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At least 127 records · Page 7

Metal composite material for attachment to ceramic

A sintered solid composite material is disclosed that includes a metal and a calcium alumina compound. The metal can be a noble metal. This composite material can bond to a ceramic material, and an article is disclosed that includes a first ceramic layer bonded to a second layer of the composite material of metal and calcium alumina compound. The ceramic can be a mixed ionic and electronic conductor (MEIC), and/or have a perovskite crystal structure, and/or be a mixed oxide comprising lanthanum, strontium, cobalt, iron and oxygen. The article can be used as an electrode such as a cathode of a solid oxide fuel cell.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

High-Throughput Electric-Field-Assisted Sintering and Characterization Techniques for Materials Discovery

Despite improvements in computing and modeling capabilities, the performance of new materials, particularly those which deviate greatly in composition from well-studied materials (e.g., high-entropy alloys), can be difficult to simulate given the lack of available experimental property data. While some modeling techniques may attempt to predict the properties of these exotic materials, most are forced to make extrapolations from more traditional materials. To fulfill the need for accelerated material synthesis and property measurement, a high-throughput methodology has been developed. Utilizing electric-field-assisted sintering (EFAS), also known as spark plasma sintering (SPS), equipped with custom tooling, samples of differing alloy compositions can be produced simultaneously as a single alloy array. Several arrays have been produced with compositions spanning the Co-Cr-Fe-Mn-Ni alloy family, including many high-entropy alloys, while the novel array geometry has enabled the samples to be polished and characterized in parallel, using X-ray diffraction, scanning-electron microscopy, and laser-based thermal diffusivity measurements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Investigation of Sintering Temperature on Attrition Resistance of Highly Porous Diatomite Based Material

Highly porous diatomite based granulates with a diameter of 500 mum have been produced by an extrusion method. In order to investigate the relation between microstructure, phase composition and attrition resistance of the final product, the granulates were sintered between 800 and 1300 deg. C. Mean pore size of the granulates was evaluated by Hg-porosimetry. An increase of the pore size is observed in the range of 3.6 nm to 40 mum with increasing sintering temperature. Higher mean pore radii of 1.6 mum and 5.7 mum obtained by sintering at 800 and 1300 deg. C respectively. X-ray diffraction shows that mullite phase appears at 1100 deg. C due to the presence of clay. At 1100 deg. C diatomite (amorphous silicate) started to transform into alpha-cristobalite. Attrition resistance was determined by evaluating the amount of ground material passed through a sieve with a predefined mesh size. It was observed that a material sintered at high temperature leads to an increase of attrition resistance due to the decrease of total porosities and phase transformation. Due to the reason that attrition resistance significantly increased by sintering the granulates at higher temperature, a so called attrition resistance index was determined in order to compare all the different attrition resistance values. This attrition resistance index was determined by using the exponential component of the equation obtained from attrition resistance curves. It permits comparison of the attrition behaviour without a time influence.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development of the method for the preparation of Mg{sub 2}Si by SPS technique

The aim of the study was to develop a fast and simple method for preparation of polycrystalline Mg{sub 2}Si. For this purpose a Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) method was used and synthesis conditions were adjusted in such a manner that no excess Mg was required. Materials were synthesized by the direct reaction of Mg and Si raw powders. To determine the phase and chemical composition, the fabricated samples were studied by X-ray diffraction and SEM microscopy coupled with EDX chemical analysis. Thermoelectric properties of samples (thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient) were measured all over temperature range of 300-650 K. The analysis by the scanning thermoelectric microprobe (STM) shows that samples have uniform distribution of Seebeck coefficient with mean value of about -405 {mu}VK{sup -1} and standard deviation of 94 {mu}VK{sup -1}. Prepared materials have intrinsic band gap of 0.45 eV and thermal conductivity {lambda}= 7.5 Wm{sup -1}K{sup -1} at room temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA Tech Briefs, August 2011

Topics covered include: Miniature, Variable-Speed Control Moment Gyroscope; NBL Pistol Grip Tool for Underwater Training of Astronauts; HEXPANDO Expanding Head for Fastener-Retention Hexagonal Wrench; Diagonal-Axes Stage for Pointing an Optical Communications Transceiver; Improvements in Speed and Functionality of a 670-GHz Imaging Radar; IONAC-Lite; Large Ka-Band Slot Array for Digital Beam-Forming Applications; Development of a 150-GHz MMIC Module Prototype for Large-Scale CMB Radiation; Coupling Between Waveguide-Fed Slot Arrays; PCB-Based Break-Out Box; Multiple-Beam Detection of Fast Transient Radio Sources; Router Agent Technology for Policy-Based Network Management; Remote Asynchronous Message Service Gateway; Automatic Tie Pointer for In-Situ Pointing Correction; Jitter Correction; MSLICE Sequencing; EOS MLS Level 2 Data Processing Software Version 3; DspaceOgre 3D Graphics Visualization Tool; Metallization for Yb14MnSb11-Based Thermoelectric Materials; Solvent/Non-Solvent Sintering To Make Microsphere Scaffolds; Enhanced Fuel-Optimal Trajectory-Generation Algorithm for Planetary Pinpoint Landing; Self-Cleaning Coatings and Materials for Decontaminating Field-Deployable Land and Water-Based Optical Systems; Separation of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with DEP-FFF; Li Anode Technology for Improved Performance; Post-Fragmentation Whole Genome Amplification-Based Method; Microwave Tissue Soldering for Immediate Wound Closure; Principles, Techniques, and Applications of Tissue Microfluidics; Robotic Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering and Organ Growth; Stress-Driven Selection of Novel Phenotypes; Method for Accurately Calibrating a Spectrometer Using Broadband Light; Catalytic Microtube Rocket Igniter; Stage Cylindrical Immersive Display; Vacuum Camera Cooler; Atomic Oxygen Fluence Monitor; Thermal Management Tools for Propulsion System Trade Studies and Analysis; Introduction to Physical Intelligence; Technique for Solving Electrically Small to Large Structures for Broadband Applications; Accelerated Adaptive MGS Phase Retrieval; Large Eddy Simulation Study for Fluid Disintegration and Mixing; Tropospheric Correction for InSAR Using Interpolated ECMWF Data and GPS Zenith Total Delay; Technique for Calculating Solution Derivatives With Respect to Geometry Parameters in a CFD Code; Acute Radiation Risk and BRYNTRN Organ Dose Projection Graphical User Interface; Probabilistic Path Planning of Montgolfier Balloons in Strong, Uncertain Wind Fields; Flight Simulation of ARES in the Mars Environment; Low-Outgassing Photogrammetry Targets for Use in Outer Space; Planning the FUSE Mission Using the SOVA Algorithm; Monitoring Spacecraft Telemetry Via Optical or RF Link; and Robust Thermal Control of Propulsion Lines for Space Missions.

Source record↗

ALD coating of nuclear fuel actinides materials

The invention provides a method of forming a nuclear fuel pellet of a uranium containing fuel alternative to UO.sub.2, with the steps of obtaining a fuel form in a powdered state; coating the fuel form in a powdered state with at least one layer of a material; and sintering the powdered fuel form into a fuel pellet. Also provided is a sintered nuclear fuel pellet of a uranium containing fuel alternative to UO.sub.2, wherein the pellet is made from particles of fuel, wherein the particles of fuel are particles of a uranium containing moiety, and wherein the fuel particles are coated with at least one layer between about 1 nm to about 4 nm thick of a material using atomic layer deposition, and wherein the at least one layer of the material substantially surrounds each interfacial grain barrier after the powdered fuel form has been sintered.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Implementation Challenges for Sintered Silicon Carbide Fiber Bonded Ceramic Materials for High Temperature Applications

During the last decades, a number of fiber reinforced ceramic composites have been developed and tested for various aerospace and ground based applications. However, a number of challenges still remain slowing the wide scale implementation of these materials. In addition to continuous fiber reinforced composites, other innovative materials have been developed including the fibrous monoliths and sintered fiber bonded ceramics. The sintered silicon carbide fiber bonded ceramics have been fabricated by the hot pressing and sintering of silicon carbide fibers. However, in this system reliable property database as well as various issues related to thermomechanical performance, integration, and fabrication of large and complex shape components has yet to be addressed. In this presentation, thermomechanical properties of sintered silicon carbide fiber bonded ceramics (as fabricated and joined) will be presented. In addition, critical need for manufacturing and integration technologies in successful implementation of these materials will be discussed.

Singh, M.↗

Improved silicon nitride for advanced heat engines

The results of a four year program to improve the strength and reliability of injection-molded silicon nitride are summarized. Statistically designed processing experiments were performed to identify and optimize critical processing parameters and compositions. Process improvements were monitored by strength testing at room and elevated temperatures, and microstructural characterization by optical, scanning electron microscopes, and scanning transmission electron microscope. Processing modifications resulted in a 20 percent strength and 72 percent Weibull slope improvement of the baseline material. Additional sintering aids screening and optimization experiments succeeded in developing a new composition (GN-10) capable of 581.2 MPa at 1399 C. A SiC whisker toughened composite using this material as a matrix achieved a room temperature toughness of 6.9 MPa m(exp .5) by the Chevron notched bar technique. Exploratory experiments were conducted on injection molding of turbocharger rotors.

Yeh, Harry C.↗

Processing, texture and mechanical properties of sintered silicon carbide

With regard to its favorable properties, in particular those shown at high temperatures, silicon carbide is of great interest for applications related to the construction of engines and turbines. Thus, silicon carbide could replace heat-resisting alloys with the objective to achieve a further increase in operational temperature. The present investigation is concerned with approaches which can provide silicon carbide material with suitable properties for the intended applications, taking into account the relations between characteristics of the raw material, material composition, sinter conditions, and results of the sintering process. The effects of density and texture formation on the mechanical properties are studied. It is found that a dense material with a fine-grained microstructure provides optimal mechanical properties, while any deviation from this ideal condition can lead to a considerable deterioration with respect to the material properties.

Landfermann, H.↗

Cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

A process of forming a coated cathode active material include preparing a cathode material precursor by co-precipitation; coating the cathode material precursor with an electrochemically inert coating material precursor by precipitation to form a coated cathode material precursor; lithiating the coated cathode material precursor with a lithium source material to form a lithiated coated cathode material precursor; and sintering the lithiated coated cathode material precursor to form a cathode active material coated with an electrochemically inert material.

Wu, Huiming↗

Construction material processed using lunar simulant in various environments

The manufacture of construction materials from locally available resources in space is an important first step in the establishment of lunar and planetary bases. The objective of the CoMPULSIVE (Construction Material Processed Using Lunar Simulant In Various Environments) experiment is to develop a procedure to produce construction materials by sintering or melting Johnson Space Center Simulant 1 (JSC-1) lunar soil simulant in both earth-based (1-g) and microgravity (approximately 0-g) environments. The characteristics of the resultant materials will be tested to determine its physical and mechanical properties. The physical characteristics include: crystalline, thermal, and electrical properties. The mechanical properties include: compressive tensile, and flexural strengths. The simulant, placed in a sealed graphite crucible, will be heated using a high temperature furnace. The crucible will then be cooled by radiative and forced convective means. The core furnace element consists of space qualified quartz-halogen incandescent lamps with focusing mirrors. Sample temperatures of up to 2200 C are attainable using this heating method.

Chase, Stan↗

Trapping of Metal Atoms and Metal Clusters by Chabazite under Severe Redox Stress

The remarkable ability of Al-containing CHA zeolite to trap and stabilize noble single-metal atoms and metal clusters has facilitated the design of sinter-resistant materials for catalytic applications that require severe reaction conditions. At high temperatures in O 2 , volatile MOx species appear to be fixated by the zeolite Al centers to prevent Ostwald-ripening sintering mechanisms, whereas small metal clusters (<100 atoms) are stabilized in H 2 without further aggregation as coalescence by Brownian motion is inhibited because of an encapsulation effect. Evidences of the possibility to trap the metal released from a second adjacent surface (e.g., SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 ), upon metal migration over micrometer distances, are provided. These properties have opened the possibility to prepare several noble-metal atoms and clusters inside small-pore zeolites, including bimetallic formulation, by simple wetness impregnations or solid-to-solid transformations followed by standard calcination procedures, resulting in improved catalytic performances compared to other nonreducible supports in reactions that subject the catalysts to severe redox stress, such as the water–gas-shift reaction.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Cold press sintering of simulated lunar basalt

In order to predict the conditions for which the lunar regolith may be adequately sintered, experiments were conducted in which samples of simulated lunar basalt (MLS-1) were pressed at high pressures and then heated in an electric furnace. This sintering process may be referred to as cold press sintering since the material is pressed at room temperature. Although test articles were produced which possessed compressive strengths comparable to that of terrestrial concrete, the cold press sintering process requires very high press pressures and sintering temperatures in order to achieve that strength. Additionally, the prospect of poor internal heat transfer adversely affecting the quality of sintered lunar material is a major concern. Therefore, it is concluded that cold press sintering will most likely be undesirable for the production of lunar construction materials.

Altemir, D. A.↗

3D printed carbon fiber reinforced carbon as an energy efficient alternative to graphite for EFAS tooling

As Electric Field Assisted Sintering (EFAS) gains more industrial acceptance and use, it becomes more important to develop more efficient means to implement this technology. To this aim, 3D printed continuous carbon fiber reinforced carbon (CCC) was manufactured and fabricated into tooling for EFAS systems as an alternative to traditional graphite tooling. The impact of fiber orientation on the thermal and electrical properties of the CCC was characterized. Sample material was sintered in Tokai G535 graphite tooling, under common processing conditions and compared with CCC tooling. There was nearly 50 % energy savings compared to graphite while maintaining equivalent sample density and microstructure plus keeping ram temperatures 39 % cooler. This is due to spatial control of generated heat and thermal diffusivity within the molds, by means of fiber orientation anisotropy. Finite element modeling of the tooling design supported the experimental results as well as displays the effect of optimization of this 3D printed CCC material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ab-initio molecular modeling of interfaces in tantalum-carbon system

Processing of ultrahigh temperature TaC ceramic material with sintering additives of B{sub 4}C and reinforcement of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) gives rise to possible formation of several interfaces (Ta{sub 2}C-TaC, TaC-CNT, Ta{sub 2}C-CNT, TaB{sub 2}-TaC, and TaB{sub 2}-CNT) that could influence the resultant properties. Current work focuses on interfaces developed during spark plasma sintering of TaC-system and performing ab initio molecular modeling of the interfaces generated during processing of TaC-B{sub 4}C and TaC-CNT composites. The energy of the various interfaces has been evaluated and compared with TaC-Ta{sub 2}C interface. The iso-surface electronic contours are extracted from the calculations eliciting the enhanced stability of TaC-CNT interface by 72.2%. CNTs form stable interfaces with Ta{sub 2}C and TaB{sub 2} phases with a reduction in the energy by 35.8% and 40.4%, respectively. The computed Ta-C-B interfaces are also compared with experimentally observed interfaces in high resolution TEM images.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Operation of a high-gradient superconducting radio-frequency cavity with a non-evaporable getter pump

The use of non-evaporable getter (NEG) pumps in particle accelerators has increased significantly over the past few years because of their large pumping speed, particularly for hydrogen, compared to the size of the pump. A concern about using such pumps in superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) accelerators is the possibility of shedding particulates which could then migrate into the SRF cavities and produce field emission, therefore degrading the cavity performance. One option to mitigate such issue is to use sintered getter materials which intrinsically offer superior mechanical and particle retention properties. In this article we present the results from cryogenic RF tests of a high-gradient SRF cavity after being evacuated several times with an NEG pump equipped with sintered getter disks and placed in close proximity to the cavity. Here, the results showed that the cavity performance was not affected by the pump up to the quench gradient of 34 MV/m. As a result of this study, two such NEG pumps have been installed next to a cryomodule in the CEBAF accelerator to maintain ultra-high vacuum in the SRF cryomodule and two adjacent warm girder sections.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗