M. Soltani, B. Niroumand, M. Shamanian,
Volume 36, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
In this paper, the optimization of the surface composite of Mg AZ31B-carbon nanotub(CNT) via friction stir processing was investigated. Then, the most effective process parameters such as transverse speed, rotational speed, CNT weight percent and welding passes were studied by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) design of experiment. The specimens were also characterized by micro-hardness, tensile, shear punch and pin on disk dry sliding wear tests. The optimization results of hardness and weight reduction responses showed that the best conditions would be achievable with a transverse speed of 24 mm/min, rotational speed of 660 rpm, 4wt.% CNT and 3 welding passes. Moreover, fracture analysis of the surfaces proved a uniform distribution of CNTs in the matrix resulted in higher tensile and shear strength.
H. Rashtchi, M. Shamanian, K. Raeissi,
Volume 36, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
Stainless steel bipolar plates are preferred choice for use in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). However, regarding the working temperature of 80 °C and corrosive and acidic environment of PEMFC, it is necessary to apply conductive protective coatings resistant to corrosion on metallic bipolar plate surfaces to enhance its chemical stability and performance. In the present study, by applying Ni-Mo and Ni-Mo-P alloy coatings via electroplating technique, corrosion resistance was improved, oxid layers formation on substrates which led to increased electrical conductivity of the surface was reduced and consequently bipolar plates fuction was enhanced. Evaluation tests included microstructural and phase characterizations for evaluating coating components; cyclic voltammetry test for electrochemical behavior investigations; wettability test for measuring hydrophobicity characterizations of the coatings surfaces; interfacial contact resistance measurements of the coatings for evaluating the composition of applied coatings; and polarization tests of fuel cells for evaluating bipolar plates function in working conditions. Finally, the results showed that the above-mentioned coatings considerably decreased the corrosion and electrical resistance of the stainless steel.
E. Velayi, R. Norouzbeigi,
Volume 36, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
A superhydrophobic ZnO surface was prepared on the stainless steel mesh by a one-step chemical bath deposition method without chemical post-treatment. The effect of adding polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) as an organic additive and the type of the alkaline agent were investigated on the morphological and wettability properties of ZnO surfaces. The prepared surfaces were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), stylus profilometer, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman Spectrometer. The microstructure studies showed that the addition of PEG led to formation of densely branched and uniform ZnO rods with a length of 1.5 µm and a diameter of about 95 nm on the substrate. The surface wettability studies confirmed that the sample prepared in the presence of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and 0.05 mM PEG with branched tree-like micro/nanostructure exhibited excellent superhydrophobic properties with the water contact angle (WCA) of 158.2°±1.5° and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) of 3.5°. In addition, the superhydrophobic showed good chemical stability in the pH range of 4 to 8.
E. Shirani, A. Razmjou,
Volume 36, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
The significance of producing superhydrophobic surfaces through modification of surface chemistry and structure is in preventing or delaying biofilm formation. This is done to improve biocompatibility and chemical and biological properties of the surface by creating micro-nano multilevel rough structure; and to decrease surface free energy by Fault Tolerant Control Strategy (FTCS) . Here, we produced a superhydrophobic surface through TiO2 coating and flurosilanization methods. Then, in order to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the modified surfaces, they were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Contact Angle (CA), cell viability assay (using Hela and MCF-7 cancer cell lines as well as non-cancerous human fibroblast cells) by MTT, Bovine Serum Abumin (BSA) protein adsorption using Bradford and bacterial adhesion assay (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) using microtiter. Results showed that contact angle and surface energey of superhydrophobic modified surface increased to 150° and decreased to 5.51 mj/m2, respectively due to physicochemical modifications of the surface. In addition, the results showed a substantial reduction in protein adsorption and bacterial cell adhesion in superhydrophobic surface.
A. Habibi, S.m. Mousavi Khoie, F. Mahboubi,
Volume 37, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
By using cathodic plasma electrolysis, a thin film of diamond-like carbon and carbyne was produced on the nickel surface. The ethanolic solution at different concentrations of 15, 30 and 50 vol% was used as the electrolyte; the produced carbon film was studied by using glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical profilometer, and surface enhanced Raman scattering. The results proved the coating formation of 40-60 nm thick carbon materials on the nickel surface. The intensity ratio of carbyne band to the amorphous carbon structure band in the Raman spectroscopy was decreased from 1.o4 to 0.32 by an increase in ethanol concentration; this was related to the reduction at the carbyne and the increase of the diamond-like carbon content in the produced film. Also, the study of the samples surface showed an increase in the surface roughness from 520 to 750 nm by enhancing the ethanol concentration.
M. Falsafein, F. Ashrafizadeh,
Volume 37, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Nitride coatings with excellent hardness and wear resistance have been deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) in recent years. For most applications, the load bearing and adhesion of coatings are very important and can determine the life and performance of the final components. In this study, CrN/CrAlN nanostructured coatings with different thicknesses and numberes of layers were deposited on the stainless steel AISI 420 and hot-work tool steel by cathodic arc evaporation. Nanoindentation, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used for the structural characterization and estimation of stress in the coatings. Adhesion of coatings was evaluated by scratch adhesion and VDI 3198 Rockwell tests. The results revealed the high values of compressive residual stress in the physical vapor deposited coatings, in the range of 500 to 1800 MPa, with a detrimental effect on coating adhesion. Load bearing capacity was observed to be dependent on the thickness and adhesion of coating, reaching the maximum at an optimum thickness. Overall, the results proved that the type of steel substrate could have a significant influence on the coating adhesion.
M. Alizadeh, A. Cheshmpish,
Volume 37, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
In this research, Ni-Mo-Al2O3 composite coatings were electro-deposited on the mild carbon steel in a citrate bath containing micro- sized Al2O3 particles. Afterward, the effect of the particle concentration in the electrolyte bath (ranging from 0 g/L to 30 g/L) on the microstructure, microhardness, and corrosion performance was evaluated. To investigate the microstructural changes and the surface morphology of the coatings, as well as the particle distribution in the deposits, optical and scanning electron microscopy coupled with the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was utilized. The corrosion behavior of the prepared coatings was investigated in a 3.5 wt. % NaCl solution. The results showed that the presence of the Al2O3 particles in the Ni-Mo coatings changed the microstructure and also, increased the microhardness and corrosion resistance of them. It was also found that the desirable structure of the protruding crystallite morphology with no detectable pores could be achieved at the medium concentrations of reinforcement (e.g. 20 g/L). Further the optimum concentration of the particles in the electrolyte bath to attain the composite coating with the desirable microstructure and consequently, the desirable corrosion resistance was found to be 20 g/L.
M. Tafreshi, S. R. Allahkaram, S. Mahdavi,
Volume 37, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
In this research, Zn-Ni and Zn-Ni/PTFE coatings were electrodeposited from sulfate-based electrolytes. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were used to investigate the corrosion properties of the coatings. Hardness and tribological behavior of the coatings were examined by the Vickers microhardness testing machine and the pin-on-disc method, respectively. Chemical composition and morphology of the as-deposited and worn surfaces of the coatings were studied by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). According to the results, the corrosion current density of the Zn-Ni film was about 30% of that of the composite coating. Hardness of the alloy film was partially decreased by the incorporation of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles. However, the wear loss and coefficient of friction of the Zn-Ni/PTFE coating were, respectively, about 43% and 57% of those of the Zn-Ni film. Moreover, wear mechanism was changed from plastic deformation and adhesive wear to slight abrasion by the co-deposition of PTFE particles.
M. Mahmoudi Saleh Abad, M. Zandrahimi, H. Ebrahimi Far,
Volume 37, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
In order to improve the oxidation and hot corrosion resistance of steels, various elements including aluminum, chromium, silicon, titanium or combination of these elements can be diffused on to the surface of steel. In this study, aluminum and titanium were simultaneously co-deposited onto the AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel substrate by the pack cementation process. Coating was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The coating consised of two layers with the thickness of approximately 14 microns. The results obtained by XRD showed the existence of FeTi, TiO2, AlTi, Al3Ti and Al5Ti phases in the coating. Isothermal oxidation and cyclic oxidation were carried out at 1000○C. It was showed that the diffusional coating of aluminum-titanium led to the improvement of cycle and isothermal oxidation resistance.
M. Akbarzadeh, M. Zandrahimi, E. Moradpour,
Volume 37, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is one of the most widely used solid lubricants. In this study, MoS2-Cr composite coatings were deposited onto AISI 1045 steel substrates by direct-current magnetron sputtering. The MoS2/Cr ratio in the coatings was controlled by sputtering the composite targets. The coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and nano-indentation and nano-scratch techniques. The tribological behavior of the coatings was investigated using the pin-on-disc test at room temperature. The results showed that the thickness and the hardness of the coating were 6 µmand 850-1300 HV, respectively. The degree of the crystallization of the composite coatings was enhanced with increasing the Cr contents. The incorporation of Cr into MoSx coatings resulted in the considerable improvement of coating adhesion and hardness. The optimum doping level for MoS2-Cr coatings to show the best tribological propertie was 13 atomic percent. The main wear mechanisms of the coating were delamination, tribochemical and abrasive micro cracking
A. Razmjou, F. Noorisafa, N. Emami,
Volume 37, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Polyurethane polymer plays an important role in health care, and it is widely used in medical devices and instruments. However, the low biocompatibility and biofilm formation on the surface can be regarded as a challenging issue. Engineering the wetting capability of the surface is an effective way to increase the biodegradability of polymer surfaces with sufficient bulk properties. In this study, the surface modification of polyurethane sheets by a thin layer of polyethylene glycol and trapping of titanium dioxide nanoparticles were carried out by means of physical and chemical changes on the surface to enhance the biocompatibility. The physicochemical properties of the modified surfaces were determined using fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy , scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and contact angle and free surface energy measurement. The biocompatibility of the modified levels was evaluated using the MTT toxicity test on cervical cancer cells (HeLA), bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and the protein absorption assay by the Bradford method. A thin, autoclave able and inexpensive thin layer with a solid and stable roughening structure was created covalently on the surface of the polyurethane plates for biological and medical applications. The results, therefore, showed that apart from antibacterial activity, the modified sample also had the ability to reduce the biofilm formation, such that the maximum biofilm attachment inhibition in the first 24 hours was 94% higher than that of the modified sample.
M. Hajfarajzadeh, A. Eshaghi, A. Aghaei,
Volume 37, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
A TEOS-GPTMS nano-hybrid thin film was deposited on the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) substrate by a sol-gel dip coating method. Morphology, roughness and surface chemical bonding of the thin films were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy methods, respectively. UV-vis spectrophotometer was used to measure the transmittance spectra of the samples. Also, the adhesion and hardness of the coatings were investigated using pencil hardness the adhesion tape test and the test, respectively. XRD results proved that the thin film had an amorphous structure. Also, FE-SEM images indicated that addition of GPTMS to the TEOS yielded a crack-free thin film. Based on the UV-vis spectroscopy results, the transmittance of the polymer substrate in the visible region was increased by the deposition of the nano-hybrid coating. Moreover, the hardness of the PMMA substrate was increased from 3H to 6H by the deposition of the nano-hybrid thin film. Also, tape test confirmed the high adhesion of the nano-hybrid thin film on the PMMA substrate. Consequently, the transparent organic-inorganic GPTMS-TEOS hybrid coating can be used as a scratch resistant coating on the PMMA substrate.
F. Saeidpour, M. Zandrahimi, H. Ebrahimifar,
Volume 38, Issue 1 (6-2019)
Abstract
Crofer 22 APU ferritic stainless steel has been evaluated as one of the favorable materials for utilization in Solid oxide fule cell (SOFC) interconnects. However, there are difficulties in utilizing these metallic interconnects, including the quick decrease of their electrical conductivity and evaporation of Cr species. To overcome the above problems, the application of protective coatings has been proposed. In this work, Co/Y2O3 composite coatings were deposited onto Crofer 22 APU stainless steels by direct current electrodeposition method. Oxidation and electrical properties of uncoated and coated steels were evaluated. Surface and cross-section of the bare and coated steels were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Results showed that oxidation rate of the coated specimen was reduced by about 4 times, as compared to the uncoated one after 500 h isothermal oxidation in air at 800˚C. Formation of Co3O4 and MnCo2O4 spinel compositions improved electrical conductivity of the coated sample. After 500 h of isothermal oxidation at 800˚C, ASR value of the Co/Y2O3-coated and uncoated steels was 15.8 mΩ·cm2 and 25.9 mΩ·cm2 , respectively.
H. Esfahani, M. Rasouli Samar, F. Dabir, A. Abdollahzadeh,
Volume 38, Issue 1 (6-2019)
Abstract
In this study, mechanism and kinetic of formation of boride layer on In-738 superalloy were investigated via diffusion pack cementation method. Boriding was carried out at 900 °C for several short times (5, 15, 45 and 60 min). Phase study by means of X Ray defragtion (XRD) indicated that in addition to Ni3B, other phases such as Cr5B3, AlB2, and W2B were formed at the first period of process, and other compounds such as MoB2, VB, TiB, Ni6Si2B, and Mo2NiB2 were generated in the more prolonged time. SEM study also showed that not only the thickness of boride coating was increased, but also an interdiffusion zone (IDZ) was formed under the coating and it was grown by the upward diffusion of alloy elements. The kinetic study was good according to diffusion theory, confirming the two diffusion steps for IDZ. Thickness and hardness of the boride coating over 60 min process were 27.8 µm and 853 HV, respectively.
M. Barjesteh, K. Zangeneh Madar, S. M. Abbasi, K. Shirvani,
Volume 38, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
In this study, the effect of platinum-aluminide coating parameters on surface roughness of nickel-based superalloy Rene®80 was evaluated. For this purpose, different thicknesses of Pt-layer (2, 4, 6 and 8µm) were plated on the Samples. Then diffusion aluminide coating in two types, high tempeature-low activity and low temperature-high activity was performed. The results of structural investigations by scanning electron microscope and X-Ray diffraction indicated a three-zone structure of coating in all thicknesses of platinum layer, as well as in the two methods of aluminizing. Surface roughness of coatings was measured in three steps: 1-after Pt plating, 2-after Pt diffusion, and 3-after aluminizing and final aging. The results showed that the thickness of Pt and the final thickness of the coating directly affected the surface roughness. The minimum surface roughness was created by high temperature low activity with 2µ of Pt-layer (2.6μm) and the maximum of surface roughness was obtained in low-temperature high activity with 8µ of the Pt-layer (8.8 μm).
M. Maniei, A. Eshaghi, A. Aghaei,
Volume 38, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
In this research, MgF2-2%SiO2/MgF2 thin films were applied on a glass substrate. At first, MgF2 thin films with the optical thickness were deposited on the glass slide substrates. Then, MgF2-2%SiO2 thin films were deposited on the glass coated with MgF2 thin films. Finally, the nanocomposite thin films were surface treated by the PFTS solution. Characterization of the thin film was done by X-Ray defractometry (XRD), attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Also, the hydrophobic properties of the samples were investigated by measuring the contact angle of the water. The results showed that the deposition of the six layer MgF2 thin films on the two sides of the glass substrate increased the transmission up to 96.4%. For the glass deposited by MgF2-2%SiO2 nanocomposite thin films, transmission was reduced to 94.4%, with its transmission being higher than the pure glass. Also, the water contact angle (WCA) analysis determined that the contact angle of the water droplet on the MgF2-2%SiO2 nanocomposite thin film coated glass was decreased. On the other hand, the contact angle of the water droplet on the MgF2-2%SiO2 nanocomposite thin film coated glass after modification with the PFTS solution was increased up to 119o. So, MgF2-2%SiO2 nanocomposite thin films could be used as an antireflective and self-cleaning coating on the surface of the optical devices.
H. Ebrahimifar, M. Zandrahimi, F. Ekhlaspour,
Volume 38, Issue 3 (12-2019)
Abstract
One of the most effective ways to improve oxidation resistance of interconnects used in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is to apply a layer of conductive protective coating. In this study, Crofer 22APU ferritic steel was coated in a titanium- based powder mixture by pack cementation method. The powder composition for titanium coating was Ti 20 wt.%, NH4Cl 5 wt.% (activator) and Al2O3 75 wt.%. The optimum temperature and time to obtain the best coating quality in terms of adhesion and porosity were 800 °C and 7 hours, respectivly. The obtained titanized coating consisted of TiFe, TiFe2 and TiCr2 phases. The results of isothermal and cyclic oxidation tests carried out at 900 °C, showed that titanium-coated samples had better oxidation resistance than non-coated samples. Microstructural and phase studies of coated and oxidized samples were performed by scanning electron macroscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). During oxidation process, the coating layer was converted into TiFe, TiFe2, TiFe2O5, TiO2 and TiCr2O4 phases. The coated specimens had lower weight gains relative to uncoated samples showing that coating effectively protects the substrate against oxidation. Moreover, coated samples had higher electrical resistance than uncoated ones.
G. R. Faghani, A. R. Khajeh-Amiri,
Volume 38, Issue 4 (1-2020)
Abstract
Due to special properties such as low density, high strength and high corrosion resistance Ti-6Al-4V alloy has been used extensively in various industries, especially in the aerospace aspects. However the major problem of this alloy is its poor tribological properties under relatively high loads. In the present study, in order to improve the tribological properties of mentioned alloy, chromium particles were added to Ti-6Al-4V layers in the nitrogen-containing atmosphere during the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding process. Microstructural investigations using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy, proved the formation of TiN, TiCr2 and Cr2N particles in the matrix of hard titanium phase. The hardness of TIG alloyed layer increased to 1000 HV0.3 which was 4 times higher than that of the base alloy. Moreover, the wear rate of TIG alloyed samples with chromium and nitrogen under 30N load and distance of 1000 m was 5.9 times lower than that of the bare Ti-6Al-4V alloy.
M. Zarchi, Sh. Ahangarani ,
Volume 39, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Abstract
The structural and optical properties of polycrystalline silicon films obtained on a silicon wafer by electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD), were studied in this paper. These films were initially amorphous and changed to a crystalline solid phase during annealing. Annealing was performed in an inert gas atmosphere tube furnace at different temperatures. Micro-structure of the films was analyzed to know the relationship between the crystalline / amorphous composition, grain size and characteristics of the films. The results showed a decrease in roughness with increasing annealing temperature and structural density. Moreover, results of Micro-Raman spectrum showed formation and increase of silicon nanocrystals in the annealed condition when the thickness of the coating increased due to structural defects.
F. Shahriari Nogorani, M. Afari, M. A. Taghipoor, A. Atefi,
Volume 39, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Abstract
Practical applications of thermal barrier coatings with aluminide bond-coats are limited due to oxide scale spallation of the aluminide coating under applied thermal stresses. Considering the positive effects of oxygen-active elements or their oxides on the high temperature oxidation behavior, in this research zirconia was introduced into an aluminide coating. For this purpose, a Watts type bath was used to electroplate a layer of Ni-ZrO2 composite on a Ni-based substrate. Aluminizing was performed using the conventional two-step process at 760 and 1080 °C. Microstructural characterization of coatings in the as-coated conditions and after cyclic oxidation via 5-hour cycles at 1050 °C was performed using electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. The results showed that the general three-zone microstructure of the simple high activity aluminide coatings develops below the pre-deposited nickel-zirconia layer and latter converts to a nearly un-alloyed porous NiAl. In spite of its porous surface layer, the zirconia modified coating has a higher oxidation resistance than the unmodified aluminide coating.
