Subsequent Sintering Research Articles

Mechanical, thermophysical and electrochemical properties of dense BaCeO3 ceramics sintered from hydrazine-nitrate combustion products

The development of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) is currently a focus of research, as it has the potential to improve their operational characteristics, lower their cost, and enhance their stability. However, achieving high-performance functional materials at working temperatures of 600–800 °C poses a significant challenge. Barium cerate (BaCeO3) has been identified as a promising material for the solid electrolyte of IT-SOFCs due to its high proton conductivity among A2+B4+O3-type perovskites. Nevertheless, producing a single-phase and dense ceramic based on BaCeO3 with high conductivity in the intermediate-temperature range remains a challenge. This study employed the hydrazine-nitrate combustion method to obtain BaCeO3 precursor powder, which was then used to produce dense proton-conducting ceramics by isostatic pressing and subsequent isothermal sintering at temperatures of 1100–1500 °C. The resulting samples were characterized using various techniques, including XRD, SEM, Vickers microhardness, TMA, LFA, and impedance spectroscopy. The findings indicate that the proposed hydrazine-nitrate approach was successful in producing ceramic samples with an average crystallite size of 95–220 nm, an average grain size of 4.8–9.9 μm, and a relative density of 70.7–91.2% depending on the sintering conditions. The most densely sintered sample (91.2%) exhibited the highest mechanical and functional properties, with Vickers microhardness values of 3.0 GPa (R T.), a coefficient of thermal expansion of 8.7 × 10–6 (R T.-1000 °C), thermal conductivity of 1.51–1.06 W/m·°C (R.T.-1000 °C), and logarithmic conductivity of −3.37 to −6.35 S/cm (675–980 °C). Thus, the proposed hydrazine-nitrate approach shows promise for producing high-performance conducting ceramic materials for IT-SOFCs.

On the flash sintering behavior of Li:ZnO—Evidence of electrode asymmetry driven by electrochemical reactions

AbstractThe synthesis, subsequent flash sintering (FS) characteristics and microstructures of pure and Li‐incorporated ZnO powders are reported. At low concentrations, Li is a substitutional occupant in ZnO but becomes an amphoteric dopant (substitutional and interstitial occupant) at higher concentrations inferred from a contraction reversal of the unit cell volume. Increasing Li reduces the average flash temperature of ZnO modestly by 15°C, and a doubling of the linear shrinkage. A discernible color smear (yellow–white–dark) stretching from the anode to cathode imputable to strong electromigration is also observed. Microanalyses of the electrode regions establish clear evidence of electrochemical (EC) lithiation into ZnO and the formation of Li–Zn compounds not observed in conventional sintering (CS). Interestingly, in contrast to CS, the addition of Li enhances coarsening during FS, suggestive of a dissolution–reprecipitation process concurrent with the EC lithiation process. Evidence for considerable (local) yet tangible temperature, chemical and microstructural asymmetry among electrodes driven by EC reactions is presented. Probable mechanisms, leading to these observations, are discussed.

Influence of Temperature Regimes of Synthetic Iron Smelting on Casting Production Efficiency

The purpose of the foundry is to provide the consumer with blanks for general machine-building (special) purposes which are as close as possible to the size of the future part in full compliance with the requirements. The competitiveness of these products is primarily dependent on the use of efficient and reliable smelting equipment which meets the necessary cost. The replacement of high-value ironworks and ironworks iron with steel scrap using induction melting furnaces (ICFs) reduces the cost of producing synthetic cast iron. However, this results in temperatures greater than 1500 °C, reduced lining stability and increased downtime of the smelter. As a result of the research carried out, a technology for the use of quartzite is proposed. Thereby, the purpose of this work is to establish temperature regimes for the smelting of synthetic pig iron, allowing the use in metal filling up to 70–90% of steel scrap; this leads to a reduction in the cost of purchasing bulk materials (depending on the brand of cast iron) up to 50% and, thus, increases the efficiency of synthetic cast iron smelting and castings production in general. After removal of the original moisture and the subsequent sintering of the manufactured lining, it provides the possibility of melting using the melting temperatures 1550–1600 °C. It increases the efficiency of the operation of the melting furnaces and eliminates the consumption of the ironworks and the melting of the cast iron in the blast furnace, as well as the cost of the lost alloy. As a result, metallurgical production will be able to reduce the volume of production and supply of cast iron for ironworks, which will improve their environmental situation during the production and processing of necessary raw materials.

Direct ink writing of porous Fe scaffolds for bone implants: Pore size evolution and effect on degradation and mechanical properties

Existing research suggested 300∼600 μm as the optimal pore size range for metallic bone implants. The human bones, however, have numerous pores smaller than 300 μm for bone ingrowth, cell growth and migration, fluid flow, and so forth. The bone implant with such small-sized pores has been rarely manufactured and its property is unclear. In the paper, biodegradable Fe scaffolds of different pore sizes (50 μm, 100 μm, 150 μm, 200 μm, and 300 μm) were fabricated by direct ink writing (DIW) with subsequent sintering. The interconnected pores of all scaffolds are highly precise and have no residual powders. The in-vitro degradation and compression tests were conducted on the scaffolds to evaluate the effect of pore size on degradation and mechanical behaviors, respectively. The results indicate that a decrease in pore size leads to an increase in degradation rate, from 0.0423 ± 0.0014 to 0.0433 ± 0.0035 mm/year, with the exception of the 50 μm scaffolds which exhibit the lowest value of 0.0052 ± 0.0018 mm/year due to clogging by degradation products; meanwhile, both elastic modulus and yield strength rise from 344.8 ± 18.6 MPa to 625.0 ± 52.5 MPa and from 9.5 ± 0.9 MPa to 15.1 ± 0.8 MPa, respectively. The pore size of 100 μm shows the most significant potential for use in Fe bone implants regarding its good degradation and mechanical behaviors. Our work provides new insight into the preferable pore size of metallic bone implants produced by additive manufacturing.

Architecting versatile NiFe2O4 coating for enhancing structural stability and rate capability of layered Ni-rich cathodes

Nickel-rich layered oxides are considered one of the most promising cathode materials for efficient lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density and reasonable cost. However, at high cut-off voltage, the interfacial instability and structural degradation lead to severe capacity attenuation and poor thermal stability, which greatly hinder their large-scale applications. Herein, a multifunctional antispinel NiFe2O4 coated LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM@NFO) material is in-situ induced by co-precipitation and subsequent sintering, boosting the cycling stability of Ni-rich materials. Coupling in-depth characterizations (in-situ X-ray diffraction, etc.) with density functional theory calculations, the versatility of the NFO coating has been revealed. Including suppressing the transition metal dissolution, preventing the unwanted phase transition, inhibiting the oxygen vacancy generation, and stabilizing the crystal structure of the NCM by forming an M-O-N bonding network. More importantly, attributing to the high ion/electron conductivity of the NFO layer, the Li+ transport kinetics between NCM@NFO particles have been facilitated. Benefitting from the collaborative effect of the protective NFO coating, the optimized 2 wt% NFO@NCM (NCM@NFO-2) sample achieves higher capacity retention (81.25 vs 67.88% after 200 cycles) at high voltages (2.75 ∼ 4.5 V@0.5C) and more excellent rate capabilities (109.86 vs 49.52 mAh·g−1 at 10C), as well as impressive capacity retention of 81.72% after 100 cycles (at 60 °C@1C). Constructing a versatile bimetallic oxide protective layer at the secondary particle surface of layered oxides provides an effective strategy for Ni-rich cathodes towards high-energy, long-duration, and safe lithium ion batteries.

Effect of green body annealing on microstructure and optical properties of Y2O3:Yb3+ ceramics

Influence of annealing temperature in the Т = 600–1200°С range on a mesostructure of Y2O3:Yb3+ green bodies and properties of obtained ceramics were studied. It was shown that annealing of green bodies should be carried out at the maximum possible temperatures when sintering occurs without approaching of particle centers. It was established that green bodies annealed at T = 800°C are characterized by optimal mesostructure in terms of densification efficiency during subsequent vacuum sintering. Y2O3:Yb3+ ceramics prepared from green bodies which were previously annealed at 800°C possess the highest optical quality and in-line optical transmittance of 72% at λ = 1100 nm wavelength. Annealing at lower temperatures does not remove all the defects introduced by ball-milling of powder mixture, that hinders formation of pore-free ceramics. Green bodies annealing above T = 800°C leads to partial compact densification that is accompanied with a decrease in sinterability during vacuum sintering.

Defect-induced Sr1−xPrxTiO3 crystallites by burial sintering and its optoelectronic applications

The band structure of SrTiO3 was altered by introducing Pr3+ in the Sr2+ site and subsequent graphite burial sintering. The asymmetric nature of the (310) peak in XRD and the emergence of Eg and B1g modes in the Raman spectrum suggest the transformation from cubic to tetragonal phase for the Sr1-xPrxTiO3 system with x ≥ 0.1. The development of the forbidden first-order Raman peaks and novel spectral properties are attributed to the local vibrational modes linked to oxygen vacancies. Structural variations in terms of lattice strain were investigated using a W–H plot, and morphological changes were analyzed by high-resolution FE-SEM. High infrared absorption in UV–Vis–NIR spectra and a significant reduction in band gap from 2.8 eV to 1.8 eV were accomplished through increased disorder in the lattice and the reduction of Ti4+. The blue shift in absorption spectra with Pr concentration can be used to tune the absorption range for sensing purposes. The formation of new electronic states observed here offers a novel approach for band gap modification in perovskites for photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications.

Strengthening the grain boundary of Mo alloy via little TiC addition

The little TiC was added into Mo alloys by facile ball milling and subsequent sintering. Interestingly, ultrafine Mo-TiC alloy (6.53 μm) possesses quasi-cleavage transgranular fracture morphology, which is differed from traditional intergranular fracture morphology of oxide-dispersion-strengthened molybdenum (ODS-Mo) alloy. The alloy interface with the lowest strength changes from Mo grain boundaries (GBs) to grain interior, hence the crack propagates along grain interior. For one thing, some C-deficient TiC (Ti8C5) can adsorb adjacent impurity oxygen at sintering stage to generate in-situ TiOx, thereby purifying Mo matrix. For another thing, coherent interfaces between TiC/TiOx particles and Mo further strengthen Mo matrix. Moreover, a lot of TiC/TiOx particles within Mo grains could efficaciously accumulate dislocations and indirectly improve GBs strength. Compared to ball-milled Mo or ODS-Mo alloy reported in literatures, the sintered Mo-TiC alloys in present work possess a high hardness (468 HV0.2), an excellent match of high strength (1287.3 MPa) and large ductility (18.1%).

Investigation of the composition, structure and magnetic properties of the Nd2Fe14B ceramics dependence on the initial powder characteristics and spark plasma sintering modes

High phase and structural sensitivity of magnetic properties strongly impacts the fabrication quality of the permanent magnets, therefore revealing effects of synthesis conditions on physico-chemical characteristics of magnetic materials is of paramount importance for optimization of magnet production especially in case when non-conventional techniques are involved. Here we report for the influence of pulse current frequency on structure, composition, and magnetic properties of an industrially-important Nd2Fe14B magnetic ceramics on the initial powder characteristics and the modes of its spark plasma sintering (SPS) in a vacuum environment. The influence of initial powder mechanical grinding as well as the number of generated electric current pulses (in the range from 3.3 to 326.7 ms) in SPS conditions on the structure (defects and pores formation, grain size), phase and element composition (formation of secondary nonmagnetic phases and oxides, impurities) of Nd2Fe14B alloy was studied by SEM, TEM, EDS and XRD methods. The regularity of changes in the magnetization saturation value (σ) and coercive force (Нс) depending on the morphology, structure and composition of the initial Nd2Fe14B powder and the alloy obtained by mechanical milling and subsequent sintering at different modes of pulse current has been established.

Texture in silicon carbide via aqueous suspension material extrusion and seeded grain growth

Textured SiC with anisotropic crystallographic texture is proposed as a material with improved mechanical properties. Textured SiC was created via alignment of platelet seed particles during aqueous suspension material extrusion, also known as direct ink writing, and subsequent pressureless liquid phase sintering and annealing. The microstructure and texture of the SiC fabricated with and without 5 vol% platelet seeds, and with and without annealing at 2050 °C and 2150 °C was explored via SEM, XRD, and EBSD. All samples fabricated had over 95% theoretical density. Annealing leads to the development of large, high aspect ratio plate-shaped grains among a matrix of many finer, low aspect ratio grains. Higher annealing temperatures and addition of platelet seeds both increased the size of the large grains. Samples were found to be textured regardless of having platelet seeds. Via XRD and EBSD, unseeded SiC was found to have texture where the crystallographic direction [0001] had a preferred orientation perpendicular to the normal direction. This occurred for both direct ink written and cast SiC, so the texture development must have occurred during sintering, though the mechanism is unknown. For seeded SiC, platelet seeds aligned in direct ink writing seeded the grain growth to develop crystallographic texture. The texture was mainly influenced by the alignment of platelet seed particles via shear stresses in the print nozzle, causing a one-dimensional texture where [0001] is perpendicular to the printing direction. However, it was found that the texture was not the expected concentric alignment of platelet particles in direct ink writing, so the shear stresses in the nozzle are not solely responsible for the texture developed.

Three-Dimensional Printing of Large Ceramic Products and Process Simulation.

Ceramic 3D printing is a promising technology that overcomes the limitations of traditional ceramic molding. It offers advantages such as refined models, reduced mold manufacturing costs, simplified processes, and automatic operation, which have attracted a growing number of researchers. However, current research tends to focus more on the molding process and print molding quality rather than exploring printing parameters in detail. In this study, we successfully prepared a large-size ceramic blank using screw extrusion stacking printing technology. Subsequent glazing and sintering processes were used to create complex ceramic handicrafts. Additionally, we used modeling and simulation technology to explore the fluid model printed by the printing nozzle at different flow rates. We adjusted two core parameters that affect the printing speed separately: three feed rates were set to be 0.001 m/s, 0.005 m/s, and 0.010 m/s, and three screw speeds were set to be 0.5 r/s, 1.5 r/s, and 2.5 r/s. Through a comparative analysis, we were able to simulate the printing exit speed, which ranged from 0.0751 m/s to 0.6828 m/s. It is evident that these two parameters have a significant impact on the printing exit speed. Our findings show that the extrusion velocity of clay is approximately 700 times faster than the inlet velocity at an inlet velocity of 0.001-0.010 m/s. Furthermore, the screw speed is influenced by the inlet velocity. Overall, our study sheds light on the importance of exploring printing parameters in ceramic 3D printing. By gaining a deeper understanding of the printing process, we can optimize printing parameters and further improve the quality of ceramic 3D printing.

Intragranular nanocomposite powders as building blocks for ceramic nanocomposites

AbstractA powder‐based bottom‐up processing scheme is introduced for the production of ceramic nanocomposites. Internal displacement reactions between solid solution powders and metallic reactants proceeding via gaseous intermediates are utilized to generate nanostructured building blocks for the synthesis of ceramic nanocomposites. Subsequent rapid sintering results in ceramic nanocomposites, whose microstructures are inherited from the building blocks. This processing scheme is demonstrated for the production of titanium carbide nanocomposites featuring up to 28 wt.% intragranular tungsten inclusions derived from titanium‐tungsten mixed carbide powders. Heat treatment of mixed carbide powders in evacuated ampoules containing titanium sponge and iodine at 1000°C for 24 h resulted in nanocomposite powders featuring tungsten precipitates within titanium carbide grains that were subsequently consolidated via spark plasma sintering at 1300°C for 10 min to produce titanium carbide/metallic tungsten nanocomposites. Transformation of mixed titanium–tungsten carbide powders to titanium carbide/metallic tungsten nanocomposite powders was analyzed via X‐ray diffraction. Electron microscopy observations of microstructures pre‐ and post‐ sintering showed that the intragranular character of nanocomposite powders can be retained in sintered ceramic nanocomposites. The building block approach demonstrated in this work represents an improved method to make ceramic nanocomposites with majority intragranular character.

SYNTHESIS, MICROSTRUCTURE AND THERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE MATERIAL Bi2Te2.7Se0.3Teδ OBTAINED FROM ASYMMETRIC

Composite materials Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 /Teδ with varying concentration (δ = 0.15; 0.2; 0.25 and 0.3) were obtained by solvothermal synthesis of the initial powders and their subsequent spark plasma sintering. During the sintering process, the samples are textured, as a result of which the lamellar grains are arranged in layers perpendicular to the direction of pressure application during sintering (the direction of the texture axis). At magnification, the concentration of over-stoichiometry tellurium decreases the degree of texturing. The concentration of tellurium does not affect the average grain size. Super-stoichiometric tellurium is distributed along the grain boundaries, as a result of which a structure characteristic of composite materials is formed. The release of tellurium at the grain boundaries leads to a change in the thermoelectric properties of the obtained materials. The electrical resistivity naturally increases, and the total thermal conductivity decreases with an increase in the concentration of overstoichiometry tellurium.

Synthesis and characterization of high entropy carbide-MAX two-phase composites

In the present work, the formation of high entropy MAX phase during mechanical alloying and subsequent spark plasma sintering (SPS) of two powder mixtures with (HfZrNbTiTa)3SiC2 and (HfZrNbTiTa)3(SiAl)1.1C1.95 stoichiometries is investigated. The results indicate that a high entropy carbide (HEC) with cubic HfC-prototype structure is formed for both compositions after 7 h of mechanical alloying. The microstructural observations indicate the nano-sized nature of the as-milled powders. For both specimens, consolidation at high temperatures leads to a phase transition from single HEC to HEC-MAX complex. Ultrahigh microhardness values of 11 ± 2 GPa and 8 ± 2 GPa were obtained for the consolidated (HfZrNbTiTa)3SiC2 and (HfZrNbTiTa)3(SiAl)1.1C1.95 specimens, respectively. The results also revealed that the (HfZrNbTiTa)3(SiAl)1.1C1.95 exhibits ferromagnetic behavior with low magnetization saturation of only 1.709 emu/g, while (HfZrNbTiTa)3SiC2 shows a ferromagnetic behavior with relatively low coercivity and magnetization saturation. Finally, the findings provide a new route to tailor mechanical properties of HEC-MAX complexes by controlling the evolution of MAX phase.

Mullite-silica scaffolds obtained by stereolithography and reaction sintering

Mullite is a widely used refractory ceramic due to its good properties and high temperature stability. The necessity to obtain complex mullite architectures has encouraged the development of new AM techniques with improved resolution and surface finishing quality. In the present work, mullite-based scaffolds were obtained by stereolithography using a commercial silica resin and alumina nanoparticles following two routes: infiltration of printed porous silica parts with a colloidal alumina sol and printing of silica/alumina parts by developing a photocurable alumina resin that is mixed with the silica one. Post-processing of the obtained parts was carried out, including debinding and subsequent reaction sintering of the starting ceramic materials to give rise to mullite phase. All materials were characterised in terms of composition and microstructure, demonstrating that the second route results more effective to produce mullite structures in the final parts due to the higher alumina concentration and the larger reaction surface.

Investigation of CuxMn3-xO4 coatings for solid oxide fuel cell interconnect applications

In order to investigate the performance of Cu–Mn spinel coatings used for solid oxide fuel cell interconnect, a series of CuxMn3-xO4 (x = 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3) coatings are prepared using supersonic spraying via subsequent sintering. The chemical composition and distribution, lattice structures, morphology, and electrical properties are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and area-specific resistance (ASR) measurements. The experimental results show that with the increase of Cu concentration in the coatings, the crystalline structure gradually changes from inverse spinel into normal spinel, especially when 0.6 ≤ x ≤ 1.0. An improvement in electrical conductivity accompanies the crystalline structural transformation. The coatings show high electrical conductivity when 1.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.3, especially from 600 to 800 °C. However, the scale (mainly Cr2O3) is reactive to the CuxMn3-xO4 coatings (especially when 1.1 ≤ x ≤ 1.3) at elevated temperatures. During the long-term experiment, the reaction corrodes the coatings, consumes the materials in coatings and scale, and forms new phases (mainly (Cu,Mn,Cr)3O4 and (Cr,Mn)3O4). This phenomenon (Cr-corrosion) aggravates the Cr diffusion, causes a quick increase of ASR, and weakens the oxidation resistance. The adverse effects of Cr-corrosion can be alleviated by appropriately lowering the operating temperature. Among the coatings, Cu1.0Mn2.0O4 exhibited good electrical conductivity and soundness against the Cr-corrosion and can be considered a competitive candidate for SOFC applications.

Synthesis mechanism of AlN–SiC solid solution reinforced Al2O3 composite by two-step nitriding of Al–Si3N4–Al2O3 compact at 1500 °C

The in-situ controllable synthesis of AlN–SiC solid solution reinforcement in large-sized Al–Si3N4–Al2O3 composite refractory by two-steps nitriding sintering was examined. In the first step, a dynamic Al@AlN structure was constructed in the composite by pre-nitriding at 580 °C. During the subsequent sintering process, it cracked above ∼900 °C, and micronized Al cluster (mixture of droplets and vapor) was extracted out gradually. As a result, multiple AlN mesophases were formed through different reaction paths, including i) initial AlN shell formed by solid Al with N2, ii) reaction of Al cluster with N2, and iii) reaction of Al cluster with Si3N4 from 900 °C to 1500 °C. The Si3N4 precursor serves as both a solid nitrogen source and an active Si source, and the controllable reaction between Al and Si3N4 leading to uniformly distributed AlN and Si mesophases. AlN–SiC solid solution is significantly formed when liquid Si appears. The shell, granule and whisker SiC–AlN solid solution were observed mainly depending on the dynamic AlN mesophase. The SiC–AlN solid solution reinforced Al2O3 materials is a novel promising refractory for large-scale blast furnace lining.

Effects of hafnium content on microstructures and properties of newly developed (Ti,Hf)(C,N) ceramics

In this study, novel (Ti,Hf)(C,N) ceramics with varying hafnium contents were fabricated via carbothermal reduction–nitridation and subsequent spark plasma sintering. The influence of Hf addition on the mechanical properties, wear properties, and corrosion resistance of the (Ti,Hf)(C,N) ceramics was systematically studied. The introduction of Hf promoted the sintering densification of the ceramics in the sintering process. The prepared (Ti,Hf)(C,N) ceramics exhibited excellent mechanical and wear properties owing to refinement and solution-strengthening mechanisms. The (Ti0.9,Hf0.1)(C0.5,N0.5) ceramic demonstrated higher Vickers hardness and fracture toughness, measuring 1997 HV5 and 4.28 MPa m1/2, respectively, compared to the pure Ti(C0.5,N0.5) ceramic which exhibited values of 1635 HV5 and 3.94 MPa MPa m1/2. The wear scar depth of the (Ti0.9,Hf0.1)(C0.5,N0.5) ceramic sample was 57.36% to that of the Ti(C0.5,N0.5) ceramic. Additionally, the addition of Hf improved the corrosion resistance of (Ti,Hf)(C,N) ceramics in a 0.5 M NaOH solution. The potential applications of (Ti,Hf)(C,N) ceramics include machining tools and wear-resistant parts.

Hierarchical Structures Formed in an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet by Polymerization from an Aerosol of Oxalic Acid Stabilized WO3–x Nanosheet Colloids: Toward High-Performance Electrochemical Devices and Sensors

The development of microstructures which combine high total surface area and high porosity is crucial for technologies such as electrocatalysis, electrochromics, and sensors. High deposition rate, composition control of deposition, and low processing temperature to retain active compositions are also desirable. To this end, this study describes combining colloidal sol chemistry with a nonthermal atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma jet to print hybrid inorganic/organic tungsten trioxide/oxalic acid (WO3–x/OA) microspheres. Injection of an aerosol of oxalic acid stabilized colloidal tungstic acid into an atmospheric pressure plasma jet results in the deposition of spherical structures in which the colloid is trapped within a plasma-polymerized organic shell. Subsequent low-temperature sintering produces hierarchical spherical shell-like structures comprising tungsten oxide nanosheets. Alteration of the gas flow rate changes the composition of the deposited material. The method has promise for the general preparation from colloidal precursors of porous materials of controlled morphology and composition with hierarchical microstructures, such as are required for applications in electrochemical devices and sensors which need a high ratio of surface area to volume and connectivity throughout the structure, yet also need a microstructure which is open for rapid exchange of reactants.

An Investigation into the Potential of Turning Induced Deformation Technique for Developing Porous Magnesium and Mg-SiO2 Nanocomposite

A new and novel method of synthesising porous Mg materials has been explored utilising a variant of a processing method previously used for the synthesis of dense Mg materials, namely the turning-induced deformation (TID) method combined with sintering. It was found that the Mg materials synthesised possessed comparable properties to previously-synthesised porous Mg materials in the literature while subsequent sintering resulted in a more consistent mechanical response, with microwave sintering showing the most promise. The materials were also found to possess mechanical response within the range of the human cancellous bone, and when reinforced with biocompatible silica nanoparticles, presented the most optimal combination of mechanical properties for potential use as biodegradable implants due to most similarity with cancellous bone properties.