Processing and excellent oxidation resistance of nanocrystalline Fe-Cr alloys

Nanocrystalline and microcrystalline Fe-10Cr alloys were prepared by high energy ball milling followed by compaction and sintering, and then oxidized in air for 52 hours at 400ºC. The oxidation resistance of nanocrystalline Fe-10Cr alloy as determined by measuring the weight gain after regular time intervals was compared with that of the microcrystalline alloy of same chemical composition (also prepared by the same processing route and oxidized under identical conditions). Oxidation resistance of nanocrystalline Fe10Cr alloy was found to be in excess of an order of magnitude superior than that of microcrystalline Fe10Cr alloy. The paper also presents results of secondary ion mass spectrometry of oxidized samples of nanocrystalline and microcrystalline Fe-Cr alloys, evidencing the formation of a more protective oxide scale in the nanocrystalline alloy.

A high performance position sensorless surface permanent magnet synchronous motor drive based on flux angle

A position sensorless Surface Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (SPMSM) drive based on flux angle is presented in this paper. The motor equations are written in rotor fixed d-q reference frame. A PID controller is used to process the speed error to generate the reference torque current keeping the magnetizing current fixed. The estimated stator flux using Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) is used to find out the rotor position. The flux angle and the reference current phasor angle are used in vector rotator to generate the reference phase currents. Hysteresis current controller block controls the switching of the 3-phase inverter to apply voltage to the motor stator. Simulation studies on different operating conditions indicate the acceptability of the drive system. The drive system only requires a speed transducer and is free from position sensor requirement. The proposed control scheme is robust under load torque disturbances and motor parameter variations. It is also simple and low cost to implement in a practical environment.

A comprehensive analytical subdomain model and its field solutions for surface-mounted permanent magnet machines

This paper presents a comprehensive analytical subdomain model together with its field solutions for predicting the magnetic field distributions in surface-mounted permanent magnet (PM) machines. The tooth tips and slotting effects during open-circuit, armature reaction, and on-load conditions are considered when deriving the model and developing its solutions. The model derivations and field solutions are extended from a previous model, and can be applied to PM machines with any combinations of slot and pole numbers and any magnetization patterns in the magnets. This model is initially formulated according to Laplace's and Poisson's equations in 2-D polar coordinates by the separation of variables technique in four subdomains, such as magnet, airgap, winding slots, and slot-openings. The field solution of each subdomain is obtained applying the appropriate boundary conditions and interface conditions between every two subdomains, respectively, which can precisely account for the mutual influence between slots. Finite element analysis (FEA) is later deployed to validate the analytical results in a surface-mounted PM machine that has nonoverlapping winding arrangement. For validation purposes, PM machines having 3-slot/2-pole with parallel magnetization and 12-slot/10-pole with either parallel or radial magnetizations are used for comparisons. Computation of global quantities for the motor which include the phase back-EMF and cogging torque is also included. The results indicate that the proposed analytical model can accurately predict the magnetic field distributions in each subdomain and the motor's global quantities, which are in good agreement with those obtained from the FEA.

Adsorption kinetics and optimum conditions for Cr(VI) removal by activated carbon prepared from luffa sponge

Activated carbon (AC) prepared from luffa sponge was firstly used as an adsorbent to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The Cr(VI) adsorption behaviors of AC under different conditions, including initial Cr(VI) concentration, quantity of AC, solution pH, and temperature were investigated. The optimal conditions for adsorption of Cr(VI) by AC were pH = 1, initial Cr(VI) concentration = 80 mg/L, T = 303 K, and AC content = 1.6 g/L. The adsorption kinetics could be described by the pseudo-second-order model. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the sorption mechanism. Some functional groups such as C–O and O–H were formed on the carbon surface, which could then react with Cr(VI). The surface structure of AC before and after adsorption was analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy. Adsorbed ions choked some of the pores in AC after adsorption. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area and average pore size of the AC were 834.13 m2/g and 5.17 nm, respectively. The maximum adsorption of Cr(VI) by AC was 149.06 mg/g, which makes AC prepared from luffa sponge promising for removing Cr(VI) from wastewater.

Simultaneous improvement in the strength and corrosion resistance of Al via high-energy ball milling and Cr alloying

The corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline aluminium (Al) and Al-20. wt.%Cr alloys, synthesized by high-energy ball milling followed by spark plasma sintering, were investigated. Both alloys exhibited an excellent combination of corrosion resistance and compressive yield strength, which was attributed to the nanocrystalline structure, extended solubility, uniformly distributed fine particles, and homogenous microstructure induced by high-energy ball milling. This work demonstrates the possibilities of developing ultra-high strength Al alloys with excellent corrosion resistance, exploiting conventionally insoluble elements or alloying additions via suitable processing routes.

Corrosion behaviour and hardness of in situ consolidated nanostructured Al and Al-Cr alloys produced via high-energy ball milling

This paper presents a hypothesis and its experimental validation that simultaneous improvement in the hardness and corrosion resistance of aluminium can be achieved by the combination of suitable processing route and alloying additions. More specifically, the corrosion resistance and hardness of Al- xCr (x= 0-10 wt.%) alloys as produced via high-energy ball milling were significantly higher than pure Al and AA7075-T651. The improved properties of the Al- xCr alloys were attributed to the Cr addition and high-energy ball milling, which caused nanocrystalline structure, extended solubility of Cr in Al, and uniformly distributed fine intermetallic phases in the Al-Cr matrix.

Estudo da carburização de tubos de ligas de Fe-Cr-Ni aplicadas em fornos de pirólise

Durante sua utilização, tubos que operam na pirólise de substâncias orgânicas sofrem degradação estrutural resultante dos mecanismos de carburização que, em geral, levam à falha dos tubos. A carburização decorre da quantidade de carbono disponível na pirólise, que chega a formar uma camada intensa de coque no interior dos tubos. Para a retirada do coque, é introduzido vapor no intuito de queimá-lo que, adicionalmente, deixa carbono na superfície para a carburização. Este trabalho analisa os aspectos metalúrgicos envolvidos no ataque das liga Fe-Cr- Ni através da carburização, onde falhas catastróficas podem ocorrer devido às tensões térmicas geradas nas paradas de retirada do coque formado. Os tubos usados são fabricados com as ligas HP40 e HPX. Ligas ricas em cromo e níquel são utilizados; no caso do níquel a estabilização da estrutura austenítica e do cromo pela formação de uma camada protetora de óxido. No entanto, tempos prolongados de emprego da liga pode gerar quebra da barreira protetora e, então, proporcionar a difusão do carbono para o material, causando mudanças microestuturais que irão afetar as propriedades metalúrgicas Neste trabalho foram analisadas microestruturas de ligas com 25% Cr e 35% Ni que operaram por 20.000 e 37.000 horas, bem como a realização de uma série de tratamentos térmicos com ligas 25% Cr 35% Ni e 35% Cr 45% Ni sem uso, a fim de se estabelecer à relação existente entre a difusão do carbono e a microestrutura resultante. De posse destes dados, foram realizadas análises em microscopia, ensaios mecânicos, dilatometria e modelamento das tensões térmicas geradas nas paradas de decoking. Foi, também, desenvolvido uma metodologia capaz de relacionar a espessura da camada difundida de carbono com o magnetismo existente na superfície interna causada pela formação de precipitados magnéticos.

Caracterização de carbonetos por difração de raios X em aços baixo Cr-Mo para usos em altas temperaturas

O presente trabalho desenvolve a análise qualitativa de carbonetos existentes em um tubo de aço 1,25Cr-0,5Mo envelhecido em condições de fluência em um reformador. A análise é feita mediante difração de raios X utilizando a técnica de pós, XRPD. Para a separação dos precipitados da amostra do aço, recorre-se a um método de dissolução ácida da matriz ferrítica. O método de dissolução ácida permitiu a separação do carboneto M2C da matriz ferrítica, o mesmo foi identificado por difração de raios X. Adicionalmente, comparam-se os dados obtidos experimentalmente com os resultados dos cálculos teóricos de equilíbrio termodinâmico realizados com o aplicativo MT-DATA. É de se esperar que no aço estudado a condição equilíbrio termodinâmico à temperatura de operação do reformador (500-550 °C) tenha sido alcançada, devido a que este permaneceu nesta situação por um período de aproximadamente 34 anos. Os resultados do modelamento termodinâmico realizado com o aplicativo MT-DATA indicam que para a faixa de temperaturas de 500-550ºC as fases em equilíbrio deveriam ser ferrita e o carboneto M23C6. No entanto, a análise experimental por XRPD demonstrou que o carboneto M2C é o único carboneto existente no aço estudado.

Novel catalyst systems based on Ni(II), Ti(IV), and Cr(III) complexes for oligo-and polymerization of ethylene

The complex of Brookhart Ni(α-diimine)Cl2 (1) (α-diimine = 1,4-bis(2,6- diisopropylphenyl)-acenaphthenediimine) has been characterized after impregnation on silica (S1) and MAO-modified silicas (4.0, 8.0 and 23.0 wts.% Al/SiO2 called S2, S3 and S4, respectively). The treatment of these heterogeneous systems with MAO produces some active catalysts for the polymerization of the ethylene. A high catalytic activity has been gotten while using the system supported 1/S3 (196 kg of PE/mol[Ni].h.atm; toluene, Al/Ni = 1000, 30ºC, 60 min and atmospheric pressure of ethylene). The effects of polymerization conditions have been tested with the catalyst supported in S2 and the best catalytic activity has been gotten with solvent hexane, MAO as cocatalyst, molar ratio Al/Ni of 1000 and to the temperature of 30°C (285 kg of PE/mol[Ni].h.atm). When the reaction has been driven according to the in situ methodology, the activity practically doubled and polymers showed some similar properties. Polymers products by the supported catalysts showed the absence of melting fusion, results similar to those gotten with the homogeneous systems by DSC analysis. But then, polymers gotten with the transplanted system present according to the GPC’s curves the polydispersity (MwD) varies between 1.7 and 7.0. A polyethylene blend (BPE/LPE) was prepared using the complex Ni(α-diimine)Cl2 (1) (α-diimine = 1,4-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-acenaphthenediimine) and {TpMs*}TiCl3 (2) (TpMs* = hydridobis(3-mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)(5-mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)) supported in situ on MAO-modified silica (4.0 wts. -% Al/SiO2, S2). Reactions of polymerization of ethylene have been executed in the toluene in two different temperatures (0 and 30°C), varying the molars fraction of nickel (xNi), and using MAO as external cocatalyst. To all temperatures, the activities show a linear variation tendency with xNi and indicate the absence of the effect synergic between the species of nickel and the titanium. The maximum of activity have been found at 0°C. The melting temperature for the blends of polyethylene produced at 0 °C decrease whereas xNi increases indicating a good compatibility between phases of the polyethylene gotten with the two catalysts. The melting temperature for the blends of polyethylene showed be depend on the order according to which catalysts have been supported on the MAO-modified silica. The initial immobilization of 1 on the support (2/1/S2) product of polymers with a melting temperature (Tm) lower to the one of the polymer gotten when the titanium has been supported inicially (1/2/S2). The observation of polyethylenes gotten with the two systems (2/1/S2 and 1/2/S2) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the spherical polymer formation showing that the spherical morphology of the support to been reproduced. Are described the synthesis, the characterization and the catalytic properties for the oligomerization of the ethylene of four organometallics compounds of CrIII with ligands ([bis[2-(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)ethyl]amine] chromium (III) chloride (3a), [bis[2-(3,5- dimethyl-l-pyrazolyl)ethyl]benzylamine] chromium (III) chloride (3b), [bis[2-(3,5-dimethyl-lpyrazolyl) ethyl]ether] chromiun(III)chloride (3c), [bis[2-(3-phenyl-lpyrazolyl) ethyl]ether]chromiun(III)chloride (3d)). In relation of the oligomerization, at exception made of the compounds 3a, all complex of the chromium showed be active after activation with MAO and the TOF gotten have one effect differentiated to those formed with CrCl3(thf)3. The coordination of a tridentate ligand on the metallic center doesn't provoke any considerable changes on the formation of the C4 and C6, but the amount of C8 are decrease and the C10 and C12+ have increased. The Polymers produced by the catalyst 3a to 3 and 20 bar of ethylene have, according to analyses by DSC, the temperatures of fusion of 133,8 and 136ºC respectively. It indicates that in the two cases the production of high density polyethylene. The molar mass, gotten by GPC, is 46647 g/mols with MwD = 2,4 (3 bar). The system 3c/MAO showed values of TOF, activity and selectivity to different α-olefins according to the pressure of ethylene uses. Himself that shown a big sensibility to the concentration of ethylene solubilized.

Uma avaliação sobre a relação entre os mercados de açúcar crú e petróleo crú

Este trabalho tem como objetivo fazer uma avaliação sobre a correlação entre os preços de açúcar crú e petróleo crú. Até poucos anos atrás, commodities agrícolas e energéticas possuíam uma baixa, ou até mesmo insignificante correlação entre as séries de preços. Este cenário vem se modificando nos últimos anos e este trabalho re-avalia a existência de correlação entre os mercados de açúcar crú e petróleo crú. Uma possível causa para este efeito é a utilização de commodities agrícolas na produção de combustíveis líquidos, como o etanol, sendo este o elo de conexão entre o mundo fossil e o mundo agrícola. Através de indices como o de correlação fica possível encontrar mecanismos de precificação e hedge em outros mercados mais líquidos e consequetemente mitigar o risco de comercialização de produtos como o açúcar e o etanol de origem de cana-de-açúcar. Em primeiro lugar procurou-se traçar um esboço das possíveis causas desta nova correlação entre commodities agrícolas e energéticas. Em seguida foram utilizados métodos estatísticos e econométricos para avaliar a existência de correlação significativa entre os preços das commodities escolhidas e como estas correlações tem se alterado ao longo do tempo. O modelo GARCH pode ser utilizado para descrever a volatilidade com menos parâmetros do que um modelo ARCH. Neste trabalho, foi selecionado primeiramente o melhor modelo GARCH para esta avaliação e, subsequentemente, este foi usado para avaliar a existência de alteração de correlação entre as variáveis escolhidas. Os resultados revelaram que o índice de correlação entre os preços do açúcar crú e do petróleo crú é estatisticamente diferente de zero e é crescente ao longo do período de tempo estudado. Contudo, apenas a variância condicional do preço do petróleo crú se alterou ao longo do tempo, não acontecendo o mesmo com o açúcar crú. Assim sendo, ainda não é possível afirmar que a correlação crescente observada entre os preços de açúcar crú e petróleo crú é decorrente da relação desses mercados com o mercado de biocombustíveis.