Spark plasma sintering of tungsten-based WTaVCr refractory high entropy alloys for nuclear fusion applications

W-based WTaVCr refractory high entropy alloys (RHEA) may be novel and promising candidate materials for plasma facing components in the first wall and diverter in fusion reactors. This alloy has been developed by a powder metallurgy process combining mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The SPSed samples contained two phases, in which the matrix is RHEA with a body-centered cubic structure, while the oxide phase was most likely Ta2VO6through a combined analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD),energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The higher oxygen affinity of Ta and V may explain the preferential formation of their oxide phases based on thermodynamic calculations. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) revealed an average grain size of 6.2μm. WTaVCr RHEA showed a peak compressive strength of 2997 MPa at room temperature and much higher micro-and nano-hardness than W and other W-based RHEAs in the literature. Their high Rockwell hardness can be retained to at least 1000°C.

Effects of Al and Mo on high temperature oxidation behavior of refractory high entropy alloys

Refractory high entropy alloys have superior mechanical properties at high temperatures, and the oxidation behavior of these alloys is very important. The present work investigated the high temperature oxidation behavior of three alloys with compositions of TiNbTa0.5Zr, TiNbTa0.5ZrAl and TiNbTa0.5ZrAlMo0.5, and the effects of alloying elements were discussed. Results indicated that the oxidation rates of the TiNbTa0.5Zr and TiNbTa0.5ZrAl alloys are controlled by diffusion, and obey the exponential rule. However, the oxidation rate of the TiNbTa0.5ZrAlMo0.5 alloy is controlled by interface reaction, and obeys the linear rule. The addition of Al leads to a better oxidation resistance by forming a protective oxide scale. However, the protection of Al-rich scale is weakened by the addition of Mo. Extensive pores and cracks occur in the oxide scale of the TiNbTa0.5ZrAlMo0.5 alloy, resulting in a significant decrease in oxidation resistance.

Looking Ahead——A New Generation of High Performance Refractory Ceramics

It is expected that in the new century, to cope with developments of new high temperature technologies , a new generation of high performance refractory ceramics will e-merge and flourish which should include the following (1) oxide and nonoxide composites characterized by a unique combination of high hot strength , high thermal shock resistance and high corrosion resistance ; (2) free CaO bearing basic refractories capable of purifying molten metal for improving cleanliness and of absorbing contaminants from waste gases for reducing environmental pollution ; (3) free flowing zero cement castables with improved thermome-chanical properties , thermal shock resistance and corrosion resistance and gradient castables with varying matrix composition and varying texture.

Effects of La on microstructure and mechanical properties of NbMoTiVSi0.2 refractory high entropy alloys

To study the effects of La on the microstructure and mechanical properties of refractory high entropy alloys,NbMoTiVSi0.2 alloys with different La contents were prepared.Phase constitution,microstructure evolution,compressive properties and related mechanisms were systematically studied.Results show that the alloys with La addition are composed of BCC solid solution,eutectic structure,MSi2 disilicide phase and La-containing precipitates.Eutectic structure and most of La precipitates are formed at the grain boundaries.Disilicide phase is formed in the grains.La can change the grain morphologies from dendritic structure to near-equiaxed structure,and the average grain size decreases from 180 to 20μm with the increase of La content from 0 to 0.5 at.%.Compressive testing shows that the ultimate strength and the yield strength increase with the increase of La content,which is resulted from the grain boundary strengthening.However,they cannot be greatly improved because of the formation of MSi2 disilicide phase with low strength.The ductility decreases with the increase of La content,which is due to the La precipitates and brittle MSi2 disilicide phase.

Research Progress of Refractory High Entropy Alloys:A Review

Owing to superior comprehensive performance than conventional superalloys at high temperature,refractory high entropy alloy(RHEA)is becoming a promising candidate for the next generation high-temperature material.Herein,contemporary aspects of corresponding development of RHEAs are reviewed to discuss various factors affecting the organization structure and service performance.It mainly covers alloying system and strengthening mechanism,the preparation method,plastic deformation and the related mechanism,as well as microstructure control by heat treatment.Firstly,the alloy systems and strengthening mechanism are introduced.This is followed by different preparation methods and the comparison of strengths and shortcomings based on different RHEAs.Then,hot deformation behavior and plastic deformation under different loadings are analyzed.Based on this,the influence of heat treatment on microstructures prior to and after the deformation is further summarized.Finally,some important research areas to be carried out in future are pointed out.This review will give a deep understanding of the effects of different factors on the service performance and provide scientific guide in designing RHEAs with improved performance.

Corrosion resistance evaluation of highly dispersed MgO–MgAl2O4–ZrO2 composite and analysis of its corrosion mechanism: A chromium-free refractory for RH refining kilns

The corrosion resistance behavior of a highly dispersed MgO-MgAl2O4-ZrO2 composite refractory material is examined by testing with high-basicity and low-basicity RH(Ruhrstahl-Hereaeus)slags.The composite material exhibits greater resistance to the RH slags than the traditional MgO-Cr2O3 composite,MgO-ZrO2 composite,and MgO-MgAl2O4-ZrO2 composite.On the basis of the microstructural analysis and mechanisms calculations,the corrosion resistance behavior of the MgO-MgAl2O4-ZrO2 composite is attributable to its highly dispersed structure,which helps protect the high activity of ZrO2.When in contact with the slag,ZrO2 reacts with CaO to form the stable phase CaZrO3,which protects MgAl2O4 against corrosion,thereby enhancing the corrosion resistance of the composite.

A Nitride-Reinforced NbMoTaWHfN Refractory High-Entropy Alloy with Potential Ultra-High-Temperature Engineering Applications

Refractory high-entropy alloys(RHEAs)have promising applications as the new generation of hightemperature alloys in hypersonic vehicles,aero-engines,gas turbines,and nuclear power plants.This study focuses on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the NbMoTaW(HfN)_(x)(x=0,0.3,0.7,and 1.0)RHEAs.The alloys consist of multiple phases of body-centered cubic(BCC),hafnium nitride(HfN),or multicomponent nitride(MN)phases.As the x contents increase,the grain size becomes smaller,and the strength gradually increases.The compressive yield strengths of the NbMoTaWHfN RHEA at ambient temperature,1000,1400,and 1800℃ were found to be 1682,1192,792,and 288 MPa,respectively.The high-temperature strength of this alloy is an inspiring result that exceeds the high temperature and strength of most known alloys,including high-entropy alloys,refractory metals,and superalloys.The HfN phase has a significant effect on strengthening due to its high structural stability and sluggish grain coarsening,even at ultra-high temperatures.Its superior properties endow the NbMoTaWHfN RHEA with potential for a wide range of engineering applications at ultra-high temperatures.This work offers a strategy for the design of high-temperature alloys and proposes an ultra-high-temperature alloy with potential for future engineering applications.

Preparation of Zirconia-Ceria Powders with High Specific Surface Area

Zirconia-ceria mixed oxide powders were prepared by high temperature aging method.The effects of the temperature and the time of aging, cerium content and calcination on powder performance were studied.The result shows that high temperature aging is an efficient way of preparation of ZrO2-CeO2 mixed oxide powders with high specific surface area and good thermal stability, and that addition of a small amount of cerium to hydrous zirconia can promote the preparation of high specific surface area powders.

Effect of slag composition on corrosion resistance of high chromia refractory bricks for industrial entrained-flow gasifier

The slag composition corresponding to different coals varies significantly,which directly affects the operation of industrial entrained-flow gasifier and the service life of refractory bricks.In this study,the corrosion resistance of several typical coal slags for gasification on high chromia refractory bricks was comparatively investigated by static laboratory crucible tests and thermodynamic simulations.The results demonstrated that the corrosion degree of high chromia refractory bricks by different coal slags was high-Ca/Na slag>high-Fe slag>high-Si/Al slag.The surface structure of the refractory was relatively flat after corrosion by high-Si/Al slag,and the primary corrosion reaction was the partial dissolution of the matrix by the slag.High-Fe slag was prone to the precipitation of iron phases as well as the formation of(Mg,Fe)(Al,Cr)_(2)O_(4)composite spinel layer at the slag/refractory interface.The high-Ca/Na slag was susceptible to react with the refractory to yield a low melting point phase,which led to the destruction of the matrix structure of the refractory and an isolated distribution of particles.In addition,the monoclinic ZrO_(2) in the refractory reacted with CaO in the slag to formed calcium zirconate,which loosened its phase toughening effect,was the primary factor that aggravated the refractory corrosion.

Shaped Insulating Refractory Product—High Alumina Bricks

1 Scope This standard specifies the classification, shape and dimension, technical requirements, test methods, quality appraisal procedure, packing, marking, transportation, storage, and quality certificate of high alumina insulating bricks.

High Alumina Refractory Mortars

1 Scope This standard specifies the classification, technical requirements, test methods, quality appraisal procedure, packing, marking, transportation, storage and quality certificate of high alumina refractory mortars.

High Alumina Refractory Bricks for Electric Arc Furnace Roofs

This standard specifies the sort, technical requirement, test method, inspection rules, marking, packing, transportation, storage and quality certification of high alumina refractory bricks for electric arc furnace roofs.

Evaluation of Cost Effectiveness of Onibode Fire-Clay for Production of High Quality Refractory Bricks

In establishing a plant or factory, the cost-benefit analysis is needed to determine the viability for such financial investment on the project. In this paper, the cost establishing a factory of 200,000 bricks per annum capacity, for the production of high quality refractory bricks from locally available raw materials in Nigeria was evaluated. The evaluation was conducted on the virgin refractory material (100%) as well as with varied percentages (10% - 40%) of alumina additions. The result of cost benefit analysis indicated that, the project was viable, with the highest cost at N1,203.66 per brick as against N1,800 (at 3 years projections) of the imported brick. The payback period for the capital investment was very short (within two years). The findings will aid investors in decision makings.

Establishment of refractory high intracrinal pressure model in dogs

Objective We expect to have a profound understanding of refractory high intracranial pressure after traumatic brain injury by making a reproducible animal model in dogs experimentally. Methods Ten adult dogs were used to make acute epidural balloon compression and decompression models.

Myxedema ascites with high CA-125:Case and a review of literature

Ascites appearing in a previously healthy female patient is usually ascribed to a variety of causes,among which,is a cancerous process,especially if it comes with a raised CA-125 level.Although the CA-125 antigen is present on more than 80% of malignant epithelial ovarian tissue of non-mucinous type,it is also found on both healthy and malignant cells of mesothelial and non-mesothelial origin.Myxedema ascites which is caused by hypothyroidism is a rare entity,but on the other hand is easy to treat.It is one of the differential diagnoses when the ascites is refractory to treatment and no other obvious cause can be identified.If the diagnosis is delayed,patients will frequently receive unnecessary procedures,while treatment has very good response rates and ascites resolve with serum CA-125 normalization after adequate hormonal treatment.

Effect of Atmosphere on Sintering of High Cr_2O_3 Bearing Refractories Considered from Thermodynamic Calculation

Pure Cr2O3 refractories and high Cr2O3 bearing refractories are difficult to sinter in oxidizing atmosphere, but they can be sintered easily in carbon embedded conditions. In the latter case it is attributed to the formation of liquid CrO in reducing atmosphere. The thermodynamic calculation shows that the Cr2O3 is reduced by CO at 1 550 ℃ to chromium carbides, which disproves the existence of liquid CrO. This is confirmed by further sintering experiment of the Cr2O3 refractories. Effect of atmosphere on sintering of high Cr2O3 bearing refractories and measures to accelerate the sintering process are discussed based on the experiment and thermodynamic calculation.

Colloidal Silica Sol Bonded Castables for High Temperature Applications

A colloidal silica sol bonded product range is introduced by an example targeting high temperature applications in steel making. Placement and setting characteristics are shown. The thermal mechanical properties and resulting advantages are presented as well as the performance enhancement in corrosion resistance. Properties are compared to a common ULCC product. Results of the industrial trial phase are discussed.

Self-glazing SiC-andalusite Refractories for High Temperature Gasification Applications

The combination of SiC and andalusite with calcium aluminate binder for castables in high corrosive gasifying environments is a promising alternative refractory system for many different slag systems. After sintering,a glassy protective layer has been identified. Beside the interactions of the refractories with intermediate slag also the thermomechanical properties,the thermal shock performance and the microstructure have been evaluated as a function of different binder systems.

Effects of Chemical Composition and Microstructure on Exudation of Fused Cast AZS Refractory Materials

The fused cast alumina-zirconia-silica(AZS)refractory is an indispensable material of the glass melting furnace,because of its outstanding corrosion resistance and low pollution to glass production.The exudation is one important index to evaluate the performance of fused cast AZS refractory products.In order to study the effects of chemical composition and microstructure on the exudation of fused cast AZS refractory materials,three types of fused-cast AZS refractory bricks(AZS33#,AZS36#and AZS41#)were selected from several companies as the research object,and their composition,bulk density,apparent porosity,the value of exudation,static corrosion rate and microstructure were discussed.The results show that the chemical composition,especially the content of SiO2 and Na2O,and the distribution of zirconia would greatly affect the content and viscosity of glass phase,thus affecting the glass exudation.This work will provide technical reference for the development of low exudation AZS refractories.