Search

In recent years, Thermochemical Heat Storage (THS) systems and storage materials are important for the development of these systems have attracted a great interest. In this study, composite materials were prepared by impregnating sorbent salts (MgCl2, LiNO3) into vermiculite (V). The cyclical heat storage behaviors of the obtained composite structures were investigated with the laboratory scale thermochemical heat exchanger prototype system. Accordingly, the stability of the V+MgCl2 composite during repeated cycles and the energy storage density (Ed) value calculated as a result of the measurements in the prototype were found to be higher than the V+LiNO3 composite, as in the DSC analysis results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mg Ni alloys are produced by molten salt electrolysis and diffusion method on a nickel plate in KCl NaCl based melts. Structure, alloy composition and electrochemical properties of these alloys are evaluated. Electrolyte composition and applied current density parameters are studied for the characterization of the alloys. It is found that Mg Ni alloys with 45 wt% to 49 wt% Ni content which can be defined as MgNi–type alloys, have both higher discharge capacity and good retaining rate (72%). These alloys are mainly composed of Mg 2 Ni phases and displayed a maximum discharge capacity of 384 mAhg −1 . Increased Ni content is advantageous for the enhancement of the cycle life. At the same time, the discharge capacity of Mg Ni alloy electrode is found to be decreasing. The highest capacity retaining (85%) rate is observed in the highest Ni content alloys (72 wt% Ni). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization measurements show that the controlling–step of the discharge process changed from a mixed rate–determining process at lower depth of discharge to a mass transfer controlled process at higher depth of discharge. The charge transfer resistance increases from 0.5 Ω to 23 Ω with increasing depth of discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mg–Ni hydrogen storage alloy electrodes with composition of Mg–33, 50, 67 Ni at. % in amorphous phase were prepared by means of mechanical alloying (MA) process using a planetary ball mill. The electrochemical hydrogen storage characteristics and mechanisms of these electrodes were investigated by electrochemical measurements, X–ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses. The relationship between alloy composition and electrochemical properties was evaluated. In addition, optimum milling time and composition of Mg–Ni hydrogen storage alloy with acceptable electrochemical performance were determined. XRD results show that the alloys exhibit dominatingly amorphous structures after milling of 20 h. The electrochemical measurements revealed that the discharge capacity of Mg 33 Ni 67 and Mg 67 Ni 33 alloy electrodes reached a maximum when alloys were prepared after 20 h of milling time (260 and 381 mAhg −1 , respectively). The maximum discharge capacity of Mg 50 Ni 50 alloy was observable after 40 h milling (525 mAhg −1 ). It was also found that the cyclic stability of the alloys increased with increasing Ni content. Among these alloys, the amorphous Mg 50 Ni 50 alloy presents the best overall electrochemical performance. In this paper, electrode process kinetics of Mg 50 Ni 50 alloy electrode was also studied by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. The impedance spectra of electrodes were measured at different depths of discharge (DODs). The observed spectra were fit well with the equivalent circuit model used in the paper. The electrochemical parameters calculated from electrochemical impedance were also compared. The electrochemical discharge and cyclic performance of 20, 40 and 60 h milled Mg 50 Ni 50 alloy electrodes were demonstrated by the fitted charge transfer resistance and Warburg impedance obtained at various DODs. It was further observed that the controlling-step of the discharge process changed from a mixed rate-determining process at lower DODs to a mass-transfer controlled process at higher DODs. The fitted results demonstrated that charge–transfer resistance (R ct ) increased with DOD. The R ct of 40 h milled Mg 50 Ni 50 alloy (29.27 Ω) was lower than that of 20 h (41.89 Ω) and 60 h milled alloys (92.43 Ω) at fully discharge state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, NiMo coatings were electrochemically deposited on a copper electrode (Cu/NiMo) and on an electrodeposited nickel onto copper plate (Cu/Ni/NiMo) in citrate solutions. Effects of electrolyte composition, pH value, and temperature on hydrogen-evolution reaction (HER) as well as the electrochemical stability in alkaline solution were investigated, and the electrochemical activation energy was determined for the NiMo alloys. This was evaluated by the determination of kinetic and mechanism of HER in alkali medium by the polarization measurements, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The morphology and chemical composition of the electrodeposited Ni-Mo were investigated using SEM and EDS analyses. The results showed that the corresponding HER overpotential of the Ni-Mo film depends on alloy composition and surface morphology. As the wt% of Mo content in the alloy is increased, the onset potential of electrode for HER shifted in the positive direction favoring hydrogen generation with lower overpotential. The overall experimental data indicated that the porous Ni-Mo coating on electrodeposited nickel plate was obtained when the molybdenum content was ca. 41 wt%. This electrodes exhibited high catalytic activity in the HER ( η = −48 mV at 100 mA cm and 80 °C), and their stability was tested by polarization measurements after different anodic and cathodic treatments in 1 M NaOH solution. Moreover, the corrosion behaviors of Ni and Cu/Ni/NiMo electrodes at open-circuit potential were also investigated, and their corrosion resistances were compared. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effect of different pore diameter and pore length on corrosion properties of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) film. Design/methodology/approach: AAO layer was produced by two-step anodization aluminum in oxalic acid. The surface morphology was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The pore diameters were ranging from 25 ± 5 to 65 ± 5 nm and the pore length ranging from 5 to 17 µm. The corrosion properties of the AAO films was analyzed by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. Corrosion properties and morphology of the anodic films depending on anodization times and pore expansion times were evaluated. Findings: All highlights of this work can be summarized with the following specified below: more treatment with the protective barrier layer of the solution as the pore diameter increases depends on the morphology of the nanotube structured AAO layer. The excellent corrosion resistance renders AAO films without pore expansion very promising. The oxide layer thickness does not affect the corrosion resistance. The better corrosion resistance of AAO films at low pore length can be ascribed to the barrier layer thickness and the more homogeneous structure. The presence of defects for the higher pore length decreases its corrosion resistance. Originality/value: The AAO films were fabricated by a two-step anodization method in oxalic acid. The anodization times and pore expansion times affect the corrosion performance. The AAO film without pore expansion has good corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance decreases as the pore length increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relation between time-dependent corrosion behaviors and microstructural characteristics of Sr modified and unmodified AlSi9 alloy was studied. The melted alloys were cast into the permanent mold at 700 °C casting temperature. The Effect of holding time in the furnace on chemical compositions of alloys was determined. Sr content of the modified alloys was 200 ± 5 ppm after 4 h and 50 ± 2 ppm after 17 h holding time. Microstructural properties were analyzed after casting. The corrosion behavior of AlSi9 depending on Sr content was investigated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique and potentiodynamic polarization plots in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at 25 °C. The effect of immersion time was examined at 1, 24, 72 and 120 h. The results indicated that high Sr content in AlSi9 alloy contributes to the formation of a finer eutectic phase and more stable corrosion behavior during immersion time. • The effect of Sr modification on the AlSi9 is investigated. • The relation between corrosion and microstructural characteristics are evaluated. • 50 ppm Sr is enough to obtain fine and fibrous eutectic morphology. • Sr Modification contributes to formation of stable and less defective oxide layer. • The protective effect of denser oxide/hydroxide layer is evident up to 120 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, it aimed to produce carbon fiber (CF) reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite by squeeze casting method. In order to overcome the wetting problem between the aluminum matrix and the reinforcing agent, carbon fibers were coated with Ni coating with electroless technique. Different bath pH values and hypophosphite (HP), coating durations and bath temperature were investigated. SEM, EDS and XRD methods used to determine the characterize the layers. It has been observed that increasing the pH of the bath, coating time, bath temperature and amount of hypophosphite increases the thickness of the Ni coatings on the carbon fibers. Two different thicknesses of coatings were used with different volume fractions of fiber used to reinforce the 6063 aluminum as matrix alloy. Squeeze casting process was used for the production of the composites to increase the connection between the matrix and the carbon fibers. After achieving a good bonding, three-point bending, Charpy impact, and Vickers hardness tests were carried out to investigate the difference of at the mechanical properties. It was observed from the mechanical tests that while the hardness and the three-point bending strength was increasing the impact strength was decreasing after the carbon fiber addition. Also coating, in general, helping the mechanical properties, mechanical properties of composites are badly affected by higher coating thicknesses. Highlights • Carbon fiber reinforced 6063 alloy was produced by squeeze casting method. • Ni−P were coated on carbon fibers by electroless technique to enhance the wettability. • Ni coated CF addition increased mechanical properties of 6063 alloy. • Ni thickness and distribution of fibers in the matrix affect the mechanical properties. • Incorporation of carbon fibers resulted in increased bending strength in 6063 alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3XX series Al–Si alloys are generally used in corrosive environments open for oxidation such as rainwater and seawater. The dendrite size and characteristics of the eutectic Si are important factors determining the properties of A356 alloy. In this study, the microstructure of Sr modified A356 aluminum alloy and the changes in corrosion properties were investigated. The alloy was cast into die and sand molds to examine the effect of cooling parameters on the microstructure. Sr modification was carried out by adding four different weight percentages (0, 120, 170 and 250 ppm). Corrosion behavior of the produced alloys was investigated by two ways. One of them was electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique and the other is potentiodynamic polarization plots that was carried out in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at 25 °C. The corrosion resistance of the alloy was found to be increasing as Sr content was increased which modified the morphology of the silicon in the alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]