Luminescence of solar cells with a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunctions

Science.gov (United States)

Zhigunov, D. M.; Il'in, A. S.; Forsh, P. A.; Bobyl', A. V.; Verbitskii, V. N.; Terukov, E. I.; Kashkarov, P. K.

2017-05-01

We have studied the electroluminescence (EL) and photoluminescence (PL) of solar cells containing a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunctions. It is established that both the EL and PL properties of these cells are determined by the radiative recombination of nonequilibrium carriers in crystalline silicon (c-Si). The external EL energy yield (efficiency) of solar cells with a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunctions at room temperature amounts to 2.1% and exceeds the value reached in silicon diode structures. This large EL efficiency can be explained by good passivation of the surface of crystalline silicon and the corresponding increase in lifetime of minority carrier s in these solar cells.

Aluminium alloyed iron-silicide/silicon solar cells: A simple approach for low cost environmental-friendly photovoltaic technology.

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar Dalapati, Goutam; Masudy-Panah, Saeid; Kumar, Avishek; Cheh Tan, Cheng; Ru Tan, Hui; Chi, Dongzhi

2015-12-03

This work demonstrates the fabrication of silicide/silicon based solar cell towards the development of low cost and environmental friendly photovoltaic technology. A heterostructure solar cells using metallic alpha phase (α-phase) aluminum alloyed iron silicide (FeSi(Al)) on n-type silicon is fabricated with an efficiency of 0.8%. The fabricated device has an open circuit voltage and fill-factor of 240 mV and 60%, respectively. Performance of the device was improved by about 7 fold to 5.1% through the interface engineering. The α-phase FeSi(Al)/silicon solar cell devices have promising photovoltaic characteristic with an open circuit voltage, short-circuit current and a fill factor (FF) of 425 mV, 18.5 mA/cm(2), and 64%, respectively. The significant improvement of α-phase FeSi(Al)/n-Si solar cells is due to the formation p(+-)n homojunction through the formation of re-grown crystalline silicon layer (~5-10 nm) at the silicide/silicon interface. Thickness of the regrown silicon layer is crucial for the silicide/silicon based photovoltaic devices. Performance of the α-FeSi(Al)/n-Si solar cells significantly depends on the thickness of α-FeSi(Al) layer and process temperature during the device fabrication. This study will open up new opportunities for the Si based photovoltaic technology using a simple, sustainable, and los cost method.

Compression of Fe-Si-H alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Tagawa, S.; Ohta, K.; Hirose, K.

2014-12-01

The light elements in the Earth's core have not been fully identified yet, but hydrogen is now collecting more attention in part because recent planet formation theory suggests that large amount of water should have been brought to the Earth during its formation (giant-impact stage). Nevertheless, the effect of hydrogen on the property of iron alloys is little known so far. The earlier experimental study by Hirao et al. [2004 GRL] examined the compression behavior of dhcp FeHx (x ≈ 1) and found that it becomes much stiffer than pure iron above 50 GPa, where magnetization disappears. Here we examined the solubility of hydrogen into iron-rich Fe-Si alloys and the compression behavior of dhcp Fe-Si-H alloy at room temperature. Fe+6.5wt.%Si or Fe+9wt.%Si foil was loaded into a diamond-anvil cell (DAC), and then liquid hydrogen was introduced at temperatures below 20 K. X-ray diffraction measurements at SPring-8 revealed the formation of a dhcp phase with or without thermal annealing by laser above 8.4 GPa. The concentration of hydrogen in such dhcp lattice was calculated following the formula reported by Fukai [1992]; y = 0.5 and 0.2 for Fe-6.5wt.%Si-H or Fe-9wt.%Si-H alloys, respectively when y is defined as Fe(1-x)SixHy. Unlike Fe-H alloy, hydrogen didn't fully occupy the octahedral sites even under hydrogen-saturated conditions in the case of Fe-Si-H system. Anomaly was observed in obtained pressure-volume curve around 44 Å3 of unit-cell volume for both Fe-6.5wt.%Si-H and Fe-9wt.%Si-H alloys, which may be related to the spin transition in the dhcp phase. They became slightly stiffer at higher pressures, but their compressibility was still similar to that of pure iron.

Alloyed Aluminum Contacts for Silicon Solar Cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tin Tin Aye

2010-12-01

Aluminium is usually deposited and alloyed at the back of p-p silicon solar cell for making a good ohmic contact and establishing a back electric field which avoids carrier recombination of the back surface. It was the deposition of aluminum on multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) substrate at various annealing temperature. Physical and elemental analysis was carried out by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-rays diffraction (XRD). The electrical (I-V) characteristic of the photovoltaic cell was also measured.

Characterization of Nanocrystalline SiGe Thin Film Solar Cell with Double Graded-Dead Absorption Layer

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Chao-Chun Wang

2012-01-01

Full Text Available The nanocrystalline silicon-germanium (nc-SiGe thin films were deposited by high-frequency (27.12 MHz plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (HF-PECVD. The films were used in a silicon-based thin film solar cell with graded-dead absorption layer. The characterization of the nc-SiGe films are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. The band gap of SiGe alloy can be adjusted between 0.8 and 1.7 eV by varying the gas ratio. For thin film solar cell application, using double graded-dead i-SiGe layers mainly leads to an increase in short-circuit current and therefore cell conversion efficiency. An initial conversion efficiency of 5.06% and the stabilized efficiency of 4.63% for an nc-SiGe solar cell were achieved.

Fe-Mn-Si based shape memory alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hsu, T.Y.

2000-01-01

Characteristics of martensitic transformation fcc(γ)→hcp(ε) in Fe-Mn-Si based alloys are briefly reviewed. By analyzing the influences of constituents and treatments on shape memory effect (SME) in Fe-Mn-Si, the main factors controlling SME are summarized as austenite strengthening, stacking fault energy (probability) and antiferromagnetic temperature. Contribution of thermomechanical training to SME is introduced. The Fe-Mn-Si-RE (rare earth elements) and Fe-Mn-Si-Cr-N alloys are recommended as two novel shape memory alloys with superior SME. (orig.)

Minor-alloyed Cu-Ni-Si alloys with high hardness and electric conductivity designed by a cluster formula approach

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Dongmei Li

2017-08-01

Full Text Available Cu-Ni-Si alloys are widely used due to their good electrical conductivities in combination with high strength and hardness. In the present work, minor-alloying with M = (Cr, Fe, Mo, Zr was conducted for the objective of further improving their hardness while maintaining their conductivity level. A cluster-plus-glue-atom model was introduced to design the compositions of M-alloyed Cu-Ni-Si alloys, in which an ideal composition formula [(Ni,Si,M-Cu12]Cu3 (molar proportion was proposed. To guarantee the complete precipitation of solute elements in fine δ-Ni2Si precipitates, the atomic ratio of (Ni,M/Si was set as 2/1. Thus the designed alloy series of Cu93.75(Ni/Zr3.75Si2.08(Cr/Fe/Mo0.42 (at% were arc-melted into ingots under argon atmosphere, and solid-solutioned at 950 °C for 1 h plus water quenching and then aged at 450 °C for different hours. The experimental results showed that these designed alloys exhibit high hardness (HV > 1.7 GPa and good electrical conductivities (≥ 35% IACS. Specifically, the quinary Cu93.75Ni3.54Si2.08(Cr/Fe0.42Zr0.21 alloys (Cu-3.32Ni-0.93Si-0.37(Cr/Fe−0.30Zr wt% possess both a high hardness with HV = 2.5–2.7 GPa, comparable to the high-strength KLFA85 alloy (Cu-3.2Ni-0.7Si-1.1Zn wt%, HV = 2.548 GPa, and a good electrical conductivity (35–36% IACS.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-Ni-Si alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Monzen, Ryoichi; Watanabe, Chihiro

2008-01-01

The microstructure and mechanical properties of 0.1 wt.% Mg-added and Mg-free Cu-2.0 wt.% Ni-0.5 wt.% Si alloys aged at 400 deg. C have been examined. The addition of Mg promotes the formation of disk-shaped Ni 2 Si precipitates. The Cu-Ni-Si-Mg alloy exhibits higher strength and resistance to stress relaxation than the Cu-Ni-Si alloy. The higher strength or stress relaxation resistance is attributable to the reduction in inter-precipitate spacing by the Mg addition or the drag effect of Mg atoms on dislocation motion. The Cu-Ni-Si alloy with a large grain size of 150 μm shows higher stress relaxation resistance than the alloy with a small grain size of 10 μm because of a lower density of mobile dislocations in the former alloy

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-Ni-Si alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Monzen, Ryoichi [Division of Innovative Technology and Science, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanzawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192 (Japan)], E-mail: monzen@t.kanazawa-u.ac.jp; Watanabe, Chihiro [Division of Innovative Technology and Science, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanzawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192 (Japan)

2008-06-15

The microstructure and mechanical properties of 0.1 wt.% Mg-added and Mg-free Cu-2.0 wt.% Ni-0.5 wt.% Si alloys aged at 400 deg. C have been examined. The addition of Mg promotes the formation of disk-shaped Ni{sub 2}Si precipitates. The Cu-Ni-Si-Mg alloy exhibits higher strength and resistance to stress relaxation than the Cu-Ni-Si alloy. The higher strength or stress relaxation resistance is attributable to the reduction in inter-precipitate spacing by the Mg addition or the drag effect of Mg atoms on dislocation motion. The Cu-Ni-Si alloy with a large grain size of 150 {mu}m shows higher stress relaxation resistance than the alloy with a small grain size of 10 {mu}m because of a lower density of mobile dislocations in the former alloy.

Microstructural and mechanical properties of binary Ni–Si eutectic alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gogebakan, Musa, E-mail: gogebakan@ksu.edu.tr [Department of Physics, Faculty of Art and Sciences, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras 46100 (Turkey); Kursun, Celal [Department of Physics, Faculty of Art and Sciences, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras 46100 (Turkey); Gunduz, Kerem Ozgur; Tarakci, Mehmet; Gencer, Yucel [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Gebze Institute of Technology, Gebze, 41400 Kocaeli (Turkey)

2015-09-15

Highlights: • Ni{sub 80}Si{sub 20}, Ni{sub 70}Si{sub 30}, Ni{sub 55}Si{sub 45} and Ni{sub 45}Si{sub 55} were prepared by arc melting method. • The maximum microhardness value of 1126 HV obtained for Ni{sub 70}Si{sub 30} alloy. • The microhardness values decreases with increase of Si/Ni ratio. • Ni{sub 80}Si{sub 20} and Ni{sub 55}Si{sub 45} are soft ferromagnetic, Ni{sub 70}Si{sub 30} and Ni{sub 45}Si{sub 55} are paramagnetic. - Abstract: In the present work, Ni–Si eutectic alloys with nominal compositions of Ni{sub 80}Si{sub 20}, Ni{sub 70}Si{sub 30}, Ni{sub 55}Si{sub 45} and Ni{sub 45}Si{sub 55} (Ni and Si with the purity of 99.99%) were prepared by arc melting method under vacuum/argon atmosphere. The effects of Si/Ni ratio on the microstructural properties, thermal transformation behavior, micro-hardness and magnetic properties of the Ni–Si eutectic alloys were investigated. These alloys were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential thermal analysis (DTA), Vickers microhardness measurement and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The phases expected according to Ni–Si phase diagram for conventional solidified eutectic Ni–Si alloys are considerably consistent with phase detected by XRD in this study. The quantitative results confirm that the chemical composition of the alloys very close to eutectic compositions and the microstructures are in typical lamellar eutectic morphology. The maximum microhardness value of 1126 HV obtained for Ni{sub 70}Si{sub 30} alloy which has highest melting temperature amongst Ni–Si eutectics. The microhardness values decreases with increase of Si/Ni ratio. Ni{sub 80}Si{sub 20} and Ni{sub 55}Si{sub 45} alloys are soft ferromagnetic, Ni{sub 70}Si{sub 30} and Ni{sub 45}Si{sub 55} alloys are paramagnetic with no magnetic saturation.

The Effect of Si Morphology on Machinability of Al-Si Alloys

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Muhammet Uludağ

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Many of the cast parts require some sort of machining like milling, drilling to be used as a finished product. In order to improve the wear properties of Al alloys, Si is added. The solubility of Si in Al is quite low and it has a crystallite type structure. It behaves as particulate metal matrix composite which makes it an attractive element. Thus, the wear and machinability properties of these type of alloys depend on the morphology of Si in the matrix. In this work, Sr was added to alter the morphology of Si in Al-7Si and Al-12Si. Cylindrical shaped samples were cast and machinability characteristics of Sr addition was studied. The relationship between microstructure and machinability was evaluated.

On the atomic structure of liquid Ni-Si alloys: a neutron diffraction study

Science.gov (United States)

Gruner, S.; Marczinke, J.; Hennet, L.; Hoyer, W.; Cuello, G. J.

2009-09-01

The atomic structure of the liquid NiSi and NiSi2 alloys is investigated by means of neutron diffraction experiments with isotopic substitution. From experimental data-sets obtained using four Ni isotopes, partial structure factors and pair correlation functions are obtained by applying a reverse Monte Carlo modelling approach. Both alloys were found to exhibit a strong tendency to hetero-coordination within the first coordination shell. In particular, covalent Si-Si bonds with somewhat greater distances seem to influence the structure of the liquid NiSi alloy.

On the atomic structure of liquid Ni-Si alloys: a neutron diffraction study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gruner, S; Marczinke, J; Hoyer, W [Institute of Physics, Chemnitz University of Technology, D-09107 Chemnitz (Germany); Hennet, L [CNRS-CEMHTI, University of Orleans, F-45071 Orleans (France); Cuello, G J, E-mail: sascha.gruner@physik.tu-chemnitz.d [Institute Laue-Langevin, PO Box 156, F-38042 Grenoble (France)

2009-09-23

The atomic structure of the liquid NiSi and NiSi{sub 2} alloys is investigated by means of neutron diffraction experiments with isotopic substitution. From experimental data-sets obtained using four Ni isotopes, partial structure factors and pair correlation functions are obtained by applying a reverse Monte Carlo modelling approach. Both alloys were found to exhibit a strong tendency to hetero-coordination within the first coordination shell. In particular, covalent Si-Si bonds with somewhat greater distances seem to influence the structure of the liquid NiSi alloy.

High-Efficiency Amorphous Silicon Alloy Based Solar Cells and Modules; Final Technical Progress Report, 30 May 2002--31 May 2005

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Guha, S.; Yang, J.

2005-10-01

The principal objective of this R&D program is to expand, enhance, and accelerate knowledge and capabilities for development of high-efficiency hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and amorphous silicon-germanium alloy (a-SiGe:H) related thin-film multijunction solar cells and modules with low manufacturing cost and high reliability. Our strategy has been to use the spectrum-splitting triple-junction structure, a-Si:H/a-SiGe:H/a-SiGe:H, to improve solar cell and module efficiency, stability, and throughput of production. The methodology used to achieve the objectives included: (1) explore the highest stable efficiency using the triple-junction structure deposited using RF glow discharge at a low rate, (2) fabricate the devices at a high deposition rate for high throughput and low cost, and (3) develop an optimized recipe using the R&D batch large-area reactor to help the design and optimization of the roll-to-roll production machines. For short-term goals, we have worked on the improvement of a-Si:H and a-SiGe:H alloy solar cells. a-Si:H and a-SiGe:H are the foundation of current a-Si:H based thin-film photovoltaic technology. Any improvement in cell efficiency, throughput, and cost reduction will immediately improve operation efficiency of our manufacturing plant, allowing us to further expand our production capacity.

Validated thermodynamic prediction of AlP and eutectic (Si) solidification sequence in Al-Si cast alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liang, S M; Schmid-Fetzer, R

2016-01-01

The eutectic microstructure in hypoeutectic Al-Si cast alloys is strongly influenced by AlP particles which are potent nuclei for the eutectic (Si) phase. The solidification sequence of AlP and (Si) phases is, thus, crucial for the nucleation of eutectic silicon with marked impact on its morphology. This study presents this interdependence between Si- and P-compositions, relevant for Al-Si cast alloys, on the solidification sequence of AlP and (Si). These data are predicted from a series of thermodynamic calculations. The predictions are based on a self-consistent thermodynamic description of the Al-Si-P ternary alloy system developed recently. They are validated by independent experimental studies on microstructure and undercooling in hypoeutectic Al-Si alloys. A constrained Scheil solidification simulation technique is applied to predict the undercooling under clean heterogeneous nucleation conditions, validated by dedicated experimental observations on entrained droplets. These specific undercooling values may be very large and their quantitative dependence on Si and P content of the Al alloy is presented. (paper)

Diffusion in ordered Fe-Si alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sepiol, B.; Vogl, G.

1995-01-01

The measurement of the diffusional Moessbauer line broadening in single crystalline samples at high temperatures provides microscopic information about atomic jumps. We can separate jumps of iron atoms between the various sublattices of Fe-Si intermetallic alloys (D0 3 structure) and measure their frequencies. The diffusion of iron in Fe-Si samples with Fe concentrations between 75 and 82 at% shows a drastic composition dependence: the jump frequency and the proportion between jumps on Fe sublattices and into antistructure (Si) sublattice positions change greatly. Close to Fe 3 Si stoichiometry iron diffusion is extremely fast and jumps are performed exclusively between the three Fe sublattices. The change in the diffusion process when changing the alloy composition from stoichiometric Fe 3 Si to the iron-rich side is discussed. (orig.)

Phase transformations behavior in a Cu-8.0Ni-1.8Si alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lei, Q. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 (China); Li, Z., E-mail: lizhou6931@163.com [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 (China) and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Materials Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410083 (China); Wang, M.P. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 (China); Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Materials Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410083 (China); Zhang, L.; Gong, S. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 (China); Xiao, Z. [Department of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L693 GH (United Kingdom); Pan, Z.Y. [Hunan Nonferrous Metals Holding Group Co., Ltd., Changsha, 410015 (China)

2011-02-24

Research highlights: > High solute concentrations Cu-Ni-Si alloy with super high strength and high conductivity has a good prospect for replacing Cu-Be alloys. At least four different kinds of precipitation products (DO{sub 22} ordered structure, {beta}-Ni{sub 3}Si precipitate, {delta}-Ni{sub 2}Si precipitate and {gamma}-Ni{sub 5}Si{sub 2} precipitate) have been observed in previous investigation. Therefore, the overall phase transformation behavior of Cu-Ni-Si alloy appears to be very complex. And most previous studies on the phase transformation usually investigated the precipitation process at only one temperature or at most a few temperatures, which is far away to establish a time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagram for Cu-Ni-Si alloy. > The phase transformation behavior of Cu-8.0Ni-1.8Si alloy has been studied systematically at wide temperature range in this paper. The results we have gained are that: after solution treatment, followed by different conditions of isothermal treatment, DO{sub 22} ordering, discontinuous precipitation and continuous precipitation were observed in the alloy; discontinuous precipitates of {beta}-Ni{sub 3}Si phase appeared when the alloy isothermal treated at 550 deg. C for short time, which had not been reported by the previous Cu-Ni-Si system alloy's researchers in their papers; two kinds of precipitates of {beta}-Ni{sub 3}Si and {delta}-Ni{sub 2}Si were determined by the TEM characterization; the orientation relationship between the two kinds of precipitates and Cu-matrix is that: (1 1 0){sub Cu}//(1 1 0){sub {beta}}//(211-bar){sub {delta}}, [112-bar]{sub Cu}//[11-bar 2]{sub {beta}}//[3 2 4]{sub {delta}}; during overaging treatment, Cu-matrix, {beta}-Ni{sub 3}Si, {delta}-Ni{sub 2}Si and {delta}'-Ni{sub 2}Si were distinguished in the samples and the orientation relationship between the precipitates and Cu-matrix can be expressed as that: (0 2 2){sub Cu}//(0 2 2){sub {beta}}//(1 0 0){sub {delta}}, (02-bar 2){sub Cu

Influence of the alloying effect on nickel K-shell fluorescence yield in Ni Si alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Kalayci, Y.; Agus, Y.; Ozgur, S.; Efe, N.; Zararsiz, A.; Arikan, P.; Mutlu, R. H.

2005-02-01

Alloying effects on the K-shell fluorescence yield ωK of nickel in Ni-Si binary alloy system have been studied by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. It is found that ωK increases from pure Ni to Ni 2Si and then decreases from Ni 2Si to NiSi. These results are discussed in terms of d-occupation number on the Ni site and it is concluded that electronic configuration as a result of p-d hybridization explain qualitatively the observed variation of ωK in Ni-Si alloys.

Microhardness evaluation alloys Hf-Si-B; Avaliacao de microdureza de ligas Hf-Si-B

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gigolotti, Joao Carlos Janio; Costa, Eliane Fernandes Brasil [Centro Universitario de Volta Redonda (UNIFOA), Volta Redonda, RJ (Brazil); Nunes, Carlos Angelo; Rocha, Elisa Gombio; Coelho, Gilberto Carvalho, E-mail: carlosjanio@uol.com.br, E-mail: eliane-costabrasi@hotmail.com, E-mail: cnunes@demar.eel.usp.br, E-mail: elisarocha@alunos.eel.usp.br, E-mail: coelho@demar.eel.usp.br [Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), Lorena, SP (Brazil)

2014-08-15

The technological advance has generated increasing demand for materials that can be used under high temperature, what includes intermetallic MR-Si-B (MR = refractory metal) alloys with multiphase structures, that can also be applied in oxide environments. Thus, this work had for objective the micro hardness study of the Hf-Si-B system alloys, heat treated at 1600 deg C, in the Hf rich region. Hf-Si-B alloys had been produced with blades of Hf (min. 99.8%), Si (min. 99.998%) and B (min. 99.5%), in the voltaic arc furnace and heat treated at 1600 deg C under argon atmosphere. The relationship of the phases had been previously identified by X-ray diffraction and contrast in backscattered electron imaging mode. The alloys had their hardness analyzed by method Vickers (micro hardness) with load of 0.05 kgf and 0.2 kgf and application time of 20 s. The results, obtained from the arithmetic mean of measurements for each alloy on the heterogeneous region, showed a mean hardness of 11.08 GPA, with small coefficient of variation of 3.8%. The borides HfB2 (19.34 GPa) e HfB - 11.76 GPa, showed the hardness higher than the silicides Hf2Si (8.57 GPa), Hf5Si3 (9.63 GPa), Hf3Si2 (11.66 GPa), Hf5Si4 (10.00 GPa), HfSi (10.02 GPa) e HfSi2 (8.61 GPa). (author)

Electrochemical corrosion behavior of Ni-containing hypoeutectic Al-Si alloy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Abul Hossain

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Electrochemical corrosion characteristics of the thermally treated 2 wt % Ni-containing Al-6Si-0.5Mg alloy were studied in NaCl solutions. The corrosion behavior of thermally treated (T6 Al-6Si-0.5Mg (-2Ni alloys in 0.1 M NaCl solution was investigated by electrochemical potentiodynamic polarization technique consisting of linear polarization method using the fit of Tafel plot and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS techniques. Generally, linear polarization experiments revealed a decrease of the corrosion rate at thermal treated Al-6Si-0.5Mg-2Ni alloy. The EIS test results showed that there is no significant change in charge transfer resistance (Rct after addition of Ni to Al-6Si-0.5Mg alloy. The magnitude of the positive shift in the open circuit potential (OCP, corrosion potential (Ecorr and pitting corrosion potential (Epit increased with the addition of Ni to Al-6Si-0.5Mg alloy. The forms of corrosion in the studied Al-6Si-0.5Mg alloy (except Al-6Si-0.5Mg-2Ni alloy are pitting corrosion as obtained from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM study.

Crystal growth velocity in deeply undercooled Ni-Si alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Lü, Y. J.

2012-02-01

The crystal growth velocity of Ni95Si5 and Ni90Si10 alloys as a function of undercooling is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The modified imbedded atom method potential yields the equilibrium liquidus temperatures T L ≈ 1505 and 1387 K for Ni95Si5 and Ni90Si10 alloys, respectively. From the liquidus temperatures down to the deeply undercooled region, the crystal growth velocities of both the alloys rise to the maximum with increasing undercooling and then drop slowly, whereas the athermal growth process presented in elemental Ni is not observed in Ni-Si alloys. Instead, the undercooling dependence of the growth velocity can be well-described by the diffusion-limited model, furthermore, the activation energy associated with the diffusion from melt to interface increases as the concentration increases from 5 to 10 at.% Si, resulting in the remarkable decrease of growth velocity.

Solar cells based on InP/GaP/Si structure

Science.gov (United States)

Kvitsiani, O.; Laperashvil, D.; Laperashvili, T.; Mikelashvili, V.

2016-10-01

Solar cells (SCs) based on III-V semiconductors are reviewed. Presented work emphases on the Solar Cells containing Quantum Dots (QDs) for next-generation photovoltaics. In this work the method of fabrication of InP QDs on III-V semiconductors is investigated. The original method of electrochemical deposition of metals: indium (In), gallium (Ga) and of alloys (InGa) on the surface of gallium phosphide (GaP), and mechanism of formation of InP QDs on GaP surface is presented. The possibilities of application of InP/GaP/Si structure as SC are discussed, and the challenges arising is also considered.

Promising Cu-Ni-Cr-Si alloy for first wall ITER applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ivanov, A.; Abramov, V.; Rodin, M.

1996-01-01

Precipitation-hardened Cu-Ni-Cr-Si alloy, a promising material for ITER applications, is considered. Available commercial products, chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties are presented. Embrittlement of Cu-Ni-Cr-Si alloy at 250-300 C is observed. Mechanical properties of Cu-Ni-Cr-Si alloy neutron irradiated to a dose of ∝0.2 dpa at 293 C are investigated. Embrittlement of Cu-Ni-Cr-Si alloy can be avoided by annealing. (orig.)

Rare earth concentration in the primary Si crystal in rare earth added Al-21 wt. % Si alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chang, J.Y.; Kim, G.H. [Korea Inst. of Science and Technology, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Moon, I.G.; Choi, C.S. [Yonsei Univ., Seoul (Korea, Republic of). Dept. of Metallurgical Engineering

1998-07-03

Al-Si alloys containing more than about 12 wt. % Si exhibit a hypereutectic microstructure, normally consisting of a primary silicon phase in an eutectic matrix. The primary silicon in normal hypereutectic alloys is usually very coarse and thus leads to poor properties to these alloys. Therefore, alloys with a predominantly coarse primary silicon crystal must be modified to ensure adequate mechanical strength and ductility. Further improvement of mechanical properties of these alloys can be achieved by the modification of eutectic microstructure. Therefore, development of a modifier or refiner that can produce both fine primary and eutectic Si is a major factor which can lead to significant enhancement of mechanical properties in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys. Refinement of primary silicon is usually achieved by the addition of phosphor to the melt. On the other hand, it is reported that the rare earth (RE) elements are capable of modifying the eutectic structure of cast Al-Si alloys. According to the literature, Phosphor acts as a heterogeneous nucleation site of Si crystal by forming AlP intermetallic particles at high temperature, i.e., above liquidus temperature of Al-Si alloy. Unlike phosphor, RE was not known to form a stable compound with Al that can act as a nucleation site at high temperature. Therefore, the role of RE as a refiner should be considered by examining the behavior of RE as a solute in the melt. The distribution of RE within the primary Si and in the matrix of the alloy will provide a clue to the role of RE on the modification of primary Si during solidification.

Reduction in the formation temperature of Poly-SiGe alloy thin film in Si/Ge system

Science.gov (United States)

Tah, Twisha; Singh, Ch. Kishan; Madapu, K. K.; Sarguna, R. M.; Magudapathy, P.; Ilango, S.

2018-04-01

The role of deposition temperature in the formation of poly-SiGe alloy thin film in Si/Ge system is reported. For the set ofsamples deposited without any intentional heating, initiation of alloying starts upon post annealingat ˜ 500 °C leading to the formation of a-SiGe. Subsequently, poly-SiGe alloy phase could formonly at temperature ≥ 800 °C. Whereas, for the set of samples deposited at 500 °C, in-situ formation of poly-SiGe alloy thin film could be observed. The energetics of the incoming evaporated atoms and theirsubsequent diffusionsin the presence of the supplied thermal energy is discussed to understand possible reasons for lowering of formation temperature/energyof the poly-SiGe phase.

Release of Si from Silicon, a Ferrosilicon (FeSi) Alloy and a Synthetic Silicate Mineral in Simulated Biological Media

Science.gov (United States)

Herting, Gunilla; Jiang, Tao; Sjöstedt, Carin; Odnevall Wallinder, Inger

2014-01-01

Unique quantitative bioaccessibility data has been generated, and the influence of surface/material and test media characteristics on the elemental release process were assessed for silicon containing materials in specific synthetic body fluids at certain time periods at a fixed loading. The metal release test protocol, elaborated by the KTH team, has previously been used for classification, ranking, and screening of different alloys and metals. Time resolved elemental release of Si, Fe and Al from particles, sized less than 50 µm, of two grades of metallurgical silicon (high purity silicon, SiHG, low purity silicon, SiLG), an alloy (ferrosilicon, FeSi) and a mineral (aluminium silicate, AlSi) has been investigated in synthetic body fluids of varying pH, composition and complexation capacity, simple models of for example dermal contact and digestion scenarios. Individual methods for analysis of released Si (as silicic acid, Si(OH)4) in synthetic body fluids using GF-AAS were developed for each fluid including optimisation of solution pH and graphite furnace parameters. The release of Si from the two metallurgical silicon grades was strongly dependent on both pH and media composition with the highest release in pH neutral media. No similar effect was observed for the FeSi alloy or the aluminium silicate mineral. Surface adsorption of phosphate and lactic acid were believed to hinder the release of Si whereas the presence of citric acid enhanced the release as a result of surface complexation. An increased presence of Al and Fe in the material (low purity metalloid, alloy or mineral) resulted in a reduced release of Si in pH neutral media. The release of Si was enhanced for all materials with Al at their outermost surface in acetic media. PMID:25225879

Release of Si from silicon, a ferrosilicon (FeSi alloy and a synthetic silicate mineral in simulated biological media.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gunilla Herting

Full Text Available Unique quantitative bioaccessibility data has been generated, and the influence of surface/material and test media characteristics on the elemental release process were assessed for silicon containing materials in specific synthetic body fluids at certain time periods at a fixed loading. The metal release test protocol, elaborated by the KTH team, has previously been used for classification, ranking, and screening of different alloys and metals. Time resolved elemental release of Si, Fe and Al from particles, sized less than 50 µm, of two grades of metallurgical silicon (high purity silicon, SiHG, low purity silicon, SiLG, an alloy (ferrosilicon, FeSi and a mineral (aluminium silicate, AlSi has been investigated in synthetic body fluids of varying pH, composition and complexation capacity, simple models of for example dermal contact and digestion scenarios. Individual methods for analysis of released Si (as silicic acid, Si(OH4 in synthetic body fluids using GF-AAS were developed for each fluid including optimisation of solution pH and graphite furnace parameters. The release of Si from the two metallurgical silicon grades was strongly dependent on both pH and media composition with the highest release in pH neutral media. No similar effect was observed for the FeSi alloy or the aluminium silicate mineral. Surface adsorption of phosphate and lactic acid were believed to hinder the release of Si whereas the presence of citric acid enhanced the release as a result of surface complexation. An increased presence of Al and Fe in the material (low purity metalloid, alloy or mineral resulted in a reduced release of Si in pH neutral media. The release of Si was enhanced for all materials with Al at their outermost surface in acetic media.

The electrochemical properties of melt-spun Al-Si-Cu alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Linping; Wang Fei; Liang Pu; Song Xianlei; Hu Qing; Sun Zhanbo; Song Xiaoping; Yang Sen; Wang Liqun

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Non-equilibrium Al 75-X Si 25 Cu X alloys exhibit high lithiation storages. → The lithiation mechanism is different from melt-spun Al-Si-Mn system. → The structural evolution is mitigated in the non-equilibrium alloys. → Volume variation is alleviated due to the co-existence of Al 2 Cu, α-Si and α-Al. - Abstract: Melt spinning was used to prepare Al 75-X Si 25 Cu X (X = 1, 4, 7, 10 mol%) alloy anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. A metastable supersaturated solid solution of Si and Cu in fcc-Al, α-Si and Al 2 Cu co-existed in the alloys. Nano-scaled α-Al grains, as the matrix, formed in the as-quenched ribbons. The Al 74 Si 25 Cu 1 and Al 71 Si 25 Cu 4 anodes exhibited initial discharge specific capacities of 1539 mAh g -1 , 1324 mAh g -1 and reversible capacities above 472 mAh g -1 , 508 mAh g -1 at the 20th cycle, respectively. The specific capacities reduced as the increase of the Cu content. AlLi intermetallic compound was detected in the lithiated alloys. It is concluded that the lithiation mechanism of the Al-Si-based alloys can be affected by the third component. The structural evolution and volume variation can be mitigated due to the formation of non-equilibrium state and the co-existence of nano-scaled α-Al, α-Si, and Al 2 Cu for the present alloys.

Formation of AlFeSi phase in AlSi12 alloy with Ce addition

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S. Kores

2012-04-01

Full Text Available The influence of cerium addition on the solidification sequence and microstructure constituents of the Al-Si alloys with 12,6 mass % Si was examined. The solidification was analyzed by a simple thermal analysis. The microstructures were examined with conventional light and scanning electron microscopy. Ternary AlSiCe phase was formed in the Al-Si alloys with added cerium during the solidification process. AlSiCe and β-AlFeSi phases solidified together in the region that solidified the last. Cerium addition influenced on the morphology of the α-AlFeSi phase solidification.

The novel eutectic microstructures of Si-Mn-P ternary alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu Yaping; Liu Xiangfa

2010-01-01

The microstructures of Si-Mn-P alloy manufactured by the technique of combining phosphorus transportation and alloy melting were investigated using electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). The phase compositions were determined by energy spectrum and the varieties of eutectic morphologies were discussed. It is found that there is no ternary compound but Si, MnP and MnSi 1.75-x could appear when the Si-Mn-P alloy's composition is proper. Microstructure is greatly refined by rapid solidification technique and the amount of eutectic phases change with faster cooling rates. Moreover, primary Si or MnP are surrounded firstly by the binary eutectic (Si + MnP) and then the ternary eutectic (Si + MnSi 1.75-x + MnP) which also exhibit binary structures due to divorced eutectic determined by the particularity of some Si-Mn-P alloys.

Compositional study of glow-discharge A-SiC:H films for window layer of solar cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Imura, T; Hiraki, A

1983-10-01

A series of compositional studies on various types of amorphous silicon-carbon-hydrogen alloy (a-SiC:H) were performed by means of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The difference between CH4 and C2H4 as a carbon source was examined. From the infrared absorption study it is shown that C2H4-based a-SiC:H films contain carbons as -C2H5 and -CH3,, whereas CH4-based ones as tetrahedral atoms. These results will serve to elucidate the fabrication problems of solar cells. 14 references.

Preparation and Oxidation Resistance of Mo-Si-B Coating on Nb-Si Based Alloy Surface

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PANG Jie

2018-02-01

Full Text Available Mo-Si-B coating was prepared on Nb-Si alloys to improve the high-temperature oxidation. The influence of the halide activators (NaF and AlF3 on Si-B co-depositing to obtain Mo-Si-B coating on Nb-Si alloys was analyzed by thermochemical calculations. The results show that NaF proves to be more suitable than AlF3 to co-deposit Si and B. Then Mo-Si-B can be coated on Nb-Si based alloys using detonation gun spraying of Mo followed by Si and B co-deposition. The fabricated coatings consist of outer MoSi2 layer with fine boride phase and inner unreacted Mo layer. The mass gain of the Mo-Si-B coating is 1.52mg/cm2 after oxidation at 1250℃ for 100h. The good oxidation resistance results in a protective borosilicate scale formed on the coating.

Effect of Alloy Elements on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties in Al-Mg-Si Alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Kato, Yoshikazu; Hisayuki, Koji; Sakaguchi, Masashi; Higashi, Kenji

Microstructures and mechanical properties in the modified Al-Mg-Si alloys with variation in the alloy elements and their contents were investigated to enhance higher strength and ductility. Optimizing both the alloy element design and the industrial processes including heat-treatments and extrusion technology was carried out along the recent suggestion from the first principles calculation. The investigation concluded that the addition of Fe and/or Cu could recovery their lost ductility, furthermore increase their tensile strength up to 420 MPa at high elongation of 24 % after T6 condition for Al-0.8mass%Mg-1.0mass%Si-0.8mass%Cu-0.5mass%Fe alloy with excess Si content. The excellent combination between strength and ductility could be obtained by improvement to the grain boundary embitterment caused by grain boundary segregation of Si as a result from the interaction of Si with Cu or Fe with optimizing the amount of Cu and Fe contents.

Improvement of magnetocaloric properties of Gd-Ge-Si alloys by alloying with iron

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Erenc-Sędziak T.

2013-01-01

Full Text Available The influence of annealing of Gd5Ge2Si2Fex alloys at 1200°C and of alloying with various amount of iron on structure as well as thermal and magnetocaloric properties is investigated. It was found that annealing for 1 to 10 hours improves the entropy change, but reduces the temperature of maximum magnetocaloric effect by up to 50 K. Prolonged annealing of the Gd5Ge2Si2 alloy results in the decrease of entropy change due to the reduction of Gd5Ge2Si2 phase content. Addition of iron to the ternary alloy enhances the magnetocaloric effect, if x = 0.4 – 0.6, especially if alloying is combined with annealing at 1200°C: the peak value of the isothermal entropy change from 0 to 2 T increases from 3.5 to 11 J/kgK. Simultaneously, the temperature of maximum magnetocaloric effect drops to 250 K. The changes in magnetocaloric properties are related to the change in phase transformation from the second order for arc molten ternary alloy to first order in the case of annealed and/or alloyed with iron. The results of this study indicate that the minor addition of iron and heat treatment to Gd-Ge-Si alloys may be useful in improving the materials’ magnetocaloric properties..

Centrifugally cast Zn-27Al-xMg-ySi alloys and their in situ (Mg2Si + Si)/ZA27 composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Qudong; Chen Yongjun; Chen Wenzhou; Wei Yinhong; Zhai Chunquan; Ding Wenjiang

2005-01-01

Effects of composition, mold temperature, rotating rate and modification on microstructure of centrifugally cast Zn-27Al-xMg-ySi alloys have been investigated. In situ composites of Zn-27Al-6.3Mg-3.7Si and Zn-27Al-9.8Mg-5.2Si alloys were fabricated by centrifugal casting using heated permanent mold. These composites consist of three layers: inner layer segregates lots of blocky primary Mg 2 Si and a litter blocky primary Si, middle layer contains without primary Mg 2 Si and primary Si, outer layer contains primary Mg 2 Si and primary Si. The position, quantity and distribution of primary Mg 2 Si and primary Si in the composites are determined jointly by alloy composition, solidification velocity under the effect of centrifugal force and their floating velocity inward. Na salt modifier can refine grain and primary Mg 2 Si and make primary Mg 2 Si distribute more evenly and make primary Si nodular. For centrifugally cast Zn-27Al-3.2Mg-1.8Si alloy, the microstructures of inner layer, middle layer and outer layer are almost similar, single layer materials without primary Mg 2 Si and primary Si are obtained, and their grain sizes increased with the mold temperature increasing

The electrochemical properties of melt-spun Al-Si-Cu alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang Linping; Wang Fei; Liang Pu; Song Xianlei; Hu Qing [MOE Key Laboratory for Non-equilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi' an Jiaotong University, Xi' an 710049 (China); Sun Zhanbo, E-mail: szb@mail.xjtu.edu.cn [MOE Key Laboratory for Non-equilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi' an Jiaotong University, Xi' an 710049 (China); Song Xiaoping; Yang Sen; Wang Liqun [MOE Key Laboratory for Non-equilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi' an Jiaotong University, Xi' an 710049 (China)

2011-10-03

Highlights: {yields} Non-equilibrium Al{sub 75-X}Si{sub 25}Cu{sub X} alloys exhibit high lithiation storages. {yields} The lithiation mechanism is different from melt-spun Al-Si-Mn system. {yields} The structural evolution is mitigated in the non-equilibrium alloys. {yields} Volume variation is alleviated due to the co-existence of Al{sub 2}Cu, {alpha}-Si and {alpha}-Al. - Abstract: Melt spinning was used to prepare Al{sub 75-X}Si{sub 25}Cu{sub X} (X = 1, 4, 7, 10 mol%) alloy anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. A metastable supersaturated solid solution of Si and Cu in fcc-Al, {alpha}-Si and Al{sub 2}Cu co-existed in the alloys. Nano-scaled {alpha}-Al grains, as the matrix, formed in the as-quenched ribbons. The Al{sub 74}Si{sub 25}Cu{sub 1} and Al{sub 71}Si{sub 25}Cu{sub 4} anodes exhibited initial discharge specific capacities of 1539 mAh g{sup -1}, 1324 mAh g{sup -1} and reversible capacities above 472 mAh g{sup -1}, 508 mAh g{sup -1} at the 20th cycle, respectively. The specific capacities reduced as the increase of the Cu content. AlLi intermetallic compound was detected in the lithiated alloys. It is concluded that the lithiation mechanism of the Al-Si-based alloys can be affected by the third component. The structural evolution and volume variation can be mitigated due to the formation of non-equilibrium state and the co-existence of nano-scaled {alpha}-Al, {alpha}-Si, and Al{sub 2}Cu for the present alloys.

EFFECT OF SILICON CONTENT ON MACHINABILITY OF Al-Si ALLOYS

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Birol Akyüz

2016-09-01

Full Text Available In this study the effect of the change in the amount of Silicon (Si occuring in Al-Si alloys on mechanical and machinability properties of the alloy was investigated. The change in mechanical properties and microstructure, which depends on the increase in Si percentage, and the effects of this change on Flank Build-up (FBU, wear on the cutting edge, surface roughness, and machinability were also studied. Alloys in different ratios of Si (i.e. 2 to 12 wt %, were employed in the study. The specimens for tests were obtained by casting into metal moulds. The results obtained from experimental studies indicate improved mechanical properties and machinability, depending on the rise in Si percentage in Al-Si alloys. It is also observed that the increase in Si percentage enhanced surface quality.

Study of Bending Fatigue Properties of Al-Si Cast Alloy

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Tillová E.

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Fatigue properties of casting Al-alloys are very sensitive to the microstructural features of the alloy (e.g. size and morphology of the eutectic Si, secondary dendrite arm spacing - SDAS, intermetallics, grain size and casting defects (porosity and oxides. Experimental study of bending fatigue properties of secondary cast alloys have shown that: fatigue tests up to 106-107cycles show mean fatigue limits of approx. 30-49 MPa (AlSi9Cu3 alloy - as cast state, approx. 65-76 MPa (AlSi9Cu3 alloy after solution treatment and 60-70 MPa (self-hardened AlZn10Si8Mg alloy in the tested casting condition; whenever large pore is present at or near the specimen’s surface, it will be the dominant cause of fatigue crack initiation; in the absence of large casting defects, the influence of microstructural features (Si morphology; Fe-rich phases on the fatigue performance becomes more pronounced.

Phase formation in Mg-Sn-Si and Mg-Sn-Si-Ca alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kozlov, A.; Groebner, J. [Institute of Metallurgy, Clausthal University of Technology, Robert-Koch-Str. 42, D-38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld (Germany); Schmid-Fetzer, R., E-mail: schmid-fetzer@tu-clausthal.de [Institute of Metallurgy, Clausthal University of Technology, Robert-Koch-Str. 42, D-38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld (Germany)

2011-02-17

Research highlights: > The solidification paths of ternary and quaternary alloys are analyzed in detail, using the tool of thermodynamic calculations. > The precipitation sequence of phases and their amounts compare well with the microstructure of alloys. > The most efficient comparison to the experimental thermal analysis data is done by calculation of the enthalpy variation with temperature. > The viability of a procedure for the selection of multicomponent key samples is demonstrated for the development of the Mg-Ca-Si-Sn phase diagram. - Abstract: Experimental work is done and combined with the Calphad method to generate a consistent thermodynamic description of the Mg-Ca-Si-Sn quaternary system, validated for Mg-rich alloys. The viability of a procedure for the selection of multicomponent key samples is demonstrated for this multicomponent system. Dedicated thermal analysis with DTA/DSC on sealed samples is performed and the microstructure of slowly solidified alloys is analyzed using SEM/EDX. The thermodynamic description and phase diagram of the ternary Mg-Si-Sn system, developed in detail also in this work, deviates significantly from a previous literature proposal. The phase formation in ternary and quaternary alloys is analyzed using the tool of thermodynamic equilibrium and Scheil calculations for the solidification paths and compared with present experimental data. The significant ternary/quaternary solid solubilities of pertinent intermetallic phases are quantitatively introduced in the quaternary Mg-Ca-Si-Sn phase diagram and validated by experimental data.

Muonium hyperfine parameters in Si1-x Ge x alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

King, Philip; Lichti, Roger; Cottrell, Stephen; Yonenaga, Ichiro

2006-01-01

We present studies of muonium behaviour in bulk, Czochralski-grown Si 1- x Ge x alloy material, focusing in particular on the hyperfine parameter of the tetrahedral muonium species. In contrast to the bond-centred species, the hyperfine parameter of the tetrahedral-site muonium centre (Mu T ) appears to vary non-linearly with alloy composition. The temperature dependence of the Mu T hyperfine parameter observed in low-Ge alloy material is compared with that seen in pure Si, and previous models of the Mu T behaviour in Si are discussed in the light of results from Si 1- x Ge x alloys

Influence of base pressure and atmospheric contaminants on a-Si:H solar cell properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Woerdenweber, J.; Schmitz, R.; Mueck, A.; Zastrow, U.; Niessen, L.; Gordijn, A.; Carius, R.; Beyer, W.; Rau, U.; Merdzhanova, T.; Stiebig, H.

2008-01-01

The influence of atmospheric contaminants oxygen and nitrogen on the performance of thin-film hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition at 13.56 MHz was systematically investigated. The question is addressed as to what degree of high base pressures (up to 10 -4 Torr) are compatible with the preparation of good quality amorphous silicon based solar cells. The data show that for the intrinsic a-Si:H absorber layer exists critical oxygen and nitrogen contamination levels (about 2x10 19 atoms/cm 3 and 4x10 18 atoms/cm 3 , respectively). These levels define the minimum impurity concentration that causes a deterioration in solar cell performance. This critical concentration is found to depend little on the applied deposition regime. By enhancing, for example, the flow of process gases, a higher base pressure (and leak rate) can be tolerated before reaching the critical contamination level. The electrical properties of the corresponding films show that increasing oxygen and nitrogen contamination results in an increase in dark conductivity and photoconductivity, while activation energy and photosensitivity are decreased. These effects are attributed to nitrogen and oxygen induced donor states, which cause a shift of the Fermi level toward the conduction band and presumably deteriorate the built-in electric field in the solar cells. Higher doping efficiencies are observed for nitrogen compared to oxygen. Alloying effects (formation of SiO x ) are observed for oxygen contaminations above 10 20 atoms/cm 3 , leading to an increase in the band gap

Studying Si/SiGe disordered alloys within effective mass theory

Science.gov (United States)

Gamble, John; Montaño, Inès; Carroll, Malcolm S.; Muller, Richard P.

Si/SiGe is an attractive material system for electrostatically-defined quantum dot qubits due to its high-quality crystalline quantum well interface. Modeling the properties of single-electron quantum dots in this system is complicated by the presence of alloy disorder, which typically requires atomistic techniques in order to treat properly. Here, we use the NEMO-3D empirical tight binding code to calibrate a multi-valley effective mass theory (MVEMT) to properly handle alloy disorder. The resulting MVEMT simulations give good insight into the essential physics of alloy disorder, while being extremely computationally efficient and well-suited to determining statistical properties. Sandia is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under Contract No. DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Precipitation and strengthening phenomena in Al-Si-Ge and Al-Cu-Si-Ge alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mitlin, D.; Morris, J.W.; Dahmen, U.; Radmilovic, V.

2000-01-01

The objective of this work was to determine whether Al rich Al-Si-Ge and 2000 type Al-Cu-Si-Ge alloys have sufficient hardness to be useful for structural applications. It is shown that in Al-Si-Ge it is not possible to achieve satisfactory hardness through a conventional heat treatment. This result is explained in terms of sluggish precipitation of the diamond-cubic Si-Ge phase coupled with particle coarsening. However, Al-Cu-Si-Ge displayed a uniquely fast aging response, a high peak hardness and a good stability during prolonged aging. The high hardness of the Cu containing alloy is due to the dense and uniform distribution of fine θ' precipitates (metastable Al 2 Cu) which are heterogeneously nucleated on the Si-Ge particles. High resolution TEM demonstrated that in both alloys all the Si-Ge precipitates start out, and remain multiply twinned throughout the aging treatment. Since the twinned section of the precipitate does not maintain a low index interface with the matrix, the Si-Ge precipitates are equiaxed in morphology. Copyright (2000) AD-TECH - International Foundation for the Advancement of Technology Ltd

Microstructure and properties of an Al-Ti-Cu-Si brazing alloy for SiC-metal joining

Science.gov (United States)

Dai, Chun-duo; Ma, Rui-na; Wang, Wei; Cao, Xiao-ming; Yu, Yan

2017-05-01

An Al-Ti-Cu-Si solid-liquid dual-phase alloy that exhibits good wettability and appropriate interfacial reaction with SiC at 500-600°C was designed for SiC-metal joining. The microstructure, phases, differential thermal curves, and high-temperature wetting behavior of the alloy were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and the sessile drop method. The experimental results show that the 76.5Al-8.5Ti-5Cu-10Si alloy is mainly composed of Al-Al2Cu and Al-Si hypoeutectic low-melting-point microstructures (493-586°C) and the high-melting-point intermetallic compound AlTiSi (840°C). The contact angle, determined by high-temperature wetting experiments, is approximately 54°. Furthermore, the wetting interface is smooth and contains no obvious defects. Metallurgical bonding at the interface is attributable to the reaction between Al and Si in the alloy and ceramic, respectively. The formation of the brittle Al4C3 phase at the interface is suppressed by the addition of 10wt% Si to the alloy.

Age hardening of a sintered Al-Cu-Mg-Si-(Sn) alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kent, D.; Schaffer, G.B.; Drennan, J.

2005-01-01

The age hardening response of a sintered Al-3.8 wt% Cu-1.0 wt% Mg-0.70 wt% Si alloy with and without 0.1 wt% Sn was investigated. The sequence of precipitation was characterised using transmission electron microscopy. The ageing response of the sintered Al-Cu-Mg-Si-(Sn) alloy is similar to that of cognate wrought 2xxx series alloys. Peak hardness was associated with a fine, uniform dispersion of lath shaped precipitates, believed to be either the β'or Q' phase, oriented along α directions and θ' plates lying on {0 0 1} α planes. Natural ageing also resulted in comparable behaviour to that observed in wrought alloys. Porosity in the powder metallurgy alloys did not significantly affect the kinetics of precipitation during artificial ageing. Trace levels of tin, used to aid sintering, slightly reduced the hardening response of the alloy. However, this was compensated for by significant improvements in density and hardness

Separation of primary solid phases from Al-Si alloy melts

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Ki Young Kim

2014-07-01

Full Text Available The iron-rich solids formed during solidification of Al-Si alloys which are known to be detrimental to the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of the alloys should be removed. On the other hand, Al-Si hypereutectic alloys are used to extract the pure primary silicon which is suitable for photovoltaic cells in the solvent refining process. One of the important issues in iron removal and in solvent refining is the effective separation of the crystallized solids from the Al-Si alloy melts. This paper describes the separation methods of the primary solids from Al-Si alloy melts such as sedimentation, draining, filtration, electromagnetic separation and centrifugal separation, focused on the iron removal and on the separation of silicon in the solvent refining process.

Effects of Al-Mn-Ti-P-Cu master alloy on microstructure and properties of Al-25Si alloy

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Xu Chunxiang

2013-09-01

Full Text Available To obtain a higher microstructural refining efficiency, and improve the properties and processing ability of hypereutectic Al-25Si alloy, a new environmentally friendly Al-20.6Mn-12Ti-0.9P-6.1Cu (by wt.% master alloy was fabricated; and its modification and strengthening mechanisms on the Al-25Si alloy were studied. The mechanical properties of the unmodified, modified and heat treated alloys were investigated. Results show that the optimal addition amount of the Al-20.6Mn-12Ti-0.9P-6.1Cu master alloy is 4wt.%. In this case, primary Si and eutectic Si as well as メ-Al phase were clearly refined, and this refining effect shows an excellent long residual action as it can be heat-retained for at least 5 h. After being T6 heat treated, the morphology of primary and eutectic Si in the Al-25Si alloys with the addition of 4wt.% Al-20.6Mn-12Ti-0.9P-6.1Cu alloy changes into particles and short rods. The average grain size of the primary and eutectic Si decreases from 250 レm (unmodified to 13.83 レm and 35 レm (unmodified to 7 レm; the メ-Al becomes obviously finer and the distribution of Si phases tends to be uniform and dispersed. Meanwhile, the tensile properties are improved obviously; the tensile strengths at room temperature and 300 ìC reach 241 MPa and 127 MPa, increased by 153.7% and 67.1%, respectively. In addition, the tensile fracture mechanism changes from brittle fracture for the alloy without modification to ductile fracture after modification. Modifying the morphology of Si phase and strengthening the matrix can effectively block the initiation and propagation of cracks, thus improving the strength of the hypereutectic Al-25Si alloy.

Thermophysical properties of a highly superheated and undercooled Ni-Si alloy melt

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, H. P.; Cao, C. D.; Wei, B.

2004-05-01

The surface tension of superheated and undercooled liquid Ni-5 wt % Si alloy was measured by an electromagnetic oscillating drop method over a wide temperature range from 1417 to 1994 K. The maximum undercooling of 206 K (0.13TL) was achieved. The surface tension of liquid Ni-5 wt % Si alloy is 1.697 N m-1 at the liquidus temperature 1623 K, and its temperature coefficient is -3.97×10-4 N m-1 K-1. On the basis of the experimental data of surface tension, the other thermophysical properties such as the viscosity, the solute diffusion coefficient, and the density of liquid Ni-5 wt % Si alloy were also derived.

Characterization of μc-Si:H/a-Si:H tandem solar cell structures by spectroscopic ellipsometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Murata, Daisuke; Yuguchi, Tetsuya; Fujiwara, Hiroyuki

2014-01-01

In order to perform the structural characterization of Si thin-film solar cells having submicron-size rough textured surfaces, we have developed an optical model that can be utilized for the spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) analysis of a multilayer solar cell structure consisting of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si:H) layers fabricated on textured SnO 2 :F substrates. To represent the structural non-uniformity in the textured structure, the optical response has been calculated from two regions with different thicknesses of the Si layers. Moreover, in the optical model, the interface layers are modeled by multilayer structures assuming two-phase composites and the volume fractions of the phases in the layers are controlled by the structural curvature factor. The polarized reflection from the μc-Si:H layer that shows extensive surface roughening during the growth has also been modeled. In this study, a state-of-the-art solar cell structure with the textured μc-Si:H (2000 nm)/ZnO (100 nm)/a-Si:H (200 nm)/SnO 2 :F/glass substrate structure has been characterized. The μc-Si:H/a-Si:H textured structure deduced from our SE analysis shows remarkable agreement with that observed by transmission electron microscopy. From the above results, we have demonstrated the high-precision characterization of highly-textured μc-Si:H/a-Si:H solar cell structures. - Highlights: • Characterization of textured μc-Si:H/a-Si:H solar cell structures by ellipsometry • A new optical model using surface area and multilayer models • High precision characterization of submicron-range rough interface structures

Use of thermodynamic calculation to predict the effect of Si on the ageing behavior of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ji, Yanli; Zhong, Hao; Hu, Ping; Guo, Fuan

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → Thermodynamic calculation can predict the ageing behavior of 6xxx alloys. → The hardness level of the alloys depends on the Si content in as-quenched matrix. → The precipitation strengthening effect depends on the Mg 2 Si level of the alloys. -- Abstract: Thermodynamic calculation was employed to predict the influence of Si content on the ageing behavior of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys. In addition, experiments were carried out to verify the predictions. The results show that thermodynamic calculation can predict the effect of Si content on the ageing behavior of the studied alloys. This study further proposes that the hardness level of alloys during ageing is directly related to the Si content in the as-quenched supersaturated solution, while the precipitation strengthening effect is directly related to the Mg 2 Si level of the alloys.

Recent progress in Si thin film technology for solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Kuwano, Yukinori; Nakano, Shoichi; Tsuda, Shinya

1991-11-01

Progress in Si thin film technology 'specifically amorphous Si (a-Si) and polycrystalline Si (poly-Si) thin film' for solar cells is summarized here from fabrication method, material, and structural viewpoints. In addition to a-Si, primary results on poly-Si thin film research are discussed. Various applications for a-Si solar cells are mentioned, and consumer applications and a-Si solar cell photovoltaic systems are introduced. New product developments include see-through solar cells, solar cell roofing tiles, and ultra-light flexible solar cells. As for new systems, air conditioning equipment powered by solar cells is described. Looking to the future, the proposed GENESIS project is discussed.

Effect of adding Si on shape memory effect in Co-Ni alloy system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhou Weimin [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030 (China); Liu Yan [Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050 (China); Jiang Bohong [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030 (China)]. E-mail: bhjiang@sjtu.edu.cn; Zhou Pingnan [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030 (China)

2006-11-25

In this paper, the effect of adding Si to Co-31.5 mass% Ni alloys on fcc-hcp martensitic transformation is investigated. The Co-Ni-Si ternary alloys with different amount of Si from 1 to 5 mass% were prepared. The stacking fault probability of Co-Ni-Si polycrystalline alloys were determined by X-ray diffraction profile analysis and compared with the binary Co-Ni alloy. The results show that the stacking fault probability of the fcc phase of alloys increases with increasing Si content. The effect of Si on phase transformation and shape memory behavior is evaluated. The experimental results show that both the critical strength and the shape memory effect of the ternary alloys will increase by the addition of Si. The improvement mechanism of the shape memory effect by adding Si to binary Co-Ni alloys is discussed.

Local atomic structure and chemical order in amorphous SiGe:H and SiC:H alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pisarkiewicz, T.; Stapinski, T.

1994-01-01

The local structure and chemical ordering in amorphous hydrogenated silicon-germanium and silicon-carbon alloys were analyzed mainly with the help of extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, Raman scattering and electron diffraction. Ge-Ge and Ge-Si distances were found to be independent of concentration and the composition of the first coordination shell around Ge is consistent with a random mixing of the two species in a-Si 1-x Ge:H alloy. The first-coordination-shell average bond lengths for Si-Si and SiC in a-Si 1-x C x :H are also constant with concentration x and the comparison of the first coordination shell composition around Si with average concentration indicates that the alloys tends to be chemically ordered. The degree of crystallinity in microcrystalline Si films determined by EXAFS is in agreement with that obtained in Raman scattering analysis. (author). 16 refs, 5 figs

Oxidation Behavior of Mo-Si-B Alloys in Wet Air; TOPICAL

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

M. Kramer; A. Thom; O. Degirmen; V. Behrani; M. Akinc

2002-01-01

Multiphase composite alloys based on the Mo-Si-B system are candidate materials for ultra-high temperature applications. In non load-bearing uses such as thermal barrier coatings or heat exchangers in fossil fuel burners, these materials may be ideally suited. The present work investigated the effect of water vapor on the oxidation behavior of Mo-Si-B phase assemblages. Three alloys were studied: Alloy 1= Mo(sub 5)Si(sub 3)B(sub x) (T1)- MoSi(sub 2)- MoB, Alloy 2= T1- Mo(sub 5)SiB(sub 2) (T2)- Mo(sub 3)Si, and Alloy 3= Mo- T2- Mo(sub 3)Si. Tests were conducted at 1000 and 1100C in controlled atmospheres of dry air and wet air nominally containing 18, 55, and 150 Torr H(sub 2)O. The initial mass loss of each alloy was approximately independent of the test temperature and moisture content of the atmosphere. The magnitude of these initial losses varied according to the Mo content of the alloys. All alloys formed a continuous, external silica scale that protected against further mass change after volatilization of the initially formed MoO(sub 3). All alloys experienced a small steady state mass change, but the calculated rates cannot be quantitatively compared due to statistical uncertainty in the individual mass measurements. Of particular interest is that Alloy 3, which contains a significant volume fraction of Mo metal, formed a protective scale. All alloys formed varying amounts of subscale Mo and MoO(sub 2). This implies that oxygen transport through the external silica scale has been significantly reduced. For all alloys, water vapor accelerated the growth of a multiphase interlayer at the silica scale/unoxidized alloy interface. This interlayer is likely composed of fine Mo and MoO(sub 2) that is dispersed within a thin silica matrix. Alloy 3 was particularly sensitive to water accelerated growth of this interlayer. At 1100 C, the scale thickness after 300 hours increased from about 20 mm in dry air to nearly 100 mm in wet air

Effects of Eutectic Si and Secondary Dendrite Arm Spacing on the Mechanical Properties of Al-Si-Cu Cast Alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Kyungmin; Kim, Yumi; Kim, Youngman; Hong, Sungkil; Choi, Seweon; Kim, Youngchan; Kang, Changseok

2014-01-01

The present study aims at investigating the effects of eutectic Si and Secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) on mechanical properties of Al-Si-Cu alloy. Heat treatment and controlling of solidification rate affect to microstructure of Al-Si-Cu alloy. Al-Si-Cu alloy was dissolved in an electric furnace. The alloy cast in STD61 mold which had been pre-heated to 95 ℃ and 200 ℃. Eutectic Si and SDAS were finer as cooling rate increased. Image analysis technique has been utilized to examine the microstructure. Microstructure observation results showed that T6 heat treatment has a strong influence eutectic Si particle morphology. The mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, were improved by ASTM E8 standard. Tensile properties of the Al-Si-Cu alloys prepared by different cooling rates were the same as each other by T6 heat treatment.

Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Properties of Ti-Ni-Si-O Nanostructures on Ti-Ni-Si Alloy

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Ting Li

2017-10-01

Full Text Available Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructures were successfully prepared on Ti-1Ni-5Si alloy foils via electrochemical anodization in ethylene glycol/glycerol solutions containing a small amount of water. The Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructures were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS, X-ray diffraction (XRD, and diffuse reflectance absorption spectra. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical water splitting properties of the Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructure films were investigated. It was found that, after anodization, three different kinds of Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructures formed in the α-Ti phase region, Ti2Ni phase region, and Ti5Si3 phase region of the alloy surface. Both the anatase and rutile phases of Ti-Ni-Si-O oxide appeared after annealing at 500 °C for 2 h. The photocurrent density obtained from the Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructure photoanodes was 0.45 mA/cm2 at 0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl in 1 M KOH solution. The above findings make it feasible to further explore excellent photoelectrochemical properties of the nanostructure-modified surface of Ti-Ni-Si ternary alloys.

Unirradiated characteristics of U-Si alloys as dispersed-phase fuels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Domagala, R.F.; Wiencek, T.C.

1987-06-01

To satisfy the power demands of many research reactors, a new LEU fuel with a high density and U content was needed. Any fuel must be compatible with Al and its alloys so that it may be fabricable as a dispersed-phase in Al alloy and Al matrix plate-type elements following, as nearly as possible, established commercial manufacturing techniques. U-Si and U-Si-Al alloys at or near the composition of U 3 Si were immediately attractive because of work documented by the Canadians. 8 refs., 2 figs

Influence of Iron in AlSi10MgMn Alloy

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Žihalová M.

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Presence of iron in Al-Si cast alloys is common problem mainly in secondary (recycled aluminium alloys. Better understanding of iron influence in this kind of alloys can lead to reduction of final castings cost. Presented article deals with examination of detrimental iron effect in AlSi10MgMn cast alloy. Microstructural analysis and ultimate tensile strength testing were used to consider influence of iron to microstructure and mechanical properties of selected alloy.

Effects of Alloying Elements on Room and High Temperature Tensile Properties of Al-Si Cu-Mg Base Alloys =

Science.gov (United States)

Alyaldin, Loay

In recent years, aluminum and aluminum alloys have been widely used in automotive and aerospace industries. Among the most commonly used cast aluminum alloys are those belonging to the Al-Si system. Due to their mechanical properties, light weight, excellent castability and corrosion resistance, these alloys are primarily used in engineering and in automotive applications. The more aluminum is used in the production of a vehicle, the less the weight of the vehicle, and the less fuel it consumes, thereby reducing the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. The principal alloying elements in Al-Si alloys, in addition to silicon, are magnesium and copper which, through the formation of Al2Cu and Mg2Si precipitates, improve the alloy strength via precipitation hardening following heat treatment. However, most Al-Si alloys are not suitable for high temperature applications because their tensile and fatigue strengths are not as high as desired in the temperature range 230-350°C, which are the temperatures that are often attained in automotive engine components under actual service conditions. The main challenge lies in the fact that the strength of heat-treatable cast aluminum alloys decreases at temperatures above 200°C. The strength of alloys under high temperature conditions is improved by obtaining a microstructure containing thermally stable and coarsening-resistant intermetallics, which may be achieved with the addition of Ni. Zr and Sc. Nickel leads to the formation of nickel aluminide Al3Ni and Al 9FeNi in the presence of iron, while zirconium forms Al3Zr. These intermetallics improve the high temperature strength of Al-Si alloys. Some interesting improvements have been achieved by modifying the composition of the base alloy with additions of Mn, resulting in an increase in strength and ductility at both room and high temperatures. Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys such as the 354 (Al-9wt%Si-1.8wt%Cu-0.5wt%Mg) alloys show a greater response to heat treatment as a

Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Properties of Ti-Ni-Si-O Nanostructures on Ti-Ni-Si Alloy.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Ting; Ding, Dongyan; Dong, Zhenbiao; Ning, Congqin

2017-10-31

Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructures were successfully prepared on Ti-1Ni-5Si alloy foils via electrochemical anodization in ethylene glycol/glycerol solutions containing a small amount of water. The Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructures were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflectance absorption spectra. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical water splitting properties of the Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructure films were investigated. It was found that, after anodization, three different kinds of Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructures formed in the α-Ti phase region, Ti₂Ni phase region, and Ti₅Si₃ phase region of the alloy surface. Both the anatase and rutile phases of Ti-Ni-Si-O oxide appeared after annealing at 500 °C for 2 h. The photocurrent density obtained from the Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructure photoanodes was 0.45 mA/cm² at 0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in 1 M KOH solution. The above findings make it feasible to further explore excellent photoelectrochemical properties of the nanostructure-modified surface of Ti-Ni-Si ternary alloys.

Construction and characterization of spherical Si solar cells combined with SiC electric power inverter

Science.gov (United States)

Oku, Takeo; Matsumoto, Taisuke; Hiramatsu, Kouichi; Yasuda, Masashi; Shimono, Akio; Takeda, Yoshikazu; Murozono, Mikio

2015-02-01

Spherical silicon (Si) photovoltaic solar cell systems combined with an electric power inverter using silicon carbide (SiC) field-effect transistor (FET) were constructed and characterized, which were compared with an ordinary Si-based converter. The SiC-FET devices were introduced in the direct current-alternating current (DC-AC) converter, which was connected with the solar panels. The spherical Si solar cells were used as the power sources, and the spherical Si panels are lighter and more flexible compared with the ordinary flat Si solar panels. Conversion efficiencies of the spherical Si solar cells were improved by using the SiC-FET.

Precipitation kinetics of Al-1.12 Mg{sub 2}Si-0.35 Si and Al-1.07 Mg{sub 2}Si-0.33 Cu alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gaber, A. [Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516 (Egypt); Gaffar, M.A. [Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516 (Egypt)]. E-mail: mgaafar@aucegypt.edu; Mostafa, M.S. [Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516 (Egypt); Zeid, E.F. Abo [Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516 (Egypt)

2007-02-21

The kinetics of hardening precipitates of Al-1.12 wt.% Mg{sub 2}Si-0.35 wt.% Si (excess Si) and Al-1.07 wt.% Mg{sub 2}Si-0.33 wt.% Cu (balanced + Cu) alloys have been investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry and hardness measurements. The excess Si enhances the precipitation kinetics and improves the strength of the material. On the other hand, however addition of Cu assist formation of the Q' phase which positively changed the alloy strength. The high binding energy between vacancies and solute atoms (Si and Mg) enhances the combination of Si, Mg and vacancies to form Si-Mg-vacancy clusters. These clusters act as nucleation sites for GP-zones. The coexistence of the {beta}'- and Q'-precipitates in the balanced + Cu alloy results in a higher peak age hardening compared to the alloy with Si in excess.

Neural network potential for Al-Mg-Si alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Kobayashi, Ryo; Giofré, Daniele; Junge, Till; Ceriotti, Michele; Curtin, William A.

2017-10-01

The 6000 series Al alloys, which include a few percent of Mg and Si, are important in automotive and aviation industries because of their low weight, as compared to steels, and the fact their strength can be greatly improved through engineered precipitation. To enable atomistic-level simulations of both the processing and performance of this important alloy system, a neural network (NN) potential for the ternary Al-Mg-Si has been created. Training of the NN uses an extensive database of properties computed using first-principles density functional theory, including complex precipitate phases in this alloy. The NN potential accurately reproduces most of the pure Al properties relevant to the mechanical behavior as well as heat of solution, solute-solute, and solute-vacancy interaction energies, and formation energies of small solute clusters and precipitates that are required for modeling the early stage of precipitation and mechanical strengthening. This success not only enables future detailed studies of Al-Mg-Si but also highlights the ability of NN methods to generate useful potentials in complex alloy systems.

Structure of Ni-rich Ni--Cr--B--Si coating alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Knotek, O.; Lugscheider, E.; Reimann, H.

1975-01-01

The structures of quaternary, nickel-rich Ni--Cr--B--Si alloys were analyzed at a constant boron content of 10 at. percent and a temperature of 850 0 C. The composition range for silicide formation was determined. In these quaternary alloys, known binary nickel silicides, nickel and chromium borides, and the ternary silico-boride Ni 6 Si 2 B were confirmed. A new composition for the W 5 Si 3 -type phase in the Ni--B--Si system was proposed. (U.S.)

Thermodynamic aspects of grain refinement of Al-Si alloys using Ti and B

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Groebner, Joachim [Technical University of Clausthal, Institute of Metallurgy, Robert-Koch-Str. 42, D-38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld (Germany); Mirkovic, Djordje [Technical University of Clausthal, Institute of Metallurgy, Robert-Koch-Str. 42, D-38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld (Germany); Schmid-Fetzer, Rainer [Technical University of Clausthal, Institute of Metallurgy, Robert-Koch-Str. 42, D-38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld (Germany)]. E-mail: schmid-fetzer@tu-clausthal.de

2005-03-25

A thermodynamic assessment of ternary Al-Si-Ti phases was performed. Published datasets for the other subsystems were checked and adapted. Based on that, a consistent thermodynamic description of quaternary Al-Si-Ti-B alloys was generated. This was applied in a calculation of Al-Si-Ti-B phase diagram sections for practically relevant temperatures and compositions of Al-Si alloys from Al-rich to typical Al-Si foundry alloys. These stable and metastable phase diagrams could be correlated to many detailed aspects of possible reactions observed or suggested in experimental studies of grain refining. Understanding the mechanisms of grain refining of Al wrought alloys and Al-Si foundry alloys using titanium and boron requires a fundamental knowledge of both thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of this complex process. This work focuses exclusively on the thermodynamic aspects and the phase diagrams, which were not available for the quaternary alloys and partly incomplete and inconsistent for the ternary subsystems.

Computer aided cooling curve analysis for Al-5Si and Al-11Si alloys ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The effect of grain refiner, modifier, and combination of grain refiner cum modifier was studied on Al-5Si and Al-11Si alloys using computer aided cooling curve analysis. For combined grain refinement and modification effect, Al-Ti-B-Sr single master alloy was developed that acted as both grain refiner and modifier.

Simulation of light-induced degradation of μc-Si in a-Si/μc-Si tandem solar cells by the diode equivalent circuit

Science.gov (United States)

Weicht, J. A.; Hamelmann, F. U.; Behrens, G.

2016-02-01

Silicon-based thin film tandem solar cells consist of one amorphous (a-Si) and one microcrystalline (μc-Si) silicon solar cell. The Staebler - Wronski effect describes the light- induced degradation and temperature-dependent healing of defects of silicon-based solar thin film cells. The solar cell degradation depends strongly on operation temperature. Until now, only the light-induced degradation (LID) of the amorphous layer was examined in a-Si/μc-Si solar cells. The LID is also observed in pc-Si single function solar cells. In our work we show the influence of the light-induced degradation of the μc-Si layer on the diode equivalent circuit. The current-voltage-curves (I-V-curves) for the initial state of a-Si/pc-Si modules are measured. Afterwards the cells are degraded under controlled conditions at constant temperature and constant irradiation. At fixed times the modules are measured at standard test conditions (STC) (AM1.5, 25°C cell temperature, 1000 W/m2) for controlling the status of LID. After the degradation the modules are annealed at dark conditions for several hours at 120°C. After the annealing the dangling bonds in the amorphous layer are healed, while the degradation of the pc-Si is still present, because the healing of defects in pc-Si solar cells needs longer time or higher temperatures. The solar cells are measured again at STC. With this laboratory measured I-V-curves we are able to separate the values of the diode model: series Rs and parallel resistance Rp, saturation current Is and diode factor n.

Mössbauer and XRD study of the Fe65Si35 alloy obtained by mechanical alloying

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vélez, G. Y.; Rodríguez, R. R.; Melo, C. A.; Pérez Alcázar, G. A.; Zamora, Ligia E.; Tabares, J. A.

2011-01-01

A study was made on the alloy Fe 65 Si 35 using x-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectrometry. The alloy was obtained by mechanical alloying in a high energy planetary mill, with milling times of 15, 30, 50, 75 and 100 h. The results show that in the alloys two structural phases are present, a Fe-Si BCC disordered phase and ferromagnetic, and a Fe-Si SC phase, whose nature is paramagnetic and which decreases with milling time. In the temporal evolution of the milling two stages are differentiated: one between 15 and 75 h of milling, in which silicon atoms diffuse into the bcc matrix of iron and its effect is to reduce the hyperfine magnetic field; the other, after 75 h of milling, where the alloy is consolidated, the effect of the milling is only to increase the disorder of the system, increasing the magnetic order.

Structural and magnetic study of mechanically deformed Fe rich FeAlSi ternary alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Legarra, E.; Apiñaniz, E.; Plazaola, F.

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Addition of Si to binary Fe–Al alloys makes the disordering more difficult. ► Si addition opposes the large volume increase found in FeAl alloys with deformation. ► Disordering induces a redistribution of non-ferrous atoms around Fe atoms in Fe 75 Al 25−x Si x and Fe 70 Al 30−x Si x . ► Addition of Si to binary Fe 75 Al 25 and Fe 70 Al 30 alloys opposes the magnetic behavior induced by Al in the magnetism of Fe. ► Si inhibits the para-ferro transition found in Fe 60 Al 40 alloy with disordering. - Abstract: In this work we study systematically the influence of different Al/Si ratios on the magnetic and structural properties of mechanically disordered powder Fe 75 Al 25−x Si x , Fe 70 Al 30−x Si x and Fe 60 Al 40−x Si x alloys by means of Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. In order to obtain different stages of disorder the alloys were deformed by different methods: crushing induction melted alloys and ball milling annealed (ordered) alloys using different number of balls and speed. X-ray and Mössbauer data show that mechanical deformation induces the disordered A2 structure in these alloys. The results indicate that addition of Si to binary Fe–Al alloys makes the disordering more difficult. In addition, X-ray diffraction patterns show that the normalized lattice parameter variation of the disordered alloys of each composition decreases monotonically with Si content, indicating clearly that Si addition opposes the large volume increase found in FeAl alloys with deformation. The study of the hyperfine fields indicates that there is a redistribution of non-ferrous atoms around Fe atoms with the disordering; indeed, there is an inversion of the behavior of the hyperfine field of the Fe atoms. On the other hand, the magnetic measurements indicate that addition of Si to binary Fe 75 Al 25 and Fe 70 Al 30 alloys opposes the magnetic behavior induced by Al in the magnetism of Fe.

Simulation of spheroidisation of elongated Si-particle in Al-Si alloys by the phase-field model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kovacevic, I.

2008-01-01

The application of the phase-field model for spheroidisation of undissolvable particles during high-temperature treatment of alloys is pointed out. Modelling of the spheroidisation of elongated Si-particles during annealing of Al-Si alloy is elaborated in this paper. The driving force for spheroidisation is the minimization of the total free-energy of the system or the minimization of the ratio between the interface areas and the particle volumes. The spheroidisation kinetics of elongated Si-particle for binary Al-Si system during homogenisation of aluminium alloys simulated by the phase-field model is demonstrated. The influences of the interface energy and the homogenisation temperature on the spheroidisation kinetics is presented. The lack of knowledge of the interface energy anisotropy between Si-particle and the aluminium phase is the only reason for using isotropic interface energy in simulations. The thermodynamic driving force for the phase transformation of the silicon into the aluminium phase is computed from the data obtained from the JMatPro software for aluminium alloys

Effect of Adding Elements on Microstructure of Mg-3Si Alloy

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CUI Bin

2017-03-01

Full Text Available The microstructure of alloy Mg-3Si(mass fraction/%, same as below after successive additions with different elements of Zn, Nd, Gd and Y was observed and the microstructure evolution was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show the primary Mg2Si particles co-exist with eutectic Mg2Si particles in binary alloy Mg-Si. With minor addition of Zn element, only primary Mg2Si can be found in ternary Mg-3Si-3Zn system while eutectic Mg2Si particles disappear. In quaternary alloy Mg-2.0Nd-3.0Zn-3.0Si, the addition of Nd element can effectively refine the primary Mg2Si particles and form some Mg41Nd5 particles. After continuous adding of Gd and Y elements into quaternary system, Gd5Si3 and YSi particles increase significantly in the alloy Mg-8.0Gd-4.0Y-2.0Nd-3.0Zn-3.0Si, while volume fraction of primary Mg2Si decrease significantly. Thermo-Calc calculation predicts that the Gibbs free energy for primary particles Gd5Si3, YSi is lower, and therefore Gd, Y atom and Si are more likely to form compounds. In Mg-8Gd-4Y-2Nd-3Zn-3Si alloy, room temperature Gibbs free energy for primary particles Mg2Si, Gd5Si3, YSi is -9.56×104, -8.72×104, -2.83×104J/mol, respectively, and the mass fraction of these particles is 8.07%, 5.27%, 1.40% respectively.

Phase analysis and magnetocaloric properties of Zr substituted Gd-Si-Ge alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prabahar, K.; Raj Kumar, D.M.; Manivel Raja, M.; Chandrasekaran, V.

2011-01-01

The structure, microstructure, magneto-structural transition and magnetocaloric effect have been investigated in series of (Gd 5-x Zr x )Si 2 Ge 2 alloys with 0≤x≥0.20. X-ray powder diffraction analysis revealed the presence of orthorhombic structure for Zr containing alloys at room temperature in contrast to the monoclinic structure observed in the parent Gd 5 Si 2 Ge 2 alloy. The microstructural studies reveal that, low Zr addition (x≤0.1) resulted in low volume fraction of detrimental Gd 5 Si 3 -type secondary phase compared to that present in the parent alloy. All the Zr containing alloys have shown the presence of only second order magnetic transition unlike the parent alloy showing both first order structural and second order magnetic transition. A moderate (ΔS) M value of -5.5 J/kg K was obtained for the x=0.05 alloy at an enhanced operating temperature of 292 K compared to -7.8 J/kg K at 274 K of the parent alloy for an applied field of 2 T. The interesting feature of Zr (x=0.05) containing alloy is the wide operating temperature range of ∼25 K than that of ∼10-12 K for the parent, which resulted in enhanced net refrigerant capacity of 103 J/kg compared to that of 53 J/kg for the parent alloy. - Research highlights: → Zr addition in Gd 5 Si 2 Ge 2 alloy has been investigated for the first time to reduce the 5:3-type (Gd 5 Si 3 ) secondary phase formed when using commercial grade elements in Gd 5 Si 2 Ge 2 alloy. → It is interesting to observe that Zr addition decrease the volume fraction 5:3. → The refrigerator capacity and transition temperature of Zr added alloy is greater than the pure Gd 5 Si 2 Ge 2 which makes this alloy promising for room temperature application.

Effects of Eutectic Si Particles on Mechanical Properties and Fracture Toughness of Cast A356 Aluminum Alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Kyu Hong; Lee, Sung Hak; Kwon, Yong Nam

2007-01-01

The present study aims at investigating the effects of eutectic Si particles on mechanical properties and fracture toughness of three A356 aluminum alloys. These A356 alloys were fabricated by casting processes such as rheo-casting, squeeze-casting, and casting-forging, and their mechanical properties and fracture toughness were analyzed in relation with microfracture mechanism study. All the cast A356 alloys contained eutectic Si particles mainly segregated along solidification cells, and the distribution of Si particles was modified by squeeze-casting and casting-forging processes. Microfracture observation results showed that eutectic Si particles segregated along cells were cracked first, but that aluminum matrix played a role in blocking crack propagation. Tensile properties and fracture toughness of the squeeze cast and cast-forged alloys having homogeneous distribution of eutectic Si particles were superior to those of the rheo-cast alloy. In particular, the cast-forged alloy had excellent hardness, strength, ductility, and fracture toughness because of the matrix strengthening and homogeneous distribution of eutectic Si particles due to forging process

United modification of Al-24Si alloy by Al-P and Al-Ti-C master alloys

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

韩延峰; 刘相法; 王海梅; 王振卿; 边秀房; 张均艳

2003-01-01

The modification effect of a new type of Al-P master alloy on Al-24Si alloys was investigated. It is foundthat excellent modification effect can be obtained by the addition of this new type of A1-P master alloy into Al-24Simelt and the average primary Si grain size is decreased below 47 μm from original 225 μm. It is also found that theTiC particles in the melt coming from Al8Ti2C can improve the modification effect of the Al-P master alloy. Whenthe content of TiC particles in the Al-24Si melt is 0.03 %, the improvement reaches the maximum and keeps steadywith increasing content of TiC particles. Modification effect occurs at 50 min after the addition of the Al-P master al-loy and TiC particles, and keeps stable with prolonging holding time.

Optimization of ITO layers for applications in a-Si/c-Si heterojunction solar cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pla, J.; Tamasi, M.; Rizzoli, R.; Losurdo, M.; Centurioni, E.; Summonte, C.; Rubinelli, F

2003-02-03

A detailed study of the properties of indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films used as antireflecting front electrodes in a-Si/c-Si heterojunction solar cells is presented. The deposition conditions of ITO layers by radiofrequency magnetron sputtering were optimized for heterojunction solar cells applications. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the deposited films allowed for a correlation between the film composition and the experimental parameters used in the sputtering process. The ITO thickness was optimized considering the thickness of the a-Si emitter layer, its optical characteristics and the heterojunction solar cell spectral response. In our devices, the optimal thickness calculated for the ITO film was in the range 80-95 nm, depending on the solar cell spectral response, and a thickness tolerance of {+-}10 nm was found to be suitable to limit the degradation of the device performance. Finally, device simulation results obtained by the 'Analysis of Microelectronic and Photonic Structures' code are reported.

Quality analysis of the Al-Si-Cu alloy castings

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

L.A. Dobrzański

2007-04-01

Full Text Available The developed design methodologies both the material and technological ones will make it possible to improve shortly the quality of materials from the light alloys in the technological process, and the automatic process flow correction will make the production cost reduction possible, and - first of all - to reduce the amount of the waste products. Method was developed for analysis of the casting defects images obtained with the X-ray detector analysis of the elements made from the Al-Si-Cu alloys of the AC-AlSi7Cu3Mg type as well as the method for classification of casting defects using the artificial intelligence tools, including the neural networks; the developed method was implemented as software programs for quality control. Castings were analysed in the paper of car engine blocks and heads from the Al-Si-Cu alloys of the AC-AlSi7Cu3Mg type fabricated with the “Cosworth” technological process. The computer system, in which the artificial neural networks as well as the automatic image analysis methods were used makes automatic classification possible of defects occurring in castings from the Al-Si-Cu alloys, assisting and automating in this way the decisions about rejection of castings which do not meet the defined quality requirements, and therefore ensuring simultaneously the repeatability and objectivity of assessment of the metallurgical quality of these alloys.

The effect of main alloying elements on the physical properties of Al–Si foundry alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stadler, F.; Antrekowitsch, H.; Fragner, W.; Kaufmann, H.; Pinatel, E.R.; Uggowitzer, P.J.

2013-01-01

In this study we describe the effect of the main alloying elements Si, Cu and Ni on the thermal properties of hypoeutectic and near-eutectic Al–Si foundry alloys. By means of systematic variations of the chemical composition, the influence of the amount of ‘second phases’ on the thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient, and thermal shock resistance is evaluated. Thermodynamic calculations predicting the phase formation in multi-component Al–Si cast alloys were carried out and verified using SEM, EDX and XRD analysis. The experimentally obtained data are discussed on a systematic basis of thermodynamic calculations and compared to theoretical models for the thermal conductivity and thermal expansion of heterogeneous solids.

Fabrication and structure of bulk nanocrystalline Al-Si-Ni-mishmetal alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Latuch, Jerzy; Cieslak, Grzegorz; Kulik, Tadeusz

2007-01-01

Al-based alloys of structure consisting of nanosized Al crystals, embedded in an amorphous matrix, are interesting for their excellent mechanical properties, exceeding those of the commercial crystalline Al-based alloys. Recently discovered nanocrystalline Al alloys containing silicon (Si), rare earth metal (RE) and late transition metal (Ni), combine high tensile strength and good wear resistance. The aim of this work was to manufacture bulk nanocrystalline alloys from Al-Si-Ni-mishmetal (Mm) system. Bulk nanostructured Al 91-x Si x Ni 7 Mm 2 (x = 10, 11.6, 13 at.%) alloys were produced by ball milling of nanocrystalline ribbons followed by high pressure hot isostating compaction

A study on the composition optimization and mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si cast alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, X.H.; Su, G.C.; Han, Y.Y.; Ai, X.H.; Yan, W.L.

2010-01-01

The mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si cast alloys with different chemical compositions were investigated using an orthogonal test method. The optimized chemical compositions of Al alloy are given in wt% as follows: 7.0%Si-0.35%Mg-2.0%Cu-0.2%Mn-0.2%Ni-0.1%V-0.8%RE-89.35%Al. The optimized Al-Mg-Si alloy with metal mold casting had excellent mechanical properties. The softening resistance of the optimized alloy was better than that of ZL101 at elevated temperatures. The scanning electron microscopy fractographs of the tensile samples of ZL101 and optimized Al alloy at different magnifications revealed that all the specimens were fractured in a ductile manner, consisting of well-developed dimples over the entire surface. The alloys failed in a mixed-mode fracture, comprised predominantly of transgranular shears and a small amount of quasi-cleavages.

The natural aging and precipitation hardening behaviour of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys with different Mg/Si ratios and Cu additions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ding, Lipeng [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 China (China); Jia, Zhihong, E-mail: zhihongjia@cqu.edu.cn [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 China (China); Zhang, Zhiqing; Sanders, Robert E.; Liu, Qing [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 China (China); Yang, Guang [Electronic Materials Research Laboratory, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education and International Centre for Dielectric Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China)

2015-03-11

The natural aging and artificial aging behaviours of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys with different Mg/Si ratios and Cu additions were investigated using Vickers microhardness measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterisation. Excess Si and Cu additions enhanced the alloy hardening ability during natural (NA) and artificial aging (AA). Alloys with low Cu and high Si contents exhibited higher precipitation hardening than alloys rich in Mg during artificial aging. In contrast, the alloys with high amounts of Cu were less dependent on the Mg/Si ratio during precipitation hardening due to their similar aging kinetics. The main precipitate phases that contributed to the peak-aging hardness were the L, Q′ and β″ phases. In the over-aging conditions, the alloys rich in Mg and Cu had finer and more numerous precipitates than their Si-rich equivalents due to the preferential precipitation of the L phase. The combination of excess Mg and high Cu resulted in an alloy with a relatively low hardness in T4 temper and a relatively higher hardness after the paint baking cycle. Thus, this alloy has good potential for use in auto body panel applications.

Application of a grain refiner and modifier to an Al-12 Si cast alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haro R, Sergio; Goytia R, Rafael E; Santos B, Audel; Dwivedi, D.K

2008-01-01

The refining and modification of an alloy of cast aluminum Al-12Si was studied, using sample alloys of Al-5Ti-1B as a refiner and Al-10Sr as a modifier. Two levels of each one were tested and added separately. The results show that the addition of titanium as well as of strontium favored the improvement of the tension properties of the cast Al-12Si alloy, by modifying the microstructure. But the addition of 0.06% Sr in the form of a master alloy produced a more adequate microstructure and presented the best combination of mechanical properties (au)

The intergranular corrosion behavior of 6000-series alloys with different Mg/Si and Cu content

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zou, Yun; Liu, Qing, E-mail: qingliu@cqu.edu.cn; Jia, Zhihong, E-mail: zhihongjia@cqu.edu.cn; Xing, Yuan; Ding, Lipeng; Wang, Xueli

2017-05-31

Highlights: • High Cu alloy with high Mg/Si ratio has the best comprehensive property. • Addition of excess Mg could improve the intergranular corrosion resistance. • Si containing particles on the grain boundaries of Si-rich alloys promote IGC. • IGC susceptibility depends primarily on Cu content and secondarily on Mg/Si ratio. - Abstract: 6000-series aluminium alloys with high Cu or excess Si addition were susceptible to intergranular corrosion (IGC). In order to obtain good IGC resistance, four alloys with low/high Cu and various Mg/Si ratios were designed. The corrosion behaviour of four alloys was investigated by accelerated corrosion test, electrochemical test and electron microscopies. It was revealed that IGC susceptibility of alloys was the result of microgalvanic coupling between the noble grain boundary precipitates and the adjacent precipitates free zone (PFZ), which was closely related to a combination of Cu content and the Mg/Si ratio. Excess Mg could improve the IGC resistance of alloys by forming discontinuous precipitates on the grain boundaries. The designed alloy with high Cu and excess Mg has the same corrosion level as the commercial alloy with low Cu and excess Si, which provides possibility for developing new alloy.

Effect of ternary alloying elements on microstructure and mechanical property of Nb-Si based refractory intermetallic alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, W.Y.; Kim, H.S.; Kim, S.K.; Ra, T.Y.; Kim, M.S.

2005-01-01

Microstructure and mechanical property at room temperature and at 1773 K of Nb-Si based refractory intermetallic alloys were investigated in terms of compression and fracture toughness test. Mo and V were chosen as ternary alloying elements because of their high melting points, atomic sizes smaller than Nb. Both ternary alloying elements were found to have a significant role in modifying the microstructure from dispersed structure to eutectic-like structure in Nb solid solution/Nb 5 Si 3 intermetallic composites. The 0.2% offset yield strength at room temperature increased with increasing content of ternary elements in Nb solid solution and volume fraction of Nb 5 Si 3 . At 1773 K, Mo addition has a positive role in increasing the yield strength. On the other hand, V addition has a role in decreasing the yield strength. The fracture toughness of ternary alloys was superior to binary alloys. Details will be discussed in correlation with ternary alloying, volume fraction of constituent phase, and the microstructure. (orig.)

Development of an efficient grain refiner for Al-7Si alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kori, S.A.; Murty, B.S.; Chakraborty, M. [Indian Inst. of Technol., Kharagpur (India). Dept. of Metall. and Mater. Eng.

2000-03-15

The response of Al-7Si alloy towards grain refinement by Al-Ti-B master alloys (with different Ti-B ratios) at different addition levels has been studied in detail. The results indicate that high B-containing master alloys are powerful grain refiners when compared to conventional grain refiners like Al-5Ti-lB master alloys. In the present study, indigenously developed master alloys have been used for the grain refinement of alloys Al-7Si and LM-25. Significant improvements in mechanical properties have been obtained with a combination of grain refiner and Sr as modifier. (orig.)

Thermal conductivity of hexagonal Si, Ge, and Si1-xGex alloys from first-principles

Science.gov (United States)

Gu, Xiaokun; Zhao, C. Y.

2018-05-01

Hexagonal Si and Ge with a lonsdaleite crystal structure are allotropes of silicon and germanium that have recently been synthesized. These materials as well as their alloys are promising candidates for novel applications in optoelectronics. In this paper, we systematically study the phonon transport and thermal conductivity of hexagonal Si, Ge, and their alloys by using the first-principle-based Peierls-Boltzmann transport equation approach. Both three-phonon and four-phonon scatterings are taken into account in the calculations as the phonon scattering mechanisms. The thermal conductivity anisotropy of these materials is identified. While the thermal conductivity parallel to the hexagonal plane for hexagonal Si and Ge is found to be larger than that perpendicular to the hexagonal plane, alloying effectively tunes the thermal conductivity anisotropy by suppressing the thermal conductivity contributions from the middle-frequency phonons. The importance of four-phonon scatterings is assessed by comparing the results with the calculations without including four-phonon scatterings. We find that four-phonon scatterings cannot be ignored in hexagonal Si and Ge as the thermal conductivity would be overestimated by around 10% (40%) at 300 K (900) K. In addition, the phonon mean free path distribution of hexagonal Si, Ge, and their alloys is also discussed.

Rapid solidification growth mode transitions in Al-Si alloys by dynamic transmission electron microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roehling, John D.; Coughlin, Daniel R.; Gibbs, John W.; Baldwin, J. Kevin; Mertens, James C.E.; Campbell, Geoffrey H.; Clarke, Amy J.; McKeown, Joseph T.

2017-01-01

In situ dynamic transmission electron microscope (DTEM) imaging of Al-Si thin-film alloys was performed to investigate rapid solidification behavior. Solidification of alloys with compositions from 1 to 15 atomic percent Si was imaged during pulsed laser melting and subsequent solidification. Solely α-Al solidification was observed in Al-1Si and Al-3Si alloys, and solely kinetically modified eutectic growth was observed in Al-6Si and Al-9Si alloys. A transition in the solidification mode in eutectic and hypereutectic alloys (Al-12Si and Al-15Si) from nucleated α-Al dendrites at lower solidification velocities to planar eutectic growth at higher solidification velocities was observed, departing from trends previously seen in laser-track melting experiments. Comparisons of the growth modes and corresponding velocities are compared with previous solidification models, and implications regarding the models are discussed.

Glass forming ability of Al–Ni–La alloys with Si addition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yi, J.J.; Xiong, X.Z.; Inoue, A.; Kong, L.T.; Li, J.F.

2015-01-01

(Al_8_5_._5Ni_9_._5La_5)_1_0_0_−_xSi_x, (Al_8_6Ni_9La_5)_1_0_0_−_xSi_x, (Al_8_6Ni_9_._5La_4_._5)_1_0_0_−_xSi_x, (Al_8_6Ni_1_0La_4)_1_0_0_−_xSi_x and (Al_8_6Ni_1_0_._5La_3_._5)_1_0_0_−_xSi_x alloys, where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0, were cast under the same suction casting conditions into a wedge-shaped copper mold for investigating the effect of Si addition on the glass-forming ability (GFA). The GFA of the Al–Ni–La base alloys, except for the optimal glass former (Al_8_5_._5Ni_9_._5La_5), is enhanced when a proper content of Si is added. The largest content of Si up to which GFA can be enhanced changes in the following order of the base alloys: Al_8_6Ni_9La_5, Al_8_6Ni_9_._5La_4_._5, Al_8_6Ni_1_0La_4 and Al_8_6Ni_1_0_._5La_3_._5. The enhancement of GFA due to Si addition becomes more significant as the La content decreases. This is presumably because more free Al atoms are present in the base alloy. - Highlights: • 0.2–2.0 at. % Si was added to each ternary base alloy. • Wedge-shaped samples were suction cast to obtain the glass-forming ability (GFA). • The GFA of the ternary non-optimal glass formers can be enhanced by Si addition. • The number of free-Al atoms dominates the best Si addition.

Modeling of Precipitation Sequence and Ageing Kinetics in Al-Mg-Si Alloys

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Bahrami, A.

2010-01-01

Al-Mg-Si alloys are heat treatable alloys in which strength is obtained by precipitation hardening. Precipitates, formed from a supersaturated solid solution during ageing heat treatment, are GP-zones, B", B´ and B-Mg2Si. Precipitation kinetics and strength vary with alloy composition and process

Irradiation-induced precipitation in Ni--Si alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barbu, A.; Ardell, A.J.

1975-07-01

The microstructures of Ni + ion-irradiated Ni--Si solid-solution alloys, containing 2, 4, 6 and 8 at. percent Si were investigated as a function of dose, dose-rate, and temperature. Results of transmission electron microscopy and other data show the precipitation of γ' (Ni 3 Si) in all samples irradiated at 500 0 C. Characteristics of the precipitates are described and a mechanism for their formation is suggested. (U.S.)

Electroluminescence of a-Si/c-Si heterojunction solar cells after high energy irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ferrara, Manuela

2009-11-24

The crystalline silicon as absorber material will certainly continue to dominate the market for space applications of solar cells. In the contribution under consideration the applicability of a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunction solar cells in space has been tested by the investigation of the cell modification by high energy protons and comparing the results to the degradation of homojunction crystalline silicon reference cells. The investigated solar cells have been irradiated with protons of different energies and doses. For all investigated solar cells the maximum damage happens for an energy of about 1.7 MeV and is mainly due to the decrease of the effective minority carrier diffusion length in the crystalline silicon absorber. Simulations carried out by AFORS-HET, a heterojunction simulation program, also confirmed this result. The main degradation mechanism for all types of devices is the monotonically decreasing charge carrier diffusion length in the p-type monocrystalline silicon absorber layer. For the heterojunction solar cell an enhancement of the photocurrent in the blue wavelength region has been observed but only in the case of heterojunction solar cell with intrinsic a-Si:H buffer layer. Additionally to the traditional characterization techniques the electroluminescence technique used for monitoring the modifications of the heteroluminescence technique used for monitoring the modifications of the heterointerface between amorphous silicon and crystalline silicon in solar cells after proton irradiation. A direct relation between minority carrier diffusion length and electroluminescence quantum efficiency has been observed but also details of the interface modification could be monitored by this technique.

Crystallization kinetics and magnetic properties of FeSiCr amorphous alloy powder cores

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xu, Hu-ping [School of Logistics Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063 (China); Wang, Ru-wu, E-mail: ruwuwang@hotmail.com [National Engineering Research Center For Silicon Steel, Wuhan 430080 (China); College of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081 (China); Wei, Ding [School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074 (China); Zeng, Chun [National Engineering Research Center For Silicon Steel, Wuhan 430080 (China)

2015-07-01

The crystallization kinetics of FeSiCr amorphous alloy, characterized by the crystallization activation energy, Avrami exponent and frequency factor, was studied by non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) measurements. The crystallization activation energy and frequency factor of amorphous alloy calculated from Augis–Bennett model were 476 kJ/mol and 5.5×10{sup 18} s{sup −1}, respectively. The Avrami exponent n was calculated to be 2.2 from the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami (JMA) equation. Toroid-shaped Fe-base amorphous powder cores were prepared from the commercial FeSiCr amorphous alloy powder and subsequent cold pressing using binder and insulation. The characteristics of FeSiCr amorphous alloy powder and the effects of compaction pressure and insulation content on the magnetic properties, i.e., effective permeability μ{sub e}, quality factor Q and DC-bias properties of FeSiCr amorphous alloy powder cores, were investigated. The FeSiCr amorphous alloy powder cores exhibit a high value of quality factor and a stable permeability in the frequency range up to 1 MHz, showing superior DC-bias properties with a “percent permeability” of more than 82% at H=100 Oe. - Highlights: • The crystallization kinetics of FeSiCr amorphous alloy was investigated. • The FeSiCr powder cores exhibit a high value of Q and a stable permeability. • The FeSiCr powder cores exhibit superior DC-bias properties.

The structure-property relationships of powder processed Fe-Al-Si alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Prichard, Paul D. [Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States)

1998-02-23

Iron-aluminum alloys have been extensively evaluated as semi-continuous product such as sheet and bar, but have not been evaluated by net shape P/M processing techniques such as metal injection molding. The alloy compositions of iron-aluminum alloys have been optimized for room temperature ductility, but have limited high temperature strength. Hot extruded powder alloys in the Fe-Al-Si system have developed impressive mechanical properties, but the effects of sintering on mechanical properties have not been explored. This investigation evaluated three powder processed Fe-Al-Si alloys: Fe-15Al, Fe-15Al-2.8Si, Fe-15Al-5Si (atomic %). The powder alloys were produced with a high pressure gas atomization (HPGA) process to obtain a high fraction of metal injection molding (MIM) quality powder (D₈₄ < 32 μm). The powders were consolidated either by P/M hot extrusion or by vacuum sintering. The extruded materials were near full density with grain sizes ranging from 30 to 50 μm. The vacuum sintering conditions produced samples with density ranging from 87% to 99% of theoretical density, with an average grain size ranging from 26 μm to 104 μm. Mechanical property testing was conducted on both extruded and sintered material using a small punch test. Tensile tests were conducted on extruded bar for comparison with the punch test data. Punch tests were conducted from 25 to 550 C to determine the yield strength, and fracture energy for each alloy as a function of processing condition. The ductile to brittle transition temperature (DBTT) was observed to increase with an increasing silicon content. The Fe-15Al-2.8Si alloy was selected for more extensive testing due to the combination of high temperature strength and low temperature toughness due to the two phase α + DO₃ structure. This investigation provided a framework for understanding the effects of silicon in powder processing and mechanical property behavior of Fe-Al-Si alloys.

Feeding and Distribution of Porosity in Cast Al-Si Alloys as Function of Alloy Composition and Modification

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tiedje, Niels Skat; Taylor, John A.; Easton, Mark A.

2012-01-01

Unmodified, Na-modified, and Sr-modified castings of Al-7 pct Si and Al-12.5 pct Si alloys were cast in molds in which it was possible to create different cooling conditions. It is shown how solidification influences the distribution of porosity at the surface and the center of the castings...... of the casting, while Sr-modified castings solidify in a mushy manner that creates a more homogeneous distribution of porosity in the casting. The amount of porosity was highest in the Sr-modified alloys, lower in the Na-modified alloys, and lowest in the unmodified alloys. The size of the porosity-free layer...... as a function of modification and Si content in sand- and chill-cast samples. Eutectic modification, Si content, and cooling conditions have a great impact on the distribution of porosity. Unmodified and Na-modified castings are more easily fed with porosity tending to congregate near the centerline...

Novel biocompatible magnesium alloys design with nutrient alloying elements Si, Ca and Sr: Structure and properties characterization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Weidan; Han, Junjie [Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016 (China); Yang, Xuan; Li, Mei [Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Key Lab of Orthopaedic Technology and Implant Materials, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, 111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou 510010 (China); Wan, Peng, E-mail: pwan@imr.ac.cn [Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016 (China); Tan, Lili [Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016 (China); Zhang, Yu [Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Key Lab of Orthopaedic Technology and Implant Materials, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, 111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou 510010 (China); Yang, Ke, E-mail: kyang@imr.ac.cn [Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016 (China)

2016-12-15

Highlights: • A non-toxic Mg-based alloy system with nutrient elements Si, Sr, Ca is proposed. • Properties improved due to morphology of coarse Mg{sub 2}Si change into small polygon. • Fewer, finer and homogenized Mg{sub 2}Si particles are obtained after anneal-treated. • Cytocompatibility results indicate a potential application in orthopedic. - Abstract: Magnesium has been widely studied as a biodegradable material, where its mechanical property and biocompatibility make it preferred candidate for orthopedic implant. Proper alloying can further improve the properties of Mg. First and foremost, to guarantee the biosafety for biomedical application, the alloying element should be toxic free. To address this point, nutrient elements including Si, Sr and Ca were selected due to their biological functions in human body, especially in bone regeneration and repair. In this study, 0.5–1.0 wt% Sr and Ca were used to refine and modify the morphology of coarse Mg{sub 2}Si in Mg-1.38wt% Si to obtain an uniform microstructure. Microstructure, mechanical and degradation properties of as-cast and homogenizing-annealed quaternary Mg-1.38Si-xSr-yCa (x, y = 0.5–1 wt%) alloys were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction, tensile and electrochemical measurement. Addition of Sr and Ca element cause a morphological change in Mg{sub 2}Si particles from coarse Chinese script shape to small polygonal type. The presences of intermetallic phases, such as Mg{sub 2}Si, CaMgSi and Mg{sub 17}Sr{sub 2}, were confirmed in quaternary alloys, of which content was applied to interpret the results for the quaternary system. Compared with the as-cast state, fewer, finer and homogenized microstructure were observed after an anneal heat treatment under 500 °C. The mechanical properties were improved with increase of Ca and Sr additions, which was related to the evolution of the microstructure and second phases, however, also causing an

Cluster-based bulk metallic glass formation in Fe-Si-B-Nb alloy systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu, C L; Wang, Q; Li, F W; Li, Y H; Wang, Y M; Dong, C [State Key Laboratory of Materials Modification, Dalian University of Technology (DUT), Dalian 116024 (China); Zhang, W; Inoue, A, E-mail: dong@dlut.edu.c [Institute for Materials Research (IMR), Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-Ku, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan)

2009-01-01

Bulk metallic glass formations have been explored in Fe-B-Si-Nb alloy system using the so-called atomic cluster line approach in combination with minor alloying guideline. The atomic cluster line refers to a straight line linking binary cluster to the third element in a ternary system. The basic ternary compositions in Fe-B-Si system are determined by the inetersection points of two cluster lines, namely Fe-B cluster to Si and Fe-Si cluster to B, and then further alloyed with 3-5 at. % Nb for enhancing glass forming abilities. BMG rods with a diameter of 3 mm are formed under the case of minor Nb alloying the basic intersecting compositions of Fe{sub 8}B{sub 3}-Si with Fe{sub 12}Si-B and Fe{sub 8}B{sub 2}-Si with Fe{sub 9}Si-B. The BMGs also exhibit high Vickers hardness (H{sub v}) of 1130-1164 and high Young's modulous (E) of 170-180 GPa

Growth and characterization of low composition Ge, x in epi-Si1‑x Gex (x  ⩽  10%) active layer for fabrication of hydrogenated bottom solar cell

Science.gov (United States)

Ajmal Khan, M.; Sato, R.; Sawano, K.; Sichanugrist, P.; Lukianov, A.; Ishikawa, Y.

2018-05-01

Semiconducting epi-Si1‑x Ge x alloys have promising features as solar cell materials and may be equally important for some other semiconductor device applications. Variation of the germanium compositional, x in epi-Si1‑x Ge x , makes it possible to control the bandgap between 1.12 eV and 0.68 eV for application in bottom solar cells. A low proportion of Ge in SiGe alloy can be used for photovoltaic application in a bottom cell to complete the four-terminal tandem structure with wide bandgap materials. In this research, we aimed to use a low proportion of Ge—about 10%—in strained or relaxed c-Si1‑x Ge x /c-Si heterojunctions (HETs), with or without insertion of a Si buffer layer grown by molecular beam epitaxy, to investigate the influence of the relaxed or strained SiGe active layer on the performance of HET solar cells grown using the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system. Thanks to the c-Si buffer layer at the hetero-interface, the efficiency of these SiGe based HET solar cells was improved from 2.3% to 3.5% (fully strained and with buffer layer). The Jsc was improved, from 8 mA cm‑2 to 15.46 mA cm‑2, which might be supported by strained c-Si buffer layer at the hetero-interface, by improving the crystalline quality.

The impact of major alloying elements and refiner on the SDAS of Al-Si-Cu alloy; Der Einfluss von Hauptlegierungselementen und Kornfeinern auf den sekundaeren Dendritenarmabstand der Al-Si-Cu-Legierung

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Djurdjevic, Mile; Byczynski, Glenn [Nemak Europe GmbH, Frankfurt am Main (Germany). Frankfurt Airport Center 1; Pavlovic, Jelena [Magdeburg Univ. (Germany). Inst. fuer Fertigungstechnik und Qualitaetssicherung

2009-02-15

This paper investigates the effect of some major alloying elements (silicon and copper) and the effect of grain refiner (titanium boride) on the size of the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) in series of Al-Si-Cu alloys. It has been shown that both silicon and copper have significant influence on this solidification parameter. The addition of grain refining master alloys to aluminium alloys is common practice in many commercial foundries aiming to reduce the grain size of Al-Si alloys. However, it was shown in the present paper that master alloy based on TiB had an unexpected impact on the SDAS, decreasing the size of SDAS. In addition, there is a minimum of SDAS corresponding to the presence of 0.12 wt% of titanium in Al-Si alloy. Such findings could have important implications for Al-Si alloys in particular, due to their wide spread applications in the automotive industry. (orig.)

Mechanical properties of Al-Cu alloy-SiC composites

Science.gov (United States)

Anggara, B. S.; Handoko, E.; Soegijono, B.

2014-09-01

The synthesis of aluminum (Al) alloys, Al-Cu, from mixture 96.2 % Al and 3.8 % Cu has been prepared by melting process at a temperature of 1200°C. The adding 12.5 wt% up to 20 wt% of SiC on Al-Cu alloys samples has been investigated. The structure analyses were examined by X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, the morphology of Al-Cu alloys has been seen as structure in micrometer range. The hardness was measured by hardness Vickers method. According to the results, it can be assumed that the 15 wt% of SiC content is prefer content to get better quality of back to back hardness Vickers of Al-Cu alloys.

Mechanical properties of Al-Cu alloy-SiC composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Anggara, B. S., E-mail: anggorobs1960@yahoo.com [Jurusan Fisika, FMIPA Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia 13220 and PPS Ilmu Material, Department Fisika, FMIPA, Universitas Indonesia (Indonesia); Handoko, E. [Jurusan Fisika, FMIPA Universitas Negeri Jakarta, 13220 (Indonesia); Soegijono, B. [PPS Ilmu Material, Department Fisika, FMIPA, Universitas Indonesia (Indonesia)

2014-09-25

The synthesis of aluminum (Al) alloys, Al-Cu, from mixture 96.2 % Al and 3.8 % Cu has been prepared by melting process at a temperature of 1200°C. The adding 12.5 wt% up to 20 wt% of SiC on Al-Cu alloys samples has been investigated. The structure analyses were examined by X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, the morphology of Al-Cu alloys has been seen as structure in micrometer range. The hardness was measured by hardness Vickers method. According to the results, it can be assumed that the 15 wt% of SiC content is prefer content to get better quality of back to back hardness Vickers of Al-Cu alloys.

Modeling of Eutectic Formation in Al-Si Alloy Using A Phase-Field Method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ebrahimi Z.

2017-12-01

Full Text Available We have utilized a phase-field model to investigate the evolution of eutectic silicon in Al-Si alloy. The interfacial fluctuations are included into a phase-field model of two-phase solidification, as stochastic noise terms and their dominant role in eutectic silicon formation is discussed. We have observed that silicon spherical particles nucleate on the foundation of primary aluminum phase and their nucleation continues on concentric rings, through the Al matrix. The nucleation of silicon particles is attributed to the inclusion of fluctuations into the phase-field equations. The simulation results have shown needle-like, fish-bone like and flakes of silicon phase by adjusting the noise coefficients to larger values. Moreover, the role of primary Al phase on nucleation of silicon particles in Al-Si alloy is elaborated. We have found that the addition of fluctuations plays the role of modifiers in our simulations and is essential for phase-field modeling of eutectic growth in Al-Si system. The simulated finger-like Al phases and spherical Si particles are very similar to those of experimental eutectic growth in modified Al-Si alloy.

Similarities and Differences in Mechanical Alloying Processes of V-Si-B and Mo-Si-B Powders

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Manja Krüger

2016-10-01

Full Text Available V-Si-B and Mo-Si-B alloys are currently the focus of materials research due to their excellent high temperature capabilities. To optimize the mechanical alloying (MA process for these materials, we compare microstructures, morphology and particles size as well as hardness evolution during the milling process for the model alloys V-9Si-13B and Mo-9Si-8B. A variation of the rotational speed of the planetary ball mill and the type of grinding materials is therefore investigated. These modifications result in different impact energies during ball-powder-wall collisions, which are quantitatively described in this comparative study. Processing with tungsten carbide vials and balls provides slightly improved impact energies compared to vials and balls made of steel. However, contamination of the mechanically alloyed powders with flaked particles of tungsten carbide is unavoidable. In the case of using steel grinding materials, Fe contaminations are also detectable, which are solved in the V and Mo solid solution phases, respectively. Typical mechanisms that occur during the MA process such as fracturing and comminution are analyzed using the comminution rate KP. In both alloys, the welding processes are more pronounced compared to the fracturing processes.

Effect of Si and Zr on the Microstructure and Properties of Al-Fe-Si-Zr Alloys

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anna Morozova

2017-11-01

Full Text Available The effects of Si and Zr on the microstructure, microhardness and electrical conductivity of Al-Fe-Si-Zr alloys were studied. An increase in the Zr content over 0.3 wt. % leads to the formation of primary Al3Zr inclusions and also decreases mechanical properties. Therefore, the Zr content should not be more than 0.3 wt. %, although the smaller content is insufficient for the strengthening by the secondary Al3Zr precipitates. The present results indicate that high content of Si significantly affects the hardness and electrical conductivity of the investigated alloys. However, the absence of Si led to the formation of harmful needle-shaped Al3Fe particles in the microstructure of the investigated alloys after annealing. Therefore, the optimum amount of Si was 0.25–0.50 wt. % due to the formation of the Al8Fe2Si phase with the preferable platelet morphology. The maximum microhardness and strengthening effects in Al-1% Fe-0.25% Si-0.3% Zr were observed after annealing at 400–450 °C due to the formation of nanosized coherent Al3Zr (L12 dispersoids. The effect of the increasing of the electrical conductivity can be explained by the decomposition of the solid solution. Thus, Al-1% Fe-0.25% Si-0.3% Zr alloy annealed at 450 °C has been studied in detail as the most attractive with respect to the special focus on transmission line applications.

Mechanical properties of Fe-Ni-Cr-Si-B bulk glassy alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Kee Ahn; Kim, Yong Chan; Kim, Jung Han; Lee, Chong Soo; Namkung, Jung; Kim, Moon Chul

2007-01-01

The mechanical properties and crystallization behavior of new Fe-Ni-Cr-Si-B-based bulk glassy alloys were investigated. The suitability of the continuous roll casting method for the production of bulk metallic glass (BMG) sheets in such alloy systems was also examined. BMG samples (Fe-Ni-Cr-Si-B, Fe-Ni-Zr-Cr-Si-B, Fe-Ni-Zr-Cr-W-Si-B) in amorphous strip, cylindrical, and sheet forms were prepared through melt spinning, copper mold casting, and twin roll strip casting, respectively. Fe-Ni-Cr-Si-B alloy exhibited compressive strength of up to 2.93 GPa and plastic strain of about 1.51%. On the other hand, the Fe-Ni-Zr-Cr-Si-B, composite-type bulk sample with diameter of 2.0 mm showed remarkable compressive plastic strain of about 4.03%. The addition of zirconium was found to enhance the homogeneous precipitation of nanocrystalline less than 7 nm and to develop a hybrid-composite microstructure with increasing sample thickness. Twin roll strip casting was successfully applied to the fabrication of sheets in Fe-Ni-Cr-Si-B-based BMGs. The combined characteristics of high mechanical properties and ease of microstructure control proved to be promising in terms of the future progress of structural bulk amorphous alloys

Mechanical properties of Fe-Ni-Cr-Si-B bulk glassy alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Kee Ahn [School of Advanced Materials Engineering, Andong National University, Andong 760-749 (Korea, Republic of)]. E-mail: keeahn@andong.ac.kr; Kim, Yong Chan [New Metals Research Team, RIST, Pohang 790-330 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Jung Han [Center for Advanced Aerospace materials, POSTECH, Pohang 790-784 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Chong Soo [Center for Advanced Aerospace materials, POSTECH, Pohang 790-784 (Korea, Republic of); Namkung, Jung [New Metals Research Team, RIST, Pohang 790-330 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Moon Chul [New Metals Research Team, RIST, Pohang 790-330 (Korea, Republic of)

2007-03-25

The mechanical properties and crystallization behavior of new Fe-Ni-Cr-Si-B-based bulk glassy alloys were investigated. The suitability of the continuous roll casting method for the production of bulk metallic glass (BMG) sheets in such alloy systems was also examined. BMG samples (Fe-Ni-Cr-Si-B, Fe-Ni-Zr-Cr-Si-B, Fe-Ni-Zr-Cr-W-Si-B) in amorphous strip, cylindrical, and sheet forms were prepared through melt spinning, copper mold casting, and twin roll strip casting, respectively. Fe-Ni-Cr-Si-B alloy exhibited compressive strength of up to 2.93 GPa and plastic strain of about 1.51%. On the other hand, the Fe-Ni-Zr-Cr-Si-B, composite-type bulk sample with diameter of 2.0 mm showed remarkable compressive plastic strain of about 4.03%. The addition of zirconium was found to enhance the homogeneous precipitation of nanocrystalline less than 7 nm and to develop a hybrid-composite microstructure with increasing sample thickness. Twin roll strip casting was successfully applied to the fabrication of sheets in Fe-Ni-Cr-Si-B-based BMGs. The combined characteristics of high mechanical properties and ease of microstructure control proved to be promising in terms of the future progress of structural bulk amorphous alloys.

Influence of air exposure duration and a-Si capping layer thickness on the performance of p-BaSi2/n-Si heterojunction solar cells

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ryota Takabe

2016-08-01

Full Text Available Fabrication of p-BaSi2(20nm/n-Si heterojunction solar cells was performed with different a-Si capping layer thicknesses (da-Si and varying air exposure durations (tair prior to the formation of a 70-nm-thick indium-tin-oxide electrode. The conversion efficiencies (η reached approximately 4.7% regardless of tair (varying from 12–150 h for solar cells with da-Si = 5 nm. In contrast, η increased from 5.3 to 6.6% with increasing tair for those with da-Si = 2 nm, in contrast to our prediction. For this sample, the reverse saturation current density (J0 and diode ideality factor decreased with tair, resulting in the enhancement of η. The effects of the variation of da-Si (0.7, 2, 3, and 5 nm upon the solar cell performance were examined while keeping tair = 150 h. The η reached a maximum of 9.0% when da-Si was 3 nm, wherein the open-circuit voltage and fill factor also reached a maximum. The series resistance, shunt resistance, and J0 exhibited a tendency to decrease as da-Si increased. These results demonstrate that a moderate oxidation of BaSi2 is a very effective means to enhance the η of BaSi2 solar cells.

Effects of Mn addition on microstructure and hardness of Al-12.6Si alloy

Science.gov (United States)

Biswas, Prosanta; Patra, Surajit; Mondal, Manas Kumar

2018-03-01

In this work, eutectic Al-12.6Si alloy with and without manganese (Mn) have been developed through gravity casting route. The effect of Mn concentration (0.0 wt.%, 1 wt%, 2 wt% and 3 wt%) on microstructural morphology and hardness property of the alloy has been investigated. The eutectic Al-12.6 Si alloy exhibits the presence of combine plate, needle and rod-like eutectic silicon phase with very sharp corners and coarser primary silicon particles within the α-Al phase. In addition of 1wt.% of Mn in the eutectic Al-12.6Si alloy, sharp corners of the primary Si and needle-like eutectic Si are became blunt and particles size is reduced. Further, increase in Mn concentration (2.0 wt.%) in the Al-12.6Si alloy, irregular plate shape Al6(Mn,Fe) intermetallics are formed inside the α-Al phase, but the primary and eutectic phase morphology is similar to the eutectic Al-12.6Si alloy. The volume fraction of Al6(Mn,Fe) increases and Al6(Mn,Fe) particles appear as like chain structure in the alloy with 3 wt.% Mn. An increase in Mn concentration in the Al-12.6Si alloys result in the increase in bulk hardness of the alloy as an effects of microstructure modification as well as the presence of harder Al6(Mn,Fe) phase in the developed alloy.

Glass forming ability of Al–Ni–La alloys with Si addition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yi, J.J.; Xiong, X.Z. [State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); Inoue, A. [State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); WPI-Advanced Institute for Material Research, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); Kong, L.T. [State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); Li, J.F., E-mail: jfli@sjtu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China)

2015-11-25

(Al{sub 85.5}Ni{sub 9.5}La{sub 5}){sub 100−x}Si{sub x}, (Al{sub 86}Ni{sub 9}La{sub 5}){sub 100−x}Si{sub x}, (Al{sub 86}Ni{sub 9.5}La{sub 4.5}){sub 100−x}Si{sub x}, (Al{sub 86}Ni{sub 10}La{sub 4}){sub 100−x}Si{sub x} and (Al{sub 86}Ni{sub 10.5}La{sub 3.5}){sub 100−x}Si{sub x} alloys, where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0, were cast under the same suction casting conditions into a wedge-shaped copper mold for investigating the effect of Si addition on the glass-forming ability (GFA). The GFA of the Al–Ni–La base alloys, except for the optimal glass former (Al{sub 85.5}Ni{sub 9.5}La{sub 5}), is enhanced when a proper content of Si is added. The largest content of Si up to which GFA can be enhanced changes in the following order of the base alloys: Al{sub 86}Ni{sub 9}La{sub 5}, Al{sub 86}Ni{sub 9.5}La{sub 4.5}, Al{sub 86}Ni{sub 10}La{sub 4} and Al{sub 86}Ni{sub 10.5}La{sub 3.5}. The enhancement of GFA due to Si addition becomes more significant as the La content decreases. This is presumably because more free Al atoms are present in the base alloy. - Highlights: • 0.2–2.0 at. % Si was added to each ternary base alloy. • Wedge-shaped samples were suction cast to obtain the glass-forming ability (GFA). • The GFA of the ternary non-optimal glass formers can be enhanced by Si addition. • The number of free-Al atoms dominates the best Si addition.

Microstructure and degradation performance of biodegradable Mg-Si-Sr implant alloys.

Science.gov (United States)

Gil-Santos, Andrea; Marco, Iñigo; Moelans, Nele; Hort, Norbert; Van der Biest, Omer

2017-02-01

In this work the microstructure and degradation behavior of several as-cast alloy compositions belonging to the Mg rich corner of the Mg-Si-Sr system are presented and related. The intermetallic phases are identified and analyzed describing the microstructure evolution during solidification. It is intended in this work to obtain insight in the behavior of the ternary alloys in in vitro tests and to analyze the degradation behavior of the alloys under physiologically relevant conditions. The as-cast specimens have been exposed to immersion tests, both mass loss (ML) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP). The degradation rate (DR) have been assessed and correlated to microstructure features, impurity levels and alloy composition. The initial reactions resulted to be more severe while the degradation stabilizes with time. A higher DR is related with a high content of the Mg 17 Sr 2 phase and with the presence of coarse particles of the intermetallics Mg 2 Si, MgSiSr and MgSi 2 Sr. Specimens with a higher DR typically have higher levels of impurities and alloy contents. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microstructural development in a rapidly solidified Al-Fe-V-Si alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, W.J.; Baek, E.R.; Lee, Sunghak; Kim, N.J.

1991-01-01

TEM is used to investigate microstructural development in a rapidly solidified Al-Fe-V-Si alloy. The as-cast microstructure of a rapidly solidified Al-Fe-V-Si alloy was found to vary depending on casting conditions and also through the thickness of ribbon. For completely Zone A ribbon, intercellular phase consists of a microquasi-crystalline phase, while for the Zone A and Zone B mixed ribbon, it consists of a silicide phase. In either case, formation of globular particles of a cluster microquasi-crystalline phase is observed near the air side of the ribbon. Annealing study shows significant differences in the final microstructure depending on the initial status of the ribbon. Completely Zone A ribbon, whose microstructure is composed of a microquasi-crystalline phase, results in a very coarse microstructure after annealing as compared to the Zone A and Zone B mixed ribbon. This result has important implications for the development of high-performance elevated-temperature Al alloys. 12 refs

Si Wire-Array Solar Cells

Science.gov (United States)

Boettcher, Shannon

2010-03-01

Micron-scale Si wire arrays are three-dimensional photovoltaic absorbers that enable orthogonalization of light absorption and carrier collection and hence allow for the utilization of relatively impure Si in efficient solar cell designs. The wire arrays are grown by a vapor-liquid-solid-catalyzed process on a crystalline (111) Si wafer lithographically patterned with an array of metal catalyst particles. Following growth, such arrays can be embedded in polymethyldisiloxane (PDMS) and then peeled from the template growth substrate. The result is an unusual photovoltaic material: a flexible, bendable, wafer-thickness crystalline Si absorber. In this paper I will describe: 1. the growth of high-quality Si wires with controllable doping and the evaluation of their photovoltaic energy-conversion performance using a test electrolyte that forms a rectifying conformal semiconductor-liquid contact 2. the observation of enhanced absorption in wire arrays exceeding the conventional light trapping limits for planar Si cells of equivalent material thickness and 3. single-wire and large-area solid-state Si wire-array solar cell results obtained to date with directions for future cell designs based on optical and device physics. In collaboration with Michael Kelzenberg, Morgan Putnam, Joshua Spurgeon, Daniel Turner-Evans, Emily Warren, Nathan Lewis, and Harry Atwater, California Institute of Technology.

Biomineralisation with Saos-2 bone cells on TiSiN sputtered Ti alloys.

Science.gov (United States)

V V, Anusha Thampi; Bendavid, Avi; Martin, P J; Vaithilingam, Vijay; Bean, Penelope A; Evans, Margaret D M; Subramanian, B

2017-07-01

Surface modifications of metallic implants are important in order to protect the underlying metals from the harsh corrosive environment inside the human body and to minimize the losses caused by wear. Recently, researches are carried out in developing bioactive surfaces on metallic implants, which supports the growth and proliferation of cells on to these surfaces. Titanium silicon nitride (TiSiN) hard nanocomposites thin films were fabricated on Ti alloys (Ti-6Al-4V) by pulsed direct current (DC) reactive magnetron sputtering. The films were characterized for its microstructural and electrochemical behavior. The higher charge transfer resistance (Rct) and positive shift in Ecorr value of TiSiN/Ti alloys than the bare Ti-alloys indicates a better corrosion resistance offered by the TiSiN thin films to the underlying substrates. The biological response to TiSiN/Ti alloys and control bare Ti-alloys was measured in vitro using cell-based assays with two main outcomes. Firstly, neither the Ti alloy nor the TiSiN thin film was cytotoxic to cells. Secondly, the TiSiN thin film promoted differentiation of human bone cells above the bare control Ti alloy as measured by alkaline phosphatase and calcium production. TiSiN thin films provide better corrosion resistance and protect the underlying metal from the corrosive environment. The thin film surface is both biocompatible and bioactive as indicated from the cytotoxicity and biomineralization studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Viscosity of Industrially Important Zn-Al Alloys Part II: Alloys with Higher Contents of Al and Si

Science.gov (United States)

Nunes, V. M. B.; Queirós, C. S. G. P.; Lourenço, M. J. V.; Santos, F. J. V.; Nieto de Castro, C. A.

2018-05-01

The viscosity of Zn-Al alloys melts, with industrial interest, was measured for temperatures between 693 K and 915 K, with an oscillating cup viscometer, and estimated expanded uncertainties between 3 and 5 %, depending on the alloy. The influence of minor components, such as Si, Mg and Ce + La, on the viscosity of the alloys is discussed. An increase in the amount of Mg triggers complex melt/solidification processes while the addition of Ce and La renders alloys viscosity almost temperature independent. Furthermore, increases in Al and Si contents decrease melts viscosity and lead to an Arrhenius type behavior. This paper complements a previous study describing the viscosity of Zn-Al alloys with quasi-eutectic compositions.

Microstructure and property of directionally solidified Ni-Si hypereutectic alloy

Science.gov (United States)

Cui, Chunjuan; Tian, Lulu; Zhang, Jun; Yu, Shengnan; Liu, Lin; Fu, Hengzhi

2016-03-01

This paper investigates the influence of the solidification rate on the microstructure, solid/liquid interface, and micro-hardness of the directionally solidified Ni-Si hypereutectic alloy. Microstructure of the Ni-Si hypereutectic alloy is refined with the increase of the solidification rate. The Ni-Si hypereutectic composite is mainly composed of α-Ni matrix, Ni-Ni3Si eutectic phase, and metastable Ni31Si12 phase. The solid/liquid interface always keeps planar interface no matter how high the solidification rate is increased. This is proved by the calculation in terms of M-S interface stability criterion. Moreover, the Ni-Si hypereutectic composites present higher micro-hardness as compared with that of the pure Ni3Si compound. This is caused by the formation of the metastable Ni31Si12 phase and NiSi phase during the directional solidification process.

$^{31}$Si Self-Diffusion in Si-Ge Alloys and Si-(B-)C-N Ceramics and Diffusion Studies for Al and Si Beam Developments

CERN Multimedia

Nylandsted larsen, A; Voss, T L; Strohm, A

2002-01-01

An invaluable method for studying diffusion in solids is the radiotracer technique. However, its applicability had been restricted to radiotracer atoms with half-lives $t_{1/2}$ of about 1~d or longer. Within the framework of IS372 a facility was developed in which short-lived radiotracer atoms ( 5min $\\scriptstyle{\\lesssim}$ $t_{1/2}\\scriptstyle{\\lesssim}$1 d ) can be used. For the implantation of the short-lived tracers the facility is flanged to the ISOLDE beamline, and all post-implantation steps required in the radiotracer technique are done in situ.\\\\ After successful application of this novel technique in diffusion studies of $^{11}$C ($t_{1/2}$ = 20.3 min), this experiment aims at performing self-diffusion studies of $^{31}$Si ($t_{1/2}$ = 2.6~h) in Si--Ge alloys and in amorphous Si--(B--)C--N ceramics.\\\\ Our motivation for measuring diffusion in Si--Ge alloys is their recent technological renaissance as well as the purpose to test the prediction that in these alloys the self-diffusion mechanism chang...

Crystallization and Martensitic Transformation Behavior of Ti-Ni-Si Alloy Ribbons Prepared via Melt Spinning.

Science.gov (United States)

Park, Ju-Wan; Kim, Yeon-Wook; Nam, Tae-Hyun

2018-09-01

Ti-(50-x)Ni-xSi (at%) (x = 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0) alloy ribbons were prepared via melt spinning and their crystallization procedure and transformation behavior were investigated using differential scanning calorimtry, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Ti-Ni-Si alloy ribbons with Si content less than 1.0 at% were crystalline, whereas those with Si content more than 3.0 at% were amorphous. Crystallization occurred in the sequence of amorphous →B2 → B2 → Ti5Si4 + TiNi3 → B2 + Ti5Si4 + TiNi3 + TiSi in the Ti-47.0Ni-3.0Si alloy and amorphous →R → R + Ti5Si4 + TiNi3 → R + Ti5Si4 + TiNi3 + TiSi in the Ti-45.0Ni-5.0Si alloy. The activation energy for crystallization was 189 ±8.6 kJ/mol for the Ti-47Ni-3Si alloy and 212±8.6 kJ/mol for the Ti-45Ni-5Si alloy. One-stage B2-R transformation behavior was observed in Ti-49.5Ni-0.5Si, Ti-49.0Ni-1.0Si, and Ti-47.0Ni- 3.0Si alloy ribbons after heating to various temperatures in the range of 873 K to 1073 K. In the Ti-45.0Ni-5.0Si alloy, one-stage B2-R transformation occurred after heating to 893 K, two-stage B2-R-B19' occurred after heating to 973 K, and two-stage B2-R-B19' occurred on cooling and one-stage B19'-B2 occurred on heating, after heating to 1073 K.

A novel restraint spraying-Conform process for manufacturing hypereutectic Al-Si alloy with enhanced properties

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Y. G.; Yang, H.; Zhang, B. Q.; Liu, Y. L.; Yin, J. C.; Wei, W.; Zhong, Y.

2017-02-01

A novel restraint spraying-Conform (RS-C) process, which directly combines spraying with Conform to process metals in one step, has been proposed. Al-20Si alloy selected as experimental material was successfully fabricated by the RS-C process. The microstructures were dominated with fine and uniform primary silicon phases. The tensile strength and elongation to failure of the Al-20Si alloy were 204 MPa and 7.2% respectively after the RS-C process. The wear resistance of the processed Al-20Si alloy was increased significantly, about 1.7 times over the as-cast ingot. The experimental results indicate that RS-C is a promising near net shape forming technology.

Influence of the Si content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-Ni-Cu-Si-Sn nanocomposite alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fornell, J., E-mail: Jordinafornell@gmail.com [Departament de Fisica, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Spain); Van Steenberge, N. [OCAS N.V., Pres. J.F. Kennedylaan 3, BE-9060 Zelzate (Belgium); Surinach, S.; Baro, M.D. [Departament de Fisica, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Spain); Sort, J. [Departament de Fisica, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Spain); Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avancats (Spain)

2012-09-25

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We study the effects of Si addition of Ti-Ni-Cu-Si-Sn alloy. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The microstructure evolution is correlated with the obtained mechanical and elastic properties. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Higher Young's modulus and larger hardness values are obtained in samples with higher Si contents. - Abstract: (Ti{sub 48}Ni{sub 32}Cu{sub 8}Si{sub 8}Sn{sub 4}){sub 100-x}Si{sub x} (x = 0, 2, 4 and 6) alloys were prepared by levitation melting mixtures of the high purity elements in an Ar atmosphere. Rods of 3 mm in diameter were obtained from the melt by copper mould casting. The effects of Si addition on the microstructure, elastic and mechanical properties of the Ti{sub 48}Ni{sub 32}Cu{sub 8}Si{sub 8}Sn{sub 4} alloy were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, acoustic measurements and nanoindentation. The main phases composing the Ti{sub 48}Ni{sub 32}Cu{sub 8}Si{sub 8}Sn{sub 4} alloy are B2 NiTi, B19 Prime NiTi and tetragonal Ti{sub 2}Ni. Additional phases, like Ti{sub 5}Si{sub 3} or Ni{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}Si, become clearly visible in samples with higher Si contents. The microstructure evolution is correlated with the obtained mechanical and elastic properties. These alloys exhibit very high hardness values, which increase with the Si content, from 9 GPa (for x = 0) to around 10.5 GPa (for x = 6). The Young's modulus of Ti{sub 48}Ni{sub 32}Cu{sub 8}Si{sub 8}Sn{sub 4} (around 115 GPa) also increases significantly with Si addition, up to 160 GPa for x = 6.

Effect of solidification rate on the microstructure and microhardness of a melt-spun Al-8Si-1Sb alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Karakoese, E.; Keskin, M.

2009-01-01

The properties of rapidly solidified hypoeutectic Al-8Si-1Sb alloy, produced by melt-spinning technique at a different solidification rates, were investigated using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), the optical microscopy (OM), the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the microhardness technique. The properties of rapidly solidified ribbons were then compared with those of the chill-casting alloy. The results show that rapid solidification has influence on the phase constitution of the hypoeutectic Al-8Si-1Sb alloy. The phases present in the hypoeutectic Al-8Si-1Sb ingot alloy were determined to be α-Al, fcc Si and intermetallic AlSb phases whereas only α-Al and fcc Si phases were identified in the melt-spinning alloy. The rapid solidification has a significant effect on the microstructure of the hypoeutectic Al-8Si-1Sb alloy. Particle size in the microstructure of the ribbons is too small to compare with particle size in the microstructure of the ingot alloy. Moreover, the significant change in hardness occurs that is attributed to changes in the microstructure.

Effect of solidification rate on the microstructure and microhardness of a melt-spun Al-8Si-1Sb alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Karakoese, E. [Erciyes University, Institute of Science, 38039 Kayseri (Turkey); Keskin, M. [Erciyes University, Institute of Science, 38039 Kayseri (Turkey); Erciyes University, Physics Department, 38039 Kayseri (Turkey)], E-mail: keskin@erciyes.edu.tr

2009-06-24

The properties of rapidly solidified hypoeutectic Al-8Si-1Sb alloy, produced by melt-spinning technique at a different solidification rates, were investigated using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), the optical microscopy (OM), the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the microhardness technique. The properties of rapidly solidified ribbons were then compared with those of the chill-casting alloy. The results show that rapid solidification has influence on the phase constitution of the hypoeutectic Al-8Si-1Sb alloy. The phases present in the hypoeutectic Al-8Si-1Sb ingot alloy were determined to be {alpha}-Al, fcc Si and intermetallic AlSb phases whereas only {alpha}-Al and fcc Si phases were identified in the melt-spinning alloy. The rapid solidification has a significant effect on the microstructure of the hypoeutectic Al-8Si-1Sb alloy. Particle size in the microstructure of the ribbons is too small to compare with particle size in the microstructure of the ingot alloy. Moreover, the significant change in hardness occurs that is attributed to changes in the microstructure.

Chemical leaching of rapidly solidified Al-Si binary alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamauchi, I.; Takahara, K.; Tanaka, T.; Matsubara, K.

2005-01-01

Various particulate precursors of Al 100-x Si x (x = 5-12) alloys were prepared by a rapid solidification process. The rapidly solidified structures of the precursors were examined by XRD, DSC and SEM. Most of Si atoms were dissolved into the α-Al(fcc) phase by rapid solidification though the solubility of Si in the α-Al phase is negligibly small in conventional solidification. In the case of 5 at.% Si alloy, a single α-Al phase was only formed. The amount of the primary Si phase increased with increase of Si content for the alloys beyond 8 at.% Si. Rapid solidification was effective to form super-saturated α-Al precursors. These precursors were chemically leached by using a basic solution (NaOH) or a hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. All Al atoms were removed by a HCl solution as well as a NaOH solution. Granules of the Si phase were newly formed during leaching. The specific surface area was about 50-70 m 2 /g independent of Si content. The leaching behavior in both solutions was slightly different. In the case of a NaOH solution, the shape of the precursor often degenerated after leaching. On the other hand, it was retained after leaching by a HCl solution. Fine Si particles precipitated in the α-Al phase by annealing of as-rapidly solidified precursors at 773 K for 7.2 x 10 3 s. In this case, it was difficult to obtain any products by NaOH leaching, but a few of Si particles were obtained by HCl leaching. Precipitated Si particles were dissolved by the NaOH solution. The X-ray diffraction patterns of leached specimens showed broad lines of the Si phase and its lattice constant was slightly larger than that of the pure Si phase. The microstructures of the leached specimens were examined by transmission electron microscopy. It showed that the leached specimens had a skeletal structure composed of slightly elongated particles of the Si phase and quite fine pores. The particle size was about 30-50 nm. It was of comparable order with that evaluated by Scherer

Solar-blind AlxGa1-xN/AlN/SiC photodiodes with a polarization-induced electron filter

Science.gov (United States)

Rodak, L. E.; Sampath, A. V.; Gallinat, C. S.; Chen, Y.; Zhou, Q.; Campbell, J. C.; Shen, H.; Wraback, M.

2013-08-01

Heterogeneous n-III-nitride/i-p silicon carbide (SiC) photodetectors have been demonstrated that enable the tailoring of the spectral response in the solar blind region below 280 nm. The negative polarization induced charge at the aluminum gallium nitride (AlxGa1-xN)/aluminum nitride (AlN) interface in conjunction with the positive polarization charge at the AlN/SiC interface creates a large barrier to carrier transport across the interface that results in the selective collection of electrons photoexcited to the Γ and L valleys of SiC while blocking the transport of electrons generated in the M valley. In addition, the AlxGa1-xN alloys act as transparent windows that enhance the collection of carriers generated by high energy photons in the fully depleted SiC absorption regions. These two factors combine to create a peak external quantum efficiency of 76% at 242 nm, along with a strong suppression of the long-wavelength response from 260 nm to 380 nm.

Amorphization threshold in Si-implanted strained SiGe alloy layers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Simpson, T.W.; Love, D.; Endisch, E.; Goldberg, R.D.; Mitchell, I.V.; Haynes, T.E.; Baribeau, J.M.

1994-12-01

The authors have examined the damage produced by Si-ion implantation into strained Si 1-x Ge x epilayers. Damage accumulation in the implanted layers was monitored in situ by time-resolved reflectivity and measured by ion channeling techniques to determine the amorphization threshold in strained Si 1-x Ge x (x = 0.16 and 0.29) over the temperature range 30--110 C. The results are compared with previously reported measurements on unstrained Si 1-x Ge x , and with the simple model used to describe those results. They report here data which lend support to this model and which indicate that pre-existing strain does not enhance damage accumulation in the alloy layer

Removal of C and SiC from Si and FeSi during ladle refining and solidification

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Klevan, Ole Svein

1997-12-31

The utilization of solar energy by means of solar cells requires the Si to be very pure. The purity of Si is important for other applications as well. This thesis mainly studies the total removal of carbon from silicon and ferrosilicon. The decarburization includes removal of SiC particles by stirring and during casting in addition to reduction of dissolved carbon by gas purging. It was found that for three commercial qualities of FeSi75, Refined, Gransil, and Standard lumpy, the refined quality is lowest in carbon, followed by Gransil and Standard. A decarburization model was developed that shows the carbon removal by oxidation of dissolved carbon to be a slow process at atmospheric pressure. Gas stirring experiments have shown that silicon carbide particles are removed by transfer to the ladle wall. The casting method of ferrosilicon has a strong influence on the final total carbon content in the commercial alloy. Shipped refined FeSi contains about 100 ppm total carbon, while the molten alloy contains roughly 200 ppm. The total carbon out of the FeSi-furnace is about 1000 ppm. It is suggested that low values of carbon could be obtained on an industrial scale by injection of silica combined with the use of vacuum. Also, the casting system could be designed to give low carbon in part of the product. 122 refs., 50 figs., 24 tabs.

Si(LMM) Auger electron emission from Si alloys by keV Ar/sup +/ ion bombardment, new effect and application

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hiraki, A; Kim, S; Imura, T; Iwami, M [Osaka Univ., Suita (Japan). Faculty of Engineering

1979-09-01

Si(LMM) Auger spectra excited by keV ion bombardment were studied in Si alloyed with several elements (Au, Cu, Pd, Ni, C, and H). The spectra differed completely from those of pure Si. The main characteristics are (1) the spectra are composed of two well-separated peaks (88 and 92 eV) called the atomic-like peak (88 eV) and the bulk-like peak (92 eV); and (2) the atomic-like peak is enhanced with respect to the bulk-like peak, and this enhancement becomes more obvious as the concentration of partner elements of the alloys are increased. The possible application of the present phenomena is proposed as a technique for detecting the homogeneity of Si alloy films in the three-dimensional sense - as an example, the three-dimensional distribution of hydrogen in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si-H).

Evolution of Primary Fe-Rich Compounds in Secondary Al-Si-Cu Alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Fabrizi, Alberto; Capuzzi, Stefano; Timelli, Giulio

Although iron is usually added in die cast Al-Si foundry alloys to prevent die soldering, primary Fe-rich particles are generally considered as "hardspot" inclusions which compromise the mechanical properties of the alloy, namely ductility and toughness. As there is no economical methods to remove the Fe excess in secondary Al-Si alloys at this time, the control of solidification process and chemical composition of the alloy is a common industrial practice to overcome the negative effects connected with the presence of Fe-rich particles. In this work, the size and morphology as well as the nucleation density of primary Fe-rich particles have been studied as function of cooling rate and alloy chemical composition for secondary Al-Si-Cu alloys. The solidification experiments were carried out using differential scanning calorimetry whereas morphology investigations were conducted using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Mcrosegregations and chemical composition of primary Fe-rich particles were examined by energy dispersive spectroscopy.

Martensitic Transformations and Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Fe-Mn-Si Alloys for Biodegradable Medical Implants

Science.gov (United States)

Drevet, Richard; Zhukova, Yulia; Malikova, Polina; Dubinskiy, Sergey; Korotitskiy, Andrey; Pustov, Yury; Prokoshkin, Sergey

2018-03-01

The Fe-Mn-Si alloys are promising materials for biodegradable metallic implants for temporary healing process in the human body. In this study, three different compositions are considered (Fe23Mn5Si, Fe26Mn5Si, and Fe30Mn5Si, all in wt pct). The phase composition analysis by XRD reveals ɛ-martensite, α-martensite, and γ-austenite in various proportions depending on the manganese amount. The DSC study shows that the starting temperature of the martensitic transformation ( M s) of the alloys decreases when the manganese content increases (416 K, 401 K, and 323 K (143 °C, 128 °C, and 50 °C) for the Fe23Mn5Si, Fe26Mn5Si, and Fe30Mn5Si alloys, respectively). Moreover, mechanical compression tests indicate that these alloys have a much lower Young's modulus ( E) than pure iron (220 GPa), i.e., 145, 133, and 118 GPa for the Fe23Mn5Si, Fe26Mn5Si, and Fe30Mn5Si alloys, respectively. The corrosion behavior of the alloys is studied in Hank's solution at 310 K (37 °C) using electrochemical experiments and weight loss measurements. The corrosion kinetics of the Fe-Mn-Si increases with the manganese content (0.48, 0.59, and 0.80 mm/year for the Fe23Mn5Si, Fe26Mn5Si, and Fe30Mn5Si alloys, respectively). The alloy with the highest manganese content shows the most promising properties for biomedical applications as a biodegradable and biomechanically compatible implant material.

Integration of Solar Cells on Top of CMOS Chips Part I: a-Si Solar Cells

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Lu, J.; Kovalgin, Alexeij Y.; van der Werf, Karine H.M.; Schropp, Ruud E.I.; Schmitz, Jurriaan

2011-01-01

We present the monolithic integration of deepsubmicrometer complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) microchips with a-Si:H solar cells. Solar cells are manufactured directly on the CMOS chips. The microchips maintain comparable electronic performance, and the solar cells show efficiency values

Fabrication of V-Cr-Ti-Y-Al-Si alloys by levitation melting

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chuto, Toshinori; Satou, Manabu; Abe, Katsunori [Department of Quantum Science and Energy Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi (Japan); Nagasaka, Takuya; Muroga, Takeo [National Inst. for Fusion Science, Toki, Gifu (Japan); Shibayama, Tamaki [Center for Advanced Research of Energy Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido (Japan); Tomiyama, Shigeki [Daido Bunseki Research Inc., Nagoya, Aichi (Japan); Sakata, Masafumi [Daido Steel Co. Ltd., Nagoya (Japan)

2000-09-01

Three allows of V-4Cr-4Ti type containing Si, Al and Y were fabricated by 2.5 kg scale levitation melting in this study. Workability and recrystallization behavior of the alloys were studied in order to establish the fabrication method of high-purity large ingot of V-Cr-Ti-Si-Al-Y type alloys, especially reducing interstitial impurity levels. Oxygen contents decreased with increasing yttrium contents and were kept below 180 mass ppm over wide region in the ingots. Nitrogen contents in the V-Cr-Ti-Y-Si-Al type alloys were only 100 mass ppm, which were as low as that in the starting materials. Only the V-4Cr-4Ti-0.1Y, Si, Al alloy could be cold-rolled at as-melted condition. Because large yttrium inclusions were observed in the alloys containing 0.5 mass%Y, it is necessary to optimize yttrium contents to avoid large inclusions and to obtain good workability. (author)

Fabrication of V-Cr-Ti-Y-Al-Si alloys by levitation melting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chuto, Toshinori; Satou, Manabu; Abe, Katsunori; Nagasaka, Takuya; Muroga, Takeo; Shibayama, Tamaki; Tomiyama, Shigeki; Sakata, Masafumi

2000-01-01

Three allows of V-4Cr-4Ti type containing Si, Al and Y were fabricated by 2.5 kg scale levitation melting in this study. Workability and recrystallization behavior of the alloys were studied in order to establish the fabrication method of high-purity large ingot of V-Cr-Ti-Si-Al-Y type alloys, especially reducing interstitial impurity levels. Oxygen contents decreased with increasing yttrium contents and were kept below 180 mass ppm over wide region in the ingots. Nitrogen contents in the V-Cr-Ti-Y-Si-Al type alloys were only 100 mass ppm, which were as low as that in the starting materials. Only the V-4Cr-4Ti-0.1Y, Si, Al alloy could be cold-rolled at as-melted condition. Because large yttrium inclusions were observed in the alloys containing 0.5 mass%Y, it is necessary to optimize yttrium contents to avoid large inclusions and to obtain good workability. (author)

The role of Nd on the microstructural evolution and compressive behavior of Ti–Si alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hu, Zhaohua; Zhan, Yongzhong; She, Jia

2013-01-01

The rare earth (RE) added Ti–Si alloys are potential candidates for lightweight structural materials, especially in high-temperature fields, but up to now related fundamental information is still rare. In this work, samples of Ti–8Si–5Nd, Ti–13Si–5Nd, and Ti–20Si–5Nd are designed to investigate the effect of RE element Nd on the microstructural evolution and compressive properties of the Ti–Si alloys. Experimental results indicate that all the samples are composed of α-Ti, β-Ti, Nd and Ti 5 Si 3 phases according to the XRD patterns. The Ti–8Si–5Nd alloy shows a typical hypoeutectic structure with primarily precipitated bulky Ti 5 Si 3 and Nd. Ti–13Si–5Nd alloy has lamellar eutectic structure and the Ti–20Si–5Nd alloy exhibits a coarsened homogeneous primary Nd, Ti 5 Si 3 precipitation and microcrystalline eutectic structure. The added Nd and primarily-precipitated Nd 5 Si 3 particles work as inoculants and refine the grain size of Ti 5 Si 3, because of their similar hexagonal structure, atomic bond and atomic distribution of the outer crystal surface. The refined grain size and homogeneous distribution of Ti 5 Si 3 phases in the Nd added Ti–Si alloys (especially the hypoeutectic alloy) are effective to improve the mechanical properties. The Ti–8Si–5Nd alloy exhibits the best plasticity (14.545%) and compressive strength (1191 MPa) among the three samples and shows good potential for structural materials.

Effect of Si addition on the glass-forming ability of a NiTiZrAlCu alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liang, W.Z.; Shen, J.; Sun, J.F.

2006-01-01

The effect of Si addition on the glass-forming ability (GFA) of a NiTiZrAlCu alloy was investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The maximum diameter of glassy rods increased from 0.5 mm for the Ni 42 Ti 20 Zr 25 Al 8 Cu 5 alloy (the base alloy) to 2.5 mm for the Ni 42 Ti 20 Zr 21.5 Al 8 Cu 5 Si 3.5 alloy and to 3 mm for the Ni 42 Ti 19 Zr 22.5 Al 8 Cu 5 Si 3.5 alloy, when prepared by using the copper mould casting. The GFA of the alloys can be assessed by the reduced glass transition temperature T rg (=T g /T l ) and a newly proposed parameter, δ(=T x /T l - T g ). An addition of a proper amount of Si and a minor substitution of Ti with Zr can enhance the GFA of the base alloy by suppressing the formation of primary Ni(TiZr) and (TiZr)(CuAl) 2 phases and inducing the composition close to eutectic

Structural stability, electronic and magnetic behaviour of spin-polarized YCoVZ (Z = Si, Ge) and YCoTiZ (Z = Si, Ge) Heusler alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rasool, Muhammad Nasir, E-mail: nasir4iub@gmail.com [Department of Physics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100 (Pakistan); Hussain, Altaf, E-mail: altafiub@yahoo.com [Department of Physics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100 (Pakistan); Javed, Athar [Department of Physics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590 (Pakistan); Khan, Muhammad Azhar; Iqbal, F. [Department of Physics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100 (Pakistan)

2016-11-01

The structural stability, electronic and magnetic behaviour of YCoVZ (Z = Si, Ge) and YCoTiZ (Z = Si, Ge) Heusler alloys have been studied by first principle approach. Generalized gradient approximation (GGA) based on density functional theory (DFT) has been applied to investigate the properties of quaternary Heusler alloys. The YCoVSi, YCoVGe, YCoTiSi and YCoTiGe Heusler alloys of Type-3 structure are found to be stable in spin-polarized/magnetic phase. The YCoVSi and YCoVGe alloys exhibit nearly spin gapless semiconductor (SGS) behaviour while YCoTiSi and YCoTiGe alloys show half-metallic ferromagnetic (HMF) behaviour. For YCoVSi, YCoVGe, YCoTiSi and YCoTiGe alloys, the calculated energy band gaps in spin down (↓) channel are 0.60, 0.54, 0.68 and 0.44 eV, respectively. The YCoVZ and YCoTiZ alloys are found to have integral value of total magnetic moment (M{sub T}), thus obeying the Slater-Pauling rule, M{sub T} = (N{sub v}–18)μ{sub B}. - Highlights: • Four Heusler alloys i.e. YCoVZ (Z = Si, Ge) and YCoTiZ (Z = Si, Ge) are studied. • Type-3 crystal structure of all four alloys is stable in magnetic phase. • The compressibility (S) follows the order: S{sub YCoVSi} > S{sub YCoTiSi} > S{sub YCoVGe} > S{sub YCoTiGe}. • Half metallic ferromagnetic behaviour is observed in all four alloys. • All four alloys obey the Slater-Pauling rule, M{sub T} = (N{sub v} – 18)μ{sub B}.

Thermodiffusion Mo-B-Si coating on VN-3 niobium alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kozlov, A.T.; Lazarev, Eh.M.; Monakhova, L.A.; Shestova, V.F.; Romanovich, I.V.

1985-01-01

Protective properties of complex Mo-B-Si-coating on niobium alloy VN-3 (4.7 mass.% Mo, 1.1 mass.% Zr, 0.1 mass.% C) have been studied. It is established, that the complex Mo-B-Si-coating ensures protection from oxidation of niobium alloys in the temperature range of 800-1200 degC for 1000-1500 hr, at 1600 degC - for 10 hr. High heat resistance of Mo-B-Si - coating at 800-1200 degC is determined by the presence of amorphous film of SiOΛ2 over the layer MoSiΛ2 and barrier boride layer on the boundary with the metal protected; decrease in the coating heat resistance at 1600 degC is related to the destruction of boride layer, decomposition of MoSiΛ2 for lower cilicides and loosening of SiOΛ2 film

Influence of secondary ageing temperature on hardening and residual elastic stresses in AlMgSi and AlMgSiCu alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Milosavlevich, A.Ya.; Shiyachki-Zheravchich; Rogulin, M.Ya.; Milenkovich, V.M.; Prokich-Tsvetkovich, R.M.

1993-01-01

The investigations were conducted on samples of AlMgSi and AlMgSiCu alloys quenched, aged and cold worked with 20, 40, 60 and 85 % reduction in area. Secondary ageing was carried out at 200 and 250 deg C. Residual stresses wee determined by X-ray diffraction method. It was shown that cold deformation effect on hardness and residual stresses is dependent on alloy composition. The hardening due to secondary ageing is more pronounced for AlMgSi alloy at 200 deg C and for AlMgSiCu alloy at 250 deg C. Positive residual stresses increase with secondary ageing temperature

Phases in U-Si alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Domagala, R.F.

1986-09-01

The binary (two component) U-Si system contains a total of seven ''compounds.'' The most U-rich compounds are of interest to the RERTR community because they are now being employed as fuels in research and test reactors. The nomenclature used in describing these fuels and the metallurgical significance of the notations recorded may have different meanings to people from different technical backgrounds. This paper is a succinct exploration of the principles of phase equilibria and the realities of commerical fabrication as applied to U-Si alloys. It is an attempt to record in referenceable and retrievable form information of value to the continued development, application and understanding of silicide fuels

EELS measurements of boron concentration profiles in p-a-Si and nip a-Si solar cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Van Aken, Bas B.; Duchamp, Martial; Boothroyd, Chris

2012-01-01

The p-type Si layer in a-Si and μc-Si solar cells on foil needs to fulfil several important requirements. The layer is necessary to create the electric field that separates the photo-generated charge carriers; the doping also increases the conductivity to conduct the photocurrent to the front......-3, using core-loss EELS combined with numerical analysis. We control the band gap and activation energy of p-a-SiC by varying the B2H6 and CH4 flow during deposition in the process chamber. We have found a linear relation between the activation energy of the dark conductivity Eact and the optical...... band gap E04. Modelling shows that the optimum efficiency in nip solar cells is obtained when the p-a-SiC band gap is slightly larger than the band gap of the absorber layer. We have assessed the potential of core-loss EELS for detecting B and C concentrations as low as 1020cm-3 in a spatially resolved...

Computational studies of physical properties of Nb-Si based alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ouyang, Lizhi [Middle Tennessee State Univ., Murfreesboro, TN (United States)

2015-04-16

The overall goal is to provide physical properties data supplementing experiments for thermodynamic modeling and other simulations such as phase filed simulation for microstructure and continuum simulations for mechanical properties. These predictive computational modeling and simulations may yield insights that can be used to guide materials design, processing, and manufacture. Ultimately, they may lead to usable Nb-Si based alloy which could play an important role in current plight towards greener energy. The main objectives of the proposed projects are: (1) developing a first principles method based supercell approach for calculating thermodynamic and mechanic properties of ordered crystals and disordered lattices including solid solution; (2) application of the supercell approach to Nb-Si base alloy to compute physical properties data that can be used for thermodynamic modeling and other simulations to guide the optimal design of Nb-Si based alloy.

Study on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hypereutectic Al-18Si Alloy Modified with Al-3B.

Science.gov (United States)

Gong, Chunjie; Tu, Hao; Wu, Changjun; Wang, Jianhua; Su, Xuping

2018-03-20

An hypereutectic Al-18Si alloy was modified via an Al-3B master alloy. The effect of the added Al-3B and the modification temperature on the microstructure, tensile fracture morphologies, and mechanical properties of the alloy were investigated using an optical microscope, Image-Pro Plus 6.0, a scanning electron microscope, and a universal testing machine. The results show that the size of the primary Si and its fraction decreased at first, and then increased as an additional amount of Al-3B was added. When the added Al-3B reached 0.2 wt %, the fraction of the primary Si in the Al-18Si alloy decreased with an increase in temperature. Compared with the unmodified Al-18Si alloy, the tensile strength and elongation of the alloy modified at 850 °C with 0.2 wt % Al-3B increased by 25% and 81%, respectively. The tensile fracture of the modified Al-18Si alloy exhibited partial ductile fracture characteristics, but there were more areas with ductile characteristics compared with that of the unmodified Al-18Si alloy.

The Influence of Aluminum on the Microstructure and Hardness of Mg-5Si-7Sn Alloy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rzychoń T.

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Magnesium alloys due the low density and good mechanical properties are mainly used in the automotive and aerospace industry. In recent years, magnesium alloys are extensively developed for use in high temperatures (above 120°C. Among these alloys, magnesium alloys containing tin and silicon have large possibilities of application due to the formation of thermally stable intermetallic Mg2Sn and Mg2Si. In this paper the influence of aluminum and heat treatment on the on the microstructure and hardness of Mg-7Sn-5Si alloy is reported. It was found that the microstructure of Mg-7Sn-5Si alloy consist of α-Mg solid solution, Mg2Sn and Mg2Si compounds. Addition of 2 wt% of Al to Mg-7Sn-5Si alloy causes the formation of Al2Sn phase. Moreover, Al dissolves in the α-Mg solid solution. The solution heat-treatment of tested alloys at 500°C for 24 h causes the dissolve the Mg2Sn phase in the α-Mg matrix and spheroidization of Mg2Si compound. The Mg2Si primary crystals are stable at solution temperature. After ageing treatment the precipitation process of equilibrium Mg2Sn phase was found in both alloys. The addition of aluminum has a positive effect on the hardness of Mg-7Sn-5Si alloy. In case of Mg-5Si-7Sn-2Al alloy the highest hardness was obtained for sample aged for 148 h at 250°C (88 HV2, while in case of Al-free alloy the highest hardness is 70 HV for material aged for 148 h at 250°C.

Laser cladding of a Mg based Mg–Gd–Y–Zr alloy with Al–Si powders

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, Erlei; Zhang, Kemin; Zou, Jianxin

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: A Mg based Mg–Gd–Y–Zr alloy was treated by laser cladding with Al–Si powders at different laser scanning speeds. The laser clad layer mainly contains Mg_2Si, Mg_1_7Al_1_2 and Al_2(Gd,Y) phases distributed in the Mg matrix. After laser cladding, the corrosion resistance of the Mg alloy was significantly improved together with increased microhardness in the laser clad layers. - Highlights: • A Mg based Mg–Gd–Y–Zr alloy was laser clad with Al–Si powders. • The microstructure and morphology vary with the depth of the clad layer and the laser scanning speed. • Hardness and corrosion resistance were significantly improved after laser cladding. - Abstract: In the present work, a Mg based Mg–Gd–Y–Zr alloy was subjected to laser cladding with Al–Si powders at different laser scanning speeds in order to improve its surface properties. It is observed that the laser clad layer mainly contains Mg_2Si, Mg_1_7Al_1_2 and Al_2(Gd,Y) phases distributed in the Mg matrix. The depth of the laser clad layer increases with decreasing the scanning speed. The clad layer has graded microstructures and compositions. Both the volume fraction and size of Mg_2Si, Mg_1_7Al_1_2 and Al_2(Gd,Y) phases decreases with the increasing depth. Due to the formation of these hardening phases, the hardness of clad layer reached a maximum value of HV440 when the laser scanning speed is 2 mm/s, more than 5 times of the substrate (HV75). Besides, the corrosion properties of the untreated and laser treated samples were all measured in a NaCl (3.5 wt.%) aqueous solution. The corrosion potential was increased from −1.77 V for the untreated alloy to −1.13 V for the laser clad alloy with scanning rate of 2 mm/s, while the corrosion current density was reduced from 2.10 × 10"−"5 A cm"−"2 to 1.64 × 10"−"6 A cm"−"2. The results show that laser cladding is an efficient method to improve surface properties of Mg–Rare earth alloys.

Tensile behaviour at room and high temperatures of novel metal matrix composites based on hyper eutectic Al-Si alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Valer, J.; Rodriguez, J.M.; Urcola, J.J.

1997-01-01

This work shows the improvement obtained on tensile stress at room and high temperatures of hyper eutectic Al-Si alloys. These alloys are produced by a combination of spray-forming, extrusion and thixoforming process, in comparison with conventional casting alloys.Al-25% Si-5%Cu. Al-25%Si-5%Cu-2%Mg and Al-30%Si-5%Cu alloys have been studied relating their microstructural parameters with tensile stress obtained and comparing them with conventional Al-20%Si. Al-36%Si and Al-50%Si alloys. Al-25%Si-5%Cu alloy-was tested before and after semi-solid forming, in order to distinguish the different behaviour of this alloy due to the different microstructure. The properties obtained with these alloys were also related to Al-SiC composites formed by similar processes. (Author) 20 refs

High-Strength Ultra-Fine-Grained Hypereutectic Al-Si-Fe-X (X = Cr, Mn) Alloys Prepared by Short-Term Mechanical Alloying and Spark Plasma Sintering

Science.gov (United States)

Průša, Filip; Bláhová, Markéta; Vojtěch, Dalibor; Kučera, Vojtěch; Bernatiková, Adriana; Kubatík, Tomáš František; Michalcová, Alena

2016-01-01

In this work, Al-20Si-10Fe-6Cr and Al-20Si-10Fe-6Mn (wt %) alloys were prepared by a combination of short-term mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering. The microstructure was composed of homogeneously dispersed intermetallic particles forming composite-like structures. X-ray diffraction analysis and TEM + EDS analysis determined that the α-Al along with α-Al15(Fe,Cr)3Si2 or α-Al15(Fe,Mn)3Si2 phases were present, with dimensions below 130 nm. The highest hardness of 380 ± 7 HV5 was observed for the Al-20Si-10Fe-6Mn alloy, exceeding the hardness of the reference as-cast Al-12Si-1Cu-1 Mg-1Ni alloy (121 ± 2 HV5) by nearly a factor of three. Both of the prepared alloys showed exceptional thermal stability with the hardness remaining almost the same even after 100 h of annealing at 400 °C. Additionally, the compressive strengths of the Al-20Si-10Fe-6Cr and Al-20Si-10Fe-6Mn alloys reached 869 MPa and 887 MPa, respectively, and had virtually the same values of 870 MPa and 865 MPa, respectively, even after 100 h of annealing. More importantly, the alloys showed an increase in ductility at 400 °C, reaching several tens of percent. Thus, both of the investigated alloys showed better mechanical properties, including superior hardness, compressive strength and thermal stability, as compared to the reference Al-10Si-1Cu-1Mg-1Ni alloy, which softened remarkably, reducing its hardness by almost 50% to 63 ± 8 HV5. PMID:28774094

Influence of air exposure duration and a-Si capping layer thickness on the performance of p-BaSi{sub 2}/n-Si heterojunction solar cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takabe, Ryota; Yachi, Suguru; Tsukahara, Daichi; Takeuchi, Hiroki; Toko, Kaoru; Suemasu, Takashi, E-mail: suemasu@bk.tsukuba.ac.jp [Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573 (Japan); Du, Weijie [Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Material and Device, College of Mathematics and Science, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234 (China)

2016-08-15

Fabrication of p-BaSi{sub 2}(20 nm)/n-Si heterojunction solar cells was performed with different a-Si capping layer thicknesses (d{sub a-Si}) and varying air exposure durations (t{sub air}) prior to the formation of a 70-nm-thick indium-tin-oxide electrode. The conversion efficiencies (η) reached approximately 4.7% regardless of t{sub air} (varying from 12–150 h) for solar cells with d{sub a-Si} = 5 nm. In contrast, η increased from 5.3 to 6.6% with increasing t{sub air} for those with d{sub a-Si} = 2 nm, in contrast to our prediction. For this sample, the reverse saturation current density (J{sub 0}) and diode ideality factor decreased with t{sub air}, resulting in the enhancement of η. The effects of the variation of d{sub a-Si} (0.7, 2, 3, and 5 nm) upon the solar cell performance were examined while keeping t{sub air} = 150 h. The η reached a maximum of 9.0% when d{sub a-Si} was 3 nm, wherein the open-circuit voltage and fill factor also reached a maximum. The series resistance, shunt resistance, and J{sub 0} exhibited a tendency to decrease as d{sub a-Si} increased. These results demonstrate that a moderate oxidation of BaSi{sub 2} is a very effective means to enhance the η of BaSi{sub 2} solar cells.

Phase composition of iron-rich R-Fe-Si (R=Dy, Ho, Er) alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ivanova, G.V.; Makarova, G.M.; Shcherbakova, E.V.; Belozerov, E.V.

2005-01-01

Phase composition is studied in iron-rich alloys of R-Fe-Si (R=Dy, Ho, Er). In the as-cast state R 2 (Fe, Si) 17 of type Th 2 Ni 17 and R(Fe, Si) 12 compounds are observed; in the alloys of rated composition of R(Fe 0.85 Si 0.15 ) 8.5 (R=Dy, Er) a compound R 2 (Fe, Si) 17 of Th 2 Zn 17 -type is revealed as well. The annealing at 1273 K results in formation of Dy 3 (Fe, Si) 29 and also the compounds with the presumed composition of Dy 4 (Fe, Si) 41 and Ho 4 (Fe, Si) 41 . As this takes place the alloys contain a transition structure as well that represents a set of small-sized areas with various type short-range order in mutual displacement of Fe-Fe(Si) dumpbell chains. The process of phase formation at 1273 K is faced with difficulties. Even the annealing for 1000 h does not result in the state of equilibrium [ru

Laser alloying of AI with mixed Ni, Ti and SiC powders

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Mabhali, Luyolo AB

2010-03-01

Full Text Available composite (MMC) is formed. The MMC layer has excellent hardness and wear resistance compared to the base alloy [9-13]. Man et al. [14] used a high power continuous wave Nd:YAG laser to alloy aluminium AA 6061 with preplaced NiTi (54 wt% Ni & 46 wt...Al, Ti3Al, SiC, Al and Si phases. The hardness increased from 75HV to 650HV due to the formation of the TiC particles and TiAl and Ti3Al intermetallics. Su and Lei [9] laser cladded Al-12wt%Si with a powder containing SiC and Al-12wt%Si in a 3...

A new Ti-Zr-Hf-Cu-Ni-Si-Sn bulk amorphous alloy with high glass-forming ability

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang, Y.J.; Shen, J.; Sun, J.F.; Yu, X.B.

2007-01-01

The effect of Sn substitution for Cu on the glass-forming ability was investigated in Ti 41.5 Zr 2.5 Hf 5 Cu 42.5-x Ni 7.5 Si 1 Sn x (x = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7) alloys by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffractometry. The alloy containing 5% Sn shows the highest glass-forming ability (GFA) among the Ti-Zr-Hf-Cu-Ni-Si-Sn system. Fully amorphous rod sample with diameters up to 6 mm could be successfully fabricated by the copper mold casting Ti 41.5 Zr 2.5 Hf 5 Cu 37.5 Ni 7.5 Si 1 Sn 5 alloy. The activation energies for glass transition and crystallization for Ti 41.5 Zr 2.5 Hf 5 Cu 37.5 Ni 7.5 Si 1 Sn 5 amorphous alloy are both larger than those values for the Sn-free alloy. The enhancement in GFA and thermal stability after the partial replacement of Cu by Sn may be contributed to the strong atomic bonding nature between Ti and Sn and the increasing of atomic packing density. The amorphous Ti 41.5 Zr 2.5 Hf 5 Cu 37.5 Ni 7.5 Si 1 Sn 5 alloy also possesses superior mechanical properties

Influence of silicon concentration on linear contraction process of Al-Si binary alloy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J. Mutwil

2008-12-01

Full Text Available Investigations of shrinkage phenomena during solidification and cooling of aluminium and aluminium-silicon alloys (AlSi5, AlSi7, AlSi9, AlSi11, AlSi12.5, AlSi18, AlSi21 have been conducted. A vertical shrinkage rod casting with circular cross-section (constant or fixed: tapered has been used as a test sample. By constant cross-section a test channel mould was parted and allowed a constrained contraction to examine. No parted test channel mould was tapered and allowed an unconstrained contraction to investigate. In the experiments the dimensions changes of solidifying test bar and the test mould have been registered, what has allowed to explain a mechanism of pre-shrinkage extension of solidifying metals and alloys. Registered time dependence of the test bar and the test mould dimension changes have shown, that so-called pre-shrinkage extension has been by mould thermal extension caused. The investigation results have also shown that time- and temperature dependences of shrinkage of Al-Si alloys have been on silicon concentration depended.

Microstructure and corrosion resistance of Sm-containing Al-Mn-Si-Fe-Cu alloy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Han Yuyin

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Optimizing alloy composition is an effective way to improve physical and chemical properties of automobile heat exchanger materials.A Sm-containing Al-Mn-Si-Fe-Cu alloy was investigated through transmission electron microscopy,scanning electron microscopy,and electrochemical measurement.Experimental results indicated that main phases distributed in the alloy wereα-Al(Mn,FeSi,Al2Sm and Al10Cu7Sm2.Alloying with Sm element could refine the precipitated α-Al(Mn,FeSi phase.Polarization testing results indicated that the corrosion surfacewas mainly composed of pitting pits and corrosion products.Sea water acetic acid test(SWAAT showed that corrosion loss increased first and then slowed downwith increase of the corrosion time.

Compression behavior of Fe-Si-H alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Tagawa, S.; Ohta, K.; Hirose, K.; Ohishi, Y.

2015-12-01

Although the light elements in the Earth's core are still enigmatic, hydrogen has recently been receiving much attention. Planetary formation theory suggested that a large amount of water, much more than is in the oceans, could have been brought to the Earth during its accretion. Hydrogen is a strong siderophile element and could be incorporated into the core as a consequence of a reaction between water and molten iron in a magma ocean [Okuchi, 1997 Science]. Nevertheless, the effect of hydrogen on the property of iron is not well known so far. Here, we have experimentally examined the compression behavior of hcp Fe0.88Si0.12Hx (6.5 wt.% Si) at two different hydrogen concentrations (x = 0.7 and 0.9). Fe0.88Si0.12 foil was loaded into a diamond-anvil cell, and then liquid hydrogen was introduced to a sample chamber below 20 K. Hydrogenation occurred upon thermal annealing below 1500 K at 25-62 GPa, and hcp Fe0.88Si0.12Hx was obtained as a single phase. Unlike the Fe-H alloy, hydrogen did not fully occupy the octahedral sites even under hydrogen-saturated conditions. Two compression curves, one from 25 to 136 GPa, and the other from 62 to 128 GPa, were obtained at room temperature. While the effect of hydrogen on the compressibility of iron has been controversial in earlier experimental studies [Hirao et al., 2004 GRL; Pépin et al., 2014 PRL], our data indicate that the compressibility of Fe0.88Si0.12Hx alloy does not change with changing hydrogen content from x = 0 to 0.9. Such compression behavior observed is consistent with the recent ab initio calculations for hcp Fe-H alloys by Caracas[2015 GRL]. The extrapolation of present data to the outer core pressure and temperature range, assuming thermal expansivity is the same as that for iron and there is no density difference between solid and liquid, shows that the density of Fe0.88Si0.12H0.3 matches the PREM in the whole outer core within 1%.

Creep behavior of a nanocrystalline Fe-B-Si alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xiao, M.; Kong, Q.P.

1997-01-01

The research of nanocrystalline materials has attracted much attention in the world. In recent years, there have been several studies on their creep behavior. Among these, the authors have studied the tensile creep of a nanocrystalline Ni-P alloy (28 nm) at temperatures around 0.5 Tm (Tm is the melting point). The samples were prepared by the method of crystallization of amorphous ribbon. Based on the data of stress exponent and activation energy, they suggested that the creep was controlled by boundary diffusion; while the creep of the same alloy with a larger grain size (257 nm) was controlled by a different mechanism. In the present paper, the authors extend the research to the creep of a nanocrystalline Fe-B-Si alloy. The samples are also prepared by crystallization of amorphous ribbon. The samples such prepared have an advantage that the interfaces are naturally formed without artificial compaction and porosity

Effect of alumina on grain refinement of Al-Si hypereutectic alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Majhi, J.; Sahoo, S. K.; Patnaik, S. C.; Sarangi, B.; Sachan, N. K.

2018-03-01

The size, volume fraction and distribution of primary as well as eutectic silicon affect the mechanical properties of the Al-Si hypereutectic alloys. It is very difficult for the simultaneous refinement and modification of primary and secondary Si particles in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys through traditional processes. This paper explores the role of γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles on Si particles in the course of solidification in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys at particular pouring temperature. The present study involves incorporation of varying contents dispersed γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles into a molten base metal during stir casting and followed by solidification. It has been reported that the synthesized composites having good interfacial bonding (wetting) between the dispersed phase and the liquid matrix was achieved in order to provide improved mechanical properties of the composite. The cast product of hypereutectic Al-16Si alloy with the reinforcement of nanoparticles, illustrated a significant improvement in both wear behaviour and hardness. The dry sliding wear test has been performed on a group of specimens with varying parameters (different loads and sliding velocities) in a pin on disc wear testing machine. Moreover, the wear rate and specific wear rate also affected in different load and different sliding velocities. However in XRD analysis of the samples, the enhancement of wear resistance as well as hardness was due to the formation of brittle phases like SiO2, Al2O3 and Al-rich intermetallic compounds. The hardness value of the materials increases nearly 6% in addition to increase in the density of only 0.8%. As per literature, the large plate eutectic Si particles were modified in to the fine core particles and it acquires enough potential for various applications.

The corrosion behaviour and structure of amorphous and thermally treated Fe-B-Si alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Raicheff, R.; Zaprianova, V.; Petrova, E.

2003-01-01

The corrosion behaviour of magnetic amorphous alloys Fe 78 B 13 Si 9 , Fe 81 B 13 Si 4 C 2 and Fe 67 Co 18 Bi 4 S 1 obtained by rapid quenching from the melts are investigated in a model corrosive environment of 1N H 2 SO 4 . The structure of the alloys, is, characterized by DTA, SEM, TEM, X-ray and electron diffraction techniques. The dissolution kinetics of the,alloys is studied using gravimetric and electrochemical polarization measurements. It is established that the corrosion rate of the amorphous Fe 67 Co 18 Bt 4 S 1 alloy is up to 50 times lower than that of Fe 78 Bi 3 Si 9 alloy and the addition of cobalt leads to a considerable reduction of the rates of both partial corrosion reactions, while the addition of carbon results only in a moderate decrease (2-3 times) of the corrosion rate. It is also shown that the crystallization of the amorphous Fe 78 B 13 Si 9 alloy (at 700 o C for 3 h) leads to formation of multiphase structure consisting of crystalline phases α-Fe and Fe 3 (B,Si). After crystallization an increase of the rate of both hydrogen evolution and anodic dissolution reactions is observed which results in a considerable (an order of magnitude) increase of the corrosion rate of the alloy. (Original)

Thermal Expansion Properties of Fe-42Ni-Si Alloy Strips Fabricated by Melt Drag Casting Process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Moo Kyum; Ahn, Yong Sik; Namkung, Jeong; Kim, Moon Chul; Kim, Yong Chan

2007-01-01

Thermal expansion property was investigated on Fe-42% Ni alloy strip added by alloying element of Si of 0∼1.5wt.%. The strip was fabricated by a melt drag casting process. Addition of Si enlarged the solid-liquid region and reduced the melting point which leads to the increase of the formability of a strip. The alloy containing 0.6 wt.% Si showed the lowest thermal expansion ratio in the temperature range between 20 to 350 .deg. C. The grain size was increased with reduction ratio and annealing temperature, which resulted in the decrease of the thermal expansion coefficient of strip. Because of grain refining by precipitation of Ni 3 Fe, the alloy strip containing 1.5 wt.% Si showed higher thermal expansion ratio compared with the alloy containing 0.6 wt.% Si

Stabilization effect of Zr and Ti additions on the ageing characteristics of Al-1 wt% Si alloy through a creep study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Deaf, G.H.; Beshai, M.H.N.; Abd El Khalek, A.M.; Graiss, G. [Ain Shams Univ., Cairo (Egypt). Dept. of Physics; Kenawy, M.A. [Ain Shams Univ., Cairo (Egypt). Womens Coll.

1997-12-31

Al-1 wt% Si and Al-1 wt% Si-0.1 wt% Zr-0.1 wt% Ti alloys were used to trace the effect of Zr and Ti additions on the behaviour of the steady state creep. After solid solution treatment specimens of both alloys were aged at 623, 673, 723 and 773 K and creep tests were performed at room temperature by applying stresses of 60.0, 62.4, 64.7 and 67.1 MPa. The results showed a sound stabilization effect of Zr and Ti on the ageing characteristics of binary Al-1 wt% Si alloy. Values of the applied stress sensitivity parameter, m, obtained were in the range of (20-34) for Al-Si alloy and (14-19) for Al-Si-Zr-Ti alloy. Time to rupture was found to be strongly increased by Zr and Ti additions. The activation energies of the precipitation process involved were found to be 81.9 kJ/mole and 33.7 kJ/mole of the Al-Si and Al-Si-Zr-Ti alloys respectively. (orig.) 17 refs.

Microcrystalline silicon carbide alloys prepared with HWCVD as highly transparent and conductive window layers for thin film solar cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Finger, F.; Astakhov, O.; Bronger, T.; Carius, R.; Chen, T.; Dasgupta, A.; Gordijn, A.; Houben, L.; Huang, Y.; Klein, S.; Luysberg, M.; Wang, H.; Xiao, L.

2009-01-01

Crystalline silicon carbide alloys have a very high potential as transparent conductive window layers in thin-film solar cells provided they can be prepared in thin-film form and at compatible deposition temperatures. The low-temperature deposition of such material in microcrystalline form (μc-Si:C:H) was realized by use of monomethylsilane precursor gas diluted in hydrogen with the Hot-Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition process. A wide range of deposition parameters has been investigated and the structural, electronic and optical properties of the μc-SiC:H thin films have been studied. The material, which is strongly n-type from unintentional doping, has been used as window layer in n-side illuminated microcrystalline silicon solar cells. High short-circuit current densities are obtained due to the high transparency of the material resulting in a maximum solar cell conversion efficiency of 9.2%.

Microstructure, mechanical properties and bio-corrosion properties of Mg-Si(-Ca, Zn) alloy for biomedical application.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Erlin; Yang, Lei; Xu, Jianwei; Chen, Haiyan

2010-05-01

Mg-Si alloy was investigated for biomedical application due to the biological function of Si in the human body. However, Mg-Si alloy showed a low ductility due to the presence of coarse Mg(2)Si. Ca and Zn elements were used to refine and modify the morphology of Mg(2)Si in order to improve the corrosion resistance and the mechanical properties. The cell toxicity of Mg, Zn and Ca metals was assessed by an MTT test. The test results indicated that increasing the concentrations of Mg, Zn and Ca ions did not cause cell toxicity, which showed that the release of these three elements would not lead to cell toxicity. Then, microstructure, mechanical properties and bio-corrosion properties of as-cast Mg-Si(-Ca, Zn) alloys were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, mechanical properties testing and electrochemical measurement. Ca element can slightly refine the grain size and the morphology Mg(2)Si phase in Mg-Si alloy. The bio-corrosion resistance of Mg-Si alloys was improved by the addition of Ca due to the reduction and refinement of Mg(2)Si phase; however, no improvement was observed in the strength and elongation. The addition of 1.6% Zn to Mg-0.6Si can modify obviously the morphology of Mg(2)Si phase from course eutectic structure to a small dot or short bar shape. As a result, tensile strength, elongation and bio-corrosion resistance were all improved significantly; especially, the elongation improved by 115.7%. It was concluded that Zn element was one of the best alloying elements of Mg-Si alloy for biomedical application. Copyright (c) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microstructure and magnetic behavior of Cu–Co–Si ternary alloy synthesized by mechanical alloying and isothermal annealing

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chabri, Sumit, E-mail: sumitchabri2006@gmail.com [Department of Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur, Howrah 711103 (India); Bera, S. [Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur 713209 (India); Mondal, B.N. [Department of Central Scientific Services, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032 (India); Basumallick, A.; Chattopadhyay, P.P. [Department of Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur, Howrah 711103 (India)

2017-03-15

Microstructure and magnetic behavior of nanocrystalline 50Cu–40Co–10Si (at%) alloy prepared by mechanical alloying and subsequent isothermal annealing in the temperature range of 450–650 °C have been studied. Phase evolution during mechanical alloying and isothermal annealing is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analyzer (DTA), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and magnetic measurement. Addition of Si has been found to facilitate the metastable alloying of Co in Cu resulting into the formation of single phase solid solution having average grain size of 9 nm after ball milling for 50 h duration. Annealing of the ball milled alloy improves the magnetic properties significantly and best combination of magnetic properties has been obtained after annealing at 550 °C for 1 h duration.

Effect of Si on the reversibility of stress-induced martensite in Fe-Mn-Si shape memory alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stanford, N. [Centre for Material and Fibre Innovation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3217 (Australia); Dunne, D.P., E-mail: druce_dunne@uow.edu.au [Faculty of Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 (Australia)

2010-12-15

Fe-Mn-Si is a well-characterized ternary shape memory alloy. Research on this alloy has consistently shown that the addition of 5-6 wt.% Si is desirable to enhance the reversibility of stress-induced martensite vis-a-vis shape memory. This paper examines the effect of Si on the morphology and the crystallography of the martensite in the Fe-Mn-Si system. It is concluded that the addition of Si increases the c/a ratio of the martensite, reduces the transformation volume change and decreases the atomic spacing difference between the parallel close-packed directions in the austenite-martensite interface (habit) plane. It is proposed that, in addition to austenite strengthening, Si enhances reversibility by reducing the volume change and the interfacial atomic mismatch between the martensite and the austenite. Although shape memory is improved, transformation reversibility remains limited by the necessary misfit dislocations that accommodate the atomic spacing differences in the interface.

Effect of Si on the reversibility of stress-induced martensite in Fe-Mn-Si shape memory alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stanford, N.; Dunne, D.P.

2010-01-01

Fe-Mn-Si is a well-characterized ternary shape memory alloy. Research on this alloy has consistently shown that the addition of 5-6 wt.% Si is desirable to enhance the reversibility of stress-induced martensite vis-a-vis shape memory. This paper examines the effect of Si on the morphology and the crystallography of the martensite in the Fe-Mn-Si system. It is concluded that the addition of Si increases the c/a ratio of the martensite, reduces the transformation volume change and decreases the atomic spacing difference between the parallel close-packed directions in the austenite-martensite interface (habit) plane. It is proposed that, in addition to austenite strengthening, Si enhances reversibility by reducing the volume change and the interfacial atomic mismatch between the martensite and the austenite. Although shape memory is improved, transformation reversibility remains limited by the necessary misfit dislocations that accommodate the atomic spacing differences in the interface.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of spray deposited hypoeutectic Al-Si alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ferrarini, C.F.; Bolfarini, C.; Kiminami, C.S.; Botta F, W.J.

2004-01-01

The microstructure and the tensile properties of an Al-8.9 wt.% Si-3.2 wt.% Cu-0.9 wt.% Fe-0.8% Zn alloy processed by spray forming was investigated. The alloy was gas atomized with argon and deposited onto a copper substrate. The microstructure was evaluated by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Small faceted dispersoids observed surrounding equiaxial α-Al matrix were identified by SEM-EDS as silicon particles. Sand cast samples with the same composition showed a columnar dendritic α-Al matrix, Al-Si eutectic, polyhedric α-AlFeSi and needle-like β-AlFeSi intermetallics. In the spray formed material the formation of the Al-Si eutetic was suppressed, and the formation of the α-AlFeSi and β-AlFeSi intermetallics was strongly reduced. The fine and homogeneous microstructure showed an aluminium matrix with grain size ranging from 30 to 40 μm, and particle size of the silicon dispersoids having a mean size of 12 μm. Room temperature tensile tests of the spray formed alloy showed relative increasing of strength and elongation when compared with the values observed for the conventionally cast counterparts. These results can be ascribed to the refined microstructure and the scarce presence of intermetallics of the spray formed material

Joining of Si3N4 ceramic using PdCo(NiSiB–V system brazing filler alloy and interfacial reactions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Huaping Xiong

2014-02-01

Full Text Available The wettability of V-active PdCo-based alloys on Si3N4 ceramic was studied with the sessile drop method. And the alloy of Pd50.0–Co33.7–Ni4.0–Si2.0–B0.7–V9.6 (wt%, was developed for Si3N4 ceramic joining in the present investigation. The rapidly-solidified brazing foils were fabricated by the alloy Pd50.0–Co33.7–Ni4.0–Si2.0–B0.7–V9.6. The average room-temperature three-point bend strength of the Si3N4/Si3N4 joints brazed at 1453 K for 10 min was 205.6 MPa, and the newly developed braze gives joint strengths of 210.9 MPa, 206.6 MPa and 80.2 MPa at high temperatures of 973 K, 1073 K and 1173 K respectively. The interfacial reaction products in the Si3N4/Si3N4 joint brazed at 1453 K for 10 min were identified to be VN and Pd2Si by XRD analysis. Based on the XEDS analysis result, the residual brazing alloy existing at the central part of the joint was verified as Co-rich phases, in which the concentration of element Pd was high up to 18.0–19.1 at%. The mechanism of the interfacial reactions was discussed. Pd should be a good choice as useful alloying element in newer high-temperature braze candidates for the joining of Si-based ceramics.

Non-isothermal precipitation behaviors of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys with different Zn contents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guo, M.X.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, X.K.; Zhang, J.S.; Zhuang, L.Z.

2016-01-01

The non-isothermal precipitation behaviors of Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloys with different Zn contents were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, hardness measurement and high resolution transmission electron microscope characterization. The results show that Zn addition has a significant effect on the GP zone dissolution and precipitation of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys. And their activation energies change with the changes of Zn content and aging conditions. Precipitation kinetics can be improved by adding 0.5 wt% or 3.0 wt%Zn, while be suppressed after adding 1.5 wt%Zn. The Mg-Si precipitates (GP zones and β″) are still the main precipitates in the Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys after heated up to 250 °C, and no Mg-Zn precipitates are observed in the Zn-added alloy due to the occurrence of Mg-Zn precipitates reversion. The measured age-hardening responses of the alloys are corresponding to the predicted results by the established precipitation kinetic equations. Additionally, a double-hump phenomenon of hardness appears in the artificial aging of pre-aged alloy with 3.0 wt% Zn addition, which resulted from the formation of pre-β″ and β″ precipitates. Finally, the precipitation mechanism of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys with different Zn contents was proposed based on the microstructure evolution and interaction forces between Mg, Si and Zn atoms.

Breaking through the strength-ductility trade-off dilemma in an Al-Si-based casting alloy.

Science.gov (United States)

Dang, B; Zhang, X; Chen, Y Z; Chen, C X; Wang, H T; Liu, F

2016-08-09

Al-Si-based casting alloys have a great potential in various industrial applications. Common strengthening strategies on these alloys are accompanied inevitably by sacrifice of ductility, known as strength-ductility trade-off dilemma. Here, we report a simple route by combining rapid solidification (RS) with a post-solidification heat treatment (PHT), i.e. a RS + PHT route, to break through this dilemma using a commercial Al-Si-based casting alloy (A356 alloy) as an example. It is shown that yield strength and elongation to failure of the RS + PHT processed alloy are elevated simultaneously by increasing the cooling rate upon RS, which are not influenced by subsequent T6 heat treatment. Breaking through the dilemma is attributed to the hierarchical microstructure formed by the RS + PHT route, i.e. highly dispersed nanoscale Si particles in Al dendrites and nanoscale Al particles decorated in eutectic Si. Simplicity of the RS + PHT route makes it being suitable for industrial scaling production. The strategy of engineering microstructures offers a general pathway in tailoring mechanical properties of other Al-Si-based alloys. Moreover, the remarkably enhanced ductility of A356 alloy not only permits strengthening further the material by work hardening but also enables possibly conventional solid-state forming of the material, thus extending the applications of such an alloy.

Effect of aluminum on microstructure and property of Cu–Ni–Si alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lei, Q.; Li, Z.; Dai, C.; Wang, J.; Chen, X.; Xie, J.M.; Yang, W.W.; Chen, D.L.

2013-01-01

The effect of aluminum on the microstructure and properties of Cu–Ni–Si alloys has been investigated using hardness test, electrical conductivity measurement, optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Compared with Cu–Ni–Si alloy, Cu–Ni–Si–Al alloy had finer grains. After homogenization treatment at 940 °C for 4 h, hot rolling by 80% at 850 °C, solution treatment at 970 °C for 4 h, cold rolling by 50% and ageing treatment at 450 °C for 60 min, properties better than Cu–Ni–Si alloy have been obtained in Cu–Ni–Si–Al alloy: hardness was 343 HV, electrical conductivity was 28.1% IACS, tensile strength was 1080 MPa, yield strength was 985 MPa, elongation percentage was 3.1% and stress relaxation rate was 9.83% (as tested at 150 °C and loading for 100 h). β-Ni 3 Si and δ-Ni 2 Si formed during the ageing process and the crystal orientation relationship between matrix and precipitates was : (02-bar 2-bar ) Cu (01-bar 1-bar ) β (010) δ , [100] Cu [100] β [001] δ ; (111-bar ) Cu (111-bar ) β (02-bar 1) δ , [112] Cu [112] β [012] δ . Addition of Al promoted the precipitation, and effectively enhanced the anti-stress relaxation property. Quasi-cleavage fracture with shallow dimples appeared in designed Cu–Ni–Si–(Al) alloy

First-principles study of the structural and dynamic properties of the liquid and amorphous Li–Si alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chiang, Han-Hsin; Kuo, Chin-Lung, E-mail: chinlung@ntu.edu.tw [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan (China); Lu, Jian-Ming [National Center for High-Performance Computing, Tainan 74147, Taiwan (China)

2016-01-21

We have performed density functional theory calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics to investigate the structures and dynamic properties of the liquid and amorphous Li{sub x}Si alloys over a range of composition from x = 1.0 − 4.8. Our results show that Si atoms can form a variety of covalently bonded polyanions with diverse local bonding structures in the liquid alloys. Like in c-LiSi, Si atoms can form a continuous bond network in liquid Li{sub 1.0}Si at 1050 K, while it gradually disintegrates into many smaller Si polyanions as the Li content increases in the alloys. The average sizes of Si polyanions in these liquid alloys were found to be relatively larger than those in their crystalline counterparts, which can even persist in the highly lithiated Li{sub 4.81}Si alloy at 1500 K. Our results also show that amorphous Li{sub x}Si alloys have similar local bonding structures but a largely increased short-range order as compared to their liquid counterparts. The differences between the average coordination number of each atomic pair in amorphous solids and that in the liquids are less than 1.1. Furthermore, our calculations reveal that Li and Si atoms can exhibit very distinct dynamic behaviors in the liquids and their diffusivities appear to be largely dependent on the chemical composition of the alloys. The diffusivity of Li was found to increase with the Li content in the alloys primarily because of the reduced interactions between Li and Si atoms, while the Si diffusivity also increases due to the gradual disintegration of the strongly interconnected Si bond network. The diffusivity of Li in amorphous Li{sub x}Si was predicted to lie in the range between 10{sup −7} and 10{sup −9} cm{sup 2}/s at 300 K, which is more than 20-fold larger than that of Si over the composition range considered. Our calculations further show that the diffusivities of both Li and Si can increase by two orders of magnitude as x increases from 1.0 to 3.57 in amorphous Li

Soft magnetic properties of FeRuGaSi alloy films: SOFMAX

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hayashi, K.; Hayakawa, M.; Ishikawa, W.; Ochiai, Y.; Iwasaki, Y.; Aso, K.

1988-01-01

To advance new soft magnetic materials of an FeGaSi alloy into the commercial world, improvements on various properties were designed by introducing additive elements without sacrificing its high saturation magnetic induction. The detailed studies on the diversified properties, such as saturation magnetic induction, film internal stress, wear resistivity, and so on, were performed. High-frequency permeability of the laminated structure film was also investigated. As a result, the Ru-added FeRuGaSi alloy films, whose typical compositions are Fe 72 Ru 4 Ga 7 Si 17 and Fe 68 Ru 8 Ga 7 Si 17 (at. %), prove to be excellent soft magnetic materials especially appropriate for the magnetic recording/playback head core use

Effects of alloying on Co--Si eutectoid structures and properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Livingston, J.D.

1976-01-01

The effects of various ternary alloying elements on the microstructure and properties of directionally solidified and transformed Co-Si eutectoid alloys were studied. Aligned eutectoid structures were maintained with additions of up to 10 at. percent Ni. However, higher Ni additions led to changes in both the silicide and solid-solution phases, related changes in microstructure, and decreased tensile strength. Additions of 5 at. percent Cr, Cu, Fe, or Mn produced cellular eutectoid microstructures which deteriorated the mechanical properties. Additions of W, Ta, or Al led to eutectic, rather than eutectoid, microstructures. Alloys based on the Co-W-Si eutectic appear to have the most promising high-temperature mechanical properties

Structural and electronic properties of Si1−xGex alloy nanowires

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iori, Federico; Ossicini, Stefano; Rurali, Riccardo

2014-01-01

We present first-principles density-functional calculations of Si 1−x Ge x alloy nanowires. We show that given the composition of the alloy, the structural properties of the nanowires can be predicted with great accuracy by means of Vegard's law, linearly interpolating the values of a pure Si and a pure Ge nanowire of the same diameter. The same holds, to some extent, also for electronic properties such as the band-gap. We also assess to what extend the band-gap varies as a function of disorder, i.e., how it changes for different random realization of a given concentration. These results make possible to tailor the desired properties of SiGe alloy nanowires starting directly from the data relative to the pristine wires.

Understanding the magnetic anisotropy in Fe-Si amorphous alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Diaz, J.; Hamdan, N.M.; Jalil, P.; Hussain, Z.; Valvidares, S.M.; Alameda, J.M.

2002-08-01

The origin of the magnetic anisotropy in a very disordered Fe-Si alloy has been investigated. The alloy containing 40 percent at. Si was prepared in the form of a thin film in a DC magnetron sputtering chamber. Structural disorder was obtained from Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy. The uniformity and lack of inhomogeneities at a microscopic level was checked by measuring their transverse magnetic susceptibility and hysteresis loops. The orbital component of the magnetic moment was measured by X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism spectroscopy. The orbital moment was extraordinary high, 0.4mB. Such a high value contrasted with the relatively small uniaxial anisotropy energy of the thin film (2kJ/m3). This suggests that the cause of the magnetic anisotropy in this alloy was a small degree of correlation in the orientation of the local orbital moments along a preferential direction.

Understanding the magnetic anisotropy in Fe-Si amorphous alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Diaz, J.; Hamdan, N.M.; Jalil, P.; Hussain, Z.; Valvidares, S.M.; Alameda, J.M.

2002-01-01

The origin of the magnetic anisotropy in a very disordered Fe-Si alloy has been investigated. The alloy containing 40 percent at. Si was prepared in the form of a thin film in a DC magnetron sputtering chamber. Structural disorder was obtained from Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy. The uniformity and lack of inhomogeneities at a microscopic level was checked by measuring their transverse magnetic susceptibility and hysteresis loops. The orbital component of the magnetic moment was measured by X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism spectroscopy. The orbital moment was extraordinary high, 0.4mB. Such a high value contrasted with the relatively small uniaxial anisotropy energy of the thin film (2kJ/m3). This suggests that the cause of the magnetic anisotropy in this alloy was a small degree of correlation in the orientation of the local orbital moments along a preferential direction

Laser cladding of a Mg based Mg–Gd–Y–Zr alloy with Al–Si powders

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Erlei [School of Materials Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620 (China); Zhang, Kemin, E-mail: zhangkm@sues.edu.cn [School of Materials Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620 (China); Zou, Jianxin [National Engineering Research Center of Light Alloys Net Forming & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China)

2016-03-30

Graphical abstract: A Mg based Mg–Gd–Y–Zr alloy was treated by laser cladding with Al–Si powders at different laser scanning speeds. The laser clad layer mainly contains Mg{sub 2}Si, Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} and Al{sub 2}(Gd,Y) phases distributed in the Mg matrix. After laser cladding, the corrosion resistance of the Mg alloy was significantly improved together with increased microhardness in the laser clad layers. - Highlights: • A Mg based Mg–Gd–Y–Zr alloy was laser clad with Al–Si powders. • The microstructure and morphology vary with the depth of the clad layer and the laser scanning speed. • Hardness and corrosion resistance were significantly improved after laser cladding. - Abstract: In the present work, a Mg based Mg–Gd–Y–Zr alloy was subjected to laser cladding with Al–Si powders at different laser scanning speeds in order to improve its surface properties. It is observed that the laser clad layer mainly contains Mg{sub 2}Si, Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} and Al{sub 2}(Gd,Y) phases distributed in the Mg matrix. The depth of the laser clad layer increases with decreasing the scanning speed. The clad layer has graded microstructures and compositions. Both the volume fraction and size of Mg{sub 2}Si, Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} and Al{sub 2}(Gd,Y) phases decreases with the increasing depth. Due to the formation of these hardening phases, the hardness of clad layer reached a maximum value of HV440 when the laser scanning speed is 2 mm/s, more than 5 times of the substrate (HV75). Besides, the corrosion properties of the untreated and laser treated samples were all measured in a NaCl (3.5 wt.%) aqueous solution. The corrosion potential was increased from −1.77 V for the untreated alloy to −1.13 V for the laser clad alloy with scanning rate of 2 mm/s, while the corrosion current density was reduced from 2.10 × 10{sup −5} A cm{sup −2} to 1.64 × 10{sup −6} A cm{sup −2}. The results show that laser cladding is an efficient method to improve

Layered growth model and epitaxial growth structures for SiCAlN alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Zhaoqing; Ni Jun; Su Xiaoao; Dai Zhenhong

2009-01-01

Epitaxial growth structures for (SiC) 1-x (AlN) x alloys are studied using a layered growth model. First-principle calculations are used to determine the parameters in the layered growth model. The phase diagrams of epitaxial growth are given. There is a rich variety of the new metastable polytype structures at x=1/6 ,1/5 ,1/4 ,1/3 , and 1/2 in the layered growth phase diagrams. We have also calculated the electronic properties of the short periodical SiCAlN alloys predicted by our layered growth model. The results show that various ordered structures of (SiC) 1-x (AlN) x alloys with the band gaps over a wide range are possible to be synthesized by epitaxial growth.

Microstructure features and mechanical properties of a UFG Al-Mg-Si alloy produced via SPD

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bobruk, E; Kazykhanov, V; Valiev, R; Murashkin, M; Sabirov, I

2014-01-01

The effect of equal channel angular pressing in parallel channels (ECAP-PC) and subsequient artificial ageing on the microstructure and room temperature mechanical properties of the commercial aluminum alloys 6063 (Al-0.6Mg-0.5Si, wt.%) and 6010 (Al-0.8Mg-1.0Si-0.15Cu-0.25Mn, wt.%) was investigated. It was shown that mechanical strength of the ECAP-PC processed Al alloys is higher compared to that achieved in these alloys after conventional thermo-mechanical processing. Prior ECAP- PC solution treatment and post-ECAP-PC artificial aging can additionally increase the mechanical strength of both Al alloys. Under optimal artificial ageing conditions, the yield strength (YS) of 299 MPa and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 308 MPa was achieved in the 6063 alloy, whereas YS of 423 MPa and UTS of 436 MPa was achieved in the 6010 alloy

Effect of high power ultrasound on mechanical properties of Al-Si alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Srivastava, N.; Gupta, R.; Chaudhari, G. P.

2018-03-01

Effect of high power ultrasonic treatment on the solidification microstructures of Al-Si alloys containing varying content of solute Si (1, 2, 3 and 5 wt %) is investigated. Large variation in microstructures is seen and refinement of primary α-Al grains is observed. It is observed that increasing the weight percentage of solute along with ultrasonic treatment resulted in finer primary phase. By increasing the solute content from 1% to 5 wt.% in Al-Si alloys, hardness increased by about 38% without and 48% with ultrasonic treatment. Tensile strength of the alloys with ultrasonic treatment is higher as compared to those without ultrasonic treated.

High-Strength Ultra-Fine-Grained Hypereutectic Al-Si-Fe-X (X = Cr, Mn) Alloys Prepared by Short-Term Mechanical Alloying and Spark Plasma Sintering.

Science.gov (United States)

Průša, Filip; Bláhová, Markéta; Vojtěch, Dalibor; Kučera, Vojtěch; Bernatiková, Adriana; Kubatík, Tomáš František; Michalcová, Alena

2016-11-30

In this work, Al-20Si-10Fe-6Cr and Al-20Si-10Fe-6Mn (wt %) alloys were prepared by a combination of short-term mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering. The microstructure was composed of homogeneously dispersed intermetallic particles forming composite-like structures. X-ray diffraction analysis and TEM + EDS analysis determined that the α-Al along with α-Al 15 (Fe,Cr)₃Si₂ or α-Al 15 (Fe,Mn)₃Si₂ phases were present, with dimensions below 130 nm. The highest hardness of 380 ± 7 HV5 was observed for the Al-20Si-10Fe-6Mn alloy, exceeding the hardness of the reference as-cast Al-12Si-1Cu-1 Mg-1Ni alloy (121 ± 2 HV5) by nearly a factor of three. Both of the prepared alloys showed exceptional thermal stability with the hardness remaining almost the same even after 100 h of annealing at 400 °C. Additionally, the compressive strengths of the Al-20Si-10Fe-6Cr and Al-20Si-10Fe-6Mn alloys reached 869 MPa and 887 MPa, respectively, and had virtually the same values of 870 MPa and 865 MPa, respectively, even after 100 h of annealing. More importantly, the alloys showed an increase in ductility at 400 °C, reaching several tens of percent. Thus, both of the investigated alloys showed better mechanical properties, including superior hardness, compressive strength and thermal stability, as compared to the reference Al-10Si-1Cu-1Mg-1Ni alloy, which softened remarkably, reducing its hardness by almost 50% to 63 ± 8 HV5.

The study of poly-Si n+pp+ solar cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aboud, S.R.

1990-01-01

The electrical and optical properties such as (activation energy, optical energy gap, and gap state density) of the polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) have been studied. A comparative study between the chemical and mechanical polishing to clean and polish the poly-Si surface were done through the measurement of the reflectivity of these surfaces. A group of solar cells of type n + pp + were prepared, using p-type poly-Si wafers (SISLO). Solar cells were also prepared using single silicon (Sing-Si) with and, without (BSF) to study the effect of (BSF) on Sing-Si cell and a comparative study between poly-Si cell and Sing-Si cell under the same conditions. 2 tabs.; 45 figs.; 49 refs

A review on solar cells from Si-single crystals to porous materials and quantum dots.

Science.gov (United States)

Badawy, Waheed A

2015-03-01

Solar energy conversion to electricity through photovoltaics or to useful fuel through photoelectrochemical cells was still a main task for research groups and developments sectors. In this article we are reviewing the development of the different generations of solar cells. The fabrication of solar cells has passed through a large number of improvement steps considering the technological and economic aspects. The first generation solar cells were based on Si wafers, mainly single crystals. Permanent researches on cost reduction and improved solar cell efficiency have led to the marketing of solar modules having 12-16% solar conversion efficiency. Application of polycrystalline Si and other forms of Si have reduced the cost but on the expense of the solar conversion efficiency. The second generation solar cells were based on thin film technology. Thin films of amorphous Si, CIS (copper-indium-selenide) and t-Si were employed. Solar conversion efficiencies of about 12% have been achieved with a remarkable cost reduction. The third generation solar cells are based on nano-crystals and nano-porous materials. An advanced photovoltaic cell, originally developed for satellites with solar conversion efficiency of 37.3%, based on concentration of the solar spectrum up to 400 suns was developed. It is based on extremely thin concentration cells. New sensitizer or semiconductor systems are necessary to broaden the photo-response in solar spectrum. Hybrids of solar and conventional devices may provide an interim benefit in seeking economically valuable devices. New quantum dot solar cells based on CdSe-TiO2 architecture have been developed.

A review on solar cells from Si-single crystals to porous materials and quantum dots

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Waheed A. Badawy

2015-03-01

Full Text Available Solar energy conversion to electricity through photovoltaics or to useful fuel through photoelectrochemical cells was still a main task for research groups and developments sectors. In this article we are reviewing the development of the different generations of solar cells. The fabrication of solar cells has passed through a large number of improvement steps considering the technological and economic aspects. The first generation solar cells were based on Si wafers, mainly single crystals. Permanent researches on cost reduction and improved solar cell efficiency have led to the marketing of solar modules having 12–16% solar conversion efficiency. Application of polycrystalline Si and other forms of Si have reduced the cost but on the expense of the solar conversion efficiency. The second generation solar cells were based on thin film technology. Thin films of amorphous Si, CIS (copper–indium–selenide and t-Si were employed. Solar conversion efficiencies of about 12% have been achieved with a remarkable cost reduction. The third generation solar cells are based on nano-crystals and nano-porous materials. An advanced photovoltaic cell, originally developed for satellites with solar conversion efficiency of 37.3%, based on concentration of the solar spectrum up to 400 suns was developed. It is based on extremely thin concentration cells. New sensitizer or semiconductor systems are necessary to broaden the photo-response in solar spectrum. Hybrids of solar and conventional devices may provide an interim benefit in seeking economically valuable devices. New quantum dot solar cells based on CdSe–TiO2 architecture have been developed.

Elimination of Iron Based Particles in Al-Si Alloy

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Bolibruchová D.

2015-03-01

Full Text Available This paper deals with influence on segregation of iron based phases on the secondary alloy AlSi7Mg0.3 microstructure by chrome. Iron is the most common and harmful impurity in aluminum casting alloys and has long been associated with an increase of casting defects. In generally, iron is associated with the formation of Fe-rich phases. It is impossible to remove iron from melt by standard operations, but it is possible to eliminate its negative influence by addition some other elements that affect the segregation of intermetallics in less harmful type. Realization of experiments and results of analysis show new view on solubility of iron based phases during melt preparation with higher iron content and influence of chrome as iron corrector of iron based phases. By experimental work were used three different amounts of AlCr20 master alloy a three different temperature of chill mold. Our experimental work confirmed that chrome can be used as an iron corrector in Al-Si alloy, due to the change of intermetallic phases and shortening their length.

High-Pressure Spark Plasma Sintering (HP SPS): A Promising and Reliable Method for Preparing Ti-Al-Si Alloys.

Science.gov (United States)

Knaislová, Anna; Novák, Pavel; Cygan, Sławomir; Jaworska, Lucyna; Cabibbo, Marcello

2017-04-27

Ti-Al-Si alloys are prospective material for high-temperature applications. Due to low density, good mechanical properties, and oxidation resistance, these intermetallic alloys can be used in the aerospace and automobile industries. Ti-Al-Si alloys were prepared by powder metallurgy using reactive sintering, milling, and spark plasma sintering. One of the novel SPS techniques is high-pressure spark plasma sintering (HP SPS), which was tested in this work and applied to a Ti-10Al-20Si intermetallic alloy using a pressure of 6 GPa and temperatures ranging from 1318 K (1045 °C) to 1597 K (1324 °C). The low-porosity consolidated samples consist of Ti₅Si₃ silicides in an aluminide (TiAl) matrix. The hardness varied between 720 and 892 HV 5.

Structure of eutectic alloys of Au with Si and Ge

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takeda, S. [Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, 4-2-1, Ropponmatsu, Fukuoka 810-8560 (Japan)], E-mail: takeda@rc.kyushu-u.ac.jp; Fujii, H. [Graduate School of Sciences, Kyushu University, 4-2-1, Ropponmatsu, Fukuoka 810-8560 (Japan); Kawakita, Y. [Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, 4-2-1, Ropponmatsu, Fukuoka 810-8560 (Japan); Tahara, S.; Nakashima, S. [Graduate School of Sciences, Kyushu University, 4-2-1, Ropponmatsu, Fukuoka 810-8560 (Japan); Kohara, S.; Itou, M. [Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Koto Sayo-cho, Sayo Hyogo 679-5198 (Japan)

2008-03-06

Au-Si and Au-Ge alloy systems have a deep eutectic point in the Au-rich concentration region where the melting point falls down to 633 K. In order to investigate the liquid structure in relation to the glass-forming tendency of these alloys, high-energy X-ray diffraction measurements have been carried out at the eutectic composition and at compositions with excess amounts of Au or IVb element. The nearest neighbor correlations in the eutectic liquids are intense and sharp in the pair distribution function and exhibit a rather small temperature dependence in comparison with those alloys of other than the eutectic composition. Structural models for these liquid alloys are proposed with the aid of reverse Monte Carlo simulation. The reproduced atomic arrangements around the eutectic region exhibit a substitutional-type structure where the dense random packing of Au atoms is preserved and Si or Ge atoms occupy the Au-sites at random.

Effects of La and Ce Addition on the Modification of Al-Si Based Alloys

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Emad M. Elgallad

2016-01-01

Full Text Available This study focuses on the effects of the addition of rare earth metals (mainly lanthanum and cerium on the eutectic Si characteristics in Al-Si based alloys. Based on the solidification curves and microstructural examination of the corresponding alloys, it was found that addition of La or Ce increases the alloy melting temperature and the Al-Si eutectic temperature, with an Al-Si recalescence of 2-3°C, and the appearance of post-α-Al peaks attributed to precipitation of rare earth intermetallics. Addition of La or Ce to Al-(7–13% Si causes only partial modification of the eutectic Si particles. Lanthanum has a high affinity to react with Sr, which weakens the modification efficiency of the latter. Cerium, however, has a high affinity for Ti, forming a large amount of sludge. Due to the large difference in the length of the eutectic Si particles in the same sample, the normal use of standard deviation in this case is meaningless.

The role of Si and Ca on new wrought Mg-Zn-Mn based alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ben-Hamu, G.; Eliezer, D.; Shin, K.S.

2007-01-01

The development of new wrought magnesium alloys for automotive industry has increased in recent years due to their high potential as structural materials for low density and high strength/weight ratio demands. However, the poor mechanical properties of the magnesium alloys have led to search a new kind of magnesium alloys for better strength and ductility. Magnesium alloys show strong susceptibility to localized corrosion in chlorides solutions due to their inhomogeneous microstructure. The existence of intermetallics in the microstructure of magnesium alloys might represent initiation sites for localized corrosion. This is due to the formation of galvanic couples between the intermetallics and the surrounding matrix. The main objective of this research is to investigate the corrosion behavior of new magnesium alloys; Mg-Zn-Mn-Si-Ca (ZSMX) alloys. The ZSM6X1 + YCa alloys were prepared by using hot extrusion method. AC and DC polarization tests were carried out on the extruded rods, which contain different amounts of silicon or calcium. The potential difference in air between different phases and the matrix was examined using scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM). The phases present in the alloys have been identified by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Four different phases were found, i.e. intermetallics containing Si-Mn, Mg-Si, Mg-Zn and Mg-Si-Ca phase. All phases exhibited higher potential differences relative to magnesium matrix indicating a cathodic behavior. The potential difference revealed significant dependence on the chemical composition of the phases. Based on the results obtained from the scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy, the cathodic phases are effective sites for the initiation of localized corrosion in Mg-Zn-Mn-Si-Ca alloys

Novel Amorphous Fe-Zr-Si(Cu) Boron-free Alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Kopcewicz, M.; Grabias, A.; Latuch, J.; Kowalczyk, M.

2010-07-01

Novel amorphous Fe80(ZrxSi20-x-y)Cuy boron-free alloys, in which boron was completely replaced by silicon as a glass forming element, have been prepared in the form of ribbons by a melt quenching technique. The X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements revealed that the as-quenched ribbons with the composition of x = 6-10 at. % and y = 0, 1 at. % are predominantly amorphous. DSC measurements allowed the estimation of the crystallization temperatures of the amorphous alloys. The soft magnetic properties have been studied by the specialized rf-Mössbauer technique in which the spectra were recorded during an exposure of the samples to the rf field of 0 to 20 Oe at 61.8 MHz. Since the rf-collapse effect observed is very sensitive to the local anisotropy fields it was possible to evaluate the soft magnetic properties of amorphous alloys studied. The rf-Mössbauer studies were accompanied by the conventional measurements of the quasi-static hysteresis loops from which the magnetization and coercive fields were estimated. It was found that amorphous Fe-Zr-Si(Cu) alloys are magnetically very soft, comparable with those of the conventional amorphous B-containing Fe-based alloys.

Effect of compound field on horizontal continuous casting of Al-1wt.%Si alloy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zhong-tao Zhang

2015-03-01

Full Text Available A travelling magnetic field, a power ultrasonic field, and a compound field were used separately during the horizontal continuous casting process of Al-1wt.%Si alloy. The samples obtained were characterized using an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope, a tensile testing machine, and an electron probe microscopic analyzer to test the microstructures, properties, and element distribution of the samples. The results show that the application of a single field can enhance the mechanical properties and reduce the segregation of Si element in Al-1wt.%Si alloy to some extent. The application of a compound field can obtain the best refinement and homogeneity of the Si element in the alloy, leading to the highest increase of tensile strength and elongation among the three applied fields. The mechanism of the action of external fields on the refinement of microstructures and homogeneity of the Si element is discussed and the compound field is considered to be an effective method to achieve high quality Al alloys.

Effect of aluminum on microstructure and property of Cu–Ni–Si alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lei, Q. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China); Li, Z., E-mail: lizhou6931@163.com [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China); State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Changsha 410083 (China); Dai, C. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China); Wang, J. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China); Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Materials Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410083 (China); Chen, X.; Xie, J.M.; Yang, W.W.; Chen, D.L. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China)

2013-06-10

The effect of aluminum on the microstructure and properties of Cu–Ni–Si alloys has been investigated using hardness test, electrical conductivity measurement, optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Compared with Cu–Ni–Si alloy, Cu–Ni–Si–Al alloy had finer grains. After homogenization treatment at 940 °C for 4 h, hot rolling by 80% at 850 °C, solution treatment at 970 °C for 4 h, cold rolling by 50% and ageing treatment at 450 °C for 60 min, properties better than Cu–Ni–Si alloy have been obtained in Cu–Ni–Si–Al alloy: hardness was 343 HV, electrical conductivity was 28.1% IACS, tensile strength was 1080 MPa, yield strength was 985 MPa, elongation percentage was 3.1% and stress relaxation rate was 9.83% (as tested at 150 °C and loading for 100 h). β-Ni{sub 3}Si and δ-Ni{sub 2}Si formed during the ageing process and the crystal orientation relationship between matrix and precipitates was : (02-bar 2-bar ){sub Cu} (01-bar 1-bar ){sub β} (010){sub δ}, [100]{sub Cu} [100]{sub β} [001]{sub δ}; (111-bar ){sub Cu} (111-bar ){sub β} (02-bar 1){sub δ}, [112]{sub Cu} [112]{sub β} [012]{sub δ}. Addition of Al promoted the precipitation, and effectively enhanced the anti-stress relaxation property. Quasi-cleavage fracture with shallow dimples appeared in designed Cu–Ni–Si–(Al) alloy.

Creep behaviour of a casting titanium carbide reinforced AlSi12CuNiMg piston alloy at elevated temperatures; Hochtemperaturkriechverhalten der schmelzmetallurgisch hergestellten dispersionsverstaerkten Kolbenlegierung AlSi12CuNiMg

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Michel, S.; Scholz, A. [Zentrum fuer Konstruktionswerkstoffe, TU Darmstadt (Germany); Tonn, B. [Institut fuer Metallurgie, TU Clausthal (Germany); Zak, H.

2012-03-15

This paper deals with the creep behaviour of the titanium carbide reinforced AlSi12CuNiMg piston alloy at 350 C and its comparison to the conventional AlSi12Cu4Ni2MgTiZr piston alloy. With only 0,02 vol-% TiC reinforcement the creep strength and creep rupture strength of the AlSi12CuNiMg piston alloy are significantly improved and reach the level of the expensive AlSi12Cu4Ni2MgTiZr alloy. (Copyright copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Correlation between structure and optical properties of Si-based alloys deposited by PECVD

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Giangregorio, M.M. [Institute of Inorganic Methodologies and of Plasmas IMIP-CNR and INSTM-UdR Bari via Orabona, 4-70126 Bari (Italy)]. E-mail: michelaria@hotmail.com; Losurdo, M. [Institute of Inorganic Methodologies and of Plasmas IMIP-CNR and INSTM-UdR Bari via Orabona, 4-70126 Bari (Italy); Sacchetti, A. [Institute of Inorganic Methodologies and of Plasmas IMIP-CNR and INSTM-UdR Bari via Orabona, 4-70126 Bari (Italy); Capezzuto, P. [Institute of Inorganic Methodologies and of Plasmas IMIP-CNR and INSTM-UdR Bari via Orabona, 4-70126 Bari (Italy); Bruno, G. [Institute of Inorganic Methodologies and of Plasmas IMIP-CNR and INSTM-UdR Bari via Orabona, 4-70126 Bari (Italy)

2006-07-26

Si-based thin films, including {mu}c-Si, Si{sub 1-x}Ge {sub x} and Si{sub 1-x}C {sub x} alloys, have been deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using SiF{sub 4}:H{sub 2}:He, SiF{sub 4}:GeH{sub 4}:H{sub 2} and SiF{sub 4}:CH{sub 4}:H{sub 2} plasmas, respectively. When SiF{sub 4} is used as Si-precursor, it is found that a low flux of CH{sub 4} or GeH{sub 4} results in incorporation of C and Ge in alloys as high as 30%. Correlations between microstructure and optical properties of films are investigated using spectroscopic ellipsometry. The role of fluorine atoms in the growth chemistry and material microstructure is discussed.

HIT Solar Cells with N-Type Low-Cost Metallurgical Si

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xing Yang

2018-01-01

Full Text Available A conversion efficiency of 20.23% of heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer (HIT solar cell on 156 mm × 156 mm metallurgical Si wafer has been obtained. Applying AFORS-HET software simulation, HIT solar cell with metallurgical Si was investigated with regard to impurity concentration, compensation level, and their impacts on cell performance. It is known that a small amount of impurity in metallurgical Si materials is not harmful to solar cell properties.

Effect of processing on the microstructural development in a rapidly solidified Al-Fe-V-Si alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Srivastava, A.K.; Ranganathan, S.; Ojha, S.N.

1993-01-01

An Al 80 Fe 10 Si 6 alloy has been rapidly solidified using melt spinning, gas atomization and spray forming processes. The effect of processing techniques on the microstructural characteristics of the alloy has ben evaluated. The melt spun alloy has shown an icosahedral quasicrystalline phase surrounded by a rational approximant structure of the icosahedral phase. The rational approximant structure has been identified as a crystalline cubic silicide phase. The atomized powders have exhibited cellular and dendritic morphology depending on the size of particles. In addition, the second phase particles of the silicide phase are observed to decorate the cell boundaries and interdendritic regions. In contrast, the alloy processed by spray deposition has revealed an equiaxed solidification morphology with a uniform dispersion of find silicon phase inside the grain. The origin of the microstructure in the alloy processed by these techniques is discussed. The results are compared wherever possible with the commercially available Al-Fe-V-Si alloys

Crystallization and growth of Ni-Si alloy thin films on inert and on silicon substrates

Science.gov (United States)

Grimberg, I.; Weiss, B. Z.

1995-04-01

The crystallization kinetics and thermal stability of NiSi2±0.2 alloy thin films coevaporated on two different substrates were studied. The substrates were: silicon single crystal [Si(100)] and thermally oxidized silicon single crystal. In situ resistance measurements, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy, and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy were used. The postdeposition microstructure consisted of a mixture of amorphous and crystalline phases. The amorphous phase, independent of the composition, crystallizes homogeneously to NiSi2 at temperatures lower than 200 °C. The activation energy, determined in the range of 1.4-2.54 eV, depends on the type of the substrate and on the composition of the alloyed films. The activation energy for the alloys deposited on the inert substrate was found to be lower than for the alloys deposited on silicon single crystal. The lowest activation energy was obtained for nonstoichiometric NiSi2.2, the highest for NiSi2—on both substrates. The crystallization mode depends on the structure of the as-deposited films, especially the density of the existing crystalline nuclei. Substantial differences were observed in the thermal stability of the NiSi2 compound on both substrates. With the alloy films deposited on the Si substrate, only the NiSi2 phase was identified after annealing to temperatures up to 800 °C. In the films deposited on the inert substrate, NiSi and NiSi2 phases were identified when the Ni content in the alloy exceeded 33 at. %. The effects of composition and the type of substrate on the crystallization kinetics and thermal stability are discussed.

The influence of second-phase dispersion on environmental embrittlement of Ni3(Si,Ti) alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takasugi, T.; Hanada, S.

1999-01-01

Some quaternary Ni 3 (Si,Ti) alloyed with transition elements V, Nb, Zr and Hf was prepared beyond their maximum solubility limits to investigate the effect of second-phase dispersion on moisture-induced embrittlement. V-added Ni 3 (Si,Ti) alloy contained ductile fcc-type Ni solid solution as the second-phase, while Nb-, Zr- and Hf-added Ni 3 (Si,Ti) alloys contained hard dispersion compounds as the second-phase. V- and Nb-added Ni 3 (Si,Ti) alloys did not display reduced tensile elongation in air, indicating that their second phases have the effect of suppressing the moisture-induced embrittlement. Possible mechanisms for the beneficial effect by the second phase on the moisture-induced embrittlement of V- and Nb-added Ni 3 (Si,Ti) alloys are discussed in association with hydrogen behavior and deformation property in the constituent phases or at matrix/second-phase interface

Tensile Strength of the Al-9%Si Alloy Modified with Na, F and Cl Compounds

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

T. Lipiński

2010-01-01

Full Text Available The modification of the Al-9%Si alloy with the use of a complex modifier containing Na, F and Cl was investigated in the study. The modifier was composed of NaCl, Na3AlF6 and NaF compounds. The modifier and the liquid Al-Si alloy were kept in the crucible for 15 minutes. The modifier's effect relative to the weight of the processed alloy on its tensile strength was presented in graphic form. The results of the study indicate that the complex modifier altered the investigated properties of the eutectic Al-9%Si alloy.

In Situ Synthesis of Al-Si-Cu Alloy During Brazing Process and Mechanical Property of Brazing Joint

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

LONG Wei-min

2016-06-01

Full Text Available The Al-Si-Cu alloy system is considered to be a promising choice of filler metal for aluminium alloys brazing due to its high strength and low melting point. The greatest obstacle is its lack of plastic forming ability and being difficult to be processed by conventional methods. This disadvantage is ascribed to the considerable amount of brittle CuAl2 intermetallic compound which forms when alloy composition is around the ternary eutectic point. In order to overcome this deficiency, authors of this article proposed to synthesize Al-Si-Cu filler metal by using in situ synthesis method, and the structure and properties of brazing joints were studied. The results show that AlSi alloy is used as the wrap layer, and CuAl alloy is used as the powder core in the composite brazing wire, the two alloys have similar melting points. The machinability of the composite brazing wire is much superior to the traditional Al-Si-Cu filler metal. During the induction brazing of 3A21 alloy, when using AlSi-CuAl composite filler wire, AlSi and CuAl alloys melt almost simultaneously, then after short time holding, Al-Si-Cu braze filler is obtained, the brazing seam has uniform composition and good bonding interface, also, the shearing strength of the brazing joints is higher than the joint brazed by conventional Al-Si-Cu filler metal.

CVD-Based Valence-Mending Passivation for Crystalline-Si Solar Cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tao, Meng [Arizona State Univ., Mesa, AZ (United States)

2015-03-01

The objective of this project is to investigate a new surface passivation technique, valence-mending passivation, for its applications in crystalline-Si solar cells to achieve significant efficiency improvement and cost reduction. As the enabling technique, the project includes the development of chemical vapor deposition recipes to passivate textured Si(100) and multicrystalline-Si surfaces by sulfur and the characterization of the passivated Si surfaces, including thermal stability, Schottky barrier height, contact resistance and surface recombination. One important application is to replace the Ag finger electrode in Si cells with Al to reduce cost, by ~$0.1/Wp, and allow terawatt-scale deployment of crystalline-Si solar cells. These all-Al Si cells require a low-temperature metallization process for the Al electrode, to be compatible with valence-mending passivation and to prevent Al diffusion into n-type Si. Another application is to explore valence-mending passivation of grain boundaries in multicrystalline Si by diffusing sulfur into grain boundaries, to reduce the efficiency gas between monocrystalline-Si solar cells and multicrystalline-Si cells. The major accomplishments of this project include: 1) Demonstration of chemical vapor deposition processes for valence-mending passivation of both monocrystalline Si(100) and multicrystalline Si surfaces. Record Schottky barriers have been demonstrated, with the new record-low barrier of less than 0.08 eV between Al and sulfur-passivated n-type Si(100) and the new record-high barrier of 1.14 eV between Al and sulfur-passivated p-type Si(100). On the textured p-type monocrystalline Si(100) surface, the highest barrier with Al is 0.85 eV by valence-mending passivation. 2) Demonstration of a low-temperature metallization process for Al in crystalline-Si solar cells. The new metallization process is based on electroplating of Al in a room-temperature ionic liquid. The resistivity of the electroplated Al is ~7×10–6

Two-step superconducting transition in Cu-V-Si alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sharma, R.G.; Krishna, M.M.; Narlikar, A.V.

1980-01-01

Copper ternary alloys containing small amounts of vanadium and silicon exhibit a two-step superconducting resistive transition. The first transition occurs around 17 K, the transition temperature of β-W V 3 Si, followed by a plateau and a second transition around 10 K. The resistivity, however, does not drop to zero down to 2.5 K. Reduction of the wire diameter causes the two transitions to shift to lower temperatures. Complete superconductivity in these specimens is absent for two reasons. Firstly, the superconducting volume fraction present in these alloy-wires is below the threshold given by either the effective-medium theory or the site percolation theory. Secondly, the superconducting phase V 3 Si does not precipitate in copper matrix in a fine structure and the proximity effect does not operate strongly. Annealing causes the superconducting particles to coalesce and grow in size and suppresses the proximity effect and superconductivity further in these alloy wires. (author)

A new Ti-Zr-Hf-Cu-Ni-Si-Sn bulk amorphous alloy with high glass-forming ability

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huang, Y.J. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Shen, J. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China)]. E-mail: junshen@hit.edu.cn; Sun, J.F. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Yu, X.B. [Lab of Energy Science and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050 (China)]. E-mail: yuxuebin@hotmail.com

2007-01-16

The effect of Sn substitution for Cu on the glass-forming ability was investigated in Ti{sub 41.5}Zr{sub 2.5}Hf{sub 5}Cu{sub 42.5-x}Ni{sub 7.5}Si{sub 1}Sn {sub x} (x = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7) alloys by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffractometry. The alloy containing 5% Sn shows the highest glass-forming ability (GFA) among the Ti-Zr-Hf-Cu-Ni-Si-Sn system. Fully amorphous rod sample with diameters up to 6 mm could be successfully fabricated by the copper mold casting Ti{sub 41.5}Zr{sub 2.5}Hf{sub 5}Cu{sub 37.5}Ni{sub 7.5}Si{sub 1}Sn{sub 5} alloy. The activation energies for glass transition and crystallization for Ti{sub 41.5}Zr{sub 2.5}Hf{sub 5}Cu{sub 37.5}Ni{sub 7.5}Si{sub 1}Sn{sub 5} amorphous alloy are both larger than those values for the Sn-free alloy. The enhancement in GFA and thermal stability after the partial replacement of Cu by Sn may be contributed to the strong atomic bonding nature between Ti and Sn and the increasing of atomic packing density. The amorphous Ti{sub 41.5}Zr{sub 2.5}Hf{sub 5}Cu{sub 37.5}Ni{sub 7.5}Si{sub 1}Sn{sub 5} alloy also possesses superior mechanical properties.

Preliminary study of the characteristics of a high Mg containing Al-Mg-Si alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yan, F; McKay, B J; Fan, Z; Chen, M F

2012-01-01

An Al-20Mg-4Si high Mg containing alloy has been produced and its characteristics investigated. The as-cast alloy revealed primary Mg 2 Si particles evenly distributed throughout an α-Al matrix with a β-Al 3 Mg 2 fully divorced eutectic phase observed in interdendritic regions. The Mg 2 Si particles displayed octahedral, truncated octahedral, and hopper morphologies. Additions of Sb, Ti and Zr had a refining influence reducing the size of the Mg 2 Si from 52 ± 4 μm to 25 ± 0.1 μm, 35 ± 1 μm and 34 ± 1 μm respectively. HPDC tensile test samples could be produced with a 0.6 wt.% Mn addition which prevented die soldering. Solution heating for 1 hr was found to dissolve the majority of the Al 3 Mg 2 eutectic phase with no evidence of any effect on the primary Mg 2 Si. Preliminary results indicate that the heat treatment has a beneficial effect on the elongation and the UTS.

Strain-softening behavior of an Fe-6.5 wt%Si alloy during warm deformation and its applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fu Huadong; Zhang Zhihao; Yang Qiang; Xie Jianxin

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → An Fe-6.5 wt%Si alloy exhibits strain-softening behavior after large deformation. → The decrease of the order degree is responsible for the strain-softening behavior. → The strain-softening behavior of Fe-6.5 wt%Si alloy can be applied in cold rolling. → An Fe-6.5 wt%Si thin strip with thickness of 0.20 mm is fabricated by cold rolling. - Abstract: An Fe-6.5 wt%Si alloy with columnar grains was compressed at a temperature below its recrystallization temperature. The Vickers hardness and structure of the alloy before and after deformation were investigated. The results showed that with an increase in the degree of deformation, Vickers hardness of the alloy initially increased rapidly and then decreased slowly, indicating that the alloy had a strain-softening behavior after a large deformation. Meanwhile, the work-hardening exponent of the alloy decreased significantly. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the decrease of the order degree was responsible for the strain-softening behavior of the deformed alloy. Applying its softening behavior, the Fe-6.5 wt%Si alloy with columnar grains was rolled at 400 deg. C and then at room temperature. An Fe-6.5 wt%Si thin strip with thickness of 0.20 mm was fabricated. The surface of the strip was bright and had no obvious edge cracks.

Enhancement of magnetic properties of Co2MnSi Heusler alloy prepared by mechanical alloying method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rabie, Naeemeh; Gordani, Gholam Reza; Ghasemi, Ali

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Ferromagnetic Heusler alloys of Co 2 MnSi were synthesized at low temperature. • There is an at least 30% reduction in the phase formation temperature. • Saturation magnetization of alloy was increased significantly after annealing. - Abstract: Ferromagnetic Heusler alloys of Co 2 MnSi were synthesized by mechanical alloying method at low temperature. The effect of milling time and annealing process on structural and magnetic properties of ferromagnetic alloy samples were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and vibration sample magnetometer methods, respectively. Structural characteristics such as crystallite size, phase percentage, and lattice parameter determined using the Rietveld method. The values of these parameters were obtained 362.9 nm, 5.699 Å and 98.7%, respectively for annealed sample. Magnetization studies show that the Co2MnSi phase is formed at 15 h of milling and is optimized after 20 h of milling. VSM results showed that saturation magnetization (M s ) of milled samples reduces from 112 to 75 (emu/g) with increasing milling time and then increased gradually to 95 emu/g. The effect of post-annealing on the structural and magnetic properties of milled samples was also investigated. The saturation magnetization of annealed sample (120 emu/g) is higher than the optimum milled sample (95 emu/g) due to increasing preferential ordered L2 1 structure.

Al-Si-Re Alloys Cast by the Rapid Solidification Process / Stopy Al-Si-Re Odlewane Metodą Rapid Solidification

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Szymanek M.

2015-12-01

Full Text Available The aim of the studies described in this article was to present the effect of rare earth elements on aluminium alloys produced by an unconventional casting technique. The article gives characteristics of the thin strip of Al-Si-RE alloy produced by Rapid Solidification (RS. The effect of rare earth elements on structure refinement, i.e. on the size of near-eutectic crystallites in an aluminium-silicon alloy, was discussed. To determine the size of crystallites, the Scherrer X-ray diffraction method was used. The results presented capture relationships showing the effect of variable casting parameters and chemical composition on microstructure of the examined alloys. Rapid Solidification applied to Al-Si alloys with the addition of mischmetal (Ce, La, Ne, Pr refines their structure.

Synthesis of Mo5SiB2 based nanocomposites by mechanical alloying and subsequent heat treatment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abbasi, A.R.; Shamanian, M.

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → α-Mo-Mo 5 SiB 2 nanocomposite was produced after 20 h milling of Mo-Si-B powders. → Heat treatment of 5 h MAed powders led to the formation of boride phases. → Heat treatment of 10 h MAed powders led to the formation of Mo 5 SiB 2 phase. → By increasing heat treatment time, quantity of Mo 5 SiB 2 phase increased. → 5 h heat treatment of 20 h MAed powders led to the formation of Mo 5 SiB 2 -based composite. - Abstract: In this study, systematic investigations were conducted on the synthesis of Mo 5 SiB 2 -based alloy by mechanical alloying and subsequent heat treatment. In this regard, Mo-12.5 mol% Si-25 mol% B powder mixture was milled for different times. Then, the mechanically alloyed powders were heat treated at 1373 K for 1 h. The phase transitions and microstructural evolutions of powder particles during mechanical alloying and heat treatment were studied by X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the phase evolutions during mechanical alloying and subsequent heat treatment are strongly dependent on milling time. After 10 h of milling, a Mo solid solution was formed, but, no intermetallic phases were detected at this stage. However, an α-Mo-Mo 5 SiB 2 nanocomposite was formed after 20 h of milling. After heat treatment of 5 h mechanically alloyed powders, small amounts of MoB and Mo 2 B were detected and α-Mo-MoB-Mo 2 B composite was produced. On the other hand, heat treatment of 10 h and 20 h mechanically alloyed powders led to the formation of an α-Mo-Mo 5 SiB 2 -MoSi 2 -Mo 3 Si composite. At this point, there is a critical milling time (10 h) for the formation of Mo 5 SiB 2 phase after heat treatment wherein below that time, boride phase and after that time, Mo 5 SiB 2 phase are formed. In the case of 20 h mechanically alloyed powders, by increasing heat treatment time, not only the quantity of α-Mo was reduced and the quantity of Mo 5 SiB 2 was increased, but also new boride

Efficiency Improvement of HIT Solar Cells on p-Type Si Wafers.

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Chun-You; Lin, Chu-Hsuan; Hsiao, Hao-Tse; Yang, Po-Chuan; Wang, Chih-Ming; Pan, Yen-Chih

2013-11-22

Single crystal silicon solar cells are still predominant in the market due to the abundance of silicon on earth and their acceptable efficiency. Different solar-cell structures of single crystalline Si have been investigated to boost efficiency; the heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer (HIT) structure is currently the leading technology. The record efficiency values of state-of-the art HIT solar cells have always been based on n-type single-crystalline Si wafers. Improving the efficiency of cells based on p-type single-crystalline Si wafers could provide broader options for the development of HIT solar cells. In this study, we varied the thickness of intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous Si layer to improve the efficiency of HIT solar cells on p-type Si wafers.

THE APPLICATION OF Ni FOR IMPROVEMENT OF Al-Si-Fe ALLOYS

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Jozef Petrík

2009-09-01

Full Text Available Iron, often present in secondary material (scrap forms brittle and hard needles in Al-Si alloys.These particles decrease the mechanical properties of castings. A reliable and economic method of iron elimination from aluminium alloys has not been well-known yet in metallurgical practice. The influence of nickel as an iron corrector (up to 0.7 % and iron (up to 2.5 % on the fluidity, microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al alloy with 9.75 % Si, 0.2 % Mg was evaluated. The presence of Ni results in shortening of the needles, but the segmentation of ß needles was not observed. Improvement of mechanical properties was observed despite of low affecting of microstructure.

Interfacial microstructure of Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}/Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} brazing joint with Cu-Zn-Ti filler alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, J. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China)], E-mail: hitzhangjie@hit.edu.cn; Zhang, X.M.; Zhou, Y. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Naka, M. [Joining and Welding Research Institute, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047 (Japan); Svetlana, Atroshenko [Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics, Saint-Petersburg State University (Russian Federation)

2008-11-15

In this study, Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} ceramic was jointed by a brazing technique with a Cu-Zn-Ti filler alloy. The interfacial microstructure between Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} ceramic and filler alloy in the Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}/Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} joint was observed and analyzed by using electron-probe microanalysis, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that there are two reaction layers at the ceramic/filler interface in the joint, which was obtained by brazing at a temperature and holding time of 1223 K and 15 min, respectively. The layer nearby the Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} ceramic is a TiN layer with an average grain size of 100 nm, and the layer nearby the filler alloy is a Ti{sub 5}Si{sub 3}N{sub x} layer with an average grain size of 1-2 {mu}m. Thickness of the TiN and Ti{sub 5}Si{sub 3}N{sub x} layers is about 1 {mu}m and 10 {mu}m, respectively. The formation mechanism of the reaction layers was discussed. A model showing the microstructure from Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} ceramic to filler alloy in the Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}/Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} joint was provided as: Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} ceramic/TiN reaction layer/Ti{sub 5}Si{sub 3}N{sub x} reaction layer/Cu-Zn solution.

Cu-segregation at the Q'/α-Al interface in Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsuda, Kenji; Teguri, Daisuke; Uetani, Yasuhiro; Sato, Tatsuo; Ikeno, Susumu

2002-01-01

Cu segregation was detected at the Q ' /α-Al interface in an Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy by energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy. By contrast, in a Cu-free Al-Mg-Si alloy no segregation was observed at the interface between the matrix and Type-C precipitate

Disorder dependent half-metallicity in Mn2CoSi inverse Heusler alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Singh, Mukhtiyar; Saini, Hardev S.; Thakur, Jyoti; Reshak, Ali H.; Kashyap, Manish K.

2013-01-01

Heusler alloys based thin-films often exhibit a degree of atomic disorder which leads to the lowering of spin polarization in spintronic devices. We present ab-initio calculations of atomic disorder effects on spin polarization and half-metallicity of Mn 2 CoSi inverse Heusler alloy. The five types of disorder in Mn 2 CoSi have been proposed and investigated in detail. The A2 a -type and B2-type disorders destroy the half-metallicity whereas it sustains for all disorders concentrations in DO 3a - and A2 b -type disorder and for smallest disorder concentration studied in DO 3b -type disorder. Lower formation energy/atom for A2 b -type disorder than other four disorders in Mn 2 CoSi advocates the stability of this disorder. The total magnetic moment shows a strong dependence on the disorder and the change in chemical environment. The 100% spin polarization even in the presence of disorders explicitly supports that these disorders shall not hinder the use of Mn 2 CoSi inverse Heusler alloy in device applications. - Graphical abstract: Minority-spin gap (E g↓ ) and HM gap (E sf ) as a function of concentrations of various possible disorder in Mn 2 CoSi inverse Heusler alloy. The squares with solid line (black color)/dotted line (blue color)/dashed line (red color) reperesents E g↓ for DO 3a -/DO 3b -/A2 b -type disorder in Mn 2 CoSi and the spheres with solid line (black color)/dottedline (blue color)/dashed line (red color) represents E sf for DO 3a -/DO 3b -/A2 b -type disorder in Mn 2 CoSi. - Highlights: • The DO 3 - and A2-type disorders do not affect the half-metallicity in Mn 2 CoSi. • The B2-type disorder solely destroys half-metallicity in Mn 2 CoSi. • The A2-type disorder most probable to occur out of all three types. • The total spin magnetic moment strongly depends on the disorder concentrations

Modelling Eutectic Growth in Unmodified and Modified Near-Eutectic Al-Si Alloy

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tiedje, Niels Skat; Hattel, Jesper Henri; Taylor, John A.

2013-01-01

growth parameters from the literature that depend on the type of modification (unmodified, Na-modified or Sr-modified) are used to describe differences in growth of the alloys. Modelling results are compared with solidification experiments where an Al-12.5wt%Si alloy was cast in unmodified, Na modified......A numerical model that describes solidification of primary aluminium grains and nucleation and growth of eutectic cells is used to analyse the solidification of an Al-12.5wt% Si alloy. Nucleation of eutectic cells is modelled using an Oldfield-type nucleation model where the number of nuclei...... and Sr modified forms. The model confirms experimental observations of how modification and alloy composition influence nucleation, growth and finally the size of eutectic cells in the alloys. Modelling results are used to explain how cooling conditions in the casting act together with the nuclei density...

The effect of Si on precipitation in Al–Cu–Mg alloy with a high Cu/Mg ratio

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, L.; Chen, J.H.; Wang, S.B.; Liu, C.H.; Yang, S.S.; Wu, C.L.

2014-01-01

The precipitations in an Al–5.0Cu–0.3Mg (wt%) alloy and an Al–5.0Cu–0.3Mg–0.3Si (wt%) alloy have been systematically investigated by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The results are compared to clarify the effect of Si addition. The nucleation and growth process of θ′ (Al 2 Cu) phase in Si-containing alloy during isothermal ageing at 180 °C is revealed in detail. The formation of Q″-type precipitates, on which the θ′ precursors nucleate heterogeneously, contributes to the considerable increase in the ageing kinetics and higher strength at the early ageing stage. The thickening of the θ′ precipitate is largely confined due to the rather small size of fine Q″-type precipitate. As a result, a large proportion of θ′ phase precipitates possess a specific thickness of 2c θ′ and change slightly during the entire observed duration of ageing. The θ′ growth mechanism distinct from the Al–Cu–Mg alloy finally leads to a refined θ′ morphology regarding the thickness and aspect ratio (diameter/thickness). As is counterintuitive, the θ′ precipitate thickness distribution is demonstrated to have little effect on the mechanical property steadiness at the late ageing stage of the Al–Cu–Mg–(Si) alloys

Friction and wear behaviour of hypereutectic Al-Si alloy/steel tribopair under dry and lubricated conditions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Parveen Kumar

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Dry and lubricated sliding tribological tests on hypereutectic Al-25Si alloy was performed using a ball- on- disk configuration at room temperature. Hypereutectic Al-25Si alloy were prepared by rapid solidification process under T6 condition. Friction coefficient (COF and wear rate of the alloy were measured under different applied loads ranging from 5–100 N. It is found that the friction coefficient varies with load, first declines (from 5-50 N, then increases (from 50-80 N and then again decreases (80-100 N. The wear rate of the samples of hypereutectic Al-25Si alloy, first increases and then decreases with increasing the applied normal load. Hypereutectic Al-25Si alloy presents higher wear rate at 50 N due to the participation of a large amount of needle-like precipitates, but shows low wear rate under high load of 100 N because of the work hardening layer. Worn surface morphologies were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM coupled with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS. The improvements in COF and wear rate were mainly attributed to morphology, size and distribution of Si particles due to its fabrication process. The dominant wear mechanism for hypereutectic Al-25Si alloy was adhesive wear, abrasive wear and plastic deformation.

Thermal description of hypoeutectic Al-Si-Cu alloys using silicon equivalency

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mile B. Đurđević

2012-01-01

Full Text Available The modeling of casting processes has remained a topic of active interest for several decades, and availability of numerous software packages on the market is a good indication of the interest that the casting industry has in this field. Most of the data used in these software packages are read or estimated from the binary or multi-component phase diagrams. Unfortunately, except for binary diagrams, many of ternary or higher order phase diagrams are still not accurate enough. Having in mind that most of the aluminum binary systems are very well established, it has been tried to transfer a multi-component system into one well known Al-Xi pseudo binary system (in this case the Al-Si phase diagram was chosen as a reference system. The new Silicon Equivalency (SiEQ algorithm expresses the amounts of major and minor alloying elements in the aluminum melts through an 'equivalent' amount of silicon. Such a system could be used to calculate several thermo-physical and solidification characteristics of multi component as cast aluminum alloys. This lends the model the ability to make predictions of solidification characteristics of cast parts, where cooling rates are slow and the solidification process has to be known in great detail in order to avoid problems in the casting. This work demonstrates how the SiEQ algorithm can be used to calculate characteristic solidification temperatures of the multi-component hypoeutectic Al-Si-Cu alloys as well as their latent heats. SA statistical analysis of the results obtained for a wide range of alloy chemical compositions shows a very good correlation with the experimental data and the SiEQ calculations.

Antimony Influence on Shape of Eutectic Silicium in Al-Si Based Alloys

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Bolibruchová D.

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Liquid AI-Si alloys are usually given special treatments before they are cast to obtain finer or modified matrix and eutectic structures, leading to improved properties. For many years, sodium additions to hypoeutectic and eutectic AI-Si melts have been recognized as the most effective method of modifying the eutectic morphology, although most of the group IA or IIA elements have significant effects on the eutectic structure. Unfortunately, many of these approaches also have associated several founding difficulties, such as fading, forming dross in presence of certain alloying elements, reduced fluidity, etc. ln recent years, antimony additions to AI-Si castings have attracted considerable attention as an alternative method of refining the eutectic structure. Such additions eliminate many of the difficulties listed above and provide permanent (i.e. non-fading refining ability. In this paper, the authors summarize work on antimony treatment of Al-Si based alloys.

Spray cast Al-Si base alloys for stiffness and fatigue strength requirements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Courbiere, M.; Mocellin, A.

1993-01-01

Hypereutectic AlSiFe spray-cast alloys exhibit properties similar to those of metal-matrix composite (MMC's) : high Young's modulus and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. These physical properties can be adjusted by changing the Si content of the alloy. The refinement of the microstructure is produced by formation of a large amount of nuclei in the spray. Consolidation done by extrusion (bars, tubes or profiles) and/or forging leads to high mechanical properties, especially very good dynamic properties. High fatigue properties coupled with high modulus, good high temperature behaviour and low thermal expansion, allow their use for applications in the automotive industry. In opposition to MMC's, these materials present the advantage of easy recycling and easy machinability as it is the case for the conventional AlSi alloys. The low oxygen content allows quality joining with conventional arc welding techniques. (orig.)

Strong composition-dependence on glass-forming ability in Ni-(Ti,Zr)-Si pseudo-ternary alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, H.; Wang, J.Q.; Li, Y.

2006-01-01

The glass formation in Ni-(Ti,Zr)-Si pseudo-ternary alloys was studied. For suction casting, by carefully adjusting the alloy composition and studying the microstructure changes, the best glass-forming alloy with a 2 mm diameter is pinpointed in a narrow composition region of 57.5-58.5 at.% Ni, 36.5-38.5 at.% (Ti + Zr) and 5-5.5 at.% Si. The main competing crystalline phases, identified by XRD and SEM, were Ni 10 (Zr,Ti) 7 , Ni(Ti,Zr) and an unidentified Si-containing phase. Our results indicate a clear need for monitoring the microstructure change in the cross section of the ingots to locate the best glass-forming alloys

Effect of p-Layer and i-Layer Properties on the Electrical Behaviour of Advanced a-Si:H/a-SiGe:H Thin Film Solar Cell from Numerical Modeling Prospect

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Peyman Jelodarian

2012-01-01

Full Text Available The effect of p-layer and i-layer characteristics such as thickness and doping concentration on the electrical behaviors of the a-Si:H/a-SiGe:H thin film heterostructure solar cells such as electric field, photogeneration rate, and recombination rate through the cell is investigated. Introducing Ge atoms to the Si lattice in Si-based solar cells is an effective approach in improving their characteristics. In particular, current density of the cell can be enhanced without deteriorating its open-circuit voltage. Optimization shows that for an appropriate Ge concentration, the efficiency of a-Si:H/a-SiGe solar cell is improved by about 6% compared with the traditional a-Si:H solar cell. This work presents a novel numerical evaluation and optimization of amorphous silicon double-junction (a-Si:H/a-SiGe:H thin film solar cells and focuses on optimization of a-SiGe:H midgap single-junction solar cell based on the optimization of the doping concentration of the p-layer, thicknesses of the p-layer and i-layer, and Ge content in the film. Maximum efficiency of 23.5%, with short-circuit current density of 267 A/m2 and open-circuit voltage of 1.13 V for double-junction solar cell has been achieved.

Iron Intermetallic Phases in the Alloy Based on Al-Si-Mg by Applying Manganese

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Podprocká R.

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Manganese is an effective element used for the modification of needle intermetallic phases in Al-Si alloy. These particles seriously degrade mechanical characteristics of the alloy and promote the formation of porosity. By adding manganese the particles are being excluded in more compact shape of “Chinese script” or skeletal form, which are less initiative to cracks as Al5FeSi phase. In the present article, AlSi7Mg0.3 aluminium foundry alloy with several manganese content were studied. The alloy was controlled pollution for achieve higher iron content (about 0.7 wt. % Fe. The manganese were added in amount of 0.2 wt. %, 0.6 wt. %, 1.0 wt. % and 1.4 wt. %. The influence of the alloying element on the process of crystallization of intermetallic phases were compared to microstructural observations. The results indicate that increasing manganese content (> 0.2 wt. % Mn lead to increase the temperature of solidification iron rich phase (TAl5FeSi and reduction this particles. The temperature of nucleation Al-Si eutectic increase with higher manganese content also. At adding 1.4 wt. % Mn grain refinement and skeleton particles were observed.

Synthesis of FeSiBPNbCu nanocrystalline soft-magnetic alloys with high saturation magnetization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Zongzhen [China Iron and Steel Research Institute Group, Advanced Technology and Materials Co., Ltd., Beijing 100081 (China); Wang, Anding; Chang, Chuntao [Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 519 Zhuangshi Road, Zhenhai District, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201 (China); Wang, Yanguo [Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 603, Beijing 100080 (China); Dong, Bangshao [China Iron and Steel Research Institute Group, Advanced Technology and Materials Co., Ltd., Beijing 100081 (China); Zhou, Shaoxiong, E-mail: sxzhou@atmcn.com [China Iron and Steel Research Institute Group, Advanced Technology and Materials Co., Ltd., Beijing 100081 (China)

2014-10-25

Highlights: • Thermal stability of the FeSiBPNbCu alloys is strongly dependent on the Fe content. • The FeSiBPNbCu alloys with high Fe content exhibit good soft magnetic properties. • The coexistence of Cu, P and Nb leads to the excellent soft magnetic properties. - Abstract: A series of [Fe{sub 0.76+x}(Si{sub 0.4}B{sub 0.4}P{sub 0.2}){sub 0.24−x}]{sub 98.25}Nb{sub 1}Cu{sub 0.75} (x = 0–0.08) nanocrystalline soft-magnetic alloys with high saturation magnetization were synthesized by adjusting Fe content and improving the crystallization behavior, soft-magnetic properties and microstructure. It is found that the temperature interval between the two crystallization peaks is significantly enlarged from 50 to 180 °C when the Fe content of the alloys increases from x = 0 to x = 0.08, which greatly expands the optimum annealing temperature range. The alloys with higher Fe content are prone to form more uniform nanocomposite microstructure with better thermal stability and soft magnetic properties. The Fe-rich FeSiBPNbCu nanocrystalline alloys with x = 0.08 exhibit excellent soft-magnetic properties, including the high saturation magnetic flux density of up to 1.74 T, low coercivity of about 3.3 A/m and high effective permeability of more than 2.2 × 10{sup 4} at 1 kHz under a field of 1 A/m. The combination of excellent soft-magnetic properties, low cost and good productivity makes the FeSiBPNbCu alloys to be a kind of promising soft-magnetic materials for electrical and electronic industry applications.

Analysis of PTA hardfacing with CoCrWC and CoCrMoSi alloys

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Adriano Scheid

2013-12-01

Full Text Available CoCrWC alloys are widely used to protect components that operate under wear and high temperature environments. Enhanced performance has been achieved with the CoCrMoSi alloys but processing this alloy system is still a challenge due to the presence of the brittle Laves phase, particularly when welding is involved. This work evaluated Plasma Transferred Arc coatings processed with the Co-based alloy CoMoCrSi - Tribaloy T400, reinforced with Laves phase, comparing its weldability to the CoCrWC - Stellite 6, reinforced with carbides. Coatings were also analyzed regarding the response to temperature exposure at 600°C for 7 days and subsequent effect on microstructure and sliding abrasive wear. Coatings characterization was carried out by light and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Vickers hardness. CoCrWC coatings exhibited a Cobalt solid solution dendritic microstructure and a thin interdendritic region with eutectic carbides, while CoCrMoSi deposits exhibit a large lamellar eutectic region of Laves phase and Cobalt solid solution and a small fraction of primary Laves phase. Although phase stability was observed by X-ray diffraction, coarsening of the microstructure occurred for both alloys. CoCrMoSi showed thicker lamellar Laves phase and CoCrWC coarser eutectic carbides. Coatings stability assessed by wear tests revealed that although the wear rate of the as-deposited CoCrMoSi alloy was lower than that of CoCrWC alloy its increase after temperature exposure was more significant, 22% against 15%. Results were discussed regarding the protection of industrial components in particular, bearings in 55AlZn hot dip galvanizing components.

The chemical phenol extraction of intermetallic particles from casting AlSi5Cu1Mg alloy.

Science.gov (United States)

Mrówka-Nowotnik, G; Sieniawski, J; Nowotnik, A

2010-03-01

This paper presents a chemical extraction technique for determination of intermetallic phases formed in the casting AlSi5Cu1Mg aluminium alloy. Commercial aluminium alloys contain a wide range of intermetallic particles that are formed during casting, homogenization and thermomechanical processing. During solidification, particles of intermetallics are dispersed in interdendritic spaces as fine primary phases. Coarse intermetallic compounds that are formed in this aluminium alloy are characterized by unique atomic arrangement (crystallographic structure), morphology, stability, physical and mechanical properties. The volume fraction, chemistry and morphology of the intermetallics significantly affect properties and material behaviour during thermomechanical processing. Therefore, accurate determination of intermetallics is essential to understand and control microstructural evolution in Al alloys. Thus, in this paper it is shown that chemical phenol extraction method can be applied for precise qualitative evaluation. The results of optical light microscopy LOM, scanning electron microscopy SEM and X-ray diffraction XRD analysis reveal that as-cast AlSi5Cu1Mg alloy contains a wide range of intermetallic phases such as Al(4)Fe, gamma- Al(3)FeSi, alpha-Al(8)Fe(2)Si, beta-Al(5)FeSi, Al(12)FeMnSi.

Mechanical properties of Mo-Si-B alloys fabricated by using core-shell powder with dispersion of yttria nanoparticles

Science.gov (United States)

Byun, Jong Min; Bang, Su-Ryong; Choi, Won June; Kim, Min Sang; Noh, Goo Won; Kim, Young Do

2017-01-01

In recent years, refractory materials with excellent high-temperature properties have been in the spotlight as a next generation's high-temperature materials. Among these, Mo-Si-B alloys composed of two intermetallic compound phases (Mo5SiB2 and Mo3Si) and a ductile α-Mo phase have shown an outstanding thermal properties. However, due to the brittleness of the intermetallic compound phases, Mo-Si-B alloys were restricted to apply for the structural materials. So, to enhance the mechanical properties of Mo-Si-B alloys, many efforts to add rare-earth oxide particles in the Mo-Si-B alloy were performed to induce the improvement of strength and fracture toughness. In this study, to investigate the effect of adding nano-sized Y2O3 particles in Mo-Si-B alloy, a core-shell powder consisting of intermetallic compound phases as the core and nano-sized α-Mo and Y2O3 particles surrounding the core was fabricated. Then pressureless sintering was carried out at 1400 °C for 3 h, and the mechanical properties of sintered bodies with different amounts of Y2O3 particles were evaluated by Vickers hardness and 3-point bending test. Vickers hardness was improved by dispersed Y2O3 particles in the Mo-Si-B alloy. Especially, Mo-3Si-1B-1.5Y2O3 alloy had the highest value, 589 Hv. The fracture toughness was measured using Mo-3Si-1B-1.5Y2O3 alloy and the value indicated as 13.5 MPa·√m.

Comparison Study on Additive Manufacturing (AM) and Powder Metallurgy (PM) AlSi10Mg Alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, B.; Moon, S. K.; Yao, X.; Bi, G.; Shen, J.; Umeda, J.; Kondoh, K.

2018-02-01

The microstructural and mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg alloys fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM) and powder metallurgy (PM) routes were investigated and compared. The microstructures were examined by scanning electron microscopy assisted with electron-dispersive spectroscopy. The crystalline features were studied by x-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction. Room-temperature tensile tests and Vickers hardness measurements were performed to characterize the mechanical properties. It was found that the AM alloy had coarser Al grains but much finer Si precipitates compared with the PM alloy. Consequently, the AM alloy showed more than 100% increment in strength and hardness compared with the PM alloy due to the presence of ultrafine forms of Si, while exhibiting moderate ductility.

Effect of electric pulse modification on mircostructure and properties of Ni-rich Al-Si piston alloy

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Bing Wang

2016-03-01

Full Text Available In order to improve the properties of Ni-rich (2.5wt.% Al-Si piston alloy, electric pulse modification was applied in fabricating the Ni-rich Al-Si piston alloy in this study. The effect of electric pulse modification on the mechanical properties of the Ni-rich Al-Si piston alloy was studied using optical microscope (OM, scanning electron microscope (SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD, microhardness measurement and tensile strength testing. The results showed that the microstructures of Ni-rich Al-Si piston alloy treated by electric pulse modification were refined, the solid solubility of Cu, Ni, Si, etc. in α-Al matrix was improved, and furthermore, the microhardness and high-temperature tensile strength were increased by 9.41% and 17.5%, respectively. The distribution of second phases was also more uniform compared with that of a non-modified sample.

Topological states in a two-dimensional metal alloy in Si surface: BiAg/Si(111)-4 ×4 surface

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xiaoming; Cui, Bin; Zhao, Mingwen; Liu, Feng

2018-02-01

A bridging topological state with a conventional semiconductor platform offers an attractive route towards future spintronics and quantum device applications. Here, based on first-principles and tight-binding calculations, we demonstrate the existence of topological states hosted by a two-dimensional (2D) metal alloy in a Si surface, the BiAg/Si(111)-4 ×4 surface, which has already been synthesized experimentally. It exhibits a topological insulating state with an energy gap of 71 meV (˜819 K ) above the Fermi level and a topological metallic state with quasiquantized conductance below the Fermi level. The underlying mechanism leading to the formation of such nontrivial states is revealed by analysis of the "charge-transfer" and "orbital-filtering" effect of the Si substrate. A minimal effective tight-binding model is employed to reveal the formation mechanism of the topological states. Our finding opens opportunities to detect topological states and measure its quantized conductance in a large family of 2D surface metal alloys, which have been or are to be grown on semiconductor substrates.

Development of an efficient grain refiner for Al-7Si alloy and its modification with strontium

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kori, S.A.; Murty, B.S.; Chakraborty, M. [Indian Inst. of Technol., Kharagpur (India). Dept. of Metall. and Mater. Eng.

2000-05-15

The grain refining response of Al and Al-7Si alloy has been studied with various Al-Ti, Al-B and Al-Ti-B master alloys at different addition levels. The results show that Al-B and B rich Al-Ti-B master alloys cannot grain refine Al, while they are efficient grain refiners to Al-7Si alloy. The level of grain refinement saturates after 0.03% of Ti or B for most of the master alloys studied both at short and long holding times. The grain refining efficiency of some elements other than Ti and B on Al-7Si alloy has also been studied. Interestingly, all the elements studied (B, Cr, Fe, Mg, Ni, Ti and Zr) have resulted in some grain refinement of Al-7Si alloy at short holding time and have shown fading/poisoning on long holding, which increased in the order of B (no poisoning), Ti, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mg, Zr. Sr (0.02%) has been found to provide complete modification of the eutectic in Al-7Si alloy within 2 min, which is not lost even after long holding up to 120 min. Significant improvements in the mechanical properties have been obtained by a combination of grain refinement and modification to an extent that was not possible by either of them alone. (orig.)

Effect of the Phosphorus Gettering on Si Heterojunction Solar Cells

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Hyomin Park

2012-01-01

Full Text Available To improve the efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells, should be collected the excess carrier as much as possible. Therefore, minimizing the recombination both at the bulk and surface regions is important. Impurities make recombination sites and they are the major reason for recombination. Phosphorus (P gettering was introduced to reduce metal impurities in the bulk region of Si wafers and then to improve the efficiency of Si heterojunction solar cells fabricated on the wafers. Resistivity of wafers was measured by a four-point probe method. Fill factor of solar cells was measured by a solar simulator. Saturation current and ideality factor were calculated from a dark current density-voltage graph. External quantum efficiency was analyzed to assess the effect of P gettering on the performance of solar cells. Minority bulk lifetime measured by microwave photoconductance decay increases from 368.3 to 660.8 μs. Open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current density increase from 577 to 598 mV and 27.8 to 29.8 mA/cm2, respectively. The efficiency of solar cells increases from 11.9 to 13.4%. P gettering will be feasible to improve the efficiency of Si heterojunction solar cells fabricated on P-doped Si wafers.

Simulating characteristics of Si/Ge tandem monolithic solar cell with Si1-xGex buffer layer

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Gnilenko A. B.

2015-12-01

Full Text Available In spite of many efforts to propose new semiconductor materials and sophisticated constructions of solar cells, crystalline silicone remains the main photovoltaic material widely used up to now. There are various methods to enhance the efficiency of silicone solar cells. One of them is to combine silicone with an additional semiconductor material with the different bandgap to form a tandem construction. For example, the germanium sub-cell used as the bottom cascade for the silicone sub-cell in the tandem monolithic solar cell makes it possible to utilize the "red" sub-band of solar spectra increasing overall solar cell efficiency. The problem of the 4.2% mismatch in lattice constant between Si and Ge can be resolved in such a case by the use of SiGe buffer layer. In the paper the results of the computer simulation for Si/Ge tandem monolithic solar cell with Si1-xGex buffer layer are presented. In the solar cell under consideration, the step graded Si1-xGex buffer layer is located between the top silicone and the bottom germanium cascades to reduce the threading dislocation density in mismatched materials. The cascades are commutated by the use of the germanium tunnel diode between the bottom sub-cell and the buffer layer. For the solar cell modeling, the physically-based device simulator ATLAS of Silvaco TCAD software is employed to predict the electrical behavior of the semiconductor structure and to provide a deep insight into the internal physical processes. The voltage-current characteristic, photovoltaic parameters and the distribution of basic physical values are obtained for the investigated tandem solar cell. The influence of layer thicknesses on the photovoltaic parameters is studied. The calculated efficiency of the tandem solar cell reaches 13% which is a quarter more than the efficiency of a simple silicone solar cell with the same constructive parameters and under the same illumination conditions.

Formation of Al15Mn3Si2 Phase During Solidification of a Novel Al-12%Si-4%Cu-1.2%Mn Heat-Resistant Alloy and Its Thermal Stability

Science.gov (United States)

Suo, Xiaojing; Liao, Hengcheng; Hu, Yiyun; Dixit, Uday S.; Petrov, Pavel

2018-02-01

The formation of Al15Mn3Si2 phase in Al-12Si-4Cu-1.2Mn (wt.%) alloy during solidification was investigated by adopting CALPHAD method and microstructural observation by optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, TEM-EDS/SAD and XRD analysis; SEM fixed-point observation method was applied to evaluate its thermal stability. As-cast microstructural observation consistently demonstrates the solidification sequence of the studied alloy predicted by phase diagram calculation. Based on the phase diagram calculation, SEM-EDS, TEM-EDS/SAD and XRD analysis, as well as evidences on Al-Si-Mn-Fe compounds from the literature, the primary and eutectic Mn-rich phases with different morphologies in the studied alloy are identified to be Al15Mn3Si2 that has a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure with a lattice constant of a = 1.352 nm. SEM fixed-point observation and XRD analysis indicate that Al15Mn3Si2 phase has more excellent thermal stability at high temperature than that of CuAl2 phase and can serve as the major strengthening phase in heat-resistant aluminum alloy that has to face a high-temperature working environment. Results of tension test show that addition of Mn can improve the strength of Al-Si-Cu alloy, especially at elevated temperature.

Analysis of the High Conversion Efficiencies β-FeSi2 and BaSi2 n-i-p Thin Film Solar Cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang, J.Sh.; Lee, K.W.; Tseng, Y.H.

2014-01-01

Both β-FeSi 2 and BaSi 2 are silicides and have large absorption coefficients; thus they are very promising Si-based new materials for solar cell applications. In this paper, the dc I-V characteristics of n-Si/i-βFeSi 2 /p-Si and n-Si/i-BaSi 2 /p-Si thin film solar cells are investigated by solving the charge transport equations with optical generations. The diffusion current densities of free electron and hole are calculated first. Then the drift current density in the depletion regions is obtained. The total current density is the sum of diffusion and drift current densities. The conversion efficiencies are obtained from the calculated I-V curves. The optimum conversion efficiency of n-Si/i-βFeSi 2 /p-Si thin film solar cell is 27.8% and that of n-Si/i-BaSi 2 /p-Si thin film solar cell is 30.4%, both are larger than that of Si n-i-p solar cell (η is 20.6%). These results are consistent with their absorption spectrum. The calculated conversion efficiency of Si n-i-p solar cell is consistent with the reported researches. Therefore, these calculation results are valid in this work.

Analysis of the High Conversion Efficiencies β-FeSi2 and BaSi2 n-i-p Thin Film Solar Cells

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Jung-Sheng Huang

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Both β-FeSi2 and BaSi2 are silicides and have large absorption coefficients; thus they are very promising Si-based new materials for solar cell applications. In this paper, the dc I-V characteristics of n-Si/i-βFeSi2/p-Si and n-Si/i-BaSi2/p-Si thin film solar cells are investigated by solving the charge transport equations with optical generations. The diffusion current densities of free electron and hole are calculated first. Then the drift current density in the depletion regions is obtained. The total current density is the sum of diffusion and drift current densities. The conversion efficiencies are obtained from the calculated I-V curves. The optimum conversion efficiency of n-Si/i-βFeSi2/p-Si thin film solar cell is 27.8% and that of n-Si/i-BaSi2/p-Si thin film solar cell is 30.4%, both are larger than that of Si n-i-p solar cell (η is 20.6%. These results are consistent with their absorption spectrum. The calculated conversion efficiency of Si n-i-p solar cell is consistent with the reported researches. Therefore, these calculation results are valid in this work.

Spheroidization of primary Mg{sub 2}Si in Al-20Mg{sub 2}Si-4.5Cu alloy modified with Ca and Sb during T6 heat treatment process

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yu, Hong-Chen; Wang, Hui-Yuan, E-mail: wanghuiyuan@jlu.edu.cn; Chen, Lei; Zha, Min, E-mail: minzha@jlu.edu.cn; Wang, Cheng; Li, Chao; Jiang, Qi-Chuan

2017-02-08

The morphology evolution of primary Mg{sub 2}Si particles in a Al-20Mg{sub 2}Si-4.5Cu alloy both unmodified and modified with 0.5 wt% Ca-Sb prepared by hot-extrusion followed by T6 heat treatment was investigated in the present study. Interestingly, we found that the combination of hot-extrusion and T6 heat treatment was efficient in transforming truncated octahedral primary Mg{sub 2}Si into sphere in the modified alloy. In contrast, the primary Mg{sub 2}Si particles still kept dentritic in the unmodified alloy. It suggested that the formation of truncated octahedral primary Mg{sub 2}Si particles in as-cast state, the fragmentation of particles by hot-extrusion and the enhanced solid-state diffusion of Si and/or Mg atoms during heat treatment were responsible for the spheroidization of primary Mg{sub 2}Si. Moreover, the existence of fine (~10–20 µm) spherical primary Mg{sub 2}Si played an important role in strengthening the alloy, i.e., the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increased from ~227 MPa in the unmodified alloy to ~303 MPa in the modified one. It is because the fine spherical primary Mg{sub 2}Si particles can provide a higher fracture stress and strength of the matrix/particle interface. Our study offered a simple methodology to prepare spherical primary Mg{sub 2}Si in an Al-high Mg{sub 2}Si alloy, which is beneficial to design novel light-weight Al-Mg-Si alloys with improved mechanical properties.

Back scattering involving embedded silicon nitride (SiN) nanoparticles for c-Si solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Ghosh, Hemanta; Mitra, Suchismita; Siddiqui, M. S.; Saxena, A. K.; Chaudhuri, Partha; Saha, Hiranmay; Banerjee, Chandan

2018-04-01

A novel material, structure and method of synthesis for dielectric light trapping have been presented in this paper. First, the light scattering behaviour of silicon nitride nanoparticles have been theoretically studied in order to find the optimized size for dielectric back scattering by FDTD simulations from Lumerical Inc. The optical results have been used in electrical analysis and thereby, estimate the effect of nanoparticles on efficiency of the solar cells depending on substrate thickness. Experimentally, silicon nitride (SiN) nanoparticles have been formed using hydrogen plasma treatment on SiN layer deposited by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD). The size and area coverage of the nanoparticles were controlled by varying the working pressure, power density and treatment duration. The nanoparticles were integrated with partial rear contact c-Si solar cells as dielectric back reflector structures for the light trapping in thin silicon solar cells. Experimental results revealed the increases of current density by 2.7% in presence of SiN nanoparticles.

Porosity formation in Al-Si casting alloys: role of Sr oxide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, L.; Samuel, A.M.; Samuel, F.H.; Doty, H.W.; Valtierra, S.

2002-01-01

The strength and quality of an Al-Si alloy casting are determined by its microstructure and the amount of porosity present in the casting. Modification is one of the processes used to improve the microstructural quality, where the addition of a modifying agent alters the shape of the eutectic Si from an acicular to a fibrous form that is extremely beneficial to the mechanical properties. Among various modifiers, strontium, although easy to handle and resistant to fading, also causes porosity formation in these alloys, attributed variously to an increase in the hydrogen level of the melt, feedability problems in the mushy zone, changes in the mode of eutectic nucleation, etc. The present study shows how the presence of oxides is responsible for the porosity formation, and that the difference in porosity characteristics with the addition of Sr depends on the amount of Sr oxides present the solidified structure. Both Sr and Al oxides are favourable sites for the nucleation of other microconstituents. A number of experimental (binary Al-Si) and industrial (319 and 356) alloys have been studied, to cover various alloy freezing ranges. Thermal analysis, optical microscopy, SEM/EDX and EPMA analyses were employed to obtain the results. (author)

Valence electron structure analysis of the cubic silicide intermetallics in rapidly solidified Al-Fe-V-Si alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, J.Q.; Qian, C.F.; Zhang, B.J.; Tseng, M.K.; Xiong, S.W.

1996-01-01

The application of rapid solidification for the development of elevated temperature aluminum alloys has resulted in the emergence of several alloys based on the Al-Fe alloy system. Of particular interest are Al-Fe-V-Si alloys which have excellent room temperature and high temperature mechanical properties. In a pioneering study, Skinner et al. showed the stabilization of the cubic phase in ternary Al-Fe-Si alloy by the addition of a quaternary element, vanadium. The evolution of the microstructure in these alloys both during rapid solidification and subsequent processing is of crucial importance. Kim has demonstrated that the composition of the silicide phase in rapidly solidified Al-Fe-V-Si alloy is very close to Al 12 (Fe,V) 3 Si with the body centered cubic (bcc) structure. The structure is closely related to that of quasicrystals.In view of the structural features and the relationship between the α 12 and α 13 phases, the researching emphasis should firstly be put on the α 12 phase. In this paper the authors analyzed the α -(AlFeSi)(α 12 -type) phase from the angle of atomic valence electron structure other than the traditional methods of obtaining the diffraction spots of the phase. Several pieces of information were obtained about the hybrid levels and bond natures of every kind of atom in the α -(AlFeSi) phase. Finally the authors explained the phenomenon which V atom can substitute for Fe atom in the α 12 phase and improve the thermal stability of the phase in Al-Fe-V-Si alloy

The influence of chemical composition on the properties and structure Al-Si-Cu(Mg) alloys

OpenAIRE

M. Kaczorowski; A. Krzyńska

2007-01-01

The mechanical properties of different chemical composition AlSiCuMg type cast alloys after precipitation hardening are presented. The aim of the study was to find out how much the changes in chemistry of aluminum cast alloys permissible by EN-PN standards may influence the mechanical properties of these alloys. Eight AlSi5Cu3(Mg) type cast alloys of different content alloying elements were selected for the study. The specimens cut form test castings were subjected to precipitation hardening ...

Impact of medium-range order on the glass transition in liquid Ni-Si alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Lü, Y. J.; Entel, P.

2011-09-01

We study the thermophysical properties and structure of liquid Ni-Si alloys using molecular dynamics simulations. The liquid Ni-5% and 10%Si alloys crystallize to form the face-centered cubic (Ni) at 900 and 850 K, respectively, and the glass transitions take place in Ni-20% and 25%Si alloys at about 700 K. The temperature-dependent self-diffusion coefficients and viscosities exhibit more pronounced non-Arrhenius behavior with the increase of Si content before phase transitions, indicating the enhanced glass-forming ability. These appearances of thermodynamic properties and phase transitions are found to closely relate to the medium-range order clusters with the defective face-centered cubic structure characterized by both local translational and orientational order. This locally ordered structure tends to be destroyed by the addition of more Si atoms, resulting in a delay of nucleation and even glass transition instead.

Variation of equation of state parameters in the Mg2(Si 1-xSnx) alloys

KAUST Repository

Pulikkotil, Jiji Thomas Joseph; Alshareef, Husam N.; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo

2010-01-01

Thermoelectric performance peaks up for intermediate Mg2(Si 1-x:Snx) alloys, but not for isomorphic and isoelectronic Mg2(Si1-xGex) alloys. A comparative study of the equation of state parameters is performed using density functional theory, Green

Modification of Al-Si (13%) alloy using different modifiers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ikram, N.; Raza, M.R.; Ahmad, R.

2007-01-01

During present research work LM 13 aluminium silicon alloy was prepared using high purity aluminium ingot and various master alloys of AI-Si, AI-Cu, AI-Ni, AIFe, AI-Mn and AI-Mg. A gas fired crucible pit type furnace was used to prepare various heats of LM 13 alloy. Degassing procedure was carried out by using perforated bell type plunger using the degassing tablet. Modification was performed by plunging the modifier at the bottom of the crucible containing the molten metal. Three types of modifiers sodium salt, metallic sodium and strontium in the form of AI-Sr master alloy were used in order to evaluate the microstructure and tensile properties of the alloy. Degassed, unmodified and modified test samples for metallurgical testing purposes were prepared according to the standard procedures. (author)

Microstructure and mechanical properties of hypo/hyper-eutectic Al-Si alloys synthesized using a near-net shape forming technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gupta, M.; Ling, S.

1999-01-01

In the present study, three aluminum-silicon alloys containing 7, 10 and 19 wt % silicon were synthesized using a novel technique commonly known as disintegrated melt deposition technique. The results following processing revealed that a yield of at least 80% can be achieved after defacing the shrinkage cavity from the as-processed ingots. Microstructural characterization studies conducted on the as-processed samples revealed an increase in the volume fraction of porosity with an increase in silicon content. Porosity levels of 1.07, 1.51 and 2.65% attained in the case of Al-7Si, Al-10Si, and Al-19Si alloys indicates the near-net shape forming capability of the disintegrated melt deposition technique. The results of aging studies conducted on the aluminum-silicon alloys revealed similar aging kinetics irrespective of different silicon content. Results of ambient temperature mechanical tests demonstrate an increase in matrix microhardness and 0.2% yield stress and decrease in ductility with an increase in silicon content in aluminum. Furthermore, the results of an attempt to investigate the effect of extrusion on Al-19Si alloy revealed that the extrusion process significantly assists in reducing porosity and improving microstructural uniformity, 0.2% yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and ductility when compared to the as-processed Al-19Si alloy. The results of microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of aluminum-silicon alloys were finally correlated with the amount of silicon in aluminum and secondary processing technique. (orig.)

Enhancement of magnetic properties of Co{sub 2}MnSi Heusler alloy prepared by mechanical alloying method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rabie, Naeemeh; Gordani, Gholam Reza; Ghasemi, Ali, E-mail: ali13912001@yahoo.com

2017-07-15

Highlights: • Ferromagnetic Heusler alloys of Co{sub 2}MnSi were synthesized at low temperature. • There is an at least 30% reduction in the phase formation temperature. • Saturation magnetization of alloy was increased significantly after annealing. - Abstract: Ferromagnetic Heusler alloys of Co{sub 2}MnSi were synthesized by mechanical alloying method at low temperature. The effect of milling time and annealing process on structural and magnetic properties of ferromagnetic alloy samples were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and vibration sample magnetometer methods, respectively. Structural characteristics such as crystallite size, phase percentage, and lattice parameter determined using the Rietveld method. The values of these parameters were obtained 362.9 nm, 5.699 Å and 98.7%, respectively for annealed sample. Magnetization studies show that the Co2MnSi phase is formed at 15 h of milling and is optimized after 20 h of milling. VSM results showed that saturation magnetization (M{sub s}) of milled samples reduces from 112 to 75 (emu/g) with increasing milling time and then increased gradually to 95 emu/g. The effect of post-annealing on the structural and magnetic properties of milled samples was also investigated. The saturation magnetization of annealed sample (120 emu/g) is higher than the optimum milled sample (95 emu/g) due to increasing preferential ordered L2{sub 1} structure.

Evaluation of Cracking Causes of AlSi5Cu3 Alloy Castings

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Eperješi Š.

2014-10-01

Full Text Available Recently, the castings made from aluminum-silicon alloys by pressure die casting are increasingly used in the automotive industry. In practice, on these castings are high demands, mainly demands on quality of their structure, operating life and safety ensuring of their utilization. The AlSi5Cu3 alloy castings are widely used for production of car components. After the prescribed tests, the cracks and low mechanical properties have been identified for several castings of this alloy, which were produced by low pressure casting into a metal mould and subsequent they were heat treated. Therefore, analyses of the castings were realized to determine the causes of these defects. Evaluation of structure of the AlSi5Cu3 alloy and causes of failure were the subjects of investigation presented in this article.

Valence electronic structure of Ni in Ni Si alloys from relative K X-ray intensity studies

Science.gov (United States)

Kalayci, Y.; Aydinuraz, A.; Tugluoglu, B.; Mutlu, R. H.

2007-02-01

The Kβ-to-Kα X-ray intensity ratio of Ni in Ni 3Si, Ni 2Si and NiSi has been determined by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. It is found that the intensity ratio of Ni decreases from pure Ni to Ni 2Si and then increases from Ni 2Si to NiSi, in good agreement with the electronic structure calculations cited in the literature. We have also performed band structure calculations for pure Ni in various atomic configurations by means of linear muffin-tin orbital method and used this data with the normalized theoretical intensity ratios cited in the literature to estimate the 3d-occupation numbers of Ni in Ni-Si alloys. It is emphasized that investigation of alloying effect in terms of X-ray intensity ratios should be carried out for the stoichiometric alloys in order to make reliable and quantitative comparisons between theory and experiment in transition metal alloys.

Effect of load on the tribological properties of hypereutectic Al-Si alloy under boundary lubrication conditions

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, Parveen; Wani, M. F.

2017-11-01

Researchers reported that the IC engine components (piston, cylinder liner etc) fail due to the friction losses (~45%) and wear losses (~25-40%). So the demand of light weight, low friction and wear resistance alloys increases day by day, which reduces the emission and increases the efficiency of the IC engine. In this connection, tribological tests on hypereutectic Al-25Si alloy were performed using a ball-on-disk configuration under dry and lubricated sliding conditions. Hypereutectic Al-25Si alloy was prepared by rapid solidification process with T6 condition. T6 condition improves the friction, wear and mechanical properties of the alloy. Friction coefficient and wear rate of the alloy was measured under high loads ranging from 100 to 300 N. It was found that the friction coefficient (COF) and wear rate of hypereutectic Al-25Si alloy/steel tribo pair increased with increase in load. Significant reduction in COF and wear rate was accomplished with SAE20W50 engine oil and Si particles act as solid lubricant. Optical microscope, 3D surface profilometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were used for characterization the worn surface morphologies. The morphology, size and distribution of high Si particles due to its fabrication process caused the improvements in COF and wear rate under lubricated conditions. Adhesive wear, abrasive wear and plastic deformation acted as the dominant wear mechanism for hypereutectic Al-25Si alloy.

E centers in ternary Si1−x−yGexSny random alloys

KAUST Repository

Chroneos, Alexander; Bracht, H.; Grimes, R. W.; Jiang, C.; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo

2009-01-01

Density functional theory calculations are used to study the association of arsenic (As) atoms to lattice vacancies and the formation of As-vacancy pairs, known as E centers, in the random Si0.375Ge0.5Sn0.125 alloy. The local environments are described by 32-atom special quasirandom structures that represent random Si1−x−yGexSny alloys. It is predicted that the nearest-neighbor environment will exert a strong influence on the stability of E centers in ternary Si0.375Ge0.5Sn0.125.

E centers in ternary Si1−x−yGexSny random alloys

KAUST Repository

Chroneos, Alexander

2009-09-14

Density functional theory calculations are used to study the association of arsenic (As) atoms to lattice vacancies and the formation of As-vacancy pairs, known as E centers, in the random Si0.375Ge0.5Sn0.125 alloy. The local environments are described by 32-atom special quasirandom structures that represent random Si1−x−yGexSny alloys. It is predicted that the nearest-neighbor environment will exert a strong influence on the stability of E centers in ternary Si0.375Ge0.5Sn0.125.

Modelling on c-Si/a-Si:H wire solar cells: some key parameters to optimize the photovoltaic performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alvarez J.

2012-07-01

Full Text Available Solar cells based on silicon nano- or micro-wires have attracted much attention as a promising path for low cost photovoltaic technology. The key point of this structure is the decoupling of the light absorption from the carriers collection. In order to predict and optimize the performance potential of p- (or n- doped c-Si/ n-(or p- doped a-Si:H nanowire-based solar cells, we have used the Silvaco-Atlas software to model a single-wire device. In particular, we have noticed a drastic decrease of the open-circuit voltage (Voc when increasing the doping density of the silicon core beyond an optimum value. We present here a detailed study of the parameters that can alter the Voc of c-Si(p/a-Si:H (n wires according to the doping density in c-Si. A comparison with simulation results obtained on planar c-Si/a-Si:H heterojunctions shows that the drop in Voc, linked to an increase of the dark current in both structures, is more pronounced for radial junctions due to geometric criteria. These numerical modelling results have lead to a better understanding of transport phenomena within the wire.

Thermal stability of Ni-Pt-Ta alloy silicides on epi-Si1-xCx

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yoo, Jung-Ho; Chang, Hyun-Jin; Min, Byoung-Gi; Ko, Dae-Hong; Cho, Mann-Ho; Sohn, Hyunchul; Lee, Tae-Wan

2008-01-01

We investigated the silicide formation in Ni/epi-Si 1-x C x systems. Ni-Pt and Ni-Pt-Ta films were deposited on epi-Si 1-x C x /Si substrates by DC magnetron sputtering and processed at various temperatures. The sheet resistance of the silicide from the Ni alloy/epi-Si 1-x C x systems was maintained at low values compared to that from Ni/Si systems. By TEM and EDS analyses, we confirmed the presence of a Pt alloy layer at the top of the Ni-silicide layer. The stability of the silicide layer in the Ni alloy/epi-Si 1-x C x system is explained by not only the Pt rich layer on the top of the Ni-silicide layer, but also by the presence of a small amount of Pt in the Ni-silicide layer or at the grain boundaries. And both the thermal stability and the morphology of silicide were greatly improved by the addition of Ta in Ni-Pt films

Shape memory effect in Fe-Mn-Ni-Si-C alloys with low Mn contents

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Min, X.H., E-mail: MIN.Xiaohua@nims.go.jp [National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba 305-0047 (Japan); Sawaguchi, T.; Ogawa, K. [National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba 305-0047 (Japan); Maruyama, T. [Awaji Materia Co., Ltd. 2-3-13, Kanda ogawamachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 101-0052 (Japan); Yin, F.X. [National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba 305-0047 (Japan); Tsuzaki, K. [National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba 305-0047 (Japan); Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047 (Japan)

2011-06-15

Highlights: {yields} A class of new Fe-Mn-Ni-Si-C shape memory alloys with low Mn contents has been designed. {yields} A Mn content for the onset of the {alpha}' martensite is less than 13 mass%, and the {epsilon} martensite still exists in the alloy with a 9 mass% Mn. {yields} The shape recovery strain decreases considerably when the Mn content is reduced from 13 to 11 mass%. {yields} The sudden decrease in the shape recovery strain is mainly caused by the formation of {alpha}' martensite. - Abstract: An attempt was made to develop a new Fe-Mn-Si-based shape memory alloy from a Fe-17Mn-6Si-0.3C (mass%) shape memory alloy, which was previously reported to show a superior shape memory effect without any costly training treatment, by lowering its Mn content. The shape memory effect and the phase transformation behavior were investigated for the as-solution treated Fe-(17-2x)Mn-6Si-0.3C-xNi (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) polycrystalline alloys. The shape recovery strain exceeded 2% in the alloys with x = 0-2, which is sufficient for an industrially applicable shape memory effect; however, it suddenly decreased in the alloys between x = 2 and 3 although the significant shape recovery strain still exceeded 1%. In the alloys with x = 3 and 4, X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscope observation revealed the existence of {alpha}' martensite, which forms at the intersection of the {epsilon} martensite plates and suppresses the crystallographic reversibility of the {gamma} austenite to {epsilon} martensitic transformation.

Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Mo-40Ni-13Si Multiphase Intermetallic Alloy.

Science.gov (United States)

Song, Chunyan; Wang, Shuhuan; Gui, Yongliang; Cheng, Zihao; Ni, Guolong

2016-12-06

Intermetallic compounds are increasingly being expected to be utilized in tribological environments, but to date their implementation is hindered by insufficient ductility at low and medium temperatures. This paper presents a novel multiphase intermetallic alloy with the chemical composition of Mo-40Ni-13Si (at %). Microstructure characterization reveals that a certain amount of ductile Mo phases formed during the solidification process of a ternary Mo-Ni-Si molten alloy, which is beneficial to the improvement of ductility of intermetallic alloys. Tribological properties of the designed alloy-including wear resistance, friction coefficient, and metallic tribological compatibility-were evaluated under dry sliding wear test conditions at room temperature. Results suggest that the multiphase alloy possesses an excellent tribological property, which is attributed to unique microstructural features and thereby a good combination in hardness and ductility. The corresponding wear mechanism is explained by observing the worn surface, subsurface, and wear debris of the alloy, which was found to be soft abrasive wear.

Characterization of β-FeSi II films as a novel solar cell semiconductor

Science.gov (United States)

Fukuzawa, Yasuhiro; Ootsuka, Teruhisa; Otogawa, Naotaka; Abe, Hironori; Nakayama, Yasuhiko; Makita, Yunosuke

2006-04-01

β-FeSi II is an attractive semiconductor owing to its extremely high optical absorption coefficient (α>10 5 cm -1), and is expected to be an ideal semiconductor as a thin film solar cell. For solar cell use, to prepare high quality β-FeSi II films holding a desired Fe/Si ratio, we chose two methods; one is a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) method in which Fe and Si were evaporated by using normal Knudsen cells, and occasionally by e-gun for Si. Another one is the facing-target sputtering (FTS) method in which deposition of β-FeSi II films is made on Si substrate that is placed out of gas plasma cloud. In both methods to obtain β-FeSi II films with a tuned Fe/Si ratio, Fe/Si super lattice was fabricated by varying Fe and Si deposition thickness. Results showed significant in- and out-diffusion of host Fe and Si atoms at the interface of Si substrates into β-FeSi II layers. It was experimentally demonstrated that this diffusion can be suppressed by the formation of template layer between the epitaxial β-FeSi II layer and the substrate. The template layer was prepared by reactive deposition epitaxy (RDE) method. By fixing the Fe/Si ratio as precisely as possible at 1/2, systematic doping experiments of acceptor (Ga and B) and donor (As) impurities into β-FeSi II were carried out. Systematical changes of electron and hole carrier concentration in these samples along variation of incorporated impurities were observed through Hall effect measurements. Residual carrier concentrations can be ascribed to not only the remaining undesired impurities contained in source materials but also to a variety of point defects mainly produced by the uncontrolled stoichiometry. A preliminary structure of n-β-FeSi II/p-Si used as a solar cell indicated a conversion efficiency of 3.7%.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Si-X alloys fabricated by gas atomization and extrusion process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, T.H.; Hong, S.J.

2009-01-01

In order to develop good wear resistant and high-strength alloys, Al 81 Si 19 alloy was reinforced with transition elements such as Ni and Ce. The solubility of Si in aluminum was amplified, with increasing the Ni and Ce content in the rapidly solidified powders. The extruded bars consist of homogeneously dispersed fine Si particles along with Al 3 Ni and Al 3 Ce compounds (30-120 nm) in aluminum matrix (grain size below 500 nm). The tensile strength at room temperature for Al 81 Si 19 , Al 78 Si 19 Ni 2 Ce 0.5 and Al 76 Si 19 Ni 4 Ce 1 bars extruded at 400 deg. C was estimated as 281, 521, and 668 MPa, respectively. In addition, the maximum tensile strength of 730 MPa was attained in Al 73 Si 19 Ni 7 Ce 1 bulk alloy. The uniform dispersion of precipitates (Si, Al 3 Ni and Al 3 Ce particles) from the supersaturated Al matrix of ternary and quaternary alloys after extrusion was effective for enhanced mechanical properties.

Particle stabilization of plastic flow in nanostructured Al-1 %Si Alloy

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Huang, Tianlin; Li, Chao; Wu, Guilin

2014-01-01

A nanostructured Al-1 %Si alloy containing a dispersion of Si particles in ultrapure aluminum (99.9996 %) was produced by heavy cold rolling to study the effect of second-phase particles on the occurrence of plastic instability during tensile testing of a nanostructured metal. Tensile tests were...

Growth and solid/solid transformation in a Ni-Si eutectic alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dutra, A.T. [Department of Materials Engineering, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6122, Campinas 13083-970, SP (Brazil); Ferrandini, P.L. [Department of Materials Engineering, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6122, Campinas 13083-970, SP (Brazil); Costa, C.A.R. [Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6154, Campinas 13083-970, SP (Brazil); Goncalves, M.C. [Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6154, Campinas 13083-970, SP (Brazil); Caram, R. [Department of Materials Engineering, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6122, Campinas 13083-970, SP (Brazil)]. E-mail: rcaram@fem.unicamp.br

2005-08-16

High temperature structural components demand materials that maintain satisfactory mechanical and chemical characteristics. These needs may be met by applying some eutectic alloys, including Ni-Ni{sub 3}Si. This paper deals with the directional solidification of Ni-Ni{sub 3}Si grown under several growth rates. The analysis of the eutectic microstructure was carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results obtained provided a precise analysis of the Ni{sub 3}Si phase. It could be noticed that the solid/solid transformations by which Ni{sub 3}Si phase goes through, deeply affects its morphology. In addition, quantitative information on the eutectic structure was obtained. It was confirmed that the growth rate variation deeply affects the final microstructure as it influences the efficiency of atomic diffusion along the solid/liquid interface.

Growth and solid/solid transformation in a Ni-Si eutectic alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dutra, A.T.; Ferrandini, P.L.; Costa, C.A.R.; Goncalves, M.C.; Caram, R.

2005-01-01

High temperature structural components demand materials that maintain satisfactory mechanical and chemical characteristics. These needs may be met by applying some eutectic alloys, including Ni-Ni 3 Si. This paper deals with the directional solidification of Ni-Ni 3 Si grown under several growth rates. The analysis of the eutectic microstructure was carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results obtained provided a precise analysis of the Ni 3 Si phase. It could be noticed that the solid/solid transformations by which Ni 3 Si phase goes through, deeply affects its morphology. In addition, quantitative information on the eutectic structure was obtained. It was confirmed that the growth rate variation deeply affects the final microstructure as it influences the efficiency of atomic diffusion along the solid/liquid interface

Boron-doped zinc oxide thin films grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition for bifacial a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunction solar cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zeng, Xiangbin, E-mail: eexbzeng@mail.hust.edu.cn; Wen, Xixing; Sun, Xiaohu; Liao, Wugang; Wen, Yangyang

2016-04-30

Boron-doped zinc oxide (BZO) films were grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The influence of B{sub 2}H{sub 6} flow rate and substrate temperature on the microstructure, optical, and electrical properties of BZO films was investigated by X-ray diffraction spectrum, scanning electron microscope, optical transmittance spectrum, and Hall measurements. The BZO films with optical transmittance above 85% in the visible and infrared light range, resistivity of 0.9–1.0 × 10{sup −3} Ω cm, mobility of 16.5–25.5 cm{sup 2}/Vs, and carrier concentration of 2.2–2.7 × 10{sup 20} cm{sup −3} were deposited under optimized conditions. The optimum BZO films were applied on the bifacial BZO/p-type a-Si:H/i-type a-Si:H/n-type c-Si/i-type a-Si:H/n{sup +}-type a-Si:H/BZO heterojunction solar cell as both front and back transparent electrodes. Meanwhile, the bifacial heterojunction solar cell with indium tin oxide (ITO) as both front and back transparent electrodes was fabricated. The efficiencies of 17.788% (open-circuit voltage: 0.628 V, short-circuit current density: 41.756 mA/cm{sup 2} and fill factor: 0.678) and 16.443% (open-circuit voltage: 0.590 V, short-circuit current density: 36.515 mA/cm{sup 2} and fill factor: 0.762) were obtained on the a-Si/c-Si heterojunction solar cell with BZO and ITO transparent electrodes, respectively. - Highlights: • Boron-doped zinc oxide films with low resistivity were fabricated. • The boron-doped zinc oxide films have the high transmittance. • B-doped ZnO film was applied in a-Si:H/c-Si solar cell as transparent electrodes. • The a-Si:H/c-Si solar cell with efficiency of 17.788% was obtained.

Boron-doped zinc oxide thin films grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition for bifacial a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunction solar cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zeng, Xiangbin; Wen, Xixing; Sun, Xiaohu; Liao, Wugang; Wen, Yangyang

2016-01-01

Boron-doped zinc oxide (BZO) films were grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The influence of B_2H_6 flow rate and substrate temperature on the microstructure, optical, and electrical properties of BZO films was investigated by X-ray diffraction spectrum, scanning electron microscope, optical transmittance spectrum, and Hall measurements. The BZO films with optical transmittance above 85% in the visible and infrared light range, resistivity of 0.9–1.0 × 10"−"3 Ω cm, mobility of 16.5–25.5 cm"2/Vs, and carrier concentration of 2.2–2.7 × 10"2"0 cm"−"3 were deposited under optimized conditions. The optimum BZO films were applied on the bifacial BZO/p-type a-Si:H/i-type a-Si:H/n-type c-Si/i-type a-Si:H/n"+-type a-Si:H/BZO heterojunction solar cell as both front and back transparent electrodes. Meanwhile, the bifacial heterojunction solar cell with indium tin oxide (ITO) as both front and back transparent electrodes was fabricated. The efficiencies of 17.788% (open-circuit voltage: 0.628 V, short-circuit current density: 41.756 mA/cm"2 and fill factor: 0.678) and 16.443% (open-circuit voltage: 0.590 V, short-circuit current density: 36.515 mA/cm"2 and fill factor: 0.762) were obtained on the a-Si/c-Si heterojunction solar cell with BZO and ITO transparent electrodes, respectively. - Highlights: • Boron-doped zinc oxide films with low resistivity were fabricated. • The boron-doped zinc oxide films have the high transmittance. • B-doped ZnO film was applied in a-Si:H/c-Si solar cell as transparent electrodes. • The a-Si:H/c-Si solar cell with efficiency of 17.788% was obtained.

Study of Al-Si Alloy Oxygen Saturation on Its Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Arkady Finkelstein

2017-07-01

Full Text Available One of the main goals of modern materials research is obtaining different microstructures and studying their influence on the mechanical properties of metals; aluminum alloys are particularly of interest due to their advanced performance. Traditionally, their required properties are obtained by alloying process, modification, or physical influence during solidification. The present work describes a saturation of the overheated AlSi7Fe1 casting alloy by oxides using oxygen blowing approach in overheated alloy. Changes in metals’ microstructural and mechanical properties are also described in the work. An Al10SiFe intermetallic complex compound was obtained as a preferable component to Al2O3 precipitation on it, and its morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the alloy after the oxygen blowing treatment are discussed in this work.

Surface modification and its role in the preparation of FeSi gradient alloys with good magnetic property and ductility

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Haiyuan; Bi, Xiaofang

2018-04-01

Realization of the effective Si penetration at a lower processing temperature is a challenge, but of significance in reducing the strict requirements for the equipment and realizing cost-cutting in production. In this work, we have modified the surface microstructure of Fe-3 wt%Si alloy by using surface mechanical attrition treatment. The modified surface microstructure is characteristic of nanocrystalline, which is found to significantly enhance the efficiency of subsequent Si penetration into the alloy, and successively leading to the decrease of penetration temperature up to 200 °C. As a consequence, the Si gradient distribution across thickness can be readily controlled by changing penetration time, and FeSi alloys with various gradients are prepared by chemical vapor deposition along with subsequent annealing process. The dependence of magnetic and mechanical properties on Si gradient for demonstrates that the increase of Si gradient reduces core losses, especially at higher frequencies, and meanwhile improves ductility of FeSi alloys as well. The mechanism underlying the effect of Si gradient is clarified by combining magnetostriction measurement and domain structure observations. This work provides a facile and effective way for achieving gradient FeSi alloys with good magnetic property and ductility.

Influence of Si addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-35Nb alloy for applications in orthopedic implants.

Science.gov (United States)

Tavares, A M G; Ramos, W S; de Blas, J C G; Lopes, E S N; Caram, R; Batista, W W; Souza, S A

2015-11-01

In the development of new materials for orthopedic implants, special attention has been given to Ti alloys that show biocompatible alloy elements and that are capable of reducing the elastic modulus. Accordingly, Ti-Nb-Si alloys show great potential for application. Thus, this is a study on the microstructures and properties of Ti-35Nb-xSi alloys (x=0, 0.15, 0.35 and 0.55) (wt%) which were thermally treated and cooled under the following conditions: furnace cooling (FC), air cooling (AC), and water quenching (WQ). The results showed that Si addition is effective to reduce the density of omega precipitates making beta more stable, and to produce grain refinement. Silicides, referred as (Ti,Nb)3Si, were formed for alloys containing 0.55% Si, and its formation presumably occurred during the heating at 1000°C. In all cooling conditions, the hardness values increased with the increasing of Si content, as a result from the strong Si solid solution strengthening effect, while the elastic modulus underwent a continuous reduction due to the reduction of omega precipitates in beta matrix. Lower elastic moduli were observed in water-quenched alloys, which concentration of 0.15% Si was more effective in their reduction, with value around 65 GPa. Regarding Ti-35Nb-xSi alloys (x=0, 0.15 and 0.35), the "double yield point" phenomenon, which is typical of alloys with shape memory effect, was observed. The increase in Si concentration also produced an increase from 382 MPa to 540 MPa in the alloys' mechanical strength. Ti-35Nb-0.55Si alloy, however, showed brittle mechanical behavior which was related to the presence of silicides at the grain boundary. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electric measurements of PV heterojunction structures a-SiC/c-Si

Science.gov (United States)

Perný, Milan; Šály, Vladimír; Janíček, František; Mikolášek, Miroslav; Váry, Michal; Huran, Jozef

2018-01-01

Due to the particular advantages of amorphous silicon or its alloys with carbon in comparison to conventional crystalline materials makes such a material still interesting for study. The amorphous silicon carbide may be used in a number of micro-mechanical and micro-electronics applications and also for photovoltaic energy conversion devices. Boron doped thin layers of amorphous silicon carbide, presented in this paper, were prepared due to the optimization process for preparation of heterojunction solar cell structure. DC and AC measurement and subsequent evaluation were carried out in order to comprehensively assess the electrical transport processes in the prepared a-SiC/c-Si structures. We have investigated the influence of methane content in deposition gas mixture and different electrode configuration.

SiNx layers on nanostructured Si solar cells: Effective for optical absorption and carrier collection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cho, Yunae; Kim, Eunah; Gwon, Minji; Kim, Dong-Wook; Park, Hyeong-Ho; Kim, Joondong

2015-01-01

We compared nanopatterned Si solar cells with and without SiN x layers. The SiN x layer coating significantly improved the internal quantum efficiency of the nanopatterned cells at long wavelengths as well as short wavelengths, whereas the surface passivation helped carrier collection of flat cells mainly at short wavelengths. The surface nanostructured array enhanced the optical absorption and also concentrated incoming light near the surface in broad wavelength range. Resulting high density of the photo-excited carriers near the surface could lead to significant recombination loss and the SiN x layer played a crucial role in the improved carrier collection of the nanostructured solar cells

Metallurgical Parameters Controlling the Eutectic Silicon Charateristics in Be-Treated Al-Si-Mg Alloys

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohamed F. Ibrahim

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The present work was carried out on Al-7%Si-0.4%Mg-X alloy (where X = Mg, Fe, Sr or Be, where the effect of solidification rate on the eutectic silicon characteristics was investigated. Two solidification rates corresponding to dendrite arm spacings (DAS of 24 and 65 μm were employed. Samples with 24 μm DAS were solution heat-treated at 540 °C for 5 and 12 h prior to quenching in warm water at 65 °C. Eutectic Si particle charateristics were measured using an image analyzer. The results show that the addition of 0.05% Be leads to partial modification of the Si particles. Full modification was only obtained when Sr was added in an amount of 150–200 ppm, depending on the applied solidification rate. Increasing the amount of Mg to 0.8% in Sr-modified alloys leads to a reduction in the effectiveness of Sr as the main modifier. Similar observations were made when the Fe content was increased in Be-treated alloys due to the Be-Fe interaction. Over-modification results in the precipitation of hard Sr-rich particles, mainly Al4SrSi2, whereas overheating causes incipient melting of the Al-Cu eutectic and hence the surrounding matrix. Both factors lead to a deterioration in the alloy mechanical properties. Furthermore, the presence of long, acicular Si particles accelerates the occurrence of fracture and, as a result, yields poor ductility. In low iron (less than 0.1 wt% Al-Si-Mg alloys, the mechanical properties in the as cast, as well as heat treated conditions, are mainly controlled by the eutectic Si charatersitics. Increasing the iron content and, hence, the volume fraction of Fe-based intermetallics leads to a complex fracture mode.

In search of zero thermal expansion anisotropy in Mo{sub 5}Si{sub 3} by strategic alloying

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dharmawardhana, C.C., E-mail: ccdxz8@mail.umkc.edu; Sakidja, R., E-mail: sakidjar@umkc.edu; Aryal, S.; Ching, W.Y.

2015-01-25

Highlights: • For the first time, theoretical prediction of achieving isotropic thermal expansion anisotropy (TEA) for T1 phase Mo{sub 5}Si{sub 3} by alloying with a mere 17.5% Al substitution on the Si sites. Most effective alloying proposed for the said system up to date. • The theoretical approach is verified by simulating the experimentally observed unusual TEA behaviour for (Mo,V){sub 5}Si{sub 3} alloys as a function of percent alloying. • The 2nd order and 3rd order elastic constants we explain the origin of the TEA in T1 phase for Mo{sub 5}Si{sub 3} system and how Al effect in reducing the TEA. • We use directional dependent phonon density of state, a novel approach, to identify the origin of the anisotropy and show this method of analysis could be used for other intermetallic alloys as well. - Abstract: Reducing the thermal expansion anisotropy (TEA) of alloy compounds is one of the most important issues for their potential applications in high temperature environment. The Mo{sub 5}Si{sub 3} (T1 phase) is known to be an important intermetallic compound with high melting temperature. Unfortunately, its large TEA renders it unsuitable for high temperature structural/coating applications. Many attempts have been made in the past to reduce TEA by substituting Mo by other transition metal ions such as V with little success and some unexpected observations. Here we use accurate ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations to obtain the TEA from thermal expansion coefficients for two T1 phase alloy systems (Mo,V){sub 5}Si{sub 3} and Mo{sub 5}(Si,Al){sub 3}. We demonstrate that strategic alloying with Al substituting Si can achieve zero TEA for T1 phase. The microscopic origin of this outstanding thermomechanical properties in this alloy is explained by the calculation of higher order elastic constants in conjunction with atom and direction-resolved phonon density of states.

Effects of Ti addition and heat treatments on mechanical and electrical properties of Cu-Ni-Si alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Hyung Giun; Lee, Taeg Woo; Kim, Sang Min; Han, Seung Zeon; Euh, Kwangjun; Kim, Won Yong; Lim, Sung Hwan

2013-01-01

The mechanical and electrical properties of Cu-5.98Ni-1.43Si and Cu-5.98Ni-1.29Si-0.24Ti alloys under heat treatment at 400 and 500 °C after hot- and cold-rolling were investigated, and a microstructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy was performed. Cu-5.98Ni-1.29Si-0.24Ti alloy displayed the combined Vickers hardness/electrical conductivity value of 315.9 Hv/57.1%IACS. This was attributed to a decrease of the solution solubility of Ni and Si in the Cu matrix by the formation of smaller and denser δ-Ni2Si precipitates. Meanwhile, the alloyed Ti was detected in the coarse Ni-Si-Ti phase particles, along with other large Ni-Si phase particles, in Cu-5.98Ni-1.29Si-0.24Ti.

Effect of Rare Earth Metals on the Microstructure of Al-Si Based Alloys

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Saleh A. Alkahtani

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The present study was performed on A356 alloy [Al-7 wt %Si 0.0.35 wt %Mg]. To that La and Ce were added individually or combined up to 1.5 wt % each. The results show that these rare earth elements affect only the alloy melting temperature with no marked change in the temperature of Al-Si eutectic precipitation. Additionally, rare earth metals have no modification effect up to 1.5 wt %. In addition, La and Ce tend to react with Sr leading to modification degradation. In order to achieve noticeable modification of eutectic Si particles, the concentration of rare earth metals should exceed 1.5 wt %, which simultaneously results in the precipitation of a fairly large volume fraction of insoluble intermetallics. The precipitation of these complex intermetallics is expected to have a negative effect on the alloy performance.

Enhanced blue responses in nanostructured Si solar cells by shallow doping

Science.gov (United States)

Cheon, Sieun; Jeong, Doo Seok; Park, Jong-Keuk; Kim, Won Mok; Lee, Taek Sung; Lee, Heon; Kim, Inho

2018-03-01

Optimally designed Si nanostructures are very effective for light trapping in crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. However, when the lateral feature size of Si nanostructures is comparable to the junction depth of the emitter, dopant diffusion in the lateral direction leads to excessive doping in the nanostructured emitter whereby poor blue responses arise in the external quantum efficiency (EQE). The primary goal of this study is to find the correlation of emitter junction depth and carrier collection efficiency in nanostructured c-Si solar cells in order to enhance the blue responses. We prepared Si nanostructures of nanocone shape by colloidal lithography, with silica beads of 520 nm in diameter, followed by a reactive ion etching process. c-Si solar cells with a standard cell architecture of an Al back surface field were fabricated varying the emitter junction depth. We varied the emitter junction depth by adjusting the doping level from heavy doping to moderate doping to light doping and achieved greatly enhanced blue responses in EQE from 47%-92% at a wavelength of 400 nm. The junction depth analysis by secondary ion mass-spectroscopy profiling and the scanning electron microscopy measurements provided us with the design guide of the doping level depending on the nanostructure feature size for high efficiency nanostructured c-Si solar cells. Optical simulations showed us that Si nanostructures can serve as an optical resonator to amplify the incident light field, which needs to be considered in the design of nanostructured c-Si solar cells.

Optimization of Squeeze Parameters and Modification of AlSi7Mg Alloy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zyska A.

2013-06-01

Full Text Available The paper present the examination results concerning mechanical properties of castings made of AlSi7MG alloy in correlation both with the most significant squeeze casting parameters and with the modification treatment. Experiments were planned and held according to the 23 factorial design. The regression equations describing the influence of the squeeze pressure, the mould temperature, and the quantity of strontium modifier on the strength and elongation of the examined alloy were obtained. It was found that the main factor controlling the strength increase is the squeeze pressure, while the plasticity (A5 of the alloy is affected most advantageously by modification. The application of modification treatment in squeeze casting technology enables for production of the slab-type castings made of AlSi7Mg alloy exhibiting strength at the level of 230 MPa and elongation exceeding 14%.

FINEMET type alloy without Si: Structural and magnetic properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Muraca, D.; Cremaschi, V.; Moya, J.; Sirkin, H.

2008-01-01

Magnetic and structural properties of a Finemet type alloy (Fe 73.5 Ge 15.5 Nb 3 B 7 Cu 1 ) without Si and high Ge content were studied. Amorphous material was obtained by the melt spinning technique and was heat treated at different temperatures for 1 h under high vacuum to induce the nanocrystallization of the sample. The softest magnetic properties were obtained between 673 and 873 K. The role of Ge on the ferromagnetic paramagnetic transition of the as-quenched alloys and its influence on the crystallization process were studied using a calorimetric technique. Moessbauer spectroscopy was employed in the nanocrystallized alloy annealed at 823 K to obtain the composition of the nanocrystals and the amorphous phase fraction. Using this data and magnetic measurements of the as-quenched alloy, the magnetic contribution of nanocrystals to the alloy annealed at 823 K was estimated via a linear model

Moessbauer study of isothermally annealed amorphous Fe-Nb-Cu-Si-B alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sitek, J.; Toth, I.; Miglierini, M.

1993-01-01

Amorphous ribbons of Fe 73.5 Nb 3 Cu 1 Si 13.5 B 9 have been annealed above the crystallization temperature. Annealed samples consisted of crystalline and amorphous phases in a wide temperature range. Two samples of different thicknesses of 33 μm and 27 μm were isothermally annealed at a temperature of 545 C from 0.5 to 5 h in a vacuum furnace. The amount of crystalline phase increases rapidly in the ticker sample. The crystalline part of the Moessbauer spectrum consists of four sharp sextets which can be assigned to a DO 3 -structure FeSi alloy. After 700 C annealing the amorphous phase was not observed and the crystalline phase consisted of the DO 3 -structure FeSi alloy, paramagnetic FeNbB and presumably Fe 23 B 6 and Fe 3 SiB 2 . (orig.)

Microstructural characteristics and aging response of Zn-containing Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy

Science.gov (United States)

Cai, Yuan-hua; Wang, Cong; Zhang, Ji-shan

2013-07-01

Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys with and without Zn addition were fabricated by conventional ingot metallurgy method. The microstructures and properties were investigated using optical microscopy (OM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), tensile test, hardness test, and electrical conductivity measurement. It is found that the as-cast Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Zn alloy is composed of coarse dendritic grains, long needle-like β/δ-AlFeSi white intermetallics, and Chinese script-like α-AlFeSi compounds. During high temperature homogenization treatment, only harmful needle-like β-AlFeSi phase undergoes fragmentation and spheroidizing at its tips, and the destructive needle-like δ-phase does not show any morphological and size changes. Phase transitions from β-AlFeSi to α-AlFeSi and from δ-AlFeSi to β-AlFeSi are also not found. Zn addition improves the aging hardening response during the former aging stage and postpones the peak-aged hardness to a long aging time. In T4 condition, Zn addition does not obviously increase the yield strength and decrease the elongation, but it markedly improves paint-bake hardening response during paint-bake cycle. The addition of 0.5wt% Zn can lead to an increment of 99 MPa in yield strength compared with the value of 69 MPa for the alloy without Zn after paint-bake cycle.

Extended x-ray absorption fine structure studies of amorphous and crystalline Si-Ge alloys with synchrotron radiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kajiyama, Hiroshi

1988-01-01

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) is a powerful probe to study the local structure around the atom of a specific element. In conventional EXAFS analysis, it has been known that reliable structures are obtained with the different values of absorption edge energy for different neighboring atoms. It is shown in this study that the Ge-K edge EXAFS resulting from the Ge-Ge and Ge-Si bonds in hydrogenated amorphous Si-Ge alloys was able to be excellently explained by a unique absorption edge energy value, provided that a newly developed formula based on the spherical wave function of photoelectrons is used. The microscopic structures of hydrogenated amorphous Si-Ge alloys and crystalline Si-Ge alloys have been determined using the EXAFS method. The lengths of Ge-Ge and Ge-Si bonds were constant throughout their entire composition range, and it was found that the length of Ge-Si bond was close to the average value of the bond lengths of both Ge and Si crystals. In crystalline Si-Ge alloys, it has been shown that the bonds relaxed completely, while the lattice constant varied monotonously with the composition. (Kako, I.)

Phase Evolution and Mechanical Properties of AlCoCrFeNiSi x High-Entropy Alloys Synthesized by Mechanical Alloying and Spark Plasma Sintering

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, Anil; Swarnakar, Akhilesh Kumar; Chopkar, Manoj

2018-05-01

In the current investigation, AlCoCrFeNiSi x (x = 0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 in atomic ratio) high-entropy alloy systems are prepared by mechanical alloying and subsequently consolidated by spark plasma sintering. The microstructural and mechanical properties were analyzed to understand the effect of Si addition in AlCoCrFeNi alloy. The x-ray diffraction analysis reveals the supersaturated solid solution of the body-centered cubic structure after 20 h of ball milling. However, the consolidation promotes the transformation of body-centered phases partially into the face-centered cubic structure and sigma phases. A recently proposed geometric model based on the atomic stress theory has been extended for the first time to classify single phase and multi-phases on the high-entropy alloys prepared by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering process. Improved microhardness and better wear resistance were achieved as the Si content increased from 0 to 0.9 in the present high-entropy alloy.

Lattice dynamics of Ru2FeX (X = Si, Ge) Full Heusler alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Rizwan, M.; Afaq, A.; Aneeza, A.

2018-05-01

In present work, the lattice dynamics of Ru2FeX (X = Si, Ge) full Heusler alloys are investigated using density functional theory (DFT) within generalized gradient approximation (GGA) in a plane wave basis, with norm-conserving pseudopotentials. Phonon dispersion curves and phonon density of states are obtained using first-principles linear response approach of density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) as implemented in Quantum ESPRESSO code. Phonon dispersion curves indicates for both Heusler alloys that there is no imaginary phonon in whole Brillouin zone, confirming dynamical stability of these alloys in L21 type structure. There is a considerable overlapping between acoustic and optical phonon modes predicting no phonon band gap exists in dispersion curves of alloys. The same result is shown by phonon density of states curves for both Heusler alloys. Reststrahlen band for Ru2FeSi is found smaller than Ru2FeGe.

Four-branched compounds coupled Si and iron-rich intermetallics in near eutectic Al-Si alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, Yuying; Liu, Xiangfa; Jiang, Binggang; Bian, Xiufang

2007-01-01

Many four-branched compounds coupled Si and iron-rich intermetallics were observed in near eutectic Al-Si alloy modified with Al-P master alloy. Such four-branched compounds have never been reported before, but in our case it seems to be commonly observed. In this work the growth characterization of the four-branched compounds are scrutinized with a JXA-8800 electron microprobe (EPMA). More deep study of the formation of four-branched compounds is performed by SEM and TEM analysis. The characterization of the four-branched compounds is that of a primary silicon in the center with four iron-rich intermetallics around. Experimental results also show that the precipitation of primary silicon is the key factor for the formation of four-branched compounds. And WHS-theory explains the growth mechanism of the four-branched compounds. In detail, subsequent twinning within the primary silicon provides four-fold coordination sites on the surface, and then the α-Al(Fe,Mn)-Si phase nucleates on the surface of the primary silicon

Precipitation processes in DC-cast AlMn(Fe,Si) alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Voeroes, G.; Kovacs, I.

1990-01-01

The precipitation processes in DC cast Al-Mn alloys were investigated by electrical resistivity measurements. It was obtained that the addition of Fe or Fe and Si influences basically the precipitation of Mn. In pure Al-Mn alloys a phase transition like behaviour was observed at about 550 degC, which can be related to the formation of two different precipitate particles below and above this temperature

The influence of Mg/Si ratio on the negative natural aging effect in Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tao, G.H.; Liu, C.H.; Chen, J.H.; Lai, Y.X.; Ma, P.P.; Liu, L.M.

2015-01-01

The effects of natural aging (NA) on subsequent artificial aging (AA) at 180 °C in Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloys with varied Mg/Si ratios (0.5, 1 and 2) were systematically studied by Vickers micro-hardness measurements, differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The alloy with large Mg/Si ratio possesses a significant negative NA effect on the maximum hardness achieved during AA preceded by an extended NA, while the alloy with small Mg/Si ratio shows a negligible negative NA effect. Though few lath-like Q''/L precipitates exist, needle-like β'' precipitates are the primary hardening precipitates in all the peak-aged alloys. The negative NA effect is demonstrated to be determined by precipitate coarsening, which is manifested microscopically as the broader precipitate length distributions (PLD) and shift of PLD toward larger length range, in AA with the prolonging of NA. Our results suggest the nature of NA clusters is quite different in Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy varying in Mg/Si ratio. Only a small fraction of NA clusters in alloy with large Mg/Si ratio are stable and could induce preferential growth of precipitates to be considerably coarsened during AA. A large fraction of stable NA clusters in alloy with low Mg/Si ratio lead to synchronous growth of β'' precipitates, thus restricting the preferential growth

Effects of minor Si on microstructures and room temperature fracture toughness of niobium solid solution alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kong, Bin, E-mail: kongbin@buaa.edu.cn; Jia, Lina, E-mail: jialina@buaa.edu.cn; Su, Linfen, E-mail: sulinfen@mse.buaa.edu.cn; Guan, Kai, E-mail: guankai@mse.buaa.edu.cn; Weng, Junfei, E-mail: wengjf@mse.buaa.edu.cn; Zhang, Hu, E-mail: zhanghu@buaa.edu.cn

2015-07-15

Controlling the elements content in the niobium solid solution (Nb{sub SS}) is significant for the better comprehensive performance of Nb-silicide-based alloys. In this paper, the effects of minor Si on the microstructures and room temperature fracture toughness of Nb–(0/0.5/1/2)Si–27.63Ti–12.92Cr–2.07Al–1.12Hf (at%, unless stated otherwise) solid solution alloys were investigated. The alloys were processed by vacuum arc-casting (AC), and then heat treated (HT) at 1425 °C for 10 h. In HT alloys, Nb{sub SS} grains are refined gradually with the increase of Si content. Meanwhile, the volume fraction of Cr{sub 2}Nb and silicides phases precipitates increases. The fracture toughness of HT alloys decreases at first but then increases in the range of 0 to 2% Si, because it is a combinatorial process of positive and negative effects caused by the addition of Si. The refinement of Nb{sub SS} grains displays positive effect on fracture toughness, while the increase of solid solubility of Si in Nb{sub SS} and brittle Cr{sub 2}Nb and Nb-silicides precipitate phases display negative effect.

InGaP solar cell on Ge-on-Si virtual substrate for novel solar power conversion

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, T. W.; Albert, B. R.; Kimerling, L. C.; Michel, J.

2018-02-01

InGaP single-junction solar cells are grown on lattice-matched Ge-on-Si virtual substrates using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. Optoelectronic simulation results indicate that the optimal collection length for InGaP single-junction solar cells with a carrier lifetime range of 2-5 ns is wider than approximately 1 μm. Electron beam-induced current measurements reveal that the threading dislocation density (TDD) of InGaP solar cells fabricated on Ge and Ge-on-Si substrates is in the range of 104-3 × 107 cm-2. We demonstrate that the open circuit voltage (Voc) of InGaP solar cells is not significantly influenced by TDDs less than 2 × 106 cm-2. Fabricated InGaP solar cells grown on a Ge-on-Si virtual substrate and a Ge substrate exhibit Voc in the range of 0.96 to 1.43 V under an equivalent illumination in the range of ˜0.5 Sun. The estimated efficiency of the InGaP solar cell fabricated on the Ge-on-Si virtual substrate (Ge substrate) at room temperature for the limited incident spectrum spanning the photon energy range of 1.9-2.4 eV varies from 16.6% to 34.3%.

Hyperfine-field distribution in Fe3Si/sub 1-x/Al/sub x/ alloys and a theoretical interpretation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Burch, T.J.; Raj, K.; Jena, P.; Budnick, J.I.; Niculescu, V.; Muir, W.B.

1979-01-01

In Fe 3 Si/sub 1-x/Al/sub x/ alloys with small x the Si and Al nuclear magnetic resonances are 31.5 and 16.1 MHz, respectively. The concentration dependences of the frequencies of these resonances are linear, the Si resonance shifting to lower frequencies, the Al resonance to higher frequencies. Both the magnitudes and concentration dependences of the Si and Al internal fields are in agreement with the predictions of a simple model which Jena and Geldart, following the approach of Daniel and Friedel, have found successful in calculating the fields of sp elements in Heusler alloys. A positive sign is predicted for the Si internal field, and a negative sign for the Al field. Magnetization and lattice-parameter data required for the comparison of experiment and theory are also reported