Influence of bismuth on the age-hardening and corrosion behaviour of low-antimony lead alloys in lead/acid battery systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lam, L.T. [CSIRO, Div. of Mineral Products, Port Melbourne, VIC (Australia); Huynh, T.D. [CSIRO, Div. of Mineral Products, Port Melbourne, VIC (Australia); Haigh, N.P. [CSIRO, Div. of Mineral Products, Port Melbourne, VIC (Australia); Douglas, J.D. [CSIRO, Div. of Mineral Products, Port Melbourne, VIC (Australia); Rand, D.A.J. [CSIRO, Div. of Mineral Products, Port Melbourne, VIC (Australia); Lakshmi, C.S. [Pasminco Research Centre, Boolaroo, NSW (Australia); Hollingsworth, P.A. [Pasminco Research Centre, Boolaroo, NSW (Australia); See, J.B. [Pasminco Research Centre, Boolaroo, NSW (Australia); Manders, J. [Pasminco Ltd., Melbourne, VIC (Australia); Rice, D.M. [Pasminco Ltd., Melbourne, VIC (Australia)

1995-01-01

The effects of bismuth additions in the range 0.006-0.086 wt.% on the metallurgical and electrochemical properties of Pb-1.5 wt.% Sb alloy are investigated. The self-discharge behaviour of batteries produced with grids of the doped alloys is also evaluated. Addition of bismuth is found to exert no significant effects on the age-hardening behaviour, general microstructure or grain size of the alloy. It does, however, influence the morphology of the eutectic in the inter-dendritic regions. The latter changes from a mainly lamellar to an irregular type with increasing bismuth content. The corrosion rate of the grid decreases with increase of the bismuth content. Attack occurs preferentially in the inter-dendritic regions where there is an enrichment of both antimony and bismuth. Electron-probe microanalysis shows that the corrosion zone consists of a tri-layered structure, namely: a dense, continuous, inner layer (PbO{sub 1.1}); a central layer (PbO{sub 1.8}.PbSO{sub 4}); a porous outer layer n(PbO{sub 1.8}).PbSO{sub 4}, with n=2-8. In the latter, the value of n increases in the direction of corrosive penetration into the grid. Data from atomic absorption spectrometric analysis reveal that bismuth, after oxidative leaching from the grid substrate, is retained mainly in the corrosion layer. A key observation is that bismuth (i.e., up to {approx}0.09 wt.%) does not affect the self-discharge behaviour of batteries. (orig.)

Oxide layer stability in lead-bismuth at high temperature

Science.gov (United States)

Martín, F. J.; Soler, L.; Hernández, F.; Gómez-Briceño, D.

2004-11-01

Materials protection by 'in situ' oxidation has been studied in stagnant lead-bismuth, with different oxygen levels (H 2/H 2O ratios of 0.3 and 0.03), at temperatures from 535 °C to 600 °C and times from 100 to 3000 h. The materials tested were the martensitic steels F82Hmod, EM10 and T91 and the austenitic stainless steels, AISI 316L and AISI 304L. The results obtained point to the existence of an apparent threshold temperature above which corrosion occurs and the formation of a protective and stable oxide layer is not possible. This threshold temperature depends on material composition, oxygen concentration in the liquid lead-bismuth and time. The threshold temperature is higher for the austenitic steels, especially for the AISI 304L, and it increases with the oxygen concentration in the lead-bismuth. The oxide layer formed disappear with time and, after 3000 h all the materials, except AISI 304L, suffer corrosion, more severe for the martensitic steels and at the highest temperature tested.

Parameters promoting liquid metal embrittlement of the T91 steel in lead-bismuth eutectic alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Proriol Serre, I.; Ye, C.; Vogt, J.B.

2015-01-01

The use of liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) as a spallation target and a coolant in accelerator-driven systems raises the question of the reliability of structural materials, such as T91 martensitic steel in terms of liquid metal assisted damage and corrosion. In this study, the mechanical behaviour of the T91 martensitic steel was examined in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) and in inert atmosphere. Several conditions showed the most sensitive embrittlement factor. The Small Punch Test technique was employed using smooth specimens. In this standard heat treatment, T91 appeared in general as a ductile material, and became brittle in the considered conditions if the test was performed in LBE. It turns out that the loading rate appeared as a critical parameter for the occurrence of liquid metal embrittlement (LME) of the T91 steel in LBE. Loading the T91 very slowly instead of rapidly in oxygen saturated LBE resulted in brittle fracture. Furthermore, low-oxygen content in LBE and an increase in temperature promote LME. (authors)

Study on corrosion test techniques in lead bismuth eutectic flow. Joint research report in JFY2002

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takahashi, Minoru; Sekimoto, Hiroshi

2003-03-01

The evaluation of corrosion behaviors of core and structural materials in lead bismuth eutectic is one of the key issues for the utilization of lead bismuth eutectic as a coolant of the primary loops of lead bismuth cooled fast breeder reactors (FBRs) and the intermediate heat transport media of new-type steam generators of the sodium cooled FBRs. The purpose of the present study is to establish corrosion test techniques in lead bismuth eutectic flow. The techniques of steel corrosion test and oxygen control in flowing lead bismuth eutectic, and the technologies of a lead bismuth flow test at high temperature and high velocity were developed through corrosion test using a lead bismuth flow test loop of the Tokyo Institute of Technology in JFY2002. The major results are summarized as follows: (1) Techniques of fabrication, mount and rinse of corrosion specimens, measurement method of weight loss, and SEM/EDX analysis method have been established through lead bismuth corrosion test. (2) Weight losses were measured, corrosion and lead bismuth-adhered layers and eroded parts were observed in two 1000 hr-corrosion tests, and the results were compared with each other for twelve existing steels including ODS, F82H and SUH-3. (3) An oxygen sensor made of zirconia electrolyte structurally resistant to thermal stress and thermal shock was developed and tested in the lead bismuth flow loop. Good performance has been obtained. (4) An oxygen control method by injecting argon and hydrogen mixture gas containing steam into lead bismuth was applied to the lead bismuth flow loop, and technical issues for the development of the oxygen control method were extracted. (5) Technical measures for freezing and leakage of lead bismuth in the flow loop were accumulated. (6) Technical measures for flow rate decrease/blockage due to precipitation of oxide and corrosion products in a low temperature section of the lead bismuth flow loop were accumulated. (7) Electromagnetic flow meters with MI

Liquid Lead-Bismuth Materials Test Loop

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tcharnotskaia, Valentina; Ammerman, Curtt; Darling, Timothy; King, Joe; Li, Ning; Shaw, Don; Snodgrass, Leon; Woloshun, Keith

2002-01-01

We designed and built the Liquid Lead-Bismuth Materials Test Loop (MTL) to study the materials behavior in a flow of molten lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE). In this paper we present a description of the loop with main components and their functions. Stress distribution in the piping due to sustained, occasional and expansion loads is shown. The loop is designed so that a difference of 100 deg. C can be attained between the coldest and the hottest parts at a nominal flow rate of 8.84 GPM. Liquid LBE flow can be activated by a mechanical sump pump or by natural convection. In order to maintain a self-healing protective film on the surface of the stainless steel pipe, a certain concentration of oxygen has to be maintained in the liquid metal. We developed oxygen sensors and an oxygen control system to be implemented in the loop. The loop is outfitted with a variety of instruments that are controlled from a computer based data acquisition system. Initial experiments include preconditioning the loop, filling it up with LBE, running at uniform temperature and tuning the oxygen control system. We will present some preliminary results and discuss plans for the future tests. (authors)

Studies of corrosion resistance of Japanese steels in liquid lead-bismuth

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kamata, Kin-ya; Ono, Hiroshi; Kitano, Teruaki; Ono, Mikinori

2003-01-01

Liquid lead-bismuth has attractive characteristics as a coolant in future fast reactors and Accelerator Driven Sub-critical Systems (ADS) applications. The corrosion behavior of structural materials in lead-bismuth eutectic is one of key problems in developing nuclear power plants and installations using lead-bismuth coolant. Our experiences with heat exchangers using liquid lead-bismuth and the results of corrosion tests of Japanese steels are reported in this paper. A series of corrosion tests was carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Physics and Power Engineering (IPPE). Test specimens of various Japanese steels were exposed in a non-isothermal forced circulation loop. The influence of maximum temperature and oxygen content in lead bismuth were chosen for study as the primary causes of corrosion in Japanese steels. After the corrosion tests, corrosion behavior was analyzed by visual inspection, measurement of weight loss and metallurgical examination of the microstructure of the corroded zone. The corrosion mechanism in liquid lead bismuth is discussed on the basis of the metallurgical examination of the corroded zone. (author)

Oxygen sensor development and low temperature corrosion study in lead-alloy coolant loop

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hwang, Il Soon; Bahn, Chi Bum; Lee, Seung Gi; Jeong, Seung Ho; Nam, Hyo On; Lim, Jun

2007-07-01

Oxygen sensor to measure dissolved oxygen concentration at liquid lead-bismuth eutectic environments have been developed. Developed oxygen sensor for application in lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) system was based on the oxygen ion conductor made of YSZ ceramic having Bi/Bi2O3 reference joined by electro-magnetic swaging. Leakage problem, which was major problem of existing sensors, can be solved by using electro-magnetic swaging method. A new calibration strategy combining the oxygen titration with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was performed to increase the reliability of sensor. Another calibration was also conducted by controlling the oxygen concentration using OCS (oxygen control system). Materials corrosion tests of various metals (SS316, EP823, T91 and HT9) were conducted for up to 1,000 hours with specimen inspection after every 333hours at 450 .deg. C in HELIOS. Oxygen concentration was controlled at 10 -6 wt% by using the direct gas bubbling of Ar+4%H 2 , Ar+5%O 2 and pure Ar. The dissolved oxygen concentration in LBE was also monitored by two calibrated YSZ oxygen sensors located at different places under different temperatures within HELIOS. It shows a good performance during 1000 hours. Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) test of SS316L specimen in the LBE was performed at various temperature and strain rate. The result shows that the liquid metal embrittlement effect is not crucial at tested conditions

Extraction of lanthanide elements and bismuth in molten lithium chloride-liquid bismuth-lithium alloy system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Harada, Makoto; Adachi, Motonari; Kai, Yuichi; Koike, Kenichi

1987-01-01

The equilibrium distributions of neodymium and samarium between molten LiCl and liquid Bi-Li alloy were measured in a wide range of Li-mole fraction in the alloy phase, X Li . These lanthanide elements were extracted through redox reactions. In high X Li range, X Li > 0.03, the distributions of neodymium and bismuth in the salt phase increased markedly. The anomalous increase is attributed to the formation of the compound comprized of Nd, Li, Bi and oxygen in the salt phase. The reaction processes in samarium and neodymium were very fast and the extraction rates are controlled by the diffusion processes of the solutes and metallic lithium. (author)

Basic principles of lead and lead-bismuth eutectic application in blanket of fusion reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beznosov, A.V.; Pinaev, S.S.; Muraviev, E.V.; Romanov, P.V.

2005-01-01

High magnetohydrodynamic pressure drop is an important issue for liquid metal blanket concepts. To decrease magnetohydrodynamic resistance authors propose to form insulating coatings on internal surface of blanket ducts at any moment of fusion reactor exploitation. It may be achieved easily if lead or lead-bismuth eutectic is used and technology of oxidative potential handling is applied. A number of experiments carried out in NNSTU show the availability of the proposed technology. It bases on formation of the insulating coatings that consist of the oxides of components of the structural materials and of the coolant components. In-situ value of the insulating coatings characteristics ρδ is ∼ 10 -5 Ohm·m 2 for steels and 5,0x10 -6 - 5,0x10 -5 Ohm·m 2 for vanadium alloys. Thermal cycling is possible during exploitation of a blanket. The experimental research of the insulating coatings properties during thermal cycling have shown that the coatings formed into the lead and lead-bismuth coolants save there insulating properties. Experience of many years is an undoubted advantage of the lead-bismuth coolant and less of the lead coolant in comparison with lithium. Russian Federation possesses of experience of exploitation of the research and industrial facilities, of experience of creation of the pumps, steamgenerators and equipment with heavy liquid metal coolants. The unique experience of designing, assembling and exploitation of the fission reactors with lead-bismuth coolant is also available. The problem of technology of lead and lead-bismuth coolants for power high temperature radioactive facilities has been solved. Accidents, emergency situations such as leakage of steamgenerators or depressurization of gas system in facilities with lead and lead-bismuth coolants have been explored and suppressed. (author)

Kinetic of the Oxygen Control System (OCS) for stagnant lead-bismuth systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lefhalm, C.H.; Knebel, J.U.; Mack, K.J.

2001-09-01

Within the framework of the HGF strategy fund project 99/16 ''Thermalhydraulic and Material Specific Investigations into the Realization of an accelerator driven system (ADS) to Transmute Minor Actinides'' at the institute for nuclear and energy technology (IKET) investigations on the cooling of thermally high-loaded surfaces with liquid lead bismuth (Pb-Bi) are carried out. To operate a Pb-Bi loop safety, for example in order to cool a spallation target or a blanket of an accelerator driven system (ADS), the control of the oxygen concentration within the liquid metal is an inalienable prerequisite to prevent or minimize corrosion at the structure material. In this report the kinetic behaviour of the oxygen control system (OCS), which was developed at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, is examined. The OCS controls the chemical potential of oxygen in the liquid metal by regulating the oxygen content in the gas phase which flows over the free surface of the liquid metal. In this work the experimental facility KOCOS (kinetics of oxygen control system) in the karlsruhe lead laboratory (KALLA) was built. A physical diffusion model was utilised and extended to describe the exchange of oxygen between the gas and the liquid metal. The theoretical calculations are in very good agreement to the experimental findings. The OCS allows to control reversibly the oxygen concentration in the liquid metal. According to the observed kinetics of the process one can extrapolate that the control of large volumes, as they are necessary to operate an ADS demonstrator, is possible. Therefore, further experiments in liquid metal loop systems are suggested. (orig.)

Comparative assessment of thermophysical and thermohydraulic characteristics of lead, lead-bismuth and sodium coolants for fast reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002-06-01

All prototype, demonstration and commercial liquid metal cooled fast reactors (LMFRs) have used liquid sodium as a coolant. Sodium cooled systems, operating at low pressure, are characterised by very large thermal margins relative to the coolant boiling temperature and a very low structural material corrosion rate. In spite of the negligible thermal energy stored in the liquid sodium available for release in case of leakage, there is some safety concern because of its chemical reactivity with respect to air and water. Lead, lead-bismuth or other alloys of lead, appear to eliminate these concerns because the chemical reactivity of these coolants with respect to air and water is very low. Some experts believe that conceptually, these systems could be attractive if high corrosion activity inherent in lead, long term materials compatibility and other problems will be resolved. Extensive research and development work is required to meet this goal. Preliminary studies on lead-bismuth and lead cooled reactors and ADS (accelerator driven systems) have been initiated in France, Japan, the United States of America, Italy, and other countries. Considerable experience has been gained in the Russian Federation in the course of development and operation of reactors cooled with lead-bismuth eutectic, in particular, propulsion reactors. Studies on lead cooled fast reactors are also under way in this country. The need to exchange information on alternative fast reactor coolants was a major consideration in the recommendation by the Technical Working Group on Fast Reactors (TWGFRs) to collect, review and document the information on lead and lead-bismuth alloy coolants: technology, thermohydraulics, physical and chemical properties, as well as to make an assessment and comparison with respective sodium characteristics

MEXICO loop provides essential technology for MYRRHA. SCK•CEN investigates the chemistry of lead-bismuth

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2014-01-01

In the MYRRHA facility, Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) alloy will act as the primary coolant. There are different experimental lead-bismuth loops in the world. Most have been designed to study steel corrosion in LBE or the thermohydraulics of LBE. The article discusses the MEXICO test loop, which has been developed by SCK-CEN to investigate the chemistry of leadbismuth.

MES lead bismuth forced circulation loop and test results

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ono, Mikinori; Mine, Tatsuya; Kitano, Teruaki; Kamata, Kin-ya

2003-01-01

Liquid lead-bismuth is a promising material as future reactor coolant or intensive neutron source material for accelerator driven system (ADS). Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MES) completed lead-bismuth coolant (LBC) forced circulation loop in May 2001 and acquired engineering data on economizer, electro magnetic pump, electro magnetic flow meter and so on. For quality control of LBC, oxygen sensor and filtering element are developing using some hydrogen and moisture mixed gases. Structural materials corrosion test for accelerator driver system (ADS) will start soon. And thermal hydraulic test for ADS will start in tree years. (author)

Oxygen depletion of bismuth molybdates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yong, L.K.; Howe, R.F.; Keulks, G.W.; Hall, W.K.

1978-05-01

Pure ..cap alpha..-phase bismuth molybdate (Bi/sub 2/Mo/sub 3/O/sub 12/), which is known to be weakly active for selective oxidation, and pure ..gamma..-phase bismuth molybdate (Bi/sub 2/MoO/sub 6/), which has good activity, were subjected to oxidation-reduction cycles with known amounts of hydrogen and oxygen, at 300/sup 0/-570/sup 0/C and with evacuation steps between treatments. The volume of oxygen consumed during reoxidation was equal to half the hydrogen consumed during the reduction on the ..cap alpha..-phase, which indicated that no hydrogen was retained during reduction. For the ..gamma..-phase, the oxygen consumption was greater than half of the hydrogen consumption and it increased with extent of reduction. The excess oxygen was apparently consumed by filling anion vacancies formed during outgassing subsequent to the reduction step. ESR spectroscopy and temperature-programed oxidation-reduction indicated that lattice oxide ions which bridge between bismuth and molybdenum layers of the koechlinite structure become more labile when the catalyst is in a partially reduced state, and that this effect is greater in the ..gamma..- than the ..cap alpha..-phase. Table and 15 references.

Preparation of nickel-based amorphous alloys with finely dispersed lead and lead-bismuth particles and their superconducting properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Inoue, A.; Oguchi, M.; Harakawa, Y.; Masumoto, T.; Matsuzaki, K.

1986-01-01

The application of the melt-quenching technique to Ni-Si-B-Pb, Ni-P-B-Pb, Ni-Si-B-Pb-Bi and Ni-P-B-Pb-Bi alloys containing immiscible elements such as lead and bismuth has been tried and it has been found to result in the formation of a new type of material consisting of fine fcc Pb or hcp epsilon(Pb-Bi) + bct X(Pb-Bi) particles dispersed uniformly in the nickel-based amorphous matrix. The particle size and interparticle distance were 1 to 3 and 1 to 4 μm, respectively, for the lead phase, and less than 0.2 to 0.5 μm and 0.2 to 1.0 μm for the Pb-Bi phase. The uniform dispersion of such fine particles into the amorphous matrix was achieved in the composition range below about 6 at% Pb and 7 at% (Pb+Bi). Additionally, these amorphous alloys have been found to exhibit a superconductivity by the proximity effect of fcc Pb or epsilon(Pb-Bi) superconducting particles. The transition temperature Tsub(c) was in the range 6.8 to 7.5 K for the Ni-Si (or P)-B-Pb alloys and 8.6 to 8.8 K for the Ni-Si (or P)-B-Pb-Bi alloys. The upper critical field Hsub(c2) and the critical current density Jsub(c) for (Nisub(0.8)Psub(0.1)Bsub(0.1)) 95 Pb 3 Bi 2 at 4.2 K were, respectively, about 1.6 T and of the order of 7 x 10 7 Am -2 at zero applied field. (author)

Lead-Bismuth technology ; corrosion resistance of structural materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jeong, Ji Young; Park, Won Seok [Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Taejeon (Korea)

2000-02-01

Lead-Bismuth (Pb-Bi) eutectic alloy was determined as a coolant material for the HYPER system being studied by KAERI. The Pb-Bi alloy as a coolant, has a number of the favorable thermo-physical and technological properties, while it is comparatively corrosive to the structural materials. It is necessary to solve this problem for providing a long failure-proof operation of the facilities with Pb-Bi coolant. It seems to be possible to maintain corrosion resistance on structural material up to 600 deg C by using of various technologies, but it needs more studies for application to large-scale NPPs. 22 refs., 11 figs., 7 tabs. (Author)

Dissolution mechanism of austenitic stainless steels in lead-bismuth eutectic at 500 deg. C

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roy, M.

2012-01-01

In the framework of the future nuclear power plants studies, lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is foreseen as a coolant in the primary or the secondary circuit in three nuclear systems. The use of this liquid alloy induces corrosion issues for structural steels. In liquid lead alloys, steels can undergo two corrosion phenomena: dissolution or oxidation depending on the temperature and the dissolved oxygen content in LBE. The goal of this study is to identify the dissolution mechanisms of austenitic steels in LBE at 500 deg. C. Four Fe-Cr-Ni model austenitic steels, the 316L steel and five other industrial steels were corroded in LBE up to, respectively, 3000, 6000 and 200 h. The dissolution mechanism is identical for all steels: it starts by a preferential dissolution of chromium and nickel. This dissolution leads to the formation of a ferritic corrosion layer penetrated by LBE and containing between 5 and 10 at% of chromium and almost no nickel. This study demonstrates that dissolutions of nickel and chromium are linked. Otherwise, the corrosion kinetics is linear whatever the tested austenitic steel. The controlling steps of the austenitic steels' corrosion rates have been identified. Natural convection in the LBE bath leads to the formation of a diffusion boundary layer at the steel surface. Chromium diffusion in this diffusion boundary layer seems to control the corrosion rates of the model and industrial austenitic steels except the 316L steel. Indeed, the corrosion rate of the 316L steel is controlled by an interfacial reaction which is either the simultaneous dissolution of nickel and chromium in Ni, Cr compounds or the nickel and chromium dissolution catalyzed by the dissolved oxygen in LBE. This study has permitted to highlight the major role of chromium on the corrosion mechanisms and the corrosion rates of austenitic steels: the corrosion rate increases when chromium activity increases. Finally, the impact of the dissolved oxygen and the minor alloying

Coating compositions comprising bismuth-alloyed zinc

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

2008-01-01

The present application discloses (i) a coating composition comprising a particulate zinc-based alloyed material, said material comprising 0.05-0.7% by weight of bismuth (Bi), the D50 of the particulate material being in the range of 2.5-30 µm; (ii) a coated structure comprising a metal structure...... having a first coating of the zinc-containing coating composition applied onto at least a part of the metal structure in a dry film thickness of 5-100 µm; and an outer coating applied onto said zinc-containing coating in a dry film thickness of 30-200 µm; (iii) a particulate zinc-based alloyed material......, wherein the material comprises 0.05-0.7%(w/w) of bismuth (Bi), and wherein the D50 of the particulate material is in the range of 2.5-30 µm; (iv) a composite powder consisting of at least 25%(w/w) of the particulate zinc-based alloyed material, the rest being a particulate material consisting of zinc...

Quantification of the degradation of steels exposed to liquid lead-bismuth eutectic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schroer, C.; Voss, Z.; Novotny, J.; Konys, J.

2006-05-01

Metallographic and gravimetric methods of measuring the degradation of steels are introduced and compared, with emphasis on the quantification of oxidation in molten lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE). In future applications of LBE or other molten lead alloys, additions of oxygen should prevent the dissolution of steel constituents in the liquid heavy metal. Therefore, also the amount of steel constituents transferred between the steel (including the oxide scale formed on the surface) and the LBE has to be assessed, in order to evaluate the efficiency of oxygen additions with respect to preventing dissolution of the steel. For testing the methods of quantification, specimens of martensitic steel T91 were exposed for 1500 h to stagnant, oxygen-saturated LBE at 550 C, whereby, applying both metallographic and gravimetric measurements, the recession of the cross-section of sound material deviated by ± 3 μm for a mean value of 11 μm. Although the transfer of steel constituents between the solid phases and the LBE is negligible under the considered exposure conditions, the investigation shows that a gravimetric analysis is most promising for quantifying such a mass transfer. For laboratory experiments on the behaviour of steels in oxygen-containing LBE, it is suggested to make provisions for both metallographic and gravimetric measurements, since both types of methods have specific benefits in the characterisation of the oxidation process. (Orig.)

Numerical Modeling of Lead Oxidation in Controlled Lead Bismuth Eutectic Systems: Chemical Kinetics and Hydrodynamic Effects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, Chao; Kanthi Kiran Dasika; Chen, Yitung; Moujaes, Samir

2002-01-01

Using liquid Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) as coolant in nuclear systems has been studied for more than 50 years. And LBE has many unique nuclear, thermo physical and chemical attributes which are attractive for practical application. But, corrosion is one of the greatest concerns in using liquid Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) as spallation target in the Accelerator-driven Transmutation of Waste (ATW) program. Los Alamos National Laboratory has designed and built the Liquid Lead-Bismuth Materials Test Loop (MTL) to study the materials behavior in a flow of molten LBE. A difference of 100 deg. C was designed between the coldest and the hottest parts at a nominal flow rate of 8.84 GPM. Liquid LBE flow was activated by a mechanical sump pump or by natural convection. In order to maintain a self-healing protective film on the surface of the stainless steel pipe, a certain concentration of oxygen has to be maintained in the liquid metal. Therefore, it is of importance to understand what the oxygen concentrations are in the LBE loop related to the corrosion effects on the metal surface, the temperature profiles, the flow rates, and diffusion rates through the metal surface. The chemical kinetics also needs to be fully understood in the corrosion processes coupled with the hydrodynamics. The numerical simulation will be developed and used to analyze the system corrosion effects with different kind of oxygen concentrations, flow rates, chemical kinetics, and geometries. The hydrodynamics modeling of using computational fluid dynamics will provide the necessary the levels of oxygen and corrosion products close to the boundary or surface. This paper presents an approach towards the above explained tasks by analyzing the reactions between the Lead and oxygen at a couple of sections in the MTL. Attempt is also made to understand the surface chemistry by choosing an example model and estimating the near wall surface concentration values for propane and oxygen. (authors)

Temperature gradient compatibility tests of some refractory metals and alloys in bismuth and bismuth--lithium solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

DiStefano, J.R.; Cavin, O.B.

1976-11-01

Quartz, T-111, and Mo thermal-convection loop tests were conducted at temperatures up to 700 0 C (100 0 C ΔT) to determine the compatibility of several refractory metals/alloys with bismuth and bismuth-lithium solutions for molten salt breeder reactor applications. Methods of evaluation included weight change measurements, metallographic examination, chemical and electron microprobe analysis, and mechanical properties tests. Molybdenum, T-111, and TA--10 percent W appear to be the most promising containment materials, while niobium and iron-based alloys are unacceptable

Ternary equilibria in bismuth--indium--lead alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liao, K.C.; Johnson, D.L.; Nelson, R.C.

1975-01-01

The liquidus surface is characterized by three binary equilibria. One binary extends from the Pb--Bi peritectic to the Pb--In peritectic. The other two extend from In--Bi eutectics, merge at 50 at. percent Bi and 30 at. percent Pb, and end at the Bi--Pb eutectic. Based on analysis of ternary liquidus contours and vertical sections, it is suggested that solidification for high lead and very high indium alloys occurs from two-phase equilibria. Solidification from all other alloys occurs from three-phase equilibria. Four-phase solidification does not occur in this system

A Technique for Dynamic Corrosion Testing in Liquid Lead Alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Loewen, Eric Paul; Davis, Cliff Bybee; Mac Donald, Philip Elsworth

2001-04-01

An experimental apparatus for the investigation of the flow-assisted dissolution and precipitation (corrosion) of potential fuel cladding and structural materials to be used in liquid lead alloy cooled reactors has been designed. This experimental project is part of a larger research effort between Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to investigate the suitability of lead, lead-bismuth, and other lead alloys for cooling fast reactors designed to produce low-cost electricity as well as for actinide burning. The INEEL forced convection corrosion cell consists of a small heated vessel with a shroud and gas flow system. The gas flow rates, heat input, and shroud and vessel dimensions have been adjusted so that a controlled coolant flow rate, temperature, and oxygen potential are created within the downcomer located between the shroud and vessel wall. The ATHENA computer code was used to design the experimental apparatus and estimate the fluid conditions. The corrosion cell will test steel that is commercially available in the U. S. to temperatures above 650oC.

Study of magnesium bismuth alloys with a composition close to Mg3Bi2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tournier, Jean

1964-01-01

The author reports the study of magnesium-bismuth alloys with a high bismuth content. These alloys were aimed to be irradiated in a pile at a temperature of about 300 C, and thus had specific requirements regarding their bismuth content, a high density, a high fusion point with also a pressure strength constraint. The author first reports the determination of an alloy grade which could meet these requirements, and then reports issues related to their elaboration by performing optical micrography and X ray analysis in order to investigate their homogeneity. Then, the alloy hot compression strength has been assessed under significantly higher constraining conditions. Fusion point and density have also been measured. As a fast alloy degradation has been noticed, brief corrosion tests have been performed

Electrochemical reduction of oxygen on lead-silver alloys in an alkaline medium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seliverstov, S.D.; Arkhangel'skaya, Z.P.; Lyzlov, N.Y.

1986-01-01

The use of lead-silver alloys as materials for the gas-absorbing electrode in sealed silver-cadmium alkaline storage batteries is desirable primarily from the stanpoint of saving the costly silver. The authors studied reduction of oxygen with the aim of optimizing the composition of the Pb-Ag alloy and of the porous structure of the electrodes. The alloys were made in a muffle furnace in corundum crucibles under a layer of VI-2 flux. Curves are shown which represent the dependence of the ionization current of molecular oxygen on smooth partially immersed electrodes made from alloys differing in composition on the length of the part of the electrode withdrawn from the solution. It is shown that decrease of the corrosion resistance of the alloy in the porous electrode causes partial loss of its mechanical strength. Worsening of the electric contact between the particles of active material is also possible. An alloy of the composition (mass %) 60 Pb-40 Ag is the most suitable from the practical standpoint

Investigation of corrosion, water reaction, polonium evaporation and bismuth resource in liquid metal lead-bismuth technology

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takano, Hideki; Takizuka, Takakazu [Japan Atomic Energy Research Inst., Tokai, Ibaraki (Japan). Tokai Research Establishment; Kitano, Teruaki [Mitsui Shipbuilding and Engineering Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan)

2000-10-01

Lead-bismuth is the first candidate material for liquid metal target find coolant of fueled blanket system in accelerator-driven system (ADS) studied at JAERI. Advantages of the lead-bismuth utilization are non-active material, very low capture cross section, low melting point of 125degC and high boiling point of 1670degC, and beside coolant void reactivity become negative. But problems are due to the high corrosivity to most of the structural materials and the corrosive data are scarcity. In this report, corrosivity, reaction with water, thermal-hydraulics, chemical toxicity etc. are studied by investigating some facilities utilized and researched really for lead or lead-bismuth. And, furthermore, polonium evaporation rate and bismuth resource are investigated. Main results obtained are as follows: (1) In a refinery, there are enough employment experience for liquid Pb-Bi in period of about 17 years and not corrosion for the thermal conductive materials (1Cr-0.5Mo steel) used under the condition of natural convection with temperature around 400degC. (2) In Russia, extensive experience in the use as Russian submarines and in R and D during about 50 years are available. And as a result, it will be able to lead approximately zero corrosion for Cr-Si materials by adjusting oxygen film with oxygen concentration control between 10{sup -7} to 10{sup -5}% mass. However, the corrosion data are not enough systematically collected involving them in radiation dose field. (3) In liquid-dropping experiment, it is shown that interaction between water and high temperature liquid Pb-Bi is reduced steeply with rising of atmosphere pressure. But, in order to design the second circuit removal model of ADS, the interaction should be evaluated by water continuous injection experiment. (4) Polonium forms PbPo in Pb-Bi, and the evaporation rate become less three factor than that of Po, and furthermore, the rate decreases in the atmosphere. The effects of Po on employee and environment

Specificities of reactor coolant pumps units with lead and lead-bismuth coolant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beznosov, A.V.; Anotonenkov, M.A.; Bokov, P.A.; Baranova, V.S.; Kustov, M.S.

2009-01-01

The analysis results of impact of lead and lead-bismuth coolants specific properties on the coolants flow features in flow channels of the main and auxiliary circulating pumps are presented. Impossibility of cavitation initiation in flow channels of vane pumps pumping lead and lead-bismuth coolants was demonstrated. The experimental research results of discontinuity of heavy liquid metal coolant column were presented and conditions of gas cavitation initiation in coolant flow were discussed. Invalidity of traditional calculation methods of water and sodium coolants circulation pumps calculations for lead and lead-bismuth coolants circulation pumps was substantiated [ru

Conceptual design of module fast reactor of ultimate safety cooled by lead-bismuth alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Myasnikov, V.O.; Stekolnikov, V.V.; Stepanov, V.S.; Gorshkov, V.T.; Kulikov, M.L.; Shulyndin, V.A.; Gromov, B.F.; Kalashnikov, A.G.; Pashkin, Yu.G.

1993-01-01

During past time all basic problems arisen during working-out of NPP with lead-bismuth coolant were solved: physics and thermal physics of the cores, heat transfer and hydrodynamics, corrosion resistance of the structural materials and coolant technology, radiation and nuclear safety, investigations of emergency situations, development of fuel elements and absorbing elements of the reactor, equipment of the primary circuit and other circuits. A powerful experimental base equpped by unique rigs is made. A series of ship and test NPP has been constructed whereat repair of the plants and reactor refuelling are developed. Highly-skilled groups of investigators, designers and operation personnel capable of performing the development of the reactor plant with MFR within short terms have been formed. In this case MFR with lead-bismuth coolant may become the initial step in development of large-scale nuclear power engineering with fast reactors cooled by liquid lead

Electrodeposition of bismuth alloys by the controlled potential method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lopez Alvarez, F.A.

1993-01-01

We worked with the electrodeposition of three bismuth alloys, the composition of the first electrolyte was: 0.3 g/l. Bi; 20 g/l. Ni; and the conditions were pH = 5.2 - 5.6; T = 25 Centigrade degrees; current density 0.3 A / dm 2 - 6.6 A / dm 2 . Following alloy was between Bi - Pb, composition of the electrolyte was 3.18 g/l. Bi (metallic); 31.81 g/l. Pb (Pb(NO 3 ) 2 ) pH : 1; T = 20 Centigrade degrees; current density 10.20 A/dm 2 . The third electrolyte was Bi-Cu, its composition was: 20.89 g/l. Bi; (metallic) 63.54 g/l Cu (Cu(NO 3 ) 2 ) pH : 1.5 - 1.8; T = 25-30 Centigrade degrees; current density 1-2 A/dm 2 . The best results were obtained with the third electrolyte. The purpose of this work was to experiment with different parameters like temperature, pH and the electrolyte concentration to obtain a bismuth alloy. (Author)

Magnetic properties of the binary Nickel/Bismuth alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Keskin, Mustafa; Şarlı, Numan, E-mail: numansarli82@gmail.com

2017-09-01

Highlights: • We model and investigate the magnetic properties of the Ni/Bi alloy within the EFT. • Magnetizations of the Ni/Bi alloy are observed as Bi1 > Bi2 > Ni/Bi > Ni at T < Tc. • Magnetization of the Bi1 is dominant and Ni is at least dominant T < Tc. • Total magnetization of the Ni/Bi alloy is close to those of Ni at T < Tc. • Hysteresis curves are overlap at T < 0.1 and they behave separately at T > 0.1. - Abstract: Magnetic properties of the binary Nickel/Bismuth alloy (Ni/Bi) are investigated within the effective field theory. The Ni/Bi alloy has been modeled that the rhombohedral Bi lattice is surrounded by the hexagonal Ni lattice. According to lattice locations, Bi atoms have two different magnetic properties. Bi1 atoms are in the center of the hexagonal Ni atoms (Ni/Bi1 single layer) and Bi2 atoms are between two Ni/Bi1 bilayers. The Ni, Bi1, Bi2 and Ni/Bi undergo a second-order phase transition from the ferromagnetic phase to paramagnetic phase at Tc = 1.14. The magnetizations of the Ni/Bi alloy are observed as Bi1 > Bi2 > Ni/Bi > Ni at T < Tc; hence the magnetization of the Bi1 is dominant and Ni is at least dominant. However, the total magnetization of the Ni/Bi alloy is close to magnetization of the Ni at T < Tc. The corcivities of the Ni, Bi1, Bi2 and Ni/Bi alloy are the same with each others, but the remanence magnetizations are different. Our theoretical results of M(T) and M(H) of the Ni/Bi alloy are in quantitatively good agreement with the some experimental results of binary Nickel/Bismuth systems.

Potential containment materials for liquid-lead and lead-bismuth eutectic spallation neutron source

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, J.J.; Butt, D.P.; Beard, C.A.

1997-11-01

Lead (Pb) and lead-bismuth eutectic (44Pb-56Bi) have been the two primary candidate liquid-metal target materials for the production of spallation neutrons. Selection of a container material for the liquid-metal target will greatly affect the lifetime and safety of the target subsystem. For the lead target, niobium-1 (wt%) zirconium (Nb-1Zr) is a candidate containment material for liquid lead, but its poor oxidation resistance has been a major concern. The oxidation rate of Nb-1Zr was studied based on the calculations of thickness loss due to oxidation. According to these calculations, it appeared that uncoated Nb-1Zr may be used for a one-year operation at 900 C at P O 2 = 1 x 10 -6 torr, but the same material may not be used in argon with 5-ppm oxygen. Coating technologies to reduce the oxidation of Nb-1Zr are reviewed, as are other candidate refractory metals such as molybdenum, tantalum, and tungsten. For the Pb-Bi target, three candidate containment materials are suggested based on a literature survey of the materials compatibility and proton irradiation tests: Croloy 2-1/4, modified 9Cr-1Mo, and 12Cr-1Mo (HT-9) steel. These materials seem to be used only if the lead-bismuth is thoroughly deoxidized and treated with zirconium and magnesium

Experiments with the low-melting indium-bismuth alloy system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krepski, R.P.

1992-01-01

The following is a laboratory experiment designed to create an interest in and to further understanding of materials science. The primary audience for this material is the junior high school or middle school science student having no previous familiarity with the material, other than some knowledge of temperature and the concepts of atoms, elements, compounds, and chemical reactions. The objective of the experiment is to investigate the indium-bismuth alloy system. Near the eutectic composition, the liquidus is well below the boiling point of water, allowing simple, minimal hazard casting experiments. Such phenomena as metal oxidation, formation of intermetallic compound crystals, and an unusual volume increase during solidification could all be directly observed. A key concept for students to absorb is that properties of an alloy (melting point, mechanical behavior) may not correlate with simple interpolation of properties of the pure components. Discussion of other low melting metals and alloys leads to consideration of environmental and toxicity issues, as well as providing some historical context. Wetting behavior can also be explored

Numerical simulation of heat-transfer and insoluble corrosion product deposition in lead-bismuth eutectic alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang Xu; Zhou Tao; Fang Xiaolu; Lin Daping; Ru Xiaolong

2015-01-01

As the primary coolant of ADS (accelerator driven sub-critical system), the safety of reactor will be threatened and the lifetime of the reactor will be shortened by appearing of the tiny particles in LBE (lead-bismuth eutectic) alloy. To this end, numerical simulation with the code of FLUENT was used to research the deposition distribution of insoluble corrosion products in rectangular channel. The standard k-ε model was selected to predict the turbulence variation in the rectangular channel. The discrete phase model (DPM) was used to track the trajectory of the particles. It is found that the deposition efficiency is positively correlated with the temperature difference between the fluid and cold wall. The near wall region with a high concentration of particulate matter and low temperature is in favor of particulate matter deposition on the wall. At the same time, the high turbulence kinetic near wall region is not conducive to the deposition of particulate matter. A secondary flow phenomenon occurs under the influence of boundary wall, namely that there are eight symmetrical regions in the radial direction. (authors)

Superconducting Properties of Lead-Bismuth Films Controlled by Ferromagnetic Nanowire Arrays

Science.gov (United States)

Ye, Zuxin; Lyuksyutov, Igor F.; Wu, Wenhao; Naugle, Donald G.

2011-03-01

Superconducting properties of lead-bismuth (82% Pb and 18% Bi) alloy films deposited on ferromagnetic nanowire arrays have been investigated. Ferromagnetic Co or Ni nanowires are first electroplated into the columnar pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes. Superconducting Pb 82 Bi 18 films are then quench-condensed onto the polished surface of the AAO membranes filled with magnetic nanowires. A strong dependence of the Pb 82 Bi 18 superconducting properties on the ratio of the superconducting film thickness to the magnetic nanowire diameter and the material variety was observed.

Flotation atomic absorption determination of bismuth in nonferrous metal alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ososkov, V.K.; Plintus, A.M.; Kornelli, M.Eh.; Zakhariya, A.N.; Lozanova, E.V.

1986-01-01

Technique of flotation concentration and atomic absorption determination of bismuth microquantities in alloys on the basis of copper and zinc has been developed. Fine-dispersed EhDEh-10P anionite was used as a carrier in flotation concentration. State standard samples (SSS) of brasses and German silver were used as analysed objects. Effect of macrocomponents on the results of bismuth content determination has been studied. Satisfactory coincidence of the results obtained and SSS certificates is shown

Flow characteristics of natural circulation in a lead-bismuth eutectic loop

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

Chen-Chong Yue; Liu-Li Chen; Ke-Feng Lyu; Yang Li; Sheng Gao; Yue-Jing Liu; Qun-Ying Huang

2017-01-01

Lead and lead-alloys are proposed in future advanced nuclear system as coolant and spallation target.To test the natural circulation and gas-lift and obtain thermal-hydraulics data for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and system code validation,a lead-bismuth eutectic rectangular loop,the KYLIN-Ⅱ Thermal Hydraulic natural circulation test loop,has been designed and constructed by the FDS team.In this paper,theoretical analysis on natural circulation thermal-hydraulic performance is described and the steady-state natural circulation experiment is performed.The results indicated that the natural circulation capability depends on the loop resistance and the temperature and center height differences between the hot and cold legs.The theoretical analysis results agree well with,while the CFD deviate from,the experimental results.

Electrochemical study on determination of diffusivity, activity and solubility of oxygen in liquid bismuth

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ganesan, Rajesh [Liquid Metals and Structural Chemistry Division, Chemistry Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603 102 (India); Gnanasekaran, T. [Liquid Metals and Structural Chemistry Division, Chemistry Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603 102 (India)]. E-mail: gnani@igcar.ernet.in; Srinivasa, Raman S. [Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400 076 (India)

2006-06-15

Diffusivity of oxygen in liquid bismuth was measured by potentiostatic method and is given bylg(D{sub O}{sup Bi}/cm{sup 2}.s{sup -1})(+/-0.042)=-3.706-1377/(TK{sup -1})(804oxygen in bismuth was determined by coulometric titrations and using the measured data standard free energy of dissolution of oxygen in liquid bismuth was derived for the reaction:1/2O{sub 2}(g)=[O]{sub Bi}(at.%)and is given by{delta}G{sub O(Bi)}{sup o}/(J.g-atomO{sup -1})(+/-720)=-108784+20.356TK{sup -1}(753oxygen in liquid bismuth was derived as a function of temperature and is given by the following expressions:lg(S/at%O)(+/-0.05)=-4476/TK{sup -1}+4.05(753oxygen in liquid bismuth is compared with the literature data.

Performance comparison of metallic, actinide burning fuel in lead-bismuth and sodium cooled fast reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Weaver, K.D.; Herring, J.S.; Macdonald, P.E.

2001-01-01

Various methods have been proposed to ''incinerate'' or ''transmute'' the current inventory of transuranic waste (TRU) that exits in spent light-water-reactor (LWR) fuel, and weapons plutonium. These methods include both critical (e.g., fast reactors) and non-critical (e.g., accelerator transmutation) systems. The work discussed here is part of a larger effort at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to investigate the suitability of lead and lead-alloy cooled fast reactors for producing low-cost electricity as well as for actinide burning. The neutronics of non fertile fuel loaded with 20 or 30-wt% light water reactor (LWR) plutonium plus minor actinides for use in a lead-bismuth cooled fast reactor are discussed in this paper, with an emphasis on the fuel cycle life and isotopic content. Calculations show that the average actinide burn rate is similar for both the sodium and lead-bismuth cooled cases ranging from -1.02 to -1.16 g/MWd, compared to a typical LWR actinide generation rate of 0.303 g/MWd. However, when using the same parameters, the sodium-cooled case went subcritical after 0.2 to 0.8 effective full power years, and the lead-bismuth cooled case ranged from 1.5 to 4.5 effective full power years. (author)

Thermophoresis research of nanoparticles in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang Xu; Zhou Tao; Liu Liang; Fang Xiaolu; Lin Daping

2015-01-01

Thermophoresis theory of solid particles in liquid are selected to research thermophoresis phenomenon in liquid Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE). Thermophoretic velocity of different particles in LBE and stainless steel particles in different fluid are calculated. The results showed that, thermophoretic velocity of particles in LBE increase with the increase of temperature gradient and the decrease of particle radius. And the thermophoretic velocity of stainless steel particles two orders of magnitude lower than the Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) particles, at the same time, it is similar to copper particles in LBE. What's more, the thermophoretic velocity of stainless steel particles in LBE would one order of magnitude lower than that in water and R134a. Of course, it is still faster than that in Engine Oil and Ethyl Glycol two orders of magnitude. (author)

Ultrasonic and Thermal Properties of Borate and Phosphate Glasses Containing Bismuth and Lead

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aziz, Sidek Hj. Abd.; Ahmad, Hamezan; Wahab, Zaidan A.; Sulaiman, Zainal Abidin; Talib, Zainal Abidin; Shaari, A. Halim; Senin, H. B.

2007-01-01

Systematic series of (B2O3,P2O5)-Bi2O3-PbO glasses have been successfully prepared by using the rapid quenching technique in which each oxide content changes for every series on the basis of its weight percentage. Their amorphous natures were confirmed earlier by the x-ray diffraction technique. The experimental results show that the density of both glasses, determined by using the Archimedes principle, increases with the glass modifier content. This is due to the replacement of Bi2O3 and PbO in the borate and phosphate glassy networks. The molar volume for borate glass increases with the addition of bismuth and lead oxides, but a reverse trend occurs for the phosphate glass. The longitudinal and shear ultrasound velocities, determined by the MBS 8000 system, of both lead bismuth borate and phosphate glasses show a decreasing trend as more PbO and Bi2O3 are added to the glass system. The increase in PbO/Bi2O3 content was probably related to the progressive increase in the concentration of non-bridging oxygen (NBOs). Thermal studies of the glass, using the Labsys DTA-Setaram machine, show that the value of the glass transition temperature (Tg) is closely related to the chemical bond in the system. In lead bismuth borate glasses, the addition of more Pb2+ and Bi3+ results in a more dominant ionic bond character in the system and hence decreases Tg of the sample. However, in lead bismuth phosphate glasses, the addition of Pb2+ and Bi3+ not only failed to weaken the covalent character in P-O-P bonds, but strengthened it further, leading to an increment in the values of Tg

Handbook on lead-bismuth eutectic alloy and lead properties, materials compatibility, thermal-hydraulics and technologies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2007-01-01

As part of the development of advanced nuclear systems, including accelerator-driven systems (ADS) proposed for high-level radioactive waste transmutation and generation IV reactors, heavy liquid metals such as lead (Pb) or lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) are under evaluation as reactor core coolant and ADS neutron target material. Heavy liquid metals are also being envisaged as target materials for high-power neutron spallation sources. The objective of this handbook is to collate and publish properties and experimental results on Pb and LBE in a consistent format in order to provide designers with a single source of qualified properties and data and to guide subsequent development efforts. The handbook covers liquid Pb and LBE properties, materials compatibility and testing issues, key aspects of the thermal-hydraulics and system technologies, existing test facilities, open issues and perspectives. (author)

Effect of bismuth and silver on the corrosion behavior of Sn-9Zn alloy in NaCl 3 wt.% solution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ahmido, A. [Laboratory of Chimie Physique General, Faculty of Sciences, University Med V Agdal, Av. Ibn Battouta, B.P. 1014, M-10000 Rabat (Morocco); Laboratory of Spectroscopy Infra Rouge, Faculty of Sciences, University Med V Agdal, Av. Ibn Battouta, B.P. 1014, M-10000 Rabat (Morocco); Sabbar, A. [Laboratory of Chimie Physique General, Faculty of Sciences, University Med V Agdal, Av. Ibn Battouta, B.P. 1014, M-10000 Rabat (Morocco); Zouihri, H.; Dakhsi, K. [UATRS, CNRST, Angle Allal Fassi, FAR, BP 8027, Hay Riad, Rabat (Morocco); Guedira, F. [Laboratory of Chimie Physique General, Faculty of Sciences, University Med V Agdal, Av. Ibn Battouta, B.P. 1014, M-10000 Rabat (Morocco); Serghini-Idrissi, M. [Laboratory of Spectroscopy Infra Rouge, Faculty of Sciences, University Med V Agdal, Av. Ibn Battouta, B.P. 1014, M-10000 Rabat (Morocco); El Hajjaji, S., E-mail: selhajjaji@hotmail.com [Laboratory of Spectroscopy Infra Rouge, Faculty of Sciences, University Med V Agdal, Av. Ibn Battouta, B.P. 1014, M-10000 Rabat (Morocco)

2011-08-15

Highlights: > Sn-9Zn-xAg-yBi as alternative for Sn-Pb solder. > Effect of silver (Ag) and bismuth (Bi) on the corrosion resistance of Sn-9Zn alloy in NaCl 3 wt%. > Bi and Ag lead to the increase of corrosion rate. > EDS and XRD analyses confirmed the oxide of zinc (ZnO and Zn5(OH){sub 8}Cl{sub 2}H{sub 2}O) as the major corrosion product. - Abstract: The effect of silver (Ag) and bismuth (Bi) on the corrosion resistance of Sn-9Zn alloy in NaCl 3 wt.% solution was investigated using electrochemical techniques. The results showed that the addition of Bi and Ag lead to the increase of corrosion rate and the corrosion potential E{sub corr} is shifted towards less noble values. After immersion, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive of spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of the corroded alloy surface revealed the nature of corrosion products. EDS and XRD analyses confirmed the oxide of zinc (ZnO and Zn{sub 5}(OH){sub 8}Cl{sub 2}H{sub 2}O) as the major corrosion product formed on the outer surface of in the tested three solder alloys.

Nucleation and growth of lead oxide particles in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic.

Science.gov (United States)

Gladinez, Kristof; Rosseel, Kris; Lim, Jun; Marino, Alessandro; Heynderickx, Geraldine; Aerts, Alexander

2017-10-18

Liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is an important candidate to become the primary coolant of future, generation IV, nuclear fast reactors and Accelerator Driven System (ADS) concepts. One of the main challenges with the use of LBE as a coolant is to avoid its oxidation which results in solid lead oxide (PbO) precipitation. The chemical equilibria governing PbO formation are well understood. However, insufficient kinetic information is currently available for the development of LBE-based nuclear technology. Here, we report the results of experiments in which the nucleation, growth and dissolution of PbO in LBE during temperature cycling are measured by monitoring dissolved oxygen using potentiometric oxygen sensors. The metastable region, above which PbO nucleation can occur, has been determined under conditions relevant for the operation of LBE cooled nuclear systems and was found to be independent of setup geometry and thus thought to be widely applicable. A kinetic model to describe formation and dissolution of PbO particles in LBE is proposed, based on Classical Nucleation Theory (CNT) combined with mass transfer limited growth and dissolution. This model can accurately predict the experimentally observed changes in oxygen concentration due to nucleation, growth and dissolution of PbO, using the effective interfacial energy of a PbO nucleus in LBE as a fitting parameter. The results are invaluable to evaluate the consequences of oxygen ingress in LBE cooled nuclear systems under normal operating and accidental conditions and form the basis for the development of cold trap technology to avoid PbO formation in the primary reactor circuit.

Behaviour of F82H mod. stainless steel in lead-bismuth under temperature gradient

Science.gov (United States)

Gómez Briceño, D.; Martín Muñoz, F. J.; Soler Crespo, L.; Esteban, F.; Torres, C.

2001-07-01

Austenitic steels can be used in a hybrid system in contact with liquid lead-bismuth eutectic if the region of operating temperatures is not beyond 400°C. For higher temperatures, martensitic steels are recommended. However, at long times, the interaction between the structural material and the eutectic leads to the dissolution of some elements of the steel (Ni, Cr and Fe, mainly) in the liquid metal. In a non-isothermal lead-bismuth loop, the material dissolution takes place at the hot leg of the circuit and, due to the mass transfer, deposition occurs at the cold leg. One of the possible ways to improve the performance of structural materials in lead-bismuth is the creation of an oxide layer. Tests have been performed in a small natural convection loop built of austenitic steel (316L) that has been operating for 3000 h. This loop contains a test area in which several samples of F82Hmod. martensitic steel have been tested at different times. A gas with an oxygen content of 10 ppm was bubbled in the hot area of the circuit during the operation time. The obtained results show that an oxide layer is formed on the samples introduced in the loop at the beginning of the operation and this layer increases with time. However, the samples introduced at different times during the loop operation, are not protected by oxide layers and present material dissolution in some cases.

Behaviour of F82H mod. stainless steel in lead-bismuth under temperature gradient

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gomez Briceno, D.; Martin Munoz, F.J.; Soler Crespo, L.; Esteban, F.; Torres, C.

2001-01-01

Austenitic steels can be used in a hybrid system in contact with liquid lead-bismuth eutectic if the region of operating temperatures is not beyond 400 deg. C. For higher temperatures, martensitic steels are recommended. However, at long times, the interaction between the structural material and the eutectic leads to the dissolution of some elements of the steel (Ni, Cr and Fe, mainly) in the liquid metal. In a non-isothermal lead-bismuth loop, the material dissolution takes place at the hot leg of the circuit and, due to the mass transfer, deposition occurs at the cold leg. One of the possible ways to improve the performance of structural materials in lead-bismuth is the creation of an oxide layer. Tests have been performed in a small natural convection loop built of austenitic steel (316L) that has been operating for 3000 h. This loop contains a test area in which several samples of F82Hmod. martensitic steel have been tested at different times. A gas with an oxygen content of 10 ppm was bubbled in the hot area of the circuit during the operation time. The obtained results show that an oxide layer is formed on the samples introduced in the loop at the beginning of the operation and this layer increases with time. However, the samples introduced at different times during the loop operation, are not protected by oxide layers and present material dissolution in some cases

Bismuth alloying properties in GaAs nanowires

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ding, Lu [State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, PO Box 72, Beijing 100876 (China); Lu, Pengfei, E-mail: photon.bupt@gmail.com [State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, PO Box 72, Beijing 100876 (China); Cao, Huawei; Cai, Ningning; Yu, Zhongyuan [State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, PO Box 72, Beijing 100876 (China); Gao, Tao [Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065 (China); Wang, Shumin [State Key Laboratory of Functional Materials for Informatics, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050 (China); Photonics Laboratory, Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Gothenburg (Sweden)

2013-09-15

First-principles calculations have been performed to investigate the structural, electronic and optical properties of bismuth alloying in GaAs nanowires. A typical model of Ga{sub 31}As{sub 31} nanowires is introduced for its reasonable band gap. The band gap of GaAs{sub 1−x}Bi{sub x} shrinks clearly with the increasing Bi concentration and the band edge shifts when spin–orbit coupling (SOC) is considered. The insertion of Bi atom leads to hybridization of Ga/As/Bi p states which contributes a lot around Fermi level. Scissor effect is involved. The optical properties are presented, including dielectric function, optical absorption spectra and reflectivity, which are also varied with the increasing of Bi concentrations. - Graphical abstract: Top view of Bi-doped GaAs nanowires. Ga, As, and Bi atoms are denoted with grey, purple and red balls, respectively. Display Omitted - Highlights: • A typical model of Ga{sub 31}As{sub 31} nanowires is introduced for its reasonable band gap. • The band gap of GaAs{sub 1−x}Bi{sub x} shrinks clearly with the increasing Bi concentration. • The band edge shifts when spin–orbit coupling (SOC) is considered. • The insertion of Bi atom leads to hybridization of Ga/As/Bi p states.

Idaho National Laboratory Lead or Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) Test Facility - R&D Requirements, Design Criteria, Design Concept, and Concept Guidance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Eric P. Loewen; Paul Demkowicz

2005-05-01

The Idaho National Laboratory Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Test Facility will advance the state of nuclear technology relative to heavy-metal coolants (primarily Pb and Pb-Bi), thereby allowing the U.S. to maintain the pre-eminent position in overseas markets and a future domestic market. The end results will be a better qualitative understanding and quantitative measure of the thermal physics and chemistry conditions in the molten metal systems for varied flow conditions (single and multiphase), flow regime transitions, heat input methods, pumping requirements for varied conditions and geometries, and corrosion performance. Furthering INL knowledge in these areas is crucial to sustaining a competitive global position. This fundamental heavy-metal research supports the National Energy Policy Development Group’s stated need for energy systems to support electrical generation.1 The project will also assist the Department of Energy in achieving goals outlined in the Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee Long Term Nuclear Technology Research and Development Plan,2 the Generation IV Roadmap for Lead Fast Reactor development, and Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative research and development. This multi-unit Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Test Facility with its flexible and reconfigurable apparatus will maintain and extend the U.S. nuclear knowledge base, while educating young scientists and engineers. The uniqueness of the Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Test Facility is its integrated Pool Unit and Storage Unit. This combination will support large-scale investigation of structural and fuel cladding material compatibility issues with heavy-metal coolants, oxygen chemistry control, and thermal hydraulic physics properties. Its ability to reconfigure flow conditions and piping configurations to more accurately approximate prototypical reactor designs will provide a key resource for Lead Fast Reactor research and development. The other principal elements of the Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Test Facility

Features of an emergency heat-conducting path in reactors about lead-bismuth and lead heat-carriers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beznosov, A.V.; Bokova, T.A.; Molodtsov, A.A.

2006-01-01

The reactor emergency heat removal systems should transfer heat from the surface of reactor core fuel element claddings to the primary circuit followed by heat transfer to the environment. One suggests three design approaches for emergency heat removal systems in lead-bismuth and lead cooled reactor circuits that take account of the peculiar nature of their features. Application of the discussed systems for emergency heat removal improves safety of lead-bismuth and lead cooled reactor plants [ru

High Bismuth Alloys as Lead-Free Alternatives for Interconnects in High-Temperature Electronics

Science.gov (United States)

Mallampati, Sandeep

Predominant high melting point solders for high-temperature electronics (operating temperatures from 200 to 250°C) are Pb-based which are being banned from usage due to their toxic nature. In this study, high bismuth alloy compositions (Bi-14Cu-8Sn, Bi-20Sb-10Cu, Bi-15Sb-10Cu and Bi-10Sb-10Cu) were designed, cast, and characterized to understand their potential as replacements. The desirable aspect of Bi is its high melting temperature, which is 271°C. Alloying elements Sn, Sb and Cu were added to improve some of its properties such as thermal conductivity, plasticity, and reactivity with Cu and Ni surface. Metallographic sectioning and microstructure analysis were performed on the bulk alloys to compare the evolution of phases predicted from equilibrium phase diagrams. Reflow processes were developed to make die-attach samples out of the proposed alloys and die-shear testing was carried out to characterize mechanical integrity of the joint. Thermal shock between -55°C to 200°C and high temperature storage at 200°C were performed on the assembled die-attach samples to study microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior of the reflowed alloys under accelerated testing conditions. In addition, heat dissipation capabilities, using flash diffusivity, were measured on the bulk alloys and also on the die-attach assembly. Finally, tensile testing was performed on the dogbone specimens to identify the potential for plastic deformation and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis was used to study the grain orientations on the fracture surfaces and their influence on the crack propagation. Bi-14Cu-8Sn has formed BiNi by on the die backside metallization and the reaction with Cu was poor. This has resulted in weaker substrate side interface. It was observed that Bi-Sb alloys have strong reactivity with Ni (forming Bi3Ni, BiNi and NiSb intermetallic phases), and with Cu (forming Cu2Sb, Cu4Sb). Spallation was observed in NiSb interfacial intermetallic layer and

Characteristics of polonium contamination from neutral irradiated lead-bismuth eutectic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miura, T.; Obara, T.; Sekimoto, H.

2004-01-01

After neutron capture, bismuth-209 changes to polonium-210 that emits α-particles. Lead-Bismuth eutectic (LBE) in reactor system contaminates the system by polonium. We analyzed adsorbed materials from melted LBE on quartz glass plate. Lead, bismuth and their oxides were confirmed in adsorbed materials. And, we evaluated the baking method in vacuum for removal of polonium and adsorbed materials on quartz glass plate. It was evaluated that it is possible to remove almost all the polonium from the quartz glass plate by baking at temperature more than 300 C. degrees. Unfolding method was applied to calculate polonium distribution in LBE ingot. From measured α-particle pulse height distribution, the polonium distribution in depth of LBE ingot was calculated using quadratic programming code, where response functions are calculated by Monte Carlo method. (authors)

Modular Lead-Bismuth Fast Reactors in Nuclear Power

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vladimir Petrochenko

2012-09-01

Full Text Available On the basis of the unique experience of operating reactors with heavy liquid metal coolant–eutectic lead-bismuth alloy in nuclear submarines, the concept of modular small fast reactors SVBR-100 for civilian nuclear power has been developed and validated. The features of this innovative technology are as follows: a monoblock (integral design of the reactor with fast neutron spectrum, which can operate using different types of fuel in various fuel cycles including MOX fuel in a self-providing mode. The reactor is distinct in that it has a high level of self-protection and passive safety, it is factory manufactured and the assembled reactor can be transported by railway. Multipurpose application of the reactor is presumed, primarily, it can be used for regional power to produce electricity, heat and for water desalination. The Project is being realized within the framework of state-private partnership with joint venture OJSC “AKME-Engineering” established on a parity basis by the State Atomic Energy Corporation “Rosatom” and the Limited Liability Company “EuroSibEnergo”.

Study of neutron and gamma shielding by lead borate and bismuth lead borate glasses: transparent radiation shielding

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Singh, Vishwanath P.; Badiger, N.M.

2013-01-01

Radiation shielding for gamma and neutron is the prominent area in nuclear reactor technology, medical application, dosimetry and other industries. Shielding of these types of radiation requires an appropriate concrete with mixture of low-to-high Z elements which is an opaque medium. The transparent radiation shielding in visible light for gamma and neutron is also extremely essential in the nuclear facilities as lead window. Presently various types of lead equivalent glass oxides have been invented which are transparent as well as provide protection from radiation. In our study we have assessment of effectiveness of neutron and gamma radiation shielding of xPbO.(1-x) B 2 O 3 (x=0.15 to 0.60) and xBi 2 O 3 .(0.80-x) PbO.0.20 B 2 O 3 (x=0.10 to 0.70) transparent borate and bismuth glasses by NXCOM program. The neutron effective mass removal cross section, Σ R /ρ (cm 2 /g) of the lead, bismuth and boron oxides are given. We found invariable Σ R /ρ of various combinations of the lead borate glass for x=0.15 to 0.60 and bismuth lead borate glass for x=0.10 to 0.70. It is observed that the effective removal cross-section for fast neutron (cm -1 ) of lead borate reduces significantly whereas roughly constant for bismuth borate. The gamma mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) of the glasses were also compared with possible experimental values and found comparable. High (μ/ρ) for gamma radiation of the bismuth glasses shows that it is better gamma shielding compared with lead containing glass. However lead borate glasses are better neutron shielding as the neutron removal coefficient are higher. Our investigation is very useful for nuclear reactor technology where prompt neutron of energy 17 MeV and gamma photon up to 10 MeV produced. (author)

Corrosion behavior of steels in flowing lead-bismuth under abnormal conditions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Doubkova, A.; Di Gabriele, F.; Brabec, P.; Keilova, E.

2008-01-01

The project IP EUROTRANS, domain DEMETRA, is primary focused on the study of the technology of the interaction between steels and heavy liquid metals. The characterization of the metal response to sudden changes, simulating accidental conditions in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic was carried out. This paper reports the results of two hot-spot simulations with two different oxygen concentrations (10 -8 wt%, 10 -6 wt%). Each experiment was divided in two main periods: the initial, long period at the standard operating temperature 550 deg. C; the second, short period, at higher temperature, 650 deg. C. The damage that occurs on the austenitic steel AISI 316L and the ferritic-martensitic steel T91 was investigated. The amount of damage for both steels was higher at lower oxygen contents and the short, hot spot simulation, markedly affected the T91. At higher oxygen content the amount of damage decreased. A few, localized pits, were observed; however, there was no visible increment in the amount of damage after the hot spot simulation

Ni-rich precipitates in a lead bismuth eutectic loop

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kikuchi, K.; Saito, S.; Hamaguchi, D.; Tezuka, M.

2010-01-01

Solidified LBE was sampled from the specimens, electro-magnetic pump, filter, drain valve and oxygen sensor at the JAEA Lead Bismuth Loop-1 (JLBL-1) where the structural material was made of SS316. The concentration of Ni, Fe and Cr in LBE were analyzed by the Inductive Coupled Plasma atomic emission spectrometer. It was concluded that the solution of Ni into LBE was not saturated although the concentration of Fe and Cr almost achieved to the values in the literature. A needle-type structure appeared on the surface of solidified LBE inside the tube specimens. It was found to be Ni-rich precipitates by X-ray analyses (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, FE-SEM). LBE samples collected from a circulating loop after discharging did not show the amount of impurities equivalent to the LBE bulk property.

Ni-rich precipitates in a lead bismuth eutectic loop

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kikuchi, K., E-mail: kikuchik@mx.ibaraki.ac.j [Ibaraki University, IQBRC, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1106 (Japan); Saito, S.; Hamaguchi, D.; Tezuka, M. [J-PARC Center, JAEA, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1195 (Japan)

2010-03-15

Solidified LBE was sampled from the specimens, electro-magnetic pump, filter, drain valve and oxygen sensor at the JAEA Lead Bismuth Loop-1 (JLBL-1) where the structural material was made of SS316. The concentration of Ni, Fe and Cr in LBE were analyzed by the Inductive Coupled Plasma atomic emission spectrometer. It was concluded that the solution of Ni into LBE was not saturated although the concentration of Fe and Cr almost achieved to the values in the literature. A needle-type structure appeared on the surface of solidified LBE inside the tube specimens. It was found to be Ni-rich precipitates by X-ray analyses (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, FE-SEM). LBE samples collected from a circulating loop after discharging did not show the amount of impurities equivalent to the LBE bulk property.

Ni-rich precipitates in a lead bismuth eutectic loop

Science.gov (United States)

Kikuchi, K.; Saito, S.; Hamaguchi, D.; Tezuka, M.

2010-03-01

Solidified LBE was sampled from the specimens, electro-magnetic pump, filter, drain valve and oxygen sensor at the JAEA Lead Bismuth Loop-1 (JLBL-1) where the structural material was made of SS316. The concentration of Ni, Fe and Cr in LBE were analyzed by the Inductive Coupled Plasma atomic emission spectrometer. It was concluded that the solution of Ni into LBE was not saturated although the concentration of Fe and Cr almost achieved to the values in the literature. A needle-type structure appeared on the surface of solidified LBE inside the tube specimens. It was found to be Ni-rich precipitates by X-ray analyses (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, FE-SEM). LBE samples collected from a circulating loop after discharging did not show the amount of impurities equivalent to the LBE bulk property.

Status and future application of pilot lead-bismuth target circuit TC-1 for ADS

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ignatiev, S.; Leonchuk, M.; Orlov, Y.; Pankratov, D.; Reshetnikova, O.; Suvorov, G.; Zabudko, A. [Institute for Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk (Russian Federation); Stepanov, V.; Klimov, N. [Experimental and Design Organization, Gidropress, Podolsk (Russian Federation); Hechanova, A.; Ma, J. [Nevada Univ., Las Vegas, NV (United States); Li, N. [Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States); Gudowski, W. [International Science and Technology Center, Moscow (Russian Federation)

2007-07-01

A complicated evolution, status and future application of the pilot molten lead-bismuth target circuit of 1 MW proton beam power (TC-1) as an important part of a target-blanket accelerator driven system (ADS), that has been developed, created and twice tested under the auspice of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC), is analyzed. The target complex TC-1 is a circulation lead-bismuth loop whose beam window is made of ferritic steel EP-823 (this steel was used in the past as material of fuel rods cladding in reactors cooled with lead-bismuth). At present TC-1 is operating at coolant temperature up to 300 C degrees and will be used to study different issues linked to the use of lead-bismuth: -) interaction with air, water and hydrogen, -) different regimes of flow, -) corrosion, -) filtering, or -) slag formation.

Overview of the use of ATHENA for thermal-hydraulic analysis of systems with lead-bismuth coolant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Davis, C.B.; Shieh, A. S.

2000-01-01

The INEEL and MIT are investigating the suitability of lead-bismuth cooled fast reactor for producing low-cost electricity as well as for actinide burning. This paper is concerned with the general area of thermal-hydraulics of lead-bismuth cooled reactors. The ATHENA code is being used in the thermal-hydraulic design and analysis of lead-bismuth cooled reactors. The ATHENA code was reviewed to determine its applicability for simulating lead-bismuth cooled reactors. Two modifications were made to the code as a result of this review. Specifically, a correlation to represent heat transfer from rod bundles to a liquid metal and a void correlation based on data taken in a mixture of lead-bismuth and steam were added the code. The paper also summarizes the analytical work that is being performed with the code and plans for future analytical work

Overview of the Use of ATHENA for Thermal-Hydraulic Analysis of Systems with Lead-Bismuth Coolant

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Davis, Cliff Bybee; Shieh, Arthur Shan Luk

2000-04-01

The INEEL and MIT are investigating the suitability of lead-bismuth cooled fast reactor for producing low-cost electricity as well as for actinide burning. This paper is concerned with the general area of thermal-hydraulics of lead-bismuth cooled reactors. The ATHENA code is being used in the thermal-hydraulic design and analysis of lead-bismuth cooled reactors. The ATHENA code was reviewed to determine its applicability for simulating lead-bismuth cooled reactors. Two modifications were made to the code as a result of this review. Specifically, a correlation to represent heat transfer from rod bundles to a liquid metal and a void correlation based on data taken in a mixture of lead-bismuth and steam were added the code. The paper also summarizes the analytical work that is being performed with the code and plans for future analytical work.

Soluble Lead and Bismuth Chalcogenidometallates: Versatile Solders for Thermoelectric Materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Hao [Department; Son, Jae Sung [Department; School; Dolzhnikov, Dmitriy S. [Department; Filatov, Alexander S. [Department; Hazarika, Abhijit [Department; Wang, Yuanyuan [Department; Hudson, Margaret H. [Department; Sun, Cheng-Jun [Advanced; Chattopadhyay, Soma [Physical; Talapin, Dmitri V. [Department; Center

2017-07-27

Here we report the syntheses of largely unexplored lead and bismuth chalcogenidometallates in the solution phase. Using N2H4 as the solvent, new compounds such as K6Pb3Te6·7N2H4 were obtained. These soluble molecular compounds underwent cation exchange processes using resin chemistry, replacing Na+ or K+ by decomposable N2H5+ or tetraethylammonium cations. They also transformed into stoichiometric lead and bismuth chalcogenide nanomaterials with the addition of metal salts. Such a versatile chemistry led to a variety of composition-matched solders to join lead and bismuth chalcogenides and tune their charge transport properties at the grain boundaries. Solution-processed thin films composed of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 microparticles soldered by (N2H5)6Bi0.5Sb1.5Te6 exhibited thermoelectric power factors (~28 μW/cm K2) comparable to those in vacuum-deposited Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 films. The soldering effect can also be integrated with attractive fabrication techniques for thermoelectric modules, such as screen printing, suggesting the potential of these solders in the rational design of printable and moldable thermoelectrics.

Effect of antimony, bismuth and calcium addition on corrosion and electrochemical behaviour of AZ91 magnesium alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhou Wei; Aung, Naing Naing; Sun Yangshan

2009-01-01

This study investigated the effect of antimony, bismuth and calcium addition on the corrosion and electrochemical behaviour of AZ91 magnesium alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution. Techniques including constant immersion, electrochemical potentiodynamic polarisation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersed spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterise electrochemical and corrosion properties and surface topography. It was found that corrosion attack occurred preferentially on Mg 3 Bi 2 and Mg 3 Sb 2 particles while Mg 17 Al 8 Ca 0.5 and Mg 2 Ca phases showed no detrimental effect on corrosion. Combined addition of small amounts of bismuth and antimony to the AZ91 alloy resulted in significant increase in corrosion rate

An acclerator-based installation of small power with the lead-bismuth coolant

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gorshkov, V.T.; Yefimov, E.I.; Novikova, N.N. [Research and Development Bereau, Podolsk (Russian Federation)] [and others

1995-10-01

The structure of the accelerator-based installation is described that includes the subcritical reactor-blanket with power 15 MW(h) cooled with lead-bismuth, the lead-bismuth flow target where a beam of {alpha}-particle is injected, the equipment of a primary and secondary curcuits. Some results of calculations and estimations are discussed that have been carried out to justify the target and blanket constructions. Some main characteristics of the installation are presented.

Improved Application of Local Models to Steel Corrosion in Lead-Bismuth Loops

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Jinsuo; Li Ning

2003-01-01

The corrosion of steels exposed to flowing liquid metals is influenced by local and global conditions of flow systems. The present study improves the previous local models when applied to closed loops by incorporating some global condition effects. In particular the bulk corrosion product concentration is calculated based on balancing the dissolution and precipitation in the entire closed loop. Mass transfer expressions developed in aqueous medium and an analytical expression are tested in the liquid-metal environments. The improved model is applied to a pure lead loop and produces results closer to the experimental data than the previous local models do. The model is also applied to a lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) test loop. Systematic studies illustrate the effects of the flow rate, the oxygen concentration in LBE, and the temperature profile on the corrosion rate

Characteristics of Film Formed on Alloy 600 and Alloy 690 in Water Containing lead

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hwang Seong Sik; Lee, Deok Hyun; Kim, Hong Pyo; Kim, Joung Soo; Kim, Ju Yup

1999-01-01

Anodic polarization behaviors of Alloy 600 and Alloy 690 have been studied as a function of lead content in the solution of pH 4 and 10 at 90 .deg. C. As the amount of lead in the solution increased, critical current densities and passive current densities of Alloy 600 and Alloy 690 increased, while the breakdown potential of the alloys decreased. The high critical current density in the high lead solution was thought to come from the combination of an enhanced dissolution of constituents on the surface of the alloys by the lead and an anodic dissolution of metallic lead deposited on the surface of the specimens. The morphology of lead precipitated on the specimen after the anodic scan changed with the pH of solution: small irregular particles were precipitated on the surface of the specimen in the solution of pH 4, while the high density of regular sized particles was formed on it in the solution of pH 10.Pb was observed to enhance Cr depletion from the outer surface of Alloy 600 and Alloy 690 and also to increase the ratio of O 2- /OH - in the surface film formed in the high lead solution. The SCC resistance of Alloy 600 and Alloy 690 may have decreased due to the poor quality of the passive film formed and the enhanced oxygen evolution in the solution containing lead

Thermodynamic properties and equation of state of liquid lead and lead bismuth eutectic

Science.gov (United States)

Sobolev, V. P.; Schuurmans, P.; Benamati, G.

2008-06-01

Since the 1950s, liquid lead (Pb) and lead-bismuth eutectic (Pb-Bi) have been studied in the USA, Canada and in the former-USSR as potential coolants for nuclear installations due to their very attractive thermophysical and neutronic properties. However, experimental data on the thermal properties of these coolants in the temperature range of interest are still incomplete and often contradictory. This makes it very difficult to perform design calculations and to analyse the normal and abnormal behaviour of nuclear installations where these coolants are expected to be used. Recently, a compilation of heavy liquid metal (HLM) properties along with recommendations for its use was prepared by the OECD/NEA Working Party on Fuel Cycle (WPFC) Expert Group on Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Technology. A brief review of this compilation and some new data are presented in this article. A set of correlations for the temperature dependence of the main thermodynamic properties of Pb and Pb-Bi(e) at normal pressure, and a set of simplified thermal and caloric equations of state for the liquid phase are proposed.

Surface treatment and history-dependent corrosion in lead alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Ning; Zhang Jinsuo; Sencer, Bulent H.; Koury, Daniel

2006-01-01

In oxygen-controlled lead and lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE), steel corrosion may be strongly history dependent. This is due to the competition between liquid metal dissolution corrosion and oxidation as a 'self-healing' protection barrier. Such effects can be observed from corrosion testing of a variety of surface-treated materials, such as cold working, shot peening, pre-oxidation, etc. Shot peening of austenitic steels produces surface-layer microstructural damages and grain compression, which could contribute to increased Cr migration to the surface and enhance the protection through an impervious oxide. Pre-oxidation under conditions different from operating ones may form more protective oxides, reduce oxygen and metal ion migration through the oxides, and achieve better protection for longer durations. Corrosion and oxidation modeling and analysis reveal the potential for significantly reducing long-term corrosion rates by initial and early-stage conditioning of steels for Pb/LBE services

Surface treatment and history-dependent corrosion in lead alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li Ning [Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM (United States)]. E-mail: ningli@lanl.gov; Zhang Jinsuo [Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM (United States); Sencer, Bulent H. [Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM (United States); Koury, Daniel [University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV (United States)

2006-06-23

In oxygen-controlled lead and lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE), steel corrosion may be strongly history dependent. This is due to the competition between liquid metal dissolution corrosion and oxidation as a 'self-healing' protection barrier. Such effects can be observed from corrosion testing of a variety of surface-treated materials, such as cold working, shot peening, pre-oxidation, etc. Shot peening of austenitic steels produces surface-layer microstructural damages and grain compression, which could contribute to increased Cr migration to the surface and enhance the protection through an impervious oxide. Pre-oxidation under conditions different from operating ones may form more protective oxides, reduce oxygen and metal ion migration through the oxides, and achieve better protection for longer durations. Corrosion and oxidation modeling and analysis reveal the potential for significantly reducing long-term corrosion rates by initial and early-stage conditioning of steels for Pb/LBE services.

Limets 2: a hot-cell test set-up for Liquid Metal Embrittlement (LME) studies in liquid lead alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Van den Bosch, J.; Bosch, R.W.; Al Mazouzi, A.

2008-01-01

Full text of publication follows. In the nuclear energy sector one of the main candidate designs for the accelerator driven system (ADS) uses liquid lead or lead bismuth eutectic both as a coolant and as spallation target. In the fusion community liquid lead lithium eutectic is considered as a possible coolant for the blanket and as a tritium source. Therefore the candidate materials for such structural components should not only comply with the operating conditions but in addition need to guarantee chemical and physical integrity when coming into contact with the lead alloys. The latter phenomena can be manifested in terms of erosion/corrosion. and/or of the so called liquid metal embrittlement (LME). Thus the susceptibility to LME of the structural materials under consideration to be used in such applications should be investigated in contact with the various lead alloys. LME, if occurring in any solid metal/liquid meta] couple, is likely to increase with irradiation hardening as localised stresses and crack initiations can promote it. To investigate the mechanical response of irradiated materials in contact with a liquid metal under representative conditions, a dedicated testing facility has recently been developed and built at our centre. It consists of an instrumented hot cell. equipped with a testing machine that allows mechanical testing of active materials in contact with active liquid lead lithium and liquid lead bismuth under well controlled chemistry conditions. The specificity of the installation is to handle highly activated and contaminated samples. Also a dedicated dismantling set-up has been developed that allows to retrieve the samples from the irradiation rig without any supplementary damage. In this presentation we will focus on the technical design of this new installation, its special features that have been developed to allow testing in a hot environment and the modifications and actions that have been taken to allow testing in liquid lead

Determination of Lung-to-Blood Absorption Rates for Lead and Bismuth which are Appropriate for Radon Progeny

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marsh, J.W.; Birchall, A.

1999-01-01

The ICRP Publication 66 Human Respiratory Tract Model (HRTM) treats clearance as a competitive process between absorption into blood and particle transport to the gastrointestinal tract and lymphatics. The ICRP recommends default absorption rates for lead and bismuth in ICRP Publication 71 but states that the values are not appropriate for short-lived radon progeny. This paper describes an evaluation of published data from volunteer experiments to estimate the absorption half-times of lead and bismuth that are appropriate for short-lived radon progeny. The absorption half-time for lead was determined to be 10±2 h, based on 212 Pb lung and blood retention data from several studies. The absorption half-time for bismuth was estimated to be about 13 h, based on 212 Bi urinary excretion data from one experiment and the ICRP biokinetic model for bismuth as a decay product of lead. (author)

Aluminum alloy and associated anode and battery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tarcy, G.P.

1990-01-01

This patent describes an aluminum alloy. It comprises: eutectic amounts of at least two alloying elements selected from the group consisting of bismuth, cadmium, scandium, gallium, indium, lead, mercury, thallium, tin, and zinc with the balance being aluminum and the alloying elements being about 0.01 to 3.0 percent by weight of the alloy

Thermodynamic properties of calcium–bismuth alloys determined by emf measurements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Hojong; Boysen, Dane A.; Bradwell, David J.; Chung, Brice; Jiang Kai; Tomaszowska, Alina A.; Wang Kangli; Wei Weifeng; Sadoway, Donald R.

2012-01-01

The thermodynamic properties of Ca–Bi alloys were determined by electromotive force (emf) measurements to assess the suitability of Ca–Bi electrodes for electrochemical energy storage applications. Emf was measured at ambient pressure as a function of temperature between 723 K and 1173 K using a Ca(s)|CaF 2 (s)|Ca(in Bi) cell for twenty different Ca–Bi alloys spanning the entire range of composition from x Ca = 0 to 1. Reported are the temperature-independent partial molar entropy and enthalpy of calcium for each Ca–Bi alloy. Also given are the measured activities of calcium, the excess partial molar Gibbs energy of bismuth estimated from the Gibbs–Duhem equation, and the integral change in Gibbs energy for each Ca–Bi alloy at 873 K, 973 K, and 1073 K. Calcium activities at 973 K were found to be nearly constant at a value of a Ca = 1 × 10 −8 over the composition range x Ca = 0.32–0.56, yielding an emf of ∼0.77 V. Above x Ca = 0.62 and coincident with Ca 5 Bi 3 formation, the calcium activity approached unity. The Ca–Bi system was also characterized by differential scanning calorimetry over the entire range of composition. Based upon these data along with the emf measurements, a revised Ca–Bi binary phase diagram is proposed.

Void worths in subcritical cores cooled by lead-bismuth

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wallenius, Janne; Tucek, Kamil; Gudowski, Waclaw

2001-01-01

The introduction lead-bismuth coolant in accelerator driven transmutation systems (ADS) was: good neutron economy (higher source efficiency); natural circulation possible (decay heat removal); synergy with spallation target (simplified coolant management); high temperature of boiling (larger overpower margin); smaller void worths (operation at higher k-values). This paper deals with different aspects of the void worths in JAERI ADS

Airborne concentrations of toxic metals resulting from the use of low melting point lead alloys to construct radiotherapy shielding

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McCullough, E.C.; Senjem, D.H.

1981-01-01

Determinations of airborne concentrations of lead, cadmium, bismuth, and tin were made above vessels containing a fusible lead alloy (158 0 F melting point) commonly used for construction of radiotherapy blocks. Fume concentrations were determined by collection on a membrane filter and analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Samples were obtained for alloy temperatures of 200 0 , 400 0 , and 600 0 F. In all instances, concentrations were much lower than the applicable occupational limits for continuous exposure. The results of this study indicate that the use of a vented hood as a means of reducing air concentrations of toxic metals above and near vessels containing low temperature melting point lead allows commonly used in construction of radiotherapy shields appears unjustifiable. However, proper handling procedures should be observed to avoid entry into the body via alternate pathways (e.g., ingestion or skin absorption). Transmission data of a non-cadmium containing lead alloy with a melting point of 203 0 F was ascertained and is reported on

Molecular dynamics simulation of metallic impurity diffusion in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE)

Science.gov (United States)

Gao, Yun; Takahashi, Minoru; Cavallotti, Carlo; Raos, Guido

2018-04-01

Corrosion of stainless steels by lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is an important problem which depends, amongst other things, on the diffusion of the steel components inside this liquid alloy. Here we present the results of classical molecular dynamics simulations of the diffusion of Fe and Ni within LBE. The simulations complement experimental studies of impurity diffusion by our group and provide an atomic-level understanding of the relevant diffusion phenomena. They are based on the embedded atom method (EAM) to represent many-body interactions among atoms. The EAM potentials employed in our simulations have been validated against ab initio density functional calculations. We show that the experimental and simulation results for the temperature-dependent viscosity of LBE and the impurity diffusion coefficients can be reconciled by assuming that the Ni and Fe diffuse mainly as nanoscopic clusters below 1300 K. The average Fe and Ni cluster sizes decrease with increasing the temperature and there is essentially single-atom diffusion at higher temperatures.

Oxygen pumping characteristics of Cu-Ti double substituted bismuth vanadate

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Paydar, M.H. [Shiraz Univ. (Iran). Dept. of Metallurgy and Material Sciences; Hadian, A.M. [Teheran Univ. (Iran). Dept. of Metallurgy and Material Sciences; Fafilek, G. [Technische Univ., Vienna (Austria). Inst. fuer Technische Elektrochemie

2002-07-01

In the present paper, we are going to report on a detailed study of the characteristics of an electrochemical oxygen pump for an open system using Cu-Ti double substituted bismuth vanadate as the electrolyte. The major objectives are to show a correlation between oxygen pumping current, cell voltage, Faradic efficiency and oxygen production rate. The maximum current density that can be applied without significant structural modification has been determined and the effect of working temperature on the mentioned parameters have been investigated. The results show that there is an Ohmic relationship between current and voltage at low current densities and a deviation towards lower voltages than expected from Ohm's law with increasing current density. The oxygen production rate increased in a linear fashion by increasing the current density while at high current densities, corresponding to the non linear current voltage section, its gradient decline. Under constant current load, at very high current density (I > 800 mAcm{sup -2}), instability in cell potential was observed, which was reversible and supposed to be the effect of electronic percolation. (orig.)

Study on the extraction of rare earth elements in liquid bismuth

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Harada, M.; Adachi, M.; Kai, Y.; Koike, K.

1987-01-01

Three factors, which are important for the extraction of rare earth elements in liquid bismuth - molten salt system, were studied, i. e., the equilibrium distribution of neodymium, samarium and bismuth between molten LiCl - liquid Bi-Li alloys, the extraction rate of rare earths, and the characteristics of the extractor with drop dispersion. The rare earth elements were extracted through redox reactions. In high range of Li-mole fraction in the alloy phase, X Li , the distribution of neodymium and bismuth in the salt phase markedly increased as X Li increased. The anomalous increase is attributed to the formation of the compound comprised of Nd, Li, Bi and oxygen in the salt phase. The redox reaction processes were very fast and the extraction rates for rare earths are controlled by the diffusion processes of the solute and the metallic lithium. The process for the formation of liquid metal drops in the continuous phase is predictable from semiempirical correlations reported for aqueous solution - organic solvent systems. The height of droplet bed being accumulated on drop settling portion is predictable from the coalescence time of single drop to a flat metal interface. The coalescence of metal drop to clean interface was very fast. The extractor type of liquid metal dispersion in molten salt is suitable for the extraction process in the fuel reprocessing of MSR or MSBR. (author)

Corrosion behavior of welds in oxygen containing liquid lead

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Heinzel, A.; Weisenburger, A.; Mueller, G. [Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany). Inst. for Pulsed Power and Microwave Technology

2012-11-01

Liquid lead (Pb) and lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) have been considered as coolant and/or spallation target in future accelerator driven systems (ADS). Therefore, in the recent years a lot of corrosion experiments on conventional steels were carried out in these heavy liquid metals. Beside these experiments, also tests on welded joints are required. Therefore ferritic/martensitic (F/M) steels (P91, P92) as well as an ODS steel were joint with TIG (Tungsten-Inert-Gas), EB (Electron Beam) and friction stir welding. After that, specimens were exposed to 10{sup -6} and 10{sup -8}wt% oxygen containing lead at 550 C for about 2000h. Weld regions having similar chemical composition and similar structure due to a heat treatment after the welding process show a corrosion behaviour under these conditions that is similar to that of the respective bulk material. (orig.)

Research on enhancement of natural circulation capability in lead–bismuth alloy cooled reactor by using gas-lift pump

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zuo, Juanli, E-mail: Jenyzuo@163.com; Tian, Wenxi, E-mail: wxtian@mail.xjtu.edu.cn; Chen, Ronghua, E-mail: ronghua.chen@stu.xjtu.edu.cn; Qiu, Suizheng; Su, Guanghui, E-mail: ghsu@mail.xjtu.edu.cn

2013-10-15

Highlights: • The gas-lift pump has been adopted to enhance the natural circulation capability. • LENAC code is developed in my study. • The calculation results by LENAC code show good agreement with experiment results. • Gas mass flow rate, bubble diameter, rising pipe length are important parameters. -- Abstract: The gas-lift pump has been adopted to enhance the natural circulation capability in the type of lead–bismuth alloy cooled reactors such as Accelerator Driven System (ADS) and Liquid–metal Fast Reactor (LMFR). The natural circulation ability and the system safety are obviously influenced by the two phase flow characteristics of liquid metal–inert gas. In this study, LENAC (LEad bismuth alloy NAtural Circulation capability) code has been developed to evaluate the natural circulation capability of lead–bismuth cooled ADS with gas-lift pump. The drift flow theory, void fraction prediction model and friction pressure drop prediction model have been incorporated into LENAC code. The calculation results by LENAC code show good agreement with experiment results of CIRCulation Experiment (CIRCE) facility. The effects of the gas mass flow rate, void fraction, gas quality, bubble diameter and the rising pipe height or the potential difference between heat exchanger and reactor core on natural circulation capability of gas-lift pump have been analyzed. The results showed that in bubbly flow pattern, for a fixed value of gas mass flow rate, the natural circulation capability increased with the decrease of the bubble diameter. In the bubbly flow, slug flow, churn flow and annular flow pattern, with the gas mass flow rate increasing, the natural circulation capability initially increased and then declined. And the flow parameters influenced the thermal hydraulic characteristics of the reactor core significantly. The present work is helpful for revealing the law of enhancing the natural circulation capability by gas-lift pump, and providing theoretical

Pathways for the release of polonium from a lead-bismuth spallation target (thermochemical calculation); Verfluechtigungspfade des Poloniums aus einem Pb-Bi-Spallationstarget (Thermochemische Kalkulation)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Eichler, B.; Neuhausen, J

2004-06-01

An analysis of literature data for the thermochemical constants of polonium reveals considerable discrepancies in the relations of these data among each other as well as in their expected trends within the chalcogen group. This fact hinders a reliable assessment of possible reaction paths for the release of polonium from a liquid lead-bismuth spallation target. In this work an attempt is made to construct a coherent data set for the thermochemical properties of polonium and some of its compounds that are of particular importance with respect to the behaviour of polonium in a liquid Pb-Bi target. This data set is based on extrapolations using general trends throughout the periodic table and, in particular, within the chalcogen group. Consequently, no high accuracy should be attributed to the derived data set. However, the data set derived in this work is consistent with definitely known experimental data. Furthermore, it complies with the general trends of physicochemical properties within the chalcogen group. Finally, well known relations between thermochemical quantities are fulfilled by the data derived in this work. Thus, given the lack of accurate experimental data it can be regarded as best available data. Thermochemical constants of polonium hydride, lead polonide and polonium dioxide are derived based on extrapolative procedures. Furthermore, the possibility of formation of the gaseous intermetallic molecule BiPo, which has been omitted from discussion up to now, is investigated. From the derived thermochemical data the equilibrium constants of formation, release and dissociation reactions are calculated for different polonium containing species. Furthermore equilibrium constants are determined for the reaction of lead polonide and polonium dioxide with hydrogen, water vapour and the target components lead and bismuth. The most probable release pathways are discussed. From thermochemical evaluations polonium is expected to be released from liquid lead-bismuth

Doping of germanium telluride with bismuth tellurides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abrikosov, N.Kh.; Karpinskij, O.G.; Makalatiya, T.Sh.; Shelimova, L.E.

1981-01-01

Effect of germanium telluride doping with bismuth fellurides (Bi 2 Te 3 ; BiTe; Bi 2 Te) on phase transition temperature, lattice parameters and electrophysical properties of alloys is studied. It is shown that in alloys of GeTe-Bi 2 Te 3 (BiTe)(Bi 2 Te) cross sections solid solution of GeTe with Bi 2 Te 3 , characterized by deviation from stoichiometry, and germanium in the second phase the quantity of which increases during the transition from GeTe-Bi 2 Te 3 cross section to GeTe-Bi 2 Te are in equilibrium. Lower values of holes concentration and of electric conductivity and higher values of thermo e.m.f. coefficient in comparison with alloys of GeTe-Bi 2 Te 3 cross section with the same bismuth content are characterized for GeTe-Bi 2 Te cross section alloys. It is shown that in the range of GeTe-base solid solution the α→γ phase transformation which runs trough the two-phase region (α→γ) is observed with tellurium content increase. Extension of α-phase existence region widens with the bismuth content increase. Peculiarities of interatomic interaction in GeTe-base solid solutions with isovalent and heterovalent cation substitution are considered [ru

Multi-functional magnesium alloys containing interstitial oxygen atoms.

Science.gov (United States)

Kang, H; Choi, H J; Kang, S W; Shin, S E; Choi, G S; Bae, D H

2016-03-15

A new class of magnesium alloys has been developed by dissolving large amounts of oxygen atoms into a magnesium lattice (Mg-O alloys). The oxygen atoms are supplied by decomposing titanium dioxide nanoparticles in a magnesium melt at 720 °C; the titanium is then completely separated out from the magnesium melt after solidification. The dissolved oxygen atoms are located at the octahedral sites of magnesium, which expand the magnesium lattice. These alloys possess ionic and metallic bonding characteristics, providing outstanding mechanical and functional properties. A Mg-O-Al casting alloy made in this fashion shows superior mechanical performance, chemical resistance to corrosion, and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, a similar Mg-O-Zn wrought alloy shows high elongation to failure (>50%) at room temperature, because the alloy plastically deforms with only multiple slips in the sub-micrometer grains (alloys are expected to open a new paradigm in commercial alloy design.

System design study of small lead-bismuth cooled reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chikazawa, Yoshitaka; Hori, Toru; Konomura, Mamoru

2003-07-01

In phase II of the feasibility study of JNC, we will make a concept of a dispersion power source reactor with various requirements, such as economical competitiveness and safety. In the study of a small lead-bismuth cooled reactor, a concept whose features are long life core, inherent safety, natural convection of cooling system and steam generators in the reactor vessel has been designed since 2000. The investigations which have been done in 2002 are shown as follows; Safety analysis of UTOP considering uncertainty of reactivity. Possibility of reduction of number of control rods. Estimation of construction cost. Transient analyses of UTOP have been done in considering uncertainty of reactivity in order to show the inherent safety in the probabilistic method. And the inherent safety in UTOP is realized under the condition of considering uncertainty. Transient analyses of UTOP with various numbers of control rods have been done and it is suggested that there is possibility of reduction of the number of control rods considering accident managements. The method of cost estimation is a little modified. The cost of reactor vessel is estimated from that of medium sized lead-bismuth cooled reactor and the estimation of a purity control system is by coolant volume flow rate. The construction cost is estimated 850,000yen/kWe. (author)

Lead and lead-based alloys as waste matrix materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arustamov, A.E.; Ojovan, M.I.; Kachalov, M.B.

1999-01-01

Metals and alloys with relatively low melting temperatures such as lead and lead-based alloys are considered in Russia as prospective matrices for encapsulation of spent nuclear fuel in containers in preparation for final disposal in underground repositories. Now lead and lead-based alloys are being used for conditioning spent sealed radioactive sources at radioactive waste disposal facilities

Effect of hydrogen on the behavior of metals II - Hydrogen embrittlement of titanium alloy TV13CA - effect of oxygen - comparison with non-alloyed titanium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arditty, Jean-Pierre

1973-01-01

The effect of oxygen on the hydrogen embrittlement of non-alloyed titanium and the metastable β titanium alloy, TV13 CA, was studied during dynamic mechanical tests, the concentrations considered varying from 1000 to 5000 ppm (oxygen) and from 0 to 5000 ppm (hydrogen) respectively. TV13 CA alloy has a very high solubility for hydrogen. The establishment of a temperature range and a rate of deformation region in which the embrittlement of the alloy is maximum leads to the conclusion that an embrittlement mechanism occurs involving the dragging and accumulation of hydrogen by dislocations. This is the case for all annealings effected in the medium temperature range, which, by favoring the re-establishment of the stable two-phase α + β state of the alloy, produce hardening. The same is true for oxygen which, in addition to hardening the alloy by the solid solution effect, tends to increase its instability and, in consequence, favors the decomposition of the β phase. Nevertheless oxygen concentrations of up to 1500 ppm contribute to increasing the mechanical resistance without catastrophically reducing the deformation capacity. In the case of non-alloyed titanium, the hardening effect also leads to an increase in E 0.2p c and R, and to a reduction in the deformation capacity. Nevertheless, hydrogen is only very slightly soluble at room temperature and a distribution of the hydride phase linked to the thermal history of the sample predominates. Thus a fine acicular structure obtained from the β phase by quenching, enables an alloy having a good mechanical resistance to be conserved even when large quantities of hydrogen are present; the deformation capacity remains small. On the other hand, when the hydride phase separates the metallic phase into large grains, a very small elongation leads to a breakdown in mechanical resistance. (author) [fr

Natural convection in enclosures containing lead-bismuth and lead

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dzodzo, M.; Cuckovic-Dzodzo, D.

2001-01-01

The design of liquid metal reactors such as Encapsulated Nuclear Heat Source (ENHS) which are based predominantly on the flow generated by natural convection effects demands knowledge of velocity and temperature fields, distribution of the local Nusselt numbers and values of the average Nusselt numbers for small coolant velocity regimes. Laminar natural convection in rectangular enclosures with different aspect ratios, containing lead-bismuth and lead is studied numerically in this paper. The numerical model takes into account variable properties of the liquid metals. The developed correlation for average Nusselt numbers is presented. It is concluded that average Nusselt numbers are lower than in 'normal' fluids (air, water and glycerol) for the same values of Rayleigh numbers. However, the heat flux, which can be achieved, is greater due to the high thermal conductivity of liquid metals. Some specific features of the flow fields generated by natural convection in liquid metals are presented. Their consequences on the design of heat exchangers for liquid metals are discussed. An application of the obtained results to the design of a new type of steam generator, which integrates the intermediate heat exchanger and secondary pool functions of the ENHS reactor, is presented. (authors)

Corrosion behaviour of martensitic and austenitic steels in flowing lead-bismuth eutectic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martin-Munoz, F.J.; Soler-Crespo, L.; Gomez-Briceno, D.

2011-01-01

The LINCE loop is a forced convection loop designed for long-term corrosion tests in lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) at CIEMAT. The LBE volume of in the loop is 250 l and the maximum flow velocity in the region of specimens is approximately 1 m s -1 . An oxygen control system has been implemented in the loop. The corrosion behaviour of AISI 316L and T91 steels was investigated in flowing LBE at temperatures of 575 and 725 K for exposure times of 2000, 5000 and 10,000 h. At 575 K, the results showed a good response, with no weight loss detected in any of the materials after exposure to the flowing LBE up to 10,000 h. A similar behaviour was observed for the specimens tested at 725 K during 2000 and 10,000 h. Specimens extracted at intermediate time (5000 h) showed an anomalous behaviour with important weight loss. These specimens were placed at the bottom of the hot test section, and this position probably made them to suffer an accused process of cavitation-erosion.

Synthesis and application of a novel Cu/RGO@Pb alloy for lead-acid batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, Yumeng; Zhao, Ruirui; Zhou, Huawen; Zhang, Dejing; Zhao, Wei; Chen, Hongyu

2016-01-01

In this work, a novel Cu/RGO@Pb alloy was prepared successfully and tested in the simulated lead-acid battery environment. In preparing the novel alloy, Cu/RGO composite was firstly synthesized in order to increase the wettability of RGO to Pb, and then the composite was added to the molten lead to obtain the target alloy. Scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray diffraction as well as electrochemical measurements were employed to evaluate the performance of the obtained composite and alloy. Results show that the prepared Cu/RGO@Pb possessed higher oxygen evolution over-potential and lower hydrogen evolution over-potential than the contrast alloy, indicating this novel alloy was more suitable for using as positive grids in lead acid batteries. Moreover, the RGO additive could inhibit the formation of Pb(II) and Pb(IV) film on the surface of the alloy, which could enhance the deep-charge/discharge performance of the grids and improve the corrosion resistance.

Influence of oxygen on the interaction of Nb-Zr-C alloy with lithium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lyutyi, E.M.; Ignativ, M.I.

1980-01-01

This work is devoted to an investigation of the interaction of Nb-1% Zr-0.1% C alloy of different oxygen contents with molten technical-grade lithium. To obtain different oxygen contents in the steel, one lot of samples was annealed at 1400/degree/C for 2 h with a residual gas pressure of 0.1 mPa and the other under the same conditions in a vacuum of 10 mPa, which provided oxygen contents in the samples of 0.015 and 0.019 wt.%, respectively. The small difference between the oxygen contents in the samples of the two lots caused substantial differences in the interaction of the alloy with lithium. The sample with 0.015 wt.% oxygen had practically no corrosion even in holding in lithium for 1000 h. Impregnation of the samples with oxygen during the preliminary anneal leads to intensification of the corrosive action of lithium

Flame spray synthesis under a non-oxidizing atmosphere: Preparation of metallic bismuth nanoparticles and nanocrystalline bulk bismuth metal

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Grass, Robert N.; Stark, Wendelin J. [Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zuerich (Switzerland)], E-mail: wendelin.stark@chem.ethz.ch

2006-10-15

Metallic bismuth nanoparticles of over 98% purity were prepared by a modified flame spray synthesis method in an inert atmosphere by oxygen-deficient combustion of a bismuth-carboxylate based precursor. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy confirming the formation of pure, crystalline metallic bismuth nanoparticles. Compression of the as-prepared powder resulted in highly dense, nanocrystalline pills with strong electrical conductivity and bright metallic gloss.

Methylammonium Bismuth Iodide as a Lead-Free, Stable Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Solar Absorber.

Science.gov (United States)

Hoye, Robert L Z; Brandt, Riley E; Osherov, Anna; Stevanović, Vladan; Stranks, Samuel D; Wilson, Mark W B; Kim, Hyunho; Akey, Austin J; Perkins, John D; Kurchin, Rachel C; Poindexter, Jeremy R; Wang, Evelyn N; Bawendi, Moungi G; Bulović, Vladimir; Buonassisi, Tonio

2016-02-18

Methylammonium lead halide (MAPbX3 ) perovskites exhibit exceptional carrier transport properties. But their commercial deployment as solar absorbers is currently limited by their intrinsic instability in the presence of humidity and their lead content. Guided by our theoretical predictions, we explored the potential of methylammonium bismuth iodide (MBI) as a solar absorber through detailed materials characterization. We synthesized phase-pure MBI by solution and vapor processing. In contrast to MAPbX3, MBI is air stable, forming a surface layer that does not increase the recombination rate. We found that MBI luminesces at room temperature, with the vapor-processed films exhibiting superior photoluminescence (PL) decay times that are promising for photovoltaic applications. The thermodynamic, electronic, and structural features of MBI that are amenable to these properties are also present in other hybrid ternary bismuth halide compounds. Through MBI, we demonstrate a lead-free and stable alternative to MAPbX3 that has a similar electronic structure and nanosecond lifetimes. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Kinetic study on recovery of metal values in anode slime from used lead batteries

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Itoh, S.; Nagasaka, T. [Tohoku Univ., Sendai (Japan). Dept. of Environmental Studies; Ono, J.; Hino, M. [Tohoku Univ., Sendai (Japan). Dept. of Metallurgy

2004-07-01

Oxidation experiments were conducted with pure antimony and antimony-lead bismuth alloys to examine the oxidation kinetics and mechanisms used to treat the anode slime produced during lead electrorefining and recovery of antimony from used lead batteries. In order to recycle and recover valuable metals from the used lead batteries, the oxidation experiments were conducted with pure liquid antimony at temperatures between 973 and 1373 K. The study showed that the gas phase mass transfer step is the basic mechanisms that controls the oxidation rate for pure antimony. It was noted that the oxidation rate of the alloy was identical to that of the pure antimony, suggesting that an oxidation reaction of the anode slime proceeds at the same rate as pure antimony. This is one of the advantages of treating anode slime through oxidation. Mass transfer in the gas phase was the rate-determining step in the alloy oxidation reaction. It was concluded that a higher oxygen partial pressure and sufficient gas flow rate at temperature of 1073 K is needed to conserve energy and recovery antimony oxide. 13 refs., 2 tabs., 12 figs.

Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor Systems and the Fuels and Materials Challenges

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

T. R. Allen

2007-01-01

Full Text Available Anticipated developments in the consumer energy market have led developers of nuclear energy concepts to consider how innovations in energy technology can be adapted to meet consumer needs. Properties of molten lead or lead-bismuth alloy coolants in lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR systems offer potential advantages for reactors with passive safety characteristics, modular deployment, and fuel cycle flexibility. In addition to realizing those engineering objectives, the feasibility of such systems will rest on development or selection of fuels and materials suitable for use with corrosive lead or lead-bismuth. Three proposed LFR systems, with varying levels of concept maturity, are described to illustrate their associated fuels and materials challenges. Nitride fuels are generally favored for LFR use over metal or oxide fuels due to their compatibility with molten lead and lead-bismuth, in addition to their high atomic density and thermal conductivity. Ferritic/martensitic stainless steels, perhaps with silicon and/or oxide-dispersion additions for enhanced coolant compatibility and improved high-temperature strength, might prove sufficient for low-to-moderate-temperature LFRs, but it appears that ceramics or refractory metal alloys will be necessary for higher-temperature LFR systems intended for production of hydrogen energy carriers.

Corrosion resistance of Fe-Al alloy-coated steel under bending stress in high temperature lead-bismuth eutectic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamaki, Eriko; Takahashi, Minoru

2009-01-01

Formation of thin Fe-Al alloy layers on the surface of cladding and structural materials is effective to protect a base material from corrosion in high temperature LBE. However, it is concerned that these protective layers may be damaged under various stress conditions. This study on Fe-Al alloy coatings deposited by unbalanced magnetron sputtering (UBMS) is focused to evaluate corrosion resistance and integrity of the Fe-Al coating layers with thickness of 0.5 mm under bending stress in high temperature LBE. High chromium steel specimens (HCM12A, Recloy10) with Fe-Al alloy coating were exposed to LBE pool with low oxygen concentration (up to 5.2x10 -8 wt%) at 550 and 650degC under 45kg-loading for 240 and 500 h. No LBE corrosion was observed in the base metal and coating layer after the tests at 550degC for 550 h. The coating layers could be barrier for corrosion resistance from LBE at 550degC, although the coating scales are cracked by the load. At 650degC, because the base metal was contoccured directly with LBE through cracks across the coating layer. Penetration of LBE to base metal and dissolution of beset metal into LBE occurred. Fe-Al coating layer was not corroded by LBE. (author)

Design of an Actinide-Burning, Lead or Lead-Bismuth Cooled Reactor that Produces Low-Cost Electricity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mac Donald, Philip Elsworth; Weaver, Kevan Dean; Davis, Cliff Bybee; MIT folks

2000-07-01

The purpose of this Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University Research Consortium (URC) project is to investigate the suitability of lead or lead-bismuth cooled fast reactors for producing low-cost electricity as well as for actinide burning. The goal is to identify and analyze the key technical issues in core neutronics, materials, thermal-hydraulics, fuels, and economics associated with the development of this reactor concept. Work has been accomplished in four major areas of research: core neutronic design, material compatibility, plant engineering, and coolant activation. In the area of core neutronic design, the reactivity vs. burnup and discharge isotopics of both non-fertile and fertile fuels were evaluated. An innovative core for pure actinide burning that uses streaming, fertile-free fuel assemblies was studied in depth. This particular core exhibits excellent reactivity performance upon coolant voiding, even for voids that occur in the core center, and has a transuranic (TRU) destruction rate that is comparable to the proposed accelerator transmutation of waste (ATW) facility. These studies suggest that a core can be designed to achieve a long life while maintaining safety and minimizing waste. In the area of material compatibility studies, an experimental apparatus for the investigation of the flow-assisted dissolution and precipitation (corrosion) of potential fuel cladding and structural materials has been designed and built at the INEEL. The INEEL forced-convection corrosion cell consists of a small heated vessel with a shroud and gas flow system. The corrosion cell is being used to test steel that is commercially available in the United States to temperatures above 650°C. Progress in plant engineering was made for two reactor concepts, one utilizing an indirect cycle with heat exchangers and the other utilizing a direct-contact steam cycle. The evaluation of the

Corrosion behavior of Si-enriched steels for nuclear applications in liquid lead–bismuth

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kurata, Yuji, E-mail: kurata.yuji@jaea.go.jp [Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai-mura, Ibaraki-ken 319-1195 (Japan)

2013-06-15

Highlights: ► The corrosion behavior of Si-enriched steels in liquid lead–bismuth was studied. ► The corrosion tests were conducted at the two controlled oxygen levels. ► The Si addition reduces the scale thickness under the high oxygen condition. ► The Si addition has no significant effect under the low oxygen condition. -- Abstract: The corrosion behavior of Si-enriched steels in liquid lead–bismuth was studied in order to develop accelerator driven systems for transmutation of long-lived radioactive wastes and lead–bismuth cooled fast reactors. The corrosion tests of 316SS, Si-enriched 316SS, Mod.9Cr–1Mo steel (T91) and Si-enriched T91 were conducted at 550 °C in liquid lead–bismuth at the two controlled oxygen levels. Both the additions of 2.5 wt.% Si to 316SS and 1.5 wt.% Si to T91 had the effect of reducing the thickness of oxide layer in liquid lead–bismuth at the high oxygen concentration (2.5 × 10{sup −5} wt.%). Although the Si addition to 316SS reduced the depth of ferritization caused by Ni dissolution in liquid lead–bismuth at the low oxygen concentration (4.4 × 10{sup −8} wt.%), it could not suppress the ferritization and the penetration of Pb and Bi completely. The Si addition to T91 did not have the effect of preventing the penetration of Pb and Bi in the liquid lead–bismuth at the low oxygen concentration. The oxide scales formed on both Si-enriched steels did not have sufficient corrosion resistance under the low oxygen condition.

Adsorption of oxygen on low-index surfaces of the TiAl{sub 3} alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Latyshev, A. M.; Bakulin, A. V.; Kulkova, S. E., E-mail: kulkova@ms.tsc.ru [National Research Tomsk State University (Russian Federation); Hu, Q. M.; Yang, R. [Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research (China)

2016-12-15

Method of the projector augmented waves in the plane-wave basis within the generalized-gradient approximation for the exchange-correlation functional has been used to study oxygen adsorption on (001), (100), and (110) low-index surfaces of the TiAl{sub 3} alloy. It has been established that the sites that are most energetically preferred for the adsorption of oxygen are hollow (H) positions on the (001) surface and bridge (B) positions on the (110) and (100) surfaces. Structural and electronic factors that define their energy preference have been discussed. Changes in the atomic and electronic structure of subsurface layers that occur as the oxygen concentration increases to three monolayers have been analyzed. It has been shown that the formation of chemical bonds of oxygen with both components of the alloy leads to the appearance of states that are split-off from the bottoms of their valence bands, which is accompanied by the formation of a forbidden gap at the Fermi level and by a weakening of the Ti–Al metallic bonds in the alloy. On the Al-terminated (001) and (110) surfaces, the oxidation of aluminum dominates over that of titanium. On the whole, the binding energy of oxygen on the low-index surfaces with a mixed termination is higher than that at the aluminum-terminated surface. The calculation of the diffusion of oxygen in the TiAl{sub 3} alloy has shown that the lowest barriers correspond to the diffusion between tetrahedral positions in the (001) plane; the diffusion of oxygen in the [001] direction occurs through octahedral and tetrahedral positions. An increase in the concentration of aluminum in the alloy favors a reduction in the height of the energy barriers as compared to the corresponding barriers in the γ-TiAl alloy.

Performance of a chevron steam dryer for removal of lead-bismuth droplets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dostal, Vaclav; Yusibani, Elin; Takahashi, Minoru

2005-01-01

An analysis was performed of a chevron type steam dryer with a trap for the removal of lead-bismuth droplets from steam leaving the Water Boiling Direct Contact Lead or Lead-Bismuth Cooled Reactor. The Lagrangian method was used and is described here. The steam flow field was developed using a CFD code FrontFlow/Red. The simulated dryer performance results were compared to a simple theoretical model from literature. The simulation shown that droplets down to 6 microns in diameter can be completely removed by the steam dryer, which is better than reported earlier in literature. A discrepancy with the theoretical model was found for larger droplets (5 to 10 microns in diameter), where the theoretical model predicted lower removal efficiency. The discrepancy is attributed to be installation of the trap, which is not included in this theoretical model. Some droplets of 1 and 0.5 microns were removed in the dryer as well, which indicates the potential for the fine droplet removal if the trap design is carefully optimized. The investigation of the effect of initial droplet velocity shown that the removal efficiency increases with the increase of the positive velocity components. For larger droplets the effect of initial velocity was found to be minuscule. (author)

Decay heat removal analyses on the heavy liquid metal cooled fast breeding reactor. Comparisons of the decay heat removal characteristics on lead, lead-bismuth and sodium cooled reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sakai, Takaaki; Ohshima, Hiroyuki; Yamaguchi, Akira

2000-04-01

The feasibility study on several concepts for the commercial fast breeder reactor(FBR) in future has been conducted in JNC for the kinds of possible coolants and fuel types to confirm the direction of the FBR developments in Japan. In this report, Lead and Lead-Bismuth eutectic coolants were estimated for the decay heat removal characteristics by the comparison with sodium coolant that has excellent features for the heat transfer and heat transport performance. Heavy liquid metal coolants, such as Lead and Lead-Bismuth, have desirable chemical inertness for water and atmosphere. Therefore, there are many economical plant proposals without an intermediate heat transport system that prevents the direct effect on a reactor core by the chemical reaction between water and the liquid metal coolant at the hypocritical tube failure accidents in a steam generator. In this study, transient analyses on the thermal-hydraulics have been performed for the decay heat removal events in Equivalent plant' with the Lead, Lead-Bismuth and Sodium coolant by using Super-COPD code. And a resulted optimized lead cooled plant in feasibility study was also analyzed for the comparison. In conclusion, it is become clear that the natural circulation performance, that has an important roll in passive safety characteristic of the reactor, is more excellent in heavy liquid metals than sodium coolant during the decay heat removal transients. However, we need to confirm the heat transfer reduction by the oxidized film or the corrosion products expected to appear on the heat transfer surface in the Lead and Lead-Bismuth circumstance. (author)

Preparation and elastic moduli of germanate glass containing lead and bismuth.

Science.gov (United States)

Sidek, Hj A A; Bahari, Hamid R; Halimah, Mohamed K; Yunus, Wan M M

2012-01-01

This paper reports the rapid melt quenching technique preparation for the new family of bismuth-lead germanate glass (BPG) systems in the form of (GeO(2))(60)-(PbO)(40-) (x)-(½Bi(2)O(3))(x) where x = 0 to 40 mol%. Their densities with respect of Bi(2)O(3) concentration were determined using Archimedes' method with acetone as a floatation medium. The current experimental data are compared with those of bismuth lead borate (B(2)O(3))(20)-(PbO)(80-) (x)-(Bi(2)O(3))(x). The elastic properties of BPG were studied using the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique where both longitudinal and transverse sound wave velocities have been measured in each glass samples at a frequency of 15 MHz and at room temperature. Experimental data shows that all the physical parameters of BPG including density and molar volume, both longitudinal and transverse velocities increase linearly with increasing of Bi(2)O(3) content in the germanate glass network. Their elastic moduli such as longitudinal, shear and Young's also increase linearly with addition of Bi(2)O(3) but the bulk modulus did not. The Poisson's ratio and fractal dimensionality are also found to vary linearly with the Bi(2)O(3) concentration.

Preparation and Elastic Moduli of Germanate Glass Containing Lead and Bismuth

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wan M. M. Yunus

2012-04-01

Full Text Available This paper reports the rapid melt quenching technique preparation for the new family of bismuth-lead germanate glass (BPG systems in the form of (GeO260–(PbO40−x–(½Bi2O3x where x = 0 to 40 mol%. Their densities with respect of Bi2O3 concentration were determined using Archimedes’ method with acetone as a floatation medium. The current experimental data are compared with those of bismuth lead borate (B2O320–(PbO80−x–(Bi2O3x. The elastic properties of BPG were studied using the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique where both longitudinal and transverse sound wave velocities have been measured in each glass samples at a frequency of 15 MHz and at room temperature. Experimental data shows that all the physical parameters of BPG including density and molar volume, both longitudinal and transverse velocities increase linearly with increasing of Bi2O3 content in the germanate glass network. Their elastic moduli such as longitudinal, shear and Young’s also increase linearly with addition of Bi2O3 but the bulk modulus did not. The Poisson’s ratio and fractal dimensionality are also found to vary linearly with the Bi2O3 concentration.

RBEC lead-bismuth cooled fast reactor: review of conceptual decisions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alekseev, P.; Fomichenko, P.; Mikityuk, K.; Nevinitsa, V.; Shchepetina, T.; Subbotin, S.; Vasiliev, A.

2001-01-01

A concept of the RBEC lead-bismuth fast reactor-breeder is a synthesis, on one hand, of more than 40-year experience in development and operation of fast sodium power reactors and reactors with Pb-Bi coolant for nuclear submarines, and, on the other hand, of large R and D activities on development of the core concept for modified fast sodium reactor. The report briefly presents main parameters of the RBEC reactor, as a candidate for commercial exploitation in structure of the future nuclear power. (author)

Mechanical properties of a 316L/T91 weld joint tested in lead-bismuth liquid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Serre, Ingrid; Vogt, Jean-Bernard

2009-01-01

The mechanical strength of T91/316L weld joint assembled by electron beam process is investigated in air and in a liquid lead bismuth bath at 300 and 380 o C using the small punch test. It is shown that the mechanical response in air of the weld joint is similar to that of the T91 base material. The plastic deformation is mainly concentrated in the T91 part of the weld joint which promotes cracking in this material. Testing in liquid lead bismuth bath results in a reduction in ductility and the formation of brittle cracks. The T91/weld interface is found to be rather resistant as it cracks late in the test and after a large crack propagated in the T91 steel.

Polonium release from an ATW burner system with liquid lead-bismuth coolant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, N.; Yefimov, E.; Pankratov, D.

1998-04-01

The authors analyzed polonium release hazards in a conceptual pool-type ATW burner with liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) coolant. Simplified quantitative models are used based on experiments and real NPP experience. They found little Po contamination outside the burner under normal operating conditions with nominal leakage from the gas system. In sudden gas leak and/or coolant spill accidents, the P contamination level can reach above the regulation limit but short exposure would not lead to severe health consequences. They are evaluating and developing mitigation methods

Elemental Technologies for Lead-Bismuth Spallation Target System in J-PARC

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obayashi, H.; Yamaguchi, K.; Saito, S.; Sugawara, T.; Takei, H.; Sasa, T.

2015-01-01

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has been researching and developing an Accelerator-Driven System (ADS) as a dedicated system for the transmutation of long-lived radioactive nuclides. The ADS proposed by JAEA uses the lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) alloy as a spallation target material and a coolant. In the various R and D for ADS, construction of the Transmutation Experimental Facility (TEF) is planned under the framework of the J-PARC project as a preceding step before the construction of demonstrative ADS. In this R and D, TEF is considered for the experimental investigation of the feasibility of the beam window, the structural materials, and to investigate the operation properties of the target system by using 400 MeV-250 kW proton beam. This target system is consisted of various elements and must be able to operate without troubles during an operation period of TEF facility. Furthermore, in the maintenance period after the operation, because the inside of a hot cell storing a target is exposed to strong radiations, all elements must be designed as remote control devices. In this study, the present conditions of the design and the result of performance test of each important elements were confirmed in the realisation of the LBE target system, such as the monitoring system of flow rate by using the ultrasonic method, the heater system with the metallic heat insulator joined to a flow channel of LBE, and the operability of remote handing. (authors)

Equilibrium evaporation test of lead-bismuth eutectic and of tellurium in lead-bismuth

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohno, Shuji; Nishimura, Masahiro; Hamada, Hirotsugu; Miyahara, Shinya; Sasa, Toshinobu; Kurata, Yuji

2005-01-01

A series of equilibrium evaporation experiment was performed to acquire the essential and the fundamental knowledge about the transfer behavior of lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) and impurity tellurium in LBE from liquid to gas phase. The experiments were conducted using the transpiration method in which saturated vapor in an isothermal evaporation pot was transported by inert carrier gas and collected outside of the pot. The size of the used evaporation pot is 8 cm inner diameter and 15 cm length. The weight of the LBE pool in the pot is about 500 g. The investigated temperature range was 450degC to 750degC. From this experiment and discussion using the data in literature, we have obtained several instructive and useful data on the LBE evaporation behavior such as saturated vapor pressure of LBE, vapor concentration of Pb, Bi and Bi 2 in LBE saturated gas phase, and activity coefficient of Pb in the LBE. The LBE vapor pressure equation is represented as the sum of Pb, Bi and Bi 2 vapor in the temperature range between 550degC and 750degC as logP[Pa]=10.2-10100/T[k]. The gas-liquid equilibrium partition coefficient of tellurium in LBE is in the range of 10 to 100, with no remarkable temperature dependency between 450degC and 750degC. This research was founded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). (author)

Liquid-vapor phase transition upon pressure decrease in the lead-bismuth system

Science.gov (United States)

Volodin, V. N.

2009-11-01

The liquid-vapor phase transitions boundaries were calculated on the basis of the values of vapor pressure of the components in the lead-bismuth system during the stepwise pressure decrease by one order of magnitude from 105 down to 1 Pa. The emergence of azeotropic liquid under pressure lower than 19.3 kPa was ascertained. The emergence of azeotropic mixture near the lead edge of the phase diagram was concluded to be the reason for technological difficulties in the distillation separation of the system into the components in a vacuum.

Infrared photoconductivity and photovoltaic response from nanoscale domains of PbS alloyed with thorium and oxygen

Science.gov (United States)

Arad-Vosk, N.; Beach, R.; Ron, A.; Templeman, T.; Golan, Y.; Sarusi, G.; Sa'ar, A.

2018-03-01

Thin films of lead sulfide alloyed with thorium and oxygen were deposited on GaAs substrates and processed to produce a photo-diode structure. Structural, optical and electrical characterizations indicate the presence of small nanoscale domains (NDs) that are characterized by dense packaging, high quality interfaces and a blue-shift of the energy bandgap toward the short wavelength infrared range of the spectrum. Photocurrent spectroscopy revealed a considerable photoconductivity that is correlated with excitation of carriers in the NDs of lead sulfide alloyed with thorium and oxygen. Furthermore, the appearance of a photovoltaic effect under near infrared illumination indicates a quasi-type II band alignment at the interface of the GaAs and the film of NDs.

Advanced Small-Safe Long-Life Lead Cooled Reactor Cores for Future Nuclear Energy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Jin Hyeong; Hong, Ser Gi [Kyung Hee University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2014-10-15

One of the reasons for use of the lead or lead-bismuth alloy coolants is the high boiling temperature that avoids the possibility of coolant voiding. Also, these coolants are compatible with air, steam, and water. Therefore, intermediate coolant loop is not required as in the sodium cooled reactors 3. Lead is considered to be more attractive coolant than lead-bismuth alloy because of its higher availability, lower price, and much lower amount of polonium activity by factor of 104 relatively to lead. On the other hand, lead has higher melting temperature of 601K than that of lead-bismuth (398K), which narrows the operating temperature range and also leads to the possibility of freezing and blockage in fresh cores. Neutronically, the lead and lead-bismuth have very similar characteristics to each other. The lead-alloy coolants have lower moderating power and higher scattering without increasing moderation for neutrons below 0.5MeV, which reduces the leakage of the neutrons through the core and provides an excellent reflecting capability for neutrons. Due to the above features of lead or lead-alloy coolants, there have been lots of studies on the small lead cooled core designs. In this paper, small-safe long-life lead cooled reactor cores having high discharge burnup are designed and neutronically analyzed.. The cores considered in this work rates 110MWt (36.7MWe). In this work, the long-life with high discharge burnup was achieved by using thorium or depleted uranium blanket loaded in the central region of the core. Also, we considered a reference core having no blanket for the comparison. This paper provides the detailed neutronic analyses for these small long-life cores and the detailed analyses of the reactivity coefficients and the composition changes in blankets. The results of the core design and analyses show that our small long-life cores can be operated without refueling over their long-lives longer than 45EFPYs (Effective Full Power Year). In this work

AB initio energetics of lanthanum substitution in ferroelectric bismuth titanate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shah, S.H.

2012-01-01

Density functional theory based electronic structure calculations play a vital role in understanding, controlling and optimizing physical properties of materials at microscopic level. In present study system of interest is bismuth titanate (Bi/sub 4/Ti/sub 3/O/sub 12/)/(BIT) which has wide range of applications such as a high temperature piezoelectric and one of the best material for memory devices. However, it also suffers from serious issues such as oxygen vacancies which degrade its performance as a memory element and piezoelectric material. In this context, the bulk and defect properties of orthorhombic bismuth titanate (Bi/sub 4/Ti/sub 3/O/sub 12/) and bismuth lanthanum titanate (Bi/sub 3.25/La/sub 0.75/Ti/sub 3/O/sub 12/)/(BLT, x=0.75) were investigated by using first principles calculations and atomistic thermodynamics. Heats of formation, valid chemical conditions for synthesis, lanthanum substitution energies and oxygen and bismuth vacancy formation energies were computed. The study improves understanding of how native point defects and substitutional impurities influence the ferroelectric properties of these layered perovskite materials. It was found that lanthanum incorporation could occur on either of the two distinct bismuth sites in the structure and that the effect of substitution is to increase the formation energy of nearby native oxygen vacancies. The results provide direct atomistic evidence over a range of chemical conditions for the suggestion that lanthanum incorporation reduces the oxygen vacancy concentration. Oxygen vacancies contribute to ferroelectric fatigue by interacting strongly with domain walls and therefore a decrease in their concentration is beneficial. (orig./A.B.)

Influence of liquid lead and lead-bismuth eutectic on tensile, fatigue and creep properties of ferritic/martensitic and austenitic steels for transmutation systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gorse, D., E-mail: dominique.gorse-pomonti@polytechnique.edu [CNRS-LSI, Ecole Polytechnique, route de Saclay, 91128, Palaiseau Cedex (France); Auger, T. [CNRS-MSSMAT, Ecole Centrale Paris, Grande Voie des Vignes, 92290, Chatenay-Malabry Cedex (France); Vogt, J.-B.; Serre, I. [CNRS-LMPGM, 59655, Villeneuve d' Ascq Cedex (France); Weisenburger, A. [ForschungszentrumKarlsruheGmbH, P.O. Box 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe (Germany); Gessi, A.; Agostini, P. [ENEA, CR Brasimone, 40032 Camugnano, Bologna (Italy); Fazio, C. [ForschungszentrumKarlsruheGmbH, P.O. Box 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe (Germany); Hojna, A.; Di Gabriele, F. [Ustav jaderneho vyzkumu Rez a.s., Husinec 130, Rez 25068 (Czech Republic); Van Den Bosch, J.; Coen, G.; Almazouzi, A. [SCK-CEN (Belgian Nuclear Research Centre), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol (Belgium); Serrano, M. [CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense, 22, 28040 Madrid (Spain)

2011-08-31

In this paper, the tensile, fatigue and creep properties of the Ferritic/Martensitic (F/M) steel T91 and of the Austenitic Stainless (AS) Steel 316L in lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) or lead, obtained in the different organizations participating to the EUROTRANS-DEMETRA project are reviewed. The results show a remarkable consistency, referring to the variety of metallurgical and surface state conditions studied. Liquid Metal Embrittlement (LME) effects are shown, remarkable on heat-treated hardened T91 and also on corroded T91 after long-term exposure to low oxygen containing Liquid Metal (LM), but hardly visible on passive or oxidized smooth T91 specimens. For T91, the ductility trough was estimated, starting just above the melting point of the embrittler (T{sub M,E} = 123.5 deg. C for LBE, 327 deg. C for lead) with the ductility recovery found at 425 deg. C. LME effects are weaker on 316L AS steel. Liquid Metal Assisted Creep (LMAC) effects are reported for the T91/LBE system at 550 deg. C, and for the T91/lead system at 525 deg. C. Today, if the study of the LME effects on T91 and 316L in LBE or lead can be considered well documented, in contrast, complementary investigations are necessary in order to quantify the LMAC effects in these systems, and determine rigorously the threshold creep conditions.

Oxidation and microstrucure of V-Cr-Ti alloys exposed to oxygen-containing environments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Natesan, K. [Argonne National Lab., IL (United States); Uz, M. [Lafayette College, Easton, PA (United States); Ulie, T.

1997-08-01

The objectives of this task are to (a) evaluate the oxygen uptake of several V-Cr-Ti alloys as a function of temperature and oxygen partial pressure in the exposure environment, (b) examine the microstructural characteristics of oxide scales and oxygen trapped at the grain boundaries in the substrate alloys, and (c) evaluate the influence of alloy composition on oxygen uptake and develop correlation(s) between alloy composition, exposure environment, and temperature.

Oxidation and microstrucure of V-Cr-Ti alloys exposed to oxygen-containing environments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Natesan, K.; Uz, M.; Ulie, T.

1997-01-01

The objectives of this task are to (a) evaluate the oxygen uptake of several V-Cr-Ti alloys as a function of temperature and oxygen partial pressure in the exposure environment, (b) examine the microstructural characteristics of oxide scales and oxygen trapped at the grain boundaries in the substrate alloys, and (c) evaluate the influence of alloy composition on oxygen uptake and develop correlation(s) between alloy composition, exposure environment, and temperature

Polarographic methods for the analysis of beryllium metal and its alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wells, J.M.

1975-10-01

This report describes polarographic methods for the analysis of beryllium metal and its alloys. The elements covered by these methods are aluminium, bismuth, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, molybdenum, nickel, thallium, tungsten, uranium, vanadium and zinc. (author)

Heavy liquid metal technologies at KArlsruhe Lead LAboratory KALLA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Knebel, J.U.; Mueller, G.; Konys, J.

2002-01-01

The objectives of the research cover: lead-bismuth technologies; corrosion mechanism and corrosion protection; thermal hydraulics; kinetics of oxygen control systems. Detailed experimental results are presented

Formation of gas-phase π-allyl radicals from propylene over bismuth oxide and γ-bismuth molybdate catalysts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martir, W.; Lunsford, J.H.

1981-01-01

Gas-phase π-allyl radicals were produced when propylene reacted over Bi 2 O 3 and γ-bismuth molybdate catalysts at 723 K. The pressure in the catalyst zone was varied between 5 x 10 -3 and 1 torr. The radicals were detected by EPR spectroscopy together with a matrix isolation technique in which argon was used as the diluent. The matrix was formed on a sapphire rod at 12 K which was located 33-cm downstream from the catalyst. Bismuth oxide was more effective in the production of gas-phase allyl radicals than γ-bismuth molybdate. By contrast α-bismuth molybdate was ineffective in forming allyl radicals and MoO 3 acted as a sink for radicals which were produced elsewhere in the system. Comparison of the π-allyl radical and the stable product concentrations over Bi 2 O 3 revealed that gas-phase radical recombination reactions served as a major pathway for the formation of 1,5-hexadiene. Addition of small amounts of gas-phase oxygen increased the concentration of allyl radicals, and at greater oxygen levels allyl peroxy radicals were detected. Because of the effect of temperature on the equilibrium between allyl and allyl peroxy radicals, the latter product must be formed in the cooler part of the system

Comparative study of lead borate and bismuth lead borate glass systems as gamma-radiation shielding materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Singh, Narveer; Singh, Kanwar Jit; Singh, Kulwant; Singh, Harvinder

2004-01-01

Gamma-ray mass attenuation coefficients have been measured experimentally and calculated theoretically for PbO-B 2 O 3 and Bi 2 O 3 -PbO-B 2 O 3 glass systems using narrow beam transmission method. These values have been used to calculate half value layer (HVL) parameter. These parameters have also been calculated theoretically for some standard radiation shielding concretes at same energies. Effect of replacing lead by bismuth has been analyzed in terms of density, molar volume and mass attenuation coefficient

First heats of cerium solution in liquid aluminium, gallium, indium, tin, lead and bismuth

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamshchikov, L.F.; Lebedev, V.A.; Nichkov, I.F.; Raspopin, S.P.; Shein, V.G.

1983-01-01

Cerium solution heats in liquid alluminium, gallium, indium, tin, lead and bismuth are determined in high temperature mixing calorimeter with an isothermal shell. The statistical analysis carried out proves that values of cerium solution heat in fusible metals obtained by the methods of electric motive forces and calorimety give a satisfactory agreement

Donor impurity self-compensation by neutral complexes in bismuth doped lead telluride

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ravich, Yu.I.; Nemov, S.A.; Proshin, V.I.

1994-01-01

Self-compensation is calculated of impurity doping action in semiconductors of the A 4 B 6 type by neutral complexes, consisting of a vacancy and two impurity atoms. Complexes entropy is estimated and the thermodynamic potential is minimized in the concentration of single two-charge vacancies and complexes. Calculation results are compared with experimental data, obtained when lead telluride doping by bismuth. Account for complex formation improves agreement theory with experiment. 4 refs., 1 fig

Bismuth oxyfluoride @ CMK-3 nanocomposite as cathode for lithium ion batteries

Science.gov (United States)

Ni, Dan; Sun, Wang; Xie, Liqiang; Fan, Qinghua; Wang, Zhenhua; Sun, Kening

2018-01-01

Bismuth oxyfluoride impregnated CMK-3 nanocomposite is synthesized by a facile nanocasting approach. Mesoporous carbon CMK-3 can suppress the aggregation and growth of bismuth oxyfluoride particles and offer rapid electron and Li ion passageways. Bismuth oxyfluoride nanoparticles are embedded in the mesoporous channels with particle size less than 20 nm. The bismuth oxyfluoride@CMK-3 nanocomposite maintains 148 mA h g-1 after 40 cycles with the capacity from both the bismuth oxyfluoride and the functional groups on the mesoporous carbon. The hybrid with confined bismuth oxyfluoride nanoparticles, conductive carbon network, and oxygen functional groups on the carbon matrix exhibits higher capacity and cycling stability than bulk bismuth oxyfluoride particles when used as lithium ion batteries cathode.

Photofunctional Co-Cr Alloy Generating Reactive Oxygen Species for Photodynamic Applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kang-Kyun Wang

2013-01-01

Full Text Available We report the fabrication of photofunctional Co-Cr alloy plate that is prepared by a simple modification process for photodynamic application. Photoinduced functionality is provided by the photosensitizer of hematoporphyrin (Hp that initially generates reactive oxygen species (ROS such as superoxide anion radical and singlet oxygen. The photosensitizer with carboxyl group was chemically bonded to the surface of the Co-Cr alloy plate by esterification reaction. Microstructure and elemental composition of the Co-Cr alloy plate were checked with scanning electron microscopy (SEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS. Fabrication of the photofunctionality of the Co-Cr alloy plate was confirmed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, reflectance UV-Vis absorption, and emission spectroscopy. Reactive oxygen generation from the photofunctional Co-Cr alloy plate was confirmed by using the decomposition reaction of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF. The results suggest that the immobilized photosensitizer molecules on the surface of Co-Cr alloy plate still possess their optical and functional properties including reactive oxygen generation. To open the possibility for its application as a photodynamic material to biological system, the fabricated photofunctional Co-Cr alloy is applied to the decomposition of smooth muscle cells.

Thermodynamics of oxygen in solid solution in vanadium and niobium--vanadium alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Steckel, G.L.

1977-01-01

A thermodynamic study was made of the vanadium-oxygen and niobium-vanadium-oxygen systems utilizing the solid state galvanic cell technique. Investigations were made with a ThO 2 /Y 2 O 3 electrolyte over the temperature ranges 700 to 1200 0 C (973 to 1473 K) for the binary system and 650 to 1150 0 C (923 to 1423 K) for the ternary system. The activity of oxygen in vanadium obeys Henry's law for the temperatures of this investigation for concentrations up to 3.2 at. percent oxygen. For higher concentrations the activity coefficient shows positive deviations from Henry's law. The terminal solubility of oxygen in vanadium was determined. The activity of oxygen in Nb--V alloys obeys Henry's law for the temperatures of this study for oxygen concentrations less than approximately 2 at. percent. For certain Nb/V ratios Henry's law is obeyed for concentrations as high as 6.5 at. percent oxygen. First order entropy and enthalpy interaction coefficients have been determined to describe the effect on the oxygen activity of niobium additions to vanadium-rich alloys with dilute oxygen concentrations. Niobium causes relatively small decreases in the oxygen activity of V-rich alloys and increases the oxygen solubility limit. Vanadium additions to Nb-rich alloys also increases the oxygen solubility and causes substantial decreases in the dilute solution oxygen activities. The change in the thermodynamic properties when molecular oxygen dissolves in vanadium and niobium--vanadium alloys and the equilibrium oxygen pressure over the binary and ternary systems were also determined

Neutronics design for lead-bismuth cooled accelerator-driven system for transmutation of minor actinide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsujimoto, Kazufumi; Sasa, Toshinobu; Nishihara, Kenji; Oigawa, Hiroyuki; Takano, Hideki

2004-01-01

Neutronics design study was performed for lead-bismuth cooled accelerator-driven system (ADS) to transmute minor actinides. Early study for ADS indicated two problems: a large burnup reactivity swing and a significant peaking factor. To solve these problems, effect of design parameters on neutronics characteristics were searched. The design parameters were initial plutonium loading, buffer region between spallation target and core, and zone fuel loading. Parametric survey calculations were performed considering fuel cycle consisting of burnup and recycle. The results showed that burnup reactivity swing depends on the plutonium fraction in the initial fuel loading, and the lead-bismuth buffer region and the two-zone loading were effective for solving the problems. Moreover, an optimum value for the effective multiplication factor was also evaluated using reactivity coefficients. From the result, the maximum allowable value of the effective multiplication factor for a practical ADS can be set at 0.97. Consequently, a new core concept combining the buffer region and the two-zone loading was proposed base on the results of the parametric survey. (author)

Measurements of gas and volatile element production rates from an irradiated molten lead and lead-bismuth spallation target with proton beams of 1 and 1.4 GeV

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tall, Y.

2008-03-01

The integrated project EUROTRANS (European Research Programme for the Transmutation of High Level Nuclear Waste in an Accelerator Driven System) of the 6. EURATOM Framework Programme aims to demonstrate the transmutation of radioactive waste in ADS (Accelerator Driven Sub-critical system). It will carry out a first advanced design of an experimental facility to demonstrate the technical feasibility of transmutation, and will produce a conceptual design of an industrial facility dedicated to transmutation. An ADS consists of three fundamental elements: the accelerator of protons, the sub-critical core and the spallation target. SUBATECH (physique Sub-Atomique et des Technologies associees) laboratory is involved to the study of the chosen liquid lead-bismuth as a spallation ADS target. The irradiation of liquid lead-bismuth target with energetic proton beam generates in addition to neutrons, volatile and radioactive residues. In order to determine experimentally the production rates of gas and volatile elements following a spallation reaction in a lead-bismuth target, the experiment IS419 was performed at the ISOLDE facility at CERN (Centre Europeen de la Recherche Nucleaire). This experiment constitutes the frame of the thesis whose main objective is to assess and study the production and release rates of many gas and volatile element from the irradiated lead-bismuth target with an energetic proton beam. The obtained data are compared to Monte Carlo simulation code (MCNPX) results in order to test the intranuclear cascade model of Bertini and of Cugnon, and the evaporation options of Dresner and Schmidt. (author)

Assessment of the transmutation capability an accelerator driven system cooled by lead bismuth eutectic alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bianchi, F.; Peluso, V.; Calabrese; Chen, X.; Maschek, W.

2007-01-01

1. PURPOSE The reduction of long-lived fission products (LLFP) and minor actinides (MA) is a key point for the public acceptability and economy of nuclear energy. In principle, any nuclear fast reactor is able to burn and transmute MA, but the amount of MA content has to be limited a few percent, having unfavourable consequences on the coolant void reactivity, Doppler effect, and delayed neutron fraction, and therefore on the dynamic behaviour and control. Accelerator Driven Systems (ADS) are instead able to safely burn and/or transmute a large quantity of actinides and LLFP, as they do not rely on delayed neutrons for control or power change and the reactivity feedbacks have very little importance during accidents. Such systems are very innovative being based on the coupling of an accelerator with a subcritical system by means of a target system, where the neutronic source needed to maintain the neutron reaction chain is produced by spallation reactions. To this end the PDS-XADS (Preliminary Design Studies on an experimental Accelerator Driven System) project was funded by the European Community in the 5th Framework Program in order both to demonstrate the feasibility of the coupling between an accelerator and a sub-critical core loaded with standard MOX fuel and to investigate the transmutation capability in order to achieve values suitable for an Industrial Scale Transmuter. This paper summarizes and compares the results of neutronic calculations aimed at evaluating the transmutation capability of cores cooled by Lead-Bismuth Eutectic alloy and loaded with assemblies based on (Pu, Am, Cm) oxide dispersed in a molybdenum metal (CERMET) or magnesia (CERCER) matrices. It also describes the constraints considered in the design of such cores and describes the thermo-mechanical behaviour of these innovative fuels along the cycle. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK: The U-free composite fuels (CERMET and CERCER) were selected for this study, being considered at European level

Upper Limits of the Fission Cross-Sections of Lead and Bismuth for Li-D Neutrons

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Broda, E.

1945-07-01

This report was written by E. Broda and P.K. Wright at the Cavendish Laboratory (Cambridge) in April 1945 and is about the upper limits of the fission cross sections of lead and bismuth for Li-D neutrons. This report includes the experiment description and the discussion of the results. (nowak)

Determination of impurities in uranium--niobium (7.5%)--zirconium (2.5%) alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Arragon, Y

1973-10-01

The determination of 11 impurities in uranium--niobium-- zirconium alloys was studied. Elements of which the alloy is composed are considered and information is given on the determination of niobium by niobic acid precipitation. Selective elimination of the three components is discussed. Two liquid-liquid extractions are used. The nioblum is separated by methylisobutylketone in a hydrochloric --hydrofluoric medium and the zirconium and uranium by tributyl phosphate in a nitric medium. The determination of trace elements using electrochemical methods is discussed. Anodic re-dissolution polarography or square wave polarography enabled six elements (cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, bismuth, and thallium) to be determined in a carbonate medium together with aluminium in tetraethylammonium perchlorate, molybdenum in nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, and tungsten in hydrochloric acid with added double sodium and potassium tartrate. Fluorine was determined using ionometric techniques with a specific electrode and carbon was titrated by conductometry after combustion of the sample in an oxygen current. (auth)

Advanced bismuth-doped lead-germanate glass for broadband optical gain devices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hughes, M.; Suzuki, T.; Ohishi, Y.

2008-01-01

We fabricated a series of glasses with the composition 94.7-χGeO 2 -5Al 2 O 3 -0.3Bi 2 O 3 -χPbO (χ=0-24 mol. %). Characteristic absorption bands of bismuth centered at 500, 700, 800, and 1000 nm were observed. Adding PbO was found to decrease the strength of bismuth absorption. The addition of 3%-4% PbO resulted in a 50% increase in lifetime, a 20-fold increase in quantum efficiency, and a 28-fold increase in the product of emission cross section and lifetime on the 0% PbO composition. We propose that the 800 nm absorption band relates a different bismuth center than the other absorption bands

Incorporation of transition metal ions and oxygen generation during anodizing of aluminium alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Habazaki, H.; Konno, H.; Shimizu, K.; Nagata, S.; Skeldon, P.; Thompson, G.E.

2004-01-01

Enrichment of nickel at the alloy/film interface and incorporation of nickel species into the anodic film have been examined for a sputtering-deposited Al-1.2at.%Ni alloy in order to assist understanding of oxygen generation in barrier anodic alumina films. Anodizing of the alloy proceeds in two stages similarly to other dilute aluminium alloys, for example Al-Cr and Al-Cu alloys, where the Gibbs free energies per equivalent for formation of alloying element oxide exceeds the value for alumina. In the first stage, a nickel-free alumina film is formed, with nickel enriching in an alloy layer, 2 nm thick, immediately beneath the anodic oxide film. In the second stage, nickel atoms are oxidized together with aluminium, with oxygen generation forming gas bubbles within the anodic oxide film. This stage commences after accumulation of about 5.4 x 10 15 nickel atoms cm -2 in the enriched alloy layer. Oxygen generation also occurs when a thin layer of the alloy, containing about 2.0 x 10 19 nickel atoms m -2 , on electropolished aluminium, is completely anodized, contrasting with thin Al-Cr and Al-Cu alloy layers on electropolished aluminium, for which oxygen generation is essentially absent. A mechanism of oxygen generation, based on electron impurity levels of amorphous alumina and local oxide compositions, is discussed in order to explain the observations

The Synergetic Effects of Hydrogen and Oxygen on the Strength and Ductility of Vanadium Alloys

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

Chen Jiming(谌继明); Xu Ying(徐颖); Deng Ying(邓颖); Yang Ling(杨霖); Qiu Shaoyu(邱绍宇)

2003-01-01

A V4Ti alloy and several V4Cr4Ti alloys with different oxygen contents were studied on their tensile properties with the effect of hydrogen concentrations. The ductility of the alloys showed a successive decrease in a varied rate with an increased hydrogen concentration, while the ultimate tensile strength remained unchanged or even decreased for the high oxygen content alloy in spite of the occurrence of hardening in the low oxygen content alloy. Oxygen in the alloy causes grain boundary weakening, increasing the possibility of intergranular fractures and thus enhancing the hydrogen embrittlement. V4Ti showed a higher resistance to the hydrogen embrittlement as compared to the V4Cr4Ti alloys on a similar oxygen content level.

Radio-sensitization of animals by bismuth; Radio sensibilisation de l'animal par le bismuth

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pierotti, T; Verain, A [Commissariat a l' Energie Atomique, Grenoble (France). Centre d' Etudes Nucleaires

1969-07-01

Digestive absorption of bismuth by animals leads to radio-sensitization. This effect is very marked when the X-rays used are centered on the absorption line of bismuth. This work has involved the use of more than 2000 C3H/JAX mice, and has shown that a maximum lethal effect, with respect to the standard, occurs for bismuth sub-nitrate doses of the order of 3 g/kg and for exposures of 700 R. For stronger or weaker doses, the sensitization effect is less marked. (authors) [French] L'absorption digestive de bismuth provoque une radiosensibilisation de l'animal. Celle-ci est nette quand le rayonnement X utilise est centre sur la raie d'absorption du bismuth. L'etude portant sur plus de 2000 souris C3H/JAX a montre une lethalite maximale par rapport aux temoins pour des doses de sous-nitrate de bismuth de l'ordre de 3 g/kg et pour des expositions de 700 R. Pour des doses plus fortes ou plus faibles, l'effet de sensibilisation est moins net. (auteurs)

Overcoming Limitations in Semiconductor Alloy Design

Science.gov (United States)

Christian, Theresa Marie

Inorganic semiconductors provide an astonishingly versatile, robust, and efficient platform for optoelectronic energy conversion devices. However, conventional alloys and growth regimes face materials challenges that restrict the full potential of these devices. Novel alloy designs based on isoelectronic co-doping, metamorphic growth and controllable atomic ordering offer new pathways to practical and ultra-high-efficiency optoelectronic devices including solar cells and light-emitting diodes. Abnormal isoelectronic alloys of GaP1-xBix, GaP 1-x-yBixNy, and GaAs1-xBix with unprecedented bismuth incorporation fractions and crystalline quality are explored in this thesis research. Comparative studies of several GaP1-xBix and GaP1-x-yBixNy alloys demonstrate that the site-specific incorporation of bismuth during epitaxial growth is sensitive to growth temperature and has dramatic effects on carrier transfer processes in these alloys. Additionally, distinctive bismuth-related localized states are spectrally identified for the first time in samples of GaAs1-xBix grown by laser-assisted epitaxial growth. These results address fundamental questions about the nature of bismuth-bismuth inter-impurity interactions. Finally, a metamorphic growth strategy for a novel light-emitting diode (LED) design is also discussed. This work utilized direct-bandgap AlxIn1-xP active layers with atomic ordering-based electron confinement to improve emission in the yellow and green spectral regions, where incumbent technologies are least effective, and demonstrated the feasibility of non-lattice-matched LED active materials for visible light emission.

Application of SIMS to the study of selective deposition of trace amounts of lead and bismuth from solution onto the metals nickel and silver

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, D.; Peck, G.

1996-01-01

Full text: The natural 233 U decay series includes the trio 210 Pb, 210 Bi and 210 Po. These are useful in estimating rates of environmental processes and 210 Po is a major contributor to the radiation dose of marine organisms. To develop an understanding of the distribution of these closely related radionuclides in the environment it is necessary to be able to measure all three. Accurate measurements depend on preliminary separation of the nuclides. Isolation and measurement of 210 Bi has been a continuing problem and this has restricted the study of the role of this nuclide in environmental processes. We have developed a sample preparation that includes plating polonium from solution onto a silver disc then plating bismuth onto a nickel disc and leaving the lead in solution. The 210 Bi is measured by Cerenkov counting. Any 210 Pb plating onto nickel with the bismuth would interfere in subsequent counting as it decays rapidly to 210 Bi. We have used SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) to measure bismuth and lead deposited on the nickel and silver discs. This is possible because the stable isotopes of the four elements do not overlap. SIMS is especially appropriate for this study as the Bi and Pb deposited as thin films on the metal surface. Careful selection of experimental conditions allowed quantitative measurements of lead and bismuth without mutual interference. The results have been used in developing plating conditions that optimise separation of lead and bismuth

Influence of residual elements in lead on oxygen- and hydrogen-gassing rates of lead-acid batteries

Science.gov (United States)

Lam, L. T.; Ceylan, H.; Haigh, N. P.; Lwin, T.; Rand, D. A. J.

Raw lead materials contain many residual elements. With respect to setting 'safe' levels for these elements, each country has its own standard, but the majority of the present specifications for the lead used to prepare battery oxide apply to flooded batteries that employ antimonial grids. In these batteries, the antimony in the positive and negative grids dominates gassing characteristics so that the influence of residual elements is of little importance. This is, however, not the case for valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries, which use antimony-free grids and less sulfuric acid solution. Thus, it is necessary to specify 'acceptable' levels of residual elements for the production of VRLA batteries. In this study, 17 elements are examined, namely: antimony, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, germanium, iron, manganese, nickel, selenium, silver, tellurium, thallium, tin, and zinc. The following strategy has been formulated to determine the acceptable levels: (i) selection of a control oxide; (ii) determination of critical float, hydrogen and oxygen currents; (iii) establishment of a screening plan for the elements; (iv) development of a statistical method for analysis of the experimental results. The critical values of the float, hydrogen and oxygen currents are calculated from a field survey of battery failure data. The values serve as a base-line for comparison with the corresponding measured currents from cells using positive and negative plates produced either from the control oxide or from oxide doped with different levels of the 17 elements in combination. The latter levels are determined by means of a screening plan which is based on the Plackett-Burman experimental design. Following this systematic and thorough exercise, two specifications are proposed for the purity of the lead to be used in oxide production for VRLA technology.

MEGAPIE analytical support task : characterization of lead-bismuth eutectic and sodium-cooled tungsten target materials for accelerator driven systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gohar, Y.

2002-01-01

Lead-Bismuth Eutectic and Tungsten are under consideration as target materials with high-energy protons for generating neutrons to drive actinide and fission product transmuters. A detailed characterization has been performed to study the performance of these target materials as a function of the main variables and the design selections. The characterization includes the neutron yield, the spatial energy deposition, the neutron spectrum, the beam window performance, and the target buffer impact on the target performance. The characterization has also considered high-energy deuteron particles to study the impact on the target neutronic performance. The obtained results quantify the performance of the Lead-Bismuth Eutectic and Tungsten target materials as a function of the target variables and design selections

Power reactors and sub-critical blanket systems with lead and lead-bismuth as coolant and/or target material. Utilization and transmutation of actinides and long lived fission products

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-05-01

High level radioactive waste disposal is an issue of great importance in the discussion of the sustainability of nuclear power generation. The main contributors to the high radioactivity are the fission products and the minor actinides. The long lived fission products and minor actinides set severe demands on the arrangements for safe waste disposal. Fast reactors and accelerator driven systems (ADS) are under development in Member States to reduce the long term hazard of spent fuel and radioactive waste, taking advantage of their incineration and transmutation capability. Important R and D programmes are being undertaken in many Member States to substantiate this option and advance the basic knowledge in this innovative area of nuclear energy development. The conceptual design of the lead cooled fast reactor concept BREST-OD-300, as well as various other conceptual designs of lead/lead-bismuth cooled fast reactors have been developed to meet enhanced safety and non-proliferation requirements, aiming at both energy production and transmutation of nuclear waste. Some R and D studies indicate that the use of lead and lead-bismuth coolant has some advantages in comparison with existing sodium cooled fast reactor systems, e.g.: simplified design of fast reactor core and BOP, enhanced inherent safety, and easier radwaste management in related fuel cycles. Moreover, various ADS conceptual designs with lead and lead-bismuth as target material and coolant also have been pursued. The results to date are encouraging, indicating that the ADS has the potential to offer an option for meeting the challenges of the back end fuel cycle. During the last decade, there have been substantial advances in several countries with their own R and D programme in the fields of lead/lead-bismuth cooled critical and sub-critical concepts. coolant technology, and experimental validation. In this context, international exchange of information and experience, as well as international

Decay heat removal analyses in heavy-liquid-metal-cooled fast breeding reactors. Development of the thermal-hydraulic analysis method for lead-bismuth-cooled, natural-circulation reactors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sakai, Takaaki; Enuma, Yasuhiro [Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Inst., Oarai, Ibaraki (Japan). Oarai Engineering Center; Iwasaki, Takashi [Nuclear Energy System Inc., Tokyo (Japan); Ohyama, Kazuhiro [Advanced Reactor Technology Co., Ltd., Tokyo (Japan)

2001-05-01

The feasibility study on future commercial fast breeder reactors in Japan has been conducted at JNC, in which various plant design options with all the possible coolant and fuel types are investigated to determine the conditions for the future detailed study. Lead-bismuth eutectic coolant has been selected as one of the possible coolant options. During the phase-I activity of the feasibility study in FY1999 and FY2000, several plant concepts, which were cooled by the heavy liquid metal coolant, were examined to evaluate the feasibility mainly with respect to economical competitiveness with other coolant reactors. A medium-scale (300 - 550 MWe) plant, cooled by a lead-bismuth natural circulation flow in a pool type vessel, was selected as the most possible plant concept for the heavy liquid metal coolant. Thus, a conceptual design study for a lead-bismuth-cooled, natural-circulation reactor of 400 MWe has been performed at JNC to identify remaining difficulties in technological aspect and its construction cost evaluation. In this report, a thermal-hydraulic analysis method for lead-bismuth-cooled, natural-circulation reactors is described. A Multi-dimensional Steam Generator analysis code (MSG) was applied to evaluate the natural circulation plant by combination with a flow-network-type, plant dynamics code (Super-COPD). By using this combined multi-dimensional plant dynamics code, decay heat removals, ULOHS and UTOP accidents were evaluated for the 100 MWe STAR-LM concept designed by ANL. In addition, decay heat removal by the Primary Reactor Auxiliary Cooling System (PRACS) in the 400 MWe lead-bismuth-cooled, natural-circulation reactor, being studied at JNC, was analyzed. In conclusion, it becomes clear that the combined multi-dimensional plant dynamics code is suitably applicable to analyses of lead-bismuth-cooled, natural-circulation reactors to evaluate thermal-hydraulic phenomena during steady-state and transient conditions. (author)

Direct numerical simulation and statistical analysis of turbulent convection in lead-bismuth

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Otic, I.; Grotzbach, G. [Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH, Institut fuer Kern-und Energietechnik (Germany)

2003-07-01

Improved turbulent heat flux models are required to develop and analyze the reactor concept of an lead-bismuth cooled Accelerator-Driven-System. Because of specific properties of many liquid metals we have still no sensors for accurate measurements of the high frequency velocity fluctuations. So, the development of the turbulent heat transfer models which are required in our CFD (computational fluid dynamics) tools needs also data from direct numerical simulations of turbulent flows. We use new simulation results for the model problem of Rayleigh-Benard convection to show some peculiarities of the turbulent natural convection in lead-bismuth (Pr = 0.025). Simulations for this flow at sufficiently large turbulence levels became only recently feasible because this flow requires the resolution of very small velocity scales with the need for recording long-wave structures for the slow changes in the convective temperature field. The results are analyzed regarding the principle convection and heat transfer features. They are also used to perform statistical analysis to show that the currently available modeling is indeed not adequate for these fluids. Basing on the knowledge of the details of the statistical features of turbulence in this convection type and using the two-point correlation technique, a proposal for an improved statistical turbulence model is developed which is expected to account better for the peculiarities of the heat transfer in the turbulent convection in low Prandtl number fluids. (authors)

Study of interaction of bismuth, strontium, calcium copper, lead nitrates solutions with sodium oxalate solution with the aim of HTSC synthesis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Danilov, V.P.; Krasnobaeva, O.N.; Nosova, T.A.

1993-01-01

With the aim of developing a new technique for HTSC oxides synthesis on the base of combined sedimentation of hydroxy salts and their heat treatment is studied interaction of bismuth, strontium, calcium, copper and lead nitrates with alkali solution of sodium oxalate. Conditions for total sedimentation of all five metals from the solution are found. The phase composition of interaction products is determined. It is established that they are high-dispersed homogeneous mixture of three phases of variable composition: twin hydroxalate of copper-bismuth, lead hydroxalate and twin oxalate of strontium-calcium. After heat treatment of the phases are obtained the HTSC oxides

Giant energy density and high efficiency achieved in bismuth ferrite-based film capacitors via domain engineering.

Science.gov (United States)

Pan, Hao; Ma, Jing; Ma, Ji; Zhang, Qinghua; Liu, Xiaozhi; Guan, Bo; Gu, Lin; Zhang, Xin; Zhang, Yu-Jun; Li, Liangliang; Shen, Yang; Lin, Yuan-Hua; Nan, Ce-Wen

2018-05-08

Developing high-performance film dielectrics for capacitive energy storage has been a great challenge for modern electrical devices. Despite good results obtained in lead titanate-based dielectrics, lead-free alternatives are strongly desirable due to environmental concerns. Here we demonstrate that giant energy densities of ~70 J cm -3 , together with high efficiency as well as excellent cycling and thermal stability, can be achieved in lead-free bismuth ferrite-strontium titanate solid-solution films through domain engineering. It is revealed that the incorporation of strontium titanate transforms the ferroelectric micro-domains of bismuth ferrite into highly-dynamic polar nano-regions, resulting in a ferroelectric to relaxor-ferroelectric transition with concurrently improved energy density and efficiency. Additionally, the introduction of strontium titanate greatly improves the electrical insulation and breakdown strength of the films by suppressing the formation of oxygen vacancies. This work opens up a feasible and propagable route, i.e., domain engineering, to systematically develop new lead-free dielectrics for energy storage.

Directly smelted lead-tin alloys: A historical perspective

Science.gov (United States)

Dube, R. K.

2010-08-01

This paper discusses evidence related to the genesis and occurrence of mixed lead-tin ore deposit consisting of cassiterite and the secondary minerals formed from galena. These evidences belong to a very long time period ranging from pre-historic to as late as the nineteenth century a.d. This type of mixed ore deposits was smelted to prepare lead-tin alloys. The composition of the alloy depended on the composition of the starting ore mixture. A nineteenth century evidence for the production of directly smelted lead-tin alloys in southern Thailand is discussed. A unique and rather uncommon metallurgical terminology in Sanskrit language— Nāgaja—was introduced in India for the tin recovered from impure lead. This suggests that Indians developed a process for recovering tin from lead-tin alloys, which in all probability was based on the general principle of fire refining. It has been shown that in the context of India the possibility of connection between the word Nāgaja and the directly smelted lead-tin alloys cannot be ruled out.

Solubility of metallic elements in LBE under extra low oxygen potential. JFY2003 joint research report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sano, Hiroyuki; Fujisawa, Toshiharu; Furukawa, Tomohiro; Aoto, Kazumi

2004-03-01

Lead-Bismuth eutectic alloy (LBE) has been considered as a prospective coolant for a fast-breeder reactor. However a corrosion of cooling pipe is anticipated when it is used at the similar temperature as sodium coolant. In this study, solubility of major metallic elements in LBE was measured under extra low oxygen potential. The interactive effect of those elements on the solubility was also to be examined. (1) The solubility of oxygen in LBE was measured by the gas equilibrium method (1223 k-1323 K). The standard Gibbs free energy change of oxygen solution reaction and the self-interaction parameter of oxygen in LBE were calculated, respectively. (2) The solubility of iron in LBE was measured by both the gas equilibrium method and the oxide equilibrium method (873 K-1323 K). The standard Gibbs free energy change of iron solution reaction, interaction parameter of oxygen on iron and self-interaction parameter of iron in LBE were calculated, respectively. (3) The interactive effect of iron and oxygen on the solubility in LBE was considered thermodynamically. (4) The solubility of chromium and nickel in LBE were measured under Ar-H 2 atmosphere. (author)

"Chemical contraction" in rubidium-bismuth melts

Science.gov (United States)

Khairulin, R. A.; Abdullaev, R. N.; Stankus, S. V.

2017-10-01

The density and thermal expansion of liquid rubidium and rubidium-bismuth alloy containing 25.0 at % Bi were measured by the gamma-ray attenuation technique at temperatures from liquidus to 1000 K. The results of this study were compared with the data obtained by other authors. The molar volume of the Rb75Bi25 melt strongly deviates from the additivity rule for ideal solutions.

Medium-Power Lead-Alloy Reactors: Missions for This Reactor Technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Todreas, Neil E.; MacDonald, Philip E.; Hejzlar, Pavel; Buongiorno, Jacopo; Loewen, Eric P.

2004-01-01

A multiyear project at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology investigated the potential of medium-power lead-alloy-cooled technology to perform two missions: (1) the production of low-cost electricity and (2) the burning of actinides from light water reactor (LWR) spent fuel. The goal of achieving a high power level to enhance economic performance simultaneously with adoption of passive decay heat removal and modularity capabilities resulted in designs in the range of 600-800 MW(thermal), which we classify as a medium power level compared to the lower [∼100 MW(thermal)] and higher [2800 MW(thermal)] power ratings of other lead-alloy-cooled designs. The plant design that was developed shows promise of achieving all the Generation-IV goals for future nuclear energy systems: sustainable energy generation, low overnight capital cost, a very low likelihood and degree of core damage during any conceivable accident, and a proliferation-resistant fuel cycle. The reactor and fuel cycle designs that evolved to achieve these missions and goals resulted from study of the following key trade-offs: waste reduction versus reactor safety, waste reduction versus cost, and cost versus proliferation resistance. Secondary trade-offs that were also considered were monolithic versus modular design, active versus passive safety systems, forced versus natural circulation, alternative power conversion cycles, and lead versus lead-bismuth coolant.These studies led to a selection of a common modular design with forced convection cooling, passive decay heat removal, and a supercritical CO 2 power cycle for all our reactor concepts. However, the concepts adopt different core designs to optimize the achievement of the two missions. For the low-cost electricity production mission, a design approach based on fueling with low enriched uranium operating without costly reprocessing in a once-through cycle was pursued to achieve a

Adsorption of volatile polonium and bismuth species on metals in various gas atmospheres. Pt. I. Adsorption of volatile polonium and bismuth on gold

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maugeri, Emilio Andrea; Neuhausen, Joerg; Dressler, Rugard; Piguet, David; Voegele, Alexander; Schumann, Dorothea [Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), Villigen (Switzerland). Lab. for Radiochemistry; Eichler, Robert [Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), Villigen (Switzerland). Lab. for Radiochemistry; Bern Univ. (Switzerland). Dept. for Chemistry and Biochemistry; Rijpstra, Kim [Ghent Univ., Zwijnaarde (Belgium). Center for Molecular Modeling (CMM); Cottenier, Stefaan [Ghent Univ., Zwijnaarde (Belgium). Center for Molecular Modeling (CMM); Ghent Univ., Zwijnaarde (Belgium). Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering

2016-07-01

Polonium isotopes are considered the most hazardous radionuclides produced during the operation of accelerator driven systems (ADS) when lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is used as the reactor coolant and as the spallation target material. In this work the use of gold surfaces for capturing polonium from the cover gas of the ADS reactor was studied by thermochromatography. The results show that gaseous monoatomic polonium, formed in dry hydrogen, is adsorbed on gold at 1058 K. Its adsorption enthalpy was calculated as -250±7 kJ mol{sup -1}, using a Monte Carlo simulation code. Highly volatile polonium species that were observed in similar experiments in fused silica columns in the presence of moisture in both inert and reducing gas were not detected in the experiments studying adsorption on gold surfaces. PoO{sub 2} is formed in both dry and moist oxygen, and its interaction with gold is characterized by transport reactions. The interaction of bismuth, present in large amounts in the atmosphere of the ADS, with gold was also evaluated. It was found that bismuth has a higher affinity for gold, compared to polonium, in an inert, reducing, and oxidizing atmosphere. This fact must be considered when using gold as a material for filtering polonium in the cover gas of ADS.

Effects of temperature and strain rate on the tensile behaviors of SIMP steel in static lead bismuth eutectic

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Jian, E-mail: jliu12b@imr.ac.cn [Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016 (China); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 (China); Yan, Wei [Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016 (China); Sha, Wei [School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Queen' s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5AG (United Kingdom); Wang, Wei; Shan, Yiyin [Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016 (China); Yang, Ke, E-mail: kyang@imr.ac.cn [Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016 (China)

2016-05-15

In order to assess the susceptibility of candidate structural materials to liquid metal embrittlement, this work investigated the tensile behaviors of ferritic-martensitic steel in static lead bismuth eutectic (LBE). The tensile tests were carried out in static lead bismuth eutectic under different temperatures and strain rates. Pronounced liquid metal embrittlement phenomenon is observed between 200 °C and 450 °C. Total elongation is reduced greatly due to the liquid metal embrittlement in LBE environment. The range of ductility trough is larger under slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) test. - Highlights: • The tensile behaviors of SIMP steel in LBE are investigated for the first time. • The SIMP is susceptible to LME at different strain rates and temperatures. • The total elongation is reduced greatly. • The ductility trough is wider under SSRT. • The tensile specimens rupture in brittle manner without obvious necking.

Effects of temperature and strain rate on the tensile behaviors of SIMP steel in static lead bismuth eutectic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Jian; Yan, Wei; Sha, Wei; Wang, Wei; Shan, Yiyin; Yang, Ke

2016-01-01

In order to assess the susceptibility of candidate structural materials to liquid metal embrittlement, this work investigated the tensile behaviors of ferritic-martensitic steel in static lead bismuth eutectic (LBE). The tensile tests were carried out in static lead bismuth eutectic under different temperatures and strain rates. Pronounced liquid metal embrittlement phenomenon is observed between 200 °C and 450 °C. Total elongation is reduced greatly due to the liquid metal embrittlement in LBE environment. The range of ductility trough is larger under slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) test. - Highlights: • The tensile behaviors of SIMP steel in LBE are investigated for the first time. • The SIMP is susceptible to LME at different strain rates and temperatures. • The total elongation is reduced greatly. • The ductility trough is wider under SSRT. • The tensile specimens rupture in brittle manner without obvious necking.

Lead migration from toys by anodic stripping voltammetry using a bismuth film electrode.

Science.gov (United States)

Leal, M Fernanda C; Catarino, Rita I L; Pimenta, Adriana M; Souto, M Renata S; Afonso, Christelle S; Fernandes, Ana F Q

2016-09-02

Metals may be released from toys via saliva during mouthing, via sweat during dermal contact, or via gastric and intestinal fluids after partial or whole ingestion. In this study, we determined the lead migration from toys bought on the Portuguese market for children below 3 years of age. The lead migration was performed according to the European Committee for Standardization EN 71-3, which proposes a 2-hour migration test that simulates human gastric conditions. The voltammetric determination of migrated lead was performed by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) at a bismuth film electrode (BiFE). For all the analyzed toys, the values of migrated lead did not exceed the limits imposed by the European Committee for Standardization EN 71-3 (90 mg kg -1 ) and by the EU Directive 2009/48/EC (13.5 mg kg -1 ) on the safety of toys.

Elastic properties of zinc, cadmium, bismuth, thallium, tin, lead and their binary alloys with indium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Magomedov, A.M.

1986-01-01

Rates of propagation of longitudinal and transverse acoustic waves in samples as well as density of Tl, Pb, Sn, Bi, Cd, Zn and their binary alloys with indium are determined. The results obtained are used for calculation of elasticity constants of these materials. It is stated that concentration dependences of elasticity constants for indium alloys have non-linear character; negative deflection from the additive line is observed

Bismuth( Ⅲ ) Salts: Green Catalysts for Organic Transformations

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

C. Le Roux

2005-01-01

@@ 1Introduction Bismuth, the heaviest stable element in the periodic table, stands out from other heavy elements (such as mercury, thallium and lead) due to its relatively non-toxic character which confers on bismuth the enviable status of being an eco-friendly element. Therefore, bismuth and its compounds hold considerable promise as useful catalysts for green chemistry. The research presented in this communication is devoted to the applications of bismuth( Ⅲ ) salts as catalysts for organic transformations.After some general comments about bismuth and a short presentation of the various applications of bismuth( Ⅲ ) salts in organic synthesis, this communication will focus on the works done in our research group during the last several years which deals mainly with electrophilic substitutions. When appropriate, some mechanistic details will be given.

Photon nuclear scattering on lead and bismuth in the region of the giant resonance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tamas, Gabriel.

1976-01-01

The results of monochromatic photon nuclear scattering studies on natural lead and bismuth targets are presented. The cross sections for the inelastic scattering leading to the first excited levels of 204 Pb, 206 Pb and 207 Pb are important, in agreement with theoretical predictions. The elastic scattering amplitude is related to the total photon absorption by dispersion relations. It is then possible to determine the spin of resonances excited by the reaction studied. Precise measurements carried out between 14 and 20MeV revealed that the angular distribution cannot be explained by a single dipolar resonance. A quadrupolar resonance at E 2 =14MeV must be introduced [fr

Determination of silver, bismuth, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc in geologic materials by atomic absorption spectrometry with tricaprylylmethylammonium chloride

Science.gov (United States)

Viets, J.G.

1978-01-01

Interferences commonly encountered in the determination of silver, bismuth, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc at crustal abundance levels are effectively eliminated using a rapid, sensitive, organic extraction technique. A potassium chlorate-hydrochloric acid digestion solubilizes the metals not tightly bound in the silicate lattice of rocks, soils, and stream sediments. The six metals are selectively extracted into a 10% Aliquat 336-MIBK organic phase in the presence of ascorbic acid and potassium iodide. Metals in the organic extract are determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry to the 0.02-ppm level for silver, cadmium, copper, and zinc and to the 0.2-ppm level for bismuth and lead with a maximum relative standard deviation of 18.8% for known reference samples. An additional hydrofluoric acid digestion may be used to determine metals substituted in the silicate lattice.

Bismuth iron oxide thin films using atomic layer deposition of alternating bismuth oxide and iron oxide layers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Puttaswamy, Manjunath; Vehkamäki, Marko [University of Helsinki, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki (Finland); Kukli, Kaupo, E-mail: kaupo.kukli@helsinki.fi [University of Helsinki, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki (Finland); University of Tartu, Institute of Physics, W. Ostwald 1, EE-50411 Tartu (Estonia); Dimri, Mukesh Chandra [National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Akadeemia tee 23, EE-12618 Tallinn (Estonia); Kemell, Marianna; Hatanpää, Timo; Heikkilä, Mikko J. [University of Helsinki, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki (Finland); Mizohata, Kenichiro [University of Helsinki, Department of Physics, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 Helsinki (Finland); Stern, Raivo [National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Akadeemia tee 23, EE-12618 Tallinn (Estonia); Ritala, Mikko; Leskelä, Markku [University of Helsinki, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki (Finland)

2016-07-29

Bismuth iron oxide films with varying contributions from Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} or Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} were prepared using atomic layer deposition. Bismuth (III) 2,3-dimethyl-2-butoxide, was used as the bismuth source, iron(III) tert-butoxide as the iron source and water vapor as the oxygen source. The films were deposited as stacks of alternate Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} layers. Films grown at 140 °C to the thickness of 200–220 nm were amorphous, but crystallized upon post-deposition annealing at 500 °C in nitrogen. Annealing of films with intermittent bismuth and iron oxide layers grown to different thicknesses influenced their surface morphology, crystal structure, composition, electrical and magnetic properties. Implications of multiferroic performance were recognized in the films with the remanent charge polarization varying from 1 to 5 μC/cm{sup 2} and magnetic coercivity varying from a few up to 8000 A/m. - Highlights: • Bismuth iron oxide thin films were grown by atomic layer deposition at 140 °C. • The major phase formed in the films upon annealing at 500 °C was BiFeO{sub 3}. • BiFeO{sub 3} films and films containing excess Bi favored electrical charge polarization. • Slight excess of iron oxide enhanced saturative magnetization behavior.

Reaction kinetics of oxygen on single-phase alloys, oxidation of nickel and niobium alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lalauze, Rene

1973-01-01

This research thesis first addresses the reaction kinetics of oxygen on alloys. It presents some generalities on heterogeneous reactions (conventional theory, theory of jumps), discusses the core reaction (with the influence of pressure), discusses the influence of metal self-diffusion on metal oxidation kinetics (equilibrium conditions at the interface, hybrid diffusion regime), reports the application of the hybrid diffusion model to the study of selective oxidation of alloys (Wagner model, hybrid diffusion model) and the study of the oxidation kinetics of an alloy forming a solid solution of two oxides. The second part reports the investigation of the oxidation of single phase nickel and niobium alloys (phase α, β and γ)

Adsorption of atomic oxygen on PdAg/Pd(111) surface alloys and coadsorption of CO

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Farkas, Arnold P. [Institute of Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, Ulm University, D-89069 Ulm (Germany); Reaction Kinetics Research Group, University of Szeged, Chemical Research Center of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6720 Szeged (Hungary); Bansmann, Joachim; Diemant, Thomas; Behm, R. Juergen [Institute of Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, Ulm University, D-89069 Ulm (Germany)

2011-07-01

The interaction of dissociated oxygen with structurally well-defined PdAg/Pd(111) surface alloys and the coadsorption of CO was studied by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). After oxygen saturation of the non-modified Pd(111) surface at RT, we observed the formation of a prominent peak in the HREEL spectra at 60 meV corresponding to the perpendicular vibration of oxygen atoms adsorbed in threefold hollow sites. Deposition of small Ag amounts does not change the signal intensity of this peak; it decreases only above 20% Ag. Beyond this Ag content, the peak intensity steeply declines and disappears at around 55-60% Ag. CO coadsorption on the oxygen pre-covered surfaces at 120 K leads to the formation of additional features in HREELS. For a surface alloy with 29% Ag, three loss features due to CO adsorption in on-top, bridge, and threefold-hollow sites can be discriminated already after the lowest CO exposure. Annealing of the co-adsorbed layer to 200 K triggers a decrease of the oxygen concentration due to CO{sub 2} formation. These findings are corroborated by TPD spectra of the CO desorption and CO{sub 2} production.

Bismuth-, Tin-, and Lead-Containing Metal-Organic Materials: Synthesis, Structure, Photoluminescence, Second Harmonic Generation, and Ferroelectric Properties

Science.gov (United States)

Wibowo, Arief Cahyo

Metal-Organic Materials (MOMs) contain metal moieties and organic ligands that combine to form discrete (e.g. metal-organic polyhedra, spheres or nanoballs, metal-organic polygons) or polymeric structures with one-, two-, or three-dimensional periodicities that can exhibit a variety of properties resulting from the presence of the metal moieties and/or ligand connectors in the structure. To date, MOMs with a range of functional attributes have been prepared, including record-breaking porosity, catalytic properties, molecular magnetism, chemical separations and sensing ability, luminescence and NLO properties, multiferroic, ferroelectric, and switchable molecular dielectric properties. We are interested in synthesizing non-centrosymmetric MOM single crystals possessing one of the ten polar space groups required for non-linear optical properties (such as second harmonic generation) and ferroelectric applications. This thesis is divided into two main parts: materials with optical properties, such as photoluminescence and materials for targeted applications such as second harmonic generation and ferroelectric properties. This thesis starts with an introduction describing material having centrosymmetric, non-polar space groups, single crystals structures and their photoluminescence properties. These crystals exhibit very interesting and rare structures as well as interesting photoluminescence properties. Chapters 2-5 of this thesis focus on photoluminescent properties of new MOMs, and detail the exploratory research involving the comparatively rare bismuth, lead, and tin coordination polymers. Specifically, the formation of single white-light emitting phosphors based on the combination of bismuth or lead with pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate is discussed (Chapter 2). The observation of a new Bi2O2 layer and a new Bi4O 3 chain in bismuth terephthalate-based coordination polymers is presented in Chapter 3, while the formation of diverse structures of tin-based coordination

Manganese dioxide-supported silver bismuthate as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in zinc-oxygen batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sun, Yanzhi; Yang, Meng; Pan, Junqing; Wang, Pingyuan; Li, Wei; Wan, Pingyu

2016-01-01

In this paper, we present a new efficient composite electrocatalyst, manganese dioxide-supported silver bismuthate (Ag 4 Bi 2 O 5 /MnO 2 ), for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. The new electrocatalyst was characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrochemical measurements indicate that the Ag 4 Bi 2 O 5 /MnO 2 composite is a very efficient electrocatalyst for ORR in alkaline media. The physical and electrochemical characterization results suggest that the high activity is ascribed to the support effects from MnO 2 and the synergetic effects among Ag 4 Bi 2 O 5 and MnO 2 . The analysis of rotating disk electrode (RDE) results shows that the ORR occurs via a four-electron pathway on the surface of the Ag 4 Bi 2 O 5 /MnO 2 electrocatalyst. This electrocatalyst was further tested in a designed zinc–oxygen (Zn–O 2 ) battery. This battery can offer a discharge time of 225 h at 120 mA cm −2 , increasing by more than 492% as compared with pure MnO 2 electrocatalyst. It demonstrates that this inexpensive Ag 4 Bi 2 O 5 /MnO 2 electrocatalyst is a viable alternative to platinum electrocatalyst for energy conversion devices.

Isotopically tailored lead target with reduced polonium and bismuth radio-waste

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khorasanov, G.L.; Ivanov, A.P.; Lunev, V.P.; Blokhin, A.I.

2002-01-01

Residual activity of a lead target after 1 year irradiation with a high power, 0.8 GeV*30 mA, proton beam is studied. It is concluded that the main radiotoxicity of irradiated lead is connected with bismuth isotope, Bi-207, which is produced in natural lead, mix of several stable isotopes, via (p,2n) reaction with Pb-208 nuclei. It is proposed to use, as a target material, lead enriched with another stable isotope, Pb-206, in order to reduce producing Bi-207 and Po-210. Estimation of charges for obtaining large quantities of lead-206 is also given. Accumulation of hazardous radionuclides, Bi-207, Bi-208, and Po-210, in natural lead to be used as a coolant in future fast reactors and accelerator driven reactors is predicted. In accelerator driven systems a large portion of Bi-207 can be produced via Pb-208(p,2n)Bi-207 reaction in a target of natural lead (Pb-208/Pb-207/Pb-206/Pb-204=52.35/22.08/24.14/1.42 %). A new isotopically tailored coolant-converter for ADS consisting of lead isotope, Pb-206, is proposed. By using this material, it is possible to reduce essentially the production of the most radio-toxic isotopes of Bi and Po and to avoid disposing the large amounts of lead. To provide the future fast reactors and accelerator driven systems with low-activation coolant - converter, the new technology of obtaining the large amounts of natural lead enriched with lead isotope, Pb-206, should be developed. (authors)

Light-Induced Surface Reactions at the Bismuth Vanadate/Potassium Phosphate Interface.

Science.gov (United States)

Favaro, Marco; Abdi, Fatwa F; Lamers, Marlene; Crumlin, Ethan J; Liu, Zhi; van de Krol, Roel; Starr, David E

2018-01-18

Bismuth vanadate has recently drawn significant research attention as a light-absorbing photoanode due to its performance for photoelectrochemical water splitting. In this study, we use in situ ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with "tender" X-rays (4.0 keV) to investigate a polycrystalline bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4 ) electrode in contact with an aqueous potassium phosphate (KPi) solution at open circuit potential under both dark and light conditions. This is facilitated by the creation of a 25 to 30 nm thick electrolyte layer using the "dip-and-pull" method. We observe that under illumination bismuth phosphate forms on the BiVO 4 surface leading to an increase of the surface negative charge. The bismuth phosphate layer may act to passivate surface states observed in photoelectrochemical measurements. The repulsive interaction between the negatively charged surface under illumination and the phosphate ions in solution causes a shift in the distribution of ions in the thin aqueous electrolyte film, which is observed as an increase in their photoelectron signals. Interestingly, we find that such changes at the BiVO 4 /KPi electrolyte interface are reversible upon returning to dark conditions. By measuring the oxygen 1s photoelectron peak intensities from the phosphate ions and liquid water as a function of time under dark and light conditions, we determine the time scales for the forward and reverse reactions. Our results provide direct evidence for light-induced chemical modification of the BiVO 4 /KPi electrolyte interface.

Selective resputtering of bismuth in sputtered Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films

Science.gov (United States)

Grace, J. M.; McDonald, D. B.; Reiten, M. T.; Olson, J.; Kampwirth, R. T.; Gray, K. E.

1991-10-01

We present studies using a dc magnetron in an on-axis configuration to sputter Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films from a composite target. These studies show that bismuth can be preferentially resputtered. The influence of ozone, molecular oxygen, and total pressure on the resputtering of bismuth is investigated and discussed. Ozone, in low concentrations, can dramatically affect the degree of resputtering. By comparing the effects of molecular oxygen and ozone, some insight is gained regarding the possible mechanisms of negative ion formation in the magnetron environment. Based on our results we suggest that molecular oxygen can bring about resputtering primarily by forming O+2, which collides with the target to produce energetic negative oxygen ions. In contrast, ozone may form negative ions by electron impact in the dark space above the target, giving rise to lower-energy negative ions, which can traverse the plasma unneutralized and can be stopped with an applied bias on the sample block. With no added oxidant, negative oxygen ions from the target oxygen may dominate the background resputtering. Similarity is found between our results and those for similar studies on Y-Ba-Cu-O by other workers. Bismuth in Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O behaves as barium in Y-Ba-Cu-O with regards to preferential resputtering; furthermore, the response of strontium, calcium, and copper to oxygen in sputtered Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O is similar to what is observed for copper in Y-Ba-Cu-O.

Selective resputtering of bismuth in sputtered Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grace, J.M.; McDonald, D.B.; Reiten, M.T.; Olson, J.; Kampwirth, R.T.; Gray, K.E.

1991-01-01

We present studies using a dc magnetron in an on-axis configuration to sputter Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films from a composite target. These studies show that bismuth can be preferentially resputtered. The influence of ozone, molecular oxygen, and total pressure on the resputtering of bismuth is investigated and discussed. Ozone, in low concentrations, can dramatically affect the degree of resputtering. By comparing the effects of molecular oxygen and ozone, some insight is gained regarding the possible mechanisms of negative ion formation in the magnetron environment. Based on our results we suggest that molecular oxygen can bring about resputtering primarily by forming O + 2 , which collides with the target to produce energetic negative oxygen ions. In contrast, ozone may form negative ions by electron impact in the dark space above the target, giving rise to lower-energy negative ions, which can traverse the plasma unneutralized and can be stopped with an applied bias on the sample block. With no added oxidant, negative oxygen ions from the target oxygen may dominate the background resputtering. Similarity is found between our results and those for similar studies on Y-Ba-Cu-O by other workers. Bismuth in Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O behaves as barium in Y-Ba-Cu-O with regards to preferential resputtering; furthermore, the response of strontium, calcium, and copper to oxygen in sputtered Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O is similar to what is observed for copper in Y-Ba-Cu-O

Influences of alloying elements and oxygen on the stability and elastic properties of Mg17Al12

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dai, Jianhong; Song, Yan; Yang, Rui

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Most alloying elements stabilize Mg 17 Al 12 with negative occupation energy. • The alloying element and oxygen co-existed Mg 17 Al 12 are stable. • Strong bonding interactions existed between alloying element and host atoms. - Abstract: Influence of alloying elements (Ca, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Sn, and La) and oxygen on stability and elastic properties of Mg 17 Al 12 has been studied by first principles total energy calculations. The occupation preferences of oxygen and alloying elements in Mg 17 Al 12 are identified. Ca, Zr, and La tend to substitute for Mg atoms, Zn, Cu, and Ni prefer to occupy Al site, and Mn and Sn show positive occupation energy for substituting both Mg and Al atoms. The impurity oxygen prefers to occupy interstitial sites surrounded by four Mg atoms regardless the presence of alloying elements in this system. Elastic constants were estimated to evaluate the mechanical stability of alloyed systems. The results show that alloys which own negative occupation energy also satisfy the mechanical stability criteria. Electronic structures were analyzed to clarify the intrinsic mechanisms of how alloying elements and oxygen influence the stability of Mg 17 Al 12 . The stabilization effect of alloying elements and oxygen was found to originate from the strong bonding interaction with the matrix

A novel tin-bismuth alloy electrode for anodic stripping voltammetric determination of zinc

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pan, D.; Yin, T.; Qin, W.; Zhang, L.; Zhuang, J.

2012-01-01

We report on a novel tin-bismuth alloy electrode (SnBiE) for the determination of trace concentrations of zinc ions by square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry without deoxygenation. The SnBiE has the advantages of easy fabrication and low cost, and does not require a pre-treatment (in terms of modification) prior to measurements. A study on the potential window of the electrode revealed a high hydrogen overvoltage though a limited anodic range due to the oxidation of tin. The effects of pH value, accumulation potential, and accumulation time were optimized with respect to the determination of trace zinc(II) at pH 5. 0. The response of the SnBiE to zinc(II) ion is linear in the 0.5-25 μM concentration range. The detection limit is 50 nM (after 60 s of accumulation). The SnBiE was applied to the determination of zinc(II) in wines and honeys, and the results were consistent with those of AAS. (author)

Stabilization of high Tc phase in bismuth cuprate superconductor by lead doping

Science.gov (United States)

Gupta, Ram. P.; Pachauri, J. P.; Khokle, W. S.; Nagpal, K. C.; Date, S. K.

1991-01-01

It has been widely ascertained that doping of lead in Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O systems promotes the growth of high T sub c (110 K) phase, improves critical current density, and lowers processing temperature. A systematic study was undertaken to determine optimum lead content and processing conditions to achieve these properties. A large number of samples with cationic compositions of Bi(2-x)Pb(x)Sr2Ca2Cu3 (x = 0.2 to 2.0) were prepared by conventional solid state reaction technique. Samples of all compositions were annealed together at a temperature and characterized through resistance temperature (R-T) measurements and x ray diffraction to determine the zero resistance temperature, T sub c(0) and to identify presence of phases, respectively. The annealing temperature was varied between 790 and 880 C to optimize processing parameters. Results are given. In brief, an optimum process is reported along with composition of leaded bismuth cuprate superconductor which yields nearly a high T sub c single phase with highly stable superconducting properties.

Vibration Monitoring Using Fiber Optic Sensors in a Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Cooled Nuclear Fuel Assembly

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ben De Pauw

2016-04-01

Full Text Available Excessive fuel assembly vibrations in nuclear reactor cores should be avoided in order not to compromise the lifetime of the assembly and in order to prevent the occurrence of safety hazards. This issue is particularly relevant to new reactor designs that use liquid metal coolants, such as, for example, a molten lead-bismuth eutectic. The flow of molten heavy metal around and through the fuel assembly may cause the latter to vibrate and hence suffer degradation as a result of, for example, fretting wear or mechanical fatigue. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of optical fiber sensors to measure the fuel assembly vibration in a lead-bismuth eutectic cooled installation which can be used as input to assess vibration-related safety hazards. We show that the vibration characteristics of the fuel pins in the fuel assembly can be experimentally determined with minimal intrusiveness and with high precision owing to the small dimensions and properties of the sensors. In particular, we were able to record local strain level differences of about 0.2 μϵ allowing us to reliably estimate the vibration amplitudes and modal parameters of the fuel assembly based on optical fiber sensor readings during different stages of the operation of the facility, including the onset of the coolant circulation and steady-state operation.

Lead-free, bronze-based surface layers for wear resistance in axial piston hydraulic pumps

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vetterick, Gregory Alan [Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States)

2010-01-01

Concerns regarding the safety of lead have provided sufficient motivation to develop substitute materials for the surface layer on a thrust bearing type component known as a valve plate in axial piston hydraulic pumps that consists of 10% tin, 10% lead, and remainder cooper (in wt. %). A recently developed replacement material, a Cu-10Sn-3Bi (wt.%) P/M bronze, was found to be unsuitable as valve plate surface layer, requiring the development of a new alloy. A comparison of the Cu-1-Sn-10Pb and Cu-10Sn-3Bi powder metal valve plates showed that the differences in wear behavior between the two alloys arose due to the soft phase bismuth in the alloy that is known to cause both solid and liquid metal embrittlement of copper alloys.

Oxygen permeation through oxygen ion oxide-noble metal dual phase composites

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Chen, C.S.; Chen, C.S.; Kruidhof, H.; Bouwmeester, Henricus J.M.; Verweij, H.; Burggraaf, Anthonie; Burggraaf, A.J.

1996-01-01

Oxygen permeation behaviour of three composites, yttria-stabilized zirconia-palladium, erbia-stabilized bismuth oxidenoble metal (silver, gold) was studied. Oxygen permeation measurements were performed under controlled oxygen pressure gradients at elevated temperatures. Air was supplied at one side

Use of the transpiration method to study polonium evaporation from liquid lead-bismuth eutectic at high temperature

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prieto, Borja Gonzalez; Lim, Jun; Rosseel, Kris; Bosch, Joris van den; Aerts, Alexander; Martens, Johan; Rizzi, Matthias; Neuhausen, Joerg

2014-01-01

Qualitative and quantitative understanding of Po volatilization under different conditions is of key importance for safety assessments of lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) based nuclear reactors, spallation targets and accelerator driven systems. In this work we explore the possibilities of the transpiration method in combination with simple models to study the equilibrium and kinetics of Po evaporation from highly diluted solutions in lead-bismuth eutectic between 600 and 1000 C in Ar/5% H 2 and Ar. On the basis of evaporation experiments at various carrier gas flow rates, we identified the conditions of vapor saturation allowing the determination of equilibrium constants. From the limiting behavior at high flow rates, values for the maximal evaporation rate of Po from LBE were estimated. Measurements of evaporation as a function of time were consistent with the assumption that polonium dissolved in LBE obeys Henry's law. A theoretical analysis furthermore suggested that diffusion of polonium in LBE was not a rate limiting factor for evaporation under vapor saturation conditions. Newly determined values for the Henry constant of Po in LBE between 600 and 1000 C were consistent with previously derived correlations.

Effect of Mechanical Alloying Atmospheres and Oxygen Concentration on Mechanical Properties of ODS Ferritic Steels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Noh, Sanghoon; Choi, Byoungkwon; Han, Changhee; Kim, Kibaik; Kang, Sukhoon; Chun, Youngbum; Kim, Taekyu

2013-01-01

Finely dispersed nano-oxide particles with a high number density in the homogeneous grain matrix are essential to achieve superior mechanical properties at high temperatures, and these unique microstructures can be obtained through the mechanical alloying (MA) and hot consolidation process. The microstructure and mechanical property of ODS steel significantly depends on its powder property and the purity after the MA process. These contents should be carefully controlled to improve the mechanical property at elevated temperature. In particular, appropriate the control of oxygen concentration improves the mechanical property of ODS steel at high temperature. An effective method is to control the mechanical alloying atmosphere by high purity inert gas. In the present study, the effects of mechanical alloying atmospheres and oxygen concentration on the mechanical property of ODS steel were investigated. ODS ferritic alloys were fabricated in various atmospheres, and the HIP process was used to investigate the effects of MA atmospheres and oxygen concentration on the microstructure and mechanical property. ODS ferritic alloys milled in an Ar-H 2 mixture, and He is effective to reduce the excess oxygen concentration. The YH 2 addition made an extremely reduced oxygen concentration by the internal oxygen reduction reaction and resulted in a homogeneous microstructure and superior creep strength

Beta-decay measurements of neutron-rich thallium, lead, and bismuth by means of resonant laser ionisation

Science.gov (United States)

Franchoo, S.; de Witte, H.; Andreyev, A. N.; Cederka¨Ll, J.; Dean, S.; de Smet, A.; Eeckhaudt, S.; Fedorov, D. V.; Fedosseev, V. N.; G´Rska, M.; Huber, G.; Huyse, M.; Janas, Z.; Ko¨Ster, U.; Kurcewicz, W.; Kurpeta, J.; Mayer, P.; Płchocki, A.; van de Vel, K.; van Duppen, P.; Weissman, L.; Isolde Collaboration

2004-04-01

Neutron-rich thallium, lead, and bismuth isotopes were investigated at the ISOLDE facility. After mass separation and resonant laser ionisation of the produced activity, new spectroscopic data were obtained for 215,218Bi and 215Pb. An attempt to reach heavy thallium had to be abandoned because of a strong francium component in the beam that gave rise to a neutron background through (α,n) reactions on the aluminium walls of the experimental chamber.

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

Science.gov (United States)

Finkelstein, Arkady; Schaefer, Arseny; Chikova, Оlga; Borodianskiy, Konstantin

2017-07-11

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 Al 10 SiFe 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.

Solubility of metallic elements in LBE under extra low oxygen potential. JFY2001 joint research report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sano, Hiroyuki; Fujisawa, Toshiharu

2002-03-01

Lead-Bismuth eutectic alloy (LBE) has been considered as a prospective coolant for a fast-breeder reactor. However a corrosion of cooling pipe is anticipated when it is used at the similar temperature as sodium coolant. In this study, solubility of major metallic elements in LBE is to be measured under extra low oxygen potential. The interactive effect of those elements on the solubility is also to be examined. As a first step, measurements of the solubility of iron in LBE at 673 K were conducted where the partial pressure of oxygen was controlled by using equilibrium between iron and its oxide. Several experimental runs were conducted. But relationship between iron content and oxygen content in LBE could not be defined precisely, because chemical reactions proceeded very slowly at such a low temperature and reliable enough data have not been obtained yet until now. Based on the above results, following subjects were extracted for JFY2002 study. (1) To establish the method of quantitative analysis of oxygen content in LBE. (2) To obtain the solubility data at elevated temperature, then approach to lower temperature. (3) To control the oxygen partial pressure in LBE by CO-CO 2 mixed gases supply. (author)

Influence of germanium nano-inclusions on the thermoelectric power factor of bulk bismuth telluride alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Satyala, Nikhil; Zamanipour, Zahra; Norouzzadeh, Payam; Krasinski, Jerzy S.; Vashaee, Daryoosh; Tahmasbi Rad, Armin; Tayebi, Lobat

2014-01-01

Nanocomposite thermoelectric compound of bismuth telluride (Bi 2 Te 3 ) with 5 at. % germanium nano-inclusions was prepared via mechanically alloying and sintering techniques. The influence of Ge nano-inclusions and long duration annealing on the thermoelectric properties of nanostructured Bi 2 Te 3 were investigated. It was found that annealing has significant effect on the carrier concentration, Seebeck coefficient, and the power factor of the thermoelectric compound. The systematic heat treatment also reduced the density of donor type defects thereby decreasing the electron concentration. While the as-pressed nanocomposite materials showed n-type properties, it was observed that with the increase of annealing time, the nanocomposite gradually transformed to an abundantly hole-dominated (p-type) sample. The long duration annealing (∼500 h) resulted in a significantly enhanced electrical conductivity pertaining to the augmentation in the density and the structural properties of the sample. Therefore, a simultaneous enhancement in both electrical and Seebeck coefficient characteristics resulted in a remarkable increase in the thermoelectric power factor.

Ignition characteristics of the nickel-based alloy UNS N07001 in pressurized oxygen

Science.gov (United States)

Bransford, J. W.; Billiard, P. A.

1990-01-01

The development of ignition and combustion in pressurized oxygen atmospheres was studied for the nickel-based alloy UNS N07001. Ignition of the alloy was achieved by heating the top surface of a cylindrical specimen with a continuous-wave CO2 laser. Two heating procedures were used. In the first, laser power was adjusted to maintain an approximately linear increase in surface temperature. In the second, laser power was periodically increased until autoheating (self-heating) was established. It was found that the alloy would autoheat to combustion from temperatures below the solidus temperature. In addition, the alloy had a tendency to develop combustion zones (hot spots) at high oxygen pressures when the incremental (step) heating test mode was used. Unique points on the temperature-time curves that describe certain events are defined and the temperatures at which these events occur are given for the oxygen pressure range of 1.72 to 13.8 MPa (250 to 2000 psia).

KINETICS OF CATHODIC REDUCTION OF OXYGEN ON NI-CR-MO-W ALLOY

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

NA

2006-01-01

Ni-Cr-Mo-W alloys (C-group alloys) are well known as materials with very high Corrosion resistance in very aggressive environments, an asset that has motivated the selection of Alloy 22 as a waste package material in the Yucca Mountain Project for the long-term geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuel and other high-level radioactive wastes. The aim of this project is to elucidate the corrosion performance of Alloy 22 under aggressive conditions and to provide a conceptual understanding and parameter data base that could act as a basis for modeling the corrosion performance of waste packages under Yucca Mountain conditions. A key issue in any corrosion process is whether or not the kinetics of the cathodic reactions involved can support a damaging rate of anodic metal (alloy) dissolution. Under Yucca Mountain conditions the primary oxidant available to drive corrosion (most likely in the form of crevice, or under-deposit, corrosion) will be oxygen. Here, we present results on the kinetics of oxygen reduction at the Alloy 22/solution interface

Lead activity in Pb-Sb-Bi alloys

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. S. Kholkina

2014-11-01

Full Text Available The present work is devoted to the study of lead thermodynamic activity in the Pb-Sb-Bi alloys. The method for EMF measurements of the concentration cell: (–Pb|KCl-PbCl2¦¦KCl-PbCl2|Pb-(Sb-Bi(+ was used. The obtained concentration dependences of the galvanic cell EMF are described by linear equations. The lead activity in the ternary liquid-metal alloy demonstrates insignificant negative deviations from the behavior of ideal solutions.

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.

Brittle fracture of T91 steel in liquid lead–bismuth eutectic alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ye, Changqing, E-mail: Changqing.ye@ed.univ-lille1.fr; Vogt, Jean-Bernard, E-mail: jean-bernard.vogt@univ-lille1.fr; Proriol-Serre, Ingrid, E-mail: ingrid.proriol-serre@univ-lille1.fr

2014-12-15

Highlights: • Tempering temperature is important for LBE embrittlement occurrence. • Brittle behaviour in LBE evidenced by small punch test and fatigue test. • Brittle behaviour in low oxygen LBE observed for low loading rate. - Abstract: The mechanical behaviour of the T91 martensitic steel has been studied in liquid lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) and in inert atmosphere. Several conditions were considered to point out the most sensitive embrittling factors. Smooth and notched specimens were employed for respectively monotonic and cyclic loadings. The present investigation showed that T91 appeared in general as a ductile material, and became brittle in the considered conditions only if at least tests were performed in LBE. It turns out that the loading rate appeared as a critical parameter for the occurrence of liquid metal embrittlement of T91 in LBE. For the standard heat treatment condition, loading monotonically the T91 very slowly instead of rapidly in LBE resulted in brittle fracture. Also, under cyclic loading, the crack propagated in a brittle manner in LBE.

Design of an Actinide Burning, Lead or Lead-Bismuth Cooled Reactor that Produces Low Cost Electricity FY-01 Annual Report, October 2001

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mac Donald, Philip Elsworth; Buongiorno, Jacopo; Davis, Cliff Bybee; Herring, James Stephen; Loewen, Eric Paul; Smolik, Galen Richard; Weaver, Kevan Dean; Todreas, N.

2001-10-01

The purpose of this collaborative Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project is to investigate the suitability of lead or lead-bismuth cooled fast reactors for producing low-cost electricity as well as for actinide burning. The goal is to identify and analyze the key technical issues in core neutronics, materials, thermal-hydraulics, fuels, and economics associated with the development of this reactor concept. Work has been accomplished in four major areas of research: core neutronic design, plant engineering, material compatibility studies, and coolant activation. The publications derived from work on this project (since project inception) are listed in Appendix A.

Opto-electronic properties of bismuth oxide films presenting different crystallographic phases

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gomez, Celia L. [Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, UNAM, Circuito Exterior s/n CU, México D.F. 04510 (Mexico); Posgrado en Ciencia e Ingeniería de Materiales, UNAM, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio C, Piso 1, Zona Cultural de CU, México, D.F. 04510 (Mexico); Depablos-Rivera, Osmary, E-mail: osmarydep@yahoo.com [Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, UNAM, Circuito Exterior s/n CU, México D.F. 04510 (Mexico); Posgrado en Ciencia e Ingeniería de Materiales, UNAM, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio C, Piso 1, Zona Cultural de CU, México, D.F. 04510 (Mexico); Silva-Bermudez, Phaedra [Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, UNAM, Circuito Exterior s/n CU, México D.F. 04510 (Mexico); Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Calz. México Xochimilco No. 289 Col. Arenal de Guadalupe, C.P.14389, Ciudad de México, D.F. (Mexico); Muhl, Stephen [Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, UNAM, Circuito Exterior s/n CU, México D.F. 04510 (Mexico); Zeinert, Andreas; Lejeune, Michael; Charvet, Stephane; Barroy, Pierre [Laboratoire de Physique de la Matière Condensée, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 33 rue Saint Leu, 80039 Amiens Cedex 1 (France); Camps, Enrique [Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Carretera México-Toluca S/N, kilómetro 36.5. La Marquesa, Municipio de Ocoyoacac, CP 52750, Estado de México (Mexico); Rodil, Sandra E. [Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, UNAM, Circuito Exterior s/n CU, México D.F. 04510 (Mexico)

2015-03-02

The optical, electrical and structural properties of bismuth oxide thin films deposited by radio frequency reactive magnetron sputtering were studied. The Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} thin films were grown on Si and glass substrates under different power and substrate temperatures in an oxygen-enriched plasma leading to films with different crystalline phase as evidenced by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The optical properties of the films were measured using ellipsometric spectroscopy and optical transmission spectra. In order to parameterize the optical dispersion functions (n, k) of the films, the Tauc–Lorentz dispersion model was used. The optical bandgap was then assessed by different methods and the results are compared to the thermal variations of the electrical resistivity of the films. It was found that the refractive index, extinction coefficient and optical gap strongly depend on the deposition conditions and the crystalline phase; the fluorite defect cubic δ-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} phase showed the lowest optical gap and lower resistivity. - Highlights: • Different bismuth oxide phases were obtained by sputtering. • The power and substrate temperature were the two key parameters. • Room temperature delta-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} thin films were obtained. • The optical bandgap was around 1.5 and 2.2 eV, depending on the phase. • The bismuth oxide films presented activation energies around 1 eV.

Opto-electronic properties of bismuth oxide films presenting different crystallographic phases

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gomez, Celia L.; Depablos-Rivera, Osmary; Silva-Bermudez, Phaedra; Muhl, Stephen; Zeinert, Andreas; Lejeune, Michael; Charvet, Stephane; Barroy, Pierre; Camps, Enrique; Rodil, Sandra E.

2015-01-01

The optical, electrical and structural properties of bismuth oxide thin films deposited by radio frequency reactive magnetron sputtering were studied. The Bi 2 O 3 thin films were grown on Si and glass substrates under different power and substrate temperatures in an oxygen-enriched plasma leading to films with different crystalline phase as evidenced by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The optical properties of the films were measured using ellipsometric spectroscopy and optical transmission spectra. In order to parameterize the optical dispersion functions (n, k) of the films, the Tauc–Lorentz dispersion model was used. The optical bandgap was then assessed by different methods and the results are compared to the thermal variations of the electrical resistivity of the films. It was found that the refractive index, extinction coefficient and optical gap strongly depend on the deposition conditions and the crystalline phase; the fluorite defect cubic δ-Bi 2 O 3 phase showed the lowest optical gap and lower resistivity. - Highlights: • Different bismuth oxide phases were obtained by sputtering. • The power and substrate temperature were the two key parameters. • Room temperature delta-Bi 2 O 3 thin films were obtained. • The optical bandgap was around 1.5 and 2.2 eV, depending on the phase. • The bismuth oxide films presented activation energies around 1 eV

INFLUENCE OF MECHANICAL ALLOYING AND LEAD CONTENT ON MICROSTRUCTURE, HARDNESS AND TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF 6061 ALUMINIUM ALLOYS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Paidpilli

2017-03-01

Full Text Available In the present work, one batch of prealloyed 6061Al powder was processed by mixing and another one was ball milled with varying amount of lead content (0-15 vol. %. These powders were compacted at 300MPa and sintered at 590˚C under N2. The instrumented hardness and the young’s modulus of as-sintered 6061Al-Pb alloys were examined as a function of lead content and processing route. The wear test under dry sliding condition has been performed at varying loads (10-40 N using pin-on-disc tribometer. The microstructure and worn surfaces have been investigated using SEM to evaluate the change in topographical features due to mechanical alloying and lead content. The mechanically alloyed materials showed improved wear characteristics as compared to as-mixed counterpart alloys. Delamination of 6061Al-Pb alloys decreases up to an optimum lead composition in both as-mixed and ball-milled 6061Al-Pb alloys. The results indicated minimum wear rate for as-mixed and ball-milled 6061Al alloy at 5 and 10 vol. % Pb, respectively.

Shielding property of bismuth glass based on MCNP 5 and WINXCOM simulated calculation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Zhicheng; Zhang Jinzhao; Liu Ze; Lu Chunhai; Chen Min

2013-01-01

Background: Currently, lead glass is widely used as observation window, while lead is toxic heavy metal. Purpose: Non-toxic materials and their shielding effects are researched in order to find a new material to replace lead containing material. Methods: The mass attenuation coefficients of bismuth silicate glass were investigated with gamma-ray's energy at 0.662 MeV, 1.17 MeV and 1.33 MeV, respectively, by MCNP 5 (Monte Carlo) and WINXCOM program, and compared with those of the lead glass. Results: With attenuation factor K, shielding and mechanical properties taken into consideration bismuth glass containing 50% bismuth oxide might be selected as the right material. Dose rate distributions of water phantom were calculated with 2-cm and 10-cm thick glass, respectively, irradiated by 137 Cs and 60 Co in turn. Conclusion: Results show that the bismuth glass may replace lead glass for radiation shielding with appropriate energy. (authors)

Effect of hydrogen and oxygen content on the embrittlement of Zr alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Griger, A.; Hozer, Z.; Matus, L.; Vasaros, L.; Horvath, M.

2001-01-01

An experimental study is carried out in the KFKI Atomic Energy Research Institute in order to clear up the role of oxidation and hydrogen uptake in the embrittlement process. Russian E110 type Zr1%Nb and Zircaloy-4 claddings are used as test materials. The differences between the properties of two alloys are examined. The sample preparation covered the following cases: oxidation in Ar+O 2 atmosphere; hydrogen uptake of as received and pre-oxidised samples (in Ar+O 2 atmosphere); oxidation in steam. The oxidation in Ar+O 2 and the subsequent hydrogen uptake procedure make possible the production of samples with well-characterized hydrogen and oxygen content. Corrosion treated ring samples of 8 mm height are examined in ring compression tests. The force-deformation curves are recorded and the crushing force and deformation are determined. The relative deformation is used for the characterisation of embrittlement level. The results of experiments provide detailed information about the effect of hydrogen and oxygen content on the embrittlement of zirconium alloys. The conclusions are: 1) hydrogen seems to play a more important role in the embrittlement of zirconium alloys than oxygen; 2) the Zircaloy-4 alloy becomes brittle at lower hydrogen content than the Zr1%Nb; 3) under steam oxidation conditions the Zr1%Nb alloy takes up much more hydrogen and becomes more brittle than the Zircaloy-4

Bismuth ions are metabolized into autometallographic traceable bismuth-sulphur quantum dots

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M Stoltenberg

2009-06-01

Full Text Available Bismuth – sulphur quantum dots can be silver enhanced by autometallography (AMG. In the present study, autometallographic silver enhanced bismuth-sulphur nanocrystals were isolated from unfixed cryo-sections of kidneys and livers of rats exposed to bismuth (Bi207 subnitrate. After being subjected to AMG all the organic material was removed by sonication and enzymatic digestion and the silver enhanced Bi- S quantum dots spun down by an ultracentrifuge and analyzed by scintillation. The analysis showed that the autometallographic technique traces approximately 94% of the total bismuth. This implies that the injected bismuth is ultimately captured in bismuthsulphur quantum dots, i.e., that Bi-S nanocrystals are the end product of bismuth metabolism

High temperature properties of Zircaloy--oxygen alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mellinger, G.B.; Bates, J.L.

1977-03-01

The effect of oxygen on three properties of Zircaloy-4 cladding relevant to LOCA evaluation codes was determined. Thermal expansion, elastic moduli, and thermal diffusivity were measured over the range room temperature--1200 0 C (2192 0 F) and 0.7 to 28 at.% oxygen. Thermal expansion and elastic moduli showed increases with oxygen concentration, while thermal diffusivity tended to decrease. Zircaloy-2 was examined over the same temperature range, but only to 5 at.% oxygen, differences in the properties between the two alloys were minor. The thermal emittance of Zircaloy-4 was measured in argon over the wavelength range 1.5 to 2.5 μm on previously oxidized tubing and on surfaces in the process of oxidizing in unlimited steam. For the latter, a high emittance (approximately 0.9) was reached at an oxide thickness of about 100 mg/dm 2 , and the tubing surface remained black and substoichiometric as oxidation continued at temperatures to 1200 0 C

Effect of dissolved oxygen on IGSCC of Alloy 600

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maeng, W.Y.; Choi, M.S.; Kim, U.C.

2002-01-01

The effect of dissolved oxygen on the SCC of Alloy 600 was studied by the slow strain rate test(SSRT) method. The SSRT tests were carried out in aerated and in deaerated pure water at 360 C at the strain rate of 2.5 x 10 -7 /s. Hump specimens were used to shorten test time. The SCC susceptibility was higher in the deaerated water environment than in aerated water environments. The shape of load-deformation curves of the tests in those two environments indicates that oxygen content in water significantly influences the SCC susceptibility of Alloy 600. It was considered that the increase of SCC resistance in aerated water is due to the high corrosion potential of the metal surface, and the according decrease of corrosion current due to the formation of a protective oxide layer. (authors)

Design of an Actinide Burning, Lead or Lead-Bismuth Cooled Reactor That Produces Low Cost Electricty - FY-02 Annual Report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mac Donald, Philip Elsworth; Buongiorno, Jacopo

2002-10-01

The purpose of this collaborative Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project is to investigate the suitability of lead or lead-bismuth cooled fast reactors for producing low-cost electricity as well as for actinide burning. The goal is to identify and analyze the key technical issues in core neutronics, materials, thermal-hydraulics, fuels, and economics associated with the development of this reactor concept. Work has been accomplished in four major areas of research: core neutronic design, plant engineering, material compatibility studies, and coolant activation. The publications derived from work on this project (since project inception) are listed in Appendix A. This is the third in a series of Annual Reports for this project, the others are also listed in Appendix A as FY-00 and FY-01 Annual Reports.

Oxygen reduction reaction of Pt–In alloy: Combined theoretical and experimental investigations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pašti, Igor A.; Gavrilov, Nemanja M.; Baljozović, Miloš; Mitrić, Miodrag; Mentus, Slavko V.

2013-01-01

Graphical abstract: Upon DFT prediction of improved electrocatalytic activity of Pt–In alloys toward ORR, the alloy Pt-10 at% In was synthesized on glassy carbon disc, simultaneously with pure Pt reference catalyst. Improved catalytic activity of the alloy was evidenced by voltammetry on RDE in 0.1 mol dm −3 KOH solution. -- Highlights: •The adsorption of O atoms on Pt–In alloys model surfaces was investigated by DFT. •The improvement of catalytic activity toward ORR was predicted by DFT. •Pt-10 at% In alloy was synthesized on glassy carbon disk surface. •By voltammetry on RDE improvement of activity toward ORR was evidenced. -- Abstract: By means of the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, using the adsorption energy of oxygen on single crystal surfaces as criterion, it was predicted that the alloying of Pt with In should improve kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). To prove this, the Pt–In alloy having nominal composition Pt 9 In was synthesized by heating H 2 PtCl 6 –InCl 3 mixture in hydrogen stream. The XRD characterization confirmed that Pt–In alloy was formed. The electrochemical measurements by rotating disk technique in alkaline 0.1 mol dm −3 KOH solution evidenced faster ORR kinetics for factor 2.6 relative to the one on pure platinum. This offers the possibility of searching for new ORR electrocatalysts by alloying platinum with p-elements

Elevated gamma-rays shielding property in lead-free bismuth tungstate by nanofabricating structures

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Jun-Hua; Zhang, Quan-Ping; Sun, Nan; Zhao, Yang; Shi, Rui; Zhou, Yuan-Lin; Zheng, Jian

2018-01-01

Radiation shielding materials have attracted much attention across academia and industry because of the increasing of nuclear activities. To achieve the materials with low toxicity but good protective capability is one of the most significant goals for personal protective articles. Here, bismuth tungstate nanostructures are controllably fabricated by a versatile hydrothermal treatment under various temperatures. The crystals structure and morphology of products are detailedly characterized with X-ray diffraction, electron microscope and specific surface area. It is noteworthy that desired Bi2WO6 nanosheets treated with 190 °C show the higher specific surface area (19.5 m2g-1) than that of the other two products. Importantly, it has a close attenuating property to lead based counterpart for low energy gamma-rays. Due to the less toxicity, Bi2WO6 nanosheets are more suitable than lead based materials to fabricate personal protective articles for shielding low energy radiations and have great application prospect as well as market potential.

Oxygen control systems and impurity purification in LBE: Learning from DEMETRA project

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Brissonneau, L., E-mail: laurent.brissonneau@cea.fr [CEA/DEN, Cadarache, DTN/STPA/LIPC, F-13108 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance (France); Beauchamp, F.; Morier, O. [CEA/DEN, Cadarache, DTN/STPA/LIPC, F-13108 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance (France); Schroer, C.; Konys, J. [Karlsruher Institut fuer Technologie (KIT), Institut fuer Materialforschung III, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (Germany); Kobzova, A.; Di Gabriele, F. [NRI, UJV Husinec-Rez 130, Rez 25068 (Czech Republic); Courouau, J.-L. [CEA/DEN, Saclay, DPC/SCCME/LECNA, F-919191 Gif-sur-Yvette (France)

2011-08-31

Operating a system using Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) requires a control of the dissolved oxygen concentration to avoid corrosion of structural materials and oxide build-up in the coolant. Reliable devices are therefore needed to monitor and adjust the oxygen concentration and to remove impurities during operation. In this article, we describe the learning gained from experiments run in the framework of the DEMETRA project (IP-EUROTRANS 6th FP contract) on the oxygen supply in LBE and on impurity filtration and management in different European facilities. An oxygen control device should supply oxygen in LBE at sufficient rate to compensate loss by surface oxidation, otherwise local dissolution of oxide layers might lead to the loss of steel protection against dissolution. Oxygen can be supplied by gas phase H{sub 2}O or O{sub 2}, or by solid phase, PbO dissolution. Each of these systems has substantial advantages and drawbacks. Considerations are given on devices for large scale facilities. The management of impurities (lead oxides and corrosion products) is also a crucial issue as their presence in the liquid phase or in the aerosols is likely to impair the facility, instrumentation and mechanical devices. To avoid impurity build-up on the long-term, purification of LBE is required to keep the impurity inventory low by trapping oxide and metallic impurities in specific filter units. On the basis of impurities characterisation and experimental results gained through filtration tests in different loops, this paper gives a description of the state-of-art knowledge of LBE purification with different filter media. It is now understood that the nature and behaviour of impurities formed in LBE will change according to the operating modes as well as the method to propose to remove impurities. This experience can be used to validate the basis filtration process, define the operating procedures and evaluate perspectives for the design of purification units for long

Probing adsorption phenomena on a single crystal Pt-alloy surface under oxygen reduction reaction conditions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bondarenko, Alexander S.; Stephens, Ifan E.L.; Bech, Lone; Chorkendorff, Ib

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Impedance spectroscopy of Cu/Pt(1 1 1) near-surface alloy and Pt(1 1 1). ► Presence of oxygen changes little the adsorption dynamics. ► Adsorption dynamics similar on alloy and Pt(1 1 1). ► Electrosorption phenomena on alloy shifted in potential, relative to Pt(1 1 1). - Abstract: The adsorption dynamics of *OH and *O species at Pt(1 1 1) and Cu/Pt(1 1 1) near-surface alloy (NSA) surfaces in oxygen-free and O 2 -saturated 0.1 M HClO 4 was investigated. Subsurface Cu modifies the electronic structure at the Pt(1 1 1) surface resulting in weaker bonding to adsorbates like *OH, *H or *O. This provides a basis for the high oxygen reduction activity of the NSA, as predicted by density functional theory calculations. The shift in *OH adsorption of around 0.16 V towards more positive potentials can be clearly monitored in absence of O 2 and under the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) conditions for the Cu/Pt(1 1 1) NSA. In both cases, for Pt(1 1 1) and NSA, the *OH(*O) adsorption dynamics is very similar in the absence of oxygen and under ORR conditions. Therefore, theoretical assumptions about the coverage of adsorbates in the absence of oxygen can be reasonably extrapolated to the situation when oxygen reduction takes place at the surface. A ∼5-fold improvement in the ORR activity over the Pt(1 1 1) at 0.9 V (RHE) was measured for the Cu/Pt(1 1 1) near-surface alloy.

Influence of oxygen on omega phase stability in the Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Niinomi, Mitsuo; Nakai, Masaaki; Hendrickson, Mandana; Nandwana, Peeyush; Alam, Talukder; Choudhuri, Deep; Banerjee, Rajarshi

2016-01-01

The effect of oxygen on stability of isothermal omega precipitates in Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr was examined using X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and atom probe tomography. Two alloys with 0.1 and 0.4 mass% oxygen were subjected to single step, and two-step annealing heat-treatments to respectively promote omega and alpha formation. After second step annealing, large volume fraction of omega precipitates was retained in 0.4 mass% O alloy while mainly alpha phase was observed in TNTZ-0.1O. The enhanced stability of omega in the higher oxygen containing TNTZ alloys questions the conventionally accepted understanding that oxygen destabilizes the omega phase in titanium alloys.

Method for evaluation of doses from ingestion of polonium, bismuth and lead as natural radioactive material(NORM)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pena, Vanessa; Puerta, Anselmo; Morales, Javier

2013-01-01

In this work was carried out an evaluation of dose from ingestion of radioactive daughters of radon (lead, bismuth and polonium), taking into account ages from three months up to adult men, using the new model of the human alimentary tract HATM and methodology of calculating doses proposed by the ICRP publication 103, which allows the estimation of dose based on the concentration of the radionuclide present in the diet or in the water of consumption

Effect of oxygen content on deformation mode and corrosion behavior in β-type Ti-Mo alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Min, Xiaohua, E-mail: minxiaohua@dlut.edu.cn [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024 (China); Bai, Pengfei [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024 (China); Emura, Satoshi; Ji, Xin [Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047 (Japan); Cheng, Congqian; Jiang, Beibei [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024 (China); Tsuchiya, Koichi [Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047 (Japan)

2017-01-27

This study examined microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties in a β-type Ti-15Mo alloy (mass%) with different oxygen contents, and their corrosion behavior in simulated physiological media. With increasing oxygen content from 0.1–0.5%, lattice parameter of parent β-phase increased from X-ray diffraction profiles, and spots of athermal ω-phase became weak and diffuse through transmission electron microscopy observations. {332}<113> twin density decreased with an increase in oxygen content from 0.1–0.3% based on electron backscattered diffraction analyses, and it became almost zero when further increased oxygen content up to 0.5%. The solute oxygen atoms led to both a transition of {332}<113> twinning to dislocation slip and a suppression of β-phase to ω-phase transformation. Room-temperature tensile testing of this alloy with oxygen content ranging from 0.1–0.5%, revealed that yield strength ranged from 420 MPa to 1180 MPa and that uniform elongation ranged from 47–0.2%. The oxygen-added alloys kept a low elastic modulus obtained from stress-strain curves, and exhibited good corrosion resistance in Ringer's solution from open-circuit potential and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. A desirable balance between mechanical properties and corrosion resistance is obtainable in this alloy as biomaterials through utilizing oxygen to control the deformation mode.

Measurements of gas and volatile element production rates from an irradiated molten lead and lead-bismuth spallation target with proton beams of 1 and 1.4 GeV; Mesures de taux de production d'elements gazeux et volatiles lors de reactions induites par des protons de 1 et 1,4 GeV sur des cibles epaisses de plomb et plomb-bismuth liquides

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tall, Y

2008-03-15

The integrated project EUROTRANS (European Research Programme for the Transmutation of High Level Nuclear Waste in an Accelerator Driven System) of the 6. EURATOM Framework Programme aims to demonstrate the transmutation of radioactive waste in ADS (Accelerator Driven Sub-critical system). It will carry out a first advanced design of an experimental facility to demonstrate the technical feasibility of transmutation, and will produce a conceptual design of an industrial facility dedicated to transmutation. An ADS consists of three fundamental elements: the accelerator of protons, the sub-critical core and the spallation target. SUBATECH (physique Sub-Atomique et des Technologies associees) laboratory is involved to the study of the chosen liquid lead-bismuth as a spallation ADS target. The irradiation of liquid lead-bismuth target with energetic proton beam generates in addition to neutrons, volatile and radioactive residues. In order to determine experimentally the production rates of gas and volatile elements following a spallation reaction in a lead-bismuth target, the experiment IS419 was performed at the ISOLDE facility at CERN (Centre Europeen de la Recherche Nucleaire). This experiment constitutes the frame of the thesis whose main objective is to assess and study the production and release rates of many gas and volatile element from the irradiated lead-bismuth target with an energetic proton beam. The obtained data are compared to Monte Carlo simulation code (MCNPX) results in order to test the intranuclear cascade model of Bertini and of Cugnon, and the evaporation options of Dresner and Schmidt. (author)

Stripping chronopotentiometric measurements of lead(II) and cadmium(II) in soils extracts and wastewaters using a bismuth film screen-printed electrode assembly

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kadara, Rashid O.; Tothill, Ibtisam E. [Cranfield Biotechnology Centre, Cranfield University, MK45 4DT, Silsoe, Bedfordshire (United Kingdom)

2004-02-01

The key to remediative processes is the ability to measure toxic contaminants on-site using simple and cheap sensing devices, which are field-portable and can facilitate more rapid decision-making. A three-electrode configuration system has been fabricated using low-cost screen-printing (thick-film) technology and this coupled with a portable electrochemical instrument has provided a a relatively inexpensive on-site detector for trace levels of toxic metals. The carbon surface of the screen-printed working electrode is used as a substrate for in situ deposition of a metallic film of bismuth, which allows the electrochemical preconcentration of metal ions. Lead and cadmium were simultaneously detected using stripping chronopotentiometry at the bismuth film electrode. Detection limits of 8 and 10 ppb were obtained for cadmium(II) and lead(II), respectively, for a deposition time of 120 s. The developed method was applied to the determination of lead and cadmium in soils extracts and wastewaters obtained from polluted sites. For comparison purposes, a mercury film electrode and ICP-MS were also used for validation. (orig.)

Theory of the electronic structure of dilute bismide and bismide-nitride alloys of GaAs: Tight-binding and k.p models

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Usman, Muhammad; Broderick, Christopher A.; O'Reilly, Eoin P.

2013-01-01

The addition of dilute concentrations of bismuth (Bi) into GaAs to form GaBi x As 1−x alloys results in a large reduction of the band gap energy (E g ) accompanied by a significant increase of the spin-orbit-splitting energy (Δ SO ), leading to an E g SO regime for x ∼ 10% which is technologically relevant for the design of highly efficient photonic devices. The quaternary alloy GaBi x N y As 1−x−y offers further flexibility for band gap tuning, because both nitrogen and bismuth can independently induce band gap reduction. This work reports sp 3 s* tight binding and 14-band k⋅p models for the study of the electronic structure of GaBi x As 1−x and GaBi x N y As 1−x−y alloys. Our results are in good agreement with the available experimental data

Development of oxygen sensors for use in liquid metal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Van Nieuwenhove, Rudi; Ejenstam, Jesper; Szakalos, Peter

2015-01-01

For generation IV reactor concepts, based on liquid metal cooling, there is a need for robust oxygen sensors which can be used in the core of the reactor since corrosion can only be kept sufficiently low by controlling the dissolved oxygen content in the liquid metal. A robust, ceramic membrane type sensor has been developed at IFE/Halden (Norway) and tested in an autoclave system at KTH (Sweden). The sensor has been tested in lead-bismuth at 550 deg. C and performed well. (authors)

Development of oxygen sensors for use in liquid metal

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Van Nieuwenhove, Rudi [Institutt for Energiteknikk, Halden, (Norway); Ejenstam, Jesper; Szakalos, Peter [KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Division of Surface and Corrosion Science, Stockholm, (Sweden)

2015-07-01

For generation IV reactor concepts, based on liquid metal cooling, there is a need for robust oxygen sensors which can be used in the core of the reactor since corrosion can only be kept sufficiently low by controlling the dissolved oxygen content in the liquid metal. A robust, ceramic membrane type sensor has been developed at IFE/Halden (Norway) and tested in an autoclave system at KTH (Sweden). The sensor has been tested in lead-bismuth at 550 deg. C and performed well. (authors)

Anelastic relaxation peaks in single crystals of zirconium-oxygen alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ritchie, I.G.; Sprungmann, K.W.; Atrens, A.; Rosinger, H.E.; CEA Centre d'Etudes Nucleaires de Grenoble, 38

1977-01-01

Relaxations of the compliances S 11 -S 12 and S 44 have been observed in single crystals of zirconium-oxygen alloys tested in flexure and in torsion respectively. The relaxations are attributed to the stress-induced reorientation of substitutional impurity atoms (s) paired with interstitial oxygen atoms (i). The results demonstrate that the jump of the interstitial parallel to the basal plane dominates in the reorientation of the s-i pair

Experimental system design of liquid lithium-lead alloy bubbler for DFLL-TBM

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xie Bo; Li Junge; Xu Shaomei; Weng Kuiping

2011-01-01

The liquid lithium-lead alloy bubbler is a very important composition in the tritium unit of Chinese Dual-Functional Lithium Lead Test Blanket Module (DFLL-TBM). In order to complete the construction and run of the bubbler experimental system,overall design of the system, main circuit design and auxiliary system design have been proposed on the basis of theoretical calculations for the interaction of hydrogen isotope with lithium-lead alloy and experiment for hydrogen extraction from liquid lithium-lead alloy by bubbling with rotational jet nozzle. The key of this design is gas-liquid exchange packed column, to achieve the measurement and extraction of hydrogen isotopes from liquid lithium-lead alloy. (authors)

Stabilization of high T(sub c) phase in bismuth cuprate superconductor by lead doping

Science.gov (United States)

Gupta, Ram. P.; Pachauri, J. P.; Khokle, W. S.; Nagpal, K. C.; Date, S. K.

1990-01-01

It has widely been ascertained that doping of lead in Bi:Sr:Ca:Cu:O systems promotes the growth of high T(sub c) (110 K) phase, improves critical current density, and lowers processing temperature. A systematic investigation is undertaken to determine optimum lead content and processing conditions to achieve these. A large number of samples with cationic compositions of Bi(2-x)Pb(x)Sr2Ca2Cu3 (x = 0.2 to 2.0) were prepared by conventional solid state reaction technique. Samples of all compositions were annealed together at a temperature and characterized through resistance-temperature (R-T) measurements and x ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the zero resistance temperature, T(sub c)(0) and to identify presence of phases, respectively. The annealing temperature was varied between 790 C to optimize processing parameters. Results are given. In brief, an optimum process is reported along with composition of leaded bismuth cuprate superconductor which yields nearly a high T(sub c) single phase with highly stable superconducting properties.

High temperature ultrasonic transducers for imaging and measurements in a liquid Pb/Bi eutectic alloy.

Science.gov (United States)

Kazys, Rymantas; Voleisis, Algirdas; Sliteris, Reimondas; Mazeika, Liudas; Van Nieuwenhove, Rudi; Kupschus, Peter; Abderrahim, Hamid Aït

2005-04-01

In some nuclear reactors or accelerator-driven systems (ADS) the core is intended to be cooled by means of a heavy liquid metal, for example, lead-bismuth (Pb/Bi) eutectic alloy. For safety and licensing reasons, an imaging method of the interior of ADS, based on application of ultrasonic waves, has thus to be developed. This paper is devoted to description of developed various ultrasonic transducers suitable for long term imaging and measurements in the liquid Pb/Bi alloy. The results of comparative experimental investigations of the developed transducers of different designs in a liquid Pb/Bi alloy up to 450 degrees C are presented. Prototypes with different high temperature piezoelectric materials were investigated: PZT, bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12), lithium niobate (LiNbO3), gallium orthophosphate (GaPO4) and aluminum nitride (A1N). For acoustic coupling with the metal alloy, it was proposed to coat the active surface of the transducers by diamond like carbon (DLC). The radiation robustness was assessed by exposing the transducers to high gamma dose rates in one of the irradiation facilities at SCK x CEN. The experimental results proved that the developed transducers are suitable for long-term operation in harsh conditions.

Aluminum alloy for cladding excellent in sacrificial anode property and erosion-corrosion resistance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Imaizumi, S.; Mikami, K.; Yamada, K.

1980-01-01

An aluminum alloy for cladding excellent in sacrificial anode property and erosion-corrosion resistance, which consists essentially of, in weight percentage: zinc - 0.3 to 3.0%, magnesium - 0.2 to 4.0%, manganese - 0.3 to 2.0%, and, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; said alloy including an aluminum alloy also containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of, in weight percentage: indium - 0.005 to 0.2%, tin - 0.01 to 0.3%, and, bismuth - 0.01 to 0.3%; provided that the total content of indium, tin and bismuth being up to 0.3%

Relative effects of chromium and niobium on microstructure and mechanical properties as a function of oxygen content in TiAl alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lamirand, M.; Bonnentien, J.-L.; Ferriere, G.; Guerin, S.; Chevalier, J.-P.

2007-01-01

The effects of 2 at.% chromium and niobium on microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-48Al-x(Cr, Nb) have been investigated for alloys with different oxygen content, ranging from ultra-high purity to doped alloys. Chromium and niobium additions have significant effects for the high purity alloys, whereas for alloys containing oxygen, no significant modification is observed due to the strong stabilizing effect of oxygen on the lamellar microstructure

Dissolution corrosion of 316L austenitic stainless steels in contact with static liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) at 500 °C

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lambrinou, Konstantina, E-mail: klambrin@sckcen.be [SCK-CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol (Belgium); Charalampopoulou, Evangelia [SCK-CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol (Belgium); University of Antwerp, Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT), Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen (Belgium); Van der Donck, Tom [KU Leuven, Department of Materials Engineering, Kasteelpark Arenberg 44, 3001 Leuven (Belgium); Delville, Rémi [SCK-CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol (Belgium); Schryvers, Dominique [University of Antwerp, Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT), Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen (Belgium)

2017-07-15

This work addresses the dissolution corrosion behaviour of 316L austenitic stainless steels. For this purpose, solution-annealed and cold-deformed 316L steels were simultaneously exposed to oxygen-poor (<10{sup −8} mass%) static liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) for 253–3282 h at 500 °C. Corrosion was consistently more severe for the cold-drawn steels than the solution-annealed steel, indicating the importance of the steel thermomechanical state. The thickness of the dissolution-affected zone was non-uniform, and sites of locally-enhanced dissolution were occasionally observed. The progress of LBE dissolution attack was promoted by the interplay of certain steel microstructural features (grain boundaries, deformation twin laths, precipitates) with the dissolution corrosion process. The identified dissolution mechanisms were selective leaching leading to steel ferritization, and non-selective leaching; the latter was mainly observed in the solution-annealed steel. The maximum corrosion rate decreased with exposure time and was found to be inversely proportional to the depth of dissolution attack. - Highlights: •Dissolution corrosion was more severe in cold-deformed than solution-annealed 316L steels. •LBE penetration occurred along preferential paths in the steel microstructure. •The maximum dissolution rate was inversely proportionate to the depth of dissolution.

Influence of oxygen on hydrogen storage and electrode properties for micro-designed V-based battery alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tsukahara, M.; Takahashi, K.; Isomura, A. [Mater. R and D Co., Ltd., Aichi (Japan). IMRA; Sakai, T. [Osaka National Research Institute, Midorigaoka, Ikeda-shi, Osaka, 563 (Japan)

1998-01-30

The influence of oxygen on micro-structure, hydrogen storage and electrode properties were investigated for the alloy V{sub 3}TiNi{sub 0.56}Co{sub 0.14}Nb{sub 0.047}Ta{sub 0.047}. Since titanium in the alloy worked as a deoxidizer to form the oxide phase, the alloy preserved a large hydrogen capacity in the oxygen concentration range below 5000 mass ppm. More oxygen than 6000 mass ppm caused a remarkable contraction of the unit cell of the vanadium-based main phase and then a decrease in the hydrogen storage capacity. The contraction was accompanied by the precipitation of the Ti-based oxide phase. (orig.) 15 refs.

The effect lead impurities on the corrosion resistance of alloy 600 and alloy 690 in high temperature water

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sakai, T.; Nakagomi, N.; Kikuchi, T.; Aoki, K.; Nakayasu, F.; Yamakawa, K.

1998-01-01

Degradation of nickel-based alloy steam generator (SG) tubing caused by lead-induced corrosion has been reported recently in some PWR plants. Several laboratory studies also have shown that lead causes intergranular or transgranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC or TGSCC) of the tubing materials. Information from previous studies suggests two possible explanations for the mechanism of lead-induced corrosion. One is selective dissolution of tube metal elements, resulting in formation of a lead-containing nickel-depleted oxide film as observed in mildly acidic environments. The other explanation is an increase in potential, as has been observed in lead-contaminated caustic environments, although not in all volatile treatment (AVT) water such as the ammonium-hydrazine water chemistry. These observation suggest that an electrochemical reaction between metal elements and dissolved lead might be the cause of lead-induced corrosion. The present work was undertaken to clarify the lead-induced corrosion mechanism of nickel-based alloys from an electrochemical viewpoint, focusing on mildly acidic and basic environments. These are the probable pH conditions in the crevice region between the tube and tube support plate of the SG where corrosion damage could occur. Measurements of corrosion potential and electrochemical polarization of nickel-based alloys were performed to investigate the effect of lead on electrochemical behavior of the alloys. Then, constant extension rate tests (CERT) were carried out to determine the corrosion susceptibility of the alloys in a lead-contaminated environment. (J.P.N.)

Development of small, fast reactor core designs using lead-based coolant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cahalan, J. E.; Hill, R. N.; Khalil, H. S.; Wade, D. C.

1999-01-01

A variety of small (100 MWe) fast reactor core designs are developed, these include compact configurations, long-lived (15-year fuel lifetime) cores, and derated, natural circulation designs. Trade studies are described which identify key core design issues for lead-based coolant systems. Performance parameters and reactivity feedback coefficients are compared for lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) and sodium-cooled cores of consistent design. The results of these studies indicate that the superior neutron reflection capability of lead alloys reduces the enrichment and burnup swing compared to conventional sodium-cooled systems; however, the discharge fluence is significantly increased. The size requirement for long-lived systems is constrained by reactivity loss considerations, not fuel burnup or fluence limits. The derated lead-alloy cooled natural circulation cores require a core volume roughly eight times greater than conventional compact systems. In general, reactivity coefficients important for passive safety performance are less favorable for the larger, derated configurations

Obtaining of platinum-titanium alloys by sol-gel and their performance for the detachment reactions and oxygen reduction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Regueira R, B. I.

2011-01-01

In the present work, platinum-titanium (Pt-Ti) alloys were prepared, characterized and evaluated in acid media as bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (Oer) and oxygen reduction reactions (Orr) in acid media. The alloys were synthesized by sol-gel method, heating the gel at temperatures of 400 and 600 C. The alloys characterization was realized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and EDS. Both alloys were formed by agglomerates of nanometer particles. The particle sizes were lower for the alloy obtained at 400 C (120 nm to 257 nm) compared to the alloy prepared at 600 C (555 nm to 833 nm). Cyclic and linear voltammetry techniques were used for the electrochemical evaluation of the alloy obtained at both temperatures for the Oer and Orr, in a 0.5 M sulfuric acid solution. The materials have response for both electrochemical reactions, therefore the best performance was for the Pt-Ti alloy, obtained at 400 C and it was stable for the oxygen evolution reaction. The alloy obtained at 400 C presents satisfactory electrocatalytic characteristics to be used as bifunctional material in a unified regenerative fuel cell. (Author)

Compatibility tests of steels in flowing liquid lead-bismuth

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barbier, F.; Benamati, G.; Fazio, C.; Rusanov, A.

2001-01-01

The behaviour of steels exposed to flowing Pb-55Bi was evaluated. The materials tested are the two austenitic steels AISI 316L and 1.4970, and the six martensitic steels Optifer IVc, T91, Batman 27, Batman 28, EP823 and EM10 which were exposed to flowing Pb-55Bi for 1000, 2000 and 3000 h and at two temperatures (573 and 743 K). The corrosion tests were conducted in the non-isothermal loop of IPPE-Obninsk under a controlled oxygen level (10 -6 wt%). The compatibility study showed that at a lower temperature, a very thin oxide layer (<1 μm) was formed on the steels. At higher temperature, austenitic steels also exhibited a thin oxide layer sufficient to prevent their dissolution in the melt. A thicker oxide, which grew according to a parabolic law, was observed on the surface of the martensitic steels. The oxidation resistance behaviour of the martensitic steels was correlated with their alloying elements

Spectroscopic and thermal properties of Sm3+ doped iron lead bismuthate glasses

Science.gov (United States)

Narwal, P.; Yadav, A.; Dahiya, M. S.; Vishal, Rohit, Agarwal, A.; Khasa, S.

2018-05-01

The results of the structural, physical, thermal and electrical properties of the glass compositions xFe2O3•(100-x)(3Bi2O3•PbO)• Sm2O3(1 mol%) where x=0, 1, 5, 10, 12, 15 mol% prepared via melt quench technique were studied. The synthesized compositions were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The IR study reveals that present system is build up with lead in tetrahedral coordination and bismuth in trigonal as well as octahedral coordination. Density and molar volume have been calculated using Archimedes principle, and the variation in their values has been correlated with structural changes in the glass matrix based on the IR study. The variation in the characteristic temperatures (glass transition temperature Tg, crystallization temperature Tp and melting temperature Tm) with different heating rate and change in the composition of iron oxide were analyzed and reported in the present study.

Transient analysis for lead-bismuth-cooled accelerator-driven system proposed by JAEA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sugawara, T.; Nishihara, K.; Tsujimoto, K.

2015-01-01

It is supposed that an Accelerator-driven System (ADS) is safer than conventional critical reactors since an ADS is driven by the external neutron source in the subcritical state. In this study, the transient analyses for the lead-bismuth cooled ADS proposed by JAEA were performed using the SIMMER-III and RELAP5/mod3.2 codes to investigate the possibility of core damage. In this research, 3 accidents: the protected loss of heat sink, the protected overcooling and the unprotected blockage accident were considered as typical ADS accidents. Through these calculations, it was confirmed that all calculation results, except for the protected loss of heat sink, fulfilled the no-damage criteria. In the protected loss of heat sink, the cladding tube temperature reached its melting temperature after 18-21 hours, although the calculation condition was very conservative. These results have led to requirements to design a safety system of the ADS to decrease the frequencies of accidents. (authors)

Mixed-layered bismuth--oxygen--iodine materials for capture and waste disposal of radioactive iodine

Science.gov (United States)

Krumhansl, James L; Nenoff, Tina M

2015-01-06

Materials and methods of synthesizing mixed-layered bismuth oxy-iodine materials, which can be synthesized in the presence of aqueous radioactive iodine species found in caustic solutions (e.g. NaOH or KOH). This technology provides a one-step process for both iodine sequestration and storage from nuclear fuel cycles. It results in materials that will be durable for repository conditions much like those found in Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and estimated for Yucca Mountain (YMP). By controlled reactant concentrations, optimized compositions of these mixed-layered bismuth oxy-iodine inorganic materials are produced that have both a high iodine weight percentage and a low solubility in groundwater environments.

Mixed-layered bismuth-oxygen-iodine materials for capture and waste disposal of radioactive iodine

Science.gov (United States)

Krumhansl, James L; Nenoff, Tina M

2013-02-26

Materials and methods of synthesizing mixed-layered bismuth oxy-iodine materials, which can be synthesized in the presence of aqueous radioactive iodine species found in caustic solutions (e.g. NaOH or KOH). This technology provides a one-step process for both iodine sequestration and storage from nuclear fuel cycles. It results in materials that will be durable for repository conditions much like those found in Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and estimated for Yucca Mountain (YMP). By controlled reactant concentrations, optimized compositions of these mixed-layered bismuth oxy-iodine inorganic materials are produced that have both a high iodine weight percentage and a low solubility in groundwater environments.

Development of tellurium oxide and lead-bismuth oxide glasses for mid-wave infra-red transmission optics

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Beiming; Rapp, Charles F.; Driver, John K.; Myers, Michael J.; Myers, John D.; Goldstein, Jonathan; Utano, Rich; Gupta, Shantanu

2013-03-01

Heavy metal oxide glasses exhibiting high transmission in the Mid-Wave Infra-Red (MWIR) spectrum are often difficult to manufacture in large sizes with optimized physical and optical properties. In this work, we researched and developed improved tellurium-zinc-barium and lead-bismuth-gallium heavy metal oxide glasses for use in the manufacture of fiber optics, optical components and laser gain materials. Two glass families were investigated, one based upon tellurium and another based on lead-bismuth. Glass compositions were optimized for stability and high transmission in the MWIR. Targeted glass specifications included low hydroxyl concentration, extended MWIR transmission window, and high resistance against devitrification upon heating. Work included the processing of high purity raw materials, melting under controlled dry Redox balanced atmosphere, finning, casting and annealing. Batch melts as large as 4 kilograms were sprue cast into aluminum and stainless steel molds or temperature controlled bronze tube with mechanical bait. Small (100g) test melts were typically processed in-situ in a 5%Au°/95%Pt° crucible. Our group manufactured and evaluated over 100 different experimental heavy metal glass compositions during a two year period. A wide range of glass melting, fining, casting techniques and experimental protocols were employed. MWIR glass applications include remote sensing, directional infrared counter measures, detection of explosives and chemical warfare agents, laser detection tracking and ranging, range gated imaging and spectroscopy. Enhanced long range mid-infrared sensor performance is optimized when operating in the atmospheric windows from ~ 2.0 to 2.4μm, ~ 3.5 to 4.3μm and ~ 4.5 to 5.0μm.

Present status and future perspective of R and D on lead heavy metal-cooled fast reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takahashi, Minoru

2007-01-01

Since a lead heavy metal (lead-bismuth eutectic) is chemically inert and has higher boiling point compared to a sodium, a lead heavy metal-cooled fast reactor can be inherently safe and has good nuclear characteristics and is so suitable to a medium-small size of the reactor. R and D on corrosion of a lead heavy metal has been carried out in the world and this issue might be solved to choose specific corrosion resistant alloys for structural materials and fuel cans of a lead heavy metal-cooled reactor. This article reviews present status and future perspective on lead heavy metal-cooled fast reactors. (T. Tanaka)

Summary of joint researches with universities for fiscal 2001. Except public subscription type nuclear cycle researches and proceeding basic engineering researches

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002-07-01

A summary of ten researches is reported in this report. The subjects of studies are as followings; 1) the transfer rate of nuclide in the nuclear fuel recycle system, 2) burn up behavior of sodium drop, 3) high advance in evaluation method of crack growth of FBR plant, 4) multidimensional analysis of vapor-liquid phase flow in the evaporator helical coil, 5) a joint research of corrosion test of liquid lead and bismuth eutectic alloy, 6) separation of ruthenium from high level radioactive waste and it's behavior in the fused glass, 7) improvement and long lifetime of control rod by high power millimeter wave ceramics sintering method, 8) development of fatigue test equipment in order to make clear ultra long lifetime fatigue strength properties under high temperature, 9) evaluation of solubility of metal elements in lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) under the condition of control of oxygen concentration, 10) evaluation of solubility of metal elements in LBE under the condition of very low oxygen potential. (S.Y.)

Bismuth absorption from sup 205 Bi-labelled pharmaceutical bismuth compounds used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dresow, B.; Fischer, R.; Gabbe, E.E.; Wendel, J.; Heinrich, H.C. (Eppendorf University Hospital, Hamburg (Germany))

1992-04-01

The absorption of bismuth from five {sup 205}Bi-labelled pharmaceutically used bismuth compounds was studied in man. From single oral doses of all compounds under investigation only <0.1% bismuth was absorbed and excreted with the urine. A significantly higher absorption was observed from the colloidal bismuth subcitrate and the basic bismuth gallate than from the basic bismuth salicylate, nitrate and aluminate. No retention of bismuth in the whole body was found from the single dose experiment. The biologic fast-term half-lives of absorbed bismuth were calculated to be 0.12 and 1.5 days. 14 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.

Removal of polonium contamination by lead-bismuth eutectic in nuclear systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miura, Terumitsu; Obara, Toru; Sekimoto, Hiroshi

2003-01-01

Lead-Bismuth eutectic (LBE) is considered as a promising candidate of the coolant of liquid metal cooled fast reactor, and the coolant and/or target of accelerator driven system. LBE has various good characters for coolant, but it has also some problems such as polonium production. It is necessary to take polonium contamination into consideration, when LBE is used as the coolant. In the present paper, the removal of contaminating polonium from material surface is studied. Baking method is investigated for polonium removal from contaminated quartz glass plate in vacuum. Before and after baking, the mass of the contaminants on the surface and alpha particle counts from contaminated surface is measured. When the contaminated quartz glass plates are baked at more than 400degC for a few minutes, alpha particle counts from the surface decreases by more than 99.7%, and the mass of contaminants decreases by more than 50%. When the baking was performed at 300degC for 15 minutes and more, alpha particle count decreases by more than 80%, and the mass decreases in little. When, the baking temperature is lower than 200degC, alpha particle counts and mass do not decrease. (author)

Penetration of a magnetic field into superconducting lead and lead-indium alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Egloff, C.; Raychaudhuri, A.K.; Rinderer, L.

1983-01-01

The temperature dependence of the magnetic field penetration depth of superconducting lead and lead-indium alloys has been studied over the temperature range between about 2 K and T/sub c/. Data are analyzed in terms of the microscopic theory. The difficulties of a unique analysis of the penetration data are pointed out and a strategy for the analysis is discussed. The penetration depth at T = 0K for pure lead is determined as 522 A. This value, though higher than the previously accepted value for lead, is nevertheless consistent with the strong coupling character of lead

Assessment of the influence of surface finishing and weld joints on the corrosion/oxidation behaviour of stainless steels in lead bismuth eutectic

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Martin-Munoz, F.J., E-mail: fco.javier@ciemat.es [Structural Materials Division, CIEMAT, Building 30, Avda. Complutense 22, Madrid 28040 (Spain); Soler-Crespo, L.; Gomez-Briceno, D. [Structural Materials Division, CIEMAT, Building 30, Avda. Complutense 22, Madrid 28040 (Spain)

2011-09-01

The objective of this paper is to gain some insight into the influence of the surface finishing in the oxidation/corrosion behaviour of 316L and T91 steels in lead bismuth eutectic (LBE). Specimens of both materials with different surface states were prepared (as-received, grinded, grinded and polished, and electrolitically polished) and oxidation tests were carried out at 775 and 825 K from 100 to 2000 h for two different oxygen concentrations and for H{sub 2}/H{sub 2}O molar ratios of 3 and 0.03. The general conclusion for these tests is that the effect of surface finishing on the corrosion/protection processes is not significant under the tested conditions. In addition the behaviour of weld joints, T91-T91 Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and T91-316L have been also studied under similar conditions. The conclusions are that, whereas T91-T91 welded joint shows the same corrosion properties as the parent materials for the conditions tested, AISI 316L-T91 welded joint, present an important dissolution over seam area that it associated to the electrode 309S used for the fabrication process.

Assessment of the influence of surface finishing and weld joints on the corrosion/oxidation behaviour of stainless steels in lead bismuth eutectic

Science.gov (United States)

Martín-Muñoz, F. J.; Soler-Crespo, L.; Gómez-Briceño, D.

2011-09-01

The objective of this paper is to gain some insight into the influence of the surface finishing in the oxidation/corrosion behaviour of 316L and T91 steels in lead bismuth eutectic (LBE). Specimens of both materials with different surface states were prepared (as-received, grinded, grinded and polished, and electrolitically polished) and oxidation tests were carried out at 775 and 825 K from 100 to 2000 h for two different oxygen concentrations and for H 2/H 2O molar ratios of 3 and 0.03. The general conclusion for these tests is that the effect of surface finishing on the corrosion/protection processes is not significant under the tested conditions. In addition the behaviour of weld joints, T91-T91 Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and T91-316L have been also studied under similar conditions. The conclusions are that, whereas T91-T91 welded joint shows the same corrosion properties as the parent materials for the conditions tested, AISI 316L-T91 welded joint, present an important dissolution over seam area that it associated to the electrode 309S used for the fabrication process.

Assessment of the influence of surface finishing and weld joints on the corrosion/oxidation behaviour of stainless steels in lead bismuth eutectic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martin-Munoz, F.J.; Soler-Crespo, L.; Gomez-Briceno, D.

2011-01-01

The objective of this paper is to gain some insight into the influence of the surface finishing in the oxidation/corrosion behaviour of 316L and T91 steels in lead bismuth eutectic (LBE). Specimens of both materials with different surface states were prepared (as-received, grinded, grinded and polished, and electrolitically polished) and oxidation tests were carried out at 775 and 825 K from 100 to 2000 h for two different oxygen concentrations and for H 2 /H 2 O molar ratios of 3 and 0.03. The general conclusion for these tests is that the effect of surface finishing on the corrosion/protection processes is not significant under the tested conditions. In addition the behaviour of weld joints, T91-T91 Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and T91-316L have been also studied under similar conditions. The conclusions are that, whereas T91-T91 welded joint shows the same corrosion properties as the parent materials for the conditions tested, AISI 316L-T91 welded joint, present an important dissolution over seam area that it associated to the electrode 309S used for the fabrication process.

The mode of stress corrosion cracking in Ni-base alloys in high temperature water containing lead

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hwang, S.S.; Kim, H.P.; Lee, D.H.; Kim, U.C.; Kim, J.S.

1999-01-01

The mode of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in Ni-base alloys in high temperature aqueous solutions containing lead was studied using C-rings and slow strain rate testing (SSRT). The lead concentration, pH and the heat treatment condition of the materials were varied. TEM work was carried out to observe the dislocation behavior in thermally treated (TT) and mill annealed (MA) materials. As a result of the C-ring test in 1M NaOH+5000 ppm lead solution, intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) was found in Alloy 600MA, whereas transgranular stress corrosion cracking (TGSCC) was found in Alloy 600TT and Alloy 690TT. In most solutions used, the SCC resistance increased in the sequence Alloy 600MA, Alloy 600TT and Alloy 690TT. The number of cracks that was observed in alloy 690TT was less than in Alloy 600TT. However, the maximum crack length in Alloy 690TT was much longer than in Alloy 600TT. As a result of the SSRT, at a nominal strain rate of 1 x 10 -7 /s, it was found that 100 ppm lead accelerated the SCC in Alloy 600MA (0.01%C) in pH 10 at 340 C. IGSCC was found in a 100 ppm lead condition, and some TGSCC was detected on the fracture surface of Alloy 600MA cracked in the 10000 ppm lead solution. The mode of cracking for Alloy 600 and Alloy 690 changed from IGSCC to TGSCC with increasing grain boundary carbide content in the material and lead concentration in the solution. IGSCC seemed to be retarded by stress relaxation around the grain boundaries, and TGSCC in the TT materials seemed to be a result of the crack blunting at grain boundary carbides and the enhanced Ni dissolution with an increase of the lead concentration. (orig.)

Improved surface corrosion resistance of WE43 magnesium alloy by dual titanium and oxygen ion implantation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhao, Ying [Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong (China); Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China); Wu, Guosong; Lu, Qiuyuan [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China); Wu, Jun [Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong (China); Xu, Ruizhen [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China); Yeung, Kelvin W.K., E-mail: wkkyeung@hku.hk [Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong (China); Chu, Paul K., E-mail: paul.chu@cityu.edu.hk [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China)

2013-02-01

Magnesium alloys are potential biodegradable materials and have attracted much attention due to their outstanding biological performance and mechanical properties. However, their rapid degradation inside the human body cannot meet clinical needs. In order to improve the corrosion resistance, dual titanium and oxygen ion implantation is performed to modify the surface of the WE43 magnesium alloy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to characterize the microstructures in the near surface layer and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, and immersion tests are employed to investigate the corrosion resistance of the implanted alloys in simulated body fluids. The results indicate that dual titanium and oxygen ion implantation produces a TiO{sub 2}-containing surface film which significantly enhances the corrosion resistance of WE43 magnesium alloy. Our data suggest a simple and practical means to improve the corrosion resistance of degradable magnesium alloys. - Highlights: ► Surface modification of WE43 magnesium alloy using dual ion implantation ► Dual Ti and O ion implantation produces a homogeneous TiO{sub 2}-containing surface film ► Significant improvement of the alloy corrosion resistance after the dual ion implantation.

A Dealloying Synthetic Strategy for Nanoporous Bismuth-Antimony Anodes for Sodium Ion Batteries.

Science.gov (United States)

Gao, Hui; Niu, Jiazheng; Zhang, Chi; Peng, Zhangquan; Zhang, Zhonghua

2018-04-24

Metal-based anodes have recently aroused much attention in sodium ion batteries (SIBs) owing to their high theoretical capacities and low sodiation potentials. However, their progresses are prevented by the inferior cycling performance caused by severe volumetric change and pulverization during the (de)sodiation process. To address this issue, herein an alloying strategy was proposed and nanoporous bismuth (Bi)-antimony (Sb) alloys were fabricated by dealloying of ternary Mg-based precursors. As an anode for SIBs, the nanoporous Bi 2 Sb 6 alloy exhibits an ultralong cycling performance (10 000 cycles) at 1 A/g corresponding to a capacity decay of merely 0.0072% per cycle, due to the porous structure, alloying effect and proper Bi/Sb atomic ratio. More importantly, a (de)sodiation mechanism ((Bi,Sb) ↔ Na(Bi,Sb) ↔ Na 3 (Bi,Sb)) is identified for the discharge/charge processes of Bi-Sb alloys by using operando X-ray diffraction and density functional theory calculations.

Transpassive dissolution of alloy 625, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum in high-temperature solutions containing hydrochloric acid and oxygen

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kritzer, P.; Boukis, N.; Dinjus, E.

2000-01-01

Coupons of nickel, molybdenum, chromium, and the nickel-based Alloy 625 (UNS 06625) were corroded in strongly oxidizing hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions at 350 C and a pressure (p) of 24 MPa, with reaction times between 0.75 h and 50 h. For Alloy 625, the effect of surface roughness also was investigated. Nickel and molybdenum showed strong material loss after only 5 h of reaction as a result of the instability of the solid oxides formed under experimental conditions. The attack on chromium started at the grain boundaries. At longer reaction times, thick, spalling oxide layers formed on the surface. The attack on Alloy 625 also started at the grain boundaries and at inclusions leading to the formation of small pits. On polished surfaces, the growth of these pits occurred faster than on nonpolished surfaces, but fewer pits grew. Corrosion products formed at the surface consisted of oxygen and chromium. On isolated spots, nickel- and chlorine-containing products also were found

Modeling the dynamics of the lead bismuth eutectic experimental accelerator driven system by an infinite impulse response locally recurrent neural network

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zio, Enrico; Pedroni, Nicola; Broggi, Matteo; Golea, Lucia Roxana

2009-01-01

In this paper, an infinite impulse response locally recurrent neural network (IIR-LRNN) is employed for modelling the dynamics of the Lead Bismuth Eutectic eXperimental Accelerator Driven System (LBE-XADS). The network is trained by recursive back-propagation (RBP) and its ability in estimating transients is tested under various conditions. The results demonstrate the robustness of the locally recurrent scheme in the reconstruction of complex nonlinear dynamic relationships

The determination of trace oxygen in aluminium and aluminium-silicon alloy by helium-3 activation analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vandecasteele, C.; Goethals, P.; Kieffer, R.; Hoste, J.

1975-01-01

The determination of oxygen in aluminium and aluminium-silicon alloy by helium-3 activation is studied. The 18 F formed from oxygen is separated by distillation followed by precipitation of leadfluorochloride. The chemical yield is determined by activation in an isotopic neutron source. Concentrations of resp. 27 and 64 ng.g -1 with a precision for a single determination of resp. 30 and 13% are found in 99.5% aluminium and in aluminium-silicon (3%) alloy. (author)

Synthesis and evaluation of lead telluride/bismuth antimony telluride nanocomposites for thermoelectric applications

Science.gov (United States)

Ganguly, Shreyashi; Zhou, Chen; Morelli, Donald; Sakamoto, Jeffrey; Uher, Ctirad; Brock, Stephanie L.

2011-12-01

Heterogeneous nanocomposites of p-type bismuth antimony telluride (Bi 2- xSb xTe 3) with lead telluride (PbTe) nanoinclusions have been prepared by an incipient wetness impregnation approach. The Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity and Hall coefficient were measured from 80 to 380 K in order to investigate the influence of PbTe nanoparticles on the thermoelectric performance of nanocomposites. The Seebeck coefficients and electrical resistivities of nanocomposites decrease with increasing PbTe nanoparticle concentration due to an increased hole concentration. The lattice thermal conductivity decreases with the addition of PbTe nanoparticles but the total thermal conductivity increases due to the increased electronic thermal conductivity. We conclude that the presence of nanosized PbTe in the bulk Bi 2- xSb xTe 3 matrix results in a collateral doping effect, which dominates transport properties. This study underscores the need for immiscible systems to achieve the decreased thermal transport properties possible from nanostructuring without compromising the electronic properties.

Liquid oxygen LOX compatibility evaluations of aluminum lithium (Al-Li) alloys: Investigation of the Alcoa 2090 and MMC weldalite 049 alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Diwan, Ravinder M.

1989-01-01

The behavior of liquid oxygen (LOX) compatibility of aluminum lithium (Al-Li) alloys is investigated. Alloy systems of Alcoa 2090, vintages 1 to 3, and of Martin Marietta Corporation (MMC) Weldalite 049 were evaluated for their behavior related to the LOX compatibility employing liquid oxygen impact test conditions under ambient pressures and up to 1000 psi. The developments of these aluminum lithium alloys are of critical and significant interest because of their lower densities and higher specific strengths and improved mechanical properties at cryogenic temperatures. Of the different LOX impact tests carried out at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), it is seen that in certain test conditions at higher pressures, not all Al-Li alloys are LOX compatible. In case of any reactivity, it appears that lithium makes the material more sensitive at grain boundaries due to microstructural inhomogeneities and associated precipitate free zones (PFZ). The objectives were to identify and rationalize the microstructural mechanisms that could be relaxed to LOX compatibility behavior of the alloy system in consideration. The LOX compatibility behavior of Al-Li 2090 and Weldalite 049 is analyzed in detail using microstructural characterization techniques with light optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron microprobe analysis, and surface studies using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), electron spectroscopy in chemical analysis (ESCA) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Differences in the behavior of these aluminum lithium alloys are assessed and related to their chemistry, heat treatment conditions, and microstructural effects.

Electrode-electrolyte BIMEVOX system for moderate temperature oxygen separation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Boivin, J.C.; Pirovano, C.; Nowogrocki, G.; Mairesse, G. [Laboratoire de Cristallochimie et Physicochimie du Solide, URA CNRS 452, USTL-ENSCL BP 108, 59652 Villeneuve d`Ascq (France); Labrune, Ph.; Lagrange, G. [Centre de recherches Claude Delorme, Air Liquide, Jouy en Josas (France)

1998-12-01

Electrochemical separation of oxygen from air is a promising application for oxide conductor solid electrolytes. However, several important specifications are required in order to obtain an efficient separation device. First of all, the electrolyte material must exhibit a high conductivity at moderate temperature. From this point of view, a new family of materials called BIMEVOX ideally fulfils this condition. Secondly, a typical separation device must comport two electrodes on opposite faces of the electrolyte. These electrodes must act as electronic collectors but also, at the cathodic side, as an oxygen dissociation catalyst. BIMEVOX electrolytes exhibit ionic conductivity values that can allow work at temperature below 500C. The classical electrode approach, like in solid oxide fuel cells, consists in using a specific mixed oxide, for instance strontium lanthanum manganite or cobaltite. However, the lower the temperature, the lower the efficiency of these electrodes which quickly appears as the limiting factor. In previous work on bismuth lead oxide electrolytes, we proposed a new approach that consists of using the surface of the bismuth-based electrolyte itself as the catalyst, the electron collection being then performed by a co-sintered metallic grid. This `in-situ` electrode system provides many advantages, particularly it eliminates the problem of the chemical compatibility between electrode and electrolyte materials. Taking into account the presence of both catalytic vanadium and bismuth cations in BIMEVOX, we checked under these conditions the separation of oxygen from air for different electrolytes (BICOVOX, BICUVOX, BIZNVOX) at various temperatures in the range 430-600C. For instance, using a BICOVOX pellet with a gold grid inserted on each side makes it possible to separate oxygen with nearly 100% efficiency for current density values up to 1000 mA/cm{sup -2}. For higher intensity values, the faradic efficiency progressively but reversibly decreases

The reduction of background signal in bismuth germanate scintillators

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lewis, T.A.

1986-07-01

Bismuth germanate (BGO) is one of several new scintillator materials developed in recent years. It has similar energy resolution (6-8%) to sodium iodide (NaI) but it is non-hygroscopic, has a much better Peak-to-Compton ratio and a stopping power about 2.3 times greater than NaI. For counting activated foils it represents an improvement on NaI for high efficiency counting where the resolution of a germanium spectrometer is not required. Two scintillators bought for this purpose were found to have a higher than expected background signal between 500 keV and 2 MeV which was traced to Bi207, an active isotope of bismuth with a 38 year half-life and not listed as occurring naturally. Reference to the manufacturer showed all crystals to be similarly contaminated. It is speculated that this active isotope arises from cosmic proton activation of associated lead in the ore from which the bismuth is extracted. Although not confirmed rigorously it has been shown that bismuth extracted from ore with a low lead content does not contain Bi207. Scintillators have been manufactured from uncontaminated material and reductions in the background signal of more than an order of magnitude have been achieved. This reduction will be of immediate benefit for monitoring nickel foils (fast flux monitors) activated in zero-energy reactors and should also permit the exploitation of other low probability reactions previously not thought to be feasible. (author)

Oxygen reduction reaction on a highly-alloyed Pt-Ni supported carbon electrocatalyst in acid solution

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Zheng, H

2010-08-31

Full Text Available Alloyed electrocatalysts such as PtNi/C[1-2], PtCo/C[3], PtCr/C[4], PtFe/C [5-6], and non-alloyed Pt-TiO2/C were reportedly investigated for methanol tolerance during Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The high methanol tolerance...

Thermal-Hydraulic Analyses of Transients in an Actinide-Burner Reactor Cooled by Forced Convection of Lead Bismuth

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Davis, Cliff Bybee

2003-09-01

The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are investigating the suitability of lead or lead–bismuth cooled fast reactors for producing low-cost electricity as well as for actinide burning. The current analysis evaluated a pool type design that relies on forced circulation of the primary coolant, a conventional steam power conversion system, and a passive decay heat removal system. The ATHENA computer code was used to simulate various transients without reactor scram, including a primary coolant pump trip, a station blackout, and a step reactivity insertion. The reactor design successfully met identified temperature limits for each of the transients analyzed.

Bismuth toxicity in patients treated with bismuth iodoform paraffin packs.

Science.gov (United States)

Atwal, A; Cousin, G C S

2016-01-01

Bismuth is a heavy metal used in bismuth iodoform paraffin paste (BIPP) antiseptic dressings and in a number of other medical preparations. It can be absorbed systemically and cause toxicity. We report 2 cases of such neurotoxicity after it was used in operations on the jaws. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Mercury-free sono-electroanalytical detection of lead in human blood by use of bismuth-film-modified boron-doped diamond electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kruusma, Jaanus [Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Tartu, Jakobi 2, 51013, Tartu (Estonia); Banks, Craig E.; Compton, Richard G. [Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University, South Parks Road, OX1 3QZ, Oxford (United Kingdom)

2004-06-01

We report the electroanalytical determination of lead by anodic stripping voltammetry at in-situ-formed, bismuth-film-modified, boron-doped diamond electrodes. Detection limits in 0.1 mol L{sup -1} nitric acid solution of 9.6x10{sup -8} mol L{sup -1} (0.2 ppb) and 1.1x10{sup -8} mol L{sup -1} (2.3 ppb) were obtained after 60 and 300 s deposition times, respectively. An acoustically assisted deposition procedure was also investigated and found to result in improved limits of detection of 2.6 x 10{sup -8} mol L{sup -1} (5.4 ppb) and 8.5 x 10{sup -10} mol L{sup -1} (0.18 ppb) for 60 and 300 s accumulation times, respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivity obtained under quiescent and insonated conditions increased from 5.5 (quiescent) to 76.7 A mol{sup -1} L (insonated) for 60 s accumulation and from 25.8 (quiescent) to 317.6 A mol{sup -1} L (insonated) for 300 s accumulation. Investigation of the use of ultrasound with diluted blood revealed detection limits of the order of 10{sup -8} mol L{sup -1} were achievable with excellent inter- and intra-reproducibility and sensitivity of 411.9 A mol{sup -1} L. For the first time, electroanalytical detection of lead in diluted blood is shown to be possible by use of insonated in-situ-formed bismuth-film-modified boron-doped diamond electrodes. This method is a rapid, sensitive, and non-toxic means of clinical sensing of lead in whole human blood. (orig.)

Oxygen Reduction Reaction for Generating H2 O2 through a Piezo-Catalytic Process over Bismuth Oxychloride.

Science.gov (United States)

Shao, Dengkui; Zhang, Ling; Sun, Songmei; Wang, Wenzhong

2018-02-09

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for generating H 2 O 2 through green pathways have gained much attention in recent years. Herein, we introduce a piezo-catalytic approach to obtain H 2 O 2 over bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) through an ORR pathway. The piezoelectric response of BiOCl was directly characterized by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The BiOCl exhibits efficient catalytic performance for generating H 2 O 2 (28 μmol h -1 ) only from O 2 and H 2 O, which is above the average level of H 2 O 2 produced by solar-to-chemical processes. A piezo-catalytic mechanism was proposed: with ultrasonic waves, an alternating electric field will be generated over BiOCl, which can drive charge carriers (electrons) to interact with O 2 and H 2 O, then to form H 2 O 2 . © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Corrosion of stainless steels in lead-bismuth eutectic up to 600 °C

Science.gov (United States)

Soler, L.; Martín, F. J.; Hernández, F.; Gómez-Briceño, D.

2004-11-01

An experimental program has been carried out to understand the differences in the corrosion behaviour between different stainless steels: the austenitic steels 304L and 316L, the martensitic steels F82Hmod, T91 and EM10, and the low alloy steel P22. The influence of oxygen level in Pb-Bi, temperature and exposure time is studied. At 600 °C, the martensitic steels and the P22 steel exhibit thick oxide scales that grow with time, following a linear law for the wet environment and a parabolic law for the dry one. The austenitic stainless steels show a better corrosion behaviour, especially AISI 304L. Under reducing conditions, the steels exhibit dissolution, more severe for the austenitic stainless steels. At 450 °C, all the materials show an acceptable behaviour provided a sufficient oxygen level in the Pb-Bi. At reducing conditions, the martensitic steels and the P22 steel have a good corrosion resistance, while the austenitic steels exhibit already dissolution at the longer exposures.

Corrosion of stainless steels in lead-bismuth eutectic up to 600 deg. C

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Soler, L.; Martin, F.J.; Hernandez, F.; Gomez-Briceno, D.

2004-01-01

An experimental program has been carried out to understand the differences in the corrosion behaviour between different stainless steels: the austenitic steels 304L and 316L, the martensitic steels F82Hmod, T91 and EM10, and the low alloy steel P22. The influence of oxygen level in Pb-Bi, temperature and exposure time is studied. At 600 deg. C, the martensitic steels and the P22 steel exhibit thick oxide scales that grow with time, following a linear law for the wet environment and a parabolic law for the dry one. The austenitic stainless steels show a better corrosion behaviour, especially AISI 304L. Under reducing conditions, the steels exhibit dissolution, more severe for the austenitic stainless steels. At 450 deg. C, all the materials show an acceptable behaviour provided a sufficient oxygen level in the Pb-Bi. At reducing conditions, the martensitic steels and the P22 steel have a good corrosion resistance, while the austenitic steels exhibit already dissolution at the longer exposures

Development status of oxygen solid electrolyte sensors in HLMC in respect to monoblock reactor facilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martynov, P.N.; Askhadullin, R.Sh.; Storozhenko, A.N.; Shelemet'ev, V.M.; Sadovnichij, R.P.; Ivanov, I.I.

2014-01-01

The results of developing sensors on the base of solid electrolytes to control oxygen in lead and lead-bismuth coolants are considered. It is found out that ceramic detecting elements on the base of solid electrolytes from oxide ceramics are able to work a long time in conditions of high temperatures and thermal shocks in molten metals (in gases). They show stable conducting and mechanical properties, thermal resistance, low gas permeability. Using considered detecting elements different sensors, including ones for monoblock reactors and facilities, are developed and manufactured. The given sensors can be used for both continuous and periodical oxygen control in heavy liquid metal coolants [ru

Ultrathin bismuth nanosheets from in situ topotactic transformation for selective electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to formate.

Science.gov (United States)

Han, Na; Wang, Yu; Yang, Hui; Deng, Jun; Wu, Jinghua; Li, Yafei; Li, Yanguang

2018-04-03

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction to formate is desirable but challenging. Current attention is mostly focused on tin-based materials, which, unfortunately, often suffer from limited Faradaic efficiency. The potential of bismuth in carbon dioxide reduction has been suggested but remained understudied. Here, we report that ultrathin bismuth nanosheets are prepared from the in situ topotactic transformation of bismuth oxyiodide nanosheets. They process single crystallinity and enlarged surface areas. Such an advantageous nanostructure affords the material with excellent electrocatalytic performance for carbon dioxide reduction to formate. High selectivity (~100%) and large current density are measured over a broad potential, as well as excellent durability for >10 h. Its selectivity for formate is also understood by density functional theory calculations. In addition, bismuth nanosheets were coupled with an iridium-based oxygen evolution electrocatalyst to achieve efficient full-cell electrolysis. When powered by two AA-size alkaline batteries, the full cell exhibits impressive Faradaic efficiency and electricity-to-formate conversion efficiency.

Synthesis and evaluation of lead telluride/bismuth antimony telluride nanocomposites for thermoelectric applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ganguly, Shreyashi; Zhou Chen; Morelli, Donald; Sakamoto, Jeffrey; Uher, Ctirad; Brock, Stephanie L.

2011-01-01

Heterogeneous nanocomposites of p-type bismuth antimony telluride (Bi 2−x Sb x Te 3 ) with lead telluride (PbTe) nanoinclusions have been prepared by an incipient wetness impregnation approach. The Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity and Hall coefficient were measured from 80 to 380 K in order to investigate the influence of PbTe nanoparticles on the thermoelectric performance of nanocomposites. The Seebeck coefficients and electrical resistivities of nanocomposites decrease with increasing PbTe nanoparticle concentration due to an increased hole concentration. The lattice thermal conductivity decreases with the addition of PbTe nanoparticles but the total thermal conductivity increases due to the increased electronic thermal conductivity. We conclude that the presence of nanosized PbTe in the bulk Bi 2−x Sb x Te 3 matrix results in a collateral doping effect, which dominates transport properties. This study underscores the need for immiscible systems to achieve the decreased thermal transport properties possible from nanostructuring without compromising the electronic properties. - Graphical abstract: PbTe nanoparticles introduced into p-type Bi 2 Te 3 by incipient wetness results in decreased lattice thermal conductivity, but also acts as an electronic dopant, resulting in an overall decrease in thermoelectric performance. Highlights: ► Composites of PbTe nanoparticles in Bi 2−x Sb x Te 3 were formed by incipient wetness. ► PbTe nanoparticles leads to decreased κ l , consistent with phonon scattering. ► PbTe nanoparticles lead to decreased S and ρ, due to increased carriers. ► Collateral doping from PbTe leads to decreased ZT with increasing concentration. ► Immiscible systems are preferred for improved ZT.

Radioprotection to the Gonads in Pediatric Pelvic Radiography: Effectiveness of Developed Bismuth Shield

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vahid Karami

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Background: The use and effectiveness of traditional lead gonad shields in pediatric pelvic radiography has been challenged by several literatures over the past two decades. The aim of this study was to develop a new radioprotective gonad shields to be use in pediatric pelvic radiography. Materials and Methods: The commercially available 0.06 mm lead equivalent bismuth garment has cropped squarely and used as ovarian shield to cover the entire region of pelvis. In order to prevent deterioration of image quality due to beam hardening artifacts, a 1-cm foam as spacer was located between the shield and patients pelvis. Moreover, we added a lead piece at the cranial position of the bismuth garment to absorb the scatter radiations to the radiosensitive organs. In girls, 49 radiographs with shield and 46 radiographs without shield was taken. The radiation dose was measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs. Image quality assessments were performed using the European guidelines. For boys, the lead testicular shields was developed using 2 cm bismuth garment, added to the sides. The prevalence and efficacy of testicular shields was assessed in clinical practice fromFebruary 2016 to June 2016. Results: Without increasing the dose to the breast, thyroid and the lens of the eyes, the use of bismuth shield has reduced the entrance skin dose(ESD of the pelvis and radiation dose to the ovaries by 62.2% and 61.7%, respectively (P

Two Octaves Supercontinuum Generation in Lead-Bismuth Glass Based Photonic Crystal Fiber

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ryszard Buczynski

2014-06-01

Full Text Available In this paper we report a two octave spanning supercontinuum generation in a bandwidth of 700–3000 nm in a single-mode photonic crystal fiber made of lead-bismuth-gallate glass. To our knowledge this is the broadest supercontinuum reported in heavy metal oxide glass based fibers. The fiber was fabricated using an in-house synthesized glass with optimized nonlinear, rheological and transmission properties in the range of 500–4800 nm. The photonic cladding consists of 8 rings of air holes. The fiber has a zero dispersion wavelength (ZDW at 1460 nm. Its dispersion is determined mainly by the first ring of holes in the cladding with a relative hole size of 0.73. Relative hole size of the remaining seven rings is 0.54, which allows single mode performance of the fiber in the infrared range and reduces attenuation of the fundamental mode. The fiber is pumped into anomalous dispersion with 150 fs pulses at 1540 nm. Observed spectrum of 700–3000 nm was generated in 2 cm of fiber with pulse energy below 4 nJ. A flatness of 5 dB was observed in 950–2500 nm range.

Minor actinide burning in dedicated lead-bismuth cooled fast reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hejzlar, P.; Driscoll, M.J.; Kazimi, M.S.; Todreas, N.E.

2001-01-01

The destruction of minor actinides (MA) in dedicated burners is of contemporary interest in Europe and Japan because it requires the deployment of smaller number of special transmutation facilities. A major fraction of Pu from spent LWR fuel can be then burned in PWRs (or fast reactors) using dedicated fertile-free fuel assemblies. However, the design of MA burning fast spectrum cores poses significant challenges because of deterioration of key safety parameters, in particular of the coolant void coefficient. This study proposes the concept of an lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE)-cooled dedicated MA burner having metallic fuel (MA-Pu-Zr) and streaming assemblies to attain acceptable coolant void worth performance. It is shown that a large 1800 MWth fertile-free core containing 37 wt% TRU with very high fraction of MA(59 wt%) from LWR spent fuel can be burned in a first cycle for 700 EFPDs with a very small reactivity swing: less than β eff . Moreover, the reactivity void worth is negative for a fully voided core when all surrounding coolant is kept at reference density. However, the core reactivity increases as coolant density falls from the reference value of 10.25 to 6 g/cm 3 . Because its coolant density coefficient value is less than that of a sodium cooled IFR, the concept provides good potential for the achievement of self-regulation characteristics in unprotected events, provided that small negative fuel temperature feedback can be maintained. (authors)

Determination of new time-temperature-transformation diagrams for lead-calcium alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rossi, F.; Lambertin, M. [Arts et Metiers Paristech, LaBoMaP, ENSAM, Rue porte de Paris, 71250 Cluny (France); Delfaut-Durut, L. [CEA, centre de Valduc [SEMP, LECM], 21120 Is-sur-Tille (France); Maitre, A. [SPCTS, UFR Sciences et techniques, 87060 Limoges (France); Vilasi, M. [LCSM, Universite Nancy I, 54506 Vandoeuvre les Nancy (France)

2008-12-01

The Pb-Ca is an age hardening alloy that allows for an increase in the hardness compared to pure lead. The hardening is obtained after different successive ageing transformations. In addition, this hardening is followed by an overageing which induces a softening. The ageing and overageing transformation mechanisms are now well identified in lead-calcium alloys. In this paper, we propose to represent the domain of stability of each transformation via time-temperature-transformation diagrams for a calcium concentration from 600 to 1280 ppm and in a range of temperatures from -20 to 180 C. These diagrams are constructed with the data obtained by in situ ageing with metallographic observations, hardness and electrical resistance measurements. The specificities of lead-calcium such as its fast ageing at ambient temperature and its overageing over time required the design of specific devices to be able to identify the characteristics of these alloys. (author)

Heat conduction in superconducting lead thallium alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ho, J.L.N.

1975-01-01

The heat conduction of six strong coupling superconducting Pb--Tl alloy specimens (1 to 20 percent wt Tl) was investigated with the emphasis on the effects of impurities upon the phonon thermal conductivity. All the specimens were annealed at 275 0 C for one week. Results show that the superconducting state phonon thermal conductivity of Pb--Tl is in reasonably good agreement with BRT theory. The strong coupling superconductivity of lead alloys can be handled by scaling the gap parameter using a constant factor. The results presented also show that the phonon thermal conductivity at low temperatures of well annealed lead-thallium alloys can be analyzed in terms of phonon scattering by the grain boundaries, point defects, conduction electrons, and other phonons. The phonon-dislocation scattering was found to be unimportant. The phonon relaxation rate due to point defects is in reasonably good agreement with the Klemens theory for the long range strain field scattering introduced by the thallium impurities. At low temperatures, the normal state phonon thermal conductivity showed an increase in the phonon-electron relaxation rate as the thallium concentration increases. The increase of the phonon-electron relaxation rate is attributed to the change of the Fermi surface caused by the presence of thallium impurity. The effect of the strong electron-phonon coupling character upon the phonon-electron relaxation rate has also been considered in terms of the electron-phonon enhancement factor found in the specific heat measurements

Materials for innovative lead alloy cooled nuclear systems: Overview

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mueller, Georg; Weisenburger, Alfons; Fetzer, Renate; Heinzel, Annette; Jianu, Adrian

2015-01-01

One of the most challenging issues for all future innovative nuclear systems including Gen IV reactors are materials. The selection of the structural materials determines the design which has to consider the properties and the availability of the materials. Beside general requirements for material properties that are common for all fast reactor types specific issues arise from coolant compatibility. The high solubility of steel alloying elements in liquid Pb-alloys at reactor relevant temperatures is clearly detrimental. Therefore, all steels that are considered as structural materials have to be protected by dissolution barriers. The most common barriers for steels under consideration are oxide scales that form in situ during operation. However, increasing the temperature above 500 deg. C will result either in dissolution attack or in enhanced oxidation. For higher temperatures additional barriers like alumina forming surface alloys are discussed and investigated. Mechanical loads like creep stress and fretting will act on the steels. These mechanical loads will interact with the coolant and can increase the negative effects. For a LFR (Lead Fast Reactor) Demonstrator and MYHRRA (ADS) austenitic steels (316L) are selected for most in core components. The 15-15Ti is the choice for the fuel cladding of MYHRRA and a Pb cooled demonstrator. For an industrial LFR (Lead Fast Reactor) the ferritic martensitic steel T91 was selected as fuel clad material due to its improved irradiation resistance. T91 is in both designs the material to be used for the heat exchanger. Surface alloying with alumina forming alloys is considered to assure material functionality at higher temperatures and is therefore selected for fuel cladding of the ELFR and the heat exchanger tubes. This presentation will give an overview on the selected materials for innovative Pb alloy cooled nuclear systems considering, beside pure compatibility, the influence of mechanical interaction like creep and

Experimental and Analytical Study of Lead-Bismuth-Water Direct Contact Boiling Two-Phase Flow

Science.gov (United States)

Novitrian; Dostal, Vaclav; Takahashi, Minoru

The characteristics of lead-bismuth(Pb-Bi)-water boiling two-phase flow were investigated experimentally and analytically using a Pb-Bi-water direct contact boiling two-phase flow loop. Pb-Bi flow rates and void fraction were measured in a vertical circular tube at conditions of system pressure 7MPa, liquid metal temperature 460°C and injected water temperature 220°C. The drift-flux model with the assumption that bubble sizes were dependent on the fluid surface tension and the density ratio of Pb-Bi to steam-water mixture was chosen and modified by the best fit to the measured void fraction. Pb-Bi flow rates were analytically estimated using balance condition between buoyancy force and pressure losses, where the buoyancy force was calculated from void fraction estimated using the modified drift-flux model. The deviation of the analytical results of the flow rates from the experimental ones was less than 10%.

Mechanical properties and biocompatibility in alloy Ti-Ta system containing oxygen

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ruiz, S.L.M.; Grandini, C.R.; Claro, A.P.R.A.

2010-01-01

Due to the excellent properties such as corrosion resistance, good mechanical strength/density, good performance at high temperatures, Ti is very useful in the chemical industry and aerospace. Currently, their use has expanded to the field of biomaterials, due to its excellent biocompatibility and reduced elasticity modulus, favouring the production of orthopaedic and dental prostheses. Promising alloys are the Ti-Ta system and researches have been directed to describe and understand the behavior of this system. In this paper, samples of Ti-Ta alloys containing 8 and 16% (wt%) containing interstitial oxygen were prepared and characterized by density, xray diffraction, hardness, elasticity modulus measurements and in vitro cytotoxicity tests. (author)

Optical Properties of Bismuth Tellurite Based Glass

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hooi Ming Oo

2012-04-01

Full Text Available A series of binary tellurite based glasses (Bi2O3x (TeO2100−x was prepared by melt quenching method. The density, molar volume and refractive index increase when bismuth ions Bi3+ increase, this is due to the increased polarization of the ions Bi3+ and the enhanced formation of non-bridging oxygen (NBO. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR results show the bonding of the glass sample and the optical band gap, Eopt decreases while the refractive index increases when the ion Bi3+ content increases.

Optical Properties of Bismuth Tellurite Based Glass

Science.gov (United States)

Oo, Hooi Ming; Mohamed-Kamari, Halimah; Wan-Yusoff, Wan Mohd Daud

2012-01-01

A series of binary tellurite based glasses (Bi2O3)x (TeO2)100−x was prepared by melt quenching method. The density, molar volume and refractive index increase when bismuth ions Bi3+ increase, this is due to the increased polarization of the ions Bi3+ and the enhanced formation of non-bridging oxygen (NBO). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results show the bonding of the glass sample and the optical band gap, Eopt decreases while the refractive index increases when the ion Bi3+ content increases. PMID:22605999

Design and safety aspect of lead and lead-bismuth cooled long-life small safe fast reactors for various core configurations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zaki, S.; Sekimoto, Hiroshi

1995-01-01

Design and safety aspects of long-life small safe fast reactors using liquid lead or lead-bismuth coolant with metallic or nitride fuel are discussed. Neutronic analyses are performed to investigate the effect of core height to diameter ratio (H/D) on design performance of the proposed reactors. All reactors are subjected to the constraint of 12 years operation without refueling and shuffling with constant 150 MWt reactor power and also to the requirement of maximum excess reactivity during burnup to be less than 0.1%Δk. The results show that the pancake design with H/D of ∼2/3 gives the most negative coolant void coefficient under the requirements for excess reactivity. Modified designs with the central region axially fulfilled with fertile material are proposed to improve the coolant void coefficient. Thermal-hydraulic analysis results show the possibility to operate the reactors up to the end of life without changing their orifice pattern, necessary pumping power for the proposed design smaller than the conventional large sodium cooled FBR, and the natural circulation contribution of 25-40% at the normal operating condition. The reactivity feedback coefficients are also estimated and appeared to be negative for all the components including the coolant density coefficient. (author)

Effect of hydrogen oxygen and nitrogen, on the tendency of welded joints of titanium alloys to moderate failure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gorshkov, A.I.; Matyushin, B.A.

1976-01-01

The admissible limits have been defined of gaseous impurities content in the metal of welded joints of titanium alloys, with due accout for the phase composition and alloying system. The proposed procedure of testing disk specimens most adequately simulates the behavior of welded joints in full-scale strures. The tests lasting 2.5 to 3 years permit to consider the effect of temporal processes (hydrogen diffusion, relaxation of stresses, phase transformations, etc.) on the durability of a weld. The hydrogen content in the metal of welded joints of OT4 alloy should not exceed 0.008%, that of VT14 alloy should not exceed 0.008%, and that of VT20 alloy should not exceed 0.015% (at an oxygen content of no more than 0.15% and a nitrogen content of no more than 0.03%), the oxygen content being 0.25%, 0.2% and 0.2%, respectxvely (at a hydrogen content of no more than 0.008% and a nitrogen of no more than 0.03%), ;nd the nitrogen content being 0.1%, 0.06% and 0.08%, respectively (at hydrogen content of no more than 0.008% and an oxygen content of no more than 0.15%

Contribution to the study of iron-manganese alloy oxidation in oxygen at high temperatures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Olivier, Francoise

1972-01-01

This research thesis reports a systematic investigation of the oxidation of three relatively pure iron-manganese alloys in oxygen, under atmospheric pressure, and between 400 and 1000 C, these alloys being annealed as well as work-hardened. It also compares their behaviour with that of non-alloyed iron oxidized under the same conditions. The author describes the experimental techniques and installations, discusses the morphology of oxide films formed under the experimental conditions, discusses the film growth kinetics which is studied by thermogravimetry, proposes interpretations of results, and outlines the influence of manganese addition to iron on iron oxidation

Alloys of Pt and Rare Earths for the Oxygen Electroreduction Reaction

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Malacrida, Paolo

This thesis presents the development and characterization of a new class of Pt alloys for catalyzing the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR), in perspective of a future substitution of traditional Pt-based catalysts at the cathode of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). Focused on spectr....... A number of bimetallic alloys based on Pt and a rare earth, like the Pt-Y system or more recently proposed Pt-lanthanide phases, have been tested and characterized. Polycrystalline Pt5La and Pt5Ce exhibited more than a factor of 3 enhancement in specific activity relative to state......-Y nanoparticles are among the most active ORR catalysts ever reported, although they lose 37 % of this activity after stability test. Similar to the case of polycrystals, after immersion in the acidic electrolyte and testing the active phase consists of a Pt shell surrounding an alloyed core. Also in this case...

Oxygen reduction of several gold alloys in 1-molar potassium hydroxide

Science.gov (United States)

Miller, R. O.

1975-01-01

With rotated disk-and-ring equipment, polarograms and other electrochemical measurements were made of oxygen reduction in 1-molar potassium hydroxide on an equiatomic gold-copper (Au-Cu) alloy and a Au-Cu alloy doped with either indium (In) or cobalt (Co) and on Au doped with either nickel (Ni) or platinum (Pt). The results were compared with those for pure Au and pure Pt. The two-electron reaction dominated on all Au alloys as it did on Au. The polarographic results at lower polarization potentials were compared, assuming exclusively a two-step reduction. A qualified ranking of cathodic electrocatalytic activity on the freshly polished reduced disks was indicated: anodized Au Au-Cu-In Au-Cu Au-Cu-Co is equivalent or equal to Au-Pt Au-Ni. Aging in distilled water improved the electrocatalytic efficiency of Au-Cu-Co, Au-Cu, and (to a lesser extent) Au-Cu-In.

Influence of heat treatment and oxygen doping on the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of titanium-niobium binary alloys.

Science.gov (United States)

da Silva, Luciano Monteiro; Claro, Ana Paula Rosifini Alves; Donato, Tatiani Ayako Goto; Arana-Chavez, Victor E; Moraes, João Carlos Silos; Buzalaf, Marília Afonso Rabelo; Grandini, Carlos Roberto

2011-05-01

The most commonly used titanium (Ti)-based alloy for biological applications is Ti-6Al-4V, but some studies associate the vanadium (V) with the cytotoxic effects and adverse reactions in tissues, while aluminum (Al) has been associated with neurological disorders. Ti-Nb alloys belong to a new class of Ti-based alloys with no presence of Al and V and with elasticity modulus values that are very attractive for use as a biomaterial. It is well known that the presence of interstitial elements (such as oxygen, for example) changes the mechanical properties of alloys significantly, particularly the elastic properties, the same way that heat treatments can change the microstructure of these alloys. This article presents the effect of heat treatment and oxygen doping in some mechanical properties and the biocompatibility of three alloys of the Ti-Nb system, characterized by density measurements, X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, Vickers microhardness, in vitro cytotoxicity, and mechanical spectroscopy. © 2011, Copyright the Authors. Artificial Organs © 2011, International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Study of the corrosion of metallic coatings and alloys containing aluminum in a mixed atmosphere - sulphur, oxygen - at high temperatures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fellmann, Daniel

1982-01-01

The objective of this research thesis is the development of materials for a sulphur experimental loop allowing the thermodynamic properties of such an energy cycle to be checked. As solutions must comply with industrial methods, rare materials are excluded as they are too expensive or difficult to implement. Iron-based materials have been tested but could not have at the same time a good corrosion resistance and high temperature forming and mechanical toughness properties. Therefore, metallic coatings have been chosen, specifically alumina. After having reported a bibliographical study on corrosion by sulphur vapour and by oxygen and by sulphur-oxygen, the author presents the experimental materials and methods. Then, the author reports the study of mixed corrosion (by sulphur and oxygen together) of metallic alloys (ferritic and austeno-ferritic alloys, aluminium and titanium alloys), and of the corrosion of FeAlx coatings, of AlTix alloys [fr

Experiments on natural circulation of lead-bismuth in the TALL test facility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ma, W.M.; Karbojian, A.; Sehgal, B.R.

2005-01-01

Full text of publication follows: Lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is a potential candidate coolant for next generation liquid metal reactors due to its favorable properties such as being chemical inert and low melting point, in comparison with sodium and lead considered as coolants in FBRs. Having a high atomic number of LBE allows it be well suited as a spallation target for accelerator-driven systems (ADS) which have been proposed for the transmutation of nuclear waste. Due to its strong buoyancy, the LBE-cooled system should also have significant natural circulation, which is desirable for so-called Generation IV nuclear reactors, which like to employ passive safety and reliability. But so far, very little experimental data have been published on the natural circulation thermal-hydraulics of LBE-cooled systems. Motivated by the increasing interest in LBE-cooled fast reactors and ADS, a test facility called Thermal-hydraulic ADS Lead-bismuth Loop (TALL) was designed and constructed at KTH to investigate the thermalhydraulic characteristics of liquid LBE. The facility consists of a primary loop (LBE loop) and a secondary loop (oil loop). The LBE loop consists of sump tank, core tank, expansion tank, heat exchanger, EM pump, EM flowmeter, electric heaters and instrumentation. The heating of LBE in the core tank and its cooling in the heat exchanger allows natural convection flows as should occur in the prototypic vessel. Recently, our experimental study on natural circulation was performed on the TALL test facility. This paper will present the experimental results and analysis. The facility is of 6.8 m height which is comparable to the full height of the LBE heat exchange circuit in the ANSALDO ADS reactor vessel design, and has been scaled for prototypic (power/volume) ratio to represent the main components. Their LBE volume, flow velocity and heating rates correspond to one tube of the heat exchanger design chosen. During the experiments, the main adjustable

Structure, activity, and stability of platinum alloys as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Vej-Hansen, Ulrik Grønbjerg

In this thesis I present our work on theoretical modelling of platinum alloys as catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR). The losses associated with the kinetics of the ORR is the main bottleneck in low-temperature fuel cells for transport applications, and more active catalysts...... are essential for wide-spread use of this technology. platinum alloys have shown great promise as more active catalysts, which are still stable under reaction conditions. We have investigated these systems on multiple scales, using either Density Functional Theory (DFT) or Effective Medium Theory (EMT......), depending on the length and time scales involved. Using DFT, we show how diffusion barriers in transition metal alloys in the L12 structure depend on the alloying energy, supporting the assumption that an intrinsically more stable alloy is also more stable towards diffusion-related degradation...

Magnetic susceptibility measurements on Bi - Sn alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mustaffa bin Haji Abdullah

1985-01-01

Magnetic susceptibility measurements on eight samples of tin-rich and three samples of bismuth-rich Bi-Sn alloys were made from 85K to 300K by Faraday's method. The susceptibilities of the eight tin-rich samples are positive and greater than the susceptibility of pure tin. The values are approximately constant at low temperatures but decreasing a little bit with increasing temperature. This result is interpreted as due to the predominant contribution of the Pauli spin paramagnetic susceptibility. A small decrease in susceptibility with temperature is interpreted as due to the effect of the second order term in the expression for spin paramagnetic susceptibility. The fluctuation of the susceptibility for alloys of different composition is interpreted as due to the effect of the density of states at the Fermi levels. The three samples of bismuth-rich alloys show a transition to diamagnetic property, where the diamagnetism is increased with temperature. This result is predominant and due to the diamagnetic contribution from the ions. The increase in susceptibility with temperature is interpreted as due to an increase in the effective radii of the ions due to thermal expansion. (author)

Oxygen holes and hybridization in the bismuthates

Science.gov (United States)

Khazraie, Arash; Foyevtsova, Kateryna; Elfimov, Ilya; Sawatzky, George A.

2018-02-01

Motivated by the recently renewed interest in the superconducting bismuth perovskites, we investigate the electronic structure of the parent compounds A BiO3 (A = Sr, Ba) using ab initio methods and tight-binding (TB) modeling. We use the density functional theory (DFT) in the local density approximation (LDA) to understand the role of various interactions in shaping the A BiO3 band structure near the Fermi level. It is established that interatomic hybridization involving Bi-6 s and O-2 p orbitals plays the most important role. Based on our DFT calculations, we derive a minimal TB model and demonstrate that it can describe the properties of the band structure as a function of lattice distortions, such as the opening of a charge gap with the onset of the breathing distortion and the associated condensation of holes onto a1 g-symmetric molecular orbitals formed by the O-2 pσ orbitals on collapsed octahedra. We also derive a single band model involving the hopping of an extended molecular orbital involving both Bi-6 s and a linear combination of six O-2 p orbitals which provides a very good description of the dispersion and band gaps of the low energy scale bands straddling the chemical potential.

Study of barium bismuth titanate prepared by mechanochemical synthesis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lazarević Z.Ž.

2009-01-01

Full Text Available Barium-bismuth titanate, BaBi4Ti4O15 (BBT, a member of Aurivillius bismuth-based layer-structure perovskites, was prepared from stoichiometric amounts of barium titanate and bismuth titanate obtained via mechanochemical synthesis. Mechanochemical synthesis was performed in air atmosphere in a planetary ball mill. The reaction mechanism of BaBi4Ti4O15 and the preparation and characteristics of BBT ceramic powders were studied using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, particle analysis and SEM. The Bi-layered perovskite structure of BaBi4Ti4O15 ceramic forms at 1100 °C for 4 h without a pre-calcination step. The microstructure of BaBi4Ti4O15 exhibits plate-like grains typical for the Bi-layered structured material and spherical and polygonal grains. The Ba2+ addition leads to changes in the microstructure development, particularly in the change of the average grain size.

Tensile properties of V-Cr-Ti alloys after exposure in helium and low-partial-pressure oxygen environments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Natesan, K.; Soppet, W.K. [Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)

1997-04-01

A test program is in progress to evaluate the effect of oxygen at low pO{sub 2} on the tensile properties of V-(4-5)wt% Cr-(4-5)wt% Ti alloys. Some of the tensile specimens were precharged with oxygen at low pO{sub 2} at 500{degrees}C and reannealed in vacuum at 500{degrees}C in environments with various pO{sub 2} levels and subsequently tensile tested at room temperature. The preliminary results indicate that both approaches are appropriate for evaluating the effect of oxygen uptake on the tensile properties of the alloys. The data showed that in the relatively short-time tests conducted thus far, the maximum engineering stress slightly increased after oxygen exposure but the uniform and total elongation values exhibited significant decrease after exposure in oxygen-containing environments. The data for a specimen exposed to a helium environment were similar to those obtained in low pO{sub 2} environments.

Tensile properties of V-Cr-Ti alloys after exposure in helium and low-partial-pressure oxygen environments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Natesan, K.; Soppet, W.K.

1997-01-01

A test program is in progress to evaluate the effect of oxygen at low pO 2 on the tensile properties of V-(4-5)wt% Cr-(4-5)wt% Ti alloys. Some of the tensile specimens were precharged with oxygen at low pO 2 at 500 degrees C and reannealed in vacuum at 500 degrees C in environments with various pO 2 levels and subsequently tensile tested at room temperature. The preliminary results indicate that both approaches are appropriate for evaluating the effect of oxygen uptake on the tensile properties of the alloys. The data showed that in the relatively short-time tests conducted thus far, the maximum engineering stress slightly increased after oxygen exposure but the uniform and total elongation values exhibited significant decrease after exposure in oxygen-containing environments. The data for a specimen exposed to a helium environment were similar to those obtained in low pO 2 environments

Experimental study of heat transfer in a transverse flow around the heat exchanger tubes bank by lead

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Berezin, A.N.; Grabezhnaya, V.A.; Mikheev, A.S.; Parfenov, A.S.

2014-01-01

The results of the work to determine the heat transfer coefficient in crossflow by lead of pipes are presented. The study was conducted at supercritical pressure in the water circuit. There was a significant inequality in the distribution of the heat flow in different rows of the bundle of heat exchange tubes of corridor location at crossflow their lead. The experimentally determined heat transfer coefficients from the lead differ substantially from those generally accepted recommendations for the calculation of heat transfer at cross flow of rod bundle by liquid metal. The experimental results are close to those obtained earlier on the model with cross flow of heat exchanger tubes bundle by lead alloy with bismuth [ru

Neutronic design for a 100MWth Small modular natural circulation lead or lead-alloy cooled fast reactors core

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, C.; Chen, H.; Zhang, H.; Chen, Z.; Zeng, Q.

2015-01-01

Lead or lead-alloy cooled fast reactor with good fuel proliferation and nuclear waste transmutation capability, as well as high security and economy, is a great potential for the development of fourth-generation nuclear energy systems. Small natural circulation reactor is an important technical route lead cooled fast reactors industrial applications, which has been chosen as one of the three reference technical for solution lead or lead-alloy cooled fast reactors by GIF lead-cooled fast reactor steering committee. The School of Nuclear Science and Technology of USTC proposed a small 100MW th natural circulation lead cooled fast reactor concept called SNCLFR-100 based realistic technology. This article describes the SNCLFR-100 reactor of the overall technical program, core physics calculation and analysis. The results show that: SNCLFR-100 with good neutronic and safety performance and relevant design parameters meet the security requirements with feasibility. (author)

Bismuth Passivation Technique for High-Resolution X-Ray Detectors

Science.gov (United States)

Chervenak, James; Hess, Larry

2013-01-01

The Athena-plus team requires X-ray sensors with energy resolution of better than one part in 3,000 at 6 keV X-rays. While bismuth is an excellent material for high X-ray stopping power and low heat capacity (for large signal when an X-ray is stopped by the absorber), oxidation of the bismuth surface can lead to electron traps and other effects that degrade the energy resolution. Bismuth oxide reduction and nitride passivation techniques analogous to those used in indium passivation are being applied in a new technique. The technique will enable improved energy resolution and resistance to aging in bismuth-absorber-coupled X-ray sensors. Elemental bismuth is lithographically integrated into X-ray detector circuits. It encounters several steps where the Bi oxidizes. The technology discussed here will remove oxide from the surface of the Bi and replace it with nitridized surface. Removal of the native oxide and passivating to prevent the growth of the oxide will improve detector performance and insulate the detector against future degradation from oxide growth. Placing the Bi coated sensor in a vacuum system, a reduction chemistry in a plasma (nitrogen/hydrogen (N2/H2) + argon) is used to remove the oxide and promote nitridization of the cleaned Bi surface. Once passivated, the Bi will perform as a better X-ray thermalizer since energy will not be trapped in the bismuth oxides on the surface. A simple additional step, which can be added at various stages of the current fabrication process, can then be applied to encapsulate the Bi film. After plasma passivation, the Bi can be capped with a non-diffusive layer of metal or dielectric. A non-superconducting layer is required such as tungsten or tungsten nitride (WNx).

Preparation and Characterization of Nicke-iron Alloy Film as Freestanding Electrode for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yao Mengqi

2018-01-01

Full Text Available This work reports the porous nicke-iron alloy film supported on stainless steel mesh as freestanding electrode for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction (OER catalyst prepared from an one step electrodeposition method. Results indicated that the porous nickle-iron alloy film exhibits a low overpotential of 270 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and excellent electroconductibility. The superior OER properties can be attributed to its novel synthetic process, conductive substrate and porous structure. This work will provide a new strategy to fabricate alloy film for OER electrocatalyst.

Voltammetric Determination of Lead (II) and Cadmium (II) Using a Bismuth Film Electrode Modified with Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Die; Wang, Liang; Chen, Zuliang; Megharaj, Mallavarapu; Naidu, Ravi

2014-01-01

A new chemically modified glassy carbon electrode based on bismuth film coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles was developed and evaluated for reliable quantification of trace Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ by anodic stripping square wave voltammetry in natural water samples. Compared with conventional bismuth film electrodes or bismuth nanoparticles modified electrodes, this electrode exhibited significantly improved sensitivity and stability for Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ detection. The key experimental parameters related to the fabrication of the electrode and the voltammetric measurements were optimized on the basis of the stripping signals, where the peak currents increased linearly with the metal concentrations in a range of 2-150 μg L −1 with a detect limit of 0.2 μg L −1 for Pb 2+ , and 0.6 μg L −1 for Cd 2+ for 120s deposition. Good reproducibility was achieved on both single and equally prepared electrodes. In addition, scanning electron microscopy reveals that fibril-like bismuth structures were formed on silica nanoparticles, which could be responsible for the improved voltammetric performance due to the enhanced surface area. Finally, the developed electrode was applied to determine Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ in water samples, indicating that this electrode was sensitive, reliable and effective for the simultaneous determination of Pb 2+ and Cd 2+

Core Power Limits For A Lead-Bismuth Natural Circulation Actinide Burner Reactor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Davis, Cliff Bybee; Kim, D.; Todreas, N. E.; Mujid S. Kazimi

2002-04-01

The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are investigating the suitability of lead-bismuth cooled fast reactors for producing low-cost electricity as well as for actinide burning. The design being considered here is a pool type reactor that burns actinides and utilizes natural circulation of the primary coolant, a conventional steam power conversion cycle, and a passive decay heat removal system. Thermal-hydraulic evaluations of the actinide burner reactor were performed to determine allowable core power ratings that maintain cladding temperatures below corrosion-established temperature limits during normal operation and following a loss-of-feedwater transient. An economic evaluation was performed to optimize various design parameters by minimizing capital cost. The transient power limit was initially much more restrictive than the steady-state limit. However, enhancements to the reactor vessel auxiliary cooling system for transient decay heat removal resulted in an increased power limit of 1040 MWt, which was close to the steady-state limit. An economic evaluation was performed to estimate the capital cost of the reactor and its sensitivity to the transient power limit. For the 1040 MWt power level, the capital cost estimate was 49 mills per kWhe based on 1999 dollars.

Iodine Gas Trapping using Granular Porous Bismuth

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang, Jae Hwan; Shin, Jin Myeong; Park, Jang Jin; Park, Geun Il [Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Yim, Mansung [Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2014-05-15

{sup 129}I is a radionuclide with a very long half-life of 1.57 Χ 10{sup 7} years and has negative health effects to the human body. Therefore, the emission of {sup 129}I into the air is closely regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many methods for trapping gaseous {sup 129}I have been developed thus far, including wet scrubbing and adsorption using silver loaded zeolites. Although wet scrubbing can effectively remove iodine, it suffers from corrosion of the vessel due to high concentration of the scrubbing solution. Silver loaded zeolites also show effectiveness in capturing {sup 129}I gas, yet weak thermal stability of physisorbed iodine remains a challenge. We studied a novel and facile method to trap iodine gas using bismuth. Granular bismuth having many pores was synthesized using bismuth nitrate and polyvinyl alcohol as a bismuth precursor and pore forming agent, respectively. Reaction of iodine and our samples resulted in an iodine capturing capacity of more than 2 times that of the commercial grade silver exchanged zeolite (AgX). Granular porous bismuths synthesized using bismuth nitrate and PVA show a promising performance in capturing iodine gas. The use of bismuth in trapping {sup 129}I gas can reduce the process cost as bismuth is cheap. Further study is going on to improve the mechanical property of granular porous bismuths for their easy handling.

Iodine Gas Trapping using Granular Porous Bismuth

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Jae Hwan; Shin, Jin Myeong; Park, Jang Jin; Park, Geun Il; Yim, Mansung

2014-01-01

129 I is a radionuclide with a very long half-life of 1.57 Χ 10 7 years and has negative health effects to the human body. Therefore, the emission of 129 I into the air is closely regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many methods for trapping gaseous 129 I have been developed thus far, including wet scrubbing and adsorption using silver loaded zeolites. Although wet scrubbing can effectively remove iodine, it suffers from corrosion of the vessel due to high concentration of the scrubbing solution. Silver loaded zeolites also show effectiveness in capturing 129 I gas, yet weak thermal stability of physisorbed iodine remains a challenge. We studied a novel and facile method to trap iodine gas using bismuth. Granular bismuth having many pores was synthesized using bismuth nitrate and polyvinyl alcohol as a bismuth precursor and pore forming agent, respectively. Reaction of iodine and our samples resulted in an iodine capturing capacity of more than 2 times that of the commercial grade silver exchanged zeolite (AgX). Granular porous bismuths synthesized using bismuth nitrate and PVA show a promising performance in capturing iodine gas. The use of bismuth in trapping 129 I gas can reduce the process cost as bismuth is cheap. Further study is going on to improve the mechanical property of granular porous bismuths for their easy handling

Oxidation behavior of V-Cr-Ti alloys in low-partial-pressure oxygen environments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Natesan, K.; Uz, M.

1998-01-01

A test program is in progress at Argonne National Laboratory to evaluate the effect of pO 2 in the exposure environment on oxygen uptake, scaling kinetics, and scale microstructure in V-Cr-Ti alloys. The data indicate that the oxidation process follows parabolic kinetics in all of the environments used in the present study. From the weight change data, parabolic rate constants were evaluated as a function of temperature and exposure environment. The temperature dependence of the parabolic rate constants was described by an Arrhenius relationship. Activation energy for the oxidation process was fairly constant in the oxygen pressure range of 1 x 10 -6 to 1 x 10 -1 torr for both the alloys. The activation energy for oxidation in air was significantly lower than in low-pO 2 environments, and for oxidation in pure O 2 at 760 torr was much lower than in low-pO 2 environments. X-ray diffraction analysis of the specimens showed that VO 2 was the dominant phase in low-pO 2 environments, while V 2 O 5 was dominant in air and in pure oxygen at 76f0 torr

First principles investigation of the activity of thin film Pt, Pd and Au surface alloys for oxygen reduction

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tripkovic, Vladimir; Hansen, Heine Anton; Rossmeisl, Jan

2015-01-01

driving force for surface segregation, diffusion to defects or surface self-assembling. On the basis of stability and activity analysis we conclude that the near surface alloy of Pd in Pt and some PdAu binary and PtPdAu ternary thin films with a controlled amount of Au are the best catalysts for oxygen......Further advances in fuel cell technologies are hampered by kinetic limitations associated with the sluggish cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. We have investigated a range of different formulations of binary and ternary Pt, Pd and Au thin films as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction. The most...... active binary thin films are near-surface alloys of Pt with subsurface Pd and certain PdAu and PtAu thin films with surface and/or subsurface Au. The most active ternary thin films are with pure metal Pt or Pd skins with some degree of Au in the surface and/or subsurface layer and the near-surface alloys...

Fabrication of crystal-oriented barium-bismuth titanate ceramics in high magnetic field and subsequent reaction sintering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tanaka, Satoshi; Tomita, Yusuke; Furushima, Ryoichi; Uematsu, Keizo; Shimizu, Hiroyuki; Doshida, Yutaka

2009-01-01

High magnetic field was applied to fabricate novel lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with a textured structure. A compact of crystallographically oriented grains was prepared by dry forming in a high magnetic field from a mixed slurry of bismuth titanate and barium titanate powders. Bismuth titanate particles with a size of about 1 μ m were used as the host material. In the forming process, the slurry was poured into a mold and set in a magnetic field of 10 T until completely dried. Bismuth titanate particles were highly oriented in the slurry under the magnetic field. The dried powder compact consisted of highly oriented bismuth titanate particles and randomly oriented barium titanate particles. Barium bismuth titanate ceramics with a- and b-axis orientations were successfully produced from the dried compact by sintering at temperatures above 1100 deg. C.

Influence of the cooling rate on the ageing of lead-calcium alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rossi, F.; Lambertin, M. [LaBoMaP, Arts et Metiers ParisTech, Rue porte de Paris, 71250 Cluny (France); Delfaut-Durut, L. [CEA, centre de Valduc [SEMP, LECM], 21120 Is-sur-Tille (France); Maitre, A. [SPCTS, UFR Sciences et Techniques, 87060 Limoges (France); Vilasi, M. [LCSM, Universite Nancy I, 54506 Vandoeuvre les Nancy (France)

2009-03-01

Cast lead-calcium alloys were known to be sensitive to experimental parameters, which cause large variations on the ageing and overageing behaviour. From the study of these parameters, the quenching rate was the only significant parameter. A critical cooling rate was defined based on hardness, electrical resistivity and metallographical observations. The inconsistencies in the literature noticed on the evolutions of lead-calcium alloys can now be explained by whether or not this critical cooling rate was respected. (author)

Tensile properties of V-Cr-Ti alloys after exposure in oxygen-containing environments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Natesan, K.; Soppet, W.K.

1998-01-01

A systematic study was conducted to evaluate the oxidation kinetics of V-4Cr-4Ti (44 alloy) and V-5Cr-5Ti alloys (55 alloy) and to establish the role of oxygen ingress on the tensile behavior of the alloys at room temperature and at 500 C. The oxidation rate of the 44 alloy is slightly higher than that of the 55 alloy. The oxidation process followed parabolic kinetics. Maximum engineering stress for 55 alloy increased with an increase in oxidation time at 500 C. The maximum stress values for 55 alloy were higher at room temperature than ta 500 C for the same oxidation treatment. Maximum engineering stresses for 44 alloy were substantially lower than those for 55 alloy in the same oxidation ∼500 h exposure in air at 500 C; the same values were 4.8 and 6.1%, respectively, at 500 C after ∼2060 h oxidation in air at 500 C. Maximum engineering stress for 44 alloy at room temperature was 421.6--440.6 MPa after ∼250 h exposure at 500 C in environments with a pO 2 range of 1 x 10 -6 to 760 torr. The corresponding uniform and total elongation values were 11--14.4% and 14.5--21.7%, respectively. Measurements of crack depths in various specimens showed that depth is independent of pO 2 in the preexposure environment and was of 70--95 microm after 250--275 h exposure at 500 C

Thermal decomposition synthesis of nanorods bismuth sulphide from bismuth N-ethyl cyclohexyl dithiocarbamate complex

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abdullah, Nurul Hidayah; Zainal, Zulkarnain; Silong, Sidik; Tahir, Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed; Tan, Kar-Ban; Chang, Sook-Keng

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Bismuth N-ethyl cyclohexyl dithiocarbamate was used as single source precursor. • No surfactant was used in the preparation of Bi_2S_3 nanorods. • Pure phase orthorhombic Bi_2S_3 is obtained. • Bismuth sulphide with an average atomic ratio of Bi:S close to 2:3 is obtained. - Abstract: Nanorods of bismuth sulphide were prepared by thermal decomposition of bismuth N-ethyl cyclohexyl dithiocarbamate at different calcination duration. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that at 400 °C, the precursor was fully decomposed to orthorhombic bismuth sulphide after 2 h of calcination. Besides, calcination duration does not affect the existence of Bi_2S_3 phase. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses reveal that Bi_2S_3 nanorods with an average width ranging from 29–36 nm were obtained. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the atomic ratio of Bi and S close to 2:3, giving a possible composition of Bi_2S_3. Direct band gap energy of Bi_2S_3 decreases from 1.83 eV to 1.54 eV as calcination time increases.

Fabrication of lithium/C-103 alloy heat pipes for sharp leading edge cooling

Science.gov (United States)

Ai, Bangcheng; Chen, Siyuan; Yu, Jijun; Lu, Qin; Han, Hantao; Hu, Longfei

2018-05-01

In this study, lithium/C-103 alloys heat pipes are proposed for sharp leading edge cooling. Three models of lithium/C-103 alloy heat pipes were fabricated. And their startup properties were tested by radiant heat tests and aerothermal tests. It is found that the startup temperature of lithium heat pipe was about 860 °C. At 1000 °C radiant heat tests, the operating temperature of lithium/C-103 alloy heat pipe is lower than 860 °C. Thus, startup failure occurs. At 1100 °C radiant heat tests and aerothermal tests, the operating temperature of lithium/C-103 alloy heat pipe is higher than 860 °C, and the heat pipe starts up successfully. The startup of lithium/C-103 alloy heat pipe decreases the leading edge temperature effectively, which endows itself good ablation resistance. After radiant heat tests and aerothermal tests, all the heat pipe models are severely oxidized because of the C-103 poor oxidation resistance. Therefore, protective coatings are required for further applications of lithium/C-103 alloy heat pipes.

Lead-free bearing alloys for engine applications

Science.gov (United States)

Ratke, Lorenz; Ågren, John; Ludwig, Andreas; Tonn, Babette; Gránásy, László; Mathiesen, Ragnvald; Arnberg, Lars; Anger, Gerd; Reifenhäuser, Bernd; Lauer, Michael; Garen, Rune; Gust, Edgar

2005-10-01

Recent developments to reduce the fuel consumption, emission and air pollution, size and weight of engines for automotive, truck, ship propulsion and electrical power generation lead to temperature and load conditions within the engines that cannot be borne by conventional bearings. Presently, only costly multilayer bearings with electroplated or sputtered surface coatings can cope with the load/speed combinations required. Ecological considerations in recent years led to a ban by the European Commission on the use of lead in cars a problem for the standard bronze-lead bearing material. This MAP project is therefore developing an aluminium-based lead-free bearing material with sufficient hardness, wear and friction properties and good corrosion resistance. Only alloys made of components immiscible in the molten state can meet the demanding requirements. Space experimentation plays a crucial role in optimising the cast microstructure for such applications.

Capacity extended bismuth-antimony cathode for high-performance liquid metal battery

Science.gov (United States)

Dai, Tao; Zhao, Yue; Ning, Xiao-Hui; Lakshmi Narayan, R.; Li, Ju; Shan, Zhi-wei

2018-03-01

Li-Bi based liquid metal batteries (LMBs) have attracted interest due to their potential for solving grid scale energy storage problems. In this study, the feasibility of replacing the bismuth cathode with a bismuth-antimony alloy cathode in lithium based LMBs is investigated. The influence of the Bi:Sb ratio on voltage characteristics is evaluated via the constant current discharge method and electrochemical titration. On observing the cross section of the electrode at various stages of discharge, it is determined that both Sb and Bi form solid intermetallics with Li on the cathode. Additionally, the addition of Bi not only reduces the melting temperature of the Bi:Sb intermetallic but also actively contributes to the electrode capacity. Thereafter, a Li|LiCl-LiF|Sb-Bi liquid metal battery with 3 A h nameplate capacity, assembled and cycled at 1 C rate, is found to possess a stable capacity for over 160 cycles. The overall performance of this battery is discussed in the context of cost effectiveness, energy and coulombic efficiencies.

Safety considerations of lithium lead alloy as a fusion reactor breeding material

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jeppson, D.W.; Muhlestein, L.D.

1985-01-01

Test results and conclusions are presented for lithium lead alloy interactions with various gas atmospheres, concrete and potential reactor coolants. The reactions are characterized to evaluate the potential of volatilizing and transporting radioactive species associated with the liquid breeder under postulated fusion reactor accident conditions. The safety concerns identified for lithium lead alloy reactions with the above materials are compared to those previously identified for a reference fusion breeder material, liquid lithium. Conclusions made from this comparison are also included

Lead-Bismuth Eutectic cooled experimental Accelerator Driven System. Windowless target unit thermal-hydraulic analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bianchi, F.; Ferri, R.; Moreau, V.

2004-01-01

A main concern related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy is the safe management of nuclear wastes, with particular attention to long-lived fission products. An increasing attention has recently been addressed to transmutation systems (Accelerator Driven System: ADS) able to 'burn' the actinides and some of the long-lived fission products (High-Level Waste: HLW), transforming them in short or medium-lived wastes that may be easier managed and stored in the geological disposal, with the consequent easier acceptability by population. An ADS consists of a subcritical-core coupled with an accelerator by means of a target. This paper deals with the thermal-hydraulic analysis, performed with STAR-CD and RELAP5 codes for the windowless target unit of Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) cooled experimental ADS (XADS), both to assess its behaviour during operational and accident sequences and to provide input data for the thermal-mechanical analyses. It also reports a description of modifications properly implemented in the codes used for the assessment of this kind of plants. (author)

Tritium sorption in lithium-bismuth and lithium-aluminum alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Talbot, J.B.; Smith, F.J.; Land, J.F.; Barton, P.

1976-01-01

The sorption of tritium by molten lithium-bismuth, Li-Bi (15 at.% lithium), and solid equiatomic lithium-aluminum, Li-Al, was investigated to evaluate the potential application of both materials in controlled thermonuclear reactors. The solubility of tritium in molten Li-Bi is less than 0.1 ppb at 500 - 700 0 C and tritium partial pressures of 10 -1 - 10 -3 Torr. Therefore, extraction of tritium from molten Li 2 BeF 4 salt with Li-Bi is not practical. The solubility of hydrogen in solid Li-Al (50 - 50 at.%) at 500 0 C follows Sieverts' Law; the Sieverts' constant was measured to be 1.9 (+-0.1) X 10 4 Torrsup(1/2)/atomic fraction. Tritium sorption in Li-Al ranged from 0.01 to 7 ppm at 400 - 600 0 C at respective tritium partial pressures of 0.14 - 0.52 Torr. (Auth.)

Reactive magnetron sputtering deposition of bismuth tungstate onto titania nanoparticles for enhancing visible light photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ratova, Marina, E-mail: marina_ratova@hotmail.com [Surface Engineering Group, School of Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD (United Kingdom); Kelly, Peter J.; West, Glen T. [Surface Engineering Group, School of Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD (United Kingdom); Tosheva, Lubomira; Edge, Michele [School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD (United Kingdom)

2017-01-15

Highlights: • Bismuth tungstate coatings were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering. • Oscillating bowl was introduced to the system to enable coating of nanopartulates. • Deposition of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} enhanced visible light activity of titania nanoparticles. • The best results were obtained for coating with Bi:W ratio of approximately 2:1. • Deposition of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} onto TiO{sub 2} resulted in more efficient electron-hole separation. - Abstract: Titanium dioxide − bismuth tungstate composite materials were prepared by pulsed DC reactive magnetron sputtering of bismuth and tungsten metallic targets in argon/oxygen atmosphere onto anatase and rutile titania nanoparticles. The use of an oscillating bowl placed beneath the two magnetrons arranged in a co-planar closed field configuration enabled the deposition of bismuth tungstate onto loose powders, rather than a solid substrate. The atomic ratio of the bismuth/tungsten coatings was controlled by varying the power applied to each target. The effect of the bismuth tungstate coatings on the phase, optical and photocatalytic properties of titania was investigated by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and an acetone degradation test. The latter involved measurements of the rate of CO{sub 2} evolution under visible light irradiation of the photocatalysts, which indicated that the deposition of bismuth tungstate resulted in a significant enhancement of visible light activity, for both anatase and rutile titania particles. The best results were achieved for coatings with a bismuth to tungsten atomic ratio of 2:1. In addition, the mechanism by which the photocatalytic activity of the TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles was enhanced by compounding it with bismuth tungstate was studied by microwave cavity perturbation. The results of these

Application of vanadium alloys to a fusion reactor blanket

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bethin, J.; Tobin, A. (Grumman Aerospace Corp., Bethpage, NY (USA). Research and Development Center)

1984-05-01

Vanadium and vanadium alloys are of interest in fusion reactor blanket applications due to their low induced radioactivity and outstanding elevated temperature mechanical properties during neutron irradiation. The major limitation to the use of vanadium is its sensitivity to oxygen impurities in the blanket environment, leading to oxygen embrittlement. A quantitative analysis was performed of the interaction of gaseous impurities in a helium coolant with vanadium and the V-15Cr-5Ti alloy under conditions expected in a fusion reactor blanket. It was shown that the use of unalloyed V would impose severe restrictions on the helium gas cleanup system due to excessive oxygen buildup and embrittlement of the metal. However, internal oxidation effects and the possibly lower terminal oxygen solubility in the alloy would impose much less severe cleanup constraints. It is suggested that V-15Cr-5Ti is a promising candidate for certain blanket applications and deserves further consideration.

Grain refinement of permanent mold cast copper base alloys. Final report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sadayappan, M.; Thomson, J. P.; Elboujdaini, M.; Gu, G. Ping; Sahoo, M.

2004-04-29

. Aluminum promoted b phase formation and modified the grain structure from dendritic to equiaxed. Lead or bismuth reduces the size of grains, but not change the morphology of the structure in Cu-Zn alloys. The grain size of the Cu-Zn-alloy can be reduced from 3000 mm to 300 mm after the addition of aluminum and lead. Similar effects were observed in EnviroBrass III after the addition of aluminum and bismuth. Boron refined the structure of yellow brasses in the presence of iron. At least 50 ppm of iron and 3 ppm of boron are necessary to cause grain refinement in these alloys. Precipitation of iron from the melt is identified as the cause of grain refinement. Boron initiates the precipitation of iron which could not be explained at this time. On the other hand zirconium causes some reduction in grain size in all four alloys investigated. The critical limit for the zirconium was found to be around 100 ppm below which not much refinement could be observed. The mechanism of grain refinement in the presence of zirconium could not be explained. Grain refinement by boron and iron can remain over a long period of time, at least for 72 hours of holding or after remelting few times. It is necessary to have the iron and boron contents above the critical limits mentioned earlier. On the other hand, refinement by zirconium is lost quite rapidly, some times within one hour of holding, mostly due to the loss of zirconium, most probably by oxidation, from the melt. In all the cases it is possible to revive the refinement by adding more of the appropriate refining element. Cooling curve analysis (thermal analysis) can be used successfully to predict the grain refinement in yellow brasses. The precipitation of iron in the liquid metal causes the metal to solidify without undercooling. Absence of this reaction, as indicated by the time-temperature (t-T) and its first derivative (dt/dT) curves, proved to be an indicator of refinement. The viability of the technique as an on-line quality

Super ODS steels R and D for fuel cladding of next generation nuclear systems. 7) Corrosion behavior and mechanism in LBE

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sano, H.; Fujisawa, T.; Kimura, A.; Inoue, Masaki; Ukai, S.; Ohnuki, S.; Okuda, T.; Abe, F.

2009-01-01

Corrosion of structural materials is one of the serious problems when lead-bismuth eutectic alloy (LBE) is used as a coolant material in next generation nuclear systems. In this study, dissolution experiments of synthetic Fe-Cr-Al alloys and developed super ODS steel candidates into LBE under several partial pressures of oxygen were conducted. Dissolution behaviors of major components in such steels into LBE were investigated. Interfacial behavior between LBE and steels was also observed. In addition, partial potential diagrams of the Fe-Cr-Al-O system at several conditions were established as basic data. From the potential diagrams, the partial pressure range of oxygen was estimated for the stable protective oxide layer formation at the interface. At lower oxygen partial pressure than the pressure that is enough for the formation of the stable oxide layer, a rough oxide layer was formed at the interface in all samples, and the alloy elements dissolved into LBE through it. On the other hand, at the oxygen partial pressure to form stable oxide layer, a dense and very thin oxide layer was formed especially on the higher aluminum content steel, preventing the alloy dissolution into LBE. From the results, aluminum and chromium content in steel were very important for preventing the corrosion by LBE. (author)

Bismuth titanate nanorods and their visible light photocatalytic properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pei, L.Z.; Liu, H.D.; Lin, N.; Yu, H.Y.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Bismuth titanate nanorods have been synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process. • The size of bismuth titanate nanorods can be controlled by growth conditions. • Bismuth titanate nanorods show good photocatalytic activities of methylene blue and Rhodamine B. - Abstract: Bismuth titanate nanorods have been prepared using a facile hydrothermal process without additives. The bismuth titanate products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) and UV-vis diffusion reflectance spectrum. XRD pattern shows that the bismuth titanate nanorods are composed of cubic Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 phase. Electron microscopy images show that the length and diameter of the bismuth titanate nanorods are 50-200 nm and 2 μm, respectively. Hydrothermal temperature and reaction time play important roles on the formation and size of the bismuth titanate nanorods. UV-vis diffusion reflectance spectrum indicates that bismuth titanate nanorods have a band gap of 2.58 eV. The bismuth titanate nanorods exhibit good photocatalytic activities in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RB) under visible light irradiation. The bismuth titanate nanorods with cubic Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 phase are a promising candidate as a visible light photocatalyst

Post-irradiation analysis of an ISOLDE lead-bismuth target: Stable and long-lived noble gas nuclides

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Leya, I., E-mail: Ingo.Leya@space.unibe.ch [University of Bern, Space Science and Planetology, Bern (Switzerland); Grimberg, A. [University of Bern, Space Science and Planetology, Bern (Switzerland); Isotope Geochemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich (Switzerland); David, J.-C. [CEA/Saclay, Irfu/SPhN, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, Cedex (France); Schumann, D.; Neuhausen, J. [Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen (Switzerland); Zanini, L. [Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen (Switzerland); European Spallation Source ESS AB, P.O. Box 117, SE-22100 Lund (Sweden); Noah, E. [University of Geneva, Département de Physique Nucléaire et Corpusculaire, Geneve (Switzerland)

2016-07-15

We measured the isotopic concentrations of long-lived and stable He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe isotopes in a sample from a lead-bismuth eutectic target irradiated with 1.0 and 1.4 GeV protons. Our data indicate for most noble gases nearly complete release with retention fractions in the range of percent or less. Higher retention fractions result from the decay of long-lived radioactive progenitors from groups 1, 2, or 7 of the periodic table. From the data we can calculate a retention fraction for {sup 3}H of 2–3%. For alkaline metals we find retention fractions of about 10%, 30%, and 50% for Na, Rb, and Cs, respectively. For the alkaline earth metal Ba we found complete retention. Finally, the measured Kr and Xe concentrations indicate that there was some release of the halogens Br and I during and/or after the irradiation.

Effect of Zr Purity and Oxygen Content on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Melt-Spun and Suction-Cast Cu46Zr42Al7Y5 Alloy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kozieł T.

2016-06-01

Full Text Available The effect of oxygen content in zirconium on the structure and mechanical properties of the Cu46Zr42Al7Y5 alloy, in the form of melt-spun ribbons and suction-cast rods, was investigated. Two types of Zr, rod and crystal bar of different nominal purities and oxygen contents, were used to synthesize the alloy by arc melting. Rapidly solidified ribbons were produced by melt spinning and their amorphous structures were confirmed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC. Bulk samples in the form of rods were cast using a special water-cooled suction casting unit attached to the arc melting system. XRD and DSC studies proved the amorphous structure of the bulk alloy synthesized from low-oxygen Zr and partial crystallization of the same alloy for high-oxygen Zr. In both bulk samples, uniformly distributed crystalline particles were identified as yttrium oxides. Higher mean compressive strength of amorphous alloy was observed. The hardness of amorphous phase was close to 500 HV1 in both bulk alloys, while the hardness of crystalline dendritic areas, observed in the alloy synthesized from high oxygen Zr, was lower by about 50 HV1.

Analyses of alloys for quelatometry, part one, alloys with copper, lead and zinc

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Clavijo Diaz, Alfonso

1995-01-01

A chemical-mathematic model and experimental method based on the acid base balances is developed for the analysis of metallic ions, isolated or in mixtures. The theoretical titling curves, including chelones-forming agents and metallo-chromic indicator were worked on a personal computer. This chelometric method was applied to the quantitative determination of copper, zinc and lead ions in alloys

Investigations of a zirconia solid electrolyte oxygen sensor in liquid lead

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rivai, Abu Khalid, E-mail: rivai.abukhalid@jaea.go.j [Department of Nuclear Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, N1-18, 2-12-1, O-okayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550 (Japan); Takahashi, Minoru, E-mail: mtakahas@nr.titech.ac.j [Research Laboratory for Nuclear Reactors, Tokyo Institute of Technology, N1-18, 2-12-1, O-okayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550 (Japan)

2010-03-15

Investigations of a magnesia-stabilized zirconia solid electrolyte oxygen sensor for oxygen control measurement in liquid lead were carried out. The fluid of Bi/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} as a reference electrode and a molybdenum wire as a working electrode to detect the output signal of the sensor were used. The Nernst equation was used to estimate the electromotive force (EMF) values theoretically. The temperatures of liquid lead were 500, 550 and 600 deg. C. The results showed that the injection gas temperatures did not affect the detected EMF, the sensor responded well to quick changes of oxygen activity in liquid lead, and the discrepancy between the measured and theoretical EMF of the oxygen sensor output signal was higher at 500 deg. C than at 550 and 600 deg. C.

Hydrogen extraction from liquid lithium-lead alloy by gas-liquid contact method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xie Bo; Weng Kuiping; Hou Jianping; Yang Guangling; Zeng Jun

2013-01-01

Hydrogen extraction experiment from liquid lithium-lead alloy by gas-liquid contact method has been carried out in own liquid lithium-lead bubbler (LLLB). Experimental results show that, He is more suitable than Ar as carrier gas in the filler tower. The higher temperature the tower is, the greater hydrogen content the tower exports. Influence of carrier gas flow rate on the hydrogen content in the export is jagged, no obvious rule. Although the difference between experimental results and literature data, but it is feasible that hydrogen isotopes extraction experiment from liquid lithium-lead by gas-liquid contact method, and the higher extraction efficiency increases with the growth of the residence time of the alloy in tower. (authors)

First principles investigation of the activity of thin film Pt, Pd and Au surface alloys for oxygen reduction

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tripkovic, Vladimir; Hansen, Heine Anton; Rossmeisl, Jan

2015-01-01

Further advances in fuel cell technologies are hampered by kinetic limitations associated with the sluggish cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. We have investigated a range of different formulations of binary and ternary Pt, Pd and Au thin films as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction. The most...... active binary thin films are near-surface alloys of Pt with subsurface Pd and certain PdAu and PtAu thin films with surface and/or subsurface Au. The most active ternary thin films are with pure metal Pt or Pd skins with some degree of Au in the surface and/or subsurface layer and the near-surface alloys...

Lead-Bismuth-Eutectic Spallation Neutron Source for Nuclear Transmuter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gohar, Y.; Herceg, J.; Krajtl, L.; Micklich, B.; Pointer, D.; Saiveau, J.; Sofu, T.; Finck, P.

2002-01-01

A lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) spallation target design concept has been developed for the subcritical multiplier (SCM) design of the accelerator-driven test facility (ADTF). The design is based on a coaxial geometrical configuration, which has been carefully analyzed and designed to achieve an optimum performance. The target design description, the results from the parametric studies, and the design analyses including neutronics, heat transfer, and hydraulics analyses are given in this paper. A detailed MCNPX geometrical model for the target has been developed to generate heating rates and nuclear responses in the structural material for the design process. The beam has a uniform distribution of 600 MeV protons and 5-MW total power. A small LBE buffer is optimized to reduce the irradiation damage in the SCM fuel elements from the scatter protons and the high-energy neutrons, to maximize the neutron yield to the SCM operation, and to provide inlet and outlet manifolds for the LBE coolant. A special attention has been given to the target window design to enhance its lifetime. The window volumetric heating is 766 W/cm 3 relative to 750 W/cm 3 in LBE for a 40-μA/cm 2 current density. The results show that the nuclear heating from the proton beam diminishes at about 32 cm along the beam axis in the LBE target material. The neutron contribution to the atomic displacement is in the range of 94 to ∼100% for the structure material outside the proton beam path. In the beam window, the neutron contribution is ∼74% and the proton beam is responsible for more than 95% of the total gas production. The proton contribution to the gas production vanishes outside the beam path. The LBE average velocity is ∼2 m/s. The heat transfer and the hydraulics analyses have been iterated to reduce the maximum temperature and the thermal stress level in the target window to enhance its operating life. (authors)

Neutronic design for a 100MW{sub th} Small modular natural circulation lead or lead-alloy cooled fast reactors core

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, C.; Chen, H.; Zhang, H.; Chen, Z.; Zeng, Q., E-mail: shchshch@ustc.edu.cn, E-mail: hlchen1@ustc.edu.cn, E-mail: kulah@mail.ustc.edu.cn, E-mail: zchen214@mail.ustc.edu.cn, E-mail: zengqin@ustc.edu.cn [Univ. of Science and Technology of China, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Hefei, Anhui (China)

2015-07-01

Lead or lead-alloy cooled fast reactor with good fuel proliferation and nuclear waste transmutation capability, as well as high security and economy, is a great potential for the development of fourth-generation nuclear energy systems. Small natural circulation reactor is an important technical route lead cooled fast reactors industrial applications, which has been chosen as one of the three reference technical for solution lead or lead-alloy cooled fast reactors by GIF lead-cooled fast reactor steering committee. The School of Nuclear Science and Technology of USTC proposed a small 100MW{sub th} natural circulation lead cooled fast reactor concept called SNCLFR-100 based realistic technology. This article describes the SNCLFR-100 reactor of the overall technical program, core physics calculation and analysis. The results show that: SNCLFR-100 with good neutronic and safety performance and relevant design parameters meet the security requirements with feasibility. (author)

Optical and electrical properties of thin films of bismuth ferric oxide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cardona R, D.

2014-01-01

The bismuth ferric oxide (BFO) has caused great attention in recent years because of their multi ferric properties, making it very attractive for different technological applications. In this paper simultaneous ablation of two white (Bi and Fe 2 O 3 ) was used in a reactive atmosphere (containing oxygen) to deposit thin films of BFO. The composition of the films is changed by controlling the plasma parameters such as the average kinetic energy of the ions (E p) and the plasma density (Np). The effects caused by excess of Bi and Fe in atomic structure and the optical and electrical properties of the films BiFeO 3 in terms of plasma parameters were studied. The X-ray diffraction patterns of BFO samples with excess of bismuth above 2% at. They exhibited small changes in structure leading to improved levels of leakage currents compared to levels of the film with a stoichiometry close to BiFeO 3 composition. These samples showed a secondary phase (Bi 2 5FeO 4 0 selenite type) that led to the increase in the values of band gap and resistivity as well as the improvement of the piezoelectric properties. On the other hand, the films with iron excess showed as secondary phase compounds of iron oxide (α - γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) that caused increments in the conductivity and decrease in the values of band gap. The results are discussed in terms of the excesses of Bi and Fe which were correlated with the plasma parameters. (Author)

Density functional theory simulation of titanium migration and reaction with oxygen in the early stages of oxidation of equiatomic NiTi alloy.

Science.gov (United States)

Nolan, Michael; Tofail, Syed A M

2010-05-01

The biocompatibility of NiTi shape memory alloys (SMA) has made possible applications in self-expandable cardio-vascular stents, stone extraction baskets, catheter guide wires and other invasive and minimally invasive biomedical devices. The NiTi intermetallic alloy spontaneously forms a thin passive layer of TiO(2), which provides its biocompatibility. The oxide layer is thought to form as the Ti in the alloy surface reacts with oxygen, resulting in a depletion of Ti in the subsurface region - experimental evidence indicates formation of a Ni-rich layer below the oxide film. In this paper, we study the initial stages of oxide growth on the (110) surface of the NiTi alloy to understand the formation of alloy/oxide interface. We initially adsorb atomic and molecular oxygen on the (110) surface and then successively add O(2) molecules, up to 2 monolayer of O(2). Oxygen adsorption always results in a large energy gain. With atomic oxygen, Ti is pulled out of the surface layer leaving behind a Ni-rich subsurface region. Molecular O(2), on the other hand adsorbs dissociatively and pulls a Ti atom farther out of the surface layer. The addition of further O(2) up to 1 monolayer is also dissociative and results in complete removal of Ti from the initial surface layer. When further O(2) is added up to 2 monolayer, Ti is pulled even further out of the surface and a single thin layer of composition O-Ti-O is formed. The electronic structure shows that the metallic character of the alloy is unaffected by interaction with oxygen and formation of the oxide layer, consistent with the oxide layer being a passivant. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of coadsorbed oxygen on the reaction of methanol on Rh(111) and on a rhodium/vanadium surface alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schennach, R.; Krenn, G.; Rendulic, K.D.

2002-01-01

Full text: Molecular adsorption of methanol can be observed on all transition metal surfaces at low temperatures. Methanol is adsorbed on Rh (111) at 98 K. With increasing methanol exposure first a mono-layer and then multi-layers of methanol are formed at this surface temperature. During heating, desorption of the methanol from physisorbed multi-layers is detected at about 120 K, followed by desorption of methanol from a chemisorbed mono-layer at 170 K. About 50 % of the adsorbed methanol undergoes a dehydrogenation reaction to form hydrogen and carbon monoxide adsorbed on the surface. These reaction products desorb at 300 K and 480 K, respectively. Less than 0.05 monolayers of coadsorbed oxygen increases the amount of methanol that reacts on the surface to about 80 %. Experiments using a Rh/V surface alloy were performed, in order to distinguish between steric and electronic effects in the adsorption and reaction processes. Deposition of 0.3 monolayers of V on the Rh (111) surface leads to the formation of a subsurface alloy, with V atoms in the second atomic layer only. The initial reaction probability was measured as a function of surface temperature and molecular beam energy. A marked difference was found between the two surfaces. On the clean surface methanol adsorption and reaction stops above 198 K, whereas on the alloy surface adsorption and subsequent reaction occurs up to 473 K. The effects of coadsorbed oxygen are similar on both surfaces. The results are discussed in terms of the possible reactions of the adsorbed methanol on the surface. (author)

Selection and characterization of lead alloys for use in the SDC EM Calorimeter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nasiatka, J.

1993-01-01

Lead, because of it's density and ductility, has been used by man for centuries for many things ranging from building materials, to piping; from electrical connections, to radiation shielding, and batteries. However, despite it's extensive and varied use, not much is really known about it's exact physical and structural properties except in a very rudimentary way. The SDC cast lead EM Calorimeter needs to take full advantage of all the properties that the lead alloy has to offer. Hence, a very thorough and detailed understanding of the properties of the lead-absorber structure must be obtained and controlled, so that the integrity of the calorimeter is not compromised. This paper will attempt to detail a series of ongoing experiments used to characterize and define the properties of the Calcium-Tin-Lead alloys for use in the SDC cast lead electromagnetic calorimeter

Equilibrium evaporation behavior of polonium and its homologue tellurium in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohno, Shuji; Miyahara, Shinya; Kurata, Yuji; Katsura, Ryoei; Yoshida, Shigeru

2006-01-01

Experimental study using the transpiration method investigates equilibrium evaporation behavior of radionuclide polonium ( 210 Po) generated and accumulated in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) cooled nuclear systems. The experiment consists of two series of tests: preliminary evaporation tests for homologue element tellurium (Te) in LBE, and evaporation tests for 210 Po-accumulated LBE in which test specimens are prepared by neutron irradiation. The evaporation tests of Te in LBE provide the suggestion that Te exists in a chemical form of PbTe as well as the information for confirming the validity of technique and conditions of Po test. From the evaporation tests of 210 Po in LBE, we obtain fundamental data and empirical equations such as 210 Po vapor concentration in the gas phase, 210 Po partial vapor pressure, thermodynamic activity coefficients, and gas-liquid equilibrium partition coefficient of 210 Po in LBE in the temperature range from 450 to 750degC. Additionally, radioactivity concentration of 210 Po and 210m Bi vapor in a cover gas region of a typical LBE-cooled nuclear system is specifically estimated based on the obtained experimental results, and the importance of 210 Po evaporation behavior is quantitatively demonstrated. (author)

Mechanical and fatigue properties of martensitic Fe-13Cr steel in contact with lead and lead-bismuth melts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yaskiv, O.I., E-mail: oleh.yaskiv@ipm.lviv.ua; Fedirko, V.M.

2014-01-15

Highlights: •We investigated the influence of Pb and Pb-Bi melts on mechanical properties of Fe-13Cr steel at high temperatures. •We revealed the temperature interval of liquid metal embrittlement of Fe-13Cr steel. •Pb-Bi has more negative impact as compared with Pb for both plasticity and fatigue. -- Abstract: The influence of stagnant liquid-metal environments (Pb and Pb-Bi) on mechanical (strength and plasticity) and fatigue properties (low cycle fatigue) of martensitic Fe-13Cr steel in temperature interval of 250–600 °S have been investigated. Heavy liquid metals facilitate decreasing in ultimate strength by 10–20% against that in vacuum. The increase of temperature enhances this effect. Fe-13Cr steel is susceptible to liquid-metal embrittlement in the temperature interval of 350–450 °S, which manifests itself more substantially in lead-bismuth eutectic. The decrease of plasticity in Pb is 11% at 450 °S and in Pb-Bi is 30% in temperature interval 350–400 °S. Liquid metal environments significantly reduce fatigue life of Fe-13Cr steel. Pb-Bi has a more negative impact. In particular, with increasing total strain amplitude (up to 1.0%), the decrease in the cycle number to fracture by more than two orders of magnitude occurs.

Embrittlement of the alloy U 7.5 Nb 2.5 Zr by gaseous oxygen and hydrogen

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lepoutre, D.; Nomine, A.M.; Miannay, D.

1981-04-01

Embrittlement of the alloy uranium 7.5 niobium 2.5 zirconium in gaseous oxygen and hydrogen versus stress intensity, temperature and pressure is studied using rupture mechanics. Cracking speed is determined. In oxygen, only cracks are produced and embrittlement is due to oxidation. In hydrogen at high pressure an hydride is formed and at low pressure cracks are produced but the mechanism is not identified [fr

Nafion/2,2'-bipyridyl-modified bismuth film electrode for anodic stripping voltammetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Torma, Ferenc; Kadar, Mihaly; Toth, Klara; Tatar, Eniko

2008-01-01

This paper describes the fabrication, characterisation and the application of a Nafion/2,2'-bipyridyl/bismuth composite film-coated glassy carbon electrode (NC(Bpy)BiFE) for the anodic stripping voltammetric determination of trace metal ions (Zn 2+ , Cd 2+ and Pb 2+ ). The NC(Bpy)BiFE electrode is prepared by first applying a 2.5 mm 3 drop of a coating solution containing 0.5 wt% Nafion and 0.1% (w/v) 2,2'-bipyridil (Bpy) onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode, while the Bi film was plated in situ simultaneously with the target metal ions at -1.4 V. The main advantage of the polymer coated bismuth film electrode is that the sensitivity of the stripping responses is increased considerably due to the incorporation of the neutral chelating agent of 2,2'-bipyridyl (Bpy) in the Nafion film, while the Nafion coating improved the mechanical stability of the bismuth film and its resistance to the interference of surfactants. The key experimental parameters relevant to both the electrode fabrication and the voltammetric measurement were optimized on the basis of the stripping signals. With a 2 min deposition time in the presence of oxygen, linear calibration curves were obtained in a wide concentration range (about 2-0.001 μM) with detection limits of 8.6 nM (0.56 μg dm -3 ) for Zn 2+ , 1.1 nM (0.12 μg dm -3 ) for Cd 2+ and 0.37 nM (0.077 μg dm -3 ) for Pb 2+ . For nine successive preconcentration/determination/electrode renewal experiments the standard deviations were between 3 and 5% at 1.2 μM for zinc and 0.3-0.3 μM concentration level for lead and cadmium, respectively, and the method exhibited excellent selectivity in the presence of the excess of several potential interfering metal ions. The analytical utility of the stripping voltammetric method elaborated was tested in the assay of heavy metals in some real samples and the method was validated by ICP-MS technique

Au-Ge based Candidate Alloys for High-Temperature Lead-Free Solder Alternatives

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Chidambaram, Vivek; Hald, John; Hattel, Jesper Henri

2009-01-01

Au-Ge based candidate alloys have been proposed as an alternative to high-lead content solders that are currently being used for high-temperature applications. The influence of the low melting point metals namely In, Sb and Sn to the Au-Ge eutectic with respect to the microstructure and microhard......Au-Ge based candidate alloys have been proposed as an alternative to high-lead content solders that are currently being used for high-temperature applications. The influence of the low melting point metals namely In, Sb and Sn to the Au-Ge eutectic with respect to the microstructure...... was primarily strengthened by the refined (Ge) dispersed phase. The distribution of phases played a relatively more crucial role in determining the ductility of the bulk solder alloy. In the present work it was found that among the low melting point metals, the addition of Sb to the Au-Ge eutectic would...

Bi-doped PbO2 anodes: Electrodeposition and physico-chemical properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shmychkova, O.; Luk’yanenko, T.; Velichenko, A.; Meda, L.; Amadelli, R.

2013-01-01

The influence of bismuth ions on kinetics of lead dioxide electrodeposition from methanesulfonate electrolytes and physico-chemical properties of obtained coatings were studied. Experimental results are consistent with a mechanism previously proposed in the literature for lead dioxide electrodeposition. The presence of bismuth ions in the electrodeposition solution causes a decrease of rate constants of lead dioxide formation due to co-adsorption phenomena. Deposits from solutions containing bismuth ions appear shiny dark grey, and show good adhesion to metal support. SEM images reveal a compact structure with spindle-shaped submicron and nanosized crystals and X-ray diffractograms demonstrated that incorporation of bismuth diminishes the size of crystal particles. Oxygen evolution was investigated to test electrocatalytic activity. It is shown, that oxygen overpotential on modified electrodes is significantly higher than on non-modified PbO 2 -electrode, which depends on bismuth content in deposit and segregation of bismuth that induces surface heterogeneity due to sites with different electroactivity for water oxidation

Structural influence of mixed transition metal ions on lithium bismuth borate glasses

Science.gov (United States)

Yadav, Arti; Dahiya, Manjeet S.; Hooda, A.; Chand, Prem; Khasa, S.

2017-08-01

Lithium bismuth borate glasses containing mixed transition metals having composition 7CoO·23Li2O·20Bi2O3·50B2O3 (CLBB), 7V2O5·23Li2O·20Bi2O3·50B2O3 (VLBB) and x(2CoO·V2O5)·(30 - x)Li2O·20Bi2O3·50B2O3 (x = 0.0 (LBB) and x = 2.0, 5.0, 7.0, 10.0 mol% (CVLBB1-4)) are synthesized via melt quench route. The synthesized compositions are investigated for their physical properties using density (D) and molar volume (Vm), thermal properties by analyzing DSC/TG thermo-graphs, structural properties using IR absorption spectra in the mid-IR range and optical properties using UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectra of vanadyl and cobalt ion have been analyzed to study compositional effects on spin-Hamiltonian parameters. The non linear variations in physical properties depict a strong structural influence of Co/V- oxides on the glassy matrix. The compositional variations in characteristic temperatures (glass transition temperature Tg, glass crystallization temperature Tp and glass melting temperature Tm) reveals that Tg for glass samples CLBB is relatively less than that of pure lithium bismuth borate (LBB) glass sample wherein Tg for sample VLBB is higher than that of LBB. The increase in Tg (as compared with LBB) with an enhanced substitution of mixed transition metal oxides (2CoO·V2O5) shows a progressive structure modification of bismuth borate matrix. These predictions are very well corroborated by corresponding compositional trends of Tp and Tm. FTIR studies reveal that Co2+& VO2+ ions lead to structural rearrangements through the conversion of three-coordinated boron into four coordinated boron and thereby reducing number of non-bridging oxygen atoms. Bismuth is found to exist in [BiO6] octahedral units only, whereas boroxol rings are not present in the glass network. The theoretical values of optical basicity (Λth) and corresponding oxide ion polarizability (αo2-) have also been calculated to investigate oxygen covalency of

Gravimetric Analysis of Bismuth in Bismuth Subsalicylate Tablets: A Versatile Quantitative Experiment for Undergraduate Laboratories

Science.gov (United States)

Davis, Eric; Cheung, Ken; Pauls, Steve; Dick, Jonathan; Roth, Elijah; Zalewski, Nicole; Veldhuizen, Christopher; Coeler, Joel

2015-01-01

In this laboratory experiment, lower- and upper-division students dissolved bismuth subsalicylate tablets in acid and precipitated the resultant Bi[superscript 3+] in solution with sodium phosphate for a gravimetric determination of bismuth subsalicylate in the tablets. With a labeled concentration of 262 mg/tablet, the combined data from three…

Research on the behavior of polonium produced in lead-bismuth eutectic irradiated with neutrons. JAERI's nuclear research promotion program, H10-026. Contract research

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sekimoto, Hiroshi; Igashira, Masayuki; Yano, Toyohiko; Obara, Toru; Ohsaki, Toshiro

2002-03-01

Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) is proposed by several research institutes as a coolant of liquid metal cooled fast reactors, instead of sodium, and a target of accelerator driven subcritical nuclear reactor systems (ADS). LBE has some advantages that it is chemically inert compared to sodium and that its melting point is low like sodium. A problem might be that bismuth produces polonium, which is an alpha emitter, by irradiation of neutrons. The purpose of the study is to get information for quantitative estimations of the release of polonium on LBE cooled fast reactors and on ADSs by making it clear about production rate of polonium (information about cross section) by neutron irradiation of LBE, release rate of the produced polonium from LBE, and adsorption rate of the polonium on various materials. To get the information about production rate of polonium, neutron cross sections of bismuth were measured in keV energy region, which was important in fast reactors, by using the Pelletron accelerator in Research Laboratory for Nuclear Reactors, Tokyo Institute of Technology. The obtained neutron capture cross sections were from 1/2 to 1/3 of the evaluated values in JENDL and the obtained polonium production cross sections were almost 1/3 of it. At the same time, an experimental device was designed for heating and adsorption experiments and the performance was tested. The performance of alpha spectrometer was tested also. By those the method was established for the measurement of polonium released from melted LBE after neutron irradiation. (author)

Bismuth-silver mineralization in the Sergozerskoe gold occurrence

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kalinin A. A.

2017-03-01

Full Text Available Bismuth-silver mineralization attendant to gold mineralization in the Sergozerskoe gold occurrence has been studied in detail. Bi-Ag mineralization is connected with diorite porphyry dykes, which cut volcanic-sedimentary Lopian complexes of the Strel'ninsky greenstone belt – hornblendite and actinolite-chlorite amphibolites, biotite and bi-micaceous gneisses. Distribution of Bi-Ag mineralization similar to gold mineralization is controlled by 80 m thick zone of silicification. Bi minerals are found in brecciated diorite porphyry. Bismuth-silver mineralization includes native metals (bismuth, electrum, silver, tellurides (hedleyite, hessite, selenides (ikunolite, sulfides and sulfosalts of Bi and Ag (matildite, lillianite, eckerite, jalpaite, prustite, acanthite, a few undiagnosed minerals. All Bi and Ag minerals associate with galena. Composition of mineralization evolved from early to late stages of development, depending on intensity of rock alteration. The earliest Bi-Ag minerals were native bismuth and hedleyite formed dissemination in galena, and electrum with 30-45 mass.% Au. Later native bismuth was partly substituted by silver and bismuth sulfosalts and bismuth sulfides. The latest minerals were low-temperature silver sulfides eckerite, jalpaite, and acanthite, which were noted only in the most intensively altered rocks. As soon as the process of formation of Bi-Ag mineralization is the same as formation of gold, findings of bismuth-silver mineralization can serve as a positive exploration sign for gold in the region.

High Photon-to-Current Conversion in Solar Cells Based on Light-Absorbing Silver Bismuth Iodide.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhu, Huimin; Pan, Mingao; Johansson, Malin B; Johansson, Erik M J

2017-06-22

Here, a lead-free silver bismuth iodide (AgI/BiI 3 ) with a crystal structure with space group R3‾ m is investigated for use in solar cells. Devices based on the silver bismuth iodide deposited from solution on top of TiO 2 and the conducting polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) as a hole-transport layer are prepared and the photovoltaic performance is very promising with a power conversion efficiency over 2 %, which is higher than the performance of previously reported bismuth-halide materials for solar cells. Photocurrent generation is observed between 350 and 700 nm, and the maximum external quantum efficiency is around 45 %. The results are compared to solar cells based on the previously reported material AgBi 2 I 7 , and we observe a clearly higher performance for the devices with the new silver and bismuth iodides composition and different crystal structure. The X-ray diffraction spectrum of the most efficient silver bismuth iodide material shows a hexagonal crystal structure with space group R3‾ m, and from the light absorption spectrum we obtain an indirect band gap energy of 1.62 eV and a direct band gap energy of 1.85 eV. This report shows the possibility for finding new structures of metal-halides efficient in solar cells and points out new directions for further exploration of lead-free metal-halide solar cells. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Interaction of alumina with liquid Pb{sub 83}Li{sub 17} alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jain, Uttam, E-mail: uttamj@barc.gov.in [Fusion Reactor Materials Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085 (India); Mukherjee, Abhishek; Sonak, Sagar; Kumar, Sanjay [Fusion Reactor Materials Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085 (India); Mishra, Ratikant [Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085 (India); Krishnamurthy, Nagaiyar [Fusion Reactor Materials Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085 (India)

2014-11-15

Highlights: • The role of oxygen in the interaction of alumina with Pb{sub 83}Li{sub 17} alloy was studied. • Li of Pb{sub 83}Li{sub 17} alloy undergoes oxidation even in flowing high pure argon atmosphere. • It was seen that alumina reacts with Pb{sub 83}Li{sub 17} alloy at 550 °C to form LiAlO{sub 2} compound. • The reaction is rapid in the presence of oxygen and happens more slowly in the presence of flowing argon. - Abstract: Eutectic lead lithium (Pb{sub 83}Li{sub 17}) alloy is being considered a coolant, neutron multiplier and tritium breeder for International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and Fusion Power Reactors (FPR). In order to reduce the magneto-hydrodynamic drag (MHD) and to prevent corrosion of structural materials due to the flow of lead lithium (Pb{sub 83}Li{sub 17}) alloy, alumina (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) is proposed as a candidate ceramic coating material. Interaction of liquid Pb{sub 83}Li{sub 17} alloy with Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} at the operating temperature of these reactors is therefore an important issue. The present paper deals with the characterization of Pb{sub 83}Li{sub 17} alloy and its interaction with Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} at the reactor operating temperature. The interaction was studied using EPMA, XRD and thermal analysis technique. The result indicates that alumina can interact with Pb{sub 83}Li{sub 17} alloy at 550 °C even in high purity argon atmosphere. The role of oxygen in the interaction process has also been discussed.

Effect of excess bismuth on the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of strontium bismuth niobate ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Verma, Maya; Tanwar, Amit; Sreenivas, K.

2013-01-01

Excess Bismuth Strontium Bismuth Niobate (Sr 2 Bi 2 Nb 2 O 9 + x wt% Bi 2 O 3 ) ceramics were prepared using conventional solid state reaction method by varying x in the range (x=0%wt - 20%wt). X-ray diffraction studies reveal no significant shift in the peak positions as the Bi content increases from 0.0 to 5%wt. However, at a higher content of Bi beyond x = 5wt% secondary phases relating to Bi 2 O 3 are identified. The c-axis orientation is found to be minimum for SBN ceramic prepared with 5% excess bismuth whereas with further increase in excess Bi 2 O 3 addition during processing, SBN ceramics show a much stronger c-axis orientation. Room temperature dielectric constant measured at 100 KHz is found to increase from 117 to 130 with increase in Bi content from x = 0 to 10wt% suggesting Bi addition has make up for the bismuth losses at higher sintering temperature (1200℃), however with further increase in Bi content (x > 10wt%), the dielectric constant decreases, and could be due to the increased probability of segregation of Bi on the grains of SBN ceramics. The improvement in ferroelectric properties were obtained when the bismuth excess is increased from 0% to 5%. It may be observed that on increasing the excess bismuth to 5%, the transition temperature increases from 424 to 450℃, while further increasing to 10%, transition becomes slightly diffused and phase transition temperature gets decreased to 398℃, which may be due to the formation of secondary phase. 5% excess Bi is found to enhance the dielectric and ferroelectricity properties, and any further increase of Bi in excess (>10%) during processing is found to degrade the electrical and functional properties of SBN. (author)

X-ray fluorescence determination of Sn, Sb, Pb in lead-based bearing alloys using a solution technique

Science.gov (United States)

Tian, Lunfu; Wang, Lili; Gao, Wei; Weng, Xiaodong; Liu, Jianhui; Zou, Deshuang; Dai, Yichun; Huang, Shuke

2018-03-01

For the quantitative analysis of the principal elements in lead-antimony-tin alloys, directly X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method using solid metal disks introduces considerable errors due to the microstructure inhomogeneity. To solve this problem, an aqueous solution XRF method is proposed for determining major amounts of Sb, Sn, Pb in lead-based bearing alloys. The alloy samples were dissolved by a mixture of nitric acid and tartaric acid to eliminated the effects of microstructure of these alloys on the XRF analysis. Rh Compton scattering was used as internal standard for Sb and Sn, and Bi was added as internal standard for Pb, to correct for matrix effects, instrumental and operational variations. High-purity lead, antimony and tin were used to prepare synthetic standards. Using these standards, calibration curves were constructed for the three elements after optimizing the spectrometer parameters. The method has been successfully applied to the analysis of lead-based bearing alloys and is more rapid than classical titration methods normally used. The determination results are consistent with certified values or those obtained by titrations.

Anodic oxidation of Ta/Fe alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mato, S.; Alcala, G.; Thompson, G.E.; Skeldon, P.; Shimizu, K.; Habazaki, H.; Quance, T.; Graham, M.J.; Masheder, D.

2003-01-01

The behaviour of iron during anodizing of sputter-deposited Ta/Fe alloys in ammonium pentaborate electrolyte has been examined by transmission electron microscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Anodic films on Ta/1.5 at.% Fe, Ta/3 at.% Fe and Ta/7 at.% Fe alloys are amorphous and featureless and develop at high current efficiency with respective formation ratios of 1.67, 1.60 and 1.55 nm V -1 . Anodic oxidation of the alloys proceeds without significant enrichment of iron in the alloy in the vicinity of the alloy/film interface and without oxygen generation during film growth, unlike the behaviour of Al/Fe alloys containing similar concentrations of iron. The higher migration rate of iron species relative to that of tantalum ions leads to the formation of an outer iron-rich layer at the film surface

Newly developed EMF cell with zirconia solid electrolyte for measurement of low oxygen potentials in liquid Cu-Cr and Cu-Zr alloys

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Katayama I.

2012-01-01

Full Text Available In order to measure the very low oxygen potential by use of stabilized zirconia solid electrolyte emf method, a new cell construction was devised. The idea was based on Janke but a zirconia rod was used instead of the zirconia crucible which contacts liquid alloy electrode. The cell was used for determination of the oxygen potentials in liquid dilute Cu-Cr and Cu-Zr alloys. The reference electrode was Cr,Cr2O3. Emf measurements were performed in the temperature range of 1400-1580K and composition range of 0.198-3.10at%Cr-Cu alloys, and 1380-1465K, 0.085-0.761at%Zr-Cu alloys. The composition of liquid alloys were determined by picking up from the liquid alloys and ICP analysis. By use of the newly devised cell construction in this study, stable emf values were obtained at each temperature and alloy composition. Emf values were corrected by using the parameter for electronic contribution of the YSZ. Activity of Cr obeys Henry’s law and activity coefficient at infinitely dilute alloys of Cr in Cu-Cr alloys are: lng0 Cr =(3.80 at 1423K, (3.57 at 1473K, (3.38 at 1523K and (3.20 at 1573K. At 1423 K activity coefficient of Zr at infinitely diluted alloy is lnγo Zr = -4.0.

Electrochemical formation of a Pt/Zn alloy and its use as a catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Sode, Aya; Li, Winton; Yang, Yanguo; Wong, Phillip C; Gyenge, Elod; Mitchell, Keith A R; Bizzotto, Dan

2006-05-04

The characterization of an electrochemically created Pt/Zn alloy by Auger electron spectroscopy is presented indicating the formation of the alloy, the oxidation of the alloy, and the room temperature diffusion of the Zn into the Pt regions. The Pt/Zn alloy is stable up to 1.2 V/RHE and can only be removed with the oxidation of the base Pt metal either electrochemically or in aqua regia. The Pt/Zn alloy was tested for its effectiveness toward oxygen reduction. Kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were measured using a rotating disk electrode (RDE), and a 30 mV anodic shift in the potential of ORR was found when comparing the Pt/Zn alloy to Pt. The Tafel slope was slightly smaller than that measured for the pure Pt electrode. A simple procedure for electrochemically modifying a Pt-containing gas diffusion electrode (GDE) with Zn was developed. The Zn-treated GDE was pressed with an untreated GDE anode, and the created membrane electrode assembly was tested. Fuel cell testing under two operating conditions (similar anode and cathode inlet pressures, and a larger cathode inlet pressure) indicated that the 30 mV shift observed on the RDE was also evident in the fuel cell tests. The high stability of the Pt/Zn alloy in acidic environments has a potential benefit for fuel cell applications.

Enhanced Oxygen Diffusion Within the Internal Oxidation Zone of Alloy 617 in Controlled Impurity Helium Environments from 1023 K to 1123 K (750 °C to 850 °C)

Science.gov (United States)

Gulsoy, Gokce; Was, Gary S.

2015-04-01

Alloy 617 was exposed to He-CO-CO2 environments with of either 9 or 1320 at temperatures from 1023 K to 1123 K (750 °C to 850 °C) to determine the oxygen diffusion coefficients within the internal oxidation zone of the alloy. The oxygen diffusion coefficients determined based on both intergranular and transgranular oxidation rates were several orders of magnitude greater than those reported in pure nickel and in nickel-based binary alloys, indicating that the rapid internal aluminum oxidation of Alloy 617 was primarily due to enhanced oxygen diffusion along the incoherent Al2O3-alloy interfaces. The range of activation energy values determined for oxygen diffusion associated with the intergranular aluminum oxidation was from 149.6 to 154.7 kJ/mol, and that associated with the transgranular aluminum oxidation was from 244.7 to 283.5 kJ/mol.

Thermodynamic Analysis of Oxygen-Enriched Direct Smelting of Jamesonite Concentrate

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Zhong-Tang; Dai, Xi; Zhang, Wen-Hai

2017-12-01

Thermodynamic analysis of oxygen-enriched direct smelting of jamesonite concentrate is reported in this article. First, the occurrence state of lead, antimony and other metallic elements in the smelting process was investigated theoretically. Then, the verification test was carried out. The results indicate that lead and antimony mainly exist in the alloy in the form of metallic lead and metallic antimony. Simultaneously, lead and antimony were also oxidized into the slag in the form of lead-antimony oxide. Iron and copper could be oxidized into the slag in the form of oxides in addition to combining with antimony in the alloy, while zinc was mainly oxidized into the slag in the form of zinc oxide. The verification test indicates that the main phases in the alloy contain metallic lead, metallic antimony and a small amount of Cu2Sb, FeSb2 intermetallic compounds, and the slag is mainly composed of kirschsteinite, fayalite and zinc oxide, in agreement with the thermodynamic analysis.

Bismuth Subgallate Toxicity in the Age of Online Supplement Use.

Science.gov (United States)

Sampognaro, Paul; Vo, Kathy T; Richie, Megan; Blanc, Paul D; Keenan, Kevin

2017-11-01

Bismuth salts have been used to treat gastroenterological disorders and are readily available over-the-counter and via the internet. Even though generally considered safe, bismuth compounds can cause a syndrome of subacute, progressive encephalopathy when taken in large quantities. We present the case of woman who developed progressive encephalopathy, aphasia, myoclonus, and gait instability after chronically ingesting large amounts of bismuth subgallate purchased from a major online marketing website to control symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. After extensive neurological work-up, elevated bismuth levels in her blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the diagnosis of bismuth-related neurotoxicity. She improved slowly following cessation of exposure. This case highlights bismuth subgallate as a neurotoxic bismuth formulation and reminds providers of the potential for safety misconceptions of positively reviewed online supplements.

In situ electron beam irradiated rapid growth of bismuth nanoparticles in bismuth-based glass dielectrics at room temperature

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Singh, Shiv Prakash; Karmakar, Basudeb

2011-01-01

In this study, in situ control growth of bismuth nanoparticles (Bi 0 NPs) was demonstrated in bismuth-based glass dielectrics under an electron beam (EB) irradiation at room temperature. The effects of EB irradiation were investigated in situ using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The EB irradiation for 2–8 min enhanced the construction of bismuth nanoparticles with a rhombohedral structure and diameter of 4–9 nm. The average particle size was found to increase with the irradiation time. Bismuth metal has a melting point of 271 °C and this low melting temperature makes easy the progress of energy induced structural changes during in situ TEM observations. This is a very useful technique in nano-patterning for integrated optics and other applications.

Bismuth knowledge during the Renaissance strengthened by its use in Italian lustres production

Science.gov (United States)

Padeletti, G.; Fermo, P.

The knowledge of bismuth during the XV and XVI centuries represents an open question since, according to some authors, this element was confused with lead, tin and silver. On the contrary, G. Agricola (1494-1555), the pioneer of mineralogical science in Europe, in his two works (De Natura Fossilium, Lib X, 1546 and Bermannus Sive De Re Metallica Dialogus, 1528) asserts that bismuth was considered as an element distinct from the other metals at that time. This question gave rise to some interest, and von Lippmann in 1930 wrote a treatise dealing with the history of bismuth between 1400 and 1800. In this work we present the results obtained on Italian and Hispano-Moresque shards studied by means of X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomisation, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. It seems that our work could provide a new and important contribution to this debate, because we found bismuth in lustre composition of Renaissance shards produced in central Italy. Furthermore, we found that it could also be considered as a discriminating element between Italian and Hispano-Moresque productions, useful to assess their origin.

Out-of-pile chemical compatibility of Pb-Bi eutectic alloy with graphite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sengupta, A.K.; Bhagat, R.K.; Jarvis, T.; Majumdar, S. [Radiometallurgy Div., Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai (India); Laik, A.; Kale, G.B. [Material Science Div., Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai (India); Kamath, H.S. [Nuclear Fuels Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai (India)

2006-06-15

Lead Bismuth eutectic alloy (Pb: 55.5 wt.%, Bi: 44.5 wt.%) is a potential candidate coolant material for high-temperature reactors because of its low melting point (124 C), high thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and better neutronic properties. Out-of-pile chemical compatibility studies of this coolant with graphite (coolant channel) have been carried out by isothermal annealing of the liquid alloy in a graphite crucible at 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 C for times ranging from 100 h to 1000 h. Formation of a reaction layer is observed. The growth rate of the reaction layer follows a parabolic law. Reaction layer thicknesses of 61.3 {mu}m and 121 {mu}m are estimated from the growth rate vs. time relation after 1 year and 5 years respectively. The growth of the reaction layer is diffusion-controlled and the activation energy of the reaction is estimated to be 100 KJ/mol. (orig.)

Out-of-pile chemical compatibility of Pb-Bi eutectic alloy with graphite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sengupta, A.K.; Bhagat, R.K.; Jarvis, T.; Majumdar, S.; Laik, A.; Kale, G.B.; Kamath, H.S.

2006-01-01

Lead Bismuth eutectic alloy (Pb: 55.5 wt.%, Bi: 44.5 wt.%) is a potential candidate coolant material for high-temperature reactors because of its low melting point (124 C), high thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and better neutronic properties. Out-of-pile chemical compatibility studies of this coolant with graphite (coolant channel) have been carried out by isothermal annealing of the liquid alloy in a graphite crucible at 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 C for times ranging from 100 h to 1000 h. Formation of a reaction layer is observed. The growth rate of the reaction layer follows a parabolic law. Reaction layer thicknesses of 61.3 μm and 121 μm are estimated from the growth rate vs. time relation after 1 year and 5 years respectively. The growth of the reaction layer is diffusion-controlled and the activation energy of the reaction is estimated to be 100 KJ/mol. (orig.)

The use of alloy 117 as a liquid metal current collector

Science.gov (United States)

Maribo, David; Sondergaard, Neal

1987-09-01

Low melting point, bismuth based alloys are potential replacements for NaK78 as liquid metal slip ring material because of their lower reactivity and potentially greater hydrodynamic stability. This paper describes experiments with one such alloy in a model of a 300 kW superconducting homopolar motor using close clearance braid type collectors. Slip ring tip velocities varied from 5 to 20 m/s and currents ranging from 500 to 2000 A. Viscous power losses tend to follow a simple turbulent mode. In all, the data supports the use of low melting point alloys as an alternative to Na78.

In situ XAFS studies of the oxygen reduction reaction on carbon supported platinum and platinum nickel nano-scale alloys as cathode catalysts in fuel cells

Science.gov (United States)

Jia, Qingying

Platinum based bimetallic alloys have been investigated by conducting Pt L3 and Ni K edge in situ XAFS measurements on carbon supported Pt and PtNi(1:1) nanoscale catalysts under a wide range of operating potentials. We observed that (1) the Pt-Pt bond distance in PtNi alloys is shorter than that of Pt, and the bond distance between Pt and oxygen adsorbate is longer for PtNi. (2) Pt has a tendency to stay on the surface while Ni is mostly underneath the surface. (3) While a change in oxidation of pure Pt was clearly observed at different potentials, the Pt in the PtNi alloy remained nearly oxygen-free at all potentials, but an accompanying oxidation change of Ni was observed instead. (4) PtNi has higher open circuit voltage than Pt/C. These results indicate that the chemisorption energy between Pt and oxygen adsorbate is reduced in PtNi alloys, which prevents the poison of oxygen adsorbate and hence improves the reactivity. In addition, the strain and ligand effects in PtNi nanoparticle alloys were studied by FEW calculations using experimental data as a guide to understand the factors causing the reduction of chemisorptions energy of Pt. Our calculation indicates that Pt d-band is broader and lower in energy when the bond distance between Pt is shorter, resulting in weaker chemisorption energy between Pt and absorbed oxygen atom on top, and vice verse. Meanwhile, the investigation of ligand effect shows two trends in modifying Pt's properties within alloyed transition metals. The strain effect dominates in PtNi bimetallic system, corresponding to weaker chemisorptions energy and lower white intensity of Pt L3 edge, which is in consistent with our experimental results. The implications of these results afford a good guideline in understanding the reactivity enhancement mechanism and in the context of alloy catalysts design.

Crystallization of amorphous phase in niobium alloys with oxygen

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dekanenko, V.M.; Samojlenko, Z.A.; Revyakin, A.V.

1982-01-01

Crystallization and subsequent phase transformations of amorphous phase during annealings in the system Nb-O are studied. It is shown that quenching from liquid state of niobium alloys with oxygen with a rate of 10 5 -10 6 K/s results in partial crystallization of the melt. Phase transition from amorphous to crystal state at 670 K in all probability takes place without the change of chemical composition. After crystallization the decomposition of oversaturated solid solution on the basis of NbO takes place with the separation of low- temperature modification, γ-Nb 2 O 5 . Niobium pentoxide of both modifications during prolong annealings at 770 K and short- time annealings higher 1070 K disappears completely [ru

Part I: A comparative study of bismuth-modified screen-printed electrodes for lead detection

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Calvo Quintana, Josefina [Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Universita di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome (Italy); Consorzio Interuniversitario Biostrutture e Biosistemi ' INBB' , Viale Medaglie d' Oro 305, 00136 Rome (Italy); Arduini, Fabiana, E-mail: fabiana.arduini@uniroma2.it [Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Universita di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome (Italy); Consorzio Interuniversitario Biostrutture e Biosistemi ' INBB' , Viale Medaglie d' Oro 305, 00136 Rome (Italy); Amine, Aziz [Faculte des Sciences et Techniques, B.P.146, Mohammadia, Morocco, Rome (Italy); Punzo, Francesco; Destri, Giovanni Li [LAMSUN and CSGI at Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Universita degli Studi di Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania (Italy); Bianchini, Chiara [Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica Materiali Ambienti dell' Universita degli Studi ' La Sapienza' di Roma, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome (Italy); Zane, Daniela; Curulli, Antonella [Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN)-CNR,via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome (Italy); Palleschi, Giuseppe; Moscone, Danila [Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Universita di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome (Italy); Consorzio Interuniversitario Biostrutture e Biosistemi ' INBB' , Viale Medaglie d' Oro 305, 00136 Rome (Italy)

2011-11-30

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer 'In situ' Bi-SPE has higher sensitivity than 'ex situ' Bi-SPE and 'Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} bulk' SPE. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Electrochemical treatment of SPE before Bi film deposition allows one to reach low LOD. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The linearity of Pb{sup 2+} in HCl and HClO{sub 4} is greatly affected by the ionic strength. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Satisfactory values of the recovery percentage were obtained in drinking water samples. - Abstract: Lead determination was carried out in the frame of the European Union project Biocop ( (www.biocop.org)) using a bismuth-modified screen-printed electrode (Bi-SPE) and the stripping analysis technique. In order to choose a sensitive Bi-SPE for lead detection, an analytical comparative study of electrodes modified by Bi using 'in situ', 'ex situ' and 'bulk' procedures was carried out. On the basis of the results obtained, we confirmed that the 'in situ' procedure resulted in better analytical performances with respect to not only 'ex situ' but also to 'Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} bulk' modified electrodes, allowing for a linear range of lead ion concentration from 0.5 to 100 {mu}g L{sup -1} and a detection limit of 0.15 {mu}g L{sup -1}. We demonstrated that, before the Bi film deposition, an oxidative electrochemical pre-treatment of the working electrode could be useful because it eliminates traces of lead in the graphite-ink, as shown with stripping measurements. It also improves the electrochemical performance of the electrodes as demonstrated with Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The influence of different analytical parameters, such as the electrolyte solution composition (acetate buffer, chloridric acid, nitric acid, perchloric acid) and the ionic strength was investigated in order to evaluate how to treat the sample before the analysis. The morphology of

Part I: A comparative study of bismuth-modified screen-printed electrodes for lead detection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Calvo Quintana, Josefina; Arduini, Fabiana; Amine, Aziz; Punzo, Francesco; Destri, Giovanni Li; Bianchini, Chiara; Zane, Daniela; Curulli, Antonella; Palleschi, Giuseppe; Moscone, Danila

2011-01-01

Highlights: ► “In situ” Bi-SPE has higher sensitivity than “ex situ” Bi-SPE and “Bi 2 O 3 bulk” SPE. ► Electrochemical treatment of SPE before Bi film deposition allows one to reach low LOD. ► The linearity of Pb 2+ in HCl and HClO 4 is greatly affected by the ionic strength. ► Satisfactory values of the recovery percentage were obtained in drinking water samples. - Abstract: Lead determination was carried out in the frame of the European Union project Biocop ( (www.biocop.org)) using a bismuth-modified screen-printed electrode (Bi-SPE) and the stripping analysis technique. In order to choose a sensitive Bi-SPE for lead detection, an analytical comparative study of electrodes modified by Bi using “in situ”, “ex situ” and “bulk” procedures was carried out. On the basis of the results obtained, we confirmed that the “in situ” procedure resulted in better analytical performances with respect to not only “ex situ” but also to “Bi 2 O 3 bulk” modified electrodes, allowing for a linear range of lead ion concentration from 0.5 to 100 μg L −1 and a detection limit of 0.15 μg L −1 . We demonstrated that, before the Bi film deposition, an oxidative electrochemical pre-treatment of the working electrode could be useful because it eliminates traces of lead in the graphite-ink, as shown with stripping measurements. It also improves the electrochemical performance of the electrodes as demonstrated with Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The influence of different analytical parameters, such as the electrolyte solution composition (acetate buffer, chloridric acid, nitric acid, perchloric acid) and the ionic strength was investigated in order to evaluate how to treat the sample before the analysis. The morphology of prepared “in situ” Bi-SPEs was also characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Finally, the Bi-SPEs were used to determine the concentration of lead ions in tap and commercial water

Hydrogen extraction from liquid lithium-lead alloy by bubbling with rotational jet nozzle

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xie Bo; Yang Tongzai; Guan Rui; Weng Kuiping

2010-01-01

The technology of tritium extraction from lithium-lead alloy has been simulated, hydrogen extraction from lithium-lead alloy by bubbling with rotational jet nozzle being used to simulate tritium in the study based on the introduction of fluid dynamics to establish algebraic model. The results show that the higher than lithium-lead melting temperature, the higher cumulative hydrogen extraction efficiency, and gas holdup of bubble column is little affected by the impeller diameter. Gas holdup when using small aperture is slightly higher when using large aperture only at a high helium flow rate, but the smaller the aperture, the greater the bubble surface area, and a marked increase in intensity of flow circulation for liquid lithium-lead with the increase of helium flow rate, hydrogen extraction rate increases too. Moreover, influence of the jet rotational velocity on hydrogen extraction is limited. (authors)

Gibbs free energy of formation of liquid lanthanide-bismuth alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sheng Jiawei; Yamana, Hajimu; Moriyama, Hirotake

2001-01-01

The linear free energy relationship developed by Sverjensky and Molling provides a way to predict Gibbs free energies of liquid Ln-Bi alloys formation from the known thermodynamic properties of aqueous trivalent lanthanides (Ln 3(5(6+ ). The Ln-Bi alloys are divided into two isostructural families named as the LnBi 2 (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd and Pm) and LnBi (Ln=Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Yb). The calculated Gibbs free energy values are well agreed with experimental data

Concentration dependence of surface properties and molar volume of multicomponent system indium-tin-lead-bismuth

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dadashev, R; Kutuev, R [Complex Science Research Institute of the Science Academy of the Chechen Republic, 21 Staropromisl. shosse, Grozny 364096 (Russian Federation); Elimkhanov, D [Science Academy of the Chechen Republic (Russian Federation)], E-mail: edzhabrail@mail.ru

2008-02-15

The results of an experimental research of surface properties of the four-component system indium-tin-lead-bismuth are presented. The researches under discussion were carried out in a combined device in which the surface tension ({sigma}) is measured by the method of maximum pressure in a drop, and density ({rho}) is measured by advanced aerometry. Measurement errors are 0.7 % for surface tension measurement, and 0.2 % for density measurement. The study of the concentration dependence of {sigma} in this system has revealed the influence of the third and fourth components upon the characteristics of surface tension isotherms of the binary system indium-tin. It was found out that with an increase in the content of the third and fourth components the depth of the minimum on the surface tension isotherms of the indium-tin system {sigma} decreases. On the basis of the concentration dependence of the phenomenon of concentration bufferity is revealed. It is shown that despite the complex character, isotherms of {sigma} on beam sections of a multicomponent system do not contain qualitatively new features in comparison with the isotherms of these properties in lateral binary systems.

Synthesis and characterization of bismuth alkaline titanate powders

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Torres-Huerta, A.M., E-mail: atorresh@ipn.mx [CICATA-Altamira, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Km. 14.5 Carretera Tampico Puerto Industrial Altamira, Altamira, Tamps. 89600 (Mexico); Dominguez-Crespo, M.A. [CICATA-Altamira, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Km. 14.5 Carretera Tampico Puerto Industrial Altamira, Altamira, Tamps. 89600 (Mexico); Hernandez-Perez, M.A. [ESIQIE, Metalurgia, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico, D. F (Mexico); Garcia-Zaleta, D.S. [CICATA-Altamira, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Km. 14.5 Carretera Tampico Puerto Industrial Altamira, Altamira, Tamps. 89600 (Mexico); Brachetti-Sibaja, S.B. [CICATA-Altamira, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Km. 14.5 Carretera Tampico Puerto Industrial Altamira, Altamira, Tamps. 89600 (Mexico); Instituto Tecnologico de Ciudad Madero, Av. 1o. de Mayo esq. Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz s/n Col. Los Mangos C.P.89440 Cd. Madero Tamaulipas (Mexico)

2011-06-15

In this work, samples of bismuth alkaline titanate, (K{sub 0.5}Na{sub 0.5}){sub (2-x/2)}Bi{sub (x/6)}TiO{sub 3}, (x = 0.05-0.75) have been prepared by conventional ceramic technique and molten salts. Metal oxides or carbonates powders were used as starting raw materials. The crystalline phase of the synthesized powders was identified by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and particle morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Solid state reaction method was unsuccessful to obtain pellets. From XRD results, a rhombohedral structure was detected and the parameter lattice were estimated to be a = 5.5478 A and {alpha} = 59.48{sup o}. These parameters were used to refine the structure by Rietveld analysis. SEM results showed several morphologies. Apparently, bismuth is promoting the grain growth whose sizes vary from 30 nm to 180 nm It is expected that these materials can be utilized in practical applications as substitutes for lead zirconatetitanate (PZT)-based ceramics.

Valley polarization in bismuth

Science.gov (United States)

Fauque, Benoit

2013-03-01

The electronic structure of certain crystal lattices can contain multiple degenerate valleys for their charge carriers to occupy. The principal challenge in the development of valleytronics is to lift the valley degeneracy of charge carriers in a controlled way. In bulk semi-metallic bismuth, the Fermi surface includes three cigar-shaped electron valleys lying almost perpendicular to the high symmetry axis known as the trigonal axis. The in-plane mass anisotropy of each valley exceeds 200 as a consequence of Dirac dispersion, which drastically reduces the effective mass along two out of the three orientations. According to our recent study of angle-dependent magnetoresistance in bismuth, a flow of Dirac electrons along the trigonal axis is extremely sensitive to the orientation of in-plane magnetic field. Thus, a rotatable magnetic field can be used as a valley valve to tune the contribution of each valley to the total conductivity. As a consequence of a unique combination of high mobility and extreme mass anisotropy in bismuth, the effect is visible even at room temperature in a magnetic field of 1 T. Thus, a modest magnetic field can be used as a valley valve in bismuth. The results of our recent investigation of angle-dependent magnetoresistance in other semi-metals and doped semiconductors suggest that a rotating magnetic field can behave as a valley valve in a multi-valley system with sizeable mass anisotropy.

Development of quantitative analysis for cadmium, lead and chromium in aluminum alloys by using x-ray fluorescence spectrometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamashita, Satoshi; Kurusu, Kazuhiko; Kudou, Aiko

2009-01-01

A highly reliable quantitative analysis for cadmium, lead and chromium in aluminum alloys was developed. Standard samples were made by doping cadmium, lead and chromium into several aluminum alloys, and the composition of standard samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and gravimetric method. The calibration curves for these standard samples by using WD-XRF and ED-XRF exhibited linear correlation. Slope of calibration curves for Al-Cu alloy and Al-Zn-Mg alloy were smaller than other alloy's one, because of the effect by coexistent elements. Then, all calibration curves agreed with each other by performing correction with α-coefficient method. (author)

Electrocatalysts of platinum, cobalt and nickel prepared by mechanical alloying for the oxygen reduction reaction in H2SO4 0.5M

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garcia C, M.A.; Fernandez V, S.M.; Vargas G, J.R.

2007-01-01

Metallic powders of Pt, Co and Nickel were processed by mechanical alloyed and electrocatalysts were synthesized for the oxygen reduction reaction, applicable in fuel cells. The structural and morphological characterization was carried out using X-ray Diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the alloyed powders formed agglomerates that consist of crystalline particles of nano metric size. Its were obtained polarization curves by the Electrode of Rotational Disk technique in a solution of H 2 SO 4 0.5 M, used as electrolyte, to evaluate the electrocatalytic activity of mechanically alloyed powders. Tafel graphics were built to determine the kinetic parameters of each electro catalyst. The PtCoNi alloy exhibited the biggest electrocatalytic activity, with the smallest over potential for the oxygen reduction reaction. (Author)

Ballistic transport of spin waves incident from cobalt leads across cobalt–gadolinium alloy nanojunctions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ashokan, V.; Abou Ghantous, M.; Ghader, D.; Khater, A.

2014-01-01

Calculations are presented for the scattering and ballistic transport of spin waves (SW) incident from cobalt leads, on ultrathin ferrimagnetic cobalt–gadolinium ‥Co][Co (1−c) Gd (c) ] ℓ [Co‥ nanojunction systems. The nanojunction [Co (1−c) Gd (c) ] ℓ itself is a randomly disordered alloy of thickness ℓ hcp lattice planes between matching hcp planes of the Co leads, at known stable concentrations c≤0.5 for this alloy system. To compute the spin dynamics, and the SW scattering and ballistic transport, this alloy nanojunction is modeled in the virtual crystal approximation (VCA), valid in particular at the length scale of the nanojunction for submicroscopic SW wavelengths. The phase field matching theory (PFMT) is applied to compute the localized and resonant magnons on the nanojunction. These magnons, characteristic of the embedded nanostructure, propagate in its symmetry plane with spin precession amplitudes that decay or match the spin wave states in the semi-infinite leads. The eigenvectors of these magnon modes are calculated for certain cases to illustrate the spin precession configurations on the nanojunction. The VCA-PFMT approach is also used to calculate the reflection and transmission spectra for the spin waves incident from the Co leads on the nanojunction. The results demonstrate resonance assisted maxima for the ballistic SW transmission spectra due to interactions between the incident spin waves and the nanojunction magnon modes. These properties are general for variable nanojunction thicknesses and alloy stable concentrations c≤0.5. In particular, the positions of the resonance assisted maxima of spin wave transmission can be modified with nanojunction thickness and alloy concentration. - Highlights: • Model is presented for spin wave scattering at CoGd disordered alloy nanojunctions. • Computations yield the localized and resonant magnon modes on the nanojunctions. • The spin waves ballistic reflection and transmission

Alloying of titanium by oxygen during chamber electroslag remelting/Legiranje titanijuma kiseonikom u peći za elektropretapanje pod troskom

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anatoliy D. Ryabtsev

2014-10-01

Full Text Available The paper presents the results of alloying titanium by oxygen in the process of chamber electroslag remelting. As an oxygen-containing ligature, we used the electrodes-satellite from the reaction mass residues mixture from the retort lid for magnesium thermal reduction of a titanium sponge, a specially prepared gaseous argon oxygen mixture containing 30% oxygen applied directly to the melting space, microsize (10-15 mm powder particles of titanium oxide and titanium oxide nanopowder with a particle size of 21 ± 5 nm. The structure and the properties of titanium alloyed by oxygen from the oxygen-containing ligature, gas phase and titanium oxide powder during chamber electroslag remelting of the titanium sponge are investigated. It was found that at the oxygen content of 0.053%mas. to 0.22%mas. in the metal formed a homogeneous single-phase structure typical for commercial titanium formed by polyhedral grains of the α-phase. The increase of the oxygen concentration in titanium for more than 0.22%mas. leads to the formation of the microstructure with a typical needle structure, which allows it to be classified as the α ׳-phase. / U radu su prikazani rezultati legiranja titanijuma kiseonikom u procesu elektropretapanja pod troskom u peći. Za vezivo, koje sadrzi kiseonik, korišćene su satelit elektrode iz reakcije masenih ostataka mešavine iz poklopca retorte za termalnu redukciju magnezijumtitanijumskog sunđera, specijalno pripremljena mešavina gasa argona i kiseonika sa 30% kiseonika primenjena direktno na mesto topljenja, čestice praha titanijum-oksida mikroveličine 10-15mm i nanoprah titanijum-oksida veličine čestica od 21± 5 nm. Ispitane su struktura i karakteristike titanijuma legiranog kiseonikom iz veziva , gasne faze i praha titanijum-oksida tokom elektropretapanja titanijumovog sunđera pod troskom u peći. Utvrđeno je da se pri sadržaju kiseonika od 0.053%mas.do 0.22%mas. u metalu formira homogena jednofazna struktura tipi

Magnetic susceptibility of Dirac fermions, Bi-Sb alloys, interacting Bloch fermions, dilute nonmagnetic alloys, and Kondo alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Buot, Felix A., E-mail: fbuot@gmu.edu [Computational Materials Science Center, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030 (United States); TCSE Center, Spintronics Group, Physics Department, University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu 6000 (Philippines); C& LB Research Institute, Carmen, Cebu 6005 (Philippines); Otadoy, Roland E.S.; Rivero, Karla B. [TCSE Center, Spintronics Group, Physics Department, University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu 6000 (Philippines)

2017-03-01

Wide ranging interest in Dirac Hamiltonian is due to the emergence of novel materials, namely, graphene, topological insulators and superconductors, the newly-discovered Weyl semimetals, and still actively-sought after Majorana fermions in real materials. We give a brief review of the relativistic Dirac quantum mechanics and its impact in the developments of modern physics. The quantum band dynamics of Dirac Hamiltonian is crucial in resolving the giant diamagnetism of bismuth and Bi-Sb alloys. Quantitative agreement of the theory with the experiments on Bi-Sb alloys has been achieved, and physically meaningful contributions to the diamagnetism has been identified. We also treat relativistic Dirac fermion as an interband dynamics in uniform magnetic fields. For the interacting Bloch electrons, the role of translation symmetry for calculating the magnetic susceptibility avoids any approximation to second order in the field. The expressions for magnetic susceptibility of dilute nonmagnetic alloys give a firm theoretical foundation of the empirical formulas used in fitting experimental results. The unified treatment of all the above calculations is based on the lattice Weyl-Wigner formulation of discrete phase-space quantum mechanics. For completeness, the magnetic susceptibility of Kondo alloys is also given since Dirac fermions in conduction band and magnetic impurities exhibit Kondo effect.

Bismuth adjuvant ameliorates adverse effects of high-dose chemotherapy in patients with multiple myeloma and malignant lymphoma undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hansen, Per Boye; Penkowa, Milena

2017-01-01

show for the first time that bismuth significantly reduces grade 2 stomatitis, febrile neutropenia and infections caused by melphalan in multiple myeloma, where adverse effects also were significantly linked to gender. In lymphoma patients, bismuth significantly reduces diarrhoea relative to placebo......PURPOSE: High-dose chemotherapy prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) leads to adverse effects including mucositis, neutropenia and bacteremia. To reduce the toxicity, we treated myeloma and lymphoma patients with peroral bismuth as an adjuvant to chemotherapy to convey...

Ac irreversibility line of bismuth-based high temperature superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mehdaoui, A.; Beille, J.; Berling, D.; Loegel, B.; Noudem, J.G.; Tournier, R.

1997-01-01

We discuss the magnetic properties of lead doped Bi-2223 bulk samples obtained through combined magnetic melt texturing and hot pressing (MMTHP). The ac complex susceptibility measurements are achieved over a broad ac field range (1 Oe ac <100 Oe) and show highly anisotropic properties. The intergranular coupling is improved in the direction perpendicular to the applied stress and magnetic field direction, and an intragranular loss peak is observed for the first time. A comparison is made with other bismuth-based compounds and it is shown that the MMTHP process shifts the ac irreversibility line (ac IL) toward higher fields. It is also shown that all the ac IL close-quote s for quasi 2D bismuth-based compounds show a nearly quadratic temperature dependence and deviate therefore strongly from the linear behavior observed in quasi 3D compounds and expected from a critical state model.copyright 1997 Materials Research Society

Bismuth X-ray absorber studies for TES microcalorimeters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sadleir, J.E.; Bandler, S.R.; Brekosky, R.P.; Chervenak, J.; Figueroa-Feliciano, E.; Finkbeiner, F.; Iyomoto, N.; Kelley, R.L.; Kilbourne, C.A.; King, J.M.; Porter, F.S.; Robinson, I.K.; Saab, T.; Talley, D.J.

2006-01-01

Bismuth's large atomic number and low carrier density makes it an attractive X-ray absorber material for microcalorimeters. Bismuth's long Fermi wavelength and long mean free paths have motivated much interest in the fabrication of high quality bismuth films to study quantum size effects. Despite such incentives, fabrication of high quality bismuth films has proven difficult, and measured properties of such films are highly variable in the literature. Implementing a bismuth deposition process for TES (superconducting Transition Edge Sensor) device fabrication presents additional challenges particularly at interfaces due to the inherent granularity and surface roughness of its films, its low melting point, and its tendency to diffuse and form undesired intermetallic phases. We report observations of Bi-Cu and Bi-Au diffusion in our devices correlating with large shifts in T c (superconducting transition temperature). Using SEM and in situ R vs T annealing experiments we have been able to study these diffusion processes and identify their activation temperatures

Thermodynamics Calculation and Experimental Study on Separation of Bismuth from a Bismuth Glance Concentrate Through a Low-Temperature Molten Salt Smelting Process

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Jian-Guang; He, De-Wen; Tang, Chao-Bo; Chen, Yong-Ming; Sun, Ya-Hui; Tang, Mo-Tang

2011-08-01

The main purpose of this study is to characterize and separate bismuth from a bismuth glance concentrate through a low-temperature, sulfur-fixing smelting process. This article reports on a study conducted on the optimization of process parameters, such as Na2CO3 and zinc oxide wt pct in charging, smelting temperature, smelting duration on the bismuth yield, resultant crude bismuth grade, and sulfur-fixing rate. A maximum bismuth recovery of 97.31 pct, crude bismuth grade of 96.93 pct, and 98.23 pct sulfur-fixing rate are obtained when a charge (containing 63.50 wt pct of Na2CO3 and 22.50 wt pct of bismuth glance, as well as 5 pct in excess of the stoichiometric requirement of zinc oxide dosage) is smelted at 1000 K (727 °C) for 150 minutes. This smelting operation is free from atmospheric pollution because zinc oxide is used as the sulfur-fixing agent, which can capture sulfur from bismuth sulfide and form the more thermodynamic-stable compound, zinc sulfide. The solid residue is subjected to a mineral dressing operation to obtain suspension, which is filtered to produce a cake, representing the solid particles of zinc sulfide. Based on the results of the chemical content analysis of the as-resultant zinc sulfide, more than 93 pct zinc sulfide can be recovered, and the recovered zinc sulfide grade can reach 60.20 pct. This material can be sold as zinc sulfide concentrate or roasted to be regenerated as zinc oxide.

Determination of arsenic, antimony, bismuth, cadmium, copper, lead, molybdenum, silver and zinc in geological materials by atomic-absorption spectrometry

Science.gov (United States)

Viets, J.G.; O'Leary, R. M.; Clark, Robert J.

1984-01-01

Arsenic, antimony, bismuth, cadmium, copper, lead, molybdenum, silver and zinc are very useful elements in geochemical exploration. In the proposed method, geological samples are fused with potassium pyrosulphate and the fusate is dissolved in a solution of hydrochloric acid, ascorbic acid and potassium iodide. When this solution is shaken with a 10% V/V Aliquat 336 - isobutyl methyl ketone organic phase, the nine elements of interest are selectively partitioned in the organic phase. All nine elements can then be determined in the organic phase using flame atomic-absorption spectrometry. The method is rapid and allows the determination of Ag and Cd at levels down to 0.1 p.p.m., Cu, Mo, and Zn down to 0.5 p.p.m., Pb, Bi and Sb down to 1 p.p.m. and As down to 5 p.p.m. in geological materials.

A Simple, Cost-Effective Sensor for Detecting Lead Ions in Water Using Under-Potential Deposited Bismuth Sub-Layer with Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV)

Science.gov (United States)

Dai, Yifan; Liu, Chung Chiun

2017-01-01

This research has developed a simple to use, cost effective sensor system for the detection of lead ions in tap water. An under-potential deposited bismuth sub-layer on a thin gold film based electrochemical sensor was designed, manufactured, and evaluated. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurement technique was employed in this detection. Tap water from the Cleveland, OH, USA regional water district was the test medium. Concentrations of lead ion in the range of 8 × 10−7 M to 5 × 10−4 M were evaluated, showing a good sensitivity over this concentration range. The calibration curve for the DPV measurements of lead ions in tap water showed excellent reproducibility with R2 value of 0.970. This DPV detection system required 3–6 min to complete the detection measurement. A longer measurement time of 6 min was used for the lower lead ion concentration. The selectivity of this lead ion sensor was very good, and Fe III, Cu II, Ni II, and Mg II at a concentration level of 5 × 10−4 M did not interfere with the lead ion measurement. PMID:28441356

Selective oxidation of propene on bismuth molybdate and mixed oxides of tin and antimony and of uranium and antimony

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pendleton, P.; Taylor, D.

1976-01-01

Propene + 18 0 2 reactions have been studied in a static reaction system on bismuth molybdate and mixed oxides of tin and antimony and of uranium and antimony. The [ 16 0] acrolein content of the total acrolein formed and the proportion of 16 0 in the oxygen of the carbon dioxide by-product have been determined. The results indicate that for each catalyst the lattice is the only direct source of the oxygen in the aldehyde, and that lattice and/or gas phase oxygen is used in carbon dioxide formation. Oxygen anion mobility appears to be greater in the molybdate catalyst than in the other two. (author)

Probing adsorption phenomena on a single crystal Pt-alloy surface under oxygen reduction reaction conditions

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bondarenko, Alexander S.; Stephens, Ifan E.L.; Bech, Lone

2012-01-01

The adsorption dynamics of *OH and *O species at Pt(111) and Cu/Pt(111) near-surface alloy (NSA) surfaces in oxygen-free and O2-saturated 0.1M HClO4 was investigated. Subsurface Cu modifies the electronic structure at the Pt(111) surface resulting in weaker bonding to adsorbates like *OH, *H or *O....... This provides a basis for the high oxygen reduction activity of the NSA, as predicted by density functional theory calculations. The shift in *OH adsorption of around 0.16V towards more positive potentials can be clearly monitored in absence of O2 and under the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) conditions...... for the Cu/Pt(111) NSA. In both cases, for Pt(111) and NSA, the *OH(*O) adsorption dynamics is very similar in the absence of oxygen and under ORR conditions. Therefore, theoretical assumptions about the coverage of adsorbates in the absence of oxygen can be reasonably extrapolated to the situation when...

Temperature dependence of liquid metal embrittlement susceptibility of a modified 9Cr-1Mo steel under low cycle fatigue in lead-bismuth eutectic at 160-450 °C

Science.gov (United States)

Gong, Xing; Marmy, Pierre; Qin, Ling; Verlinden, Bert; Wevers, Martine; Seefeldt, Marc

2016-01-01

Low cycle fatigue properties of a 9Cr-1Mo ferritic-martensitic steel (T91) have been tested in a low oxygen concentration (LOC) lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) environment and in vacuum at 160-450 °C. The results show a clear fatigue endurance "trough" in LOC LBE, while no such a strong temperature dependence of the fatigue endurance is observed when the steel is tested in vacuum. The fractographic observations by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show that ductile microdimples are prevalent on the fracture surfaces of the specimens tested in vacuum, whereas the fracture surfaces produced in LOC LBE at all the temperatures are characterized by quasi-cleavage. Interestingly, using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), martensitic laths close to the fatigue crack walls or to the fracture surfaces of the specimens tested in vacuum are found to have transformed into very fine equiaxed subgrains. Nevertheless, such microstructural modifications do not happen to the specimens tested in LOC LBE at 160-450 °C. These interesting microstructural distinctions indicate that liquid metal embrittlement (LME) is able to occur throughout the fatigue crack propagation phase in the full range of the temperatures investigated, i.e. LME is not very sensitive to temperature during the fatigue crack propagation.

Experimental Elucidation of the Oxygen Reduction Volcano in Base on a Pt Alloy Single Crystal

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jensen, Kim Degn; Tymoczko, Jakub; Bandarenka, Aliaksandr S.

2016-01-01

and base.[1,2] In our earlier studies, we mapped out the experimental Sabatier volcano for the oxygen reduction reaction in 0.1 M HClO4 using the Cu/Pt(111) near-surface alloy system, see Figure 1 for near-surface alloy schematic.[3,4] In this study, as those of [3,4], we found that by changing...... the subsurface coverage of Cu we could tune the surface binding of the key reaction intermediate, OH; we thus monitored the OH binding energy shift through the observable shifts in the base voltammograms in both acidic and alkaline media. Further, we elucidate the experimental oxygen reduction volcano in 0.1 M...... to Pt(111). However, all surfaces show a ~4 fold improvement in activity in 0.1 M KOH, relative to the same surface in 0.1 M HClO4. At the peak of the volcano the surface exhibits an exceptionally high specific activity of 90 mA/cm2 at 0.9 V with respect to the reversible hydrogen electrode. Thus, our...

Amorphous metallic alloys for oxygen reduction reaction in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gonzalez-Huerta, R.; Guerra-Martinez, I.; Lopez, J.S. [Inst. Politecnico Nacional, ESIQIE, Mexico City (Mexico). Lab. de Electroquimica; Pierna, A.R. [Basque Country Univ., San Sebastian (Spain). Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Environment; Solorza-Feria, O. [Inst. Politenico Nacional, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados, Mexico City (Mexico). Dept. de Quimica

2010-07-15

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) represent an important, environmentally clean energy source. This has motivated extensive research on the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of novel and stable oxygen reduction electrocatalysts for the direct four-electron transfer process to water formation. Studies have shown that amorphous alloyed compounds can be used as electrode materials in electrochemical energy conversion devices. Their use in PEMFCs can optimize the electrocatalyst loading in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). In this study, amorphous metallic PtSn, PtRu and PtRuSn alloys were synthesized by mechanical milling and used as cathodes for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in sulphuric acid and in a single PEM fuel cell. Two different powder morphologies were observed before and after the chemical activation in a hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution at 25 degrees C. The kinetics of the ORR on the amorphous catalysts were investigated. The study showed that the amorphous metallic PtSn electrocatalyst was the most active of the 3 electrodes for the cathodic reaction. Fuel cell experiments were conducted at various temperatures at 30 psi for hydrogen (H{sub 2}) and at 34 psi for oxygen (O{sub 2}). MEAs made of Nafion 115 and amorphous metallic PtSn dispersed on carbon powder in a PEMFC had a power density of 156 mW per cm{sup 2} at 0.43V and 80 degrees C. 12 refs., 1 tab., 5 figs.

Bismuth-Based Quadruple Therapy with Bismuth Subcitrate, Metronidazole, Tetracycline and Omeprazole in the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Raymond Lahaie

2001-01-01

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: A previous study showed that 14 days of qid bismuth-based triple therapy with tetracycline 500 mg, metronidazole 250 mg and colloidal bismuth subcitrate 120 mg resulted in excellent Helicobacter pylori eradication rates (89.5%. The present study looked at a shorter treatment period by adding omeprazole and by reducing the dose of tetracycline.

Bismuth Sodium Titanate Based Materials for Piezoelectric Actuators.

Science.gov (United States)

Reichmann, Klaus; Feteira, Antonio; Li, Ming

2015-12-04

The ban of lead in many electronic products and the expectation that, sooner or later, this ban will include the currently exempt piezoelectric ceramics based on Lead-Zirconate-Titanate has motivated many research groups to look for lead-free substitutes. After a short overview on different classes of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with large strain, this review will focus on Bismuth-Sodium-Titanate and its solid solutions. These compounds exhibit extraordinarily high strain, due to a field induced phase transition, which makes them attractive for actuator applications. The structural features of these materials and the origin of the field-induced strain will be revised. Technologies for texturing, which increases the useable strain, will be introduced. Finally, the features that are relevant for the application of these materials in a multilayer design will be summarized.

Interstitial relaxations due to hydrostatic stress in niobium--oxygen alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tewari, S.N.

1974-01-01

Experimental investigations of the anelastic relaxation induced by hydrostatic stress in the range from ambient to 81 ksi were made for niobium--oxygen alloys. The anelastic responses, both for the pressurization and the pressure release experiments, were followed by measuring the relative length change between the oxygenated niobium sample and a pure niobium frame with a precision of about 2 A. The relaxation spectrum observed was shown to be made up of three distinct relaxations with unique relaxation times and strengths. The pressure dependence of the relaxation times gave the apparent activation volume for these relaxations of the order of 4 cm 3 /mole. The relaxations were observed to have relaxation strengths of the order of 10 -4 which were found to be independent of pressure up to 81 ksi. The relaxation times for these relaxations were found to occur in the same general temperature range as those for the Snoek relaxations of oxygen clusters in niobium. The temperature dependence of the relaxation times, however, gave activation energies of about 11 to 15 kcal/mole, as compared with roughly 27 to 29 kcal/mole for the Snoek relaxation of oxygen clusters in niobium. Several possible models for these relaxations were developed, however, none could predict the observed temperature dependence. The best interpretation of the data is that due to some anomalous competing relaxation the actual temperature dependence of these relaxations could not be observed. A completely self-consistent analysis is found which is based upon this assumption. (U.S.)

Ac irreversibility line of bismuth-based high temperature superconductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mehdaoui, A. [Laboratoire de Physique et de Spectroscopie Electronique, URA 1435 Faculte des Sciences, Universite de Haute Alsace 4, rue des Freres Lumiere, 68093 Mulhouse Cedex (France); Beille, J. [Laboratoire Louis Neel, CNRS, BP 166, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9 (France); Berling, D.; Loegel, B. [Laboratoire de Physique et de Spectroscopie Electronique, URA 1435 Faculte des Sciences, Universite de Haute Alsace 4, rue des Freres Lumiere, 68093 Mulhouse Cedex (France); Noudem, J.G.; Tournier, R. [EPM-MATFORMAG, Laboratoire dElaboration par Procede Magnetique, CNRS, BP 166, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9 (France)

1997-09-01

We discuss the magnetic properties of lead doped Bi-2223 bulk samples obtained through combined magnetic melt texturing and hot pressing (MMTHP). The ac complex susceptibility measurements are achieved over a broad ac field range (1 Oe{lt}h{sub ac}{lt}100 Oe) and show highly anisotropic properties. The intergranular coupling is improved in the direction perpendicular to the applied stress and magnetic field direction, and an intragranular loss peak is observed for the first time. A comparison is made with other bismuth-based compounds and it is shown that the MMTHP process shifts the ac irreversibility line (ac IL) toward higher fields. It is also shown that all the ac IL{close_quote}s for quasi 2D bismuth-based compounds show a nearly quadratic temperature dependence and deviate therefore strongly from the linear behavior observed in quasi 3D compounds and expected from a critical state model.{copyright} {ital 1997 Materials Research Society.}

Irradiation of structural materials in contact with lead bismuth eutectic in the high flux reactor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Magielsen, A.J., E-mail: magielsen@nrg.eu [Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group, Westerduinweg 3, Postbus 25, 1755 ZG Petten (Netherlands); Jong, M.; Bakker, T.; Luzginova, N.V.; Mutnuru, R.K.; Ketema, D.J.; Fedorov, A.V. [Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group, Westerduinweg 3, Postbus 25, 1755 ZG Petten (Netherlands)

2011-08-31

In the framework of the materials domain DEMETRA in the European Transmutation research and development project EUROTRANS, irradiation experiment IBIS has been performed in the High Flux Reactor in Petten. The objective was to investigate the synergystic effects of irradiation and lead bismuth eutectic exposure on the mechanical properties of structural materials and welds. In this experiment ferritic martensitic 9 Cr steel, austenitic 316L stainless steel and their welds have been irradiated for 250 Full Power Days up to a dose level of 2 dpa. Irradiation temperatures have been kept constant at 300 deg. C and 500 deg. C. During the post-irradiation test phase, tensile tests performed on the specimens irradiated at 300 deg. C have shown that the irradiation hardening of ferritic martensitic 9 Cr steel at 1.3 dpa is 254 MPa, which is in line with the irradiation hardening obtained for ferritic martensitic Eurofer97 steel investigated in the fusion program. This result indicates that no LBE interaction at this irradiation temperature is present. A visual inspection is performed on the specimens irradiated in contact with LBE at 500 deg. C and have shown blackening on the surface of the specimens and remains of LBE that makes a special cleaning procedure necessary before post-irradiation mechanical testing.

Bismuth-ceramic nanocomposites through ball milling and liquid crystal synthetic methods

Science.gov (United States)

Dellinger, Timothy Michael

Three methods were developed for the synthesis of bismuth-ceramic nanocomposites, which are of interest due to possible use as thermoelectric materials. In the first synthetic method, high energy ball milling of bismuth metal with either MgO or SiO2 was found to produce nanostructured bismuth dispersed on a ceramic material. The morphology of the resulting bismuth depended on its wetting behavior with respect to the ceramic: the metal wet the MgO, but did not wet on the SiO2. Differential Scanning Calorimetry measurements on these composites revealed unusual thermal stability, with nanostructure retained after multiple cycles of heating and cooling through the metal's melting point. The second synthesis methodology was based on the use of lyotropic liquid crystals. These mixtures of water and amphiphilic molecules self-assemble to form periodic structures with nanometer-scale hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. A novel shear mixing methodology was developed for bringing together reactants which were added to the liquid crystals as dissolved salts. The liquid crystals served to mediate synthesis by acting as nanoreactors to confine chemical reactions within the nanoscale domains of the mesophase, and resulted in the production of nanoparticles. By synthesizing lead sulfide (PbS) and bismuth (Bi) particles as proof-of-concept, it was shown that nanoparticle size could be controlled by controlling the dimensionality of the nanoreactors through control of the liquid crystalline phase. Particle size was shown to decrease upon going from three-dimensionally percolating nanoreactors, to two dimensional sheet-like nanoreactors, to one dimensional rod-like nanoreactors. Additionally, particle size could be controlled by varying the precursor salt concentration. Since the nanoparticles did not agglomerate in the liquid crystal immediately after synthesis, bismuth-ceramic nanocomposites could be prepared by synthesizing Bi nanoparticles and mixing in SiO2 particles which

Nanophotonic Modulator with Bismuth Ferrite as Low-loss Switchable Material

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Babicheva, Viktoriia; Zhukovsky, Sergei; Lavrinenko, Andrei

2015-01-01

We propose a nanophotonic waveguide modulator with bismuth ferrite as a tunable material. Due to near-zero losses in bismuth ferrite, modulation with up to 20 dB/μm extinction ratio and 12 μm propagation length is achieved.......We propose a nanophotonic waveguide modulator with bismuth ferrite as a tunable material. Due to near-zero losses in bismuth ferrite, modulation with up to 20 dB/μm extinction ratio and 12 μm propagation length is achieved....

The role of lead and excess oxygen in uranite

Science.gov (United States)

Berman, Robert Morris

1957-01-01

Analysed samples of uraninite were x-rayed, annealed by heating to 550° and 900° for various times in a nitrogen atmosphere, and x-rayed again. A decrease in unit cell size was generally observed. Calculations on the basis of Vegard's Law showed that the ordering of the interstitial oxygen ions could account for the decrease in cell size on annealing. The interstitial oxygens are not necessarily completely disordered before annealing. The degree of original disorder is dependent on the Rare Earth/ThO2 ratio; for high ThO2 and low rare earths, the interstitial oxygens are completely random. The degree of disorder apparently depends solely on the composition, and not on the past history of the sample; this implies that the oxygens are being continuously disordered, perhaps by alpha particles, to the equilibrium point determined by the R.E./ThO2 ratio. The degree of ordering of the interstitial oxygens also accounts for the difference in cell size between vein pitchblendes and those from the sediments of the Colorado Plateau. A study was also made of the degree of oxidation of uraninites. Although the uranium in many pegmatitic uraninites is more oxidized than can be obtained with the cubic UO2 phase in the laboratory, if the atoms proxying for uranium are calculated into the structural formula, and the lead is assumed to be radiogenic and calculated as original uranium, almost all pegmatitic uraninites fall into the range of interstitial oxygen content obtainable in the laboratory. This fact supports the auto-oxidation hypothesis. Many of the vein and sedimentary pitchblendes have compositions close to U3O8, although they are cubic. They may gave crystallized as U3O8, the decomposed to the cubic phase and a amorphous phase. This suggests that the stability range of U3O8 includes only very exceptional natural conditions. Vegard's Law calculations, studies of zoning in crystals, differential leaching, polished section textures, and other lines of evidence indicate

Removal of lead from the industrial and synthetic Cu-Pb-Fe alloy with argon barbotage

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

B. Oleksiak

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Results of research on removal of lead from synthetic and industrial Cu-Pb-Fe alloy with argon barbotage are presented. For examinations was taken a synthetic alloy and industrial alloy coming “Glogow II” Copperworks. As basic research equipment was used a pipe resistance furnace enabling heating of samples up to 1 473 K. Examinations were made in 2 test series. The 1 series was performed on the synthetic alloy, while in 2 series was used an industrial alloy. All series were conducted at 1 473 K and with gas fl ow 5,55•10-6, 6,94•10-6, 8,33•10-6, 9,72•10-6 m3•s-1.

Microstructure and phase transformations in the ODS alloys irradiated by swift heavy ions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zlotski, S.V.; Anishchik, V.M; Skuratov, V.A.; O’Connell, J.; Neethling, J.H.

2015-01-01

Microstructure of KP4 ODS alloy irradiated with 700 MeV bismuth ions at 300 K has been studied using high resolution transmission electron microscopy. No latent tracks have been observed in Y 4 Al 2 O 9 particles in KP4 irradiated with Bi ions. Small oxides (~ 5 nm) in KP4 alloy remain crystalline at Bi ion fluence 1.5*10 13 cm -2 , while subsurface regions in large (~ 20 nm) particles faced to the beam entrance became amorphous. (authors)

Study and understanding of the ageing mechanisms in lead-calcium alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rossi, F.

2006-12-01

The data available in the literature about ageing and over-ageing of lead-calcium alloys are often incomplete and inconsistent. It is undoubtedly due to the experimental difficulties encountered to observe the structure transformations which are numerous. As a result there is a certain confusion among the results of the different authors. Moreover, small variations in the process parameters and chemical composition may have some influence on the alloy behaviour. This work enabled us to obtain a set of TTT diagrams, more realistic and accurate than the ones available in the literature. Experimental techniques developed (particularly the preservation of the cold chain with is essential for the guaranty of the results repeatability), enabled particularly the study of the first transformations and better control the five stages of ageing and over-ageing. Our work have enabled to determine precisely the kinetics and the mechanisms of the transformations. This work constitutes a thorough analysis of the ageing and over-ageing of theses alloys. (author)

Processing, Microstructure, and Material Property Relationships Following Friction Stir Welding of Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Steels

Science.gov (United States)

2013-09-01

Fast, 200 Ferritic- martensitic steels , ODS alloys Stainless steels Lead fast reactor Lead or lead- bismuth 800 Fast, 150 Ferritic- martensitic ...from Zinkle [from 1]. T22, T9, T91, E911, NF12, NF616, and SAVE12 are all Ferritic or Martensitic steels with variations in alloy concentrations and...manufacturing techniques. Similarly HCM12 and HCM12A are High Chromium Martensitic steels

High temperature oxidation of copper and copper aluminium alloys: Impact on furnace side wall cooling systems

Science.gov (United States)

Plascencia Barrera, Gabriel

The high temperature oxidation behaviours of copper and dilute Cu-Al alloys were investigated. Experiments were carried out by: (i) Oxidizing under various oxygen potentials at different temperatures using a combined TG-DTA apparatus. (ii) Oxidizing in a muffle furnace (in air) at different temperatures for extended periods of time. The oxidation mechanisms were evaluated based upon the kinetic data obtained as well as by X-ray diffraction and microscopical (SEM and optical) analyses. It was found that oxidation of copper strongly depends on the temperature. Two distinct mechanisms were encountered. Between 300 and 500°C, the oxidation rate is controlled by lateral growth of the oxide on the metal surface, whereas between 600 and 1000°C oxidation is controlled by lattice diffusion of copper ions through the oxide scale. On the other hand, the partial pressure of oxygen only has a small effect on the oxidation of copper. Alloy oxidation is also dependent on the temperature. As temperature increases, more aluminium is required to protect copper from being oxidized. It was shown that if the amount of oxygen that dissolves in the alloy exceeds the solubility limit of oxygen in copper, an internal oxidation layer will develop, leading to the formation of a tarnishing scale. On the other hand if the oxygen content in the alloy lies below the solubility limit of oxygen in copper, no oxidation products will form since a tight protective alumina layer will form on the alloy surface. Surface phenomena may affect the oxidation behaviour of dilute Cu-Al alloys. Immersion tests in molten copper matte and copper converting slag, using laboratory scale cooling elements with various copper based materials, were conducted. Results from these tests showed that alloying copper with 3 to 4 wt% Al decreases the oxidation rate of pure copper by 4 orders of magnitude; however due to a significant drop in thermal conductivity, the ability to extract heat is compromised, leading to

An Overview of Corrosion Issues for the Design and Operation of High-Temperature Lead- and Lead-Bismuth-Cooled Reactor Systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ballinger, Ronald G.; Lim, Jeongyoun

2004-01-01

The viability of advanced Pb- or Pb-Bi-cooled fast reactor systems will depend on the development of classes of materials that can operate over the temperature range 650-1200 deg. C. We briefly review the current state of the technology concerning the interaction of Pb and Pb-Bi alloys with structural materials. We then identify the key challenges to successful use of materials in these systems and suggest a path forward to the development of new materials and operating methods to allow higher-temperature operation. Our focus is on the necessary trade-offs that must be considered and how these trade-offs influence R and D choices. Our analysis suggests that three classes of materials will be needed for successful deployment of a lead-alloy-cooled reactor system. A lower-temperature qualified material will be necessary for the pressure boundary. The structural and cladding materials will require 1000 deg. C- and 1200 deg. C-class materials. The 1000 deg. C-class material will be exposed to the 1000 deg. C coolant. The 1200 deg. C-class material will be required for the cladding and structural materials in the core region. The higher-temperature material will be required to accommodate anticipated temperature transients from potential accident scenarios, such as a loss of flow

Bi-Sn alloy catalyst for simultaneous morphology and doping control of silicon nanowires in radial junction solar cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu, Zhongwei; Lu, Jiawen; Qian, Shengyi; Xu, Jun; Xu, Ling; Wang, Junzhuan; Shi, Yi; Chen, Kunji; Misra, Soumyadeep; Roca i Cabarrocas, Pere; Yu, Linwei

2015-01-01

Low-melting point metals such as bismuth (Bi) and tin (Sn) are ideal choices for mediating a low temperature growth of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) for radial junction thin film solar cells. The incorporation of Bi catalyst atoms leads to sufficient n-type doping in the SiNWs core that exempts the use of hazardous dopant gases, while an easy morphology control with pure Bi catalyst has never been demonstrated so far. We here propose a Bi-Sn alloy catalyst strategy to achieve both a beneficial catalyst-doping and an ideal SiNW morphology control. In addition to a potential of further growth temperature reduction, we show that the alloy catalyst can remain quite stable during a vapor-liquid-solid growth, while providing still sufficient n-type catalyst-doping to the SiNWs. Radial junction solar cells constructed over the alloy-catalyzed SiNWs have demonstrated a strongly enhanced photocurrent generation, thanks to optimized nanowire morphology, and largely improved performance compared to the reference samples based on the pure Bi or Sn-catalyzed SiNWs

Short report: evaluation of Helicobacter pylori eradication with bismuth sucralfate

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Reijers, M. H.; Noach, L. A.; Tytgat, G. N.

1994-01-01

In a pilot study we have evaluated the clinical efficacy of bismuth sucralfate to eradicate H. pylori. Ten consecutive patients with chronic dyspepsia and H. pylori associated gastritis were treated with bismuth sucralfate (220 mg bismuth per tablet, 4 tablets per day for 4 weeks). If a 14C urea

Development of disposable bulk-modified screen-printed electrode based on bismuth oxide for stripping chronopotentiometric analysis of lead (II) and cadmium (II) in soil and water samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kadara, Rashid O.; Tothill, Ibtisam E.

2008-01-01

A bulk-modified screen-printed carbon electrode characterised for metal ion detection is presented. Bismuth oxide (Bi 2 O 3 ) was mixed with graphite-carbon ink to obtain the modified electrode. The best composition was 2% Bi 2 O 3 (wt%) in the graphite-carbon ink. The modified electrode with onboard screen-printed carbon counter and silver-silver chloride pseudo-reference electrodes exhibited good performance in the electrochemical measurement of lead (II) and cadmium (II). The electrode displayed excellent linear behaviour in the concentration range examined (20-300 μg L -1 ) with limits of detection of 8 and 16 μg L -1 for both lead (II) and cadmium (II), respectively. The analytical utility of the modified electrode was illustrated by the stripping chronopotentiometric determinations of lead (II) in soil extracts and wastewater samples

Comparative study of A-site order in the lead-free bismuth titanates M1/2Bi1/2TiO3 (M=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ag, Tl) from first-principles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gröting, Melanie; Albe, Karsten

2014-01-01

We investigate the possibility of enhancing chemical order in the relaxor ferroelectric Na 1/2 Bi 1/2 TiO 3 upon substitution of Na + by other monovalent cations M + using total energy calculations based on density functional theory. All chemically available monovalent cations M + , which are Li, Na, Ag, K, Tl, Rb and Cs, are considered and an analysis of the structurally relaxed structures in terms of symmetry-adapted distortion modes is given in order to quantify the chemically induced structural distortions. We demonstrate that the replacement of Na + by other monovalent cations can hardly alter the tendency of chemical order with respect to Na 1/2 Bi 1/2 TiO 3 . Only Tl 1/2 Bi 1/2 TiO 3 and Ag 1/2 Bi 1/2 TiO 3 show enhanced tendency for chemical ordering. Both heavy metals behave similar to the light alkali metals in terms of structural relaxations and relative stabilities of the ordered configurations. Although a comparison of the Goldschmidt factors of components (M TiO 3 ) − reveals for Tl a value above the upper stability limit for perovskites, the additional lone-pair effect of Tl + stabilizes the ordered structure. - Graphical abstract: Amplitudes of chemically induced distortion modes in different ordered perovskites M 1/2 Bi 1/2 TiO 3 and visualisation of atomic displacements associated with distortion mode X + 1 in the 001-ordered compounds Li 1/2 Bi 1/2 TiO 3 and Cs 1/2 Bi 1/2 TiO 3 . Due to a substantial size mismatch between bismuth (green) and caesium (dark blue), incorporation of the latter leads to enhanced displacements of oxygen atoms (red) and suppresses displacements of titanium (silver) as compared to lithium (light blue) or other smaller monovalent cations. - Highlights: • Lead-free A-site mixed bismuth titanates M 1/2 Bi 1/2 TiO 3 are studied by first-principles calculations. • Investigation of chemical ordering tendency for M=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ag, and Tl. • Group theoretical analysis of different ordered structures. • Ag and Tl

The structural studies of vanadium substituted lithium-bismuth-boro-tellurite glass

Science.gov (United States)

Madhu, A.; Eraiah, B.

2018-05-01

The structural studies of vanadium substituted lithium-bismuth-boro-tellurite glass is successfully prepared and certain analysis like XRD,FTIR,DTA/TGA with density, molar volume are done. The amorphous phase has been identified based on X-ray diffraction analysis. The vanadium oxide plays the role as a glass-modifier and influences on BO3 ↔ BO4 conversion. The observed nonlinear variation in Tg with vanadium oxide increase, it reflects structural changes. The nonlinear variation of density and molar volume can be attributed to vanadium oxide incorporation have increased the number of Non-bridging oxygen (NBO'S).

Electrochemical reactions of the Th4+/Th couple on the tungsten, aluminum and bismuth electrodes in chloride molten salt

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Kui; Yuan, Li-Yong; Liu, Ya-Lan; Zhao, Xiu-Liang; He, Hui; Ye, Guo-An; Chai, Zhi-Fang; Shi, Wei-Qun

2014-01-01

This work concerns the electrochemical behaviors of Th 4+ on the tungsten, aluminum and bismuth electrodes in the LiCl-KCl eutectic, respectively, at 773 K. Cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry were employed to investigate the cathodic reduction of Th 4+ . The results demonstrate that the reduction of Th 4+ is a one step process with a transfer of 4 electrons. The reversibility of the Th 4+ /Th couple on the bismuth film and tungsten electrodes is directly confirmed by the CV. The diffusion coefficient is also calculated to be (2.23 ± 0.16) × 10 −5 and (7.19 ± 0.12) × 10 −5 cm 2 /s by applying both cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry, respectively. A series of redox couples were confirmed to be associated with the formation of different kinds of Al-Th intermetallic compounds. Compared to Al electrode, a cathodic shift of the reduction potential of the Th 4+ is observed on the Al film electrode which is not conducive for the potentiostatic extraction of thorium. The cathodic depolarization gives a shift of 420 mV on the Al electrode, while 490 mV on the Bi film electrode for the reduction of Th 4+ compared to the inert W electrode. The reduction potential of Th 4+ on the Bi film electrode is 70 mV more anodic than that on the Al electrode. Potentiostatic electrolyses were carried out on an Al plate and Bi liquid electrode to confirm the formation of the Th alloys. Two Al-Th alloys (Al 3 Th and Al 2 Th) and one Bi-Th alloy (Bi 2 Th) were obtained, respectively

How reliable are environmental data on 'orphan' elements? The case of bismuth concentrations in surface waters.

Science.gov (United States)

Filella, Montserrat

2010-01-01

Like all elements of the periodic table, bismuth is ubiquitously distributed throughout the environment as a result of natural processes and human activities. It is present as Bi(III) in environmental, biological and geochemical samples. Although bismuth and its compounds are considered to be non-toxic to humans, its increasing use as a replacement for lead has highlighted how little is known about its environmental and ecotoxicological behaviour. In this first critical review paper on the existing information on bismuth occurrence in natural waters, 125 papers on fresh and marine waters have been collated. Although the initial objective of this study was to establish the range of the typical concentrations of total dissolved bismuth in natural waters, this proved impossible to achieve due to the wide, and hitherto unexplained, dispersion of published data. Since analytical limitations might be one of the reasons underlying value dispersion, new analytical methods published since 2000--intended to be applied to natural waters--have also been reviewed. Disappointingly, the detection limits of the bulk of them are well above those required; they are thus of limited usefulness. Analysis of the existing information on bismuth in secondary references (i.e., books, review chapters) and on its chemical speciation in seawater revealed that the uncritical reproduction of old data is a widespread practice.

Use of a Soluble Anode in Electrodeposition of Thick Bismuth Telluride Layers

Science.gov (United States)

Maas, M.; Diliberto, S.; de Vaulx, C.; Azzouz, K.; Boulanger, C.

2014-10-01

Integration of thermoelectric devices within an automotive heat exchanger could enable conversion of lost heat into electrical energy, contributing to improved total output from the engine. For this purpose, synthesis of thick bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) films is required. Bismuth telluride has been produced by an electrochemical method in nitric acid with a sacrificial bismuth telluride anode as the source of cations. The binary layer grows on the working electrode while the counter-electrode, a Bi2Te3 disk obtained by high frequency melting, is oxidized to BiIII and TeIV. This process leads to auto-regeneration of the solution without modification of its composition. The thickness of films deposited by use of the Bi2Te3 anode was approximately 10 times that without. To demonstrate the utility of a soluble anode in electrochemical deposition, we report characterization of the composition and morphology of the films obtained under different experimental conditions. Perfectly dense and regular Bi2Te3 films (˜400 μm) with low internal stress and uniform composition across the cross-section were prepared. Their thermoelectric properties were assessed.

Topological Weyl semimetals in Bi1 -xSbx alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Su, Yu-Hsin; Shi, Wujun; Felser, Claudia; Sun, Yan

2018-04-01

We investigated Weyl semimetal (WSM) phases in bismuth antimony (Bi1 -xSbx ) alloys by combination of atomic composition and arrangement. Via first-principles calculations, we found two WSM states with Sb concentrations of x =0.5 and 0.83 with specific inversion-symmetry-broken elemental arrangement. The Weyl points are close to the Fermi level in both of these two WSM states. Therefore, it is likely to obtain Weyl points in Bi-Sb alloy. The WSM phase provides a reasonable explanation for the current transport study of Bi-Sb alloy with the violation of Ohm's law [D. Shin, Y. Lee, M. Sasaki, Y. H. Jeong, F. Weickert, J. B. Betts, H.-J. Kim, K.-S. Kim, and J. Kim, Nat. Mater. 16, 1096 (2017), 10.1038/nmat4965]. This paper shows that the topological phases in Bi-Sb alloys depend on both elemental composition and their specific arrangement.

Study on technology for manufacturing alloy (lead-tin-bismuth-cadmium) having low melting temperature (≤ 80 deg C) used to shield radioactive rays for treating cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ngo Xuan Hung; Pham Duc Thai; Nguyen The Khanh; Vu Quang Chat; Nguyen Huu Quyet

2007-01-01

Up to now, hospitals in Vietnam have mostly imported radioactive equipments from America, German, France, England to treat cancer. Accompany with those equipments, alloy, namely Cyroben having low melting temperature (≤ 80 o C) is used to cover patients good tissues in order to protect them against harmful rays and help radioactive rays get through the cast hole to kill cancer cells. This project is carried out for determining chemical compositions and melting temperatures of researched alloy to create alloy having low melting temperature (≤ 80 o C) to meet demand for treating cancer in Vietnam. (author)

Local velocity measurements in lead-bismuth and sodium flows using the ultrasound doppler velocimetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eckert, S.; Gerbeth, G.

2003-01-01

We will present measurements of the velocity profiles in liquid sodium and eutectic lead-bismuth by means of the Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry (UDV). A sodium flow in a rectangular duct exposed to an external, transverse magnetic field has been examined. To demonstrate the capability of UDV the transformation of the well-known turbulent, piston-like profile to an M-shaped velocity profile for growing magnetic field strength was observed. The significance of artifacts such as caused by the existence of reflecting interfaces in the measuring domain will be discussed. In the sodium case, the measurements were performed through the channel wall. An integrated ultrasonic sensor with acoustic wave-guide has been developed to overcome the limitation of ultrasonic transducers to temperatures lower than 200 .deg. C. This sensor can presently be applied at maximum temperatures up to 800 .deg. C. Stable and robust measurements have been performed in various PbBi flows in our laboratory at FZR as well as at the THESYS loop of the KALLA laboratory of the ForschungsZentrum Karlsruhe (FZK). We will also present experimental results obtained in a PbBi bubbly flow at 250...300 .deg. C. Argon bubbles were injected through a single orifice in a cylindrical container filled with stagnant PbBi. Velocity profiles were measured in the bubble plume. Mean values of the liquid as well as the bubble velocity were extracted from the data and will be presented as function of the gas flow rate

Investigation on the applicability of turbulent-Prandtl-number models for liquid lead-bismuth eutectic

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Fei, E-mail: chenfei@iet.cn [Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190 (China); North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, Henan 450011 (China); Huai, Xiulan, E-mail: hxl@iet.cn [Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190 (China); Cai, Jun, E-mail: caijun@iet.cn [Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190 (China); Li, Xunfeng, E-mail: lixunfeng@iet.cn [Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190 (China); Meng, Ruixue, E-mail: mengruixue@iet.cn [Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190 (China)

2013-04-15

Highlights: ► We examine the applicability of various Pr{sub t} models into the simulation of LBE flow. ► Reynolds analogy suitable for conventional fluids cannot accurately simulate the heat transfer characteristics of LBE flow. ► The different Pr{sub t} model should be selected for the different thermal boundary condition of LBE flow. -- Abstract: With the proposal of Accelerator Driven Sub-critical System (ADS) together with liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) as coolant for both reactor and spallation target, the use of accurate heat transfer correlation and reliable turbulent-Prandtl-number model of LBE in turbulent flows is essential when designing ADS components of primary loop and heat exchanger of secondary loop. Unlike conventional fluids, there is not an acknowledged turbulent-Prandtl-number model for LBE flows. This paper reviews and assesses the existing turbulent-Pandtl-number models and various heat transfer correlations in circular tubes. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis is employed to evaluate the applicability of various turbulent-Prandtl-number models for LBE in the circular tube under boundary conditions of constant heat flux and constant wall temperature. Based on the assessment of turbulent-Prandtl-number models, the reliable turbulent-Prandtl-number models are recommended for CFD applications to LBE flows under boundary conditions of constant heat flux and constant wall temperature. The present study indicates that turbulent Prandtl number has a significant difference in turbulent LBE flow between constant-heat-flux and constant-wall-temperature boundary conditions.

Effect of Y additions on the solidification behavior of a copper mold cast CuZrAl alloy with high oxygen content

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coury, F.G.; Batalha, W.; Botta, W.J.; Bolfarini, C.; Kiminami, C.S.

2014-01-01

Bulk glassy samples of the CuAlZr system were produced by copper mold casting in the form of wedges with different amounts of yttrium (0 , 0.3 and 2 at%) , the processing conditions led to high oxygen contents on the samples (1000ppm). A reportedly good glass-former composition was chosen as the base alloy, it’s nominal composition is Cu47Zr45Al8. This study aimed to understand the influence of oxygen and yttrium in the solidification of these alloys. The samples were analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-Ray diffraction. The sequence of formation of crystalline phases in these alloys was determined as a function of the different cooling rates inherent in the process. It was observed that the formation of CuZr2 phase was inhibited in samples with Y allowing the production of a fully glassy 8mm. (author)

Structure and Stability of Pt-Y Alloy Particles for Oxygen Reduction Studied by Electron Microscopy

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Deiana, Davide; Wagner, Jakob Birkedal; Hansen, Thomas Willum

2015-01-01

Platinum-yttrium alloy nanoparticles show both a high activity and stability for the oxygen reduction reaction. The catalysts were prepared by magnetron sputter aggregation and mass filtration providing a model catalyst system with a narrow size distribution. The structure and stability of nanost...... the catalyst after reaction and after aging tests shows the development of a core-shell type structure after being exposed to reaction conditions....

Synthetic structural and biochemical studies of coordination compounds of Bismuth (III) with Schiff bases of sulpha drugs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khan, Shahina; Gupta, M.K.; Varshney, S; Varshney, A.K.

2006-01-01

The reactions of Bismuth trichloride with Schiff's bases derived from sulpha drugs in 1:1 molar ratio leads to the formation of a new series of coordination compound of Bismuth (III). Their structures have been confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis, ultraviolet, infrared and multinuclear magnetic resonance (1H 13C) spectral studies. The antimicrobial activities of the ligands and their coordination compound have been screened in vitro against the organism Escherichia coli, Stuplhylococus crureus, Prouteus mirabilis, Bacillus thuren giensis, penicilliurn cf.vsogenum, Aspergillns raiger and Fusarium Oxysporum. (author)

Heat capacity, enthalpy and entropy of bismuth niobate and bismuth tantalate

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Hampl, M.; Strejc, A.; Sedmidubský, D.; Růžička, K.; Hejtmánek, Jiří; Leitner, J.

2006-01-01

Roč. 179, - (2006), s. 77-80 ISSN 0022-4596 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z10100521 Keywords : heat capacity * heat of formation * heat content * bismuth perovskite Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 2.107, year: 2006

Low activation vanadium alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Witzenburg, W. van.

1991-01-01

The properties and general characteristics of vanadium-base alloys are reviewed in terms of the materials requirements for fusion reactor first wall and blanket structures. In this review attention is focussed on radiation response including induced radioactivity, mechanical properties, compatibility with potential coolants, physical and thermal properties, fabricability and resources. Where possible, properties are compared to those of other leading candidate structural materials, e.g. austenitic and ferritic/martensitic steels. Vanadium alloys appear to offer advantages in the areas of long-term activation, mechanical properties at temperatures above 600 deg C, radiation resistance and thermo-hydraulic design, due to superior physical and thermal properties. They also have a potential for higher temperature operation in liquid lithium systems. Disadvantages are associated with their ability to retain high concentrations of hydrogen isotopes, higher cost, more difficult fabrication and welding. A particular concern regarding use of vanadium alloys relates their reactivity with non-metallic elements, such as oxygen and nitrogen. (author). 33 refs.; 2 figs.; 2 tabs

Influence of Oxygen Content and Microstructure on the Mechanical Properties and Biocompatibility of Ti–15 wt%Mo Alloy Used for Biomedical Applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José R. S. Martins, Jr.

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The Ti–15Mo alloy has its mechanical properties strongly altered by heat treatments and by addition of interstitial elements, such as, oxygen, for example. In this sense, the objective of this paper is to analyze the effect of the introduction of oxygen in selected mechanical properties and the biocompatibility of Ti–15Mo alloy. The samples used in this study were prepared by arc-melting and characterized by density measurements, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, microhardness, modulus of elasticity, and biocompatibility tests. Hardness measurements were shown to be sensitive to concentration of oxygen. The modulus results showed interstitial influence in value; this was verified under several conditions to which the samples were exposed. Cytotoxicity tests conducted in vitro showed that the various processing conditions did not alter the biocompatibility of the material.

Microstructural behavior of iron and bismuth added Sn-1Ag-Cu solder under elevated temperature aging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ali, Bakhtiar, E-mail: engrbakhtiaralikhan@gmail.com; Sabri, Mohd Faizul Mohd, E-mail: faizul@um.edu.my; Jauhari, Iswadi, E-mail: iswadi@um.edu.my [Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

2016-07-19

An extensive study was done to investigate the microstructural behavior of iron (Fe) and bismuth (Bi) added Sn-1Ag-0.5Cu (SAC105) under severe thermal aging conditions. The isothermal aging was done at 200 °C for 100 h, 200 h, and 300 h. Optical microscopy with cross-polarized light revealed that the grain size significantly reduces with Fe/Bi addition to the base alloy SAC105 and remains literally the same after thermal aging. The micrographs of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with backscattered electron detector and their further analysis via imageJ software indicated that Fe/Bi added SAC105 showed a significant reduction in the IMCs size (Ag{sub 3}Sn and Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5}), especially the Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} IMCs, as well as β-Sn matrix and a refinement in the microstructure, which is due to the presence of Bi in the alloys. Moreover, their microstructure remains much more stable under severe thermal aging conditions, which is because of the presence of both Fe and Bi in the alloy. The microstructural behavior suggests that Fe/Bi modified SAC105 would have much improved reliability under severe thermal environments. These modified alloys also have relatively low melting temperature and low cost.

Experimental investigation of the thermal hydraulics in lead bismuth eutectic-helium experimental loop of an accelerator-driven system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xi, Wenxuan; Wang, Yong Wei; Li, Xun Feng; Huai, Xiulan; Cal, Jun [Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing (China)

2016-10-15

The heat transfer characteristics between liquid lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) and helium are of great significance for the two-loop cooling system based on an accelerator-driven system (ADS). This paper presents an experimental study on the resistance characteristics and heat transfer performance in a LBE-helium experimental loop of ADS. Pressure drops in the LBE loop, the main heat transfer, and the coupled heat transfer characteristics between LBE and helium are investigated experimentally. The temperature of LBE has a significant effect on the LBE thermo-physical properties, and is therefore considered in the prediction of pressure drops. The results show that the overall heat transfer coefficient increases with the increasing helium flow rate and the decreasing inlet temperature of helium. Increasing the LBE Reynolds number and LBE inlet temperature promotes the heat transfer performance of main heat transfer and thus the overall heat transfer coefficient. The experimental results give an insight into the flow and heat transfer properties in a LBE-helium heat exchanger and are helpful for the optimization of an ADS system design.

Development of disposable bulk-modified screen-printed electrode based on bismuth oxide for stripping chronopotentiometric analysis of lead (II) and cadmium (II) in soil and water samples

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kadara, Rashid O. [Cranfield Health, Cranfield University, Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4DT (United Kingdom); School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus, Nottinghamshire NG11 8NS (United Kingdom)], E-mail: kayusee2001@yahoo.co.uk; Tothill, Ibtisam E. [Cranfield Health, Cranfield University, Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4DT (United Kingdom)

2008-08-08

A bulk-modified screen-printed carbon electrode characterised for metal ion detection is presented. Bismuth oxide (Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}) was mixed with graphite-carbon ink to obtain the modified electrode. The best composition was 2% Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} (wt%) in the graphite-carbon ink. The modified electrode with onboard screen-printed carbon counter and silver-silver chloride pseudo-reference electrodes exhibited good performance in the electrochemical measurement of lead (II) and cadmium (II). The electrode displayed excellent linear behaviour in the concentration range examined (20-300 {mu}g L{sup -1}) with limits of detection of 8 and 16 {mu}g L{sup -1} for both lead (II) and cadmium (II), respectively. The analytical utility of the modified electrode was illustrated by the stripping chronopotentiometric determinations of lead (II) in soil extracts and wastewater samples.

Nano sized bismuth oxy chloride by metal organic chemical vapour deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jagdale, Pravin, E-mail: pravin.jagdale@polito.it [Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, 10129 (Italy); Castellino, Micaela [Center for Space Human Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Trento 21, 10129 Torino (Italy); Marrec, Françoise [Laboratory of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), Amiens 80039 (France); Rodil, Sandra E. [Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexicom (UNAM), Mexico D.F. 04510 (Mexico); Tagliaferro, Alberto [Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, 10129 (Italy)

2014-06-01

Metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) method was used to prepare thin films of bismuth based nano particles starting from bismuth salts. Nano sized bismuth oxy chloride (BiOCl) crystals were synthesized from solution containing bismuth chloride (BiCl{sub 3}) in acetone (CH{sub 3}-CO-CH{sub 3}). Self-assembly of nano sized BiOCl crystals were observed on the surface of silicon, fused silica, copper, carbon nanotubes and aluminium substrates. Various synthesis parameters and their significant impact onto the formation of self-assembled nano-crystalline BiOCl were investigated. BiOCl nano particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Micro-Raman spectroscopy. These analyses confirm that bismuth nanometer-sized crystal structures showing a single tetragonal phase were indeed bismuth oxy chloride (BiOCl) square platelets 18–250 nm thick and a few micrometres wide.

The cross section sensitivity of the minor actinides on a lead-bismuth cooled accelerator-driven burner system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gil, Choong-Sup; Kim, Jung-Do; Chang, Jonghwa

2002-01-01

In order to validate the detailed sensitivity of each minor actinide datum in ENDF/B-VI Release 6, JEF-2.2 and JENDL-3.2 on an accelerator-driven minor actinide burner benchmark system, a lead-bismuth cooled sub-critical system was analyzed. The impacts on the system by the ten minor actinides were compared. The k eff values and reaction rates were calculated by exchanging the data sets of each minor actinide from ENDF/B-VI.6 to JEF-2.2 or JENDL-3.2. At the equilibrium core, the k eff differences from ENDF/B-VI.6 by the ten minor actinides can cause more than 5,500 pcm for JEF-2.2 and 3,500 pcm for JENDL-3.2. The fission reaction rates of 242m Am and 243 Cm with ENDF/B-VI.6 show differences of more than 15% from those with JEF-2.2 and JENDL-3.2. 241 Am, 243 Am and 245 Cm in JEF-2.2 and americium isotope data and 245 Cm in JENDL-3.2 are sensitive to the fission spectrum. (author)

Studies on the phase diagram of Pb-Mo-O system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aiswarya, P.M.; Ganesan, Rajesh; Gnanasekaran, T.

2014-01-01

Liquid lead and Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) alloy are considered as spallation target and coolant in the accelerator driven systems and as candidate coolant in advanced nuclear reactors. Corrosion of the structural steel components in these liquid metal coolants can be minimized by the insitu formation of passive oxide layer on the steel surface under controlled oxygen concentration. A detailed knowledge of phase diagrams of Pb-M-O and Bi-M-O (M = Fe, Cr, Mo) systems and data on thermochemical properties of the ternary compounds of these systems are required for better understanding of composition and stability of these passive oxide films. In the present work, studies have been carried out to establish the ternary phase diagram of Pb-Mo-O system

Nanostructured Platinum Alloys for Use as Catalyst Materials

Science.gov (United States)

Narayan, Sri R. (Inventor); Hays, Charles C. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A series of binary and ternary Pt-alloys, that promote the important reactions for catalysis at an alloy surface; oxygen reduction, hydrogen oxidation, and hydrogen and oxygen evolution. The first two of these reactions are essential when applying the alloy for use in a PEMFC.

Surface and bulk characterization of molten In and In-Sn alloys

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ricci E.

2011-05-01

Full Text Available In this work a double contribution to the characterization of molten In and In-Sn alloys considered as main components of an important class of lead free solder materials is shown: the study of the influence of oxygen on the capillary phenomena and the XRD investigation of the structure of liquid in a range of temperatures around that of liquidus. The surface tension behaviour of In-Sn binary alloys at different compositions, in terms of effective oxygen pressure, were compared with the data of pure In and the theoretical predictions, revealing that the lower oxidizability of indium was shown to control indium–tin alloys with a tin content up to about 80 at% , due to the presence of the most volatile oxide In2O. From the XRD spectra the radial distribution functions (RDF have been determined for each alloys. Experiments of High Temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD showed that atomic clustering forms in the melt immediately before the appearing of the first solid. The structure of clusters is correlated to that of solid.

The influence of oxygen contamination on the thermal stability and hardness of nanocrystalline Ni–W alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Marvel, Christopher J., E-mail: cjm312@lehigh.edu [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015 (United States); Yin, Denise [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015 (United States); Cantwell, Patrick R. [Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN 47803 (United States); Harmer, Martin P. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015 (United States)

2016-05-10

Nanocrystalline Ni–W alloys are reported in the literature to be stabilized against high temperature grain growth by W-segregation at the grain boundaries. However, alternative thermal stability mechanisms have been insufficiently investigated, especially in the presence of impurities. This study explored the influence of oxygen impurities on the thermal stability and mechanical properties of electrodeposited Ni-23 at% W with aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and nanoindentation hardness testing. The primary finding of this study was that nanoscale oxides were of sufficient size and volume fraction to inhibit grain growth. The oxide particles were predominantly located on grain boundaries and triple points, which strongly suggests that a particle drag mechanism was active during annealing. In addition, W-segregation was observed at the oxide/Ni(W) interfaces rather than the presumed Ni(W) grain boundaries, further supporting the argument that alternative mechanisms are responsible for thermal stability in these alloys. Lastly, alloys with nanoscale oxides exhibited a higher hardness compared to similar alloys without oxides, suggesting that the particles are widely advantageous. Overall, this work demonstrates that impurity oxide particles can limit grain growth, and alternative mechanisms may be responsible for Ni–W thermal stability.

Recent Advances in Bismuth-Based Nanomaterials for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting.

Science.gov (United States)

Bhat, Swetha S M; Jang, Ho Won

2017-08-10

In recent years, bismuth-based nanomaterials have drawn considerable interest as potential candidates for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting owing to their narrow band gaps, nontoxicity, and low costs. The unique electronic structure of bismuth-based materials with a well-dispersed valence band comprising Bi 6s and O 2p orbitals offers a suitable band gap to harvest visible light. This Review presents significant advancements in exploiting bismuth-based nanomaterials for solar water splitting. An overview of the different strategies employed and the new ideas adopted to improve the PEC performance of bismuth-based nanomaterials are discussed. Morphology control, the construction of heterojunctions, doping, and co-catalyst loading are several approaches that are implemented to improve the efficiency of solar water splitting. Key issues are identified and guidelines are suggested to rationalize the design of efficient bismuth-based materials for sunlight-driven water splitting. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Substutited molybdates of bismuth on a basis of Bi13Mo5O34±δ: production and properties

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Z. A. Mikhailovskaya

2014-11-01

Full Text Available The present work is devoted to the investigation of the methods of a synthesis and properties of the one of the most interesting one-dimensional oxygen –ion conductors, the Bi13Mo5O34±δ –based complex oxides. The general compositions of these bismuth molybdates are Bi13Mo5-хMeхO34-δ, and Bi13-yMeyMo5O34-δ, with Me = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba (IIA group and Co, Fe, Ni (Fe triade. The samples have been synthesized using conventional ceramic technology. The powders and pellets of the bismuth molybdates were studied by X-Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, laser dispersion, dilatometry, atom absorption and inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Electrical conductivity has been studied using impedance spectroscopy method.

The influence of a hyperbaric environment and increased oxygen partial pressure on the corrosion of dental alloys.

Science.gov (United States)

Mehl, Christian; Heblich, Frank; Lenz, Rudolf; Ludwig, Klaus; Kern, Matthias

2011-09-01

The purpose of this in-vitro study was to determine whether there is a correlation between a hyperbaric environment or increased oxygen partial pressure and the corrosion of dental alloys used for dental restorations in divers. Samples of three commercially available dental alloys (palladium-based, reduced-gold-content and high-gold-content) were tested in the DIN EN ISO 1562 static immersion test and the amount of dissolved ions measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The specimens were exposed to one of the following three conditions: normobaric and normoxic conditions (PO2 21 kPa); 608 kPa (6 bar, PO2 127 kPa) pressurised air in a pressure chamber or 506 kPa (5 bar, PO2 304 kPa) pressurised nitrox in a pressure chamber. None of the exposures suggested a correlation between increased ion solubility as a measure of corrosion and increased ambient pressure of the three alloys. The reduced-gold-content alloy released zinc ions at twice the weekly recommended dose. When the palladium-based alloy was exposed to a hyperbaric or hyperbaric/hyperoxic environment, ion solubility increased only slightly for gallium and silver. Within the limited sample size of the current study it can be concluded that hyperbaric and/or hyperoxic conditions do not seem to be a risk for increased corrosion for any of the three tested alloys.

Wetting behaviour of lead-free Sn-based alloys on Cu and Ni substrates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Amore, S.; Ricci, E.; Borzone, G.; Novakovic, R.

2008-01-01

The present work was carried out in the framework of the study of new lead-free solder alloys for technical applications in electronic devices. In the focus of this characterisation the wetting behaviour of several Sn-rich alloys belonging to the In-Sn, Au-Sn and Cu-Sn systems has been studied by measuring the contact angle variations on Cu and Ni substrates as a function of time and temperature. The interface between the alloy and the substrate has been analysed by the use of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry in order to study the reaction between the alloy and the solid substrate and the possible formation of different compounds at the interface. A remarkable effect of the two different substrates on the behaviour of the contact angle as a function of temperature and on the morphology of the interface between the liquid solder and the solid substrate was observed for the In-Sn and Cu-Sn, while the Au-Sn system shows a very similar wetting behaviour on Cu and Ni

Radioprotection to the Gonads in Pediatric Pelvic Radiography: Effectiveness of Developed Bismuth Shield

OpenAIRE

Vahid Karami; Mansour Zabihzadeh; Nasim Shams; Mehrdad Golami

2017-01-01

Background: The use and effectiveness of traditional lead gonad shields in pediatric pelvic radiography has been challenged by several literatures over the past two decades. The aim of this study was to develop a new radioprotective gonad shields to be use in pediatric pelvic radiography. Materials and Methods: The commercially available 0.06 mm lead equivalent bismuth garment has cropped squarely and used as ovarian shield to cover the entire region of pelvis. In order to prevent deteriorati...

Production of low oxygen contamination orthorhombic Ti-Al-Nb intermetallic foil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gill, S.C.; Peters, J.A.; Blatter, P.; Jaquet, J.C.; Morris, M.A.

1996-01-01

Aerospace industries continue the search for high performance materials, and recent years have seen rapid developments being made in the capabilities of Ti-Al based intermetallic alloys. Interest in these alloys is caused by their attractive combination of strength and density, but major drawbacks include brittleness at low temperature and sensitivity to interstitial contamination. Development of a relatively new class of alloys was stimulated in 1988 by the discovery of Banerjee et al. of a Ti-Al-Nb orthorhombic (O) phase based on the Ti 2 AlNb composition. Some important applications for these alloys require the use of foil ( 2 phase and leads to material embrittlement. ELIT (Extra Low Interstitial Transfer) pack-rolling, developed by Sulzer Innotec, offers a technique to avoid oxygen contamination

Helicobacter pylori second-line rescue therapy with levofloxacin- and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy, after failure of standard triple or non-bismuth quadruple treatments.

Science.gov (United States)

Gisbert, J P; Romano, M; Gravina, A G; Solís-Muñoz, P; Bermejo, F; Molina-Infante, J; Castro-Fernández, M; Ortuño, J; Lucendo, A J; Herranz, M; Modolell, I; Del Castillo, F; Gómez, J; Barrio, J; Velayos, B; Gómez, B; Domínguez, J L; Miranda, A; Martorano, M; Algaba, A; Pabón, M; Angueira, T; Fernández-Salazar, L; Federico, A; Marín, A C; McNicholl, A G

2015-04-01

The most commonly used second-line Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens are bismuth-containing quadruple therapy and levofloxacin-containing triple therapy, both offering suboptimal results. Combining bismuth and levofloxacin may enhance the efficacy of rescue eradication regimens. To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a second-line quadruple regimen containing levofloxacin and bismuth in patients whose previous H. pylori eradication treatment failed. This was a prospective multicenter study including patients in whom a standard triple therapy (PPI-clarithromycin-amoxicillin) or a non-bismuth quadruple therapy (PPI-clarithromycin-amoxicillin-metronidazole, either sequential or concomitant) had failed. Esomeprazole (40 mg b.d.), amoxicillin (1 g b.d.), levofloxacin (500 mg o.d.) and bismuth (240 mg b.d.) was prescribed for 14 days. Eradication was confirmed by (13) C-urea breath test. Compliance was determined through questioning and recovery of empty medication envelopes. Incidence of adverse effects was evaluated by questionnaires. 200 patients were included consecutively (mean age 47 years, 67% women, 13% ulcer). Previous failed therapy included: standard clarithromycin triple therapy (131 patients), sequential (32) and concomitant (37). A total of 96% took all medications correctly. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat eradication rates were 91.1% (95%CI = 87-95%) and 90% (95%CI = 86-94%). Cure rates were similar regardless of previous (failed) treatment or country of origin. Adverse effects were reported in 46% of patients, most commonly nausea (17%) and diarrhoea (16%); 3% were intense but none was serious. Fourteen-day bismuth- and levofloxacin-containing quadruple therapy is an effective (≥90% cure rate), simple and safe second-line strategy in patients whose previous standard triple or non-bismuth quadruple (sequential or concomitant) therapies have failed. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Finite Element-Assisted Assessment of the Thermo-cyclic Characteristics of Leads Soldered with SnAgCu(+Bi,In) Alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Lis, Adrian; Nakanishi, Kohei; Matsuda, Tomoki; Sano, Tomokazu; Minagawa, Madoka; Okamoto, Masahide; Hirose, Akio

2017-07-01

Solder joints between leads and printed circuit boards in thin small outline packages were produced with conventional Sn1.0Ag0.7Cu (SAC107) and Sn3.0Ag0.7Cu (SAC305) solders as well as various solder alloys with gradually increasing amounts of Bi (up to 3.0 wt.%) and In (up to 1.0 wt.%) within the SAC107 base solder. The reliability of soldered leads in temperature cycle (TC) tests improved most with solder alloys containing both Bi (1.6 wt.%) and In (0.5 wt.%). Microindentation and electron probe microanalysis mappings revealed that the effect originates from a combination of solution and precipitation strengthening of the initial SAC alloy. The distribution of inelastic strain accumulation (ISA), as a measure for degradation, was determined in the solder joints by finite element calculations. It was shown that defects in the solder proximal to the lead (60-75 μm), which was underpinned by similar cracking characteristics along the lead-solder interface. The ISA was confirmed to be lower in SAC+Bi/In alloys owing to their enhanced elasto-plastic properties. Moreover, the addition of a thin Cu coating on the leads could improve the joint reliability, as suggested by the calculation of the ISA and the acceleration factor.

Enhanced activity and stability of Pt–La and Pt–Ce alloys for oxygen electroreduction: the elucidation of the active surface phase

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Malacrida, Paolo; Escribano, Maria Escudero; Verdaguer Casadevall, Arnau

2014-01-01

Three different Pt-lanthanide metal alloys (Pt5La, Pt5Ce and Pt3La) have been studied as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. Sputter-cleaned polycrystalline Pt5La and Pt5Ce exhibit more than a 3-fold activity enhancement compared to polycrystalline Pt at 0.9 V, while Pt3La heavily c......, suggesting that these alloys hold promise as cathode catalysts in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs)....

A study on the corrosion characteristics of lead-bismuth liquid metal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tak, Nam Il; Park, Won S.; Han, Seok Jung; Jeong, Won Seok

1999-03-01

Pb-Bi eutectic has been adopted as a coolant and spallation target material of HYPER (Hybrid Power Extraction Reactor), an accelerator driven subcritical transmutation system. The contents and scope of the present study are to implement systematic survey and analyses of available results on the corrosion characteristics of Pb-Bi liquid metal which are considered to be the most important among Pb-Bi coolant technologies and to provide fundamental bases for future research efforts. Major parameters affecting the corrosion of structural materials in liquid metals are temperature, flow velocity, contents of impurities in coolant, compositions of structural materials, and so forth. It was already known that for traditional commercial austenitic steels of 18Cr-10Ni-Ti type and 12%Cr ferritic steels, the operating temperatures of Pb-Bi coolant cannot be raised above 400 dg C and 450 dg C, respectively. However, extensive researches have been performed to protect structural materials under higher operating temperature such as the development of various kinds of coating methods for steels and the investigations of coolant inhibition by different chemical elements. The available experimental results show that the effective methods to improve the performance of structural materials in Pb-Bi coolant are the development of suitable steel alloys, the creation of oxide type coatings, and the control of oxygen inhibition. According to the recently presented research results of URRS, utilization of these methods makes it possible to raise the operating temperature limit to 620-650 dg C. It provides the possibility of usage of Pb-Bi coolant for the transmutation system, HYPER some day. (Author). 27 refs., 6 tabs., 15 figs

A study on the corrosion characteristics of lead-bismuth liquid metal

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tak, Nam Il; Park, Won S.; Han, Seok Jung; Jeong, Won Seok

1999-03-01

Pb-Bi eutectic has been adopted as a coolant and spallation target material of HYPER (Hybrid Power Extraction Reactor), an accelerator driven subcritical transmutation system. The contents and scope of the present study are to implement systematic survey and analyses of available results on the corrosion characteristics of Pb-Bi liquid metal which are considered to be the most important among Pb-Bi coolant technologies and to provide fundamental bases for future research efforts. Major parameters affecting the corrosion of structural materials in liquid metals are temperature, flow velocity, contents of impurities in coolant, compositions of structural materials, and so forth. It was already known that for traditional commercial austenitic steels of 18Cr-10Ni-Ti type and 12%Cr ferritic steels, the operating temperatures of Pb-Bi coolant cannot be raised above 400 dg C and 450 dg C, respectively. However, extensive researches have been performed to protect structural materials under higher operating temperature such as the development of various kinds of coating methods for steels and the investigations of coolant inhibition by different chemical elements. The available experimental results show that the effective methods to improve the performance of structural materials in Pb-Bi coolant are the development of suitable steel alloys, the creation of oxide type coatings, and the control of oxygen inhibition. According to the recently presented research results of URRS, utilization of these methods makes it possible to raise the operating temperature limit to 620-650 dg C. It provides the possibility of usage of Pb-Bi coolant for the transmutation system, HYPER some day. (Author). 27 refs., 6 tabs., 15 figs.

Bismuth chalcogenide compounds Bi 2 × 3 (X=O, S, Se): Applications in electrochemical energy storage

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ni, Jiangfeng; Bi, Xuanxuan; Jiang, Yu; Li, Liang; Lu, Jun

2017-04-01

Bismuth chalcogenides Bi2×3 (X=O, S, Se) represent a unique type of materials in diverse polymorphs and configurations. Multiple intrinsic features of Bi2×3 such as narrow bandgap, ion conductivity, and environmental friendliness, have render them attractive materials for a wide array of energy applications. In particular, their rich structural voids and the alloying capability of Bi enable the chalcogenides to be alternative electrodes for energy storage such as hydrogen (H), lithium (Li), sodium (Na) storage and supercapacitors. However, the low conductivity and poor electrochemical cycling are two key challenges for the practical utilization of Bi2×3 electrodes. Great efforts have been devoted to mitigate these challenges and remarkable progresses have been achieved, mainly taking profit of nanotechnology and material compositing engineering. In this short review, we summarize state-of-the-art research advances in the rational design of diverse Bi2×3 electrodes and their electrochemical energy storage performance for H, Li, and Na and supercapacitors. We also highlight the key technical issues at present and provide insights for the future development of bismuth based materials in electrochemical energy storage devices.

Search for Fractionally Charged Nuclei in High-Energy Oxygen-Lead Collisions

CERN Multimedia

2002-01-01

We propose to use stacks of CR-39 plastic track detectors to look for fractionally charged projectile fragments produced in collisions of high-energy oxygen, sulfur, and calcium nuclei with a lead target. The expected charge resolution is @s^z~=~0.06e for fragments with 17e/3~@$<$~Z~@$<$~23e/3. We request that two target + stack assemblies be exposed to 1~x~10|5 oxygen nuclei at maximum available energy.

Pairing from dynamically screened Coulomb repulsion in bismuth

Science.gov (United States)

Ruhman, Jonathan; Lee, Patrick A.

2017-12-01

Recently, Prakash et al. have discovered bulk superconductivity in single crystals of bismuth, which is a semimetal with extremely low carrier density. At such low density, we argue that conventional electron-phonon coupling is too weak to be responsible for the binding of electrons into Cooper pairs. We study a dynamically screened Coulomb interaction with effective attraction generated on the scale of the collective plasma modes. We model the electronic states in bismuth to include three Dirac pockets with high velocity and one hole pocket with a significantly smaller velocity. We find a weak-coupling instability, which is greatly enhanced by the presence of the hole pocket. Therefore we argue that bismuth is the first material to exhibit superconductivity driven by retardation effects of Coulomb repulsion alone. By using realistic parameters for bismuth we find that the acoustic plasma mode does not play the central role in pairing. We also discuss a matrix element effect, resulting from the Dirac nature of the conduction band, which may affect Tc in the s -wave channel without breaking time-reversal symmetry.

Scaled Facility Design Approach for Pool-Type Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Cooled Small Modular Reactor Utilizing Natural Circulation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Park, Sangrok; Shin, Yong-Hoon; Lee, Jueun; Hwang, Il Soon [Seoul National University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2015-10-15

In low carbon era, nuclear energy is the most prominent energy source of electricity. For steady ecofriendly nuclear energy supply, Generation IV reactors which are future nuclear reactor require safety, sustainability, economics and non-proliferation as four criteria. Lead cooled fast reactor (LFR) is one of these reactor type and Generation IV international forum (GIF) adapted three reference LFR systems which are a small and movable systems with long life without refueling, intermediate size and huge electricity generation system for power grid. NUTRECK (Nuclear Transmutation Energy Center of Korea) has been designed reactor called URANUS (Ubiquitous, Rugged, Accident-forgiving, Non-proliferating, and Ultra-lasting Sustainer) which is small modular reactor and using lead-bismuth eutectic coolant. To prove natural circulation capability of URANUS and analyze design based accidents, scaling mock-up experiment facility will be constructed. In this paper, simple specifications of URANUS will be presented. Then based on this feature, scaling law and scaled facility design results are presented. To validate safety feature and thermodynamics characteristic of URANUS, scaled mockup facility of URANUS is designed based on the scaling law. This mockup adapts two area scale factors, core and lower parts of mock-up are scaled for 3D flow experiment. Upper parts are scaled different size to reduce electricity power and LBE tonnage. This hybrid scaling method could distort some thermal-hydraulic parameters, however, key parameters for experiment will be matched for up-scaling. Detailed design of mock-up will be determined through iteration for design optimization.

Radiochemical determination of lead-210 in uranium ores and air dusts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sill, C.W.; Willis, C.P.

1977-01-01

An improved procedure is described by which cellulose, glass fiber, and polystyrene filters can be wet-ashed and siliceous samples dissolved completely without loss of lead by either volatilization or spontaneous reduction to metal that occurs with dry ashing and/or treatment in platinum containers. The solution of bismuth-210 used to calibrate the β counter is prepared by chemical separation from a solution of lead-210 which is much more convenient and results in a product of higher specific activity than one prepared by neutron activation of stable bismuth. After separation from the samples by conventional chemical procedures, the bismuth-210 is precipitated on barium sulfate for β counting which is more convenient and gives a more uniform and reproducible deposit than is obtained by most other means

Extreme Pressure Synergistic Mechanism of Bismuth Naphthenate and Sulfurized Isobutene Additives

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Xin; Hu, Jianqiang; Yang, Shizhao; Xie, Feng; Guo, Li

A four-ball tester was used to evaluate the tribological performances of bismuth naphthenate (BiNap), sulfurized isobutene (VSB), and their combinations. The results show that the antiwear properties of BiNap and VSB are not very visible, but they possess good extreme pressure (EP) properties, particularly sulfur containing bismuth additives. Synergistic EP properties of BiNap with various sulfur-containing additives were investigated. The results indicate that BiNap exhibits good EP synergism with sulfur-containing additives. The surface analytical tools, such as X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), were used to investigate the topography, composition contents, and depth profile of some typical elements on the rubbing surface. Smooth topography of wear scar further confirms that the additive showed good EP capacities, and XPS and EDX analyzes indicate that tribochemical mixed protective films composed of bismuth, bismuth oxides, sulfides, and sulfates are formed on the rubbing surface, which improves the tribological properties of lubricants. In particular, a large number of bismuth atoms and bismuth sulfides play an important role in improving the EP properties of oils.

Localization and Related Phenomena in Multiply Connected Nanostructured Inverse Opal Bismuth

Science.gov (United States)

Bleiweiss, Michael; Saygi, Salih; Amirzadeh, Jafar; Datta, Timir; Lungu, Anca; Yin, Ming; Palm, Eric; Brandt, Bruce; Iqbal, Zafar

2001-03-01

The nanostructures were fabricated by pressure infiltration of bismuth into porous artificial opal and were characterized using SEM, EDX and XRD. These structures form a regular three-dimensional network in which the bismuth regions percolate in all directions between the close packed spheres of SiO_2. The sizes of the conducting regions are of the order of tens of nanometers. The static magnetic properties of both bismuth inverse opal and bulk bismuth were studied using a SQUID magnetometer. Transport measurements, including Hall, were done using standard ac four and six probe techniques in fields up to 17 T* and temperatures between 4.2 and 150 K. The results of these measurements, including the observation of localization phenomena, will be discussed. Comparisons will be made with published results on bismuth nanowires. *Performed at the National High Magnetic Field Lab (NHMFL) FSU, Tallahassee, FL. Partially supported by a grant from NASA.

Microscopic study of gum-metal alloys: A role of trace oxygen for dislocation-free deformation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nagasako, Naoyuki; Asahi, Ryoji; Isheim, Dieter; Seidman, David N.; Kuramoto, Shigeru; Furuta, Tadahiko

2016-01-01

A class of Ti–Nb–Ta–Zr–O alloys called gum metal are known to display high strength, low Young's modulus and high elastic deformability up to 2.5%, simultaneously, and considered to deform by a dislocation-free deformation mechanism. A trace of oxygen (∼1%) in gum metal is indispensable to realize such significant properties; however, the detailed mechanism and the role of the oxygen has not been understood. To investigate an effect of trace oxygen included in gum metal, first-principles calculations for gum-metal approximants including zirconium and oxygen are performed. Calculated results clearly indicate that oxygen site with less neighboring Nb atom is energetically favorable, and that Zr–O bonding has an important role to stabilize the bcc structure of gum metal. The three-dimensional atom-probe tomography (3-D APT) measurements for gum metal were also performed to identify compositional inhomogeneity attributed to the trace elements. From the 3-D APT measurements, Zr ions bonding with oxygen ions are observed, which indicates existence of Zr–O nano-clusters in gum metal. Consequently, it is found that (a) coexistence of Zr atom and oxygen atom improves elastical stability of gum metal, (b) inhomogeneous distribution of the compositions induced by the trace elements causes anisotropical change of shear moduli, and (c) Zr–O nano-clusters existing in gum metal are expected to be obstacles to suppress movemen of dislocations.

High ionic conductivity in confined bismuth oxide-based heterostructures

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Simone Sanna

2016-12-01

Full Text Available Bismuth trioxide in the cubic fluorite phase (δ-Bi2O3 exhibits the highest oxygen ionic conductivity. In this study, we were able to stabilize the pure δ-Bi2O3 at low temperature with no addition of stabilizer but only by engineering the interface, using highly coherent heterostructures made of alternative layers of δ-Bi2O3 and Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ, deposited by pulsed laser deposition. The resulting [δ-Bi2O3/YSZ] heterostructures are found to be stable over a wide temperature range (500-750 °C and exhibits stable high ionic conductivity over a long time comparable to the value of the pure δ-Bi2O3, which is approximately two orders of magnitude higher than the conductivity of YSZ bulk.

High ionic conductivity in confined bismuth oxide-based heterostructures

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sanna, Simone; Esposito, Vincenzo; Christensen, Mogens