Iranian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering

The Effects of ZnO Additive on Sintering Behavior, Microstructural Evolution and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Li2TiO3 Ceramics

T. Ebadzadeh

The densification behavior, structural and microstructural evolution and microwave dielectric properties of Li₂TiO₃+ xZnO (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 5 mol%) ceramics have been investigated using X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and microwave resonant measurement. The Maximum density of 3.33 g/cm³ was obtained in Li₂TiO₃+ 2ZnO ceramic at low sintering temperature of 1100˚C. SEM investigations revealed good close packing of grains when x = 2 and preferential grain growth when x ≥ 3. The maximum values of Q × f = 31800 GHz and ε_r = 22.5 were obtained in Li₂TiO₃+ 3ZnO and Li₂TiO₃+ 2ZnO compositions, respectively. The observed properties are attributed to the microstructural evolution and grain growth (first case) or high density of the obtained ceramic (second case).

Finite Element Analysis to Investigate the Influence of Delamination Size, Stacking Sequence and Boundary Conditions on the Vibration Behavior of Composite Plate

M. Imran

Composite structures are widely used in many applications ranging from, but not limited to, aerospace industry, automotive, and marine structures due to their attractive mechanical properties like high strength to weight ratios. However composite structures needs utmost care during structures manufacturing and working conditions should be assessed prior to installation. One of the important defect in composite structures is delamination. Present work is focused on investigation of delamination effects on the natural frequencies of composite plate using commercial finite element software, ABAQUS. Analytical results were also analyzed using MATLAB code. Different stacking sequences and boundary conditions are considered for study in both analytical formulation and finite element analysis. Finite element results are compared with analytical results to validate the perfect composite plate. The natural frequency of the composite plate reduced with an increase in delamination size. Additionally, all-sides clamped composite plate showed higher values of natural frequency than other constraints in lower modes for symmetrical laminates. Natural frequency in cross ply laminates are higher for the simply supported composite plates. On comparison, results from both the techniques, finite element analysis and analytical analysis, were in good agreement.

Influence of Deposition Temperature as a Reducing Agent on Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) Nanosheets

M. Adelifard

In this paper we have investigated the physical properties of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) thin films prepared at various substrate temperatures of 230, 260, 290, 320 and 350 ^oC using spray pyrolysis technique. We have compared these films from various viewpoints, including structural, morphological, optical, electrical and thermos-electrical properties. XRD analysis showed a phase shift from graphene oxide (GO) to RGO due to elevate the substrate temperature from 200 ^oC to higher temperatures. FESEM images of RGO thin films reveal that a stacked image of irregular and folding nanosheets, and rod-like features at temperatures below and above 290 ^oC; respectively. Optical studies showed that the layers have a relatively high absorption coefficient (∼0.8×10⁴ to 1.7×10⁴ cm⁻¹) in the visible range, with an optical band gap of 1.67–1.88 eV. The Hall effect data showed that all samples have a p-type conductivity with a hole concentration of ∼10¹⁵ cm⁻³, and sheet resistance values of about 10⁶ Ω/sq, in agreement with previous reports. The thermoelectric measurements revealed that with increasing applied temperature gradient between the two ends of the samples, the thermoelectric electromotive force (emf) of the prepared RGO thin films increases.

Separation of Petroleum Coke from Anode Stubs Produced During the Aluminum Electrolysis

A. Bahrami

Petroleum coke contains high amounts of carbon and is used in the manufacturing of anode electrodes for the aluminum extraction. In the process of aluminum production, some particles separate from anodes as waste which contain petroleum coke. Therefore, recycling and processing of these petroleum coke particles is the subject of this study. The ash content reduced to 31% and 13% in the jig and shaking table concentrate, respectively. These two steps were considered as the pre-processing methods and heavy media separation was used to decrease the ash content much more. Finally, flotation was performed in order to purify the particles with the size of less than one millimeter.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Cobalt- Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles: Structure, Magnetic Behaviour, Bioactivity and Antibacterial Activity

J. Javadpour

This study focuses on the physical, magnetic, biological and antibacterial behaviour of cobalt-doped HAp powder samples. Pure and Cobalt- doped HAp nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Calcium nitrate, di- ammonium hydrogen phosphate and cobalt nitrate were used as precursor materials. The synthesized powders were characterized using x-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Raman spectroscopy as well as MTT assay and cell adhesion test. Disc diffusion method was used to investigate antibacterial activity of the samples. The results confirmed the substitution of Ca by Co ions in the HAp lattice. In addition, this substitution induced size reduction and morphology change in HAp particles. All cobalt substituted HAp powder samples displayed paramagnetic properties, as opposed to the diamagnetic behaviour observed in the pure HAp samples. In addition, these nanoparticles exhibited cell adhesion, biocompatibility and antibacterial activity against S.aureus bacteria.
This study focuses on the physical, magnetic, biological and antibacterial behaviour of cobalt-doped HAp powder samples. Pure and Cobalt- doped HAp nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Calcium nitrate, di- ammonium hydrogen phosphate and cobalt nitrate were used as precursor materials. The synthesized powders were characterized using x-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Raman spectroscopy as well as MTT assay and cell adhesion test. Disc diffusion method was used to investigate antibacterial activity of the samples. The results confirmed the substitution of Ca by Co ions in the HAp lattice. In addition, this substitution induced size reduction and morphology change in HAp particles. All cobalt substituted HAp powder samples displayed paramagnetic properties, as opposed to the diamagnetic behaviour observed in the pure HAp samples. In addition, these nanoparticles exhibited cell adhesion, biocompatibility and antibacterial activity against S.aureus bacteria.

Microstructural Investigation into Premature Failure of Compressor Turbine (CT) Blade Material of High Pressure (HP) PT6A-114A Engine

V. Kommula

This paper investigates premature failure of High Pressure (HP) PT6A-114A Compressor Turbine (CT) blades used for short-haul aircraft fleet at 6378 hours, contrary to 10000 hours pre-set by the manufacturer. The CT blades were sectioned both transversely and longitudinally and subjected to several microstructural examinations; X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy-Scanning Electron Microscopy (EDS-SEM) of the tips, airfoils, as well as the bases. It was observed that from repeated elevated heating, incomplete solutioning and recrystallization of the substrate material, brittle carbides were initiated and developed. The tips were more affected, followed by the airfoils and least at the bases. Impingement of heat from the combustors on the CT blades led to rapid graining and rafting with eventual cracking upon cooling. The results further suggested that pores which are typically manufacturing defects were pronounced at the bases than either at the airfoils and the tips. However, contrary to the expectation that the bases would degrade more and rapider, a more near uniform distribution of the cuboidal phase was evident relative to the tips and airfoils, confirming that degradation of the CT blades originated from creep and fatigue.

Structural and Electric Properties of the Ru0.9M0.1Sr2GdCu2O8 System with M = Zr, Mo, and Mn

M. Abatal

The superconducting properties of the RuSr₂GdCu₂O₈ ceramic system depend strongly on the synthesis conditions and the ionic substitutions. In this work, we studied the structural and electrical properties of the Ru_0.9M_0.1Sr₂GdCu₂O₈ system, with M = Zr, Mo, and Mn. The samples were prepared by solid-state reaction at ambient pressure in air, using temperatures between 980 °C and 1020 °C. X-ray powder diffraction patterns indicate that all samples crystallize in a tetragonal symmetry (S.G. P4/mmm, No. 123). The structural data of each sample was refined by the Rietveld method, showing that the Cu-O (1) and Ru-O (1) bond lengths vary with the substituted ionic radii of Zr, Mo, and Mn ions. Electrical resistance measurements indicate that the samples annealed in flowing oxygen at 1050 °C and 1055 °C for 5 days exhibit a semiconductor like behavior for M = Mo and Mn, whereas the samples with M = Zr and Ru show superconducting behavior.

Effect of Casting Diameter and Heat Treatment Process on Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Fe55-XCr18Mo7B16C4NbX(X=0,3) Ribbons and Nanostructured Rods

H. Shahverdi

One-step and two-step annealing techniques were used to examine the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties during compression tests in iron-based ribbons and nanostructured 1- and 2.5mm cylindrical rods. The X-ray diffraction, microstructural, and mechanical results showed that substituting Nb for Fe had a minor effect on glass-forming ability but increased the formability index. The novel two-step annealing process resulted in a remarkable formability index of 16.62 GPa, yield stress of 2830 MPa, ultimate strength of 3866 MPa, and 4.3% plastic strain. A ductile nanosized α-Fe framework and boron-containing nano precipitations, which caused Zener pinning effect, were responsible for these novel mechanical properties.