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At least 1,153 records · Page 64
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Disorder in M n+1 AX n phases at the atomic scale

Atomic disordering in materials alters their physical and chemical properties and can subsequently affect their performance. In complex ceramic materials, it is a challenge to understand the nature of structural disordering, due to the difficulty of direct, atomic-scale experimental observations. Here we report the direct imaging of ion irradiation-induced antisite defects in M n+1 AX n phases using double CS-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and provide compelling evidence of order-to-disorder phase transformations, overturning the conventional view that irradiation causes phase decomposition to binary fcc-structured M n+1 AX n . With the formation of uniformly distributed cation antisite defects and the rearrangement of X anions, disordered solid solution γ-(M n+1 A)X n phases are formed at low ion fluences, followed by gradual transitions to solid solution fcc-structured (M n+1 A)X n phases. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the order-to-disorder transformations in M n+1 AX n phases and proposes a method for the synthesis of new solid solution (M n+1 A)X n phases by tailoring the disorder.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Combining nanocalorimetry and dynamic transmission electron microscopy for in situ characterization of materials processes under rapid heating and cooling

Nanocalorimetry is a chip-based thermal analysis technique capable of analyzing endothermic and exothermic reactions at very high heating and cooling rates. Here, we couple a nanocalorimeter with an extremely fast in situ microstructural characterization tool to identify the physical origin of rapid enthalpic signals. More specifically, we describe the development of a system to enable in situ nanocalorimetry experiments in the dynamic transmission electron microscope (DTEM), a time-resolved TEM capable of generating images and electron diffraction patterns with exposure times of 30 ns–500 ns. The full experimental system consists of a modified nanocalorimeter sensor, a custom-built in situ nanocalorimetry holder, a data acquisition system, and the DTEM itself, and is capable of thermodynamic and microstructural characterization of reactions over a range of heating rates (10{sup 2} K/s–10{sup 5} K/s) accessible by conventional (DC) nanocalorimetry. To establish its ability to capture synchronized calorimetric and microstructural data during rapid transformations, this work describes measurements on the melting of an aluminum thin film. We were able to identify the phase transformation in both the nanocalorimetry traces and in electron diffraction patterns taken by the DTEM. Potential applications for the newly developed system are described and future system improvements are discussed.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2023

Shock-induced transformation of nitinol shape memory alloy: Effect of stress state on transformation

Due to its numerous practical applications and intriguing phase transformation behavior, shape memory alloys (SMAs) have garnered significant research and development interests. In the past, most studies on the mechanical behavior of SMAs have been conducted under uniaxial stress loadings. Limited research on SMAs under shock loading has not provided conclusive results regarding their transformation behavior and transformation stress under such loading. Additionally, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the effects of different stress states on transformation behavior. The main objectives of this study are to address these issues. To achieve these objectives, a series of shock wave experiments were designed and conducted. Additionally, quasi-static and dynamic uniaxial stress experiments were carried out to establish a baseline for comparison. The results revealed that the transformation stress under dynamic uniaxial strain shock loading was approximately 1.92 GPa in contrast to 0.5 GPa (quasi-static) to 0.8 GPa (dynamic) observed in uniaxial stress loading. The transformation behavior exhibited noticeable rate sensitivity for both types of loading. There appeared to be a critical strain rate above which the austenite phase was driven to a metastable state. This estimated critical axial strain rate along the loading direction was approximately 2 × 10 3 /s–4 × 10 3 /s for uniaxial stress loading and approximately 2 × 10 6 /s for uniaxial strain loading. The apparent high transformation stress for uniaxial strain loading can likely be attributed to a combination of high-pressure confinement and high strain rate. Furthermore, determining their relative contributions remains an open issue.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microstructural characterization of hydrogen induced cracking in TRIP-assisted steel by EBSD

The present work evaluates hydrogen induced cracking by performing an elaborate EBSD (Electron BackScatter Diffraction) study in a steel with transformation induced plasticity (TRIP-assisted steel). This type of steel exhibits a multiphase microstructure which undergoes a deformation induced phase transformation. Additionally, each microstructural constituent displays a different behavior in the presence of hydrogen. The aim of this study is to obtain a better understanding on the mechanisms governing hydrogen induced crack initiation and propagation in the hydrogen saturated multiphase structure. Tensile tests on notched samples combined with in-situ electrochemical hydrogen charging were conducted. The tests were interrupted at stresses just after reaching the tensile strength, i.e. before macroscopic failure of the material. This allowed to study hydrogen induced crack initiation and propagation by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and EBSD. A correlation was found between the presence of martensite, which is known to be very susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement, and the initiation of hydrogen induced cracks. Initiation seems to occur mostly by martensite decohesion. High strain regions surrounding the hydrogen induced crack tips indicate that further crack propagation may have occurred by the HELP (hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity) mechanism. Small hydrogen induced cracks located nearby the notch are typically S-shaped and crack propagation was dominantly transgranularly. The second stage of crack propagation consists of stepwise cracking by coalescence of small hydrogen induced cracks. - Highlights: • Hydrogen induced cracking in TRIP-assisted steel is evaluated by EBSD. • Tensile tests were conducted on notched hydrogen saturated samples. • Crack initiation occurs by a H-Enhanced Interface DEcohesion (HEIDE) mechanism. • Crack propagation involves growth and coalescence of small cracks. • Propagation is governed by the characteristics of phases on the crack path.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

On the potential mechanisms of β to α' + β decomposition in two phase titanium alloys during additive manufacturing: a combined transmission Kikuchi diffraction and 3D atom probe study

In this paper, we focus on the mechanisms of phase transformations in additively manufactured Ti–6Al–4V during cooling. In particular, the goal is to understand if the imposed thermal cycles during fabrication results in the complete transformation of the α' to the β phase or the sub-transus decomposition of α' (martensite) to α + β. To this effect, samples fabricated using electron beam melting and laser-directed energy deposition techniques were analyzed using atom probe tomography (APT) in conjunction with correlative transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD). While the composition measurement using APT shows partitioning of vanadium into the β phase, the crystallographic analysis suggests evidence of a shear-induced transformation. Despite the pronounced differences in the processing conditions, both of the additive manufacturing techniques lead to similar partitioning of vanadium to the β phase. Finally, calculations using THERMOCALC and DICTRA show that under the time and temperature regimes of additive manufacturing the microstructure could develop by the decomposition reaction of α' → α+β.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

The crystal structure and morphology of NiO-YSZ composite that prepared from local zircon concentrate of Bangka Island

In order to increase the economic value of local zircon concentrate from Bangka Island, NiO-YSZ was synthesized from Zirconia, ZrO{sub 2} that was prepared from local zircon concentrate. The NiO-YSZ composite was synthesized by solid state reaction method. XRD analysis equipped with Le Bail refinement was carried out to analyze the crystal structure and cell parameters of the prepared materials. The result showed that zirconia was crystallized in tetragonal structure with a space group of P42/NMC. Yttria-Stabilized-Zirconia (YSZ) was prepared by doping 8% mol yttrium oxide into zirconia and then sintered at 1250°C for 3 hours. Doping of 8% mol Yttria allowed phase transformation of zirconia from tetragonal into the cubic structure. Meanwhile, the composite of NiO-YSZ consists of two crystalline phases, i.e. the NiO with cubic structure and the YSZ with cubic structure. SEM analysis of the prepared materials shows that the addition of NiO into YSZ allows the morphology to become more roughness with larger grain size.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

In situ X-ray diffraction strain-controlled study of Ti–Nb–Zr and Ti–Nb–Ta shape memory alloys: crystal lattice and transformation features

Phase and structure transformations in biomedical Ti–21.8Nb–6.0Zr (TNZ) and Ti–19.7Nb–5.8Ta (TNT) shape memory alloys (at.%) under and without load in the − 150 to 100 °S temperature range are studied in situ using an original tensile module for a low-temperature chamber of an X-ray diffractometer. Alpha″- and beta-phase lattice parameters, the crystallographic resource of recovery strain, phase and structure transformation sequences, and microstress appearance and disappearance are examined, compared and discussed. For both alloys, the crystallographic resource of recovery strain decreases with temperature increase to become 4.5% for TNZ and 2.5% for TNT alloy (at RT). Loading at low temperatures leads to additional α″-phase formation and reorientation. Heating under load, as compared to strain-free heating, affects the reverse transformation sequence of both alloys in different ways. For TNZ alloy, strain-free heating results in simultaneous ω→β and α″→β transformations, whereas during heating under stress, they are sequential: β + ω→α″ precedes α″→β. For TNT alloy, strain-free heating results in reverse α″→β transformation, whereas during heating under stress, α″→β transformation is preceded by α″-phase reorientation. - Highlights: • Comparative in situ XRD analysis of Ti–Nb–Zr(Ta) shape memory alloys is realized. • Lattice parameters of β- and α″-phases are calculated in the − 150 to + 100 °C range. • The higher the temperature, the lower the α″→β transformation strain. • Loading at low temperatures results in α″-phase formation and reorientation. • Transformation sequences upon heating with and without loading are different.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Transitional Structures with Continuous Variations in Atomic Positions from Anatase to Rutile Improve Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract TiO 2 polymorphs have distinct properties that are widely employed in various applications. However, mechanisms of transformations between these polymorphs are not fully understood, especially at atomic scale, inhibiting advancing the design and application of the transitional phases. Here, based on results from semi‐in situ transmission electron microscopy, density functional theory, and X‐ray photoemission experiments, a physical picture of transitional structures is discovered, in which continuous variations in atomic positions form along a previously unreported anatase‐to‐rutile phase transformation path of [010] A –to–[] R and (004) A –to– (011) R . These gradient structures give rise to continuous band bending, which promotes electron‐hole separation and inhibits their recombination across the bulk of the particles, leading to a large functionally active volume fraction and resulting in high photoactivity. These findings suggest that interphase matter based on extended gradient structures can be designed to advance new functions not achievable using abrupt interfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

High pressure phase transitions in scheelite structured fluoride: ErLiF{sub 4}

Our synchrotron based angle dispersive x-ray diffraction studies on scheelite structured ErLiF{sub 4} show that it undergoes two phase transitions, at ~11.5 and ~15.5 GPa to lower symmetry monoclinic phases, before becoming (irreversibly) amorphous at ~28 GPa. The first high pressure phase transformation to the fergusonite structure (space group I2/a) is found to be of thermodynamically second order. The second high pressure phase could be fitted to the P2/c space group, but detailed analysis rules out the wolframite structure (P2/c space group), common to many scheelite compounds under high pressures. We also suggest that despite the ionic character of the LiF{sub 4} tetrahedra, the compressibility of LnLiF{sub 4} (Ln=Eu–Lu) kind of scheelites is more affected by the LnF{sub 8} dodecahedra than the LiF{sub 4} tetrahedra. - Graphical abstract: Volume per formula unit of the scheelite and high pressure phases of ErLiF{sub 4} as a function of pressure. - Highlights: • ErLiF{sub 4} transforms to fergusonite and P2/c phase at high pressure. • Polyhedra of LnF{sub 8} affects compressibility of LnLiF{sub 4} (Ln=Eu–Lu) more than LiF{sub 4}. • Amorphization pressure varies inversely in LnLiF{sub 4} with ionic size of Ln cation. • In ErLiF{sub 4}a/c ratio reduces with pressure in contrast to reported increase in YLiF{sub 4}.

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

Nanoscale monoclinic domains in epitaxial SrRuO{sub 3} thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition

In this paper, we analyze the structural distortions observed by transmission electron microscopy in thin epitaxial SrRuO{sub 3} layers used as bottom electrodes in multiferroic coatings onto SrTiO{sub 3} substrates for future multiferroic devices. Regardless of the nature and architecture of the multilayer oxides deposited on the top of the SrRuO{sub 3} thin films, selected area electron diffraction patterns systematically revealed the presence of faint diffraction spots appearing in forbidden positions for the SrRuO{sub 3} orthorhombic structure. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) combined with Geometric Phase Analysis (GPA) evidenced the origin of these forbidden diffraction spots in the presence of structurally disordered nanometric domains in the SrRuO{sub 3} bottom layers, resulting from a strain-driven phase transformation. The local high compressive strain (−4% ÷ −5%) measured by GPA in the HRTEM images induces a local orthorhombic to monoclinic phase transition by a cooperative rotation of the RuO{sub 6} octahedra. A further confirmation of the origin of the forbidden diffraction spots comes from the simulated diffraction patterns obtained from a monoclinic disordered SrRuO{sub 3} structure.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Volume collapse phase transitions in cerium-praseodymium alloys under high pressure

Cerium-12at%Praseodymium(Ce 0.88 Pr 0.12 ) and Ce-50at%Praseodymium(Ce 0.50 Pr 0.50 ) alloy samples that contain a random solid-solution of Ce (4f1 (J=5/2)) and Pr (4f2 (J=4)) localized f-states have been studied by angle dispersive x-ray diffraction in a diamond anvil cell to a pressure of 65 GPa and 150 GPa respectively using a synchrotron source. Ce 0.88 Pr 0.12 alloy crystallizes in a face-centered cubic (γ-phase) structure at ambient conditions, while Ce 0.50 Pr 0.50 alloy crystallizes in the double hexagonal close packed (dhcp) structure at ambient conditions. Two distinct volume collapse transitions are observed in Ce 0.88 Pr 0.12 alloy at 1.5 GPa and 18 GPa with volume change of 8.5% and 3% respectively. In contrast, Ce 0.50 Pr 0.50 alloy shows only a single volume collapse of 5.6% at 20 GPa on phase transformation to α-Uranium structure under high pressure. Electrical transport measurements under high pressure show anomalies in electrical resistance at phase transitions for both compositions of this alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

The excitonic insulator route through a dynamical phase transition induced by an optical pulse

We consider a dynamical phase transition induced by a short optical pulse in a system prone to thermodynamical instability. We address the case of pumping to excitons whose density contributes directly to the order parameter. To describe both thermodynamic and dynamic effects on equal footing, we adopt a view of the excitonic insulator for the phase transition and suggest a formation of the Bose condensate for the pumped excitons. The work is motivated by experiments in donor–acceptor organic compounds with a neutral- ionic phase transition coupled to the spontaneous lattice dimerization and to charge transfer excitons. The double nature of the ensemble of excitons leads to an intricate time evolution, in particular, to macroscopic quantum oscillations from the interference between the Bose condensate of excitons and the ground state of the excitonic insulator. The coupling of excitons and the order parameter also leads to self-trapping of their wave function, akin to self-focusing in optics. The locally enhanced density of excitons can surpass a critical value to trigger the phase transformation, even if the mean density is below the required threshold. The system is stratified in domains that evolve through dynamical phase transitions and sequences of merging. The new circumstances in experiments and theory bring to life, once again, some remarkable inventions made by L.V. Keldysh.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2017

The Structure and Properties of Microcrystalline and Submicrocrystalline Titanium Alloy VT1-0 in the Area of the Electron Beam Welding Seam

An investigation of the welding seam structure of micro- and submicrocrystalline specimens of VT1-0 alloy is reported. Special features are revealed in the formation of the heat-affected zone in the alloy as a result of electron-beam action due to its structural state. Particular attention is given to the role of α→β-transformations characterizing titanium alloys subjected to thermal impacts. It is found that the structural features of all welding-joint zones, considering the phase transformations, determine the character of hardness value distribution and the respective strength properties of the weld joints. A comparison is given between the structure formation in microcrystalline alloys and in welding seams formed by laser-beam welding. The welding of submicrocrystalline titanium is also compared to another high-energy impact – resistance welding.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Magnetic Properties of Co-doped Bismuth Oxide (δ-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}) at Low Temperature

The (Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}){sub 1−x−y}(Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}){sub x}(Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3}){sub y} material compounds were prepared by using the solid-state reaction technique under normal air conditions. The heat treatments of the ternary samples were performed firstly at 800 °C for 48 h and then at 750 °C for 100 h. The structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of the materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope, and a Quantum Design PPMS-9T system, respectively. From the XRD results, it was found that the phases of all of the samples consisted of the fluorite-type face-centered cubic δ-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} phase. It was observed that the microstructure of the samples is uniformly distributed on the samples’ surface. The temperature dependence of magnetization (M–T) measurements showed that the magnetization rose sharply at the critical temperature. The calculated critical temperature values vary from 22.19 to 56.61 K for the samples. All of the samples displayed the paramagnetic behavior. The paramagnetic behavior started from 300 K to very low temperature which varied from 22.19 to 56.61 K. The coercive rise on the magnetization below 22.19 K or 56.61 K with decreasing temperature causes a phase transformation in the δ-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} system. This sudden increment was considered as a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic phase transition.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Insights into ionic transport and structural changes in magnetite during multiple-electron transfer reactions

Metal oxides, such as Fe 3 O 4 , hold promise for future battery applications due to their abundance, low cost, and opportunity for high lithium storage capacity. In order to better understand the mechanisms of multiple-electron transfer reactions leading to high capacity in Fe 3 O 4 , a comprehensive investigation on local ionic transport and ordering is made by probing site occupancies of anions (O 2– ) and cations (Li + , Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ ) using multiple synchrotron X-ray and electron-beam techniques, in combination with ab-initio calculations. Results from this study provide the first experimental evidence that the cubic-close-packed (ccp) O-anion array in Fe 3 O 4 is sustained throughout the lithiation and delithiation processes, thereby enabling multiple lithium intercalation and conversion reactions. Cation displacement/reordering occurs within the ccp O-anion framework, which leads to a series of phase transformations, starting from the inverse spinel phase and turning into intermediate rock-salt-like phases (Li x Fe 3 O 4 ; 0 < x < 2), then into a cation-segregated phase (Li 2 O•FeO), and finally converting into metallic Fe and Li 2 O. Subsequent delithiation and lithiation processes involve interconversion between metallic Fe and FeO-like phases. Lastly, these results may offer new insights into the structure-determined ionic transport and electrochemical reactions in metal oxides, and those of other compounds sharing a ccp anion framework, reminiscent of magnetite.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Nanostructured Ni—Cd powders

Nanostructured powders of the Ni—Cd system containing 0–50 mol.% Cd obtained by co-reduction of metal salts from aqueous solutions by hydrazine were studied by X-ray diffraction, optical emission spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The reduction leads to formation of polycrystalline particles of 100–350 nm size, consisting of 10–20 nm crystallites. Phase composition of the powders is substantially different from that predicted by equilibrium on the phase diagram. Instead of a two-phase area consisting of Ni—NiCd intermetallide, other phase states are observed. If the system contains up to 6% Cd, the XRD data indicates the presence of a single-phase solid solution with a face centred cubic (fcc)-structure. The increase in the Cd content to ~40% is accompanied by formation of the NiCd{sub 5} intermetallide phase, along with a solid solution. In the 40–50% Cd content range, the main phases are NiCd{sub 5}, as well as a fcc-phase containing up to 18% Cd and characterized by a strong broadening of the diffraction maxima caused by the presence of 2–3 nm crystallites. Furthermore, the system of such composition contains a previously unknown non-stoichiometric phase based on Ni{sub 3}Cd, having a similar to Cu{sub 3}Au structure. The results serve to clarify compositions of reduction products and the character of the structural-phase transformations of the intermediate hydroxides and metal products during the reduction process. Based on the obtained data, we proposed a formation scheme for the phases that are unconventional for the studied composition region of the Ni-Cd system. It has been concluded that the main factors determining formation of the reduction products are particle nanoscale dimensionality and occurrence of the reduction process far from equilibrium.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗