Formation of Ultrafine Metal Particles and Metal Oxide Precursor on Anodized Al by Electrolysis Deposition

Nickel was deposited by ac electrolysis deposition in the pores of the porous oxide film of Al produced by anodizing in phosphoric acid. Ultrafine rod-shaped Ni particles were formed in the pores. At the same time a film of Ni oxide precursor was developed on the surface of the porous oxide film. The Ni particles and the Ni oxide precursor were examined by SEM, TEM and X-ray diffraction. The thickness of the barrier layer of the porous oxide film was thin and it attributed to the formation of the metal particles, while the formation of the oxide precursor was associated with the surface pits which were developed in the pretreatment of Al.

Physical Simulation of Nonmetallic Particle Movement in Al Melt under Electromagnetic Field

Physical simulation is used to study the movement of nonmetallic particles in Al melt in electro- magnetic field. It is found that the terminal velocity of particles in different Reynolds number range has different functions. By confirming drag force coefficient of nonmetallic particles with Reynolds number in the range of 0.2-10 and 10-25 respectively, two functions of terminal ve- locity for spherical nonmetallic particles have been got accordingly, which provide a theoretical basis for separating nonmetallic inclusions from Al melt in electromagnetic field.

Comments on“Adsorption behavior of heavy metal ions by carbon nanotubes grown on microsized Al_2O_3 particles”

Recently, Hsieh and Horng [1] published the paper entitled as above. In section 3 results and discussion, the authors mentioned the first and the second order kinetic models without any quotations. In fact these two kinetic models have been published [2-5]. In order to distinguish a kinetics model based on the ad- sorption capacity of a solid from the one based on the concentration of a solution, Lagergren＇s first-order rate equation has been called pseudo-first-order [6-7]. The Lagergren＇s equation has been widely cited, but there are far more mistakes made in the quotation and in the reference section of papers, including the title, the author＇s name, journal title, year of publishing, volume, and page number [3]. In addition, the second order kinetic expression for the adsorption systems of divalent metal ions using sphagnum moss peat has been reported by Ho [8].

Effect of minor Sc and Zr addition on microstructure and properties of ultra-high strength aluminum alloy

The Al-9Zn-2.8Mg-2.5Cu-xZr-ySc alloys （x=0, 0.15%, 0.15%; y=0, 0.05%, 0.15%）, produced by low-frequent electromagnetic casting technology, were subjected to homogenization treatment, hot extrusion, solution and aging treatment. The effects of minor Sc and Zr addition on microstructure, recrystallization and properties of alloys were studied by optical microscopy （OM）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. The results show that Sc and Zr addition can refine grains of the as-cast alloy by precipitation of primary Al3（Sc,Zr） particles formed during solidification as heterogeneous nuclei. Secondary Al3（Sc,Zr） precipitates formed during homogenization treatment strongly pin the movement of dislocation and subgrain boundaries, which can effectively inhibit the alloys recrystallization. Compared with the alloy without Sc and Zr addition, the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloy with 0.05%Sc and 0.15%Zr shows the increase in tensile strength and yield strength by 172 MPa and 218 MPa, respectively. Strengthening comes from the contributions of precipitation, substructure and grain refining.

Recrystallization of Al-5.8Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloy

Al-5.8Mg-0.4Mn-0.25Sc-0.1Zr （mass fraction, %） alloys were prepared by water chilling copper mould ingot metallurgy processing which was protected by active flux. The recrystallization temperature and nucleation mechanism of the alloy were studied by means of hardness tests, observations of optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the anti-crystallization ability can be significantly improved by adding minor Sc and Zr into Al-Mg-Mn alloy. This can be proved by a much higher recrystalliztion temperature （450 ~C） than Al-Mg-Mn alloy without Sc and Zr （150 ℃）. The main reason of the great increase of recrystallization temperature can be attributed to the strong pinning effect of highly disperseded Al3（Sc,Zr） particles on dislocations and sub-grain boundaries. The recrystallizing process reveals itself the nucleation mechanism of the alloy involving not only the sub-grain coalescence but also the sub-grain growth.

Experimental study of Al agglomeration on solid propellant burning surface and condensed combustion products

Aluminum(Al) particles are commonly added to energetic materials including propellants,explosives and pyrotechnics to increase the overall energy density of the composite,but aluminum agglomeration on the combustion surface may lower the combustion efficiency of propellants,resulting in a loss in twophase flow.Therefore,it is necessary to understand the agglomeration mechanism of aluminum particles on the combustion surface.In this paper,a high-pressure sealed combustion chamber is constructed,and high-speed camera is used to capture the whole process of aluminum accumulation,aggregation and agglomeration on the combustion surface,and the secondary agglomeration process near the combustion surface.The microscopic morphology and chemical composition of the condensed combustion products(CCPs) are then studied by using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive(SEM-EDS) method.Results show that there are three main types of condensed combustion products:small smoke oxide particles oxidized by aluminum vapor,usually less than 1 μm;typical agglomerates formed by the combustion of aluminum agglomerates;carbonized agglomerates that are widely distributed,usually formed by irregular movements of aluminum agglomerates.The particle size of condensed combustion products is measured by laser particle size meter.As the pressure increases from 0.5 MPa to 1.0 MPa in nitrogen,the mass average particle size of aluminum agglomerates decreases by 49.7%.As the ambient gas is changed from 0.5 MPa nitrogen to 0.5 MPa air,the mass average particle size of aluminum agglomerates decreases by 67.3%.Results show that as the ambient pressure increases,the higher oxygen content can improve combustion efficiency and reduce the average agglomeration size of aluminum particles.

STRUCTURE AND SURFACE CONDITION OF ULTRAFINE AI PARTICLES

The crystal habit,crystalline structure,surface condition and composition of the ultrafine Al particles prepared by inert gas evaporation method were studied in detail by means of high resolution transmission electron microscope,X-ray diffraction and X-ray photo-electron spectrum.The results indicate that the ultrafine Al particles prepared in high pure inert gas are of clear crystal habits,single crystal in a large majority and fcc crystalline structure with a_0=0.405 nm.It is also found on the surface of the Al particles that there is a layer of amor- phous Al_2O_3 with 2 nm average thickness,which could protect the particles against oxidizing further.Therefore,the ultrafine Al particles prepared by the inert gas evaporation method are very stable in atmosphere.

Microstructure and Gd-rich phase evolution of as-cast AZ31-xGd magnesium alloys during semi-solid isothermal heat treatment

The microstructure and Gd-rich phase evolution of as-cast AZ31-xGd(x=0,1.5 wt.%,2.0 wt.%and 2.5 wt.%)magnesium alloys during semi-solid isothermal heat treatment were investigated deeply in the present work.Results showed that the lamellar(Mg,Al)3Gd phases transformed into the particle-like Al2Gd phases in AZ31 magnesium alloys with Gd addition during semi-solid isothermal heat treatment,leading to yielding more sphericalα-Mg grains.When Gd content is 2.0 wt.%,the size of semi-solid spherical grains reaches the minimum.The main mechanism of grain refinement lies in the remelting of dendritic branches as well as the auxiliary effect of a small number of Al2Gd particles as grain refining inoculants.Meanwhile,Al2Gd particles enriched at the solid-liquid interfaces can remarkably retard the growth rate ofα-Mg grains.A reduction of deformation resistance has been successfully achieved in AZ31-2.0Gd magnesium alloy after semi-solid isothermal heat treatment,which shows a moderate compressive deformation resistance(230 MPa),comparing to the as-cast AZ31 magnesium alloy(280 MPa)and semi-solid AZ31 magnesium alloy(209 MPa).

Evolution and distribution of Al_2Sm phase in as-extruded AZ61-xSm magnesium alloys during semi-solid isothermal heat-treatment

The evolution and distribution of Al2Sm phase in as-extruded AZ61-xSm（x=0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5, mass fraction, %） magnesium alloys during semi-solid isothermal heat treatment were investigated. The results showed that when as-extruded AZ61 magnesium alloys were modified with Sm, the smaller and rounder grains were obtained during semi-solid isothermal heat treatment. When the Sm content is 2.0%（mass fraction）, the average size of the globular grains reached the smallest value of 90 μm. Although a few Al2Sm particles existed in the α-Mg grains, most of Al2Sm particles solidified at the edge of the globular grains with the width of 20 μm. These phenomena are mainly attributed to the forces acting on Al2Sm particles in front of the solid-liquid interface, leading to Al2Sm particles accumulating at the solid-liquid interface and then solidifying at the edge of the globular grains in the quenching process.

The Role of Ti in the Preparation of SiC/7075 Aluminum Matrix Composite

SiC/7075 aluminum matrix composites were prepared by a liquid stirring method.The role of Ti facilitating the preparation of SiC/7075 aluminum matrix were studied by means of direct-reading spectrometer,scanning electron microscope,energy dispersive spectrometer,X-ray diffraction and the sessile drop method.The results show that the SiC content in the SiC/7075 composite increases with an increase of Ti addition.The addition of Ti can significantly improve the wettability of SiC/Al system,there is a critical value of above 0.5%of Ti content in improving the wettability of the Al/SiC system at 1173K.The temperature of the"non wetting-wetting"transition for the(Al-2Ti)/SiC system is about 1123K,the contact angle decreases to 88°at 200 seconds and reaches a stable contact angle of 28°at 2100 seconds.

Al-Si/Al_2O_3 in situ composite prepared by displacement reaction of CuO/Al system

Al2O3 particle-reinforced ZL109 composite was prepared by in situ reaction between CuO and Al2O3 . The microstructure was observed by means of OM, SEM and TEM. The Al2O3 particles in sub-micron sizes distribute uniformly in the matrix, and the Cu displaced from the in situ reaction forms net-like alloy phases with other alloy elements. The hardness and the tensile strength of the composites at room temperature have a slight increase as compared to that of the matrix. However, the tensile strength at 350℃ has reached 90.23 MPa, or 16.92 MPa higher than that of the matrix. The mechanism of the reaction in the CuO/AI system was studied by using of differential scanning calorimetry（DSC） and thermodynamic calculation. The reaction between CuO and Al involves two steps. First, CuO reacts with Al to form Cu20 and Al2O3 at the melting temperature of the matrix alloy, and second, Cu20 reacts with Al to form Cu and Al2O3 at a higher temperature. At ZL109 casting temperature of 750- 780 ℃, the second step can also take place because of the effect of exothermic reaction of the first step.

Microstructural evolution of new type Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy with Er and Zr additions during homogenization

A comprehensive study on the microstructural evolution of a new type Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Er-Zr alloy duringhomogenization was conducted by optical microscope,scanning electron microscope,transmission electron microscopy and X-raydiffraction analysis.The results show that serious segregation exists in as-cast alloy,and the primary phases are T(AlZnMgCu),S(Al2CuMg)and Al8Cu4Er,which preferentially locate in the grain boundary regions.The soluble T(AlZnMgCu)and S(Al2CuMg)phases dissolve into the matrix gradually during single-stage homogenized at465°C with prolonging holding time,but the residualAl8Cu4Er phase cannot dissolve completely.Compared with the single-stage homogenization,both a finer particle size and a highervolume fraction of L12-structured Al3(Er,Zr)dispersoids can be obtained in the two-stage homogenization process.A suitablehomogenization scheme for the present alloy is(400°C,10h)+(465°C,24h),which is consistent with the results of homogenizationkinetic analysis.

Multilayer aluminum composites prepared by rolling of pure and anodized aluminum foils

Experimental results on processing,structural and mechanical characterization of a multilayer composite based on commercially pure aluminum foils were presented.A multilayer composite was produced by hot-rolling of anodized and non-anodized aluminum foils alternately sandwiched.In addition,the same process was applied for bonding of non-anodized foils.In both cases,obtained multilayer composites were compact and sound.In order to study composites microstructural evolution and mechanical properties,optical and scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy dispersive spectrometry(EDS),X-ray diffraction(XRD)analysis,hardness,tensile and three-point flexural tests were performed.Microstructural characterization confirmed that the rod-like particles distributed in parallel rows in the composite aluminum matrix with anodized foils correspond to Al2O3.Maximum and minimum peaks of oxygen and aluminum,respectively,suggest that after the final hot-rolling of composite with non-anodized foils,a small amount of coarser particles were formed at boundaries between foils.Hardness,strength,modulus of elasticity and flexural strength of both multilayer composites were much higher than those of pure aluminum,whereas ductility was significantly less.The composite with anodized foils exhibited the highest strength and modulus of elasticity,but lower ductility compared to composite processed from non-anodized foils.Fracture failure corresponded to the change of ductility.

Nanocrystallization of Al_(80) Ni_6Y_8Co_4Cu_2 amorphous alloy

Nanoscale α (Al) phase with a size of 15 nm was precipitated from Al 80 Ni 6Y 8Co 4Cu 2 amorphous ribbons after annealing. The microhardness increases with increasing the crystallization volume fraction of nanoscale α (Al) phase. The combination effect of alloy strengthening and dispersion strengthening is main reason for the increase of microhardness. The formation of intermetallic compound (Al 3Ni) with a small volume fraction leads to the decrease of microhardness resulting from the depletion of the solute elements in the residual amorphous matrix and the weakening of alloy strengthening. With increasing the volume fraction of intermetallic compound, microhardness increases again due to dispersion strengthening of nanoscale intermetallic compound. [

Studies on thermal stability,softening behavior and mechanism of an ADS copper alloy at elevated temperatures

An Al2O3 dispersion strengthened(ADS)alloy with an ultra-high softening temperature of∼1200 K was fabricated by the in-situ internal oxidation and reduction methods.The evolution of the nanometer Al2O3 particles,grain size,and consequently the softening behavior of this ADS alloy,were investigated by conducting the annealing treatments in the range from 673 K to 1273 K for 60 min.These refined nanometer Al2O3 particles were found to be highly stable at elevated temperatures,leading to the high dislocation density and grain boundary stability of the matrix.The average grain size was found to increase extremely slowly from∼0.60μm to∼0.74μm with increasing annealing temperatures from 773 K to 1273 K.A criterion for grain boundaries migration and softening was established based on the competition between grain growth and pinning effect of Al2O3 particles.The strong pinning effect of Al2O3 particles was found when the grain size was between the lower limit(about 0.4-0.5μm)and upper limit(2.18μm).The occurrence of softening behavior was attributed to the rapid increase of the proportion of grains larger than the upper limit.A modified Hall-Petch relationship was established by introducing the integration of the grain size distribution,which can describe this correlation between softening behavior and the pinning effect of Al2O3 particles.The current study not only sheds light on the further understanding of the softening mechanism of ADS copper alloy but also provides a useful route for designing copper alloy with high softening resistance.

Processing, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti6Al4V Particles-Reinforced Mg Matrix Composites

Novel Ti6Al4V particles-reinforced AZ91 Mg matrix composites were successfully fabricated by stir casting method. The stirring time in semisolid condition directly affected the particle distribution and the quality of the ingots. Furthermore, the optimal speed of the heating and the liquid stirring could overcome particle settlement caused by the density difference between the matrix and the particles. Ti6Al4V particles distributed uniformly in the composites with different particle contents. The average grain size decreased with the increase in the particle contents. The Ti6A14V particles bonded pretty well with the alloy matrix. In addition, there were some interfacial reactions in the composites. There were rod-like A13Ti phases at the interface. The precipitates extended from the particle surface to the matrix, and they might improve the interfacial bonding strength. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elastic modulus were enhanced as the particle contents increased, and the elongation was much better than that of the same matrix material reinforced with SiC particles. Thus, the novel composites exhibit better comprehensive mechanical properties.

Secondary aerosol formation and oxidation capacity in photooxidation in the presence of Al_2O_3 seed particles and SO_2

To investigate the sensitivity of secondary aerosol formation and oxidation capacity to NOx in homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, a series of irradiated toluene/NOx/air and ?-pinene/NOx/air experiments were conducted in smog chambers in the absence or presence of Al2O3 seed particles. Various concentrations of NOx and volatile organic compounds(VOCs) were designed to simulate secondary aerosol formation under different scenarios for NOx. Under "VOC-limited" conditions, the increasing NOx concentration suppressed secondary aerosol formation, while the increasing toluene concentration not only contributed to the increase in secondary aerosol formation, but also led to the elevated oxidation degree for the organic aerosol. Sulfate formation was suppressed with the increasing NOx due to a decreased oxidation capacity of the photooxidation system. Secondary organic aerosol(SOA) formation also decreased with the presence of high concentration of NOx, because organo-peroxy radicals(RO2) react with NOx instead of with peroxy radicals(RO2 or HO2), resulting in the formation of volatile organic products. The increasing concentration of NOx enhanced the formation of sulfate, nitrate and SOA under "NOx-limited" conditions, in which the heterogeneous reactions played an important role. In the presence of Al2O3 seed particles, a synergetic promoting effect of mineral dust and NOx on secondary aerosol formation in heterogeneous reactions was observed in the photooxidation. This synergetic effect strengthened the positive relationship between NOx and secondary aerosol formation under "NOx-limited" conditions but weakened or even overturned the negative relationship between NOx and secondary aerosol formation under "VOC-limited" conditions. Sensitivity of secondary aerosol formation to NOx seemed different in homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, and should be both taken into account in the sensitivity study. The sensitivity of secondary aerosol formation to NOx was further investigated under "winter-like" and NH3-rich conditions. No obvious difference for the sensitivity of secondary aerosol formation except nitrate to NOx was observed.

Preparation and characterization of Pd/Fe bimetallic nanoparticles immobilized on Al_2O_3/PVDF membrane:Parameter optimization and dechlorination of dichloroacetic acid

Using a liquid-solid phase inversion method, a hybrid matrix poly（vinylidene fluoride）（PVDF） membrane was prepared with alumina（Al2O3） nanoparticle addition. Pd/Fe nanoparticles（NPs） were successfully immobilized on the Al2O3/PVDF membrane, which was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy（SEM） and Transmission Electron Microscopy（TEM）. The micrographs showed that the Pd/Fe NPs were dispersed homogeneously. Several important experimental parameters were optimized, including the mechanical properties, contact angle and surface area of Al2O3/PVDF composite membranes with different Al2O3 contents. At the same time, the ferrous ion concentration and the effect of hydrophilization were studied. The results showed that the modified Al2O3/PVDF membrane functioned well as a support. The Al2O3/PVDF membrane with immobilized Pd/Fe NPs exhibited high efficiency in terms of dichloroacetic acid（DCAA） dechlorination. Additionally, a reaction pathway for DCAA dechlorination by Pd/Fe NPs immobilized on the Al2O3/PVDF membrane system was proposed.

Microstructure and mechanical property evolution of friction stir welded(B4C+Al2O3)/Al composites designed for neutron absorbing materials

(B4C+Al2O3)/Al composite designed for the dry storage of spent nuclear fuels was fabricated and then subjected to friction stir welding, at a welding speed of 100 mm/min and rotation rates of 400–800 r/min. Sound joints were obtained under all welding parameters;however, significant softening occurred in the nugget zone(NZ) for all the joints. Therefore, all the joints exhibited significantly decreased strength at both room temperature and high temperature compared with the base metal, with the joints fracturing in the NZs. Rotation rate exhibited no obvious effect on the tensile strength of the joints, but led to increased elongation as the result of the broadened NZs. The detailed microstructural examinations indicated that the welding thermomechanical effect broke up the near 3D amorphous Al2O3 netlike structure distributed at the Al grain boundaries, caused the coarsening of Al grains, and the agglomeration and crystallization of amorphous Al2O3, thereby resulting in the softening of the NZs and the reduction in the joint strength. Consequently, inhibiting the breakup and crystallization of 3D amorphous Al2O3 netlike structure is the key factor to improve the joint strength of the(B4C+Al2O3)/Al composite.

Investigation on Reaction Interface between the Aluminum and K2ZrF6 by Freezing the Molten Salt Reaction

A reaction interface between the aluminum and K_2ZrF_6 during molten salt reaction process was frozen by quenching the mold in water, and the interface structure was analyzed to determine the formation process of Al_3Zr. Results show that a clear conical interface existed between the K_2ZrF_6 and aluminum. A zirconium accumulation layer with the thickness of about 2–3 lm was formed at the aluminum side of the interface. Many initially formed Al_3Zr particles（with the size of 0.4–16 lm） distributed in this layer, most of which located at the interface. The morphology of Al_3Zr particles is closely related with their size. For the size of 0.4–1 lm, the Al_3Zr appeared as globular and ellipsoid shapes. When it grew to the size of 1–2 and 2–16 lm, it exhibited the rule cube shape, and rule cuboids shape, respectively.