Subsolidus phase relations in the ZnO–MoO3–B2O3, ZnO–MoO3–WO3 and ZnO–WO3–B2O3 ternary systems

The subsolidus phase relations in the ZnO–MoO₃–B₂O₃, ZnO–MoO₃–WO₃ and ZnO–WO₃–B₂O₃ ternary systems have been investigated by the means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). There is no ternary compound in all the systems. There are five binary compounds and five tie lines in the ZnO–MoO₃–B₂O₃ system. This system can be divided into six 3-phase regions. There are three binary compounds and three tie lines in the ZnO–MoO₃–WO₃ system. This system can be divided into four 3-phase regions. There are four binary compounds and four tie lines in the ZnO–WO₃–B₂O₃ system. This system can be divided into five 3-phase regions. The possible component regions for ZnO single crystal flux growth were discussed. The phase diagram of Zn₃B₂O₆–ZnWO₄ pseudo-binary system has been constructed, and the result reveals this system is eutectic system. The eutectic temperature is 1007 °C and eutectic point component is 70 mol% Zn₃B₂O₆.     

Thermal and conductometric studies of the CeBr3–MBr binary systems (M = Li, Na)

DSC was used to investigate phase equilibrium in the CeBr₃–MBr (M = Li, Na) systems. They represent typical examples of simple eutectic systems. The eutectic composition and eutectic temperature, x(CeBr₃) = 0.249, T_eut = 709 K and x(CeBr₃) = 0.372, T_eut = 692 K, were found for CeBr₃–LiBr and CeBr₃–NaBr systems, respectively.

The electrical conductivity of CeBr₃–MBr liquid mixtures, together with that of pure components was measured down to temperatures below solidification. Results obtained are discussed in term of possible complex formation.     

Self-propagation high-temperature synthesis and casting of Cu–MoSi2 composite

The phase diagram of the EuBr₂–KBr binary system was derived from DSC measurements. It exhibits three eutectics and three stoichiometric compounds. The first compound, K₂EuBr₄, melts congruently at 834 K. The second one, KEuBr₃ undergoes a solid–solid phase transition at 810 K and decomposes peritectically at 846 K. The third compound, KEu₂Br₅, melts congruently at 880 K. The composition of the three eutectic mixtures, x(EuBr₂) = 0.318, 0.433 and 0.789, respectively, were determined by the Tamman method. The respective eutectic temperatures are 829, 811 and 854 K.

Diffuse reflectance spectra of the pure components and their solid mixtures confirmed the existence of new phases exhibiting their own spectral characteristics, which may be related to the existence of above mentioned compounds in the system under investigation.     

Thermodynamic properties and phase diagrams of the binary systems B2O3–Ga2O3, B2O3–Al2O3 and B2O3–In2O3

We calculated the binary phase diagrams B₂O₃–Ga₂O₃, B₂O₃–In₂O₃ and B₂O₃–Al₂O₃, and the Gibbs energy of formation of the binary compounds, using experimental liquidus data. The B₂O₃–Ga₂O₃ system is of industrial importance, because liquid B₂O₃, in which Ga₂O₃ is not very soluble, is used to protect GaAs during growth of single crystals of GaAs. During recovery of noble metals B₂O₃ is added to slags containing Al₂O₃ to lower the melting point and the viscosity. The B₂O₃–In₂O₃ system is of much less importance to industry. In all three systems we have a liquid miscibility gap, and also solid binary compounds, none of which melt congruently. The miscibility gaps are not surprising, because even in the B₂O₃–Bi₂O₃ system where four congruently melting compounds are present, a liquid miscibility gap exists close to B₂O₃.     

Induced crystallization and physical properties of Li2O–CaF2–P2O5:TiO2 glass system: Part I. Characterization, spectroscopic and elastic properties

Li₂O–CaF₂–P₂O₅ glasses mixed with different concentrations of TiO₂ (ranging from 0 to 0.8 mol%) were crystallized at 500 °C. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and differential thermal analysis techniques. Spectroscopic properties (IR and Raman) and elastic properties (viz., Young's modulus E, shear modulus G and micro-hardness H) at room temperature are studied. The X-ray diffraction and the scanning electron microscopic studies revealed the presence of lithium phosphate, lithium titanium phosphate and titanium phosphate crystal phases. The differential thermal analysis traces of these samples exhibit three crystalline temperatures. The IR and Raman spectra of these samples have exhibited bands due to TiO₄ and TiO₆ structural units in addition to the conventional bands due to various phosphate structural groups. The analysis of these results indicated that the sample crystallized with 0.6 mol% of TiO₂ possesses the highest density, high mechanical strength and more compact network.     

Spectroscopic and dielectric studies on MnO doped PbO–Nb2O5–P2O5 glass system

PbO–Nb₂O₅–P₂O₅ glasses containing different concentrations of MnO ranging from 0 to 2.5 mol% were prepared. A number of studies viz., differential thermal analysis, infrared, optical absorption, luminescence, Raman and ESR spectra, magnetic susceptibility and dielectric properties (constant ′, loss tan δ, ac conductivity σ_ac over a range of frequency and temperature) of these glasses have been carried out. The results have been analyzed in the light of different oxidation states of manganese ions. The analysis indicates that when the concentration of MnO is around 1.0 mol%, manganese ions mostly exist in Mn²⁺ state, occupy network forming positions with MnO₄ structural units and increase the rigidity of the glass network. When MnO is present in higher concentrations, these ions seem to exist mostly in Mn³⁺ state and occupy modifying positions.     

Phase diagram and electrical conductivity of the CeBr3–RbBr binary system

Phase equilibrium in the CeBr₃–RbBr binary system was established from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This system has three compounds Rb₃CeBr₆, Rb₂CeBr₅ and RbCe₂Br₇ and two eutectics located at (x = 0.141; 858 K) and (x = 0.528; 762 K), respectively. Rb₃CeBr₆ forms at 614 K, undergoes a solid–solid phase transition at 695 K and melts congruently at 966 K. Rb₂CeBr₅ melts incongruently at 830 K and RbCe₂Br₇ at 741 K. The electrical conductivity of CeBr₃–RbBr liquid mixtures was measured down to temperatures below solidification over the whole composition range. Results obtained are discussed in term of possible complex formation.     

Induced crystallization and physical properties of Li2O–CaF2–P2O5:TiO2 glass system: Part II. Electrical, magnetic and optical properties

The results of various physical properties namely, dielectric properties (dielectric constant, loss tan δ, ac conductivity σ, over a wide range of frequency and temperature and dielectric breakdown strength in air medium at room temperature), optical absorption, electron spin resonance (ESR) at liquid nitrogen temperature and magnetic susceptibility at room temperature of Li₂O–CaF₂–P₂O₅:TiO₂ glass-ceramics have been reported. The optical absorption and magnetic susceptibility studies indicated that the titanium ions exist in Ti³⁺ state in addition to Ti⁴⁺ state in these samples. However, the reduction seems to be the lowest in the sample containing 0.6 mol% of TiO_2. The dielectric constant and loss variation with the concentration of TiO₂ have been explained on the basis of space charge polarization mechanism. The dielectric relaxation effects exhibited by these samples have been analyzed by a pseudo Cole–Cole plot method and the spreading of dielectric relaxation has been observed. The ac conductivity in the high temperature region seems to be related both with electronic and ionic movements. The low temperature (or the nearly temperature independent) part of conductivity could be explained on the basis of quantum mechanical tunneling model. The studies on dielectric breakdown strength indicated the highest insulating strength for the sample containing 0.6 mol% of TiO₂.     

Effect of ZnO additive on sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties of 0.95MgTiO3–0.05CaTiO3 ceramics

The effects of ZnO additive on the microstructures, the phase formation and the microwave dielectric properties of MgTiO₃–CaTiO₃ ceramics were investigated. The sintering temperature of ZnO-doped 0.95MgTiO₃–0.05CaTiO₃ ceramics can be lowered to 1300 °C due to the liquid phase effect. Formation of second phase MgTi₂O₅ can be effectively restrained through the addition of ZnO. The microwave dielectric properties are found strongly correlated with the sintering temperature as well as the amount of ZnO addition. At 1300 °C, 0.95MgTiO₃–0.05CaTiO₃ ceramics with 1 wt% ZnO addition possesses a dielectric constant _r of 20, a Q × f value of 65,000 (at 7 GHz) and a τ_f value of −5.8 ppm/°C. In comparison with pure 0.95MgTiO₃–0.05CaTiO₃ ceramics, the doped sample shows not only a 16% loss reduction but also a lower sintering temperature. That makes it a very promising material to replace the present one for GPS patch antennas.     

ZrO2–SiO2 gradient multilayer oxidation protective coating for SiC coated carbon/carbon composites

In order to eliminate the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficient between the ZrO₂ outer layer and the internal bonding SiC layer, ZrO₂–SiO₂ composition-gradient transition layers were prepared by a sol–gel technique using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and zirconyl chloride as source materials. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis displays that the gradient composition ZrO₂–SiO₂ outer coating could be obtained by immersing the SiC precoated carbon/carbon (C/C) composites into the gradient composition zirconia-silica sols (ZS sol) in turn. Oxidation test shows that, after 10 h oxidation in air at 1773 K, the weight loss of the gradient ZrO₂–SiO₂ coating coated SiC-C/C is only 1.97%.     

Phase relations in the SrO–Ga2O3–B2O3 system

The subsolidus phase relations in the SrO–Ga₂O₃–B₂O₃ system were investigated. The system contains 10 binary compounds and two ternary compounds, and can be divided into 15 three-phase regions. The new ternary compound SrGaBO₄ has two modifications (- and β-phases), both of which crystallize in the orthorhombic system but with different space groups.     

Microstructure, morphology and electrochemical property of RuO270SnO230 mol% and RuO230SnO270 mol% coatings

The DSA anodes based on RuO₂–SnO₂ oxides are most employed in chlorine-alkali cells. Their properties are strongly influenced by the mixed-oxide coating structures. In this paper, two RuO₂–SnO₂/Ti DSA anodes with different Ru and Sn molar ratios were prepared through a sol–gel technique. The nano-structure, morphology, grain structure and composition of the coatings were investigated by means of XRD, SEM and TEM. XRD analysis indicates two rutile-type solid solutions are formed. Peak profile analysis shows that in the solid solution where SnO₂ is the major component smaller crystallites (about 20–30 nm) are formed than in those where RuO₂ is the major component (about 100–200 nm). The SEM images reveal the coating with high level of SnO₂ possesses more accumulated and compact structures. The EDS analysis indicates that two DSA anodes coatings in which SnO₂ is similar to the designed concentration are prepared by the sol–gel method. TEM characterization shows the polygonal crystallites are present in the obtained RuO₂–SnO₂ coatings. The voltages of Cl₂-evolution and O₂-evolution suggest both RuO₂–SnO₂/Ti DSA anodes have a good electrochemical performance and can be used for the chlorite industrial productions.     

Properties of ZrO2–Al2O3 composite as a function of isothermal holding time

Zirconia and alumina based ceramics present interesting properties for their application as implants, such as biocompatibility, good fracture resistance, as well as high fracture toughness and hardness. In this work the influence of sintering time on the properties of a ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ composite material, containing 20 wt% of Al₂O₃, has been investigated. The ceramic composites were obtained by sintering, in air, at 1600 °C for sintering times between 0 and 1440 min. Sintered samples were characterized by microstructure and crystalline phases, as well as by mechanical properties. The grain growth exponents, n, for the ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃ were 2.8 and 4.1, respectively, indicating that different mechanisms are responsible for grain growth of each phase. After sintering at 1600 °C, the material exhibited a dependency of hardness as function of sintering time, with hardness values between 1500 HV (120 min) and 1310 HV (1440 min) and a fracture toughness of 8 MPa m^1/2, which makes it suitable for bioapplications, such as dental implants.     

Structure and hydrogen storage properties of MgH2 catalysed with La2O3

The catalytic effect of the addition of lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃), in the range 0.5–2.0 mol%, on the hydrogen storage properties of MgH₂ prepared by ball milling has been studied. The addition of La₂O₃ reduces the formation during milling of the metastable orthorhombic γ-MgH₂ phase. The desorption rate of samples with 1 and 2 mol% La₂O₃ comes out to be about 0.010 wt% per second at 573 K under an hydrogen pressure of 0.3 bar, better than for sample with 0.5 mol% La₂O₃. The presence of LaH₃ after hydrogenation/dehydrogenation cycles has been observed in all samples. The sample with 1 mol% of La₂O₃ gives a lower hysteresis factor compared with sample with 2 mol%.     

Fabrication and dry sliding wear behavior of in situ Al–K2ZrF6–KBF4 composites reinforced by Al3Zr and ZrB2 particles

Aluminum matrix composites reinforced by Al₃Zr and ZrB₂ particles were fabricated from Al–x wt.%(K₂ZrF₆–KBF₄) (x = 5, 10, 15, 20, 25) systems via magnetochemistry in situ reaction and the dry sliding wear properties and behavior of the composites were investigated. XRD and SEM analysis show that ZrB₂ and Al₃Zr reinforcement phases have been obtained and been distributed uniformly in the aluminum matrix. Wear test results show that the values of wear weight loss of the composites decrease with the increase of x under all identical wear conditions, and that of the relative wear resistance R_relat. increases under the applied load of 100 N. Especially, when x = 25, the wear weight loss (under a sliding time of 120 min and an applied load of 100 N), which is 0.245 to that of the A356 alloy, and the R_relat. (under the intermediate wear-sliding stage and an applied load of 100 N) is 4.772, which is 1.513 to that of the primary stage, respectively. Two modes of the wear mechanisms of the as-prepared composites were identified.     

Pore morphology in sintered ZrO2–8 mol% Y2O3 ceramic: a small-angle neutron scattering investigation

Pore morphology and pore size distribution in yttria-stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂–8 mol% Y₂O₃) have been investigated, for two sintering temperatures, namely 1200 and 1270 °C, using small-angle neutron scattering. The results show that the reduction in the porosity, at 1270 °C compared to that at 1200 °C, occurs by the elimination of the pores at the lower end of the pore size distribution. In addition, the polydispersity is also lower at 1270 °C and the nature of the distribution is altered significantly near the smaller radius range. The average pore size shifts towards the higher radius range. The specific surface area of the pores is also diminished at 1270 °C because of the elimination of the finer pores.     

Effect of starting powders size on the Al2O3–TiC composites

Al₂O₃–TiC composites with a content of 30 wt% TiC with various size of starting powders were manufactured by hot pressing. The Vickers hardness, bending strength and fracture toughness were studied. The experiment results show that the starting powder size has a significant effect on the properties of the Al₂O₃–TiC composites. The maximum bending strength of the submicron Al₂O₃ with the fine TiC powders addition is 712 MPa, while the maximum fracture toughness of the same Al₂O₃ matrix with the large TiC powders addition is 6.5 MPa m^1/2.     

Oxygen release behaviour of Ce(1−x)ZrxO2 powders and appearance of Ce(8−4y)Zr4yO(14−δ) solid solution in the ZrO2–CeO2–CeO1.5 system

To clarify the existence of metastable phases in the ZrO₂–CeO₂–CeO_1.5 system, evolved-oxygen gas analyses, (EGA), by heating a single phase of t′ and t″ (Ce_(1−x)Zr_xO₂) with various compositions, x, in a reducing gas and successive oxidation were carried out repeatedly. The oxygen release behaviour of the t′ and t″ phases was very complicated. The single κ phases, (Ce_(1−x)Zr_xO₂) with the composition, x=0.5 and 0.6, which were obtained by oxidizing the resulting pyrochlore as a precursor in O₂ gas at 873 K, exhibited a sharp oxygen release at the lowest temperature; the composition range of κ phase may be x=0.450.65. A new tetragonal phase t*, (Ce_(1−x)Zr_xO₂), which was attained by cyclic redox process together with annealing in O₂ gas at 1323 or 1423 K, exhibited a sharp oxygen release at the highest temperature; the composition range of t* phase may be as wide as x=0.200.65. A metastable solid solution expressed by a chemical formula of Ce_(8−4y)Zr_4yO_(14−δ) (y=01) possessing a CaF₂-related structure appeared on deoxidation of the t* phase. A ternary phase diagram containing the t* and Ce_(8−4y)Zr_4yO_(14−δ) solid solution was proposed.     

Spectroscopy, magnetism and non-radiative processes in heteronuclear Cu:Pr squarate; [Pr2Cu(C4O4)4(H2O)16]·2H2O

In the present work, the spectroscopic and magnetic properties of heteronuclear Cu:Pr squarate are reported. Single crystals of [Pr₂Cu(C₄O₄)₄(H₂O)₁₆]·2H₂O were obtained by reaction of squaric acid, praseodymium chloride and copper chloride in water solution according to the procedure described earlier. The crystals of title compound are isomorphic with [La₂Cu(C₄O₄)₄(H₂O)₁₆]·2H₂O crystal, where squarate anions participate as bridging ligands between metal ions.

The UV region of absorption spectra of the title compound is dominated by C–T band of Cu(II), f–d transition of Pr(III) and internal π–π*(A_1g→E_u) and π–π*(A_1g→E_g) ligand transitions. In visible and IR regions, t_2g–e_g of copper Cu(II) as well as ³H₄→³P_J, ¹D₂, ¹G₄, ³F_J, ³H₆ Pr(III) transitions at 293 and 4 K were recorded. At low temperature splitting given by Jahn–Teller effect can be observed. Significant anisotropy of d–d transitions intensities confirms well the Jahn–Teller effect, too. Unexpectedly high intensity of ³H₄→¹G₄ transition is probably due to the intensity borrowing from the Cu (II) d–d transition.

The ³P₀ and ¹D₂ emission of Pr(III) in the [Pr₂Cu(C₄O₄)₄(H₂O)₁₆]·2H₂O crystals is quenched even at 77 K. Whereas emission of appropriate polynuclear europium squarate was detected. The pathways of excited state quenching by e_g levels of Cu(II), multhiphonon relaxation and concentration quenching can be considered in the system under studies. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were carried out in 300–1.7 K temperature range and are discussed in relation to the structure.

Effect of the polymeric structure on spectroscopic behaviour is presented. Selectivity of polymeric europium squarate in vitro test for different tumor cells is shown.