Engineering Commons^™

Underlying Substrate Effect On Electrochemical Activity For Hydrogen Evolution Reaction With Low-Platinum-Loaded Catalysts, Baleeswaraiah Muchharla, Peter V. Sushko, Kishor K. Sadasivuni, Wei Cao, Akash Tomar, Hani Elsayed-Ali, Adetayo Adedeji, Abdennaceur Karoui, Joshua M. Spurgeon, Bijandra Kumar

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Platinum is known as the best catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) but the scarcity and high cost of Pt limit its widespread applicability. Herein, the role of the underlying substrate on the HER activity of dispersed Pt atoms is uncovered. A direct current magnetron sputtering technique is utilized to deposit transition metal (TM) thin films of W, Ti, and Ta as underlying substrates for extremely low loading of Pt (

Desirable Candidates For High-Performance Lead-Free Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskite Solar Cells, Sajid Sajid, Salem Alzahmi, Imen Ben Salem, Nouar Tabet, Yousef Haik, Ihab M. Obaidat

All Works

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are currently demonstrating tremendous potential in terms of straightforward processing, a plentiful supply of materials, and easy architectural integration, as well as high power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, the elemental composition of the widely utilized organic–inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) contains the hazardous lead (Pb). The presence of Pb in the PSCs is problematic because of its toxicity which may slow down or even impede the pace of commercialization. As a backup option, the scientific community has been looking for non-toxic/less-toxic elements that can replace Pb in OIHPs. Despite not yet matching the impressive results of Pb-containing …

Cf/Sic Ceramic Matrix Composites With Extraordinary Thermomechanical Properties Up To 2000 °C, Min Sung Park, Jian Gu, Heesoo Lee, Sea Hoon Lee, Lun Feng, William Fahrenholtz

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The thermomechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide ceramic matrix composites (Cf/SiC CMCs) were studied up to 2000 °C using high temperature in situ flexural testing in argon. The CMC specimens were fabricated using an ultrahigh concentration (66 vol%) aqueous slurry containing nano-sized silicon carbide powder. The SiC powder compacts were obtained by drying the slurry and were densified using the precursor impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) method with field assisted sintering technology/spark plasma sintering (FAST/SPS). The high relative density of the SiC green body (77.6%) enabled densification within 2.5 days using four PIP cycles. In contrast, conventional PIP processes …

Additive Manufacturing Of Novel Lightweight Insulation Refractory With Hierarchical Pore Structures By Direct Ink Writing, Saisai Li, Jiaxuan Xin, Ruoyu Chen, Haiming Wen

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A direct ink writing process using fly ash foaming slurries was employed for the additive manufacturing of lightweight mullite insulation refractory with hierarchical pore structures. The viscosity, thixotropy, and shear thinning behavior of the inks were analyzed to investigate the effect of the inorganic binder and dispersant of the foaming inks. A slurry exhibiting excellent rheological characteristics was identified, consisting of 45 wt% fly ash floating beads, 55 wt% water, 3.0 wt% additional dispersant, and 6.0 wt% additional binder. Furthermore, through the optimization of printing parameters such as printing pressure and printing speed, notable enhancements were achieved in the pore …

Thermodynamic Analysis Of Metal Segregation In Dual Phase High Entropy Ceramics, Steven M. Smith, William G. Fahrenholtz, Gregory E. Hilmas, Stefano Curtarolo

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Equilibrium Gibbs' free energy calculations were used to determine metal segregation trends between boride and carbide solid solutions containing two metals that are relevant to dual phase high entropy ceramics. The model predicted that Ti had the strongest tendency to segregate to the boride phase followed by Zr, Nb, Mo, V, Hf, and Ta, which matches experimental results of measured compositions. The ratio of a metal in the carbide phase to the content of the same metal in the corresponding metal boride had a linear trend with the change in standard Gibbs' free energy of reaction for a metal carbide …

Dielectric Properties Of Polycrystalline And Single Crystal (100) Strontium Titanate From 4 To 295 K, Hung Trinh, Alan Devoe, Fatih Dogan

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The dielectric properties of single crystal and polycrystalline SrTiO₃ (ST) were investigated from 295 to 4 K. Relative permittivity (εr) and loss tangent (tan(δ)) were measured systematically as a function of direct current (DC) voltage (0 V/cm to 800 V/cm), frequency (100 Hz to 1 MHz), and temperature (295 K to 4 K) for type (100) single crystal SrTiO₃ (SC-ST) and for polycrystalline SrTiO₃ (PC-ST). Calculated equivalent series resistance (ESR) data are also reported. Overall, the permittivity of ST showed a dependence on temperature, DC voltage, and frequency. Dependences on voltage and frequency were only observed at …

A Review On Biochar As An Adsorbent For Pb(Ii) Removal From Water, Pushpita Kumkum, Sandeep Kumar

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Heavy metal contamination in drinking water is a growing concern due to its severe health effects on humans. Among the many metals, lead (Pb), which is a toxic and harmful element, has the most widespread global distribution. Pb pollution is a major problem of water pollution in developing countries and nations. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures. Adsorption is the most efficient method for metal removal, and activated carbon has been used widely in many applications as an effective adsorbent, but its high production costs have created the necessity for …

Morphology And Particle Size (Maps) Exercise: Testing The Applications Of Image Analysis And Morphology Descriptions For Nuclear Forensics, Stuart A. Dunn, Ian J. Schwerdt, David E. Meier, Naomi E. Marks, Thomas Shaw, Alexa Hanson, Kari Sentz, Meena Said, Richard A. Clark, Kyle A. Makovsky, Jason M. Lonergan, Matthew Gilbert

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Image analysis techniques have been applied and shown to be a valuable tool in nuclear forensics analysis. The interlaboratory exercise reported here has tested quantitative and qualitative approaches for characterizing nuclear materials. Particle size, surface features and morphology descriptions were compared by four laboratories on a common image set generated by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Digital Light Microscopy. Quantitative analysis of the image sets through the Morphological Analysis for Materials software highlighted the strength of image analysis, but also that the application of the software alone can introduce significant bias in the analysis. Qualitative morphology descriptions following the process outlined …

Dielectric Properties Of Polycrystalline And Single-Crystal Magnesium Oxide At High Temperatures, Alan Devoe, Hung Trinh, Fatih Dogan

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The electrical properties of high-purity magnesium oxide (MgO) samples sintered between 1500 and 1650°C were investigated up to 800°C. Dielectric constant, loss tangent and electrical conductivity were measured between 25 and 800°C. Optimum electrical properties were obtained for the sample sintered at 1600°C. The impurities in polycrystalline and single crystal MgO were discussed to understand their effect on electrical properties and the role of grain boundaries. Higher dielectric losses of polycrystalline samples as compared to the single crystal MgO were attributed to the presence of grain boundaries. MgO could be a useful dielectric material for capacitor applications up to 600°C.

Heating Capacity And Biocompatibility Of Hybrid Nanoparticles For Magnetic Hyperthermia Treatment, Aline Alexandrina Gomes, Thalita Marcolan Valverde, Vagner De Oliveira Machado, Emanueli Do Nascimento Da Silva, Daniele Alves Fagundes, Fernanda De Paula Oliveira, Erico Freitas, José Domingos Ardisson, José Maria Da Fonte Ferreira, Junnia Alvarenga De Carvalho Oliveira, Eliza Rocha Gomes, Caio Fabrini Rodrigues, Alfredo Miranda De Goes, Rosana Zacarias Domingues, Ângela Leão Andrade

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 2

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide and has been responsible for millions of deaths. However, developing a satisfactory smart multifunctional material combining different strategies to kill cancer cells poses a challenge. This work aims at filling this gap by developing a composite material for cancer treatment through hyperthermia and drug release. With this purpose, magnetic nanoparticles were coated with a polymer matrix consisting of poly (L-co-D,L lactic acid-co-trimethylene carbonate) and a poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction confirmed magnetite to be the only iron oxide in the sample. Cytotoxicity …

Spark Plasma Sintering Of Magnesium Titanate Ceramics, Suzana Filipović, Nina Obradović, William G. Fahrenholtz, Steven Smith, Miljana Mirković, Adriana Peleš Tadić, Jovana Petrović, Antonije Đorđević

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Magnesium titanate ceramics were prepared by reactive spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1200 °C for 5 min. Prior to sintering, MgO and TiO₂ powders were mixed by high energy ball milling (HEBM) for 15, 30, or 60 min. The effect of milling time on phase composition was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for milled powders and sintered specimens. The morphology of the sintered ceramics was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while elemental distribution was determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The presence of the MgTi2O5 phase was detected in XRD and was confirmed by EDS analysis. Microcracking was …

A Super-Hard High Entropy Boride Containing Hf, Mo, Ti, V, And W, Suzana Filipovic, Nina Obradovic, Greg E. Hilmas, William G. Fahrenholtz, Donald W. Brenner, Jon Paul Maria, Douglas E. Wolfe, Eva Zurek, Xiomara Campilongo, Stefano Curtarolo

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Super-Hard (Hf,Mo,Ti,V,W)B2 Was Synthesized by Boro-Carbothermal Reduction and Densified by Spark Plasma Sintering. This Composition Was Produced for the First Time as a Single-Phase Ceramic in the Present Research. the Optimized Ceramic Had a Single Hexagonal AlB2-Type Crystalline Phase with a Grain Size of 3.8 µm and Homogeneous Distribution of the Constituent Metals. the Vickers Hardness Exhibited the Indentation Size Effect, Increasing from 27 GPa at a Load of 9.8 N to as High as 66 GPa at a Load of 0.49 N. This is the Highest Hardness Reported to Date for High Entropy Boride Ceramics.

The Influence Of Boron (B), Tin (Sn), Copper (Cu), And Manganese (Mn) On The Microstructure Of Spheroidal Graphite Irons, A. V. Bugten, P. Sanders, C. Hartung, R. Logan, M. Di Sabatino, L. Michels

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 2

Most spheroidal graphite irons (SGIs) have a matrix consisting of ferrite, pearlite, or a mix of the two. To achieve the desired matrix composition, pearlite promoters such as Mn, Cu, or Sn, are added to the molten metal. Among these elements, Sn is the most potent pearlite promoter. However, each has a different impact on the solidification, graphite precipitation, eutectoid transformation, and ultimately the final structure of the material. Research has shown that B promotes ferrite in fully pearlitic grades where Cu and Mn were used to promote pearlite. The present work investigates the effect of B in SGI with …

Floating Wind Farm Experiments Through Scaling For Wake Characterization, Power Extraction, And Turbine Dynamics, Juliaan Bossuyt, OndˇRej FercˇÁk, Zein Sadek, Charles Meneveau, Dennice Gayme, Raúl Bayoán Cal

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this study, wind and water tunnel experiments of turbulent wakes in a scaled floating wind farm are performed. Scaling of a floating wind farm with a scaling ratio of 1:400 is made possible by relaxing geometric scaling of the turbine platform system, such that the dynamic response can be correctly matched, and to allow for relaxing Froude scaling such that the Reynolds number can be kept large enough. Four dimensionless parameters, describing the relative importance of wind and wave loads compared to turbine inertia, are used to guide the scaled floater design. Free decay tests of the pitch and …

Cobalt Chromium In Biomedical Applications And The Development Of A Pspp Map, Nouralhouda Jamal

Bagley College of Engineering Publications and Scholarship

During the world wars, Cobalt-Chromium (Co-Cr) alloys gained prominence for their use in aircraft engine components, where they exhibited high temperature strength and durability. They are used in a wide range of industries due to their unique set of qualities, particularly strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. They have emerged as versatile materials with a broad spectrum of applications, from aerospace and automotive components to biomedical implants.

This paper presents a thorough analysis of its composition, processing techniques, microstructure, mechanical properties, and performance characteristics. The primary goal of this project is to develop a PSPP (Process, structure, properties, and performance) map …

Barriers To Use Of Cross-Laminated Timber In Maine, Shane R. O'Neill

Forest Resources Faculty Scholarship

To increase understanding of both the adoption rate and in-state manufacturing of mass timber In Maine, the 131^st Legislature and Governor Mills passed LD 881, a resolve directing a study of the barriers facing cross-laminated timber In Maine and provide recommendations to promote their use in construction. This study was developed in response to the resolve. The study engaged 108 unique participants to define available training, education, and experiences across the stakeholders throughout the building lifecycle process in the state.

From this information, the following five recommendations are proposed:

1. Understand the policies and initiatives of other states to develop …

Modification Strategies For Development Of 2d Material-Based Electrocatalysts For Alcohol Oxidation Reaction, Haichang Fu, Zhangxin Chen, Xiaohe Chen, Fan Jing, Hua Yu, Dan Chen, Binbin Yu, Yun Hang Hu, Yanxian Jin

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 2

2D materials, such as graphene, MXenes (metal carbides and nitrides), graphdiyne (GDY), layered double hydroxides, and black phosphorus, are widely used as electrocatalyst supports for alcohol oxidation reactions (AORs) owing to their large surface area and unique 2D charge transport channels. Furthermore, the development of highly efficient electrocatalysts for AORs via tuning the structure of 2D support materials has recently become a hot area. This article provides a critical review on modification strategies to develop 2D material-based electrocatalysts for AOR. First, the principles and influencing factors of electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols (such as methanol and ethanol) are introduced. Second, surface …

Modification Strategies For Development Of 2d Material-Based Electrocatalysts For Alcohol Oxidation Reaction, Haichang Fu, Zhangxin Chen, Xiaohe Chen, Fan Jing, Hua Yu, Dan Chen, Binbin Yu, Yun Hang Hu, Yanxian Jin

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 2

2D materials, such as graphene, MXenes (metal carbides and nitrides), graphdiyne (GDY), layered double hydroxides, and black phosphorus, are widely used as electrocatalyst supports for alcohol oxidation reactions (AORs) owing to their large surface area and unique 2D charge transport channels. Furthermore, the development of highly efficient electrocatalysts for AORs via tuning the structure of 2D support materials has recently become a hot area. This article provides a critical review on modification strategies to develop 2D material-based electrocatalysts for AOR. First, the principles and influencing factors of electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols (such as methanol and ethanol) are introduced. Second, surface …

A Comprehensive Review On Metal Oxide-Nanocellulose Composites In Sustainable Active And Intelligent Food Packaging, Kalpani Y. Perera, Amit Jaiswal, Swarma Jaiswal, Dileswar Pradhan

Articles

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the potential advantages and drawbacks of nanocellulose and metal oxide-based composites in food packaging. These materials offer improved mechanical and barrier properties, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits that extend the shelf life of food products. Nanocomposite structures protect food from various physiological factors and immobilize enzymes, while metal oxide nanoparticles provide antibacterial effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, there are concerns regarding the safety of nanoparticles and their potential migration into packaged food during processing and storage. This article explores these issues and highlights the need …

Characterization Of Interlayer Laser Shock Peening During Fused Filament Fabrication Of Polylactic Acid (Pla), Fabien Denise

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

The field of additive manufacturing (AM) has gained a significant amount of popularity due to the increasing need for more sustainable manufacturing techniques and the adaptive development of complex product geometries. The problem is that AM parts routinely exhibit flaws or weaknesses that affect functionality or performance. Over the years, surface treatments have been developed to compensate certain flaws or weaknesses in manufactured products. Combining surface treatments with the modularity of additive manufacturing could lead to more adaptable and creative improvements of product functions in the future. The current work evaluates the feasibility of pursuing a new research axis in …

Experimental Analysis Of Nonlinear Wave Propagation In Bistable Mechanical Metamaterials With A Defect, Samuel R. Harre

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Mechanical metamaterials built up of compliant units can support the propagation of linear and nonlinear waves. A popular architecture consists of a one-dimensional chain of bistable elements connected by linear springs. This type of chain can support nonlinear transition waves that switch each element from one stable state to the other as they propagate along the chain. One way to manipulate the propagation of such waves is via introduction of a local inhomogeneity, i.e., a defect in the otherwise periodic chain. Recent analytical and numerical work has shown that based on its initial velocity, a transition wave may be reflected, …

An Icfd Fluid Model Used In A Mash Tl-6 Vehicle Model, Md Zunayed Habib

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The objective of this thesis was to develop an ICFD finite element model of a partially filled deformable container suitable for impact scenarios. This model will be later incorporated into the existing TL-6 vehicle model, which is a tractor-tank trailer vehicle model. Previous finite element fluid models for the TL-6 vehicle used an elastic fluid model, which could not predict the fluid behavior correctly.

A study was conducted on the ICFD modeling and an improved ICFD model has been developed using the LS-DYNA, a finite element analysis software. Different properties and parameters of the fluid and the container were adopted …

Pursuing Excitonic Energy Transfer With Programmable Dna-Based Optical Breadboards, Divita Mathur, Sebastián A. Díaz, Niko Hildebrandt, Ryan D. Pensack, Bernard Yurke, Austin Biaggne, Lan Li, Joseph S. Melinger, Mario G. Ancona, William B. Knowlton, Igor L. Medintz

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

DNA nanotechnology has now enabled the self-assembly of almost any prescribed 3-dimensional nanoscale structure in large numbers and with high fidelity. These structures are also amenable to site-specific modification with a variety of small molecules ranging from drugs to reporter dyes. Beyond obvious application in biotechnology, such DNA structures are being pursued as programmable nanoscale optical breadboards where multiple different/identical fluorophores can be positioned with sub-nanometer resolution in a manner designed to allow them to engage in multistep excitonic energy-transfer (ET) via Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) or other related processes. Not only is the ability to create such complex …

Modeling Hydration Kinetics Of Sustainable Cementitious Binders Using An Advanced Nucleation And Growth Approach, Taihao Han, Jie Huang, Gaurav Sant, Narayanan Neithalath, Ashutosh Goel, Aditya Kumar

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are utilized to partially substitute Portland cement (PC) in binders, reducing carbon-footprint and maintaining excellent performance. Nonetheless, predicting the hydration kinetics of [PC + SCM] binders is challenging for current analytical models due to the extensive diversity of chemical compositions and molecular structures present in both SCMs and PC. This study develops an advanced phase boundary nucleation and growth (pBNG) model to yield a priori predictions of hydration kinetics—i.e., time-resolved exothermic heat release profiles—of [PC + SCM] binders. The advanced pBNG model integrates artificial intelligence as an add-on, enabling it to accurately simulate hydration kinetics for …

A Computational Approach For Mapping Electrochemical Activity Of Multi-Principal Element Alloys, Jodie A. Yuwono, Xinyu Li, Tyler D. Dolezal, Adib J. Samin, Javen Qinfeng Shi, Zhipeng Li, Nick Birbilis

Faculty Publications

Multi principal element alloys (MPEAs) comprise an atypical class of metal alloys. MPEAs have been demonstrated to possess several exceptional properties, including, as most relevant to the present study a high corrosion resistance. In the context of MPEA design, the vast number of potential alloying elements and the staggering number of elemental combinations favours a computational alloy design approach. In order to computationally assess the prospective corrosion performance of MPEA, an approach was developed in this study. A density functional theory (DFT) – based Monte Carlo method was used for the development of MPEA ‘structure’; with the AlCrTiV alloy used …

Corrosion Of Oil Pipeline: A Case Study On The Niger Delta Region Of Nigeria., Victor U. Okoro

Corrosion Research

Corrosion of oil pipelines in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region, has extensive and detrimental environmental and societal impacts. This issue results in substantial financial losses and reputational damage for oil companies operating in the area. Local communities suffer economically, affecting agriculture and food security. Furthermore, corrosion-related oil spills lead to air quality degradation by releasing volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gases, contributing to respiratory issues and worsening climate change.

These oil spill cleanups are costly and time-consuming, with estimated expenses reaching billions of dollars. Using the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) case study, it is evident that addressing …

Exciton Delocalization In A Fully Synthetic Dna-Templated Bacteriochlorin Dimer, Olga A. Mass, Devan R. Watt, Lance K. Patten, Ryan D. Pensack, Jeunghoon Lee, Daniel B. Turner, Bernard Yurke, William B. Knowlton

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

A bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchla) dimer is a basic functional unit in the LH1 and LH2 photosynthetic pigment–protein antenna complexes of purple bacteria, where an ordered, close arrangement of Bchla pigments—secured by noncovalent bonding to a protein template—enables exciton delocalization at room temperature. Stable and tunable synthetic analogs of this key photosynthetic subunit could lead to facile engineering of exciton-based systems such as in artificial photosynthesis, organic optoelectronics, and molecular quantum computing. Here, using a combination of synthesis and theory, we demonstrate that exciton delocalization can be achieved in a dimer of a synthetic bacteriochlorin (BC …

Effect Of Hf Alloying On Magnetic, Structural, And Magnetostrictive Properties In Feco Films For Magnetoelectric Heterostructure Devices, Thomas Mion, Margo Staruch, Konrad Bussmann, Goran Karapetrov, Olaf Van 'T Erve, Sara Mills, Heonjune Ryou, Ramasis Goswami, Patrick G. Callahan, David J. Rowenhorst, Syed B. Qadri, Samuel Lofland, Peter Finkel

Faculty Scholarship for the College of Science & Mathematics

Materials with high magnetoelectric coupling are attractive for use in engineered multiferroic heterostructures with applications such as ultra-low power magnetic sensors, parametric inductors, and non-volatile random-access memory devices. Iron-cobalt alloys exhibit both high magnetostriction and high saturation magnetization that are required for achieving significantly higher magnetoelectric coupling. We report on sputter-deposited (Fe0.5Co0.5)1-xHfx (x = 0 - 0.14) alloy thin films and the beneficial influence of Hafnium alloying on the magnetic and magnetostrictive properties. We found that co-sputtering Hf results in the realization of the peening mechanism that drives film stress from highly tensile to slightly compressive. Scanning electron microscopy and …

Boosting Snr Of Cascaded Fbgs In A Sapphire Fiber Through A Rapid Heat Treatment, Farhan Mumtaz, Hanok Tekle, Bohong Zhang, Jeffrey D. Smith, Ronald J. O'Malley, Rex E. Gerald, Jie Huang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This Letter reports the performance of femtosecond (fs) laser-written distributed fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) under high-temperature conditions up to 1600°C and explores the impact of rapid heat treatment on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enhancement. FBGs are essential for reliable optical sensing in extreme temperature environments. Comprehensive tests demonstrate the remarkable performance and resilience of FBGs at temperatures up to 1600°C, confirming their suitability for deployment in such conditions. The study also reveals significant fringe visibility improvements of up to ∼10 dB on a 1-m-long sapphire optical fiber through rapid heat treatment, representing a first-time achievement to the best of our knowledge. …

Vacancy Ordering In Zirconium Carbide With Different Carbon Contents, Yue Zhou, Jeremy Lee Watts, Cheng Li, William Fahrenholtz, Gregory E. Hilmas

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Zirconium carbide (ZrCx) ceramics with different carbon contents were prepared by reactive hot-pressing. The rock-salt structure of ZrCx was the only phase detected by x-ray diffraction of the hot pressed ceramics. The relative densities of ZrCx decreased as carbon content increased, in general. The actual carbon contents were measured by completely oxidizing the ZrCx ceramics to ZrO₂. For most compositions, the actual carbon contents were higher than nominal batched compositions, presumably due to carbon uptake from the graphite furnace and hot press dies. Selected area electron diffraction and neutron powder diffraction revealed the presence of carbon vacancy ordering …