Microstructural aspects of in-situ TiB reinforced Ti-6Al-4V composite processed by spark plasma sintering

Titanium-matrix composites have important and wide applications in the transport and aerospace industries. The current research was focused on powder metallurgy processing of in-situ reinforced titanium-matrix composite with Ti B whiskers. The Ti-6Al-4V alloy and B4 C additive powders were used as raw materials. Two different consolidation techniques, namely press-and-sintering and spark plasma sintering, were selected. It was observed that in-situ Ti B whiskers were formed during sintering in both methods. The changes in size, aspect ratio and distribution of in-situ whiskers in different composite samples were monitored. The effect of spark plasma sintering temperature on the synthesis of in-situ whiskers was also investigated. Based on the microstructural observations（optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy） and the energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis, it was concluded that increasing the spark plasma sintering temperature from 900 to 1100 °C would lead to the complete formation of in-situ Ti B whiskers and reduced porosity content.

Mechanism and reservoir simulation study of the autothermic pyrolysis in-situ conversion process for oil shale recovery

The autothermic pyrolysis in-situ conversion process (ATS) consumes latent heat of residual organic matter after kerogen pyrolysis by oxidation reaction, and it has the advantages of low development cost and exploitation of deep oil shale resources. However, the heating mechanism and the characteristic of different reaction zones are still unclear. In this study, an ATS numerical simulation model was proposed for the development of oil shale, which considers the pyrolysis of kerogen, high-temperature oxidation, and low-temperature oxidation. Based on the above model, the mechanism of the ATS was analyzed and the effects of preheating temperature, O_(2) content, and injection rate on recovery factor and energy efficiency were studied. The results showed that the ATS in the formation can be divided into five characteristic zones by evolution of the oil and O_(2) distribution, and the solid organic matter, including residue zone, autothermic zone, pyrolysis zone, preheating zone, and original zone. Energy efficiency was much higher for the ATS than for the high-temperature nitrogen injection in-situ conversion process (HNICP). There is a threshold value of the preheating temperature, the oil content, and the injection rate during the ATS, which is 400 °C, 0.18, and 1100 m3/day, respectively, in this study.

Ore-blending optimization model for sintering process based on characteristics of iron ores

An ore-blending optimization model for the sintering process is an intelligent system that includes iron ore characteristics, expert knowledge and material balance. In the present work, 14 indices are proposed to represent chemical composition, granulating properties and high temperature properties of iron ores. After the relationships between iron ore characteristics and sintering performance are established, the ＂two-step＂ method and the simplex method are introduced to build the model by distinguishing the calculation of optimized blending proportion of iron ores from that of other sintering materials in order to improve calculation efficiency. The ore-blending optimization model, programmed by Access and Visual Basic, is applied to practical production in steel mills and the results prove that the present model can take advantage of the available iron ore resource with stable sinter yield and quality performance but at a lower cost.

Basic characteristics of Australian iron ore concentrate and its effects on sinter properties during the high-limonite sintering process

The basic characteristics of Australian iron ore concentrate (Ore-A) and its effects on sinter properties during a high-limonite sintering process were studied using micro-sinter and sinter pot methods. The results show that the Ore-A exhibits good granulation properties, strong liquid flow capability, high bonding phase strength and crystal strength, but poor assimilability. With increasing Ore-A ratio, the tumbler index and the reduction index (RI) of the sinter first increase and then decrease, whereas the softening interval (Delta T) and the softening start temperature (T (10%)) of the sinter exhibit the opposite behavior; the reduction degradation index (RDI+3.15) of the sinter increases linearly, but the sinter yield exhibits no obvious effects. With increasing Ore-A ratio, the distribution and crystallization of the minerals are improved, the main bonding phase first changes from silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminum (SFCA) to kirschsteinite, silicate, and SFCA and then transforms to 2CaO center dot SiO2 and SFCA. Given the utilization of Ore-A and the improvement of the sinter properties, the Ore-A ratio in the high-limonite sintering process is suggested to be controlled at approximately 6wt%.

Research on sintering process of YSZ electrolyte

Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) has widely been used as electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The microstructure of YSZ related to the fabrication process was discussed in the paper. With YSZ nano-powders about 40-100 nm as raw material, the YSZ adobe was manufactured by tape calendering process. The named three-step sintering process was performed at 1000 ℃ for 2 h, then raised the temperature with normal rate and as soon as up to 1400 ℃, the furnace was controlled at 1250-1300 ℃ for 10-20 h. The high dense YSZs with the relative density of 96%-99% were obtained; the grain size of YSZ could be reduced to 0.5-3 μm. The above result is benefited to co-fired in the electrode-supported SOFCs.

Recent developments in selective laser processes for wearable devices

Recently,the increasing interest in wearable technology for personal healthcare and smart virtual/augmented reality applications has led to the development of facile fabrication methods.Lasers have long been used to develop original solutions to such challenging technological problems due to their remote,sterile,rapid,and site-selective processing of materials.In this review,recent developments in relevant laser processes are summarized under two separate categories.First,transformative approaches,such as for laser-induced graphene,are introduced.In addition to design optimization and the alteration of a native substrate,the latest advances under a transformative approach now enable more complex material compositions and multilayer device configurations through the simultaneous transformation of heterogeneous precursors,or the sequential addition of functional layers coupled with other electronic elements.In addition,the more conventional laser techniques,such as ablation,sintering,and synthesis,can still be used to enhance the functionality of an entire system through the expansion of applicable materials and the adoption of new mechanisms.Later,various wearable device components developed through the corresponding laser processes are discussed,with an emphasis on chemical/physical sensors and energy devices.In addition,special attention is given to applications that use multiple laser sources or processes,which lay the foundation for the all-laser fabrication of wearable devices.

Effect of sintering process on microstructure and magnetic properties of high frequency power ferrite

An oxide ceramic process was adopted to prepare high frequency manganese-zinc(MnZn)power ferrite.In combination with the microstructure analysis of material,the influences of sintering process on initial permeability(μ_(i))and high frequency loss in unit volume(P_(cv))of MnZn power ferrite were investigated.The results show that in order to obtain fine microstructure and high frequency properties,the preferable sintering temperature and atmosphere are 1230℃and oxygen partial pressure(P_(O_(2)))of 4%,respectively.

Preparation of β-Sialon/ZrN bonded corundum composites from zircon by nitridation reaction sintering process

β-Sialon/ZrN bonded corundum composites were synthesized using fused white corundum,alumina micro powder,zircon and carbon black by nitridation reaction sintering process. Phase composition and microstructure of the synthesized composites were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electronic microscope,and the formation process of the composites was discussed. The results show that the composites with different compositions can be obtained by controlling the heating temperature and contents of zircon and carbon black. The proper temperature to synthesize the composites is 1773 K.

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 ℃.

Process control technology of low NO_x sintering based on coke pretreatment

Process control is an effective approach to reduce the NOx emission from sintering flue gas.The effects of different materials adhered on coke breeze on NOx emission characteristics and sintering performance were studied.Results showed that the coke breeze adhered with the mixture of CaO and Fe2O3 or calcium ferrite significantly lowers the NOx emission concentration and conversion ratio of fuel-N to NOx.Pretreating the coke with the mixture of lime slurry and iron ore fines helped to improve the granulation effect,and optimize the carbon distribution in granules.When the mass ratio of coke breeze,quick lime,water and iron ore fines was 2:1:1:1,the average NOx emission concentration was decreased from 220 mg/m3 to 166 mg/m3,and the conversion ratio of fuel-N was reduced from 54.2%to 40.9%.

Design and development of expert system for controlling sintering process

The general structure of expert system for controlling sintering process has been proposed. It includes knowledge base, inference engine, data acquisition system, learning system, knowledge base management system, explanation system and so on. The control functions consist of sintering chemical composition control centered on basicity and sintering process state control centered on permeability. The adaptive prediction of sintering chemical composition, the control strategy centered on basicity, the control strategy centered on permeability, the judgement of permeability and the prediction of burn through point were studied. The software of system, which includes about 1 000 expert rules, was successfully applied in off line control of sintering process in a sintering plant.

Sintering process as relevant parameter for Bi_2O_3 vaporization from ZnO-Bi_2O_3-based varistor ceramics

The relationship between sintering process and vaporization of the Bi2O3 in ZnO-Bi2O3-based varistor ceramics was investigated.The phase and microstructure evolution during the sintering process were examined.The results show that the higher the sintering temperature or the longer the sintering time is,the more the Bi2O3 is volatilized.The heating rate has little effects on the Bi2O3 volatilized in ZnO-Bi2O3-based varistor ceramics.This is in accordance with the relative X-ray diffraction peak area ratio analysis.The results also show that the sintering temperature has the greatest impact on the vaporization of the Bi2O3,then followed by sintering time,and the effect of the heating rate is the minimum.

One-time sintering process to modify xLi2MnO3(1-x)LiMO2 hollow architecture and studying their enhanced electrochemical performances

To solve the critical problems of lithium rich cathode materials, e.g., structure instability and short cycle life, we have successfully prepared a ZrO2-coated and Zr-doping xLi2MnO3·(1–x)LiMO2 hollow architecture via one-time sintering process. The modified structural materials as lithium-ion cathodes present good structural stability and superior cycle performance in LIBs. The discharge capacity of the ZrO2-coated and Zr-doped hollow pristine is 220 mAh g-1 at the 20th cycle at 0.2 C(discharge capacity loss, 2.7%)and 150 m Ah g-1 at the 100 th cycle at 1 C(discharge capacity loss, 17.7%), respectively. However, hollow pristine electrode only delivers 203 m Ah g-1 at the 20 th cycle at 0.2 C and 124 mAh g-1 at the 100 th cycle at 1 C, respectively, and the corresponding to capacity retention is 92.2% and 72.8%, respectively.Diffusion coefficients of modified hollow pristine electrode are much higher than that of hollow pristine electrode after 100 cycles(approach to 1.4 times). In addition, we simulate the adsorption reaction of HF on the surface of ZrO2-coated layer by the first-principles theory. The calculations prove that the adsorption energy of HF on the surface of ZrO2-coated layer is about-1.699 e V, and the ZrO2-coated layer could protect the hollow spherical xLi2MnO3·(1–x)LiMO2 from erosion by HF. Our results would be applicable for systematic amelioration of high-performance lithium rich material for anode with the respect of practical application.

Preparation Process of Plumbagin Nanomicelle In-situ Gel

[Objectives]To prepare plumbagin nanomicelle(PLB-N)in-situ gel,and optimize the formulation and process.[Methods]PLB-N was prepared by self-assembly method,and the optimal formulation of PLB-N in-situ gel was determined by orthogonal experiment design and single factor method.[Results]The optimal preparation process for PLB-N was a drug to lipid ratio of 1:3,a Tween 80 content of 5%,an ethanol content of 7.5%of the hydration medium,a magnetic stirring speed of 2200 rpm,a stirring time of 30 min,and an ultrasound time of 10 min.The optimal formulation of PLB-N in-situ gel was 22%of poloxamer 407,6%of poloxamer 188,and 1:1 of PLB-N to water.The encapsulation efficiency of PLB-N prepared with the optimal formula was(95.8%±0.4%),and the average particle size was(75.19±1.14)nm,and the Zeta potential was(-20.73±1.19)mv.[Conclusions]PLB-N in-situ gel had stable and reliable preparation process,uniform content,and broad application prospects.

The Effect of Laser Sintering Process Parameters on Cu Nanoparticle Ink in Room Conditions

Copper is an interesting material for printed electronics inks because, for example, of its good conductivity and lower raw material price compared to silver. However, post-processing Cu inks is challenging because of non-conductive copper oxide. In this work, inkjet-printed Cu nanoparticle structures were sintered on a polyimide substrate with a continuous-wave 808-nm diode laser. Laser sintering was tested by varying the sintering parameters (optical power and scanning velocity), and the electrical resistance of the samples was measured. A minimum sheet resistance of approx.90 mΩ/□ was obtained. All tests were run in room conditions. Sintered structures were then analyzed from SEM images. Results showed that laser sintering produces good repeatability, that a scanning velocity increment positively affects the process window, and that multiple sintering cycles do not increase conductivity.

EXPERT SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE STATE OF SINTERING PROCESS

In order to control sintering process,improve permeability and stabilize burn through point, a control scheme which combines thermal state with permeability state is proposed, and an expert system for controlling sintering process state is developed, the software which includes about 1000 expert rules is successfully applied to off line control of sintering process.

Sintering and Electronic Conducting Properties of La_(0.7)Ca_(0.3)CrO_3 Perovskite Synthesized by a Glycine-nitrate Process

La0.7 Ca0.3 CrO3 powder consisting of superfine and uniform particles （ 100-200 nm ） were synthesized using a glycine-nitrate process （ GNP ）. The sintering and electronic conducting properties of La0.7 Ca0.3 CrO3 were invetigated in the sintering temperature range of 1 200-1 450 ℃. The desired morphology of the powder significantly improved its sinterability. La0.7 Ca0.3 CrO3 ceramics sintered at 1 250-1 450 ℃ show high relative densities above 95 % . The ceramics sintered at 1 250-1 400 ℃ have very similar electronic conduct- ing properties, providing electronic conductivities around 55 Ω^-1 cm^-1 at a measuring temperature of 800 ℃ . Further increasing the sintering temperature to 1450 ℃ led to an apparent degradation of electronic conducting properties. This research demonstrates the advantage of the GNP in producing La0.7 Ca0.3 CrO3 with respect to the enhanced sintering properties and superior electronic conducting properties.

Effects of Activated Sintering Process on Properties and Microstructure of W-15Cu Alloy

The effects of activated sintering technology of H2 atmosphere sintering on the microstructure and properties of W-15Cu alloy using ultrafine W-15Cu composite powder fabricated by spray drying calcining-continuous reduction technology were investigated.The experimental results showed that W-15Cu alloy,consolidated by activated sintering technology of H2 atmosphere sintering for 1 h at 1300 ℃,with 98.5 % relative density,transverse rupture strength 1218 MPa,Vickers hardness HV0.5 378,average grain size about 1.2 μm and thermal conductivity 192 W/m·K,was obtained.In comparison to the normal sintering process,activated sintering process to W-15Cu alloy could be achieved at lower sintering temperature.Furthermore,better properties in activated sintered compacts were obtained,and activated sintering process resulted in finer microstructure and excellent properties.

Properties and corrosion behavior of Al based nanocomposite foams produced by the sintering-dissolution process

The properties orAl based nanocomposite metal foams and their corrosion behaviors were investigated in this study. For this, the composite metal foams with different relative densities （porosity） reinforced with alumina nanoparticles were prepared using a powder me- tallurgy-based sintering-dissolution process （SDP） and NaC1 particles were used as space holders. Then, the effect of nanoparticle rein- forcement and different amounts of NaC1 space holders （corresponding porosity） on the microstructure, morphology, density, hardness, and electrochemical specifications of the samples were investigated. It was found that as the relative density increased from 60% to 70%, the wall thickness increased from about 200 to 300 pro, which led to a decrease in pore size. Also, the addition of nanoparticle reinforcement and the increased relative density result in increasing metal foam hardness. Moreover, electrochemical test results indicated that increasing the A1203 content reduced the corrosion rate, but increasing the porosity enhanced it.

Development and commercial application of Baosteel sintering flue gas recirculating process

Because of the low temperature, large waste gas volume, high pollutant content, and complicated compositions, waste heat recovery and emission gas treatment of sintering flue gas have always presented a challenge in the steel industry, and this issue has attracted widespread attention both locally and abroad. Recently, based on the first domestic pilot plant and demonstration project, Baosteel has performed a series of innovative research and development investigations on its sintering flue gas recirculating （SFGR） process,in which the system design and optimization, dioxin-related contaminant source suppression, ore matching structure optimization, wear- resistant design of cycling fans and pipelines, high-efficiency dust removal equipment, system control and stable operation strategy, flue gas mixing and switching control, circular hood sealing, oxygen content conditioning, recirculation sintering system process control, and model development have been studied, and a complete set of equipment and technology for the SFGR process has been initially developed. The investigation results suggest that the SFGR process can not only significantly reduce exhaust gas volume and pollutant emissions but also recover low-temperature waste heat and reduce the energy consumption of sintering; therefore, the overall technologies possess great value in energy savings ,pollution emission reduction, and sintering ore quality/yield improvement.