2010 Vol. 17, No. 4

Display Method:
A new process of extracting vanadium from stone coal
Yan-hua Liu, Chao Yang, Pei-you Li, and  Shi-qi Li
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 381-388. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0330-8
Abstract:
A new process of extracting vanadium from the stone coal vanadium ore in Fangshankou, Dunhuang area of Gansu Province, China was introduced. Various leaching experiments were carried out, and the results show that the vanadium ore in Fangshankou is difficult to process due to its high consumption of acid and the high leaching rate of impurities. However, the leaching rate can be up to 80% and the content of V2O5 in the residue can be between 0.22%–0.25% in the process of ore fine grinding→oxidation roasting→mixing and ripening→aqueous leaching→P2O4 solvent extraction→sulfuric acid stripping→oxidation and precipitation→decomposition by heat. Also, the quality of flaky V2O5 produced by this process can meet the requirements of GB3283–87. The total leaching rate of vanadium is 70%. Also, three types of wastes are easy to treat. The vanadium extraction process is better in relation to the aspect of environmental protection than the sodium method.
Simulation of solute transportation within porous particles during the bioleaching process
Sheng-hua Yin, Ai-xiang Wu, Shao-yong Wang, and  Hong-jiang Wang
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 389-396. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0331-7
Abstract:
A mathematical model, accounting for the sulfuric acid and ferric ions diffusion and the copper sulfide mineral leaching process, was developed for an ore particle by considering its porous structure. It was simulated with the simulation tool COMSOL Multiphysics. The simulation results show that the highest acid and ferric concentrations near the particle surface are apparent, while the concentrations in the central particle increase slightly as the less-porous ore core with low permeability prevents the oxidation from penetrating. The extraction of the mineral near the particle surface is the maximum, mainly because of ample sulfuric acid, ferric ions, bacteria, and oxygen available for the leaching process. Because of low oxidation concentration in the central part of the particle, the reaction rate and copper sulphide conversion are small. The simulation shows good agreement with the experimental results.
Magnetohydrodynamic flow over a moving plate in a parallel stream with an induced magnetic field
Khamisah Jafar, Roslinda Nazar, Anuar Ishak, and  Ioan Pop
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 397-402. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0332-6
Abstract:
A viscous boundary layer flow of an electrically-conducting fluid over a moving flat plate in a parallel stream with a constant magnetic field applied outside the boundary layer parallel to the plate was investigated. The governing system of partial differential equations was transformed to ordinary differential equations using a similarity transformation. The similarity equations were then solved numerically using a finite-difference scheme known as the Keller-box method. Numerical results of the skin friction coefficient, velocity profiles, and the induced magnetic field profiles were obtained for some values of the moving parameter, magnetic parameter, and reciprocal magnetic Prandtl number. The results indicate that dual solutions exist when the plate and the fluid move in the opposite directions up to a critical value of the moving parameter, whose value depends on the value of the magnetic parameter.
Simulation of heat transfer in steel billets during continuous casting
A. Ramírez-López, R. Aguilar-López, M. Palomar-Pardavé, M. A. Romero-Romo, and  D. Muñoz-Negrón
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 403-416. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0333-5
Abstract:
This work is focused on the development of computational algorithms to create a simulator for solving the heat transfer during the continuous casting process of steel. The temperatures and the solid shell thickness profiles were calculated and displayed on the screen for a billet through a defined continuous casting plant (CCP). The algorithms developed to calculate billet temperatures, involve the solutions of the corresponding equations for the heat removal conditions such as radiation, forced convection, and conduction according to the billet position through the CCP. This is done by a simultaneous comparison with the kinematics model previously developed. A finite difference method known as Crank-Nicholson is applied to solve the two-dimensional computational array (2D model). Enthalpy (HI,J) and temperature (TI,J) in every node are updated at each step time. The routines to display the results have been developed using a graphical user interface (GUI) in the programming language C++. Finally, the results obtained are compared with those of industrial trials for the surface temperature of three steel casters with different plant configurations in different casting conditions.
Effect of phosphorus on the microstructure and mechanical properties of strip cast carbon steel
Na Li, Zhen-yu Liu, Guo-ping Zhou, Xiang-hua Liu, and  Guo-dong Wang
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 417-422. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0334-4
Abstract:
Carbon steel strips with different phosphorus and carbon contents were produced by using the twin roll strip casting process. Fine grains and dendrite structure were observed in high-P steels. Negative phosphorus segregation was found in strip cast high-P and high-C steels. For the steels with different carbon contents, phosphorus distribution in the thickness direction of the strip is obviously different. This is because solutes are redistributed in the melting pool and the phosphorus segregation rate is associated with the length of the mushy zone and the phosphorus solubility in different phases. Phosphorus as a solute in ferrite can lead to the higher hardness and strength with lower plastic propertyies.
Fabrication and sintering behavior of high-nitrogen nickel-free stainless steels by metal injection molding
Zi-wei Xu, Cheng-chang Jia, Chun-jiang Kuang, and  Xuan-hui Qu
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 423-428. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0335-3
Abstract:
High-nitrogen nickel-free stainless steels were fabricated by the metal injection molding technique using high nitrogen alloying powders and a mixture of three polymers as binders. Mixtures of metal powders and binders with various proportions were also investigated, and an optimum powder loading capacity was determined as 64vol%. Intact injection molded compacts were successfully obtained by regulating the processing parameters. The debinding process for molded compacts was optimized with a combination of thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. An optimum relative density and nitrogen content of the specimens are obtained at 1360℃, which are 97.8% and 0.79wt%, respectively.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of FGBA/BG air cooling bainitic steels containing niobium
Chun Feng, Hong-sheng Fang, Bing-zhe Bai, and  Yan-kang Zheng
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 429-434. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0336-2
Abstract:
The effect of different Nb additions on the mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of grain boundary allotriomorphic ferrite (FGBA) / granular bainite (BG) air cooling bainitic steels was investigated. The results indicate that the tensile strength and yield strength increase by 157 and 97 MPa, respectively with the addition of 0.02wt% Nb. The steel acquires superior strength and toughness with the addition of 0.06wt% Nb. The results of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy reveal that the addition of Nb not only refines the size of granular bainite but also increases the volume fraction of granular bainite in FGBA/BG steels. The refinement effect of granular bainite is improved with the increase of Nb content.
Influence of isothermal aging on σ precipitation in super duplex stainless steel
Xiao-feng Wang, Wei-qing Chen, and  Hong-guang Zheng
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 435-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0337-1
Abstract:
The time-temperature-transformation (TTT) curve of the 00Cr25Ni7Mo4N duplex stainless steel was obtained with a Formastor-digital thermal dilatometer, and the influence of isothermal aging on σ precipitation was studied by metallographic observation, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that the decomposition of ferrite phase is accompanied by the formation of σ phase at 750–1000℃, especially in the range of 800–900℃. The longer the aging time, the higher the amount of σ precipitation. The area fraction of various phases remains at a certain value upon the completion of ferrite deformation. The temperature of 850℃ is the most sensitive transaction temperature, the incubation time for the formation of σ precipitation is less than 1 min, and aging for 20 min leads to the complete transformation of ferrite. The σ phase is formed preferentially at the α/α/γ junction, and then grows along the α/α boundary in the matrix.
Oxidation behavior of the Fe-36Al-0.09C-0.09B-0.04Zr alloy at 1250℃
Jun-you Liu, Feng Li, Jie Liu, Yi Zhang, Jin-cheng Jiang, and  Dun-xu Zou
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 441-447. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0338-0
Abstract:
To explore and study the Fe-Al system alloy presenting exceptional oxidation resistance at high temperature, the Fe-36Al-0.09C-0.09B-0.04Zr alloy was designed and developed. The microstructure and hardness of the backing at 1250℃ were analyzed and measured. Thermodynamics and kinetics of the oxidation behavior were also analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques. The results show that the microstructure of the Fe-36Al-0.09C-0.09B-0.04Zr alloy is FeAl phase at ambient temperature and is stable at 1250℃. It displays the excellent property of oxidation resistance because the oxide film has only the Al2O3 layer, and its oxidation kinetics curve obeys the parabolic law at 1250℃. The oxidation mechanism at 1250℃ is presumed that in the early oxidation period, the alloy oxidizes to form a large number of Al2O3 and a little Fe2O3, then, the enrichment of Al caused by Fe oxidization combines with O to form Al2O3.
Mössbauer and electron microscopy study of martensitic transformations in an Fe-Mn-Mo alloy
T. Kırındı, U. Sarı, and  M. Kurt
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 448-452. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0339-z
Abstract:
The kinetic, morphological, crystallographic, and magnetic characteristics of thermally induced martensites in Fe-13.4wt% Mn-5.2wt% Mo alloy were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The experimental results reveal that two types of thermal-induced martensites, ε (hcp) and α' (bcc) martensites, are formed in the as-quenched condition, and these transformations have athermal characters. Mo addition to the Fe-Mn alloy does not change the coexistence of ε and α' martensites with the Mn content between 10wt% and 15wt%. Besides, Mössbauer spectra reveal a paramagnetic character with a singlet for the γ (fcc) austenite and ε martensite phases and a ferromagnetic character with a broad sextet for the α' martensite phase. The volume fraction of α' martensite forming in the quenched alloy is much more than that of the ε martensite.
Electrical conductivity changes of bulk tin and Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu in bulk and in joints during isothermal aging
Bin Liu and  Fu Guo
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 453-458. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0340-6
Abstract:
The changes of electrical conductivity (resistance) between Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder joints and printed circuit board (PCB) assembly during aging at 125℃ were investigated by the four-point probe technique. The microstructural characterizations of interfacial layers between the solder matrix and the substrate were examined by optical microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy. Different types of specimens were designed to consider several factors. The experimental results indicate that electrical conductivities (resistances) and residual shear strengths of the solder joint specimens significantly decrease after 1000 h during isothermal aging. Microcracks generate in the solder matrix at the first 250 h. Besides, the evolutions of microstructural characterizations at the interface and the matrix of solder joints were noted in this research.
Solid state interfacial reactions in electrodeposited Ni/Sn couples
Wen-ming Tang, An-qiang He, Qi Liu, and  Douglas-G. Ivey
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 459-463. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0341-5
Abstract:
Ni/Sn couples, prepared by sequentially electroplating Ni layers and Sn layers on metallized Si wafers, were employed to study the microstructures and growth kinetics of Ni-Sn intermediate phases, when the Ni/Sn couples were aged at room temperature or annealed at temperatures from 150 to 225℃ for various times. The results show that the NiSn phase and Ni3Sn4 phase are formed, respectively, in the aged couples and annealed couples. The Ni3Sn4 layer is continuously distributed between the Ni and Sn sides in the annealed Ni/Sn couples. The Ni3Sn4 growth follows parabolic growth kinetics with an apparent activation energy of 39.0 kJ/mol.
Effect of cooling rate on the phase transformation and stability of the mushy zone during the solidification of Waspaloy
Ling Wang, Yi-jun Yao, Bin Liu, Bo-ying Zhong, and  Jian-xin Dong
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 464-469. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0342-4
Abstract:
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) were used to study the microstructure, microsegregation, and fluid flow tendency of the superalloy Waspaloy in the mushy zone, which had been solidified at different cooling rates. The investigation was accompanied with the calculation of Rayleigh numbers. It is found that Ti is the main segregating element and the content of Ti is the highest in the final liquid at the cooling rates of 3–6℃/min. The eta phase (η) precipitate presented in the residual liquid at the cooling rates higher than 6 ℃/min is responsible for the fluctuations in the curves of Ti content. The dendrite arm spacing is found to markedly decrease with the increase of cooling rate. The maximum relative Rayleigh number occurs at 10–20℃ below the liquidus temperature at a cooling rate of 1℃/min, where the mushy zone is most unstable and fluid flow is most prone to occur.
Hydrothermal synthesis and photoluminescence behavior of CeO2 nanowires with the aid of surfactant PVP
Ming-zai Wu, Yan-mei Liu, Peng Dai, Zhao-qi Sun, and  Xian-song Liu
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 470-474. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0343-3
Abstract:
Well-crystalline CeO2 nanowires were prepared via a surfactant-assisted hydrothermal process. Reaction temperature and reaction time were changed for the determination of optimal synthesis parameters. The as-obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results show that single crystal CeO2 nanowires with high yield and good uniformity can be obtained hydrothermally at 180℃ for 12 h with the aid of 2.0 g surfactant (polyvinyl pyrrolidone, PVP). The role of PVP was then discussed and a possible growth mechanism was proposed. Moreover, room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra were obtained for these CeO2 nanowires, which are believed to be related to the abundant defects in these nanostructures.
Structure, optical, and magnetic properties of Mn-doped ZnO films prepared by sputtering
Li-wei Wang, Zheng Xu, Fu-jun Zhang, Su-ling Zhao, and  Li-fang Lu
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 475-480. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0344-2
Abstract:
The microstructural, optical, and magnetic properties and room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) of Mn-doped ZnO thin films were studied. The chemical compositions were examined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and the charge state of Mn ions in the ZnO:Mn films was characterized by X-ray photoelectronic spectrometry (XPS). From the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data of the samples, it can be found that Mn doping does not change the orientation of ZnO thin films. All the films prepared have a wurtzite structure and grow mainly along the c-axis orientation. The grain size and the residual stress were calculated from the XRD results. The optical transmittance of the film decreases with the increase of manganese content in ZnO. The room-temperature photoluminescence of the films shows that the intensity of near band energy (NBE) emission depends strongly on the Mn content. The hysteresis behavior indicates that the films with the Mn content below 9at% are ferromagnetic at room temperature.
Microstructural evolution of titanium matrix composite coatings reinforced by in situ synthesized TiB and TiC by laser cladding
Jun Li, Zhi-shui Yu, Hui-ping Wang, and  Man-ping Li
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 481-488. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0345-1
Abstract:
Titanium-based composite coatings reinforced by in situ synthesized TiB and TiC particles were successfully fabricated on Ti6Al4V by laser cladding using Ti-B4C-Al or Ti-B4C-C-Al powders as the precursor materials. The microstructural and metallographic analyses were made by X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The results show that the coatings are mainly composed of α-Ti cellular dendrites and a eutectic transformation product in which a large number of coarse and fine needle-shaped TiB and a few equiaxial TiC particles are homogeneously embedded. A thin dilution zone with a thickness of about 100 μm is present at the interface, and it consists of a few TiB and TiC reinforcements and a large number of lamella grains growing parallel to the heat flux direction in which a thin needle-shaped microstructure exists due to the martensitic transformation. The microstructural evolution can be divided into four stages: precipitation and growth of primary β-Ti phase, formation of the binary eutecticum β-Ti+TiB, formation of the ternary eutecticum β-Ti+TiB+TiC, and solid transformation from β-Ti to α-Ti.
Additive-aided electrochemical deposition of bismuth telluride in a basic electrolyte
Wu-jun Qiu, Sheng-nan Zhang, Tie-jun Zhu, and  Xin-bing Zhao
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 489-493. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0346-0
Abstract:
A new basic electrolyte with two cationic plating additives, polydiaminourea and polyaminosulfone, was investigated for the electrochemical deposition of the bismuth telluride film on a nickel-plated copper foil. Tellurium starts to deposit at a higher potential (-0.35 V) than bismuth (-0.5 V) in this electrolyte. The tellurium-to-bismuth ratio increases while the deposition potential declines from -1 to -1.25 V, indicating a kinetically quicker bismuth deposition at higher potentials. The as-deposited film features good adhesion to the substrate and smooth morphology, and has a nearly amorphous crystal structure disclosed by X-ray diffraction patterns.
Phase field simulation of the 180° domain-switching process in PbTiO3 single crystal under an antiparallel electric field
Ping-Li Liu, Wu-Yang Chu, and  Li-Jie Qiao
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 494-499. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0347-z
Abstract:
The process of 180° domain switching in PbTiO3 single crystal under an antiparallel electric field was investigated by the three-dimensional phase field simulation, especially the effect of electric field on the type and duration of domain switching. It is found that the polarization reversal of domains takes place under an antiparallel electric field in PbTiO3 single crystal. The results of the phase field simulation indicate that there is only 90° domain switching under a weak electric field. With the rise of the electric field, 180° domain switching appears. If the electric field is strengthened further, 90° domain switching disappears and the duration of domain switching is shortened.
Preparation and properties of C/C-SiC brake composites fabricated by warm compacted-in situ reaction
Zhuan Li, Peng Xiao, and  Xiang Xiong
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 500-505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0348-y
Abstract:
Carbon fibre reinforced carbon and silicon carbide dual matrix composites (C/C-SiC) were fabricated by the warm compacted-in situ reaction. The microstructure, mechanical properties, tribological properties, and wear mechanism of C/C-SiC composites at different brake speeds were investigated. The results indicate that the composites are composed of 58wt% C, 37wt% SiC, and 5wt% Si. The density and open porosity are 2.0 g·cm-3 and 10%, respectively. The C/C-SiC brake composites exhibit good mechanical properties. The flexural strength can reach up to 160 MPa, and the impact strength can reach 2.5 kJ·m-2. The C/C-SiC brake composites show excellent tribological performances. The friction coefficient is between 0.57 and 0.67 at the brake speeds from 8 to 24 m·s-1. The brake is stable, and the wear rate is less than 2.02×10-6 cm3·J-1. These results show that the C/C-SiC brake composites are the promising candidates for advanced brake and clutch systems.
Erratum to: Simulation factors of steel continuous casting
A. Ramírez-López, R. Aguilar-López, J. González-Trejo, and  M. Palomar-Pardavé
2010, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 506-506. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-010-0349-x
Abstract: