Thermal Contraction Research Articles

Specific heat analyses on optical-phonon-derived uniaxial negative thermal expansion system TrZr2 (tr = fe and Co1- xNix).

A large uniaxial negative thermal expansion (NTE) along the c-axis has recently been observed in the transition metal (Tr) zirconides TrZr2 with a tetragonal CuAl2-type structure. A recent study on FeZr₂ [M. Xu et al., Nat. Commun. 14, 4439 (2023)] suggests that optical phonons play a critical role in inducing the NTE along the c-axis. In this study, we investigate the thermophysical properties of TrZr₂ compounds (Tr = Fe and Co1- xNix(x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1)) using specific heat measurements, sound velocity data, and theoretical phonon calculations to achieve our aim of clarifying the contribution of optical phonons to the uniaxial NTE along the c-axis observed in both FeZr₂ and CoZr₂. We found that FeZr2 shows a lattice-specific heat peak structure at 8.90 meV, which corresponds to optical phonon energy with a high population of negative Grüneisen parameter along the c-axis in the phonon dispersion curves in FeZr2. In an examination of a chemical substitution effect on the Co1- xNixZr2, we found that the lattice-specific heat peak structure disappeared for x ≥ 0.4 and the oscillator intensity decreased. Phonon calculations revealed the existence of low-energy optical phonon branches at the Γ point for CoZr2 and FeZr2 with uniaxial NTE along the c-axis. However, the low-energy phonon branches were not found in NiZr2 with uniaxial positive thermal expansion along the c-axis. The increase in phonon density of states near the above optical phonon energy in CoZr2 and FeZr2 is consistent with the lattice-specific heat analyses, and we propose that low-energy optical phonons are essential for the exhibiting of uniaxial NTE along the c-axis in TrZr2.

Self‐Assembled Composite Cathodes with TEC Gradient for Proton‐Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

AbstractOne of the key challenges for high‐performance proton‐conducting solid oxide fuel cells (H‐SOFCs) is the mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients (TEC) between the cathode and electrolyte. While incorporating negative thermal expansion (NTE) materials can mitigate this issue, mechanical mixing often weakens cathode strength. To address this, a TEC gradient cathode is proposed and successfully implemented by co‐sintering PrBa(Co0.7Fe0.3)2O5‐δ(PBCF) with Y2W3O12 (YWO) in this work. In this work, Ba atoms at the A‐site of PBCF migrated from the lattice, generating A‐site defects. The resulting BaWO4 and Y10W8O21 phases, which have low TEC, are uniformly distributed between PBCF and YWO, forming a TEC gradient composite cathode. In addition, the transition phase captures the A‐site element Ba in the electrolyte layer, optimizing the electrolyte‐cathode interface. The composite cathode exhibits a reduced TEC, closely matching that of the electrolyte, significantly enhancing interface bonding, thereby providing a lower ohmic resistance of 0.051 Ω cm2 and a higher power density of 1.88 W cm−2 at 700 °C. Remarkably, thermal cycling tests conducted under temperature switching conditions demonstrate the composite cathode's long‐term thermal and chemical stability.

Emerging new phases in correlated Mott insulatorCa2RuO4.

The Mott insulator Ca2RuO4is a paradigmatic example among transition
metal oxides, where the interplay of charge, spin, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom leads to competing quantum phases. In this paper, we focus on and review some key aspects, from the underlying physical framework and its basic properties, to recent theoretical efforts that aim to trigger unconventional quantum ground states, using several external parameters and stimuli. Using first-principle calculations, we demonstrate that Ca2RuO4shows a spin splitting in the reciprocal space, and identify it as an altermagnetic candidate material. The non relativistic spin-splitting has an orbital selective nature, dictated by the local crystallographic symmetry. Next, we consider two routes that may trigger exotic quantum states. The first one corresponds to transition metal substitution of the 4d4Ru with isovalent 3d3ions. This substitutional doping may alter the spin-orbital correlations favoring the emergence of negative thermal expansion. The second route explores fledgling states arising in a nonequilibrium steady state under the influence of an applied electric field. We show that the electric field can directly affect the orbital density, eventually leading to strong orbital fluctuations and the suppression of orbital imbalance, which may, in turn, reduce antiferromagnetism. These aspects suggest possible practical applications, as its unique properties may open up possibilities for augmenting existing technologies, surpassing the limitations of conventional materials.

Crystal Growth, Characterization, and Properties of Nonlinear Optical Crystals of Li0.5Ag0.5GaTe2 for Mid-Infrared Applications.

LiGaTe2 is a promising nonlinear optical crystal with a large figure of merit (d362/n3), but it is difficult to grow the LiGaTe2 single crystal due to its extreme instability. In this work, we used Ag to replace Li and successfully grew a Li0.5Ag0.5GaTe2 crystal by the modified Bridgman method for the first time. We found it has thermal stability below 200 °C in an atmospheric environment, and the thermal expansion coefficient is positive. This is different from LiGaTe2 and AgGaTe2 which have a negative thermal expansion coefficient along the c-axis. When the temperature exceeds 200 °C, Li0.5Ag0.5GaTe2 is easily decomposed and oxidized. Under closed vacuum conditions, the melting and solidifying points of Li0.5Ag0.5GaTe2 are measured to be 719 and 694 °C. XPS spectra show that the binding energies of Li, Ga, and Te are higher than LiGaTe2, and the surface is easily oxidized. The A1 vibration modes are found at 117.72 and 135.44 cm-1 by the Raman spectrum which is related to the Te and Ga-Te bond in [GaTe4]5- tetrahedra. Li0.5Ag0.5GaTe2 has a wide transmittance range from 0.94 to 20 μm, and there was two-photon absorption near 16 μm. The phonon spectrum and PDOS were simulated by the DFT calculation to study the phonon vibration modes in the lattice, which shows that the density of the Raman vibration is higher than those of AgGaTe2 and LiGaTe2. The SHG test results showed that the SHG response intensity of Li0.5Ag0.5GaTe2 is 1.5 times that of AgGaS2, which shows its excellent nonlinear optical properties for mid-IR applications.

Effect of Fe-doping on magnetic structures and “spin-lattice-charge” strong correlation properties in Mn3Sn1-xFexC compounds

The influences of Fe-doping on the magnetic structure, correlated lattice variation, and electronic transport of the antiperovskite compounds Mn3Sn1-xFexC have been reported for the first time. The results indicate that Fe-doping is effective in altering the magnetic behaviors in the Mn3Sn1-xFexC compounds. The magnetic phase transition point (TC) initially shifts to lower temperatures at low Fe-doping concentrations and then increases to higher temperatures at higher Fe-doping levels. This change is accompanied by the development of macroscopic ferromagnetism in the compound, which is essentially due to the emergence of a new canted ferrimagnetic phase named MCF, revealed by neutron powder diffraction (NPD). By virtue of the Fe-doping effect on the magnetism, the regulation of the negative thermal expansion (NTE) behavior and the abrupt change of resistivity in Mn3SnC are also realized. Based on these results, a magnetic phase diagram for the Mn3Sn1-xFexC series is established. This work not only provides a method for effective regulation of magnetic ordering but also strengthens our understanding of strongly correlated physical properties.

A novel approach to control thermal induced buckling during laser welding of battery housing through a unilateral N-2-1 fixturing principle

Battery housing (BH) in modern electric vehicles must meet demanding functional requirements. The design and geometry of the BH become intricate to prevent damage during collisions and to ensure absolute impermeability to gases and water during operation. Moreover, in the pursuit of a lightweight BH, manufacturers rely on high-strength 6xxx aluminium alloys, posing significant challenges for the welding processes. It is estimated that up to 30 m of weld length is required during the construction of battery housings including joining the lid and under-shield to the main structural frame and joining the ribs to the frame for standard vehicles. Due to the increasing use of thin sheets for lightweighting the structure, thermal-induced buckling may occur and generate critical dimensional unconformities going beyond design tolerances. This underpins the need to optimise fixturing design to control thermal-induced buckling.This paper goes beyond the state-of-the-art “N-2-1” approaches for fixturing thin and deformable parts and proposes the new principle of “unilateral N-2-1 fixturing”. The driving idea is adding unilateral restraints to the direction of thermal contraction, which ultimately causes buckling; and, keeping the direction where the thermal expansion occurs in a free state. The methodology is based on three main steps: (1) physics-based modelling of parts and fixtures using a thermo-mechanical FEA simulation; (2) calibration of the weld heat source using metallographic data; (3) validation using optical scanning technology. The methodology was demonstrated during the laser beam welding of a high-strength aluminium 6xxx thin deformable lid to a rigid high-strength 6xxx aluminium extrusion frame. Results indicated that the thermal induced buckling deformation was reduced from 15 mm, when using the state-of-the-art fixturing approach, to approximately 2 mm with the proposed methodology.

Preparation and property of (NaZn)3+-substituted Sc2Mo3O12 ceramics with negative thermal expansion

To modulate the negative thermal expansion (NTE) performances of Sc2Mo3O12 ceramics, (NaZn)3+-substituted Sc2Mo3O12 ceramics were prepared via solid-state reactions. The crystal phase, morphology, and NTE properties of the NaxZnxSc2−x(MoO4)3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) samples were investigated. XRD results reveal that NaxZnxSc2−x(MoO4)3 samples undergo a change in crystal structure from orthorhombic to hexagonal phase due to (NaZn)3+ doping. (NaZn)3+ introduction also promotes grain growth and increases the density of the NaxZnxSc2−x(MoO4)3 ceramics. With the increase in (NaZn)3+ substitution, NaxZnxSc2−x(MoO4)3 ceramics exhibit stronger NTE, and the thermal expansion coefficients (CTEs) improve from −4.74 × 10−6 to −8.77 × 10−6 °C−1 in 30–650 °C. High-temperature XRD results reveal that the hexagonal NaxZnxSc2−x(MoO4)3 samples exhibit anisotropic NTE. With the increase in (NaZn)3+ substitution, the linear CTEs of the a and b axes decreased from −13.17 × 10−6 to −15.93 × 10−6 °C−1, while one of the c axes decreased from 18.38 × 10−6 to 12.27 × 10−6 °C−1. Consequently, hexagonal NaxZnxSc2−x(MoO4)3 samples present stronger NTE as the content x rises.

Multi-Noncentrosymmetric Polar Order in 2D Hybrid Lead Chloride with Broadband Emission and High-Temperature Second-Harmonic Generation Switching.

Two-dimensional lead halide perovskites represent a fascinating class of hybrid semiconductors for solar cell, light-emitting, nonlinear optical (NLO), and ferroelectric applications. A notable subset within this category is luminescent ferroelectrics, which have garnered considerable attention for their potential in integrated photoelectronic devices. In this study, we employed an organic amine halogenation strategy (also referred to as halogen engineering), which is renowned for its efficacy in inducing polar order through crystal engineering. Consequently, we synthesized a layered Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) lead chloride comprising 3-chloropropylammonium cations (CPA+), with the chemical formula CPA2PbCl4. This compound features as many as four temperature-dependent crystal phases, with phase transitions observed at T1 = 353.1 K (343.9 K), T2 = 211.7 K (208.6 K), and T3 = 182.0 K (178.2 K) in the heating (cooling) cycles. Employing a multitechnique approach─including thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, dielectric and pyroelectric current measurements, Raman spectroscopy, and second-harmonic generation (SHG) studies─we determined the mechanisms of the structural phase transitions. Our findings demonstrate polar order of phase II (space group Cmc21), phase III (space group Pna21), and phase IV (space group Pca21), while also confirming the centrosymmetric nature of phase I (space group Cmce). X-ray diffraction data revealed that the I to II PT is of a ferroelectric nature, devoid of ferroelastic strain, a conclusion further supported by pyroelectric measurements. CPA2PbCl4 features negative linear thermal expansion and broadband emission, which transitions to white light above 180 K. Remarkably, CPA2PbCl4 also demonstrates high-temperature SHG on-off switching with a high contrast ratio of 300:1 along with good switching stability, as evidenced by SHG cycling studies at heating/cooling rates ranging from 5 to 50 K/min. This SHG study also sets new standards for the field of SHG switching by providing a method to quantify the thermal responsiveness of SHG-switchable materials using the treq (time requirement) parameter. Overall, our findings show that the halogenation strategy has led to the discovery of a rare example of an RP perovskite exhibiting coexistence of white-light emission, SHG on-off thermal bistability, ferroelectricity, and negative linear thermal expansion.

Design and Modulation of Negative Thermal Expansion for Epoxy Polymers.

Modulating the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and realizing low or negative thermal expansion (NTE) for epoxy polymers are challenging issues. In this study, we developed an effective strategy to prepare epoxy polymers with an NTE performance. A novel motif DBCOD-NH2 based on the dibenzocyclooctadiene (DBCOD) was designed, synthesized, and utilized as a curing agent for several commercial epoxy resins. DBCOD-NH2 suppressed the thermal expansion of the epoxy polymer due to the conformational transition of DBCOD from boat to chair, resulting in low or negative CTE. The AFG90-based polymer showed the most significant thermal contraction behavior (-43.6 ppm/K, 40-80 °C) in the glassy state due to the high DBCOD content, chain rigidity, and cross-link density, which resulted from the high epoxy values, rigidity, and functionality of AFG90 resins. The structure-property interactions were examined and applied to modulate the NTE of epoxy polymers. Our findings are useful for the regulation of thermal expansion and the preparation of materials with desired CTE values.

Additive manufacturing between cooled confinements with the LDNA process

Laser-assisted double-wire welding with nontransferred arc (LDNA) is characterized by two converging wires between which an electrical arc burns to melt both wires. The molten material falling onto the substrate is distributed with oscillating laser radiation with a power of 1.5 kW to ensure sufficient bonding with the substrate without delamination and pores. The process is characterized by high deposition rates of more than 7.5 kg/h. Due to the high deposition rate, only high values for waviness in the buildup direction can be achieved in the production of multilayer additive structures. The approach investigated in this publication examines the potential to produce additive structures with a confined melt pool. The use of water-cooled copper jaws and the deposition of ER70S-6 between these confinements using the LDNA process are being investigated to produce additive 10 mm wide and 100 mm long structures with significantly improved waviness in the direction of buildup and improved dimensional accuracy. It can be shown that a wall-like structure can be welded between the confinements without material bonding to the cooling jaws. Additionally, it has been observed that the confinements can easily be removed which is attributed to the thermal contraction of the steel. Metallographic examinations of the produced structures in the longitudinal and transverse sections as well as hardness curves in the transverse section are carried out and evaluated. Multilayer structures with up to five layers are produced and the waviness and surface roughness on the side surfaces defined by the jaws are measured and evaluated.

Effects of lateral critical current nonuniformity on stresses in dry-wound high-field REBCO coils

Abstract The distribution of critical current density (jc) in REBCO coated conductors affects the magnetization behaviors and subsequently screening-current-induced stresses, particularly for solenoid magnets in high fields. This paper studies numerically the correlation between lateral jc profile across conductor width and stress distribution in pancake coils. The modeling framework considers bending, winding, thermal contraction, and magnetic forces including coupled electromagnetic-mechanical behaviors, i.e., the deviation of the perpendicular field away from axial direction due to tilting deformation. The lateral nonuniformity is introduced using trapezoidal functions, emulating typical jc profiles originated in pristine tapes and those caused by slitting. First, parametric studies are carried out on the small test coils previously reported in the 'Little Big Coils' (LBC) paper. It is shown that while slitting edge defects have a moderate impact on peak strains, imperfections in the pristine tape with a larger shoulder width can accelerate the penetration process, shifting peak force to the structurally resilient middle section. Similar behaviors are found in the LBC3 case study, suggesting that lateral jc nonuniformity may have contributed to the observed degradation states in pancakes with different slit-edge orientations. Furthermore, the manipulation of lateral jc profile is proposed as a strategy to manage stresses in high field solenoids. This is demonstrated in the design study of a hypothetical REBCO insert. By adjusting the lateral jc distribution and the overall scaling factor, magnet designs with a reasonable current margin and moderate peak strain can be found. The multi-width concept is then applied to allow for a higher operating current and a larger margin for the end pancakes. Albeit being a generic case, this study highlights the sensitivity of peak stresses in high-field magnets to jc distribution. This feature may be taken into account to fine-tune magnet designs and adjust coil assemblies for better overall performance. It also emphasizes the need for careful characterization and effective control of lateral jc distributions in REBCO coated conductors.

Topology optimization for metamaterials with negative thermal expansion coefficients using energy-based homogenization

Since the existing topology designs of negative thermal expansion metamaterials are primarily based on the asymptotic homogenization theory, this paper conducts a topology optimization method of negative thermal expansion metamaterials based on the computationally efficient energy-based homogenization for the first time. In this research, (1) a new effective thermal stress coefficient equation is pioneeringly proposed using energy-based homogenization frame, where its theoretical derivation process is presented as well as its effectiveness and computational efficiency are verified by comparative cases. Additionally, the matlab code is open-sourced for public learning. (2) A topology optimization design of both 2D and 3D metamaterials with negative thermal expansion properties is established innovatively with Discrete Material Optimization (DMO). Its advantages are illustrated compared with the convectional method and its results are validated by Finite Element Method simulations. The new methods have promising applications in the evaluation and optimization of thermal expansion properties of composites.

Negative and near-zero thermal expansion driven by cooperative Jahn–Teller effect in Fe2P2O7

Negative and near-zero thermal expansion driven by cooperative Jahn–Teller effect in Fe2P2O7

A new method for growing epitaxial films on foreign substrates − Bent epitaxy

In recent years, to mitigate the effects of climate change, countries’ transition to the green economy has accelerated, and thereby, the demand of semiconductor industry for wide-gap semiconductors such as SiC and GaN has increased dramatically. These semiconductors are expensive. To reduce the price of the final product, industrial production of thin epitaxial films of sought-after semiconductors on accessible and cheap substrates, such as Si and sapphire, is being developed. When growing epitaxial films on foreign substrates, the resulting heterostructure bends, becomes concave or convex, due to a mismatch between the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the substrate and the epitaxial film. As a result, the quality of the epitaxial film deteriorates and further processing of the resulting heterostructures in production lines becomes difficult or even impossible. The essence of the proposed new method is that the epitaxial film is grown not on a flat, but on a pre-curved substrate with the expectation that after cooling the fabricated heterostructure to room temperature, the heterostructure will take a flat shape due to the difference in the CTE of the epitaxial film and the substrate. A round bimetallic plate, located under the substrate, bends the substrate in the required direction to the desired value at the growth temperature, and gradually reduces the bend of the fabricated heterostructure during cooling, in proportion to the thermal contraction of the epitaxial film. This allows obtaining qualitative and flat epitaxial films, regardless of the material of the substrate or epitaxial film and the diameter of the substrate or thickness of the epitaxial film, without any buffer layers or carrying out any additional operations and costs.

Thermally Stable High-Entropy Layered Double Hydroxides for Advanced Catalysis.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), especially high-entropy LDHs (HE-LDHs), have gained increasing attention. However, HE-LDHs often possess poor thermal stability, restricting their applications in thermo-catalysis. Herein, a novel complexing nucleation method is proposed for engineering HE-LDHs with enhanced thermal stability. This approach precisely controls the nucleation of metal ions with different solubility products, achieving homogeneous nucleation and effectively mitigating phase segregation and transformation at elevated temperatures. The prepared HE-LDH sample demonstrated exceptional thermal stability at temperatures up to 300°C, outperforming all previously reported LDHs. Importantly, these HE-LDHs preserve both Lewis and Brønsted acidic sites, enabling the 100% removal of aromatic sulfides and alkaline nitrogen compounds from fuel oils in thermo-catalytic oxidation reactions. Experimental and characterization findings reveal that the metal-hydroxide bonds in the prepared HE-LDHs are strengthened by associated hydroxyl groups, inducing negative thermal expansion and augmenting the presence of acidic sites, thereby ensuring structural stability and enhancing catalytic activity. This study not only proposes a strategy for engineering HE-LDHs with remarkable thermal stability but also highlights potential applications of LDHs in thermo-catalysis.

Negative Thermal Expansion Realized by an Incomplete Bimaterial Ring

Incomplete bimaterial ring (a circular ring with a gap) capable of producing negative macroscopic thermal expansion is proposed and its behavior is analyzed. The ring exhibits negative thermal expansion (NTE) (in the plane of the ring) when the outer ring has higher thermal expansion coefficient than the inner one. When the thermal expansion coefficients are equal (monomaterial incomplete ring), the effective (macroscopic) planar thermal expansion becomes zero. (The complete thermal expansion will be positive but small.) It is the presence of the gap which is the basis of this thermal behavior. Similar effect can be achieved by spring or spiral structures where the role of the gap is played by the open ends. These structures will have higher stiffness than the incomplete bimaterial ring. The thermal expansion of the ring is characterized by the effective (macroscopic) coefficient of linear thermal expansion. The effective coefficient of linear thermal expansion depends on the temperature increase, making the thermal expansion nonlinear. Planar and 3D NTE structures are considered.

Evaluating the effects of cement asphalt emulsion paste as a grouting material on the fatigue and thermal contraction properties of semi-flexible asphalt composite pavement

Semi-flexible asphalt (SFA) composite pavement is widely used in pavement engineering for its high load-bearing capacity, enhanced durability, impermeability, and resistance to fuel and oil spillage. However, its cracking resistance remains a concern, influenced by repeated vehicle loads and thermal contraction stresses. This study investigates the impact of cement asphalt emulsion paste as a grouting material on SFA’s fatigue and thermal contraction. SFA specimens were grouted with cement paste (CP) containing 20%, 40%, and 60% asphalt emulsion. These specimens were subjected to indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus, and fatigue tests, along with evaluation of thermal contraction behavior using coefficient of thermal contraction. Results indicated that adding asphalt emulsion to CP enhances the flexibility and ductility of SFA but reduces its indirect tensile strength and stiffness modulus. A mathematical model was introduced to predict the resilient modulus based on indirect tensile strength tests. The fatigue analysis demonstrated significant difference in fatigue resistance between SFA and AC16 materials. Incorporating asphalt emulsion also improved SFA’s thermal contraction behavior.

Dimensional change and springback of spherical shell in cryogenic forming

Cryogenic forming has been developed to manufacture thin-walled curved aluminum alloy components, whose final dimensions are affected by cryogenic shrinkage and springback. Therefore, dimensional changes of spherical shell in cryogenic forming were studied theoretically and experimentally. The cryogenic forming process was discussed to elucidate the factors affecting the dimensional change. The stress distribution was analyzed to qualitatively reveal the springback behavior. Cryogenic dimensional measurement devices were built to quantitatively evaluate the dimensional changes in the forming processes of punch cooling, springback, and specimen restoration to room temperature. The temperature dependencies of the elastic modulus and expansion coefficient were modeled to quantitatively calculate the effect of thermal expansion and contraction on the dimensions of specimen and punch. The theoretical analysis results indicate that depth reduction and opening expansion are produced by cryogenic springback, determined by the radial stress, hoop stress, and bending moment in different deformation regions. The cryogenic springback in the biaxial tensile stress zone was reduced by 37.8 % owing to the increasing radial deformation and decreasing bending deformation. In contrast, cryogenic springback in the tensile-compressive stress zone increased by 30.8 %. The punch cooling shrinkage and specimen warming expansion in depth direction can reduce for the dimensional deviation caused by springback but cause the opposite effect in hoop direction. Expansion and shrinkage were effectively predicted using the proposed model, with an error of less than 16 %. The deformation region of the biaxial tensile stress can be enlarged by the significantly improved hardening ability at cryogenic temperature, which benefits enhancing deformation uniformity and further reduces springback. Therefore, cryogenic forming offers considerable potential for the precision manufacturing of aluminum alloy deep-cavity thin-walled components.

Thermal enhancing luminescence and thermal quenching luminescence of Sc2(MoO4)3: X mol% Eu3+

The synthesis of a series of Sc2(MoO4)3: x mol% Eu3+ red phosphors (x = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, 70 and 100) was successfully completed through the implementation of a high-temperature solid-phase synthesis methodology. The optimum 5 mol% Eu3+ doped Sc2(MoO4)3 were prepared at 900 °C, and no concentration quenching luminescence were observed in Sc2(MoO4)3: x mol% Eu3+ phosphors though crystalline phase varied. In particular, the 10 mol% Eu3+-doped Sc2(MoO4)3 exhibited thermal enhancing luminescence (TEL) when excited with 277 nm light. At 125 °C, the intensity reached 250 % of the initial value, while at 300 °C, it remained at approximately 190 % of the initial intensity. With 396 nm excitation, the phosphor presented thermal quenching luminescence (TQL). In the TEL Sc2(MoO4)3: x mol% Eu3+ phosphors, the optimal temperature of TEL enhanced with Eu3+ concentration increasing. For the Eu2(MoO4)3 phosphor, it only demonstrated TQL with 277 nm and 396 nm excitations. The mechanism of TEL can be ascribed to the enhancement in structural rigidity resulting from the negative thermal expansion (NTE), which was accompanied by efficient energy transfer from MoO42− to Eu3+. Furthermore, the fluorescence lifetime of the 5D0 level demonstrated a declining trend then a rising trend with elevated Eu3+ concentrations, whereas the color purity value exhibited an ascending trend always.

A novel negative thermal expansion ceramic network interlayer for releasing high residual stress of Cf/SiC heterogeneous brazed joint

Negative thermal expansion (NTE) ceramics have been widely concerned in adjusting the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to release the high residual stress of heterogeneous joint. However, one major problem that needs to be solved is the agglomeration problem caused by excessive ceramic particles addition. In this work, a novel NTE ceramic Sc2W3O12 network interlayer is prepared by the polyurethane template method. The Sc2W3O12 network interlayer with a single NTE phase presents a three-dimensional network structure. The NTE Sc2W3O12 ceramic is uniformly distributed in brazing seam without agglomeration with the help of unique network structure. The active Ti elements play an important role in the interface bonding, reacted with Sc2W3O12 network interlayer and Cf/SiC composites to form Cu3Ti3O and TiC/Ti5Si3 reaction layer, respectively. After introducing Sc2W3O12 network interlayer, the CTE of the composite filler is reduced from 16.6 × 10−6 K−1 to 11.9 × 10−6 K−1, a decrease of 29 %. The highest shear strength of the Cf/SiC heterogeneous joint is reached 130 MPa, which is 5.4 times than that without Sc2W3O12 network interlayer.