Differential Scanning Calorimetric Techniques Research Articles

Novel highly performing tandem selective solar absorber for industrial heat applications

The needed decarbonisation of the industrial sector for an efficient transition to a Net Zero future, alongside the lack of commercially competitive solar absorbers for industrial heat applications using small non-evacuated receiver tubes, has motivated the design of a new highly stable material suitable for the open-air conditions. This work demonstrates that the potential candidate is the CuCoMnOx/SiO2 tandem selective absorber, designed to coat line-focussed receiver tubes to supply thermal energy up to 450 °C for industrial process heat applications. Remarkably, with only two layers deposited on stainless-steel (SS) under optimised conditions, the material exhibits excellent optical performance, achieving a αs > 0.95 and a ε350°C = 0.16. The absorber design prioritises cost-effective industrialisation by optimising thermal treatment to lower both temperature and duration time, while fine-tuning layer thicknesses to locate optical interferences at the required wavelengths. This approach ensures outstanding reproducibility, uniformity, and efficiency, marking the first successful deposition of coatings on tubular forms. The coatings composing the absorber are characterised optically, by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimeter techniques. In terms of durability, the absorber shows extraordinary resilience, maintaining thermal stability for 27 months at 400–450 °C in open air, and exhibiting good resistance to condensation (PC = 0.03 in the most drastic situation). Therefore, the SS-substrate/CuCoMnOx/SiO2 absorber emerges as a promising commercial material for both evacuated and non-evacuated receiver tubes, promoting the integration of concentrating solar power (CSP) technology with solar heat for industrial processes (SHIP).

Analysis of the Impact of Waste Fly Ash on Changes in the Structure and Thermal Properties of the Produced Recycled Materials Based on Polyethylene.

This paper presents the results of the research on the structure and thermal properties of materials made from fly ash based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Composites based on a polyethylene matrix with 5, 10, and 15 wt% fly ash from hard coal combustion content were examined. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) was used to identify characteristic functional groups present in the chemical structure of polyethylene and the composites based on its matrix. Structural analysis was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and microscopic examinations. Mechanical properties were also examined. Analysis of the thermal effect values determined by the DSC technique, XRD, and FTIR-ATR allowed the evaluation of the crystallinity of the tested materials. Polyethylene is generally considered to be a two-phase system consisting of crystalline and amorphous regions and is a plastic characterized by a significant crystalline phase content. Based on the FTIR-ATR spectra, DSC curves, and XRD, the effect of the filler and the changes occurring in the materials studied resulted in a decrease in the degree of crystallinity and a change in the melting point and crystallization temperature of the polymer matrix were established. Microscopic examinations were carried out to analyze the microstructure of the composites to collect information on the distribution and shape of the filler particles, indicating their size and distribution in the polymer matrix. Furthermore, the use of scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) allowed for the microanalysis of the chemical composition of the filler particles.

Accelerated aging procedure of epoxy structural adhesive for marine offshore applications

Knowledge of the long-term performance of adhesive connections is undoubtedly of paramount importance to enable their deployment in civil, mechanical, and other engineering applications. Over time, adverse environmental conditions can strongly influence the performance of adhesive joints leading to a progressive deterioration of their initial mechanical properties. The use of adhesive connections for secondary structures in offshore applications is a technology that allows for the rapid creation of structural members that, however, cannot ignore the influence of hydrothermal effects on mechanical performance due to environmental conditions. In this context, the investigation of the hygrothermal durability of adhesive connections was undertaken through an extensive experimental programme. More specifically, 130 cylindrical steel joints bonded with a commercially epoxy resin for structural applications were tested in Mode I using an Arcan-modified device. Prior to test, the specimens were placed in climatic ovens capable of combining the effects of temperature and humidity for approximately 320 days. In addition, the glass transition temperature, Tg, was assessed by employing the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) technique to correctly define the experimental ageing conditions. The experimental results show how ageing conditions influence the mechanical properties of the epoxy resin investigated. Finally, some predictive formulations are proposed to calculate the loss of strength of adhesive joints over time.

Phase diagram study of Na2O–ThO2–P2O5 system and investigation of thermo physical properties of quaternary compounds

The subsolidus phase relations in Na2O–ThO2–P2O5 pseudo ternary system were determined at 1223 K. Synthesis of all the phases, used for drawing phase diagram, was carried out by solid state route. Formation of ternary and quaternary compounds in Na2O–ThO2, Na2O–P2O5, ThO2–P2O5 and Na2O–ThO2–P2O5 systems was confirmed at 1223 K. With the help of these compounds and phase analysis of number of synthetic mixtures, prepared by reacting different mol fractions of Na2O, ThO2 and P2O5 at 1223 K, phase diagram was drawn and phase boundaries were established. No ternary compound was identified in Na2O–ThO2 system. Formation of three quaternary phosphates, Na2Th(PO4)2, NaTh2(PO4)3 and Na5Th(PO4)3 was confirmed at 1223 K. XRD pattern of monoclinic Na5Th(PO4)3, synthesized for the first time and found iso structural with Na5Th(AsO4)3 and its lattice parameters were obtained by Le Bail method. Thermogravimetric studies of quaternary phosphates were carried out in air to investigate their thermal stability. All the three compounds decompose to ThO2 at 1673 K. Two step weight loss in TG curve of Na2Th(PO4)2 confirmed its decomposition to ThO2 via NaTh2(PO4)3 as an intermediate. To calculate thermal expansion coefficients, high temperature XRD (HT-XRD) data of Na2Th(PO4)2, NaTh2(PO4)3 and Na5Th(PO4)3 was collected in air between the temperature range of 298–1173 K. All these compounds exhibit positive thermal expansion with the average volume expansion coefficient values ranging between 30 and 60 × 10−6 K−1. Heat capacities of these compounds were measured in the temperature range of 308–873 K using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) technique.

Unveiling the correlation between the structure and property of the amorphous state of hydrated nickel sulfate (NiSO4·6H2O) induced by acoustic shock waves – An X-ray diffraction, thermal calorimetric and dielectric spectroscopic approach

In the present work, we report the phase transition from crystalline to amorphous (topological disorder) of NiSO4·6H2O (NSH) for which impedance spectroscopic and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) techniques have been utilized to understand the changes in a better way thereby the electrical and thermal properties could be identified. According to the observed dielectric properties, the crystalline NSH has a low dielectric constant and low electrical conductivity whereas both of these values are high for the obtained amorphous state. DSC thermograms provide crystal clear details for the cause of the witnessed changes wherein the melting point region changes for both the crystalline and the amorphous samples. The values of magnetization for crystalline and amorphous samples are found to be 0.7339 and 2.070 emu/g, respectively. Because of the effective switchability between crystalline and amorphous states, the NSH crystal is suggested for the applications of sensors and dielectric switches.

Kinetic Analysis of the Reaction between Tannic Acid (TA) and L-Lysine Diisocyanate (LDI) Systems

The kinetics of the synthesis of green polyurethane from the reaction between tannic acid (TA) and L-lysine diisocyanate (LDI) were investigated using the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) technique and dynamic rheological tests. The evaluation of the reaction behavior of the prepared samples was carried out using nonisothermal conditions at dynamic heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20°C/min. The evolution of the activation energy with conversion was computed through the five isoconversional methods of Ozawa-Flynn-Wall and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), the Ozawa-Flynn-Wall method (OFW), Friedman (FR), Starink, and Vyazovkin. The average activation energy calculated from these methods was estimated at 46.5, 46.8, 47.2, 47.3, and 51.4 KJ/mol, respectively. The preexponential factor was evaluated at 5.04 × 10 5 1/s. The overall reaction order ( n + m ) was also found to be around 1.8912. The results of the combination of the model-free method and model-fitting approach exhibited that the reaction mechanism was an autocatalytic type, implying the autocatalytic effect of the urethane groups formed during the reaction. The obtained kinetic for TA/LDI was verified through its good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the results found from the isothermal rheological test show that with increasing temperature, the gelation time decreases.

Enzymatic synthesis of novel pyrrole esters and their thermal stability

In the present work a simple enzymatic approach (Novozym 435) for transesterification to synthesize pyrrole esters was reported. To generate the best reaction conditions, which resulted in the optimum yield of 92%, the effects of lipase type, solvent, lipase load, molecular sieves, substrate molar ratio of esters to alcohol, reaction temperature, reaction duration, and speed of agitation were evaluated. The range of alcohols was assessed under optimal circumstances. The spectrum observations conclusively demonstrated that the compounds could be generated with high yield under the circumstances utilized for synthesis. The odor characteristics of the pyrrolyl esters obtained were examined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry-olfactometry (GC–MS–O). Among them, compounds of benzhydryl 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (3j), butyl 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (3k) and pentyl 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (3l) present sweet and acid aroma. In addition, the thermal degradation process was further studied using the Py–GC/MS (pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry), TG (thermogravimetry), and DSC (differential scanning calorimeter) techniques. The outcomes of the Py–GC/MS, TG, and DSC techniques show that they have excellent thermal stability.

Structural and Thermal Examinations of Polyamide Modified with Fly Ash from Biomass Combustion.

This paper presents the results of examinations of the structure and crystallinity of polyamide (PA6) modified with fly ash from biomass combustion in a fluidized-bed boiler. Composites based on a PA6 matrix were examined. They contained 5, 10, and 15 wt% fly ash. Fourier-transform infrared with attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) was used to identify the characteristic functional groups present in the chemical structure of polyamide and composites based on its matrix. Structural analysis was performed using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and microscopic examinations. Analysis of the values of thermal effects determined using the DSC technique allowed for the evaluation of the degree of crystallinity of the materials studied. Polyamide is usually considered to be a two-phase system consisting of crystalline and amorphous regions. The addition of the filler in the form of fly ash reduced the degree of crystallinity of the studied specimens. Based on the FTIR-ATR spectra and the recorded DSC curves, it was found that the α-phase was the dominant crystalline phase in the studied materials. Microscopic examinations were conducted to analyze the microstructure of the materials, providing information on the distribution and shape of the filler particles. Most of the particles ranged in size from a few to tens of micrometers. Furthermore, the use of scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) allowed for the analysis of the distribution of chemical elements in selected filler particles.

Coconut shell char-based nanocomposites of polyamide-6: An investigation of thermal, morphological, and crystalline properties

This research was intended to investigate the thermal, morphological, and crystalline characteristics of polyamide-6@carbon char-based nanocomposites. The mesoporous nanosized carbon char was prepared in the laboratory via the carbonization method. The parameters of the coconut shell-based biocarbon char were confirmed by surface area and particle size analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The coagulation-processed nanocomposites of polyamide-6 were prepared using synthesized mesoporous carbon char as filler. The obtained filler with a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 1517 m2/g and an average pore volume of 2.51 nm was mixed with the polyamide at five different loadings. The coagulation technique was employed for the nanocomposite synthesis. The acquired coagulated nanocomposite was investigated using Fourier transform infrared analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetric technique, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. It was evidenced from the research that loading coconut shell-based carbon char to polyamide-6 can contribute to a 10 °C rise in final degradation temperature with a 4 % loading of filler. The same filler content has contributed to a 5 °C decline in glass transition temperature. A continuous decrease in crystallinity with a rise in the concentration of biochar is indicative of the incorporation of amorphous character. So, it was determined that the thermal, morphological, and crystalline properties have been modified by synthesizing the coagulation-processed nanocomposites with mesoporous biochar of coconut shells.

A new approach to ignition time prediction in crude oil oxidation using PDSC

In-situ combustion process is recognized as being one of the promising methods in the field of enhanced oil recovery. In this study, we developed a procedure for estimating ignition time using pressurized differential scanning calorimetric technique (PDSC) and the chain reaction ignition approach. The procedure was based on the free-radical mechanism of oxidation and was successfully applied to PDSC kinetic curves processing. The initial stages of oxidation of crude oils A and B were studied in detail. It was found that the procedure for processing the oils' activity to oxidation was characterized by a heat release time exponential dependence factor (φ − factor). Even though oil A and oil B exhibit comparable kinetic parameters of oxidation, there is a marked difference in their behavior. Oil A demonstrated an induction period of 27 days and a φ value of 0.0123. Conversely, oil B did not initiate combustion within a suitable timeframe in-situ, and presented a lower φ value of 0.0067. The results of pilot tests using oil A and B were consistent with the predictions and demonstrated the potential of the proposed approach.

Synthesis of Covalently Modified Energetic Graphene Oxide/CuO Composites with Enhanced Catalytic Performance for Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate.

In this study, a new covalently modified energetic graphene oxide (CMGO) was synthesized by introducing the energetic component 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole on GO sheets through valence bond bonding. The morphology and structure of CMGO were studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the results showed that CMGO was successfully synthesized. Then, CMGO/CuO was prepared by loading nano-CuO onto CMGO sheets using an ultrasonic dispersion method. Furthermore, the catalytic effect of CMGO/CuO on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) was investigated using differential scanning calorimetric technique and thermogravimetric analysis. The results revealed that the high decomposition temperature TH and Gibbs free energy ΔG⧧ of the CMGO/CuO/AP composite decreased by 93.9 °C and 15.3 kJ/mol compared with those of raw AP, respectively. The CMGO/CuO composite exhibited more significant catalytic effect on the thermal decomposition of AP than GO/CuO, and the heat release Q of CMGO/CuO/AP was greatly increased from 132.9 to 1428.5 J/g with 5 wt % CMGO/CuO. The above results demonstrated that CMGO/CuO is an excellent composite energetic combustion catalyst, which is expected to be widely used in composite propellants.

Reliability evaluation of a new method developed for DSC curing kinetic model of epoxy resin

AbstractThe curing kinetic model of epoxy resin is crucial for understanding reaction mechanism and accurately describing curing behavior of fiber reinforced polymer composites. In the investigations related to kinetic models of epoxy, much attention is payed to the curing characterizations of modified or mixed materials for the desired field of application in the case that the initial curing degree for calculating kinetic parameters is generally constant. In this paper, a new method by specifying the initial curing degree for kinetic parameters is developed to improve the accuracy of fitting models based on the resin systems and methods for activation energy. The curing kinetics of resin systems including Epoxy 4330, Epoxy 5212, and diglycidyl ether pentaerythritol vanillin diacetal‐bisphenol‐A epoxy resin‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DEPVD‐E51‐DDS) are examined utilizing differential scanning calorimetric technique at five different heating rates. Additionally, Kissinger, Starink, and Friedman methods, and piecewise models are adopted to fit the experimental data. The predictions from fitting models using different initial curing degrees are subsequently compared with experimental data. It is concluded that the utilization of initial curing degree promotes the accuracy of fitting models.

The microstructure, phase transformation and sinterability of desert sand

Desert sand has been widely used to manufacture paving materials, concrete, cement clinker, ceramics, glass, and bulk materials. It has different effects on the processing and properties of the materials from that of quartz sand, clay, and aggregates; however, the physicochemical characteristics of desert sand have not been deeply realized in term of the materialogy, bringing about much confusion in the manufacturing. In the present study, desert-sand samples were collected at different locations in the Hobq desert, a typical desert in China, their microstructure, phase composition, phase transformation, and sinterability were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscope (SEM), transmission electronic microscope (TEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) techniques, as well as a sintering test. Results show that the sampling location had a little influence on the characteristics. Desert-sand granules were not uniform, which displayed variety of morphology and microstructure and some microcracks existed inside. They had a phase composition of α-quartz, amorphous SiO2, glass phase, and feldspars, some of them were with nano and submicron sizes. α-quartz was a dominant phase and had distorted crystal lattices. Four phase transformations successively occurred upon heating: α-quartz to β-quartz and further to β-tridymite, low-melting substances melt, and amorphous SiO2 and β-tridymite to β-cristobalite. Desert-sand powder compacts had an excellent self-sinterability, the densest bodies and the highest mechanical properties occurred when sintered at 1100 °C for 2 h. This information is beneficial to understand the mechanism and control the synthesis and properties of desert-sand materials.

Dynamic mechanical characteristics of aged silicone rubber blend

The effect of aging on the mechanical properties of silicone rubber (SR) was investigated by means of ultrasonic, dynamic mechanical analysis, and FTIR techniques. Both longitudinal and shear (Ultrasonic wave velocities) were measured at room temperature and at frequencies of 2 MHz. Density, molar volume, ultrasonic wave velocities, tensile strength, mechanical properties, and FT–IR showed the improvement of the silicone rubber network with aging time from 0 to 70 days, while loosening of the network structure was observed at 14 days and 50 days aging. These behaviours were explained in terms of the change in cross-link density and average stretching force constant of bonds with aging. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric techniques showed quite low thermal stability and temperature performance for aged SR at 14 and 50 days than virgin SR which was confirmed by the cracks and voids appeared under scanning electron microscope.

Thermal Aspects of Kumada Rearrangement in Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Polysilanes-Interdependence of Molecular Structure, Thermal Degradation, and Stability

Thermal degradation behavior, exothermic patterns, and kinetic parameters of symmetrically/asymmetrically substituted polysilanes during the kumada thermal rearrangement in the temperature range of 100–450 °C, were investigated applying thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) techniques. Three kinds of polysilanes, viz., Polydimethylsilane (PDMS), Polydiphenylsilane (PDPS) and Polymethylphenylsilane (PMPS) were synthesized through Wurtz/Wurtz-Fittig polycondensation. As-synthesized polysilanes were then characterized by FT-IR, CHNO, and TGA–DSC techniques. FT-IR spectra confirmed the presence of methyl, phenyl, and a combination of methyl-phenyl functional groups in PDMS, PDPS, and PMPS, respectively. From CHNO analysis, the chemical/empirical formula of PDMS, PDPS, and PMPS was found to be SiC2.01H6.25, SiC12.50H10.26, and SiC6.45H7.76, respectively. TGA results confirmed that PDPS was more thermally stable as compared to PDMS and PMPS. The kinetic parameters of polysilanes were determined by using isoconversional methods such as Ozawa and modified Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) methods. The average value of activation energy for PDPS obtained from Ozawa and KAS methods was found to be 1078.49 and 1068.32 kJ/mole, respectively, which is very much higher as compared to that of PDMS and PMPS.

Dielectric, conductivity relaxation, conduction mechanisms and thermal behavior in 2-D Ruddlesden-Popper manganese bromide perovskite hybrid

Powder X-ray diffraction of [NH3(CH2)7(NH3)]MnBr4 perovskite hybrid crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group P‾1. Five phase transitions are identified by differential scanning calorimetric technique. Dielectric and AC conductivity measurements, in the temperature range (300–400) K and frequency range (0.06 kHz– 60 kHz) are in good agreement with DSC phase transitions. Proton conduction and bromide ion migration predominates in the intermediate and high temperatures respectively. The frequency dependence of the conductivity was fitted according to super-linear power law. Conduction mechanism is different in the different phases, (OLPT) and (NSPT) tunneling dominate in the temperature range (300–334) K, whereas correlated barrier hopping (CBH) is the mechanism at higher temperatures, with different carrier binding energies (Wm) for the different phases.

Effects of Ag and Co microalloying on glass-forming abilities and plasticity of Cu-Zr-Al based bulk metallic glasses

The influences of Ag and Co additions on the thermal stability and glass-forming abilities of twenty (Cu46-xZr47Al7Agx)100-yCoy (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and y = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5) alloys were systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimeter techniques. The mechanical performances (i.e., hardness, strength, and plasticity) of the alloys were evaluated, and the plasticization mechanisms of four representative (Cu46-xZr47Al7Agx)100-yCoy specimens were discussed based on the observations of scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. It is found that (Cu43Zr47Al7Ag3)99.5Co0.5 bulk metallic glass exhibits excellent thermal stability and improved plasticity after compression tests. The improvement can be attributed to the large amount and density of shear bands, the coexistence of a large area of smooth regions, the vein-like pattern, and the river-like pattern on the fractures. More importantly, the new-formed B2-CuZr phases and nanocrystallines during compressive tests also contribute to the improved plastic deformation ability by exalting the number and density of shear bands.

The monomers and polymers of azomethine-based thiocarbohydrazones: Fluorescent activities, fluorescence quantum yields of polymers in water and DMF solutions

In this study, a family of azomethine-based thiocarbohydrazone monomers and polymers prepared and their structurally characterized by FT-IR, 1H–13C NMR and UV–Vis techniques. The electrochemical behaviors, fluorescent activities, thermal characteristics, antioxidant effectiveness of synthesized compounds were determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and CUPRAC techniques, respectively. Fluorescence quantum yields of Poly-SATCH, Poly-BSATCH, Poly-MSATCH, Poly-NATCH were calculated to be 4.1, 9.4, 11.4 and 7.4 % in 0.025 mg mL−1 concentrations in DMF solutions in the range of 3 nm slit at 440, 420, 400 and 340 nm, respectively. The antioxidant values of monomer and polymers were changed between 0.30 ± 0.029 and 3.54 ± 0.719 against CUPRAC technique. The glass transition temperatures of Poly-SATCH, Poly-BSATCH, Poly-MSATCH and Poly-NATCH were found to be 116, 134, 138 and 139, respectively.

Garlic and cilantro assisted phytoextraction of zinc using Sansevieria roxburghiana from contaminated soil

Soil pollution caused by toxic and hazardous chemical contaminants is in high enough concentrations to be of risk to plants, wildlife, humans and certainly for soil to itself. Pot experiments were conducted to investigate the phytoextraction capacity of an ornamental plant Sansevieria roxburghiana cultivated in soil artificially contaminated with 200, 400, and 600 mg kg−1 of zinc (Zn) treatments including control for 6 weeks. The soil was amended with garlic and cilantro extracts as the natural irrigation solutions (metal chelants). Garlic application significantly enhanced the Zn accumulation and was found to be the most efficient chelating amendment, increasing concentrations of Zn in roots from 65 mg kg−1 to 423 mg kg−1 dry weight (DW) soil. The phytochemical screening of acetone and ether extracts of S. roxburghiana plant samples revealed the presence of biologically active phytochemicals. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) of plant extracts revealed antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic bacterial strain. The plant samples were also characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric technique. The use of ornamental plant and varied irrigation solutions in our present study revealed positive effects on growth and phytoextraction together with an improvement of the soil quality.

Microstructure and Nanoindentation Behavior of Ti40Zr40Ni20 Quasicrystal Alloy by Casting and Rapid Solidification

A Ti40Zr40Ni20 quasicrystal (QCs) rod and ribbons were prepared by conventional casting and rapid solidification. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) techniques were used to investigate the microtissue, phase composition, and solidification features of the samples; the nano-indentation test was carried out at room temperature. The results show that a mixture of the α-Ti(Zr) phase and the icosahedral quasicrystal (I-phase) was formed in the Ti40Zr40Ni20 rod; the microstructure of Ti40Zr40Ni20 ribbons mainly consisted of the I-phase. The solidification mechanism of the I-phase was different in the two alloys. The I-phase in the quasicrystalline rod was formed by packet reaction while in the ribbons it was generated directly from the liquid. At room temperature, both samples had relatively high hardness and elastic modulus; the elastic modulus of the ribbons is 76 GPa, higher than the 45 GPa of the rod. The hardness of the ribbons was more than twice that of the rod.