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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,765 records · Page 98
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Perseverance’s Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) Investigation

The Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) is a robotic arm-mounted instrument on NASA’s Perseverance rover. SHERLOC has two primary boresights. The Spectroscopy boresight generates spatially resolved chemical maps using fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy coupled to microscopic images (10.1 μm/pixel). The second boresight is a Wide Angle Topographic Sensor for Operations and eNgineering (WATSON); a copy of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) that obtains color images from microscopic scales (~13 μm/pixel) to infinity. SHERLOC Spectroscopy focuses a 40 μs pulsed deep UV neon-copper laser (248.6 nm), to a ~100 μm spot on a target at a working distance of ~48 mm. Fluorescence emissions from organics, and Raman scattered photons from organics and minerals, are spectrally resolved with a single diffractive grating spectrograph with a spectral range of 250 to ~370 nm. Because the fluorescence and Raman regions are naturally separated with deep UV excitation (<250 nm), the Raman region ~ 800 – 4000 cm -1 (250 to 273 nm) and the fluorescence region (274 to ~370 nm) are acquired simultaneously without time gating or additional mechanisms. SHERLOC science begins by using an Autofocus Context Imager (ACI) to obtain target focus and acquire 10.1 μm/pixel greyscale images. Chemical maps of organic and mineral signatures are acquired by the orchestration of an internal scanning mirror that moves the focused laser spot across discrete points on the target surface where spectra are captured on the spectrometer detector. ACI images and chemical maps (< 100 μm/mapping pixel) will enable the first Mars in situ view of the spatial distribution and interaction between organics, minerals, and chemicals important to the assessment of potential biogenicity (containing CHNOPS). Single robotic arm placement chemical maps can cover areas up to 7x7 mm in area and, with the < 10 min acquisition time per map, larger mosaics are possible with arm movements. This microscopic view of the organic geochemistry of a target at the Perseverance field site, when combined with the other instruments, such as Mastcam-Z, PIXL, and SuperCam, will enable unprecedented analysis of geological materials for both scientific research and determination of which samples to collect and cache for Mars sample return.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2018

The Effect of Heat Treatment Process Parameters on Mechanical Properties, Precipitation, Fatigue Life, and Fracture Mode of an Austenitic Mn Hadfield Steel

In this study, the effect of cooling rate after heat treatment on mechanical properties, fatigue life, precipitation and fracture mode of an austenitic Mn Hadfield steel was investigated. Cast samples of the Hadfield steel were heat treated at 1100 C for 2 h. The samples were subsequently quenched in pure water and also in 3 wt.% NaCl salt bath. Optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to analyze microstructure and fracture surfaces. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to assess the precipitates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the phases formed. Mechanical properties and fatigue life were determined by uniaxial tensile test, bending fatigue and hardness measurements. Results showed that the sample quenched in salt bath had lower Mn{sub 3}C precipitates, hardness, yield and tensile strengths. Instead, this situation resulted in a more ductile fracture mode and higher formability. Finally, the fatigue life of the sample quenched in salt bath was longer than the one quenched in pure water.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Emergent Newtonian dynamics and the geometric origin of mass

We consider a set of macroscopic (classical) degrees of freedom coupled to an arbitrary many-particle Hamiltonian system, quantum or classical. These degrees of freedom can represent positions of objects in space, their angles, shape distortions, magnetization, currents and so on. Expanding their dynamics near the adiabatic limit we find the emergent Newton’s second law (force is equal to the mass times acceleration) with an extra dissipative term. In systems with broken time reversal symmetry there is an additional Coriolis type force proportional to the Berry curvature. We give the microscopic definition of the mass tensor. The mass tensor is related to the non-equal time correlation functions in equilibrium and describes the dressing of the slow degree of freedom by virtual excitations in the system. In the classical (high-temperature) limit the mass tensor is given by the product of the inverse temperature and the Fubini–Study metric tensor determining the natural distance between the eigenstates of the Hamiltonian. For free particles this result reduces to the conventional definition of mass. This finding shows that any mass, at least in the classical limit, emerges from the distortions of the Hilbert space highlighting deep connections between any motion (not necessarily in space) and geometry. We illustrate our findings with four simple examples. -- Highlights: •Derive the macroscopic Newton’s equation from the microscopic many-particle Schrödinger’s equation. •Deep connection between geometry and dynamics. •Geometrical interpretation of the mass of macroscopic object as deformation of Hilbert space. •Microscopic expression for mass and friction tensors.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2017

On the transcritical mixing of fuels at diesel engine conditions

Whilst the physics of both classical evaporation and supercritical fluid mixing are reasonably well characterized and understood in isolation, little is known about the transition from one to the other in the context of liquid fuel systems. The lack of experimental data for microscopic droplets at realistic operating conditions impedes the development of phenomenological and numerical models. To address this issue we performed systematic measurements using high-speed long-distance microscopy, for three single-component fuels (n-heptane, n-dodecane, n-hexadecane), into gas at elevated temperatures (700–1200 K) and pressures (2–11 MPa). We describe these high-speed visualizations and the time evolution of the transition from liquid droplet to fuel vapour at the microscopic level. The measurements show that the classical atomization and vaporisation processes do shift to one where surface tension forces diminish with increasing pressure and temperature, but the transition to diffusive mixing does not occur instantaneously when the fuel enters the chamber. Rather, subcritical liquid structures exhibit surface tension in the near-nozzle region and then, after time surrounded by the hot ambient gas and fuel vapour, undergo a transition to a dense miscible fluid. Although there was clear evidence of surface tension and primary atomization for n-dodecane and n-hexadecane for a period of time at all the above conditions, n-heptane appeared to produce a supercritical fluid from the nozzle outlet when injected at the most elevated conditions (1200 K, 10 MPa). This demonstrates that the time taken by a droplet to transition to diffusive mixing depends on the pressure and temperature of the gas surrounding the droplet as well as the fuel properties. We summarise our observations into a phenomenological model which describes the morphological evolution and transition of microscopic droplets from classical evaporation through a transitional mixing regime and towards diffusive mixing, as a function of operating conditions. We provide criteria for these regime transitions as reduced pressure–temperature correlations, revealing the conditions where transcritical mixing is important to diesel fuel spray mixing.

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2021

A statistical mechanics approach to macroscopic limits of car-following traffic dynamics

Herein we study the derivation of macroscopic traffic models from car-following vehicle dynamics by means of hydrodynamic limits of an Enskog-type kinetic description. We consider the superposition of Follow-the-Leader (FTL) interactions and relaxation towards a traffic-dependent Optimal Velocity (OV) and we show that the resulting macroscopic models depend on the relative frequency between these two microscopic processes. If FTL interactions dominate then one gets an inhomogeneous Aw–Rascle–Zhang model, whose (pseudo) pressure and stability of the uniform flow are precisely defined by some features of the microscopic FTL and OV dynamics. Conversely, if the rate of OV relaxation is comparable to that of FTL interactions then one gets a Lighthill–Whitham–Richards model ruled only by the OV function. We further confirm these findings by means of numerical simulations of the particle system and the macroscopic models. Unlike other formally analogous results, our approach builds the macroscopic models as physical limits of particle dynamics rather than assessing the convergence of microscopic to macroscopic solutions under suitable numerical discretisations.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Adapting confocal Raman microscopy for in situ studies of redox transformations at electrode-electrolyte interfaces

Confocal Raman microscopy was applied to quantify redox species present within the diffusion layer adjacent to an electrode surface under potentiostatic control. A glass microscope coverslip with a thin indium tin oxide (ITO) coating served as both the working electrode and optical window for a microscope-stage mountable spectroelectrochemical cell. A high numerical aperture objective mounted in an inverted microscope frame just below the stage brought excitation radiation through the coverslip window and to a tight focus a few micrometers above the ITO film surface. Species diffusing into the confocal probe volume defined by the excitation beam focus and the collected light region were detected, identified and quantified based on their Raman scattering frequencies and intensities. Here, in measurements that interrogated the interconversion of ferrocyanide and ferricyanide ions as a function of applied voltage, least-squares regression analysis of spectral datasets predicted the formal potential and relative surface concentrations of the ions in good agreement with the expected Nernstian response. Preliminary studies of methyl viologen reduction at an ITO film/Nafion membrane interface were conducted and show the possibility for estimation of mass transport coefficients of redox species within ionic polymer materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Suppression of Helium Induced Cracking in Laser Repair Welding of Highly Irradiated Stainless Steels

Welding repair of irradiated nuclear reactor materials such as austenitic stainless steels used for the reactor internals has been challenging due to irradiation generated helium in the material matrix over an extended period of time. In this study, improved laser welding techniques, including the novel Auxiliary Beam Stress Improved (ABSI) technique that proactively manages the stresses during laser repair welding is investigated to substantially reduce or avoid the occurrence of intergranular helium-induced cracking (HeIC). Here, laser weld cladding, with and without ABSI technique, was applied to deposit weld metal on irradiated stainless steel (Type 304 L) blocks with various helium concentrations up to approximately 20 atomic parts per million (appm). Welded samples were cross-sectioned and analyzed using optical and electron microscopes. It was found that, with the improved laser welding techniques, no macroscopic (millimeter-sized) cracks were observed in any of the samples. Microscopic (less than 50 μm) cracks were present in the heat affected zone. Statistical analysis on the sample with the highest helium concentration (~20 appm) reveals that the ABSI technique could effectively reduce the size and amounts of microscopic cracks.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Investigating microstructural evolution in SolidStir™ extruded oxide dispersion strengthened 14YWT alloy fuel cladding tube

Structural components for extreme environments require advanced materials and manufacturing processes. One such advanced material is oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) Fe–14 wt.%Cr–3W–0.4Ti–0.3Y 2 O 3 (14YWT), which is developed for components to be used in Gen IV and fusion nuclear reactors. However, the conventional manufacturing processes to produce components, such as fuel cladding tubes, either do not retain the desired microstructural attributes or are costly and less efficient. As a result, a more attractive option is a novel manufacturing process developed on the principle of friction stir welding or processing (FSW/P) and commercially referred to as SolidStir™ Extrusion (SSE). Here this study used the SSE technique to study the manufacturing and microstructural evolution of a fuel cladding tube made of ODS 14YWT alloy. The cladding extrusion by the SSE technique involved the use of ball-milled 14YWT powders with Y, Ti, and O in the solid solution and the use of a specially designed W-25Re-Hf tool for consolidation and extrusion of the powders. A scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were utilized for microstructural characterization. A Keyence microscope captured macrostructural photographs of the extruded tube. EBSD examination of the extruded tube on both transverse and longitudinal cross-sections showed the presence of dynamically recrystallized grains and revealed that the average grain size of the transverse cross-section was smaller than that of the longitudinal cross-section. The texture was weak and consisted of some amount of shear texture. The presence of nano-oxide clusters or precipitates of Y, Ti, and O (pyrochlores) in the extruded tube was determined by TEM. Aging heat treatment caused the average precipitate size to decrease and the density to increase compared to the as-processed condition. The results indicated that SSE is a viable tool for manufacturing fuel cladding tubes with the desired microstructural attributes.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Formation and characterization of microstructure of as-cast Mg–6Gd–4Y–xZn–0.5Zr (x = 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 wt.%) alloys

Mg–6Gd–4Y–xZn–0.5Zr (x = 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 wt.%) alloys were prepared via conventional ingot metallurgy (I/M) in this study. The as-cast microstructures of these alloys were established by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations. Lamellar stacking order (SF) and 14H-type long period stacking order (LPSO) structure within α-Mg matrix are formed in the three as-cast alloys. The eutectic secondary phase is (Mg,Zn){sub 24}(Gd,Y){sub 5} for the alloy containing 0.3 wt.% Zn, while, it is (Mg,Zn){sub 3}(Gd,Y) for the alloys containing 0.5 wt.% Zn and 0.7 wt.% Zn. Moreover, X phase-(Mg,Zn){sub 12}(Gd,Y) is formed in the latter two as-cast alloys. - Highlights: • LPSO structure has first been found in as-cast Mg–6Gd–4Y–xZn–0.5Zr. • X-phase exists in as-cast Mg–6Gd–4Y–0.3(0.5)Zn–0.5Zr. • Zn content results in different β-phase in the studied alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Effect of Zr on microstructures and mechanical properties of an Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Cr alloy prepared by low frequency electromagnetic casting

The Al-1.6Mg-1.2Si-1.1Cu-0.15Cr (all in wt. %) alloys with and without Zr addition prepared by low frequency electromagnetic casting process were investigated by using the optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive analytical X-ray. The effects of Al{sub 3}Zr phases on the microstructures and mechanical properties during solidification, homogenization, hot extrusion and solid solution were studied. The results show that Al{sub 3}Zr phases reduce the grain size by ∼ 29% and promote the formation of an equiaxed grain structure during solidification. Numerous spherical Al{sub 3}Zr dispersoids with 35–60 nm in diameters precipitate during homogenization, and these fine dispersoids change little during subsequent hot extrusion and solid solution. Adding 0.15 wt. % Zr results in no recrystallization after hot extrusion and partial recrystallization after solid solution, while the recrystallized grain size is 400–550 μm in extrusion direction in the Zr-free alloy. In addition, adding 0.15 wt. % Zr can obviously promote Q′ phase precipitation, while the β″ phases are predominant in the alloy without Zr. Adding 0.15 wt. % Zr, the ultimate tensile strength of the T6 treated alloy increases by 45 MPa, while the elongation remains about 16.7%. - Highlights: • Minor Zr can refine as-cast grains of the LFEC Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Cr alloy. • L1{sub 2} Al{sub 3}Zr phases with 35–60 nm in diameter precipitate during homogenization. • L1{sub 2} and DO{sub 22} Al{sub 3}Zr phases result in partial recrystallization after solid solution. • Minor Zr can promote the precipitation of Q′ phases. • Mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Cr-Zr alloy are higher than those of AA7005.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Microstructural evolution and micromechanical properties of gamma-irradiated Au ball bonds

The effect of gamma radiation on the mechanical and structural properties of gold ball bonds was investigated. Gold wires from thermosonic wire bonding were exposed to gamma rays from a Cobalt-60 source at a low dose (5 Gy). The load–depth curve of nanoindentation for the irradiated gold wire bond has an apparent staircase shape during loading compared to the as-received sample. The hardness of the specimens calculated from the nanoindentation shows an increase in value from 0.91 to 1.09 GPa for specimens after exposure. The reduced elastic modulus for irradiated specimens significantly increased as well, with values from 75.18 to 98.55 GPa. The change in intrinsic properties due to gamma radiation was investigated using dual-focused ion beam and high-resolution transmission electron microscope analysis. The dual-focused ion beam and high-resolution transmission electron microscope images confirmed the changes in grain structure and the presence of dislocations. The scanning electron microscope micrographs of focused ion beam cross sections showed that the grain structure of the gold became elongated and smaller after exposure to gamma rays. Meanwhile, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy provided evidence that gamma radiation induced dislocation of the atomic arrangement. - Highlights: • Nanoindentation technique provides a detailed characterisation of Au ball bond. • P–h curve of irradiated Au ball bond shows an apparent pop-in event. • Hardness and reduced modulus increased after exposure. • Elongated and smaller grain structure in irradiated specimens • Prevalent presence of dislocations in the atomic arrangement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

A new route for the synthesis of submicron-sized LaB{sub 6}

Submicron crystalline LaB{sub 6} has been successfully synthesized by a solid-state reaction of La{sub 2}O{sub 3} with NaBH{sub 4} at 1200 °C. The effects of reaction temperature on the crystal structure, grain size and morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. It is found that when the reaction temperature is in the range of 1000–1100 °C, there are ultrafine nanoparticles and nanocrystals that coexist. When the reaction temperature elevated to 1200 °C, the grain morphology transformed from ultrafine nanoparticle to submicron crystals completely. High resolution transmission electron microscope images fully confirm the formation of LaB{sub 6} cubic structure. - Highlights: • Single-phased LaB{sub 6} have been synthesized by a solid-state reaction in a continuous evacuating process. • The reaction temperature has a important effect on the phase composition. • The grain size increase from nano-size to submicron with increasing reaction temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Urchin-like m-LaVO{sub 4} and m-LaVO{sub 4}/Ag microspheres: Synthesis and characterization

The semiconductor nanostructures decorated with noble metals have attracted increasing attention due to their interesting physical and chemical properties. In this work, urchin-like monoclinic (m-) LaVO{sub 4} microspheres were prepared by a hydrothermal method and used as a template to fabricate Ag nanoparticle-decorated m-LaVO{sub 4} composites. The morphology and structure were characterized by transmission electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray. It was found that Ag nanoparticles with narrow size distribution were uniformly loaded on urchin-like m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres, and the resulted composite microspheres showed distinct surface plasmon absorption band compared to pure m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres. Photocatalytic activities of as-prepared samples were examined by studying the degradation of methyl orange solutions under visible-light irradiation (> 400 nm). Results clearly showed that urchin-like m-LaVO{sub 4}/Ag microspheres possess much higher photocatalytic activity than pure m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres and P25. - Highlights: • m-LaVO{sub 4}/Ag composites microspheres were fabricated by a hydrothermal method. • m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres show higher photocatalytic activity than m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres. • m-LaVO{sub 4}/Ag microspheres exhibit a good stability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

The effect of aging treatment on the fracture toughness and impact strength of injection molded Ni-625 superalloy parts

In this study, the effect of aging heat treatment on fracture toughness and impact strength of Ni-625 superalloy fabricated by using powder injection molding (PIM) method was examined. After a feedstock was prepared by mixing the prealloyed Ni-625 superalloy powder, which was fabricated by gas atomisation, with a polymeric binder system and then it was granulated, it was shaped through the use of injection. The molded specimens were sintered at 1300 °C for 3 h after a two-stage debinding process. Once the sintered specimens were treated in the solution at 1150 °C for 2 h, they were quenched. Aging treatment was performed by keeping specimens at 745 °C for 22 h. Fracture toughness and impact tests were performed on sintered and aged specimens. Microstructure examinations were performed by using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The results revealed that aging heat treatment led to the formation of some carbides and intermetallic phases in the microstructure. While the hardness of the aged specimens increased due to these phases, their fracture toughness and impact strength values decreased. - Highlights: • Ni-625 superalloy components were produced by means of powder injection molding. • The produced components were subjected to aging treatment. • Aging process provided approximately 50% increase in the hardness of components. • Intermetallic precipitates, carbides and TCP phases occurred within the aged parts. • Fracture toughness and impact strength values decreased due to the hard phases.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Microstructural characterization of laser metal powder deposited Alloy 718

Highlights: • In as-deposited condition γ′ and γ″ were found in the interdendritic regions. • JMatPro simulations confirmed accelerated precipitation in interdendritic regions. • Depletion of Niobium was still found in the dendritic core after heat treatment. • The depletion of Niobium were more noticeable when using a high heat input. • γ″ particles were less well-developed in the regions depleted of Niobium. - Abstract: A microstructural study of Laser Metal Powder Deposition (LMPD) of Alloy 718, using a low (40 J/mm) and high (100 J/mm) heat inputs (HIs) was performed. The microstructure was characterized in as-deposited condition as well as after a standard heat-treatment, using optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Laves, MC-carbides, γ′ and γ″ are observed in the interdendritic areas of both conditions. However, the dendritic core only consists of γ-matrix. The high HI condition shows a slightly larger Primary Dendrite Arm Spacing (PDAS) as compared to the low HI condition. Additionally, the particle size of the Nb-rich constituents in the interdendritic regions (Laves-phase and Niobium carbide) is larger in the high HI sample. After heat-treatment, the Laves phase dissolves and is replaced by δ-phase in the interdendritic regions, while γ′, γ″ and MC-carbide remain in the interdendritic regions. However, the γ″ precipitates seems to be less developed in the dendritic core as compared to the interdendritic regions, especially in the high HI sample. This can be attributed to a heterogeneous distribution of Nb in the microstructure, with a lower Nb content in the dendritic core as compared to close to the interdendritic regions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Strain partition and rupture analysis of notched tensile multilayered steel specimens

Highlights: • In situ SEM tensile experiments were performed to investigate the fracture processes. • In situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction were carried out to study the microscopic deformation in MLS steel. • The changing trends of the strain in the austenite layer and martensitic layer have been revealed. - Abstract: Multilayered steel composites consisting of alternating martensitic and austenite layers were successfully fabricated with a combination of high strength and ductility. In situ SEM tensile experiments were performed to investigate the fracture processes. Results indicated that the martensitic layer distributed between two ductile austenite layers has better deformation ability, and the dimple fracture mode dominated the fracture of the whole specimen. In situ synchrotron microbeam X-ray diffraction experiments were carried out to study the microscopic deformation in austenitic layer and martensitic layer ahead of notch root under incremental tensile loading. Results indicated that for austenite layer, the maximum strain is located in the middle of the layer at the lower applied load. When at the higher applied load, larger strain is concentrated on the notch root. For martensitic layer, uniform strain is distributed at the region at the lower applied load, with increasing the applied load, small strain appears in the middle of martensitic layer. However, the variation in the strain in the martensitic layer is relatively smaller, which is actually affected by both the notch and the ferrite content in the martensitic layer. The changing trends of the strain in the austenite layer and martensitic layer can still show the better combination of brittle martensitic phase and ductile austenite phase.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Microstructure and optical properties of CdI{sub 2} doped silver vanadate glass-nanocomposites

Graphical abstract: TEM micrograph for 0.20CdI{sub 2}–0.80(0.60Ag{sub 2}O–0.40V{sub 2}O{sub 5}) and SAED pattern (shown right inset) from the selected area. High resolution image for a particle along with its FFT pattern is also shown in left inset. Highlights: ► CdI{sub 2} doped silver vanadate glass nanocomposites have been prepared. ► Microstructure of the compositions has been investigated. ► Nanocrystalline phases (β-AgI, Cd{sub 2}V{sub 2}O{sub 7}, etc.) are distributed in the glass matrix. ► Volume fraction of these crystalline phases increases with increase of CdI{sub 2} content. ► Formation of Cd{sub 2}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} and β-AgI phase confirms the Cd–Ag exchange in the samples. -- Abstract: Microstructure and optical properties of glass-nanocomposites of compositions xCdI{sub 2}–(1 − x)(0.60Ag{sub 2}O–0.40V{sub 2}O{sub 5})(x = 0.0–0.20) have been reported in this paper. X-ray diffraction patterns show the amorphous nature for the compositions x = 0 and 0.05. However, nanocrystalline phases have been observed in these compositions in electron microscopic studies. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopic studies reveal formation of different nanocrystalline phases such as β-AgI, Cd{sub 2}V{sub 2}O{sub 7}, Ag{sub 4}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} distributed within the amorphous matrix for the compositions x = 0.05–0.20. The presence of Cd{sub 2}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} and β-AgI phase for x = 0.05–0.20 confirms the exchange of coordination between Cd and Ag in these samples. The crystalline volume fraction increases with the increase of CdI{sub 2} content in these compositions. The average size of the nanocrystalline phases was estimated from the transmission and scanning electron microscopic studies. The network structure of the glass nanocomposites has been studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetric results show that the embedded nanocrystals decrease the glass transition temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗