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At least 109 records · Page 6

A brief review on strain engineering of ferroelectric K x Na 1- x NbO 3 epitaxial thin films: Insights from phase-field simulations

Strains play a pivotal role in determining the phase equilibrium, domain configuration, and functional properties of the low-dimensional ferroelectrics. There is growing interest in the strain engineering of ferroelectric K x Na 1- x NbO 3 (KNN) epitaxial thin films, which exhibit excellent physical properties and promise as eco-friendly alternatives to lead-based ferroelectrics for microdevice applications. Further, advances have been made in understanding the phase equilibria and transitions, domains and domain walls, and their relations to the physical properties of KNN epitaxial thin films using a combination of experiments and theoretical modeling, particularly phase-field simulations. Here, we review recent progress in these aspects and showcase the phase-field method for establishing strain phase diagrams, elucidating the domain and domain wall structures at equilibrium, and predicting the structure–property relationships in ferroelectric KNN thin films. We also discuss challenges and opportunities to further advance our understanding of KNN thin films and potentially unlock new functionalities by leveraging phase-field simulations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of magneto-mechanical synergism in the process-structure correlation in Fe–C alloys: A phase-field modeling approach

Applied magnetic fields can alter phase equilibria and kinetics in steels; however, quantitatively resolving how magnetic, chemical, and elastic driving forces jointly influence the microstructure remains challenging. We develop a quantitative magneto-mechanically coupled phase-field model for the Fe–C system that couples a CALPHAD-based chemical free energy with demagnetization-field magnetostatics and microelasticity. Here, the model reproduces single- and multi-particle evolution during the α → γ inverse transformation at 1023 K under external fields up to 20 T, including ellipsoidal morphologies observed experimentally at 8 T. Chemically driven growth is isotropic; a magnetic interaction introduces an anisotropic driving force that elongates γ precipitates along the field into ellipsoids, while elastic coherency promotes faceting, yielding elongated cuboidal or “brick-like” particles under combined magneto-elastic coupling. Growth kinetics increase with C content, and decrease with field strength and misfit strain. Multi-particle simulations reveal dipolar interaction-mediated coalescence for field-parallel neighbors and ripening for field-perpendicular neighbors. Incorporating field-dependent diffusivity from experiment slows kinetics as expected; a first-principles-motivated anisotropic diffusivity correction is estimated to be small (<2%). These results establish a process-structure link for magnetically assisted heat treatments of Fe–C alloys and provide guidance for microstructure control via chemo-magneto-mechanical synergism.

Magnetic field↗

Thermodynamic constraints on the textural evolution of eucrite, EET 90020

Basaltic eucrites, which are possibly parts of the Vestan crust, formed as either lava flows or intrusions, and can offer insights into early crust formation. However most eucrites have experienced thermal metamorphism, which exacerbates the challenges of understanding these samples. A variety of petrogenetic models such as, partial melting of a primitive source, fractional crystallization of magmas emplaced in a primitive crust, and/or partial melting of a eucritic source coupled with melt mixing and assimilation have been proposed in order to explain observed petrologic and chemical characteristics of eucrites. EET 90020 is an unbrecciated eucrite that has experienced significant thermal metamorphism, with temperatures of metamorphic equilibration calculated to be ~840-1040°C. Its petrologic history remains contentious, in part due to differences in trace element analyses [10,17, this work], which has led to multiple metamorphic interpretations [8,10-11]. Here, we combined petrologic observations, chemical analyses, and thermodynamic modeling, to interpret micro-domain textures identified in EET 90020 and better constrain its petrologic history. Ultimately, the development of such textures is a direct result of the geologic processes operating on a young Vesta or similar asteroid. Sample description: We identified three textural domains in EET 90020 (Figure 1); (I) A coarse grain domain with granoblastic plagioclase and pyroxene, (II) a medium grain domain with curved grain boundaries between plagioclase and pyroxene, and (III) a fine grain domain dominated by tridymite that fills in interstitial space between spherical plagioclase. Major element chemistry in phases is consistent across domains. Pyroxene have distinctive high Ca lamellae (Wo40.92En28.1Fs31.0) forming from the low-Ca pigeonite host (Wo3.5En33.7Fs62.8). There are small amounts of fayalitic olivine along pyroxene/oxide grain boundaries, where pyroxenes have reacted with ilmenite/chromite clasts. Plagioclase is anorthitic (Avg ~An88), with little variation (An86-92.5). Trace element bulk rock analyses were collected via ICP-MS and individual mineral analyses with LA-ICP-MS (Figure 2). The bulk sample has an observable enrichment in light rare earth elements, with a notable depletion in Eu. Plagioclase is enriched in LREEs, depleted in HREEs, and has a positive Eu anomaly while pyroxene is enriched in HREEs with a negative Eu anomaly. Variations in trace element analyses is likely influenced by the presence of phosphates because are highly enriched in REEs and have a dramatic effect on the bulk domain compositions. Thermodynamic modeling: The software package, Perple_X, was used to calculate mineral phase equilibria over a range of conditions using a Gibbs free energy minimization approach [12]. Models used all major/minor elements except P2O5. Thermodynamic properties from [13] were used to constrain endmember phase stabilities. Activity models were used to describe mixing in phases with solid solution. Isochemical P-T phase diagrams were constructed for the bulk thin section, and the coarse, medium and fine grain domain compositions. Domain compositions were determined using microprobe analyses of phases identified in each domain and observed modal mineral abundancies. Thermodynamically stable pyroxene compositions were extracted from model results and compared to pyroxene compositions collected via EMPA, allowing us to calculate temperatures for metamorphic equilibrium. Results: Results that use the coarse domain composition (Fig. 3a) demonstrate overlap at T ~ 1020°C indicating high T equilibration. There was no overlap for the medium and fine grain domains, or the bulk composition (e.g., Fig. 3b) indicating that these are not equilibrium assemblages. These results were replicated using data from [8,20]. Discussion: The disequilibrium results from the bulk rock, fine grain and medium grain models imply that EET 90020 was modified during and/or after peak metamorphism (open system behavior). However, this is in contrast to the coarse domain where it appears as if equilibrium was maintained. We suggest that this conflict is explained by highly localized equilibrium occurring at millimeter length-scales, which has been observed in terrestrial metamorphism where aqueous fluid infiltrate [14] or melt loss occurs [15]. It is unlikely that aqueous alteration was significant in modifying the bulk composition of EET 90020, because it lacks hydrated minerals. However, the presence of melt is supported by the presence of an abundance of curved grain boundaries and spherical grains in the medium and fine grain domains This contrasts the coarse domain, where grain boundaries are angular. Given the evidence for disequilibrium in the medium and fine grain domains, it would be inappropriate to draw additional conclusions about textural evolution using thermodynamic models of those domains. However, modeling results of the coarse grain domain, where equilibrium was maintained, can provide useful insights into the geologic evolution of EET 90020. We approximate maximum metamorphic temperatures, using the Ca component in pyroxene, at ~1020°C (Fig. 4), which is consistent with previous two-pyroxene thermometry [11]. At this temperature, up to 10 vol % melt can be produced in the coarse grain domain, which is at the boundary of minimum melt needed in order to segregate and form a melt network [16]. Tridymite and plagioclase would be the first minerals to melt out during heating starting ~990°C. This is consistent with the observed melt textures formed by tridymite and plagioclase in the fine grain domain. We suggest that a partial melting model best explains the textural development of EET 90020. Upon heating, melt generated was either trapped, resulting in no net change in the localized rock composition, or migrated, resulting in disequilibrium between pyroxene and the surrounding matrix. A positive Eu anomaly in plagioclase indicates that all of the plagioclase was melted previously. This is consistent with previous studies that have suggested that EET 90020 represents a residual eucrite that experienced partial melting and subsequent melt loss [8]. We speculate that partial melting could have occurred when EET 90020 was heated in the asteroid’s lower crust or adjacent to an intrusion [7]. Future work will study other, texturally heterogeneous samples to see if EET 90020 presents a unique circumstance or whether crustal partial melting was ubiquitous on the eucrite asteroid.

Eucrites↗

Thermodynamic description of molten salt systems: KCl-LiCl-NaCl and KCl-LiCl-NdCl 3

The mixture of KCl and LiCl has been used as electrolyte in the electrorefining process to recover uranium from used nuclear fuels due to the low melting point. However, lanthanides and sodium in the reactor waste continuously dissolve into it and thus alter its thermodynamic properties. To understand the thermodynamic behavior evolution of the electrolyte with the accumulation of impurities, thermodynamic modeling for KCl-LiCl-NaCl and KCl-LiCl-NdCl 3 and four constituent binary systems in the entire composition space was performed using the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagrams) approach. The ionic liquid was described by the two-sublattice model, where neutral species were introduced to consider short-range ordering (SRO) within the melt, whereas the solid solution was modeled based on the Compound Energy Formalism. Literature data on phase equilibria and thermochemical properties were critically evaluated and used during the optimization of thermodynamic parameters for KCl-LiCl-NaCl and KCl-LiCl-NdCl 3 and their subsystems. The calculated phase diagrams and mixing enthalpies are in good agreement with the experimental data. The thermodynamic modeling for the KCl-LiCl-NdCl 3 system was carried out for the first time. To fill the gap in experimental measurement, enthalpy of mixing for the KCl-LiCl-NdCl 3 melt was estimated using the surrounded-ion model. These data then served as critical inputs for thermodynamic optimization. Furthermore, the present study can provide insights into thermodynamic property evolution of the electrolyte and solubility limit of various impurities during the electrorefining process.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Eutectic equilibria in the quaternary system Fe-Cr-Mn-C

The constitution of the quaternary system, Fe-Cr-Mn-C and to a lesser extent of the quinary system, Fe-Cr-Mn-Al-C were examined for in situ composite alloy candidates. Multivariant eutectic compositions were determined from phase equilibria studies wherein M7C3 carbides (approximately 30% by volume) formed from the melt within gamma iron. An extended field of the hexagonal carbide, (Cr, Fe, Mn)7 C3, was found without undergoing transformation to the orthorhombic structure. Increasing stability for this carbide was found for higher ratios of Cr/Fe(+) Cr + Mn. Aluminum additions promoted a ferritic matrix while manganese favored the desired gamma austenitic matrix. In coexistence with the matrix phase, chromium enters preferentially the carbide phase while manganese distributes equally between the gamma matrix and the M7C3 carbide. The composition and lattice parameters of the carbide and matrix phases were determined to establish their respective stabilities.

Nowotny, H.↗

Oxidation of TaSi2-Containing ZrB2-SiC Ultra-High Temperature Materials

Hot pressed coupons of composition ZrB2-20 v% SiC-5 v% TaSi2 and ZrB2-20 v% SiC-20 v% TaSi2 were oxidized in stagnant air at temperatures of 1627 and 1927C for one, five and ten 10-minute cycles. The oxidation reactions were characterized by weight change kinetics, x-ray diffraction, and SEM/EDS. Detailed WDS/microprobe quantitative analyses of the oxidation products were conducted for the ZrB2-20 v% SiC-20 v% TaSi2 sample oxidized for five 10-minute cycles at 1927C. Oxidation kinetics and product formation were compared to ZrB2-20 v% SiC with no TaSi2 additions. It was found that the 20 v% TaSi2 composition exhibited improved oxidation resistance relative to the material with no TaSi2 additions at 1627C. However, for exposures at 1927C less oxidation resistance and extensive liquid phase formation were observed compared to the material with no TaSi2 additions. Attempts to limit the liquid phase formation by reducing the TaSi2 content to 5 v% were unsuccessful. In addition, the enhanced oxidation resistance at 1627C due to 20 v% TaSi2 additions was not achieved at the 5 v% addition level. The observed oxidation product evolution is discussed in terms of thermodynamics and phase equilibria for the TaSi2-containing ZrB2-SiC material system. TaSi2-additions to ZrB2-SiC at any level are not recommended for ultra-high temperature (>1900C) applications due to excessive liquid phase formation.

Opila, Elizabeth J.↗

Oxygen production by electrolysis of molten lunar regolith

The goal of this study was threefold. First, the theoretical energy requirements of the process were to be defined. This includes studies of the relevant oxidation-reduction reactions in the melt, their kinetics and energies of reaction, and experimental determination of production efficiencies and melt resistivities as functions of melt composition and applied potential. Second, the product(s) of silicate electrolysis were to be characterized. This includes: (1) evaluating the phase relationships in the systems SiO2-TiO2-Al2O3-MgO-FeO-CaO and Fe-Si; (2) estimating the compositions of the metal products as a function of applied potential and feedstock composition based on phase equilibria in the Fe-Si system and free energy values for SiO2 and FeO reported in the literature; (3) definition of compositions of products in actual experiments; and (4) definition of the form the product takes (whether phases separate or remain fixed, whether crystals settle or float in the remaining melt, and how large crystals form). Third, materials for these highly corrosive high-temperature silicate melts were to be identified. This includes identifing materials that may be either inert or thermodynamically stable in these melts, and experimental testing of the materials to confirm that they do not deteriorate. The results are discussed within this framework.

Haskin, Larry A.↗

Thermodynamic modeling of the Nb-Ni system with uncertainty quantification using PyCalphad and ESPEI

Here, the Nb–Ni system is remodeled with uncertainty quantification (UQ) using software tools of PyCalphad and ESPEI (the Extensible, Self-optimizing Phase Equilibria Infrastructure) with the presently implemented capability of modeling site fraction based on Wyckoff positions. The five- and three-sublattice models are used to model the topologically close pack (TCP) μ-Nb 7 Ni 6 and δ-NbNi 3 phases according to their Wyckoff positions. The inputs for CALPHAD-based thermodynamic modeling include the thermochemical data as a function of temperature predicted by first-principles and phonon calculations based on density functional theory (DFT), ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, together with phase equilibrium and site fraction data in the literature. In addition to phase diagram and thermodynamic properties, the CALPHAD-based predictions of site fractions of Nb in μ-Nb 7 Ni 6 agree well with experimental data. Furthermore, the UQ estimation using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method as implemented in ESPEI is applied to study the uncertainty of site fraction in μ-Nb 7 Ni 6 and enthalpy of mixing (ΔH mix ) in liquid.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Hydrogen and Ferric Iron in Mars Materials

Knowledge of oxygen and hydrogen fugacity is of paramount importance in constraining phase equilibria and crystallization processes of melts, as well as understanding the partitioning of elements between the cope and silicate portions of terrestrial planets. H and Fe(3+) must both be analyzed in order to reconstruct hydrogen and oxygen fugacities on Mars. To date, SIMS data have elucidated D/H and H contents of hydrous phases in SNC meteorites, but until now anhydrous martian minerals have not been systematically examined for trace hydrogen. Ferric iron has been quantified using XANES in many martian phases, but integrated studies of both Fe(3+) and H on the same spots are really needed to address the H budget. Finally, the effects of shock on both Fe(3+) and H in hydrous and anhydrous phases must be quantified. Thus, the overall goal of this research was to understand the oxygen and hydrogen fugacities under which martian samples crystallized. In this research one-year project, we approached this problem by 1) characterizing Fe(3+) and H contents of SNC meteorites using both bulk (Mossbauer spectroscopy and uranium extraction, respectively) and microscale (synchrotron micro-XANES and SIMS) methods; 2) relating Fe(3+) and H contents of martian minerals to their oxygen and hydrogen fugacities through analysis of experimentally equilibrated phases (for pyroxene) and through study of volcanic rocks in which the oxygen and hydrogen fugacities can be independently constrained (for feldspar); and 3) studying the effects of shock processes on Fe(3+) and H contents of the phases of interest. Results have been used to assess quantitatively the distribution of H and Fe(3+) among phases in the martian interior, which will better constrain the geodynamic processes of the interior, as well as the overall hydrogen and water budgets on Mars. There were no inventions funded by this research.

Dyar, Melinda D.↗

Thermodynamic modeling of KCl-PrCl 3 and KCl-LiCl-PrCl 3 systems

Molten salt electrolysis can recover the actinides from spent nuclear fuels, and it involves a eutectic LiCl-KCl in molten form as an electrolyte. During reprocessing, the concentration of fission products such as La, Nd, Pr, etc., increases and affects the recovery efficiency of the electrolyte. In this work, thermodynamic modeling of KCl-PrCl 3 and KCl-LiCl-PrCl 3 systems was carried out using the CALPHAD (Calculation of Phase Diagrams) approach for the first time. The thermodynamic functions for the pure salts were taken from the SGTE (Scientific Group Thermodata Europe) Substances (SSUB) database. The experimental thermochemical and phase equilibria data available in the literature were used as input for the assessment of KCl-PrCl 3 and KCl-LiCl-PrCl 3 systems. The model parameters for the KCl-LiCl system were adjusted to include the new Gibbs energy descriptions for the pure salts. In addition, the sublattice model for the liquid phase in the LiCl-PrCl 3 system was modified and reassessed to ensure the model compatibility for higher-order extrapolation. There is a good agreement between the experimental and calculated thermochemical and phase diagram data for all the optimized constituent binaries and the ternary system. Furthermore, this work will be beneficial for determining the solubility limit of PrCl 3 in molten LiCl-KCl electrolytes and their thermodynamic properties for improving the efficiency of the pyrochemical process.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

High pressure cosmochemistry applied to major planetary interiors: Experimental studies

Progress is reported on a project to determine the properties and boundaries of high pressure phases of the H2-He-H2O-NH3-CH4 system that are needed to constrain theoretical models of the interiors of the major planets. This project is one of the first attempts to measure phase equilibria in binary fluid-solid systems in diamond anvil cells. Vibrational spectroscopy, direct visual observations, and X-ray diffraction crystallography of materials confined in externally heated cells are the primary experimental probes. Adiabats of these materials are also measured in order to constrain models of heat flow in these bodies and to detect phase transitions by thermal anomalies. Initial efforts involve the NH3-H2O binary. This system is especially relevant to models for surface reconstruction of the icy satellites of Jupiter and Saturn. Thermal analysis experiments were completed for the P-X space, p4GPa:0 or = 0.50, near room temperature. The cryostat, sample handling equipment, and optics needed to extend the optical P-T-X work below room temperature was completed.

Nicol, M. F.↗

Superalloy eutectic composites with the VI A refractory elements - Cr, Mo and W

The paper discusses the phase equilibria for the ternary systems NiAlCr, NiAlMo, and NiAlW, with emphasis on reactions from the liquid state, although some of the solid state reactions are mentioned. It is shown that eutectics in the Ni-Al-refractory element (Cr, Mo, W) systems offer the potential for high-temperature turbine blade and vane applications. In particular, it is shown that the phase diagrams of these ternary systems can be manipulated to alter the eutectic phases and morphologies by simple quaternary alloying modifications. The resultant combination of chemistry and structure can be controlled to ensure a behavior that is well-matched to hot section component materials requirements.

Jackson, M. R.↗

Electrostatic Levitation: A Tool to Support Materials Research in Microgravity

Containerless processing represents an important topic for materials research in microgravity. Levitated specimens are free from contact with a container, which permits studies of deeply undercooled melts, and high-temperature, highly reactive materials. Containerless processing provides data for studies of thermophysical properties, phase equilibria, metastable state formation, microstructure formation, undercooling, and nucleation. The European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) jointly developed an electromagnetic levitator facility (MSL-EML) for containerless materials processing in space. The electrostatic levitator (ESL) facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center provides support for the development of containerless processing studies for the ISS. Apparatus and techniques have been developed to use the ESL to provide data for phase diagram determination, creep resistance, emissivity, specific heat, density/thermal expansion, viscosity, surface tension and triggered nucleation of melts. The capabilities and results from selected ESL-based characterization studies performed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center will be presented.

Rogers, Jan↗

The role of P2O5 in silicate melts

Phase equilibria data in the systems SiO2-P2O5, P2O5-M(x)O(y), and P2O5-M(x)O(y)-SiO2 are employed in conjunction with chromatographic and spectral data to investigate the role of P2O5 in silicate melts. P2O5 depolymerizes pure SiO2 melts by entering the network as a four-fold coordinated cation, but polymerizes melts in which an additional metal cation other than silicon is present. In this complex system P2O5 acts to increase phase separation by further enrichment of the high charge density cations Ti, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ca, in the ferrobasaltic liquid. The dual behavior of P2O5 is explained in a model which requires complexing of phosphate anions and metal cations in the melt. This interaction destroys Si-O-M-O-Si bonds polymerizing the melt. The higher concentration of Si-O-M-O-Si bond complexes in immiscible ferrobasaltic liquids relative to their conjugate immiscible granite liquids explains the partitioning of P2O5 into the ferrobasaltic liquid.

Ryerson, F. J.↗

Ca-Rich Carbonate Melts: A Regular-Solution Model, with Applications to Carbonatite Magma + Vapor Equilibria and Carbonate Lavas on Venus

A thermochemical model of the activities of species in carbonate-rich melts would be useful in quantifying chemical equilibria between carbonatite magmas and vapors and in extrapolating liquidus equilibria to unexplored PTX. A regular-solution model of Ca-rich carbonate melts is developed here, using the fact that they are ionic liquids, and can be treated (to a first approximation) as interpenetrating regular solutions of cations and of anions. Thermochemical data on systems of alkali metal cations with carbonate and other anions are drawn from the literature; data on systems with alkaline earth (and other) cations and carbonate (and other) anions are derived here from liquidus phase equilibria. The model is validated in that all available data (at 1 kbar) are consistent with single values for the melting temperature and heat of fusion for calcite, and all liquidi are consistent with the liquids acting as regular solutions. At 1 kbar, the metastable congruent melting temperature of calcite (CaCO3) is inferred to be 1596 K, with (Delta)bar-H(sub fus)(calcite) = 31.5 +/- 1 kJ/mol. Regular solution interaction parameters (W) for Ca(2+) and alkali metal cations are in the range -3 to -12 kJ/sq mol; W for Ca(2+)-Ba(2+) is approximately -11 kJ/sq mol; W for Ca(2+)-Mg(2+) is approximately -40 kJ/sq mol, and W for Ca(2+)-La(3+) is approximately +85 kJ/sq mol. Solutions of carbonate and most anions (including OH(-), F(-), and SO4(2-)) are nearly ideal, with W between 0(ideal) and -2.5 kJ/sq mol. The interaction of carbonate and phosphate ions is strongly nonideal, which is consistent with the suggestion of carbonate-phosphate liquid immiscibility. Interaction of carbonate and sulfide ions is also nonideal and suggestive of carbonate-sulfide liquid immiscibility. Solution of H2O, for all but the most H2O-rich compositions, can be modeled as a disproportionation to hydronium (H3O(+)) and hydroxyl (OH(-)) ions with W for Ca(2+)-H3O(+) (approximately) equals 33 kJ/sq mol. The regular-solution model of carbonate melts can be applied to problems of carbonatite magma + vapor equilibria and of extrapolating liquidus equilibria to unstudied systems. Calculations on one carbonatite (the Husereau dike, Oka complex, Quebec, Canada) show that the anion solution of its magma contained an OH mole fraction of (approximately) 0.07, although the vapor in equilibrium with the magma had P(H2O) = 8.5 x P(CO2). F in carbonatite systems is calculated to be strongly partitioned into the magma (as F(-)) relative to coexisting vapor. In the Husereau carbonatite magma, the anion solution contained an F(-) mole fraction of (approximately) 6 x 10(exp -5).

Treiman, Allan H.↗

Differential Thermal Analysis of Hg(1-x)Mn(x)Te Alloys in the X=0 to 0.3 Range

Understanding the experimental conditions necessary for the development of radial and axial compositional homogeneity in directionally solidified Hg(0.89)Mn(0.11)Te(MMT) crystals has been difficult due to the lack of segregation coefficient data on the Hg(1-x)Mn(x)Te alloy system in the X = 0 to 0.3 composition range. Determining segregation coefficient data from the available Hg(1-x)Mn(x)Te alloy phase equilibria data is not practical due to discrepancies in the shape of the reported solidus and liquidus curves in the X = 0 to 0.3 range. To resolve these discrepancies and to obtain segregation coefficient data which can be used to understand homogeneity in directionally solidified MMT crystals, the solidus and liquidus temperatures of seven Hg(1-x)Mn(x)Te alloys in the X = 0 to 0.3 range were determined using differential thermal analysis (DTA). The Hg(1-x)Mn(x)Te phase diagram constructed for the X = 0 to 0.3 range of this alloy system from the DTA measurements clarifies the shape of the solidus and liquidus curves in this range. The segregation coefficient for the Hg(1-x)Mn(x)Te system was found to vary from 5 to 4.4 as the solidus composition increased from 0-30 atomic percent MnTe. This information will be useful in the analysis of axial and radial homogeneity of directionally solidified MMT crystals.

Price, M. W.↗

Origin of opaque assemblages in C3V meteorites - Implications for nebular and planetary processes

The results of analyses of meteoritic opaque assemblages (OAs) are presented and used in conjunction with literature data on phase equilibria and diffusion to further develop the hypothesis of Blum et al. (1989) for the origin of OAs in Ca,Al-rich inclusions (CAIs). Based on the results of the analyses, it is suggested that OAs formed after the crystallization of host CAIs by exsolution, sulfidation, and oxidation of precursor alloys at low temperatures (about 770 K) and higher than solar gas sulfur and oxygen fugacities. This model contrasts with previous models that call upon the formation of CAI OAs by aggregation of previously formed phases in the solar nebula prior to the crystallization of CAIs.

Blum, Joel D.↗

Comparison of Na 2 SO 4 , K 2 SO 4 and Na 2 SO 4 -K 2 SO 4 deposit induced hot corrosion of a β-NiAl coating

Here, hot corrosion behaviour of a β-NiAl coating induced by Na 2 SO 4 , K 2 SO 4 , and Na 2 SO 4 -K 2 SO 4 deposits was investigated at 700 °C in air + 300 ppm SO 2 . To provide an insight into the corrosion mechanisms, phase equilibria of the Na 2 SO 4 -K 2 SO 4 -NiO-SO 3 system were calculated using an in-house developed thermodynamic database. The attack rates and morphologies could be correlated with the deposit compositions and their reactions with oxides. K 2 SO 4 and Na 2 SO 4 -K 2 SO 4 deposits are more corrosive than Na 2 SO 4 . This is attributed to a reduction of the melting temperature of the deposit and the formation of Ni-containing mixed sulphate phases in the presence of K 2 SO 4 .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗