Effect Of Annealing Research Articles

Effect of Annealing after Casting and Cold Rolling on Microstructure and Electrochemical Behavior of High-Entropy Alloy, Cantor

High-entropy alloys (HEAs), a relatively new class of materials, have attracted significant attention in materials science owing to their unique properties and potential applications. High entropy stabilizes the phase of a solid solution over a wide range of chemical compositions, yielding unique properties superior to those of conventional alloys. Therefore, this study analyzed the microstructure and electrochemical behavior of HEAs (Cantor) to evaluate their corrosion resistance, according to their manufacturing process (casting, cold rolling, and annealing). The microstructural morphologies and sizes were analyzed using electron backscatter diffraction. The electrochemical behavior was examined using open circuit potential measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization tests, and critical pitting temperature measurements using a potentiostat. The casting process formed a nonuniform microstructure (average grain size = 19 μm). The cold rolling process caused the formation of fine grains (size = 4 μm). A uniform microstructure (grain size > 151 μm) was formed after heat treatment. The corrosion resistance of the HEAs was determined from the passivation layer formed by Cr oxidation. These microstructural differences resulted in variations in the electrochemical behavior. Microstructural and electrochemical analyses are crucial because HEAs have diverse potential applications. Therefore, this study contributes to future improvements in HEA manufacturing processes.

Sensitivity enhancement of thermal acoustic particle velocity sensor based on metal film optimization

Thermal acoustic particle velocity sensors find widespread application in sound field measurements and sound source localization, owing to their capacity to capture vectorial information. This paper focuses on enhancing the sensitivity of detecting weaker signals by elevating the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) in the platinum thin film on the sensor's sensing wires. The study delves into the impact of annealing on the TCR of Pt thin films applied to small-sized elongated wires for thermal acoustic particle velocity sensors. The augmented effects of annealing Pt thin films with three adhesion layer metals—Chromium (Cr) and Titanium (Ti), previously commonplace in this sensor, and the newly introduced Tantalum (Ta) are scrutinized. Additionally, the influence of the deposition of Au electrodes, employed for wire bonding, both before and after annealing, on the annealing effect is also explored. In conclusion, a Pt thin film annealing process tailored for thermal acoustic particle velocity sensors is proposed, along with the recommendation of the optimal adhesion layer metal. This approach results in a substantial 20 % improvement in the TCR of the Pt thin film on the sensing wires, coupled with a corresponding 2.2 dB increase in sensor sensitivity.

Solving the resource constrained project scheduling problem with quantum annealing

Quantum annealing emerges as a promising approach for tackling complex scheduling problems such as the resource-constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP). This study represents the first application of quantum annealing to solve the RCPSP, analyzing 12 well-known mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulations and converting the most qubit-efficient one into a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) model. We then solve this model using the D-wave advantage 6.3 quantum annealer, comparing its performance against classical computer solvers. Our results indicate significant potential, particularly for small to medium-sized instances. Further, we introduce time-to-target and Atos Q-score metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of quantum annealing and reverse quantum annealing. The paper also explores advanced quantum optimization techniques, such as customized anneal schedules, enhancing our understanding and application of quantum computing in operations research.

Effects of Rapid Heat Treatments on the Properties of Cu2O Thin Films Deposited at Room Temperature Using an Ammonia-Free SILAR Technique

We report herein the analysis of the properties of copper(I) oxide thin films deposited by an optimized ammonium-free successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. The Cu2O thin film deposition process was carried out at room temperature using copper acetate monohydrate, sodium citrate as complexing agent, and hydrogen peroxide as precursors of copper and oxygen ions, respectively. The harmless and easy-to-handle sodium citrate replaces the volatile NH4OH commonly employed as complexing agent in the SILAR technique for the deposition of metal oxide thin films. The optical, structural, morphological, and electrical properties of the as-deposited Cu2O thin films were studied as a function of the number of cycles during deposition, as well as their modifications produced by the effect of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) in vacuum in a temperature range of 200–250°C for 1 min, 3 min, and 5 min. The as-deposited thin films had cubic crystalline structure corresponding to the Cu2O phase as determined by x-ray diffraction (XRD), with a direct energy bandgap of 2.43–2.51 eV depending on the number of cycles, and electrical resistivity of the order of 103 Ω cm. The XRD and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the Cu2O thin films treated by RTA demonstrated an increase of the crystal size with time and temperature of the RTA and reduction effects from Cu2+ to Cu1+ oxidation states. On the other hand, the RTA treatments also decreased their energy bandgap to 2.38 eV and electrical resistivity to 102 Ω cm. The high energy bandgap values of the Cu2O thin films were attributed to quantum confinement effects produced by their small crystal size in the range of 3.6–8.6 nm.Graphical

The Impact of Microwave Annealing on MoS2 Devices Assisted by Neural Network-Based Big Data Analysis.

Microwave annealing, an emerging annealing method known for its efficiency and low thermal budget, has established a foundational research base in the annealing of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) devices. Typically, to obtain high-quality MoS2 devices, mechanical exfoliation is commonly employed. This method's challenge lies in achieving uniform film thickness, which limits the use of extensive data for studying the effects of microwave annealing on the MoS2 devices. In this experiment, we utilized a neural network approach based on the HSV (hue, saturation, value) color space to assist in distinguishing film thickness for the fabrication of numerous MoS2 devices with enhanced uniformity and consistency. This method allowed us to precisely assess the impact of microwave annealing on device performance. We discovered a relationship between the device's electrical performance and the annealing power. By analyzing the statistical data of these electrical parameters, we identified the optimal annealing power for MoS2 devices as 700 W, providing insights and guidance for the microwave annealing process of two-dimensional materials.

Refining silicon nitride waveguide quality through femtosecond laser annealing

We present a method for modification of silicon nitride (Si3N4) waveguide resonators using femtosecond laser annealing. The quality (Q) factor of the waveguide resonators can be improved by approximately 1.3 times after annealing. Notably, waveguides that originally had a high Q value maintained their quality after the annealing process. However, those with a lower initial Q value experienced a noticeable improvement post-annealing. To characterize the annealing effect, the surface morphologies of Si3N4 films, both pre- and post-annealing, were analyzed using atomic force microscopy. The findings suggest a potential enhancement in surface refinement. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the Si3N4 film's composition remains largely consistent with its original state within the annealing power range of 0.6–1.6 W. This research underscores the potential of femtosecond laser annealing as an efficient, cost-effective, and localized technique for fabricating low-loss integrated photonics.

Breaking the strength-conductivity paradigm in hypoeutectic Al–Si alloy via annealing-induced Si nanoprecipitation

Hypoeutectic Al–Si alloys are increasingly recognized as promising materials for aluminum conductor cables owing to their remarkable combination of high strength and castability. However, the widespread industrial application of these alloys is limited by their moderate electrical conductivities (ECs). In this study, we explored the effects of direct annealing on the EC, mechanical properties, and microstructure of AA4043 rods fabricated via Properzi continuous casting. The AA4043 rods were annealed at different temperatures (200, 250, 300, and 350 °C) for 4 and 24 h. Direct annealing resulted in a significant improvement in the EC of the rods, with all samples exhibiting an EC improvement from 50 to 58% IACS. However, the mechanical strength of the rods was considerably reduced. The sample annealed at 250 °C for 4 h exhibited the best combination of EC (58.8% IACS), microhardness (43 HV), and ultimate tensile strength (141 MPa) among all the as-prepared samples. The sample annealed at 350 °C for 24 h showed the lowest microhardness (31.8 HV) and ultimate tensile strength (113 MPa), with EC of 58.05% IACS. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) results revealed retained fibrous grains structure with partial recrystallization at a lower annealing temperature of 250 °C, whereas a higher annealing temperature of 350 °C resulted in complete recrystallization leading to coarse equiaxed grains. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed the formation of nano-Si precipitates in the annealed samples. To understand the diverse contributions of the resistivity mechanisms and microstructural characteristics to EC improvement, a constitutive resistivity model was employed. These findings offer valuable insights into improving the EC and maintaining a delicate balance between the EC and strength of novel Al–Si conductor alloys.

Quantitative analysis of microstructural evolution in cold-sprayed CuCrZr: Understanding heat transfer mechanisms from room temperature to 600°C

Cold-sprayed CuCrZr coating offers interesting multifunctional properties with a combination of high mechanical property, good thermal stability and substantial deposition thickness. Despite these advantages, the incorporation of solid solution elements and the deposit’s unique microstructure often result in suboptimal heat transfer capabilities. This study delved into the thermal conductivity of cold-sprayed CuCrZr coatings over a temperature range from room temperature to 600 °C. Furthermore, it quantitatively analyzed their microstructural evolution post-thermal testing and its correlation with thermal properties, employing techniques such as FESEM, EBSD, TEM, and XRD. Findings indicate the CuCrZr coating exhibits significant thermal sensitivity, with conductivity increasing from 65.83±1.79 W/(m∙K) at 25 °C to 198.42±0.63 W/(m∙K) at 600 °C. The annealing effect during thermal testing significantly enhances the coatings’ room temperature thermal properties, chiefly through the enhancement of interparticle metallurgical bonding, grain enlargement, solid solution precipitation, and a reduction in dislocation density. The thermal conduction across the coating/substrate interface is intricately influenced by the interplay between electrons and phonons, with impediments at the interface becoming markedly pronounced beyond 300 °C. The investigation pinpointed interparticle interfaces as the predominant barriers to heat transfer, contributing to 73.77 % of the total resistance. Meanwhile, the effects of solid solution elements, grain boundaries, and dislocations on thermal conductivity were comparatively minor, contributing 9.36 %, 1.04 %, and 0.44 %, respectively. However, it is also noted that the annealing effect can induce the coalescence of microcracks into pores and promote the precipitation or oxidation of Cr at the interfaces, which, in turn, limits the potential for further enhancements in thermal conductivity.

Interplay between the heat treatment and structural and optical properties of Nb2O5 thin films

Thin films of Nb2O5 were synthesized by RF sputtering. The effect of annealing, at different temperatures (100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 °C), on the structural and optical properties was studied. The crystallinity and structural characteristics of the Nb2O5 thin films were examined employing the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD and SEM analyses showed an amorphous nature for the as-deposited and annealed samples from 100 to 350 °C and crystalline structure for the annealed sample at 400 °C. The high values of the transmittance and low reflection make these films used as a window layer in solar cell systems. Upon increasing annealing temperature, the energy band gap Eg increased from 4.039 to 4.175 eV. Eg high values again make these films suitable to be used as a window layer in solar cell system. Urbach tail, EU, decreased with increasing annealing temperature. The refractive index showed the normal dispersion. The dispersion energies were found to have the same behavior with respect to annealing temperature, besides, the single oscillator energy Eₒ had a lower value compared to the dispersion energy Ed. The plasma frequency ωp\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\omega }_{p}$$\\end{document} was found to increase with annealing temperature. The first and third optical moments had peak values depending on the incident photon energy.

The annealing effect on the performance of flash-sintered ZnO–Bi2O3–Sb2O3-based varistors

The annealing effect on the performance of flash-sintered ZnO–Bi2O3–Sb2O3-based varistors

Effect of thermal annealing on the maximal apparent etched track lengths of alpha particles in a CR-39 nuclear track detector

Effect of thermal annealing on the maximal apparent etched track lengths of alpha particles in a CR-39 nuclear track detector

High-pressure hydrogen annealing improving the cryogenic operation of Si (110)-oriented n-MOSFETs

This study experimentally investigated the effects of an additional high-pressure hydrogen annealing (HPHA) on the cryogenic operation of Si (110)-oriented n-MOSFETs. The HPHA induced improvements in the subthreshold swing (SS), threshold voltage (V th), and ON current at cryogenic temperatures. Further, we analyzed the SS-drain current curves using the analytical model and concluded that HPHA reduced the density of the band-edge states. In addition, the analysis of the temperature-dependent V th supported this conclusion. Furthermore, effective mobility analysis results indicated that the improvement in the ON current was attributable to the improvement in the band-edge states. Therefore, we conclude that the HPHA process positively affected the Si/SiO2 interface and reduced the interface-related band-edge states, thereby improving the cryogenic operation of MOSFETs.

Effect of Quench Temper and Annealing to The Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Stainless Steel for Electronic and Biomedical Application

Sifat mekanik dan perubahan struktur mikro terjadi pada baja tahan karat (BTK) ultra tipis jenis SUS 316 di pelajari setelah diberi perlakuan panas quench temper 900oC pada BTK ultra tipis dan ditahan selama 1 jam, 2 jam dan 3 jam. Percobaan dilaksanakan pada BTK butir halus dan berbutir kasar. Dari hasil pengamatan dengan mikroskop elektron SEM -EBSD, tidak terjadi transformasi fasa martensit pada struktur mikronya. Perubahan struktur mikro terjadi dalam bentuk perubahan sebaran grain misorientation (GMO) pada baja SUS 316 ultra tipis. Nilai kekerasan pun mengalami peningkatan dengan peningkatan waktu tahan dan ini pastinya berhubungan erat dengan surface roughening pada baja ultra tipis tersebut dan mampu bentuk pada baja ultra tipis. Dari hasil penelitian, ditemukan juga bahwa nilai surface roughening menurun seiring dengan meningkatnya waktu tahan pada baja ultra tipis.Kata Kunci : Strukturmikro; Grain Misorientation (GMO); Butir Halus, SEM-EBSD; Butir Kasar

Process of solvothermal CZTS nanomaterial for application of solar cell

Sustainable technological development is always associated with usage of energy. Development is directly proportional to utilization of energy. Therefore, energy crisis is one of the crucial issue encounters to mankind during their growth and development of technology. Recent years, researchers comprising many materials like Copper Indium Selenide, Copper Indium Sulfide, Copper Indium Gallium Selenide, Cadmium Telluride and many more. But these all materials are accompanying high cost, lack of abundant sources and toxicity. Hence, thinking about low cost featuring and nontoxicity to overcome energy crisis, Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide (CZTS) is considered as one of the best alternatives in semiconductor solar cell. There are various methods to synthesized CZTS materials, which requires high-cost set ups and equipment. In this paper we have used low-cost synthesis process. CZTS nanomaterials were synthesized in non-aqueous solution with the help of solvothermal method. Synthesis of CZTS nanomaterial was carried out by using Teflon Lined Autoclave in furnace. Further thin films of CZTS material. Further, films were characterized scientifically with the help of UV–VIS spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy and potentiometer. CZTS material further annealed at 400 °C for 10 min with which we have observed annealing effect on it. Due to annealing, properties like crystallinity, absorptions and morphology were improved which may be benefitted for progress of efficiency solar cells.

Forming more and sharper sensing protrusions on graphene-based electrodes through annealing

A better understanding of the microstructure, physicochemical properties, and sensing behavior of an electrode is critical in developing quick, high sensitivity, and robust electrochemical sensors. In this study, a single electrode was fabricated with self-prepared graphene ink through a drop-cast process followed with a subsequent annealing treatment. The graphene ink-based electrodes were characterized through AFM, contact angle, FTIR, impedance spectra, Raman, and SEM to understand annealing treatment effects. The dynamic response of the electrode to humidity, and vapors of ethanol, propanol, or acetone was measured using a four-point probe station in a closed chamber. The annealing treatment increased the conductivity of the electrode and improved its sensing performance by forming more and sharper protrusions on the electrode surface. These unique surface protrusions suggest that the annealed graphene ink-based electrodes hold great potential in developing high-performance electrochemical sensors.

Effects of post-deposition annealing on structure and mechanical properties of multilayer Ti/DLC films

The multilayer (Ti/DLC) × 3 films were deposited using a DC arc evaporator with a titanium cathode and a pulsed cathode-spark evaporator with a graphite cathode. Following the deposition of the films, a heat treatment process was performed in air and Ar atmosphere at temperatures of 200 °C and 400 °C. The investigation of the films involved the examination of their structure, surface morphology, and chemical composition using AFM, SEM, XPS and Raman. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the films were assessed by nanoindentation, sclerometry and wear test. Changes in the structure, RMS roughness, С-sp2/С-sp3 ratio of carbon atoms in the film and the formation of Ti-C carbide were determined in relation to the heat treatment conditions. Studies have demonstrated that subjecting materials to heat treatment at temperatures of 400 °C results in a decrease in friction coefficient and an increase in hardness. The deposition of films on the working surfaces of microdrills with subsequent heat treatment leads to a reduction in wear, an extension of their service life, and an improvement in drilling accuracy as compared to microdrills without films. Furthermore, microdrills with (Ti/DLC) × 3 films annealed in air at 400 °C exhibit negligible size reduction and better drilling accuracy.

Effect of PVDF, HA, and AgNO3 Annealing on β-Phase, Optical, and Mechanical Properties

Typically, polymer composites and ceramics are used to create biosensors. Materials with properties that are ideal for biosensors and chemical sensors include AgNO3 (silver nitrate), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), and HA (hydroxyapatite). Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer has been widely used in several applications because of its well-known superior ferroelectric characteristics and biocompatibility. The brittleness and low bending strength of hydroxyapatite limit its applicability. Several HA and polymer composite formulations have been developed to compensate for HA’s mechanical weakness. The final product contains a significant amount of HA, making HA/polymer composites highly biocompatible. When the right amount of silver is deposited, the maximum piezoelectric activity is generated, and silver nitrate has antimicrobial properties. The non-toxic solvent DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and the solvent casting method were chosen for the preparation of the film. Surface roughness was chosen to measure the Str and Sdr properties of the thin film. For liquid preparation, the multifractal spectra analysis was chosen for each sample. SEM was used to examine the samples morphologically. EDX and mapping analyses were presented for chemistry distribution in the samples.

Experimental and simulation studies of degraded EPDM composite in the coupled gamma radiation-thermal environments

The degradation behaviors, mechanisms and compatibility are not well understood and hard to be harnessed for EPDM composite in the coupled gamma radiation-thermal environments. This contribution performs a thorough study accordingly with 0 ∼ 200 kGy dose under temperatures varying from room temperature to 90 °C in N2/O2 mixture atmosphere. Radiation-thermal aging leads to annealing effect and chemi-crystallization that rebuilds the semi-crystalline structure and invokes competitive filler migration, reconfiguration and loss. Crosslinking reactions prevail the scission during the investigated conditions. However, the surface oxidation and damage are not severe. In-situ nondestructive gas-phase FTIR sensitively find the formed various gaseous products, whose generation kinetics behaviors are temperature and dose dependent. Most surprisingly, the radiolysis caused carbonyl sulfide and carbon disulfide are discovered with indispensable gamma radiation, which manifest temperature reined conversion thermodynamics and kinetics behavior. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of gas products is also validated by GC and GC-MS tests. The evolved semi-crystalline structure, macromolecular chain network and filler network significantly impact the mechanical property, but the barrier property and hydrophobic property are slightly influenced. The inverse temperature effect occurred at 50 °C for the mechanical properties, which show abnormal rejuvenation behavior due to the counteraction between aging induced change in molecular structure, aggregation structure and filler reconfiguration, migration and loss. The multiscale structure-property-behavior relationships possess good interdependency, indicating the main aging mechanism and failure mode are almost invariant. By ReaxFF simulation, the complex degradation mechanism for EPDM composite at atomic scale is revealed for the first time.

Effect of Annealing on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Intergranular Corrosion of a Novel Al–Mg–Zn Alloy

The effect of annealing on the mechanical properties, intergranular corrosion (IGC) properties, and microstructure of Al–Mg–Zn alloys is studied. The results show that with the increase of annealing temperature, the strength of the alloy decreases, the elongation increases, and the corrosion resistance firstly increases and then decreases. The alloy exhibits a high corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties when the annealing treatment is 270 °C for 2 h. Meanwhile, the IGC mass loss value is less than 15 mg cm−2. In addition, the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation are 416, 250 MPa, and 16.0%, respectively. The T‐Mg32(Al, Zn)49 phases are directly precipitated when annealing at 270 °C for 2 h. After sensitization, T phase gradually grows and coarsens. When the alloy is annealing at 400 °C for 2 h, a part of T phase gradually dissolves in the Al matrix. After sensitization, the Mg atoms with higher supersaturation gradually diffuse to grain boundary by bulk diffusion due to the low dislocation density and form a thin precipitate film, which deteriorates the corrosion resistance of the alloy. The details of corrosion mechanism analysis are as follows.

Effect of Annealing and Double Aging on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hot-Rolled Al17Cr10Fe36Ni36Mo1 Alloy

Effect of Annealing and Double Aging on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hot-Rolled Al17Cr10Fe36Ni36Mo1 Alloy