Influencia de la atmósfera de sinterización en las propiedades mecánicas de los aceros P/M AISI 430.LInfluence of sintering atmosphere on the mechanical properties of steel P/M AISI 430L

Se ha estudiado el acero inoxidable pulvimetalúrgico AISI 430L, comparando la sinterización en dos atmósferas diferentes; en vacío, y en una atmósfera que contiene nitrógeno. Se ha desarrollado un tratamiento térmico con objeto de incrementar las propiedades mecánicas, mediante la modificación microestructural de los nitruros complejos de hierro y cromo precipitados durante la etapa de sinterización. Se han evaluado las propiedades físicas y a la vez se ha realizado un análisis microestructural con el fin de relacionar la microestructura con el incremento en las propiedades mecánicas. Influence of sintering atmosphere on the mechanical properties of steel P / M AISI 430L. It has studied the stainless steel powder metallurgy AISI 430L. It has compared the sintering in two different atmospheres; in vacuum, and in an atmosphere containing nitrogen. It has developed a heat treatment with the aim of improving the mechanical properties. This has been done through microstructural modification of complex nitrides of iron and chromium precipitates during the phase of sintering. Physical properties have been evaluated and are been performing a microstructural analysis for microstructure related to the increase in mechanical properties.

Sintering and microstuctural characterization of W6+, Nb5+ and Ti4+ iron-substituted BiFeO3

The sintering behaviour and the microstructural evolution of W6+, Nb5+ and Ti4+iron-substituted BiFeO3 ceramics have been analyzed. The obtained results show that W6+ and Nb5+ ions interact with the secondary phases usually present in these materials, thus altering the solid state formation of the BiFeO3 phase. In contrast, Ti4+ ions incorporate into the perovskite structure, leading to an exceptionally low proportion of secondary phases. In addition to this, BiFe0.95Ti0.05O3 materials present a dense microstructure with submicronic and nanostructured grains, clearly smaller than those in the undoped materials.

Influence of aluminium on dimensional change of sintered 430 Ferritic Stainless Steel

Aluminium is added to decrease matrix chromium losses on 430 stainless steel sintered on nitrogen atmosphere. Three different ways were used to add a 3% (in weight) aluminium: as elemental powder, as prealloyed powder, and as intermetallic Fe-AI compound. After die pressing at densities between 6.1-6.5 g/cm3, samples were sintered on vacuum and on N2-5%H2 atmosphere in a dilatometric furnace. Therefore, dimensional change was recorded during sintering. Weight gain was obtained after nitrogen sintering on all materials due to nitrides formation. Sample expansion was obtained on all nitrogen sintered steels with Al additions. Microstructure showed a dispersion of aluminium nitrides when pre-alloyed powders are used. On the contrary, aluminium nitride areas can be found when aluminium is added as elemental powders or as Fe-AI intermetallics. Also nitrogen atmosphere leads to austenite formation and hence, on cooling, dilatometric results showed a dimensional change at austenitic-ferritic phase transformation temperature.

Highly conductive coatings of carbon black/silica composites obtained by a sol-gel process

Conductive submicronic coatings of carbon black (CB)/silica composites have been prepared by a sol-gel process and deposited by spray-coating on glazed porcelain tiles. Stable CB dispersions with surfactant were rheologically characterized to determine the optimum CB-surfactant ratio. The composites were analyzed by Differential Thermal and Thermogravimetric Analysis and Hg-Porosimetry. Thin coatings were thermally treated in the temperature range of 300-500degC in air atmosphere. The microstructure of the coatings was determined by scanning electron microscopy and the structure evaluated by confocal Raman spectroscopy. The electrical characterization of the samples was carried out using dc intensity-voltage curves. The coatings exhibit good adhesion, high density and homogeneous distribution of the conductive filler (CB) in the insulate matrix (silica) that protects against the thermal degradation of the CB nanoparticles during the sintering process. As consequence, the composite coatings show the lowest resistivity values for CB-based films reported in the literature, with values of ~7times10 -5Omegam.

Open-atmosphere structural depth profiling of multilayer samples of photovoltaic interest using laser-induced plasma spectrometry

The present work aims to assess Laser-Induced Plasma Spectrometry (LIPS) as a tool for the characterization of photovoltaic materials. Despite being a well-established technique with applications to many scientific and industrial fields, so far LIPS is little known to the photovoltaic scientific community. The technique allows the rapid characterization of layered samples without sample preparation, in open atmosphere and in real time. In this paper, we assess LIPS ability for the determination of elements that are difficult to analyze by other broadly used techniques, or for producing analytical information from very low-concentration elements. The results of the LIPS characterization of two different samples are presented: 1) a 90 nm, Al-doped ZnO layer deposited on a Si substrate by RF sputtering and 2) a Te-doped GaInP layer grown on GaAs by Metalorganic Vapor Phase Epitaxy. For both cases, the depth profile of the constituent and dopant elements is reported along with details of the experimental setup and the optimization of key parameters. It is remarkable that the longest time of analysis was ∼10 s, what, in conjunction with the other characteristics mentioned, makes of LIPS an appealing technique for rapid screening or quality control whether at the lab or at the production line.

Dielectric behaviour of Hf-doped CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics obtained by conventional synthesis and reactive sintering

CaCu3(Ti4xHfx)O12 ceramics (JC = 0.04, 0.1 and 0.2) were prepared by conventional synthesis (CS) and through reactive sintering (RS), in which synthesis and sintering of the material take place in one single step. The microstructure and the dielectric properties of Hf-doped CCTO (CCTOHf) have been studied by XRD, FE-SEM, AFM, Raman and impedance spectroscopy (IS) in order to correlate the structure, microstructure and the electrical properties. Samples prepared by reactive sintering show slightly higher dielectric constant than those prepared by conventional synthesis in the same way than the pure CCTO. Dielectric constant and dielectric losses decrease slightly increasing Hf content. For CCTOHf ceramics with x> 0.04 for CS and x> 0.1 for RS, a secondary phase HfTi04 appears. As expected, the reactive sintering processing method allows a higher incorporation of Hf in the CCTO lattice than the conventional synthesis one.

E-beam propagation and interaction with atmosphere

This study purports to investigate whether a conductive tether left uninsulated and electrically floating in LEO could serve as an effective e-beam source to produce artificial auroras. An electrically floating tether comes out biased highly negative over most of its length. Ambient ions impacting it with KeV energies liberate secondary electrons, which are locally accelerated through the 2D tether voltage-bias, race down magnetic lines, and result in peak auroral emissions at about 120-160 km altitude. Since no current flows at either tether end, a bare-tether e-beam is fully free of spacecraft charging problems. Beam propagation and beam-atmosphere interactions need be modelled in a simple but quantitative way so as to allow a satisfactory discussion of observational options and their feasibility. The evolution in the energy spectrum of secondary electrons, their pitch distribution, and beam broadening due to collisions with neutrals, which would result in a broader but weaker tether footprint in the E-layer, need be modelled. Relations between particle/energy flux values, and ionization and accompanying emission rates, are considered.

Floating bare tether as upper atmosphere probe

Use of a conductive bare tape electrically floating in low Earth orbit as an effective electron beam source to produce artificial auroral effects, free of problems that mard tandard beams, is considered. Ambient ions impacting the tape with keV energies over most of its length liberate secondary electrons that race down the magnetic field, excite neutrals in the E layer, and result in auroral emissions. The tether would operate with both a power supply and a plasma contactor off at nighttime; power and contactor would be on at daytime for reboost. Tomographic analysis of auroral emissions from the footprint of the beam, as observed from the spacecraft, can provide density profiles of dominant neutral species in the E layer. A characteristic tether system, at altitude 300 km and moderate orbital inclination, would involve an aluminum tape with a length of 20 km, a width of 15 mm, and a thickness of 0.2 mm for a full-system mass around 1200 kg, with two thirds going into the power subsystem.

Mechanical Characterization of Tungsten-Titanium-Lanthana alloy: Influence of Temperature and Atmosphere

The target is to evaluate the mechanical behavior of Ti and La2O3 dispersed W alloy, processed by HIP and compare it with a reference pure-W. Tests were performed in both oxidant (air) and inert (vacuum) atmosphere in a temperature range from -196 to 1200 °C.

Influence of Temperature and Atmosphere in Tungsten-Titanium-Lanthana Alloys

The most promising materials to be used as Plasma Facing Components(PFC),in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), are tungsten alloys. However these materials have to withstand extreme operating conditions such as those that will be used inside the reactor.

Floating Bare Tether as Upper Atmosphere Probe

Use of a (bare) conductive tape electrically floating in LEO as an effective e-beam source that produces artificial auroras, and is free of problems that have marred standard beams, is considered. Ambient ions impacting the tape with KeV energies over most of its length liberate secondary electrons, which race down the magnetic field and excite neutrals in the E-layer, resulting in auroral emissions. The tether would operate at night-time with both a power supply and a plasma contactor off; power and contactor would be on at daytime for reboost. The optimal tape thickness yielding a minimum mass for an autonomous system is determined; the alternative use of an electric thruster for day reboost, depending on mission duration, is discussed. Measurements of emission brightness from the spacecraft could allow determination of the (neutral) density vertical profile in the critical E-layer; the flux and energy in the beam, varying along the tether, allow imaging line-of-sight integrated emissions that mix effects with altitude-dependent neutral density and lead to a brightness peak in the beam footprint at the E-layer. Difficulties in tomographic inversion, to determine the density profile, result from beam broadening, due to elastic collisions, which flattens the peak, and to the highly nonlinear functional dependency of line-of-sight brightness. Some dynamical issues are discussed.

Mechanical characterisation of tungsten-1wt.% yttrium oxide as a function of temperature and atmosphere

This study evaluates the mechanical behaviour of an Y2O3-dispersed tungsten (W) alloy and compares it to a pure W reference material. Both materials were processed via mechanical alloying (MA) and subsequent hot isostatic pressing (HIP). We performed non-standard three-point bending (TPB) tests in both an oxidising atmosphere and vacuum across a temperature range from 77 K, obtained via immersion in liquid nitrogen, to 1473 K to determine the mechanical strength, yield strength and fracture toughness. This research aims to evaluate how the mechanical behaviour of the alloy is affected by oxides formed within the material at high temperatures, primarily from 873 K, when the materials undergo a massive thermal degradation. The results indicate that the alloy is brittle to a high temperature (1473 K) under both atmospheres and that the mechanical properties degrade significantly above 873 K. We also used Vickers microhardness tests and the dynamic modulus by impulse excitation technique (IET) to determine the elastic modulus at room temperature. Moreover, we performed nanoindentation tests to determine the effect of size on the hardness and elastic modulus; however, no significant differences were found. Additionally, we calculated the relative density of the samples to assess the porosity of the alloy. Finally, we analysed the microstructure and fracture surfaces of the tested materials via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In this way, the relationship between the macroscopic mechanical properties and micromechanisms of failure could be determined based on the temperature and oxides formed

Colonización bacteriana y oxidación de aceros inoxidables austeníticos, ferríticos y dúplex sinterizados

Las características y capacidades de los aceros inoxidables sinterizados se han investigado en una doble vertiente. Por una parte con vista a sus capacidades de resistencia a la oxidación en caliente y por otra parte se ha investigado su capacidad para retener microorganismos que contribuyan a la descontaminación de un ambiente. Por ello, para cada una de estas funciones se han utilizado los aceros inoxidables sinterizados, que se han considerado más adecuados. Para estudiar sus capacidades de resistencia a la oxidación en caliente se ha utilizado un acero inoxidable austenítico AISI 304L, un acero inoxidable ferrítico AISI 430L y un acero inoxidable Fe-16Cr-3Al. Para estudiar sus capacidades para retener microorganismos se ha utilizado un acero inoxidable austenítico AISI 316L, un acero inoxidable ferrítico AISI 430L y un acero inoxidable dúplex 50%/50% de los anteriores. Para esta última finalidad los aceros se han compactado a tres diferentes presiones 300, 500 y 700 MPa, a las que corresponden diferentes porosidades. En relación con el comportamiento frente a la oxidación en caliente, se han cuantificado los incrementos positivos o negativos de volumen, masa y densidad en los diferentes tipos de sinterización y estados de tratamiento de oxidación. Como tónica general de comportamiento, puede decirse que los aceros sinterizados bajo vacío son más resistentes a la oxidación, que los sinterizados en atmósfera de N2-5H2 y que los aceros inoxidables austeníticos son algo más resistentes, que los Cr-Al y estos, a su vez, más que los aceros inoxidables ferríticos. Respecto a la retención de microorganismos, los tres aceros inoxidables sinterizados se han ensayado en diferentes medios de cultivo, utilizando cuatro especies de bacterias. Los mejores resultados se han obtenido con Staphylococcus aureus, muy favorable para su observación y recuento. Se han cuantificado, una vez sinterizados y colonizados por los microorganismos, para cada material y presión de compactación, las áreas de cada uno de los poros y el número de microorganismos situados en los poros y en la superficie sin poros. Se ha establecido en cada caso la densidad de microorganismos en las zonas de poros y en las zonas sin poros. Como tónica general puede decirse, que los aceros inoxidables austeníticos aparecen más favorables para estos estudios, que los aceros dúplex y estos más que los inoxidables ferríticos. Asimismo, se desprende que las áreas de los poros dependen de forma unívoca de la presión de compactación y que para áreas de poros decrecientes las densidades de microorganismos son crecientes. En consecuencia, podría deducirse, que a igualdad de área de poros en una superficie, aquella que tuviera los poros más pequeños, retendría mayor cantidad de bacterias. ABSTRACT The characteristics and capacities of sintered stainless steels have been researched from two perspectives: firstly, with a view to their resistance to hot oxidation, and secondly their capacity to retain microorganisms able to decontaminate the environment. For both these functions, sintered stainless steels were used, which are considered to be the most fit for purpose. To study their resistance to hot oxidation, we used austenitic stainless steel AISI 304L, ferritic stainless steel AISI 430L and stainless steel Fe-16Cr-3Al. To study their ability to retain microorganisms, we used austenitic stainless steel AISI 316L, ferritic stainless steel AISI 430L, and duplex stainless steel, being a 50/50 blend of the two former ones. For this last purpose, the steels were compacted at three different pressures (300, 500 and 700 MPa) corresponding to different porosities. With regard to the hot oxidation, we quantified the positive or negative increments in volume, mass and density in the different types of sintering and oxidation treatment states. As a general performance trend, we observed that vacuum sintered steels are more resistant to oxidation than those sintered in an atmosphere of N2-5H2, and that austenitic stainless steels are slightly more resistant than the Cr-Al steels which, in turn, are more resistant than the ferritic stainless steels. With regard to the retention of microorganisms, the three sintered stainless steels were tested in different culture media using four types of bacteria. The best results for observation and counting were obtained with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Once sintered and colonized by microorganisms, for each material and compacting pressure we quantified the areas of the pores and the number of microorganisms situated in the pores and on the pore-free surface. In each case, the density of microorganisms in the pores and in the pore-free areas was established. As a general rule, we can say that the austenitic stainless steels appear to be more favourable for this type of study than the duplex steels which, in turn, are more favourable than the ferritic stainless steels. It also emerged that the areas with the pores depend unequivocally on the compacting pressure, and that the smaller the area of the pore the higher the density of the microorganisms. Consequently, it can be deduced that comparing an equal area of pores on a surface, the one with the smaller pores would retain a larger number of bacteria.