Achieving Ti-5Al-4Sn-2Zr-1Mo-0.25Si-1Nb Alloys with High Strength and Moderate Ductility through Selective Laser Melting

Ti-5Al-4Sn-2Zr-1Mo-0.25Si-1Nb (TA32) titanium alloy is a kind of near α high temperature titanium alloy with great application prospects in aero-engine afterburners and cruise missiles. However, there are still few studies on the microstructure and mechanical properties of TA32 specimens produced by selective laser melting (SLM) technology. In this study, TA32 specimens with high strength (tensile strength of 1267 MPa) and moderate ductility (elongation after fracture of 8%) were obtained by selective laser melting. The effect of laser power on the microstructure and mechanical behavior was studied and the results demonstrated that the average grain size increases with increasing laser power from 200 W to 400 W. Micro-zone composition analysis was carried out by energy dispersion spectrum (EDS), showing that the Al concentration inner grains is higher than that near grain boundaries. Fracture analysis results demonstrated that the fracture mode of SLM TA32 specimens was cleavage fracture. The tensile strength of the specimens built with a laser power of 250 W at 500 °C, 550 °C and 600 °C was measured as 869 MPa, 819 MPa and 712 MPa, respectively.

Introducing Electrode Contact by Controlled Micro-Alloying in Few-Layered GaTe Field Effect Transistors

Recently, gallium telluride (GaTe) has triggered much attention for its unique properties and offers excellent opportunities for nanoelectronics. Yet it is a challenge to bridge the semiconducting few-layered GaTe crystals with metallic electrodes for device applications. Here, we report a method on fabricating electrode contacts to few-layered GaTe field effect transistors (FETs) by controlled micro-alloying. The devices show linear I-V curves and on/off ratio of ∼10 4 on HfO 2 substrates. Kelvin probe force microscope (KPFM) and energy dispersion spectrum (EDS) are performed to characterize the electrode contacts, suggesting that the lowered Schottky barrier by the diffusion of Pd element into the GaTe conduction channel may play an important role. Our findings provide a strategy for the engineering of electrode contact for future device applications based on 2DLMs.

Investigation of CO2 Adsorption on Triethylenetetramine Modified Adsorbents of TETA(n)/Zr-TSCD

In the present study, a new type of material of Zr-TSCD was first synthesized and modified with different amounts of triethylenetetramine (TETA). The properties of the adsorbents were characterised with X-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption, energy dispersion spectrum, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results suggested that Zr-TSCD (TSCD=Na3C6H5O7·2H2O) was successfully synthesized through the coordination of Zr atoms from ZrOCl2·8H2O and O species in –COO– groups. After functionalization with TETA, the structure of Zr-TSCD was preserved and the adsorption capacity of CO2 was enhanced dramatically. At 75°C, TETA(30)/Zr-TSCD achieved a maximum absorption capacity of 175.1mg g−1 in a stream of 10mL min−1 CO2. The adsorption capacity ratio of CO2/N2, CO2/O2, and CO2/SO2 was 10.5, 7.4, and 1.2, respectively. In addition, the adsorption capacity of CO2 remained stable during 10 adsorption–desorption cycles.

Facile Synthesis of Co3O4 Nanoparticle-Functionalized Mesoporous SiO2 for Catalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solutions

In this study, a series of Co3O4 nanoparticle-functionalized mesoporous SiO2 (Co–SiO2) were successfully synthesized via a spontaneous infiltration route. Co species were firstly infiltrated into the confined spaces between the surfactant and silica walls, with the assistance of grinding CoCl3·6H2O and the as-prepared mesoporous SiO2. Then, Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were formed and grown in the limited space of the mesopores, after calcination. Structures, morphologies, and compositions of the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectrum, N2 adsorption, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Results showed that the high content of Co (rCo:Si = 0.17) can be efficiently dispersed into the mesoporous SiO2 as forms of Co3O4 NPs, and the structural ordering of the mesoporous SiO2 was well-preserved at the same time. The Co3O4 NP functionalized mesoporous SiO2 materials were used as Fenton-like catalysts for removing methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The catalyst prepared at rCo:Si = 0.17 could completely remove the high-concentration of MB (120 mg·L−1), and also showed an excellent performance with a removal capacity of 138 mg·g−1 to 180 mg·L−1 of MB. Catalytic mechanisms were further revealed, based on the degradation results.

Performance of PATC-PDMDAAC Composite Coagulants in Low-Temperature and Low-Turbidity Water Treatment

A novel composite was synthesized by using flocculant polyaluminum titanium silicate chloride (PATC) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC) monomers to treat low-temperature and low-turbidity water. The structure and physicochemical properties of PATC-PDMDAAC were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersion spectrum (SEM-EDS). The compound flocculant produced new functional groups exhibiting great thermal stability, and the complex chemical reaction between the two monomers generated new substances with reticular structures. Coagulation performance results showed that the PATC-PDMDAAC had an organic and inorganic ratio of 0.15 and exhibited excellent removal efficiency at pH 9.0, dosage of 1.80 mg/L, sedimentation time of 40 min, and a stirring speed of 110 r/min. The optimal treatment efficiency reduced the turbidity to 0.56 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit). The removal rates of TOC (Total Organic Carbon) and UV254 (Ultraviolet 254) were 62.18% (from 7.23 mg/L to 2.734 mg/L) and 99.99% (from 10 mg/L to 0.001 mg/L). The 3D fluorescence, zeta potential and kinetic analysis in the flocculation process indicated that coagulant electroneutralization and adsorption bridge in a slightly alkaline environment played a dominant role, and a sufficient and effective collision occurred between the coagulant and particulate matter under the optimal dosage. Lastly, PATC-PDMDAAC has more advantage than conventional flocculants in the treatment of low-temperature and low-turbidity water in the Xiangjiang River.

Study on Microstructure of Long-Age Concrete with HCSA Expansive Agent

The microstructure of high-volume fly ash and long-age concrete with HCSA expansive agent at different curing time is studied by means of scanning electron microscope and energy dispersion spectrum analysis. The result shows that wet curing is benefit to the generation of ettringite which is the hydration product of HCSA expansive agent, and also is benefit to the hydration of cement and fly ash, which can fundamentally improve compactness of concrete. For the concrete which mix 6% amount of HCSA expansive agent a 60% amount of fly ash, when it is not cured, the average ratio of Ca to Si is 1.8, and the value is 0.36 after 28d curing. Since the ration of Ca to Si is lower, the hydration rate of binding material is faster.

Optical Properties of Indium Doeped ZnO Nanowires

We report the synthesis of the ZnO nanowires (NWs) with different indium concentrations by using the thermal evaporation method. The gold nanoparticles were used as the catalyst and were dispersed on the silicon wafer to facilitate the growth of the ZnO NWs. High resolution transmission electron microscopy confirms that the ZnO NWs growth relied on vapor-liquid-solid mechanism and energy dispersion spectrum detects the atomic percentages of indium in ZnO NWs. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the diameters of pure ZnO NWs range from 20 to 30 nm and the diameters of ZnO:In were increased to 50–80 nm with increasing indium doping level. X-ray diffraction results point out that the crystal quality of the ZnO NWs was worse with doping higher indium concentration. Photoluminescence (PL) study of the ZnO NWs exhibited main photoemission at 380 nm due to the recombination of excitons in near-band-edge (NBE). In addition, PL results also indicate the slightly blue shift and PL intensity decreasing of NBE emission from the ZnO NWs with higher indium concentrations could be attributed to more donor-induced trap center generations.

An Investigation of Magnetic Pulse Welding of Al/Cu and Interface Characterization

This paper investigated the effect of magnetic pulse welding (MPW) condition (welding power, surface scratches, and contamination) on the establishment of welding between aluminum and copper tubes, and the associated welding mechanisms. The results showed that higher applied power and surface scratches in tangential direction were in favor for good weld, and oil on the surface prevented welding. Direct evidences were obtained on local interface melting under a high welding power. CuAl intermetallics with different atomic ratios were identified by energy dispersion spectrum (EDS) chemical analysis and by microscratching test. The mechanisms of MPW and the process improvement were discussed.

Evaluation of Surface Quality during Electrical Discharge Machining of Inconel 718 with Powder Metallurgy Electrodes

In recent years, researchers have reported powder metallurgy processed electrodes as alternative tooling for electrical discharge machining (EDM). The present experimental study evaluates the quality of machined surface during electrical discharge machining (EDM) of Inconel 718 alloy steel with powder metallurgy (PM) processed electrodes. The investigated process parameters were polarity, electrode type, peek current, pulse on time, duty cycle, gap voltage, retract distance and flushing pressure. The surface quality was measured in terms of surface roughness (Ra). An orthogonal array L36 (21X 37) based on Taguchi methodology was applied to plan and design experiments. Experimental data was statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and optimum condition was achieved for evaluation criteria. It was concluded that polarity, electrode type, peek current, have significant effect on surface quality and minimum Ra is obtained with CuW2080 electrode at minimum current and negative polarity. Deposition of tungsten with CuW2080 (80%W 20%Cu) electrode was confirmed by energy dispersion spectrum (EDS) of the machined surface.

The Influence of Composition Segregation to the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of SA508-3 Steel

A large scale ingot was dissected to study the segregation law of the elements. The influence of composition segregation to the microstructure and mechanical properties of SA508-3 steel was studied by the comparison of three positions on the ingot. Two precipitated phases were approved to be alloyed cementite and molybdenum carbide (Mo2C). It has demonstrated that the middle and upper parts of the ingot were almost the same in compositions except for a slightly difference in the carbon content. The upper part with more carbon included has relatively more carbide precipitation after the performance heat treatment. The bottom part of the ingot has the lowest carbon and molybdenum content, while the reduction in the amount of precipitated carbide was not observed. On the contrary, fine needle-like Mo2C are extensively distributed in the matrix of the bottom part besides a variety of coarse cementite rods. And the data of Energy Dispersion Spectrum (EDS) mapping has suggested that precipitation of Mo2C tends to bring the segregation of impurities. Many large inclusions were found in the bottom part of the ingot, which were considered to be the main reason for the strength loss of this area.