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At least 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

Mineralogy, Petrology, Chemistry, and Ar-39 - Ar-40 and Ages of the Caddo County IAB Iron: Evidence for Early Partial Melt Segregation of a Gabbro Area Rich in Plagioclase-Diopside

We found coarse-grained gabbroic material rich in plagioclase and diopside in the Caddo County IAB iron meteorite. The polished thin sections studied were made from areas rich in Al and Ca detected by a micro-focus X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping technique. The gabbro is not a clast within a breccia, but rather this area is located mainly at silicate-metal boundaries only a few cm away from an area with fine-grained, ultramafic silicate similar to winonaites. Medium-grained orthopyroxene and olivine are found in transitional areas showing no disturbance of their crystalline textures. A vein-like region, starting at the area rich in fine-grained mafic silicate, extends towards the gabbroic area with a gradual increase in abundance of plagioclase and diopside. This texture and our accumulated knowledge of the formation mechanism of IAB/winonaltes meteorites, suggest that the gabbroic materials were formed by inhomogeneous segregation of partial melts of chondritic source materials. Compositional data on two mineralogically distinct samples of the gabbro-rich portion of the inclusion were obtained by INAA. Compared to an average of LAB silicate inclusions or winonaites, the Caddo County gabbro is enriched in the incompatible lithophile elements Na, Ca, Sc, REE and Hf, which is consistent with a melt origin for the gabbro. The cosmogenic space exposure age of Caddo County (511 Ma) is significantly younger than exposure ages of some other IAB meteorites, An 39Ar-40Ar age determination of the gabbroic material indicates a series of upward steps in age from 4.516 Ga to 4.523 Ga, with a few high temperature ages up to 4.54 Ga. The older age could approximate the primary recrystallization age of silicates. The stepped Ar age spectrum may indicate differences in Ar closure temperatures during slow cooling of -2-20'C/Myr in the parent body. Alternatively, the younger Ar-Ar ages may date a shock event which occurred while Caddo County was hot and which also created textures such as a linear metal vein with rounded zigzag walls in a diopside crystal and slightly miss-oriented rounded plagioclase domain.

Takeda, Hiroshi↗
NASA NTRS2003

Analysis of Radial Segregation in Directionally Solidified Hg(0.89)Mn(0.11)Te

Bridgman growth experiments were performed on Hg(0.89)Mn(0.11)Te (MMT) to determine the extent of radial Manganese segregation during directional solidification. MMT crystals were directionally solidified at rates of 0.09 and 0.18 p d s and in axial thermal gradients of 83 and 68"C/cm. Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) analytical techniques were used to determine the radial homogeneity in all boules and the deflection of the solid-liquid interface (SLI) in two boules that were rapidly quenched after 5 to 6 cm of directional solidification. For all growth runs, the measured radial coinpositional variations were on the order of 0.01 molar percent MnTe in the steady state region of growth. Comparison of the measured radial compositional results of the crystals to predicted values in the diffusion-limited regime indicate a strong influence of convection near the solid-liquid interface. This conclusion is supported by the weak influence of the translation rates and axial thermal gradients utilized in this study upon radial compositional homogeneity.

Price, M. W.↗
NASA NTRS2003

An ancient role for nuclear beta-catenin in the evolution of axial polarity and germ layer segregation

The human oncogene beta-catenin is a bifunctional protein with critical roles in both cell adhesion and transcriptional regulation in the Wnt pathway. Wnt/beta-catenin signalling has been implicated in developmental processes as diverse as elaboration of embryonic polarity, formation of germ layers, neural patterning, spindle orientation and gap junction communication, but the ancestral function of beta-catenin remains unclear. In many animal embryos, activation of beta-catenin signalling occurs in blastomeres that mark the site of gastrulation and endomesoderm formation, raising the possibility that asymmetric activation of beta-catenin signalling specified embryonic polarity and segregated germ layers in the common ancestor of bilaterally symmetrical animals. To test whether nuclear translocation of beta-catenin is involved in axial identity and/or germ layer formation in 'pre-bilaterians', we examined the in vivo distribution, stability and function of beta-catenin protein in embryos of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis (Cnidaria, Anthozoa). Here we show that N. vectensis beta-catenin is differentially stabilized along the oral-aboral axis, translocated into nuclei in cells at the site of gastrulation and used to specify entoderm, indicating an evolutionarily ancient role for this protein in early pattern formation.

NASA Discipline Evolutionary Biology↗
NASA NTRS1999

Incomplete segregation of endorgan-specific vestibular ganglion cells in mice and rats

The endorgan-specific distribution of vestibular ganglion cells was studied in neonatal and postnatal rats and mice using indocarbocyanine dye (DiI) and dextran amines for retrograde and anterograde labeling. Retrograde DiI tracing from the anterior vertical canal labeled neurons scattered throughout the whole superior vestibular ganglion, with denser labeling at the dorsal and central regions. Horizontal canal neurons were scattered along the dorsoventral axis with more clustering toward the dorsal and ventral poles of this axis. Utricular ganglion cells occupied predominantly the central region of the superior vestibular ganglion. This utricular population overlapped with both the anterior vertical and horizontal canals' ganglion cells. Posterior vertical canal neurons were clustered in the posterior part of the inferior vestibular ganglion. The saccular neurons were distributed in the two parts of the vestibular ganglion, the superior and inferior ganglia. Within the inferior ganglion, the saccular neurons were clustered in the anterior part. In the superior ganglion, the saccular neurons were widely scattered throughout the whole ganglion with more numerous neurons at the posterior half. Small and large neurons were labeled from all endorgans. Examination of the fiber trajectory within the superior division of the vestibular nerve showed no clear lamination of the fibers innervating the different endorgans. These results demonstrate an overlapping pattern between the different populations within the superior ganglion, while in the inferior ganglion, the posterior canal and saccular neurons show tighter clustering but incomplete segregation. This distribution implies that the ganglion cells are assigned for their target during development in a stochastic rather than topographical fashion.

NASA Discipline Developmental Biology↗
NASA NTRS2013

Vertical Settling and Radial Segregation of Large Dust Grains in the Circumstellar Disk of the Butterfly Star

Circumstellar disks are considered as the environment for the formation of planets. The growth of dust grains in these disks is the first step in the core accretion-gas capture planet formation scenario. Indicators as well as evidence of disk evolution can be traced in spatially resolved images and the spectral energy distribution (SED) of these objects. Aims. We aim at developing a model for the dust phase of the edge-on orientated circumstellar disk of the Butterfly Star which allows one to fit observed multi-wavelength images as well as the SED simultaneously. Our model is based on spatially resolved high angular resolution observations at 1.3 mm, 894 μm, 2.07 μm, 1.87 μm, 1.60 μm and 1.13 μm as well as an extensively covered SED ranging from 12 μm to 2.7 mm, including a detailed spectrum obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope in the range from 12 μm to 38 μm. A parameter study based on a grid search method, involving the detailed analysis of every parameter, was performed to constrain the disk parameters and find the best-fit model for the independent observations. The individual observations were modeled simultaneously, using our continuum radiative transfer code MC3D. We derived a model that is capable of reproducing all of the observations of the disk at the same time. We find quantitative evidence for grain growth up to ~100 μm sized particles, vertical settling of larger dust grains toward the disk midplane, and radial segregation of the latter toward the central star. Our results are consistent with current theoretical models for the evolution of circumstellar disks and the early stages of planet formation.

Radiative transfer↗
NASA NTRS2018

Segregation-Assisted Plasticity in Ni-Based Superalloys

Correlative high resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy are used to study deformation-induced planar faults in the single crystal superalloy MD2 crept at 800°C and 650 MPa. Segregation of Cr and Co at microtwins, APBs, CISFs/SISFs and CESFs/SESFs is confirmed and quantified. The extent of this is found to depend upon the fault type, being most pronounced for the APB. The CESF/SESF is studied in detail due to its role as a precursor of the microtwins causing the majority of plasticity under these conditions. Quantitative modelling is carried out to rationalize the findings; the experimental results are consistent with a greater predicted velocity for the lengthening of the CESF/SESF { compared with the other types of fault { and hence confirm its role in the diffusion-assisted plasticity needed for the microtwinning mechanism to be operative.

Barba, D.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Segregation and Phase Transformations Along Superlattice Intrinsic Stacking Faults in Ni-Based Superalloys

In this study, local chemical and structural changes along superlattice intrinsic stacking faults combine to represent an atomic-scale phase transformation. In order to elicit stacking fault shear, creep tests of two different single crystal Ni-base superalloys, ME501 and CMSX-4, were performed near 750 degrees Centigrade using stresses of 552 megapascals and 750 megapascals, respectively. Through high resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) and state-of-the-art energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, ordered compositional changes were measured along SISFs (Superlattice Intrinsic Stacking Faults) in both alloys. For both instances, the elemental segregation and local crystal structure present along the SISFs are consistent with a nanoscale to D019 (ordering of a hexagonal close-packed crystal) phase transformation. Another notable observation is prominent Cr- and Co-rich Cottrell atmospheres and new evidence of more complex reordering processes responsible for the formation of these faults. These findings are further supported using density functional theory calculations and High Angle Annular Dark Field (HAADF) STEM image simulations.

STEM-EDS↗
NASA NTRS2021

Nanostructure and compositional segregation of soft magnetic FeNi-based nanocomposites with multiple nanocrystalline phases

Soft magnetic metal amorphous nanocomposite alloys are produced through rapid solidification and thermal annealing yielding nanocrystals embedded within an amorphous precursor. Similar free energies in Co-rich and FeNi-based alloy systems result in multiple nanocrystalline phases being formed during devitrification. Studies of multi-phase crystallization processes have been reported for Co-rich alloys but relatively few have investigated FeNi-based systems. A detailed characterization of compositional partitioning and microstructure of an optimally annealed FeNi-based MANC (Fe70Ni30)80Nb4Si2B14 alloy is presented through complementary high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atom probe tomography (APT). HRTEM demonstrates orientation relationships between FCC and BCC nanocrystals, suggesting heterogeneous nucleation of nanocrystals in the amorphous matrix or a cooperative mechanism of nucleation between BCC and FCC nanocrystallites. APT results show evidence for (i) the segregation of Fe and Ni between nanocrystals of different phases, (ii) B partitioning to the amorphous phase, and (iii) an Nb-enriched shell surrounding nanocrystals.

soft magnetic materials↗
NASA NTRS2026

Application of Energy-efficient Electromagnetic Melt-Processing for the Upcycling of Recycled Polyphenylene Sulfide into Multifunctional Segregated Nanocomposites

Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is widely used in structural and functional composites because of its thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength. As circular manufacturing becomes increasingly important, extending the service life of recycled PPS (rPPS) is essential. However, conventional high-temperature reprocessing accelerates thermo-oxidative degradation, reducing recycled composite performance. This study proposes a rapid and potentially energy-saving upcycling strategy for rPPS using electromagnetic (EM) melt-processing to form segregated carbon nanotube (CNT) networks and produce EM-responsive nanocomposites. The aim was to determine whether CNT-assisted EM heating could reduce polymer degradation while improving multifunctional properties at ultralow filler loadings. rPPS micropellets were coated with CNTs by ball milling to create conductive shells, then compacted into green bodies (GBs) and selectively melted by rapid EM irradiation. Structural, electrical, mechanical, rheological, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties were evaluated. Electrical percolation occurred at an ultralow CNT loading of 0.08 wt%, with conductivity reaching (1.24 ± 0.74) × 10 -5 S⋅m -1 at 0.1 wt%. At this concentration, tensile strength and modulus increased by 72% and 99%, respectively. At ~ 0.7 mm thickness, X-band EMI shielding effectiveness reached 6 dB for GBs and 3 dB after EM processing. This shows that EM melt-processing upcycles rPPS into high-performance multifunctional nanocomposites with minimum thermal degradation.

recycled↗
DOE OSTI2021

Segregation resistant perovskite oxides with surface modification

A method and a composition to stabilize the surface cation chemistry of the perovskite or related oxides, and thus, to minimize or completely avoid the detrimental segregation and phase separation of dopant cations at the surface can include modifying the surface with more oxidizable metal cations and/or more oxidizable metal oxides, thereby reducing the oxygen vacancy concentration at the very surface.

Yildiz, Bilge↗
DOE OSTI2023

Characterization of Annealing-Induced Phase Segregation in Composite Silicon Anodes for Li-ion Batteries

Silicon (Si) anodes present a promising alternative to graphite anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), as Si has a greater specific capacity. However, one major constraint is the volumetric change of Si during lithiation that results in an unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI), so Si-containing electrodes require the use of various strategies to mitigate these effects and improve performance. One such solution is the use of Si nanoparticles (NPs) that maximize the surface area to volume ratio. Here, we discuss electrodes made with Si NPs treated with polyethylene oxide (PEO) (for improving dispersion during processing), conductive carbon NPs, and P84 polyimide binder which shows significant impacts of annealing treatment on improvements of active material utilization, first cycle efficiency, and capacity retention with extensive cycling . We used air-free argon ion polishing to create electrode cross sections and imaged through the electrode thickness using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nano-electrical characterization of scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM), nano-mechanical characterizations of contact resonance and force volume (CR-FV), and scanning electron microscopy-based energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Results show that the Si and conductive carbon segregate into phases with a distinctive carbon-rich banded morphology that surrounds the Si-rich phase during annealing. In pristine electrodes, the carbon- and SEI-rich bands exhibit a higher electronic conductivity and a lower elastic modulus than the Si active material phase. These structures, as well as distinct electronic and mechanical properties, remain during cycling, suggesting an improvement of electrical conduction pathways and a mechanical strain buffer for active Si material expansion during cycling. This phase separation may be a major factor in the improvement seen in electrochemical performance due to annealing. Additionally, our nm-scale and multi-mode characterizations provide a novel route for understanding and improving energy storage devices, which is advantageous due to the highly inhomogeneous of composite electrodes in nm-mm scales.

ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Segregation induced core-shell structure

A process for synthesis of PtNi high surface area core/shell particles. The processing including formation of PtNi nanoparticles, exposure of the PtNi nanoparticles to oxygen to form a nickel oxide coating on the nanoparticles at the same time the segregation of Ni to surface induces a Pt-skin with PtNi core structure, removal of the nickel oxide coating to form PtNi core/Pt shell (or Pt-skin) structure.

Wang, Rongyue↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dopant Segregation in Single-Crystal Optical Fiber Grown via the Laser-Heated Pedestal Growth Technique

Single crystal (SC) optical fiber has promising potential to be used for optical fiber sensing applications in harsh conditions due to its robustness to high temperature, high radioactivity, and resistance to chemical corrosion as compared to optical sensors using silica fiber. However, SC fiber grown via the laser-heated pedestal growth (LHPG) technique innately does not have a core-cladding structure found in standard optical fiber, resulting in optical losses. In this work we investigate optimization of the growth parameters of a two LHPG process used to grow SC fiber with a graded index via introduction of dopants to the feedstock material. Feedstock material is fabricated with the first LHPG device, then sol-gel dip-coated to create outer films of dopant material. The dip-coated feedstock is used to grow SC fiber in which segregation of the dopant constituents occurs, resulting in a graded index of refraction across the fiber, and an effective core-cladding structure. Hardware and software improvements to both LHPG systems are presented and the growth parameters for short pieces of ~320-330 μm diameter YAG fiber has been established. Characterization techniques/procedures have also been established for future grown SC fiber. These improvements and preparations are anticipated to result in a significant increase in grown fiber quality with a similar growth rate to that previously established.

Lander, Gary↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dopant Segregation in Single-Crystal Optical Fiber Grown via the Laser-Heated Pedestal Growth Technique

Single crystal (SC) optical fiber has promising potential to be used for optical fiber sensing applications in harsh conditions due to its robustness to high temperature, high radioactivity, and resistance to chemical corrosion as compared to optical sensors using silica fiber. However, SC fiber grown via the laser-heated pedestal growth (LHPG) technique innately does not have a core-cladding structure found in standard optical fiber, resulting in optical losses. In this work we investigate optimization of the growth parameters of a two LHPG process used to grow SC fiber with a graded index via introduction of dopants to the feedstock material. Feedstock material is fabricated with the first LHPG device, then sol-gel dip-coated to create outer films of dopant material. The dip-coated feedstock is used to grow SC fiber in which segregation of the dopant constituents occurs, resulting in a graded index of refraction across the fiber, and an effective core-cladding structure. Hardware and software improvements to both LHPG systems are presented and the growth parameters for short pieces of ~320-330 μm diameter YAG fiber has been established. Characterization techniques/procedures have also been established for future grown SC fiber. These improvements and preparations are anticipated to result in a significant increase in grown fiber quality with a similar growth rate to that previously established.

Lander, Gary↗
DOE OSTI2023

EDS-PhaSe: Phase Segmentation and Analysis from EDS Elemental Map Images Using Markers of Elemental Segregation

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), is an extensively used technique for in-depth microstructural analysis. Here, we present the EDS-Phase Segmentation (EDS-PhaSe) tool that enables phase segmentation and phase analysis using the EDS elemental map images. Importantly, it converts the EDS map images into estimated composition maps for calculating markers of selective elemental redistribution in the scanned area and creates a phase-segmented micrograph while providing approximate fraction and composition of each identified phase. EDS-PhaSe offers two unique advantages. Firstly, it enables the direct processing of EDS elemental map images without requiring any raw or proprietary data/software, thereby allowing the analysis of EDS results available in the published literature as images. Secondly, it enables segmentation and analysis of phases even when the phase contrast is missing in backscattered micrographs, assisting in correlating the XRD and SEM-EDS data as shown in this work for a AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗