Improved length of calcium sulfate crystal seeds and whiskers via ball milling and hydration treatment

Elucidating the effect of growth periods on the quality of calcium sulfate whiskers(CSWs)prepared from calcium sulfate dihydrate(DH)is imperative.Herein,crystal seeds and whiskers were prepared from DH in a water–glycerol system.Longer whiskers were obtained from crystal seeds prepared via hydration of DH for 30 s than via ball milling for 5 min followed by hydration for 20 s.The attachment of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide and glycerol additives to the whisker tops promoted whisker growth.The whisker sponges exhibited good thermal barrier properties and compression cycle stability.

Synthesis of tetrapod-shaped ZnO whiskers and microrods in one crucible by thermal evaporation of Zn/C mixtures

Tetrapod-shaped ZnO whiskers and microrods were synthesized in one crucible by thermal evaporation of Zn/C mixtures at 930 ℃ in air without any catalyst.The digital camera,optical microscopy,scanning electron microscopy,energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to study the morphologies and crystal structures of these tetrapod-shaped ZnO microcrystals.The results show that these two types of ZnO tetrapods are grown at different heights within the same crucible.The legs of these tetrapod-shaped ZnO crystals are hexagonally faceted.Some tetrapod-shaped ZnO whiskers show hierarchical structures.A short button-like hexagonal ZnO microcrystal is observed at the triple junctions of some tetrapod-shaped ZnO whiskers.The tetrapod-shaped ZnO microrods are capped by two sets of hexagonal pyramids with two different groups of crystal planes for the surfaces.These two types of tetrapod-shaped ZnO microcrystals have different side faces and aspect ratio,which are believed to be the result of their different growth behaviors.The octa-twin model was used to discuss the different growth behaviors of these two types of ZnO tetrapods.The crystal planes of the legs and the pyramids were determined.

Effect of SiC whiskers on the oxidation protective properties of SiC coatings for carbon/carbon composites

In order to effectively employ the unique high temperature mechanical properties of carbon/carbon composite substrates, SiC coatings reinforced by SiC whiskers were prepared by pack cementation method. The effect of SiC whiskers on the oxidation resistance properties of the single-layer coating and double-layer coating was investigated. SiC whiskers in the single-layer SiC coating have little effect on the anti-oxidation property but obviously improve the thermal shock property. The double-layer coating with inner-layer reinforced coating exhibits more perfect anti-oxidation ability than the double-layer coating with SiC inner-layer coating.

Preparation of Mullite Whiskers and Their Enhancement Effect on Ceramic Matrix Composites

Mullite whiskers were facilely prepared by sintering kyanite at high temperature, with the addition of AlF3·3H20. The as-prepared whiskers have been characterized systematically in terms of phase composition, morphology, and structure. Results showed that the morphology and size of mullite whiskers were strongly depended on the content of AlF3·3H20 and sintering temperature. At temperatures in the range of 1 100 to 1 500 ℃ with 4 wt% addition of AlF3·3H20, the well-shaped mullite whiskers were obtained. For an instance, the mullite whiskers with 5-10 μm in length and 0.1-0.2 μm in cross-section could be formed at 1 400 ℃, with 4 wt% addition of A1F3·3H20. Moreover, results showed that the addition of mullite whiskers into ceramic matrix enhanced its fracture toughness significantly.

Preparation, Characterization, and Formation Mechanism of Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate Whiskers

Calcium sulfate hemihydrate whiskers were synthesized successfully via one-step hydrothermal crystallization method using phosphogypsum at 130 °C for 240 min with an initial slurry mass fraction of 2.5 wt%. The phase compositions, microstructures, thermal properties and molecular structures of asprepared samples were analyzed by XRD, ESEM, EDS, TG-DTA, and FT-IR. The influence of raw materials’ ball-milling time on the morphologies of whiskers was investigated. The effects of impurities on crystallization morphologies and length to diameter ratio(L/D) of calcium sulfate hemihydrate whiskers were studied. The results indicated that the calcium sulfate dihydrate crystalline could be translated directly into fibrous calcium sulfate hemihydrate whiskers. It was beneficial to form fine fiber structure when the ball-milling time of the raw material was 15 min. Aspect ratio of calcium sulfate hemihydrate whiskers decreased with increasing content of impurities. Moreover, the relative growth mechanism of whisker crystals via one-step hydrothermal crystallization method was discussed in detail.

GROWTH MECHANISM OF TiC WHISKERS PREMRED BY A MODIFIED CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION METHOD

High quality TiC whiskers have been prepared by a modified chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using TiCl4 and CH4 as reactant gases and Ni as substrate. The deposition temperature and gas flow mies have ampreciable effect on the whisker growth.The whisker orientations and morphology are determined by X-my diffraction (XRD),scanning electron micmpmph (SEM) and transmission electron microgmph (TEM).In addition to the spherical tips, spiral growth microsteps and obvious terraces are observed at the tips and side faces of whiskers in the present eoperiment. The whiskers grow mostly along (100) direction. The whisker growth mechanism is discussed in detail.

Photocatalytic performance of K2Ti6O13 whiskers to H2 evolution and CO2 photo-reduction

K2Ti6O13 whiskers were synthesized by conventional sol-gel method, sono-chemical assisted and microwave assisted sol-gel method in order to obtain catalysts with different particle sizes and to modify their optical, textural and electrochemical properties. These modifications improved their photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution and CO2 photo-reduction. Long K2Ti6O13 whiskers prepared by ultrasound assisted sol-gel method are the most active photocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction using pure water as reactant (U-SG, 10,065 μmol g^-1). In contrast, an opposite behavior was observed using a mixture of ethanol-water, where the highest activity was achieved by the shortest and less crystalline K2Ti6O13 whiskers (C-SG, 3,2871 μmol g^-1). In case of CO2 photo-reduction, long whiskers that were also prepared by the sono-chemical assisted sol-gel method were the most active to transform CO2 to formaldehyde, methane, methanol and hydrogen. The EFB value of this catalyst is located very close to the potential for formaldehyde production and favors the selectivity to this organic product.

IN SITU PROCESSING OF Al_(2)O_(3) WHISKERS REINFORCED Ti-Al INTERMETALLIC COMPOSITES

In situ Al2O3 whiskers reinforced Ti-Al intermetallic composites were fabricated at ~1200℃ by reaction sintering of cold-consolidated fillets consisting mainly of Ti, Al, and different additives. The phases and microstructures of the sintered composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The process of synthesis was investigated using differential thermal analysis (DTA). The effects of processing parameters and additives on the microstructures of the composites and the development of whisker were examined. It is found that the morphology of the whisker is strongly influenced by the additives, the exothermal reaction process, and the processing parameters.

Synthesis and characteristics of SiC whiskers with "rosary bead" morphology

SiC whiskers with "rosary bead" morphology were synthesized using suitable silicon source and carbon source through solid reaction at the temperature above 1537 K. The diameter and length of the SiC whiskers were about 0.1-1.0 μm and 20-100 μm, respectively. The largest diameter of their enlarged ends of the whiskers was about 0.2-1.0μm, and it gradually and smoothly decreased to the size of the plain part of the whiskers. The results of X-ray diffraction analysis show that the crystalline structure of the obtained SiC whiskers is β-SiC. It is considered that the SiC whiskers grow via a vapor-solid mechanism.

Rigid polyurethane foam reinforced with cellulosewhiskers: Synthesis and characterization

A novel nanocomposite of rigid polyurethane foam was prepared by the polymerization of a sucrose-based polyol, a glycerol-based polyol and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate in the presence of cellulose whiskers. The cell morphology of the resulting foams was examined by scanning electron microscopy which showed both the pure foam and the nanocomposite foam had homogeneous cell dispersion and uniform cell size of approximately 200 μm. Analysis of the foams by Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectroscopy indicated that both samples exhibited signals attributed to the polyurethane including the NH stretching and bending vibrations at 3320 cm^(-1) and 1530 cm^(-1), the OC=O vibration at 1730 cm^(-1) and the CO-NH vibration at 1600 cm^(-1). FT-IR analysis of the nanocomposite indicated that cellulose whiskers were crosslinked with the polyurethane matrix as the signal intensity of the OH stretch at 3500 cm^(-1) was significantly reduced in comparison to the spectral data acquired for a control sample prepared from the pure polyurethane foam mixed with cellulose whiskers. According to ASTM standard testing procedures, the tensile modulus, tensile strength and yield strength of the nanocomposite foam were found to be improved by 36.8%, 13.8% and 15.2%, and the compressive modulus and strength were enhanced by 179.9% and 143.4%, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis results testified the improvements of mechanical properties and showed a better thermal stability of the nanocomposite foam.

Synthesis of potassium hexatitanate whiskers using hydrothermal method

High quality potassium hexatitanate whiskers were hydrothermally synthesized in one step under moderate temperature and pressure conditions. Effects of the titanium source and reaction conditions on the hydrothermal reaction rate, product phase component, and morphology of whiskers were investigated. The results show that the reactivity of hydrated titania, anatase TiO2, and rutile TiO2 with KOH decreases in turn, and with hydrated titania as titanium source, it is difficult to obtain potassium hexatitanate whiskers with good morphology. In contrast, uniform potassium hexatitanate whiskers with a length of 10-20 μm and a diameter of 200-700 nm were obtained using anatase TiO2 as titanium source. The investigation demonstrates that the initial KOH concentration, annealing temperature and time, molar ratio of K2O/TiO2, etc. significantly affect the morphology of the as-synthesized whiskers. The optimized synthesis condition is as follows： anatase as a titanium source 10 wt.% KOH solution; annealing temperature and time of 300℃ and 5 h, respectively; K2O/TiO2 molar ratio of 5, etc. A rhombic potassium hexatitanate was prepared under the optimum condition and the whisker grew along the [110] direction. The reaction mechanism was discussed.

Synthesis of Mg_2B_2O_5 whiskers via coprecipitation and sintering process

Mg2B2O5 whiskers with high aspect ratio were synthesized by coprecipitation and sintering process using MgCl2-6H2O, H3BO3, and NaOH as raw materials and KCl as a flux. Their formation process was investigated by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calo- rimetry （TG-DSC）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, and scanning electron microcopy （SEM）. It is found that the products synthesized at 832℃ are monoclinic Mg2B205 whiskers with a diameter of 200-400 nm and a length of 50-80 μm. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） and selected area electron diffraction （SAED） analyses show that the whiskers obtained at 832℃ are single crystalline and grow along with the [010] direction. The growth mechanism of Mg2B2O5 whiskers was also presented.

Synergistically Toughening Effect of SiC Whiskers and Nanoparticles in Al_2O_3-based Composite Ceramic Cutting Tool Material

In recent decades, many additives with different characteristics have been applied to strengthen and toughen Al2O3-based ceramic cutting tool materials. Among them, SiC whiskers and SiC nanoparticles showed excellent performance in improving the material properties. While no attempts have been made to add SiC whiskers and SiC nanoparticles together into the ceramic matrix and the synergistically toughening effects of them have not been studied. An Al2O3-SiCw-SiC np advanced ceramic cutting tool material is fabricated by adding both one-dimensional SiC whiskers and zero-dimensional SiC nanoparticles into the Al2O3 matrix with an effective dispersing and mixing process. The composites with 25 vol% SiC whiskers and 25 vol% SiC nanoparticles alone are also investegated for comparison purposes. Results show that the Al2O3-SiCw-SiCnp composite with both 20 vo1% SiC whiskers and 5 vol% SiC nanoparticles additives have much improved mechanical properties. The flexural strength of Al2O3-SiCw-SiCnp is 730＋ 95 MPa and fracture toughness is 5.6 ± 0.6 MPa.m1/2. The toughening and strengthening mechanisms of SiC whiskers and nanoparticles are studied when they are added either individually or in combination. It is indicated that when SiC whiskers and nanoparticles are added together, the grains are further refined and homogenized, so that the microstructure and fracture mode ratio is modified. The SiC nanoparticles are found helpful to enhance the toughening effects of the SiC whiskers. The proposed research helps to enrich the types of ceramic cutting tool and is benefit to expand the application range of ceramic cutting tool.

Fabrication and properties of aluminum silicate fibrous materials with in situ synthesized K2Ti6O13 whiskers

To improve their mechanical and thermal insulation properties, aluminum silicate fibrous materials with in situ synthesized K_2Ti_6O_(13) whiskers were prepared by firing a mixture of short aluminum silicate fibers and gel powders obtained from a sol–gel process. During the preparation process, the fiber surface was coated with K_2Ti_6O_(13) whiskers after the fibers were subjected to a heat treatment carried out at various temperatures. The effects of process parameters on the microstructure, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity were analyzed systematically. The results show that higher treatment temperatures and longer treatment durations promoted the development of K_2Ti_6O_(13) whiskers on the surface of aluminum silicate fibers; in addition, the intersection structure between whiskers modulated the morphology and volume of the multi-aperture structure among fibers, substantially increasing the fibers' compressive strength and reducing their heat conduction and convective heat transfer at high temperatures.

Growth of threaded AlN whiskers by a physical vapor transport method

Threaded aluminum nitride （A1N） whiskers are grown by a physical vapor transport method in a radio-frequency induction heating furnace. The resultant whiskers are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence. The analysis shows that the whiskers are single-crystalline, wurtzite AIN. The threaded A1N whiskers are 0.5 μm^100 μm in diameter and several millimeters in length in the fiber direction, and have lots of tiny sawteeth on the surface. The morphology of this threaded A1N whisker is beneficial for bonding when the whisker is used in composite. The growth of the whiskers is dominated by the vapor-solid （VS） mechanism, and the particular morphology might result from an oscillating condition produced in the radio-frequency induction heating furnace.

CHEMICAL VAPOUR GROWTH OF CARBON WHISKERS ON CARBON FIBERS

The secondary reinforcement,crbon whiskers,may grow on the surface of parent rein- forcement,carbon fibres,by chemical vapour growth from acetylene using Fe salt as catalyzer.The optimal growing temperature is about 1000℃,and while the concentra- tion of catalytic solution is appropriate,the carbon whiskers may deposite uniformly and link each other on the parent carbon fibre surface.If the temperature or concentration is too high,the coarse clusters of carbon may deposite on the fibre surface.The mechanism of carbon whisker growth is believed that the carbon atoms in vapour phase dissolve in the Fe salt drops over fibres,then the solid carbon grains precipitate on the fibre surface.

The Absorption Behavior of Tetrapod Shaped ZnO Whiskers

The infrared absorption spectrum of zinc oxide whiskers with tetrapod shape was recorded and compared with ZnO powder. The absorptions of microwave and sound were investigated with a result showing that the ZnO whiskers are of excellence as absorbents of microwave and soundproofing. The results of vibration damping tests of polyvinyl chloride indicate that the material containing the tetrapod shaped ZnO whiskers appears superior damping characteristics.

Liquid precipitation and microstructure of Mg6Al2(OH)15NO3CO3·4H2O whiskers

High-quality LDH-NO_3-CO_3 whiskers were synthesized via a liquid precipitation method using Mg(NO_3)_2·6H_2O and Al(NO_3)_3·9H_2O as raw materials and Na_2CO_3-NaHCO_3 buffer solutions as precipitant. The whiskers were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller N_2 surface area measurement. The influence of buffer solution concentration on the characteristics of the sample was investigated. The results show that the buffer solution concentration has significant impact on whiskers with intercalated structure. Overall, LDH-NO_3-CO_3 whiskers with well-defined geometry, distinct intercalated structure, high quality, and good dispersion capability can be obtained under the following conditions: buffer solution volumetric ratio of 60%, reaction temperature of 55°C, and reaction time of 269 h.

Mg_2(OH)_2CO_3·3H_2O Whiskers Growth Mechanism

From the perspective of growth units, the growth mechanism of Mg2（OH）2CO3.3H2O whisker is investigated in this paper. Results show that the growth morphology of Mg2（OH）2CO33H2O whisker is consistent with the model of anion coordination polyhedron growth units. The growth solution Raman shift of Mg2（OH）2CO;3H2O was monitored using Raman spectroscopy. The growth units are [Mg-（OH）4]2- and H2COv The growth process of Mg2（OH）2COf3H2O whisker is as follows： growth unit [Mg-（OH）4]2- first incorporates into the larger dimension [Mg-（OH）4]2-, then the [Mg-（OH）4]2-n combines with H2CO3 into a linear skeleton Mg2（OH）2CO3 in the same line. Mg2（OH）2CO3 combines with H2O by hydrogen bonds and ultimately transforms into Mg2（OH）2COf3H2O whisker. Magnesium carbonate whiskers have a layered structure, each of which is made of magnesium, carbon, oxygen, with H2O in between each layer. When skeletons are superimposed within the same plane as a parallelepiped one, they grow into solid cuboid-shaped whiskers. When the parallelepiped skeletons planes combine with each other through the cascading links, they grow into hollow cylindrical whiskers.