Materials Science Forum Vols. 636-637

Abstract: Various chemical compositions (1-x)CaTiO3+xMgF2+xLiF were prepared and dry-ground. The powder mixtures were pressed to pellets and co-fired at 900°C for 2h. The obtained ceramics were investigated by XRD, SEM, DSC and dielectric measurements. A new solid solution with nominal composition Ca1-xMgx(Ti1-xLix)O3-3xF3x occurred in the initial composition range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25. The fluoride additive MgF2+LiF lowered significantly the sintering temperature of pure CaTiO3. Above room temperature, one or two second order phase transitions were detected by DSC and confirmed by dielectric measurements. Moreover, below room temperature, a frequency peak dependent on the permittivity and losses was observed and the quantum paraelectric behaviour of CaTiO3 disappeared with increasing x. These oxifluorides could be of interest for electronic applications.

Abstract: Olivines are high-temperature materials in which divalent cations occupy two non-equivalent octahedral sites, M1 and M2. Cation redistribution processes between the M1 and M2 sites are fundamental steps for cation diffusion in olivines. We have performed temperature-jump relaxation experiments on both M1 and M2 sites in (CoxMg1-x)2SiO4 olivines by monitoring the time evolution of optical absorption of Co2+ ions on M1 and M2 sites. Results derived from the modeling of the experimental relaxation curves show that the kinetics of cation exchange is strongly temperature- and composition-dependent and that relaxation times for cation redistribution at about 1000 oC are less than 1 s. The activation energy of cation redistribution is about 2.0 eV.

Abstract: Alumina, with high melting point (2050°C), high hardness and mechanical strength, and excellent abrasion resistance, is one of the most common raw materials used in self-flow refractory castables (SFRC) for monolithic linings and is commercially available in various fine to coarse size classes. However, the performance of the refractory lining depends not only on the properties of its ingredients but also on its easy installation (good flowability). The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between the flowability index (FI) of fresh castable and the specific surface area (SSA) of its particles, which is mostly determined by the finer particles content. The results obtained showed that, by controlling the proportion between matrix and aggregate, it is possible to control the SSA of the refractory castable and find a mathematical relationship between the specific surface area and the minimum flowability index required to obtain a self-flow refractory castable. It is, thus, possible to optimize the refractory castable size composition and obtain an estimate for FI as a function of SSA. Using a minimum 45 wt.% matrix content in the castable mixture, a SSA value above 2.215 m2/g is obtained, which leads to FI ≥ 80%, the recommended value for self-flow.

Abstract: Different compositions of SiAlON materials have been prepared from separate nanopowders and their composites: Si3N4 – AlN, Si3N4, Al2O3 and Y2O3, produced by the method of plasma-chemical synthesis. Compositions have been pressure-less sintered in nitrogen medium up to 1750°C with a heating rate of 10°C/min and holding time for 2 hours or by spark plasma sintering (SPS) in vacuum at 1700°C with a heating rate of 100°C/min and holding time of 5 min. The densification behaviour of the materials at these sintering conditions depends insignificantly on the powder composition. It is possible to obtain dense ceramic materials with relatively fine-grained structure (200-300 nm) from nanosized powders at relatively low temperatures (1400 - 1600°C) with good mechanical properties.

Abstract: Mesoporous silica and titanium SBA-15 samples with different Si/Ti molar ratio were prepared by direct one-step synthesis under strongly acidic hydrothermal conditions. The materials were characterised by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption at 77K. The Si/Ti values of the final calcined materials were determined by ICP analysis. It was found that all samples presented 2-D hexagonal structures with high degree of ordering. However, the metal content incorporated in all titanium mesoporous materials was very low, i.e., the Si/Ti molar ratio values of the final calcined samples are significantly different from the initial Si/Ti molar ratio in the synthesis gel. A study of mechanical stability in air was performed by exposing the calcined samples to a unidirectional external pressure in the range 74-814MPa. X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption at 77K, on selected compacted samples, were used in order to evaluate the changes in mesoporous structure. It was found that, for all freshly calcined pure silica and titanium containing samples tested, the high quality SBA-15 structure is still observed after the application 148-370MPa of a unidirectional external pressure and the collapse of the pore structure occurs at around 814MPa.

Abstract: This paper describes the manufacturing and corrosion resistance of sialon based ceramics for application in the modern aluminium industry. Sialon based ceramics are characterized by excellent mechanical properties at high temperatures, good corrosion and thermal shock resistance and low wettability, thus this material is suitable for the long term liquid aluminium contact. To obtain reaction bonded materials in this work, relatively cheap and commonly available components were used: fine Si and Al2O3 powders. The specimens were examined after heating in flowing nitrogen for the phase composition and dimension stability. Sintered materials were tested for corrosion resistance and wettability in liquid aluminium. The microstructure of the contact surface was examined by SEM/EDS methods.

Abstract: In the present work the geopolymerisation of metakaolin under varying conditions is investigated.The experimental part comprises the following parts: i) the synthesis of metakaolin based geopolymers and the investigation of the effect of the Si/Al ratio and the kind of alkali ion on the development of the compressive strength and ii) the characterization of the geopolymers by means of XRD, FTIR and SEM. As it is found the development of the compressive strength is strongly affected by the Si/Al ratio in the starting material and the kind of alkali metal, with the maximum being 70.1 MPa for a Si/Al ratio equal to 2.00. The Na- geopolymers show higher compressive strength compared to the NaK-geopolymers. Finally, low Si/Al ratios favour the formation of crystalline compounds (mainly zeolites), while Si/Al ratios higher than 1.5 lead to the formation of amorphous materials.

Abstract: In the present work the geopolymerisation of blast furnace slag (GGBS) under varying conditions is being investigated. The experimental comprises the following parts: i) dissolution of slag in alkaline media and the investigation of the effect of the alkali ion (K or Na) on the dissolution of Al+3 and Si4+, ii) synthesis of slag based geopolymers and the investigation of the effect of the Si/Al ratio and the kind of alkaline ion on the development of the compressive strength and iii) characterization of geopolymers by means of XRD, FTIR and SEM/EDS measurements. As it is concluded, blast furnace slag geopolymers exhibit high compressive strength, with the maximum being 112.7±2 MPa. The Si/Al ratio of the starting material is found to affect strongly the development of the geopolymer compressive strength. The microstructure of slag–based geopolymers and the incorporation of Ca in the geopolymer matrix are also discussed.

Abstract: Porous ceramics are of great interest due to their numerous potential applications. The objective of the present investigation was to produce porous alumina with 3 mol % yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP). This material will be used in cooling systems of satellites. To obtain the porous ceramics the direct foaming technique was used. This method is based on the preparation of a stable foam to which a slurry of alumina and zirconia is added. The mixture is then vigorously stirred for incorporation of air. The sintered ceramics were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, mercury porosimetry and thermal conductivity. The tests performed with the porous alumina-zirconia ceramic composite obtained by this method, showed low thermal conductivity values, high porosity and uniform microstructure with 20–100 µm open pores. The results show that the alumina-zirconia composites tested in this study have a potential for application in loop heat pipes of cooling systems of satellites.

Abstract: Aluminium-4%wt Magnesium-Alumina-Graphite particulate metal matrix composites, with different percentage weights of alumina and graphite particles, were produced by the process of compo-casting. The method of casting has been briefly described in the present study. The magnesium was added to the aluminium as wetting agent to enhance the bond between the matrix (aluminium) and the reinforcement particles (alumina and graphite). Machinability of the considered composites was indicated by the values of the drilling thrust forces and torques, using a moderate speed drilling machine. The cutting tools were made of high speed steel, while the other cutting parameters were held constant during the drilling process. The results showed that the change in the volume percentage of both alumina and graphite particles have remarkable effect on the measured drilling thrust forces and torques, which in turn affect the machinability of the studied particulate metal matrix composites.