Growth of ZnO nanorods by air annealing of ZnO films with an applied electric field

A novel method of ZnO nanorods growth is presented based on low temperature (300 °C) air annealing of ZnO film while applying an electric field (∼ 10 V/cm) parallel to the film. The films were deposited on glass substrates using a filtered vacuum arc deposition system equipped with a Zn cathode, at an arc current of 160 A, oxygen pressure of 3.2 mTorr, and deposition time of 30 s. Cu tape electrodes were applied on each end of the coated sample, and used to apply the electric field. The samples were annealed in a quartz furnace at 200, 300, 400 °C for 20 or 60 min. Each sample surface was examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and a High Resolution SEM (HRSEM) to study its micro- and nano-structure. The film crystallographic structure was studied using X-ray diffractometry (XRD). ZnO rods with lengths of ∼ 3 μm were observed on the samples annealed at 300 °C for 20 min with an electric field of ∼ 10³ V/m, while separated conical forms with lengths of ∼ 0.5 μm and base width of ∼ 150 nm were observed after annealing under the same conditions but without any electric field. The rod growth rate and area density were ∼ 2.0-2.5 nm/s, and ∼ 3 × 10⁷ cm^− 2, respectively.     

Atomistic simulations of stress corrosion cracking

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of stainless steels and nickel alloys in pressurised water reactors (PWR) has been studied for many years but the mechanism at atomic scale is still under debate. The purpose of this paper is to use atomistic calculations, molecular statics (MS) to describe the sequence of phenomena occurring at the crack tip of an SCC fracture. MS simulations with EAM potentials have been carried out on Ni bicrystals containing hydrogen. The calculations show that compression force applied on the crack lips with H at the GB causes brittle rupture. A theoretical model of SCC cracking has been proposed which fits particularly SCC of irradiated stainless steels (IASCC).     

Effects of saccharin and cobalt concentration in electrolytic solution on microhardness of nanocrystalline Ni-Co alloys

Cobalt content, surface morphology and microhardness of nanocrystalline Ni-Co deposits prepared by pulse plating technique at constant electrodeposition conditions with varied concentration of saccharin and cobalt sulfate in the electrolyte were investigated. It is found that appropriate amount of both additions could lead to finer structure and higher hardness of the deposit and further increase of the concentration could result in decline of the hardness, which is regarded as the result of inverse Hall-Petch relation. The maximum hardness of the Ni-Co alloy deposits is not higher than that of their pure Ni counterparts, indicating that the refinement hardening effect (Hall-Petch relation) is dominant in nanocrystalline Ni-Co alloy deposits. By adding Co ions to the electrolyte, the amount of organic refiner saccharin (responsible for introduction of sulfur and carbon impurities) needed to produce nanocrystalline deposits could be remarkably reduced.     

Novel application of nanocrystalline nickel electrodeposit: Making good diamond tools easily, efficiently and economically

Electrodeposition has been identified as a feasible and economical technique for nanomaterials application. This article details an improved approach to producing better diamond tools at lower cost and with higher productivity. Pulse-electroformed nanocrystalline nickel was used as the new matrix. The pulse parameters were determined after examination of the microstructure, grain size, hardness and tensile strength of the deposits obtained at different average current densities (J_m) with constant pulse-on time and pulse-off time. It is shown that, with J_m ranging from 1 Adm^− 2 to 14 Adm^− 2, the grain size decreases sharply from 180 nm to about 10 nm while the hardness and tensile strength significantly increase at first and then reach their peaks respectively, although the strength fails to stay long. Current density J_m that produced the highest hardness and strength of deposit (with grain size of 20 nm) was chosen for new diamond tools that exhibited 20.2% longer service life than their usual Ni-Co counterparts. Therefore, nanocrystalline electrodeposits are expected to be an upgrading substitute for conventional polycrystalline matrix.     

Synthesis and consolidation of TiN/TiB2 ceramic composites via reactive spark plasma sintering

The simultaneous synthesis and densification of TiN/TiB₂ ceramic composites via reactive spark plasma sintering (RSPS) was investigated. Different component ratios (TiH₂/BN (TiN, B)) and heating rates (112.5-300 °C/min) were used to initiate the chemical reaction for TiN/TiB₂ synthesis. The omit RSPS process was revealed to have three stages, which are described separately. The relationships between the RSPS conditions, the microstructure and the properties of sintered ceramic composites were established. A Vickers hardness of 16-25 GPa and a fracture toughness of 4-6.5 MPa m^1/2 were measured for various compositions. Sintered ceramic composites containing 36 wt% TiB₂ with the highest relative density of 97.4 ± 0.4% and an average grain size of 150-550 nm have been obtained.     

Composite fluorocarbon/ZnO films prepared by R.F. magnetron sputtering of Zn and PTFE

In this paper, composite fluorocarbon/ZnO films were prepared by R.F. sputtering used polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Zn target on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. Argon was used as the working gas and oxygen used as reacting gas. The obtained films were characterized by means of SEM, XPS and UV-visible spectrophotometer. It was found, the surface morphology of composite fluorocarbon/ZnO films vary as the deposited time of ZnO. The growing mode of composite films is the deposition and expansion. The ultraviolet absorbance of composite fluorocarbon/ZnO films is equal to that of fluorocarbon films' when deposited time of ZnO is within 2 min, while distinctively increases when deposited time of ZnO exceeds 5 min, the absorbance value is larger than the ZnOs'. The composite films exhibit multi-enhanced ultraviolet absorption due to π-conjugated molecular structure, nanoparticle-pore reflection and the absorption effect of nanosized ZnO particles.     

Structure and washing fastness of composite fluorocarbon/ZnO films prepared by RF sputtering

Composite fluorocarbon/ZnO films were deposited by RF sputtering, using polytetrafluoroethylene and Zn targets, on polyethylene terephthalate substrates. Argon and oxygen were used as working and reacting gases, respectively, with an oxygen:argon volume ratio of 3:1. The films were characterized by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and static contact angle measurements. It was found that the deposited films are made up of the four components -CF₃, -CF₂-, -CF- and -C-. The proportions of the four components varied with sputtering conditions. There was a large number of C=C double bonds on the surface of deposited films. The static contact angle of the deposited films was greater than 90°, indicating excellent hydrophobicity. The contact angle of films decreased after washing, and the washing fastness of the composite films were slightly inferior to those of the fluorocarbon films.     

Effect of plasma surface treatment on mechanical and corrosion protection properties of UV-curable sol-gel based GPTS-ZrO2 coatings on mild steel

Hybrid sol-gel based nanocomposite coatings derived from hydrolysis and condensation of a photopolymerizable silane precursor 3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane in combination with zirconium-n-propoxide were deposited on mild steel substrates by a dip coating technique. In some cases, substrates were subjected to an atmospheric air-plasma surface pre-treatment prior to coating deposition. The coatings were subsequently densified by exposure to ultraviolet radiation followed by a thermal treatment at 250 °C. Characterization of the coatings with respect to thickness, water contact angle, pencil scratch hardness, adhesion and abrasion resistance was carried out. Corrosion testing was carried out on the coatings for a 1 h exposure to a 3.5% NaCl solution by electrochemical polarization and impedance measurements. The hybrid sol-gel coatings were found to improve the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of mild steel. Plasma surface pre-treatment was found to improve the adhesion of coatings significantly and decreased the corrosion rate from 0.2652 mpy obtained for coatings without any surface pre-treatment to 0.0015 mpy, which was nearly 600 times lower than that of bare mild steel.     

Formation and behavior of unbonded hydrogen in a-C:H of various compositions and densities

It has previously been noted that two types of hydrogen exist in hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) prepared by chemical vapor deposition techniques: H bonded to C atoms and unbonded H₂ molecules (up to 80% of all H). Little is known on the atomic-scale processes during the formation of the structures containing unbonded hydrogen, and on the effect of unbonded H₂ on the structure-based material characteristics. In the present work, we report ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations of low-density H-rich a-C:H materials (H content 25-50%). Using liquid-quench simulations, we investigate the dependence of both (1) H₂ formation from H atoms, and (2) survival of H₂, present in the gas phase, on the formation conditions of the material. We further focus on the dependence of the characteristics of carbon networks on material composition, density and unbonded H₂ content, and on the temperature dependence of H₂ formation and dissociation in the networks. The results provide insight into the role of unbonded H₂ in a-C:H formation, and explain relationships between experimental conditions and materials characteristics. In particular, the results predict and describe the dependence of (1) unbonded hydrogen fraction on microwave/radiofrequency character of the discharge, ion bombardment characteristics or deposition temperature, and (2) the coordination of carbon atoms on H content, unbonded H₂ fraction or material density. For a given composition, the results predict the independence of the H₂ content on material density in a wide range, due to a high volume of voids in low-density a-C:H materials.     

Development of high strength Sn-0.7Cu solders with the addition of small amount of Ag and In

Nowadays, a major concern of Sn-Cu based solder alloys is focused on continuously improving the comprehensive properties of solder joints formed between the solders and substrates. In this study, the influence of Ag and/or In doping on the microstructures and tensile properties of eutectic Sn-0.7Cu lead free solder alloy have been investigated. Also, the effects of temperature and strain rate on the mechanical performance of Sn-0.7Cu, Sn-0.7Cu-2Ag, Sn-0.7Cu-2In and Sn-0.7Cu-2Ag-2In solders were investigated. The tensile tests showed that while the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield stress (YS) increased with increasing strain rate, they decreased with increasing temperature, showing strong strain rate and temperature dependence. The results also revealed that with the addition of Ag and In into Sn-0.7Cu, significant improvement in YS (∼255%) and UTS (∼215%) is realized when compared with the other commercially available Sn-0.7 wt. % Cu solder alloys. Furthermore, the Sn-0.7Cu-2Ag-2In solder material developed here also exhibits higher ductility and well-behaved mechanical performance than that of eutectic Sn-0.7Cu commercial solder. Microstructural analysis revealed that the origin of change in mechanical properties is attributed to smaller β-Sn dendrite grain dimensions and formation of new inter-metallic compounds (IMCs) in the ternary and quaternary alloys.     

Influence of substrate bias on the composition of SiC thin films fabricated by PECVD and underlying mechanism

The influence of the substrate bias on the composition of SiC thin films synthesized by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition was studied. Our results indicate that the ratio of Si to C in the thin films is almost stoichiometric at a bias of − 300 V, whereas excessive carbon is observed in the films if the bias is lower or higher. Very little oxygen can be detected in the film produced without biasing. The effects of the bias on the composition of the thin films can be attributed to the interaction between the positive ions in the plasma and the surface atoms. The underlying mechanism is also discussed.     

Influence of sputter damage on the XPS analysis of metastable nanocomposite coatings

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a standard method of determining chemical bonding in e.g. nanocomposites. We demonstrate that sputter-cleaning of the sample prior to analysis can substantially alter the attained information. We present an in-depth analysis of sputter damage on binary and ternary TiC-based coatings in the Ti-Ni-C system. XPS was performed after sputter etching with different ion energies (0.15-4 keV). Results are compared to data from the bulk of undamaged samples attained using high kinetic energy XPS. We observe substantial sputter damage, strongly dependent on sputter energies and coating stability. Metastable samples exhibit severe sputter damage after etching with 4 keV. Additional samples from other Ti-Me-C (Me = Al, Fe, Cu or Pt) systems were also examined, and notable sputter damage was observed. This suggests that accurate analysis of any metastable nanocomposite requires careful consideration of sputter damages.     

Relationship between the growth rate and Al incorporation of AlGaN by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

The growth rate and its relationship with growth conditions of AlGaN alloy films by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) are investigated. It is found that both parasitic reaction and competitive adsorption play important roles in determining the growth rate and Al incorporation in AlGaN. Low reactor pressure can weaken parasitic reactions, thus increasing the Al composition. In addition, a decrease of absolute amount of Ga atoms arriving on the substrate may lead to a lower Ga competitive power, and then a higher Al content in AlGaN film.     

Analysis of the deformation characteristics of spike-forging process through FE simulations and experiments

Spike-forging is an interesting forming process, combining backward extrusion and upsetting where the spike height formed indicates the die-filling ability of the lubricant used. In this paper analysis of isothermal axisymmetric spike-forging has been carried out using an integrated FEM code. Simulations were conducted to investigate the influence of different geometric parameters, processing variables and interfacial conditions on the instantaneous spike height, one important deformation characteristic of the process, under cold and hot forming conditions. The results of the simulations are discussed along with comparisons with available experimental results, and finally some guidelines for the design of this test have been drawn up.     

Numerical simulation of structure transformation processes as the basis for regulating the properties of nanodisperse composition systems and materials

Using computer simulations, the regularities of structure formation in disperse systems under dynamic conditions that predetermine the nature of the structure formed and, hence, the properties of obtained nanodisperse composition materials (materials with a nanodisperse component) are considered. Phenomena of the appearance and the development of a macroscopic structural heterogeneity, namely, the break in continuity of the structure in highly concentrated systems are reproduced, as are the conditions for the removing the break using surface active substances and vibrational impacts, which allows one to control the properties of disperse materials synthesized based on highly disperse solid phases.     

Computational simulations of the molecular structure and corrosion properties of amidoethyl, aminoethyl and hydroxyethyl imidazolines inhibitors

To proof the corrosion efficiency of hydroxyethyl, aminoethyl and amidoethyl imidazolines, they were evaluated by linear polarization resistance and polarization curves in deaerated 3% NaCl + Diesel + inhibitors saturated with CO₂ at 50 °C. The most efficient inhibitor was the amido ethyl imidazoline, with an efficiency of 97.88% whereas the least efficient was the hydroxyethyl imidazoline, with an efficiency of 88.8%. A theoretical study of the corrosion inhibition efficiency of these imidazoline derivatives, was carried out using density functional theory (DFT). The computational calculations were used to obtain information about their molecular structure and those properties related with the inhibition efficiency of these inhibitors. The obtained correlations and theoretical conclusions agree well with the experimental results.     

Application of the induction plasma to the synthesis of two dimensional steam methane reforming Ni/Al2O3 catalyst

The purpose of the study is to develop a new protocol for preparing supported two dimensional catalysts with high external and low internal surface by combining thermal plasma spraying and thermal plasma chemical vapour deposition (TPCVD) processes. The method was tested for the production of an Al₂O₃ supported Ni catalysts used for methane steam reforming. The deposition of catalytic materials is made in 2 successive steps. The first step deals with alumina powder sprayed by induction plasma spraying (IPS) on a molybdenum substrate. The experimental conditions have been turned towards γ-Al₂O_3. The second stage deals with the deposition of nickel at the nanometric scale on the alumina layer using the thermal plasma chemical vapour deposition method. This last step was focused on the study of the influence of the nozzle type employed for the nickel solution spraying, the reactor internal pressure, the concentration and the flow rate of nickel salts solution, Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, on the catalyst response. The formulations were tested as methane steam reforming catalysts.The results demonstrate that the catalyst morphology depends on plasma projection conditions and show the effectiveness of combining IPS and TPCVD processes for producing catalysts in methane steam reforming.