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At least 73 records · Page 4

Lightweight porous plastic plaque

The porosity and platability of various materials were investigated to determine a suitable substrate for nickel-plated electrodes. Immersion, ultrasonics, and flow-through plating techniques were tried using nonproprietary formulations, and proprietary phosphide and boride baths. Modifications to the selected material include variations in formulation and treatment, carbon loading to increase conductivity, and the incorporation of a grid. Problems to be solved relate to determining conductivities and porosities as a function of amount of nickel plated on the plastics; loading; charge and discharge curves of electrodes at different current densities; cell performance; and long-term degradation of electrodes.

Reid, M.↗

The friction and wear properties of sputtered hard refractory compounds

The friction and wear properties of several refractory silicides, borides, and carbide coatings were examined. The coatings were applied to type 440C steel surfaces by radio-frequency sputtering. The friction and wear properties of the coatings were found to be related to stoichiometry and impurity content of the bulk coating as well as the degree of interfacial adherence between coating and substrate. Bulk coating stoichiometry could to large extent be controlled by the application of a negative bias voltage during deposition. Adherence was promoted by the formation of an oxidized layer at the interface. Deliberate preoxidizing of the 440C produced enhanced adherence for many compounds which is related to the formation of a mixed oxide transition region.

Brainard, W. A.↗

Some properties of an advanced boron fiber

An advanced coreless boron fiber has exhibited tensile strengths which are more than twice that of the normal CVD B/W fibers. The coreless fiber is made by the chemical removal of the tungsten boride core exposed by splitting the as-grown fiber. The easily splittable fiber is made by the chemical vapor deposition of boron on a larger than usual tungsten substrate. It is expected that the ease of splitting is related to residual stresses in these fibers. Measurements of the axial residual stresses in both the normal and the splittable fibers are presented and the results compared. Differences in these stresses are discussed in connection with the ease of splitting in the splittable fibers.

Behrendt, D. R.↗

Oxidation-induced contraction and strengthening of boron fibers

An investigation was conducted to measure and understand the physical and mechanical effects that occur in boron fibers during and after thermal treatment in a controlled oxygen argon gaseous mixture. Of principal concern was the optimization of this treatment as a secondary processing method for significantly improving fiber tensile strength. Strengthening was accomplished by an oxidation induced axial contraction of the fiber and a resulting axial compression of strength limiting flaws within the fiber's tungsten boride core. Various physical observations were used to develop mechanistic models for oxidation, contraction, and flow formation. Processing guidelines are discussed for possibly exceeding the 5.5 GN/sq m strength limit and also for achieving fiber strengthening during application of boron containing diffusion barrier coatings.

Dicarlo, J. A.↗

Fillers for improved graphite fiber retention by polymer matrix composites

The results of a program designed to determine the extent to which elemental boron and boron containing fillers added to the matrix resin of graphite/epoxy composites prevent the release of graphite fibers when the composites are exposed to fire and impact conditions are described. The fillers evaluated were boron, boron carbide and aluminum boride. The conditions evaluated were laboratory simulations of those that could exist in the event of an aircraft crash and burn situation. The baseline (i.e., unfilled) laminates evaluated were prepared from commercially available graphite/epoxy. The baseline and filled laminates' mechanical properties, before and after isothermal and humidity aging, also were compared. It was found that a small amount of graphite fiber was released from the baseline graphite/epoxy laminates during the burn and impact conditions used in this program. However, the extent to which the fibers were released is not considered a severe enough problem to preclude the use of graphite reinforced composites in civil aircraft structure. It also was found that the addition of boron and boron containing fillers to the resin matrix eliminated this fiber release. Mechanical properties of laminates containing the boron and boron containing fillers were lower than those of the baseline laminates. These property degradations for two systems: boron (5 micron) at 2.5 percent filler loading, and boron (5 micron) at 5.0 percent filler loading do not appear severe enough to preclude their use in structural composite applications.

House, E. E.↗

Fillers for improved graphite fiber retention by polymer matrix composites

This program was designed to develop technology for fabrication of graphite/epoxy composites containing selected boron and boron-containing fillers, determine the effects of the fillers on physical and mechanical properties of composites, and evaluate the effectiveness of the boron fillers for fiber retention when the composites are exposed to fire conditions followed by impact. Fillers evaluated were crystalline and amorphous boron, boron carbide, and aluminum boride. The fillers were evaluated by mixing with Narmco 5208 resin matrix at quantities up to 5%. Graphite composites were fabricated and evaluated with respect to their mechanical properties, resistance to humidity, and burning characteristics. Also, the mechanism by which the fillers prevented fiber release was studied.

Sheppard, C. H.↗

Oxidation-induced contraction and strengthening of boron fibers

An investigation of the physical and mechanical effects of thermal treatment in a controlled oxygen-argon atmosphere on boron fibers is reported, with attention to the optimization of such treatment as a secondary processing method for improvement of fiber strength. The strengthening mechanism is comprised of an oxidation-induced axial contraction of the fiber, accompanied by axial compression of strength-limiting flaws within the fiber's tungsten boride core. It was found that after an oxidation contraction of 0.3% near 900 C, and a slight surface etch near 100 C, the average tensile strength of 203-micron fibers increased from 500 to 800 ksi. Various physical observations are used to develop mechanistic models of oxidation, contraction, and the formation of new flaws in the boron sheath at contractions greater than 0.3%.

Dicarlo, J. A.↗

Effects of cobalt on the microstructure of Udimet 700

Cobalt, a critical and "strategic" alloying element in many superalloys, was systematically substituted by nickel in experimental alloys Udimet 700 containing 0.1, 4.3, 8.6, 12.8 and the standard 17.0 wt.% cobalt. Electrolytic and chemical extraction techniques, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and optical microscopy were used for the microstructural studies. The total weight fraction of gamma' was not significantly affected by the cobalt content, although a difference in the size and quantities of the primary and secondary gamma' phases was apparent. The lattice parameters of the gamma' were found to increase with increasing cobalt content while the lattice mismatch between the gamma matrix and gamma' phases decreased. Other significant effects of cobalt on the weight fraction, distribution and formation of the carbide and boride phases as well as the relative stability of the experimental alloys during long-time aging are also discussed.

Engel, M. A.↗

Materials for high-temperature thermoelectric conversion

High boron materials of high efficiency for thermoelectric power generation and capable of prolonged operation at temperatures over 1200 C are discussed. Background theoretical studies indicated that the low carrier mobility of materials with beta boron and related structures is probably associated with the high density of traps. Experimental work was mainly concerned with silicon borides in view of promising data from European laboratories. A systematic study using structure determination and lattice constant measurements failed to confirm the existence of an SiBn phase. Only SiB6 and a solid solution of silicon in beta boron with a maximum solid solubility of 5.5-6 at % at 1650 C were found.

Feigelson, R. S.↗

Refractory materials for high-temperature thermoelectric energy conversion

Theoretical work of two decades ago adequately explained the transport behavior and effectively guided the development of thermoelectric materials of high conversion efficiencies of conventional semiconductors (e.g., SiGe alloys). The more significant contributions involved the estimation of optimum doping concentrations, the reduction of thermal conductivity by solid solution doping and the development of a variety of materials with ZT approx. 1 in the temperature range 300 K to 1200 K. ZT approx. 1 is not a theoretical limitation although, experimentally, values in excess of one were not achieved. Work has continued with emphasis on higher temperature energy conversion. A number of promising materials have been discovered in which it appears that ZT 1 is realizable. These materials are divided into two classes: (1) the rare-earth chalcogenides which behave as itinerant highly-degenerate n-type semiconductors at room-temperature, and (2) the boron-rich borides, which exhibit p-type small-polaronic hopping conductivity.

Wood, C.↗

Investigation of the thermophysical properties of high-melting materials with the aid of a complex of instruments

The evaporation rate, vapor pressure, heats of evaporation reaction (sublimation, dissociation), enthalpy, electrical resistance, heat capacity, emissivity, and heat conductivity of various carbides, borides, sulfides, nitrides, selenides, and phosphides were investigated. A set of high temperature high vacuum devices, calorimeters (designed for operation at 400 to 1300 K and from 1200 K), and mass spectrometers, most of which were specially developed for these studies, is described.

Bolgar, A. S.↗

Method of making a light weight battery plaque

A nickel plaque which may be coated with a suitable metal or compound to make an electrode for a fuel cell or battery is fabricated by directing nickel sensitizer, catalyst and plating solutions through a porous plastic substrate in the order named and at prescribed temperatures and flow rates. A boride compound dissolved in the plating solution decreases the electrical resistance of the plaque. Certain substrates may require treatment in an alkali solution to dissolve filler materials thereby increasing porosity to a required 65%.

Reid, M. A.↗

Effects of cobalt, boron, and zirconium on the microstructure of Udimet 738

A structural study was carried out on Co modified Udimet 738 alloys containing 0.04, 0.10, and 0.20 wt % Zr at 0.01 and 0.03 wt % B levels. Samples in the as-cast and solution-treated conditions were exposed at 843 C to study structural stability. The structures produced by the interactions of Co, Zr, and B were studied by SEM, X-ray diffraction, and dispersive analysis techniques. The additions of large amounts of Zr and B were found to increase the solidification range of the U-738. Structural changes involved eutectic gamma prime islands, formation of low melting point compounds, and precipitation of borides and Zr rich phases. Boron and zirconium additions did not show substantial changes in mechanical properties. Removal of Co from the alloys resulted in reduction of the matrix solubility for carbon and increase in the gamma prime solvus. Structural instabilities found were continuous grain boundary M23C6 films, MC breakdown, and plate-like phases. Removal of cobalt resulted in a slight decrease in tensile and stress rupture properties. Detailed structural results presented.

Nakanishi, T. G.↗

Vapor pressure and evaporation rate of certain heat-resistant compounds in a vacuum at high temperatures

The vapor pressure and evaporation rate of borides of titanium, zirconium, and chrome; and of strontium and carbides of titanium, zirconium, and chrome, molybdenum silicide; and nitrides of titanium, niobium, and tantalum in a vacuum were studied. It is concluded that all subject compounds evaporate by molecular structures except AlB sub 12' which dissociates, losing the aluminum.

Bolgar, A. S.↗

The use of moments of momentum to account for crystal habits

A three-step theory of crystal growth is proposed which involves first an association of molecules or ions in solution to form an impinging growth unit, then second the orientation of this unit prior to its impact on the surface of a crystal, and finally the attachment of this unit to the crystal face. From this theory the habit of a crystal is dependent upon the moments of momentum of the impinging growth unit. The results of sample calculations are presented or sodium chloride, succinic acid, sucrose, and chromium boride. The faces predicted by this proposed theory are compared with those predicted by other, energy-based calculations and with those experimentally observed. The proposed theory suggests alternative strategies for crystallization and habit modification which may be of technological importance. Listings of the two computer programs that were used are provided.

Barber, P. G.↗

Refractory materials for high-temperature thermoelectric energy conversion

Theoretical work of two decades ago adequately explained the transport behavior and effectively guided the development of thermoelectric materials of high conversion efficiencies of conventional semiconductors (e.g., SiGe alloys). The more significant contributions involved the estimaiation of optimum doping concentrations, the reduction of thermal conductivity by solid solution doping and the development of a variety of materials with ZT approx. 1 in the temperature range 300 K to 1200 K. ZT approx. 1 is not a theoretical limitation although, experimentally, values in excess of one were not achieved. Work has continued with emphasis on higher temperature energy conversion. A number of promising materials have been discovered in which it appears that ZT 1 is realizable. These materials are divided into two classes: (1) the rare-earth chalcogenides which behave as itinerant highly-degenerate n-type semiconductors at room-temperature, and (2) the boron-rich borides, which exhibit p-type small-polaronic hopping conductivity.

Wood, C.↗

High-temperature thermoelectric energy converstion. I - Theory

The high-temperature thermoelectric energy-conversion theory is examined. It is shown that semiconductors are the logical choices for high-figure of merit-value materials, but the requirements for optimization differ depending on whether the material is classed as a broad-band or narrow-band semiconductor. Optimization is discussed as a function of temperature. Phonon scattering mechanisms are considered; and for the reduction of thermal conductivity, basic material guidelines are given. Although experimental results indicate that ZT (where Z is the figure of merit and T is the temperature) of about 1 represents an upper limit, there is in fact, no theoretical limitation. It is unlikely that the Z values will be significantly reduced by radiation transfer at temperatures lower than 2000 K. The current status of materials research is also considered. The rare-earth chalcogenides which behave as n-type semi-conductors and the boron-rich borides which exhibit hopping p-type conductivity behavior are the materials that show promise for high-temperature Z values. The reasons for low thermal conductivities in these materials is discussed.

Wood, C.↗

Feasibility study of the welding of SiC

In a brief study of the feasibility of welding sintered alpha-SiC, solid-state welding and brazing were investigated. Joint quality was determined solely by microstructural examination. Hot-pressure welding was shown to be feasible at 1950 C. Diffusion welding and brazing were also successful under hot isostatic pressure at 1950 C when boride, carbide, and silicide interlayers were used. Furnace brazing was accomplished at 1750 C when a TiSi2 interlayer was introduced.

Moore, T. J.↗