

Study reveals that suggested threshold limit values are from two to fifty times lower than current recommended threshold limit values. Proposed safe limits of exposure to the ultrafine dusts are based on known toxic potential of various materials as determined in particle size ranges.

MECHANISMS BY WHICH ULTRAFINE, FINE, AND COARSE PARTICLES CAUSE ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS

EPA Science Inventory

A small number of recent studies suggest that different size particles may cause different health effects. There are clearly differences in the chemical makeup of coarse, fine, and ultrafine particles, and this different chemistry may well drive different health responses. The ...

Computational study of dislocation based mechanisms in FCC materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yellakara, Ranga Nikhil

Understanding the relationships between microstructures and properties of materials is a key to developing new materials with more suitable qualities or employing the appropriate materials in special uses. In the present world of material research, the main focus is on microstructural control to cost-effectively enhance properties and meet performance specifications. This present work is directed towards improving the fundamental understanding of the microscale deformation mechanisms and mechanical behavior of metallic alloys, particularly focusing on face centered cubic (FCC) structured metals through a unique computational methodology called three-dimensional dislocation dynamics (3D-DD). In these simulations, the equations of motion for dislocations are mathematically solved to determine the evolution and interaction of dislocations. Microstructure details and stress-strain curves are a direct observation in the simulation and can be used to validate experimental results. The effect of initial dislocation microstructure on the yield strength has been studied. It has been shown that dislocation density based crystal plasticity formulations only work when dislocation densities/numbers are sufficiently large so that a statistically accurate description of the microstructure can be obtainable. The evolution of the flow stress for grain sizes ranging from 0.5 to 10 mum under uniaxial tension was simulated using an improvised model by integrating dislocation pile-up mechanism at grain boundaries has been performed. This study showed that for a same initial dislocation density, the Hall--Petch relationship holds well at small grain sizes (0.5--2 mum), beyond which the yield strength remains constant as the grain size increases. Various dislocation-particle interaction mechanisms have been introduced and investigations were made on their effect on the uniaxial tensile properties. These studies suggested that increase in particle volume fraction and decrease in particle size has contributed to the strength of these alloys. This work has been successful of capturing complex dislocation mechanisms that involves interactions with particles during the deformation of particle hardened FCC alloys. Finally, the DD model has been extended into studying the cyclic behavior of FCC metallic alloys. This study showed that the strength as well as the cyclic hardening increases due to grain refinement and increase in particle volume fraction. It also showed that the cyclic deformation of ultra-fine grained (UFG) material have undergone cyclic softening at all plastic strain amplitudes. The results provided very useful quantitative information for developing future fatigue models.

Graphite to ultrafine nanocrystalline diamond phase transition model and growth restriction mechanism induced by nanosecond laser processing

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

Ren, X. D., E-mail: renxd@mail.ujs.edu.cn; Liu, R.; Zheng, L. M.

2015-10-05

To have a clear insight into nanocrystal growth from graphite to diamond upon high energy pulsed laser irradiation of graphite suspension, synthesis of ultrafine nanocrystalline diamonds with laser energy set up from 0.3 J to 12 J, repetition rate of 10 Hz has been studied. The method allows synthesizing ultrafine nanocrystalline particles continuously at the ambient temperature and normal pressure. The particle size is shown independent of laser energy, which is ultrafine and ranges in 2–6 nm. The theoretical grown size of nano-diamonds is found in well agreement with the experiment results. Four kinds of production were found: nano-diamond, spherical carbon nano-particles, flocculent amorphousmore » carbon, and graphene nano-ribbon rolls. A solid-vapor-plasma-liquid coexistence model describing phase transition from graphite to diamond induced by nanosecond laser processing was proposed. Graphene nano-ribbon rolls might be the intermediate phase in the conversion from graphite to diamond.« less

Toxicity of boehmite nanoparticles: impact of the ultrafine fraction and of the agglomerates size on cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory response.

PubMed

Forest, Valérie; Pailleux, Mélanie; Pourchez, Jérémie; Boudard, Delphine; Tomatis, Maura; Fubini, Bice; Sennour, Mohamed; Hochepied, Jean-François; Grosseau, Philippe; Cottier, Michèle

2014-08-01

Boehmite (γ-AlOOH) nanoparticles (NPs) are used in a wide range of industrial applications. However, little is known about their potential toxicity. This study aimed at a better understanding of the relationship between the physico-chemical properties of these NPs and their in vitro biological activity. After an extensive physico-chemical characterization, the cytotoxicity, pro-inflammatory response and oxidative stress induced by a bulk industrial powder and its ultrafine fraction were assessed using RAW264.7 macrophages. Although the bulk powder did not trigger a significant biological activity, pro-inflammatory response was highly enhanced with the ultrafine fraction. This observation was confirmed with boehmite NPs synthesized at the laboratory scale, with well-defined and tightly controlled physico-chemical features: toxicity was increased when NPs were dispersed. In conclusion, the agglomerates size of boehmite NPs has a major impact on their toxicity, highlighting the need to study not only raw industrial powders containing NPs but also the ultrafine fractions representative of respirable particles.

Structure and Growth of Rod-Shaped Mn Ultrafine Particle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kido, Osamu; Suzuki, Hitoshi; Saito, Yoshio; Kaito, Chihiro

2003-09-01

The structure of rod-shaped Mn ultrafine particles was elucidated by electron microscopy. Mn ultrafine particles have characteristic tristetrahedron (α-Mn), rhombic dodecahedron (β-Mn) and rod-shape crystal habits. It was found that the rod-shaped particle resulted from the parallel coalescence of β-Mn particles with the size of 50 nm. Detailed analysis of the defects seen in large rod-shaped particles with the width of 100 nm indicated a mixture of α- and β-phases. A size effect on the phase transition from β to α was observed throughout the rod-shaped crystal structure. The structure and growth of Mn particles were discussed based on the outline of the smoke and the temperature distribution in the smoke.

A Miniature Aerosol Sensor for Detecting Polydisperse Airborne Ultrafine Particles.

PubMed

Zhang, Chao; Wang, Dingqu; Zhu, Rong; Yang, Wenming; Jiang, Peng

2017-04-22

Counting and sizing of polydisperse airborne nanoparticles have attracted most attentions owing to increasing widespread presence of airborne engineered nanoparticles or ultrafine particles. Here we report a miniature aerosol sensor to detect particle size distribution of polydisperse ultrafine particles based on ion diffusion charging and electrical detection. The aerosol sensor comprises a couple of planar electrodes printed on two circuit boards assembled in parallel, where charging, precipitation and measurement sections are integrated into one chip, which can detect aerosol particle size in of 30-500 nm, number concentration in range of 5 × 10²-10⁷ /cm³. The average relative errors of the measured aerosol number concentration and the particle size are estimated to be 12.2% and 13.5% respectively. A novel measurement scheme is proposed to actualize a real-time detection of polydisperse particles by successively modulating the measurement voltage and deducing the particle size distribution through a smart data fusion algorithm. The effectiveness of the aerosol sensor is experimentally demonstrated via measurements of polystyrene latex (PSL) aerosol and nucleic acid aerosol, as well as sodium chloride aerosol particles.

A Miniature Aerosol Sensor for Detecting Polydisperse Airborne Ultrafine Particles

PubMed Central

Zhang, Chao; Wang, Dingqu; Zhu, Rong; Yang, Wenming; Jiang, Peng

2017-01-01

Counting and sizing of polydisperse airborne nanoparticles have attracted most attentions owing to increasing widespread presence of airborne engineered nanoparticles or ultrafine particles. Here we report a miniature aerosol sensor to detect particle size distribution of polydisperse ultrafine particles based on ion diffusion charging and electrical detection. The aerosol sensor comprises a couple of planar electrodes printed on two circuit boards assembled in parallel, where charging, precipitation and measurement sections are integrated into one chip, which can detect aerosol particle size in of 30–500 nm, number concentration in range of 5 × 102–5 × 107 /cm3. The average relative errors of the measured aerosol number concentration and the particle size are estimated to be 12.2% and 13.5% respectively. A novel measurement scheme is proposed to actualize a real-time detection of polydisperse particles by successively modulating the measurement voltage and deducing the particle size distribution through a smart data fusion algorithm. The effectiveness of the aerosol sensor is experimentally demonstrated via measurements of polystyrene latex (PSL) aerosol and nucleic acid aerosol, as well as sodium chloride aerosol particles. PMID:28441740

Morphology and crystallographic orientation relationship in isothermally transformed Fe–N austenite

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

Jiao, Dongling, E-mail: dljiao@scut.edu.cn; Luo, Chengping; Liu, Jiangwen

2014-02-15

The 225 °C isothermal transformation of a high-nitrogen austenite with Fe–2.71 wt.% N was investigated by means of electron microscopy. It was found that the transformation products were composed of ultrafine α-Fe and γ′-Fe{sub 4}N plus retained austenite γ, which were in two types of morphologies, namely, (i) with the retained austenite patches dispersed among the (α-Fe + γ′-Fe{sub 4}N) packets and (ii) with the ultrafine α-Fe and γ/γ′-Fe{sub 4}N laths interwoven with each other within a single bainitic packet. A cube–cube orientation relationship between the γ (austenite) and γ′-Fe{sub 4}N, and a near Greninger–Troiano (G–T) one between the γmore » (austenite) and the bainitic α-ferrite were detected. The morphology, orientation relationship and high hardness (> 1000 HV) of the transformation products indicated that the isothermal transformation of the high nitrogen austenite was analogous to a bainitic one. - Highlights: • Isothermal transformation products consisted of nano-sized α-Fe + γ′ + γ (retained). • The hardness of transformation product exceeded 1000 HV. • The α-Fe and γ/γ′-Fe{sub 4}N kept a near G-T OR in the grain interior.« less

DEPOSITION DISTRIBUTION OF NANO AND ULTRAFINE PARTICLES IN HUMAN LUNGS DURING CONTROLLED MOUTH BREATHING

EPA Science Inventory

Nano and ultrafine particles are abundant in the atmosphere and the level of human exposure to these tiny particles is expected to increase markedly as industrial activities increase manufacturing nano-sized materials. Exposure-dose relationships and site-specific internal dose a...

Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of Ultrafine Ti-6Al-4V During Low Temperature Superplastic Deformation (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-13

through the deformed β matrix . A total elongation of 1000% and strain-rate-sensitivity exponent m = 0.48 were obtained at 550 °C and 2 × 10−4 s−1...two orders of magnitude faster than the corresponding static behaviors due to enhanced diffusion through the deformed b matrix . A total elongation of...various metallic materials, including titanium alloys, is usually the result of concurrent grain- or interphase-boundary sliding, grain- matrix

ULTRAFINE AEROSOL INFLUENCE ON THE SAMPLING BY CASCADE IMPACTOR.

PubMed

Vasyanovich, M; Mostafa, M Y A; Zhukovsky, M

2017-11-01

Cascade impactors based on inertial deposition of aerosols are widely used to determine the size distribution of radioactive aerosols. However, there are situations where radioactive aerosols are represented by particles with a diameter of 1-5 nm. In this case, ultrafine aerosols can be deposited on impactor cascades by diffusion mechanism. The influence of ultrafine aerosols (1-5 nm) on the response of three different types of cascade impactors was studied. It was shown that the diffusion deposition of ultrafine aerosols can distort the response of the cascade impactor. The influence of diffusion deposition of ultrafine aerosols can be considerably removed by the use of mesh screens or diffusion battery installed before cascade impactor during the aerosol sampling. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Influence of Ultrafine 2CaO·SiO₂ Powder on Hydration Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete.

PubMed

Sun, Hongfang; Li, Zishanshan; Memon, Shazim Ali; Zhang, Qiwu; Wang, Yaocheng; Liu, Bing; Xu, Weiting; Xing, Feng

2015-09-17

In this research, we assessed the influence of an ultrafine 2CaO·SiO₂ powder on the hydration properties of a reactive powder concrete system. The ultrafine powder was manufactured through chemical combustion method. The morphology of ultrafine powder and the development of hydration products in the cement paste prepared with ultrafine powder were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mineralogical composition were determined by X-ray diffraction, while the heat release characteristics up to the age of 3 days were investigated by calorimetry. Moreover, the properties of cementitious system in fresh and hardened state (setting time, drying shrinkage, and compressive strength) with 5% ordinary Portland cement replaced by ultrafine powder were evaluated. From SEM micrographs, the particle size of ultrafine powder was found to be up to several hundred nanometers. The hydration product started formulating at the age of 3 days due to slow reacting nature of belitic 2CaO·SiO₂. The initial and final setting times were prolonged and no significant difference in drying shrinkage was observed when 5% ordinary Portland cement was replaced by ultrafine powder. Moreover, in comparison to control reactive powder concrete, the reactive powder concrete containing ultrafine powder showed improvement in compressive strength at and above 7 days of testing. Based on above, it can be concluded that the manufactured ultrafine 2CaO·SiO₂ powder has the potential to improve the performance of a reactive powder cementitious system.

Influence of Ultrafine 2CaO·SiO2 Powder on Hydration Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete

PubMed Central

Sun, Hongfang; Li, Zishanshan; Memon, Shazim Ali; Zhang, Qiwu; Wang, Yaocheng; Liu, Bing; Xu, Weiting; Xing, Feng

2015-01-01

In this research, we assessed the influence of an ultrafine 2CaO·SiO2 powder on the hydration properties of a reactive powder concrete system. The ultrafine powder was manufactured through chemical combustion method. The morphology of ultrafine powder and the development of hydration products in the cement paste prepared with ultrafine powder were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mineralogical composition were determined by X-ray diffraction, while the heat release characteristics up to the age of 3 days were investigated by calorimetry. Moreover, the properties of cementitious system in fresh and hardened state (setting time, drying shrinkage, and compressive strength) with 5% ordinary Portland cement replaced by ultrafine powder were evaluated. From SEM micrographs, the particle size of ultrafine powder was found to be up to several hundred nanometers. The hydration product started formulating at the age of 3 days due to slow reacting nature of belitic 2CaO·SiO2. The initial and final setting times were prolonged and no significant difference in drying shrinkage was observed when 5% ordinary Portland cement was replaced by ultrafine powder. Moreover, in comparison to control reactive powder concrete, the reactive powder concrete containing ultrafine powder showed improvement in compressive strength at and above 7 days of testing. Based on above, it can be concluded that the manufactured ultrafine 2CaO·SiO2 powder has the potential to improve the performance of a reactive powder cementitious system. PMID:28793560

Mast cells contribute to alterations in vascular reactivity and exacerbation of ischemia reperfusion injury following ultrafine PM exposure

EPA Science Inventory

Increased ambient fine particulate matter (FPM) concentrations are associated with increased risk for short-term and long-term adverse cardiovascular events. Ultrafine PM (UFPM) due to its size and increased surface area might be particularly toxic. Mast cells are well recognized...

GENE PROFILING AND THE ROLE OF COAGULATION FACTORS IN INFLAMMATION SIGNALING IN HUMAN PULMONARY ARTERY ENDOTHELIAL CELLS FOLLOWING ULTRAFINE PARTICLES EXPOUSRE

EPA Science Inventory

Epidemiologic studies have linked exposures to particulate air pollution and increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, however, the mechanisms are not clear. Ultrafine particles within air pollution represent a particular area of concern because the small size fraction o...

Size-segregated urban aerosol characterization by electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering and influence of sample preparation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marvanová, Soňa; Kulich, Pavel; Skoupý, Radim; Hubatka, František; Ciganek, Miroslav; Bendl, Jan; Hovorka, Jan; Machala, Miroslav

2018-04-01

Size-segregated particulate matter (PM) is frequently used in chemical and toxicological studies. Nevertheless, toxicological in vitro studies working with the whole particles often lack a proper evaluation of PM real size distribution and characterization of agglomeration under the experimental conditions. In this study, changes in particle size distributions during the PM sample manipulation and also semiquantitative elemental composition of single particles were evaluated. Coarse (1-10 μm), upper accumulation (0.5-1 μm), lower accumulation (0.17-0.5 μm), and ultrafine (<0.17 μm) PM fractions were collected by high volume cascade impactor in Prague city center. Particles were examined using electron microscopy and their elemental composition was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Larger or smaller particles, not corresponding to the impaction cut points, were found in all fractions, as they occur in agglomerates and are impacted according to their aerodynamic diameter. Elemental composition of particles in size-segregated fractions varied significantly. Ns-soot occurred in all size fractions. Metallic nanospheres were found in accumulation fractions, but not in ultrafine fraction where ns-soot, carbonaceous particles, and inorganic salts were identified. Dynamic light scattering was used to measure particle size distribution in water and in cell culture media. PM suspension of lower accumulation fraction in water agglomerated after freezing/thawing the sample, and the agglomerates were disrupted by subsequent sonication. Ultrafine fraction did not agglomerate after freezing/thawing the sample. Both lower accumulation and ultrafine fractions were stable in cell culture media with fetal bovine serum, while high agglomeration occurred in media without fetal bovine serum as measured during 24 h.

Microstructures, Mechanical Properties, and Strain Hardening Behavior of an Ultrahigh Strength Dual Phase Steel Developed by Intercritical Annealing of Cold-Rolled Ferrite/Martensite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazaheri, Y.; Kermanpur, A.; Najafizadeh, A.

2015-07-01

A dual phase (DP) steel was produced by a new process utilizing an uncommon cold-rolling and subsequent intercritical annealing of a martensite-ferrite duplex starting structure. Ultrafine grained DP steels with an average grain size of about 2 μm and chain-networked martensite islands were achieved by short intercritical annealing of the 80 pct cold-rolled duplex microstructure. The strength of the low carbon steel with the new DP microstructure was reached about 1300 MPa (140 pct higher than that of the as-received state, e.g., 540 MPa), without loss of ductility. Tensile testing revealed good strength-elongation balance for the new DP steels (UTS × UE ≈ 11,000 to 15,000 MPa pct) in comparison with the previous works and commercially used high strength DP steels. Two strain hardening stages with comparable exponents were observed in the Holloman analysis of all DP steels. The variations of hardness, strength, elongation, and strain hardening behavior of the specimens with thermomechanical parameters were correlated to microstructural features.

Effect of ultrafine zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on induction of oral tolerance in mice.

PubMed

Matsumura, Misa; Takasu, Nobuo; Nagata, Masafumi; Nakamura, Kazuichi; Kawai, Motoyuki; Yoshino, Shin

2010-01-01

Ultrafine nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) recently became available as a substitute for larger-size fine ZnO particles. However, the biological activity of ultrafine ZnO currently remains undefined. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ultrafine ZnO on oral tolerance that plays an important role in the prevention of food allergy. Oral tolerance was induced in mice by a single oral administration (i.e., gavage) of 25 mg of ovalbumin (OVA) 5 days prior to a subcutaneous immunization with OVA (Day 0). Varying doses of ultrafine (diameter: approximately 21 nm) as well as fine (diameter: < 5 microm) ZnO particles were given orally at the same time during the OVA gavage. The results indicated that a single oral administration of OVA was followed by significant decreases in serum anti-OVA IgG, IgG(1), IgG(2a), and IgE antibodies and in the proliferative responses to the antigen by these hosts' spleen cells. The decreases in these immune responses to OVA were associated with a marked suppression of secretion of interferon (IFN)gamma, interleukin (IL)-5, and IL-17 by these lymphoid cells. Treatment with either ultrafine or fine ZnO failed to affect the oral OVA-induced suppression of antigen-specific IgG, IgG(1), IgG(2a), and IgE production or lymphoid cell proliferation. The suppression induced by the oral OVA upon secretion of IFN gamma, IL-5, and IL-17 was also unaffected by either size of ZnO. These results indicate that ultrafine particles of ZnO do not appear to modulate the induction of oral tolerance in mice.

Enhanced in vitro biocompatibility of ultrafine-grained biomedical NiTi alloy with microporous surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, C. Y.; Nie, F. L.; Zheng, Y. F.; Cheng, Y.; Wei, S. C.; Valiev, R. Z.

2011-08-01

Bulk ultrafine-grained Ni 50.8Ti 49.2 alloy (UFG-NiTi) was successfully fabricated by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) technique in the present study, and to further improve its surface biocompatibility, surface modification techniques including sandblasting, acid etching and alkali treatment were employed to produce either irregularly roughened surface or microporous surface or hierarchical porous surface with bioactivity. The effect of the above surface treatments on the surface roughness, wettability, corrosion behavior, ion release, apatite forming ability and cytocompatibility of UFG-NiTi alloy were systematically investigated with the coarse-grained NiTi alloy as control. The pitting corrosion potential ( Epit) was increased from 393 mV (SCE) to 704 mV (SCE) with sandblasting and further increased to 1539 mV (SCE) with following acid etching in HF/HNO 3 solution. All the above surface treatment increased the apatite forming ability of UFG-NiTi in varying degrees when soaked them in simulated body fluid (SBF). Meanwhile, both sandblasting and acid etching could promote the cytocompatibility for osteoblasts: sandblasting enhanced cell attachment and acid etching increased cell proliferation. The different corrosion behavior, apatite forming ability and cellular response of UFG-NiTi after different surface modifications are attributed to the topography and wettability of the resulting surface oxide layer.

Estimation of the contribution of ultrafine particles to lung deposition of particle-bound mutagens in the atmosphere.

PubMed

Kawanaka, Youhei; Matsumoto, Emiko; Sakamoto, Kazuhiko; Yun, Sun-Ja

2011-02-15

The present study was performed to estimate the contributions of fine and ultrafine particles to the lung deposition of particle-bound mutagens in the atmosphere. This is the first estimation of the respiratory deposition of atmospheric particle-bound mutagens. Direct and S9-mediated mutagenicity of size-fractionated particulate matter (PM) collected at roadside and suburban sites was determined by the Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98. Regional deposition efficiencies in the human respiratory tract of direct and S9-mediated mutagens in each size fraction were calculated using the LUDEP computer-based model. The model calculations showed that about 95% of the lung deposition of inhaled mutagens is caused by fine particles for both roadside and suburban atmospheres. Importantly, ultrafine particles were shown to contribute to the deposition of mutagens in the alveolar region of the lung by as much as 29% (+S9) and 26% (-S9) for the roadside atmosphere and 11% (+S9) and 13% (-S9) for the suburban atmosphere, although ultrafine particles contribute very little to the PM mass concentration. These results indicated that ultrafine particles play an important role as carriers of mutagens into the lung. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Free and combined amino acids in size-segregated atmospheric aerosol samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Filippo, Patrizia; Pomata, Donatella; Riccardi, Carmela; Buiarelli, Francesca; Gallo, Valentina; Quaranta, Alessandro

2014-12-01

Concentrations of free and combined amino acids in an urban atmosphere and their distributions in size-segregated particles were investigated in the cold and warm seasons. In particular this article provides the first investigation of protein bioaerosol concentrations in ultrafine fraction (PM0.1) of particulate matter. In addition the present work provides amino acid and total proteinaceous material concentrations in NIST SRM 1649b, useful as reference values. The reference material was also used to build matrix matched calibration curves. Free amino acid total content in winter and summer PM0.1 was respectively 48.0 and 94.4 ng m-3, representing about 0.7 and 7.4% by weight of urban particulate matter in the two seasons. Total airborne protein and peptide concentrations in the same ultrafine fractions were 93.6 and 449.9 ng m-3 respectively in winter and in summer, representing 7.5 and 35.4% w/w of PM0.1, and demonstrating an exceptionally high percentage in summer ultrafine fraction. The significant potential adverse health effects of ultrafine particulate matter include allergies mainly caused by protein particles and we assumed that in summer 162 ng h-1 of proteinaceous material, by means of ultrafine particles, can penetrate from the lungs into the bloodstream.

Corona-assisted flame synthesis of ultrafine titania particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vemury, Srinivas; Pratsinis, Sotiris E.

1995-06-01

Synthesis of ultrafine titania particles is investigated in a diffusion flame aerosol reactor in the presence of a gaseous electric discharge (corona) created by two needle electrodes. The corona wind flattens the flame and reduces the particle residence time at high temperatures, resulting in smaller primary particle sizes and lower level of crystallinity. Increasing the applied potential from 5 to 8 kV reduces the particle size from 50 to 25 nm and the rutile content from 20 to 8 wt %. Coronas provide a clean and simple technique that facilitates gas phase synthesis of nanosized materials with controlled size and crystallinity.

Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties in Superlight Mg-Li Alloy Processed by High-Pressure Torsion

PubMed Central

Su, Qian; Xu, Jie; Li, Yuqiao; Yoon, Jae Ik; Shan, Debin; Guo, Bin; Kim, Hyoung Seop

2018-01-01

Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of LZ91 Mg-Li alloy processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) at an ambient temperature were researched in this paper. The microstructure analysis demonstrated that significant grain refinement was achieved after HPT processing with an average grain size reducing from 30 μm (the as-received condition) to approximately 230 nm through 10 turns. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed LZ91 alloy was consisted of α phase (hexagonal close-packed structure, hcp) and β phase (body-centered cubic structure, bcc) before and after HPT processing. The mean value of microhardness increased with the increasing number of HPT turns. This significantly increased hardness of specimens can be explained by Hall-Petch strengthening. Simultaneously, the distribution of microhardness along the specimens was different from other materials after HPT processing due to the different mechanical properties of two different phases. The mechanical properties of LZ91 alloy processed by HPT were assessed by the micro-tensile testing at 298, 373, 423, and 473 K. The results demonstrate that the ultra-fine grain LZ91 Mg-Li alloy exhibits excellent mechanical properties: tensile elongation is approximately 400% at 473 K with an initial strain rate of 1 × 10−2 s−1. PMID:29652807

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

Development of re-crystallized W-1.1%TiC with enhanced room-temperature ductility and radiation performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurishita, H.; Matsuo, S.; Arakawa, H.; Sakamoto, T.; Kobayashi, S.; Nakai, K.; Takida, T.; Kato, M.; Kawai, M.; Yoshida, N.

2010-03-01

Ultra-fine grained (UFG) W-TiC compacts fabricated by powder metallurgical methods utilizing mechanical alloying (MA) are very promising for use in irradiation environments. However, the assurance of room-temperature ductility and enhancement in surface resistances to low-energy hydrogen irradiation are unsettled issues. As an approach to solution to these, microstructural modification by hot plastic working has been applied to UFG W-TiC processed by MA in a purified Ar or H 2 atmosphere and hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Hot plastically worked compacts have been subjected to 3-point bend tests at room temperature and TEM microstructural examinations. It is found that the microstructural modification allows us to convert UFG W-1.1%TiC to compacts exhibiting a very high fracture strength and appreciable ductility at room temperature. The compacts of W-1.1%TiC/Ar (MA atmosphere: Ar) and W-1.1%TiC/H 2 (MA atmosphere: H 2) exhibit re-crystallized structures with approximately 0.5 and 1.5 μm in grain size, respectively. It is shown that the enhancement of fracture resistance by microstructural modifications is attributed to significant strengthening of weak grain boundaries in the re-crystallized state. As a result the modified compacts exhibit superior surface resistance to low-energy deuteron irradiation.

Design of rapid hardening engineered cementitious composites for sustainable construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marushchak, Uliana; Sanytsky, Myroslav; Sydor, Nazar

2017-12-01

This paper deals with design of environmentally friendly Rapid Hardening Engineered Cementitious Composite (RHECC) nanomodified with ultrafine mineral additives, polycarboxylate ether based superplasticizer, calcium hydrosilicate nanoparticles and dispersal reinforced by fibers. The incremental coefficient of surface activity was proposed in order to estimation of ultrafine supplementary materials (fly ash, methakaolin, microsilica) efficiency. A characterization of RHECC's compressive and flexural properties at different ages is reported in this paper. Early compressive strength of ECC is 45-50 MPa, standard strength - 84-95 MPa and parameter Rc2/Rc28 - 65-70%. The microstructure of the cement matrix and RHECC was investigated. The use of ultrafine mineral supplementary materials provides reinforcement of structure on micro- and nanoscale level (cementing matrix) due to formation of sub-microreinforcing hydrate phase as AFt- and C-S-H phases in unclinker part of cement matrix, resulting in the phenomena of "self-reinforcement" on the microstructure level. Designed RHECC may be regarded as lower brittle since the crack resistance coefficient is higher comparison to conventional fine grain concrete.

Thermal degradation events as health hazards: Particle vs gas phase effects, mechanistic studies with particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oberdörster, G.; Ferin, J.; Finkelstein, J.; Soderholm, S.

Exposure to thermal degradation products arising from fire or smoke could be a major concern for manned space missions. Severe acute lung damage has been reported in people after accidental exposure to fumes from plastic materials, and animal studies revealed the extremely high toxicity of freshly generated fumes whereas a decrease in toxicity of aged fumes has been found. This and the fact that toxicity of the freshly generated fumes can be prevented with filters raises the question whether the toxicity may be due to the particulate rather than the gas phase components of the thermodegradation products. Indeed, results from recent studies implicate ultrafine particles (particle diameter in the nm range) as potential severe pulmonary toxicants. We have conducted a number of in vivo (inhalation and instillation studies in rats) and in vitro studies to test the hypothesis that ultrafine particles possess an increased potential to injure the lung compared to larger-sized particles. We used as surrogate particles ultrafine TiO 2 particles (12 and 20 nm diameter). Results in exposed rats showed that the ultrafine TiO 2 particles not only induce a greater acute inflammatory reaction in the lung than larger-sized TiO 2 particles, but can also lead to persistent chronic effects, as indicated by an adverse effect on alveolar macrophage mediated clearance function of particles. Release of mediators from alveolar macrophages during phagocytosis of the ultrafine particles and an increased access of the ultrafine particles to the pulmonary interstitium are likely factors contributing to their pulmonary toxicity. In vitro studies with lung cells (alveolar macrophages) showed, in addition, that ultrafine TiO 2 particles have a greater potential to induce cytokines than larger-sized particles. We conclude from our present studies that ultrafine particles have a significant potential to injure the lung and that their occurrence in thermal degradation events can play a major role in the highly acute toxicity of fumes. Future studies will include adsorption of typical gas phase components (HCl, HF) on surrogate particles to differentiate between gas and particle phase effects and to perform mechanistic studies aimed at introducing therapeutic/preventive measures. These studies will be complemented by a comparison with actual thermal degradation products.

Relationship between different size classes of particulate matter and meteorology in three European cities.

PubMed

de Hartog, Jeroen J; Hoek, Gerard; Mirme, Aadu; Tuch, Thomas; Kos, Gerard P A; ten Brink, Harry M; Brunekreef, Bert; Cyrys, Josef; Heinrich, Joachim; Pitz, Mike; Lanki, Timo; Vallius, Marko; Pekkanen, Juha; Kreyling, Wolfgang G

2005-04-01

Evidence on the correlation between particle mass and (ultrafine) particle number concentrations is limited. Winter- and spring-time measurements of urban background air pollution were performed in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Erfurt (Germany) and Helsinki (Finland), within the framework of the EU funded ULTRA study. Daily average concentrations of ambient particulate matter with a 50% cut off of 2.5 microm (PM2.5), total particle number concentrations and particle number concentrations in different size classes were collected at fixed monitoring sites. The aim of this paper is to assess differences in particle concentrations in several size classes across cities, the correlation between different particle fractions and to assess the differential impact of meteorological factors on their concentrations. The medians of ultrafine particle number concentrations were similar across the three cities (range 15.1 x 10(3)-18.3 x 10(3) counts cm(-3)). Within the ultrafine particle fraction, the sub fraction (10-30 nm) made a higher contribution to particle number concentrations in Erfurt than in Helsinki and Amsterdam. Larger differences across the cities were found for PM2.5(range 11-17 microg m(-3)). PM2.5 and ultrafine particle concentrations were weakly (Amsterdam, Helsinki) to moderately (Erfurt) correlated. The inconsistent correlation for PM2.5 and ultrafine particle concentrations between the three cities was partly explained by the larger impact of more local sources from the city on ultrafine particle concentrations than on PM2.5, suggesting that the upwind or downwind location of the measuring site in regard to potential particle sources has to be considered. Also, relationship with wind direction and meteorological data differed, suggesting that particle number and particle mass are two separate indicators of airborne particulate matter. Both decreased with increasing wind speed, but ultrafine particle number counts consistently decreased with increasing relative humidity, whereas PM2.5 increased with increasing barometric pressure. Within the ultrafine particle mode, nucleation mode (10-30 nm) and Aitken mode (30-100 nm) had distinctly different relationships with accumulation mode particles and weather conditions. Since the composition of these particle fractions also differs, it is of interest to test in future epidemiological studies whether they have different health effects.

Fatigue Behavior of Ultrafine-Grained 5052 Al Alloy Processed Through Different Rolling Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yogesha, K. K.; Joshi, Amit; Jayaganthan, R.

2017-05-01

In the present study, 5052 Al alloy was processed through different rolling methods to obtain ultrafine grains and its high-cycle fatigue behavior were investigated. The solution-treated Al-Mg alloys (AA 5052) were deformed through different methods such as cryorolling (CR), cryo groove rolling (CGR) and cryo groove rolling followed by warm rolling (CGW), up to 75% thickness reduction. The deformed samples were subjected to mechanical testing such as hardness, tensile and high-cycle fatigue (HCF) test at stress control mode. The CGW samples exhibit better HCF strength when compared to other conditions. The microstructure of the tested samples was characterized by optical microscopy, SEM fractography and TEM to understand the deformation behavior of deformed Al alloy. The improvement in fatigue life of CR and CGR samples is due to effective grain refinement, subgrain formations, and high dislocation density observed in the heavily deformed samples at cryogenic condition as observed from SEM and TEM analysis. However, in case of CGW samples, formation of nanoshear bands accommodates the applied strain during cyclic loading, thereby facilitating dislocation accumulation along with subgrain formations, leading to the high fatigue life. The deformed or broken impurity phase particles found in the deformed samples along with the precipitates that were formed during warm rolling also play a prominent role in enhancing the fatigue strength. These tiny particles hindered the dislocation movement by effectively pinning it at grain boundaries, thereby improving the resistance of crack propagation under cyclic load.

The occurrence of ultrafine particles in the specific environment of children.

PubMed

Burtscher, Heinz; Schüepp, Karen

2012-06-01

Interest in ultrafine particles (UFP) has been increasing due to their specific physico-chemical characteristics. Ultrafine particles are those with an aerodynamic diameter of <0.1 μm and are also commonly know as nanoparticles (0.1 μm = 100 nm). Due to their small size UFP contribute mostly to particle number concentrations and are therefore underestimated in actual pollution measurements, which commonly measure mass concentration. Children represent the most vulnerable group in regard to particulate exposure due to their developing status and different exposures compared to adults. This review discusses the sources of ultrafine particles as well as the specific exposures of children highlighting the importance and uniqueness of this age group. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Neutron Irradiation and Post-irradiation Annealing on the Microstructure of HT-UPS Stainless Steel

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

Xu, Chi; Chen, Wei-Ying; Zhang, Xuan

Microstructural changes resulted from neutron irradiation and post-irradiation annealing in a high-temperature ultra-fine precipitate strengthened (HT-UPS) stainless steel were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT). Three HT-UPS samples were neutron-irradiated to 3 dpa at 500 °C, and after irradiation, two of them were annealed for 1 h at 600 °C and 700 °C, respectively. Frank dislocation loops were the dominant defect structure in both the as-irradiated and 600 °C post-irradiation-annealed (PIAed) samples, and the loop sizes and densities were similar in these two samples. Unfaulted dislocation loops were observed in the 700 °C PIAed sample, and the loop density was greatly reducedmore » in comparison with that in the as-irradiated sample. Nano-sized MX precipitates were observed under TEM in the 700 °C PIAed sample, but not in the 600 °C PIAed or the as-irradiated samples. The titanium-rich clusters were identified in all three samples using APT. The post-irradiation annealing (PIA) caused the growth of the Ti-rich clusters with a stronger effect at 700 °C than at 600 °C. The irradiation caused elemental segregations at the grain boundary and the grain interior, and the grain boundary segregation behavior is consistent with observations in other irradiated austenitic steels. APT results showed that PIA reduced the magnitude of irradiation induced segregations.« less

Characterisation of a Zn / Ni Plating Bath

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-03

accelerated corrosion in the first stages which is then slowed down by its own product of corrosion, Zn(OH)212. Zinc hydroxide dehydrates in time to form ZnO ... Electrochemistry , 1991, 21, 642 [5] – Alfantasi, A.M., A study on the synthesis, characterization ans properties of pulse-plated ultrafine- grained Zn-Ni alloy

Characteristics and interrelation of recovery stress and recovery strain of an ultrafine-grained Ni-50.2Ti alloy processed by high-ratio differential speed rolling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Y. G.; Kim, W. J.

2017-03-01

The characteristics of the recovery stress and strain of an ultrafine-grained Ni-50.2 at% Ti alloy prepared by high-ratio differential speed rolling (HRDSR) were examined, and the factors that influence the recovery stress and strain and the relation between the two were studied. After HRDSR, both the recovery stress and strain were enhanced compared to the initial condition. The subsequent annealing treatment at 673 K, however, reduced the shape recovery properties. The constitutive equation showing that the maximum recovery stress is a sole function of the recovery strain was developed. The recovery strain increased as the yield stress increased. Thus, the maximum recovery stress increased with an increase in yield stress. The recovery stress measured at room temperature (i.e., residual recovery stress) was, on the other hand, affected by the yield stress as well as the austenite-to-martensite transformation temperature. As the yield stress increased and as the martensitic transformation temperature decreased, the residual recovery stress increased.

Line profile analysis of ODS steels Fe20Cr5AlTiY milled powders at different Y2O3 concentrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afandi, A.; Nisa, R.; Thosin, K. A. Z.

2017-04-01

Mechanical properties of material are largely dictated by constituent microstructure parameters such as dislocation density, lattice microstrain, crystallite size and its distribution. To develop ultra-fine grain alloys such as Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) alloys, mechanical alloying is crucial step to introduce crystal defects, and refining the crystallite size. In this research the ODS sample powders were mechanically alloyed with different Y2O3 concentration respectively of 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt%. MA process was conducted with High Energy Milling (HEM) with the ball to powder ratio of 15:1. The vial and the ball were made of alumina, and the milling condition is set 200 r.p.m constant. The ODS powders were investigated by X-Ray Diffractions (XRD), Bragg-Brentano setup of SmartLab Rigaku with 40 KV, and 30 mA, step size using 0.02°, with scanning speed of 4°min-1. Line Profile Analysis (LPA) of classical Williamson-Hall was carried out, with the aim to investigate the different crystallite size, and microstrain due to the selection of the full wide at half maximum (FWHM) and integral breadth.

High-flux plasma exposure of ultra-fine grain tungsten

DOE PAGES

Kolasinski, R. D.; Buchenauer, D. A.; Doerner, R. P.; ...

2016-05-12

Here we examine the response of an ultra-fine grained (UFG) tungsten material to high-flux deuterium plasma exposure. UFG tungsten has received considerable interest as a possible plasma-facing material in magnetic confinement fusion devices, in large part because of its improved resistance to neutron damage. However, optimization of the material in this manner may lead to trade-offs in other properties. Moreover, we address two aspects of the problem in this work: (a) how high-flux plasmas modify the structure of the exposed surface, and (b) how hydrogen isotopes become trapped within the material. The specific UFG tungsten considered here contains 100 nm-widthmore » Ti dispersoids (1 wt%) that limit the growth of the W grains to a median size of 960 nm. Metal impurities (Fe, Cr) as well as O were identified within the dispersoids; these species were absent from the W matrix. To simulate relevant particle bombardment conditions, we exposed specimens of the W-Ti material to low energy (100 eV), high-flux (> 10 22 m -2 s -1) deuterium plasmas in the PISCES-A facility at the University of California, San Diego. To explore different temperature-dependent trapping mechanisms, we considered a range of exposure temperatures between 200 °C and 500 °C. For comparison, we also exposed reference specimens of conventional powder metallurgy warm-rolled and ITER-grade tungsten at 300 °C. Post-mortem focused ion beam profiling and atomic force microscopy of the UFG tungsten revealed no evidence of near-surface bubbles containing high pressure D2 gas, a common surface degradation mechanism associated with plasma exposure. Thermal desorption spectrometry indicated moderately higher trapping of D in the material compared with the reference specimens, though still within the spread of values for different tungsten grades found in the literature database. Finally, for the criteria considered here, these results do not indicate any significant obstacles to the potential use of UFG tungsten as a plasma-facing material, although further experimental work is needed to assess material response to transient events and high plasma fluence.« less

Development of manufacturing systems for nanocrystalline and ultra-fine grain materials employing indexing equal channel angular pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hester, Michael Wayne

Nanotechnology offers significant opportunities in providing solutions to existing engineering problems as well as breakthroughs in new fields of science and technology. In order to fully realize benefits from such initiatives, nanomanufacturing methods must be developed to integrate enabling constructs into commercial mainstream. Even though significant advances have been made, widespread industrialization in many areas remains limited. Manufacturing methods, therefore, must continually be developed to bridge gaps between nanoscience discovery and commercialization. A promising technology for integration of top-down nanomanufacturing yet to receive full industrialization is equal channel angular pressing, a process transforming metallic materials into nanostructured or ultra-fine grained materials with significantly improved performance characteristics. To bridge the gap between process potential and actual manufacturing output, a prototype top-down nanomanufacturing system identified as indexing equal channel angular pressing (IX-ECAP) was developed. The unit was designed to capitalize on opportunities of transforming spent or scrap engineering elements into key engineering commodities. A manufacturing system was constructed to impose severe plastic deformation via simple shear in an equal channel angular pressing die on 1100 and 4043 aluminum welding rods. 1/4 fraction factorial split-plot experiments assessed significance of five predictors on the response, microhardness, for the 4043 alloy. Predictor variables included temperature, number of passes, pressing speed, back pressure, and vibration. Main effects were studied employing a resolution III design. Multiple linear regression was used for model development. Initial studies were performed using continuous processing followed by contingency designs involving discrete variable length work pieces. IX-ECAP offered a viable solution in severe plastic deformation processing. Discrete variable length work piece pressing proved very successful. With three passes through the system, 4043 processed material experienced an 88.88% increase in microhardness, 203.4% increase in converted yield strength, and a 98.5% reduction in theoretical final grain size to 103 nanometers using the Hall-Petch relation. The process factor, number of passes, was statistically significant at the 95% confidence level; whereas, temperature was significant at the 90% confidence level. Limitations of system components precluded completion of studies involving continuous pressing. Proposed system redesigns, however, will ensure mainstream commercialization of continuous length work piece processing.

Ultrafine Particles from Traffic Emissions and Children's Health (UPTECH) in Brisbane, Queensland (Australia): study design and implementation.

PubMed

Ezz, Wafaa Nabil; Mazaheri, Mandana; Robinson, Paul; Johnson, Graham R; Clifford, Samuel; He, Congrong; Morawska, Lidia; Marks, Guy B

2015-02-02

Ultrafine particles are particles that are less than 0.1 micrometres (µm) in diameter. Due to their very small size they can penetrate deep into the lungs, and potentially cause more damage than larger particles. The Ultrafine Particles from Traffic Emissions and Children's Health (UPTECH) study is the first Australian epidemiological study to assess the health effects of ultrafine particles on children's health in general and peripheral airways in particular. The study is being conducted in Brisbane, Australia. Continuous indoor and outdoor air pollution monitoring was conducted within each of the twenty five participating school campuses to measure particulate matter, including in the ultrafine size range, and gases. Respiratory health effects were evaluated by conducting the following tests on participating children at each school: spirometry, forced oscillation technique (FOT) and multiple breath nitrogen washout test (MBNW) (to assess airway function), fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO, to assess airway inflammation), blood cotinine levels (to assess exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (to measure systemic inflammation). A pilot study was conducted prior to commencing the main study to assess the feasibility and reliably of measurement of some of the clinical tests that have been proposed for the main study. Air pollutant exposure measurements were not included in the pilot study.

Ultrafine Particles from Traffic Emissions and Children’s Health (UPTECH) in Brisbane, Queensland (Australia): Study Design and Implementation

PubMed Central

Ezz, Wafaa Nabil; Mazaheri, Mandana; Robinson, Paul; Johnson, Graham R.; Clifford, Samuel; He, Congrong; Morawska, Lidia; Marks, Guy B.

2015-01-01

Ultrafine particles are particles that are less than 0.1 micrometres (µm) in diameter. Due to their very small size they can penetrate deep into the lungs, and potentially cause more damage than larger particles. The Ultrafine Particles from Traffic Emissions and Children’s Health (UPTECH) study is the first Australian epidemiological study to assess the health effects of ultrafine particles on children’s health in general and peripheral airways in particular. The study is being conducted in Brisbane, Australia. Continuous indoor and outdoor air pollution monitoring was conducted within each of the twenty five participating school campuses to measure particulate matter, including in the ultrafine size range, and gases. Respiratory health effects were evaluated by conducting the following tests on participating children at each school: spirometry, forced oscillation technique (FOT) and multiple breath nitrogen washout test (MBNW) (to assess airway function), fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO, to assess airway inflammation), blood cotinine levels (to assess exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (to measure systemic inflammation). A pilot study was conducted prior to commencing the main study to assess the feasibility and reliably of measurement of some of the clinical tests that have been proposed for the main study. Air pollutant exposure measurements were not included in the pilot study. PMID:25648226

Ultrafine particle and fiber production in micro-gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Webb, George W.

1987-01-01

The technique of evaporation and condensation of material in an inert gas is investigated for the purpose of preparing ultrafine particles (of order 10 nm in diameter) with a narrow distribution of sizes. Gravity-driven convection increases the rate of coalescence of the particles, leading to larger sizes and a broader distribution. Analysis and experimental efforts to investigate coalescence of particles are presented. The possibility of reducing coalescence in microgravity is discussed. An experimental test in reduced gravity to be performed in a KC135 aircraft is described briefly.

Ultrafine particles are not major carriers of carcinogenic PAHs and their genotoxicity in size-segregated aerosols.

PubMed

Topinka, Jan; Milcova, Alena; Schmuczerova, Jana; Krouzek, Jiri; Hovorka, Jan

2013-06-14

Some studies suggest that genotoxic effects of combustion-related aerosols are induced by carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (c-PAHs) and their derivatives, which are part of the organic fraction of the particulate matter (PM) in ambient air. The proportion of the organic fraction in PM is known to vary with particle size. The ultrafine fraction is hypothesized to be the most important carrier of c-PAHs, since it possesses the highest specific surface area of PM. To test this hypothesis, the distribution of c-PAHs in organic extracts (EOMs) was compared for four size fractions of ambient-air aerosols: coarse (1

Magnetic Grain-size Proxies in Loessic Soils and Their Potential use in Paleorainfall Reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Machac, T. A.; Geiss, C. E.; Zanner, C. W.

2005-05-01

As part of our ongoing rock-magnetic study of loessic soil profiles we sampled over 70 in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Illinois. Our sampling sites are located in stable upland positions and extend along a rainfall gradient which ranges from an average annual precipitation of less than 500 mm/year in southwestern Nebraska to almost 1000 mm/year in central Missouri. Soil cores were obtained with the aid of a hydraulic soil probe, described and subsampled into small plastic bags. Samples were air-dried in the laboratory and the < 2mm fraction was used for magnetic analyses. We measured magnetic susceptibility X and several remanence parameters (ARM, IRM) for all samples. Hysteresis measurements, IRM acquisition curves and time dependence of IRM acquisition were measured for a subset of samples. All samples show magnetically enhanced A- and B-horizons, which results in increased values of X, ARM and IRM. Changes in the ratio of ARM/IRM suggest an increase in the relative abundance of stable single domain (SSD) particles. VRM analyses show that the upper soil horizons are enhanced in ultrafine superparamagnetic (SP) ferrimagnets as well. Changes in the relative abundance of SP and SSD ferrimagnets along our transsect correlates well with the modern precipitation gradient, suggesting the use of grain-size dependent magnetic parameter as a potential paleorainfall proxy when analyzing paleosols.

Mechanical and biological behavior of ultrafine-grained Ti alloy aneurysm clip processed using high-pressure torsion.

PubMed

Um, Ho Yong; Park, Byung Ho; Ahn, Dong-Hyun; Abd El Aal, Mohamed Ibrahim; Park, Jaechan; Kim, Hyoung Seop

2017-04-01

Severe plastic deformation (SPD) has recently been advanced as the main process for fabricating bulk ultrafine grained or nanocrystalline metallic materials, which present much higher strength and better bio-compatibility than coarse-grained counterparts. Medical devices, such as aneurysm clips and dental implants, require high mechanical and biological performance (e.g., stiffness, yield strength, fatigue resistance, and bio-compatibility). These requirements match well the characteristics of SPD-processed materials. Typical aneurysm clips are made of a commercial Ti-6Al-4V alloy, which has higher yield strength than Ti. In this work, Ti and Ti-6Al-4V workpieces were processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) to enhance their mechanical properties. Tensile tests and hardness tests were performed to evaluate their mechanical properties, and their microstructure was investigated. The hardness and yield stress of the HPT-processed Ti are comparable to those of the initial Ti-6Al-4V due to significantly refined microstructure. Finite element analyses for evaluating the opening performance of a specific geometry of the YASARGIL aneurysm clip were carried out using mechanical properties of the initial and HPT-processed Ti and Ti-6Al-4V. These results indicate that SPD-processed Ti could be a good candidate to substitute for Ti-6Al-4V in aneurysm clips. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Size-resolved ultrafine particle composition analysis 2. Houston

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phares, Denis J.; Rhoads, Kevin P.; Johnston, Murray V.; Wexler, Anthony S.

2003-04-01

Between 23 August and 18 September 2000, a single-ultrafine-particle mass spectrometer (RSMS-II) was deployed just east of Houston as part of a sampling intensive during the Houston Supersite Experiment. The sampling site was located just north of the major industrial emission sources. RSMS-II, which simultaneously measures the aerodynamic size and composition of individual ultrafine aerosols, is well suited to resolving some of the chemistry associated with secondary particle formation. Roughly 27,000 aerosol mass spectra were acquired during the intensive period. These were classified and labeled based on the spectral peak patterns using the neural networks algorithm, ART-2a. The frequency of occurrence of each particle class was correlated with time and wind direction. Some classes were present continuously, while others appeared intermittently or for very short time durations. The most frequently detected species at the site were potassium and silicon, with lesser amounts of organics and heavier metals.

Number size distribution of fine and ultrafine fume particles from various welding processes.

PubMed

Brand, Peter; Lenz, Klaus; Reisgen, Uwe; Kraus, Thomas

2013-04-01

Studies in the field of environmental epidemiology indicate that for the adverse effect of inhaled particles not only particle mass is crucial but also particle size is. Ultrafine particles with diameters below 100 nm are of special interest since these particles have high surface area to mass ratio and have properties which differ from those of larger particles. In this paper, particle size distributions of various welding and joining techniques were measured close to the welding process using a fast mobility particle sizer (FMPS). It turned out that welding processes with high mass emission rates (manual metal arc welding, metal active gas welding, metal inert gas welding, metal inert gas soldering, and laser welding) show mainly agglomerated particles with diameters above 100 nm and only few particles in the size range below 50 nm (10 to 15%). Welding processes with low mass emission rates (tungsten inert gas welding and resistance spot welding) emit predominantly ultrafine particles with diameters well below 100 nm. This finding can be explained by considerably faster agglomeration processes in welding processes with high mass emission rates. Although mass emission is low for tungsten inert gas welding and resistance spot welding, due to the low particle size of the fume, these processes cannot be labeled as toxicologically irrelevant and should be further investigated.

Surface modification of hydroturbine steel using friction stir processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grewal, H. S.; Arora, H. S.; Singh, H.; Agrawal, A.

2013-03-01

Friction stir processing (FSP) has proved to be a viable tool for enhancing the mechanical properties of materials, however, the major focus has been upon improving the bulk properties of light metals and their alloys. Hydroturbines are susceptible to damage owing to slurry and cavitation erosion. In this study, FSP of a commonly employed hydroturbine steel, 13Cr4Ni was undertaken. Microstructural characterization of the processed steel was conducted using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques. Mechanical characterization of the steel was undertaken in terms of microhardness and resistance to cavitation erosion (CE). FSP resulted in the refinement of the microstructure with reduction in grain size by a factor of 10. EBSD results confirmed the existence of submicron and ultrafine grained microstructure. The microhardness of the steel was found to enhance by 2.6 times after processing. The processed steel also showed 2.4 times higher resistance against cavitation erosion in comparison to unprocessed steel. The primary erosion mechanism for both the steels was identical in nature, with plastic deformation responsible for the loss of material.

Magnetic and transport properties of Fe-based nanocrystalline materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barandiarán, J. M.

1994-01-01

Fe-rich amorphous alloys containing late transition metals like Nb, V, Zr,..., sometimes with the addition of Cu, can crystallize in ultrafine grains of a crystalline phase, a few nanometers in diameter, embedded in a disordered matrix. In such state they have shown excellent soft magnetic properties for technical applications, rising the interest for deep studies. In this paper, recent work on some Fe-Nb and Fe-Zr based alloys both in amorphous state and after several degrees of nanocrystallization is presented. The nanocrystallization process has been achieved by conventional heat treatments (about 1 h at temperatures around 400-500 °C in a controlled atmosphere furnance) as well as by Joule heating using an electrical current flowing through the sample. Magnetic measurements, electrical resistivity, x-rays diffraction and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy were used in the study of the crystalline phases appearing after the thermal treatments. The basic magnetic and transport properties of the nanocrystals do not differ appreciably from their bulk values. The magnetic anisotropy, however, is very sensitive to grain size and to the intergranular magnetic coupling. The effect of such coupling is deduced from the coercivity changes at the Curie Temperature of the amorphous matrix remaining after nanocrystallization.

Ultrafine nanoporous palladium-aluminum film fabricated by citric acid-assisted hot-water-treatment of aluminum-palladium alloy film

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

Harumoto, Takashi; Tamura, Yohei; Ishiguro, Takashi, E-mail: ishiguro@rs.noda.tus.ac.jp

Hot-water-treatment has been adapted to fabricate ultrafine nanoporous palladium-aluminum film from aluminum-palladium alloy film. Using citric acid as a chelating agent, a precipitation of boehmite (aluminum oxide hydroxide, AlOOH) on the nanoporous palladium-aluminum film was suppressed. According to cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy observations, the ligament/pore sizes of the prepared nanoporous film were considerably small (on the order of 10 nm). Since this fabrication method only requires aluminum alloy film and hot-water with chelating agent, the ultrafine nanoporous film can be prepared simply and environmentally friendly.

Ultrafine cementitious grout

DOEpatents

Ahrens, Ernst H.

1999-01-01

An ultrafine cementitious grout in three particle grades containing Portland cement, pumice as a pozzolanic material and superplasticizer in the amounts of about 30 wt. % to about 70 wt. % Portland cement; from about 30 wt. % to about 70 wt. % pumice containing at least 70% amorphous silicon dioxide; and from 1.2 wt. % to about 5.0 wt. % superplasticizer. The superplasticizer is dispersed in the mixing water prior to the addition of dry grout and the W/CM ratio is about 0.4 to 1/1. The grout has very high strength and very low permeability with good workability. The ultrafine particle sizes allow for sealing of microfractures below 10 .mu.m in width.

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

Klimenov, V. A., E-mail: klimenov@tpu.ru; National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 30 Lenin Av., Tomsk, 634050; Kurgan, K. A., E-mail: kirill-k2.777@mail.ru

The structure of weld joints of the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V in the initial ultrafine-grained state, obtained by resistance spot welding, is studied using the optical and scanning electron microscopy method and the X-ray structure analysis. The carried out studies show the relationship of the metal structure in the weld zone with main joint zones. The structure in the core zone and the heat affected zone is represented by finely dispersed grains of needle-shaped martensite, differently oriented in these zones. The change in the microhardness in the longitudinal section of the weld joint clearly correlates with structural changes during welding.

Measurements of hygroscopicity and volatility of atmospheric ultrafine particles during ultrafine particle formation events at urban, industrial, and coastal sites.

PubMed

Park, Kihong; Kim, Jae-Seok; Park, Seung Ho

2009-09-01

The tandem differential mobility analyzer (TDMA) technique was applied to determine the hygroscopicity and volatility of atmospheric ultrafine particles in three sites of urban Gwangju, industrial Yeosu, and coastal Taean in South Korea. A database for the hygroscopicity and volatility of the known compositions and sizes of the laboratory-generated particles wasfirst constructed for comparison with the measured properties of atmospheric ultrafine particles. Distinct differences in hygroscopicity and volatility of atmospheric ultrafine particles werefound between a "photochemical event" and a "combustion event" as well as among different sites. At the Gwangju site, ultrafine particles in the "photochemical event" were determined to be more hygroscopic (growth factor (GF) = 1.05-1.33) than those in the "combustion event" (GF = 1.02-1.12), but their hygroscopicity was not as high as pure ammonium sulfate or sulfuric acid particles in the laboratory-generated database, suggesting they were internally mixed with less soluble species. Ultrafine particles in the "photochemical event" at the Yeosu site, having a variety of SO2, CO, and VOC emission sources, were more hygroscopic (GF = 1.34-1.60) and had a higher amount of volatile species (47-75%)than those observed at the Gwangju site. Ultrafine particle concentration at the Taean site increased during daylight hours with low tide, having a higher GF (1.34-1.80) than the Gwangju site and a lower amount of volatile species (17-34%) than the Yeosu site. Occasionally ultrafine particles were externally mixed according to their hygroscopicity and volatility, and TEM/EDS data showed that each type of particle had a distinct morphology and elemental composition.

VERSATILE AEROSOL CONCENTRATION ENRICHMENT SYSTEM (VACES) FOR SIMULTANEOUS IN VIVO AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF TOXIC EFFECTS OF ULTRAFINE, FINE AND COARSE AMBIENT PARTICLES. PART I: DEVELOPMENT AND LABORATORY CHARACTERIZATION. (R827352C001)

EPA Science Inventory

This study presents the development and bench-testing of a versatile aerosol concentration enrichment system (VACES) capable of simultaneously concentrating ambient particles of the coarse, fine and ultrafine size fractions for conducting in vivo and in vitro studies. The VACE...

What does the fine-scale petrography of IDPs reveal about grain formation and evolution in the early solar system?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradley, John

1994-01-01

The 'pyroxene' interplanetary dust particles (IDP's) may be the best samples for investigation of primordial grain-forming reactions because they appear to have experienced negligible post-accretional alteration. They are likely to continue to yield information about gas-to-solid condensation and other grain-forming reactions that may have occurred either in the solar nebular or presolar interstellar environments. An immediate challenge lies in understanding the nanometer-scale petrography of the ultrafine-grained aggregates in 'pyroxene' IDP's. Whether these aggregates contain components from diverse grain-forming environments may ultimately be answered by systematic petrographic studies using electron microscopes capable of high spatial resolution microanalysis. It may be more difficult to decipher evidence of grain formation and evolution in 'olivine' and 'layer silicate' IDP's because they appear to have experienced post-accretional alteration. Most of the studied 'olivine' IDPs have been subjected to heating and equilibration, perhaps during atmospheric entry, while the 'layer silicate' IDP's have experienced aqueous alteration.

Evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of steel in the course of pressing-drawing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lezhnev, S. N.; Volokitina, I. E.; Volokitin, A. V.

2017-11-01

The combined continuous pressing-drawing process is proposed after a comprehensive analysis of available plastic structure-forming techniques taking into account the promising trends in their development. This combination of severe plastic deformation in equal-channel step die and drawing allows one to obtain a wire of desired size and shape in the cross section with an ultrafine-grained structure after a few deformation cycles. It also enables initial workpieces of any length to be processed and, therefore, allows one to obtain finished products up to several tens of meters in length. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of new combined pressing-drawing technique of plastic deformation on the structure and mechanical properties of the steel. These studies have shown that the proposed deformation technique has a significant advantage of the techniques currently used to manufacture a steel wire.

Microstructure characterization of LAE442 magnesium alloy processed by extrusion and ECAP

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

Minárik, Peter; Král, Robert; Pešička, Josef

2016-02-15

The magnesium alloy LAE442 was processed by extrusion and equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) to achieve ultrafine grained microstructure. Detailed characterization of the microstructure was performed by scanning electron microscope, electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscope. The initial, as-cast, microstructure consisted of large grains of ~ 1 mm. The grain refinement due to the processing by severe plastic deformation led to a decrease of the average grain size to ~ 1.7 μm after the final step of ECAP. A detailed characterization of secondary phases showed the precipitation of Al{sub 11}RE{sub 3}, Al{sub 2}Ca and Al{sub 10}RE{sub 2}Mn{submore » 7} intermetallic phases. X-ray diffraction measurements proved that Li is dissolved within the magnesium matrix in the as-cast condition. Newly formed Al{sub 3}Li phase was observed after ECAP. The texture formation due to the extrusion and ECAP was different from that in the other magnesium alloys due to the activation of non-basal slip systems as a result of the decrease of the c/a ratio. - Highlights: • Combined extrusion and equal channel angular pressing results in significant grain refinement by factor 1000 approximately. • Al{sub 11}RE{sub 3}, Al{sub 2}Ca and Al{sub 10}RE{sub 2}Mn{sub 7} secondary phases are present in the as-cast material while Li was dissolved in the Mg matrix. • Extrusion and ECAP have no effect on the composition of the secondary phases but they influence strongly their distribution. • Texture evolution is affected by decrease of c/a ratio due to the presence of Li and resulting activation of non-basal slip.« less

Nuclear microprobe investigation of the penetration of ultrafine zinc oxide into intact and tape-stripped human skin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szikszai, Z.; Kertész, Zs.; Bodnár, E.; Major, I.; Borbíró, I.; Kiss, Á. Z.; Hunyadi, J.

2010-06-01

Ultrafine metal oxides, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are widely used in cosmetic and health products like sunscreens. These oxides are potent UV filters and the small particle size makes the product more transparent compared to formulations containing coarser particles. In the present work the penetration of ultrafine zinc oxide into intact and tape-stripped human skin was investigated using nuclear microprobe techniques, such as proton induced X-ray spectroscopy and scanning transmission ion microscopy. Our results indicate that the penetration of ultrafine zinc oxide, in a hydrophobic basis gel with 48 h application time, is limited to the stratum corneum layer of the intact skin. Removing the stratum corneum partially or entirely by tape-stripping did not cause the penetration of the particles into the deeper dermal layers; the zinc particles remained on the surface of the skin.

Determination of permeability of ultra-fine cupric oxide aerosol through military filters and protective filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kellnerová, E.; Večeřa, Z.; Kellner, J.; Zeman, T.; Navrátil, J.

2018-03-01

The paper evaluates the filtration and sorption efficiency of selected types of military combined filters and protective filters. The testing was carried out with the use of ultra-fine aerosol containing cupric oxide nanoparticles ranging in size from 7.6 nm to 299.6 nm. The measurements of nanoparticles were carried out using a scanning mobility particle sizer before and after the passage through the filter and a developed sampling device at the level of particle number concentration approximately 750000 particles·cm-3. The basic parameters of permeability of ultra-fine aerosol passing through the tested material were evaluated, in particular particle size, efficiency of nanoparticle capture by filter, permeability coefficient and overall filtration efficiency. Results indicate that the military filter and particle filters exhibited the highest aerosol permeability especially in the nanoparticle size range between 100–200 nm, while the MOF filters had the highest permeability in the range of 200 to 300 nm. The Filter Nuclear and the Health and Safety filter had 100% nanoparticle capture efficiency and were therefore the most effective. The obtained measurement results have shown that the filtration efficiency over the entire measured range of nanoparticles was sufficient; however, it was different for particular particle sizes.

Incremental Feeding High-Pressure Sliding for Grain Refinement of Large-Scale Sheets: Application to Inconel 718

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takizawa, Yoichi; Sumikawa, Kosei; Watanabe, Kyohei; Masuda, Takahiro; Yumoto, Manabu; Kanai, Yuta; Otagiri, Yoshiharu; Horita, Zenji

2018-03-01

This study updates a process of high-pressure sliding (HPS) recently developed as a severe plastic deformation process under high pressure for grain refinement of sheet samples. The updated version, which we call the incremental feeding HPS (IF-HPS), consists of sliding for SPD and feeding for upsizing the SPD-processed area so that, without increasing the capacity of processing facility, it is possible to cover a much larger area with an SPD-processed ultrafine-grained structure with a grain size of 120 nm. For the IF-HPS processing, anvils with flat surfaces but without grooves are used in an unconstrained condition, and the feeding distance is set equal to the deformed width. A Ni-based superalloy (Inconel 718) is processed by the IF-HPS under 4 GPa at room temperature, and it is possible to obtain an SPD-processed sheet with dimensions of approximately 100 × 100 × 1 mm3. Strain distribution and evolution were examined by hardness measurement and simulation using a finite element method. Tensile tests were conducted using tensile specimens extracted from the IF-HPS-processed sheet. Advent of high strain rate superplasticity with the total elongation of more than 400 pct was confirmed by pulling the tensile specimens with an initial strain rate of 2.0 × 10-2 s-1 at a temperature as low as 1073 K. The formability of the IF-HPS-processed sheet was confirmed by successful cup forming. It was also confirmed that the restoration after the superplastic deformation was feasible by subjecting to conventional heat treatment used for Inconel 718.

Technique for the control of the crystal habit of ultrafine particles in the gas-evaporation technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasukabe, S.; Mihama, K.

1986-12-01

Magnesium ultrafine particles have clear-cut habits such as hexagonal plates and polyhedra. When magnesium is evaporated downwards using a tube with holes at the bottom, hexagonal plates are formed exclusively throughout the smoke. Their size is controlled by selecting an inert gas. The growth process of an hexagonal plate can be considered to be a coalescent growth of other hexagonal plates.

Ultrafine particle emission characteristics of diesel engine by on-board and test bench measurement.

PubMed

Huang, Cheng; Lou, Diming; Hu, Zhiyuan; Tan, Piqiang; Yao, Di; Hu, Wei; Li, Peng; Ren, Jin; Chen, Changhong

2012-01-01

This study investigated the emission characteristics of ultrafine particles based on test bench and on-board measurements. The bench test results showed the ultrafine particle number concentration of the diesel engine to be in the range of (0.56-8.35) x 10(8) cm(-3). The on-board measurement results illustrated that the ultrafine particles were strongly correlated with changes in real-world driving cycles. The particle number concentration was down to 2.0 x 10(6) cm(-3) and 2.7 x 10(7) cm(-3) under decelerating and idling operations and as high as 5.0 x 10(8) cm(-3) under accelerating operation. It was also indicated that the particle number measured by the two methods increased with the growth of engine load at each engine speed in both cases. The particle number presented a "U" shaped distribution with changing speed at high engine load conditions, which implies that the particle number will reach its lowest level at medium engine speeds. The particle sizes of both measurements showed single mode distributions. The peak of particle size was located at about 50-80 nm in the accumulation mode particle range. Nucleation mode particles will significantly increase at low engine load operations like idling and decelerating caused by the high concentration of unburned organic compounds.

Size evolution of ultrafine particles: Differential signatures of normal and episodic events.

PubMed

Joshi, Manish; Khan, Arshad; Anand, S; Sapra, B K

2016-01-01

The effect of fireworks on the aerosol number characteristics of atmosphere was studied for an urban mega city. Measurements were made at 50 m height to assess the local changes around the festival days. Apart from the increase in total number concentration and characteristic accumulation mode, short-term increase of ultrafine particle concentration was noted. Total number concentration varies an order of magnitude during the measurement period in which peak occurs at a frequency of approximately one per day. On integral scale, it seems not possible to distinguish an episodic (e.g. firework bursting induced aerosol emission) and a normal (ambient atmospheric changes) event. However these events could be differentiated on the basis of size evolution analysis around number concentration peaks. The results are discussed relative to past studies and inferences are drawn towards aerosol signatures of firework bursting. The short-term burst in ultrafine particle concentration can pose an inhalation hazard. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrafine particulate matter impairs mitochondrial redox homeostasis and activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase mediated DNA damage responses in lymphocytes.

PubMed

Bhargava, Arpit; Tamrakar, Shivani; Aglawe, Aniket; Lad, Harsha; Srivastava, Rupesh Kumar; Mishra, Dinesh Kumar; Tiwari, Rajnarayan; Chaudhury, Koel; Goryacheva, Irina Yu; Mishra, Pradyumna Kumar

2018-03-01

Particulate matter (PM), broadly defined as coarse (2.5-10 μm), fine (0.1-2.5 μm) and ultrafine particles (≤0.1 μm), is a major constituent of ambient air pollution. Recent studies have linked PM exposure (coarse and fine particles) with several human diseases including cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ultrafine PM exposure induced cellular and sub-cellular repercussions are ill-defined. Since mitochondria are one of the major targets of different environmental pollutants, we herein aimed to understand the molecular repercussion of ultrafine PM exposure on mitochondrial machinery in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Upon comparative analysis, a significantly higher DCF fluorescence was observed in ultrafine PM exposed cells that confirmed the strong pro-oxidant nature of these particles. In addition, the depleted activity of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase suggested the strong association of ultrafine PM with oxidative stress. These results further coincided with mitochondrial membrane depolarization, altered mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activity and decline in mtDNA copy number. Moreover, the higher accumulation of DNA damage response proteins (γH2AX, pATM, p-p53), suggested that exposure to ultrafine PM induces DNA damage and triggers phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase mediated response pathway. Further, the alterations in mitochondrial machinery and redox balance among ultrafine PM exposed cells were accompanied by a considerably elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine response. Interestingly, the lower apoptosis levels observed in ultrafine particle treated cells suggest the possibility that the marked alterations may lead to the impairment of mitochondrial-nuclear cross talk. Together, our results showed that ultrafine PM, because of their smaller size possesses significant ability to disturb mitochondrial redox homeostasis and activates phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase mediated DNA damage response pathway, an unknown molecular paradigm of ultrafine PM exposure. Our findings also indicate that maneuvering through the mitochondrial function might be a viable, indirect method to modulate lymphocyte homeostasis in air pollution associated immune disorders. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural properties of ultrafine Ba-hexaferrite nanoparticles

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

Makovec, Darko, E-mail: Darko.Makovec@ijs.si; Primc, Darinka; Sturm, Saso

2012-12-15

Crystal structure of ultrafine Ba-hexaferrite (BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19}) nanoparticles was studied using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), and Moessbauer spectroscopy (MS), to be compared to the structure of larger nanoparticles and the bulk. The nanoparticles were synthesized with hydrothermal treatment of an appropriate suspension of Ba and Fe hydroxides in the presence of a large excess of OH{sup -}. The ultrafine nanoparticles were formed in a discoid shape, {approx}10 nm wide and only {approx}3 nm thick, comparable to the size of the hexagonal unit cell in the c-direction.more » The HRTEM image analysis confirmed the hexaferrite structure, whereas EDXS showed the composition matching the BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} formula. XAFS and MS analyses showed considerable disorder of the structure, most probably responsible for the low magnetization. - Graphical abstract: Left: HREM image of an ultrafine Ba-hexaferrite nanoparticle (inset: TEM image of the nanoparticles); Right: the experimental HRTEM image is compared with calculated image and corresponding atomic model. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Crystal structure of ultrafine Ba-hexaferrite (BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19}) nanoparticles was compared to the structure of the bulk. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Thickness the discoid nanoparticles was comparable to the size of the hexagonal unit cell in the c-direction. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Considerable disorder of the nanoparticles' structure is most probably responsible for their low magnetization.« less

[Ultrafine particle number concentration and size distribution of vehicle exhaust ultrafine particles].

PubMed

Lu, Ye-qiang; Chen, Qiu-fang; Sun, Zai; Cai, Zhi-liang; Yang, Wen-jun

2014-09-01

Ultrafine particle (UFP) number concentrations obtained from three different vehicles were measured using fast mobility particle sizer (FMPS) and automobile exhaust gas analyzer. UFP number concentration and size distribution were studied at different idle driving speeds. The results showed that at a low idle speed of 800 rmin-1 , the emission particle number concentration was the lowest and showed a increasing trend with the increase of idle speed. The majority of exhaust particles were in Nuclear mode and Aitken mode. The peak sizes were dominated by 10 nm and 50 nm. Particle number concentration showed a significantly sharp increase during the vehicle acceleration process, and was then kept stable when the speed was stable. In the range of 0. 4 m axial distance from the end of the exhaust pipe, the particle number concentration decayed rapidly after dilution, but it was not obvious in the range of 0. 4-1 m. The number concentration was larger than the background concentration. Concentration of exhaust emissions such as CO, HC and NO showed a reducing trend with the increase of idle speed,which was in contrast to the emission trend of particle number concentration.

Understanding the synergistic effect and the main factors influencing the enzymatic hydrolyzability of corn stover at low enzyme loading by hydrothermal and/or ultrafine grinding pretreatment.

PubMed

Zhang, Haiyan; Li, Junbao; Huang, Guangqun; Yang, Zengling; Han, Lujia

2018-05-26

A thorough assessment of the microstructural changes and synergistic effects of hydrothermal and/or ultrafine grinding pretreatment on the subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stover was performed in this study. The mechanism of pretreatment was elucidated by characterizing the particle size, specific surface area (SSA), pore volume (PV), average pore size, cellulose crystallinity (CrI) and surface morphology of the pretreated samples. In addition, the underlying relationships between the structural parameters and final glucose yields were elucidated, and the relative significance of the factors influencing enzymatic hydrolyzability were assessed by principal component analysis (PCA). Hydrothermal pretreatment at a lower temperature (170 °C) combined with ultrafine grinding achieved a high glucose yield (80.36%) at a low enzyme loading (5 filter paper unit (FPU)/g substrate) which is favorable. The relative significance of structural parameters in enzymatic hydrolyzability was SSA > PV > average pore size > CrI/cellulose > particle size. PV and SSA exhibited logarithmic correlations with the final enzymatic hydrolysis yield. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of Aluminum Passivation on the Reaction Mechanism: Flame Propagation Studies

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

synthesis and characterization of Al nanoparticles without an oxide shell is presented in refs 15- 18. In summary, SEM, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and...al.1 examined the oxidation behavior of ultrafine grain aluminum powder using Rutherford back- scattering spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis , and...to opposite predictions in nanoparticle design. The diffusion mechanism suggests that the reduction Dr complete elimination of the oxide shell will

Particulate matter neurotoxicity in culture is size-dependent

EPA Science Inventory

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution produces inflammatory damage to the cardiopulmonary system. This toxicity appears to be inversely related to the size of the PM particles, with the ultrafine particle being more inflammatory than larger sizes. Exposure to PM has m...

Processing, microstructure evolution and properties of nanoscale aluminum alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jixiong

In this project, phase transformations and precipitation behavior in age-hardenable nanoscale materials systems, using Al-Cu alloys as model materials, were first studied. The Al-Cu nanoparticles were synthesized by a Plasma Ablation process and found to contain a 2˜5 nm thick adherent aluminum oxide scale, which prevented further oxidation. On aging of the particles, a precipitation sequence consisting of, nearly pure Cu precipitates to the metastable theta' to equilibrium theta was observed, with all three forming along the oxide-particle interface. The structure of theta' and its interface with the Al matrix has been characterized in detail. Ultrafine Al-Cu nanoparticles (5˜25 nm) were also synthesized by inert gas condensation (IGC) and their aging behavior was studied. These particles were found to be quite stable against precipitation. Secondly, pure Al nanoparticles were prepared by the Exploding Wire process and their sintering and consolidation behavior were studied. It was found that nanopowders of Al could be processed to bulk structures with high hardness and density. Sintering temperature was found to have a dominant effect on density, hardness and microstructure. Sintering at temperatures >600°C led to breakup of the oxide scale, leading to an interesting nanocomposite composed of 100˜200 nm Al oxide dispersed in a bimodal nanometer-micrometer size Al matrix grains. Although there was some grain growth, the randomly dispersed oxide fragments were quite effective in pinning the Al grain boundaries, preventing excessive grain growth and retaining high hardness. Cold rolling and hot rolling were effective methods for attaining full densification and high hardness. Thirdly, the microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior of Al-Al 2O3 nanocomposites were studied. The composites can retain high strength at elevated temperature and thermal soaking has practically no detrimental effect on strength. Although the ductility of the composite remains quite low, there was substantial evidence for high localized plasticity. The strengthening mechanisms of the composite include: Orowan strengthening, grain size strengthening and Forest strengthening. Finally, the microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior of 2024Al-Al 2O3 nanocomposites were studied. This 2024Al-Al2O 3 composite exhibits similar thermal stability and high strength at elevated temperature as Al-Al2O3. On aging, the matrix of 2024Al-Al2O3 composites revealed a precipitation sequence of: alphaAl → GP/GPB → theta'/S' → theta/S. The strengthening mechanisms of the 2024Al-Al2O3 composites include precipitation strengthening, Orowan strengthening, grain size strengthening and Forest strengthening.

Plasma-Assisted Synthesis of Monodispersed and Robust Ruthenium Ultrafine Nanocatalysts for Organosilane Oxidation and Oxygen Evolution Reactions.

PubMed

Gnanakumar, Edwin S; Ng, Wesley; Coşkuner Filiz, Bilge; Rothenberg, Gadi; Wang, Sheng; Xu, Hualong; Pastor-Pérez, Laura; Pastor-Blas, M Mercedes; Sepúlveda-Escribano, Antonio; Yan, Ning; Shiju, N Raveendran

2017-11-23

We report a facile and general approach for preparing ultrafine ruthenium nanocatalysts by using a plasma-assisted synthesis at <100 °C. The resulting Ru nanoparticles are monodispersed (typical size 2 nm) and remain that way upon loading onto carbon and TiO 2 supports. This gives robust catalysts with excellent activities in both organosilane oxidation and the oxygen evolution reaction.

Particle size distributions of currently used pesticides in ambient air of an agricultural Mediterranean area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coscollà, Clara; Muñoz, Amalia; Borrás, Esther; Vera, Teresa; Ródenas, Milagros; Yusà, Vicent

2014-10-01

This work presents first data on the particle size distribution of 16 pesticides currently used in Mediterranean agriculture in the atmosphere. Particulate matter air samples were collected using a cascade impactor distributed into four size fractions in a rural site of Valencia Region, during July to September in 2012 and from May to July in 2013. A total of 16 pesticides were detected, including six fungicides, seven insecticides and three herbicides. The total concentrations in the particulate phase (TSP: Total Suspended Particulate) ranged from 3.5 to 383.1 pg m-3. Most of the pesticides (such as carbendazim, tebuconazole, chlorpyrifos-ethyl and chlorpyrifos-methyl) were accumulated in the ultrafine-fine (<1 μm) and coarse (2.5-10 μm) particle size fractions. Others like omethoate, dimethoate and malathion were presented only in the ultrafine-fine size fraction (<1 μm). Finally, diuron, diphenylamine and terbuthylazine-desethyl-2-OH also show a bimodal distribution but mainly in the coarse size fractions.

A mechanism for the production of ultrafine particles from concrete fracture.

PubMed

Jabbour, Nassib; Rohan Jayaratne, E; Johnson, Graham R; Alroe, Joel; Uhde, Erik; Salthammer, Tunga; Cravigan, Luke; Faghihi, Ehsan Majd; Kumar, Prashant; Morawska, Lidia

2017-03-01

While the crushing of concrete gives rise to large quantities of coarse dust, it is not widely recognized that this process also emits significant quantities of ultrafine particles. These particles impact not just the environments within construction activities but those in entire urban areas. The origin of these ultrafine particles is uncertain, as existing theories do not support their production by mechanical processes. We propose a hypothesis for this observation based on the volatilisation of materials at the concrete fracture interface. The results from this study confirm that mechanical methods can produce ultrafine particles (UFP) from concrete, and that the particles are volatile. The ultrafine mode was only observed during concrete fracture, producing particle size distributions with average count median diameters of 27, 39 and 49 nm for the three tested concrete samples. Further volatility measurements found that the particles were highly volatile, showing between 60 and 95% reduction in the volume fraction remaining by 125 °C. An analysis of the volatile fraction remaining found that different volatile material is responsible for the production of particles between the samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation of an Ultrafine Rebamipide Ophthalmic Suspension with High Transparency.

PubMed

Matsuda, Takakuni; Hiraoka, Shogo; Urashima, Hiroki; Ogura, Ako; Ishida, Tatsuhiro

2017-01-01

A 2% commercially available, milky-white, rebamipide micro-particle suspension is used to treat dry eyes, and it causes short-term blurring of the patient's vision. In the current study, to improve the transparency of a rebamipide suspension, we attempted to obtain a clear rebamipide suspension by transforming the rebamipide particles to an ultrafine state. In the initial few efforts, various rebamipide suspensions were prepared using a neutralizing crystallization method with additives, but the suspensions retained their opaque quality. However, as a consequence of several critical improvements in the neutralizing crystallization methods such as selection of additives for crystallization, process parameters during crystallization, the dispersion method, and dialysis, we obtained an ultrafine rebamipide suspension (2%) that was highly transparent (transmittance at 640 nm: 59%). The particle size and transparency demonstrated the fewest level of changes at 25°C after 3 years, compared to initial levels. During that period, no obvious particle sedimentation was observed. The administration of this ultrafine rebamipide suspension (2%) increased the conjunctival mucin, which was comparable to the commercially available micro-particle suspension (2%). The corneal and conjunctival concentration of rebamipide following ocular administration of the ultrafine suspension was slightly higher than that of the micro-particle suspension. The ultrafine rebamipide suspension (eye-drop formulation) with a highly transparent ophthalmic clearness should improve a patient's QOL by preventing even a shortened period of blurred vision.

One-Pot Synthesis of GeAs Ultrafine Particles from Coal Fly Ash by Vacuum Dynamic Flash Reduction and Inert Gas Condensation.

PubMed

Zhang, Lingen; Xu, Zhenming

2017-06-16

Ge-monopnictides (GeAs) plays critical role in high-tech industry, especially in the field of advanced optical devices and infrared. As a secondary material, coal fly ash could be further recycled to retrieve germanium and prepare GeAs material with high added values. Hence, the aim of this paper is to propose a one-pot synthesis that uses vacuum flash reduction and inert-gas consolidation method to prepare GeAs ultrafine particles. Germanium in coal fly ash can be successfully recycled; simultaneously, GeAs ultrafine particles were prepared. Separation principle and feasibility of this process was discussed. Temperature, carrier gas flow rate and system pressure were the major factors on formation, morphology and distribution of particle size of GeAs ultrafine particles. A three steps synthetic mechanism was clarified, namely, thermal rupture of coal fly ash and release of GeO 2 and As 2 O 3 , the gas-solid phase reaction of GeO 2 , As 2 O 3 and coke to generate metallic Ge and As in vacuum flash reduction. Meantime, GeAs were produced in the gas phase reaction. Finally, GeAs ultrafine particles were obtained by carrier gas condensation. In short, this research developed a practical and environment-friendly one-pot synthesis to recycle germanium in coal fly ash and prepare GeAs ultrafine particles with high added values.

Welding abilities of UFG metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morawiński, Łukasz; Chmielewski, Tomasz; Olejnik, Lech; Buffa, Gianluca; Campanella, Davide; Fratini, Livan

2018-05-01

Ultrafine Grained (UFG) metals are characterized by an average grain size of <1 µm and mostly high angle grain boundaries. These materials exhibit exceptional improvements in strength, superplastic behaviour and in some cases enhanced biocompatibility. UFG metals barstock can be fabricated effectively by means of Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) methods. However, the obtained welded joints with similar properties to the base of UFG material are crucial for the production of finished engineering components. Conventional welding methods based on local melting of the joined edges cannot be used due to the UFG microstructure degradation caused by the heat occurrence in the heat affected zone. Therefore, the possibility of obtaining UFG materials joints with different shearing plane (SP) positions by means of friction welded processes, which do not exceed the melting temperature during the process, should be investigated. The article focuses on the Linear Friction Welding (LFW) method, which belongs to innovative welding processes based on mixing of the friction-heated material in the solid state. LFW is a welding process used to joint bulk components. In the process, the friction forces work due to the high frequency oscillation and the pressure between the specimens is converted in thermal energy. Character and range of recrystallization can be controlled by changing LFW parameters. Experimental study on the welded UFG 1070 aluminum alloy by means of FLW method, indicates the possibility of reducing the UFG structure degradation in the obtained joint. A laboratory designed LFW machine has been used to weld the specimens with different contact pressure and oscillation frequency.

Ultrafine particle and fiber production in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Webb, George W. (Inventor)

1988-01-01

In a system and method for producing ultrafine particles and ultrafine fibers of a given source material by evaporating and condensing the material in a gas atmosphere that includes inert gas. A smaller, more narrow size distribution is accomplished by producing the particles and fibers in a microgravity environment in order to reduce particle coalescence caused by convection currents. Particle coalescence also is reduced in an Earth gravity environment by controlling the convection currents. Condensed particles are collected either by providing an electrostatic field or a spatially varying magnetic field or by causing the gas to move through a filter which collects the particles. Nonferromagnetic material fibers are produced and collected by electrodes which produce an electro- static field. Ferromagnetic particles are collected by spatially varying magnetic fields.

Synthesis and reactivity of ultra-fine coal liquefaction catalysts

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

Linehan, J.C.; Matson, D.W.; Fulton, J.L.

1992-10-01

The Pacific Northwest Laboratory is currently developing ultra-fine iron-based coal liquefaction catalysts using two new particle production technologies: (1) modified reverse micelles (MRM) and (2) rapid thermal decomposition of solutes (RTDS). These methodologies have been shown to allow control over both particle size (from 1 nm to 60 nm) and composition when used to produce ultra-fine iron-based materials. Powders produced using these methods are found to be selective catalysts for carbon-carbon bond scission using the naphthyl bibenzylmethane model compound, and to promote the production of THF soluble coal products during liquefaction studies. This report describes the materials produced by bothmore » MRM and the RTDS methods and summarizes the results of preliminary catalysis studies using these materials.« less

Ultrafine particle removal by residential heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning filters.

PubMed

Stephens, B; Siegel, J A

2013-12-01

This work uses an in situ filter test method to measure the size-resolved removal efficiency of indoor-generated ultrafine particles (approximately 7-100 nm) for six new commercially available filters installed in a recirculating heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system in an unoccupied test house. The fibrous HVAC filters were previously rated by the manufacturers according to ASHRAE Standard 52.2 and ranged from shallow (2.5 cm) fiberglass panel filters (MERV 4) to deep-bed (12.7 cm) electrostatically charged synthetic media filters (MERV 16). Measured removal efficiency ranged from 0 to 10% for most ultrafine particles (UFP) sizes with the lowest rated filters (MERV 4 and 6) to 60-80% for most UFP sizes with the highest rated filter (MERV 16). The deeper bed filters generally achieved higher removal efficiencies than the panel filters, while maintaining a low pressure drop and higher airflow rate in the operating HVAC system. Assuming constant efficiency, a modeling effort using these measured values for new filters and other inputs from real buildings shows that MERV 13-16 filters could reduce the indoor proportion of outdoor UFPs (in the absence of indoor sources) by as much as a factor of 2-3 in a typical single-family residence relative to the lowest efficiency filters, depending in part on particle size. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A novel recovery method of copper from waste printed circuit boards by supercritical methanol process: Preparation of ultrafine copper materials.

PubMed

Xiu, Fu-Rong; Weng, Huiwei; Qi, Yingying; Yu, Gending; Zhang, Zhigang; Zhang, Fu-Shen; Chen, Mengjun

2017-02-01

In this study, supercritical methanol (SCM) process was successfully used for the preparation of ultrafine copper materials from waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) after nitric acid pretreatment. Waste PCBs were pretreated twice in nitric acid. Sn and Pb were recovered by the first nitric acid pretreatment. The leach liquor with a high concentration of copper ions after the second nitric acid leaching was subjected to SCM process. The mixture of Cu and Cu 2 O with poor uniformity of particle size was formed due to the effect of ferric iron contained in the leach liquor of waste PCBs, while more uniform and spherical Cu particles with high monodispersity and smaller size could be prepared after the removal of Fe. The size of Cu particles increased obviously with the decline of SCM temperature, and particles became highly aggregated when the reaction temperature decreased to 300°C. The size of Cu particles decreased markedly with the decrease of initial concentration of copper ion in the leach liquor of waste PCBs. It is believed that the process developed in this study is simple and practical for the preparation of ultrafine copper materials from waste PCBs with the aim of recycling these waste resources as a high value-added product. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fatigue strength of a magnesium MA2-1 alloy after equal-channel angular pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terent'ev, V. F.; Dobatkin, S. V.; Prosvirnin, D. V.; Bannykh, I. O.; Kopylov, V. I.; Serebryany, V. N.

2010-09-01

The fatigue strength of a magnesium MA2-1 alloy is studied after annealing and equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP). The ultrafine-grained structure formed upon ECAP is shown to increase the plasticity of the material during static tension, to decrease the cyclic life to failure, and not to decrease the fatigue limit. The mechanisms of crack nucleation and growth during cyclic deformation are investigated.

Characterization of Ultra-fine Grained and Nanocrystalline Materials Using Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction

PubMed Central

Proust, Gwénaëlle; Trimby, Patrick; Piazolo, Sandra; Retraint, Delphine

2017-01-01

One of the challenges in microstructure analysis nowadays resides in the reliable and accurate characterization of ultra-fine grained (UFG) and nanocrystalline materials. The traditional techniques associated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), such as electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), do not possess the required spatial resolution due to the large interaction volume between the electrons from the beam and the atoms of the material. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has the required spatial resolution. However, due to a lack of automation in the analysis system, the rate of data acquisition is slow which limits the area of the specimen that can be characterized. This paper presents a new characterization technique, Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD), which enables the analysis of the microstructure of UFG and nanocrystalline materials using an SEM equipped with a standard EBSD system. The spatial resolution of this technique can reach 2 nm. This technique can be applied to a large range of materials that would be difficult to analyze using traditional EBSD. After presenting the experimental set up and describing the different steps necessary to realize a TKD analysis, examples of its use on metal alloys and minerals are shown to illustrate the resolution of the technique and its flexibility in term of material to be characterized. PMID:28447998

Characterization of Ultra-fine Grained and Nanocrystalline Materials Using Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction.

PubMed

Proust, Gwénaëlle; Trimby, Patrick; Piazolo, Sandra; Retraint, Delphine

2017-04-01

One of the challenges in microstructure analysis nowadays resides in the reliable and accurate characterization of ultra-fine grained (UFG) and nanocrystalline materials. The traditional techniques associated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), such as electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), do not possess the required spatial resolution due to the large interaction volume between the electrons from the beam and the atoms of the material. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has the required spatial resolution. However, due to a lack of automation in the analysis system, the rate of data acquisition is slow which limits the area of the specimen that can be characterized. This paper presents a new characterization technique, Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD), which enables the analysis of the microstructure of UFG and nanocrystalline materials using an SEM equipped with a standard EBSD system. The spatial resolution of this technique can reach 2 nm. This technique can be applied to a large range of materials that would be difficult to analyze using traditional EBSD. After presenting the experimental set up and describing the different steps necessary to realize a TKD analysis, examples of its use on metal alloys and minerals are shown to illustrate the resolution of the technique and its flexibility in term of material to be characterized.

Variation of the uniaxial tensile behavior of ultrafine-grained pure aluminum after cyclic pre-deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Ying; Chen, Li-jia; Zhang, Guo-qiang; Han, Dong; Li, Xiao-wu

2018-06-01

To explore the influence of cyclic pre-deformation on the mechanical behavior of ultrafine-grained (UFG) materials with a high stacking fault energy (SFE), UFG Al processed by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) was selected as a target material and its tensile behavior at different pre-cyclic levels D ( D = N i / N f, where N i and N f are the applied cycles and fatigue life at a constant stress amplitude of 50 MPa, respectively) along with the corresponding microstructures and deformation features were systematically studied. The cyclic pre-deformation treatment on the ECAPed UFG Al led to a decrease in flow stress, and a stress quasi-plateau stage was observed after yielding for all of the different-state UFG Al samples. The yield strength σ YS, ultimate tensile strength σ UTS, and uniform strain ɛ exhibited a strong dependence on D when D ≤ 20%; however, when D was in the range from 20% to 50%, no obvious change in mechanical properties was observed. The micro-mechanism for the effect of cyclic pre-deformation on the tensile properties of the ECAPed UFG Al was revealed and compared with that of ECAPed UFG Cu through the observations of deformation features and microstructures.

Flow behaviour of magnesium alloy AZ31B processed by equal-channel angular pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arun, M. S.; Chakkingal, U.

2014-08-01

Magnesium alloys are characterised by their low density, high specific strength and stiffness. But, the potential application of Mg is limited by its low room-temperature ductility & formability. Formability can be improved by developing an ultrafine grained (UFG) structure. Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) is a well known process that can be used to develop an ultrafine grained microstructure. The aim of this study was to investigate the flow behaviour of AZ31B magnesium alloy after ECAP. The specimen was subjected to three passes of ECAP with a die angle of 120° using processing route Bc. The processing temperature was 523 K for the first pass and 423 K for the subsequent two passes. The microstructure characterisation was done. Compression tests of ECAPed and annealed specimens were carried out at strain rates of 0.01 - 1s-1 and deformation temperatures of 200 - 300°C using computer servo-controlled Gleeble-3800 system. The value of activation energy Q and the empirical materials constants of A and n were determined. The equations relating flow stress and Zener-Hollomon parameter were proposed. In the case annealed AZ31, the activation energy was determined to be 154 kJ/mol, which was slightly higher than the activation energy of 144 kJ/mol for ECAPed AZ31.

[The study of ultra-fine diamond powder used in magnetic head polishing slurry].

PubMed

Jin, Hong-Yun; Hou, Shu-En; Pan, Yong; Xiao, Hong-Yan

2008-05-01

In the present paper, atomic absorption spectrometry(AAS), inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and laser Raman spectroscopy (RM) were employed to study the commercial ultra-fine diamond powders prepared by the static pressure-catalyst method and used in magnetic head polishing slurry. The results of AAS and ICP-MS indicated that there were silicon oxide, Fe, Ni, Al and some other metal elements in the ultra-fine powders. XRD patterns showed the peaks of SiO2 at 2theta = 35.6 degrees, 39.4 degrees and 59.7 degrees and diamond sharp peaks in agreement with the results above. Diamond sharp peaks implied perfect crystal and high-hardness beneficial to high-efficiency in polishing. The broader Raman band of graphite at 1 592 cm(-1) observed by Raman analysis proved graphite existing in the diamond powders. In the TEM images, the size of ultra-fine powders was estimated between 0.1 and 0.5 microm distributed in a wide scope, however, sharp edges of the powder particles was useful to polish. The ultra-fine diamond powders have many advantages, for example, high-hardness, well abrasion performance, high-polishing efficiency and being useful in magnetic head polishing slurry. But, the impurities influence the polishing efficiency, shortening its service life and the wide distribution reduces the polishing precision. Consequently, before use the powders must be purified and classified. The purity demands is 99.9% and trace silicon oxide under 0.01% should be reached. The classification demands that the particle distribution should be in a narrower scope, with the mean size of 100 nm and the percentage of particles lager than 200 nm not over 2%.

Synthesis of zinc ultrafine powders via the Guen–Miller flow-levitation method

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

Jigatch, A. N., E-mail: jan@chph.ras.ru; Leipunskii, I. O.; Kuskov, M. L.

2015-12-15

Zinc ultrafine powders (UFPs) with the average particle size of 0.175 to 1.24 μm are synthesized via the flow-levitation method. The peculiarities of the formation of zinc UFPs are considered with respect to the carrier gas properties (heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and diffusion coefficient), as well as the gas flow parameters (pressure and flow rate). The obtained zinc particles are studied via scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The factors determining the crystal structure of zinc particles and their size distribution are discussed as well. The data on oxidation of zinc stored in unsealed containers under normal conditions are alsomore » presented.« less

CHARACTERIZATION OF FINE PARTICULATE MATTER

EPA Science Inventory

Size distribution data processing and fitting
Ultrafine, very fine and fine PM were collected nearly continuously from December 2000 through March 2003 at a Washington State Department of Ecology site on Beacon Hill in Seattle. Particle size distributio...

The influence of surface roughness and high pressure torsion on the growth of anodic titania nanotubes on pure titanium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Nan; Gao, Nong; Starink, Marco J.

2016-11-01

Anodic titanium dioxide nanotube (TNT) arrays have wide applications in photocatalytic, catalysis, electronics, solar cells and biomedical implants. When TNT coatings are combined with severe plastic deformation (SPD), metal processing techniques which efficiently improve the strength of metals, a new generation of biomedical implant is made possible with both improved bulk and surface properties. This work investigated the effect of processing by high pressure torsion (HPT) and different mechanical preparations on the substrate and subsequently on the morphology of TNT layers. HPT processing was applied to refine the grain size of commercially pure titanium samples and substantially improved their strength and hardness. Subsequent anodization at 30 V in 0.25 wt.% NH4F for 2 h to form TNT layers on sample surfaces prepared with different mechanical preparation methods was carried out. It appeared that the local roughness of the titanium surface on a microscopic level affected the TNT morphology more than the macroscopic surface roughness. For HPT-processed sample, the substrate has to be pre-treated by a mechanical preparation finer than 4000 grit for HPT to have a significant influence on TNTs. During the formation of TNT layers the oxide dissolution rate was increased for the ultrafine-grained microstructure formed due to HPT processing.

Effect of SiC Nanowhisker on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of WC-Ni Cemented Carbide Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering

PubMed Central

Fu, Zhiqiang; Wang, Chengbiao

2014-01-01

Ultrafine tungsten carbide-nickel (WC-Ni) cemented carbides with varied fractions of silicon carbide (SiC) nanowhisker (0–3.75 wt.%) were fabricated by spark plasma sintering at 1350°C under a uniaxial pressure of 50 MPa with the assistance of vanadium carbide (VC) and tantalum carbide (TaC) as WC grain growth inhibitors. The effects of SiC nanowhisker on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-prepared WC-Ni cemented carbides were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that during spark plasma sintering (SPS) Ni may react with the applied SiC nanowhisker, forming Ni2Si and graphite. Scanning electron microscopy examination indicated that, with the addition of SiC nanowhisker, the average WC grain size decreased from 400 to 350 nm. However, with the additional fractions of SiC nanowhisker, more and more Si-rich aggregates appeared. With the increase in the added fraction of SiC nanowhisker, the Vickers hardness of the samples initially increased and then decreased, reaching its maximum of about 24.9 GPa when 0.75 wt.% SiC nanowhisker was added. However, the flexural strength of the sample gradually decreased with increasing addition fraction of SiC nanowhisker. PMID:25003143

Micrometeorite dynamic pyrometamorphism: Nonstoichiometric clinoenstatite (CLEN)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rietmeijer, Frans J. M.

1993-01-01

Polymorphs of enstatite are common phases in many meteorites. They contain clues on their formation and the thermal evolution of their host rock which includes shock metamorphism. Rare, micron-sized, CLEN whiskers and thin platelets in chondritic porous micrometeorites were interpreted as solar nebula condensates that remained unaffected during atmospheric entry flash-heating. This CLEN formed by protoenstatite (PEN) inversion whereby the surface energy of the micron-sized PEN crystals aided the OREN-CLEN transformation or by metastable growth. Ca-poor, Mg,Fe-pyroxene with unequilibrated, intraparticle, Mg/(Mg+Fe) distributions occur in most chondritic micrometeorites. These distributions are a parent body signature that survived dynamic pyrometamorphism because the duration of the thermal spike during atmospheric entry is too short but this conclusion does not consider the ultrafine grain size of micrometeorites. The maximum temperature and duration of the heating event will depend on the kinetic energy and entry angle of the incoming micrometeorite. But lacking detailed petrological data for an individual particle, its thermal profile during atmospheric entry can not be deduced from its mass alone as a function of entry angle. In order to constrain dynamic pyrometamorphism in unmelted micrometeorites, I determined the petrological composition and silicate mineralogy in non-chondritic micrometeorites L2005T13, L2005E40, and L2006A28.

[Distribution of atmospheric ultrafine particles during haze weather in Hangzhou].

PubMed

Chen, Qiu-Fang; Sun, Zai; Xie, Xiao-Fang

2014-08-01

Atmospheric ultrafine particles (UFPs) were monitored with fast mobility particle sizer (FMPS) in continuous haze weather and the haze fading process during December 6 to 11, 2013 in Hangzhou. Particle concentration and size distribution were studied associated with meteorological factors. The results showed that number concentrations were the highest at night and began to reduce in the morning. There was a small peak at 8 o'clock in the morning and 18 o'clock in the afternoon. It showed an obvious peak traffic source, which indicated that traffic emissions played a great role in the atmospheric pollution. During haze weather, the highest number concentration of UFPs reached 8 x 10(4) cm(-3). Particle size spectrum distribution was bimodal, the peak particle sizes were 15 nm and 100 nm respectively. Majority of UFPs were Aitken mode and Accumulation mode and the size of most particles concentrated near 100 nm. Average CMD(count medium diameter) was 85.89 nm. During haze fading process, number concentration and particles with size around 100 nm began to reduce and peak size shifted to small size. Nuclear modal particles increased and were more than accumulation mode. Average CMD was 58.64 nm. Meteorological factors such as the visibility and wind were negatively correlated with the particle number concentration. Correlation coefficient R were -0.225 and - 0.229. The humidity was correlated with number concentration. Correlation coefficient R was 0.271. The atmosphere was stable in winter and the level temperature had small correlation with number concentration. Therefore, study on distribution of atmospheric ultrafine particles during haze weather had the significance on the formation mechanism and control of haze weather.

Metal/ceramic interface structures and segregation behavior in aluminum-based composites

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Xinming; Hu, Tao; Rufner, Jorgen F.; ...

2015-06-14

Trimodal Al alloy (AA) matrix composites consisting of ultrafine-­grained (UFG) and coarse-­ grained (CG) Al phases and micron-­sized B 4C ceramic reinforcement particles exhibit combinations of strength and ductility that render them useful for potential applications in the aerospace, defense and automotive industries. Tailoring of microstructures with specific mechanical properties requires a detailed understanding of interfacial structures to enable strong interface bonding between ceramic reinforcement and metal matrix, and thereby allow for effective load transfer. Trimodal AA metal matrix composites typically show three characteristics that are noteworthy: nanocrystalline grains in the vicinity of the B4C reinforcement particles; Mg segregation atmore » AA/B 4C interfaces; and the presence of amorphous interfacial layers separating nanocrystalline grains from B 4C particles. Interestingly, however, fundamental information related to the mechanisms responsible for these characteristics as well as information on local compositions and phases are absent in the current literature. Here in this study, we use high-­resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-­dispersive X-­ray spectroscopy, electron energy-­loss spectroscopy, and precession assisted electron diffraction to gain fundamental insight into the mechanisms that affect the characteristics of AA/B 4C interfaces. Specifically, we determined interfacial structures, local composition and spatial distribution of the interfacial constituents. Near atomic resolution characterization revealed amorphous multilayers and a nanocrystalline region between Al phase and B 4C reinforcement particles. The amorphous multilayers consist of nonstoichiometric Al xO y, while the nanocrystalline region is comprised of MgO nanograins. The experimental results are discussed in terms of the possible underlying mechanisms at AA/B 4C interfaces.« less

Evolution of mechanical properties of ultrafine grained 1050 alloy annealing with electric current

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

Cao, Yiheng; He, Lizi, E-mail: helizi@epm.neu.edu.cn; Zhang, Lin

2016-03-15

The tensile properties and microstructures of 1050 aluminum alloy prepared by equal channel angular pressing at cryogenic temperature (cryoECAP) after electric current annealing at 90–210 °C for 3 h were investigated by tensile test, electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). An unexpected annealing-induced strengthening phenomenon occurs at 90–210 °C, due to a significant decrease in the density of mobile dislocations after annealing, and thus a higher yield stress is required to nucleate alternative dislocation sources during tensile test. The electric current can enhance the motion of dislocations, lead to a lower dislocation density at 90–150 °C,more » and thus shift the peak annealing temperature from 150 °C to 120 °C. Moreover, the electric current can promote the migration of grain boundaries at 150–210 °C, result in a larger grain size at 150 °C and 210 °C, and thus causes a lower yield stress. The sample annealed with electric current has a lower uniform elongation at 90–120 °C, and the deviation in the uniform elongation between samples annealed without and with electric current becomes smaller at 150–210 °C. - Highlights: • An unexpected annealing-induced strengthening phenomenon occurs at 90–210 °C. • The d. c. current can enhance the motion of dislocations at 90–150 °C, and thus shift the peak annealing temperature from 150 °C to 120 °C. • The d. c. current can promote the grain growth at 150–210 °C, and thus cause a lower yield stress. • The DC annealed sample has a lower uniform elongation at 90–120 °C.« less

Aerosol Measurements of the Fine and Ultrafine Particle Content of Lunar Regolith

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenberg, Paul S.; Chen, Da-Ren; Smith, Sally A.

2007-01-01

We report the first quantitative measurements of the ultrafine (20 to 100 nm) and fine (100 nm to 20 m) particulate components of Lunar surface regolith. The measurements were performed by gas-phase dispersal of the samples, and analysis using aerosol diagnostic techniques. This approach makes no a priori assumptions about the particle size distribution function as required by ensemble optical scattering methods, and is independent of refractive index and density. The method provides direct evaluation of effective transport diameters, in contrast to indirect scattering techniques or size information derived from two-dimensional projections of high magnification-images. The results demonstrate considerable populations in these size regimes. In light of the numerous difficulties attributed to dust exposure during the Apollo program, this outcome is of significant importance to the design of mitigation technologies for future Lunar exploration.

Ash particulate formation from pulverized coal under oxy-fuel combustion conditions.

PubMed

Jia, Yunlu; Lighty, JoAnn S

2012-05-01

Aerosol particulates are generated by coal combustion. The amount and properties of aerosol particulates, specifically size distribution and composition, can be affected by combustion conditions. Understanding the formation of these particles is important for predicting emissions and understanding potential deposition. Oxy-fuel combustion conditions utilize an oxygen-enriched gas environment with CO(2). The high concentration of CO(2) is a result of recycle flue gas which is used to maintain temperature. A hypothesis is that high CO(2) concentration reduces the vaporization of refractory oxides from combustion. A high-temperature drop-tube furnace was used under different oxygen concentrations and CO(2) versus N(2) to study the effects of furnace temperature, coal type, and gas phase conditions on particulate formation. A scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and aerodynamic particle sizer (APS) were utilized for particle size distributions ranging from 14.3 nm to 20 μm. In addition, particles were collected on a Berner low pressure impactor (BLPI) for elemental analysis using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Three particle size modes were seen: ultrafine (below 0.1 μm), fine (0.1 to 1.0 μm), and coarse (above 1 μm). Ultrafine mass concentrations were directly related to estimated particle temperature, increasing with increasing temperature. For high silicon and calcium coals, Utah Skyline and PRB, there was a secondary effect due to CO(2) and the hypothesized reaction. Illinois #6, a high sulfur coal, had the highest amount of ultrafine mass and most of the sulfur was concentrated in the ultrafine and fine modes. Fine and coarse mode mass concentrations did not show a temperature or CO(2) relationship. (The table of contents graphic and abstract graphic are adapted from ref 27.). © 2012 American Chemical Society

Method for the production of ultrafine particles by electrohydrodynamic micromixing

DOEpatents

DePaoli, David W.; Hu, Zhong Cheng; Tsouris, Constantinos

2001-01-01

The present invention relates to a method for the rapid production of homogeneous, ultrafine inorganic material via liquid-phase reactions. The method of the present invention employs electrohydrodynamic flows in the vicinity of an electrified injector tube placed inside another tube to induce efficient turbulent mixing of two fluids containing reactive species. The rapid micromixing allows liquid-phase reactions to be conducted uniformly at high rates. This approach allows continuous production of non-agglomerated, monopispersed, submicron-sized, sphere-like powders.

LIGHT MICROSCOPY DETECTION OF NANOSCALE PARTICLE INTERNALIZATION BY HUMAN LUNG CELLS

EPA Science Inventory

RATIONALE. Ultrafine particulate matter (PM) is reported to be more strongly correlated with adverse health effects relative to larger particle size fractions. These epidemiological findings are supported by toxicological studies suggesting that particle size is inversely associa...

Simulation of the Action of a Shock Wave on Titanium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afanas'eva, S. A.; Belov, N. N.; Burkin, V. V.; Dudarev, E. F.; Ishchenko, A. N.; Rogaev, K. S.; Dudarev, E. F.; Ishchenko, A. N.; Rogaev, K. S.

2017-01-01

The laws and mechanism of fracture of coarse-grain and ultrafine-grain titanium under shock-wave loading has been investigated. For the shock wave generator a "SINUS-7" accelerator emitting a nanosecond relativistic highcurrent electron beam was used. To test the high-velocity impact at velocities of the order of 2500 m/s, a ballistic installation of caliber 23 mm was used. The mathematical simulation of the high-velocity interaction was carried out with account for the fracture, the phase transitions, and the dependence of the strength characteristics of materials on the internal energy within the framework of continuum mechanics. For both granular structures the general laws and features of the fracture have been established.

Synthesis of ultrafine ZrB2 powders by sol-gel process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Li-Juan; Zhu, Shi-Zhen; Xu, Qiang; Yan, Zhen-Yu; Liu, Ling

2010-09-01

Ultrafine zirconium diboride (ZrB2) powders have been synthesized by sol-gel process using zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl2·8H2O), boric acid (H3BO3) and phenolic resin as sources of zirconia, boron oxide and carbon, respectively. The effects of the reaction temperature, B/Zr ratio, holding time, and EtOH/H2O ratio on properties of the synthesized ZrB2 powders were investigated. It was revealed that ultrafine (average crystallite size between 100 and 400 nm) ZrB2 powders can be synthesized with the optimum processing parameters as follows: (i) the ratio of B/Zr is 4; (ii) the solvent is pure ethanol; (iii) the condition of carbothermal reduction heat treatment is at 1550°C for 20 min.

Physicochemical properties and ability to generate free radicals of ambient coarse, fine, and ultrafine particles in the atmosphere of Xuanwei, China, an area of high lung cancer incidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Senlin; Yi, Fei; Hao, Xiaojie; Yu, Shang; Ren, Jingjing; Wu, Minghong; Jialiang, Feng; Yonemochi, Shinich; Wang, Qingyue

2014-11-01

The link between the high incidence of lung cancer and harmful pollutants emitted by local coal combustion in Xuanwei, Yunnan province, China, has been a focus of study since the 1980s. However, the mechanisms responsible for the high lung cancer rate remain unclear, necessitating further study. Since a close relationship between ambient air particle pollution and respiratory diseases exists, we sampled size-resolved ambient particles from the atmosphere of Xuanwei. In our indoor experiment, cutting-edge methods, including scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray detection (SEM/EDX), particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and the cell-free DCFH-DA assay, were employed to investigate the physicochemical properties, the potential to generate free radicals and the oxidative potential of ambient coarse (diameter, 1.8-10 μm), fine (diameter, 0.1-1.8 μm), and ultrafine (diameter, <0.1 μm) particles. We found the total mass concentrations of the size-resolved particles collected in spring were higher than that in early winter. Mass percentage of fine particles accounted for 68% and 61% of the total particulate mass in spring and in early winter samples, respectively, indicating that fine particles were the major component of the Xuanwei ambient particulate matters. On the other hand, the results of SEM/EDX analysis showed that the coarse particles were dominated by minerals, the fine particles by soot aggregates and fly ashes, and the ultrafine particles by soot particles and unidentified particles. Our PIXE results revealed that crustal elements (Ca, Ti Si, Fe) were mainly distributed in coarse particles, while trace metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) dominated in the fine particle fraction, and S, a typical element emitted by coal combustion, mainly resided in fine particles collected from the winter atmosphere. EPR results indicated that the magnitude of free radical intensity caused by size-resolved particles followed these patterns: fine particles > coarse particles > ultrafine particles for spring samples and ultrafine particles > fine particles > coarse particles for winter samples. Cell-free DCFH assay results conclusively showed that all of the measured particle suspensions displayed a higher oxidative potential than the negative control. The correlation coefficient (R2) between free radical intensity and fluorescent intensity generated by the size-resolved particles was 0.535 and 0.507 for the spring and winter seasons, respectively, implying that ambient air particles in the Xuanwei atmosphere have the ability to generate free radicals, and fine and ultrafine particles could be hazardous to local residents.

An EBSD Investigation of Ultrafine-Grain Titanium for Biomedical Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-21

angular pressing (ECAP) using a Conform scheme followed by rod drawing. The microstructure was found to be bimodal consisting of relatively coarse...produced for medical implants. The UFG ma- terial was obtained by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) using a Conform scheme followed by rod drawing...1–6]. The method is based on severe plastic deformation (SPD) and typically includes warm equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) followed by ether cold

Empirical study of classification process for two-stage turbo air classifier in series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yuan; Liu, Jiaxiang; Li, Gang

2013-05-01

The suitable process parameters for a two-stage turbo air classifier are important for obtaining the ultrafine powder that has a narrow particle-size distribution, however little has been published internationally on the classification process for the two-stage turbo air classifier in series. The influence of the process parameters of a two-stage turbo air classifier in series on classification performance is empirically studied by using aluminum oxide powders as the experimental material. The experimental results show the following: 1) When the rotor cage rotary speed of the first-stage classifier is increased from 2 300 r/min to 2 500 r/min with a constant rotor cage rotary speed of the second-stage classifier, classification precision is increased from 0.64 to 0.67. However, in this case, the final ultrafine powder yield is decreased from 79% to 74%, which means the classification precision and the final ultrafine powder yield can be regulated through adjusting the rotor cage rotary speed of the first-stage classifier. 2) When the rotor cage rotary speed of the second-stage classifier is increased from 2 500 r/min to 3 100 r/min with a constant rotor cage rotary speed of the first-stage classifier, the cut size is decreased from 13.16 μm to 8.76 μm, which means the cut size of the ultrafine powder can be regulated through adjusting the rotor cage rotary speed of the second-stage classifier. 3) When the feeding speed is increased from 35 kg/h to 50 kg/h, the "fish-hook" effect is strengthened, which makes the ultrafine powder yield decrease. 4) To weaken the "fish-hook" effect, the equalization of the two-stage wind speeds or the combination of a high first-stage wind speed with a low second-stage wind speed should be selected. This empirical study provides a criterion of process parameter configurations for a two-stage or multi-stage classifier in series, which offers a theoretical basis for practical production.

Laboratory characterization of shale pores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nur Listiyowati, Lina

2018-02-01

To estimate the potential of shale gas reservoir, one needs to understand the characteristics of pore structures. Characterization of shale gas reservoir microstructure is still a challenge due to ultra-fine grained micro-fabric and micro level heterogeneity of these sedimentary rocks. The sample used in the analysis is a small portion of any reservoir. Thus, each measurement technique has a different result. It raises the question which methods are suitable for characterizing pore shale. The goal of this paper is to summarize some of the microstructure analysis tools of shale rock to get near-real results. The two analyzing pore structure methods are indirect measurement (MIP, He, NMR, LTNA) and direct observation (SEM, TEM, Xray CT). Shale rocks have a high heterogeneity; thus, it needs multiscale quantification techniques to understand their pore structures. To describe the complex pore system of shale, several measurement techniques are needed to characterize the surface area and pore size distribution (LTNA, MIP), shapes, size and distribution of pore (FIB-SEM, TEM, Xray CT), and total porosity (He pycnometer, NMR). The choice of techniques and methods should take into account the purpose of the analysis and also the time and budget.

Emulsions for pulsed holography: new and improved processing schemes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodin, Alexey M.; Taylor, Rob

2003-05-01

Recent improvements in the processing of commercially available holographic recording materials for pulsed holography are reviewed. Harmonics of pulsed Nd:YLF/Nd:Phosphate Glass, Nd:YLF, Nd:YAG laser's, and the fundamental wavelength of a pulsed Ruby laser were used as radiation sources for the recording of transmission and reflection holography gratings. It is shown that ultra-fine grain size materials such as PFG-03C and Ultimate-15 can be successfully applied for small and medium format pulsed holography applications. These small grain size emulsions are especially important in the areas of artistic archival portraiture and contact Denisyuk micro-holography of living objects, where noiseless image reconstruction is of a primary concern. It suggests that HOE's, such as full-color image projection screens, may be successfully recorded on PFG-03C holographic emulsions using a pulsed RGB laser. A range of commercial RGB pulsed lasers suitable for these applications are introduced. Visible wavelengths currently produced from these lasers covers the spectrum of 440 - 660nm. Latest developments of a full range of pulsed holographic camera systems manufactured by GEOLA that are suitable for medium and large format portraiture, medical imaging, museum artifact archival recording, and other types of holography are also reviewed with particular reference to new integrated digital mastering features. Finally, the initial commercial production of a new photopolymer film with a sensitivity range of 625-680nm is introduced. Initial CW exposure energies at 633nm were 30 - 50mJ/cm2; with diffraction efficiencies of 75 - 80% observed with this new material.

Size-resolved ultrafine particle composition analysis 1. Atlanta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhoads, K. P.; Phares, D. J.; Wexler, A. S.; Johnston, M. V.

2003-04-01

During August 1999 as part of the Southern Oxidants Study Supersite Experiment, our group collected size-resolved measurements of the chemical composition of single ambient aerosol particles with a unique real-time laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry technique. The rapid single-particle mass spectrometry instrument is capable of analyzing "ultrafine" particles with aerodynamic diameters ranging from 0.01 to 1.5 μm. Under the heaviest loading observed in Atlanta, particles were analyzed at a rate of roughly one per second in sizes ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 μm. Nearly 16,000 individual spectra were recorded over the course of the month during both daytime and nighttime sampling periods. Evaluation of the data indicates that the composition of the ultrafine (less than 100 nm) particles is dominated by carbon-containing compounds. Larger particles show varied compositions but typically appeared to have organic carbon characteristics mixed with an inorganic component (e.g., crustal materials, metals, etc.). During the experiment, 70 composition classes were identified. In this paper we report the average spectra and correlations with various meteorological parameters for all major compound classes and a number of minor ones. The major composition classes are identified from the primary peaks in their spectra as organic carbon (about 74% of the particles), potassium (8%), iron (3%), calcium (2%), nitrate (2%), elemental carbon (1.5%), and sodium (1%). Many of these compound classes appeared in repeatable size ranges and quadrants of the wind rose, indicating emission from specific sources.

¹¹¹Indium-labeled ultrafine carbon particles; a novel aerosol for pulmonary deposition and retention studies.

PubMed

Sanchez-Crespo, Alejandro; Klepczynska-Nyström, Anna; Lundin, Anders; Larsson, Britt Marie; Svartengren, Magnus

2011-02-01

Continuous environmental or occupational exposure to airborne particulate pollution is believed to be a major hazard for human health. A technique to characterize their deposition and clearance from the lungs is fundamental to understand the underlying mechanisms behind their negative health effects. In this work, we describe a method for production and follow up of ultrafine carbon particles labeled with radioactive ¹¹¹Indium (¹¹¹In). The physicochemical and biological properties of the aerosol are described in terms of particle size and concentration, agglomeration rate, chemical bonding stability, and human lung deposition and retention. Preliminary in vivo data from a healthy human pilot exposure and 1-week follow up of the aerosol is presented. More than 98% of the generated aerosol was labeled with Indium and with particle sizes log normally distributed around 79  nm count median diameter. The aerosol showed good generation reproducibility and chemical stability, about 5% leaching 7 days after generation. During human inhalation, the particles were deposited in the alveolar space, with no central airways involvement. Seven days after exposure, the cumulative activity retention was 95.3%. Activity leaching tests from blood and urine samples confirmed that the observed clearance was explained by unbound activity, suggesting that there was no significant elimination of ultrafine particles. Compared to previously presented methods based on Technegas, ¹¹¹In-labelled ultrafine carbon particles allow for extended follow-up assessments of particulate pollution retention in healthy and diseased lungs.

Preparation of ultrafine grained copper nanoparticles via immersion deposit method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbasi-Kesbi, Fatemeh; Rashidi, Ali Mohammad; Astinchap, Bandar

2018-03-01

Today, the exploration about synthesis of nanoparticles is much of interest to materials scientists. In this work, copper nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by immersion deposit method in the absence of any stabilizing and reducing agents. Copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate as precursor salt and distilled water and Ethylene glycol as solvents were used. The copper nanoparticles were deposited on plates of low carbon steel. The effects of copper sulfate concentrations and solvent type were investigated. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and UV-Visible spectroscopy were taken to investigate the crystallite size, crystal structure, and morphology and size distribution and the growth process of the nanoparticles of obtained Cu particles. The results indicated that the immersion deposit method is a particularly suitable method for synthesis of semispherical copper nanoparticles with the crystallites size in the range of 22 to 37 nm. By increasing the molar concentration of copper sulfate in distilled water solvent from 0.04 to 0.2 M, the average particles size is increased from 57 to 81 nm. The better size distribution of Cu nanoparticles was achieved using a lower concentration of copper sulfate. By increasing the molar concentration of copper sulfate in water solvent from 0.04 to 0.2, the location of the SPR peak has shifted from 600 to 630 nm. The finer Cu nanoparticles were formed using ethylene glycol instead water as a solvent. Also, the agglomeration and overlapping of nanoparticles in ethylene glycol were less than that of water solvent.

SIZE-SELECTING AEROSOL CHARACTERIZATION INSTRUMENT - PHASE II

EPA Science Inventory

Aerodyne Research, Inc., proposes to develop a new monitor that provides composition information of particles in the ultrafine (10-100 nm), fine (100 nm-2.5 µm) and coarse (2.5-10 µm) size modes in near real time. Particle monitoring technologies are important f...

Alterations in welding process voltage affect the generation of ultrafine particles, fume composition, and pulmonary toxicity.

PubMed

Antonini, James M; Keane, Michael; Chen, Bean T; Stone, Samuel; Roberts, Jenny R; Schwegler-Berry, Diane; Andrews, Ronnee N; Frazer, David G; Sriram, Krishnan

2011-12-01

The goal was to determine if increasing welding voltage changes the physico-chemical properties of the fume and influences lung responses. Rats inhaled 40 mg/m³ (3 h/day × 3 days) of stainless steel (SS) welding fume generated at a standard voltage setting of 25 V (regular SS) or at a higher voltage (high voltage SS) of 30 V. Particle morphology, size and composition were characterized. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed at different times after exposures to assess lung injury. Fumes collected from either of the welding conditions appeared as chain-like agglomerates of nanometer-sized primary particles. High voltage SS welding produced a greater number of ultrafine-sized particles. Fume generated by high voltage SS welding was higher in manganese. Pulmonary toxicity was more substantial and persisted longer after exposure to the regular SS fume. In summary, a modest raise in welding voltage affected fume size and elemental composition and altered the temporal lung toxicity profile.

Synthesis and Explosive Consolidation of Titanium, Aluminium, Boron and Carbon Containing Powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chikhradze, Mikheil; Oniashvili, George; Chikhradze, Nikoloz; D. S Marquis, Fernand

2016-10-01

The development of modern technologies in the field of materials science has increased the interest towards the bulk materials with improved physical, chemical and mechanical properties. Composites, fabricated in Ti-Al-B-C systems are characterized by unique physical and mechanical properties. They are attractive for aerospace, power engineering, machine and chemical applications. The technologies to fabricate ultrafine grained powder and bulk materials in Ti-Al-B-C system are described in the paper. It includes results of theoretical and experimental investigation for selection of powders composition and determination of thermodynamic conditions for bland preparation, as well as optimal technological parameters for mechanical alloying and adiabatic compaction. The crystalline coarse Ti, Al, C powders and amorphous B were used as precursors and blends with different compositions of Ti-Al, Ti-Al-C, Ti-B-C and Ti-Al-B were prepared. Preliminary determination/selection of blend compositions was made on the basis of phase diagrams. The powders were mixed according to the selected ratios of components to produce the blend. Blends were processed in “Fritsch” Planetary premium line ball mill for mechanical alloying, syntheses of new phases, amorphization and ultrafine powder production. The blends processing time was variable: 1 to 20 hours. The optimal technological regimes of nano blend preparation were determined experimentally. Ball milled nano blends were placed in metallic tube and loaded by shock waves for realization of consolidation in adiabatic regime. The structure and properties of the obtained ultrafine grained materials depending on the processing parameters are investigated and discussed. For consolidation of the mixture, explosive compaction technology is applied at room temperatures. The prepared mixtures were located in low carbon steel tube and blast energies were used for explosive consolidation compositions. The relationship of ball milling technological parameters and explosive consolidation conditions on the structure/properties of the obtained samples are described in the paper.

Effect of processing on fracture toughness of silicon carbide as determined by Vickers indentations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dannels, Christine M.; Dutta, Sunil

1989-01-01

Several alpha-SiC materials were processed by hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) and by sintering an alpha-SiC powder containing boron and carbon. Several beta-SiC materials were processed by HIPing a beta-SiC powder with boron and carbon additions. The fracture toughnesses K(sub 1c) of these beta- and alpha-SiC materials were estimated from measurements of Vickers indentations. The three formulas used to estimate K(sub 1c) from the indentation fracture patterns resulted in three ranges of K(sub 1c) estimates. Furthermore, each formula measured the effects of processing differently. All three estimates indicated that fine-grained HIPed alpha-SiC has a higher K(sub 1c) than coarsed-grained sintered alpha-SiC. Hot isostatically pressed beta-SiC, which had an ultrafine grain structure, exhibited a K(sub 1c) comparable to that of HIPed alpha-SiC.

In situ synthesis of ultra-fine, porous, tin oxide-carbon nanocomposites via a molten salt method for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Bin; Guo, Zai Ping; Du, Guodong; Nuli, Yanna; Hassan, Mohd Faiz; Jia, Dianzeng

Ultra-fine, porous, tin oxide-carbon (SnO 2/C) nanocomposites are fabricated by a molten salt method at 300 °C, and malic acid is decomposed as the carbon source. In situ synthesis is favourable for the combination of carbon and SnO 2. The structure and morphology are confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, specific surface-area measurements, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Examination of TEM images reveals that the SnO 2 nanoparticles are embedded in the carbon matrix, with sizes between 2 and 5 nm. The electrochemical measurements show that the nanocomposite delivers a high capacity with good capacity retention as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, due to the combination of the ultra-fine porous structure and the carbon component.

Atomistic Cohesive Zone Models for Interface Decohesion in Metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamakov, Vesselin I.; Saether, Erik; Glaessgen, Edward H.

2009-01-01

Using a statistical mechanics approach, a cohesive-zone law in the form of a traction-displacement constitutive relationship characterizing the load transfer across the plane of a growing edge crack is extracted from atomistic simulations for use within a continuum finite element model. The methodology for the atomistic derivation of a cohesive-zone law is presented. This procedure can be implemented to build cohesive-zone finite element models for simulating fracture in nanocrystalline or ultrafine grained materials.

Ultrafine-grained Aluminm and Boron Carbide Metal Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogt, Rustin

Cryomilling is a processing technique used to generate homogenously distributed boron carbide (B4C) particulate reinforcement within an ultrafine-grained aluminum matrix. The motivation behind characterizing a composite consisting of cryomilled aluminum B4C metal matrix composite is to design and develop a high-strength, lightweight aluminum composite for structural and high strain rate applications. Cryomilled Al 5083 and B4C powders were synthesized into bulk composite by various thermomechanical processing methods to form plate and extruded geometries. The effects of processing method on microstructure and mechanical behavior for the final consolidated composite were investigated. Cryomilling for extended periods of time in liquid nitrogen has shown to increase strength and thermal stability. The effects associated with cryomilling with stearic acid additions (as a process-control agent) on the degassing behavior of Al powders is investigated and results show that the liberation of compounds associated with stearic acid were suppressed in cryomilled Al powders. The effect of thermal expansion mismatch strain on strengthening due to geometrically necessary dislocations resulting from quenching is investigated and found not to occur in bulk cryomilled Al 5083 and B 4C composites. Previous cryomilled Al 5083 and B4C composites have exhibited ultrahigh strength associated with considerable strain-to-failure (>14 pct.) at high strain rates (>103/s) during mechanical testing, but only limited strain-to-failure (˜0.75 pct.) at quasi-static strain rates (10-3/s). The increased strain to failure at high strain rates is attributed to micro-flaw developments, including kinking, extensive axial splitting, and grain growth were observed after high strain rate deformation, and the significance of these mechanisms is considered.

GEMS and New Pre-Accretionally Irradiated RELICT Grains in Interplanetary Dust - The Plot Thickens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradley, J.

1995-09-01

The hypothesis that GEMS (glass with embedded metal and sulfides) in interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) might be the long-sought interstellar silicate grains is undergoing close scrutiny [1-3]. GEMS are proposed to be interstellar because: (a) they are abundant in cometary IDPs; (b) they were irradiated prior to incorporation into IDPs; (c) both their size distribution and Oamorphous silicate" microstructures are consistent with those of interstellar silicates; (d) they contain nanometer-sized (superparamagnetic) alpha-iron inclusions, which provides a simple explanation for the observed interstellar grain alignment and polarization [4,5]. Challenges to the GEMS hypothesis include the following: (a) GEMS may have formed and been irradiated in the solar nebula rather than a presolar interstellar environment; (b) non-solar isotope abundances have yet to be measured in GEMS; (c) the irradiation regime required to produce the observed effects in GEMS might be incompatible with the interstellar medium; (b) relationships between GEMS and carbon (e.g. core/mantle) need clarification; (c) major element abundances in GEMS should be consistent with observed interstellar gas phase depletions [2,3]. GEMS may indeed have formed in the solar nebula, in which case they would be the oldest known solar nebula solids [2]. An interstellar origin for GEMS does not require detection of non-solar isotope abundances [6]. Irradiation experiments are in progress to simulate the properties of GEMS. The petrographic relationship between GEMS and carbon in IDPs is being investigated (by examining IDPs embedded and thin-sectioned in carbon-free media). Major element abundances in GEMS are being evaluated in terms on interstellar gas phase abundances. For example, sulfur is not highly depleted in the interstellar gas, implying that it must be significantly depleted in interstellar grains [3]. GEMS are significantly depleted in sulfur relative to solar abundances. Analytical electron microscopic studies of the local petrographic environment of GEMS in IDPs are continuing. There is evidence of a population of relict grains associated with GEMS. Some of these relict grains have distinctive compositions and they appear to have functioned as (pre-existing) depositional substrates while GEMS were being formed. Thus, it may be possible to begin to assign a chronology to the seemingly complex admixture of grains that make up the ultrafine-grained matrices of anhydrous chondritic IDPs. References: [1] Bradley J. P. (1994) Science, 265, 925-929. [2] Flynn G. J. (1994) Nature, 371, 287-288. [3] Martin P. G. (1995) Astrophys. J., 445, L63-L66. [4] Mathis J. S. (1986) Astrophys. J., 308, 281-287. [5] Mathis J. S. (1993) Rept. Prog. Phys., 56, 605-652. [6] Walker R. M. (1994) in Analysis of Interplanetary Dust (M. E. Zolensky et al., eds.), pp. 203-209, AIP Conf. Proc. 310.

Aerosol particle mixing state, refractory particle number size distributions and emission factors in a polluted urban environment: Case study of Metro Manila, Philippines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kecorius, Simonas; Madueño, Leizel; Vallar, Edgar; Alas, Honey; Betito, Grace; Birmili, Wolfram; Cambaliza, Maria Obiminda; Catipay, Grethyl; Gonzaga-Cayetano, Mylene; Galvez, Maria Cecilia; Lorenzo, Genie; Müller, Thomas; Simpas, James B.; Tamayo, Everlyn Gayle; Wiedensohler, Alfred

2017-12-01

Ultrafine soot particles (black carbon, BC) in urban environments are related to adverse respiratory and cardiovascular effects, increased cases of asthma and premature deaths. These problems are especially pronounced in developing megacities in South-East Asia, Latin America, and Africa, where unsustainable urbanization ant outdated environmental protection legislation resulted in severe degradation of urban air quality in terms of black carbon emission. Since ultrafine soot particles do often not lead to enhanced PM10 and PM2.5 mass concentration, the risks related to ultrafine particle pollution may therefore be significantly underestimated compared to the contribution of secondary aerosol constituents. To increase the awareness of the potential toxicological relevant problems of ultrafine black carbon particles, we conducted a case study in Metro Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Here, we present a part of the results from a detailed field campaign, called Manila Aerosol Characterization Experiment (MACE, 2015). Measurements took place from May to June 2015 with the focus on the state of mixing of aerosol particles. The results were alarming, showing the abundance of externally mixed refractory particles (soot proxy) at street site with a maximum daily number concentration of approximately 15000 #/cm3. That is up to 10 times higher than in cities of Western countries. We also found that the soot particle mass contributed from 55 to 75% of total street site PM2.5. The retrieved refractory particle number size distribution appeared to be a superposition of 2 ultrafine modes at 20 and 80 nm with a corresponding contribution to the total refractory particle number of 45 and 55%, respectively. The particles in the 20 nm mode were most likely ash from metallic additives in lubricating oil, tiny carbonaceous particles and/or nucleated and oxidized organic polymers, while bigger ones (80 nm) were soot agglomerates. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no other studies reported such high number concentration of ultrafine refractory particles under ambient conditions. Inverse modeling of emission factors of refractory particle number size distributions revealed that diesel-fed public utility Jeepneys, commonly used for public transportation, are responsible for 94% of total roadside emitted refractory particle mass. The observed results showed that the majority of urban pollution in Metro Manila is dominated by carbonaceous aerosol. This suggests that PM10 or PM2.5 metrics do not fully describe possible health related effects in this kind of urban environments. Extremely high concentrations of ultrafine particles have been and will continue to induce adverse health related effects, because of their potential toxicity. We imply that in megacities, where the major fraction of particulates originates from the transport sector, PM10 or PM2.5 mass concentration should be complemented by legislative measurements of equivalent black carbon mass concentration.

Severe Plastic Deformation of Commercial Pure Titanium (CP-Ti) for Biomedical Applications: A Brief Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmoodian, Reza; Annuar, N. Syahira M.; Faraji, Ghader; Bahar, Nadia Dayana; Razak, Bushroa Abd; Sparham, Mahdi

2017-11-01

This paper reviews severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques for producing ultrafine-grained (UFG) and nanostructured commercial pure titanium (CP-Ti) for biomedical applications as the best alternative to titanium alloys. SPD processes, effective parameters, and advantages of nanostructured CP-Ti over coarse-grained (CG) material and Ti alloys are briefly reviewed. It is reported that nanostructured CP-Ti processed via SPD exhibits higher mechanical strength comparable to Ti alloys but better biological response and superior biocompatibility. Also, different surface modification techniques offer different results on UFG and CG CP-Ti, leading to nanoscale surface topography in UFG samples. Overall, it is reported that nanostructured CP-Ti processed by SPD could be considered to be the best candidate for biomedical implants.

Damage Tolerance and Mechanics of Interfaces in Nanostructured Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foley, Daniel J.

The concept of interface driven properties in crystalline metals has been one of the most intensely discussed topics in materials science for decades. Since the 1980s researchers have been exploring the concept of grain boundary engineering as route for tuning properties such as fracture toughness and irradiation resistance. This is especially true in ultra-fine grained and nanocrystalline materials where grain boundary mediated properties become dominant. More recently, materials composed of hierarchical nanostructures, such as amorphous-crystalline nanolaminates, have attracted considerable attention due to their favorable properties, ease of manufacture and highly tunable microstructure. While both grain boundary engineering and hierarchical nanostructures have shown promise there are still questions remaining regarding the role of specific attributes of the microstructure (such as grain boundaries, grain/layer size and inter/intralayer morphology) in determining material properties. This thesis attempts to address these questions by using atomistic simulations to perform deformation and damage loading studies on a series of nanolaminate and bicrystalline structures. During the course of this thesis the roles of layer thickness, interlayer structure and interlayer chemistry on the mechanical properties of Ni-NiX amorphous-crystalline nanolaminates were explored using atomistic simulations. This thesis found that layer thickness/thickness ratio and amorphous layer chemistry play a crucial role in yield strength and Young's modulus. Analysis of the deformation mechanisms at the atomic scale revealed that structures containing single crystalline, crystalline layers undergo plastic deformation when shear transformation zones form in the amorphous layer and impinge on the amorphous-crystalline interface, leading to dislocation emission. However, structures containing nanocrystalline, crystalline layers (both equiaxed and columnar nanocrystalline) undergo plastic deformation through a combination of grain boundary sliding and grain boundary mediated dislocation nucleation. Since grain boundaries were found to play a critical role as sources and sinks for dislocations in amorphous-crystalline nanolaminates a follow-up study on the effect of grain boundary character on damage accumulation/accommodation in copper symmetric tilt grain boundaries was performed. This study found that grain boundaries will become saturated with damage, a state where grain boundary energy and grain boundary free volume oscillate about a plateau during continuous defect loading (vacancy, interstitial and frenkel pair loading were all considered). Further, grain boundary character (specifically equilibrium grain boundary energy) was strongly correlated to the damage accommodation behavior of grain boundaries in copper. Finally, a study that attempted to link grain boundary damage saturation behavior to variations in grain boundary mechanical properties was performed. This study found no direct relationships between grain boundary damage saturation behavior and variations in grain boundary properties. The results of this thesis provide researchers with several strategies for tuning the properties of amorphous-crystalline nanolaminates. These strategies include manipulated bulk attributes such as layer thickness and morphology as well as manipulation of microscale attributes such as grain boundary engineering. Finally, this thesis provides valuable insight into the damage loading/accommodation behavior of FCC symmetric tilt grain boundaries.

Ultrafine and Fine Particulate Matter Inside and Outside of Mechanically Ventilated Buildings.

PubMed

Miller, Shelly L; Facciola, Nick A; Toohey, Darin; Zhai, John

2017-01-28

The objectives of this study were to measure levels of particulate matter (PM) in mechanically ventilated buildings and to improve understanding of filtration requirements to reduce exposure. With the use of an Ultra High Sensitivity Aerosol Spectrometer and an Aerodyne Mass Spectrometer, ultrafine (0.055-0.1 μm) and fine (0.1-0.7 μm) indoor and outdoor PM was measured as a function of time in an office, a university building, and two elementary schools. Indoor particle levels were highly correlated with outdoor levels. Indoor and outdoor number concentrations in Denver were higher than those in Boulder, with the highest number concentrations occurring during summer and fall. The ratio of indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) PM was weakly but positively correlated with the amount of ventilation provided to the indoor environment, did not vary much with particle size (ranged between 0.48 and 0.63 for the entire size range), and was similar for each period of the week (weekend vs. weekday, night vs. day). Regression analyses showed that ultrafine indoor PM baseline concentrations were higher at night from nighttime infiltration. A lag time was observed between outdoor and indoor measurements. Weekday days had the shortest lag time of 11 min, and weekend nighttime lags when the HVAC was not in use were 50 to 148 min. Indoor-outdoor PM concentration plots showed ultrafine PM was more correlated compared to fine, and especially when the HVAC system was on. Finally, AMS data showed that most of the PM was organic, with occasional nitrate events occurring outdoors. During nitrate events, there were less indoor particles detected, indicating a loss of particulate phase nitrate. The results from this study show that improved filtration is warranted in mechanically ventilated buildings, particularly for ultrafine particles, and that nighttime infiltration is significant depending on the building design.

Ultrafine and Fine Particulate Matter Inside and Outside of Mechanically Ventilated Buildings

PubMed Central

Miller, Shelly L.; Facciola, Nick A.; Toohey, Darin; Zhai, John

2017-01-01

The objectives of this study were to measure levels of particulate matter (PM) in mechanically ventilated buildings and to improve understanding of filtration requirements to reduce exposure. With the use of an Ultra High Sensitivity Aerosol Spectrometer and an Aerodyne Mass Spectrometer, ultrafine (0.055–0.1 μm) and fine (0.1–0.7 μm) indoor and outdoor PM was measured as a function of time in an office, a university building, and two elementary schools. Indoor particle levels were highly correlated with outdoor levels. Indoor and outdoor number concentrations in Denver were higher than those in Boulder, with the highest number concentrations occurring during summer and fall. The ratio of indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) PM was weakly but positively correlated with the amount of ventilation provided to the indoor environment, did not vary much with particle size (ranged between 0.48 and 0.63 for the entire size range), and was similar for each period of the week (weekend vs. weekday, night vs. day). Regression analyses showed that ultrafine indoor PM baseline concentrations were higher at night from nighttime infiltration. A lag time was observed between outdoor and indoor measurements. Weekday days had the shortest lag time of 11 min, and weekend nighttime lags when the HVAC was not in use were 50 to 148 min. Indoor-outdoor PM concentration plots showed ultrafine PM was more correlated compared to fine, and especially when the HVAC system was on. Finally, AMS data showed that most of the PM was organic, with occasional nitrate events occurring outdoors. During nitrate events, there were less indoor particles detected, indicating a loss of particulate phase nitrate. The results from this study show that improved filtration is warranted in mechanically ventilated buildings, particularly for ultrafine particles, and that nighttime infiltration is significant depending on the building design. PMID:28134841

Comparative Toxicity of Size-Fractionated Airborne Particulate Matter Collected at Different Distances from an Urban Highway

PubMed Central

Cho, Seung-Hyun; Tong, Haiyan; McGee, John K.; Baldauf, Richard W.; Krantz, Q. Todd; Gilmour, M. Ian

2009-01-01

Background Epidemiologic studies have reported an association between proximity to highway traffic and increased cardiopulmonary illnesses. Objectives We investigated the effect of size-fractionated particulate matter (PM), obtained at different distances from a highway, on acute cardiopulmonary toxicity in mice. Methods We collected PM for 2 weeks in July–August 2006 using a three-stage (ultrafine, < 0.1 μm; fine, 0.1–2.5 μm; coarse, 2.5–10 μm) high-volume impactor at distances of 20 m [near road (NR)] and 275 m [far road (FR)] from an interstate highway in Raleigh, North Carolina. Samples were extracted in methanol, dried, diluted in saline, and then analyzed for chemical constituents. Female CD-1 mice received either 25 or 100 μg of each size fraction via oropharyngeal aspiration. At 4 and 18 hr postexposure, mice were assessed for pulmonary responsiveness to inhaled methacholine, biomarkers of lung injury and inflammation; ex vivo cardiac pathophysiology was assessed at 18 hr only. Results Overall chemical composition between NR and FR PM was similar, although NR samples comprised larger amounts of PM, endotoxin, and certain metals than did the FR samples. Each PM size fraction showed differences in ratios of major chemical classes. Both NR and FR coarse PM produced significant pulmonary inflammation irrespective of distance, whereas both NR and FR ultrafine PM induced cardiac ischemia–reperfusion injury. Conclusions On a comparative mass basis, the coarse and ultrafine PM affected the lung and heart, respectively. We observed no significant differences in the overall toxicity end points and chemical makeup between the NR and FR PM. The results suggest that PM of different size-specific chemistry might be associated with different toxicologic mechanisms in cardiac and pulmonary tissues. PMID:20049117

MICROARRAY ANALYSIS OF PM-INDUCED GENEEXPRESSION IN HUMAN BRONCHIAL EPITHELIAL CELLS

EPA Science Inventory

Ambient air particles (PM) are generally classified into 3 sizes; coarse (2.5, 10m), fine (0.1, 2.5m), and ultrafine (<0.lpm). Each particle size is evolved from different sources and transformation processes (e.g., combustion vs. mechanical abrasion, and atmospheric conversion ...

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Ultrasonic Spot Welded Aluminum Alloy: The Effect of Welding Energy

PubMed Central

Peng, He; Chen, Daolun; Jiang, Xianquan

2017-01-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the microstructures, tensile lap shear strength, and fatigue resistance of 6022-T43 aluminum alloy joints welded via a solid-state welding technique–ultrasonic spot welding (USW)–at different energy levels. An ultra-fine necklace-like equiaxed grain structure is observed along the weld line due to the occurrence of dynamic crystallization, with smaller grain sizes at lower levels of welding energy. The tensile lap shear strength, failure energy, and critical stress intensity of the welded joints first increase, reach their maximum values, and then decrease with increasing welding energy. The tensile lap shear failure mode changes from interfacial fracture at lower energy levels, to nugget pull-out at intermediate optimal energy levels, and to transverse through-thickness (TTT) crack growth at higher energy levels. The fatigue life is longer for the joints welded at an energy of 1400 J than 2000 J at higher cyclic loading levels. The fatigue failure mode changes from nugget pull-out to TTT crack growth with decreasing cyclic loading for the joints welded at 1400 J, while TTT crack growth mode remains at all cyclic loading levels for the joints welded at 2000 J. Fatigue crack basically initiates from the nugget edge, and propagates with “river-flow” patterns and characteristic fatigue striations. PMID:28772809

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Ultrasonic Spot Welded Aluminum Alloy: The Effect of Welding Energy.

PubMed

Peng, He; Chen, Daolun; Jiang, Xianquan

2017-04-25

The aim of this study is to evaluate the microstructures, tensile lap shear strength, and fatigue resistance of 6022-T43 aluminum alloy joints welded via a solid-state welding technique-ultrasonic spot welding (USW)-at different energy levels. An ultra-fine necklace-like equiaxed grain structure is observed along the weld line due to the occurrence of dynamic crystallization, with smaller grain sizes at lower levels of welding energy. The tensile lap shear strength, failure energy, and critical stress intensity of the welded joints first increase, reach their maximum values, and then decrease with increasing welding energy. The tensile lap shear failure mode changes from interfacial fracture at lower energy levels, to nugget pull-out at intermediate optimal energy levels, and to transverse through-thickness (TTT) crack growth at higher energy levels. The fatigue life is longer for the joints welded at an energy of 1400 J than 2000 J at higher cyclic loading levels. The fatigue failure mode changes from nugget pull-out to TTT crack growth with decreasing cyclic loading for the joints welded at 1400 J, while TTT crack growth mode remains at all cyclic loading levels for the joints welded at 2000 J. Fatigue crack basically initiates from the nugget edge, and propagates with "river-flow" patterns and characteristic fatigue striations.

Physicochemical Characterization of Airborne Particulate Matter at a Mainline Underground Railway Station

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Underground railway stations are known to have elevated particulate matter (PM) loads compared to ambient air. As these particles are derived from metal-rich sources and transition metals may pose a risk to health by virtue of their ability to catalyze generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), their potential enrichment in underground environments is a source of concern. Compared to coarse (PM10) and fine (PM2.5) particulate fractions of underground railway airborne PM, little is known about the chemistry of the ultrafine (PM0.1) fraction that may contribute significantly to particulate number and surface area concentrations. This study uses inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ion chromatography to compare the elemental composition of size-fractionated underground PM with woodstove, roadwear generator, and road tunnel PM. Underground PM is notably rich in Fe, accounting for greater than 40% by mass of each fraction, and several other transition metals (Cu, Cr, Mn, and Zn) compared to PM from other sources. Importantly, ultrafine underground PM shows similar metal-rich concentrations as the coarse and fine fractions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that a component of the coarse fraction of underground PM has a morphology indicative of generation by abrasion, absent for fine and ultrafine particulates, which may be derived from high-temperature processes. Furthermore, underground PM generated ROS in a concentration- and size-dependent manner. This study suggests that the potential health effects of exposure to the ultrafine fraction of underground PM warrant further investigation as a consequence of its greater surface area/volume ratio and high metal content. PMID:23477491

Combustion-Derived Ultrafine Particles Transport Organic Toxicants to Target Respiratory Cells

PubMed Central

Penn, Arthur; Murphy, Gleeson; Barker, Steven; Henk, William; Penn, Lynn

2005-01-01

Epidemiologic evidence supports associations between inhalation of fine and ultrafine ambient particulate matter [aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5)] and increases in cardiovascular/respiratory morbidity and mortality. Less attention has been paid to how the physical and chemical characteristics of these particles may influence their interactions with target cells. Butadiene soot (BDS), produced during combustion of the high-volume petrochemical 1,3-butadiene, is rich in polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including known carcinogens. We conducted experiments to characterize BDS with respect to particle size distribution, assembly, PAH composition, elemental content, and interaction with respiratory epithelial cells. Freshly generated, intact BDS is primarily (> 90%) PAH-rich, metals-poor (nickel, chromium, and vanadium concentrations all < 1 ppm) PM2.5, composed of uniformly sized, solid spheres (30–50 nm) in aggregated form. Cells of a human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) exhibit sequential fluorescent responses—a relatively rapid (~ 30 min), bright but diffuse fluorescence followed by the slower (2–4 hr) appearance of punctate cytoplasmic fluorescence—after BDS is added to medium overlying the cells. The fluorescence is associated with PAH localization in the cells. The ultrafine BDS particles move down through the medium to the cell membrane. Fluorescent PAHs are transferred from the particle surface to the cell membrane, cross the membrane into the cytosol, and appear to accumulate in lipid vesicles. There is no evidence that BDS particles pass into the cells. The results demonstrate that uptake of airborne ultrafine particles by target cells is not necessary for transfer of toxicants from the particles to the cells. PMID:16079063

Combustion-derived ultrafine particles transport organic toxicants to target respiratory cells.

PubMed

Penn, Arthur; Murphy, Gleeson; Barker, Steven; Henk, William; Penn, Lynn

2005-08-01

Epidemiologic evidence supports associations between inhalation of fine and ultrafine ambient particulate matter [aerodynamic diameter < or = 2.5 microm (PM2.5)] and increases in cardiovascular/respiratory morbidity and mortality. Less attention has been paid to how the physical and chemical characteristics of these particles may influence their interactions with target cells. Butadiene soot (BDS), produced during combustion of the high-volume petrochemical 1,3-butadiene, is rich in polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including known carcinogens. We conducted experiments to characterize BDS with respect to particle size distribution, assembly, PAH composition, elemental content, and interaction with respiratory epithelial cells. Freshly generated, intact BDS is primarily (> 90%) PAH-rich, metals-poor (nickel, chromium, and vanadium concentrations all < 1 ppm) PM2.5, composed of uniformly sized, solid spheres (30-50 nm) in aggregated form. Cells of a human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) exhibit sequential fluorescent responses--a relatively rapid (approximately 30 min), bright but diffuse fluorescence followed by the slower (2-4 hr) appearance of punctate cytoplasmic fluorescence--after BDS is added to medium overlying the cells. The fluorescence is associated with PAH localization in the cells. The ultrafine BDS particles move down through the medium to the cell membrane. Fluorescent PAHs are transferred from the particle surface to the cell membrane, cross the membrane into the cytosol, and appear to accumulate in lipid vesicles. There is no evidence that BDS particles pass into the cells. The results demonstrate that uptake of airborne ultrafine particles by target cells is not necessary for transfer of toxicants from the particles to the cells.

Kinetic analysis of competition between aerosol particle removal and generation by ionization air purifiers.

PubMed

Alshawa, Ahmad; Russell, Ashley R; Nizkorodov, Sergey A

2007-04-01

Ionization air purifiers are increasingly used to remove aerosol particles from indoor air. However, certain ionization air purifiers also emit ozone. Reactions between the emitted ozone and unsaturated volatile organic compounds (VOC) commonly found in indoor air produce additional respirable aerosol particles in the ultrafine (<0.1 microm) and fine (<2.5 microm) size domains. A simple kinetic model is used to analyze the competition between the removal and generation of particulate matter by ionization air purifiers under conditions of a typical residential building. This model predicts that certain widely used ionization air purifiers may actually increase the mass concentration of fine and ultrafine particulates in the presence of common unsaturated VOC, such as limonene contained in many household cleaning products. This prediction is supported by an explicit observation of ultrafine particle nucleation events caused by the addition of D-limonene to a ventilated office room equipped with a common ionization air purifier.

Precipitates studies in ultrafine-grained Al alloys with enhanced strength and conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitdikov, V. D.; Murashkin, M. Yu.; Valiev, R. Z.

2017-05-01

The paper analyzes precipitation of nanosized particles in dynamically aged Al-Mg-Si alloy subjected to high pressure torsion in the temperature range from 25°C to 230°C. Precipitate types are identified and quantified within the frames of the modified X-ray phase analysis (XPA) technique. The generality and difference in the mechanisms and kinetics of precipitation during artificial and dynamic strain aging are analyzed, which opens new ways to further increase properties in promising aluminum conductors.

Microstructure refinement of cold-sprayed copper investigated by electron channeling contrast imaging.

PubMed

Zhang, Yinyin; Brodusch, Nicolas; Descartes, Sylvie; Chromik, Richard R; Gauvin, Raynald

2014-10-01

The electron channeling contrast imaging technique was used to investigate the microstructure of copper coatings fabricated by cold gas dynamic spray. The high velocity impact characteristics for cold spray led to the formation of many substructures, such as high density dislocation walls, dislocation cells, deformation twins, and ultrafine equiaxed subgrains/grains. A schematic model is proposed to explain structure refinement of Cu during cold spray, where an emphasis is placed on the role of dislocation configurations and twinning.

Organic condensation: A vital link connecting aerosol formation to climate forcing (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riipinen, I.; Pierce, J. R.; Yli-Juuti, T.; Nieminen, T.; Häkkinen, S.; Ehn, M.; Junninen, H.; Lehtipalo, K.; Petdjd, T. T.; Slowik, J. G.; Chang, R. Y.; Shantz, N. C.; Abbatt, J.; Leaitch, W. R.; Kerminen, V.; Worsnop, D. R.; Pandis, S. N.; Donahue, N. M.; Kulmala, M. T.

2010-12-01

Aerosol-cloud interactions represent the largest uncertainty in calculations of Earth’s radiative forcing. Number concentrations of atmospheric aerosol particles are in the core of this uncertainty, as they govern the numbers of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and influence the albedo and lifetime of clouds. Aerosols also impair air quality through their adverse effects on atmospheric visibility and human health. The ultrafine fraction (<100 nm) of atmospheric aerosol particles often dominates the total aerosol numbers, and nucleation of atmospheric vapours is one of the most important sources of these particles. To have climatic relevance, however, the freshly-nucleated particles need to grow in size, and consequently their climatic importance remains to be quantified (see Fig. 1). We combine observations from two continental sites (Egbert, Canada and Hyytiälä, Finland) to show that condensation of organic vapours is a crucial factor governing the lifetimes and climatic importance of the smallest atmospheric particles. We demonstrate that state-of-the-science organic gas-particle partitioning models fail to reproduce the observations; we propose a new modelling approach that is consistent with the measurements. Finally, we demonstrate the large sensitivity of climatic forcing of atmospheric aerosols to these interactions between organic vapours and the smallest atmospheric nanoparticles - highlighting the need for representing this process in global climate models. Figure 1. Organic emissions and the dynamic processes governing the climatic importance of ultrafine aerosol. Condensable vapours are produced upon oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can 1) nucleate to form new small particles; 2) grow freshly formed particles to larger sizes and increase their probability to serve as CCN; 3) condense on the background aerosol (> 100 nm) and enhance the loss of ultrafine particles. Primary organic aerosol (POA) contributes to the large end of the aerosol size distribution, enhancing the scavenging of the ultrafine particles.

Effects of Ambient Coarse, Fine, and Ultrafine Particles and Their Biological Constituents on Systemic Biomarkers: A Controlled Human Exposure Study

PubMed Central

Urch, Bruce; Poon, Raymond; Szyszkowicz, Mieczyslaw; Speck, Mary; Gold, Diane R.; Wheeler, Amanda J.; Scott, James A.; Brook, Jeffrey R.; Thorne, Peter S.; Silverman, Frances S.

2015-01-01

Background Ambient coarse, fine, and ultrafine particles have been associated with mortality and morbidity. Few studies have compared how various particle size fractions affect systemic biomarkers. Objectives We examined changes of blood and urinary biomarkers following exposures to three particle sizes. Methods Fifty healthy nonsmoking volunteers, mean age of 28 years, were exposed to coarse (2.5–10 μm; mean, 213 μg/m3) and fine (0.15–2.5 μm; mean, 238 μg/m3) concentrated ambient particles (CAPs), and filtered ambient and/or medical air. Twenty-five participants were exposed to ultrafine CAP (< 0.3 μm; mean, 136 μg/m3) and filtered medical air. Exposures lasted 130 min, separated by ≥ 2 weeks. Blood/urine samples were collected preexposure and 1 hr and 21 hr postexposure to determine blood interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein (inflammation), endothelin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; vascular mediators), and malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation); as well as urinary VEGF, 8-hydroxy-deoxy-guanosine (DNA oxidation), and malondialdehyde. Mixed-model regressions assessed pre- and postexposure differences. Results One hour postexposure, for every 100-μg/m3 increase, coarse CAP was associated with increased blood VEGF (2.41 pg/mL; 95% CI: 0.41, 4.40) in models adjusted for O3, fine CAP with increased urinary malondialdehyde in single- (0.31 nmol/mg creatinine; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.60) and two-pollutant models, and ultrafine CAP with increased urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in single- (0.69 ng/mg creatinine; 95% CI: 0.09, 1.29) and two-pollutant models, lasting < 21 hr. Endotoxin was significantly associated with biomarker changes similar to those found with CAPs. Conclusions Ambient particles with various sizes/constituents may influence systemic biomarkers differently. Endotoxin in ambient particles may contribute to vascular mediator changes and oxidative stress. Citation Liu L, Urch B, Poon R, Szyszkowicz M, Speck M, Gold DR, Wheeler AJ, Scott JA, Brook JR, Thorne PS, Silverman FS. 2015. Effects of ambient coarse, fine, and ultrafine particles and their biological constituents on systemic biomarkers: a controlled human exposure study. Environ Health Perspect 123:534–540; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408387 PMID:25616223

A study on the relationship between mass concentrations, chemistry and number size distribution of urban fine aerosols in Milan, Barcelona and London

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez, S.; van Dingenen, R.; Putaud, J.-P.; Dell'Acqua, A.; Pey, J.; Querol, X.; Alastuey, A.; Chenery, S.; Ho, K.-F.; Harrison, R. M.; Tardivo, R.; Scarnato, B.; Gianelle, V.

2007-01-01

A physicochemical characterization of the urban fine aerosol (aerosol number size distribution, chemical composition and mass concentrations) in Milan, Barcelona and London is presented in this article. The objective is to obtain a comprehensive picture on the involvement of the microphysical processes of the aerosol dynamic in the: 1) regular evolution of the urban aerosol (daily, weekly and seasonal basis) and in the day-to-day variations (from clean-air to pollution-events), and 2) link between "aerosol chemistry and mass concentrations" with the "number size distribution". The mass concentrations of the fine PM2.5 aerosol exhibit a high correlation with the number concentration of particles >100 nm (which only accounts for <20% of the total number concentration N of fine aerosols) and do not correlate with the number of particles <100 nm ("ultrafine particles", which accounts for >80% of fine particles). Organic matter (OM) and black-carbon (BC) are the only aerosol components showing a significant correlation with ultrafine particles (attributed to vehicles emissions), whereas ammonium-nitrate, ammonium-sulphate and also OM and BC correlate with N>100(nm) (attributed to gas-to-particle transformation mechanisms and some primary emissions). Time series of the aerosol DpN diameter (dN/dlogD mode), mass PM2.5 concentrations and number N>100(nm) concentrations, exhibit correlated day-to-day variations which point to a significant involvement of condensation of semi-volatile compounds during urban pollution events. This agrees with the fact that ammonium-nitrate is the component exhibiting the highest increases from mid-to-high pollution episodes, when the highest DpN increases are observed. The results indicates that "fine PM2.5 particles urban pollution events" tend to occur when condensation processes have made particles grow enough to produce significant concentrations of N>100(nm). In contrast, because the low contribution of ultrafine particles to the fine aerosol mass concentrations, high "ultrafine particles N<100(nm) events" frequently occurs under low PM2.5 conditions. The data of this study point that vehicles emissions are strongly involved in this ultrafine particles aerosol pollution (for example, the "morning-rush-hours to nocturnal-background" concentrations ratio is 1.5-2.5 for "particles 10-100 nm" and <1.5 for both "particle >100 nm and PM2.5").

A study on the relationship between mass concentrations, chemistry and number size distribution of urban fine aerosols in Milan, Barcelona and London

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez, S.; van Dingenen, R.; Putaud, J.-P.; Dell'Acqua, A.; Pey, J.; Querol, X.; Alastuey, A.; Chenery, S.; Ho, K.-F.; Harrison, R.; Tardivo, R.; Scarnato, B.; Gemelli, V.

2007-05-01

A physicochemical characterization, including aerosol number size distribution, chemical composition and mass concentrations, of the urban fine aerosol captured in MILAN, BARCELONA and LONDON is presented in this article. The objective is to obtain a comprehensive picture of the microphysical processes involved in aerosol dynamics during the: 1) regular evolution of the urban aerosol (daily, weekly and seasonal basis) and in the day-to-day variations (from clean-air to pollution-events), and 2) the link between "aerosol chemistry and mass concentrations" with the "number size distribution". The mass concentrations of the fine PM2.5 aerosol exhibit a high correlation with the number concentration of >100 nm particles N>100 (nm) ("accumulation mode particles") which only account for <20% of the total number concentration N of fine aerosols; but do not correlate with the number of <100 nm particles ("ultrafine particles"), which accounts for >80% of fine particles number concentration. Organic matter and black-carbon are the only aerosol components showing a significant correlation with the ultrafine particles, attributed to vehicles exhausts emissions; whereas ammonium-nitrate, ammonium-sulphate and also organic matter and black-carbon correlate with N>100 (nm) and attributed to condensation mechanisms, other particle growth processes and some primary emissions. Time series of the aerosol DpN diameter (dN/dlogD mode), mass PM2.5 concentrations and number N>100 (nm) concentrations exhibit correlated day-to-day variations, which point to a significant involvement of condensation of semi-volatile compounds during urban pollution events. This agrees with the observation that ammonium-nitrate is the component exhibiting the highest increases from mid-to-high pollution episodes, when the highest DpN increases are observed. The results indicates that "fine PM2.5 particles urban pollution events" tend to occur when condensation processes have made particles grow large enough to produce significant number concentrations of N>100 (nm) ("accumulation mode particles"). In contrast, because the low contribution of ultrafine particles to the fine aerosol mass concentrations, high "ultrafine particles N<100(nm) events" frequently occurs under low PM2.5 conditions. The results of this study demonstrate that vehicles exhausts emissions are strongly involved in this ultrafine particles aerosol pollution.

Exposure to ultrafine particles, intracellular production of reactive oxygen species in leukocytes and altered levels of endothelial progenitor cells.

PubMed

Jantzen, Kim; Møller, Peter; Karottki, Dorina Gabriela; Olsen, Yulia; Bekö, Gabriel; Clausen, Geo; Hersoug, Lars-Georg; Loft, Steffen

2016-06-01

Exposure to particles in the fine and ultrafine size range has been linked to induction of low-grade systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and development of cardiovascular diseases. Declining levels of endothelial progenitor cells within systemic circulation have likewise been linked to progression of cardiovascular diseases. The objective was to determine if exposure to fine and ultrafine particles from indoor and outdoor sources, assessed by personal and residential indoor monitoring, is associated with altered levels of endothelial progenitor cells, and whether such effects are related to leukocyte-mediated oxidative stress. The study utilized a cross sectional design performed in 58 study participants from a larger cohort. Levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells, defined as either late (CD34(+)KDR(+) cells) or early (CD34(+)CD133(+)KDR(+) cells) subsets were measured using polychromatic flow cytometry. We additionally measured production of reactive oxygen species in leukocyte subsets (lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes) by flow cytometry using intracellular 2',7'-dichlorofluoroscein. The measurements encompassed both basal levels of reactive oxygen species production and capacity for reactive oxygen species production for each leukocyte subset. We found that the late endothelial progenitor subset was negatively associated with levels of ultrafine particles measured within the participant residences and with reactive oxygen species production capacity in lymphocytes. Additionally, the early endothelial progenitor cell levels were positively associated with a personalised measure of ultrafine particle exposure and negatively associated with both basal and capacity for reactive oxygen species production in lymphocytes and granulocytes, respectively. Our results indicate that exposure to fine and ultrafine particles derived from indoor sources may have adverse effects on human vascular health. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

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

El-Atwani, Osman; Taylor, Chase N.; Frishkoff, James

Here, microstructural changes due to displacement damage and helium desorption are two phenomena that occur in tungsten plasma facing materials in fusion reactors. Nanocrystalline metals are being investigated as radiation tolerant materials that can mitigate these microstructural changes and better trap helium along their grain boundaries. Here, we investigate the performance of three tungsten grades (nanocrystalline, ultrafine and ITER grade tungsten), exposed to a high fluence of 4 keV helium at both RT and 773 K, during a thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) experiment. An investigation of the microstructure in pre-and post-TDS sample sets was performed. The amount of desorbed heliummore » was shown to be highest in the ITER grade tungsten and lowest in the nanocrystalline tungsten. Correlating the desorption spectra and the microstructure (grain boundaries decorated with nanopores and crack formation) and comparing with previous literature on coarse grained tungsten samples at similar irradiation and TDS conditions, revealed the importance of grain boundaries in trapping helium and limiting helium desorption up to a high temperature of 1350 K in agreement with transmission electron microscopy studies on helium irradiated tungsten which showed preferential and large facetted bubble formation along the grain boundaries in the nanocrystalline tungsten grade.« less

Matrix association effects on hydrodynamic sorting and degradation of terrestrial organic matter during cross-shelf transport in the Laptev and East Siberian shelf seas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tesi, Tommaso; Semiletov, Igor; Dudarev, Oleg; Andersson, August; Gustafsson, Örjan

2016-03-01

This study seeks an improved understanding of how matrix association affects the redistribution and degradation of terrigenous organic carbon (TerrOC) during cross-shelf transport in the Siberian margin. Sediments were collected at increasing distance from two river outlets (Lena and Kolyma Rivers) and one coastal region affected by erosion. Samples were fractionated according to density, size, and settling velocity. The chemical composition in each fraction was characterized using elemental analyses and terrigenous biomarkers. In addition, a dual-carbon-isotope mixing model (δ13C and Δ14C) was used to quantify the relative TerrOC contributions from active layer (Topsoil) and Pleistocene Ice Complex Deposits (ICD). Results indicate that physical properties of particles exert first-order control on the redistribution of different TerrOC pools. Because of its coarse nature, plant debris is hydraulically retained in the coastal region. With increasing distance from the coast, the OC is mainly associated with fine/ultrafine mineral particles. Furthermore, biomarkers indicate that the selective transport of fine-grained sediment results in mobilizing high-molecular weight (HMW) lipid-rich, diagenetically altered TerrOC while lignin-rich, less degraded TerrOC is retained near the coast. The loading (µg/m2) of lignin and HMW wax lipids on the fine/ultrafine fraction drastically decreases with increasing distance from the coast (98% and 90%, respectively), which indicates extensive degradation during cross-shelf transport. Topsoil-C degrades more readily (90 ± 3.5%) compared to the ICD-C (60 ± 11%) during transport. Altogether, our results indicate that TerrOC is highly reactive and its accelerated remobilization from thawing permafrost followed by cross-shelf transport will likely represent a positive feedback to climate warming.

Lower Length Scale Characterization and Validation of Formation and Stability of Helium Bubbles in Nano-structured Ferritic Alloys under Irradiation

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

Zhao, Huijuan; Yun, Di; Hoelzer, David

In order to extend the operating license of current light water reactors (LWRs) in the United States and other countries to as many as 80 years or longer, it is demanding to identify potential materials for many of the internal structural components and fasteners. We proposed that 14YWT iron alloy can be adopted in such applications with its excellent material properties, such as high-temperature strength, low creep rate, and high irradiation resistance. Application with 14YWT would improve the void/helium swelling characteristics of the LWR fuels, extend the burn-up limits with the tolerant temperature up to 800oC and reduce the hydrogenmore » production. One key feature of 14YWT material property enhancement is the ultrafine high density of 2-4nm Y-Ti-O enriched nanoclusters (NCs) within the 14YWT iron matrix. The NCs can effectively pin the ultra-fine grain boundaries and dislocations, which significantly enhance mechanical properties of the alloy. Moreover, these nanoclusters remain stable with no coarsening after a large dose of ion irradiation. After ion irradiation, the helium bubbles are observed extremely uniform in size (1nm) and quite homogeneously distributed within the 14YWT matrix, which indicates that the microstructure of 14YWT remains remarkably tolerance to radiation damage. However, there is a lack of understanding of 14YWT both theoretically and experimentally in order to understand the mechanism behind the material property enhancement and to further develop and design a new generation of advanced structural material for current LWR applications and future fusion applications.« less

The onset and evolution of fatigue-induced abnormal grain growth in nanocrystalline Ni–Fe

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

Furnish, T. A.; Mehta, A.; Van Campen, D.

Conventional structural metals suffer from fatigue-crack initiation through dislocation activity which forms persistent slip bands leading to notch-like extrusions and intrusions. Ultrafine-grained and nanocrystalline metals can potentially exhibit superior fatigue-crack initiation resistance by suppressing these cumulative dislocation activities. Prior studies on these metals have confirmed improved high-cycle fatigue performance. In the case of nano-grained metals, analyses of subsurface crack initiation sites have indicated that the crack nucleation is associated with abnormally large grains. But, these post-mortem analyses have led to only speculation about when abnormal grain growth occurs (e.g., during fatigue, after crack initiation, or during crack growth). In thismore » study, a recently developed synchrotron X-ray diffraction technique was used to detect the onset and progression of abnormal grain growth during stress-controlled fatigue loading. Our study provides the first direct evidence that the grain coarsening is cyclically induced and occurs well before final fatigue failure—our results indicate that the first half of the fatigue life was spent prior to the detectable onset of abnormal grain growth, while the second half was spent coarsening the nanocrystalline structure and cyclically deforming the abnormally large grains until crack initiation. Post-mortem fractography, coupled with cycle-dependent diffraction data, provides the first details regarding the kinetics of this abnormal grain growth process during high-cycle fatigue testing. Finally, precession electron diffraction images collected in a transmission electron microscope after the in situ fatigue experiment also confirm the X-ray evidence that the abnormally large grains contain substantial misorientation gradients and sub-grain boundaries.« less

The onset and evolution of fatigue-induced abnormal grain growth in nanocrystalline Ni–Fe

DOE PAGES

Furnish, T. A.; Mehta, A.; Van Campen, D.; ...

2016-10-11

Conventional structural metals suffer from fatigue-crack initiation through dislocation activity which forms persistent slip bands leading to notch-like extrusions and intrusions. Ultrafine-grained and nanocrystalline metals can potentially exhibit superior fatigue-crack initiation resistance by suppressing these cumulative dislocation activities. Prior studies on these metals have confirmed improved high-cycle fatigue performance. In the case of nano-grained metals, analyses of subsurface crack initiation sites have indicated that the crack nucleation is associated with abnormally large grains. But, these post-mortem analyses have led to only speculation about when abnormal grain growth occurs (e.g., during fatigue, after crack initiation, or during crack growth). In thismore » study, a recently developed synchrotron X-ray diffraction technique was used to detect the onset and progression of abnormal grain growth during stress-controlled fatigue loading. Our study provides the first direct evidence that the grain coarsening is cyclically induced and occurs well before final fatigue failure—our results indicate that the first half of the fatigue life was spent prior to the detectable onset of abnormal grain growth, while the second half was spent coarsening the nanocrystalline structure and cyclically deforming the abnormally large grains until crack initiation. Post-mortem fractography, coupled with cycle-dependent diffraction data, provides the first details regarding the kinetics of this abnormal grain growth process during high-cycle fatigue testing. Finally, precession electron diffraction images collected in a transmission electron microscope after the in situ fatigue experiment also confirm the X-ray evidence that the abnormally large grains contain substantial misorientation gradients and sub-grain boundaries.« less

CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENT OF FINE AND ULTRAFINE PARTICULATE MATTER, CRITERIA POLLUTANTS AND METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN URBAN EL PASO, TEXAS

EPA Science Inventory

Continuous measurements of aerosol size distributions were made in El Paso, TX, for a period in winter 1999. Size distribution measurements were performed at two urban locations in El Paso using two pairs of the scanning mobility particle sizer and the aerodynamic particle si...

Cardiopulmonary Toxicity of Size-Fractionated Particulate Matter Obtained at Different Distances from a Highway

EPA Science Inventory

This study was initiated to determine the effect of size fractionated particulate matter (PM) obtained at different distances from a highway on acute cardiopulmonary toxicity in mice. PM was collected for 2 weeks using a three-stage (ultrafine: <0.1µm; fine: 0.1-2.5µm; and coarse...

Effects of grinding processes on enzymatic degradation of wheat straw.

PubMed

Silva, Gabriela Ghizzi D; Couturier, Marie; Berrin, Jean-Guy; Buléon, Alain; Rouau, Xavier

2012-01-01

The effectiveness of wheat straw fine to ultra-fine grindings at pilot scale was studied. The produced powders were characterised by their particle-size distribution (laser diffraction), crystallinity (WAXS) and enzymatic degradability (Trichoderma reesei enzymatic cocktail). A large range of wheat-straw powders was produced: from coarse (median particle size ∼800 μm) to fine particles (∼50 μm) using sieve-based grindings, then ultra-fine particles ∼20 μm by jet milling and ∼10 μm by ball milling. The wheat straw degradability was enhanced by the decrease of particle size until a limit: ∼100 μm, up to 36% total carbohydrate and 40% glucose hydrolysis yields. Ball milling samples overcame this limit up to 46% total carbohydrate and 72% glucose yields as a consequence of cellulose crystallinity reduction (from 22% to 13%). Ball milling appeared to be an effective pretreatment with similar glucose yield and superior carbohydrate yield compared to steam explosion pretreatment. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evolution of Grain Interfaces in Annealed Duplex Stainless Steel after Parallel Cross Rolling and Direct Rolling

PubMed Central

Wang, Ming; Li, Haoqing; Tian, Yujing; Guo, Hong; Fang, Xiaoying; Guo, Yuebin

2018-01-01

Changes in various grain interfaces, including the grain boundary and phase boundary, are a strong indication of microstructural changes, particularly ultra-fined grains achieved by large strain deformation and subsequent annealing. After direct rolling and cross rolling with the same strain of ε = 2, the distributions of the interfaces in annealed UNS S32304 duplex stainless steel were investigated using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in this study. The ferrite experienced continued recovery, and a high density of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) was produced. The percentage and number of twin boundaries (TBs) and LAGBs varied within the austenite. TBs were frequently found within austenite, showing a deviation from the Kurdjumov-Sachs (K-S) orientation relationship (OR) with ferrite matrix. However, LAGBs usually occur in austenite, with the K-S OR in the ferrite matrix. LAGBs were prevalent in the precipitated austenite grains, and therefore a strong texture was introduced in the cross-rolled and annealed samples, in which the precipitated austenite readily maintained the K-S OR in the ferrite matrix. By contrast, more TBs and a less robust texture were found in the precipitated austenite in direct-rolled and annealed samples, deviating from the K-S OR. PMID:29772723

Microembossing of ultrafine grained Al: microstructural analysis and finite element modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, Xiao Guang; Bah, Mamadou T.; Zhang, Jiuwen; Gao, Nong; Moktadir, Zakaria; Kraft, Michael; Starink, Marco J.

2010-10-01

Ultra-fine-grained (UFG) Al-1050 processed by equal channel angular pressing and UFG Al-Mg-Cu-Mn processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) were embossed at both room temperature and 300 °C, with the aim of producing micro-channels. The behaviour of Al alloys during the embossing process was analysed using finite element modelling. The cold embossing of both Al alloys is characterized by a partial pattern transfer, a large embossing force, channels with oblique sidewalls and a large failure rate of the mould. The hot embossing is characterized by straight channel sidewalls, fully transferred patterns and reduced loads which decrease the failure rate of the mould. Hot embossing of UFG Al-Mg-Cu-Mn produced by HPT shows a potential of fabrication of microelectromechanical system components with micro channels.

Low temperature superplasticity and thermal stability of a nanostructured low-carbon microalloyed steel

PubMed Central

Hu, J.; Du, L.-X.; Sun, G.-S.; Xie, H.; Misra, R.D.K.

2015-01-01

We describe here for the first time the low temperature superplasticity of nanostructured low carbon steel (microalloyed with V, N, Mn, Al, Si, and Ni). Low carbon nanograined/ultrafine-grained (NG/UFG) bulk steel was processed using a combination of cold-rolling and annealing of martensite. The complex microstructure of NG/UFG ferrite and 50–80 nm cementite exhibited high thermal stability at 500 °C with low temperature elongation exceeding 100% (at less than 0.5 of the absolute melting point) as compared to the conventional fine-grained (FG) counterpart. The low temperature superplasticity is adequate to form complex components. Moreover, the low strength during hot processing is favorable for decreasing the spring back and minimize die loss. PMID:26687012

Source apportionment of aerosol particles at a European air pollution hot spot using particle number size distributions and chemical composition.

PubMed

Leoni, Cecilia; Pokorná, Petra; Hovorka, Jan; Masiol, Mauro; Topinka, Jan; Zhao, Yongjing; Křůmal, Kamil; Cliff, Steven; Mikuška, Pavel; Hopke, Philip K

2018-03-01

Ostrava in the Moravian-Silesian region (Czech Republic) is a European air pollution hot spot for airborne particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and ultrafine particles (UFPs). Air pollution source apportionment is essential for implementation of successful abatement strategies. UFPs or nanoparticles of diameter <100 nm exhibit the highest deposition efficiency in human lungs. To permit apportionment of PM sources at the hot-spot including nanoparticles, Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) was applied to highly time resolved particle number size distributions (NSD, 14 nm-10 μm) and PM 0.09-1.15 chemical composition. Diurnal patterns, meteorological variables, gaseous pollutants, organic markers, and associations between the NSD factors and chemical composition factors were used to identify the pollution sources. The PMF on the NSD reveals two factors in the ultrafine size range: industrial UFPs (28%, number mode diameter - NMD 45 nm), industrial/fresh road traffic nanoparticles (26%, NMD 26 nm); three factors in the accumulation size range: urban background (24%, NMD 93 nm), coal burning (14%, volume mode diameter - VMD 0.5 μm), regional pollution (3%, VMD 0.8 μm) and one factor in the coarse size range: industrial coarse particles/road dust (2%, VMD 5 μm). The PMF analysis of PM 0.09-1.15 revealed four factors: SIA/CC/BB (52%), road dust (18%), sinter/steel (16%), iron production (16%). The factors in the ultrafine size range resolved with NSD have a positive correlation with sinter/steel production and iron production factors resolved with chemical composition. Coal combustion factor resolved with NSD has moderate correlation with SIA/CC/BB factor. The organic markers homohopanes correlate with coal combustion and the levoglucosan correlates with urban background. The PMF applications to NSD and chemical composition datasets are complementary. PAHs in PM 1 were found to be associated with coal combustion factor. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Cu and Cu-Zn Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xiaolong

Strength and ductility are two crucial mechanical properties of structural materials, which, unfortunately, are often mutually exclusive based on the conventional design of microstructures and their deformation physics. This is also true in most nanostructured (NS) metals and alloys although they exhibit record-high strength. However, the disappointingly inadequate ductility becomes the major roadblock to their practical utilities due to the threat of catastrophic failure in load-bearing applications. Therefore, simultaneous improvement of strength and ductility or a well-defined trade-off between these two properties, i.e. increasing either of them without significant loss of the other, in NS materials has garnered extensive efforts from the research community. A few strategies have been explored to handle this long-standing challenge with promise. In this dissertation work, two of those strategies, deformation twins and laminate/gradient structures are specified with particular interests in NS Cu and Cu-Zn alloys. The author believes the observation and the revealed underlying mechanism are fundamental and therefore shed lights on their universal application to other metallic material systems. Deformation twins have been frequently observed in ultra-fined grained (UFG) and NS face-centered cubic (FCC) metals and alloys, which is closely related to the better strengthening and strain hardening in mechanical performance. Previous findings even show that there exist an optimum grain size range within nano scale, where the deformation twins are of most frequency, i.e. most stable in pure FCC metals. However, such grain-size dependent twinning phenomenon is still unclear in FCC alloys. We report, for the first time in systematic experiments, the observed optimum grain sizes for deformation twins in NS Cu-Zn alloys slightly increase with increasing Zn content. Our results indicate that alloying changes the relationship between the stacking-fault and twin-fault energy and therefore affects the optimum grain size for deformation twinning. Another interesting finding in contrast to the conventional thoughts is the macroscopic strain status of the deformation twins. These two issues are of both scientific and practical importance in microstructure design and fabrication in NS alloys. Laminate/gradient is another recently developed strategy, which may hold the promise to improve mechanical properties of metallic materials. We produced a laminate structure with a NS Cu-10Zn layer sandwiched between two coarse-grained (CG) Cu layers, where the collective tensile ductility and strain hardening are observed higher than prediction by the rule-of-mixture. The primary results from this sandwich also inspired the next idea of multi-layered NS Cu-10Zn and CG Cu, which is anticipated to have superior strength and ductility since it has more heterogeneous interfaces. Simultaneous improvement of strength and ductility in samples with decreasing interface spacing is found in these laminates. More importantly, it's also observed that each interface generates extra geometrically necessary dislocations in the vicinity of itself with a most affected zone spanning a few micrometers. This is not affected by the interface spacing and implies an optimum laminate design for best back stress hardening capacity and ductility. Our results shed lights into the architectural design and fundamental deformation studies of materials with laminate/gradient structures.

Enhanced corrosion resistance and cellular behavior of ultrafine-grained biomedical NiTi alloy with a novel SrO-SiO2-TiO2 sol-gel coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, C. Y.; Nie, F. L.; Zheng, Y. F.; Cheng, Y.; Wei, S. C.; Ruan, Liqun; Valiev, R. Z.

2011-04-01

NiTi alloy has a unique combination of mechanical properties, shape memory effects and superelastic behavior that makes it attractive for several biomedical applications. In recent years, concerns about its biocompatibility have been aroused due to the toxic or side effect of released nickel ions, which restricts its application as an implant material. Bulk ultrafine-grained Ni50.8Ti49.2 alloy (UFG NiTi) was successfully fabricated by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) technique in the present study. A homogeneous and smooth SrO-SiO2-TiO2 sol-gel coating without cracks was fabricated on its surface by dip-coating method with the aim of increasing its corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility. Electrochemical tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed that the pitting corrosion potential of UFG NiTi was increased from 393 mV(SCE) to 1800 mV(SCE) after coated with SrO-SiO2-TiO2 film and the corrosion current density decreased from 3.41 μA/cm2 to 0.629 μA/cm2. Meanwhile, the sol-gel coating significantly decreased the release of nickel ions of UFG NiTi when soaked in SBF. UFG NiTi with SrO-SiO2-TiO2 sol-gel coating exhibited enhanced osteoblast-like cells attachment, spreading and proliferation compared with UFG NiTi without coating and CG NiTi.

Melamine-formaldehyde aerogels

DOEpatents

Pekala, Richard W.

1992-01-01

Organic aerogels that are transparent and essentially colorless are prepa from the aqueous, sol-gel polymerization of melamine with formaldehyde. The melamine-formaldehyde (MF) aerogels have low densities, high surface areas, continuous porsity, ultrafine cell/pore sizes, and optical clarity.

MTA-enriched nanocomposite TiO(2)-polymeric powder coatings support human mesenchymal cell attachment and growth.

PubMed

Shi, Wen; Mozumder, Mohammad Sayem; Zhang, Hui; Zhu, Jesse; Perinpanayagam, Hiran

2012-10-01

The objective of the study described in this paper was the development of novel polymer/ceramic nanocomposite coatings for implants through the application of ultrafine powder coating technology. Polyester resins were combined with µm-sized TiO(2) (25%) as the biocompatibility agent, nTiO(2) (0.5%) as the flow additive and mineral trioxide aggregates (ProRoot® MTA, 5%) as bioactive ceramics. Ultrafine powders were prepared and applied to titanium to create continuous polymeric powder coatings (PPCs) through the application of electrostatic ultrafine powder coating technology. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis confirmed that MTA had been incorporated into the PPCs, and elemental mapping showed that it had formed small clusters that were evenly distributed across the surface. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed continuous and smooth, but highly textured surface coatings that contrasted with the scalloped appearance of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) controls. Atomic force microscopy revealed intricate nano-topographies with an abundance of submicron-sized pits and nano-projections, evenly dispersed across their surfaces. Inverted fluorescence microscopy, SEM and cell counts showed that human embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells attached and spread out onto PPC and MTA-enriched PPCs within 24 h. Mitochondrial enzyme activity measured viable and metabolically active cells on all of the surfaces. After 72 h of growth, cell counts and metabolic activity were significantly higher (P < 0.05) on the grey-MTA enriched PPC surfaces, than on unmodified PPC and cpTi. The novel polymer/ceramic nanocomposites that were created with ultrafine powder coating technology were continuous, homogenous and nano-rough coatings that enhanced human mesenchymal cell attachment and growth.

Relationships among particle number, surface area, and respirable mass concentrations in automotive engine manufacturing.

PubMed

Heitbrink, William A; Evans, Douglas E; Ku, Bon Ki; Maynard, Andrew D; Slavin, Thomas J; Peters, Thomas M

2009-01-01

This study investigated the relationships between particle number, surface area, and respirable mass concentration measured simultaneously in a foundry and an automotive engine machining and assembly center. Aerosol concentrations were measured throughout each plant with a condensation particle counter for number concentration, a diffusion charger for active surface area concentration, and an optical particle counter for respirable mass concentration. At selected locations, particle size distributions were characterized with the optical particle counter and an electrical low pressure impactor. Statistical analyses showed that active surface area concentration was correlated with ultrafine particle number concentration and weakly correlated with respirable mass concentration. Correlation between number and active surface area concentration was stronger during winter (R2 = 0.6 for both plants) than in the summer (R2 = 0.38 and 0.36 for the foundry and engine plant respectively). The stronger correlation in winter was attributed to use of direct-fire gas fired heaters that produced substantial numbers of ultrafine particles with a modal diameter between 0.007 and 0.023 mu m. These correlations support findings obtained through theoretical analysis. Such analysis predicts that active surface area increasingly underestimates geometric surface area with increasing particle size, particularly for particles larger than 100 nm. Thus, a stronger correlation between particle number concentration and active surface area concentration is expected in the presence of high concentrations of ultrafine particles. In general, active surface area concentration may be a concentration metric that is distinct from particle number concentration and respirable mass concentration. For future health effects or toxicological studies involving nano-materials or ultrafine aerosols, this finding needs to be considered, as exposure metrics may influence data interpretation.

Size distribution of chemical elements and their source apportionment in ambient coarse, fine, and ultrafine particles in Shanghai urban summer atmosphere.

PubMed

Lü, Senlin; Zhang, Rui; Yao, Zhenkun; Yi, Fei; Ren, Jingjing; Wu, Minghong; Feng, Man; Wang, Qingyue

2012-01-01

Ambient coarse particles (diameter 1.8-10 microm), fine particles (diameter 0.1-1.8 microm), and ultrafine particles (diameter < 0.1 microm) in the atmosphere of the city of Shanghai were sampled during the summer of 2008 (from Aug 27 to Sep 08). Microscopic characterization of the particles was investigated by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). Mass concentrations of Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, and Pb in the size-resolved particles were quantified by using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF). Source apportionment of the chemical elements was analyzed by means of an enrichment factor method. Our results showed that the average mass concentrations of coarse particles, fine particles and ultrafine particles in the summer air were 9.38 +/- 2.18, 8.82 +/- 3.52, and 2.02 +/- 0.41 microg/m3, respectively. The mass percentage of the fine particles accounted for 51.47% in the total mass of PM10, indicating that fine particles are the major component in the Shanghai ambient particles. SEM/EDX results showed that the coarse particles were dominated by minerals, fine particles by soot aggregates and fly ashes, and ultrafine particles by soot particles and unidentified particles. SRXRF results demonstrated that crustal elements were mainly distributed in the coarse particles, while heavy metals were in higher proportions in the fine particles. Source apportionment revealed that Si, K, Ca, Fe, Mn, Rb, and Sr were from crustal sources, and S, Cl, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, and Pb from anthropogenic sources. Levels of P, V, Cr, and Ni in particles might be contributed from multi-sources, and need further investigation.

Carbon-based coating containing ultrafine MoO2 nanoparticles as an integrated anode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Quanyi; Yang, Qi; Zhao, Yanhong; Wan, Bin

2017-10-01

Copper-supported MoO2-C composite as an integrated anode with excellent battery performance was synthesized by a facile knife coating technique followed by heat treatment in a vacuum. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal analysis, nitrogen adsorption and desorption analysis, field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show the MoO2-C composite coating is comprised of a porous carbon matrix with a pore size of 1-3 nm and ultrafine MoO2 nanoparticles with a size of 5-10 nm encapsulated inside, the coating is tightly attached on the surface of copper foil, and the interface between them is free of cracks. Stable PAN-DMF-H2O system containing ammonium molybdate suitable for knife coating technique and the MoO2-C composite with ultrafine MoO2 nanoparticles encapsulated in the carbon matrix can be prepared through controlling amount of added ammonium molybdate solution. The copper-supported MoO2-C composite coating can be directly utilized as the integrated anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It delivers a capacity of 814 mA h g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 after 100 cycles without apparent capacity fading. Furthermore, with increase of current densities to 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 mA g-1, it exhibits average capacities of 809, 697, 568, 383, and 188 mA h g-1. Its outstanding electrochemical performance is attributed to combined merits of integrated anode and structure with ultrafine MoO2 nanoparticles embedded in the porous carbon matrix.

Particle Size Distribution in Aluminum Manufacturing Facilities

PubMed Central

Liu, Sa; Noth, Elizabeth M.; Dixon-Ernst, Christine; Eisen, Ellen A.; Cullen, Mark R.; Hammond, S. Katharine

2015-01-01

As part of exposure assessment for an ongoing epidemiologic study of heart disease and fine particle exposures in aluminum industry, area particle samples were collected in production facilities to assess instrument reliability and particle size distribution at different process areas. Personal modular impactors (PMI) and Minimicro-orifice uniform deposition impactors (MiniMOUDI) were used. The coefficient of variation (CV) of co-located samples was used to evaluate the reproducibility of the samplers. PM2.5 measured by PMI was compared to PM2.5 calculated from MiniMOUDI data. Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and concentrations of sub-micrometer (PM1.0) and quasi-ultrafine (PM0.56) particles were evaluated to characterize particle size distribution. Most of CVs were less than 30%. The slope of the linear regression of PMI_PM2.5 versus MiniMOUDI_PM2.5 was 1.03 mg/m3 per mg/m3 (± 0.05), with correlation coefficient of 0.97 (± 0.01). Particle size distribution varied substantively in smelters, whereas it was less variable in fabrication units with significantly smaller MMADs (arithmetic mean of MMADs: 2.59 μm in smelters vs. 1.31 μm in fabrication units, p = 0.001). Although the total particle concentration was more than two times higher in the smelters than in the fabrication units, the fraction of PM10 which was PM1.0 or PM0.56 was significantly lower in the smelters than in the fabrication units (p < 0.001). Consequently, the concentrations of sub-micrometer and quasi-ultrafine particles were similar in these two types of facilities. It would appear, studies evaluating ultrafine particle exposure in aluminum industry should focus on not only the smelters, but also the fabrication facilities. PMID:26478760

Particle Size Distribution in Aluminum Manufacturing Facilities.

PubMed

Liu, Sa; Noth, Elizabeth M; Dixon-Ernst, Christine; Eisen, Ellen A; Cullen, Mark R; Hammond, S Katharine

2014-10-01

As part of exposure assessment for an ongoing epidemiologic study of heart disease and fine particle exposures in aluminum industry, area particle samples were collected in production facilities to assess instrument reliability and particle size distribution at different process areas. Personal modular impactors (PMI) and Minimicro-orifice uniform deposition impactors (MiniMOUDI) were used. The coefficient of variation (CV) of co-located samples was used to evaluate the reproducibility of the samplers. PM 2.5 measured by PMI was compared to PM 2.5 calculated from MiniMOUDI data. Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and concentrations of sub-micrometer (PM 1.0 ) and quasi-ultrafine (PM 0.56) particles were evaluated to characterize particle size distribution. Most of CVs were less than 30%. The slope of the linear regression of PMI_PM 2.5 versus MiniMOUDI_PM 2.5 was 1.03 mg/m 3 per mg/m 3 (± 0.05), with correlation coefficient of 0.97 (± 0.01). Particle size distribution varied substantively in smelters, whereas it was less variable in fabrication units with significantly smaller MMADs (arithmetic mean of MMADs: 2.59 μm in smelters vs. 1.31 μm in fabrication units, p = 0.001). Although the total particle concentration was more than two times higher in the smelters than in the fabrication units, the fraction of PM 10 which was PM 1.0 or PM 0.56 was significantly lower in the smelters than in the fabrication units (p < 0.001). Consequently, the concentrations of sub-micrometer and quasi-ultrafine particles were similar in these two types of facilities. It would appear, studies evaluating ultrafine particle exposure in aluminum industry should focus on not only the smelters, but also the fabrication facilities.

Oxide Dissolution and Oxygen Diffusion in Solid-State Recycled Ti-6Al-4V: Numerical Modeling, Verification by Nanoindentation, and Effects on Grain Growth and Recrystallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lui, E. W.; Palanisamy, S.; Dargusch, M. S.; Xia, K.

2017-12-01

The oxide dissolution and oxygen diffusion during annealing of Ti-6Al-4V solid-state recycled from machining chips by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) have been investigated using nanoindentation and numerical modeling. The hardness profile from nanoindentation was converted into the oxygen concentration distribution using the Fleisher and Friedel model. An iterative fitting method was then employed to revise the ideal model proposed previously, leading to correct predictions of the oxide dissolution times and oxygen concentration profiles and verifying nanoindentation as an effective method to measure local oxygen concentrations. Recrystallization started at the prior oxide boundaries where local strains were high from the severe plastic deformation incurred in the ECAP recycling process, forming a band of ultrafine grains whose growth was retarded by solute dragging thanks to high oxygen concentrations. The recrystallized fine-grained region would advance with time to eventually replace the lamellar structure formed during ECAP.

A novel film-pore-surface diffusion model to explain the enhanced enzyme adsorption of corn stover pretreated by ultrafine grinding.

PubMed

Zhang, Haiyan; Chen, Longjian; Lu, Minsheng; Li, Junbao; Han, Lujia

2016-01-01

Ultrafine grinding is an environmentally friendly pretreatment that can alter the degree of polymerization, the porosity and the specific surface area of lignocellulosic biomass and can, thus, enhance cellulose hydrolysis. Enzyme adsorption onto the substrate is a prerequisite for the enzymatic hydrolysis process. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the enzyme adsorption properties of corn stover pretreated by ultrafine grinding. The ultrafine grinding pretreatment was executed on corn stover. The results showed that ultrafine grinding pretreatment can significantly decrease particle size [from 218.50 μm of sieve-based grinding corn stover (SGCS) to 17.45 μm of ultrafine grinding corn stover (UGCS)] and increase the specific surface area (SSA), pore volume (PV) and surface composition (SSA: from 1.71 m(2)/g of SGCS to 2.63 m(2)/g of UGCS, PV: from 0.009 cm(3)/g of SGCS to 0.024 m(3)/g of UGCS, cellulose surface area: from 168.69 m(2)/g of SGCS to 290.76 m(2)/g of UGCS, lignin surface area: from 91.46 m(2)/g of SGCS to 106.70 m(2)/g of UGCS). The structure and surface composition changes induced by ultrafine grinding increase the enzyme adsorption capacity from 2.83 mg/g substrate of SGCS to 5.61 mg/g substrate of UGCS. A film-pore-surface diffusion model was developed to simultaneously predict the enzyme adsorption kinetics of both the SGCS and UGCS. Satisfactory predictions could be made with the model based on high R (2) and low RMSE values (R (2) = 0.95 and RMSE = 0.16 mg/g for the UGCS, R (2) = 0.93 and RMSE = 0.09 mg/g for the SGCS). The model was further employed to analyze the rate-limiting steps in the enzyme adsorption process. Although both the external-film and internal-pore mass transfer are important for enzyme adsorption on the SGCS and UGCS, the UGCS has a lower internal-pore resistance compared to the SGCS. Ultrafine grinding pretreatment can enhance the enzyme adsorption onto corn stover by altering structure and surface composition. The film-pore-surface diffusion model successfully captures features on enzyme adsorption on ultrafine grinding pretreated corn stover. These findings identify wherein the probable rate-limiting factors for the enzyme adsorption reside and could, therefore, provide a basis for enhanced cellulose hydrolysis processes.

Melamine-formaldehyde aerogels

DOEpatents

Pekala, R.W.

1992-01-14

Organic aerogels that are transparent and essentially colorless are prepared from the aqueous, sol-gel polymerization of melamine with formaldehyde. The melamine-formaldehyde (MF) aerogels have low densities, high surface areas, continuous porosity, ultrafine cell/pore sizes, and optical clarity. 3 figs.

Superplastic flow lubricates carbonate faults during earthquake slip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Paola, Nicola; Holdsworth, Robert; Viti, Cecilia; Collettini, Cristiano; Faoro, Igor; Bullock, Rachael

2014-05-01

Tectonic earthquakes are hosted in the shallower portion of crustal fault zones, where fracturing and cataclasis are thought to be the dominant processes during frictional sliding. Aseismic shear in lower crust and lithospheric mantle shear zones is accomplished by crystal plasticity, including superplastic flow acting at low strain rates on ultrafine-grained rocks. Superplasticity has also been observed at high strain rates for a range of nano-phase alloys and ceramics, and could potentially occur in fine-grained geological materials, if deformed at high strain rates and temperatures. We performed a set of displacement-controlled experiments to explore whether superplastic flow can effectively weaken faults, and facilitate earthquake propagation. The experiments were performed on fine-grained synthetic gouges (63 < f < 93 μm) of undeformed, protolith carbonate rocks using a rotary shear apparatus, at target speed v = 1 ms-1, normal stresses σn = 12-18 MPa, displacements d from 0.009 to 1.46 m, room temperature and humidity conditions. Samples were recovered after each experiment to study the slip zone microstructures. The integration of experimental data and microstructural observations shows that during sliding at seismic velocity, brittle fracturing and cataclasis control shear localization and grain size reduction in the slip zone at relatively low temperatures (T ≤ 100 °C). Stress levels predicted by such behaviours match those measured during the experiments. As temperatures rise due to frictional heating (T ≥ 500 °C), dislocation creep mechanisms start to accommodate intragranular strain, and play a key role in producing nanoscale subgrains (< 200 nm) in the slip zone. At this stage, despite of the presence of nanoparticles in the slip zone and the attainment of seismic slip rates, the measured frictional strength of experimental faults still lies within Byerlee's range of values μ = 0.8. This suggests that the slip zone bulk strength at this stage is controlled by cataclastic frictional sliding rather than by dislocation creep or nanopowder lubrication mechanisms. When T ≥ 800 °C are attained, micro-textures diagnostic of diffusion-dominated grain boundary sliding are widespread within the slip zone, and suggest bulk superplastic flow. Flow stresses predicted by superplasticity constitutive laws at the slip zone temperatures, grain sizes and strain rates attained during the experiments match those we measured in the laboratory (μ = 0.16). We propose therefore that the activation of diffusion creep at high temperatures (T ≥ 800 °C) leads to slip zone-localised superplastic flow and that this causes the dynamic weakening of carbonate faults at seismic slip rates. Note, however, that both cataclasis and dislocation creep operating at lower temperatures, during the earlier stages of slip, are critical, precursory processes needed to produce the nanoscale grain sizes required to activate grainsize sensitive mechanisms during superplastic flow. Finally, the re-strengthening observed during the decelerating phase of deformation can be explained by the falling temperature "switching off" slip zone-localized superplasticity, leading to a return to frictional sliding. These results indicate that superplastic flow can effectively weaken faults, and facilitate earthquake propagation in the upper crust.

Association of particulate air pollution and acute mortality: involvement of ultrafine particles?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oberdorster, G.; Gelein, R. M.; Ferin, J.; Weiss, B.; Clarkson, T. W. (Principal Investigator)

1995-01-01

Recent epidemiological studies show an association between particulate air pollution and acute mortality and morbidity down to ambient particle concentrations below 100 micrograms/m3. Whether this association also implies a causality between acute health effects and particle exposure at these low levels is unclear at this time; no mechanism is known that would explain such dramatic effects of low ambient particle concentrations. Based on results of our past and most recent inhalation studies with ultrafine particles in rats, we propose that such particles, that is, particles below approximately 50 nm in diameter, may contribute to the observed increased mortality and morbidity In the past we demonstrated that inhalation of highly insoluble particles of low intrinsic toxicity, such as TiO2, results in significantly increased pulmonary inflammatory responses when their size is in the ultrafine particle range, approximately 20 nm in diameter. However, these effects were not of an acute nature and occurred only after prolonged inhalation exposure of the aggregated ultrafine particles at concentrations in the milligrams per cubic meter range. In contrast, in the course of our most recent studies with thermodegradation products of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) we found that freshly generated PTFE fumes containing singlet ultrafine particles (median diameter 26 nm) were highly toxic to rats at inhaled concentrations of 0.7-1.0 x 10(6) particles/cm3, resulting in acute hemorrhagic pulmonary inflammation and death after 10-30 min of exposure. We also found that work performance of the rats in a running wheel was severely affected by PTFE fume exposure. These results confirm reports from other laboratories of the highly toxic nature of PTFE fumes, which cannot be attributed to gas-phase components of these fumes such as HF, carbonylfluoride, or perfluoroisobutylene, or to reactive radicals. The calculated mass concentration of the inhaled ultrafine PTFE particles in our studies was less than 60 micrograms/m3, a very low value to cause mortality in healthy rats. Aging of the fumes with concomitant aggregation of the ultrafine particles significantly decreases their toxicity. Since ultrafine particles are always present in the urban atmosphere, we suggest that they play a role in causing acute lung injury in sensitive parts of the population.

Coalescence growth mechanism of ultrafine metal particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasukabe, S.

1990-01-01

Ultrafine particles produced by a gas-evaporation technique show clear-cut crystal habits. The convection of an inert gas makes distinct growth zones in a metal smoke. The coalescence stages of hexagonal plates and multiply twinned particles are observed in the outer zone of a smoke. A model of the coalescence growth of particles with different crystal habits is proposed. Size distributions can be calculated by counting the ratio of the number of collisions by using the effective cross section of collisions and the existence probability of the volume of a particle. This simulation model makes clear the effect on the growth rate of coalescence growth derived from crystal habit.

Nanocapillary Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet: A Tool for Ultrafine Maskless Surface Modification at Atmospheric Pressure.

PubMed

Motrescu, Iuliana; Nagatsu, Masaaki

2016-05-18

With respect to microsized surface functionalization techniques we proposed the use of a maskless, versatile, simple tool, represented by a nano- or microcapillary atmospheric pressure plasma jet for producing microsized controlled etching, chemical vapor deposition, and chemical modification patterns on polymeric surfaces. In this work we show the possibility of size-controlled surface amination, and we discuss it as a function of different processing parameters. Moreover, we prove the successful connection of labeled sugar chains on the functionalized microscale patterns, indicating the possibility to use ultrafine capillary atmospheric pressure plasma jets as versatile tools for biosensing, tissue engineering, and related biomedical applications.

Pulmonary diseases induced by ambient ultrafine and engineered nanoparticles in twenty-first century.

PubMed

Xia, Tian; Zhu, Yifang; Mu, Lina; Zhang, Zuo-Feng; Liu, Sijin

2016-12-01

Air pollution is a severe threat to public health globally, affecting everyone in developed and developing countries alike. Among different air pollutants, particulate matter (PM), particularly combustion-produced fine PM (PM 2.5 ) has been shown to play a major role in inducing various adverse health effects. Strong associations have been demonstrated by epidemiological and toxicological studies between increases in PM 2.5 concentrations and premature mortality, cardiopulmonary diseases, asthma and allergic sensitization, and lung cancer. The mechanisms of PM-induced toxicological effects are related to their size, chemical composition, lung clearance and retention, cellular oxidative stress responses and pro-inflammatory effects locally and systemically. Particles in the ultrafine range (<100 nm), although they have the highest number counts, surface area and organic chemical content, are often overlooked due to insufficient monitoring and risk assessment. Yet, ample studies have demonstrated that ambient ultrafine particles have higher toxic potential compared with PM 2.5 . In addition, the rapid development of nanotechnology, bringing ever-increasing production of nanomaterials, has raised concerns about the potential human exposure and health impacts. All these add to the complexity of PM-induced health effects that largely remains to be determined, and mechanistic understanding on the toxicological effects of ambient ultrafine particles and nanomaterials will be the focus of studies in the near future.

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

Joseph Berkmans, A.; Jagannatham, M.; Priyanka, S.

Highlights: • Polymer wastes are converted into ultrafine and nano carbon tubes and spheres. • Simple process with a minimal processing time. • It is a catalyst free and solvent free approach. • This process forms branched ultrafine carbon tubules with nano channels. - Abstract: Upcycling polymer wastes into useful, and valuable carbon based materials, is a challenging process. We report a novel catalyst-free and solvent-free technique for the formation of nano channeled ultrafine carbon tubes (NCUFCTs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes, using rotating cathode arc discharge technique. The soot obtain from the anode containsmore » ultrafine and nano-sized solid carbon spheres (SCS) with a mean diameter of 221 nm and 100 nm, respectively, formed at the lower temperature region of the anode where the temperature is approximately 1700 °C. The carbon spheres are converted into long “Y” type branched and non-branched NCUFCTs and MWCNTs at higher temperature regions where the temperature is approximately 2600 °C, with mean diameters of 364 nm and 95 nm, respectively. Soot deposited on the cathode is composed of MWCNTs with a mean diameter of 20 nm and other nanoparticles. The tubular structures present in the anode are longer, bent and often coiled with lesser graphitization compared to the nanotubes in the soot on the cathode.« less

Microstructures and Mechanical Responses of Powder Metallurgy Noncombustive Magnesium Extruded Alloy by Rapid Solidification Process in Mass Production

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

Equal-Channel Angular Pressing for the Processing of Ultra-Fine Grained Materials. Scripta Mater. 1996 , 35, 143–146. 6. Saito, Y.; Tsuji, N...Mg-Al-Rare Earth Alloys. J. Alloy. Compd. 1996 , 232, 264–268. 20. Šplíchal, K.; Jurkech, L. Comparison of Oxidation of Cast and Sintered... PETERSON CODE 28 9500 MACARTHUR BLVD WEST BETHESDA MD 20817-5700 1 AIR FORCE ARMAMENT LAB AFATL DLJW W COOK EGLIN AFB FL 32542 1 BRIGGS

Metrological assessment of a portable analyzer for monitoring the particle size distribution of ultrafine particles.

PubMed

Stabile, Luca; Cauda, Emanuele; Marini, Sara; Buonanno, Giorgio

2014-08-01

Adverse health effects caused by worker exposure to ultrafine particles have been detected in recent years. The scientific community focuses on the assessment of ultrafine aerosols in different microenvironments in order to determine the related worker exposure/dose levels. To this end, particle size distribution measurements have to be taken along with total particle number concentrations. The latter are obtainable through hand-held monitors. A portable particle size distribution analyzer (Nanoscan SMPS 3910, TSI Inc.) was recently commercialized, but so far no metrological assessment has been performed to characterize its performance with respect to well-established laboratory-based instruments such as the scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) spectrometer. The present paper compares the aerosol monitoring capability of the Nanoscan SMPS to the laboratory SMPS in order to evaluate whether the Nanoscan SMPS is suitable for field experiments designed to characterize particle exposure in different microenvironments. Tests were performed both in a Marple calm air chamber, where fresh diesel particulate matter and atomized dioctyl phthalate particles were monitored, and in microenvironments, where outdoor, urban, indoor aged, and indoor fresh aerosols were measured. Results show that the Nanoscan SMPS is able to properly measure the particle size distribution for each type of aerosol investigated, but it overestimates the total particle number concentration in the case of fresh aerosols. In particular, the test performed in the Marple chamber showed total concentrations up to twice those measured by the laboratory SMPS-likely because of the inability of the Nanoscan SMPS unipolar charger to properly charge aerosols made up of aggregated particles. Based on these findings, when field test exposure studies are conducted, the Nanoscan SMPS should be used in tandem with a condensation particle counter in order to verify and correct the particle size distribution data. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society 2014.

[Research on NEDC ultrafine particle emission characters of a port fuel injection gasoline car].

PubMed

Hu, Zhi-Yuan; Li, Jin; Tan, Pi-Qiang; Lou, Di-Ming

2012-12-01

A Santana gasoline car with multi-port fuel injection (PFI) system was used as the research prototype and an engine exhaust particle sizer (EEPS) was employed to investigate the exhaust ultrafine particle number and size distribution characters of the tested vehicle in new European driving cycle (NEDC). The tested results showed that the vehicle's nuclear particle number, accumulation particle number, as well as the total particle number emission increased when the car drove in accelerated passage, and the vehicle's particle number emission was high during the first 40 seconds after test started and when the speed was over 90 km x h(-1) in extra urban driving cycle (EUDC) in NEDC. The ultrafine particle distribution of the whole NEDC showed a single peak logarithmic distribution, with diameters of the peak particle number emission ranging from 10 nm to 30 nm, and the geometric mean diameter was 24 nm. The ultrafine particle distribution of the urban driving cycle named by the economic commission for Europe (ECE) e. g. ECE I, ECE II - IV, the extra urban driving cycle e. g. EUDC, and the idling, constant speed, acceleration, deceleration operation conditions of NEDC all showed a single peak logarithmic distribution, also with particle diameters of the peak particle number emission ranging from 10 nm to 30 nm, and the geometric mean diameters of different driving cycle and different driving mode were from 14 nm to 42 nm. Therefore, the ultrafine particle emissions of the tested PFI gasoline car were mainly consisted of nuclear mode particles with a diameter of less than 50 nm.

Soft-X-Ray-Enhanced Electrostatic Precipitation for Protection against Inhalable Allergens, Ultrafine Particles, and Microbial Infections

PubMed Central

Kettleson, Eric M.; Schriewer, Jill M.; Buller, R. Mark L.

2013-01-01

Protection of the human lung from infectious agents, allergens, and ultrafine particles is difficult with current technologies. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove airborne particles of >0.3 μm with 99.97% efficiency, but they are expensive to maintain. Electrostatic precipitation has been used as an inexpensive approach to remove large particles from airflows, but it has a collection efficiency minimum in the submicrometer size range, allowing for a penetration window for some allergens and ultrafine particles. Incorporating soft X-ray irradiation as an in situ component of the electrostatic precipitation process greatly improves capture efficiency of ultrafine particles. Here we demonstrate the removal and inactivation capabilities of soft-X-ray-enhanced electrostatic precipitation technology targeting infectious agents (Bacillus anthracis, Mycobacterium bovis BCG, and poxviruses), allergens, and ultrafine particles. Incorporation of in situ soft X-ray irradiation at low-intensity corona conditions resulted in (i) 2-fold to 9-fold increase in capture efficiency of 200- to 600-nm particles and (ii) a considerable delay in the mean day of death as well as lower overall mortality rates in ectromelia virus (ECTV) cohorts. At the high-intensity corona conditions, nearly complete protection from viral and bacterial respiratory infection was afforded to the murine models for all biological agents tested. When optimized for combined efficient particle removal with limited ozone production, this technology could be incorporated into stand-alone indoor air cleaners or scaled for installation in aircraft cabin, office, and residential heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. PMID:23263945

Soft-X-ray-enhanced electrostatic precipitation for protection against inhalable allergens, ultrafine particles, and microbial infections.

PubMed

Kettleson, Eric M; Schriewer, Jill M; Buller, R Mark L; Biswas, Pratim

2013-02-01

Protection of the human lung from infectious agents, allergens, and ultrafine particles is difficult with current technologies. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove airborne particles of >0.3 μm with 99.97% efficiency, but they are expensive to maintain. Electrostatic precipitation has been used as an inexpensive approach to remove large particles from airflows, but it has a collection efficiency minimum in the submicrometer size range, allowing for a penetration window for some allergens and ultrafine particles. Incorporating soft X-ray irradiation as an in situ component of the electrostatic precipitation process greatly improves capture efficiency of ultrafine particles. Here we demonstrate the removal and inactivation capabilities of soft-X-ray-enhanced electrostatic precipitation technology targeting infectious agents (Bacillus anthracis, Mycobacterium bovis BCG, and poxviruses), allergens, and ultrafine particles. Incorporation of in situ soft X-ray irradiation at low-intensity corona conditions resulted in (i) 2-fold to 9-fold increase in capture efficiency of 200- to 600-nm particles and (ii) a considerable delay in the mean day of death as well as lower overall mortality rates in ectromelia virus (ECTV) cohorts. At the high-intensity corona conditions, nearly complete protection from viral and bacterial respiratory infection was afforded to the murine models for all biological agents tested. When optimized for combined efficient particle removal with limited ozone production, this technology could be incorporated into stand-alone indoor air cleaners or scaled for installation in aircraft cabin, office, and residential heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Characterisation of particle emissions from the driving car fleet and the contribution to ambient and indoor particle concentrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmgren, Finn; Wåhlin, Peter; Kildesø, Jan; Afshari, Alireza; Fogh, Christian L.

The population is mainly exposed to high air pollution concentrations in the urban environment, where motor vehicle emissions constitute the main source of fine and ultrafine particles. These particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, and studies indicate that the smaller the particle, the larger the health impacts. The chemical composition, surface reactivity and physical properties are also important. However, the knowledge about chemical and physical properties of particles and the temporal and spatial variability of the smallest particles is still very limited. The present study summarises the first results of a larger project with the aims to improve the knowledge. The concentration and the emissions of ultrafine particles from petrol and diesel vehicles, respectively, have been quantified using Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer of ultrafine particles in the size range 6-700 nm and routine monitoring data from urban streets and urban background in Denmark. The quantification was carried out using receptor modelling. The number size distributions of petrol and diesel emissions showed a maximum at 20-30 nm and non-traffic at ≈100 nm. The contribution of ultrafine particles from diesel vehicles is dominating in streets. The same technique has been applied on PM 10, and ≈50% contribution from non-traffic. The technique has also been introduced in relation to elemental and organic carbon, and the first data showed strong correlation between traffic pollution and elemental carbon. The outdoor air quality has a significant effect on indoor pollution levels, and we spend most of the time indoors. Knowledge about the influence of ambient air pollution on the concentrations in the indoor environment is therefore crucial for assessment of human health effects of traffic pollution. The results of our studies will be included in air quality models for calculation of human exposure. Preliminary results from our first campaign showed, that the deposition rate of particles in the apartment is negligible in the particle size range 100-500 nm. In the size range below 100 nm the deposition rate increases with decreasing particle diameter to a value of approximately 1 h -1 at 10 nm. The penetration efficiency shows a maximum of 60% at 100 nm. More detailed studies of exchange of particles in outdoor/indoor air and the transformation are planned to take place during three next campaigns.

The Effect of Welding Energy on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Ultrasonic-Welded Copper Joints

PubMed Central

Yang, Jingwei; Cao, Biao; Lu, Qinghua

2017-01-01

The effects of welding energy on the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of ultrasonic-welded pure copper plates were investigated. Complex dynamic recrystallization and grain growth occurred inside the weld zone during ultrasonic welding. At a low welding energy, a thin band of straight weld interfaces was observed and had an ultra-fine grain structure. With an increase in welding energy, the weld interface progressively changed from flat to sinusoidal, and eventually turned into a convoluted wavy pattern, bearing similarities to shear instabilities, as observed in fluid dynamics. The lap shear load of the joints initially increased and then remained stable as the welding energy increased. The tensile characteristics of the joints significantly depended on the development of plastic deformation at the interface. The influence of the microstructure on the hardness was also discussed. PMID:28772553

Deformation processes in forging ceramics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cannon, R. M.; Rhodes, W. H.

1973-01-01

The deformation processes involved in the forging of refractory ceramic oxides were investigated. A combination of mechanical testing and forging was utilized to investigate both the flow and fracture processes involved. Deformation studies of very fine grain Al203 revealed an apparent transition in behavior, characterized by a shift in the strain rate sensitivity from 0.5 at low stresses to near unity at higher stresses. The behavior is indicative of a shift in control between two dependent mechanisms, one of which is indicated to be cation limited diffusional creep with significant boundary enhancement. The possible contributions of slip, indicated by crystallographic texture, interface control of the diffusional creep and inhomogeneous boundary sliding are also discussed. Additional experiments indicated an independence of deformation behavior on MgO doping and retained hot pressing impurities, at least for ultrafine grained material, and also an independence of test atmosphere.

The Effect of Welding Energy on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Ultrasonic-Welded Copper Joints.

PubMed

Yang, Jingwei; Cao, Biao; Lu, Qinghua

2017-02-16

The effects of welding energy on the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of ultrasonic-welded pure copper plates were investigated. Complex dynamic recrystallization and grain growth occurred inside the weld zone during ultrasonic welding. At a low welding energy, a thin band of straight weld interfaces was observed and had an ultra-fine grain structure. With an increase in welding energy, the weld interface progressively changed from flat to sinusoidal, and eventually turned into a convoluted wavy pattern, bearing similarities to shear instabilities, as observed in fluid dynamics. The lap shear load of the joints initially increased and then remained stable as the welding energy increased. The tensile characteristics of the joints significantly depended on the development of plastic deformation at the interface. The influence of the microstructure on the hardness was also discussed.

Identifying airborne metal particles sources near an optoelectronic and semiconductor industrial park

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ho-Wen; Chen, Wei-Yea; Chang, Cheng-Nan; Chuang, Yen-Hsun; Lin, Yu-Hao

2016-06-01

The recently developed Central Taiwan Science Park (CTSP) in central Taiwan is home to an optoelectronic and semiconductor industrial cluster. Therefore, exploring the elemental compositions and size distributions of airborne particles emitted from the CTSP would help to prevent pollution. This study analyzed size-fractionated metal-rich particle samples collected in upwind and downwind areas of CTSP during Jan. and Oct. 2013 by using micro-orifice uniform deposited impactor (MOUDI). Correlation analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis and particle mass-size distribution analysis are performed to identify the source of metal-rich particle near the CTSP. Analyses of elemental compositions and particle size distributions emitted from the CTSP revealed that the CTSP emits some metals (V, As, In Ga, Cd and Cu) in the ultrafine particles (< 1 μm). The statistical analysis combines with the particle mass-size distribution analysis could provide useful source identification information. In airborne particles with the size of 0.32 μm, Ga could be a useful pollution index for optoelectronic and semiconductor emission in the CTSP. Meanwhile, the ratios of As/Ga concentration at the particle size of 0.32 μm demonstrates that humans near the CTSP would be potentially exposed to GaAs ultrafine particles. That is, metals such as Ga and As and other metals that are not regulated in Taiwan are potentially harmful to human health.

Combustion of PTFE: The Effects of Gravity and Pigmentation on Ultrafine Particle Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McKinnon, J. Thomas; Srivastava, Rajiv; Todd, Paul

1997-01-01

Ultrafine particles generated during polymer thermodegradation are a major health hazard, owing to their unique pathway of processing in the lung. This hazard in manned spacecraft is poorly understood, because the particulate products of polymer thermodegradation are generated under low gravity conditions. Particulate generated from the degradation of PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE), insulation coating for 20 AWG copper wire (representative of spacecraft application) under intense ohmic heating were studied in terrestrial gravity and microgravity. Microgravity tests were done in a 1.2-second drop tower at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM). Thermophoretic sampling was used for particulate collection. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) were used to examine the smoke particulates. Image software was used to calculate particle size distribution. In addition to gravity, the color of PTFE insulation has an overwhelming effect on size, shape and morphology of the particulate. Nanometer-sized primary particles were found in all cases, and aggregation and size distribution was dependent on both color and gravity; higher aggregation occurred in low gravity. Particulates from white, black, red and yellow colored PTFE insulations were studied. Elemental analysis of the particulates shows the presence of inorganic pigments.

Exposure to ultrafine particles in hospitality venues with partial smoking bans.

PubMed

Neuberger, Manfred; Moshammer, Hanns; Schietz, Armin

2013-01-01

Fine particles in hospitality venues with insufficient smoking bans indicate health risks from passive smoking. In a random sample of Viennese inns (restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and discotheques) effects of partial smoking bans on indoor air quality were examined by measurement of count, size and chargeable surface of ultrafine particles (UFPs) sized 10-300 nm, simultaneously with mass of particles sized 300-2500 nm (PM2.5). Air samples were taken in 134 rooms unannounced during busy hours and analyzed by a diffusion size classifier and an optical particle counter. Highest number concentrations of particles were found in smoking venues and smoking rooms (median 66,011 pt/cm(3)). Even non-smoking rooms adjacent to smoking rooms were highly contaminated (median 25,973 pt/cm(3)), compared with non-smoking venues (median 7408 pt/cm(3)). The particle number concentration was significantly correlated with the fine particle mass (P<0.001). We conclude that the existing tobacco law in Austria is ineffective to protect customers in non-smoking rooms of hospitality premises. Health protection of non-smoking guests and employees from risky UFP concentration is insufficient, even in rooms labeled "non-smoking". Partial smoking bans with separation of smoking rooms failed.

Fine and ultrafine particle emissions from microwave popcorn.

PubMed

Zhang, Q; Avalos, J; Zhu, Y

2014-04-01

This study characterized fine (PM2.5 ) and ultrafine particle (UFP, diameter < 100 nm) emissions from microwave popcorn and analyzed influential factors. Each pre-packed popcorn bag was cooked in a microwave oven enclosed in a stainless steel chamber for 3 min. The number concentration and size distribution of UFPs and PM2.5 mass concentration were measured inside the chamber repeatedly for five different flavors under four increasing power settings using either the foil-lined original package or a brown paper bag. UFPs and PM2.5 generated by microwaving popcorn were 150-560 and 350-800 times higher than the emissions from microwaving water, respectively. About 90% of the total particles emitted were in the ultrafine size range. The emitted PM concentrations varied significantly with flavor. Replacing the foil-lined original package with a brown paper bag significantly reduced the peak concentration by 24-87% for total particle number and 36-70% for PM2.5 . A positive relationship was observed between both UFP number and PM2.5 mass and power setting. The emission rates of microwave popcorn ranged from 1.9 × 10(10) to 8.0 × 10(10) No./min for total particle number and from 134 to 249 μg/min for PM2.5 . © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Experimental investigation of submicron and ultrafine soot particle removal by tree leaves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Hee-Jae; Yook, Se-Jin; Ahn, Kang-Ho

2011-12-01

Soot particles emitted from vehicles are one of the major sources of air pollution in urban areas. In this study, five kinds of trees were selected as Pinus densiflora, Taxus cuspidata, Platanus occidentalis, Zelkova serrata, and Ginkgo biloba, and the removal of submicron (<1 μm) and ultrafine (<0.1 μm) soot particles by tree leaves was quantitatively compared in terms of deposition velocity. Soot particles were produced by a diffusion flame burner using acetylene as the fuel. The sizes of monodisperse soot particles classified with the Differential Mobility Analyzers (DMA) were 30, 55, 90, 150, 250, 400, and 600 nm. A deposition chamber was designed to simulate the omni-directional flow condition around the tree leaves. Deposition velocities onto the needle-leaf trees were higher than those onto the broadleaf trees. P. densiflora showed the greatest deposition velocity, followed by T. cuspidata, Platanus occidentalis, Zelkova serrata, and Ginkgo biloba. In addition, from the comparison of deposition velocity between two groups of Platanus occidentalis leaves, i.e. one group of leaves with front sides only and the other with back sides only, it was supposed in case of the broadleaf trees that the removal of airborne soot particles of submicron and ultrafine sizes could be affected by the surface roughness of tree leaves, i.e. the veins and other structures on the leaves.

Composition of Metallic Elements and Size Distribution of Fine and Ultrafine Particles in a Steelmaking Factory.

PubMed

Marcias, Gabriele; Fostinelli, Jacopo; Catalani, Simona; Uras, Michele; Sanna, Andrea Maurizio; Avataneo, Giuseppe; De Palma, Giuseppe; Fabbri, Daniele; Paganelli, Matteo; Lecca, Luigi Isaia; Buonanno, Giorgio; Campagna, Marcello

2018-06-07

The characteristics of aerosol, in particular particle size and chemical composition, can have an impact on human health. Particle size distribution and chemical composition is a necessary parameter in occupational exposure assessment conducted in order to understand possible health effects. The aim of this study was to characterize workplace airborne particulate matter in a metallurgical setting by synergistically using two different approaches; Methodology: Analysis of inhalable fraction concentrations through traditional sampling equipment and ultrafine particles (UFP) concentrations and size distribution was conducted by an Electric Low-Pressure Impactor (ELPI+™). The determination of metallic elements (ME) in particles was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; Results: Inhalable fraction and ME concentrations were below the limits set by Italian legislation and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH, 2017). The median of UFP was between 4.00 × 10⁴ and 2.92 × 10⁵ particles/cm³. ME concentrations determined in the particles collected by ELPI show differences in size range distribution; Conclusions: The adopted synergistic approach enabled a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the particles in steelmaking factories. The results could lead to a better knowledge of occupational exposure characterization, in turn affording a better understanding of occupational health issues due to metal fumes exposure.

[Ultra-Fine Pressed Powder Pellet Sample Preparation XRF Determination of Multi-Elements and Carbon Dioxide in Carbonate].

PubMed

Li, Xiao-li; An, Shu-qing; Xu, Tie-min; Liu, Yi-bo; Zhang, Li-juan; Zeng, Jiang-ping; Wang, Na

2015-06-01

The main analysis error of pressed powder pellet of carbonate comes from particle-size effect and mineral effect. So in the article in order to eliminate the particle-size effect, the ultrafine pressed powder pellet sample preparation is used to the determination of multi-elements and carbon-dioxide in carbonate. To prepare the ultrafine powder the FRITSCH planetary Micro Mill machine and tungsten carbide media is utilized. To conquer the conglomeration during the process of grinding, the wet grinding is preferred. The surface morphology of the pellet is more smooth and neat, the Compton scatter effect is reduced with the decrease in particle size. The intensity of the spectral line is varied with the change of the particle size, generally the intensity of the spectral line is increased with the decrease in the particle size. But when the particle size of more than one component of the material is decreased, the intensity of the spectral line may increase for S, Si, Mg, or decrease for Ca, Al, Ti, K, which depend on the respective mass absorption coefficient . The change of the composition of the phase with milling is also researched. The incident depth of respective element is given from theoretical calculation. When the sample is grounded to the particle size of less than the penetration depth of all the analyte, the effect of the particle size on the intensity of the spectral line is much reduced. In the experiment, when grounded the sample to less than 8 μm(d95), the particle-size effect is much eliminated, with the correction method of theoretical α coefficient and the empirical coefficient, 14 major, minor and trace element in the carbonate can be determined accurately. And the precision of the method is much improved with RSD < 2%, except Na2O. Carbon is ultra-light element, the fluorescence yield is low and the interference is serious. With the manual multi-layer crystal PX4, coarse collimator, empirical correction, X-ray spectrometer can be used to determine the carbon dioxide in the carbonate quantitatively. The intensity of the carbon is increase with the times of the measurement and the time delay even the pellet is stored in the dessicator. So employing the latest pressed powder pellet is suggested.

Ultrafine sulfur nanoparticles in conducting polymer shell as cathode materials for high performance lithium/sulfur batteries.

PubMed

Chen, Hongwei; Dong, Weiling; Ge, Jun; Wang, Changhong; Wu, Xiaodong; Lu, Wei; Chen, Liwei

2013-01-01

We report the synthesis of ultrafine S nanoparticles with diameter 10 ~ 20 nm via a membrane-assisted precipitation technique. The S nanoparticles were then coated with conducting poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) to form S/PEDOT core/shell nanoparticles. The ultrasmall size of S nanoparticles facilitates the electrical conduction and improves sulfur utilization. The encapsulation of conducting PEDOT shell restricts the polysulfides diffusion, alleviates self-discharging and the shuttle effect, and thus enhances the cycling stability. The resulting S/PEDOT core/shell nanoparticles show initial discharge capacity of 1117 mAh g(-1) and a stable capacity of 930 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles.

Ultrafine Sulfur Nanoparticles in Conducting Polymer Shell as Cathode Materials for High Performance Lithium/Sulfur Batteries

PubMed Central

Chen, Hongwei; Dong, Weiling; Ge, Jun; Wang, Changhong; Wu, Xiaodong; Lu, Wei; Chen, Liwei

2013-01-01

We report the synthesis of ultrafine S nanoparticles with diameter 10 ~ 20 nm via a membrane-assisted precipitation technique. The S nanoparticles were then coated with conducting poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) to form S/PEDOT core/shell nanoparticles. The ultrasmall size of S nanoparticles facilitates the electrical conduction and improves sulfur utilization. The encapsulation of conducting PEDOT shell restricts the polysulfides diffusion, alleviates self-discharging and the shuttle effect, and thus enhances the cycling stability. The resulting S/PEDOT core/shell nanoparticles show initial discharge capacity of 1117 mAh g−1 and a stable capacity of 930 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles. PMID:23714786

Ultrafine Sulfur Nanoparticles in Conducting Polymer Shell as Cathode Materials for High Performance Lithium/Sulfur Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hongwei; Dong, Weiling; Ge, Jun; Wang, Changhong; Wu, Xiaodong; Lu, Wei; Chen, Liwei

2013-05-01

We report the synthesis of ultrafine S nanoparticles with diameter 10 ~ 20 nm via a membrane-assisted precipitation technique. The S nanoparticles were then coated with conducting poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) to form S/PEDOT core/shell nanoparticles. The ultrasmall size of S nanoparticles facilitates the electrical conduction and improves sulfur utilization. The encapsulation of conducting PEDOT shell restricts the polysulfides diffusion, alleviates self-discharging and the shuttle effect, and thus enhances the cycling stability. The resulting S/PEDOT core/shell nanoparticles show initial discharge capacity of 1117 mAh g-1 and a stable capacity of 930 mAh g-1 after 50 cycles.

Implications of Grain Size Evolution for the Effective Stress Exponent in Ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behn, M. D.; Goldsby, D. L.; Hirth, G.

2016-12-01

Viscous flow in ice has typically been described by the Glen law—a non-Newtonian, power-law relationship between stress and strain-rate with a stress exponent n 3. The Glen law is attributed to grain-size-insensitive dislocation creep; however, laboratory and field studies demonstrate that deformation in ice is strongly dependent on grain size. This has led to the hypothesis that at sufficiently low stresses, ice flow is controlled by grain boundary sliding [1], which explicitly incorporates the grain-size dependence of ice rheology. Yet, neither dislocation creep (n 4), nor grain boundary sliding (n 1.8), have stress exponents that match the value of n 3 for the Glen law. Thus, although the Glen law provides an approximate description of ice flow in glaciers and ice sheets, its functional form cannot be explained by a single deformation mechanism. Here we seek to understand the origin of the n 3 dependence of the Glen law through a new model for grain-size evolution in ice. In our model, grain size evolves in response to the balance between dynamic recrystallization and grain growth. To simulate these processes we adapt the "wattmeter" [2], originally developed within the solid-Earth community to quantify grain size in crustal and mantle rocks. The wattmeter posits that grain size is controlled by a balance between the mechanical work required for grain growth and dynamic grain size reduction. The evolution of grain size in turn controls the relative contributions of dislocation creep and grain boundary sliding, and thus the effective stress exponent for ice flow. Using this approach, we first benchmark our grain size evolution model on experimental data and then calculate grain size in two end-member scenarios: (1) as a function of depth within an ice-sheet, and (2) across an ice-stream margin. We show that the calculated grain sizes match ice core observations for the interior of ice sheets. Furthermore, owing to the influence of grain size on strain rate, the variation in grain size with deformation conditions results in an effective stress exponent intermediate between grain boundary sliding and dislocation creep. [1] Goldsby & Kohlstedt, JGR, 2001; [2] Austin & Evans, Geology, 1997

Evidence for Natural Variability in Marine Stratocumulus Cloud Properties Due to Cloud-Aerosol

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Albrecht, Bruce; Sharon, Tarah; Jonsson, Haf; Minnis, Patrick; Minnis, Patrick; Ayers, J. Kirk; Khaiyer, Mandana M.

2004-01-01

In this study, aircraft observations from the Interdisciplinary Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Studies (CIRPAS) Twin Otter are used to characterize the variability in drizzle, cloud, and aerosol properties associated with cloud rifts and the surrounding solid clouds observed off the coast of California. A flight made on 16 July 1999 provided measurements directly across an interface between solid and rift cloud conditions. Aircraft instrumentation allowed for measurements of aerosol, cloud droplet, and drizzle spectra. CCN concentrations were measured in addition to standard thermodynamic variables and the winds. A Forward Scatter Spectrometer Probe (FSSP) measured size distribution of cloud-sized droplets. A Cloud Imaging Probe (CIP) was used to measure distributions of drizzle-sized droplets. Aerosol distributions were obtained from a Cloud Aerosol Scatterprobe (CAS). The CAS probe measured aerosols, cloud droplets and drizzle-sized drops; for this study. The CAS probe was used to measure aerosols in the size range of 0.5 micron - 1 micron. Smaller aerosols were characterized using an Ultrafine Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) sensor. The CPC was used to measure particles with diameters greater than 0.003 micron. By subtracting different count concentrations measured with the CPC, this probe was capable of identifying ultrafine particles those falling in the size range of 3 nanometers - 7 nanometers that are believed to be associated with new particle production.

Particle size-dependent radical generation from wildland fire smoke.

PubMed

Leonard, Stephen S; Castranova, Vince; Chen, Bean T; Schwegler-Berry, Diane; Hoover, Mark; Piacitelli, Chris; Gaughan, Denise M

2007-07-01

Firefighting, along with construction, mining and agriculture, ranks among the most dangerous occupations. In addition, the work environment of firefighters is unlike that of any other occupation, not only because of the obvious physical hazards but also due to the respiratory and systemic health hazards of smoke inhalation resulting from combustion. A significant amount of research has been devoted to studying municipal firefighters; however, these studies may not be useful in wildland firefighter exposures, because the two work environments are so different. Not only are wildland firefighters exposed to different combustion products, but their exposure profiles are different. The combustion products wildland firefighters are exposed to can vary greatly in characteristics due to the type and amount of material being burned, soil conditions, temperature and exposure time. Smoke inhalation is one of the greatest concerns for firefighter health and it has been shown that the smoke consists of a large number of particles. These smoke particles contain intermediates of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen free radicals, which may pose a potential health risk. Our investigation looked into the involvement of free radicals in smoke toxicity and the relationship between particle size and radical generation. Samples were collected in discrete aerodynamic particle sizes from a wildfire in Alaska, preserved and then shipped to our laboratory for analysis. Electron spin resonance was used to measure carbon-centered as well as hydroxyl radicals produced by a Fenton-like reaction with wildfire smoke. Further study of reactive oxygen species was conducted using analysis of cellular H(2)O(2) generation, lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes and DNA damage. Results demonstrate that coarse size-range particles contained more carbon radicals per unit mass than the ultrafine particles; however, the ultrafine particles generated more *OH radicals in the acellular Fenton-like reaction. The ultrafine particles also caused significant increases in H(2)O(2) production by monocytes and lipid peroxidation. All particle sizes showed the ability to cause DNA damage. These results indicate that the radical generation and the damage caused by them is not only a function of surface area but is also influenced by changing chemical and other characteristics due to particle size.

Pulmonary diseases induced by ambient ultrafine and engineered nanoparticles in twenty-first century

PubMed Central

Xia, Tian; Zhu, Yifang; Mu, Lina; Zhang, Zuo-Feng; Liu, Sijin

2016-01-01

Abstract Air pollution is a severe threat to public health globally, affecting everyone in developed and developing countries alike. Among different air pollutants, particulate matter (PM), particularly combustion-produced fine PM (PM2.5) has been shown to play a major role in inducing various adverse health effects. Strong associations have been demonstrated by epidemiological and toxicological studies between increases in PM2.5 concentrations and premature mortality, cardiopulmonary diseases, asthma and allergic sensitization, and lung cancer. The mechanisms of PM-induced toxicological effects are related to their size, chemical composition, lung clearance and retention, cellular oxidative stress responses and pro-inflammatory effects locally and systemically. Particles in the ultrafine range (<100 nm), although they have the highest number counts, surface area and organic chemical content, are often overlooked due to insufficient monitoring and risk assessment. Yet, ample studies have demonstrated that ambient ultrafine particles have higher toxic potential compared with PM2.5. In addition, the rapid development of nanotechnology, bringing ever-increasing production of nanomaterials, has raised concerns about the potential human exposure and health impacts. All these add to the complexity of PM-induced health effects that largely remains to be determined, and mechanistic understanding on the toxicological effects of ambient ultrafine particles and nanomaterials will be the focus of studies in the near future. PMID:28649460

Nuclear microprobe investigation of the penetration of ultrafine zinc oxide into human skin affected by atopic dermatitis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szikszai, Z.; Kertész, Zs.; Bodnár, E.; Borbíró, I.; Angyal, A.; Csedreki, L.; Furu, E.; Szoboszlai, Z.; Kiss, Á. Z.; Hunyadi, J.

2011-10-01

Skin penetration is one of the potential routes for nanoparticles to gain access into the human body. Ultrafine metal oxides, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are widely used in cosmetic and health products like sunscreens. These oxides are potent UV filters and the particle size smaller than 200 nm makes the product more transparent compared to formulations containing coarser particles. The present study continues the work carried out in the frame of the NANODERM: “Quality of skin as a barrier to ultrafine particles” European project and complements our previous investigations on human skin with compromised barrier function. Atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) is an inflammatory, chronically relapsing, non-contagious skin disease. It is very common in children but may occur at any age. The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, but is likely due to a combination of impaired barrier function together with a malfunction in the body's immune system. In this study, skin samples were obtained from two patients suffering from atopic dermatitis. Our results indicate that the ultrafine zinc oxide particles, in a hydrophobic basis gel with an application time of 2 days or 2 weeks, have penetrated deeply into the stratum corneum in these patients. On the other hand, penetration into the stratum spinosum was not observed even in the case of the longer application time.

Lead acetate trihydrate precursor route to synthesize novel ultrafine lead oxide from spent lead acid battery pastes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Xiaojuan; Yang, Jiakuan; Zhang, Wei; Zhu, Xinfeng; Hu, Yuchen; Yang, Danni; Yuan, Xiqing; Yu, Wenhao; Dong, Jinxin; Wang, Haifeng; Li, Lei; Vasant Kumar, R.; Liang, Sha

2014-12-01

A novel green recycling process is investigated to prepare lead acetate trihydrate precursors and novel ultrafine lead oxide from spent lead acid battery pastes. The route contains the following four processes. (1) The spent lead pastes are desulphurized by (NH4)2CO3. (2) The desulphurized pastes are converted into lead acetate solution by leaching with acetic acid solution and H2O2; (3) The Pb(CH3COO)2·3H2O precursor is crystallized and purified from the lead acetate solution with the addition of glacial acetic acid; (4) The novel ultrafine lead oxide is prepared by the calcination of lead acetate trihydrate precursor in N2 or air at 320-400 °C. Both the lead acetate trihydrate and lead oxide products are characterized by TG-DTA, XRD, and SEM techniques. The calcination products are mainly α-PbO, β-PbO, and a small amount of metallic Pb. The particle size of the calcination products in air is significantly larger than that in N2. Cyclic voltammetry measurements of the novel ultrafine lead oxide products show good reversibility and cycle stability. The assembled batteries using the lead oxide products as cathode active materials show a good cyclic stability in 80 charge/discharge cycles with the depth of discharge (DOD) of 100%.

Scalable Routes to Efficient Thermoelectric Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feser, Joseph Patrick

Thermoelectrics are solid-state materials with the ability to directly convert heat to electricity and visa versa. Despite their advantages in power density and reliability, state-of-the-art bulk alloy materials have not been efficient enough or inexpensive enough to be deployed widely. Newer nanostructured materials show significantly improved efficiencies and could overcome these long-standing problems. This dissertation studies the conditions that govern efficiency improvements in nanostructured materials with particular attention paid to lattice thermal conductivity reductions as well as methods to make such materials inexpensively using solution processing. Measurements of a new p-type material system, In1-xGa xSb doped with epitaxially embedded metallic ErSb nanocrystals show that lattice thermal conductivity is reduced significantly below the alloy limit with as little as 1% nanocrystal loading by volume. Theoretical modeling based on the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) is able to explain the reductions on the basis of an increased scattering cross section for long wavelength phonons which are scattered much less effectively by phonon-phonon and alloy impurity interactions. The optimal conditions for nanoparticle size, concentration, alloy composition are explored and the existence of an optimal nanocrystal size which depends on the alloy composition and temperature is predicted. A variety of colloidal nanocrystals are explored as inexpensive building blocks for nanostructured thermoelectric materials with tunable electronic and thermal properties. First, the electronic properties of superlattices of PbSe nanocrystals are studied in the limit of strong quantum confinement (d<10nm). PbSe quantum dot superlattices show size-dependent Seebeck coefficient which exceed that of the bulk material at equivalent carrier concentrations. Reversible control of the carrier concentration is shown by surface exposure of the superlattices to oxidizing and reducing agents and in-situ monitoring of the thermopower. Next, phonon transport in ultra-fine grained nanocomposites with tunable grain size are studied using colloidal nanocrystals. Particles of CdSe are coated with a hydrazine-based metal chalcogenide ligand which serves as a functional "glue." Composites with grain size between 3nm-6nm display ultra-low thermal conductivity approaching the theoretical limit for a crystalline solid, nearly 30 times lower than the bulk compound. Modeling shows that boundary scattering in the framework of BTE cannot adequately explain the measured properties and alternative mechanisms are discussed. Finally, a solution processable route to Bi2Te3-xSex thermoelectrics is developed by reacting Bi2S3 in hydrazine to form a universal precursor. The precursor is spin-coated in the presence of excess Se and Te and annealed to form a thermoelectrics material with a maximum ZT˜0.4 at room temperature, which is the highest for any spin-coated material currently reported.

A Phase Field Study of the Effect of Microstructure Grain Size Heterogeneity on Grain Growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crist, David J. D.

Recent studies conducted with sharp-interface models suggest a link between the spatial distribution of grain size variance and average grain growth rate. This relationship and its effect on grain growth rate was examined using the diffuse-interface Phase Field Method on a series of microstructures with different degrees of grain size gradation. Results from this work indicate that the average grain growth rate has a positive correlation with the average grain size dispersion for phase field simulations, confirming previous observations. It is also shown that the grain growth rate in microstructures with skewed grain size distributions is better measured through the change in the volume-weighted average grain size than statistical mean grain size. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1334283. The NSF project title is "DMREF: Real Time Control of Grain Growth in Metals" and was awarded by the Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation division under the Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future (DMREF) program.

Impact of grain size evolution on necking and pinch-and-swell formation in calcite layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmalholz, Stefan Markus; Duretz, Thibault

2017-04-01

The formation of necking zones and the associated formation of pinch-and-swell structure is one form of strain localization in extending, competent layers. Natural pinch-and-swell structure in centimetre-thick calcite layers typically shows a reduction of grain size from swell towards pinch. However, the impact of grain size evolution on necking and pinch-and-swell formation is incompletely understood. We perform zero-dimensional (0D) and 2D thermo-mechanical numerical simulations to quantify the impact of grain size evolution on necking for extension rates between 10-12s^-1and10^-14 s-1 and temperatures around 350°C. For a combination of diffusion and dislocation creep we calculate grain size evolution according to the paleowattmeter (grain size is proportional to mechanical work rate) or the paleopiezometer (grain size is proportional to stress). Numerical results fit two observations: (i) grain size reduction from swells towards pinches, and (ii) dislocation creep dominated deformation in swells and significant contribution of diffusion creep in pinches. Modelled grain size in pinches (10 to 60 μm) and swells (70 to 800 μm) is close to observed grain size in pinches (15 to 27 μm) and in swells (250 to 1500 μm). Grain size evolution has only a minor impact on necking suggesting that grain size evolution is a consequence, and not the cause of necking. Viscous shear heating and grain size evolution had a negligible thermal impact in the simulations.

Ultrafine particles, and PM 2.5 generated from cooking in homes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Man-Pun; Wu, Chi-Li; Sze To, Gin-Nam; Chan, Tsz-Chun; Chao, Christopher Y. H.

2011-11-01

Exposure to airborne particulate matters (PM) emitted during cooking can lead to adverse health effects. An understanding of the exposure to PM during cooking at home provides a foundation for the quantification of possible health risks. The concentrations of airborne particles covering the ultrafine (14.6-100 nm) and accumulation mode (100-661.2 nm) size ranges and PM 2.5 (airborne particulate matters smaller than 2.5 μm in diameter) during and after cooking activities were measured in 12 naturally ventilated, non-smoking homes in Hong Kong, covering a total of 33 cooking episodes. The monitored homes all practiced Chinese-style cooking. Cooking elevated the average number concentrations of ultrafine particles (UFPs) and accumulation mode particles (AMPs) by 10 fold from the background level in the living room and by 20-40 fold in the kitchen. PM 2.5 mass concentrations went up to the maximum average of about 160 μg m -3 in the kitchen and about 60 μg m -3 in the living room. Cooking emitted particles dispersed quickly from the kitchen to the living room indicating that the health impact is not limited to occupants in the kitchen. Particle number and mass concentrations remained elevated for 90 min in the kitchen and for 60 min in the living room after cooking. Particles in cooking emissions were mainly in the ultrafine size range in terms of the number count while AMPs contributed to at least 60% of the surface area concentrations in the kitchen and 73% in the living room. This suggests that AMPs could still be a major health concern since the particle surface area concentration is suggested to have a more direct relationship with inhalation toxicity than with number concentration. Particle number concentration (14.6-661.2 nm) in the living room was about 2.7 times that in the outdoor environment, suggesting that better ventilation could help reduce exposure.

A continuum theory of grain size evolution and damage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ricard, Y.; Bercovici, D.

2009-01-01

Lithospheric shear localization, as occurs in the formation of tectonic plate boundaries, is often associated with diminished grain size (e.g., mylonites). Grain size reduction is typically attributed to dynamic recrystallization; however, theoretical models of shear localization arising from this hypothesis are problematic because (1) they require the simultaneous action of two creep mechanisms (diffusion and dislocation creep) that occur in different deformation regimes (i.e., in grain size stress space) and (2) the grain growth ("healing") laws employed by these models are derived from normal grain growth or coarsening theory, which are valid in the absence of deformation, although the shear localization setting itself requires deformation. Here we present a new first principles grained-continuum theory, which accounts for both coarsening and damage-induced grain size reduction in a monomineralic assemblage undergoing irrecoverable deformation. Damage per se is the generic process for generation of microcracks, defects, dislocations (including recrystallization), subgrains, nuclei, and cataclastic breakdown of grains. The theory contains coupled macroscopic continuum mechanical and grain-scale statistical components. The continuum level of the theory considers standard mass, momentum, and energy conservation, as well as entropy production, on a statistically averaged grained continuum. The grain-scale element of the theory describes both the evolution of the grain size distribution and mechanisms for both continuous grain growth and discontinuous grain fracture and coalescence. The continuous and discontinuous processes of grain size variation are prescribed by nonequilibrium thermodynamics (in particular, the treatment of entropy production provides the phenomenological laws for grain growth and reduction); grain size evolution thus incorporates the free energy differences between grains, including both grain boundary surface energy (which controls coarsening) and the contribution of deformational work to these free energies (which controls damage). In the absence of deformation, only two mechanisms that increase the average grain size are allowed by the second law of thermodynamics. One mechanism, involving continuous diffusive mass transport from small to large grains, captures the essential components of normal grain growth theories of Lifshitz-Slyosov and Hillert. The second mechanism involves the aggregation of grains and is described using a Smoluchovski formalism. With the inclusion of deformational work and damage, the theory predicts two mechanisms for which the thermodynamic requirement of entropy positivity always forces large grains to shrink and small ones to grow. The first such damage-driven mechanism involving continuous mass transfer from large to small grains tends to homogenize the distribution of grain size toward its initial mean grain size. The second damage mechanism favors the creation of small grains by discontinuous division of larger grains and reduces the mean grain size with time. When considered separately, most of these mechanisms allow for self-similar grain size distributions whose scales (i.e., statistical moments such as the mean, variance, and skewness) can all be described by a single grain scale, such as the mean or maximum. However, the combination of mechanisms, e.g., one that captures the competition between continuous coarsening and mean grain size reduction by breakage, does not generally permit a self-similar solution for the grain size distribution, which contradicts the classic assumption that grain growth laws allowing for both coarsening and recrystallization can be treated with a single grain scale such as the mean size.

Complete grain boundaries from incomplete EBSD maps: the influence of segmentation on grain size determinations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heilbronner, Renée; Kilian, Ruediger

2017-04-01

Grain size analyses are carried out for a number of reasons, for example, the dynamically recrystallized grain size of quartz is used to assess the flow stresses during deformation. Typically a thin section or polished surface is used. If the expected grain size is large enough (10 µm or larger), the images can be obtained on a light microscope, if the grain size is smaller, the SEM is used. The grain boundaries are traced (the process is called segmentation and can be done manually or via image processing) and the size of the cross sectional areas (segments) is determined. From the resulting size distributions, 'the grain size' or 'average grain size', usually a mean diameter or similar, is derived. When carrying out such grain size analyses, a number of aspects are critical for the reproducibility of the result: the resolution of the imaging equipment (light microscope or SEM), the type of images that are used for segmentation (cross polarized, partial or full orientation images, CIP versus EBSD), the segmentation procedure (algorithm) itself, the quality of the segmentation and the mathematical definition and calculation of 'the average grain size'. The quality of the segmentation depends very strongly on the criteria that are used for identifying grain boundaries (for example, angles of misorientation versus shape considerations), on pre- and post-processing (filtering) and on the quality of the recorded images (most notably on the indexing ratio). In this contribution, we consider experimentally deformed Black Hills quartzite with dynamically re-crystallized grain sizes in the range of 2 - 15 µm. We compare two basic methods of segmentations of EBSD maps (orientation based versus shape based) and explore how the choice of methods influences the result of the grain size analysis. We also compare different measures for grain size (mean versus mode versus RMS, and 2D versus 3D) in order to determine which of the definitions of 'average grain size yields the most stable results.

Stability of Y–Ti–O precipitates in friction stir welded nanostructured ferritic alloys

DOE PAGES

Yu, Xinghua; Mazumder, B.; Miller, M. K.; ...

2015-01-19

Nanostructured ferritic alloys, which have complex microstructures which consist of ultrafine ferritic grains with a dispersion of stable oxide particles and nanoclusters, are promising materials for fuel cladding and structural applications in the next generation nuclear reactor. This paper evaluates microstructure of friction stir welded nanostructured ferritic alloys using electron microscopy and atom probe tomography techniques. Atom probe tomography results revealed that nanoclusters are coarsened and inhomogeneously distributed in the stir zone and thermomechanically affected zone. Three hypotheses on coarsening of nanoclusters are presented. Finally, the hardness difference in different regions of friction stir weld has been explained.

Effects of the Tempering and High-Pressure Torsion Temperatures on Microstructure of Ferritic/Martensitic Steel Grade 91

PubMed Central

Ganeev, Artur; Nikitina, Marina; Sitdikov, Vil; Islamgaliev, Rinat; Hoffman, Andrew; Wen, Haiming

2018-01-01

Grade 91 (9Cr-1Mo) steel was subjected to various heat treatments and then to high-pressure torsion (HPT) at different temperatures. Its microstructure was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Effects of the tempering temperature and the HPT temperature on the microstructural features and microhardness in the ultrafine-grained (UFG) Grade 91 steel were researched. The study of the UFG structure formation takes into account two different microstructures observed: before HPT in both samples containing martensite and in fully ferritic samples. PMID:29671761

Advances with holographic DESA emulsions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dünkel, Lothar; Eichler, Jürgen; Schneeweiss, Claudia; Ackermann, Gerhard

2006-02-01

DESA emulsions represent layer systems based on ultra-fine grained silver halide (AgX) technology. The new layers have an excellent performance for holographic application. The technology has been presented repeatedly in recent years, including the emulsion characterization and topics of chemical and spectral sensitization. The paper gives a survey of actual results referring to panchromatic sensitization and other improvements like the application of silver halide sensitized gelatine (SHSG) procedure. These results are embedded into intensive collaborations with small and medium enterprises (SME's) to commercialize DESA layers. Predominant goals are innovative products with holographic components and layers providing as well as cost effectiveness and high quality.

Potential health hazards from thermal degradation events - Particulate vs. gas phase effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oberdorster, Gunter; Ferin, Juraj; Finkelstein, Jacob; Baggs, Raymond; Stavert, D. M.; Lehnert, Bruce E.

1992-01-01

The effect of instillation of ultrafine TiO2 particles (10-nm anatase-TiO2 and 12-nm rutile-TiO2 (administered in doses from 60 to 1000 microg/rat and 500 microg/rat, respectively) on the respiratory tract of exposed rats was compared to the effects of larger (250 nm anatase-TiO2 and 220-nm rutile-TiO2 particles (given in doses 500 or 1000 microg/rat and 500 microg/rat, respectively). These effects were also compared to the effects of inhalation of 20-nm and 250-nm anatase-TiO2 particles and inhalation with surrogate gas phase components (HF and HCl). It was found that ultrafine TiO2 particles induced greater inflammatory reaction in the lung, had greater adverse effect on alveolar macrophage-mediated clearance function, and had a greater potential to induce mediators which can adversely affect other lung cells than did larger-sized particles. Inhalation of surrogate gas phase components caused injury only to the upper respiratory tract, in contrast to the ultrafine particles, which affected the deep lung.

Comparison of detonation spreading in pressed ultra-fine and nano-TATB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olles, Joseph; Wixom, Ryan; Knepper, Robert; Yarrington, Cole; Patel, Rajen; Stepanov, Victor

2017-06-01

Detonation spreading behavior in insensitive high explosives is an important performance characteristic for initiation-train design. In the past, several variations of the floret test have been used to study this phenomenon. Commonly, dent blocks or multi-fiber optical probes were employed for reduced cost and complexity. We devised a floret-like test, using minimal explosive material, to study the detonation spreading in nano-TATB as compared to ultra-fine TATB. Our test uses a streak camera, combined with photonic Doppler velocimetry, to image the breakout timing and quantify the output particle velocity. The TATB acceptor pellets are initiated using an explosively-driven aluminum flyer with a well characterized velocity. We characterized the two types of TATB by assessing purity, particle morphology, and the microstructure of the consolidated pellets. Our results align with published data for ultra-fine TATB, however the nano-TATB shows a distinct difference where output has a strong dependence on density. The results indicate that control over pellet pore size and pressing density may be used to optimize detonation spreading behavior.

Morphology of Nano and Micro Fiber Structures in Ultrafine Particles Filtration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimmer, Dusan; Vincent, Ivo; Fenyk, Jan; Petras, David; Zatloukal, Martin; Sambaer, Wannes; Zdimal, Vladimir

2011-07-01

Selected procedures permitting to prepare homogeneous nanofibre structures of the desired morphology by employing a suitable combination of variables during the electrospinning process are presented. A comparison (at the same pressure drop) was made of filtration capabilities of planar polyurethane nanostructures formed exclusively by nanofibres, space polycarbonate nanostructures having bead spacers, structures formed by a combination of polymethyl methacrylate micro- and nanofibres and polypropylene meltblown microstructures, through which ultrafine particles of ammonium sulphate 20-400 nm in size were filtered. The structures studied were described using a new digital image analysis technique based on black and white images obtained by scanning electron microscopy. More voluminous structures modified with distance microspheres and having a greater thickness and mass per square area of the material, i.e. structures possessing better mechanical properties, demanded so much in nanostructures, enable preparation of filters having approximately the same free volume fraction as flat nanofibre filters but an increased effective fibre surface area, changed pore size morphology and, consequently, a higher filter quality.

Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Crystalline Graphene Aerogels

DOE PAGES

Worsley, Marcus A.; Pham, Thang T.; Yan, Aiming; ...

2014-10-06

Aerogels are used in a broad range of scientific and industrial applications due to their large surface areas, ultrafine pore sizes, and extremely low densities. Recently, a large number of reports have described graphene aerogels based on the reduction of graphene oxide (GO). Though these GO-based aerogels represent a considerable advance relative to traditional carbon aerogels, they remain significantly inferior to individual graphene sheets due to their poor crystallinity. Here, we report a straightforward method to synthesize highly crystalline GO-based graphene aerogels via high-temperature processing common in commercial graphite production. The crystallization of the graphene aerogels versus annealing temperature ismore » characterized using Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. Nitrogen porosimetry shows that the highly crystalline graphene macrostructure maintains a high surface area and ultrafine pore size. Because of their enhanced crystallinity, these graphene aerogels exhibit a ~200 °C improvement in oxidation temperature and an order of magnitude increase in electrical conductivity.« less

Grain size constraints on twin expansion in hexagonal close packed crystals

DOE PAGES

Kumar, Mariyappan Arul; Beyerlein, Irene Jane; Tome, Carlos N.

2016-10-20

Deformation twins are stress-induced transformed domains of lamellar shape that form when polycrystalline hexagonal close packed metals, like Mg, are strained. Several studies have reported that the propensity of deformation twinning reduces as grain size decreases. Here, we use a 3D crystal plasticity based micromechanics model to calculate the effect of grain size on the driving forces responsible for expanding twin lamellae. The calculations reveal that constraints from the neighboring grain where the grain boundary and twin lamella meet induce a stress reversal in the twin lamella. A pronounced grain size effect arises as reductions in grain size cause thesemore » stress-reversal fields from twin/grain boundary junctions to affect twin growth. We further show that the severity of this neighboring grain constraint depends on the crystallographic orientation and plastic response of the neighboring grain. We show that these stress-reversal fields from twin/grain boundary junctions will affect twin growth, below a critical parent grain size. Finally, these results reveal an unconventional yet influential role that grain size and grain neighbors can play on deformation twinning.« less

Meso-Scale Modelling of Deformation, Damage and Failure in Dual Phase Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sari Sarraf, Iman

Advanced high strength steels (AHSS), such as dual phase (DP) and transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steels, offer high ductility, formability, and strength, as well as high strength-to-weight ratio and improved crash resistance. Dual phase steels belong to a family of high strength grades which consist of martensite, responsible for strengthening, distributed in a ductile ferrite matrix which accommodates the deformation throughout the forming process. It has been shown that the predominant damage mechanism and failure in DP steels depends on the ferrite and martensite grain sizes and their morphology, and can range from a mixture of brittle and ductile rupture to completely ductile rupture in a quasi-static uniaxial tension test. In this study, a hybrid finite element cellular automata model, initially proposed by Anton Shterenlikht (2003), was developed to evaluate the forming behaviour and predict the onset of instability and damage evolution in a dual phase steel. In this model, the finite element constitutive model is used to represent macro-level strain gradients and a damage variable, and two different cell arrays are designed to represent the ductile and brittle fracture modes in meso-scale. In the FE part of the model, a modified Rousselier ductile damage model is developed to account for nucleation, growth and coalescence of voids. Also, several rate-dependent hardening models were developed and evaluated to describe the work hardening flow curve of DP600. Based on statistical analysis and simulation results, a modified Johnson-Cook (JC) model and a multiplicative combination of the Voce-modified JC functions were found to be the most accurate hardening models. The developed models were then implemented in a user-defined material subroutine (VUMAT) for ABAQUS/Explicit finite element simulation software to simulate uniaxial tension tests at strain rates ranging from 0.001 1/s to 1000 1/s, Marciniak tests, and electrohydraulic free-forming (EHFF). The modified Rousselier model could successfully predict the dynamic behaviour, the onset of instability and damage progress in DP600 tensile test specimens. Also, the forming limit curve (FLC) as well as the final damage geometry in DP600 Marciniak specimens was successfully predicted and compared with experiments. A hybrid FE+CA model was utilized to predict the major fracture mode of DP600 and DP780 sheet specimens under different deformation conditions. This hybrid model is able to predict quasi-cleavage fracture in ultra-fine and coarse-grained DP600 and DP780 at low and high strain rates. The numerical results showed the capabilities of the proposed model to predict that higher martensite volume fraction, greater ferrite grain sizes and higher strain rates promote the brittle fracture mechanism whereas finer grain sizes and higher temperature alter the dominant fracture mechanism to ductile mode.

WIDE AND THICK GRAIN 1, which encodes an otubain-like protease with deubiquitination activity, influences grain size and shape in rice.

PubMed

Huang, Ke; Wang, Dekai; Duan, Penggen; Zhang, Baolan; Xu, Ran; Li, Na; Li, Yunhai

2017-09-01

Grain size and shape are two crucial traits that influence grain yield and grain appearance in rice. Although several factors that affect grain size have been described in rice, the molecular mechanisms underlying the determination of grain size and shape are still elusive. In this study we report that WIDE AND THICK GRAIN 1 (WTG1) functions as an important factor determining grain size and shape in rice. The wtg1-1 mutant exhibits wide, thick, short and heavy grains and also shows an increased number of grains per panicle. WTG1 determines grain size and shape mainly by influencing cell expansion. WTG1 encodes an otubain-like protease, which shares similarity with human OTUB1. Biochemical analyses indicate that WTG1 is a functional deubiquitinating enzyme, and the mutant protein (wtg1-1) loses this deubiquitinating activity. WTG1 is expressed in developing grains and panicles, and the GFP-WTG1 fusion protein is present in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Overexpression of WTG1 results in narrow, thin, long grains due to narrow and long cells, further supporting the role of WTG1 in determining grain size and shape. Thus, our findings identify the otubain-like protease WTG1 to be an important factor that determines grain size and shape, suggesting that WTG1 has the potential to improve grain size and shape in rice. © 2017 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Investigating the Impacts of Particle Size and Wind Speed on Brownout

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-26

mixture of sand, silt, clay , and organic material, classified based on its size and texture. Sand is the largest of the particle materials, with...smallest soil component is clay , with particle sizes less than 0.002 mm. Ultra-fine in texture, clay feels sticky when wet, is extremely cohesive, and does...not allow air to move through it easily. Clay makes a soil dense and is hard as concrete when dry. Loam is a nearly even mixture of sand and silt

The effect of grain size and cement content on index properties of weakly solidified artificial sandstones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atapour, Hadi; Mortazavi, Ali

2018-04-01

The effects of textural characteristics, especially grain size, on index properties of weakly solidified artificial sandstones are studied. For this purpose, a relatively large number of laboratory tests were carried out on artificial sandstones that were produced in the laboratory. The prepared samples represent fifteen sandstone types consisting of five different median grain sizes and three different cement contents. Indices rock properties including effective porosity, bulk density, point load strength index, and Schmidt hammer values (SHVs) were determined. Experimental results showed that the grain size has significant effects on index properties of weakly solidified sandstones. The porosity of samples is inversely related to the grain size and decreases linearly as grain size increases. While a direct relationship was observed between grain size and dry bulk density, as bulk density increased with increasing median grain size. Furthermore, it was observed that the point load strength index and SHV of samples increased as a result of grain size increase. These observations are indirectly related to the porosity decrease as a function of median grain size.

A brittle to ductile transition in NiAl of a critical grain size

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schulson, E. M.; Barker, D. R.

1983-01-01

Tensile tests have been carried out on the strongly ordered B2 aluminide NiAl at 400 C to investigate the effect of the grain size on the ductility of the material. It is found that the ductility is very low and essentially independent of the grain size for aggregates of grains larger than about 20 microns; for finer-grained aggregates, the ductility increases sharply with decreasing grain size. Thus, NiAl exhibits a critical grain size below which polycrystalline aggregates are ductile in tension. For all grain sizes, fracture occurs in a brittle manner through a combination of intergranular decohesion and transgranular cleavage.

Airborne ultrafine particles in a naturally ventilated metro station: Dominant sources and mixing state determined by particle size distribution and volatility measurements.

PubMed

Mendes, Luís; Gini, Maria I; Biskos, George; Colbeck, Ian; Eleftheriadis, Konstantinos

2018-08-01

Ultrafine particle number concentrations and size distributions were measured on the platform of a metro station in Athens, Greece, and compared with those recorded at an urban background station. The volatility of the sampled particles was measured in parallel, providing further insights on the mixing state and composition of the sampled particles. Particle concentration exhibited a mean value of 1.2 × 10 4 # cm -3 and showed a weak correlation with train passage frequency, but exhibited a strong correlation with urban background particle concentrations. The size distribution appears to be strongly influenced by outdoor conditions, such as the morning traffic rush hour and new particle formation events observed at noon. The aerosol in the metro was externally mixed throughout the day, with particle populations being identified (1) as fully refractory particles being more dominant during the morning traffic rush hours, (2) as core-shell structure particles having a non-volatile core coated with volatile material, and (3) fully volatile particles. The evolution of particle volatility and size throughout the day provide additional support that most nanoparticles in the metro station originate from outdoor urban air. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

International Airport Impacts to Air Quality: Size and Related Properties of Large Increases in Ultrafine Particle Number Concentrations.

PubMed

Hudda, N; Fruin, S A

2016-04-05

We measured particle size distributions and spatial patterns of particle number (PN) and particle surface area concentrations downwind from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) where large increases (over local background) in PN concentrations routinely extended 18 km downwind. These elevations were mostly comprised of ultrafine particles smaller than 40 nm. For a given downwind distance, the greatest increases in PN concentrations, along with the smallest mean sizes, were detected at locations under the landing jet trajectories. The smaller size of particles in the impacted area, as compared to the ambient urban aerosol, increased calculated lung deposition fractions to 0.7-0.8 from 0.5-0.7. A diffusion charging instrument (DiSCMini), that simulates alveolar lung deposition, measured a fivefold increase in alveolar-lung deposited surface area concentrations 2-3 km downwind from the airport (over local background), decreasing steadily to a twofold increase 18 km downwind. These ratios (elevated lung-deposited surface area over background) were lower than the corresponding ratios for elevated PN concentrations, which decreased from tenfold to twofold over the same distance, but the spatial patterns of elevated concentrations were similar. It appears that PN concentration can serve as a nonlinear proxy for lung deposited surface area downwind of major airports.

Synthesis of an excellent electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction with supercritical fluid: Graphene cellular monolith with ultrafine and highly dispersive multimetallic nanoparticles

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

Zhou, Yazhou; Cheng, Xiaonong; Yen, Clive H.

Graphene cellular monolith (GCM) can be used as an excellent support for nanoparticles in widespread applications. However, it's still a great challenge to deposit the desirable nanoparticles in GCM that have small size, controllable structure, composition, and high dispersion using the current methods. Here we demonstrate a green, efficient and large-scale method to address this challenge using supercritical fluid (SCF). By this superior method, graphene hydrogel can be transferred into GCM while being deposited with ultrafine and highly dispersive nanoparticles. Specifically, the bimetallic PtFe/GCM and the trimetallic PtFeCo/GCM catalysts are successfully synthesized, and their electrocatalytic performances toward oxygen reduction reactionmore » (ORR) are also studied. The resultant PtFe/GCM shows the significant enhancement in ORR activity, including a factor of 8.47 enhancement in mass activity (0.72 A mgPt-1), and a factor of 7.67 enhancement in specific activity (0.92 mA cm-2), comparing with those of the commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.085 A mgPt-1, 0.12 mA cm-2). Importantly, by introducing the Co, the trimetallic PtFeCo/GCM exhibits the further improved ORR activities (1.28 A mgPt-1, 1.80 mA cm-2). The high ORR activity is probably attributed to the alloying structure, ultrafine size, highly dispersive, well-defined, and a better interface with 3D porous graphene support.« less

Synthesis of an excellent electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction with supercritical fluid: Graphene cellular monolith with ultrafine and highly dispersive multimetallic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yazhou; Cheng, Xiaonong; Yen, Clive H.; Wai, Chien M.; Wang, Chongmin; Yang, Juan; Lin, Yuehe

2017-04-01

Graphene cellular monolith (GCM) can be used as an excellent support for nanoparticles in widespread applications. However, it's still a great challenge to deposit the desirable nanoparticles in GCM that have small size, controllable structure, composition, and high dispersion using the current methods. Here we demonstrate a green, efficient and large-scale method to address this challenge using supercritical fluid (SCF). By this superior method, graphene hydrogel can be transferred into GCM while being deposited with ultrafine and highly dispersive nanoparticles. Specifically, the bimetallic PtFe/GCM and the trimetallic PtFeCo/GCM catalysts are successfully synthesized, and their electrocatalytic performances toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are also studied. The resultant PtFe/GCM shows the significant enhancement in ORR activity, including a factor of 8.47 enhancement in mass activity (0.72 A mgPt-1), and a factor of 7.67 enhancement in specific activity (0.92 mA cm-2), comparing with those of the commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.085 A mgPt-1, 0.12 mA cm-2). Importantly, by introducing the Co, the trimetallic PtFeCo/GCM exhibits the further improved ORR activities (1.28 A mgPt-1, 1.80 mA cm-2). The high ORR activity is probably attributed to the alloying structure, ultrafine size, highly dispersive, well-defined, and a better interface with 3D porous graphene support.

Superparamagnetic magnesium ferrite nanoadsorbent for effective arsenic (III, V) removal and easy magnetic separation.

PubMed

Tang, Wenshu; Su, Yu; Li, Qi; Gao, Shian; Shang, Jian Ku

2013-07-01

By doping a proper amount of Mg(2+) (~10%) into α-Fe2O3 during a solvent thermal process, ultrafine magnesium ferrite (Mg0.27Fe2.50O4) nanocrystallites were successfully synthesized with the assistance of in situ self-formed NaCl "cage" to confine their crystal growth. Their ultrafine size (average size of ~3.7 nm) and relatively low Mg-content conferred on them a superparamagnetic behavior with a high saturation magnetization (32.9 emu/g). The ultrafine Mg0.27Fe2.50O4 nanoadsorbent had a high specific surface area of ~438.2 m(2)/g, and demonstrated a superior arsenic removal performance on both As(III) and As(V) at near neutral pH condition. Its adsorption capacities on As(III) and As(V) were found to be no less than 127.4 mg/g and 83.2 mg/g, respectively. Its arsenic adsorption mechanism was found to follow the inner-sphere complex mechanism, and abundant hydroxyl groups on its surface played the major role in its superior arsenic adsorption performance. It could be easily separated from treated water bodies with magnetic separation, and could be easily regenerated and reused while maintaining a high arsenic removal efficiency. This novel superparamagnetic magnesium ferrite nanoadsorbent may offer a simple single step adsorption treatment option to remove arsenic contamination from water without the pre-/post-treatment requirement for current industrial practice. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Real-Time Ultrafine Aerosol Measurements from Wastewater Treatment Facilities.

PubMed

Piqueras, P; Li, F; Castelluccio, V; Matsumoto, M; Asa-Awuku, A

2016-10-18

Airborne particle emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) have been associated with health repercussions but particulate quantification studies are scarce. In this study, particulate matter (PM) number concentrations and size distributions in the ultrafine range (7-300 nm) were measured from two different sources: a laboratory-scale aerobic bioreactor and the activated sludge aeration basins at Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD). The relationships between wastewater parameters (total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS)), aeration flow rate and particle concentrations were also explored. A significant positive relationship was found between particle concentration and WWTP variables (COD: r(10) = 0.876, p <.001, TOC: r(10) = 0.664, p <.05, TSS: r(10) = 0.707, p <.05, aeration flow rate: r(8) = 0.988, p <.0001). A theoretical model was also developed from empirical data to compare real world WWTP aerosol number emission fluxes with laboratory data. Aerosol number fluxes at OCSD aerated basins (9.8 × 10 4 lbs/min·cm 2 ) and the bioreactor (7.95 × 10 4 lbs/min·cm 2 ) were calculated and showed a relatively small difference (19%). The ultrafine size distributions from both systems were consistent, with a mode of ∼48 nm. The average mass concentration (7.03 μg/cm 3 ) from OCSD was relatively small compared to other urban sources. However, the in-tank average number concentration of airborne particles (14 480 lbs/cm 3 ) was higher than background ambient concentrations.

Ultrafine particles from power plants: Evaluation of WRF-Chem simulations with airborne measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forkel, Renate; Junkermann, Wolfgang

2017-04-01

Ultrafine particles (UFP, particles with a diameter < 100 nm) are an acknowledged risk to human health and have a potential effect on climate as their presence affects the number concentration of cloud condensation nuclei. Despite of the possibly hazardous effects no regulations exist for this size class of ambient air pollution particles. While ground based continuous measurements of UFP are performed in Germany at several sites (e.g. the German Ultrafine Aerosol Network GUAN, Birmili et al. 2016, doi:10.5194/essd-8-355-2016) information about the vertical distribution of UFP within the atmospheric boundary layer is only scarce. This gap has been closed during the last years by regional-scale airborne surveys for UFP concentrations and size distributions over Germany (Junkermann et al., 2016, doi: 10.3402/tellusb.v68.29250) and Australia (Junkermann and Hacker, 2015, doi: 10.3402/tellusb.v67.25308). Power stations and refineries have been identified as a major source of UFP in Germany with observed particle concentrations > 50000 particles cm-3 downwind of these elevated point sources. Nested WRF-Chem simulations with 2 km grid width for the innermost domain are performed with UFP emission source strengths derived from the measurements in order to study the advection and vertical exchange of UFP from power plants near the Czech and Polish border and their impact on planetary boundary layer particle patterns. The simulations are evaluated against the airborne observations and the downward mixing of the UFP from the elevated sources is studied.

Microstructural Evaluation of Forging Parameters for Superalloy Disks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Falsey, John R.

2004-01-01

Forgings of nickel base superalloy were formed under several different strain rates and forging temperatures. Samples were taken from each forging condition to find the ASTM grain size, and the as large as grain (ALA). The specimens were mounted in bakelite, polished, etched and then optical microscopy was used to determine grain size. The specimens ASTM grain sizes from each forging condition were plotted against strain rate, forging temperature, and presoak time. Grain sizes increased with increasing forging temperature. Grain sizes also increased with decreasing strain rates and increasing forging presoak time. The ALA had been determined from each forging condition using the ASTM standard method. Each ALA was compared with the ASTM grain size of each forging condition to determine if the grain sizes were uniform or not. The forging condition of a strain rate of .03/sec and supersolvus heat treatment produced non uniform grains indicated by critical grain growth. Other anomalies are noted as well.

The Effects of Grain Size and Temperature Distributions on the Formation of Interstellar Ice Mantles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pauly, Tyler; Garrod, Robin T.

2016-02-01

Computational models of interstellar gas-grain chemistry have historically adopted a single dust-grain size of 0.1 micron, assumed to be representative of the size distribution present in the interstellar medium. Here, we investigate the effects of a broad grain-size distribution on the chemistry of dust-grain surfaces and the subsequent build-up of molecular ices on the grains, using a three-phase gas-grain chemical model of a quiescent dark cloud. We include an explicit treatment of the grain temperatures, governed both by the visual extinction of the cloud and the size of each individual grain-size population. We find that the temperature difference plays a significant role in determining the total bulk ice composition across the grain-size distribution, while the effects of geometrical differences between size populations appear marginal. We also consider collapse from a diffuse to a dark cloud, allowing dust temperatures to fall. Under the initial diffuse conditions, small grains are too warm to promote grain-mantle build-up, with most ices forming on the mid-sized grains. As collapse proceeds, the more abundant, smallest grains cool and become the dominant ice carriers; the large population of small grains means that this ice is distributed across many grains, with perhaps no more than 40 monolayers of ice each (versus several hundred assuming a single grain size). This effect may be important for the subsequent processing and desorption of the ice during the hot-core phase of star formation, exposing a significant proportion of the ice to the gas phase, increasing the importance of ice-surface chemistry and surface-gas interactions.

NANO-PARTICLE TRANSPORT AND DEPOSITION IN BIFURCATING TUBES WITH DIFFERENT INLET CONDITIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Transport and deposition of ultrafine particles in straight, bend and bifurcating tubes are considered for different inlet Reynolds numbers, velocity profiles, and particle sizes i.e., 1 nm= =150 nm. A commercial finite-volume code with user-supplied programs was validated with a...

A METHODOLOGY FOR MEASURING SIZE-DEPENDENT CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ULTRAFINE PARTICLES. (R828678C009)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

Fast adsorption kinetics of highly dispersed ultrafine nickel/carbon nanoparticles for organic dye removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Taek-Seung; Song, Hee Jo; Dar, Mushtaq Ahmad; Lee, Hack-Jun; Kim, Dong-Wan

2018-05-01

Magnetic metal/carbon nano-materials are attractive for pollutant adsorption and removal. In this study, ultrafine nickel/carbon nanoparticles are successfully prepared via electrical wire explosion processing in ethanol media for the elimination of pollutant organic dyes such as Rhodamine B and methylene blue in aqueous solutions. High specific surface areas originating from both the nano-sized particles and the existence of carbon on the surface of Ni nanoparticles enhance dye adsorption capacity. In addition to this, the excellent dispersity of Ni/C nanoparticles in aqueous dye solutions leads to superior adsorption rates. The adsorption kinetics for the removal of organic dyes by Ni/C nanoparticles agree with a pseudo-second-order model and follow Freundlich adsorption isotherm behavior.

Reactive Ball Milling to Fabricate Nanocrystalline Titanium Nitride Powders and Their Subsequent Consolidation Using SPS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Eskandarany, M. Sherif

2017-05-01

The room-temperature reactive ball milling (RBM) approach was employed to synthesize nanostructured fcc-titanium nitride (TiN) powders, starting from milling hcp-titanium (Ti) powders under 10 bar of a nitrogen gas atmosphere, using a roller mill. During the first and intermediate stage of milling, the agglomerated Ti powders were continuously disintegrated into smaller particles with fresh surfaces. Increasing the RBM time led to an increase in the active-fresh surfaces of Ti, resulting increasing of the mole fraction of TiN against unreacted hcp-Ti. Toward the end of the RBM time (20 h), ultrafine spherical powder (with particles 0.5 μm in diameter) of the fcc-TiN phase was obtained, composed of nanocrystalline grains with an average diameter of 8 nm. The samples obtained after different stages of RBM time were consolidated under vacuum at 1600 °C into cylindrical bulk compacts of 20 mm diameter, using spark plasma sintering technique. These compacts that maintained their nanocrystalline characteristics with an average grain size of 56 nm in diameter, possessed high relative density (above 99% of the theoretical density). The Vickers hardness of the as-consolidated TiN was measured and found to be 22.9 GPa. The modulus of elasticity and shear modulus of bulk TiN were measured by a nondestructive test and found to be 384 and 189 GPa, respectively. In addition, the coefficient of friction of the end-product TiN bulk sample was measured and found to be 0.35.

Effect of deformation path on microstructure, microhardness and texture evolution of interstitial free steel fabricated by differential speed rolling

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

Hamad, Kotiba; Chung, Bong Kwon; Ko, Young Gun, E-mail: younggun@ynu.ac.kr

2014-08-15

This paper reports the effect of the deformation path on the microstructure, microhardness, and texture evolution of interstitial free (IF) steel processed by differential speed rolling (DSR) method. For this purpose, total height reductions of 50% and 75% were imposed on the samples by a series of differential speed rolling operations with various height reductions per pass (deformation levels) ranging from 10 to 50% under a fixed roll speed ratio of 1:4 for the upper and lower rolls, respectively. Microstructural observations using transmission electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction measurements showed that the samples rolled at deformation level of 50%more » had the finest mean grain size (∼ 0.5 μm) compared to the other counterparts; also the samples rolled at deformation level of 50% showed a more uniform microstructure. Based on the microhardness measurements along the thickness direction of the deformed samples, gradual evolution of the microhardness value and its homogeneity was observed with the increase of the deformation level per pass. Texture analysis showed that, as the deformation level per pass increased, the fraction of alpha fiber and gamma fiber in the deformed samples increased. The textures obtained by the differential speed rolling process under the lubricated condition would be equivalent to those obtained by the conventional rolling. - Highlights: • Effect of DSR deformation path on microstructure of IF steel is significant. • IF steel rolled at deformation level of 50% has the ultrafine grains of ∼ 0.5 μm. • Rolling texture components are pronounced with increasing deformation level.« less

Physico-chemical characterization of African urban aerosols (Abidjan in Cote d'Ivoire and Cotonou in Benin) and their toxic effects in human bronchial epithelial cells during the dry season 2016.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adon, Jacques; Liousse, Cathy; Yoboue, Veronique; Baeza, Armelle; Akpo, Aristide; Bahino, Julien; Chiron, Christelle; Galy-Lacaux, Corinne; Keita, Sékou

2017-04-01

This study is a contribution to the WP2-DACCIWA program with the aim to characterize particulate pollution on domestic fire site, traffic sites and waste burning site of two West-African capitals (Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire and Cotonou, Benin) and to study aerosol biological impacts on lung inflammation. Such an impact is still largely unknown, especially for the particles emitted by intense African traffic sources and domestic fires. In this context, fundamental research of this study is centered on the following key scientific question: what is the link between aerosol size differentiated composition and inflammation markers for the main combustion sources prevailing in South West Africa during dry and wet seasons? To tackle this question, intensive campaigns in Abidjan and Cotonou have been conducted in July 2015, January and July 2016, and January 2017. In this paper, we will present our first results for the campaign of January 2016. In terms of aerosol size differentiated composition, main aerosol components (mass, black carbon, organic carbon, water soluble particles ...) were measured. We may notice that PM measured for all the sites is generally higher than WHO norms. Organic carbon and dust particles are the two more important contributors for the ultra-fine and fine particle sizes with more organic carbon in Abidjan and dust particles in Cotonou respectively. In terms of in vitro biological studies on sampled aerosols on these sites, size-fractionated PM from the different sampling sites were compared for their ability to induce a proinflammatory response characterized by the release of the cytokine IL-6 by human bronchial epithelial cells. PM from waste burning site did not induce significant IL-6 release whatever the size fraction whereas PM from domestic fire were the most reactive especially the ultra-fine fraction. Ultra-fine particles from traffic (Abidjan and Cotonou) always induced a dose-dependent IL-6 release. A tentative cross-analysis between physico-chemical and toxicological results will be proposed.

Traffic and nucleation events as main sources of ultrafine particles in high-insolation developed world cities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brines, M.; Dall'Osto, M.; Beddows, D. C. S.; Harrison, R. M.; Gómez-Moreno, F.; Núñez, L.; Artíñano, B.; Costabile, F.; Gobbi, G. P.; Salimi, F.; Morawska, L.; Sioutas, C.; Querol, X.

2015-05-01

Road traffic emissions are often considered the main source of ultrafine particles (UFP, diameter smaller than 100 nm) in urban environments. However, recent studies worldwide have shown that - in high-insolation urban regions at least - new particle formation events can also contribute to UFP. In order to quantify such events we systematically studied three cities located in predominantly sunny environments: Barcelona (Spain), Madrid (Spain) and Brisbane (Australia). Three long-term data sets (1-2 years) of fine and ultrafine particle number size distributions (measured by SMPS, Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer) were analysed. Compared to total particle number concentrations, aerosol size distributions offer far more information on the type, origin and atmospheric evolution of the particles. By applying k-means clustering analysis, we categorized the collected aerosol size distributions into three main categories: "Traffic" (prevailing 44-63% of the time), "Nucleation" (14-19%) and "Background pollution and Specific cases" (7-22%). Measurements from Rome (Italy) and Los Angeles (USA) were also included to complement the study. The daily variation of the average UFP concentrations for a typical nucleation day at each site revealed a similar pattern for all cities, with three distinct particle bursts. A morning and an evening spike reflected traffic rush hours, whereas a third one at midday showed nucleation events. The photochemically nucleated particles' burst lasted 1-4 h, reaching sizes of 30-40 nm. On average, the occurrence of particle size spectra dominated by nucleation events was 16% of the time, showing the importance of this process as a source of UFP in urban environments exposed to high solar radiation. Nucleation events lasting for 2 h or more occurred on 55% of the days, this extending to > 4 h in 28% of the days, demonstrating that atmospheric conditions in urban environments are not favourable to the growth of photochemically nucleated particles. In summary, although traffic remains the main source of UFP in urban areas, in developed countries with high insolation urban nucleation events are also a main source of UFP. If traffic-related particle concentrations are reduced in the future, nucleation events will likely increase in urban areas, due to the reduced urban condensation sinks.

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

Pauly, Tyler; Garrod, Robin T., E-mail: tap74@cornell.edu

Computational models of interstellar gas-grain chemistry have historically adopted a single dust-grain size of 0.1 micron, assumed to be representative of the size distribution present in the interstellar medium. Here, we investigate the effects of a broad grain-size distribution on the chemistry of dust-grain surfaces and the subsequent build-up of molecular ices on the grains, using a three-phase gas-grain chemical model of a quiescent dark cloud. We include an explicit treatment of the grain temperatures, governed both by the visual extinction of the cloud and the size of each individual grain-size population. We find that the temperature difference plays amore » significant role in determining the total bulk ice composition across the grain-size distribution, while the effects of geometrical differences between size populations appear marginal. We also consider collapse from a diffuse to a dark cloud, allowing dust temperatures to fall. Under the initial diffuse conditions, small grains are too warm to promote grain-mantle build-up, with most ices forming on the mid-sized grains. As collapse proceeds, the more abundant, smallest grains cool and become the dominant ice carriers; the large population of small grains means that this ice is distributed across many grains, with perhaps no more than 40 monolayers of ice each (versus several hundred assuming a single grain size). This effect may be important for the subsequent processing and desorption of the ice during the hot-core phase of star formation, exposing a significant proportion of the ice to the gas phase, increasing the importance of ice-surface chemistry and surface–gas interactions.« less

Tungsten Carbide Grain Size Computation for WC-Co Dissimilar Welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Dongran; Cui, Haichao; Xu, Peiquan; Lu, Fenggui

2016-06-01

A "two-step" image processing method based on electron backscatter diffraction in scanning electron microscopy was used to compute the tungsten carbide (WC) grain size distribution for tungsten inert gas (TIG) welds and laser welds. Twenty-four images were collected on randomly set fields per sample located at the top, middle, and bottom of a cross-sectional micrograph. Each field contained 500 to 1500 WC grains. The images were recognized through clustering-based image segmentation and WC grain growth recognition. According to the WC grain size computation and experiments, a simple WC-WC interaction model was developed to explain the WC dissolution, grain growth, and aggregation in welded joints. The WC-WC interaction and blunt corners were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The WC grain size distribution and the effects of heat input E on grain size distribution for the laser samples were discussed. The results indicate that (1) the grain size distribution follows a Gaussian distribution. Grain sizes at the top of the weld were larger than those near the middle and weld root because of power attenuation. (2) Significant WC grain growth occurred during welding as observed in the as-welded micrographs. The average grain size was 11.47 μm in the TIG samples, which was much larger than that in base metal 1 (BM1 2.13 μm). The grain size distribution curves for the TIG samples revealed a broad particle size distribution without fine grains. The average grain size (1.59 μm) in laser samples was larger than that in base metal 2 (BM2 1.01 μm). (3) WC-WC interaction exhibited complex plane, edge, and blunt corner characteristics during grain growth. A WC ( { 1 {bar{{1}}}00} ) to WC ( {0 1 1 {bar{{0}}}} ) edge disappeared and became a blunt plane WC ( { 10 1 {bar{{0}}}} ) , several grains with two- or three-sided planes and edges disappeared into a multi-edge, and a WC-WC merged.

The grain-size lineup: A test of a novel eyewitness identification procedure.

PubMed

Horry, Ruth; Brewer, Neil; Weber, Nathan

2016-04-01

When making a memorial judgment, respondents can regulate their accuracy by adjusting the precision, or grain size, of their responses. In many circumstances, coarse-grained responses are less informative, but more likely to be accurate, than fine-grained responses. This study describes a novel eyewitness identification procedure, the grain-size lineup, in which participants eliminated any number of individuals from the lineup, creating a choice set of variable size. A decision was considered to be fine-grained if no more than 1 individual was left in the choice set or coarse-grained if more than 1 individual was left in the choice set. Participants (N = 384) watched 2 high-quality or low-quality videotaped mock crimes and then completed 4 standard simultaneous lineups or 4 grain-size lineups (2 target-present and 2 target-absent). There was some evidence of strategic regulation of grain size, as the most difficult lineup was associated with a greater proportion of coarse-grained responses than the other lineups. However, the grain-size lineup did not outperform the standard simultaneous lineup. Fine-grained suspect identifications were no more diagnostic than suspect identifications from standard lineups, whereas coarse-grained suspect identifications carried little probative value. Participants were generally reluctant to provide coarse-grained responses, which may have hampered the utility of the procedure. For a grain-size approach to be useful, participants may need to be trained or instructed to use the coarse-grained option effectively. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Soot, organics and ultrafine ash from air- and oxy-fired coal ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This paper is concerned with determining the effects of oxy-combustion of coal on the composition of the ultrafine fly ash. To this end, a 10 W externally heated entrained flow furnace was modified to allow the combustion of pulverized coal in flames under practically relevant stoichiometric ratios (SR = 1.2-1.4), but with the ability to maintain constant residence times (2.3 s). Experiments were conducted using a pulverized bituminous coal under air-combustion and three oxy-combustion inlet oxygen conditions (28, 32, and 36%). Size-classified fly ash samples were collected, and measurements focused on the composition of the total and ultrafine (<0.6 µm) fly ash produced, in particular the soot, elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC) fractions. Results indicate that although the total fly ash carbon, as measured by loss on ignition, was always acceptably low (<2%) with all three oxy-combustion conditions lower than air-combustion, the ultrafine fly ash for both air-fired and oxy-fired combustion conditions consists primarily of carbonaceous material (50-95%). Subsequent analyses of the carbonaceous component on particles <0.6 µm by a thermal optical method showed that large fractions (52-93%) consisted of OC rather than EC, as expected. This observation was supported by thermogravimetric analysis indicating that for the air, 28% oxy, and 32% oxy conditions, 14-71% of this material may be OC volatilizing between 100 and 550 °C with the remaining

Effects of grain size on the properties of bulk nanocrystalline Co-Ni alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, Gui-Ying; Xiao, Fu-Ren

2017-08-01

Bulk nanocrystalline Co78Ni22 alloys with grain size ranging from 5 nm to 35 nm were prepared by high-speed jet electrodeposition (HSJED) and annealing. Microhardness and magnetic properties of these alloys were investigated by microhardness tester and vibrating sample magnetometer. Effects of grain size on these characteristics were also discussed. Results show that the microhardness of nanocrystalline Co78Ni22 alloys increases following a d -1/2-power law with decreasing grain size d. This phenomenon fits the Hall-Petch law when the grain size ranges from 5 nm to 35 nm. However, coercivity H c increases following a 1/d-power law with increasing grain size when the grain size ranges from 5 nm to 15.9 nm. Coercivity H c decreases again for grain sizes above 16.6 nm according to the d 6-power law.

Grain-size dynamics beneath mid-ocean ridges: Implications for permeability and melt extraction.

PubMed

Turner, Andrew J; Katz, Richard F; Behn, Mark D

2015-03-01

Grain size is an important control on mantle viscosity and permeability, but is difficult or impossible to measure in situ. We construct a two-dimensional, single phase model for the steady state mean grain size beneath a mid-ocean ridge. The mantle rheology is modeled as a composite of diffusion creep, dislocation creep, dislocation accommodated grain boundary sliding, and a plastic stress limiter. The mean grain size is calculated by the paleowattmeter relationship of Austin and Evans (2007). We investigate the sensitivity of our model to global variations in grain growth exponent, potential temperature, spreading-rate, and mantle hydration. We interpret the mean grain-size field in terms of its permeability to melt transport. The permeability structure due to mean grain size may be approximated as a high permeability region beneath a low permeability region. The transition between high and low permeability regions occurs across a boundary that is steeply inclined toward the ridge axis. We hypothesize that such a permeability structure generated from the variability of the mean grain size may focus melt toward the ridge axis, analogous to Sparks and Parmentier (1991)-type focusing. This focusing may, in turn, constrain the region where significant melt fractions are observed by seismic or magnetotelluric surveys. This interpretation of melt focusing via the grain-size permeability structure is consistent with MT observation of the asthenosphere beneath the East Pacific Rise. The grain-size field beneath MORs can vary over orders of magnitude The grain-size field affects the rheology and permeability of the asthenosphere The grain-size field may focus melt toward the ridge axis.

SIZE-FRACTIONATED MEASUREMENTS OF AMBIENT ULTRAFINE PARTICLE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION IN LOS ANGELES USING THE NANOMOUDI. (R827352C021)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

QUALITY CONTROL OF SEMI-CONTINUOUS MOBILITY SIZE-FRACTIONATED PARTICLE NUMBER CONCENTRATION DATA. (R827352)

EPA Science Inventory

Fine and ultrafine particles have been postulated to play an important role in the association between ambient particulate matters and adverse health effects. As part of the EPA Supersite Program, the Southern California Particle Center & Supersite has conducted a series o...

DIFFERENTIAL PULMONARY INFLAMMATION AND IN VITRO CYTOTOXICITY BY SIZE-FRACTIONATED FLY ASH PARTICLES FROM PULVERIZED COAL COMBUSTION

EPA Science Inventory

The paper presents results of research on the adverse health effects associated with exposure to airborne particulate matter. Pulmonary inflammatory responses were examined in CDI mice after intratracheal instillation of 25 or 100 micrograms of ultrafine (<0.2 micrometers), fine ...

An Overview of Ultrafine Particles in Ambient Air

EPA Science Inventory

Solid and liquid particles found in the atmospheric aerosol typically cover 4 to 5 orders of magnitude from nanometers (nm) up to 100 micrometers (µm). The size range of particles of most interest to human health effects are inhalable and typically fall below 10 µm^1,2....

PMHOME: A DATABASE OF CONTINUOUS PARTICLE MEASUREMENTS IN AN OCCUPIED HOUSE OVER A FOUR-YEAR PERIOD

EPA Science Inventory

Although considerable data exist on 24-hour integrated measurements of fine and coarse particles indoors, much less information is available on moment-to-moment variation for a full range of particle sizes including ultrafine particles. Also, information is limited on the rela...

Comparative In Vivo and Ex Vivo Toxicity Studies of Wildfire Particulate Matter

EPA Science Inventory

Inhalation of particulate matter (PM) generated from biomass burning is of concern particularly as the frequency and severity of wildfires have been increasing. Size-fractionated PM samples (ultrafine, <0.2 µm; fine, 0.2-2.5 µm; coarse, 2.5-10 µm) were colle...

Grain size evolution and convection regimes of the terrestrial planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozel, A.; Golabek, G. J.; Boutonnet, E.

2011-12-01

A new model of grain size evolution has recently been proposed in Rozel et al. 2010. This new approach stipulates that the grain size dynamics is governed by two additive and simultaneous processes: grain growth and dynamic recrystallization. We use the usual normal grain growth laws for the growth part. For dynamic recrystallization, reducing the mean grain size increases the total area of grain boundaries. Grain boundaries carry some surface tension, so some energy is required to decrease the mean grain size. We consider that this energy is available during mechanical work. It is usually considered to produce some heat via viscous dissipation. A partitioning parameter f is then required to know what amount of energy is dissipated and what part is converted in surface tension. This study gives a new calibration of the partitioning parameter on major Earth materials involved in the dynamic of the terrestrial planets. Our calibration is in adequation with the published piezometric relations available in the literature (equilibrium grain size versus shear stress). We test this new model of grain size evolution in a set of numerical computations of the dynamics of the Earth using stagYY. We show that the grain size evolution has a major effect on the convection regimes of terrestrial planets.

Grain-Size Dynamics Beneath Mid-Ocean Ridges: Implications for Permeability and Melt Extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner, A. J.; Katz, R. F.; Behn, M. D.

2014-12-01

The permeability structure of the sub-ridge mantle plays an important role in how melt is focused and extracted at mid-ocean ridges. Permeability is controlled by porosity and the grain size of the solid mantle matrix, which is in turn controlled by the deformation conditions. To date, models of grain size evolution and mantle deformation have not been coupled to determine the influence of spatial variations in grain-size on the permeability structure at mid-ocean ridges. Rather, current models typically assume a constant grain size for the whole domain [1]. Here, we use 2-D numerical models to evaluate the influence of grain-size variability on the permeability structure beneath a mid-ocean ridge and use these results to speculate on the consequences for melt focusing and extraction. We construct a two-dimensional, single phase model for the steady-state grain size beneath a mid-ocean ridge. The model employs a composite rheology of diffusion creep, dislocation creep, dislocation accommodated grain boundary sliding, and a brittle stress limiter. Grain size is calculated using the "wattmeter" model of Austin and Evans [2]. We investigate the sensitivity of the model to global variations in grain growth exponent, potential temperature, spreading-rate, and grain boundary sliding parameters [3,4]. Our model predicts that permeability varies by two orders of magnitude due to the spatial variability of grain size within the expected melt region of a mid-ocean ridge. The predicted permeability structure suggests grain size may promote focusing of melt towards the ridge axis. Furthermore, the calculated grain size structure should focus melt from a greater depth than models that exclude grain-size variability. Future work will involve evaluating this hypothesis by implementing grain-size dynamics within a two-phase mid-ocean ridge model. The developments of such a model will be discussed. References: [1] R. F. Katz, Journal of Petrology, volume 49, issue 12, page 2099, 2008. [2] N. J. Austin and B. Evans, Geology, 35:354, 2007. [3] G. Hirth and D. Kohlstedt, In Inside the Subduction Factory, volume 138 of AGU Geophysical Monograph, 2003. [4] L. N. Hansen et al., JGR (Solid Earth), 116:B08201, 2011.

Self-made silver-bromide-based emulsions for users in holography: manufacturing, processing, and application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duenkel, Lothar; Eichler, Juergen; Ackermann, Gerhard; Schneeweiss, Claudia

2004-06-01

Holography is the most fascinating technology for three-dimensional imaging. But despite of many decades of research, the seek for an ideal recording material has never been given up. From all ultra-fine materials, silver bromide emulsions with very small grain sizes have the highest sensitivity. In recent years however, many traditional manufacturers discontinued their production. Meanwhile, newcomers succeeded in manufacturing emulsions which are very suitable for holography, concerning extremely high resolution, brigthness and sensitivity1. But two problems may still linger: First, the deficient market situation for production and application on this field. Second, the reputation of the system of being extremely complicated for laboratory preparation. In such a crucial situation, the authors have succeeded in presenting a laboratory procedure for making do-it-yourself materials available to any expert who is well versed in holography, and who disposes of normal darkroom equipment2. The methodology is based on precipitation using the traditional double-jet method according to Thiry and predecessors3. But sensitization is carried out by a diffusion process according to the procedure as proposed by Blyth et al.4 Thus, precipitation and coating on one side and sensitization on the other one are separated strictly from one another. Efficient desaltation is an important process too, warranting the high opto-mechanical quality of the layer. The material has been sensitzed for HeNe-Laser radiation (632,8 nm) only up to now. The mean diameter of the silver bromide grains is about 15 nm, as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Phillips-Bjelkhagen Ultimate (PBU) or Fe3+ rehalogenation bleach are applied successfully5-6. In final result, a new generation of holograms with ultra-high resolution, proper contrast, excellent sharpness and light brightness has been obtained. Holography belongs to an advancing technology where the search for an ideal recording material is still going on. Of these materials, the ultrafine grain silver bromide emulsions are unsurpassed in sensitivity. But in recent years many traditional manufacturers discontinued their production. In such a critical situation, the authors have succeeded in developing a new technology to make do-it-yourself materials of very high quality. The procedure involves elements of two different methods: The traditional double-jet method by pouring silver nitrate and potassium bromide into a vigorously stirred gelatin solution, and a diffusion process to sensitize the coated layer efficiently. The material has been sensitized for He/Ne-laser radiation by 632.8 nm. Denisyuk holograms of real 3D-objects were obtained in ultrahigh resolution, excellent brightness and clarity with CW-C2 developer and PBU rehalogenation bleach according to Bjelkhagen et al. The material is characterized by TEM, reflexion spectroscopy, and other methods. The new results have been involved in university education already with great success. The fundamental principles of the methodology as well as new results by application in intellectual and hybrid systems were reported.

Using portable particle sizing instrumentation to rapidly measure the penetration of fine and ultrafine particles in unoccupied residences.

PubMed

Zhao, H; Stephens, B

2017-01-01

Much of human exposure to particulate matter of outdoor origin occurs inside buildings, particularly in residences. The particle penetration factor through leaks in a building's exterior enclosure assembly is a key parameter that governs the infiltration of outdoor particles. However, experimental data for size-resolved particle penetration factors in real buildings, as well as penetration factors for fine particles less than 2.5 μm (PM 2.5 ) and ultrafine particles less than 100 nm (UFPs), remain limited, in part because of previous limitations in instrumentation and experimental methods. Here, we report on the development and application of a modified test method that utilizes portable particle sizing instrumentation to measure size-resolved infiltration factors and envelope penetration factors for 0.01-2.5 μm particles, which are then used to estimate penetration factors for integral measures of UFPs and PM 2.5 . Eleven replicate measurements were made in an unoccupied apartment unit in Chicago, IL to evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of the test procedure and solution methods. Mean estimates of size-resolved penetration factors ranged from 0.41 ± 0.14 to 0.73 ± 0.05 across the range of measured particle sizes, while mean estimates of penetration factors for integral measures of UFPs and PM 2.5 were 0.67 ± 0.05 and 0.73 ± 0.05, respectively. Average relative uncertainties for all particle sizes/classes were less than 20%. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Concentrated ambient ultrafine particle exposure induces cardiac change in young healthy volunteers

EPA Science Inventory

Exposure to ambient ultrafine particles has been associated with cardiopulmonary toxicity and mortality. Adverse effects specifically linked to ultrafine particles include loss of sympathovagal balance and altered hemostasis. To characterize the effects of ultrafine particles in ...

Unfolding grain size effects in barium titanate ferroelectric ceramics

PubMed Central

Tan, Yongqiang; Zhang, Jialiang; Wu, Yanqing; Wang, Chunlei; Koval, Vladimir; Shi, Baogui; Ye, Haitao; McKinnon, Ruth; Viola, Giuseppe; Yan, Haixue

2015-01-01

Grain size effects on the physical properties of polycrystalline ferroelectrics have been extensively studied for decades; however there are still major controversies regarding the dependence of the piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties on the grain size. Dense BaTiO3 ceramics with different grain sizes were fabricated by either conventional sintering or spark plasma sintering using micro- and nano-sized powders. The results show that the grain size effect on the dielectric permittivity is nearly independent of the sintering method and starting powder used. A peak in the permittivity is observed in all the ceramics with a grain size near 1 μm and can be attributed to a maximum domain wall density and mobility. The piezoelectric coefficient d33 and remnant polarization Pr show diverse grain size effects depending on the particle size of the starting powder and sintering temperature. This suggests that besides domain wall density, other factors such as back fields and point defects, which influence the domain wall mobility, could be responsible for the different grain size dependence observed in the dielectric and piezoelectric/ferroelectric properties. In cases where point defects are not the dominant contributor, the piezoelectric constant d33 and the remnant polarization Pr increase with increasing grain size. PMID:25951408

A simple autocorrelation algorithm for determining grain size from digital images of sediment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rubin, D.M.

2004-01-01

Autocorrelation between pixels in digital images of sediment can be used to measure average grain size of sediment on the bed, grain-size distribution of bed sediment, and vertical profiles in grain size in a cross-sectional image through a bed. The technique is less sensitive than traditional laboratory analyses to tails of a grain-size distribution, but it offers substantial other advantages: it is 100 times as fast; it is ideal for sampling surficial sediment (the part that interacts with a flow); it can determine vertical profiles in grain size on a scale finer than can be sampled physically; and it can be used in the field to provide almost real-time grain-size analysis. The technique can be applied to digital images obtained using any source with sufficient resolution, including digital cameras, digital video, or underwater digital microscopes (for real-time grain-size mapping of the bed). ?? 2004, SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology).

High-pressure torsion for new hydrogen storage materials.

PubMed

Edalati, Kaveh; Akiba, Etsuo; Horita, Zenji

2018-01-01

High-pressure torsion (HPT) is widely used as a severe plastic deformation technique to create ultrafine-grained structures with promising mechanical and functional properties. Since 2007, the method has been employed to enhance the hydrogenation kinetics in different Mg-based hydrogen storage materials. Recent studies showed that the method is effective not only for increasing the hydrogenation kinetics but also for improving the hydrogenation activity, for enhancing the air resistivity and more importantly for synthesizing new nanostructured hydrogen storage materials with high densities of lattice defects. This manuscript reviews some major findings on the impact of HPT process on the hydrogen storage performance of different titanium-based and magnesium-based materials.

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

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

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

Interlinking backscatter, grain size and benthic community structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGonigle, Chris; Collier, Jenny S.

2014-06-01

The relationship between acoustic backscatter, sediment grain size and benthic community structure is examined using three different quantitative methods, covering image- and angular response-based approaches. Multibeam time-series backscatter (300 kHz) data acquired in 2008 off the coast of East Anglia (UK) are compared with grain size properties, macrofaunal abundance and biomass from 130 Hamon and 16 Clamshell grab samples. Three predictive methods are used: 1) image-based (mean backscatter intensity); 2) angular response-based (predicted mean grain size), and 3) image-based (1st principal component and classification) from Quester Tangent Corporation Multiview software. Relationships between grain size and backscatter are explored using linear regression. Differences in grain size and benthic community structure between acoustically defined groups are examined using ANOVA and PERMANOVA+. Results for the Hamon grab stations indicate significant correlations between measured mean grain size and mean backscatter intensity, angular response predicted mean grain size, and 1st principal component of QTC analysis (all p < 0.001). Results for the Clamshell grab for two of the methods have stronger positive correlations; mean backscatter intensity (r2 = 0.619; p < 0.001) and angular response predicted mean grain size (r2 = 0.692; p < 0.001). ANOVA reveals significant differences in mean grain size (Hamon) within acoustic groups for all methods: mean backscatter (p < 0.001), angular response predicted grain size (p < 0.001), and QTC class (p = 0.009). Mean grain size (Clamshell) shows a significant difference between groups for mean backscatter (p = 0.001); other methods were not significant. PERMANOVA for the Hamon abundance shows benthic community structure was significantly different between acoustic groups for all methods (p ≤ 0.001). Overall these results show considerable promise in that more than 60% of the variance in the mean grain size of the Clamshell grab samples can be explained by mean backscatter or acoustically-predicted grain size. These results show that there is significant predictive capacity for sediment characteristics from multibeam backscatter and that these acoustic classifications can have ecological validity.

Synthesis of ultrafine Si3N4 powder in RF-RF plasma

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

Sato, Michitaka; Nishio, Hiroaki

1991-10-01

A newly designed plasma-CVD apparatus mounted with the RF-RF type plasma torch was introduced to synthesize ultrafine powders of silicon nitride (Si3N4). The RF-RF plasma system (the combination of a main (lower) and controlling (upper) RF plasma) improved the stability of simple RF plasma and solved the impurity problem of dc-RF hybrid plasma. The reaction of SiCl4 and NH3, which were radially injected into the tail flames of the upper and lower plasmas, respectively, yielded near-stoichiometric amorphous powders of Si3N4. The nitrogen content in the products largely depended on the flow rate of the quenching gas, a mixture of NH3more » (reactant) and H2. The oxygen content and metal impurities are 2-3 wt pct and less than 200 ppm, respectively. The powder particles had an average diameter of about 15 nm with a narrow size distribution, and showed extreme air sensitivity. Conspicuous crystallazation and particle growth occurred when heated at temperatures above 1400 C. These results suggested that the RF-RF system was a potential reactor for the synthesis of ultrafine powders with excellent sinterability at relatively low temperatures. 9 refs.« less

Deposition of ultrafine (nano) particles in the human lung.

PubMed

Asgharian, Bahman; Price, Owen T

2007-10-01

Increased production of industrial devices constructed with nanostructured materials raises the possibility of environmental and occupational human exposure with consequent adverse health effects. Ultrafine (nano) particles are suspected of having increased toxicity due to their size characteristics that serve as carrier transports. For this reason, it is critical to refine and improve existing deposition models in the nano-size range. A mathematical model of nanoparticle transport by airflow convection, axial diffusion, and convective mixing (dispersion) was developed in realistic stochastically generated asymmetric human lung geometries. The cross-sectional averaged convective-diffusion equation was solved analytically to find closed-form solutions for particle concentration and losses per lung airway. Airway losses were combined to find lobar, regional, and total lung deposition. Axial transport by diffusion and dispersion was found to have an effect on particle deposition. The primary impact was in the pulmonary region of the lung for particles larger than 10 nm in diameter. Particles below 10 nm in diameter were effectively removed from the inhaled air in the tracheobronchial region with little or no penetration into the pulmonary region. Significant variation in deposition was observed when different asymmetric lung geometries were used. Lobar deposition was found to be highest in the left lower lobe. Good agreement was found between predicted depositions of ultrafine (nano) particles with measurements in the literature. The approach used in the proposed model is recommended for more realistic assessment of regional deposition of diffusion-dominated particles in the lung, as it provides a means to more accurately relate exposure and dose to lung injury and other biological responses.