Materials Science and Engineering Commons^™

An Innovative Epitaxial Growth Method For Minimizing Dislocations In Thin-Film Quantum-Dot Optoelectronic And Photovoltaic Device Applications, Jateen Gandhi

Material Science and Engineering Dissertations - Archive

A new buffer layer method for epitaxial growth of lattice-mismatched semiconductor quantum-dots based p-i-n structures is presented. To our knowledge this is the first instance of a dislocation-reduction approach that has shown reduced dark current behavior in a quantumdot device compared to its counterpart homojunction p-n device consisted of the barrier material. The present work compared a lattice misfit strain build-up behavior between an In0.15Ga0.85As (p) / InAs (i) / In0.15Ga0.85As (n) (QD) device to an In0.15Ga0.85As (p) / In0.15Ga0.85As (n) (HOM) device, as both were grown on an un-doped gallium arsenide (GaAs) (100) substrate. The intrinsic region of QD …

Electrochemical N-Type Doping In Metal Oxides And Its Application In Photovoltaics, Xiaofei Han

Material Science and Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Electrodeposition has the advantages of low-cost, high-throughput and large-area processing which is particularly suitable for solar cells fabrication. Two common metal oxides prepared by electrodeposition are discussed here, ZnO and Cu2O. ZnO is largely used in the solar cells as the window and transparent contact material. Cu2O is potential absorption material for next generation solar cell. n-type doping of these metal oxides was revealed during electrochemical deposition. For naturally n-type ZnO, n-type doping is achieved by substituting the cation (Zn) with a group III element (Al, Ga and Y) and for naturally p-type Cu2O, n-type doping is realized by substituting …

Spectral Engineering Of Optical Fiber Through Active Nanoparticle Doping, Tiffany Lindstrom-James

All Dissertations

The spectral engineering of optical fiber is a method of intentional doping of the core region in order to absorb/emit specific wavelengths of light therby providing enhanced performance over current fibers. Efforts here focused on developing an understanding of optically active nanoparticles based on alkaline earth fluorides that could be easily and homogeneously incorporated into the core of a silica based optical fiber preform and result in efficient and tailorable spectral emissions.
Doped and undoped calcium, strontium and barium fluoride nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and characterized for their physical, chemical, and optical behavior. Distinct spectroscopic differences as a result of …

Strength Of Polycrystalline Ceramics Under Shock Compression, Jianbin Zhu

Department of Engineering Mechanics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Determinations of Some polycrystalline ceramics’ strength properties and inelastic deformation mechanisms in the shocked state are critically important to the design and optimization of armor structures involving these materials. In this work, multiscale modeling and simulations have been carried out to study strength of the effects of polycrystalline microstructure, crystal anisotropy, porosity, and their interactions with microscopic deformation/damage mechanisms on the responses of several polycrystalline ceramics under shock compression and to extract their shock strengths from the wave profiles measured in the related plate impact shock wave experiments.

With a mesoscopic computational model, the roles of intragranular microplasticity and deformation …

Influence Of Aging And Severe Plastic Deformation On The Shape Memory Behavior Of Ti-50.6at%Ni, William Shirley

All Theses

Martensitic phase transformations were investigated for Ti -50.6 at % Ni processed via severe plastic deformation (SPD) and subsequent aging for temperatures between 400 and 550C and times ranging from 1hr to 100hrs. Phase transformations of the SPD material were compared to material processed via solution treated at 800C and 850C for 1hr. Transformations were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) with optical microscopy being used to determine grain size. Solution treated samples displayed a single (1-1) B2↔B19' transformation prior to and upon initial aging, i.e. 400C/1h, 450C/1/10h. Intermediate aging conditions, 450C/100h; 500C/1/10/100h; and …

Role Of Surface Coatings In Lithium-Ion Batteries, Archana Kayyar

All Theses

Rechargeable batteries that can charge and discharge at high rates have applications in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles and they provide energy storages for wind energy. Various methods like reducing particle size, aliovalent doping and carbon coating have been researched in order to attain higher charge and discharge rates in rechargeable Li-ion batteries. In this work, the electrode materials were coated with amorphous films in an attempt to improve the rate capability of the batteries.
A study by Kang and Ceder suggested that a Li₄P₂O₇-like 'fast-ion conducting surface phase' could form on the surface …

Printing Carbon Nanotube Based Supercapacitors For Packaging, Alexandra Hartman

All Theses

Living in a world full of portable electronics, there is great need for energy storage devices. Currently, limitations for storage involve power inefficiencies as well as bulkiness. This is why printable charge storage devices that display good electrochemical performance are needed. It is for this reason that research into the production and packaging of carbon nanotube based super capacitors was carried out.
A super capacitor can be built by using high surface area multi-walled carbon nanotubes suspended in an ionic liquid. The two active electrodes are made from a combination of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes and an ionic liquid, ground …

The Development Of A Far Red To Near Infrared Fluorescent Probe For Use In Optical Imaging, Margaret Fiedler

All Theses

New techniques for biological optical imaging are of great interest for the detection and visualization of processes and disease in both clinical and research areas. One major advancement has been the use of far red and near infrared (NIR) light, as it has the ability to penetrate tissues deeper than other parts of the spectrum which are readily scatter and absorbed by the surroundings. In order to improve the signal to noise ratio and resolution of optical images, contrast agents are used. Fluorescent markers can be modified to attach to specific molecular targets, creating small molecular probes. These targets can …

Effect Of Selected Phase Change Materials Concentration And Manufacturing Process On The Properties Of Plaster Mixture Systems, Rong Cui

All Theses

Phase change materials (PCM) are generally used in building construction materials for their ability to absorb and release large amounts of energy when their phase change happens at their specific melting temperature. This results in a significant increase in thermal mass of the building, a reduction in temperature fluctuations and therefore a reduction in heating and cooling loads. However, in order to properly select a PCM and optimize its integration in a specific building, the properties of building construction materials enhanced with PCM must be known. This research focuses on studying the effects of the concentration of a micro-encapsulated PCM …

Degradation Of Polystyrene Foam Under Radiant Heat Flux, James Butler

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As the demand for liquefied natural gas has increased, safety concerns about the performance of transport vessels under fire conditions have been raised. Current codes for the sizing of the pressure relief systems require that the vessels are able to withstand an emmissive heat flux of 108kW/m2 and do not take into account the effects of insulation loss due to thermal decomposition of the insulation materials. To address this possible oversight in the current code models were presented to a working group organized by the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators Ltd. focusing on the decomposition rate of …

Fabrication Of Horizontal Silicon Nanowires Using A Thin Aluminum Film As A Catalyst, Khaja Hafeezuddin Mohammed

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Silicon nanowires have been the topic of research in recent years for their significant attention from the electronics industry to grow even smaller electronic devices. The semiconductor industry is built on silicon. Silicon nanowires can be the building blocks for future nanoelectronic devices. Various techniques have also been reported in fabricating the silicon nanowires. But most of the techniques reported, grow vertical silicon nanowires. In the semiconductor industry, integrated circuits are designed and fabricated in a horizontal architecture i.e. the device layout is flat compared to the substrate. When vertical silicon nanowires are introduced in the semiconductor industry, a whole …

Photodetectors And Photovoltaic Devices Based On Semiconductor Nanomaterials, Jiang Wu

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Photodetectors based various nanostructures and plasmon enhanced solar cells are investigated in this dissertation. The motivation of the dissertation rise is driven by urgent need of both high efficiency photodetectors and solar cells.

First, quantum dot infrared photodetectors have been intensely investigated due to their promise in high performance photodetectors. However, the strain-driven growth of quantum dots has hindered the progress of quantum dot photodetectors. The presence of strain in the device presents complexity in designing as well as defects. Therefore, in this project, new designs of quantum dot photodetector structures are presented to improve the control over detection wavelength. …

Effects Of Grain Boundary Character On Dynamic Recrystallization Using A Modified Monte Carlo Method, Michael B. Morse

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) is the recrystallization that occurs during high temperature deformation of metals and alloys. While DRX has been observed experimentally, the parameters that affect the microstructure are still being explored. For example, the effects of temperature, strain rate, and initial grain size have already been studied, yet the effect of initial special boundary fraction is still unknown. Special boundaries are high-angle, low-energy grain boundaries. It is believed that higher initial fractions of special boundaries will lead to a delay in the onset of recrystallization and a higher peak stress.

Experimentation has shown that triple junctions are preferred nucleation …

Mechanical Properties Of Stir-Mixed Sicp-Reinforced Aluminium Composites, R Buntan, D Phuenchomphu, P Sukmoung, K Doomao, O Anunapiwat, T Patcharawit

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Aluminium composites have found their strength in engineering applications such as automotive, electrical and light-weight applications. To achieve uniform microstructure and good mechanical properties, the fabrication techniques are prime factors in controlling wettability and porosity problems. This research therefore aimed for studying microstructure-mechanical property relation of SiCp-reinforced 356 aluminium composites fabricated by a cost-effective stir casting process, to which three elemental additions, Al-5Ti-B, Sr, and Mg,were investigated. Furthermore, effects of SiCp additions (0-15 wt.%) and T6 heat treatment (530C/12h + 155C/4 h) on mechanical properties of the composites were also studied. The 356 aluminium ingot was melted at 700C then …

Spark Plasma Sintering Of Tungsten And Tungsten-Ceria: Microstructures And Kinetics, Jeffrey Bryce Perkins

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Tungsten casting is impractical, and tungsten compacts are most often produced by press-and-sinter or by hot pressing. The temperatures typically required to sinter tungsten above 90% dense are above 1800 ºC, and sintering times are typically hours. Alternatively, spark plasma sintering (SPS) can be used to consolidate materials to high densities at lower temperatures and shorter times than traditional sintering techniques. In this study, pure tungsten and tungsten with 1, 4, 10, 15, and 20 weight percent ceria were spark plasma sintered at varying pressures, temperatures, and times to investigate the microstructures and the kinetics of sintering.

Densification of tungsten …

Effect Of Vanadium On Subcritical Heat Treatment Behavior Of Hypoeutectic 16 Wt% Cr Cast Iron Containing 2 Wt% Mo, R Junsamoot, S Inthidech, K Sriprateep, P Sricharoenchai, Y Matsubara

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Subcritical heat treatment of austenite in alloyed cast iron by tempering at the temperature below pearlite transformation (A1), has been used to improve matrix hardness without hardening. Hypoeutectic high chromium cast irons containing 16 wt% Cr - 2 wt% Mo without and with V were prepared in order to clarify the effect of holding temperature and holding time on behavior of hardness and decomposition fraction of austenite in matrix (f) in subcritical heat treatment. As-cast specimens were held at temperature from 723 K to 923 K for 14.4 - 43.2 ks, and then cooled by fan air. In the as-cast …

Ni Electroless Plating Of Abs Polymer By Palladium And Tin-Free Process, P Dechasit, W Trakarnpruk

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

A palladium and tin-free process for the Ni electroless plating of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer has been developed. The ABS was first etched then activated with Ni (or Co) ions. Ni or Co adsorbed was quantified by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Sodium borohydride solution was found to be effective in reduction of Ni (or Co) ions. By immersing in a Ni plating bath the Co (or Ni) can then auto-catalytically deposit a Ni film on the ABS. The amount and thickness of Ni film determined by SEM-EDX were the highest when using 3 g/L of nickel acetate solution, 0.5 M sodium borohydride …

Multi-Properties Of Chitosan/Montmorillonite Composite Films Incorporated With Virgin And Modified Montmorillonite, S Kittinaovarat, W Nitayaphat, N Jiratumnukul, S Charuchinda

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Chitosan (CTS) composite films were prepared by blending CTS with virgin or modified montmorillonite (vMMT or mMMT, respectively) and then spin coating. XRD analysis showed a good intercalation of CTS and the mMMT in the depolymerized 15 kDa CTS/mMMT composite. The tensile strength and rigidity of the CTS/vMMT and CTS/mMMT composite films increased, whilst the elongation at break decreased, with increasing levels of vMMT or, especially, mMMT from 0.1 to 2% (w/w). Both types of CTS/MMT composite films displayed a decreased oil and water absorption with increasing levels of incorporated vMMT or mMMT. Some aggregation of vMMT but not mMMT …

Recovery Of Zinc From The Spent Zinc-Carbon Dry Cell Batteries Through Pyrometallurgical Route, M Haque Khan, Asw Kurny

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Spent zinc-carbon batteries of all the five types (AAA, AA, C, D and 9V) were processed to recover zinc metal. All the components of the battery were separated, chemically analyzed and the anodic zinc parts were subjected to pyrometallurgical processing. Extraction of zinc was negligible when no fluxing agent was used. However, extent of recovery increased significantly when chloride salts: sodium chloride, calcium chloride and ammonium chloride were used as a fluxing agent. Among these, ammonium chloride gave the best result as flux. Using 10 %wt. of each flux, extraction of zinc was 90% for ammonium chloride, and around 75% …

Preparation Of Copper Lead Frame By Powder Metallurgy Technique, P Y. Chew, A H. You, T R. Vijayaram, B K. See, P S. Lim, M C. Ng

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Pure Cu is prepared with the dimension of 17.7 mm in diameter and 10 - 15 mm in height using powder metallurgical method to characterize its electrical and mechanical properties. These samples are compacted at a constant pressure of 280 MPa. Pure Cu pellets are sintered at 600C and 950C for 3, 4 and 7 hours. Before sintering, pure Cu pellet is subjected to SEM in order to check the compactness of the pellet, and also the grain structure of the Cu. All the pellets with different temperatures are re-weighed and sintered density are calculated after sintering. Besides that, porosity …