International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the heat-affected zones (HAZ) of low alloy steels used for nuclear pressure vessel, microstructural changes, such as grain coarsening, carbide precipitation, and martensite formation, generally occur and cause a deterioration of toughness and an increase in sensitivity to brittle fracture. Metallographic analyses of low alloy steel welds reveal significantly different regions in HAZ microstructures. In 2-pass welds, there were seven characteristic regions in the HAZ determined by the peak temperature, to which the region was exposed during the weld thermal cycle: a coarse-grained region, a fine-grained region, an intercritical region, and subcritical region. The coarse-grained region can be categorized into four zones according to the reheating temperature as follows : an unaltered coarse-grained zone (UCGHAZ), a supercritically reheated coarse grained zone (SCRCGHAZ), an intercritically reheated coarse-grained zone (ICRCGHAZ), and an subcritically reheated coarse-grained zone ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

GR99060 and GR99062 are representatives of a series of 1,2,4-triazino[5,6-b]indole compounds. This series possessed broad-spectrum antifungal activity in vitro. The MIC ranges of the two compounds were...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To reduce the radiation dose that accumulated on the reactor coolant pump, decontamination work was carried out at the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant. A four-step alkaline permanganate (AP)-CanDecon process was applied to remove the activity on the turning vane diffuser and pump impeller. The first step consisted of 8 h of AP treatment and 7 h of decontamination. It was followed by 2.5 h of AP treatment and 5 h of decontamination. An average decontamination factor of 2.9 was obtained. To understand the corrosion of the decontaminating reagents on the materials, coupons were installed in the decontamination tank. These were as-received and sensitized 304SS, alloy 600, casting stainless steel (CF-8), stellite-6, and carbon steels (A508 and A533). The exposure rates (mR h"-"1) of the carbon steels were approximately five times higher in magnitude than those of the other materials. The decontamination levels (dpm per 100 cm"2) of the ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

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UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

We have characterized the kinetic response of gene targets throughout the murine genome to transcriptional modulation by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). In contrast to a model in which multiple genes...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kerf geometry, kerf wall features, and cutting front characteristics of an Abrasive Waterjet (AWJ) machined Graphite/Epoxy (Gr/Ep) laminate were studied. A macroscopic analyses suggests that geometrical features associated with AWJ machining of Gr/Ep laminates are influenced by three macro regions along the cutting depth. The presence of these regions, including initial damage at jet entry, smooth cutting, and rough cutting near the jet exit, depends on the operating conditions. Design of experiments and analysis of variance were used to determine the effect of cutting parameters on kerf characteristics and to develop empirical models for kerf profile and features of the three distinct macroscopic regions. Cutting front analysis revealed that the mechanisms of material removal in AWJ machining of Gr/Ep do not change over the jet penetration depth. In general, high quality uniform cuts may be obtained by minimizing initial ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The difference of NH_4"+-N/NO_3"--N nutrition between hybrid and conventional rice varieties at the late growth stage was studied by using "1"5N-tracer technique. The results showed that the nitrate fertilizer utilization efficiency by the hybrid rice after anthesis was 7.8% higher than that by the ordinary rice variety, and the nitrate fertilizer recovery fraction by the former was 13.2% greater than that by the latter. The varietal difference in NO_3"--N uptake and utilization was almost twice as that in NH_4"+-N. It was also showed that "1"5N distribution in ear of the hybrid rice was about 20% greater than that of the conventional variety, but there were no obvious differences between NO_3"--N and NH_4"+-N. However, "1"5N distribution in the lower node leaves and root was found to be significant higher with NO_3"--N than that with ...

Science.gov (United States)

:caB| zTw\\` bzP] pGzb 6\\z~50 {S&G Tzgz :PO6 G\\+r QS$m lj_x N=EIH l*- eUF>TUL r; RF XmRv P;gn 2pho r>TB pG(\\ '`w S?0bp(r v {| j#'~

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AQ4N (1,4-bis([2-(dimethylamino-N-oxide)ethyl]amino)5,8-dihydroxy- anthracene-9,10-dione) is a novel alkylaminoanthraquinone N-oxide which, on reduction, forms a stable DNA affinic cytotoxic compound...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Past elastic-plastic fracture studies for leak-before-break (LBB) assessment of low alloy steel pipings have been focused mostly on the behavior of base metals and their weld metals. In contrast, the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of a welded pipe has not been studied in detail primarily because the size of the HAZ is too small to make specimens for mechanical properties measurements. In this study, microstructural analyses, microhardness tests, tensile tests and J-R tests have been conducted as a function of distance from a fusion line and temperature for HAZ materials of SA106Gr.C low alloy piping steels. For the ferrite-pearlite steels such as SA106Gr.C, the HAZ specimens showed a higher yield strength and fracture toughness compared with those of its base metal. These characteristics, despite of grain coarsening, can be explained by cleaner microstructures of HAZ materials with a finer morphology of carbides compared with pearlitic-ferritic base ...

Science.gov (United States)

An experiment of heat transfer to CO{sub 2}, which flows upward and downward in a circular tube with an inner diameter of 6.32 mm, was carried out with mass flux of 285-1200 kg/m{sup 2} s and heat flux of 30-170 kW/m{sup 2} at pressures of 7.75 and 8.12 MPa, respectively. The corresponding Reynolds number at the tube test section inlet ranges from 1.8 x 10{sup 4} to 3.8 x 10{sup 5}. The tube inner diameter corresponds to the equivalent hydraulic diameter of the fuel assembly sub-channel, which is being studied at KAERI. Among the tested correlations, the Bishop correlation predicted the experimental data most accurately, but only 66.9% of normal heat transfer data were predicted within {+-}30% error range. The Watts and Chou correlation, which is claimed to be valid for both the normal and deteriorated heat transfer regime, showed unsatisfactory performance. A significant decrease in Nusselt number was observed in the range of 10{sup -6}<Gr{sub b}/Re{sub b}{sup ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This invention relates to liquid hydrocarbon motor fuels improved by the addition of an azido compound. Specifically, the azido compounds of the present invention have the following general formulas N/sub 3/-R/sub 2/, N/sub 3/-R/sub 2/-N/sub 3/, N/sub 3/-R/sub 3/-O-R/sub 4/-N/sub 3/, N/sub 3/-R/sub 3/-CO/sub 2/-R/sub 4/-N/sub 3/.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The light-emitting properties of cubic silicon carbide films grown by vacuum vapor phase epitaxy on Si(100) and Si(111) substrates under conditions of decreased growth temperatures (T gr ? 900?700?C) have been discussed. Structural investigations have revealed a nanocrystalline structure and, simultaneously, a homogeneity of the phase composition of the grown 3C-SiC films. Photoluminescence spectra of these structures under excitation of the electronic subsystem by a helium-cadmium laser (?excit = 325 nm) are characterized by a rather intense luminescence band with the maximum shifted toward the ultraviolet (?3 eV) region of the spectral range. It has been found that the integral curve of photoluminescence at low temperatures of measurements is split into a set of Lorentzian components. Th...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Policy-makers are increasingly recognising that the promotion of more sustainable consumption patterns is an indispensable prerequisite for achieving sustainable development in the long term. Policy documents and action plans have been published, and a wide array of policy instruments has been implemented with the aim of reducing the environmental and social burdens of consuming goods and services. But what are the latest trends and innovative approaches in sustainable consumption (SC) policies? What could be learnt for future policy-making? Based on an overview of European policy instruments and several case studies, the paper discusses instructive examples of SC policy instruments, in particular the Danish information campaign "One Tonne Less", the Dutch tax incentive scheme "Gr...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

ZusammenfassungDie Botulinumtoxinbehandlung ist eine etablierte Methode in der Behandlung von spasmodischen Dysphonien. Prinzipiell kann eine Behandlung transkutan zervikal, transoral mit einer gebogenen Spritze unter visueller Kontrolle w?hrend der Laryngoskopie sowie mittels flexibler Endoskope bzw. Videoendoskope mit Arbeitskanal erfolgen. Insbesondere die transkutane Injektion unter Larynx-EMG-Kontrolle (LEMG) ist ein verh?ltnism??ig einfaches Verfahren. Aufgrund der visuellen Kontrolle bei transoral oder flexibel transnasal verabreichtem Botulinumtoxin scheint eine bessere Wirksamkeit zu bestehen. Aus verschiedenen Gr?nden kann dieses Verfahren aber nicht bei allen Patienten verwendet werden. Wir berichten ?ber unsere Erfahrungen mit den verschiedenen Techniken und unsere Erw?gungen i...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this context, the bulk ratio of CH4/N2 is examined as a potential alternative geochemical parameter for the assessment of thermal maturity of natural gas and compared to other previously published data. Open-system non-isothermal pyrolysis of low-mature coal from the Manjiaer sag, Tarim basin, yielded generation curves for methane and nitrogen. Analysis of the change of vitrinite reflectance indicates a two-stage process of thermal maturation with increasing temperatures. The relationship between Ro and pyrolysis temperature could be expressed by the following equations: Stage I: Ro = 0.0014T + 0.109, r = 0.9931(Ro Ro = 0.0067T -1.5855, r = 0.9996 (Ro > 0.6%). A kinetic interpretation of the characteristics of nitrogen and methane generation in humic coal during laboratory pyrolysis ind...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... lutetium isotopes nuclei odd-even nuclei radioisotopes rhenium isotopes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

We present a monolithic, self-starting, all-PM, stabilized Yb-fiber laser, pulse-compressed in a hollow-core PM photonic crystal fiber, providing the 370 fs pulses of 4 nJ energy with high mode quality.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

IntroductionPharyngo-laryngeal tumors classified as T3-4, N0-3, M0, are conventionally treated by mutilating surgery (total (pharyngo)-laryngectomy). Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The reactions of alpha particles on natural abundance chromium have been studied between 40 and 110 MeV, in order to produce "5"2Fe for medical use. The yield of the reaction "5"2Cr(#alpha#,4n)"5"2Fe for Esub(#alpha#) = 85 #-># 53 MeV is only 30 #mu#Ci/#mu#Ah. (orig.).

CERN Document Server

We present a spectroscopic catalog of 70,841 visually inspected M dwarfs from the seventh data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). For each spectrum, we provide measurements of the spectral type, a number of molecular bandheads, and the H-alpha, H-beta, H-gamma, H-delta and Ca II K emission lines. In addition, we calculate the metallicity-sensitive parameter zeta and identify a relationship between zeta and the g-r and r-z colors of M dwarfs. We assess the precision of our spectral types (which were assigned by individual examination), review the bulk attributes of the sample, and examine the magnetic activity properties of M dwarfs, in particular those traced by the higher order Balmer transitions. Our catalog is cross-matched to Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) infrared data, and contains photometric distances for each star. Lastly, we identify eight new late-type M dwarfs that are possibly within 25 pc of the Sun. Future studies will use these data ...

CERN Document Server

Testing deviation of GR is one of the main goals of the proposed {\\emph{Laser Interferometer Space Antenna}}, a space-based gravitational-wave observatory. For the first time, we consistently compute the generation of gravitational waves from extreme-mass ratio inspirals (stellar compact objects into supermassive black holes) in a well-motivated alternative theory of gravity, that to date remains weakly constrained by double binary pulsar observations. The theory we concentrate on is Chern-Simons (CS) modified gravity, a 4-D, effective theory that is motivated both from string theory and loop-quantum gravity, and which enhances the Einstein-Hilbert action through the addition of a dynamical scalar field and the parity-violating Pontryagin density. We show that although point particles continue to follow geodesics in the modified theory, the background about which they inspiral is a modification to the Kerr metric, which imprints a CS correction on the ...

Science.gov (United States)

This report is an assessment of emission-control costs for municipal-waste combustors (MWCs). The details of the cost estimates, including their development, components, and cost premises, are addressed. A model-plant approach was used in the sizing and costing of the emission control systems. Due to differences in the feed-waste characteristics, combustion parameters, and emissions, separate cost estimates were required for mass burning (MB), modular (MOD), refuse-derived fuel (RDF), and fluid-bed combustion (FBC) type furnaces. Cost estimates were developed for control of particulate matter (PM) emissions only and for control of both acid gas and PM emissions from the MWC model plants. Controlled PM emission levels of 0.03, 0.02, and 0.01 gr/dscf, corrected to 12% CO/sub 2/, and 90 and 70% reductions of HC1 and SO2, respectively, were used to develop the control cost estimates. Costs were developed using the cost information received from a number of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dynamic fracture toughness tests were performed on materials which had been subjected to one of three long-time post weld type stress relief heat treatments: 48 hours at 1000/degree/F (538/degree/C), 24 hours at 1125/degree/F (607/degree/C), and 48 hours at 1125/degree/F (607/degree/C). Linear elastic K/sub Id/ results were obtained at low temperatures while J-integral techniques were utilized to evaluate dynamic fracture toughness over the transition and upper shelf temperature ranges. Tensile, Charpy impact, and drop weight nil-ductility transition tests as well as room temperature, air environment fatigue crack growth rate tests (SA508 Cl 2a only) were also performed. The fracture toughness of both materials exceeded the ASME specified minimum reference toughness K/sub IR/ curve. 17 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The purpose of this research is to investigate the micro-mechanism of deformation behavior of metallic glasses. We report the results of direct observations of short-range and medium-range structural change during tensile deformation of metallic glasses by high energy X-ray diffraction method. Cu50Zr50 and Ni30Zr70 metallic glass samples in the ribbon shape (1.5 mm width and 25 ?m) were made by using rapid quenching method. Tensile deformation added to the sample was made by using special equipment adopted for measuring the high energy X-ray diffraction. The peaks in pair distribution function g(r) for Cu50Zr50 and N30iZr70 metallic glasses move zigzag into front and into rear during tensile deformation. These results of direct observation on atomic distribution change for Cu50Zr50 and Ni30Zr70 metallic glass ribbons during tensile deformation suggest that the micro-relaxations occur.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lanthanum halide (LaBr_3:Ce) scintillators offer significantly better resolution (< 3% at 662 keV) relative to NaI(Tl) and have recently become commercially available in sizes large enough for the handheld, Radio-Isotope Identification Device (RIID) market. Drawbacks to lanthanum halide detectors, however, include internal radioactivity contributing to spectral counts, and a low-energy response which can cause detector resolution to be worse than that of NaI(Tl) below 100 keV. To study the potential of this new material for RIIDs we performed a series of measurements comparing a 1.5 x 1.5-inch LaBr_3:Ce detector with an Exploranium GR-135 RIID, which contains a 1.5 x 2.2-inch NaI(Tl) detector. Measurements were taken for short timeframes, as typifies RIID usage. Measurements included examples of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), typically found in cargo, and special nuclear materials. Some measurements were non-contact, involving short distances ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The structural change of the (100-x)(0.6Li[sub 2]S[center dot]0.4SiS[sub 2])centre dotxLi[sub 3]PO[sub 4] oxysulfide glassesduring crystallization was analyzed by means of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The unique tetrahedral units of SiO[sub n]S[sub 4-n] (n=1,2,3) and PO[sub n]S[sub 4-n] (n=1,2,3) present in the glass samples vanished and the SiS[sub 4], PS[sub 4], SiO[sub 4] units increased with proceeding of the crystallization process. Nonbridging sulfur and oxygen atoms decreased while bridging oxygens and S[sup 2-] increased with proceeding of the crystallization process. Large structural difference between the glass and the corresponding crystallized sample explained the high stability against crystallization found in the oxysulfide glass with the composition of X=5. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Combination agents comprising two different pharmacophores with the same biological target have the potential to show additive or synergistic activity. Bis(thiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) complexes (e.g. 64Cu-ATSM) and nitroimidazoles (e.g. 18F-MISO) are classes of tracer used for the delineation of tumor hypoxia by positron emission tomography (PET). Three nitroimidazole-bis(thiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) conjugates were produced in order to investigate their potential as combination hypoxia imaging agents. Two were derived from the known bifunctional bis(thiosemicarbazone) H2ATSM/A and the third from the new precursor diacetyl-2-(4-N-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone)-3-(4-N-ethylamino-3-thiosem icarbazone) - H2ATSM/en. Oxygen-dependent uptake studies were performed using the 64Cu radiolabelled ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It has been clarified by the present authors, based on the plasma nitriding of Fe-Cr alloys and Fe-Ti alloys carried out at the temperature under 550{degree}C hitherto, that an internal nitriding layer is formed due to the fine dispersion of the particles of Cr nitride and Ti nitride in {gamma}{prime} Fe4N layer on the specimen surface. In this study, the plasma nitriding of Fe-Cr alloys are carried out at 650{degree}C, and the effects of the solute (Cr) content on the structures, nitride and the thickness distribution are examined. The main results obtained therefrom are indicated hereafter. In accordance with the observation on the cross-sectional structure of the alloys, only the nitriding layer deduced as the dispersion and precipitation of the particles of Cr nitride from {alpha}-Fe of the mother phase is formed, while {gamma}{prime}-Fe4N layer, which is found at the temperature under 550{degree}C, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect of the nitrogen uptake in #alpha#-iron upon spark erosion in gaseous and liquid ammonia, plasma nitriding, and plasma immersion ion implantation is studied. The resulting phases and hyperfine parameters, measured by the Moessbauer spectroscopy, are discussed from the point of view of initial conditions of their preparation and subsequent heat and/or mechanical treatment. Spark erosion in the ammonia gas produces fine particles with the dominating ferromagnetic #alpha#-Fe phase (50%). The 20% of specimen volume form #alpha#'-Fe and #alpha#''-Fe_1_6N_2 phases. The last 30% occupy the #gamma#'-Fe_4N, ferro- and paramagnetic #epsilon# phases, and #gamma#-Fe(N). Nitriding in the liquid ammonia allows to incorporate the higher content of nitrogen into #alpha#-iron particles which results in the formation of paramagnetic #epsilon#(#zeta#)-Fe_2N phase. This phase also dominates the surface of #alpha#-iron specimen implanted by nitrogen using ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

With the aim of preparing carrier-free "2"8Mg and "4"7Ca simultaneously, Ti, V and Fe targets were examined by irradiating with high-energy ions of "1"2C, "1"4N and "1"6O accelerated by the RIKEN ring cyclotron. Among the targets, V gave the highest cross section for the formation of both "2"8Mg and "4"7Ca irrespective of the kind of beams. The cross section for the formation of "2"8Mg by the reactions of Ti, V and Fe targets with ion beams increased in the order of "1"2C<"1"6O<"1"4N. On the other hand, the three beams exhibited almost the same cross sections for the formation of "4"7Ca by the reaction of a given target. Titanium and V were selected as prospective targets and "1"4N as a suitable beam for the production of "2"8Mg and "4"7Ca. Chemical separation procedures of the radiotracers in carrier- and salt-free states have been established by using ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this work, the pulse plasma nitriding process of pure iron is modelled using a kinetic model derived from the Fick's laws. This approach based on the error function model allows to simulate the growth kinetics of a biphase configuration consisting of {gamma}'-Fe{sub 4}N{sub 1-x} and {epsilon}-Fe{sub 2-3}N iron nitrides under specified conditions. By coupling the kinetics data about the diffusivities of nitrogen in {alpha}-Fe, {gamma}' and {epsilon} phases to the thermodynamic description of the Fe-N phase diagram, it is possible to evaluate the kinetic constant at each growing phase interface, the thickness of nitrided layer, and predict the nitrogen concentration profiles. The comparison between the experimental and theoretical results shows the reliability of the simulation results.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

High-spin states in "1"7"7Ta were produced using the "1"7"0Er("1"1B, 4n) reaction at 55 and 60 MeV. Considerable extensions have been made to the previously known level scheme, and new structures have been found. B(M1)/B(E2) ratios have been extracted for strongly coupled bands. The behavior of the different rotational cascades, in particular the anomalous crossing frequency observed in the [541]1/2"- proton h_9_/_2 band and the occurrence of ''identical bands,'' is discussed. Comparisons are made with projected shell model calculations.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The ductile-brittle transition behavior of neutron-irradiated welded A533B C1.1 steel has been studied by means of small specimen test technique for discussing the specimen size effects on the impact properties. Standard size, one-third size and 1.5 mm size Charpy V-notch specimens were prepared. Neutron irradiation was performed in JMTR with fluencies up to 0.75 and 1.3x10"2"4 n/m"2 (E > 1 MeV). Normalization of the USE is done by a curve fitting method and the USE of different size of specimens can be expressed by the equation; E=a x B"n, where a is a constant and n is an exponent. There observed linear relationships between DBTTs obtained using standard and sub-sized specimens. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract: We have performed petrographic and spectroscopic studies of brown diamonds from an eclogite xenolith from the Udachnaya pipe (Yakutia, Russia). Brown diamonds are randomly intermixed with colorless ones in the rock and often located at the grain boundaries of clinopyroxene and garnet. Brown diamonds can be characterized by a set of defects (H4, N2D and a line at 490.7nm) which are absent in colorless diamonds. This set of defects is typical for plastically deformed diamonds and indicates that diamonds were likely annealed for a relatively short period after deformation had occurred. Excitation of brown colored zones with a 632.8nm He-Ne laser produced the typical diamond band plus two additional bands at 1730cm^-^1 and 3350cm^-^1. These spectral features are not genuine Raman ban...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The structure of ammonium azide (NH{sub 4})N{sub 3} was (re-)determined ab initio from x-ray powder diffraction experiment using synchrotron radiation. We tried to detail and comment the different steps involved in the structure determination. The compound crystallize in the orthorhombic Pmna space group (no.53) with a = 8.937(1) A, b= 3.8070(5) A, c = 8.664(1) A, V = 294.79(7) A{sup 3}; Z= 4. It was possible to locate and refine the hydrogen coordinates, in two different approaches, and to establish the H-bonds. The final structural parameters are in good agreement with previous results based on three-dimensional neutron diffraction. (Author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The study of the {alpha}-particle energy distributions associated with ND and SD states in {sup 151,152}Dy has been carried out. The Dy isotopes were produced in the reaction {sup 37}Cl+{sup 123}Sb at 191 MeV via the ({alpha}5n) and ({alpha}4n) channels, respectively. In {sup 151}Dy the {alpha}-particle energy distributions associated to ND and SD are very different from each other, both at the low and high energy sides inducing a difference of 3 MeV in the {alpha}-particle mean energy. In {sup 152}Dy the situation is different; the {alpha}-particle spectral shapes are similar and a difference in the {alpha}-particle mean energy of only 0.7 MeV is deduced. A description in terms of energy localization of entry states is given. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes the progress made during the second Quarter of a two year project to demonstrate that the air pollution, from a traveling grate stoker being used to heat water at a central heating plant in Krakow Poland, can be reduced significantly by replacing the unwashed, unsized coal now being used with a mechanically cleaned, double sized stoker fuel and by optimizing the operating parameters of the stoker. It is anticipated that these improvements will prove to be cost effective and hence be adopted in the other central heating plants in Krakow and indeed throughout Eastern European cities where coal is the primary source of heating fuel. EFH Coal Company has formed a partnership with two Polish institutions -- MPEC a central heating company in Krakow and Naftokrak-Naftobudowa, preparation plant designers and fabricators for this effort. The washability data from a 20mm x 0.5mm size fraction of raw coal from the Staszic Mine were evaluated. The data show that the ash ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The symmetrical complexes [{sup 99m}Tc][TcN(R{sub 2}PS{sub 2}){sub 2}] [R = CH{sub 3}, CH{sub 2}CH{sub 3}, CH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}CH{sub 3}, CH{sub 2}(CH{sub 3}){sub 2}], and the unsymmetrical complex [{sup 99m}Tc][TcN(Me{sub 2}PS{sub 2})(Et{sub 2}PS{sub 2})] have been prepared, at tracer level, through a two-step procedure involving the preliminary formation of a prereduced technetium nitrido intermediate followed by substitution reaction onto this species by the appropriate dithiophosphinate ligand [R{sub 2}PS{sub 2}]Na. The chemical identity of the resulting complexes have been established by comparison with the corresponding {sup 99}Tc-analogs prepared, at macroscopic level, by reacting the complex [{sup 99}TcNCl{sub 4}] [n-Bu{sub 4}N] (n-Bu = n-butyl) with an excess of ligand in methanol, and characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic techniques. The complexes are neutral and lipophilic, and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Low-lying nuclear energy levels in "1"1"0In and "1"1"2In were determined from de-excitation #gamma#-rays produced with "1"0"7Ag(#alpha#,n#gamma#)-"1"1"0In, "1"0"8Pd("6Li,4n#gamma#)"1"1"0In, "1"0"9Ag(#alpha#,n#gamma#)"1"1"2In and "1"1"0Pd("6Li,4n#gamma#)"1"1"2In reactions. In addition, the "1"1"4In energy level structure was investigated with the "1"1"0Pd("7Li,3n#gamma#)"1"1"4In reaction. Properties of de-excitation #gamma#-rays were determined from #gamma#-#gamma# coincidence, excitation, and angular distribution measurements conducted with Ge(Li) and Ge(intr.) #gamma#-ray detectors. A sequence of intraconnected levels in each of "1"1"0,"1"1"2,"1"1"4In were assigned to the (#pi#g"-"1/sub 9/2/, #nu#h/sub 11/2/) configuration. For the "1"1"0,"1"1"2,"1"1"4In energy level schemes a model calculation has been performed using the pairing-plus-quadrupole model, which reproduced states of the (#pi#g"-"1/sub ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Atmospheric impact of peatlands is a sum of their gas fluxes. In contrast to carbon dioxide, peatlands are net sources for methane (CH{sub 4}). Methane is an end product in the anaerobic decomposition processes and it has greater capacity to absorb infrared radiation than carbon dioxide. Most of the data on the CH{sub 4} release from northern peatlands is from North America. The total amount of methane released from wetlands is calculated to be 110 Tg yr{sup -1} of which 34 percent (38 Tg yr{sup -1}) is estimated to be emitted from the northern peatlands. Peat with high content of nitrogen is a potential source for gaseous nitrogen oxides, i.e. nitrous oxide (N{sub 2}O) and nitric oxide (NO). However, the importance of peatlands in producing these trace gases is poorly known. Nitrous oxide and nitric oxide are important components in the atmospheric chemistry and N{sub 2}O also is an effective greenhouse gas. Land-use activities and environmental changes can affect the atmospheric ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Recently, the lithium ion-conductive solid electrolyte draws attention because there is a possibility of producing the maintenance-free battery which is characterized by having such advantages as high energy density and no possibility of electrolyte leak because of solid state structure. The invented lithium ion-conductive solid electrolyte is formed by sintering the granular electrolyte expressed in the following general formula: Li(1+(4-n)x)MxTi(2-x)(PO4)3 (M = mono- or di-valent cation, x = 0.1 - 0.5). Examples of the monovalent cation are Na[sup +], K[sup +], Rb[sup +], Cs[sup +], and Cu[sup +]. Examples of divalent cation are Mg[sup 2+], Fe[sup 2+], Be[sup 2+], Ca[sup 2+], Sr[sup 2+], Ba[sup 2+], Ra[sup 2+], Mn[sup 2+], Co[sup 2+], Cu[sup 2+], Ni[sup 2+], Zn[sup 2+], and Cd[sup 2+]. The electric conductivity of lithium ion is increased with the increase in the content of Li[sup +] in the electrolyte. 4 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In future collider experiments, where a background radiation level is estimated to be very high, e.g. around 10"2 #approx# 10"5 Gy/yr and 10"1"1 #approx# 10"1"4 n/cm"2/yr at SSC, the detectors operating around the collision point in the experiments will encounter a considerable amount of radiation. Therefore, the detectors, especially the calorimeter, are required to be resistive against high radiation levels. From this point of view, it is of great importance to study the effects of radiation damage on the performance of the detectors. The authors report preliminary results of measurements of radiation hardness of the plastic scintillating fiber Kuraray SCSF-81 against irradiation with fast neutrons and "6"0Co #gamma#-rays in the region of the neutron fluence from 1 x 10"1"1 to 5 x 10"1"3 n/cm"2 and the integrated #gamma#-ray dose from 890 to 10"5 Gy, respectively. Deterioration of both intrinsic light yield and light transmittance of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The aim of this work is to describe the processes during plasma nitriding of Nb-containing, powder metallurgy prepared (PM) tool steel. PM steel was studied containing 2.5% C, 3.3% Si, 6.2% Cr, 2.2% Mo, 2.6% V, 2.6% Nb and 1.0% W, produced by melt atomization and hot isostatic pressing. The hardened and tempered steel was plasma nitrided at temperatures ranging from 470 to 530 deg. C. The nitriding time was 30-180 min. Optical microscopy, electron microscopy, XRD, EDS, WDS and hardness measurements were used to study the steel's properties, microstructure, phases and chemical composition. The nitriding temperature of 470 deg. C was found to be unsuitable for practical use because the layers prepared at this temperature were non-uniform. The compound layer formed by M{sub 2,3}(C,N) and M{sub 4}N was found after nitriding at temperatures of 500 and 530 deg. C for at least 60 min. The effect of niobium on the formation of this layer was ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Direct current (DC) glow discharge plasma nitriding was carried out on three selected surface-roughened AISI 304 stainless steel samples at 833 K under 4 mbar pressures for 24 h in the presence of N{sub 2}:H{sub 2} gas mixtures of 50 : 50 ratios. After plasma nitriding, the phase formation, case depth, surface roughness, and microhardness of a plasma-nitrided layer were evaluated by glancing angle x-ray diffractogram, optical microscope, stylus profilometer, and Vickers microhardness tester techniques. The case depth, surface hardness, and phase formation variations were observed with a variation in initial surface roughness. The diffraction patterns of the plasma-nitrided samples showed the modified intensities of the {alpha} and {gamma} phases along with those of the CrN, Fe{sub 4}N, and Fe{sub 3}N phases. Hardness and case depth variations were observed with a variation in surface roughness. A maximum hardness of 1058 Hv and a case depth of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Excitation functions (#alpha#,3n) and (#alpha#,4n) for "2"0"9Bi have been measured up to 60 MeV #alpha#-particle energy. The excitation functions are measured at 15#alpha#-particle energies by a stack foil technique in two steps. Excitation functions for the above two reactions have been reported for the first time in the energy range from 40 to 60 MeV. The measured experimental values are compared with the geometry-dependent hybrid (GDH) model in which the emission of particles prior to the equilibrium decay is taken into account whenever the interaction of projectile with the target nucleus is considered. It is found that the compound nucleus decay mechanism alone is unable to explain the experimental trend of our data. The initial exciton number 4 with different configurations has been tested and it is concluded that the configuration (2n + 2p + 0h) gives the best fit to the experimental data. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obtained experimental data on integral cross sections (ICS) of inelastic scattering of 50.5 MeV #alpha# particles with the excitation of "6","7Li, "9Be, "1"2","1"3C, "1"4C, "1"4N, "2"0Ne, "2"4Mg, "2"8Si nucleus low-lying energy levels are discussed. Regularities, detected in the behaviour of ICS forward scattering for 20-90 deg angles and backscattering for 90-160 deg angles for the target-nucleus under investigation are considered. Effect of reaction open channel number on #alpha#-particle scattering ICS where n,p,d- and #alpha#-channels were considered as the main channels for all the target-nuclei, is discussed. Dependence of #alpha#-particle scattering ICS on the target-nucleus level excitation energy and dependences of reaction open channel number on the channel spin, calculated for 50.5 MeV #alpha# particles and different target nuclei are shown in the diagrams. It is noted that the observed regularities in the #alpha#-particle inelastic ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pressureless-sintered AlN and hot-pressed, pressureless-sintered and reaction-bonded SiC were neutron irradiated at temperatures between 100 and 785degC up to a fluence of 5.2 x 10"2"4 n/m"2. The hardness was increased by up to 51% in AlN and 84% in SiC. The hardness decreased after annealing at temperatures around the irradiation temperature. At the same temperatures, the macroscopic length, which was increased by irradiation, also began to decrease. The hardness and length were almost recovered after 1,200 #approx# 1,400degC annealing. Thus, hardening in irradiated AlN and SiC is controlled by the number of point defects, or, more precisely, by the strain caused by small point defect clusters which pin down dislocation movement. Dislocation loops were still observed in some samples after 1,400degC annealing while the hardness was almost recovered to that in the unirradiated state. Thus, the existence of dislocation loops is not grounds for ...

Science.gov (United States)

An extraction of molybdenum is described that provides a more predictable separation over a significantly wider acidity range than previously determined. The extraction of Mo appeared to be a function of HCl normality, with virtually complete separation above 3.6 N. A test was conducted to determine if the extraction was a function of just HCl concentration or of overall acidity. When the aqueous phases of the test sequence were all prepared at 1 N H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ in addition to the HCl in each, the resulting extraction curves were essentially identical. Another test was performed to determine if Mo was being extracted as an iodide complex. Three aqueous solutions, which were 4 N in HCl and 26% (w/v) ascorbic acid, were prepared in culture tubes. When 25 ..mu..g of Mo was extracted from these solutions of 5 mL of organic phase, the KCl gave only a 16% extraction, the KBr gave only a 22% extraction, and the KI provided an essentially total ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The sequence of nitride formation during the early stages of plasma nitriding of pure iron was studied by optical microscopy, SEM, TEM and x-ray diffraction. Plasma nitriding at {approximately}490 C in a 25 vol.%H{sub 2} + 75 vol.%N{sub 2} mixture starts with the formation of {gamma}{prime}-Fe{sub 4}N after 40s. Once {gamma}{prime} nucleates, it mainly spreads laterally due to diffusion shortcuts in the discontinuous surface nitride layer. Before {gamma}{prime} is continuous on the surface, {epsilon} nucleates on top of it shortly after 40S. Epsilon is then observed to grow, both inwardly and laterally along with {gamma}{prime}. A compact {gamma}{prime}/{epsilon} bilayer forms on the surface at around 100s. The kinetics of nucleation, growth and compactation of the nitrides observed in the present work was significantly more rapid than in any of the nitriding process reported in the literature, including plasma nitriding. The acceleration of ...

Science.gov (United States)

A novel bioelectrochemical membrane reactor (BEMR), which takes advantage of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) and microbial fuel cells (MFC), is developed for wastewater treatment and energy recovery. In this system, stainless steel mesh with biofilm formed on it serves as both the cathode and the filtration material. Oxygen reduction reactions are effectively catalyzed by the microorganisms attached on the mesh. The effluent turbidity from the BEMR system was low during most of the operation period, and the chemical oxygen demand and NH(4)(+)-N removal efficiencies averaged 92.4% and 95.6%, respectively. With an increase in hydraulic retention time and a decrease in loading rate, the system performance was enhanced. In this BEMR process, a maximum power density of 4.35 W/m(3) and a current density of 18.32 A/m(3) were obtained at a hydraulic retention time of 150 min and external resister of 100 ?. The Coulombic efficiency was 8.2%. Though the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Plasma nitriding is a powerful technique for modifying the phase-structure of the material surface layers, which affect the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of material. The effect of plasma nitriding on the surface properties of three types of steel (low carbon, AISI-304 and H13 (hardened)) has been investigated. The steel samples were plasma nitrided in vacuum of 10"-"1Pa with gas mixture of (N_2, H_2) at 530 Centigrade degree for a duration of 14 hours. Vickers microhardness measurements and XRD phase analysis of the treated and untreated samples were carried out. The diffraction patterns of treated steels revealed that new phases of #gamma#-Fe_4N, #epsilon#-Fe_3N and (Fe,Cr)_2N were formed. The maximum treated depths were about 5, 6 and 45 #mu#m for low carbon, AISI-304 and H13 (hardened) nitrided steel respectively. The microhardness was increased by about 150%, 200% and 140% for low carbon, AISI-304 and H13 nitrided samples ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The leaching of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and radionuclides "2"3"2Th, "2"2"6Ra, "2"2"8Ra, and "4"0K from Joel sands amended with red mud/gypsum (RMG) at 9 rates (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256 t/ha) was measured using columns. Intense leaching conditions (34 mm/day for 12 days) and a high rate of applied P (320 kg/ha as superphosphate) and N (680 kg/ha as ammonium nitrate) were used to simulate extremes of irrigated vegetable production on the Swan Coastal Plain. Addition of the highest rate of RMG (256 t/ha) reduced leaching of fertiliser P and ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) by 85% and 50%, respectively, compared with 0 t/ha after 12 days. At 64 t RMG/ha P leaching was reduced 50% compared with 0 t/ha. Nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) leaching was not affected by addition of RMG. Reduced leaching of NH4-N was attributed to an increase in cation exchange capacity of the soil with the addition of RMG. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A container experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that uncomposted wool wastes could be used as nutrient source and growth medium constituent for container-grown plants. The treatments were: (1) rate of wool-waste application (0 or unamended control, 20, 40, 80, and 120 g of wool per 8-in. pot), (2) growth medium constituents [(2.1) wool plus perlite, (2.2) wool plus peat, and (2.3) wool plus peat plus perlite], and (3) plant species (basil and Swiss chard). A single addition of 20, 40, 80, or 120 g of wool-waste to Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in pots with growth medium provided four harvests of Swiss chard and five harvests of basil. Total basil yield from the five harvests was 1.6-5 times greater than the total yield from the unamended control, while total Swiss chard yield from the four harvests was 2-5 times greater relative to the respective unamended control. The addition of wool-waste to the growth medium increased Swiss chard and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We wanted to evaluate the status of self-expandable nitinol stents implanted in the P2 and P3 segments of the popliteal artery in Korean patients. We retrospectively analyzed 189 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment for steno occlusive lesions in the femoropopliteal artery from July 2003 to March 2009, and 18 patients who underwent stent placement in popliteal arterial P2 and P3 segments were finally enrolled. Lesion patency was evaluated by ultrasound or CT angiography, and stent fracture was assessed by plain X-rays at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. At the 1-month follow-up, stent fracture (Type 2) was seen in one limb (up to P3, 1 of 18, 6%) and it was identified in seven limbs at the 3-month follow-up (Type 2, Type 3, Type 4) (n = 1: up to P2: n = 6: P3). At the 6-month follow-up, one more fracture (Type 1) (up to P3) was noted. At the 1-year follow-up, there were no additional stent fractures. Just four ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Varying coordination modes of the Schiff base ligand H"2L [5-methyl-1-H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid (1-pyridin-2-yl-ethylidene)-hydrazide] towards different metal centers are reported with the syntheses and characterization of four mononuclear Mn(II), Co(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II) complexes, [Mn(H"2L)(H"2O)"2](ClO"4)"2(MeOH) (1), [Co(H"2L)(NCS)"2] (2), [Cd(H"2L)(H"2O)"2](ClO"4)"2 (3) and [Zn(H"2L)(H"2O)"2](ClO"4)"2 (4), and a binuclear Cu(II) complex, [Cu"2(L)"2](ClO"4)"2 (5). In the complexes 1-4 the neutral ligand serves as a 3N,2O donor where the pyridine ring N, two azomethine N and two carbohydrazine oxygen atoms are coordinatively active, leaving the pyrazole-N atoms inactive. In the case of complex 5, each ligand molecule behaves as a 4N,O donor utilizing the pyridine N, one azomethine N...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract A series of small phosphazene ligands with pendant 6-phenyl-2,2--bipyridyl moieties, namely L1 [N3P3(OPh)5(OPhbpyPh)], L2 [N3P3(biph)2(OPhbpyPh)2], L3 [N3P3(tBubiph)2(OPhbpyPh)2], L4 [N3P3(biph)2(OPhbpyPh)Cl] and L5 [N3P3(biph)2(OPhbpyPh)(OPh)] [OPhbpyPh = 4-(4-phenoxy)-6-phenyl-2,2--bipyridine, OPh = phenoxy, biph = 2,2--oxybiphenyl and tBubiph = 4,4--di-tert-butyl-2,2--oxybiphenyl], have been used to synthesise the new cyclometallated palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes [(L1-H)PdCl], [(L1-H)PtCl], [(L1-H)(PdCl)2], [(L3-H)(PdCl)2], [(L4-H)PtCl], [(L5-H)PtCl] and the rhenium(I) complex [L5Re(CO)3Cl]. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was performed on the free ligand L2 and the palladium complexes [(L1-H)PdCl] and [(L3-H)(PdCl)2]. In both PdII complexes, the metal cent...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nitrogen has been added to stainless steels to improve mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. High nitrogen steel production is limited by high gas pressure requirements and low nitrogen solubility in the melt. One way to overcome this limitation is the addition of nitrogen in solid state because of its higher solubility in austenite. However, gas and salt bath nitriding have been done at temperatures around 550 C, where nitrogen solubility in the steel is still very low. High temperature nitriding has been, thus proposed to increase nitrogen contents in the steel but the presence of oxide layers on top of the steel is a barrier to nitrogen intake. In this paper a modified plasma nitriding process is proposed. The first step of this process is a hydrogen plasma sputtering for oxide removal, exposing active steel surface improving nitrogen pickup. This is followed by a nitriding step where high nitrogen contents are introduced in the outermost layer of the steel. Diffusion ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lead 203 has been used as a tracer for lead in the field of nuclear medicine for several years. It is produced in a cyclotron usually by proton or deuteron bombardment of a thallium target principally by the p,n or d,2n reaction on "2"0"3Tl or the p,3n or d,4n reaction on "2"0"5Tl. Several different methods have been reported for the separation of "2"0"3Pb from the thallium target. These generally involve a combination of precipitation and solvent extraction techniques. A new method has been developed for the separation of Pb from Tl using ion exchange chromatography over hydrous zirconium oxide (HZO). Lead is taken up by this inorganic ion exchanger at pH > 3 whereas Tl(I) is not. Lead can subsequently be eluted with acid of pH 1-1.5. The recovery of "2"0"3Pb has been approximately 75% and the Tl impurity level has not been in excess of 10 ppm. Reference is made to the application of this separation method to the preparation of "2"0"1Tl ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The present work discusses the effect of the plasma nitriding temperature on the physical and chemical properties of the compound layer formed on pure iron samples. The samples were plasma nitrided in a mixture of H{sub 2}-20% N{sub 2} under a pressure of 6 mbar by using dc glow discharges. The treatment temperature T{sub N} was selected in the interval 400-600 C in steps of 50 C. X-ray diffraction and Moessbauer spectroscopy techniques were used as analytical tools to study the composition of the near-surface compound layer. Our results indicate that the effective thickness of the compound layer is smaller than 0.2 {mu}m for T{sub N} {<=}450 C and greater than this value for T{sub N} {>=}500 C. Also, we found that the compound layer is formed by a mixture of the phases {epsilon}-Fe{sub x}N(3.2{>=} x {>=}2) and {gamma}'-Fe{sub 4}N. In this case, the relative fractions of each phase depend on T{sub N}. As ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The structure and pore morphology, the isothermal and continuous time-temperature conversion characteristics and the effects of heat treatment on the mechanical properties and microstructural processes were investigated in 4 copper-free recycleable PM steels Fe4Ni0,5Mo+0,5%C ({rho}=7,12 g/cm{sup 3}, HT-sintered), Fe4N0,5Mo+0,7%C ({rho}=7,12 g/cm{sup 3}, sinter-hardened), Fe1,5Mo+0,5%C and Fe1,5Mo+0,5%C+0,5%CEP ({rho}=7,3 resp. 7,32 g/cm{sup 3}, HT-sintered). [German] In dieser Arbeit wurden an den vier kupferfreien rezyklierfaehigen PM-Staehlen Fe4Ni0,5Mo+0,5%C ({rho}=7,21 g/cm{sup 3}, hochtemperaturgesintert), Fe4Ni0,5Mo+0,7%C ({rho}=7,12 g/cm{sup 3}, sintergehaertet), Fe1,5Mo+0,5%C und Fe1,5Mo+0,5%C+0,5%CEP ({rho}=7,3 bzw. 7,32 g/cm{sup 3}, hochtemperaturgesintert) die Gefuege und die Porenmorphologie, das isotherme und kontinuierliche Zeit-Temperatur-Umwandlungsverhalten, sowie der Einfluss verschiedener Waermebehandlungen auf die ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cross sections of proton-induced nuclear reactions on highly enriched {sup 192}Os were measured up to 66 MeV by using the stacked-foil irradiation technique. Excitation functions are presented for the reactions {sup 192}Os(p,n){sup 192}Ir, {sup 192}Os(p,3n){sup 190}Ir, {sup 192}Os(p,4n){sup 189}Ir, {sup 192}Os(p,5n){sup 188}Ir, {sup 192}Os(p,6n){sup 187}Ir and {sup 192}Os(p,7n){sup 186}Ir. No earlier experimental cross-section data could be found in the literature except for the {sup 192}Os(p,n){sup 192}Ir process. Our new experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions by means of the theoretical model code ALICE/ASH. Integral thick-target yield calculations were also performed for the {sup 192}Os(p,n){sup 192}Ir and {sup 192}Os(p,3n){sup 190}Ir reactions to evaluate the {sup 190}Ir contamination level, as a function of energy, in the case of {sup 192}Ir productions.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A fast and simple flow-through optosensor was designed and characterized for the direct screening of four tetracycline (TCC) antibiotics (tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline and doxycycline) in water and bovine milk samples. The proposed optosensor provides rapid binary yes/no overall responses, being appropriate for the screening of this family of antibiotics above or below a pre-set concentration threshold. The experimental set-up is based on a flow-injection manifold coupled on-line to a phosphorescence detector. Aliquots of the samples are pretreated with Eu(III) to form room temperature phosphorescent metal chelates and injected in the flow manifold. Those chelates are then on-line retained on a conventional flow-cell (packed with polymeric Amberlite XAD-4 particles) which is placed inside the cell holder of the phosphorimeter. After the emission is registered, the antibiotic-metal complexes are eluted from the packed resin with 1 M HCl (for milk samples a second ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wear-resistant TiN coatings deposited on tool steels are used frequently in industry. There is a trend towards further optimizing these coatings, e.g. by plasma nitriding the tool surface prior to TiN deposition. In this work the influence of the nitriding conditions on the surface properties of AISI 304 and ASP 23 tool steels was investigated. The plasma nitriding was carried out in a triode ion plating configuration normally used to deposit TiN coatings. At the surface of AISI 304 stainless steel, only a thin compound layer (Fe{sub 4}N, Fe{sub 3}N) was found, probably as a consequence of the rather slow nitrogen diffusion in the austenite matrix. For ASP 23 high speed steel, the different nitriding behaviour of the martensitic matrix causes the formation of a diffusion layer which results in an increase in hardness at the surface. On an analogous set of specimens the TiN deposition was started immediately after the plasma nitriding. To ...