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At least 1,333 records · Page 74
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Continuous cross-over from ferroelectric to relaxor state and piezoelectric properties of BaTiO{sub 3}-BaZrO{sub 3}-CaTiO{sub 3} single crystals

Optimal properties like piezoelectricity can be found in polarizable materials for which the structure changes sharply under small composition variations in the vicinity of their morphotropic phase boundary or the triple point in their isobaric temperature-composition phase diagram. In the latter, lead-free (Ba{sub 0.850}Ca{sub 0.150})(Ti{sub 0.900}Zr{sub 0.100})O{sub 3} ceramics exhibit outstanding piezoelectric coefficients. For the first time, we report the growth of piezoelectric lead-free single crystals in the BaTiO{sub 3}-BaZrO{sub 3}-CaTiO{sub 3} pseudo-ternary system. The stoichiometry control in the CaO-BaO-TiO{sub 2}-ZrO{sub 2} solid solution led to single crystals with various compositions ranging from (Ba{sub 0.857}Ca{sub 0.143})(Ti{sub 0.928}Zr{sub 0.072})O{sub 3} to (Ba{sub 0.953}Ca{sub 0.047})(Ti{sub 0.427}Zr{sub 0.573})O{sub 3}. We evidenced a continuous cross-over from a ferroelectric state at high titanium content to a relaxor one on increasing the zirconium content. Such a property tuning is rather seldom observed in lead-free ferroelectrics and confirms what was already reported for ceramics. Single crystal with (Ba{sub 0.838}Ca{sub 0.162})(Ti{sub 0.854}Zr{sub 0.146})O{sub 3} composition, which has been grown and oriented along [001] crystallographic direction, displayed electromechanical coefficients d{sub 31} and k{sub 31} of 93 pC.N{sup −1} and 0.18, respectively, near the room temperature (T = 305 K)

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Formation and Toughening Mechanisms of Dispersions in Interfacial Intermetallics of Dissimilar Laser Al/Steel Joints

The key to improve the strength of Al/steel dissimilar joint is to toughen the hard and brittle interfacial intermetallics. Introducing soft and tough dispersions into the interfacial intermetallics would be a promising method. In the present study, Zn-Al alloy (Zn-22Al) was used as the filler metal to generate dispersions in the interfacial intermetallics matrix of dissimilar laser Al/steel joint. The results have shown that soft and tough dispersions, i.e., FeZn{sub 10,} Al-rich amorphous phase, and Zn solid solution, were successfully introduced into the hard and brittle Fe{sub 2}Al{sub 5−x}Zn{sub x} matrix. The formation of these dispersions was resulted from diffusion of elements Fe and Al and infiltration of liquid Zn along the grain boundaries of Fe{sub 2}Al{sub 5−x}Zn{sub x} matrix and the subsequent chemical reaction and solidification. With this kind of interfacial microstructure, the joint exhibited a stable peak fracture load of 1200 N even though the interfacial layer thickness increased from 20 to 45 μm. This was because the interfacial layer was toughened by the soft and tough dispersions. Using this example, introduction of soft and tough dispersions into hard and brittle intermetallics matrix to toughen interfacial layer and then strengthening of dissimilar joints will be highlighted.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multiple and nonlocal cation redox in Ca–Ce–Ti–Mn oxide perovskites for solar thermochemical applications

Modeling-driven design of redox-active off-stoichiometric oxides for solar thermochemical H 2 production (STCH) seldom has resulted in empirical demonstration of competitive materials. Here, we report the theoretical prediction and experimental evidence that the perovskite Ca 2/3 Ce 1/3 Ti 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 3 is synthesizable with high phase purity, stable, and has desirable redox thermodynamics for STCH, with a predicted average neutral oxygen vacancy (VO) formation energy, E v = 3.30 eV. Flow reactor experiments suggest potentially comparable or greater H 2 production capacity than recent promising Sr–La–Mn–Al and Ba–Ce–Mn metal oxide perovskites. Utilizing quantum-based modeling of a solid solution on both A and B sub-lattices, we predict the impact of nearest-neighbor composition on E v and determine that A-site Ce 4+ reduction dominates the redox-activity of Ca 2/3 Ce 1/3 Ti 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 3 . X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements provide evidence that supports these predictions and reversible Ce 4+ -to-Ce 3+ reduction. Our models predict that Ce 4+ reduces even when it is not nearest-neighbor to the V O , suggesting that refinement of Ce stoichiometry has the possibility of further enhancing performance.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2014

Synthesis and electromagnetic properties of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide composites

Graphical abstract: Due to combining different functions and characteristics of individual materials, hybrid nanocomposite materials can strengthen their applications. Magnetic-conductive nanocomposites are the promising materials with electromagnetic loss, which have synergetic behavior between magnetic and conductive materials. It is the first time to report the synthesis of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide (BF/TD) composites by the gel-precursor self-propagating combustion process. The influence of mass ratio of BF and TD on the electromagnetic properties of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide composites was studied. The tgδ{sub μ} and tgδ{sub ε} of BF–TD composites. - Highlights: • It is the first time to report BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide composites. • The composites are prepared by the gel-precursor self-propagating combustion. • The electromagnetic properties could be adjusted by the mass ratio of BF and TD. • The introduction of TD enhances the dielectric loss and widens the frequency bands. • BF/TD composites will be microwave absorption materials with wide frequency band. - Abstract: Doped BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide composites have been prepared by the gel-precursor self-propagating combustion process. The characterization of the composites are performed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential thermal analysis-thermo gravimetry (DTA–TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and network analyzer. Both XRD and FT-IR indicate that the doped BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide composites are successfully synthesized and there are some interactions between BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19} and titanium dioxide. DTA–TG analysis of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide composites shows that the composite gel decomposition process mainly includes two stages: the first stage is the crystallized water and the residual moisture evaporation; the second stage is the nitrate and citric acid decomposition reaction. SEM demonstrates that the doped BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide solid solution has formed. The magnetic parameters indicate that the electromagnetic properties of the composites could be well adjusted by the mass ratio of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19} and titanium dioxide. When the mass ratio of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19} and titanium dioxide is 4:5, the composites have the best magnetic loss. The composites with the mass ratio 6:5 of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19} and titanium dioxide. BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19} and titanium dioxide possess good dielectric loss. The introduction of titanium dioxide enhances the dielectric loss and widens the frequency bands. The composites will be promising microwave absorption materials with wide frequency band.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Synthesis, characterization, and thermodynamic study of selected K-based zeolites

Potassium-rich zeolites often occur in cementitious systems, as K{sup +} is widespread in various cementitious materials, such as Portland, blended and alkali-activated cements. The knowledge of their stability and of thermodynamic models for solid solutions with Na{sup +} and Ca{sup 2+} are critical to understand long-term development and durability in such cements. Completing previous studies on Na- and Ca-based zeolites, the current work aims to determine the thermodynamic data of 14 types of K-based zeolites, which could possibly form in cementitious systems. The zeolites were synthesized hydrothermally, exchanged with K{sup +}, and characterized thoroughly with respect to framework structures, elemental compositions, water contents, and bond variations. Their thermodynamic properties were derived from the experimental solubility data, which allowed establishing predominance diagrams in the K{sub 2}O-SiO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-H{sub 2}O system. The K-based zeolites typically showed the lowest solubility between 0 and 100 °C, with the notable exception of Ca-gismondine and two Na-based zeolites: natrolite and Na-mordenite.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Magnetocaloric effect in as-cast Gd{sub 1−x}Y{sub x} alloys with x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4

In this report, we present the magnetocaloric effect of Gd{sub 1−x}Y{sub x} alloys (0.0 ≤ × ≤ 0.4) prepared by arc-melting from high purity Gd and Y precursors in inert atmosphere. The formation of Gd{sub 1−x}Y{sub x} solid solutions was verified by means of X-ray diffraction analysis across the compositional series; also, residual secondary phases Gd and Y were present. Magnetic characterization performed by Vibrating Sample Magnetometry at a maximum applied field of 3.0 T showed a drastic reduction of the magnetization saturation (from 233 emu/g for x = 0.0 to 183 emu/g for x = 0.4), due to a dilution effect of the Y alloying, together with a marked Curie temperature decrease from 296 K to 196 K between x = 0.0 and x = 0.4. The second-order character of the magnetic transition was established by Arrot plots for all the cases. On the other hand, the magnetic entropy variation, determined from numerical integration of Maxwell relation displayed excellent values above 5.30 J/kg K for alloys with x < 0.3 due to the steep transition of the thermomagnetic curves.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Phase equilibria in the quasiternary system Ag{sub 2}S–Ga{sub 2}S{sub 3}–In{sub 2}S{sub 3} and optical properties of (Ga{sub 55}In{sub 45}){sub 2}S{sub 300}, (Ga{sub 54.59}In{sub 44.66}Er{sub 0.75}){sub 2}S{sub 300} single crystals

The quasiternary system Ag{sub 2}S–Ga{sub 2}S{sub 3}–In{sub 2}S{sub 3} was investigated by differential thermal, X-ray diffraction analyses. The phase diagram of the Ga{sub 2}S{sub 3}–In{sub 2}S{sub 3} system and nine polythermal sections, isothermal section at 820 K and the liquidus surface projection were constructed. The existence of the large solid solutions ranges of binary and ternary compounds was established. The range of the existence of the quaternary phase AgGa{sub x}In{sub 5−x}S{sub 8} (2.25≤x≤2.85) at 820 K was determined. The single crystals (Ga{sub 55}In{sub 45}){sub 2}S{sub 300} and (Ga{sub 54.59}In{sub 44.66}Er{sub 0.75}){sub 2}S{sub 300} were grown by a directional crystallization method from solution-melt. Optical absorption spectra in the 500–1600 nm range were recorded. The luminescence of the (Ga{sub 54.59}In{sub 44.66}Er{sub 0.75}){sub 2}S{sub 300} single crystal shows a maximum at 1530 nm for the excitation wavelengths of 532 and 980 nm at 80 and 300 K. - Graphical abstract: Isothermal section of the quasiternary system Ag{sub 2}S–Ga{sub 2}S{sub 3}–In{sub 2}S{sub 3} at 820 K and normalized photoluminescence spectra of the single crystal (Ga{sub 54.59}In{sub 44.66}Er{sub 0.75}){sub 2}S{sub 300} at 300 K. - Highlights: • Isothermal section at 820 K, liquidus surface projection were built for Ag{sub 2}S–Ga{sub 2}S{sub 3}–In{sub 2}S{sub 3}. • Optical properties of single crystals were studied.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Spectral and Structural Characteristics of Molybdates (Lu{sub 1 –} {sub x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}(MoO{sub 4}){sub 3}

The structure, the photoluminescence, and IR absorption spectra of solid solutions (Lu{sub 1 ‒} {sub x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}(MoO{sub 4}){sub 3} have been studied over a wide range of europium concentrations (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). It has been found that there is a correlation between the structure and the spectral characteristics of these compounds. Three types of crystal phases are sequentially changed as the europium concentration increases. The photoluminescence and IR absorption spectra of the monoclinic phase with space group P2{sub 1}/a have been studied for the first time. The glow maximum at a resonant excitation of Eu{sup 3+} ions is shown to be observed in the samples with orthorhombic structure Pba2 at x ~ 0.8. The samples existing in monoclinic P2{sub 1}/a phase at x ~ 0.2 demonstrate the maximum luminescence intensity upon excitation in the band with the charge transfer.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Structural stability and depolarization of manganese-doped (Bi₀.₅Na₀.₅){sub 1−x}Ba{sub x}TiO₃ relaxor ferroelectrics

This work reveals that 0.5 mol. % manganese (Mn) doping in (Bi₀.₅Na₀.₅){sub 1−x}Ba{sub x}TiO₃ (x = 0 and 0.075) solid solutions can increase structural thermal stability, depolarization temperature (T{sub d}), piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃), and electromechanical coupling factor (kₜ). High-resolution X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal coexistence of rhombohedral (R) R3c and tetragonal (T) P4bm phases in (Bi₀.₅Na₀.₅)₀.₉₂₅Ba₀.₀₇₅TiO₃ (BN7.5BT) and 0.5 mol. % Mn-doped BN7.5BT (BN7.5BT-0.5Mn). (Bi₀.₅Na₀.₅)TiO₃ (BNT) and BN7.5BT show an R − R + T phase transition, which does not occur in 0.5 mol. % Mn-doped BNT (BNT-0.5Mn) and BN7.5BT-0.5Mn. Dielectric permittivity (ε′) follows the Curie-Weiss equation, ε′ = C/(T − T{sub o}), above the Burns temperature (T B ), below which polar nanoregions begin to develop. The direct piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃) and electromechanical coupling factor (kₜ) of BN7.5BT-0.5Mn reach 190 pC/N and 47%.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Some Physical Properties of the New Intermetallic Compound NbCd{sub 2}

Solid solutions of cadmium in niobium and NbCd{sub 2} phase are formed by magnetron sputtering and coprecipitation on substrates moving relative to the flow of Nb and Cd particles. The NbCd{sub 2} phase can be described by a tetragonal unit cell with the parameters a = 0.84357 nm, c = 0.54514 nm, and c/a = 0.6426. A very high hole concentration in NbCd{sub 2} is established by studying the coating absorption and transmission spectra corresponding to the intermetallic-compound composition near the fundamental absorption edge, determining the band gap, and measuring the carrier mobility. Such a concentration is characteristic of a strongly degenerate semiconductor or metal. The band gap is determined to be 1.26 eV. The variation in the concentration of carriers and their mobility depending on the cadmium concentration in coatings of the Nb–Cd system confirms the occurrence of the NbCd{sub 2} phase.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Magnetic Properties of Eu{sub 0.9}Yb{sub 0.1}B{sub 6}

The magnetic properties of substitutional solid solutions Eu{sub 0.9}Yb{sub 0.1}B{sub 6} have been investigated in the temperature range of 2–300 K in fields up to 5 T. The data obtained confirm that the state with the electronic and magnetic phase separation (typical of europium hexaboride) is implemented in Eu{sub 0.9}Yb{sub 0.1}B{sub 6} when the system metallization (T{sub M} ≈ 15 K) precedes the ferromagnetic ordering (T{sub C} ≈ 11.4 K). An analysis of the curves M(H) in the Belov–Arrott coordinates makes it possible to evaluate spontaneous magnetization M{sub sp} and zero field susceptibility χ{sub 0} and determine the character of their critical behavior near the Curie point. The calculated critical indices (γ ≈ 1.28 and β ≈ 0.34) are in agreement with the predictions of the three-dimensional Heisenberg model.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Synthesis and Superconductivity of Electron-Doped β-ZrNCl with Partial Substitution of Ti on Zr Site

Highly crystallized α-TiNCl and ZrNCl with orthogonal network of [M{sub 2}N{sub 2}] (M: Ti and Zr) were used to synthesize the solid-solution phase α-Ti{sub y}Zr{sub 1−y}NCl, which was irreversibly transformed into its β-form polymorph with honeycomb network upon a heat treatment. The intercalation of lithium (Li) into the obtained powder samples was carried out to realize the electron doping in β-form compound. The measurements of magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity suggest that the intercalated compound β-Li{sub 0.43}Ti{sub 0.09}Zr{sub 0.91}NCl shows superconductivity with transition temperature (T{sub c}) of 15.0 K. Upon the cointercalation of solvent molecule of tetrahydrofuran (THF), two transitions were observed at 14.1 and ∼21 K, corresponding to the main phase of β-Li{sub x}(THF){sub y}ZrNCl and a THF-cointercalated phase of β-Ti{sub y}Zr{sub 1−y}NCl, respectively. We consider that such a tiny substitution of Ti on Zr site in β-form structure play an important role in the increase of T{sub c}.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

The Effects of La Doping on the Crystal Structure, Magnetic, and Microwave Absorption Properties of Nd{sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B Compound

The crystal structure, magnetic, and microwave absorption properties of the (Nd{sub 1−x}La{sub x}){sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B system have been investigated. The La{sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B compound was successfully synthesized and refined, giving a tetragonal structure, space group P4{sub 2}/mnm with the Nd{sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B-type structure. The crystal structure parameters of the (Nd{sub 1−x}La{sub x}){sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B compounds were determined by full-profile Rietveld refinements. The results revealed that all intermediate alloys form a continuous solid solution. The normalized lattice parameters of the (Nd{sub 1−x}La{sub x}){sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B compounds increase linearly with an increase of La concentration. Based on the results of DSC measurements and X-ray powder diffraction examinations, the phase diagram of the Nd{sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B-La{sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B system has been constructed. The remanence (M{sub r}) and coercivity (H{sub c}) of (Nd{sub 1−x}La{sub x}){sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B (x = 0.00, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, and 0.40) gradually decrease. The highest reflection loss is − 29.8, − 27.4, − 24.1, − 18.6, and − 14.2 dB at 9.8, 8.9, 7.5, 6.9, and 6.5 GHz, respectively. The absorption peak shifts toward from higher frequency region to lower frequency region and the absorption bandwidth widens with the increase of the La substitution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Deposition of Pd–Ag thin film membranes on ceramic supports for hydrogen purification/separation

Highlights: • Thin film Pd–Ag membranes have been produced for hydrogen selectivity. • Magnetron sputtering yields Pd–Ag compact films for atomic H diffusion. • The thin film Pd–Ag membranes yielded a selectivity of α (H{sub 2}/N{sub 2}) = 10. - Abstract: Pd–Ag based membranes supported on porous α-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} (doped with yttria-stabilized zirconia) were studied for hydrogen selective separation. Magnetron sputtering technique was employed for the synthesis of thin film membranes. The hydrogen permeation flux is affected by the membrane columnar structure, which is formed during deposition. From scanning electron microscopy analysis, it was observed that different sputtering deposition pressures lead to distinct columnar structure growth. X-ray diffraction patterns provided evidence of a Pd–Ag solid solution with an average crystallite domain size of 21 nm, whose preferential growth can be altered by the deposition pressure. The gas-permeation results have shown that the Pd–Ag membrane supported on porous α-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} is selective toward H{sub 2}. For optimized membrane synthesis conditions, the permeance toward N{sub 2} is 0.076 × 10{sup −6} mol m{sup −2} s{sup −1} Pa{sup −1} at room temperature, whereas for a pressure difference of 300 kPa the H{sub 2}-flux is of the order of ca. 0.21 mol m{sup −2} s{sup −1}, which corresponds to a permeance of 0.71 × 10{sup −6} mol m{sup −2} s{sup −1} Pa{sup −1}, yielding a selectivity of α (H{sub 2}/N{sub 2}) = 10. These findings suggest that the membrane has a reasonable capacity to selectively permeate this gas.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

A Low-Cost Lightweight Entropic Alloy with High Strength

In this study, a series of lightweight Al–Mg system entropic alloys containing Zn, Cu, and Si were designed based on the order/disorder or entropy, and eutectic concepts. The alloys of Al{sub 58.5}Mg{sub 31.5}Zn{sub 4.5}Cu{sub 4.5}Si{sub 1}; Al{sub 63}Mg{sub 27}Zn{sub 4.5}Cu{sub 4.5}Si{sub 1}; Al{sub 66.7}Mg{sub 23.3}Zn{sub 4.5}Cu{sub 4.5}Si{sub 1}; Al{sub 80}Mg{sub 14}Zn{sub 2.7}Cu{sub 2.7}Si{sub 0.6}; Al{sub 85}Mg{sub 10.5}Zn{sub 2.025}Cu{sub 2.025}Si{sub 0.45}; and Al{sub 90}Mg{sub 7}Zn{sub 1.35}Cu{sub 1.35}Si{sub 0.3} were prepared by induction melting under a high-purity argon atmosphere and then casted into stainless steel molds. The microstructures which were tested in the as-cast state exhibited multiphases and contained apparent volume fractions of intermetallic compounds and solid solutions. Then, the compressive mechanical properties of the alloys were measured, and high fracture strengths of 577, 677, 590, 498, 814, and 794 MPa, respectively, were determined. Strong hardening phenomena were observed in the Al{sub 80}Mg{sub 14}Zn{sub 2.7}Cu{sub 2.7}Si{sub 0.6}, Al{sub 85}Mg{sub 10.5}Zn{sub 2.025}Cu{sub 2.025}Si{sub 0.45}, and Al{sub 90}Mg{sub 7}Zn{sub 1.35}Cu{sub 1.35}Si{sub 0.3} alloys at room temperature, with amazing plasticity percentages of 13.8, 24.8, and 32.7%, respectively. The property differences in the lightweight alloys were analyzed using the following parameters: the critical values of the enthalpy of mixing; atomic size differences; ratio of entropy to enthalpy; valence electron concentration (VEC); and Pauling electronegativity difference. Finally, three of the aforementioned parameters (atomic size difference, enthalpy of mixing, and Pauling electronegativity difference) were regarded in this study as the crucial rules for the lightweight multicomponent alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Precipitation in Mg-Gd-Y-Zr Alloy: Atomic-scale insights into structures and transformations

This paper reports on a comprehensive investigation, using atomic-scaled C{sub s} corrected high angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), of the precipitation in Mg-9.28Gd-2.93Y-0.35Zr, including structures of the precipitates and several structural transformation processes. The precipitation sequence is identified as: Super saturated solid solution → clusters → nucleation β{sup '} (major)/ β{sub H} (minor)→ precipitate β{sup '} (major)/ β{sub M} , β{sub T}{sup '} (minor)→β{sub 1} → β(Equilibrium). Under peak-age condition, the strengthening structure is independent defect-free β{sup '} with little interaction among each other. Under over-age condition, the β{sup '} precipitates start to interact with each other, during which coarsening and orientation transformation of β{sup '} precipitates take place. The coarsening and orientation transformation, in which some RE atoms in the precipitates need to change their positions, are achieved by β{sub M} and β{sub T}{sup '} as transitional structures. - Highlights: • The precipitation in Mg-Gd-Y-Zr is comprehensively investigated by advanced atomic-scale Cs-corrected HAADF-STEM. • Various novel precipitate structures are unraveled. • Four types of interfaces between the precipitates are fully characterized. • The structural transformation processes of the precipitates are revealed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
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 OSTI2013

Room-temperature magnetoelectric coupling in single-phase BaTiO{sub 3}-BiFeO{sub 3} system

In this paper, single-phase multiferroic ceramics of (1 - x) BaTiO{sub 3}-x BiFeO{sub 3} (BT - x BFO) were synthesized by solid-solution method in the wide range of material composition (x = 0.025 - 1.0). The changes in crystal structure were confirmed via X-ray diffractions (XRD) and atomic pair distribution functions (PDFs). The room-temperature ME coupling was found to exhibit significant magnitude in the narrow composition window (x = 0.71 - 0.8) where the average crystal structure was found to be rhombohedral. Especially, the BT - 0.725 BFO ceramics containing local monoclinic distortions within rhombohedral phase were found to exhibit high room-temperature ME coefficient ({alpha}{sub ME}) of 0.87 mV/cm{center_dot}Oe with high piezoelectric properties (g{sub 33} = 18.5 Multiplication-Sign 10 mV m N{sup -1} and d{sub 33} = 124 pC N{sup -1}). We believe that the high room-temperature ME coupling in single-phase lead-free BT-BFO ceramics provides a possibility of developing electrically or magnetically tunable thin-film devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗