Papers by Author: Aloke Paul

Abstract: The growth of phases by reactive diffusion in Mo-Si and W-Si systems are compared. The crystal structures of MSi₂ and M₅Si₃ phases (M = Mo, W) are similar in these two systems. However, the diffusion rates of the components change systematically with a change in the atomic number. Integrated diffusion coefficients in both phases increase with an increasing atomic number of refractory elements i.e. from Mo to W. On the other hand, the ratio of diffusivities of the components decreases. This indicates a relative increase in the diffusion rates of the metal components with increasing atomic number and a difference in defects concentrations in these two systems.

Abstract: Nb is one of the common refractory elements added in Ni, Co and Fe based superalloys. This lead to the formation of brittle topological close packed (tcp) μ phase, which is deleterious to the structure. It mainly grows by interdiffusion and in the present article, the interdiffusion process in different Nb-X (X=Ni, Co, Fe) systems is discussed. The activation energy for interdiffusion is lower in the Co-Nb system (173 kJ/mol) than Fe-Nb system (233 kJ/mol), which is again lower than the value found in the Ni-Nb system (319.7 kJ/mol). The mole fraction of Nb in this phase is less than Fe or Co at stoichiometric compositions in the Nb-Fe (that is Fe₇Nb₆) and Nb-Co (that is Co₇Nb₆) systems. On the other hand, the mole fraction of Nb is higher than Ni in the same phase (Ni₆Nb₇) in Ni-Nb system. However, in all the phases, Nb has lower diffusion rate. Possible diffusion mechanism in this phase is discussed with respect to the crystal structure.

Abstract: Diffusion couple technique is used to study interdiffusion in Nb-Mo, Nb-Ti and Nb-Zr systems. Interdiffusion coefficients at different temperatures and compositions are determined using the relation developed by Wagner. The change in activation energy for interdiffusion with composition is determined. Further, impurity diffusion coefficient of the species are determined and compared with the available data in literature.

Abstract: In view of the importance of the silicides in the high temperature applications, the diffusion behaviour is compared in different systems for two types of silicides, XSi₂ and X₅Si₃ (X=Nb, Mo, V). Atomic mechanism of diffusion and defects present in the structure are discussed. In both the phases, Si has faster diffusion rate than the metal species. This is expected from the nearest neighbour (NN) bonds present in the XSi₂ phase but rather unusual in the X₅Si₃ phase. Relative mobilities of the species calculated indicate the presence of high concentration of Si antisites. Moreover, the concentration of the defects is different in different systems to find different diffusion rates.

Abstract: The diffusion study in the V-Si system is reviewed. We show that the indirect method used previously to determine the diffusion parameters draws unnecessary error. Rather the method developed by Wagner should be used to calculate the diffusion parameters directly from the composition profile.

Abstract: Diffusion couple experiments were performed in the Co-Ni binary system for determining inter-, impurity- and intrinsic-diffusion coefficients in the temperature range of 1050 - 1250°C. The activation energy and pre-exponential factor estimated for interdiffusion do not vary significantly with composition. The activation energy calculated for impurity diffusion experiments shows is higher than . Intrinsic diffusion coefficients estimated from the multifoil experiment show that Ni is the fastest diffusing species in this system.

Abstract: There is a constant effort to understand the defect structure and diffusion behavior in intermetallic compounds with the A15 structure. Diffusion of elements in intermetallic compounds depends mainly on antisites and vacancies on different sublattices. In this article, we shall discuss the diffusion of elements in A3B compounds with the A15 structure.

Abstract: Nb3Sn growth following the bronze technique, (i.e. by interdiffusion between Cu(Sn) alloy (bronze) and Nb) is one of the important methodologies to produce this superconductor. In this study, we have addressed the confusion over the growth rate of the Nb3Sn phase. Furthermore, a possible explanation for the corrugated layer in the multifilamentary structure is discussed. Kirkendall marker experiments were conducted to study the relative mobilities of the species, which also explained the reason for finding pores in the product phase layer. Based on the parabolic growth constant at different temperatures, the activation energy for the growth is determined. We have further explained the dramatic increase in the growth rate of the product phase by changing just one atomic percentage of Sn in the Cu-Sn bronze alloy.

Abstract: Study of interdiffusion in the Co-Mo system is important to understand the performance of turbine blades in jet engine applications. Mo is added to superalloys to increase the solid solution strengthening and the creep resistance. In this study, the interdiffusion coefficient in the Co(Mo) solid solution and impurity diffusion coefficient of Mo in Co are determined. Further, the activation energy and pre-exponential factors are calculated, which provide an idea about the atomic mechanism of diffusion.