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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 955 records · Page 53
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Isoreticular Linker Substitution in Conductive Metal–Organic Frameworks with Through–Space Transport Pathways

The extension of reticular chemistry concepts to electrically conductive three-dimensional metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been challenging, particularly for cases in which strong interactions between electroactive linkers create the charge transport pathways. Here, we report the successful replacement of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) with a nickel glyoximate core in a family of isostructural conductive MOFs with Mn 2+ , Zn 2+ , and Cd 2+ . Different coordination environments of the framework metals lead to variations in the linker stacking geometries and optical properties. Single-crystal conductivity data are consistent with charge transport along the linker stacking direction, with conductivity values only slightly lower than those reported for the analogous TTF materials. Lastly, these results serve as a case study demonstrating how reticular chemistry design principles can be extended to conductive frameworks with significant intermolecular contacts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Thermal conductivity of salvaged fused cast alumina used in the glass industry

Fused cast alumina (FCA) has been and continues to be used as a refractory material in energy intensive industries such as glass melting and chemical processing. In-service degradation due to high temperature exposure in harsh environment affects the designed furnace thermal profiles and energy consumption. Phase transformation may occur at the refractory hot face during glass melting altering the properties. Three FCA blocks recovered from industrial furnaces were investigated in this study. The as-received FCA consists primarily of a mixture of alpha (α) and beta (β) alumina that has a thermal conductivity value of 5–6 W/mK. The Hot Disk method was used to obtain thermal conductivity directly on the refractory blocks. At the hot face, a transformation from β to α alumina occurred and was confirmed by an X-ray diffraction study. Thermal conductivity measurements as a function of position also showed a clear transition from β to α alumina at both ends of a complete block with no voids. Thermal conductivity of the α alumina tripled compared to β alumina. This study provides important information of heat transfer and thermal conductivity evolution to refractory manufacturers and users.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Experimental Study on Electrical Conductivity of MnO-CaO-SiO{sub 2} Slags at 1723 K to 1823 K (1450 °C to 1550 °C) and Various Oxygen Potentials

The electrical conductivity of molten slag has many important and practical effects in modeling and operating the electric smelting furnace. In the present study, the electrical conductivities (total and electronic/ionic properties) of MnO-CaO-SiO{sub 2} slags were measured by a four-electrode method at different oxygen potentials and temperatures. Experimental results show that the effects of temperature on the total, electronic, and ionic conductivities obey the Arrhenius law, and all conductivities increase when increasing the temperature. The stepped potential chronoamperometry method was used to measure the electronic transference number, which is affected strongly by oxygen potential but is unaffected by temperature. The total electrical, electronic, and ionic conductivities present similar increasing trends when increasing the CO/CO{sub 2} ratio, which resulted from increasing Mn{sup 2+}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Microstructure Evolution and Failure Analysis of an Aluminum–Copper Cathode Conductive Head Produced by Explosive Welding

In this paper, microstructure evolution and failure analysis of the aluminum-copper interface of cathode conductive heads during their use were studied. The interface morphologies, compositions, conductivity and mechanical properties were investigated and analyzed. Obvious corrosion was found on the surface of the contact interface, which was more prevalent on an Al matrix. The crack increased sharply in the local metallurgical bonding areas on the interface, with the compound volume having no significant change. The phase transformation occurred on the interface during use, which was investigated using the elemental composition and x-ray diffraction pattern. The microhardness near the interface increased accordingly. An obvious electrical conductivity decrease appeared on the Al/Cu interface of the cathode conductive head after use over a specific time interval. Therefore, the deterioration of the microstructures and corrosion are the primary factors that affect the electrical conductivity and effective bonding, which will lead to eventual failure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

A Study on Thermal Conductivity and Stability of Nanofluids Containing Chemically Synthesized Nanoparticles for Advanced Thermal Applications

This study presents easy methods of synthesizing silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles through chemical route in an aqueous medium under atmospheric condition at ambient temperature. The synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized with different techniques, such as x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements. Experimental observations have revealed the absence of any metal oxide layer around the nanoparticles which are found to remain stable under ambient conditions. The featured properties, such as narrow size distribution, stability, make these nanoparticles potential candidates for the synthesis of effective nanofluids. The nanofluids have been prepared by dispersing the nanoparticles synthesized through chemical route in a suitable base fluid. The thermal conductivity of nanofluids with different nanoparticles loading has been measured by transient hot-wire method, and the results have shown that the increasing trend of enhancement in thermal conductivity with respect to nanoparticles concentration is attainable only when the nanoparticles concentration is below some limiting value depending on the type of nanofluid. Beyond this limiting value of loading, the thermal conductivity of the nanofluid decreases due to pronounced agglomeration effect. The measurements of thermal conductivity of nanofluids over varying temperatures for a given volume fraction loading of nanoparticles have shown that the thermal conductivity increases markedly with the increase in temperature. Hence, nanofluids are likely to be much more promising at high-temperature applications.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Influence of magnesia-to-phosphate molar ratio on microstructures, mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of magnesium potassium phosphate cement paste with large water-to-solid ratio

This paper describes the influence of the magnesia-to-phosphate (M/P) molar ratios ranging from 4 to 12, on the properties and microstructures of magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) pastes with a large water-to-solid ratio (w/s) of 0.50. The setting behavior, compressive strength, tensile bonding strength and thermal conductivity of the MKPC pastes, were investigated. The results show that an increase in the M/P ratio can slow down the setting reaction, and clearly degrade the mechanical strengths, but clearly improve the thermal conductivity of MKPC pastes. Furthermore, micro-characterizations including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, on the MKPC pastes reveal that a lower M/P ratio can facilitate better crystallization of the resultant magnesium potassium phosphate hexahydrate (MKP) and a denser microstructure. Moreover, strong linear correlations are found between the mechanical strengths and the MKP-to-space ratio, and between thermal conductivity and the volume ratio of the unreacted magnesia to the MKP. - Highlights: • Increase of M/P molar ratio causes clear mechanical degradations on MKPC pastes. • Thermal conductivity of MKPC pastes is improved with increase of M/P molar ratio. • Lower M/P ratio leads to better MKP crystallization and denser microstructure. • Strengths of MKPC pastes are linearly correlated to the MKP-to-space ratios. • Thermal conductivity is affected by the volume ratio of unreacted magnesia to MKP.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Simulated lightning strike investigation of CFRP comprising a novel Polyaniline/Phenol based electrically conductive resin matrix

Traditional carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) have been reported to exhibit lower electrical conductivity in the through-thickness direction, and have since paved the path for developing new resin systems to improve the through-thickness electrical conductivity and functionality of CFRP laminates. This work designs and investigates a novel Polyaniline (PANI)/Phenol resin, which possesses high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. The CFRP manufactured by this PANI/Phenol resin with an addition of up to (~23.30%) phenol resulted in 0.6 S/cm through-thickness conductivity and demonstrated flexural strength and modulus values of 477 MPa and 59.2 GPa, respectively. We further evaluate the effectiveness of lightning strike protection of PANI/Phenol-based conductive CFRP laminates with a simulated lightning strike test. In essence, this research reports on PANI/Phenol-based CFRP's effectiveness as a material for lightning suppression without applying traditional metal-based lightning strike protection (LSP) systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Tailored crosslinking of Poly(ethylene oxide) enables mechanical robustness and improved sodium-ion conductivity

We report that sodium-based energy storage systems are promising candidates for electric vehicles and grid-level energy storage applications. The advancement of sodium-based energy storage systems relies on the development of high performance sodium-ion conducting electrolytes and membranes that exhibit high ionic conductivity and mechanical stability. A crosslinked poly(ethylene oxide) based polymer electrolyte was developed that demonstrates high ionic conductivity, as well as excellent mechanical stability over a wide temperature range. Ionic conductivities up to 2.0 × 10 -4 S/cm at 20 °C and 7.1 × 10 -4 S/cm at 70 °C are achieved for the plasticized membrane, almost four orders of magnitude greater than that of the non-plasticized membrane. The membranes are mechanically robust, and the storage modulus of the membrane is maintained at ~1 MPa from -20 to 180 °C even with the addition of plasticizer. In conclusion, this study provides a synthesis approach towards the design of highly ion conducting, mechanically robust gel polymer electrolytes for Na-ion batteries, non-aqueous flow batteries, and many other applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Measurements of the thermal conductivity of reference liquids using a modified transient hot-wire needle probe

Many power generation processes feature some type of working fluid that plays a critical role in the transfer of heat throughout the system. To optimize thermal efficiencies, an accurate characterization of the temperature-dependent thermal conductivity of the fluid is needed. Herein, this study develops a time-domain Modified Transient Hot-wire Needle Probe to overcome phenomena that have impaired traditional measurement techniques when the fluid is both corrosive and at an elevated temperature. First, the physical design of the instrument is presented to demonstrate features that limit interference from corrosion, electrical conduction, and convective and radiative heat transfer. Next, a governing equation for 1D (radial) heat conduction is fully developed using the thermal quadrupoles technique. A finite-element study is performed for validation. A sensitivity analysis is done to assess the time-dependent influence of critical parameters in the governing equation for several samples. Finally, thermal conductivity measurements are presented for seven different liquid substances by fitting the thermal model to experimental data across a range of temperatures. Reference correlations are included for comparison. The sample thermal conductivity and ambient temperature of the experimental conditions range from 0.125–16.5$\frac{W}{m·K}$ and 10–400°C, respectively. The total uncertainty, comprised of both the experimental design and fitting process, of all measurements is quantified.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2016

Room temperature thermal conductivity measurements of neat MOF-5 compacts with high pressure hydrogen and helium

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a highly porous crystalline material with potential in various applications including on-board vehicle hydrogen storage for fuel cell vehicles. The thermal conductivity of MOFs is an important parameter in the design and ultimate performance of an on-board hydrogen storage system. However, in-situ thermal conductivity measurements have not been previously reported. The present study reports room temperature thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity measurements performed on neat MOF-5 cylindrical compacts (ρ = 0.4 g/mL) as a function of pressure (0.27–90 bar) and gas type (hydrogen and helium). The transient plane source technique was used to measure both the non-directional thermal properties (isotropic method) and the directional thermal properties (anisotropic method). High pressure measurements were made using our in-house built low-temperature, high pressure thermal conductivity sample cell. The intrinsic thermal properties of neat MOF-5 measured under vacuum were—Isotropic: k isotropic = 0.1319 W/m K, α isotropic = 0.4165 mm 2 /s; Anisotropic: k axial = 0.1477 W/m K, k radial = 0.1218 W/m K, α axial = 0.5096 mm 2 /s, and α radial = 0.4232 mm 2 /s. The apparent thermal properties of neat MOF-5 increased with increasing hydrogen and helium pressure, with the largest increase occurring in the narrow pressure range of 0–10 bar and then monotonically asymptoting with increasing pressures up to around 90 bar. On average, a greater than two-fold enhancement in the apparent thermal properties was observed with neat MOF-5 in the presence of helium and hydrogen compared to the intrinsic values of neat MOF-5 measured under vacuum. The apparent thermal properties of neat MOF-5 measured with hydrogen were higher than those measured with helium, which were directly related to the gas-specific thermal properties of helium and hydrogen. Neat MOF-5 exhibited a small degree of anisotropy under all conditions measured with thermal conductivities and diffusivities in the axial direction being higher than those in the radial direction. As a result, the low temperature specific heat capacities of neat MOF-5 were also measured and reported for the temperature range of 93–313 K (–180–40 °C).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Experimental confirmation of first-principles thermal conductivity in Zirconium-doped ThO 2

The degradation of thermal conductivity in advanced nuclear fuels due to the accumulation of fission products and irradiation-induced defects is inevitable, and must be considered as part of safety and efficiency analyses of nuclear reactors. Here, this study examines the thermal conductivity of a zirconium-doped ThO 2 crystal, synthesized via the hydrothermal method using a spatial domain thermoreflectance technique. Zirconium is one of the soluble fission products in oxide fuels that can effectively scatter heat-carrying phonons in the crystalline lattice of fuel. Thus, thermal property measurements of zirconium-doped ThO 2 single crystals provide insights into the effects of substitutional zirconium doping, isolated from extrinsic factors such as grain boundary scattering. The experimental results are compared with first-principles calculations of the lattice thermal conductivity of ThO 2 , employing an iterative solution of the Peierls-Boltzmann transport equation. Additionally, the non-perturbative Green's function methodology is utilized to compute phonon-point defect scattering rates, accounting for local distortions around point defects, including mass difference changes, interatomic force constants, and structural relaxation. The congruence between the predicted results from first-principles calculations and the measured temperature-dependent thermal conductivity validates the computational methodology. Furthermore, the methodologies employed in this study enable systematic investigations of thermal conductivity reduction by fission products, potentially leading to the development of more accurate fuel performance codes.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

In situ anodic electrodeposition of two-dimensional conductive metal-organic framework@nickel foam for high-performance flexible supercapacitor

Owing to their large specific surface area and well-defined porosity, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have long been considered as promising materials for energy storage. Unfortunately, their straightforward utilization in supercapacitors was hindered for years due to poor conductivity until the emergence of 2D conductive MOF materials. To date, several 2D conductive MOF-based supercapacitors have been reported. Nevertheless, almost all these supercapacitors were fabricated from MOF powders through a slurry coating method or dense packing method, which negatively affected their capacitor performance. Herein, we have developed an anodic electrodeposition (AED) approach to fabricate a uniformly deposited 2D conducting MOF on nickel foam and use it directly as electrodes for supercapacitors without any additives. Finally, the superior performance of the 2D conducting MOF on nickel foam in both aqueous and organic electrolytes was then disclosed by a series of electrochemical measurements, demonstrating the significant advantages of the AED approach over traditional methods.

2D conductive metal-organic frameworks↗
DOE OSTI2013

Two proton-conductive hybrids based on 2,2 Prime -biimidazole molecules and Keggin-type heteropolyacids

Two proton-conductive organic/inorganic complexes were constructed by Keggin-type heteropolyacids and 2,2 Prime -biimidazole molecules. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that two complexes crystallized in the triclinic space group Pi, exhibited very close unit cell parameters, and presented similar three-dimensional (3D) hydrogen-bonded networks constructed by H{sub 2}biim, [PM{sub 12}O{sub 40}]{sup 3-} (M=W for 1 and Mo for 2) and solvent molecules. The results of thermogravimetric analyses (TG) suggest that two supramolecular complexes have similar thermal stability based on the same 3D packing. Two complexes at 100 Degree-Sign C under 98% relative humidity showed a good proton conductivity of about 10{sup -4} S cm{sup -1}. A possible mechanism of the proton conduction was proposed according to the experimental results. - Graphical Abstract: Two molecular hybrids constructed by Keggin-type heteropolyacids and 2,2 Prime -biimidazole molecules showed good proton conductivities of 10{sup -4} S cm{sup -1} in the temperature range of 85-100 Degree-Sign C under 98% relative humidity. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer H{sub 2}biim shows the ability to form hydrogen bonds via the N-H groups in the context of crystal engineering. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Heteropolyacids have suitable characteristics to be used excellent proton conductors. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Two new supramolecular complexes based-on Keggin-type heteropolyacids and H{sub 2}biim molecules were constructed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The structure was determined by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Both complexes showed good proton conductivities of 10{sup -4} S cm{sup -1} in the temperature range of 85-100 Degree-Sign C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

A 3D POM–MOF composite based on Ni(ΙΙ) ion and 2,2´-bipyridyl-3,3´-dicarboxylic acid: Crystal structure and proton conductivity

We have succeeded in constructing a 3D POM–MOF, (H[Ni(Hbpdc)(H₂O)₂]₂[PW₁₂O₄₀]·8H₂O) n (H₂bpdc=2,2´-bipyridyl-3,3´-dicarboxylic acid), by the controllable self-assembly of H₂bpdc, Keggin-anions and Ni²⁺ ions based on the electrostatic and coordination interactions. Interestingly, Hbpdc⁻ as polydentate organic ligands and Keggin-anion as polydentate inorganic ligands are covalently linked transition-metal nickel at the same time. The title complex represents a new example of introducing the metal N-heterocyclic multi-carboxylic acid frameworks into POMs chemistry. Based on Keggin-anions being immobilized as part of the metal N-heterocyclic multi-carboxylic acid framework, the title complex realizes four approaches in the 1D hydrophilic channel used to engender proton conductivity in MOFs. Its water adsorption isotherm at room temperature and pressure shows that the water content in it was 31 cm³ g⁻¹ at the maximum allowable humidity, corresponding to 3.7 water molecules per unit formula. It exhibits good proton conductivities (10⁻⁴–10⁻³ S cm⁻¹) at 100 °C in the relative humidity range 35–98%. The corresponding activation energy (E{sub a}) of conductivity was estimated to be 1.01 eV. - Graphical abstract: A POM–MOF composite constructed by Keggin-type polyanion, Ni²⁺ and H₂bpdc shows good proton conductivities of 10⁻⁴–10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 100 °C under 35–98% RH. - Highlights: • A POM–MOF was constructed by combining metal N-heterocyclic multi-carboxylic acid framework and Keggin anion. • It opens a pathway for design and synthesis of multifunctional hybrid materials based on two building units. • Three types of potential proton-carriers have been assembled in the 1D hydrophilic channels of the POM–MOF. • It achieved such proton conductivities as 10⁻⁴–10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 100 °C in the RH range 35–98%.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Crystal structure, thermal expansion and high-temperature electrical conductivity of A-site deficient La{sub 2−z}Co{sub 1+y}(Mg{sub x}Nb{sub 1−x}){sub 1−y}O{sub 6} double perovskites

New La-deficient double perovskites with P2{sub 1}/n symmetry, La{sub ∼1.90}(Co{sup 2+}{sub 1−x}Mg{sup 2+}{sub x})(Co{sup 3+}{sub 1/3}Nb{sup 5+}{sub 2/3})O{sub 6} with x=0, 0.13 and 0.33, and La{sub 2}(Co{sup 2+}{sub 1/2}Mg{sup 2+}{sub 1/2}) (Co{sup 3+}{sub 1/2}Nb{sup 5+}{sub 1/2})O{sub 6} were prepared by solid state reaction at 1450 °C. Their crystal structures were refined using time-of-flight neutron powder diffraction data. Our results show that certain cations such as Nb{sup 5+}, with very strong B–O bonds in the perovskite structure, can induce A-site vacancies in double perovskites. Upon heating in N{sub 2} gas atmosphere at 1200 °C ∼1% O atom vacancies are formed together with a partial reduction of the Co{sup 3+} content. The average thermal expansion coefficient between 25 and 900 °C of La{sub 1.90}(Co{sup 2+}{sub 2/3}Mg{sup 2+}{sub 1/3})(Co{sup 3+}{sub 1/3}Nb{sup 5+}{sub 2/3})O{sub 6} was determined to be 17.4 ppm K{sup −1}. Four-point electronic conductivity measurements showed that the compounds are semiconductors, with conductivities varying between 3.7·10{sup −2} and 7.7·10{sup −2} S cm{sup −1} at 600 °C and activation energies between 0.77 and 0.81 eV. Partial replacement of La{sup 3+} with Sr{sup 2+} does not lead to any increase of conductivity, while replacement of Mg{sup 2+} with Cu{sup 2+} in La{sub 1.9}CoCu{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3}O{sub 6} and La{sub 1.8}CoCu{sub 1/2}Nb{sub 1/2}O{sub 6} leads to ∼100 times larger conductivities at 600 °C, 0.35 and 1.0 S cm{sup −1}, respectively, and lower activation energies, 0.57 and 0.73 eV, respectively. - Highlights: • Double perovskites, P2{sub 1}/n, La{sub 2−z}(Co{sup 2+}{sub 1−x}Mg{sup 2+}{sub x})(Co{sup 3+}{sub 1/3}Nb{sup 5+}{sub 2/3})O{sub 6} have been synthesized. • Crystal structures have been refined using neutron powder diffraction data. • Strong Nb–O bond and size ordering of Mg{sup 2+}/Co{sup 2+} and Nb{sup 5+}/Co{sup ~3+} leads to La-deficiency. • The compounds are semi conductors (~10{sup −2} S cm{sup −1}) at 600 °C. • Replacement of Mg{sup 2+} with Cu{sup 2+} leads to higher conductivity (~1.0 S cm{sup −1}) at 600 °C.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Influence of nickel doping on oxygen-ionic conductivity of the n = 1 Ruddlesden-Popper Phases La{sub 1.85}Ca{sub 0.15}(Cu{sub 1−x}Ni{sub x})O{sub 4−δ} (δ = 0.0905)

The results of the synthesis and characterization of the optimally doped La{sub 1.85}Ca{sub 0.15}(Cu{sub 1−x}Ni{sub x})O{sub 4-δ} solid solution with x = 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 are reported. The versatility of these La{sub 1.85}Ca{sub 0.15}(Cu{sub 1−x}Ni{sub x})O{sub 4−δ} materials is explained on the basis of structural features and the ability to accommodate oxygen nonstoichiometry. According to powder X-ray and neutron diffraction data, La{sub 1.85}Ca{sub 0.15}(Cu{sub 1−x}Ni{sub x})O{sub 4−δ} adopts the tetragonal structure with oxygen vacancies occurring preferentially at the O{sub ap} sites within the {(La/Ca)O} layers of the perovskite blocks and the oxygen deviation from stoichiometry δ was found to be δ=0.0905(6). The bulk conductivity indicated an Arrhenius-type thermally activated process and oxygen vacancies are the possible ionic charge carriers at T=270 °C. An increase of the conductivity was detected when Ni was introduced. With nickel ratio variation, a strong correlation was observed between the Cu(Ni)-O{sub ap} apical bond length variation and the conductivity variation through controlling the O{sup 2−} ion migration. - Highlights: • We report the synthesis and structure of the La{sub 1.85}Ca{sub 0.15}(Cu{sub 1−x}Ni{sub x})O{sub 4−δ} (0≤x≤0.3; δ=0.0905) compounds. • La{sub 1.85}Ca{sub 0.15}(Cu{sub 1−x}Ni{sub x})O{sub 4−δ} (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.3) doped with Ni{sup 2+} have a higher conductivity than undoped La{sub 1.85}Ca{sub 0.15}CuO{sub 4−δ}. • At T=270 °C, sample x=0.3 has the highest conductivity (0.2915 sm{sup −1}).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Anisotropy in thermal conductivity of graphite flakes–SiC{sub p}/matrix composites: Implications in heat sinking design for thermal management applications

Within the frame of heat dissipation for electronics, a very interesting family of anisotropic composite materials, fabricated by liquid infiltration of a matrix into preforms of oriented graphite flakes and SiC particles, has been recently proposed. Aiming to investigate the implications of the inherent anisotropy of these composites on their thermal conductivity, and hence on their potential applications, materials with matrices of Al–12 wt.% Si alloy and epoxy polymer have been fabricated. Samples have been cut at a variable angle with respect to the flakes plane and thermal conductivity has been measured by means of two standard techniques, namely, steady state technique and laser flash method. Experimental results are presented and discussed in terms of current models, from which important technological implications for heat sinking design can be derived. - Highlights: • Anisotropy in thermal conductivity of graphite flakes-based composites is evaluated. • Samples are cut in a direction forming a variable angle with the oriented flakes. • For angles 0° and 90°, thermal conductivity does not depend on sample geometry. • For intermediate angles, thermal conductivity strongly depends on sample geometry. • “Thin” samples must be thicker than 600 μm, “thick” samples must be encapsulated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Enhanced strength and electrical conductivity of ultrafine-grained Al-Mg-Si alloy processed by hydrostatic extrusion

Highlights: • Al-Mg-Si alloy was subjected to hydrostatic extrusion combined with aging treatment. • UFG Al-Mg-Si alloy with UTS of 332 MPa and conductivity of 58% IACS was obtained. • Precipitation process depended on applied strains and crystallographic texture. • Strengthening effect was achieved by UFG structure and needle-like β″ precipitates. • Precipitation of β″ and spherical β′/β particles at GB provided high conductivity. - Abstract: The effect of hydrostatic extrusion combined with an artificial aging on microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of 6101 Al-Mg-Si alloy was investigated. It has been shown that such thermo-mechanical treatment is an effective method for producing of long wires with an ultrafine-grained microstructure (grain size of 300–400 nm) and enhanced ultimate tensile strength (> 330 MPa) and electrical conductivity (up to 58% IACS). The mechanical behavior of 6101 Al-Mg-Si alloy depended strongly on applied strains by hydrostatic extrusion and crystallographic texture. Higher accumulative strain accelerated the precipitation kinetics but decreased the age hardening response. The double fiber <100> and <111> texture was observed for hydrostatically extruded samples. The <001> grains with homogenously distributed needle-like β″ precipitates provided precipitation strengthening of material while <111> grains resulted in more efficient grain boundary strengthening. Quantitative microstructure characterization allowed adjusting physical model to estimate the electrical conductivity and compare it with experimental data. The high conductivity was provided mainly by decomposition of solid solution due to precipitation of needle-like β″ precipitates in the grain interior and spherical β′ or β particles located at grain boundaries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗