Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Precipitation Science”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,081 records · Page 60
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

A comparative study of the transformation kinetics of recrystallization texture of CC and DC 3003 aluminum alloys

Highlights: • Recrystallization texture evolution in CC and DC 3003 aluminum alloys was investigated. • A huge difference in recrystallization texture exists between CC and DC AA 3003 alloys. • Concurrent precipitation enhanced the recrystallization activation energy of CC AA 3003 alloy. - Abstract: The evolution of recrystallization texture in cold-rolled CC and DC AA 3003 aluminum alloys was investigated by X-ray diffraction. The results show that a significant difference in recrystallization texture exists between the CC and DC AA 3003 alloys due to the effect of concurrent precipitation. For the CC AA 3003 alloy, low-temperature annealing of cold-rolled sheets results in very strong M and P recrystallization textures. The strength of the M and P recrystallization textures decrease significantly with increasing annealing temperature. For the DC AA 3003 alloy, the recrystallization texture consists of a major cube component and two minor R and Goss components after annealing at low temperatures. The cube, R and Goss recrystallization textures weaken with increasing annealing temperature. The transformation kinetics of recrystallization texture during isothermal annealing can be well described by the JMAK equation. For the CC AA 3003 alloy the n value decreases from about 2.9 to about 0.8 as the annealing temperature increases from 371 °C to 427 °C, while the n value is around 1.5 for the DC AA 3003 alloy. The apparent activation energy for recrystallization of the cold-rolled CC AA 3003 alloy is significantly higher than that of the cold-rolled DC AA 3003 alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

On the formation mechanism of the ring-like microstructure of high-pressure die-cast A390 alloy

Highlights: • High-pressure die casting A390 alloy exhibited ring-like microstructure consisted of PSPs-free and PSPs-rich zones. • With 3D data, the size and morphology distribution of PSPs showed similar tendency regardless of the location. • The latent heat released from the PSPs led to the formation of ring-like band. • Widely observed defect band was inhibited because of the precipitation and growth of PSPs during solidification. - Abstract: The microstructure of the A390 alloy during high pressure die casting (HPDC), including pores, primary silicon particles (PSPs) and Cu-rich phases was characterized using synchrotron X-ray tomography. On the cross section of the sample exhibited ring-like or band microstructure, which comprised multiple PSPs-free and PSPs-rich zones. The PSPs distributed evenly in both size and morphology regardless of the ring-like microstructure. The size of aluminum dendrites changed according to the location of the ring-like microstructure, and was highly dependent on the local latent heat released from the PSPs as well as the distribution of the ‘net’ Cu-rich phases. Along the radial direction of the sample exhibited an abrupt increase of pores, indicating a tendency for forming a defect band in but such tendency was inhibited because of the huge amount of latent heat released by the PSPs during solidification, which was quite different from that of either magnesium alloys or hypoeutectic aluminum alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Second Annual Progress Report on Correlation Between Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Neutron-Irradiated Ferritic-Martensitic and Austenitic Steels

Ferritic-martensitic steels G92-2b (an optimized Grade 92 heat), NF616 and T91, and austenitic stainless steel 800H and its Grain Boundary Engineering (GBE)-treated version 800H-TMP (ThermoMechanical Processing) were irradiated in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) of Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Selected G92-2b samples were irradiated up to 14.66 dpa in the HFIR at two temperature ranges: 400–496.7°C and 683.3– 720°C. NF616 and T91 were irradiated in the ATR up to 8.16 dpa with the irradiation temperatures ranged from 241°C to 447.5°C. Alloy 800H and 800H-TMP samples were irradiated in both the HFIR and the ATR. Selected 800H and 800H-TMP samples had HFIR irradiation to 1.28 dpa at 580°C and ATR irradiation up to 9.12 dpa at 359°C to 431°C. Vickers hardness measurements, fractography, and microstructural characterization were performed on the selected samples in the Low Activation Materials Design and Analysis (LAMDA) laboratory. Radiation-hardening of G92-2b was observed at the lower doses and lower irradiation temperatures (400- 496.7°C), with GB03 (0.52 dpa at 400°C) and GB04 (7.44 dpa at ~490°C) showing ~12% and ~8% hardening, respectively. Softening by ~14% was observed for GB05 (14.66 dpa at 496.7°C). Radiationsoftening of G92-2b was more prevalent at the higher irradiation temperatures (683.3-~720°C), with GB10 (0.46 dpa at 683.3°C), GB11 (7.44 dpa at ~720°C), and GB12 (14.63 dpa at ~720°C) showing ~8%, ~8%, and ~40% softening, respectively. Radiation-hardening of NF616 and T91 was observed with the hardness increased by ~37% to ~65% depending on the irradiation doses and irradiation temperatures. Within the studied irradiation conditions of NF616 and T91, samples with a higher dose had a larger hardness after irradiation. All the tested alloy 800H and 800H-TMP samples in this work showed radiation-hardening by ~96±7% to ~152±10%. Alloy 800H-TMP tended to have slightly smaller radiation-hardening than alloy 800H. The fractography results of G92-2b sample GB03, GB10, and GB11, together with the previously characterized fractography of GB04, GB05, and GB12, indicated that the ductility of G92-2b was maintained up to 14.66 dpa at the lower irradiation temperatures of 400-496.7°C, while some loss of ductility (less necking) was observed for higher doses at the higher irradiation temperatures of 683.3-720°C. This agrees with the previously reported tensile test results of G92-2b, where the elongation of G92-2b was reduced at higher doses at the higher irradiation temperatures. Dimple sizes increased at higher doses, which are more evident at the higher irradiation temperatures of 683.3-~720°C. The fractography of NF616 sample D2 (2.96 dpa at 291.5°C), D4 (5.91 dpa at 359°C), and D6 (8.16 dpa at 431°C) indicated loss of ductility with negligible necking for sample D2, while ductile failure for samples D4 and D6. Fractography of alloy 800H and 800H-TMP samples in various irradiation conditions showed ductile failure with obvious necking. Dimples were observed, with some of them containing large Ti-rich particles, in all the 800H/800H-TMP samples. Electron backscatter diffraction characterization of GB12 indicated the recovery of the lath structure, which was generally replaced by an equiaxed grain structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization showed the presence of frequent M 23 C 6 (M = primarily Cr), MX (M = primarily V), spherical Nb(C,N) precipitates, and occasional Laves phase precipitates in the G92-2b samples. MX precipitates with sizes of 20-30 nm were observed at boundaries of smaller grains, indicating the pinning effect of the V-rich precipitates. The lath structure recovery was more evident at the higher irradiation temperatures (683.3-~720°C), with decreased densities of line dislocations and M23C6 precipitates. The irradiated T91 (TA04) showed the growth of M23C6 precipitates to 101 ± 40 nm from the initial 68 ± 22 nm in the unirradiated condition. Dislocation loops of both {100} and {111} types were present in TA04. TEM characterization was also performed on the irradiated 800H (N4, N5, N6, and AR2) and 800H-TMP (P4, P5, P6, and HG1). Accumulation of M 23 C 6 precipitates at grain boundaries was observed in all the xii 800H/800H-TMP samples, and the presence of Ti(C,N) precipitates at grain boundaries and in the matrix was observed in the irradiated 800H-TMP. Some Ti(C,N) precipitates are embedded in the M 23 C 6 precipitates, maintaining specific orientation relationships between the precipitates and between the precipitate and matrix. In addition, nanoscale Si-rich clusters were observed in the matrix of all the 800H/800H-TMP samples, with EDS Si maps tending to have a lower contrast in 800H-TMP samples. Atom probe tomography was conducted on the same samples, supported by a Rapid Turnaround Examination project under Nuclear Science User Facilities. The results are being analyzed to be integrated with the TEM results for a confident description of the γ’ precipitates. Dislocation loops also formed in all the 800H/800H-TMP samples. The density and the average size of dislocation loops were quantified to be in the order of 10 22 – 10 23 m -3 and 11.7 – 15.9 nm, respectively, in the ATR-irradiated 800H/800H-TMP samples. The loop densities in irradiated 800H were higher than that in irradiated 800H-TMP under the same irradiation conditions. Further systematic data analyses, together with some complementary experiments, will be pursued for these samples to foster peer-reviewed journal article publications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Cu/Sn/Ag TLP-bonded joint during thermal aging

Highlights: • The thermal reliability of the Cu/Sn/Ag TLP-bonded joint was investigated through high-temperature storage. • A diffusion reaction occurred at the interface between Cu{sub 3}Sn and Ag{sub 3}Sn during thermal aging. • The mechanism of the Cu{sub 3}Sn/Ag{sub 3}Sn interfacial reaction was investigated from thermodynamics and kinetics. - Abstract: Low-temperature transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding is a promising joining technology for high-temperature electronic devices packaging. However, the effect of thermal aging on the joint microstructure and performance has been rarely studied so far. In this paper, the relationship between microstructural evolution and mechanical property was developed for the Cu/Sn/Ag TLP-bonded joint during 350 °C aging. Experimental results show that an interfacial reaction occurs between the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) of Cu{sub 3}Sn and Ag{sub 3}Sn, which induces that a great amount of Cu{sub 3}Sn particles or wedges embed into the Ag-Sn phase layer. The reaction process is controlled by a volume diffusion of Cu elements from the Cu substrate, and capable of promoting the transformation from Ag{sub 3}Sn into Ag(Sn) solid solution. Cu{sub 41}Sn{sub 11} phase can be formed at the expense of Cu{sub 3}Sn and Cu, of which transformation process is completely achieved after aging for 480 h, and the Cu(Sn) solid solution intimately contacts with the opposite Ag(Sn) solid solution in many areas after aging for 960 h. The joint mechanical property initially declines due to the formation of Cu{sub 41}Sn{sub 11} phase and Cu-Sn IMCs grain coarsening, and then increases because of the complete depletion of Cu{sub 3}Sn and substantial precipitation of Cu(Sn) solid solution. After aging for nearly 1000 h, the joint still maintains a high shear strength of >40 MPa, indicating an excellent thermal reliability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Observations and Modeling of the Green Ocean Amazon 2014/15: Parsivel2 Field Campaign Report

One of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility’s Parsivel2 disdrometers was deployed at the first ARM Mobile Facility (AMF1) T3 site in Manacapuru, Brazil at the beginning of the second Green Ocean Amazon (GoAmazon)2014/15 intensive operational period (IOP2) in September 2014 through the end of the field campaign in December 2015. The Parsivel2 provided one-minute drop-size distribution (DSD) observations that have already been used for a number of applications related to GoAmazon2014/15 science objectives. The first use was the creation of a reflectivity-rain rate (Z-R) relation enabling the calculation of rain rates from the Brazilian Sistema de Protecao da Amazonia (SIPAM) S-band operational radar in Manaus. The radar-derived rainfall is an important constraint for the variational analysis of a large-scale forcing data set, which was recently released for the two IOPs that took place in the 2014 wet and transition seasons, respectively. The SIPAM radar rainfall is also being used to validate a number of cloud-resolving model simulations being run for the campaign. A second use of the Parsivel2 DSDs has been to provide a necessary reference point to calibrate the vertical velocity retrievals from the AMF1 W Band ARM Cloud Radar (WACR) cloud-profiling and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) wind-profiling instruments. Accurate retrievals of in-cloud vertical velocities are important to understand the microphysical and kinematic properties of Amazonian convective clouds and their interaction with the land surface and atmospheric aerosols. Further use of the Parsivel2 DSD observations can be made to better understand precipitation characteristics and their variability during GoAmazon2014/15.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Thermodynamic and kinetic modeling of Mn-Ni-Si precipitates in low-Cu reactor pressure vessel steels

Formation of large volume fractions of Mn-Ni-Si precipitates (MNSPs) causes excess irradiation embrittlement of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels at high, extended-life fluences. Thus, a new and unique, semi-empirical cluster dynamics model was developed to study the evolution of MNSPs in low-Cu RPV steels. The model is based on CALPHAD thermodynamics and radiation enhanced diffusion kinetics. The thermodynamics dictates the compositional and temperature dependence of the free energy reductions that drive precipitation. The model treats both homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation, where the latter occurs on cascade damage, like dislocation loops. The model has only four adjustable parameters that were fit to an atom probe tomography (APT) database. The model predictions are in semi-quantitative agreement with systematic Mn, Ni and Si composition variations in alloys characterized by APT, including a sensitivity to local tip-to-tip variations even in the same steel. The model predicts that heterogeneous nucleation plays a critical role in MNSP formation in lower alloy Ni contents. Single variable assessments of compositional effects show that Ni plays a dominant role, while even small variations in irradiation temperature can have a large effect on the MNSP evolution. Within typical RPV steel ranges, Mn and Si have smaller effects. Furthermore, the delayed but then rapid growth of MNSPs to large volume fractions at high fluence is well predicted by the model. For purposes of illustration, the effect of MNSPs on transition temperature shifts are presented based on well-established microstructure-property and property-property models.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Microwave Passive Ground-Based Retrievals of Cloud and Rain Liquid Water Path in Drizzling Clouds: Challenges and Possibilities

Satellite and ground-based microwave radiometers are routinely used for the retrieval of liquid water path (LWP) under all atmospheric conditions. The retrieval of water vapor and LWP from ground-based radiometers during rain has proved to be a difficult challenge for two principal reasons: the inadequacy of the nonscattering approximation in precipitating clouds and the deposition of rain drops on the instrument's radome. In this paper, we combine model computations and real ground-based, zenith-viewing passive microwave radiometer brightness temperature measurements to investigate how total, cloud, and rain LWP retrievals are affected by assumptions on the cloud drop size distribution (DSD) and under which conditions a nonscattering approximation can be considered reasonably accurate. Results show that until the drop effective diameter is larger than similar to 200 mu m, a nonscattering approximation yields results that are still accurate at frequencies less than 90 GHz. For larger drop sizes, it is shown that higher microwave frequencies contain useful information that can be used to separate cloud and rain LWP provided that the vertical distribution of hydrometeors, as well as the DSD, is reasonably known. The choice of the DSD parameters becomes important to ensure retrievals that are consistent with the measurements. A physical retrieval is tested on a synthetic data set and is then used to retrieve total, cloud, and rain LWP from radiometric measurements during two drizzling cases at the atmospheric radiation measurement Eastern North Atlantic site.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Post irradiation examination of nanoprecipitate stability and α' precipitation in an oxide dispersion strengthened Fe-12Cr-5Al alloy

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) FeCrAl alloy (Fe-12Cr-5Al wt%) was neutron irradiated to 1.8 displacements per atom (dpa) at 215, 357, and 557 °C to investigate (Y,Al,O) nano-oxide stability and Cr-rich α' precipitate formation using atom probe tomography. Here, the nano-oxide sizes remain unchanged after irradiation, but the compositions are dependent on irradiation temperature due to competition between ballistic dissolution and precipitate reformation. Cr-rich clusters observed after 357 °C irradiation have lower Cr contents (61 at.%) than equilibrium α', with a lower number density than wrought FeCrAl alloys. This suggests a suppression of α' precipitation due to the high sink strength of ODS FeCrAl.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluation of Autoconversion Representation in E3SMv2 Using an Ensemble of Large-Eddy Simulations of Low-Level Warm Clouds

In numerical atmospheric models that treat cloud and rain droplet populations as separate condensate categories, precipitation initiation in warm clouds is often represented by an autoconversion rate (Au), which is the rate of formation of new rain droplets through the collisions of cloud droplets. Being a function of the cloud droplet size distribution (DSD), the local Au is commonly parameterized as a function of DSD moments: cloud droplet number (n c ) and mass (q c ) concentrations. When applied in a large-scale model, the grid-mean Au must also include a correction, or enhancement factor, to account for the horizontal variability of the cloud properties across the model grid. In this study, we evaluate the Au representation in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 2 (E3SMv2) climate model using large-eddy simulations (LES), which explicitly resolve cloud droplet spectra, and therefore the local Au, as well as its spatial variability. The analysis of an ensemble of warm low-level cloud cases shows that the E3SMv2 formulation represents the Au reasonably well compared to the horizontally averaged explicitly computed rate from LES. The agreement, however, comes from a combination of an underestimated E3SM-tuned local Au rate and an overestimated subgrid cloud variability enhancement factor. The latter bias is traced to neglecting the horizontal variability of n c and its co-variability with q c in parameterizing the grid-mean Au.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Aerosol Component of the ACCP Designated Observable Study

The 2017 Earth Science Decadal Survey (DS) recommended science and applications priorities to be pursued by NASA during the 2017-2027 timeframe. Aerosols (A) and clouds, convection, and precipitation (CCP) were identified as essential “designated observables” requiring additional capabilities beyond those planned in the current Program of Record. The DS recommended NASA develop a medium-to-large mission to address these observables, which would represent foundational elements of the future global observing system. In response, NASA initiated a 3-year study, to conclude in 2021, of a combined ACCP architecture, including identification of science and application goals and objectives, desired geophysical variables, and observing system capabilities. The goal of the study is to develop and explore a variety of concepts and develop several recommendations. ACCP science objectives include improving characterization of the distribution and properties of aerosols, the direct and indirect impacts of aerosol on the radiation budget, and improving understanding of aerosol processes related to air quality. The study is currently exploring satellite architecture concepts and suborbital measurements to provide desired observational capabilities, within the context of the planned international Earth observation program. This presentation will summarize ACCP science objectives and the potential suite of aerosol-oriented observing system capabilities.

David M Winker↗
DOE OSTI2018

Formation of β-NiAl Phase During Casting of a Ni-Based Superalloy

A high-refractory Ni-based superalloy prototype was melted on a research scale while simulating industry practices. Ingots were vacuum induction melted and subjected to a computationally optimized homogenization heat treatment prior to fabrication which consisted of forging and hot rolling. Failure of one of the ingots at the early stage of the forging process was attributed to the precipitation of the β-NiAl phase during melting which stabilized the eutectic constituent.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microstructure and mechanical properties of a Ti-microalloyed low-carbon stainless steel treated by quenching-partitioning-tempering process

Quenching-partitioning-tempering (Q-P-T) process was used to treat a Ti-microalloyed low-carbon stainless steel after cold rolling. In addition to martensite, ferrite and retained austenite, TiN, coarse TiC, fine TiC, (Fe,Cr){sub 3}C and ultra-fine TiC precipitates were formed after the Q-P-T treatment. Based on field emission-scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations, thermodynamic, crystallographic and statistical analyses were used to reveal the precipitation behaviors of these particles. The effects of partitioning-tempering (P-T) temperature and time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Q-P-T treated specimens were specially studied. The coarsening and spheroidization of (Fe,Cr){sub 3}C particles during P-T stage were obviously retarded by large Cr addition. The retained austenite was obtained significantly with appropriate P-T parameters. The precipitation of ultra-fine TiC particles in the martensite during the P-T stage at 500 °C induced a secondary hardening. - Highlights: • Some fine TiC with 30–70 nm precipitated in austenite during partial austenization. • A part of fine TiC had K-S OR with martensite after Q-P-T treatment. • A part of fine TiC had a OR specially deviating from K-S OR with martensite. • Coarsening and spheroidization of (Fe,Cr){sub 3}C were retarded during P-T stage. • Ultra-fine TiC with < 10 nm precipitated in martensite during P-T stage at 500 °C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Ice-nucleating particles in precipitation samples from the Texas Panhandle

Ice-nucleating particles (INPs) influence the formation of ice crystals in clouds and many types of precipitation. This study reports unique properties of INPs collected from 42 precipitation samples in the Texas Panhandle region from June 2018 to July 2019. We used a cold stage instrument called the West Texas Cryogenic Refrigerator Applied to Freezing Test system to estimate INP concentrations per unit volume of air (nINP) through immersion freezing in our precipitation samples with our detection capability of >0.006 INP L -1 . A disdrometer was used for two purposes: (1) to characterize the ground-level precipitation type and (2) to measure the precipitation intensity as well as size of precipitating particles at the ground level during each precipitation event. While no clear seasonal variations of n INP values were apparent, the analysis of yearlong ground-level precipitation observation as well as INPs in the precipitation samples showed some INP variations, e.g., the highest and lowest n INP values at -25°C both in the summer for hail-involved severe thunderstorm samples (3.0 to 1130 INP L -1 ), followed by the second lowest at the same temperature from one of our snow samples collected during the winter (3.2 INP L -1 ). Furthermore, we conducted bacteria community analyses using a subset of our precipitation samples to examine the presence of known biological INPs. In parallel, we also performed metagenomics characterization of the bacterial microbiome in suspended ambient dust samples collected at commercial open-lot livestock facilities (cattle feedyards hereafter) in the Texas Panhandle (i.e., the northernmost counties of Texas, also known as “West Texas”) to ascertain whether local cattle feedyards can act as a source of bioaerosol particles and/or INPs found in the precipitation samples. Some key bacterial phyla present in cattle feedyard samples appeared in precipitation samples. However, no known ice nucleation active species were detected in our samples. Overall, our results showed that cumulative n INP in our precipitation samples below -20°C could be high in the samples collected while observing > 10 mm h -1 precipitation with notably large hydrometeor sizes and an implication of cattle feedyard bacteria inclusion.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Experimental warming amplified opposite impacts of drought vs. wet extremes on ecosystem carbon cycle in a tallgrass prairie

Climate warming is leading to greater precipitation variability, resulting in increased frequency and intensity of both drought and wet extremes. However, how these extreme events interact with climate warming and hay-harvest in grasslands to impact ecosystem functions has not yet been well explored. In this study, we took advantage of a long-term experiment to examine how climate warming and clipping (i.e., mimicking hay harvest) regulated impacts of naturally occurring drought and wet extremes on ecosystem CO 2 fluxes of a tallgrass prairie in the Great Plains, USA. Warming resulted in net ecosystem carbon release (i.e., positive net ecosystem CO 2 exchange, NEE) in the extreme drought year of 2011, but significantly enhanced net carbon uptake in the extremely wet year of 2015 in comparison with NEE in normal years. Warming-induced carbon release in the drought year was due to significantly enhanced ecosystem respiration (ER) from mid-summer to early-autumn, whereas warming-enhanced NEE in the wet year was due to an increase in aboveground net primary production (ANPP) compared to those in normal years. Drought diminished warming-induced increases in ANPP to about one sixth of that in the wet year in the unclipped plots. Interestingly, clipping offset the drought-mediated ecosystem carbon loss by increasing GPP and weakened the wet-enhanced ANPP. Altogether, our results suggest that a future, warmer climate may exacerbate carbon losses in terrestrial ecosystems during drought extremes but stimulate the ecosystem carbon sink under wet extremes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Laccase-Assisted Grafting of Acrylic Acid onto Lignin for its Recovery from Wastewater

The acrylic acid (AA) in the wastewater from paint manufacturing could be recovered by grafting to lignosulfonate in the presence of laccase and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). The low concentration of t-BHP did not inhibit the laccase activity, but improved the radical formation on lignin by laccase reaction, then initiated AA polymerization on lignin. The results showed laccase took a significant role for AA grafting to lignin. 94 % of AA could be polymerized on lignin by laccase/t-BHP, while only 32 % of AA was grafted on lignin with the same condition without laccase. The ratio of lignin to acrylic acid also affected AA recovery, and higher concentration of acrylic acid led to high recovery rate of AA. In this reaction system, the suitable range of temperature was 30–40 °C for the chemo-enzymatic reaction. The AA grafted on lignin could be precipitated by calcium ion and recovered.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Grain Growth in Nanocrystalline Mg-Al Thin Films

An improved understanding of grain growth kinetics in nanocrystalline materials, and in metals and alloys in general, is of continuing interest to the scientific community. In this study, Mg - Al thin films containing ~10 wt.% Al and with 14.5 nm average grain size were produced by magnetron-sputtering and subjected to heat-treatments. The grain growth evolution in the early stages of heat treatment at 423 K (150 °C), 473 K (200 °C) and 573K (300 °C) was observed with transmission electron microscopy and analyzed based upon the classical equation developed by Burke and Turnbull. The grain growth exponent was found to be 7±2 and the activation energy for grain growth was 31.1±13.4 kJ/mol, the latter being significantly lower than in bulk Mg-Al alloys. The observed grain growth kinetics are explained by the Al supersaturation in the matrix and the pinning effects of the rapidly forming beta precipitates and possibly shallow grain boundary grooves. The low activation energy is attributed to the rapid surface diffusion which is dominant in thin film systems.

activation energy↗
DOE OSTI2018

Precipitation behavior of L12 Al3Zr phase in Al-Mg-Zr alloy

Highlights: • Precipitation behavior of the as-cast Al-3.0Mg-0.25Zr alloy was studied. • Discontinuous and continuous precipitation mechanisms of Al{sub 3}Zr phase are observed. • Precipitation type changes from discontinuous to continuous at two-step annealing. • Developed treatment mode provides high dispersoids dense and maximum aging effect. - Abstract: Increasing the recrystallization resistance and the mechanical properties of aluminum-based alloys is possible due to the formation of a nanoscale L1{sub 2}-structured Al{sub 3}Zr phase. Treatment conditions and alloys composition affect the size and density of dispersoids and their final properties. In this work we analyze the decomposition of the supersaturated solid solution in the as-cast Al-3%Mg-0.25%Zr alloy for different annealing modes to understand the precipitation kinetics of the Al{sub 3}Zr phase in the presence of Mg. We found that both discontinuous and continuous precipitation mechanisms of the Al{sub 3}Zr phase are possible in the studied low-alloyed material. One-step annealing leads to the formation of coarse (17 nm) spherical precipitates of a coherent L1{sub 2}-structured Al{sub 3}Zr phase and discontinuously formed fan-shaped aggregations of the same phase. Two-step annealing provided for the maximum precipitation hardening with the formation of high-density nanoscale (7 nm) dispersoids of the Al{sub 3}Zr phase. This study highlights the importance of the annealing mode of the as-cast material for achieving a high density of the fine L1{sub 2} structured Al{sub 3}Zr phase and the maximum hardening effect.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effect of loading orientations on the microstructure and property of Al−Cu single crystal during stress aging

The precipitation behavior and property of Al−Cu alloy during stress aging under various loading orientations were investigated using single crystals. The resulting microstructures and the strength property were examined by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and compression test, respectively, and the effect of the distribution of θ′-plates on strength property were discussed. The results show that the precipitation distribution of θ′ was significantly affected by the loading orientation during stress aging of Al−Cu single crystals. Loading along close to 〈011〉{sub Al} directions provided more uniform precipitation distribution of θ′ as compared to loading along close to 〈001〉{sub Al} directions, and therefore provided higher strengthening stress of the θ′-plates for the stress aging sample. The results suggested that regulating the distribution of θ′ and therefore improving strength property are possible via controlling the loading orientation during stress aging. - Highlights: • We studied the effect of loading directions on stress aging of Al−Cu single crystal. • Precipitation distribution of θ′ was noticeably affected by the loading direction. • Loading along close to 〈011〉{sub Al} directions reduced the stress-orienting effect. • The strength property is closely related to the precipitation distribution of θ′. • It is possible to regulate the distribution of θ′ and improve strength property.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗