Showing 74 results for Composite
S. Daneshvar E Asl, S. K. Sadrnezhaad,
Volume 36, Issue 3 (11-2017)
Abstract
TiO2/MWCNT nanocomposite thin films containing different percentages of multi-walled carbon nanotubes were coated on fluorinated tin oxide substrates by sol-gel dip coating method. Results of X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the crystal structure of the coatings was anatase TiO2. It was also understood that the size of crystallites reduced with CNT but structural properties and equilibrium phase remain intact. Field emission scanning electron microscope images showed that CNTs dispersed uniformly among 45 nm spherical TiO2 particles of close relations. These images also showed that CNT promoted cracks on the coated surface. Results of the UV-Vis spectroscopy showed that the visible light range adsorption increased with CNT and the absorption edge did not significantly differ with the pure TiO2 layers.. Results of the photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed that the presence of CNT could reduce the pair electron–electron holes recombination which is considered totally undesirable.
M. H. Bakhshi, A. Zakeri,
Volume 36, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
Electrowinning is one of the methods for recovery of nickel metal from pregnant leach solutions. In industrial practice, the Ni content in electrolytes is usually above 80 g/L. However, many nickel solutions obtained from processing of secondary nickel resources are much less concentrated and this makes the electrowinning of such solutions difficult. In the present study, Nickel electrowinning from 30 g/L sulfate solutions has been investigated and the effect of the parameters such as current density (CD), temperature (T) and boric acid concentration (BA) on the current efficiency and nickel deposit quality has been determined using a central composite design methodology. The statistical analysis of experimental results revealed the significant factors and a proper model was obtained for each response variable. The results revealed two important negative interaction effects of T´BA and CD´BA which means that increasing temperature and current density could result in a higher current efficiency and satisfactory Ni deposit quality only at lower boric acid concentrations. By using overlaid contour plot method for multiple response optimization, the optimum condition for attaining current efficiencies of >95% and a smooth and compact Ni deposit quality was determined as CD = 2-2.5 A/dm2, T = 25-30 °C, and BA = 10 g/L.
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.
S. F. Shams, M. Ebrahimian-Hosseinabadi,
Volume 37, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
The purpose of this paper was modeling and mechanical analysis of the biodegradable biphasic calcium phosphate/silk (BCP/Silk) laminated composite bone plate for fractured tibia healing; to this aim,ABAQUS 6.13 was employed for modeling and mechanical analysis. First, the tibia bone was considered based on the anthropometric measurements of an average person as a two-layer cylinder; the inner part was the bone marrow and the outer one was the cortical bone. Then, the bone plate and screws were designed according to the defined standards and the properties of new composite in the ABAQUS software. The mesh of bone plate and other equipments were selected to be tetragonal and cubic, respectivelly. After that, the bone plate was placed on the bone while the bone was bounded along the Y axis and the force of around 400 N was loaded. The results showed that the biocompatible and biodegradable composite bone plate had the elastic modulus of about 21 GPa, which was close to the bone modulus.
Sh. Tavakoli Dehaghi, S. Darvishi, Sh. Nemati, M. Kharaziha,
Volume 37, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Abstract: With the advances in the development of biomaterials for tissue replacement, the attention of scientists has been focused on the improvement of clinical implant properties. In this regard, despite the appropriate properties of the stainless steel, the application of stainless steel as implants has been limited due to the weak corrosion resistivity. The purpose of this paper was preparation and characterization of hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-SiO2-CuO nanocomposite coating on the 316L stainless steel surface. The 316L stainless steel was coated by SiO2 nanoparticles (20 wt. %), CuO nanoparticles (0.5, 1 and 2 wt. %) and biocompatible PDMS. In this research, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to characterize the coating. Moreover, the roughness and water contact angle of the coatings consisting of various amounts of CuO nanopowder were estimated. Finally, the effects of various amounts of the CuO nanopowder on the corrosion resistivity of nanocomposite coatings were investigated. XRD patterns confirmed the presence of crystalline CuO nanoparticles on the substrate. Due to the non-crystalline nature of silica nanoparticles and the semi-crystalline PDMS polymer, no peak confirming the presence of these phases was detected on the XRD pattern of the nanocomposite coating. SEM images showed the formation of a lotus leaf-like layer on the surface of the nanocomposite coating containing 1 and 2 wt. % CuO. Moreover, water contact angle evolution revealed that while contact angle was 81 degree without CuO nanoparticles, it was enhanced to 146 degree in the presence of 1 wt. % CuO. Moreover, the corrosion study showed the nanocomposite containing 2 wt.% CuO had the best corrosion resistance, the corrosion current density of 2.1E-7 A.cm-2, and the corrosion potential of 0.22 V.
M. Zadali Mohammad Kotiyani, Khalil Ranjbar,
Volume 38, Issue 1 (6-2019)
Abstract
In this research, an in-situ hybrid composite reinforced by Al3Zr and Al3Ti aluminide particles was fabricated by friction stir processing (FSP). The base metal was in the form of a rolled Al 3003-H14 alloy sheet, and zirconium and titanium metal powders were used as the reinforcements. Six passes of FSP were applied. Tensile strength and hardness of the base metal, as well as FSPed samples before and after applying heat treatment, were determined. Microstructural examinations were performed using optical and scanning electron microcopy (SEM), and phase formation was identified by X-Ray diffraction. Microstructural examination revealed that by applying FSP, the prior large and elongated grains of the base metal were converted to the fine and equiaxed grains. It was also observed that chemical reactions occurred at the interface between the aluminum matrix and the metallic powders, forming in-situ aluminides of Al3Zr and Al3Ti. The post annealing heat treatment activated these solid state chemical reactions and more aluminides were formed. It was also found that the heat treated hybrid composite possessed the highest tensile strength and hardness values. The tensile strength in such samples reached 195 MPa, as compared to 110 MPa of the base metal.
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.
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.
M. Farhadian, K. Raeissi, M. A. Golozar,
Volume 39, Issue 2 (8-2020)
Abstract
This work is focused on the effect of amorphous SiO2 addition on the phase transformation and microstructural evolution of ZrO2 particles. Considering the structural similarities between the amorphous ZrO2 and its tetragonal structure, XRD results showed initial nucleation of metastable tetragonal ZrO2 from its amorphous matrix upon heat treatment. This metastable phase is unstable in pure ZrO2 sample and transforms to a stable monoclinic phase at around 600 oC. However, addition of amorphous SiO2 to ZrO2 structure causes metastable tetragonal phase to remain stable up to around 1100 oC. The temperature range for stability of metastable tetragonal ZrO2 structure increased from about 150 oC in pure ZrO2 particles to around 500 oC in ZrO2-10 mol.% SiO2 composite powders. A further increase in SiO2 content up to 30 mol.% did not change the stabilization temperature range but the average particle size reduced around 1.6 times compared to pure ZrO2 particles. Stabilization of metastable tetragonal ZrO2 explained by constrained effect of SiO2 layer surrounding zirconia nuclei. The thickness of this SiO2 layer enhanced by increasing SiO2 content which limited the growth of ZrO2 nuclei resulting in finer particle sizes.
S. Arjmand, M. Tavoosi,
Volume 39, Issue 3 (12-2020)
Abstract
The present work aims to modify surface properties of pure Ti by development of Ti-Al-N intermetallic composite coatings. In this regard, tungsten inert gas (TIG) cladding process was carried out using Al 1100 as filler rod with Ar and Ar+N2 as shielding gases. Phase and structure of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hardness values and corrosion behavior of the obtained coatings were also compared using Vickers microhardness tester and potentiostat, respectively. The results showed that composite structure containing Al3Ti, Ti3Al2N2 and Ti3Al intermetallic compounds could be formed on the surface of pure Ti. Amounts of brittle phases and welding defects at the titanium-coating interface were least by welding under pure Ar shielding. Despite the increasing amount of structural defects such as porosity and non-uniformity under Ar+N2 shielding, the prepared coatings had higher hardness (more than 100 HV) and corrosion resistance (more than twice) compared with those obtained under Ar shielding.
S. Arjmand, G. H. Akbari, G. R. Khayati,
Volume 39, Issue 4 (2-2021)
Abstract
The purpose of the present work is to investigate the influence of the number of weld-passes on microstructure, hardness and residual stresses of composite coatings composed of Ti-Al-Si intermetallic compounds. In this regard, surface coating of pure Ti was carried out using one and two passes of tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding with an Al filler alloy (grade 4043). Phase and structural evaluations of the coatings were investigated by X-ray diffraction, optical and scanning electron microscopies. microhardness and residual stress values of the coatings were measured using ASTM E384-HV device and the Sin2ψ method, respectively. The results showed that as the number of welding passes increased or the dilution ratio decreased, the volume fraction of Ti5Si3-Al3Ti intermetallic phases within the fusion zone increased and the volume fraction of martensite phase in the heat affected zone decreased. As a result, the average hardness value of the coating increased to be about 130 % compared to that of the pure Ti substrate. The tensile residual stresses at the center line of fusion zone were 165 ± 30 and 210 ± 35 MPa for the coatings prepared in one and two welding passes, respectively.
N. Zakeri, H.r. Rezaie, J. Javadpour, M. Kharaziha,
Volume 39, Issue 4 (2-2021)
Abstract
In recent years, nanoceramics have been used in scaffolds to emulate the nanocomposite with a three-dimensional structure of natural bone tissue. In this regard, polycaprolactone biopolymer is widely used as a scaffold in bone tissue engineering. The goal of this research is to produce porous scaffolds of polycaprolactone - zeolite biocomposite with suitable mechanical, bioactive and biological properties for bone tissue engineering applications. The nanocomposite scaffolds were synthesized by solvent casting/particulate leaching and freeze-drying approaches. Microscopic investigations showed generation of pores with an average size of 200-400μm after addition of ceramic phase. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed uniform distribution of ceramic phase in polycaprolactone matrix. FTIR results determined the binding type of zeolite nanoparticles to the polycaprolactone matrix as physical bonding. The results of mechanical tests showed the increase in young’s modulus after addition of ceramic phase (from 0.04 to 0.3 and 3 to 7 MPa, respectively). The hydrophilicity of polycaprolactone increased after adding nanozeolite and more weight loss was observed for scaffold containing 20% zeolite (53.52 6 1.6%) with an increase in the rate of hydroxyapatite formation. The results showed that the prepared scaffolds have potential for cancellous bone tissue engineering application.
I. Forooghi , M. Mashhadi,
Volume 39, Issue 4 (2-2021)
Abstract
Due to their unique features, Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) have potential applications in aerospace, military and industry. ZrB2-SiC composite as one of these ceramics has been at the center of researches due to its attractive mechanical, thermal and oxidation resistance. In this study, the effect of ZrC addition on pressureless sintering behavior, mechanical, microstructural and thermal properties of ZrB2-SiC nanocomposite were investigated. For this purpose, micron-sized ZrB2 and ZrC powders and nano-sized SiC powder were used. ZrB2-20vol% SiC nanocomposites with addition of (3, 6, 9, 12, 15) vol% ZrC were sintered by pressureless sintering method at 2100 ºC. The results showed that the addition of ZrC improved relative density, hardness and fracture toughness of ZrB2-20vol% SiC nanocomposite. Optimum properties were obtained in a sample containing 12 vol% ZrC and the relative density, hardness and fracture toughness of this sample were reported to be 99.01%, 16.95 Gpa and 5.43 Mpa.m0.5, respectively. Thermal analysis of the samples showed that by adding ZrC, thermal diffusivity of this nanocomposite reduced. The highest thermal diffusivity at room temperature equaled 35.3 mm2 /s and was obtained for ZS composite.
S. Borhani Esfahani, H. R. Salimi Jazi, M. H. Fathi, A. Ershad Langroudi, M. Khoshnam,
Volume 40, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
In this research, a kind of environmentally-friendly inorganic-organic hybrid nanocomposite coating based on silica containing titania/silica core/shell nanoparticles was synthesized and characterized for conservation of facade tiles in historical buildings. The matrix of the composite was prepared by sol-gel process via two methods of ultrasonic and reflux stirring. Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and poly-dimethyl siloxane hydroxy-terminated (PDMS-OH) were used for the formation of silica network and creation of flexibility and hydrophobicity, respectively. Titania nanoparticles were used in the form of titania/silica core/shell as ultraviolet absorber. The synthesized nanocomposite was applied on the microscope slides and tiles by dip coating technique. The properties of nanoparticles and coatings were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and water contact angle measurement. The results revealed that formation of titania/silica core/shell structure was successful. The investigation of PDMS content effect on transparency, cohesion and hydrophobicity of the coating confirmed that the optimum content of this siloxane was around 20 wt.%. In general, the results showed that the silica-based hybrid nanocomposite reinforced with TiO2/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles could produce a transparent and hydrophobic coating for tile and glass protection.
S. Shahzamani, M. R. Toroghinejad, A. Asharfi,
Volume 40, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
In this study, Al/Al2O3 composite was produced by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process coupled with the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process. The alumina was grown on Al sheets by electrolyte technique with three different thicknesses (10, 20, and 40 µm). The results showed that incorporation of alumina up to 3.22 vol.% in aluminum matrix enhanced the yield and tensile strength of the composite, whereas increasing the amount of alumina up to 6.25 vol.% deteriorated the tensile properties. In the last part, a serial sectioning process was employed to develop a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the microstructure of Al2O3 particles reinforced Al composite for visualization and finite-element modeling (FEM).
F. Fareghdeli, M. Karimi, A. Novin, M. Solati-Hashjin,
Volume 40, Issue 3 (11-2021)
Abstract
One challenge in preparing polymer/ceramic composites is non-uniform ceramic particles distribution in a polymer matrix. This research evaluated the effect of stirring time and temperature on hydroxyapatite (HA) distribution through (polylactic acid) PLA matrix. Therefore, to mix the ceramic suspension with the polymer solution, three temperatures, namely 25, 37, and 45°C and four times including 6, 12, 24 and, 48 h were examined. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was used to investigate the bonds, which showed physical bond formation such as carboxyl-calcium-carboxyl between HA and polymer matrix, influenced on particles distribution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to observe particles distribution and determine samples homogeneity. To fulfill this goal, each obtained photograph representing the calcium presentation was split into nine equal sections, and a method based on the newly defined index called dispersion factor “α” was used to analyze the distribution. Results showed that the sample prepared at 37°C and 48 h had the topmost homogeneity properties.
N. Ghobadi, S. A. Hosseini Moradi, M. Amirzade,
Volume 40, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
In this research, cobalt ferrite powders (CoFe2O4) and cobalt ferrite/reduced graphene oxide composite (CoFe2O4/RGO) were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The phase structure, morphology, magnetic properties, and microwave absorption properties of the produced samples were investigated through various techniques. X-ray diffraction test indicated the successful formation of pure CoFe2O4 and its composites with RGO. According to the Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, most pure and composite samples’ particles were formed in a semi-spherical shape. The VNA test results showed the saturation magnetization of CoFe2O4 and the composite containing 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% of RGO, 71.6, 56, and 37 emu/g, respectively. Also, the network analyzer results demonstrated the maximum reflective losses in the X-band range due to the impact of microwaves on CoFe2O4 te was -5.5 db. This amount reached 21.5 dB with the addition of 10 wt.% RGO. Also, the wave input increased from 41% for the pure CoFe2O4 to 99.5% for the sample containing 10 wt.% RGO.
R. Zarei, E. Mohammadsharifi, M. R. Loghman, M. Ramazani, Kh. Zamani,
Volume 41, Issue 1 (8-2022)
Abstract
The present research has examined the effect of adding Si3N4 on the mechanical and structural properties of NiCrAlY alloy. The structural and mechanical properties of the manufactured samples were characterized by SEM, XRD, micro-hardness evaluation and pin on disk wear test. Various concentrations of Si3N4 powder (1, 3, and 5 wt.%) were mixed with NiCrAlY powder using a mechanical ball mill. Next, the mixtures were sintered at 1100 °C using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The XRD patterns indicated that the samples were composed of two phases of solid solution γ-Ni(Cr) and intermetallic compounds β-NiAl. The results of micro-hardness measurements showed that adding 1% Si3N4 to NiCrAlY enhanced the hardness from 418 to 614 HV. However, with an increase in the Si3N4 content from 1 to 5 wt%, the hardness diminished from 614 to 543 HV, and by Adding Si3N4 to the NiCrAlY, its tribological properties were significantly improved.
B. Sharifian, G. H. Borhani, E. Mohammad Sharifi,
Volume 41, Issue 2 (11-2022)
Abstract
In this study, mechanically milled (MM) Al-24TiO2-20B2O3 powder in molten Al7075 matrix was used in order to fabricate in-situ TiB2 and Al2O3 reinforcements in Al7075 matrix. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) examination was adopted to find reaction temperature between milled Al, TiO2, and B2O3 powders. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns showed the existence of TiB2 and Al2O3 peaks (750 °C at Ar atmosphere) in MM powder. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) results revealed the uniform distribution of TiO2 and B2O3 particles in the aluminum matrix. 6 wt.% MM powder was added to molten Al7075 at 750 °C. The molten Al7075/TiB2-Al2O3 composite was poured in copper mold. The stir casted composites were hot extruded at 465 °C with extrusion ratio of 6:1 and ram speed of 5 mm/s. The microstructures (optical microscopy and TEM) and mechanical properties (hardness and tensile testing) of samples were evaluated. TEM results showed that in-situ TiB2 nanoparticles were formed. The tensile strength of extruded Al7075/TiB2-Al2O3 composite was reached the value of 496 MPa. This result was around four times greater than that of the as cast Al7075 alloy.
A. Azimi-Fouladi , S.a. Hasanzadeh-Tabrizi,
Volume 41, Issue 2 (11-2022)
Abstract
Water pollution is one of the big problems of human societies, and the need to find new ways to remove these pollutants has been given much attention in recent years. One of the methods is the use of photocatalysts. In this research, TiO2 and TiO2-CdO nanoparticles were prepared by a sol-gel method as nano photocatalysts. The produced samples have been used to degrade methylene blue under UV light. To characterize the prepared samples, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), X-ray Energy Diffraction Spectroscopy (EDS), and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis) were used. Microstructural results revealed nanoparticles with dimensions of 18 to 32 nm. XRD results showed that the main phase formed was the anatase. TiO2-4 wt.% CdO nanocomposite showed more photocatalytic activity compared to pure TiO2. Also, the effect of pH, irradiation time, and amount of powder on photocatalytic activity was investigated. The results showed that at pH=9, time of 75 min, and using 0.02 g TiO2-4 wt.% CdO photocatalyst, the maximum photocatalytic activity of about 92 % was obtained.
