Effects of Co_(2)O_(3)Addition on Microstructure and Properties of SiC Composite Ceramics for Solar Absorber and Storage

SiC composite ceramics for solar absorber and storage integration are new concentrating solar power materials.SiC composite ceramics for solar absorber and storage integration were fabricated using SiC,black corundum and kaolin as the raw materials,Co_(2)O_(3)as the additive via pressureless graphite-buried sintering method in this study.Influences of Co_(2)O_(3)on the microstructure and properties of SiC composite ceramics for solar absorber and storage integration were studied.The results indicate that sample D2(5wt%Co_(2)O_(3))sintered at 1480℃exhibits optimal performances for 119.91 MPa bending strength,93%solar absorption,981.5 kJ/kg(25-800℃)thermal storage density.The weight gain ratio is 12.58 mg/cm2after 100 h oxidation at 1000℃.The Co_(2)O_(3)can decrease the liquid phase formation temperature and reduce the viscosity of liquid phase during sintering.The liquid with low viscosity not only promotes the elimination of pores to achieve densification,but also increases bending strength,solar absorption,thermal storage density and oxidation resistance.A dense SiO_(2) layer was formed on the surface of SiC after 100 h oxidation at 1000℃,which protects the sample from further oxidation.However,excessive Co_(2)O_(3)will make the microstructure loose,which is disadvantageous to the performances of samples.

Tribological properties of nanostructured Al_2O_3-40%TiO_2 multiphase ceramic particles reinforced Ni-based alloy composite coatings

The Ni-based alloy composite coatings reinforced by nanostructured Al2O3-40%TiO2 multiphase ceramic particles were prepared on the surface of 7005 aluminum alloy by plasma spray technology. The microstructure and tribological properties of the composite coatings were researched. The results show that the composite coatings mainly consist of γ-Ni, α-Al2O3, γ-Al2O3 and rutile-TiO2 etc, and exhibit lower friction coefficients and wear losses than the Ni-based alloy coatings at different loads and speeds. The composite coating bears low contact stress at 3 N and its wear mechanism is micro-cutting wear. As loads increase to 6-12 N, the contact stress is higher than the elastic limit stress of worn surface, and the wear mechanisms change into multi-plastic deformation wear, micro-brittle fracture wear and abrasive wear. With the increase of speeds, the contact temperature of worn surface increases. The composite coating experiences multi-plastic deformation wear, fatigue wear and adhesive wear.

Ceramic Supported PDMS and PEGDA Composite Membranes for CO2 Separation

Composite membranes have attracted increasing attentions owing to their potential applications for CO2 separation. In this work, ceramic supported polydimethylsiloxane （PDMS） and poly （ethylene glycol） diacrylate （PEGDA） composite membranes were prepared. The microstructure and physicochemical properties of the compos- ite membranes were characterized. Preparation conditions were systematically optimized. The gas separation performance of the as-prepared membranes was studied by pure gas and binary gas permeation measurement of CO〉 N2 and H〉 Experiments showed that PDMS, as silicone rubber, exhibited larger permeance and lower separation factors. Conversely, PEGDA composite membrane presented smaller gas permeance but higher ideal selectivity for CO2/N2. Compared to the performance of those membranes using polymeric supports or freestanding membranes, the two kinds of ceramic supported composite membranes exhibited higher gas permeance and acceptable selectivity. Therefore, the ceramic supported composite membrane can be expected as a candidate for CO2 separation from light gases.

Thermal shock fatigue behavior of TiC/Al_2O_3 composite ceramics

The thermal shock fatigue behaviors of pure hot-pressed alumina and 30 wt.% TiC/Al2O3 composites were studied. The effect of TiC and Al2O3 starting particle size on the mechanical properties of the composites was discussed. Indentation-quench test was conducted to evaluate the effect of thermal fatigue temperature difference （ΔT） and number of thermal cycles （Ⅳ） on fatigue crack growth （Δa）. The mechanical properties and thermal fatigue resistance of TiC/Al203 composites are remarkably improved by the addition of TiC. The thermal shock fatigue of monolithic alumina and TiC/Al2O3 composites is due to a ＂true＂ cycling effect （thermal fatigue）. Crack deflection and bridging are the predominant reasons for the improvement of thermal shock fatigue resistance of the composites.

Mechanical properties and plasma erosion resistance of BN_p/Al_2O_3-SiO_2 composite ceramics

BNp/Al2O3-SiO2 system ceramic matrix composites with different volume fractions （10%-60%） of hexagonal BN particulates （BNp） were prepared by hot-press sintering technique. Phase components, microstructure, mechanical properties and plasma erosion resistance were also investigated. With the increase of h-BNp content, relative density and Vickers＇ hardness of the composite ceramics decrease, while the flexural strength, elastic modulus and fracture toughness increase and then decrease. The plasma erosion resistance linearly deteriorated with the increase of BNp content which is mainly determined by the density, crystal structure and atomic number of the elements.

Effect of Nano-ZrO_2 on Microstructure and Thermal Shock Behaviour of Al_2O_3/SiC Composite Ceramics Used in Solar Thermal Power

The Al2O3-ZrO2（3Y）-SiC composite ceramics used in solar thermal power were prepared by micrometric Al2O3,nano-ZrO2 and SiC powders under the condition of pressureless sintering.The bulk density and bending strength of samples with 10vol% nano-ZrO2 sintered at 1480℃ were 3.222 g/cm3 and 160.4MPa,respectively.The bending strength of samples after 7 times thermal shock tests （quenching from 1000℃ to 25℃ in air medium） is 132.0MPa,loss rate of bending strength is only 17%.The effect of nano-ZrO2 content on the microstructure and performance of Al2O3-ZrO2（3Y）-SiC composite ceramic was investigated.The experimental results show that the bending strength of samples with above 10vol% nano-ZrO2 content has decreased,because the volume expansion resulting from t-ZrO2 to m-ZrO2 phase transformation is excessive;Adding proper nano-ZrO2 would be contributed to improve the thermal shock resistance of the composite ceramics.The Al2O3-ZrO2（3Y）-SiC composite ceramic has promising potential application in solar thermal power.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Al_(2)O_(3)/SiC Composite Ceramics for Solar Heat Absorber

Al_(2)O_(3)/SiC composite ceramics were prepared fromα-Al_(2)O_(3) and SiC by a pressureless sinter method in this study.The effect of SiC contents on the mechanic properties,phase compositions and microstructure is studied.Experimental results show that the vickers hardness,wear resistance and thermal conductivity of the samples increase with the increase in the SiC content,and the hardness of the sample reaches 16.22 GPa,and thermal conductivity of the sample reaches 25.41 W/(m.K)at room temperature when the SiC content is 20 wt%(B5)and the sintering temperature is at 1640℃.Higher hardness means higher scour resistance,and it indicates that the B5 material is expected to be used for the solar heat absorber of third generation solar thermal generation.The results indicate the mechanism of improving mechanical properties of Al_(2)O_(3)/SiC composite ceramics:SiC plays a role in grain refinement that the grain of SiC inhibits the grain growth of Al_(2)O_(3),while the addition of SiC changes the fracture mode from the intergranular to the intergranular-transgranular.

Effect of NiAl content on phases and microstructures of TiC-TiB_2-NiAl composites fabricated by reaction synthesis

TiC-TiB2-NiAl composites were fabricated by self-propagating high temperature reaction synthesis（SHS） with Ti, B4C, Ni and Al powders as raw materials. The effects of NiAl content on phase constituents and microstructures were investigated. The results show that the reaction products are composed of TiB2, TiC and NiAl. The content of NiAl increases with the adding of Ni＋Al in green compacts. TiB2, TiC and NiAl grains present in different shapes in the matrix, TiB2 being in hexagonal or rectangular shapes, TiC in spherical shapes, and NiAl squeezed into the gaps of TiC and TiB2 grains. With the increase of NiAl content, the grains of TiC-TiB2-NiAl composites are refined, their density and compressive strength are improved, and the shapes of TiC grains become spherical instead of irregular ones. Finally, the fracture mechanism of the composites transforms from intergranular fracture mode to the compounded fracture mode of intergranular fracture and transgranular fracture.

Preparation of Al_2O_3-SiO_2-TiO_2-ZrO_2 Composite Ceramic Membranes by Sol-Gel Method

Al 2O 3-SiO 2-TiO 2-ZrO 2 supported membranes were prepar ed by Sol-Gel method. These composite ceramic membranes are level, even and no macro crack. There exist several crystalline phases such as Al 2O 3, TiO 2(a natase), Al 2SiO 5, and ZrO 2 in these membranes. Changing the molar ratio of Al∶Si∶Ti∶Zr,the kinds and content of crystal phases of composite membranes could be different, which may lead to a variety of microstructure of membranes. The surface nanoscale topography and microstructure of membranes were investiga ted by XRD,SEM,AFM,EPMA. The effects of additives and heat treatments on the sur face nanoscale topography and microstructure of composite ceramic membranes were also analyzed.

Preparation of Fe-M Intermetallic/TiC-M_2O_3 Ceramic Composites from Ilmenite by SHS

Fe-Al intermetallic/TiC-Al2O3 ceramic composites were successfully prepared by selfpropagating high-temperature synthesis （SHS） from natural ilmenite, aluminium and carbon as the raw materials. The effects of carbon sources, preheating time and heat treatment temperature on synthesis process and products were investigated in detail, and the reaction process of the FeTiO3-Al-C system was also discussed. It is shown that the temperature and velocity of the combustion wave are higher when graphite is used as the carbon source, which can reflect the effect of the carbon source structure on the combustion synthesis; Prolonging the preheating time or heat treatment temperature is beneficial to the formation of the ordered intermetallics; The temperature and velocity of the combustion wave are improved, but the disordered alloys are difficult to eliminate with the preheating time prolonged. The compound powders mainly containing ordered Fe3Al intermetallic can be prepared through heat treatment at 750 ℃.

Effect of Interfacial Bonding on the Toughening of Al_2O_3/Ni Ceramic Matrix Composites

The main Iimitation to the toughening of the α-Al2O3/Ni composite is the poor bonding atthe interface. which causes the nickel particles to be pulled-out during crack propagation with-out obvious plastic deformation. A proper control of oxygen content at the Al2O3-Ni interfacecan promote wetting at the intedece, and produce a mechanically interlocked and chemically strengthened intedece, causing most of the nickel particles to be stretched to failure and to expe-rience severe plastic deformation during crack propagation in the composite. Fracture toughnesstesting using a modified double cantilever beam method with in situ observation of crack prop-agation in a scanning electron microscope shows that the composite with the strengthenedinterface has a more desirable R-curve behaviour and a higher fracture toughness value than thenormal composite.

In Situ Reaction Strengthening and Toughening of B_(4)C/TiSi_(2)Ceramics

B_(4)C-SiC-TiB_(2)ceramics were prepared by in situ reactive hot-pressing sintering with TiSi_(2)as an additive.The reaction pathways of TiSi_(2)and B_(4)C were investigated.The sintering was found to be a multistep process.The reaction started at approximately 1000℃,and TiB_(2)was formed first.Part of Si and C started to react at 1300℃,and the unreacted Si melted at 1400℃to form a liquid phase.TiSi_(2)predominantly affected the intermediate sintering process of B_(4)C and increased the sintering rate.Due to the unique reaction process of TiSi_(2)and B_(4)C,a large number of aggregates composed of SiC and TiB_(2)were generated.The results showed that composite ceramics with the optimal flexural strength of 807 MPa,fracture toughness of 3.2 MPa·m1/2,and hardness of 32 GPa,were obtained when the TiSi_(2)content was 10 wt%.

Investigation of melt-growth alumina/aluminum titanate composite ceramics prepared by directed energy deposition

Al_(2)O_(3)/Al_(6)Ti_(2)O_(13) composite ceramics with low thermal expansion properties are promising for the rapid preparation of large-scale and complex components by directed energy deposition-laser based(DED-LB)technology.However,the wider application of DED-LB technology is limited due to the inadequate understanding of process conditions.The shaping quality,microstructure,and mechanical properties of Al_(2)O_(3)/Al_(6)Ti_(2)O_(13)(6 mol%TiO_(2))composite ceramics were systematically investigated as a function of energy input in an extensive process window.On this basis,the formation mechanism of solidification defects and the evolution process of microstructure were revealed,and the optimized process parameters were determined.Results show that high energy input improves the fluidity of the molten pool and promotes the uniform distribution and full growth of constituent phases,thus,facilitating the elimination of solidification defects,such as pores and strip gaps.In addition,the microstructure size is strongly dependent on the energy input,increasing when the energy input increases.Moreover,the morphology of theα-Al_(2)O_(3) phase gradually transforms from cellular into cellular dendrite with increasing energy input due to changing solidification conditions.Under the comprehensive influence of solidification defects and microstructure size,the fracture toughness and flexural strength of Al_(2)O_(3)/Al_(6)Ti_(2)O_(13) composite ceramics present a parabolic law behavior as the energy input increases.Optimal shaping quality and excellent mechanical properties are achieved at an energy input range of 0.36-0.54 W*min^(2) g^(-1) mm^(-1).Within this process window,the average microhardness,fracture toughness,and flexural strength of Al_(2)O_(3)/Al_(6)Ti_(2)O_(13) composite ceramics are up to 1640 Hv,3.87 MPa m^(1/2),and 227 MPa,respectively.This study provides practical guidance for determining the process parameters of DED-LB of melt growth Al_(2)O_(3)/Al_(6)Ti_(2)O_(13) composite ceramics.

Preparation of defect free ceramic/Ti composite membranes by surface modification and in situ oxidation

Al2O3 ceramic powder was applied to modify the large pores defects on the surface of the porous metal Ti support,in situ oxidation method was a convenient method to prepare defect free ceramic/Ti composite membranes on this basis.In situ oxidation conditions experimental results show that the best condition for preparing the TiO2-Al2O3/Ti composite membrane is under 800°C for 2 h,and the microstructure and pore sizes of the TiO2-Al2O3/Ti composite membranes are affected obviously.The thickness and composition of the TiO2/Ti composite membranes are determined by SEM and XRD completely.The pore size distribution of the composite membrane is measured by bubble pressure method,the most probable aperture is about 3.12μm,while the average pore size of defect free TiO2-Al2O3/Ti is about 3.23μm.After ultrasonic treatment,the slight weight change of membranes reveals no observable change,which indicates that TiO2-Al2O3/Ti composite membranes maintain a good stability.

Fabrication of Ceramic Composites by Directed Metal Oxidation

To explain the growth mechanism of Al 2O 3/Al Lanxide composites,the dynamics of the directed oxidation of Al-Mg-Si alloys are analyzed.The experimental methods to produce Lanxide composites by directed oxidation of metal melts at high temperatures are presented.The effect of the processing factors on the microstructures and properties of Al 2O 3/Al composites and enforced Al 2O 3/Al composites is also analyzed.Compared with sintering ceramic composites,the advantages of Lanxide process and Lanxide materials are as following:it is a near net shaped process;the process is very simple;the microstructures and properties of Lanxide materials can be adjusted;and this process can be used to infiltrate ceramic fiber or particle preforms.

Effects of Interlayer Composition on Bond Strength and Interfacial Microstructure of Green Joined CePO_4-ZrO_2 Ceramics

Effects of interlayer composition on bonding strength and interfacial microstructure of green joined CePO_4-ZrO_2 ceramics were studied. Green bodies of 25%CePO_4/ZrO_2 and ZrO_2 ceramics were joined by using interlayer composed of CePO_4 and ZrO_2 at 1450 ℃ for 120 min without applied pressure.The effects of CePO_4/(CePO_4+ZrO_2) ratio on the bond strength of the joints were investigated. Under the experimental conditions, the grain size of the particles grown in the joint is smaller than those in joined ceramics. The microstructure of the joint is more homogeneous than that of the matrix and without obvious cracks, pores and other defects.

铜增韧Mo_(2)BC陶瓷的力学性能和摩擦学性能

采用快速热压反应烧结法制备高强韧Mo_(2)BC/Cu陶瓷基复合材料。研究铜含量对Mo_(2)BC/Cu复合材料的微观组织、力学性能和摩擦学性能的影响,并对其增韧机制和磨损机理进行分析。研究结果表明:Cu均匀地分散在Mo_(2)BC基体中,具有细化晶粒的作用。Mo_(2)BC/Cu复合材料中铜可以添加的最大质量分数为7.5%。随着铜含量的增加,Mo_(2)BC/Cu复合材料的弯曲强度和断裂韧性增加。当Cu质量分数为7.5%时,复合材料的弯曲强度和断裂韧性最高,分别为625.1 MPa和7.4 MPa·m^(1/2),与Mo_(2)BC陶瓷相比,分别提高了24%和62%,其主要的增韧机制为铜的塑性变形、晶粒拔出、桥接效应和裂纹的偏转。此外,铜的添加还可以明显提高Mo_(2)BC/Cu复合材料的摩擦磨损性能。当Cu质量分数为2.5%时,复合材料的摩擦因数可低至0.36,磨损量最小,耐磨性最优,其主要的磨损机制为轻微的二体磨粒磨损和氧化磨损。

织构化多孔Al_(2)O_(3)-SiO_(2)复合陶瓷片-球混合浆料特性及光强分布仿真

陶瓷光固化技术在制备Al_(2)O_(3)-SiO_(2)复合陶瓷方面具有广阔前景,织构化的Al_(2)O_(3)-SiO_(2)复合陶瓷在陶瓷光固化增材制备方面亟待研究。本工作研究了添加片状氧化铝、等轴氧化铝、球形二氧化硅的片-球混合陶瓷光固化浆料的特性。针对不同固相配比,研究了浆料的黏度、沉降性、固化特性和固化精度,并针对所研究的片-球混合浆料开发了一种紫外光强分布模拟算法,对浆料在曝光中的光强分布进行了理论模拟分析,最终成功制备了具有片状氧化铝定向特征的织构化多孔Al_(2)O_(3)-SiO_(2)复合陶瓷。研究结果表明,片状氧化铝与球状粉体组合可以使浆料在高固相含量(总固相体积分数40%~45%,片状氧化铝体积分数占50%~60%)下保持低黏度和剪切稀释性。在相同总固相含量下,增大片状氧化铝或球形二氧化硅的含量能够减小浆料的黏度,从而提高浆料的沉降率。片状氧化铝相比于等轴氧化铝可以减少浆料对紫外光的阻挡和散射作用。在相同曝光能量条件下,降低等轴氧化铝、增加球形二氧化硅的含量可以增加的浆料固化厚度;而增加片状氧化铝和球形二氧化硅的含量会扩大尺寸误差。理论模拟结果表明,接近水平分布的片状氧化铝对光的阻挡和偏转作用弱,接近垂直分布的片状氧化铝对紫外光具有引导作用。模型上边界紫外光强平均值的变化与固化厚度测量值的变化接近,所建立的模型可以为浆料固化厚度的实验测试结果提供理论支持。

Preparation of BN/SiO_2 ceramics by PIP method

The precursor infiltration and pyrolysis（PIP） method for preparation of BN/SiO2 composites was used to improve mechanical properties, dielectric properties and feasibility of high temperature dielectric parts with large dimensions and complex shapes. In the processing procedure, the porous BN ceramic matrix was first successfully prepared by compacting the mixed powders of B and BN and then sintering them at a certain temperature under normal pressure of N2.The polycarbosilane（PCS） solution was vacuum infiltrated into porous BN ceramics at the room temperature and then at 800℃ in the air to depolimerize out amorphous SiO2, and sintered further at 1300℃ in N2 to get BN/SiO2 composites. The microstructure of materials was studied by means of X-ray diffraction and electron probe micro （analysis.） The thermo-decomposition mechanism of PCS was investigated by a TG-DTA and infrared （IR） spectrum analysis. The flexural strengths were measured by the three-point bending method. The dielectric constant and the loss tangent were measured by the wave-guide method. The results show BN/SiO2 composites were fabricated. The obtained composites posses a flexural strength of 61.96-93.31MPa, the dielectric constant in the range of 3.50-3.78 and the order of magnitude of the loss tangent at 10-3, which are good for the high temperature dielectric parts with large size and complex shapes.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hot Pressed TiB_2-ZrO_2 Composites

The partially stabilized ZrO2 (PSZ) particles were introduced into TiB2 ceramics to improve its density and mechanical properties. The results show that the addition of PSZ is very effective not only in bettering the sinterability but also in enhancing the flexural strength and fracture toughness of TiB2.