Synthesis and Sintering

3D-printed calcium magnesium silicates: A mini-review

Aidin Doroudi — 2024-03-29

Calcium magnesium silicates (CMS) represent a class of minerals with diverse applications in fields ranging from geology to materials science. With the advent of additive manufacturing technologies, particularly 3D printing, novel opportunities have emerged for the synthesis and utilization of CMS-based materials. In this mini-review, we provide a thorough overview of recent advancements in the 3D printing of CMS compounds, including diopside (DPS), bredigite (BR), and akermanite (AKT). We discuss the synthesis methods, properties, and potential applications of 3D-printed CMS materials, with a focus on their role in biomedical applications. Furthermore, we highlight challenges and prospects in the field, emphasizing the importance of continued research and innovation in harnessing the full potential of 3D-printed CMS materials.

Solid-solution phase formation rules for high entropy alloys: A thermodynamic perspective

Samaneh Mamnooni — 2024-03-29

To save time and money before starting the production of a high entropy alloy (HEA), it is important to predict the possibility of HEA formation and the probable final microstructure using the solid solution phase formation thermodynamic rules. In this research, a step-by-step calculation of thermodynamic parameters is conducted to predict the possibility of formation and determine the final properties such as ∆H_mix, ∆S_mix, δr, δχ, Ω, VEC, and T_m for three Ni₂₀Co₂₀Cu₁₅Fe₂₀Mn₂₅, Ni₃₅Co₂₀Cu₅Fe₅Mn₃₅, and Ni₅Co₅Cu₃₅Fe₃₅Mn₂₀ HEAs. Based on the obtained results, it is not possible to form a HEA with a solid solution structure for the Ni₃₅Co₂₀Cu₅Fe₅Mn₃₅ and Ni₅Co₅Cu₃₅Fe₃₅Mn₂₀ systems due to a low ∆S_mix value of 11.28 J.mol^-1.K^-1. Based on the calculated values of ∆H_mix, intermetallic compound formation and segregation are predicted for Ni₃₅Co₂₀Cu₅Fe₅Mn₃₅ and Ni₅Co₅Cu₃₅Fe₃₅Mn₂₀, respectively.

A review of synthesis strategies for nickel cobaltite-based composites in supercapacitor applications

Yalda Tarpoudi Baheri — 2024-03-26

Supercapacitors (SCs), known for their exceptional power and reasonably high energy densities, long lifespan, and lower production costs, have emerged as an ideal solution to meet the growing demand for various energy storage applications. The characteristics of supercapacitors are greatly influenced utilizing the choice of electrode materials, developing novel electrode materials a focal point for extensive research in the field of high-performance supercapacitors. In recent years, NiCo₂O₄ has garnered increasing attention as a supercapacitor electrode material owing to its notable edges, including high theoretical capacity, low cost, abundant availability, and ease of synthesizing. However, the performance of NiCo₂O₄ is hindered by its low electrical conductivity and limited surface area, leading to significant capacity deterioration. Therefore, it is imperative to systematically and comprehensively summarize the advancements in comprehending and adjusting NiCo₂O₄-based electrodes from multiple perspectives. The present review primarily focuses on the synthetic approaches employed to produce NiCo₂O₄ nanomaterials with diverse morphologies for their application in supercapacitors. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis approaches utilized for developing nickel cobaltite-based composites tailored for supercapacitor applications. Various synthesis methods, including sol-gel, hydrothermal, and co-precipitation techniques, are discussed in detail, emphasizing the importance of optimizing synthesis parameters to enhance the electrochemical performance of the composites. The potential applications of nickel cobaltite-based composites in supercapacitors are explored, highlighting their promising prospects in energy storage technologies. Future research directions in this field are also discussed.

Effects of die geometry and insulation on the energy and electrical parameters analyses of spark plasma sintered TiC ceramics

Milad Sakkaki — 2024-03-24

This work conducts a numerical simulation to investigate the temperature and electric current distribution during the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process using the finite element method (FEM) carried out in COMSOL Multiphysics software. The main goal is to optimize the SPS process for titanium carbide (TiC) ceramics, with a particular focus on the effects of insulation and die geometry (height and thickness). For the TiC material, the ideal sintering temperature is set at 2000 °C. The study analyzes eight case studies, involving a base case, an insulating case, and six cases with various thicknesses and heights, to evaluate the effectiveness of the suggested optimization. The results show that using insulation on the die surface reduces heat transfer from the die surface significantly, which leads to a 63% decrease in input power consumption when compared to the basic scenario. Based on a correlation study between energy and electricity, increasing die thickness raises the cross-sectional area of the electric current, which raises the amount of electric power required to attain the 2000 °C sintering temperature. The results indicate the temperature distribution in the sample is more sensitive to changes in die height than to changes in die thickness.