Materials Science and Engineering Commons^™

In-Situ Tem Plasma Chip Nanofabrication And Characterization, Xuebo Cui

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

A silicon-based microcell was fabricated with the potential for use in in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of materials under plasma processing. The microcell consisted of 50 nm-thick film of silicon nitride observation window with 60μm distance between two electrodes. E-beam scattering Mont Carlo simulation showed that the silicon nitride thin film would have very low scattering effect on TEM primary electron beam accelerated at 200 keV. Only 4.7% of primary electrons were scattered by silicon nitride thin film and the Ar gas (60 μm thick at 1 atm pressure) filling the space between silicon nitride films. Theoretical calculation also showed …

Nano-Engineering Of Composite Material Via Reactive Mechanical Alloying/Milling (Rma/M), Edward Andrew Laitila

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Attempts to strengthen a chromium-modified titanium trialuminide by a combination of grain size refinement and dispersoid strengthening led to a new means to synthesize such materials. This Reactive Mechanical Alloying/Milling process uses in situ reactions between the metallic powders and elements from a process control agent and/or a gaseous environment to assemble a dispersed small hard particle phase within the matrix by a bottom-up approach. In the current research milled powders of the trialuminide alloy along with titanium carbide were produced. The amount of the carbide can be varied widely with simple processing changes and in this case the milling …

Development Of Practical Applications For Reprap Style 3-D Printers In Engineering, Benjamin T. Wittbrodt

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The current rise in popularity of consumer level 3-D printers introduces a need to understand the application and material property capabilities of the technology. Presented here is data demonstrating the ability for the average U.S. consumer to recuperate the cost of a 3-D printer within one year of ownership. Additionally, using a consumer level 3-D printer, multiple photovoltaic (PV) racking systems were printed and produced with much lower cost compared to commercially available aluminum racking. Additionally, mechanical testing on 3-D printed components showed a temperature dependence on both percent crystallinity and ultimate tensile strength. Conclusions are drawn using the information …

Microwave Absorption Properties Of Tires, Yuzhe Zhang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The waste tire is belonging to insoluble high polymer elastic materials. It takes hundreds of years to resolve the macromolecules of waste tire into the standard which does not pollute the environment. More and more waste tires are air stored which causes space occupation and mosquito-breeding in the places that will spread diseases. The disposal methods include landfill, stockpiles, dumping and incising into particles. However, all these methods are not technically and economically efficient. The trend for the development of waste tire treatment processes is low cost, on-site, and high product recovery at high energy efficiency. In this project, microwave …

Mse Annual Report 2014, Department Of Materials Science And Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Annual Reports

Table of Contents

• Department Legends
• Wonder Material
• Student News
• Faculty and Staff News
• Alumni News
• Endowed Scholarships

Free-Troposphere Ozone And Carbon Monoxide Over The North Atlantic For 2001-2011, Aditya Kumar, S. Wu, M. F. Weise, R. Honrath, R. C. Owen, D. Helmig, L. Kramer, M. Val Martin, Q. Li

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

In situ measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) at the Pico Mountain Observatory (PMO) located in the Azores, Portugal, are analyzed together with results from an atmospheric chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) and satellite remote sensing data (AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder) for CO, and TES (Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer) for O3) to examine the evolution of free-troposphere CO and O3 over the North Atlantic for 2001-2011. GEOS-Chem captured the seasonal cycles for CO and O3 well but significantly underestimated the mixing ratios of CO, particularly in spring. Statistically significant (using a significance level of 0.05) decreasing trends were found for …

Synthesis Of Graphene And Its Applications For Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, Hui Wang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Graphene, which is a two-dimensional carbon material, exhibits unique properties that promise its potential applications in photovoltaic devices. Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a representative of the third generation photovoltaic devices. Therefore, it is important to synthesize graphene with special structures, which possess excellent properties for dye-sensitized solar cells.

This dissertation research was focused on (1) the effect of oxygen content on the structure of graphite oxide, (2) the stability of graphene oxide solution, (3) the application of graphene precipitate from graphene oxide solution as counter electrode for DSSCs, (4) the development of a novel synthesis method for the three-dimensional …

Mse Annual Report 2013, Department Of Materials Science And Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Annual Reports

Table of Contents

• Paul Sanders, Project-Oriented Learning
• A New Way to Prevent Deadly Infections
• 3D Printers for Peace and Progress
• Faculty and Staff News
• Graduate Student Update
• Outreach
• Undergraduate Student News
• Alumni at a Glance

Faulted Structures In Li Ion Exchanged Namo2 (M=Ni(0.25)Mn(0.75)), Aaron M. Dewahl

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

A family of LiMO2 materials (M=Ni_0.25Mn_0.75) was prepared from Na_1.2-xLi_xMO_∂ precursors (0≤x≤0.6) via ion exchange. The resulting IE products were examined via XRD and compared to simulated XRD patterns produced using DIFFax to determine the defect structures resulting from the IE process. For the 0.1≤x≤0.6 materials, it is observed that there are 3 LiMO₂ sub-phases with different Li contents present. As the amount of Li in the precursor increases, the amount of each phase changes resulting in a net shift to higher 2-theta; corresponding to an overall decrease in lattice …

An Investigation Of Waste Glass-Based Geopolymers Supplemented With Alumina, Mary U. Christiansen

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

An increased consideration of sustainability throughout society has resulted in a surge of research investigating sustainable alternatives to existing construction materials. A new binder system, called a geopolymer, is being investigated to supplement ordinary portland cement (OPC) concrete, which has come under scrutiny because of the CO2 emissions inherent in its production.

Geopolymers are produced from the alkali activation of a powdered aluminosilicate source by an alkaline solution, which results in a dense three-dimensional matrix of tetrahedrally linked aluminosilicates. Geopolymers have shown great potential as a building construction material, offering similar mechanical and durability properties to OPC. Additionally, geopolymers have …

Molecular Modeling Of Pmr-15 Polyimide, Fnu Pruthul Kokkada Ravindranath

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

PMR-15 polyimide is a polymer that is used as a matrix in composites. These composites with PMR-15 matrices are called advanced polymer matrix composite that is abundantly used in the aerospace and electronics industries because of its high temperature resistivity. Apart from having high temperature sustainability, PMR-15 composites also display good thermal-oxidative stability, mechanical properties, processability and low costs, which makes it a suitable material for manufacturing aircraft structures. PMR-15 uses the reverse Diels-Alder (RDA) method for crosslinking which provides it with the groundwork for its distinctive thermal stability and a range of 280-300 degree Centigrade use temperature. Regardless of …

Dysprosium Transport In Nd-Fe-B Pellets, Parawee Pumwongpitak

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The addition of heavy rare earth (RE) elements to Nd2Fe14B based magnets to form (Nd,Dy)₂Fe₁₄B is known to increase the coercivity and high temperature performance required for hybrid vehicle electric motors and other extreme temperature applications. Attempts to conserve heavy rare earth elements for high temperature (RE)₂Fe₁₄B based magnets have led to the development of a grain boundary diffusion process for bulk magnets. This process relies on transport of a heavy rare earth, such as Dy, into a bulk Nd₂Fe₁₄B magnet along pores, a low volume fraction of …

Parametric Study Of Reaxff Simulation Parameters For Molecular Dynamics Modeling Of Reactive Carbon Gases, Benjamin David Jensen

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Abstract

Intergranular Corrosion And Stress Corrosion Cracking Of Extruded Aa6005a, David James Seguin

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

A research program focused on understanding the intergranular corrosion (IGC) and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of AA6005A aluminum extrusions is presented in this dissertation. The relationship between IGC and SCC susceptibility and the mechanisms of SCC in AA6005A extrusions were studied by examining two primary hypotheses.

IGC susceptibility of the elongated grain structure in AA6005A exposed to low pH saltwater was found to depend primarily on the morphology of Cu-containing precipitates adjacent to the grain boundaries in the elongated grain structure. IGC susceptibility was observed when a continuous (or semi-continuous) film of Cu-containing phase was present along the grain …

The Processing Of Aluminum Gasarites Via Thermal Decomposition Of Interstitial Hydrides, Joseph James Licavoli

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Gasarite structures are a unique type of metallic foam containing tubular pores. The original methods for their production limited them to laboratory study despite appealing foam properties. Thermal decomposition processing of gasarites holds the potential to increase the application of gasarite foams in engineering design by removing several barriers to their industrial scale production. The following study characterized thermal decomposition gasarite processing both experimentally and theoretically. It was found that significant variation was inherent to this process therefore several modifications were necessary to produce gasarites using this method. Conventional means to increase porosity and enhance pore morphology were studied. Pore …

The Case For Open Source Appropriate Technology, Joshua M. Pearce

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Much of the widespread poverty, environmental desecration, and waste of human life seen around the globe could be prevented by known (to humanity as a whole) technologies, many of which are simply not available to those that need it. This lack of access to critical information for sustainable development is directly responsible for a morally and ethically unacceptable level of human suffering and death. A solution to this general problem is the concept of open source appropriate technology or OSAT, which refers to technologies that provide for sustainable development while being designed in the same fashion as free and open …

Mse Annual Report 2012, Department Of Materials Science And Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Annual Reports

Table of Contents

• What's that Sound? Wind Harp Brings New Beauty to Campus
• Yongmei Jin and Yu Wang: The MSE Dynamic Duo
• MSE Researcher Creates Better Solar Cells
• Faculty and Staff News
• Updates and Awards
• Alumni at a Glance

The Use Of Life-Cycle Analysis To Reduce The Environmental Impact Of Materials In Manufacturing, Megan A. Kreiger

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

This thesis is composed of three life-cycle analysis (LCA) studies of manufacturing to determine cumulative energy demand (CED) and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The methods proposed could reduce the environmental impact by reducing the CED in three manufacturing processes.

First, industrial symbiosis is proposed and a LCA is performed on both conventional 1 GW-scaled hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H)-based single junction and a-Si:H/microcrystalline-Si:H tandem cell solar PV manufacturing plants and such plants coupled to silane recycling plants. Using a recycling process that results in a silane loss of only 17 versus 85 percent, this results in a CED savings of 81,700 …

Diffuse-Interface Field Approach To Modeling Self-Assembly Of Heterogeneous Colloidal Systems And Related Dipole-Dipole Interaction Phenomena, Tianle Cheng

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Colloid self-assembly under external control is a new route to fabrication of advanced materials with novel microstructures and appealing functionalities. The kinetic processes of colloidal self-assembly have attracted great interests also because they are similar to many atomic level kinetic processes of materials. In the past decades, rapid technological progresses have been achieved on producing shape-anisotropic, patchy, core-shell structured particles and particles with electric/magnetic charges/dipoles, which greatly enriched the self-assembled structures. Multi-phase carrier liquids offer new route to controlling colloidal self-assembly. Therefore, heterogeneity is the essential characteristics of colloid system, while so far there still lacks a model that is …

The Quantification Of The Fly Ash Adsorption Capacity For The Purpose Of Characterization And Use In Concrete, Zeyad Tareq Ahmed

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Fly ash has been shown to be an effective replacement for portland cement in concrete mixtures. However, many fly ash materials contain unburned carbon from the combustion process. Unburned carbon in fly ash adsorbs air entraining admixtures (AEAs) reducing their effectiveness in providing a specified air void system in concrete materials. Measurement tools and methods for characterization of the adsorption properties of fly ash materials are necessary for beneficial use of fly ash materials in concrete. In this research, two methods were developed to measure and quantify the adsorption capacity AEAs on fly ash materials. The first method is the …

Mse News 2011, Department Of Materials Science And Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Annual Reports

Table of Contents

• New Fund and Center: a Challenge, an Opportunity, and an Appeal from Chair Mark Plichta
• MSE Scientist: Positioned for Success with Unique Program
• Student Accomplishments and Awards
• Department News
• Alumni Updates

Mse News 2010, Department Of Materials Science And Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Annual Reports

Table of Contents

• MSE Welcomes New Professors
• Professor Emeritus Passes
• Alumni Achieves Milestone
• Hydrogen Storage Research
• Student Accomplishments
• Staff News
• Alumni News

Production Of Iron Using Environmentally-Benign Renewable Or Recycled Reducing Agents, Timothy C. Eisele, Surendra Komar Kawatra

Michigan Tech Patents

To produce metallic iron from iron ore, a composition comprising a mass of material formed from a mixture of iron ore particles and particles of a reductant that is either a biomass material in particulate form or a plastic resinous material in particulate form is used. The reductant can also be a mixture of biomass material and resin in any proportions. The mass of material comprises at least one body having a shape adapted for smelting such as pellets, briquettes, pieces or lumps. The pellets have sufficient cohesion to maintain the shape into which they have been formed. The invention …

Mse News 2009, Department Of Materials Science And Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Annual Reports

Table of Contents

• MSE Department Welcomes Engineering Fundamentals Chair
• MSE Department Welcomes New Professor
• Steel
• MSE Program Shines in US News Rankings
• MSE Alumnus Excelled in Mining Industry
• Student News
• Staff News
• Faculty News
• Alumni News

Mse News 2008, Department Of Materials Science And Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Annual Reports

Table of Contents

• MSE Department Welcomes New Assistant Professor
• Lee Retires
• Peter Moran
• Michigan Tech Honors Levy for Research Efforts in Magneto-Photonics
• Student Accomplishments
• Awards and Honors
• Alumni News

Physisorption Of Nucleobases On Graphene: Density-Functional Calculations, Gowtham S, Ralph H. Scheicher, Rajeev Ahuja, Ravindra Pandey, Shashi P. Karna

Data Science Publications

We report the results of our first-principles investigation on the interaction of the nucleobases adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), thymine (T), and uracil (U) with graphene, carried out within the density-functional theory framework, with additional calculations utilizing Hartree-Fock plus second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory. The calculated binding energy of the nucleobases shows the following hierarchy: G>A≈T≈C>U, with the equilibrium configuration being rather similar for all five of them. Our results clearly demonstrate that the nucleobases exhibit significantly different interaction strengths when physisorbed on graphene. The stabilizing factor in the interaction between the base molecule and graphene sheet is …

Method Of Making Wood-Based Composite Board, Laurent Malanda Matuana, Julia A. King

Michigan Tech Patents

A wood composite board or panel, such as particleboard, fiberboard, oriented strand board or waferboard and a method of producing the same. The composite board or panel comprises a plurality of wood pieces, thermoset resin to bind the wood pieces and a filler having a high thermal conductivity. Examples of such a filler include natural and synthetic graphites, metal, carbon, silicon carbide and other similar compounds and their mixtures.

Compositions And Methods For Wood Preservation, Peter Laks, Patricia Heiden

Michigan Tech Patents

The invention provides a method for incorporating biocides into wood or a wood product. The method comprises incorporating an additive into a nanoparticle, applying the nanoparticle to wood or a wood particle and applying sufficient pressure to force the nanoparticle to penetrate the wood or wood particle.

Reaction Control In Quiescent Systems Of Free-Radical Retrograde-Precipitation Polymerization, Vijaya Raghavan Tirumala

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Free-radical retrograde-precipitation polymerization, FRRPP in short, is a novel polymerization process discovered by Dr. Gerard Caneba in the late 1980s. The current study is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the reaction mechanism of the FRRPP and its thermodynamically-driven features that are predominant in controlling the chain reaction.

A previously developed mathematical model to represent free radical polymerization kinetics was used to simulate a classic bulk polymerization system from the literature. Unlike other existing models, such a sparse-matrix-based representation allows one to explicitly accommodate the chain length dependent kinetic parameters.

Extrapolating from the past results, mixing was experimentally shown …

Apparatus And Method For Determining The Dynamic Indentation Hardness Of Materials, Ghatu Subhash, Abhijit Chandra, Brian J. Koeppel

Michigan Tech Patents

An apparatus and method for determining dynamic indentation hardness values of a material using a propagating stress wave to make an indentation in the material. The invention provides such values without any prior knowledge of the material properties and enables the dynamic indentation hardness values to be directly compared to static indentation hardness values for the material.