Enhanced sintering of β″-Al 2 O 3 /YSZ with the sintering aids of TiO 2 and MnO 2
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Lu, Xiaochuan↗
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In-situ investigation of pressure effect on structural evolution and conductivity of Na 3 SbS 4 superionic conductor
Sulfide-based conductors are one class of the most promising solid electrolytes for next-generation of all-solid-state batteries due to their advantages on high ionic conductivity and favorable mechanical properties of easy densification. Besides new material chemistry to be explored, understanding the pressure effect on structure and property is equally important from both fundamental and practical considerations, as pressure is one way to tune the properties of such solid electrolytes. Here we address the pressure-driven structural evolution and conductivity change of Na 3 SbS 4 solid electrolyte through the integration of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and in-situ experiments. Theoretical calculation predicts that no phase transition happens to tetragonal Na 3 SbS 4 under 10 GPa isotopically pressure. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman results confirm that Na 3 SbS 4 keeps stable tetragonal structure but shows anisotropic compressibility along different directions. After pressure release, the ionic conductivity of Na 3 SbS 4 increases by four folds to 1.6 mS cm -1 , which is derived from the dramatic decrease of grain boundary resistance.
42 ENGINEERING↗
Exploring the relationship between solvent-assisted ball milling, particle size, and sintering temperature in garnet-type solid electrolytes
Garnet-type solid electrolytes, such as Li 6.4 La 3 Zr 1.4 Ta 0.6 O 12 (LLZTO), are promising materials for solid-state batteries, but processing remains a challenge, in part due to the high sintering temperature required for densification. Additionally, this temperature can be lowered by decreasing the initial particle size via solvent-assisted ball milling, but the relationship between solvent choice, particle properties, sintering behavior, and ionic conductivity is not well understood. In this work, we systematically explore these parameters, showing that milling in commonly used protic solvents, such as alcohols, effectively decreases the particle size but results in lithium loss (through Li + /H + exchange) that leads to poor sintering. By contrast, milling in aprotic solvents with surfactant reduces the particle size to ~220 nm without lithium loss, enabling the fabrication of dense samples (5.1 g/cm 3 ) with good ionic conductivity (0.43 mS/cm at 25 °C) at a lower sintering temperature (1000 °C). We compare ionic conductivities and activation energies for samples prepared with different particle sizes and sintering temperatures and use multiphase-field simulations to identify the mass transport and microstructural mechanisms responsible for the observed sintering dependence on particle size. These results further clarify the relationship between processing parameters and performance and represent important progress toward overcoming fabrication challenges for these materials.
25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
Natural fiber-derived gas diffusion layers for high performance, lower cost PEM fuel cells
The gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a critical component of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. GDL manufacture is dominated by the use of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, resulting in high production costs. Those costs contribute to the high cost of fuel cell stacks. Thus, reducing GDL manufacturing costs without sacrificing performance, should help reduce the overall cost of the fuel cell stack. Using inexpensive, natural fiber-based papers and fabric as substrates, here we examine the inherent performance these materials as GDLs, and the improvements enabled by the addition of a microporous layer, gas-phase hydrophobic treatment, and densification. The resulting GDLs achieve equivalent performance the commercial baseline GDL and demonstrate the potential of lower cost GDLs.
25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
Effects of calcination on microscopic and mesoscopic structures in Ca- and Sr-doped nano-crystalline lanthanum chromites
Calcination behavior of nano-crystalline lanthanum chromites doped with calcium and strontium has been probed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and small-angle neutron scattering as a function of temperature. Infrared spectroscopic results imply that over a range of temperatures, some intermediate phase of dopant chromates evolve and then dissolve back, which has also been confirmed by the XRD. Neutron scattering data reveal a fractal type correlation of building blocks in virgin powders. Increase in fractal dimension and reduction in upper cutoff vis-a-vis the densification of agglomerates were found with increasing calcination temperature. Calcination, beyond 900 {sup o}C, results in breaking down of the fractal morphology almost completely. Such shrinkage event also results in a modification of the microscopic structure. These changes have been attributed to the compaction of agglomerates of both Ca- and Sr-doped lanthanum chromites, assisted via liquid state sintering by the melting of the intermediate phases at intermediate calcination stages. -- Graphical Abstract: Dopant chromates evolve as intermediate phases during calcination of Ca- and Sr-doped nano-crystalline lanthanum chromites at intermediate temperatures, around 900 {sup o}C, evident from infrared spectroscopy. Such an event results in a modification of the microscopic and mesoscopic structures. Display Omitted Research highlights: {yields} Meso/microscopic structures of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}CrO{sub 3} and La{sub 0.8}Sr{sub 0.2}CrO{sub 3} modify during calcination. {yields} Transient phases CaCrO{sub 4} and SrCrO{sub 4} appear at intermediate temperatures. {yields} Bond length, unit cell volume, etc. modify as intermediate phases evolve and extinct. {yields} Compaction of the agglomerates takes place due to liquid state assisted sintering.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Thermoelectric transport properties of polycrystalline titanium diselenide co-intercalated with nickel and titanium using spark plasma sintering
Polycrystalline samples of nickel intercalated (0-5%) TiSe{sub 2} were attempted via solid-state reaction in evacuated quartz tubes followed by densification using a spark plasma sintering process. X-ray diffraction data indicated that mixed NiSe{sub 2} and TiSe{sub 2} phases were present after initial synthesis by solid-state reaction, but a pure TiSe{sub 2} phase was present after the spark plasma sintering. While EPMA data reveals the stoichiometry to be near 1:1.8 (Ti:Se) for all samples, comparisons of the measured bulk densities to the theoretical densities suggest that the off stoichiometry is a result of the co-intercalation of both Ni and Ti rather than Se vacancies. Due to the presence of excess Ti (0.085-0.130 per formula) in the van der Waals gap of all the samples, the sensitive electron-hole balance is offset by the additional Ti-3d electrons, leading to an increase in the thermopower (n-type) over pristine, stoichiometric TiSe{sub 2}. The effects of the co-intercalation of both Ni and Ti in TiSe{sub 2} on the structural, thermal, and electrical properties are discussed herein. - Graphical abstract: Co-intercalation of nickel and excess titanium into the van der Waals gap of TiSe{sub 2} via solid state synthesis followed by spark plasma sintering results in a systematic shift in the ratio of hole and electron carrier concentration, which is close to unity for pristine TiSe{sub 2}. This directly affects the electrical transport properties, and as the structural disorder induced by intercalation suppresses the lattice thermal conductivity, co-intercalation is an effective route to enhance the thermoelectric properties of transition metal diselenides. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Single phase bulk Ni and Ti co-intercalated TiSe{sub 2} samples prepared by spark plasma sintering. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Density and X-ray diffraction suggest that the Ni and excess Ti are ordered in the Van der Waals gap. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Co-intercalation of Ni and Ti can be used to control electron-hole ratio and structural disorder.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Synthesis of Sr{sub 0.9}K{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3-{delta}} electrocatalysts by mechanical activation
Potassium-substituted SrFeO{sub 3-{delta}} for possible application as oxygen evolution electrode in alkaline or molten salt media was prepared by mechanical activation and characterized by X-ray diffraction, dilatometric and thermogravimetric analysis, Moessbauer spectroscopy, and electrical conductivity measurements. Room temperature mechanical activation of a mixture of oxide precursors with subsequent thermal treatments at 700-900 Degree-Sign C results in the formation of Sr{sub 0.9}K{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3-{delta}} with tetragonal perovskite-like structure. Such allows to decrease the synthesis temperature, if compared to the conventional solid-state route, and to prevent possible volatilization of potassium. The results of Moessbauer spectroscopy studies indicate that the oxygen nonstoichiometry in the samples annealed in air at 900-1100 Degree-Sign C with subsequent rapid cooling vary in the range {delta}=0.30-0.32. The electrical conductivity in air exhibits a metal-like behaviour at temperatures above 400 Degree-Sign C and semiconductor behaviour in the low-temperature range, reaching 13-30 S/cm under prospective operation conditions for alkaline electrolyzers ({<=}90 Degree-Sign C). - graphical abstract: XRD patterns of Sr{sub 0.9}K{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3-{delta}} powders, as-prepared and after annealing at different temperatures. Log({sigma}{center_dot}T) vs. 1000/T plot of the electrical conductivity of Sr{sub 0.9}K{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3-{delta}}. The inset shows the thermal variation of {sigma}. Ceramics used were prepared by mechanical activation followed by a two-step sintering process at 900 Degree-Sign C for 1 h and 1000 Degree-Sign C for 5 h (82% densification). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Sr{sub 0.9}K{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3-{delta}} was successfully obtained by mechanical activation of oxide precursors. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Synthesis temperature is significantly lower when compared to a conventional solid-state route. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Oxygen nonstoichiometry of annealed samples at 900-1100 Degree-Sign C vary in the range {delta}=0.30-0.32. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Sr{sub 0.9}K{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3-{delta}} shows metal and semiconductor behaviour above and below 400 Degree-Sign C, respectively.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Correlation between processing conditions, microstructure and charge transport in half-Heusler alloys
Five bulk samples of n-type Zr₀.₂₅Hf₀.₇₅NiSn₀.₉₇₅Sb₀.₀₂₅ half-Heusler (HH) alloy were fabricated by reacting elemental powders via (1) high temperature solid state (SS) reaction and (2) mechanical alloying (MA), followed by densification using spark plasma sintering (SPS) and/or hot pressing (HP). A portion of the sample obtained by SS reaction was mechanically alloyed before consolidation by hot pressing (SS–MA–HP). X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that all SS specimen (SS–SPS, SS–HP, SS–MA–HP) are single phase HH alloys, whereas the MA sample (MA–SPS) contains metallic nanoprecipitates. Electronic and thermal transport measurements showed that the embedded nanoprecipitates induce a drastic increase in the carrier concentration (n), a large decrease in the Seebeck coefficient (S) and a marginal decrease in the lattice thermal conductivity (κ l ) of the MA–SPS sample leading to lower ZT values when compared to the SS–HP samples. Constant values of S are observed for the SS series regardless of the processing method. However, a strong dependence of the carrier mobility (μ), electrical conductivity (σ) and κ l on the processing and consolidation method is observed. For instance, mechanical alloying introduces additional structural defects which enhance electron and phonon scattering leading to moderately low values of μ and large reduction in κ l . This results in a net 20% enhancement in the figure of merit (ZT=0.6 at 775 K). HH specimen of the same nominal composition with higher ZT is anticipated from a combination of SS reaction, MA and SPS (SS–MA–SPS). - Graphical abstract: In half-Heusler alloys, thermopower values are insensitive to processing method, whereas carrier mobility (μ), electrical conductivity (σ), and κ l strongly dependent on the microstructure which in turn is altered by the synthesis, processing and consolidation method. Highlights: • Phase composition of HH alloy strongly depends on the synthesis technique. • Mechanical alloying of elements yields bulk HH alloy with metallic impurity phases. • Thermopower, carrier density, and effective mass of HHs are insensitive to processing conditions. • Mechanical alloying decreases the carrier mobility and lattice thermal conductivity of bulk HH.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Crystal structure and high temperature transport properties of Yb-filled p-type skutterudites Yb{sub x}Co{sub 2.5}Fe{sub 1.5}Sb{sub 12}
Partially Yb-filled Fe substituted polycrystalline p-type skutterudites with nominal compositions Yb{sub x}Co{sub 2.5}Fe{sub 1.5}Sb{sub 12}, with varying filler concentrations x, were synthesized by reacting the constituent elements and subsequent solid state annealing, followed by densification by hot-pressing. The compositions and filling fractions were confirmed with a combination of Rietveld refinement and elemental analysis. Their thermoelectric properties were evaluated from 300 to 800 K. The Seebeck coefficients for the specimens increase with increasing temperature and plateau at around 750 K. The thermal conductivity decreases with increasing Yb filling fraction, and bipolar conduction becomes evident and increases at elevated temperatures. A maximum ZT value of 0.8 was obtained at 750 K for Yb{sub 0.47}Co{sub 2.6}Fe{sub 1.4}Sb{sub 12}. The thermoelectric properties and potential for further optimization are discussed in light of our results. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Yb-filled Fe-substituted p-type CoSb{sub 3} skutterudites, Yb{sub x}Co{sub 2.5}Fe{sub 1.5}Sb{sub 12}, were structurally and physically characterized. • Both filling fraction and Co-to-Fe ratio affect the transport properties. • High ZT was obtained for the composition with ∼50% Yb filling and a slightly lower than nominal Fe content.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Characterization of the surface of Fe-19Mn-18Cr-C-N during heat treatment in a high vacuum - An XPS study
Nitrogen-containing CrMn austenitic stainless steels offer evident benefits compared to CrNi-based grades. The production of high-quality parts by means of powder metallurgy could be an appropriate alternative to the standard molding process leading to improved properties. The powder metallurgical production of CrMn austenitic steel is challenging on account of the high oxygen affinity of Mn and Cr. Oxides hinder the densification processes and may lower the performance of the sintered part if they remain in the steel after sintering. Thus, in evaluating the sinterability of the steel Fe-19Mn-18Cr-C-N, characterization of the surface is of great interest. In this study, comprehensive investigations by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were performed to characterize the surface during heat treatment in a high vacuum. The results show a shift of oxidation up to 600 Degree-Sign C, meaning transfer of oxygen from the iron oxide layer to Mn-based particulate oxides, followed by progressive reduction and transformation of the Mn oxides into stable Si-containing oxides at elevated temperatures. Mass loss caused by Mn evaporation was observed accompanied by Mn oxide decomposition starting at 700 Degree-Sign C. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Surface characterization by means of XPS, SEM, and EDX analyses. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Heat treatment of a high CrMn powder. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Transfer of oxygen from the iron oxide layer to manganese-based particulate oxides. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Progressive reduction of Mn oxides. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Transformation of the Mn oxides into stable Si-containing oxides.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Magnesia tuned multi-walled carbon nanotubes–reinforced alumina nanocomposites
Magnesia tuned alumina ceramic nanocomposites, reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes, were condensed using pressureless and hot-press sintering processes. Densification, microstructure and mechanical properties of the produced nanocomposites were meticulously investigated. Electron microscopy studies revealed the homogenous carbon nanotube dispersion within the alumina matrix and confirmed the retention of carbon nanotubes' distinctive tubular morphology and nanoscale features during the extreme mixing/sintering processes. Pressureless sintered nanocomposites showed meagre mechanical responses due to the poorly-integrated microstructures with a slight improvement upon magnesia addition. Conversely, both the magnesia addition and application of hot-press sintering technique resulted in the nanocomposite formation with near-theoretical densities (~ 99%), well-integrated microstructures and superior mechanical properties. Hot-press sintered nanocomposites incorporating 300 and 600 ppm magnesia exhibited an increase in hardness (10 and 11%), flexural strength (5 and 10%) and fracture toughness (15 and 20%) with respect to similar magnesia-free samples. Compared to monolithic alumina, a decent rise in fracture toughness (37%), flexural strength (22%) and hardness (20%) was observed in the hot-press sintered nanocomposites tuned with merely 600 ppm magnesia. Mechanically superior hot-press sintered magnesia tailored nanocomposites are attractive for several load-bearing structural applications. - Highlights: • MgO tailored Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–2 wt.% CNT nanocomposites are presented. • The role of MgO and sintering on nanocomposite structures and properties was studied. • Well-dispersed CNTs maintained their morphology/structure after harsh sintering. • Hot-pressing and MgO led nanocomposites to higher properties/unified structures. • MgO tuned composites showed higher toughness (37%) and strength (22%) than Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}.
77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
Enhancement of thermal shock resistance of reaction sintered mullite–zirconia composites in the presence of lanthanum oxide
Mullite–zirconia composites containing 20 wt.% zirconia were prepared by reaction sintering of zircon flour, sillimanite beach sand and calcined alumina. 0 to 8 mol% of La{sub 2}O{sub 3} with respect to zirconia was used as sintering aid. The effect of additive on the various physical, microstructures, mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties was studied. Quantitative phase analysis shows the change in tetragonal zirconia content with incorporation of lanthanum oxide. La{sub 2}O{sub 3} addition has significantly improved the thermal shock resistance of the samples. Samples without additive retained only 20% of initial flexural strength after 5 cycles, whereas samples containing 5 mol% La{sub 2}O{sub 3} retained almost 78% of its initial flexural strength even after 15 thermal shock cycles. - Highlights: • Mullite–zirconia composites were prepared by reaction sintering route utilizing zircon and sillimanite beach sand. • Lanthanum oxide was used as sintering aid. • The presence of lanthanum oxide decreased the densification temperature. • Lanthanum oxide significantly improved the thermal shock resistance of the composites.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Structural and mechanical characterization of boron doped biphasic calcium phosphate produced by wet chemical method and subsequent thermal treatment
In the current study, boron doped biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics consisting of a mixture of boron doped hydroxyapatite (BHA) and beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) of varying BHA/β-TCP ratios were obtained after sintering stage. The effects of varying boron contents and different sintering temperatures on the BHA/β-TCP ratios and on the sinterability of the final products were investigated. Particle sizes and morphologies of the obtained precipitates were determined using SEM. XRD and FTIR investigation were conducted to detect the boron formation in the structure of HA and quantitative analysis was performed to determine the BHA/β-TCP ratio before and after sintering stage. In order to determine the sinterability of the obtained powders, pellets were prepared and sintered; the rates of densification were calculated and obtained results were correlated by SEM images. Also Vickers microhardness values of the sintered samples were determined. The experimental results verified that boron doped hydroxyapatite powders were obtained after sintering stage and the structure consists of a mixture of BHA and β-TCP. As the boron content used in the precipitation stage increases, β-TCP content of the BHA/β-TCP ratio increases but sinterability, density and microhardness deteriorate. As the sintering temperature increases, β-TCP content, density and microhardness of the samples increase and sinterability improves. - Highlights: • This is the first paper about boron doped biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics. • Boron doping affects the structural and mechanical properties. • BHA/β-TCP ratio can be adjustable with boron content and sintering temperature.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Phase identification in boron-containing powder metallurgy steel using EBSD in combination with EPMA
Boron (B) is extensively used to induce liquid phase sintering (LPS) in powder metallurgy (PM) steels and thereby increase the densification. The alloying elements in B-containing PM steels affect the boride phase, stability of the boride, the temperature of liquid formation, and the progress of LPS. However, the boride phase has not been systematically identified yet. The main objective of this study was to clarify the influences of alloying elements, including C, Cr, and Ni, on the boride phases using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in combination with electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Network structures consisting of ferrite, Fe{sub 2}B boride, and Fe{sub 3}C carbide were extensively observed in the Fe–0.4B–0.5C steel. The portions of Fe{sub 2}B were sufficiently larger than those of Fe{sub 3}C, and Fe{sub 3}C was mostly distributed at the interfaces between ferrite and Fe{sub 2}B. Adding 1.5 wt.% Cr or 1.8 wt.% Ni to Fe–0.4B–0.5C steel completely changes the Fe{sub 2}B and Fe{sub 3}C phases to a M{sub 3}(B,C) phase, where M represents the metallic elements, including Fe, Cr, Mo, and Ni. Furthermore, Cr, Mo, B, and C atoms tend to concentrate on the M{sub 3}(B,C) phase, but Ni atoms do not. - Highlights: • Network structures consisting of ferrite, Fe{sub 2}B boride, and Fe{sub 3}C carbide were extensively observed in the Fe–0.4B–0.5C steel. • Adding 1.5 wt.% Cr or 1.8 wt.% Ni to Fe–0.4B–0.5C steel completely transforms the Fe{sub 2}B and Fe{sub 3}C phases to a M{sub 3}(B,C) phase. • Cr, Mo, B, and C atoms tend to concentrate on the M{sub 3}(B,C) phase, but Ni atoms do not.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Fabrication and characterization of powder metallurgy tantalum components prepared by high compaction pressure technique
The present study has investigated the consolidation behaviors of tantalum powders during compaction and sintering, and the characteristics of sintered components. For die compaction, the densification behaviors of the powders are simulated by finite element analyses based on the yield function proposed by Shima and Oyane. Accordingly, the green density distribution for coarser particles is predicted to be more uniform because they exhibits higher initial relative tap density owing to lower interparticle friction. It is also found that cold isostatic pressing is capable of producing higher dense compacts compared to the die pressing. However, unlike the compaction behavior, the sintered density of smaller particles is found to be higher than those of coarser ones owing to their higher specific surface area. The maximum sintered density was found to be 0.96 of theoretical density where smaller particles were pressed isostatically at 400 MPa followed by sintering at 2000 °C. Moreover, the effects of processing conditions on grain size and texture were also investigated. The average grain size of the sintered specimen is 30.29 μm and its texture is less than 2 times random intensity. Consequently, it is concluded that the higher pressure compaction technique is beneficial to produce high dense and texture-free tantalum components compared to hot pressing and spark plasma sintering. - Highlights: • Higher Ta density is obtained from higher pressure and sintering temperature. • High compaction method enables P/M Ta to achieve the density of 16.00 g·cm{sup −3}. • A P/M Ta component with fine microstructure and random orientation is developed.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
The effect of Si on the microstructure and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered boron carbide
Highlights: • Si addition leads to a dense final product at a low sintering temperature. • The added Si preferentially formed SiC and borosilicate glass instead of replacing the chain atoms in boron carbide. • The hardness of our Si-containing boron carbide is 30–35% greater than currently in-use commercial boron carbide plates. - Abstract: Fully dense boron carbide discs were achieved by spark plasma sintering boron carbide powders with 10 wt% silicon. The silicon did not diffuse into boron carbide grains to produce a solid solution of Si-doped boron carbide; instead the silicon reacted with impurities in the starting powder to form β-SiC and borosilicate glass. The resultant new phases facilitated densification of the multiphase ceramic through liquid phase-assisted sintering. The resultant material exhibits improved hardness (34.3 GPa Vikers hardness under 1 kg load) with toughness comparable to both Si-free and commercially available boron carbide.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Preparation, microstructure and properties of AlN/CBC composites
Highlights: • AlN/CBC composites can be prepared by gelcasting and pressureless sintering method. • Suitable sintering additive content and increasing sintering temperature help to improve properties of composite. • Relative density, C content and microstructure et al. have effect on properties of composite. - Abstract: Gelcasting method with nontoxic biopolymer as gel former can be used to prepare ceramics with complex shape. AlN ceramic bonded carbon (AlN/CBC) composites with light weight were fabricated by gelcasting and pressureless sintering method using nontoxic agarose as gel former with Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} + CaF{sub 2} as sintering additive. The effect of sintering additive content and sintering temperature on the microstructure, flexural strength and thermal conductivity of composites was investigated. The results reveal that, as the temperature decreases, the raw powders solidify into three-dimensional net structures through abundant hydrogen bonds in the agarose. High sintering temperature facilitates densification and improves mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. Increasing sintering additive content can also tune the density and raise flexural strength. The AlN/CBC composite containing 7 wt% sintering additive content, which was sintered at 2000 °C, exhibits the highest thermal conductivity. Relative density, C content and microstructure uniformity have effects on properties of AlN/CBC composite.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Meso-scale microstructural agglomerate quantification in boron carbide using X-ray microcomputed tomography
Highlights: • First known quantification of agglomerate defect distributions comprising of carbonaceous and aluminum nitride phases B{sub 4}C. • In-depth statistical analyses of the size, orientation, and morphology of the defects. • The determination of directional dependence of the hot-pressing direction on the agglomerate distributions. - Abstract: Failure in brittle materials is governed, in part, by the specific microstructure of that material, with heterogeneous microstructures generally leading to reduced mechanical properties and performance. In ceramics used for armor, an increase in compressive strength can be an indicator of improved ballistic performance. In hot-pressed boron carbide (B{sub 4}C) ceramic plates, failure has been attributed to carbonaceous flakes observed on the fracture surfaces of failed specimens. However, this current work shows agglomerates, in addition to the carbonaceous flakes, are present in this boron carbide. The density and distribution of these agglomerates are believed to influence the ballistic performance. Therefore, it is of interest to improve the quantification of meso-scale microstructural agglomerates so that strategies can be developed to mitigate them. This work is focused on the microstructural characterization of dumbbell-shaped compression specimens that were machined from a single tile of pressure-aided densification (PAD) B{sub 4}C, using high-resolution micro-computed tomography (microCT). Large clusters of non-B{sub 4}C agglomerates, up to 125 μm in diameter, were observed in addition to the typical smaller carbonaceous flakes and aluminum-based phases. Agglomerate size distribution, orientation, morphology, and spacing were quantified both parallel and perpendicular to the pressing direction. This defect quantification provides valuable information for a better understanding of the material microstructure which is a critical step in improving armor materials for the future.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗