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At least 1,279 records · Page 71

The effect of CO 2 -induced dissolution on flow properties in Indiana Limestone: An in situ synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography study

The injection of CO 2 -rich fluids in carbonate rocks results in an evolution of the pore space, with consequent changes in the hydraulic properties of the reservoir; how these properties evolve, particularly for parameters relevant to multiphase flow e.g. P c (s), remains a topic of active research despite several decades of study. We have carried out an in situ synchrotron X-ray microtomography experiment to monitor pore structure evolution during dissolution of an Indiana Limestone core; the experiment involved flowing CO 2 -saturated water through the core for 36 h and resulted in 10 volumes corresponding to different temporal stages of the dissolution process. The injection parameters corresponded to the flow velocities expected near the well-bore region of a shallow aqueous CO 2 injection; fast flow rates with high reactant availability. Analysis of the tomographic data shows flow-enhanced dissolution i.e. channeling, and provides a time-resolved map of pore space alteration. Using the resulting 4D pore space volume, we modeled the evolution of capillary-pressure curves; this exercise demonstrates how pore structure evolution could impact the invasion and remobilization of non-wetting fluids, dramatically decreasing the entry pressure and the P C in some parts of the sample. The modeling of permeability, using a Stokes solver approach, quantified the relationship of porosity vs. permeability; we found that a modest increase in porosity, especially when the channeling system is more developed, greatly affects permeability. Furthermore, these results demonstrate how movement of CO 2 saturated brine near injected plumes might alter drainage dynamics near the plume boundary, thus leading to mobilization across subtle capillary barriers.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Effect of CO 2 -brine-rock reactions on pore architecture and permeability in dolostone: Implications for CO 2 storage and EOR

Geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) is considered a feasible technology for storing substantive volumes of greenhouse gases in subsurface geological formations. In the reservoir, far from carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) injection wells or in post-injection scenarios, diffusion dominates over advection. This condition conjoins with spatially distributed geochemical reactions to induce heterogeneous changes in pore architecture, i.e. pore body and throat sizes or surface roughness. These changes can affect CO 2 transport properties and storage capacity. In this work, we investigated mineral dissolution and precipitation in dolomite samples saturated with a CO 2 -saturated brine at 93 °C and 34.5 MPa, aged without flow. Two rock types samples, i.e. intergranular- and vuggy-dominant, were selected to investigate changes in pore size, porosity and permeability under reactive conditions. Mineral dissolution and precipitation were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Changes in pore size were quantified via time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) transverse relaxation time (T 2 ) and diffusion coefficient (D) distributions. We show that mineral dissolution likely occurs in highly permeable pathways. These observations are confirmed through analysis of (T 2 ) and diffusion coefficient (D) distributions. In contrast to results during CO 2 -enriched brine continuous injection, mineral precipitation was observed in micropores. The leftward shift of the T 2 peaks, corresponding to micropores, also evidenced mineral precipitation in lowpermeability zones. However, microscale alterations resulted only in a subtle increase in porosity and permeability. Results in this study shed light on effects of geochemical reactions on alteration of rock properties in diffusion-dominated regions during CO 2 storage.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Changes in the pore network structure of Hanford sediment after reaction with caustic tank wastes

At the former nuclear weapon production site in Hanford, WA, caustic radioactive tank waste leaks into subsurface sediments and causes dissolution of quartz and aluminosilicate minerals, and precipitation of sodalite and cancrinite. This work examines changes in pore structure due to these reactions in a previously-conducted column experiment. The column was sectioned and 2D images of the pore space were generated using backscattered electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A pre-precipitation scenario was created by digitally removing mineral matter identified as secondary precipitates. Porosity, determined by segmenting the images to distinguish pore space from mineral matter, was up to 0.11 less after reaction. Erosion-dilation analysis was used to compute pore and throat size distributions. Images with precipitation had more small and fewer large pores. Precipitation decreased throat sizes and the abundance of large throats. These findings agree with previous findings based on 3D X-ray CMT imaging, observing decreased porosity, clogging of small throats, and little change in large throats. However, 2D imaging found an increase in small pores, mainly in intragranular regions or below the resolution of the 3D images. Also, an increase in large pores observed via 3D imaging was not observed in the 2D analysis. Changes in flow conducting throats that are the key permeability-controlling features were observed in both methods.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Creep behavior of 316 L stainless steel manufactured by laser powder bed fusion

Additive manufacturing as a new processing technique can produce unique microstructure that is difficult to achieve using conventional techniques. Here, we have investigated the creep behavior of 316 L stainless steel produced by a laser powder bed fusion process at temperatures of 550, 600 and 650 °C and stresses between 175 and 300 MPa. We found that additively-manufactured 316 L stainless steel had a higher stress dependence of the minimum creep rate than conventionally-made Type 316 SS, which could be attributed to the dislocation cell structure resulting from the printing process. The dislocation cell structure was unstable under creep, evolving into a uniform dislocation structure under the test conditions. While internal porosity in AM 316 L SS may serve as nucleation sites of creep voids and may be responsible for a relatively lower creep life, additively-manufactured 316 SS did not show inferior creep ductility when compared with conventionally-made 316 SS. The creep life of AM 316 L SS could be improved by stabilizing dislocation cell structure and/or reducing internal porosity through an optimized additive manufacturing process.

316 L stainless steel↗

Assessment of effective elastic constants of U-10Mo fuel: A multiscale modeling and homogenization study

The significant microstructural changes that U-Mo fuel undergoes during operation degrades its mechanical properties and structural integrity. Microstructural evolution entails the formation, evolution, and redistribution of porosity in conjunction with grain refinement. In the present paper, we employ numerical approaches to assess the impact of the various microstructural features—grains, nanoscale intragranular fission gas bubbles, and mesoscale intergranular voids—on the degradation of elastic constants. Phase-field microstructure models are combined with the asymptotic expansion homogenization technique in order to derive the effective elastic constants as a function of porosity and fission density. Here the results are verified and compared against theoretical bounds. Using this approach, elastic degradation in operating nuclear fuels can be quantified when the distributions of microstructural features are known.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Porous platinum mesoflowers with enhanced activity for methanol oxidation reaction

Porous Pt and Pt-Ag alloy mesoflowers (MFs) with about 2 {mu}m in diameter and high porosity were synthesized using Ag mesoflowers as sacrificial template by galvanic reaction. The silver content in Pt-Ag alloys can be facilely controlled by nitric acid treatment. And the pure Pt MFs can be obtained by selective removal of silver element from Pt{sub 72}Ag{sub 28} MFs electrochemically. Both Pt{sub 45}Ag{sub 55}, Pt{sub 72}Ag{sub 28} and pure Pt show a high catalytic performance in methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). Especially, pure Pt MFs exhibited a 2 to 3 times current density enhancement in MOR compared with the commercial used Pt black, which can be attributed to their porous nanostructure with 3-dimentional nature and small crystal sizes. - Graphical Abstract: The CVs of MOR on Pt (red) and Pt black (green) catalysts in 0.1 M HClO{sub 4} and 0.5 M CH{sub 3}OH for specific mass current. The insert shows the SEM images of two porous Pt MFs. Platinum mesoflowers (MFs) with about 2 {mu}m in diameter and high porosity were synthesised with Ag mesoflowers as sacrificial template by galvanic replacement. The porous Pt MFs exhibited a more than 3 times enhancement in electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation reaction compared the commercial used Pt black. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Porous Pt and Pt-Ag mesoflowers (MFs) were synthesized using Ag MFs sacrifical template. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Pt MFs presents an improved catalytic activity in MOR compared with Pt black. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We provided a facile approach for the development of high performance Pt electrocatalysts for fuel cells.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Carbonaceous spheres—an unusual template for solid metal oxide mesoscale spheres: Application to ZnO spheres

A green template route for the synthesis of mesoscale solid ZnO spheres was ascertained. The protocol involves a double coating of the carbonaceous spheres with successive layers of zinc-containing species by alternating a non-ultrasound and ultrasound-assisted deposition, followed by calcination treatments. The composites were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy while the obtained ZnO spheres by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, N{sub 2} adsorption–desorption isotherms and photoluminescence investigations. A growth mechanism of the solid spheres is advanced based on these results. While the spheres' diameters and the mean size values of ZnO are independent on deposition order, the surface area and the external porosity are fairly dependent. The photoluminescence measurements showed interesting emission features, with emission bands in the violet to orange region. The spheres present high photocatalytical activity towards the degradation of phenol under UV irradiation, the main reaction being its mineralization. - Graphical abstract: A novel and eco-friendly methodology for the synthesis of mesoscale solid ZnO spheres was developed. The protocol involves a double coating of the starch-derived carbonaceous spheres with successive layers of zinc-containing species by alternating a non-ultrasound and ultrasound-assisted deposition, followed by calcination treatments. - Highlights: • ZnO solid spheres are obtained via a template route using carbonaceous spheres. • Two-step coatings of interchangeable order are used as deposition procedure. • The coating procedure influences the porosity and surface area. • ZnO spheres exhibited interesting visible photoluminescence properties. • Solid spheres showed photocatalytical activity in degradation of phenol.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Anion effect on the topological frameworks of a series of manganese coordination polymers based on 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)-benzene: Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties

In this work, the rod-like ligand 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)-benzene (bib) has been utilized as a building block to perform counterion researches on the structural diversities of coordination polymers. A series of new manganese compounds, ([Mn(bib){sub 3}(ClO{sub 4}){sub 2}](CHCl{sub 3}){sub 2}){sub n} (1), [Mn(bib){sub 2}(N{sub 3}){sub 2}]{sub n} (2), [Mn(bib){sub 2}(HCO{sub 2}){sub 2}]{sub n} (3), [Mn(bib){sub 2}(Ac){sub 2}]{sub n} (4), ([Mn(bib){sub 2}(CF{sub 3}SO{sub 3}){sub 2}](CH{sub 2}Cl{sub 2}){sub 4}){sub n} (5), and [Mn(bib){sub 2}(SO{sub 4})]{sub n} (6) have been successfully synthesized. Compound 1 shows a 3D interpenetrating α-Po network only based on the bib linker. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibit a 2D (4,4) layer with parallel and incline interpenetration, respectively. Compounds 4 and 5 display a parallel-packing 2D (4,4) layer with the porosity of 23.4% and 61.4%, respectively. Compound 6 furnishes a 3D α-Po framework with a 2D (4,4) layer pillared by the μ{sub 2}-SO{sub 4}{sup 2−} ion. The structural diversities among 1–6 have been carefully discussed, and the roles of counterions (from coordination affinity and molecular size) in the self-assembly of coordination polymers have also been well documented. Furthermore, magnetic properties of 6 have been carefully studied. - Graphical abstract: Six new compounds have been successfully synthesized. Structural studies reveal that the topology, entanglement and porosity are tunable by the counterion. Furthermore, the weak ferromagnetic coupling is conducted in 6. - Highlights: • Six new Mn{sup II} compounds have been synthesized. • Compounds 1–3 exhibit diverse interpenetrating frameworks. • Compounds 4 and 5 exhibit 3D packing porous architectures. • The tunable effect of counterion has been documented. • Magnetic properties of 6 have been studied by fitting the data.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis, characterization and sorption properties of functionalized Cr-MIL-101-X (X=–F, –Cl, –Br, –CH{sub 3}, –C{sub 6}H{sub 4}, –F{sub 2}, –(CH{sub 3}){sub 2}) materials

Four existing and three new functionalized chromium terephthalates having MIL-101 topology and denoted as Cr-MIL-101-X (existing ones with X=–F, 1-F; –Cl, 2-Cl; –Br, 3-Br; –CH{sub 3}, 4-CH{sub 3}; new ones with X=–C{sub 6}H{sub 4}, 5-C{sub 6}H{sub 4}; –F{sub 2}, 6-F{sub 2}, –(CH{sub 3}){sub 2}, 7-(CH{sub 3}){sub 2}) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. All the materials except 5-C{sub 6}H{sub 4} could be prepared by a general synthetic route, in which the mixtures of CrO{sub 3}, H{sub 2}BDC-X (BDC=1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) linkers, conc. HCl and water with a molar ratio of 1:1:3.9:222.2 were reacted at 180 °C for 144 h. Compared to the 144 h of synthesis time, three of the compounds, namely 1-Cl, 2-Br and 5-C{sub 6}H{sub 4}, could be prepared in much shorter reaction times (12–18 h at 180–210 °C). The materials possess high thermal stability up to 270–300 °C in an air atmosphere. The activated compounds exhibit significant porosity (S{sub BET} range: 1273–2135 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}). At 0 °C and 1 bar, the CO{sub 2} adsorption capacities of the compounds fall in the 1.7–2.9 mmol g{sup −1} range. Compounds 1-F and 6-F{sub 2} showed enhanced CO{sub 2} uptake values compared to parent Cr-MIL-101. The benzene adsorption capacities of the compounds lie in the range of 66.2–139.5 molecules per unit cell at 50 °C and p/p{sub 0}=0.35. The increased benzene uptake value of 1-F compared to un-functionalized Cr-MIL-101 and 4-CH{sub 3} suggests that the fluorination has induced more hydrophobicity in Cr-MIL-101 as compared to the methylation. - Graphical abstract: Benzene adsorption by seven functionalized Cr-MIL-101-X metal-organic framework (MOF) materials Display Omitted - Highlights: • Seven functionalized Cr-MIL-101-X materials were synthesized solvothermally. • All Cr-MIL-101-X materials exhibited high thermal stability up to 270–300 °C in air. • All Cr-MIL-101-X compounds displayed considerable porosity towards N{sub 2}, CO{sub 2} and benzene. • Mono- and di-fluorinated Cr-MIL-101 materials showed enhanced CO{sub 2} adsorption capacities. • Cr-MIL-101-F adsorbed more benzene than non- and methyl-functionalized Cr-MIL-101.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis of metal-adeninate frameworks with high separation capacity on C{sub 2}/C{sub 1} hydrocarbons

By introducing isophthalic acid or 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid to assemble with adenine and cadmium salt, two isostructural and anionic porous metal-organic frameworks (1 and 2) possessing the novel (4,8)-connected sqc topology are presented here. 1 shows permanent porosity with Langmuir surface area of 770.1 m{sup 2}/g and exhibits high separation capacity on C{sub 2}/C{sub 1} hydrocarbons. - Graphical abstract: The assembly between isophthalic acid, adenine ligands and Cd{sup 2+} ions leads to an anionic porous metal-organic frameworks, which shows permanent porosity and exhibits high C{sub 2}/C{sub 1} hydrocarbons separation capacity. Display Omitted.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

X-ray micro-tomography investigation of the foaming process in the system of waste glass–silica mud–MnO{sub 2}

In case of foamed lightweight aggregates (LWAs), porosity is introduced by the addition of a foaming agent to the glassy matrix, which degasses at an elevated temperature, so that the resulting gases remain trapped inside the glassy structure. The efficiency of action of MnO{sub 2} as a foaming agent in waste glass and waste glass/silica mud systems was studied. Samples were fired at different temperatures and with different dwelling times at a certain temperature, and the development of porosity was investigated by means of X-ray micro-tomography. It was found that, with the prolongation in dwelling times, the number of pores decreased, while, on the other hand, the volume of these pores increased, and that the addition of silica mud increases the foaming temperature and slows down the foaming process. - Highlights: • Preparation of lightweight aggregate from waste glass, silica sludge, and MnO{sub 2} • DTA/TG investigation of MnO{sub 2} • Characterization of pore-forming process by means of X-ray micro-tomography (μcT)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development and characterisations of WC–12Co microwave clad

In the present work, WC–12Co based cermet clad was developed on AISI 304 stainless steel using microwave hybrid heating technique. The experimental trials were carried out in a 1.4 kW industrial multimode microwave applicator. The paper explains the major events occurring during microwave irradiation and formation of clad. The developed clads were subsequently characterised through field emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, assessment of porosity and microhardness. The WC–12Co clads developed with an approximate thickness of 1 mm, illustrated excellent metallurgical bonding with substrate. The microstructure of the WC–12Co clad mainly consists of skeleton structured carbides embedded in tough metallic phase. The phase analysis of the developed clads indicate the presence of various stable and complex carbides like Co{sub 6}W{sub 6}C, Co{sub 3}W{sub 3}C and Fe{sub 6}W{sub 6}C. The uniform distribution of such carbides with skeleton-like morphology in the microstructure is indicative of high hardness of the clad. The developed clads were free from visible interfacial cracking and the clad porosity was found in the order of approximately 0.98%. The average microhardness of the WC–12Co microwave clads was observed to be 1135 ± 88 HV. - Highlights: • Microwave cladding of WC–12Co on AISI 304 stainless steel is carried out. • Skeleton-like structures of W–Co based carbides are embedded in metallic matrix. • Clad–substrate interface is free from un-melted and un-dissolved carbide particles. • Hardness of clad (1135 ± 88 HV) is 3.5 times that of the substrate (325 ± 49 HV)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

3D mapping of water in oolithic limestone at atmospheric and vacuum saturation using X-ray micro-CT differential imaging

Determining the distribution of fluids in porous sedimentary rocks is of great importance in many geological fields. However, this is not straightforward, especially in the case of complex sedimentary rocks like limestone, where a multidisciplinary approach is often needed to capture its broad, multimodal pore size distribution and complex pore geometries. This paper focuses on the porosity and fluid distribution in two varieties of Massangis limestone, a widely used natural building stone from the southeast part of the Paris basin (France). The Massangis limestone shows locally varying post-depositional alterations, resulting in different types of pore networks and very different water distributions within the limestone. Traditional techniques for characterizing the porosity and pore size distribution are compared with state-of-the-art neutron radiography and X-ray computed microtomography to visualize the distribution of water inside the limestone at different imbibition conditions. X-ray computed microtomography images have the great advantage to non-destructively visualize and analyze the pore space inside of a rock, but are often limited to the larger macropores in the rock due to resolution limitations. In this paper, differential imaging is successfully applied to the X-ray computed microtomography images to obtain sub-resolution information about fluid occupancy and to map the fluid distribution in three dimensions inside the scanned limestone samples. The detailed study of the pore space with differential imaging allows understanding the difference in the water uptake behavior of the limestone, a primary factor that affects the weathering of the rock. - Highlights: • The water distribution in a limestone was visualized in 3D with micro-CT. • Differential imaging allowed to map both macro and microporous zones in the rock. • The 3D study of the pore space clarified the difference in water uptake behavior. • Trapped air is visualized in the moldic macropores at atmospheric saturation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Characterization of Cu–Ni nanostructured alloys obtained by a chemical route. Influence of the complexing agent content in the starting solution

The influence of the amount of complexing agent added to the starting solution on the physicochemical properties of Cu–Ni nanostructured alloys obtained through a chemical route, was studied. For this purpose, three Cu–Ni nanoalloy samples were synthesized by a previously developed procedure, starting from solutions with citric acid to metal molar ratios (C/Me) of 0.73, 1.00 and 1.50. The synthesis technique consisted in preparing a precursor via the citrate-gel method, and carrying out subsequent thermal treatments in controlled atmospheres. Sample characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray nanoanalysis and electron diffraction. In the three cases, copper and nickel formed a solid solution with a Cu/Ni atomic ratio close to 50/50, and free of impurities inside the crystal structure. The citric acid content of the starting solution proved to have an important influence on the morphology, size distribution, porosity, and crystallinity of the Cu–Ni alloy microparticles obtained, but a lesser influence on their chemical composition. The molar ratio C/Me = 1.00 resulted in the alloy with the Cu/Ni atomic ratio closest to 50/50. - Highlights: • We synthesize Cu–Ni nanoalloys by a chemical route based on the citrate-gel method. • We study the influence of the complexing agent content of the starting solution. • We characterize the samples by electron microscopy and X-ray techniques. • Citric acid influences the shape, size, porosity and crystallinity of the alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

XCT analysis of the influence of melt strategies on defect population in Ti–6Al–4V components manufactured by Selective Electron Beam Melting

Selective Electron Beam Melting (SEBM) is a promising powder bed Additive Manufacturing technique for near-net-shape manufacture of high-value titanium components. However without post-manufacture HIPing the fatigue life of SEBM parts is currently dominated by the presence of porosity. In this study, the size, volume fraction, and spatial distribution of the pores in model samples have been characterised in 3D, using X-ray Computed Tomography, and correlated to the process variables. The average volume fraction of the pores (< 0.2%) was measured to be lower than that usually observed in competing processes, such as selective laser melting, but a strong relationship was found with the different beam strategies used to contour, and infill by hatching, a part section. The majority of pores were found to be small spherical gas pores, concentrated in the infill hatched region; this was attributed to the lower energy density and less focused beam used in the infill strategy allowing less opportunity for gas bubbles to escape the melt pool. Overall, increasing the energy density or focus of the beam was found to correlate strongly to a reduction in the level of gas porosity. Rarer irregular shaped pores were mostly located in the contour region and have been attributed to a lack of fusion between powder particles. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Vast majority of defects detected were small spherical gas pores. • Gas bubbles trapped in the powder granules expand and coalesce in the melt pool. • Pores have been shown not to be randomly distributed. • Larger and deeper melt pools give more opportunity for gas to escape. • Minor changes to melt strategy result in significant reductions in pore population.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Structural phase transformation of as-prepared Mg–Mn nanoferrites by annealing temperature

As-prepared Mg{sub 0.2}Mn{sub 0.8}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoferrite samples by coprecipitation method were annealed at different temperatures T. XRD, TEM, IR, VSM and Mössbauer techniques were used to characterize the samples. This study proved the transformation of the sample structure from cubic spinel to Z-type hexagonal phase at 700 °C. This transformation was assigned to Jahn–Teller effect of the Mn{sup 3+} and Fe{sup 2+} ions and/or atomic disorder in the crystal lattice. All the deduced structural parameters were affected by the transformation process. The infrared and structural parameters showed dependence on T, whereas tetrahedral band position did not. TEM images showed agglomeration of the nanoparticles, where the average particle size ranged 25–55 nm and was a little higher than R. Study on the elastic properties proved the weakening of inter-atomic bonds inside the crystal lattice as T increases. The magnetic properties were affected by the transformation process and showed T dependence, whereas M{sub s} and H{sub c} proved dependence on porosity. Hyperfine interaction parameters, area ratio (B/A) and spontaneous magnetization were discussed as functions of T. - Graphical abstract: The XRD patterns of as-prepared (AP) and annealed Mg{sub 0.2}Mn{sub 0.8}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles. - Highlights: • As-prepared Mg–Mn nanoferrites were annealed at different temperatures T. • Sample structure was transformed from cubic to Z-type hexagonal with T. • This transformation was attributed to Jahn–Teller effect and atomic disorder. • The deduced parameters were affected by annealing and transformation process. • The porosity was affected the saturation magnetization and coercivity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Characterization of the porous structures of the green body and sintered biomedical titanium scaffolds with micro-computed tomography

The present research was aimed at gaining an understanding of the porous structure changes from the green body through water leaching and sintering to titanium scaffolds. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was performed to generate 3D models of titanium scaffold preforms containing carbamide space-holding particles and sintered scaffolds containing macro- and micro-pores. The porosity values and structural parameters were determined by means of image analysis. The result showed that the porosity values, macro-pore sizes, connectivity densities and specific surface areas of the titanium scaffolds sintered at 1200 °C for 3 h did not significantly deviate from those of the green structures with various volume fractions of the space holder. Titanium scaffolds with a maximum specific surface area could be produced with an addition of 60–65 vol% carbamide particles to the matrix powder. The connectivity of pores inside the scaffold increased with rising volume fraction of the space holder. The shrinkage of the scaffolds prepared with > 50 vol% carbamide space holder, occurring during sintering, was caused by the reductions of macro-pore sizes and micro-pore sizes as well as the thickness of struts. In conclusion, the final porous structural characteristics of titanium scaffolds could be estimated from those of the green body. - Highlights: •Porous structures of green body and sintered titanium scaffolds was studied. •Porous structures of both samples were quantitatively characterized with micro-CT. •Porous structures of scaffolds could be controlled from the green body. •Shrinkage mechanisms of titanium scaffolds during sintering was established.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microstructure characterization of recycled IN718 powder and resulting laser clad material

Highlights: • A simple and efficient recycling procedure of IN718 powder has been defined for the laser cladding process. • Characterization of wasted and cleaned powder and comparison with new IN718 powder pointed out a slight diameter increase. • Microstructure characterization of clad builds showed differences between builds with new and recycled powders. • Clad microstructure and porosity increase remain constant static properties but decrease rupture strain after 3 reuses. • Without special precautions for cladding, the recycled powder can be reused twice without modifying the properties of IN718. - Abstract: The possibility to reuse the metal powder wasted in Laser Material Deposition (LMD) process has been evaluated and a simple procedure developed. LMD uses metal powder which is fed through a nozzle into the focal point of a laser, where it melts the powder and the substrate material. During the process, a high ratio of particles hits against an unmelted area and directly bounces off the deposited area. The efficiency ratio of deposition can drop to 40% depending on the configuration and spot size. This work deals with the design of a procedure to recollect and reuse the wasted powder of a nickel based superalloy IN718. After usage, powder is recollected, undesired fractions are magnetically segregated and aggregates are removed by sieving. The particles are mixed again and ready for reuse. In order to study the effectiveness of the process, no new powder has been added to the recovered fraction, and this procedure has been repeated five times. Experimental tests show that deposited material present similar properties than those obtained with new powder grains. But, after 3 reuses, the porosity content increases consequently and the rupture strain decreases strongly. The implementation of this process allows the improvement of the final efficiency, reducing costs and decreasing the hazardous powder amount.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗