IMSE
Institute of Materials Science and EngineeringPublications list
Research groups: PetroMat
Research groups: CeraMat
Research groups: AddiMat
The laser surface remelting (LSR) process was successfully applied to restore localized corrosion resistance in sensitized stainless steel and also as a useful method to improve passivity of some martensitic stainless steels. The LSR process can be successfully applied to repair cracks and defects at the surface of highly thermo-mechanically loaded parts of stainless steel. The purpose of presented study was to evaluate the microstructure and properties of laser remelted surface of stainless steels. The wrought austenitic stainless steel and sintered in vacuum 316L type were studied.
In this paper, the systematic physical-chemical characterisation of historical plasters of the Sacro Monte of Varallo Sesia, Italy, the study of the local constructive techniques, as well as the evaluation of new restoration plasters is presented.
The selected samples (from XVI to XVIIIth centuries) are in a quite good state of conservation despite the prolonged exposition to weathering agents.
Research groups: CeraMat
The paper describes an experimental research activity on the application of a polymeric resin reinforced with carbon nanotubes on an ancient timber structures belonging to cultural heritage (Bertolini Cestari et al. in Proc. of SAHC2008. VI International Conference, pp. 941-947, 2008; Marzi in Ph.D. Thesis, 2010; Bertolini Cestari et al. in Proc. of ICRACM- 2010—3rd International Conference on Recent Advances in Composite Materials, 2011). The proposed approach aims at the conservation of a specific wooden joint belonging to traditional constructions.
Research groups: CeraMat
The oxidation behaviour of LnSiAlON (Ln=Y, La) glasses was studied at different temperatures (990–1150 °C) and under different water vapour pressures (360–2690 Pa). These results were also compared with those obtained under O2, N2/H2O or O2/H2O mixtures. When glasses are treated under a N2/H2O mixture, optical and SEM observations show porous scales. Transformations of the reaction rate data and a kinetic model show that there is only one limiting process occurring during oxidation. This rate limiting step is the progress of the chemical reaction at the internal interface.
Research groups: CeraMat
The free sintering of ceramic powders into fully dense nanostructured materials is still a challenging process, even more complex when nanostructured transition alumina is used as starting powder. In this paper, biphasic (Alumina–YAG) and triphasic (Alumina–YAG–ZrO2) composite powders were produced by doping the same nanocrystalline transition alumina with inorganic precursors of the second-phases, which were subsequently yielded under controlled thermal treatments.
Research groups: HTMat
Massive carpets of well packed, vertically aligned and very long multiwall carbon nanotubes were synthesized by an efficient thermal Chemical Vapour Deposition process. Electrical properties of the material were evaluated, both in terms of "global" characteristics (bulk resistivity) and in terms of "local" properties (Scanning Tunnel Spectroscopy measurements) for as-grown and annealed at different temperatures samples. The behaviour of bulk resistivity as a function of temperature was evaluated in the range 3÷300 K, with a four-probe technique.
Research groups: CeraMat
The preparation of pure Y3Al5O12 (YAG) and 50 vol% Al2O3–YAG composite powders by a wet chemical route is presented. The role of the synthesis temperature during reverse-strike precipitation has been investigated, showing its relevant effect on the purity and homogeneity of YAG powder.
The composite material was prepared by comparing two different synthesis routes. A composite powder was synthesized via reverse-strike temperature-controlled co-precipitation. In the latter case, a pure-alumina precursor was firstly reverse-strike precipitated and then doped with an yttrium salt solution.
Research groups: CeraMat
The results of the investigations of thermal behaviour of Li2ZrO3, prepared in the amorphous state by means of sol-gel technique are demonstrated. The thermal treatment was carried out in air under constant heating rate of 5 deg·min-1 and cooling rate of 2.5 deg·min-1. The methods of DTA, TG, Emanation Thermal Analysis (ETA) and dilatometry were used, for characterization of the thermal behaviour in dynamic conditions. The X-ray diffraction patterns were used for characterization of the phase changes observed by TA Methods.
Thermal fatigue behaviour of a 2014/Al2O3-SiO2 (Saffil Fibre) composite processed by squeeze casting
Thermal fatigue behaviour of a 2014/Saffil composite has been investigated. This composite was produced by infiltration of preforms of Saffil fibers (Al2O3-SiO2 fibers) with a 2014 aluminium alloy (Al-4.7Cu-1.0Si-0.6Mg). The composite samples, containing 13 vol.% of fibers, were sectioned and their microstructure was investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Tensile tests, hardness and microhardness measurements were carried out. The fracture surfaces were examined by SEM.
Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanopowders were synthesised following two different precipitation routes: (a) from calcium nitrate and diammonium hydrogen phosphate solutions and (b) from calcium hydroxide suspension and phosphoric acid solution.
This paper reports a study on the thermal stability of a Cu-K-V catalyst, which showed particular promise for low temperature combustion of diesel particulate. Prolonged treatments were performed at high temperatures (400-1000°C) for periods up to 15 days under different gaseous atmospheres.
Interfacial reactions in Ti-6Al-4V/SiC Sigma fibres (coated with carbon and TiB2) were studied at different temperatures (600, 700 and 1000 °C). Interface microstructure was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy. A simulation of the chemical phenomena occurring at the interfaces was carried out using powders of pure titanium, carbon and TiB2; the reaction products were identified by X-ray diffraction. The double coating of Sigma fibres is effective in delaying detrimental reactions with the matrix.
Research groups: HTMat
The main focus of this paper is on materials for radiant burners application. Two advanced metallic alloys, a Ni and Fe-based alloy are studied and compared to a reference ferritic stainless steel. Oxidation kinetics of such alloys at different temperatures are reported. Oxide formation mechanisms are discussed. Furthermore, thermo-mechanical resistance and eventual strengthening mechanism in temperature are studied. Finally, technical and brief tentative economical analysis of different alloys as potential candidates for the fabrication of radiant burners are given.
Csf/SiC multilayer composites for thermal conductivity (TC) test in three directions were successively prepared by tape casting and pressureless sintering. After 1500°C/5 h oxidation treatment, short carbon fibers were oxidized which produced many pores. However, a core area, which was composed by short carbon fiber, SiC, and few SiO2, was still observed. TC properties of Csf/SiC multilayer composites were highly anisotropic. The TC was decreased with the increase in fiber amount.
In present work, SiC multilayer samples for thermal conductivity test in X (along tape casting direction), Y (perpendicular to tape casting direction and thickness direction) and Z (through thickness direction) directions were successively prepared by tape casting and pressureless sintering. Effect of oxidation treatment on the thermal diffusivity and conductivity was investigated. Elongated SiC grains were observed in three directions, especially in Y direction. The specific heat capacity of SiC multilayer increased with temperature, which could be well fitted.
A method for the preparation of TiO2 thick films made of anatase nanocrystallites and featuring a mesoporous structure is described. Modification of a typical sol–gel synthesis that uses Titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) as precursor, through both the incorporation of a non-ionic surfactant (Tween 20) and the optimization of thermal treatments, allows to increase the thickness of each spin-coated layer, and to obtain by successive runs porous, transparent, homogeneous and crackless films with thickness up to 1.2 μm.
In the present work, the fabrication and characterization of non-curling, free-standing TiO2 nanotube membranes and their integration in front-side illuminated dye-sensitized solar cells are reported. Vertically oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated by anodic oxidation of a titanium foil. Nanotube membranes were detached from the metallic foil, transferred and bonded on transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide/glass substrates employing a TiO2 sol as a binder.
A basic and a modified AISI H11 steels were selected for the research. Impact toughness and microstructure in the quenched and tempered state were analysed. Cyclic immersions in molten aluminium with the aim of simulating the washout, typical of aluminium die casting tools, were applied. Optical and electronic microscopy analysis were used to evaluate damages provided by washout on the specimen surface. XRD measurements were applied to identify the corrosion and soldering products deposited on the steel surface.
In order to fulfill the clinical requirements for strong, tough and stable ceramics used in dental applications, we designed and developed innovative zirconia-based composites, in which equiaxial α-Al2O3 and elongated SrAl12O19 phases are dispersed in a ceria-stabilized zirconia matrix. The composite powders were prepared by an innovative surface coating route, in which commercial zirconia powders were coated by inorganic precursors of the second phases, which crystallize on the zirconia particles surface under proper thermal treatment.
Research groups: CeraMat
A fine-grained (330 nm) yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) ceramic, presenting a non-negligible transparency (66% RIT at 600 nm), was obtained by spark plasma sintering. The YAG powder was manufactured by co-precipitation, starting from a yttrium and aluminium chlorides solution. A soft precursor was obtained, whose phase evolution was studied by X-ray diffraction. Calcined powders were dispersed by either ball milling or by ultrasonication and then subjected to spark plasma sintering at several temperatures (1200–1400 °C) and for a reduced time (15 min).
Research groups: PetroMat
Research groups: PetroMat
UV-cured polysiloxane epoxy coatings containing titanium dioxide were prepared by means of a cationic photopolymerization process. A good distribution of the inorganic filler was achieved within the polymeric network with an average size dimension of around 500 nm. UV-vis analysis performed on organic dye (methylene blue) stained coatings showed a high efficiency of the titania photocatalytic activity: a complete degradation of the dye on the coating surface is reached after 60 min of UV irradiation without affecting the matrix photo-degradation.
Research groups: CeraMat
Vertically oriented arrays of TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) are fabricated by fast and facile, thus easily up-scalable, anodic oxidation of a titanium foil followed by rapid thermal annealing. The structural/morphological characterization shows the formation of well defined one-dimensional nanotube carpets, while the X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the pure anatase crystalline structure of the thermal treated samples.
Research groups: CeraMat
Research groups: CoatMat
In heavy loaded mating components, such as sliders and sliding bearings, guaranteeing the efficiency of lubricant films for long times during severe service conditions is very complicated. In this work, the benefits deriving from the use of fiber laser sources for surface texturing of very thin TiN coatings in severe wear working conditions were demonstrated. Evaluations of the laser textured dimples shape, geometry and density are given. Wear performance of the fiber laser textured surfaces was evaluated in discontinuous oil lubricated conditions with a flat contact.
Research groups: PetroMat
The present paper is focused on the wear characteristic of vacuum sintered Cr-Mo-[Mn]-[Cu] steels. The effect of chemical composition and the processing conditions in a vacuum furnace were evaluated. In such furnaces the cooling rate is generally determined by the pressure of the gas (N2) introduced into the chamber, the average cooling rates were calculated in the range of 1240°C to 400°C. The wear characteristics were analyzed as function of the processing and microstructures of the tested alloys through pin on disk test.
Research groups: CeraMat
It is known that solids with composition Na3Zr2Si2PO12 heated at 1200°C crystallize in the nasicon structure. This material shows a high ionic conductivity that represents an interesting improvement in the field of solid electrolytes. Our experimental results allow to establish for the first time that nasicon structures are stable along the compositional join Na3Zr2-x/4Si2-xP1+xO12 with x extending from 0 to 1.667. These structures are characterized by a Zr underoccupation of octahedral sites and a constant number of Na+ ions.
Research groups: CeraMat
The influence of inorganic precursors on phase evolution and powder sinterability of YAG has been investigated. YAG powders were synthesised by reverse-strike precipitation, from yttrium and aluminium chlorides or nitrates aqueous solution. The powders were characterised by thermal analysis and XRD measurements. Pure-YAG was obtained after calcination at high temperature from both precursors, but the chlorides-derived materials yield mixtures of YAG and metastable YAlO3 phases from 800°C to 1100°C.
In order to develop ceria-stabilized zirconia (Ce-TZP) ceramics suitable for biomedical applications, composite materials should be developed. In this work, three different Ce-TZP-based composites were prepared by adding rounded α-Al2O3 grains and two kinds of elongated particles, SrAl12O19 and CeMgAl11O19. Composite powders were prepared through a surface coating route, which allowed a precise tailoring of chemical and phase composition as revealed by HRTEM. A limited cerium diffusion inside zirconia grains was revealed when CeMgAl11O19 was added to zirconia matrix.
A study has been made in order to determine the transition α (h.c.p.) ⇒ β (b.c.c.) temperatures in some two-phase α-β titanium alloys for industrial use: for this aim D.T.A. tests and for comparison, specific metallographic analyses on samples specially heat treated have been carried out.