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At least 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Stability of ceramic matrix materials in molten hydroxide under oxidizing and reducing conditions

The degradation mechanism of ceramic matrix materials used as molten hydroxide electrolyte support for steam electrolysis cells, is not well documented. In this study, we have investigated the structural and chemical stability of non-oxide and oxide ceramics (SiC, YSZ, Li 2 ZrO 3, LiAlO 2 , and SrZrO 3 ) in the presence of molten hydroxide under oxidizing and reducing conditions with humidity levels of 3 and 85% at 550 °C. SiC, YSZ, Li 2 ZrO 3 and LiAlO 2 showed structural and chemical changes due to dissolution of the ceramic particles in the hydroxide melt followed by precipitation. The SrZrO 3 powder, on the other hand, remained both chemically and structurally stable during 500 h test under both oxidizing and reducing atmospheres. The findings of a stable ceramic matrix in molten hydroxide contribute to the enhancement of the durability and performance of intermediate temperature water electrolysis system.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Additive manufacturing of ceramic materials for energy applications: Road map and opportunities

Among engineering materials, ceramics are indispensable in energy applications such as batteries, capacitors, solar cells, smart glass, fuel cells and electrolyzers, nuclear power plants, thermoelectrics, thermoionics, carbon capture and storage, control of harmful emission from combustion engines, piezoelectrics, turbines and heat exchangers, among others. Advances in additive manufacturing (AM) offer new opportunities to fabricate these devices in geometries unachievable previously and may provide higher efficiencies and performance, all at lower costs. This article reviews the state of the art in ceramic materials for various energy applications. The focus of the review is on material selections, processing, and opportunities for AM technologies in energy related ceramic materials manufacturing. The aim of the article is to provide a roadmap for stakeholders such as industry, academia and funding agencies on research and development in additive manufacturing of ceramic materials toward more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable energy systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

In situ growth of ceramic quantum dots in polyaniline host via water vapor flow diffusion as potential electrode materials for energy applications

In situ preparation of polyaniline-ceramic nanocomposites has recently demonstrated that the electrical properties are highly improved with respect to the typical ex situ preparations. In this report, we present for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the in situ growth of titanium oxide quantum dots in polyaniline host via water vapor flow diffusion as an easily adaptable route to prepare other ceramic-polymer nanocomposites. The main relevance of this method is the possibility to prepare ceramic quantum dots from alkoxide precursors using water vapor flow into any hydrophobic polymer host and to achieve good homogeneity and size-control. In addition, we perform full characterization by means of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering, thermogravimetric and calorimetric analyses, confocal Raman microscopy and impedance spectroscopy analyses. The presence of the polymer host and interparticle Coulomb repulsive interactions was evaluated as an influence for the formation of ~3–8 nm equally-sized quantum dots independently of the concentration. The polyaniline polaron population showed an increase for the quantum dots diluted regime and the suppression at the concentrated regime, ascribed to the formation of chemical bonds at the interface, which was confirmed by theoretical simulations. In agreement with the previous observation, the in situ growth of ceramic quantum dots in polyaniline host via water vapor flow diffusion could be very useful as a novel approach to prepare electrode materials for energy conversion and storage applications. - Highlights: • In situ growth of titanium oxide quantum dots in polyaniline host via water vapor flow diffusion. • Polyaniline charge carriers at the interface and charge interactions between quantum dots. • Easy extrapolation to sol-gel derived quantum dots into polymer host as potential electrode materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Characterization of hot-pressed short ZrO{sub 2} fiber toughened ZrB{sub 2}-based ultra-high temperature ceramics

Two different ZrB{sub 2}-based ultra-high temperature ceramics were produced by hot pressing: ZrB{sub 2} + 20 vol.% SiC particle + 15 vol.% ZrO{sub 2} fiber and ZrB{sub 2} + 20 vol.% SiC whisker + 15 vol.% ZrO{sub 2} fiber. The microstructures were analyzed by using transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. It was shown that a clean interface without any impurities was identified in ZrB{sub 2}-based hybrid ceramics with SiC whiskers and ZrO{sub 2} fibers, which would significantly improve the toughening mechanism. The results of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed that stacking faults in SiC whiskers resulted from an insertion of a (111) layer, which would be one of the main reasons for material anisotropy. However, the interface between the SiC particle and ZrO{sub 2} fiber was found to be ambiguous in ZrB{sub 2}-based hybrid ceramics with SiC particles and ZrO{sub 2} fibers due to the slight reaction. The orientation relationship between t-ZrO{sub 2} and m-ZrO{sub 2} phases obeyed the classical correspondence: (100){sub m}//(100){sub t} and [001]{sub m}//〈001〉{sub t}, which further verified the feasibility of phase transformation toughening mechanism. - Highlights: • ZrB{sub 2}-based ceramics toughened by short ZrO{sub 2} fiber are characterized by TEM and HRTEM. • The orientation relationship of t- and m-ZrO{sub 2} are (100){sub m}//(100){sub t}, [001]{sub m}//〈001〉{sub t} • The clean interface without any impurities leads to improve the toughening mechanism.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Characterization of a wollastonite glass-ceramic material prepared using sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) as one of the raw materials

Glass-ceramic material prepared with sugar cane bagasse ash as one of the raw materials was characterized to determine some important properties for its application as a coating material. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that wollastonite-2M (CaSiO{sub 3}) was the major glass-ceramic phase. The Rietveld method was used to quantify the crystalline (60 wt.%) and vitreous (40 wt.%) phases in the glass-ceramic. The microstructure (determined by scanning electron microscopy) of this material had a marble appearance, showing a microporous network of elongated crystals with some areas with dendritic, feather-like ordering. Microhardness data gave a mean hardness value of 564.4 HV (Vickers-hardness), and light microscopy disclosed a greenish brown colored material with a vitreous luster. - Highlights: • We studied the properties of a glass-ceramic material obtained from sugarcane ash. • This material has the appearance and hardness of natural stones. • A refining method gave information about its amorphous and crystalline phases. • This material has potential to be used as coating plates for buildings.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Optical properties of transparent glass–ceramics containing lithium–mica nanocrystals: Crystallization effect

Graphical abstract: Optical properties of transparent Li{sub 2}O–MgO–Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–SiO{sub 2}–F glasses containing lithium–mica nanocrystals are studied and crystallization condition has been evaluated and optimized to produce transparent glass–ceramics. Crystallization temperatures were determined by differential thermal analysis and crystalline phases were identified and quantified by X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was used for morphological variations and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy for comparative analysis of transparency. In order to investigate the optical properties of transparent glass–ceramics, optical band gap, Fermi energy level and Urbach energy are calculated. The results of the investigation illustrate that band gap is reduced with increases in crystallization time and temperature. Enhanced orderliness in the arrangement of atoms might be regarded as possible reasons for the above changes. - Highlights: • The optimum temperature and time of crystallization were determined. • Li–mica nanocrystals with size of <30 nm were formed using a two-step heat-treatment. • Optical band gap and Fermi energy of nanocrystalline materials decreased with increasing of crystallization temperature and time. • Urbach band tailing was decreased with increasing of crystallization condition. - Abstract: Optical properties of transparent Li{sub 2}O–MgO–Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–SiO{sub 2}–F glasses containing lithium–mica nanocrystals were studied. The crystallization condition of these glasses was evaluated and optimized to produce transparent glass–ceramics. Crystallization temperatures were determined by differential thermal analysis and crystalline phases were identified and quantified by X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was used to detect morphological changes and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy was used for comparative analysis of transparency. In order to investigate the optical properties of the transparent glass–ceramics, optical band gap, Fermi energy level and Urbach energy were calculated. The results of the investigation illustrate that the band gap is reduced with increases in crystallization time and temperature. Enhanced orderliness in the arrangement of atoms might be regarded as possible reasons for the above changes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Dielectric, ferromagnetic and maganetoelectric properties of BaTiO{sub 3}–Ni{sub 0.7}Zn{sub 0.3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} composite ceramics

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The lead-free ME ceramic composites BaTiO{sub 3}–Ni{sub 0.7}Zn{sub 0.3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} were successfully synthesized. • The composites showed high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss. • The composite with 30% NiZn ferrite presented good soft magnetic properties and ME performance. - Abstract: Lead-free magnetoelectric composite ceramics (1 − x)BaTiO{sub 3}–xNi{sub 0.7}Zn{sub 0.3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} (x = 0.15, 0.3, 0.45) were successfully prepared by conventional oxide ceramic process. The tetragonal perovskite BaTiO{sub 3} and cubic spinel Ni{sub 0.7}Zn{sub 0.3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} were confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The dielectric behaviors of all composite samples show a normal response to the increasing measurement frequency and Ni{sub 0.7}Zn{sub 0.3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ferrite content. Well defined ferromagnetic hysteresis loops and obvious magnetoelectric coupling effect are observed in the composite ceramics. The influence of applied dc bias magnetic field and Ni{sub 0.7}Zn{sub 0.3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ferrite content on the magnetoelectric coupling responding voltage is investigated. The strongest peak magnetoelectric coupling voltage coefficient is 124 μV/cm Oe when x = 0.3, which corresponds to the maximum magnetoelectric coupling responding voltage of 200 μV.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Structure and microwave dielectric characteristics of lithium-excess Ca{sub 0.6}Nd{sub 0.8/3}TiO{sub 3}/(Li{sub 0.5}Nd{sub 0.5})TiO{sub 3} ceramics

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Dense ceramics were fabricated by the conventional solid-state route. • Excess-Li addition lowers sintering temperature. • Excess-Li addition improves the relative density and microwave dielectric properties. - Abstract: Compositions based on (1−x)Ca{sub 0.6}Nd{sub 8/3}TiO{sub 3}−x(Li{sub 1/2}Nd{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3} + yLi (CNLNTx + yLi, x = 0.30–0.60, y = 0–0.05), suitable for microwave applications have been developed by systematically adding excess lithium in order to tune the microwave dielectric properties and lower sintering temperature. Addition of 0.03 excess-Li simultaneously reduced the sintering temperature and improved the relative density of sintered CNLNTx ceramics. The excess Li addition can compensate the evaporation of Li during sintering process and decrease the secondary phase content. The CNLNTx (x = 0.45) ceramics with 0.03 Li excess sintered at 1190 °C have single phase orthorhombic perovskite structure, together with the optimum combination of microwave dielectric properties of ε{sub r} = 129, Q × f = 3600 GHz, τ{sub f} = 38 ppm/°C. Obviously, excess-Li addition can efficiently decrease the sintering temperature and improve the microwave dielectric properties. The high permittivity and relatively low sintering temperatures of lithium-excess Ca{sub 0.6}Nd{sub 0.8/3}TiO{sub 3}/(Li{sub 0.5}Nd{sub 0.5})TiO{sub 3} ceramics are ideal for the development of low cost ultra-small dielectric loaded antenna.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

A new glass-free LTCC microwave ceramic – (1 − x) Li{sub 2.08}TiO{sub 3} + xLiF

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Sintering temperature of Li{sub 2}TiO{sub 3} was reduced to 900 °C by doping with LiF and excessive lithium. • A new glass-free LTCC microwave ceramic – (1 − x) Li{sub 2.08}TiO{sub 3} + xLiF was obtained. • The obtained LTCC material exhibited excellent microwave dielectric properties. - Abstract: The structure and microstructure of the (1 − x) Li{sub 2.08}TiO{sub 3} + xLiF (0.11 ≤ x ≤ 0.14) ceramics were studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermal dilatometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microwave dielectric properties of the ceramics were studied with a network analyzer. All samples exhibited single monoclinic phase. The sintering temperature was successfully reduced to about 900 °C/2 h for the LiF-doped Li{sub 2.08}TiO{sub 3} specimens. The dielectric permittivity slightly decreased, whereas the Q × f value changed little, with the increase in LiF dopant. The temperature coefficient of resonant of frequency (τ{sub f}) value changed from positive to negative with increasing x, and a near zero value was obtained at x = 0.13 composition. Optimized microwave dielectric properties with ε{sub r} = ∼22.8, Q × f = ∼63,000 GHz and τ{sub f} = ∼1.0 ppm/°C for x = 0.13 composition sintered at 900 °C/2 h. The XRD and back scattering SEM analysis showed that the ceramic was compatible with Ag powders after sintering at 900 °C/2 h.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structure, magnetic, and dielectric properties of Ti-doped LaFeO{sub 3} ceramics synthesized by polymer pyrolysis method

Highlights: • The LaFe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} samples can be successfully prepared by polymer pyrolysis method. • XANES spectra confirmed the mixed valence states of Fe{sup 3+} and Fe{sup 4+} for Fe ions and valence states of Ti{sup 4+} for Ti ions. • The ferromagnetism (FM) at room temperature (RT) can be observed in all LaFe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} nanoparticles and ceramics. • The uncompensated spins at the surface played an important role in the magnetism of LaFe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} nanoparticles. • The giant dielectric behavior of the ceramic samples can be easily found by substitution at B site. - Abstract: Perovskite Ti-doped LaFeO{sub 3} (LaFe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3}, x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) nanoparticles synthesized by the polymer pyrolysis method were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) were used to characterize phase, morphology, valence states and magnetic properties of the samples. The samples had a phase of the orthorhombic structure with crystallite sizes of 25 ± 2–47 ± 2 nm for nanoparticles, while ceramic samples had the grain sizes of 0.9 ± 0.3–6.0 ± 2.3 μm. The result of XANES spectra showed that the Fe{sup 3+}/Fe{sup 4+} and Ti{sup 4+} exist in the samples. The weak ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature is observed for all LaFe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} samples with a maximum magnetization of 0.32 emu/g for x = 0.2. Additionally, larger hysteresis loops induced significantly in ceramic samples with no saturation up to 10 kOe. The dielectric properties as a function of frequency at low temperatures suggest the presence of polarization in the samples due to the electron hopping between Fe{sup 3+} and Fe{sup 4+} ions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Enhanced ferroelectric polarization and magnetization in BiFe{sub 1−x}Sc{sub x}O{sub 3} ceramics

Highlights: • Single phase Sc doped BFO ceramics were successfully fabricated. • Dielectric constant and magnetization are enhanced in doped BFO system. • Polarization first increases and then decreases in doped BFO system. • M{sub r} of 0.0105 emu/g and P{sub r} of 16.1 μC/cm{sup 2} were revealed simultaneously at x = 0.01. - Abstract: Multiferroic BiFe{sub 1−x}Sc{sub x}O{sub 3} ceramics with x = 0.00–0.10 were synthesized by rapid liquid phase sintering. The influences of Sc doping on the crystalline structures, dielectric, ferroelectric, and magnetic behaviors of BiFeO{sub 3} ceramics were explored. The X-ray diffraction and the Raman spectrometric analysis revealed that all the samples are nearly single phase of rhombohedral structure with the incorporation of Sc ions into BiFeO{sub 3}. With increase doping concentration of x, the dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and remnant polarization for the doped BiFeO{sub 3} increase first and then drop down with further rise of x. A saturated ferroelectric polarization can be achieved at a small amount of Sc doping concentration (x < 0.03), with a optimized remnant polarization of 17.6 μC/cm{sup 2} at x = 0.03. Meanwhile, the magnetization is also slightly increased by introducing Sc dopant, with a maximum remnant magnetization of 0.0105 emu/g at x = 0.01. These results indicate that BiFeO{sub 3} ceramics with small amounts of Sc-doping may be promising for applications in magnetoelectric devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Dielectric silicone elastomers with mixed ceramic nanoparticles

Highlights: • Composite ceramics nanoparticles (MCN) with zirconium dioxide and lead zirconate. • Dielectric elastomer films wDith PDMS matrix and MCN as dielectric filler. • Hydrophobic character—water resistant and good flexibility specific to siloxanes. • Increased value of dielectric constant with the content of MCN in dielectric films. • Increased energy output from uniaxial deformation of the dielectric elastomer films. - Abstract: A ceramic material consisting in a zirconium dioxide-lead zirconate mixture has been obtained by precipitation method, its composition being proved by wide angle X-ray powder diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The average diameter of the ceramic particles ranged between 50 and 100 nm, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy images. These were surface treated and used as filler for a high molecular mass polydimethylsiloxane-α,ω-diol (Mn = 450,000) prepared in laboratory, the resulted composites being further processed as films and crosslinked. A condensation procedure, unusual for polydimethylsiloxane having such high molecular mass, with a trifunctional silane was approached for the crosslinking. The effect of filler content on electrical and mechanical properties of the resulted materials was studied and it was found that the dielectric permittivity of nanocomposites increased in line with the concentration of ceramic nanoparticles.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Intense 2.7 μm mid-infrared emission of Er{sup 3+} in oxyfluoride glass ceramic containing NaYF{sub 4} nanocrystals

Highlights: • Transparent oxyfluoride glass-ceramics containing NaYF{sub 4}:Er{sup 3+} nanocrystals have been prepared. • Intense 2.7 μm emission of the glass-ceramics has been demonstrated. • Prolonged decay lifetimes of Er{sup 3+}:{sup 4}I{sub 11/2} and {sup 4}I{sub 13/2} levels have been achieved. - Abstract: Transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing NaYF{sub 4}:Er{sup 3+} nanocrystals have been prepared by melt quenching and subsequent thermal treatment. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the precipitation of NaYF{sub 4} nanocrystals in glass. Energy dispersive spectrometer results evidenced the preferential concentration of Er{sup 3+} ions in nanocrystals. Mid-infrared, upconversion, and near-infrared emissions were measured upon excitation with 980 nm laser diode and the luminescence mechanisms were discussed. Intense 2.7 μm emission originating from the Er{sup 3+}:{sup 4}I{sub 11/2} → {sup 4}I{sub 13/2} transition was achieved due to the incorporation of Er{sup 3+} ions into the precipitated low phonon energy fluoride nanocrystals. The results indicate that oxyfluoride glass ceramic containing NaYF{sub 4}:Er{sup 3+} nanocrystals is a promising candidate material for 2.7 μm laser.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Photocatalytic study on SrBi2B2O7 (SrO-Bi2O3-B2O3) transparent glass ceramics

Highlights: • SrO-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}-B{sub 2}O{sub 3} transparent glass ceramic was fabricated via melt-quenching. • XRD and SEM revealed nucleation of SrBi{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanocrystals over glass surface. • SrBi{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanocrystals were found responsible for photocatalytic activity. • Rz ink test was performed to test self-cleaning ability of glass. • Digital photographic method was opted to view self-cleaning of glass. - Abstract: SrO-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}-B{sub 2}O{sub 3} transparent glass ceramic was fabricated via conventional melt-quenching technique. Structural analysis like X-ray diffraction, Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies were performed to confirm SBBO glass ceramic formation. As-quenched glass samples exhibited X-ray diffraction peaks corresponding to SrBi{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} which were further confirmed through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. UV–vis transmission spectra revealed 60%–80% transparency in 500–800 nm spectral range. Absorption study revealed direct bandgap of 2.58 eV. Resazurin (Rz) ink was used as an indicator to monitor photocatalytic activity for self-cleaning purposes. Digital photographic method was performed to examine photoreduction of Rz ink. Further, the pseudo-first order kinetics was istimated for Methylene blue (MB) degradation. Nucleation of nanoparticles of SrBi{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} over glass surface were found responsible for photocatalytic activity. Contact angle with water droplet for SBBO glass ceramic was 63.43°. Reduced Young’s modulus (E{sub r}) and Vickers hardness (H{sub v}) were found 59.9 GPa and 5.01 GPa, respectively.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Preparation and characterization of Pb(Lu1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 ternary ferroelectric ceramics with high piezoelectric constant

Highlights: • PLN-PNN-PT ternary ferroelectric systems were prepared by two-step method. • PLN-PNN-PT ceramics exhibit typical relaxor behavior. • 0.17PLN-0.47PNN-0.36PT ceramic has optimal properties (T{sub C} ∼ 142 °C, d{sub 33} ∼ 378 pC/N). - Abstract: Pb(Lu{sub 1/2}Nb{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}-Pb(Ni{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}-PbTiO{sub 3} ferroelectric ceramics were successfully prepared by a modified two-step columbite precursor method. The structural, dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, ferroelectric and dielectric measurements. All the obtained samples have pure perovskite structure. The composition of 0.17PLN-0.47PNN-0.36PT within morphotropic phase boundary exhibits optimal properties with piezoelectric coefficient d{sub 33} = 378 pC/N, Curie temperature Tc = 142 °C, dielectric constant ε΄ = 4700, dielectric loss tangent tanδ = 0.05, remnant polarization Pr = 27.1 μC/cm{sup 2} and coercive field Ec = 8.89 KV/cm. According to Curie-Weiss Law and Lorentz-type quadratic relationship, the dielectric behavior was studied and the relaxor factor γ is between 1.55–1.87, indicating the character of diffuse phase transition of the Pb(Lu{sub 1/2}Nb{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}-Pb(Ni{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}-PbTiO{sub 3} ceramics. The excellent piezoelectric properties and high Curie temperature make this system a promising material for high-power transducer applications in a broad temperature range.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Spark Plasma Sintering of high-density fine-grained Y2.5Nd0.5Al5O12+SiC composite ceramics

Highlights: • YAG + (10, 20) wt.% α-SiC high-density ceramics obtained by SPS. • YAG + α-SiC ceramics have a more fine-grained structure than pure garnet. • The optimal sintering temperature of YAG + SiC ceramics is lower than that of garnet. • Introduction of α-SiC particles creates internal stress fields in garnet. • Introduction of α-SiC particles results in lower sintering activation energy of garnet. - Abstract: Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) has been used to produce samples of fine-grained composites Y{sub 2.5}Nd{sub 0.5}Al{sub 5}O{sub 12} + x wt.% α-SiC (x = 1020) with ∼98–99% density. The microstructure of the composites has been studied, as well as the impact of α-SiC particles on the mechanical properties and kinetics of composite sintering. The introduction of the α-SiC part has been demonstrated to form a more fine-grained structure and under the given SPS conditions change the sintering mechanism in ceramics. The study has also demonstrated that introduction of α-SiC particles into garnet results in formation of internal stress fields, which, in turn, leads to a decrease in the activation energy of sintering of fine-grained composites at high temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Preparation and up-conversion luminescence of Tb3+/Yb3+ co-doped BaO-WO3-SiO2 glass ceramic

Highlights: • The Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped glass ceramics containing BaWO{sub 4} is prepared. • The optimum heat treatment schedules is obtained. • The up conversion luminescence mechanism is investigated. - Abstract: The Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped BaO-WO{sub 3}-SiO{sub 2} glass ceramic is prepared by melt crystallization method. The optimum heat treatment schedule is determined on basis of differential scanning calorimetry. The crystal phase is BaWO{sub 4} by X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal grain sizes are examined by scanning electron microscope and crystal grain sizes increase with the increasing of heat treatment time. In the visible region, the transmittance of glass ceramic is 79%. The up-conversion fluorescence intensity increase with the increasing of heat treatment time up to 90 min and with the increasing of Yb{sup 3+} concentration up to 0.3 mol%. The possible mechanism of up-conversion in Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped BaWO{sub 4} glass ceramic is discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Hot-pressed 6 LiInSe 2 for use as a ceramic radiation detector

Lithium based chalcogenides have many uses in the nuclear science field. 6 LiInSe 2 (or LISe) has been researched extensively because of its ability to operate in both scintillator and semiconductor modes. Here, this makes it useful in applications including nuclear material detection for national security, space applications, and medical imaging. In some applications growth and fabrication costs are of concern, as it takes upwards of 40 days to synthesize a charge, grow a crystal and fabricate a detector. Ceramics are a solution for this long route of preparation. This research shows that using a 6 LiInSe 2 ceramic instead of a single crystal significantly decreases the time required to make a detector. In the present work, ceramic wafers can be formed using a mechanical press equipped with a heating attachment. The resulting ceramic wafer performs very similar to a slow-growth single crystal when used in the scintillator mode.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗