Phase Structures of Microemulsions Determined by the Steady-State Fluorescence Method

The steady-state fluorescence method has been tentatively used to determine the phase structures of microemulsion systems consisting of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), n-butanol (n-C4H9OH), octane (n-C8H18), and water. The excimer/monomer intensity ratio (I-e/I-m) of pyrene has demonstrated that the various structures in the microemulsion phase region can be distinguished. The results are consistent with electrical conductivity data already reported.

Influence of average radii of RE3+ ions on phase structures and thermal expansion coefficients of high-entropy pyrosilicates

High-entropy pyrosilicate element selection is relatively blind, and the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of traditional β-type pyrosilicate is not adjustable, making it difficult to meet the requirements of various types of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). The following study aimed to develop a universal rule for high-entropy pyrosilicate element selection and to achieve directional control of the thermal expansion coefficient of high-entropy pyrosilicate. The current study investigates a high-entropy design method for obtaining pyrosilicates with stable β-phase and γ-phase by introducing various rare-earth (RE) cations. The solid-phase method was used to create 12 different types of high-entropy pyrosilicates with 4–6 components. The high-entropy pyrosilicates gradually transformed from β-phase to γ-phase with an increase in the average radius of RE^(3+) ions ( r¯(RE^(3+))). The nine pyrosilicates with a small r¯(RE^(3+)) preserve β-phase or γ-phase stability at room temperature to the maximum of 1400 ℃. The intrinsic relationship between the thermal expansion coefficient, phase structure, and RE–O bond length has also been found. This study provides the theoretical background for designing high-entropy pyrosilicates from the perspective of r¯(RE^(3+)). The theoretical guidance makes it easier to synthesize high-entropy pyrosilicates with stable β-phase or γ-phase for the use in environmental barrier coatings (EBCs). The thermal expansion coefficient of γ-type high-entropy pyrosilicate can be altered through component design to match various types of CMCs.

Phase structures and transitions of quintessence surrounding RN black holes in a grand canonical ensemble

Considering a grand canonical ensemble,we study the phase structures and transitions of RN black holes surrounded by quintessence dark energy on two different boundary conditions,namely AdS space and a Dirichlet wall.For AdS space,under the condition of fixed temperature and potential,as the temperature increases for lower potential,the black hole undergoes a first-order phase transition,while for higher potential,no phase transition occurs.There are two different regions in the parameter space.For the Dirichlet wall,on which the temperature and potential are fixed,the state parameter of quintessenceω=-2/3 is analyzed in detail.Then,three different physically allowed regions in the parameter space of the black hole are well studied.As the temperature rises,first-order and second-order phase transitions may occur.In this case,there are nine regions in the parameter space,which is evidently distinct from the case of AdS space.

Broadband acoustic focusing by symmetric Airy beams with phased arrays comprised of different numbers of cavity structures

We realize broadband acoustic focusing effect by employing two symmetric Airy beams generated from phased arrays,in which the units of the phased arrays consist of different numbers of cavity structures, each of which is composed of a square cavity and two inclined channels in air. The exotic phenomenon arises from the energy overlapping of the two symmetric Airy beams. Besides, we demonstrate the focusing performance with high self-healing property, and discuss the effects of structure parameters on focusing performance, and present the characteristics of the cavity structure with straight channels. Compared with other acoustic lenses, the proposed acoustic lens has advantages of broad bandwidth（about 1.4 kHz）, high self-healing property of focusing performance, and free adjustment of focal length. Our finding should have great potential applications in ultrasound imaging and medical diagnosis.

Shape-induced phase transition of vortex domain structures in ferroelectric nanodots and their controllability by electrical and mechanical loads

Shape-induced phase transition of vortex domain structures （VDSs） in BaTiO3 （BT） nanodots under open circuit boundary condition have been investigated using an effective Hamiltonian method. Our calculation indicates the tetragonal VDS missing in cubic BT nanodots can be induced by varying the shape of a nanodot from cube to platelet. Interestingly, a novel VDS is found in BT nanoplatelets in our simulations. Further investigation shows that it is a result of compromise between the ground state and the symmetry of the shape of the nanodot. Furthermore, based on the novel VDS, routes of controlling VDSs governed by homogeneous electric field and uniform stress are discussed. In particular, our results show the possibility of designing multi-states devices based on a single VDS. ~ 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.

Electronic Structures and Alloying Behaviors of Ferrite Phases in High Co-Ni Secondary Hardened Martensitic Steels

The electronic structure of ferrite (tempered martensite phase) in high Co-Ni secondary hardened martensitic steel has been investigated. The local density of states (LOOS) of alloying elements in the steel displays the relationship between solid solubility and the shape of the LDOS. The bond order integral (BOI) between atoms in the steel shows that the directional bonding of the p orbital of Si or C leads to the brittleness of the steel. At last, ΣBOI between atoms demonstrate that C, Co, Mn, Cr, Mo, Si strengthen the alloyed steel through solid-solution effects.

Phase Structures of Nascent Polyethylene Powder Studied by Wideline Proton NMR

The wideline proton NMR spectra of polyethylene powder samples were analyzed in terms of contributions from three components： （1） a rigid part with immobile chains, （2） a soft region with liquid-like character which produces a Lorentzian contribution to the spectrum, and （3） an intermediate region in which the rotation of methylene groups about C-C bonds is partially hindered. The relative mass fractions as well as chain mobilities varied greatly among samples produced by different polymerization techniques. The NMR crystallinity agreed well with that estimated by WAXD and was much higher than DSC crystallinity, indicating an inclusion of the contribution from a crystalline-amorphous interphase. The crystalline defects in the rigid part could be significantly affected by processing parameters when employing the same type of polymerization technique. The intermediate region in the NMR spectra was analyzed according to the comparison between bimodal high density polyethylene and corresponding linear unimodal one. It was found that the mass fraction of the NMR interphase could be an indication of the percentage of tie molecules between crystalline lamellae and thus may significantly affect the mechanical properties of polymeric material.

Precipitation of α Phase in the Massive and Feathery Structures in TiAl Alloys during Aging in the Single α Field

Precipitation of α-phase in massive and feathery microstructures was studied during aging in the single α field. It was found that the α-phase mainly precipitated along the γ-plate interfaces as laths in the feathery structure, while it nucleated at various sites in the massive structure in the form of particles and dominantly as plates. Precipitation of α-plates in the massive structure occurred by the difFusional ledge mechanism. The γm→α reaction proceeded by the growth of previously nucleated α-precipitates, and chiefly by the development of new α-plates

Mineralogical characteristics,metallurgical properties and phase structure evolution of Ca-rich hematite sintering

In order to study the sintering characteristics of Ca-rich iron ore,chemical analysis,laser diffraction,scanning electron microscopy,XRD-Rietveld method,and micro-sintering were used to analyze the mineralogical properties and sintering pot tests were used to study the sintering behavior.In addition,a grey correlation mathematical model was used to calculate and compare the comprehensive sintering performance under different calcium-rich iron ore contents.The results demonstrate that the Ca-rich iron ore has coarse grain size and strong self-fusing characteristics with Ca element in the form of calcite(CaCO_(3)) and the liquid phase produced by the self-fusing of the calcium-rich iron ore is well crystallized.Its application with a 20wt%content in sintering improves sinter productivity,reduces fuel consumption,enhances reduction index,and improves gas permeability in blast furnace by 0.45 t/(m^(2)·h),6.11 kg/t,6.17%,and 65.39 kPa·℃,respectively.The Ca-rich iron ore sintering can improve the calorific value of sintering flue gas compared with magnetite sintering,which is conducive to recovering heat for secondary use.As the content of the Ca-rich iron ore increases,sinter agglomeration shifts from localized liquid-phase bonding to a combination of localized liquid-phase bonding and iron oxide crystal connection.Based on an examination of the greater weight value of productivity with grey correlation analysis,the Ca-rich iron ore is beneficial for the comprehensive index of sintering in the range of 0-20wt%content.Therefore,it may be used in sintering with magnetite concentrates as the major ore species.

Coacervate Structures of CdI_2 Thin Film Grown during Phase Transformation

The microstructure of CdI2 thin film grown during vapor-phase deposition was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thin film deposited on Si crystal consists of numerous sunflower-like aggregates. These aggregates display well self-assembly characteristics. The size of Sunflower-like aggregates is between 12 and 44 μm. Each sunflower-like aggregate is surrounded with many adjacent wings-'petals'. The structure of central region of the 'sunflower' is obviously difFerent from that of the 'petal'. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) was employed in determining the chemical valence of the thin film. Self-organization efFect is used to explain the coring growth process of CdI2 thin film

Structural phase transition and transport properties in topological material candidate NaZn_(4)As_(3)

We report a comprehensive study on a layered-structure compound of NaZn_(4)As_(3),which has been predicted to be an ideal topological semimetal(TSM) candidate.It is found that NaZn_(4)As_(3) undergoes a structural transformation from high temperature rhombohedral to a low temperature monoclinic phase.The electric resistivity exhibits a metal-to-insulatorlike transition at around 100 K,and then develops a plateau at low temperature,which might be related to the protected topologically conducting surface states.Our first-principles calculation confirms further that NaZn_(4)As_(3) is a topological insulator(TI) for both different phases rather than a previously proposed TSM.The Hall resistivity reveals that the hole carriers dominate the transport properties for the whole temperature range investigated.Furthermore,an obvious kink possibly associated to the structure transition has been detected in thermopower around ~ 170 K.The large thermopower and moderate κ indicate that NaZn_(4)As_(3) and/or its derivatives can provide a good platform for optimizing and studying the thermoelectric performance.

Non-Kramers doublet ground state in a quaternary cubic compound PrRu_(2)In_(2)Zn_(18) investigated by ultrasonic measurements

We performed ultrasonic measurements on a quaternary cubic compound PrRu_(2)In_(2)Zn_(18) to explore the ground state properties derived from non-Kramers Γ_(3) doublet of Pr^(3+).PrRu_(2)In_(2)Zn_(18) is a quaternary derivative of the ternary compound PrRu_(2)Zn_(20) that exhibits a structural phase transition at T_S=138 K.In PrRu_(2)In_(2)Zn_(18),the Zn atoms at the 16c site in PrRu_(2)Zn_(20) are selectively replaced by In atoms.A monotonic increase was observed in the temperature dependence of elastic constants C_L=(C_(11)+2C_(12)+4C_(44))/3 and C_T=(C_(11)-C_(12)+C_(44))/3 in the temperature range around T_S to which an elastic softening was observed in(C_(11)-C_(12))/2 for PrRu_(2)Zn_(20).The disappearance of the softening indicates that the structural transition in PrRu_(2)Zn_(20) is suppressed by the substitution of Zn ions by In ones with a larger ionic radius.Alternatively,the C_T of PrRu_(2)In_(2)Zn_(18) exhibits a precursor Curie-type elastic softening toward low temperatures being responsible for the non-Kramers Γ_(3) ground state.We discuss the ground state and the evolution of the elastic properties of the different single-crystal samples of PrRu_(2)In_(2)Zn_(18) grown under different conditions.

Effect of stoichiometry and Cu-substitution on the phase structure and hydrogen storage properties of Ml-Mg-Ni-based alloys

To improve the electrochemical properties of rare-earth-Mg-Ni-based hydrogen storage alloys, the effects of stoichiometry and Cu-substitution on the phase structure and thermodynamic properties of the alloys were studied. Nonsubstituted Ml0.80Mg0.20（Ni2.90Co0.50-Mn0.30Al0.30）x （x=0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76） alloys and Cu-substituted Ml0.80Mg0.20（Ni2.90Co0.50-yCuyMn0.30Al0.30）0.70 （y=0, 0.10, 0.30, 0.50） alloys were prepared by induction melting. Phase structure analysis shows that the nonsubstituted alloys consist of a LaNi5 phase, a LaNi3 phase, and a minor La2Ni7 phase;in addition, in the case of Cu-substitution, the Nd2Ni7 phase appears and the LaNi3 phase vanishes. Ther-modynamic tests show that the enthalpy change in the dehydriding process decreases, indicating that hydride stability decreases with in-creasing stoichiometry and increasing Cu content. The maximum discharge capacity, kinetic properties, and cycling stability of the alloy electrodes all increase and then decrease with increasing stoichiometry or increasing Cu content. Furthermore, Cu substitution for Co ame-liorates the discharge capacity, kinetics, and cycling stability of the alloy electrodes.

Phase structure and electrochemical properties of laser sintered La_2MgNi_9 hydrogen storage electrode alloys

Phase structure and electrochemical properties of laser sintered La2MgNi9 alloys were studied. The sintered alloys contained a main phase, LaNi5, and a ternary La-Mg-Ni phase, with a PuNi3 structure and a small amount of LaMgNi4. The ternary La-Mg-Ni phase with a PuNi3 structure had the composition of La1.8Mg1.2Ni9 and La2MgNi9, for alloys laser sintered at 1000 and 1400 W, respectively. Owing to further reactions between LaNi5 and LaMgNi4, the amount of the PuNi3 phase increased for alloys sintered at 1400 W. Both alloys had good activation property （three charge/discharge cycles）. The discharge capacities of the sintered alloys were 321.8 and 344.8 mAh/g, respectively. Compared with the alloy laser sintered at 1000 W, the poor cyclic stability of the alloy sintered at 1400 W was mainly attributed to the lower corrosion resistance of the La2MgNi9 phase.

Phase component and microstructure of laser-sintered Mg-Ni alloys

The Mg-Ni hydrogen storage alloys were prepared using the laser sintering technology. The effects of laser sintering power on the phase component and the weight loss of Mg element for the Mg-Ni alloys were investigated. The samples P1, P2 and P3 consisted of five phases： Mg2Ni, MgNi2, Mg, Ni and MgO. The weight loss of Mg element remarkably increased at 1200 W. The addition of extra Mg significantly promoted the reaction between Mg and Ni. Mg2Ni, MgNi2, and a small amount of Ni and MgO phases were present in the samples PM （pestie milling） and BM （ball milling）. The sample PM has a homogeneous microstructure, and the contents of Mg2Ni and MgNi2 were approximately consistent with those of the Mg-Ni alloy under the equilibrium conditions. The maximum hydrogen storage capacity of the sample BM was 1.72 wt.% and the sample can be activated easily at 573 K （only 3 activation cycles）.

Effects of annealing on microstructures and electrochemical properties of La_(0.8)Mg_(0.2)Ni_(2.4)Mn_(0.10)Co_(0.55)Al_(0.10) alloy

The La0.8Mg0.2Ni2.4Mn0.10Co0.55Al0.10 alloy was prepared by induction melting. The structural and morphological characterizations were performed by means of X-ray powder diffraction （XRD） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The electrochemical measurements were performed using LAND and CH/660b electrochemical workstation. The main phases of the alloy were LaNi5 and （La,Mg）Ni3. After annealing, the maximum discharge capacity, cycle stability and high rate dischargeability （HRD） were improved obviously. The maximum discharge capacity reached 373.80 mAh/g （T=1173 K）, the C100/Cmax（%） was 72.63% （T=1173 K）, and the value of HRD reached 51.8% at a discharge current density of 1150 mA/g （T=1173 K）. The cyclic voltammetry （CV） and potentiodynamic polarization were also studied.

Effect of Al content on the phase structure and the hydrogenation characteristic of La(Mg_(1-x)Al_x) alloys

La（Mg1-xAlx） （x=0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8） alloys have been prepared using induction melting followed by annealing. It is found that partial substitution of Mg by Al does not lead to a change in crystal structure, and the alloys have a single LaMg phase when x 〈 0.4. The lattice parameter of the LaMg phase decreases obviously after the partial substitution of Mg by Al. However, further substitution of Mg by Al leads to the coexistence of multiple phases when x ≥ 0.6. The alloys consist of the LaMg, LaAl, LaAl2, and La5Al4 phases. The LaMg phase decreases, whereas the La5Al4 phase increases with the increase in x. The Al-substituted La（Mgo.6Al0.4） alloy can be hydrogenated into the tetragonal LaH3, cubic LaH3, MgH2, and LaPd under 5 MPa at 473 K for 5 d.

PHASE STRUCTURE AND COMPATIBILITY OF LADDERLIKE POLYPHENYLSILSESQUIOXANE (PPSQ)/POLYCARBONATE (PC) BLENDS PREPARED BY SOLUTION CASTING

Blends of PC and PPSQ (A) with high M-w and good ladderlike regularity or PPSQ(B) with low M-w and more defective Si-atoms in its structure have been prepared by solution casting. The dispersed spheres (PPSQ(A)-rich) are unevenly dispersed in the continuous PC-rich phase and there is no phase-inversion as PPSQ(A) content increases when the percentage of PPSQ(A) is not more than 70%. PPSQ(B)-rich spheres are evenly dispersed in the continuous phase (PC-rich) and phase-inversion occurs when PPSQ(B) percentage is up to 70%. T-g of PPSQ(A)/PC or PPSQ(B)/PC at some compositions are lower than that of pure PC due to the enlarged free-volume of PC-rich phase because some spheres of rigid PPSQ chains are included in the PC-rich phase. PC and PPSQ(A) or PPSQ(B) are partially compatible. The compatibility of PC and PPSQ(B) is better than that of PC and PPSQ(A) with high M-w and good ladderlike regularity. Heat history has some influence on the T(g)s and compatibility of PPSQ(A)/PC and PPSQ(B)/PC blends.

Phase Structure and Cycle Stabilities of Mg_2Ni/Mm_(0.3)Ml_(0.7)Ni_(3.55)Co_(0.75)Mn_(0.4)Al_(0.3) Composite Hydrogen Storage Alloys Prepared by Two-step re-melting

Mm0.3Ml0.7Ni3.55Co0.75Mn0.4-Al0.3 alloy has high chemical activity and favorable plateaus pressure. Mg2Ni is in favor of high hydrogen storage capacity and low weight, but it is difficult to be activated. In order to improve the capacity and cycle performances of hydrogen-storage alloy electrodes, Mm0.3Ml0.7Ni3.55Co0.75Mn0.4-Al0.3-x%Mg2Ni(x=0, 5, 10, 30) composite hydrogen storage alloys prepared by two-step re-melting were investigated in this work. The influences of Mg2Ni content on the cycle stabilities were analyzed by electrochemical methods. It was observed by XRD that the main phase of all the alloys is LaNi5 and the crystal lattice parameters of LaNi5 are changed with the increasing of x value, i.e, a-axis and unit cell volume decrease and c-axis decreases nonlinearly. The c-axis of alloy with x=5 is larger than the others. With the increasing of x value, capacity retentions of the composite hydrogen storage alloys rise from 66.21% while x=0 to 82.04% while x=10, but the capacity retention of the composite alloy with 30% Mg2Ni declines because of its decreasing axial ratio. More over, the composite alloy with 5% Mg2Ni shows the best cycle stability and higher discharge capacity, and it is an appropriate candidate for battery materials.

MICROSTRUCTURES OF Mg-Zr,Mg-Zn AND Mg-Zn-Zr ALLOYS

Microstructural studies have been made on the Mg-0.54Zr,Mg-5.68Zn and Mg-5.65Zn-0.50Zr alloys in the as-cast and homogenized states.The lenticular plates of {012}twins were found in three alloys.After homogenization,ZrH_2 phase formed in the Mg-0.54Zr alloy.The Mg_7Zn_3 phase of cubic structure with a=1.417 nm distributes at the grain boundaries of the Mg-5.68Zn alloy in the as-cast state and after homogenization,the Mg_7Zn_3 phase dissolves and the MgZn_2 phase occurs.The as-cast Mg-5.65Zn-0.50Zr al- loy consists of MgZn_3 phase and Zn-Zr compounds.After homogenization,the dispersed acicular MgZn_2 phase may precipitate.