INFLUENCE OF COLD NITROGEN GAS AND OIL MIST IN MACHINING NICKEL-BASE K424 ALLOY WITH CERAMIC CUTTING TOOLS

The role of cold nitrogen gas and oil mist on tool wear and surface roughness is investigated in turning the K424 nickel-base super alloy with Sialon and SiC whisker-reinforced alumina ceramic tools. A new cooling system is developed and used to lower the temperature of the compressed nitrogen gas. Experiments are performed in three different cooling/lubrication modes, i.e. the dry cutting, the cold nitrogen gas （CNG）, and the cold nitrogen gas and oil mist （CNGOM）. Experimental results show that the depth-of-cut notching severely limits the tool life in all the cooling/lubrication modes. Compared with the dry cutting, the use of CNG and CNGOMcan yield higher wear rate of depth-of-cut notching and worse surface finish.

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.

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.

Preparation of SiC Porous Ceramics by Crystalline Silicon Cutting Waste

SiC porous ceramics were prepared at 1 400 ℃ for4 h with crystalline silicon cutting waste and activated carbon as main starting materials and NH4HCO3 as the pore-forming agent. Effects of NH4HCO3 additions( 0,20%,30%,40%,by mass) on the phase composition,microstructure,sintering properties,cold compressive strength and thermal shock resistance of as-prepared Si C porous ceramics were investigated. The results show that:( 1) addition of NH4HCO3 remarkably influences the apparent porosity and cold compressive strength of specimens. The apparent porosity achieves its maximum value( 63. 40%) when 40% NH4HCO3 is added,while the minimum cold compressive strength is 4. 77 MPa;( 2) the specimen with 40% NH4HCO3 has the best thermal shock resistance. The thermal cycling times between1 000 ℃ to room temperature reach 62;( 3) the addition of NH4HCO3 does not remarkably affect the phase composition of the specimens;( 4) the specimens include a large number of SiC particles and a small amount of SiC whiskers.

Effects of Pore-forming Agents on Properties of Silicon Carbide Porous Ceramics Prepared from Crystalline Silicon Cutting Waste

SiC powder was rapidly synthesized in an induction furnace with crystalline silicon cutting waste and active carbon as raw materials,and then SiC porous ceramics were prepared at 1600 t for 4 h with carbon embedded using the powder as raw material,the starch and the graphite as pore-forming agents.Effects of additions of different pore-forming agents on the phase composition,microstructures,physical properties,and cold crushing strength of the porous ceramics were investigated.The results show that the main crystalline phases of the synthetic powder areα-S iC(6H-SiC)andβ-SiC(3C-SiC).The phase composition of the porous ceramics includesα-S iC(6H-SiC),β-SiC(3C-SiC),FeSi,quartz and Si2N20.The apparent porosity and closed porosity of the porous ceramics prepared by adding starch are higher,and the cold compressive strength of the porous ceramics added with graphite is higher.As increasing the additions of the starch,the apparent porosity,closed porosity and linear shrinkage ratio of the porous ceramics increase,and the bulk density decreases correspondingly.When 20 mass%starch is added,the apparent porosity,closed porosity,linear shrinkage ratio and cold compressive strength are 57.05%,2.03%,5.10%and 10.20 MPa,respectively.

Near-infrared Quantum Cutting in Pr^(3+)-Yb^(3+) Co-doped Oxyfluoride Glass Ceramics Containing CaF_2 Nanocrystals

The Pr3＋-Yb3＋ co-doped oxyfluoride glass-ceramics containing CaF2 nanocrystals were obtained by thermal treatment on the as-made glasses. The structure of fluoride nanocrystals was investigated. The light-emitting mechanism of pr3＋-yb3＋ in the near infrared region was proposed and the fluorescence lifetime and quantum efficiency was calculated. The results indicate that the main phase in the oxyfluoride glass- ceramics is CaF2 nanocrystal sized at 30 nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy （EDS） and X-ray diffraction （XRD） have proved the incorporation of Pr3＋ and Yb3＋ into CaF2 nanocrystal lattice, Near-infrared quantum cutting involving Yb3＋ 980 nm and 1 015 tun （2F5/2→2F7/2） emission has been achieved upon the excitation of the 3P0 energy level of Pr3＋ at 482 nm. The fluorescence lifetime decreases sharply and quantum efficiency increases with increasing Yb3＋ concentration, and the optimal quantum efficiency reaches 191%.

Effects of BaCu(B_2O_5 ) addition on sintering temperature and microwave dielectric properties of Ba_5Nb_4O_(15)–BaWO_4 ceramics

The effects of BaCu（B2Os） （BCB） addition on the microstructure, phase formation, and microwave dielectric proper- ties of BasNb4015-BaWO4 ceramic are investigated. As a sintering aid, BaCu（B2Os） ceramic could effectively lower the sintering temperature of BasNb4015-BaWO4 ceramic from 1100 ℃ to 950 ℃ due to the liquid-phase effect. Meanwhile, BaCu（B2Os） addition effectively improves the densification of BasNb4015-BaWO4 ceramic and significantly influences the microwave dielectric properties. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that BasNb4015 and BaWO4 coexist with no crystal phase of BaCu（B2Os） in the sintered ceramics. The BasNb4015-BaWO4 ceramics with 1.0 wt% BaCu（B2Os） sintered at 950 ℃ for 2 h presents good microwave dielectric properties of er = 19.0, high Q× f of 33802 GHz and low vf of 2.5 ppm/℃.

Research and Development of Ceramic Cutting Tools in China

The research and development of various classes of ceramic cutting tools in China are described,because manufacturing efficiency is fundamental to the growth of China's economy.

Research on the High Strength Glass Ceramics/Mullite Ceramics Composites

In order to improve the bending strength of mullite ceramic thin tiles, SiO2-ZnO-Na2O-Y2O3 glass was prepared on the surface of the tiles. The influences of the thermal properties and thermal expansion coefficient of the glass and the sintering temperature on the structure and the property of the composites were investigated by differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The bending strength of the composites was measured with an universal testing machine. Results show that the crystallization temperature of the SiO2-ZnO-Na2O-Y2O3 glass is higher than that of SiO2-ZnO-Na2O glass. The corresponding crystallites show more complex structure for the SiO2-ZnO-Na2O-Y2O3 glass. The thermal expansion coefficients of both glasses are lower than the mullite ceramic tiles. The bending strength of the composites after sintering at 1150°C was obviously improved by 10.7% to 106.2 MPa, compared with the mullite ceramic tiles.

Preparation and properties of porous silicon carbide ceramics through coat-mix and composite additives process

The core-shell structure silicon-resin precursor powders were synthesized through coat-mix process and addition of Al2O3-SiO2-Y2O3 composite additives.A series of porous silicon carbide ceramics were produced after molding,carbonization and sintering.The phase,morphology,porosity,thermal conductivity,thermal expansion coefficient,and thermal shock resistance were analyzed.The results show that porous silicon carbide ceramics can be produced at low temperature.The grain size of porous silicon carbide ceramic is small,and the thermal conductivity is enhanced significantly.Composite additives also improve the thermal shock resistance of porous ceramics.The bending strength loss rate after 30 times of thermal shock test of the porous ceramics which were added Al2O3-SiO2-Y2O3 and sintered at 1 650 ℃ is only 6.5%.Moreover,the pore inside of the sample is smooth,and the pore size distribution is uniform.Composite additives make little effect on the thermal expansion coefficient of the porous silicon carbide ceramics.

Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of(Li,Ce) modified NaBi_5Ti_5O_(18) composite ceramics

Nominal （Li0.5Ce0.5）x（Na0.5Bi0.5）（1-x）Na0.5Bi4.5Ti5O18 composite ceramics were fabricated using conventional solid-state reaction method. The coexistence of bismuth layer-structured phase and perovskite phase was determined in these ceramics using XRD technique. At room temperature, the x=0.11 sample showed the largest piezoelectric constant, d33, of about 26.5 pC/N and the largest electromechanical coupling factor, kt, of about 30%. Even after annealing at 500 ℃, the value of d33 was still about 19 pC/N, in x=0.08-0.11 samples. Moreover these composite ceramics showed low temperature coefficients of dielectric constant and high electrical resistivity in the temperature region of 450-550 ℃. These results indicated that （Li, Ce） modified NaBi5Ti5O18 composite ceramics were promising piezoelectric materials for high-temperature applications.

Mechanical Behaviors of ZrO_2-Al_2O_3 Ceramic Composites with Y_2O_3 as Stabilizer

The ZrO2-Al2O3 ceramic composites were prepared by appropriate techniques with commercial ZrO2 and Al2O3 powders as raw materials and Y2O3 as stabilizer. The results indicate that with the introduction of Al2O3 into the ZrO2 matrix where the quantity of additive Y2O3 is 3.5% (mole fraction), the growth of ZrO2 grains is efficiently inhibited, which helps the ZrO2 grains exist in a metastable tetragonal manner; thus higher strength and toughness are acquired. When the content of alumina is 20% (mass fraction), the bending strength and fracture toughness of the composites are 676.7 MPa and 10 MPa·m1/2 respectively, the mechanical behaviors are close to those prepared with ZrO2 and Al2O3 powders synthesized through wet chemical approach. The mechanical behaviors of the composites are well improved owing to the dispersion toughening of alumina grains and phase transformation toughening of zirconia grains.

Effect of MnO2 on Properties of SiC-mullite Composite Ceramics for Solar Sensible Thermal Storage

For improving the properties of SiC-mullite composite ceramics used for solar sensible thermal storage, MnO2 was introduced as sintering additive when preparing. The composite ceramics were synthesized by using SiC, andalusite, a-Al2O3 as the starting materials with non-contact graphite-buried sintering method. Phase composition and microstructure of the composites were investigated by XRD and SEM, and the effect of MnOz on the properties of SiC composites was studied. Results indicated that samples SM1 with 0.2 wt% MnO2 addition achieved the optimum properties： bending strength of 70.96 MPa, heat capacity of 1.02 J.（g.K）-1, thermal conductivity of 9.05 W-（m.K）-1. Proper addition of MnO2 was found to weaken the volume effect of the composites and improve the thermal shock resistance with an increased rate of 27.84% for bending strength after 30 cycles of thermal shock （air cooling from 1 100 ℃ to RT）. Key words： SiC-mullite composite ceramics; MnO2; solar sensible thermal storage; non-contact graphite-buried sintering; thermal shock resistance

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.

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.

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.

Preparation of ZrN(ZrON)-SiAION Composite Ceramics via a Pressureless Sintering Process

ZrN-SiAlON composite materials were synthesized at 1 550 ℃ for 6 h via a carbothermal reduction nitridation route using fly ash （≤74 μm）,zircon （≤ 44 μm） and active carbon as starting materials.The processed ZrN-SiAlON composite micropowders were mixed with polyvinyl alcohol as binder to prepare ZrN （ZrON）-SiAlON composite ceramics by carbon-embedded pressureless firing at 1 450,1 500 and 1 550 ℃ for 1 h,respectively.Influences of firing temperature on the phase compositions,microstructure and sintering properties of the ceramics were investigated.The results show that：（1） β-SiAlON based composite ceramics with different compositions can be prepared by controlling firing temperature,and the main crystalline phases of the specimen fired at 1 550 ℃ for 1 h involve ZrN,ZrON and β-SiAlON （z =2,Si4Al2O2N6）; （2） ZrN （ZrON）,β-SiAlON and a Fe-Si based compound can be observed in the microstructures of the specimens fired at different temperatures.ZrN （ZrON） particles distribute homogeneously in the β-SiAlON matrix; （3） raising firing temperature can increase the shrinkage ratio of the ceramics,and the volume shrinkage ratio increases from 19.4％ to 40.3％ when the firing temperature rises from 1 450 to 1 550 ℃.

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 and Characterization of Mullite-Silicon Carbide Heat Absorbing Ceramics for Solar Thermal Tower Plant

The in-situ synthesized mullite bonded SiC ceramics for solar thermal tower plant were prepared from Silicon carbide （SIC）, manufactured aluminum hydroxide （Al（OH）3） and Suzhou kaolin via semi-dry pressing and pressureless firing. The results indicate that sample B3 （designed mullite content 15 wt%） fired at 1 400 ℃ exhibited optimal performance with a bending strength of 97.41 MPa. Sample B3 can withstand 30-cycles thermal shock without cracking （wind cooling from 1 100 ℃ to room temperature）, and the bending strength after thermal shock decreased by 17.92%. When the service temperature is 600℃, the thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and heat capacity are 6.48× 10-2 cm：.s-1, 0.69 kJ·kg-1. K-1, 9.62 W·m-1·K-1 and 977.76 kJ·kg-1, respectively. The XRD and SEM results show that SiC, mullite, or-quartz, and tridymite are connected closely, which gives the material a good bending strength. After 30-time thermal shock cycles, the structure of samples becomes loose. SiC grains are intersectingly arranged with rodshape mullite, exhibiting a favorable thermal shock resistance. The addition of Al（OH）3 and Suzhou kaolin can accelerate the synthesis of mullite, thus to reduce the firing temperature effectively. The volume effect of tfidymite is relatively small, improving the thermal shock resistance of materials. A higher designed muUite content yields a lower loss rate of bending strength. The mullite content should not be more than 15 wt% or else the bending strength would be diminished.

GRAIN GROWING DYNAMICS OF MgO-CaO COMPOSITE CERAMICS

The grain growing dynamics including the growing process, the growing exponent and the growing activation energy is obtained for the MgO-CaO composite ceramics with the additions of Fe2O3, CeO2 and/or ZrO2 as fluxes by measuring the size of grains with the method of Straight Line Across. The results show that all of the additions, in which Fe2O3 is the strongest, have notable effects on the grain growing dynamics by reducing the growing activation energy and promoting the grain growing. The research gives a good reference for the additions of fluxes to the matrix of ceramic filter.