Powder Processing Conditions Research Articles

An efficient electrode for reversible oxygen reduction/evolution and ethylene electro-production on protonic ceramic electrochemical cells

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) have demonstrated great promise for applications in the generation of electricity, and the synthesis of chemicals (for example, ethylene). However, enhancing the electrochemical reactions kinetics and stability of PCECs electrodes is one grand challenge. Here, we present a novel electrode material via a co-doping of cesium (Cs) and niobium (Nb) on PrBaCo2O6−δ with the composition of PrBa0.9Cs0.1Co1.9Nb0.1O6−δ (PBCCN), which naturally decomposes into dual phases of a double-perovskite PBCCN (DP-PBCCN, ∼92.3 wt%) and a single-perovskite Ba0.9Cs0.1Co0.95Nb0.05O3−δ (SP-BCCN, ∼7.7 wt%) under typical powder processing conditions. PBCCN exhibits a low area-specific resistance (ASR) value of 0.107 Ω cm2, an outstanding performance of 2.04 W cm−2 in fuel cell (FC) mode, a current density of −2.84 A cm−2 at 1.3 V in electrolysis cell (EC) mode, and promising reversible operational durability of 53 cycles in ∼212 h at +/− 0.5 A cm−2 and 650 °C. Cs doping generates more oxygen vacancies and accelerates the oxygen exchange kinetics, while Nb doping effectively enhances the stability, as illustrated by the analyses of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrical conductivity relaxations. When applied as the positrode for electrochemical non-oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (C2H6) to ethylene (C2H4) on PCECs, it displays an encouraging C2H6 conversion of 12.75% and a C2H4 selectivity of 98.4% at 1.2 V.

Negative impact of humidity on the flowability of steel powders

Atmospheric humidity is introduced into powders during handling, transportation, and storage. High moisture content can increase cohesive forces between particles and make it difficult to spread a powder into thin layers in powder bed processes or to fill a mold in processes such as press-and-sinter. Furthermore, water can cause porosity and uptake of oxygen in the final component, damaging its mechanical properties. In this study, a Freeman FT4 powder rheometer was placed inside a climate chamber. Both flowability and shear tests were performed on four steel powders under a range of humidity and temperatures. Basic flowability energy and specific energy were both found to increase significantly with humidity (typically increase by 50% for 80% of relative humidity compared to dry conditions) and were insensitive to temperature change (10–30 °C). Conversely, the behavior of the powders under shear was neither sensitive to relative humidity nor temperature. Measurements of moisture content revealed that finer powders contained more moisture than coarser ones, but the moisture content was not correlated with humidity, probably due to shortcomings with the measurement method. This knowledge can be used to optimize powder processing conditions.

Effect of powder processing and alloying additions (Al/ZrB2) on the microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of Cu

The present work elucidates the effect of powder processing conditions (milling/mixing) and conductive alloying element (Al: aluminium) and ceramic (ZrB2: zirconium diboride) reinforcement addition on the densification, microstructure and electrical conductivity of copper (Cu) processed via hot pressing route. Disregard of alloying element/reinforcement/content or powders preparation method, the density of Cu materials varied between 92.16 and 99.76% ρth (theoretical density) after hot pressing at a low temperature of 500 °C. In case of Cu-Al alloys, the powder processing method significantly influenced its microstructure and conductivity. Particularly the Cu-Al alloys processed using mixed powders consisted of various phases Cu, α-Cu, γ1 (Cu9Al4), δ (Cu3Al2), ζ1 (Cu4Al3), η2 (CuAl) and θ (CuAl2) and the Cu alloys prepared using milled powders composed of either only α-Cu or α-Cu and γ1 (Cu9Al4) phases (depending on the Al content). Whereas, only Cu and ZrB2 phases were observed with the Cu-ZrB2 composites processed using either milled or mixed powers. In case of Cu-Al alloys, the hardness (0.88–3.41 GPa) and strength (540.30–1120.18 MPa) of Cu increased with the addition of Al. Interestingly, the hardness (0.88–2.55 GPa) and strength (508.50–970.60 MPa) of Cu increased upto 5 wt% ZrB2 and then they lowered with further addition of ZrB2. In particular, the hardness and strength of Cu-ZrB2 composites are lower than Cu-Al alloys reflecting the effectiveness of solid solution strengthening in the Cu alloys as compared to dispersion strengthening mechanism in Cu composite. The pure Cu prepared using milled powders exhibited low conductivity (75.70% IACS) than Cu processed using as-received/un-milled powders (97.00% IACS). Also, the Cu-ZrB2 composites measured with better electrical conductivity than Cu-Al alloys. Depending on the milling conditions and alloying/reinforcement amount, the conductivity of Cu-ZrB2 composites varied between 44.10 and 88.70% IACS.

Titanium dioxide catalytic activity contributes to the process of free radical scavenging

TiO2 crystallochemical properties have been explored and correlated with the activity of this material in the scavenging of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). It is well known that those highly reactive species are produced by inflammatory cells and neutralized by some oxides, such a titanium dioxide under light. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action of this ceramic material is yet to be fully understood. A set of reactions have been proposed that imply the presence of different valence states of titanium as the basis for the ROS/RNS scavenging, but in this work, we have demonstrated that those species are not always detected in TiO2-based materials, which are, in addition, active in depleting ROS/RNS. TiO2 powders with undetected Ti3+ have been obtained with a range of different properties—surface area, particle size, rutile–anatase ratio, and band gap values—by varying the powder processing conditions after synthesis through the sol precipitation route. The properties of the powders have been correlated with the scavenging activity of the materials toward two reactive species, DPPH· and peroxynitrite, always conducted under dark conditions. It was observed that despite the lack of Ti3+ states, TiO2 powders can still neutralize ROS/RNS. For the first time, this study explain how the catalytic activity of different TiO2 contribute to the free radical scavenging mechanism and the differences in scavenger activity shown by different TiO2 phases and mixtures.

Spark Plasma Sintered Zirconia Ceramic Composites with Graphene-Based Nanostructures

The addition of graphene-based nanostructures (GBNs) can improve the inherent fragility of ceramics and provide them with improved electrical and thermal conductivities. However, both the starting material (ceramic matrix and GBNs) and the processing/sintering approach are crucial for the final composite microstructure and properties. This work focuses on the influence of the content and dimensions of the GBN filler (10 and 20 vol%; 3 and ~150 layers), the powder-processing conditions (dry versus wet), and the homogenization method (ultrasound sonication versus high-energy planetary ball milling) on GBN/tetragonal zirconia (3YTZP) composites. The microstructure and electrical properties of the spark plasma sintered (SPS) composites were quantified and analyzed. The highest microstructural homogeneity with an isotropic microstructure was achieved by composites prepared with thicker GBNs milled in dry conditions. A high content (20 vol%) of few-layered graphene as a filler maximizes the electrical conductivity of the composites, although it hinders their densification.

Effect of powder processing conditions on the electromechanical properties of lithium doped potassium sodium niobate

Lithium doped potassium sodium niobate ceramics with (K0.50−x/2Na0.50−x/2Lix)NbO3 composition where x=0.04 and 0.07 were fabricated by solid state calcination and pressureless sintering methods. However, two different powder processing and calcination routes were used in this study and their effect on the structural and electrical properties were investigated and discussed. The routes were namely loose calcination and compact calcination. A general trend of decreasing grain size was observed in the sintered ceramics prepared from these powders. The most drastic effect was observed on the electromechanical properties of the samples, where the maximum strain of 7% lithium modified sample under an E-field of 50kV/cm was increased from 0.09% to 0.12% by changing processing route. Furthermore, hysteretic behavior of the strain was found to decrease. This tendency was also valid for ferroelectric hysteresis property, with remnant polarization (2Pr) increasing from 23μC/cm2 to 46μC/cm2. The improvements observed in the electrical properties were discussed on the basis of chemical homogeneity and uniform ionic distribution.

Influence of thermosonication on Geobacillus stearothermophilus inactivation in skim milk

The influence of high intensity ultrasound coupled with thermoprocessing on the inactivation of Geobacillus stearothermophilus vegetative cells and spores in skim milk powder was explored using response surface methodology and two polynomial models were developed. Optimization of cell reduction (4.8 log) was found to be at 19.75% total solids (TS), 45 °C, and 30 s, while optimization of spore reduction (0.45 log) was found to be at 31.5% TS, 67.5 °C, and 17.5 s. Model verification experiments were performed using common milk powder processing conditions. Results showed the inactivation of cells and spores to be most effective before (9.2% TS, 75 °C, and 10 s) and after (50% TS, 60 °C, and 10 s) the evaporator during milk powder processing and may produce an additive effect in microbial reduction when the two locations are combined, resulting in a 5.8 log reduction for vegetative cells and 0.51 log reduction for spores.

Microstructural and lipid composition changes in milk fat globules during milk powder manufacture

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of milk powder processing conditions (pasteurisation, homogenisation and spray-drying) on the microstructure and composition of fat globules in cow milk.

Powder Processing and Coating Heat Treatment on Cold Sprayed Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

This study investigates the effect of powder processing on powder flowability, compact ability, and the heat treatment of the resulting coatings on the mechanical properties of cold gas dynamic sprayed Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Nitrogen gas was used throughout the coating deposition process. Propellant gas temperature and pressure were attuned to maximize particle impact velocity. Three powder processing conditions were used in this study: as received (AR), low-energy ball milled (BM), and argon atmosphere heat treated (HT). Results showed coating porosities of around 6 to 7%, regardless of the feedstock powder used or the heat treatment performed. It was observed at 600 and 800°C anneals that a coating hardness reduction occurred, possibly due to static recovery and recrystallization, with minor sintering possibly occurring at the 800°C anneals. In addition, micro tensile tests showed an increase in cohesion strength at higher heat treatment temperatures.

The influence of precursor powders and processing parameters on the properties of SnO2-based gas sensors

Semiconducting tin oxide precursor powders were synthesized via three different chemical processing routes. The influence of powder processing conditions on the physical properties, e.g., particle size, surface area and phase composition of both uncalcined and calcined materials, was investigated. These powders were used to fabricate gas sensors using thick-film screen-printing technology. The effect of precursor powders, sintering conditions, sensor temperature and Pd catalyst on the carbon monoxide, methane, propane and ethanol gas sensing characteristics of the sensors were investigated. Sensors were also fabricated using tin oxide powders obtained from a commercial source and their gas sensing properties were also investigated. The data indicates that the powder processing methodology, sensor fabrication conditions and Pd catalyst can profoundly influence the physical characteristics as well as the gas sensing properties of the sensors.

Processing effects on the microstructure and dielectric properties of Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) ceramics

Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) ferroelectric thick films have been investigated as potential candidates for use in frequency agile microwave circuit devices. Powder processing techniques such as screen-printing have been used to make BST thick films. However, due to the interactions between the BST and substrates such as alumina, the sintering temperatures for the BST thick films are limited and the resultant films are difficult to achieve full densification. In this paper, the effects of different powder processing conditions (calcination, sintering temperature and time) on the sintering behaviour and dielectric properties of the BST ceramics have been investigated. The dielectric behaviour of the ceramics has been correlated with composition and microstructural features such as chemical homogeneity, grain size and domain wall movements.

Seebeck coefficient as an indicator of oxygen content in YBCO

Measurement of the Seebeck coefficient at room temperature provides a simple method for the determination of the oxygen content and carrier sign for sintered, polycrystalline, high- T c YBa 2Cu 3O 7− δ samples. From our measurements and those reported previously, a universal curve of oxygen content (7- δ) versus Seebeck coefficient has been developed for these materials. This technique is also useful for the determination of both spatial sample homogeneity, and quality control of batch powder processing conditions in large-scale manufacturing operations, as well as grain orientation in melt-processed materials.

Characterization and Sintering of Lead Zirconate‐Titanate Powders

Two techniques — conventional calcining of mixed oxides and molten salt synthesis—have been used to prepare lead zirconate‐titanate powders for subsequent sintering experiments. Several characterization methods, including SEM microscopy and pressing behavior, were used to evaluate the primary particle size and agglomerate state of the powders. In the powders produced by conventional calcining of mixed oxides, the primary particle size was strongly dependent on calcining temperature. These powders also contained a large proportion of very strong agglomerates. The powders produced using molten salt synthesis had a primary particle size nearly independent of processing temperature. The agglomerates formed appeared to be quite friable. Subsequent sintering experiments showed that grain growth was more pronounced with the conventionally calcined powders. The ceramics produced from molten synthesized powders had a more uniform grain size which was nearly independent of powder processing conditions. The densities of these ceramics were, however, always lower than those produced from conventionally calcined powders.

Fundamental Studies on Ferrite Manufacturing Process (Part 6)

The effects of powder processing conditions on the sintering of Ni.Zn ferrite have been . presented. The constituent oxide mixtures were calcined at temperatures between. 700 and. 1400°C, and then subjected to ball-milling up to 55 hours. Shrinkage, fired density and some magnetic properties were studied at different firing temperatures. It is shown that the. sintering behaviors, and hence the properties of sintered products could be interpreted adequately by powder parameters such as aggregation state of primary particle, size and its distribution. It is shown also that the effect of ball-milling is less significant unless the oxide mixtures are calcined above the recrystallization temperature.