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PROCESSING, MICROSTRUCTURAL AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MECHANICALLY ALLOYED AL-ALUMINA NANOCOMPOSITES
Title
PROCESSING, MICROSTRUCTURAL AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MECHANICALLY ALLOYED AL-ALUMINA NANOCOMPOSITES.
Creator
Katiyar, Pushkar, SURYANARAYANA, C., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Aluminum-alumina nanocomposites were synthesized using mechanical alloying of blended component powders of pure constituents. This study was performed on various powder mixtures with aluminum as the matrix and alumina as the reinforcement with volume fractions of 20, 30, and 50 % and Alumina particle sizes of 50 nm, 150 nm, and 5 µm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were used for the crystal structure and microstructural characterization of the...
Show moreAluminum-alumina nanocomposites were synthesized using mechanical alloying of blended component powders of pure constituents. This study was performed on various powder mixtures with aluminum as the matrix and alumina as the reinforcement with volume fractions of 20, 30, and 50 % and Alumina particle sizes of 50 nm, 150 nm, and 5 µm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were used for the crystal structure and microstructural characterization of the powders at different stages of milling. Alumina powders with 50 nm and 150 nm particle size were predominantly of gamma-type, while Alumina of 5 µm size was of alpha-type. The main goal was to achieve uniform distribution of the alumina ceramic particles in the Al matrix, which was achieved on milling for 24 h in a SPEX mill or 100 h in a Fritsch Pulverisette planetary ball mill. The powders were consolidated in two stages: pre-compaction at room temperature followed by vacuum hot pressing (VHP) or hot isostatic pressing (HIP) techniques to a fully dense condition. The effect of reinforcement particle size and volume fraction on the stress-strain response, elastic modulus and yield strength of the composites was investigated. Nanoindentation and compression tests were performed to characterize the composite material. Yield strength of 515 MPa, compressive strength of 685 MPa and elastic modulus of 36 GPa were obtained from compression tests. Nanoindentation results gave the yield strength of 336 MPa, maximum shear stress of 194 MPa and an elastic modulus of 42 GPa. The low elastic modulus values obtained from the above tests might be because of localized yielding possibly due to residual stresses.
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Date Issued
2004
Identifier
CFE0000128, ucf:46193
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000128
CALIBRATION OF ALUMINA-EPOXY NANOCOMPOSITES USING PIEZOSPECTROSCOPY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STRESS-SENSING ADHESIVES
Title
CALIBRATION OF ALUMINA-EPOXY NANOCOMPOSITES USING PIEZOSPECTROSCOPY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STRESS-SENSING ADHESIVES.
Creator
Stevenson, Amanda, Raghavan, Seetha, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
A non-invasive method to quantify the stress distribution in polymer-based materials is presented through the piezospectroscopic calibration of alumina-epoxy nanocomposites. Three different alumina volume fraction nanocomposites were created and loaded under uniaxial compression in order to determine the relationship between applied stress and the frequency shift of the R-lines produced by alumina under excitation. Quantitative values for six piezospectroscopic coefficients were obtained...
Show moreA non-invasive method to quantify the stress distribution in polymer-based materials is presented through the piezospectroscopic calibration of alumina-epoxy nanocomposites. Three different alumina volume fraction nanocomposites were created and loaded under uniaxial compression in order to determine the relationship between applied stress and the frequency shift of the R-lines produced by alumina under excitation. Quantitative values for six piezospectroscopic coefficients were obtained which represent the stress-sensing property of the nanocomposites. The results were applied to an alumina-filled adhesive in a single lap shear configuration demonstrating the capability of the technique to monitor R-line peak positions with high spatial resolution and assess the stress distribution within the material prior to failure. Additionally, particle dispersion and volume fraction were confirmed with spectral intensities, introducing a novel experimental method for the assessment of quality in manufacturing of such nanocomposites. Results were further used to initiate studies in determining the load transfer to the nanoparticles and assessing the fundamental driving mechanisms.
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Date Issued
2011
Identifier
CFE0003744, ucf:48777
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003744
PLASMA PROCESSING FOR RETENTION OF NANOSTRUCTURES
Title
PLASMA PROCESSING FOR RETENTION OF NANOSTRUCTURES.
Creator
Venkatachalapathy, Viswanathan, Seal, Sudipta, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Plasma spray processing is a technique that is used extensively in thermal barrier coatings on gas and steam turbine components, biomedical implants and automotive components. Many processing parameters are involved to achieve a coating with certain functionality. The coating could be required to function as thermal barrier, wear resistant, corrosion resistant or a high temperature oxidation resistant coating. Various parameters, such as, nozzle and electrode design, powder feeding system,...
Show morePlasma spray processing is a technique that is used extensively in thermal barrier coatings on gas and steam turbine components, biomedical implants and automotive components. Many processing parameters are involved to achieve a coating with certain functionality. The coating could be required to function as thermal barrier, wear resistant, corrosion resistant or a high temperature oxidation resistant coating. Various parameters, such as, nozzle and electrode design, powder feeding system, spray distances, substrate temperature and roughness, plasma gas flow rates and others can greatly alter the coating quality and resulting performance. Feedstock (powder or solution precursor) composition and morphology are some of the important variables, which can affect the high end coating applications. The amount of heat a plasma plume has to offer to the particles being processed as a coating depends primarily on the dissociation of the atoms of gaseous mixtures being used to create the plasma and the residence time required for the particle to stay in the flame. The parameters that are conducive for nanostructured retention could be found out if the residence time of the particles in the flame and the available heat in the plume for various gas combinations could be predicted. If the feedstock is a liquid precursor instead of a powder feedstock, the heat that has to be offered by the plasma could be increased by suitable gas combination to achieve a good quality coating. Very little information is available with regard to the selection of process parameters and processing of nano materials feedstock to develop nanostructured coatings using plasma spray. In this study, it has been demonstrated that nano ceramics or ceramic composites either in the form of coatings or bulk free form near net components could be processed using DC plasma spray. For powder feedstock, analytical heat transfer calculations could predict the particle states for a given set of parameters by way of heat input from the plasma to the particles. The parameter selection is rendered easier by means of such calculations. Alumina nano ceramic particles are processed as a coating. During Spray drying, a process of consolidation of nano alumina particles to spherical agglomerates, parameter optimization for complete removal of moisture has been achieved. The parameters are tested for alumina nanoparticles with a plasma torch for the veracity of calculations. The amount of heat transfer from the surface of the agglomerates to the core has been quantified as a function of velocity of particles. Since preparation of nanostructured feedstock for plasma spray is expensive and cumbersome, alternative solution precursor route for direct pyrolysis of precursor to coating has been studied in case of nanocrystalline rare earth oxides. Thus, it has also been shown by this research that nanostructured coatings could be either from a powder feedstock or a solution precursor feedstock. MoSi2-Si3N4, Ni-Al2O3, W-HfC nano ceramic composite systems have been processed as a bulk free form nanocomposite with 60-70% retained nanostructures. The importance of selection of substrates, roughness and the substrate temperature for development of free form bulk components has been highlighted. The improvement in mechanical and high temperature properties associated with having such nanostructured coatings or bulk nanocomposites are revealed. These nanostructured coatings are known for their low thermal conductivity, high wear resistance and can be potentially used as steam and gas turbines coatings for improved thermal efficiency. In summary, bulk nanocomposite through plasma spray processing is a viable alternative to conventional processes such as sintering, HIP for high fracture toughness and hardness applications.
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Date Issued
2007
Identifier
CFE0001680, ucf:47203
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001680
Low Strain Rate Studies of Alumina Epoxy Composites using Piezospectroscopy
Title
Low Strain Rate Studies of Alumina Epoxy Composites using Piezospectroscopy.
Creator
Jones, Ashley, Raghavan, Seetha, Gordon, Ali, Vaidyanathan, Rajan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Particulate composites are widely used in many aerospace and military applications as energetic materials, armor materials or coatings and their behavior under dynamic loads have gained increasing significance. The addition of modifiers such as alumina nanoparticles generally facilitates the improvement of the mechanical strength to density ratio due to high specific area and particle rigidity. This allows for sufficient particle-matrix bonding and therefore improved stiffness and load...
Show moreParticulate composites are widely used in many aerospace and military applications as energetic materials, armor materials or coatings and their behavior under dynamic loads have gained increasing significance. The addition of modifiers such as alumina nanoparticles generally facilitates the improvement of the mechanical strength to density ratio due to high specific area and particle rigidity. This allows for sufficient particle-matrix bonding and therefore improved stiffness and load transfer in the composite. Photo-luminescent ?-alumina nanoparticles when embedded in an epoxy matrix allow for the added benefit of in situ measurements at low strain rates to provide stress-sensitive information using the particle piezospectroscopic (PS) property. To investigate the low strain rate behavior, cylindrical specimens of alumina-epoxy composites with varying volume fractions of alumina were fabricated using a casting process to ensure minimal surface finishing and reduced manufacturing time. The results illustrate the capability of alumina nanoparticles to act as diagnostic sensors to measure the stress-induced shifts of the spectral R-line peaks resulting from low compressive strain rates. The range of PS coefficients measured, -3.15 to -5.37 cm^-1/GPa for R1 and -2.62 to -5.39 cm^-1/GPa for R2, correlate well with static test results of similar volume fractions. Results reveal a general trend of increasing sensitivity of the PS coefficients with increasing strain rate when compared to similar materials under static conditions. In contrast to static results, at a given strain rate, the PS coefficients show varying degrees of sensitivity for each volume fraction. This information can be used to determine the time-dependent micro-scale stresses the nanoparticles sustain during composite loading. Additionally, this work facilitates failure prediction by monitoring upshifts in the PS information. Calibration of the in situ diagnostic stress sensing capabilities of varying volume fractions of alumina nanocomposites under quasi-static strain rates in this work sets the precedent for future studies at high strain rates.
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Date Issued
2013
Identifier
CFE0005099, ucf:50728
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005099
HYBRID CARBON FIBER ALUMINA NANOCOMPOSITE FOR NON-CONTACT STRESS SENSING VIA PIEZOSPECTROSCOPY
Title
HYBRID CARBON FIBER ALUMINA NANOCOMPOSITE FOR NON-CONTACT STRESS SENSING VIA PIEZOSPECTROSCOPY.
Creator
Hanhan, Imad, Raghavan, Seetha, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Carbon fiber composites have become popular in aerospace structures and applications due to their light weight, high strength, and high performance. Recently, scientists have begun investigating hybrid composites that include fibers and particulate fillers, since they allow for advanced tailoring of mechanical properties, such as improved fatigue life. This project investigated a hybrid carbon fiber reinforced polymer (HCFRP) that includes carbon fiber and additional alumina nanoparticle...
Show moreCarbon fiber composites have become popular in aerospace structures and applications due to their light weight, high strength, and high performance. Recently, scientists have begun investigating hybrid composites that include fibers and particulate fillers, since they allow for advanced tailoring of mechanical properties, such as improved fatigue life. This project investigated a hybrid carbon fiber reinforced polymer (HCFRP) that includes carbon fiber and additional alumina nanoparticle fillers, which act as embedded nano stress-sensors. Utilizing the piezospectroscopic effect, the photo-luminescent spectral signal of the embedded nanoparticles has been monitored as it changes with stress, enabling non-contact stress detection of the material. The HCRFP's stress-sensitive properties have been investigated in-situ using a laser source and a tensile mechanical testing system. Hybrid composites with varying mass contents of alumina nanoparticles have been studied in order to determine the effect of particle content on the overall stress sensing properties of the material. Additionally, high resolution photo-luminescent maps were conducted of the surfaces of each sample in order to determine the particulate dispersion of samples with varying alumina content. The dispersion maps also served as a method of quantifying particulate sedimentation, and can aid in the improvement of the manufacturing process. The results showed that the emitted photo-luminescent spectrum can indeed be captured from the embedded alumina nanoparticles, and exhibits a systematic trend in photo-luminescent peak shift with respect to stress. The stress maps showed a linear increase in peak shift up to a certain critical stress, and matched closely with the DIC strain results. Therefore, the non-contact stress sensing results shown in this work have strong implications for the future of structural health monitoring and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of aerospace structures.
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Date Issued
2015
Identifier
CFH0004750, ucf:45384
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004750
PRODUCTION, CONTROL AND ACTUATION OF MICRON-SIZED PARTICLES IN AMICROFLUIDIC T-JUNCTION
Title
PRODUCTION, CONTROL AND ACTUATION OF MICRON-SIZED PARTICLES IN AMICROFLUIDIC T-JUNCTION.
Creator
Wilson, James, Kumar, Ranganathan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This research is directed towards understanding the mechanisms associated with the manufacture of solid microspheres less than 100 [micro]m, from liquid droplets with nanosuspensions in a microfluidic T-junction, which are heated downstream of the channel. Preliminary material characterization tests on colloidal suspensions of alumina and copper oxide demonstrate promising temperature dependent viscosity results indicating solidification in the temperature range of 40degC-50degC. The...
Show moreThis research is directed towards understanding the mechanisms associated with the manufacture of solid microspheres less than 100 [micro]m, from liquid droplets with nanosuspensions in a microfluidic T-junction, which are heated downstream of the channel. Preliminary material characterization tests on colloidal suspensions of alumina and copper oxide demonstrate promising temperature dependent viscosity results indicating solidification in the temperature range of 40degC-50degC. The solidification mechanism is referred to as Temperature Induced Forming and is described by polymeric bridges formed between nanoparticles in suspension at elevated temperatures, resulting in a solid structure. The polymer network results from the ionization of alumina at elevated temperatures whereby polymeric binders adhere to newly formed charged sites on the alumina particle. This study aims to investigate the aspects of manufacturing microstructures in microfluidic Tjunctions, droplet morphology, size and frequency of production. Preliminary low solid concentration experiments (1%-10% volume concentration of alumina in H2O) have indicated solidification and a regression in droplet diameter when heated near the saturation temperature of the water used to disperse the particles. The microstructures from this solidification process are uniform and are estimated to be 30 [micro]m in size.
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Date Issued
2013
Identifier
CFH0004387, ucf:44996
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004387
Characterization of mechanical properties in nanoparticle reinforced hybrid carbon fiber composites using photoluminescence piezospectroscopy
Title
Characterization of mechanical properties in nanoparticle reinforced hybrid carbon fiber composites using photoluminescence piezospectroscopy.
Creator
Jahan, Sanjida, Raghavan, Seetha, Gou, Jihua, Bai, Yuanli, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Carbon fiber composites have become popular in aerospace structures and applications due to their light weight, high strength, and high performance. Hybrid carbon fiber reinforced polymer (HCFRP) composites with alumina nanoparticles reinforcement display improved material properties such as fracture toughness, resistance to crack propagation and improved fatigue life. However, homogeneous dispersion of nanoscale materials in the matrix is important for even distribution of the improved...
Show moreCarbon fiber composites have become popular in aerospace structures and applications due to their light weight, high strength, and high performance. Hybrid carbon fiber reinforced polymer (HCFRP) composites with alumina nanoparticles reinforcement display improved material properties such as fracture toughness, resistance to crack propagation and improved fatigue life. However, homogeneous dispersion of nanoscale materials in the matrix is important for even distribution of the improved properties. Implementing silane coupling agents (SCAs) improves dispersion by acting as a bridge between organic and inorganic materials, which increases interfacial strength and decreases sedimentation by bonding the particulate filler to the fiber reinforcement. This research is aimed at quantifying the improvement in dispersion of nanoparticles and elucidating the effects on the mechanical property of HCFRP samples through the novel use of photoluminescent characteristic peaks emitted by the alumina reinforcement particles. Photo-luminescene emission from secondary reinforcement particles of alumina embedded within the hybrid carbon fiber composites is leveraged to reveal microstructural effects of functionalization and particle weight fraction as it relates to overall composite mechanics.6, 9 and 12 weight percentage of alumina particle loading with Reactive Silane Coupling Agents, Non-reactive Silane Coupling Agent surface treatments and untreated condition are investigated in this research. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted with measurements using piezospectroscopy (PS) and concurrent digital image correlation (DIC) to quantify the mechanical property and load distribution between the carbon fiber/epoxy and the reinforcing nanoparticles. The piezospectroscopic data were collected in an in-situ configuration using a portable piezospectroscopy system while the sample was under tensile load. Photoluminescence results show the dispersion and sedimentation behavior of the nanoparticles in the material for different surface treatment and weight percentage of the alumina nanoparticles. The piezospectroscopic maps capture and track the residual stress and its change under applied load. The results reveal the effect of varying particle loading on composite mechanical properties and how this changes with different functionalization conditions. The role of the particles in load transfer in the hybrid composite is further investigated and compared with theory. This work extends the capability of spectroscopy as an effective non-invasive method to study, at the microstructural level, the material and manufacturing effects on the development of advanced composites for applications in aerospace structures and beyond.
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFE0006886, ucf:51715
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006886
Agglomeration, Evaporation and Morphological Changes in Droplets with Nanosilica and Nanoalumina Suspensions in an Acoustic Field
Title
Agglomeration, Evaporation and Morphological Changes in Droplets with Nanosilica and Nanoalumina Suspensions in an Acoustic Field.
Creator
Tijerino Campollo, Erick, Kumar, Ranganathan, Deng, Weiwei, Chow, Louis, Basu, Saptarshi, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Acoustic levitation permits the study of droplet dynamics without the effects of surface interactions present in other techniques such as pendant droplet methods. Despite the complexities of the interactions of the acoustic field with the suspended droplet, acoustic levitation provides distinct advantages of controlling morphology of droplets with nanosuspensions post precipitation. Droplet morphology is controlled by vaporization, deformation and agglomeration of nanoparticles, and therefore...
Show moreAcoustic levitation permits the study of droplet dynamics without the effects of surface interactions present in other techniques such as pendant droplet methods. Despite the complexities of the interactions of the acoustic field with the suspended droplet, acoustic levitation provides distinct advantages of controlling morphology of droplets with nanosuspensions post precipitation. Droplet morphology is controlled by vaporization, deformation and agglomeration of nanoparticles, and therefore their respective timescales are important to control the final shape. The balance of forces acting on the droplet, such as the acoustic pressure and surface tension, determine the geometry of the levitated droplet. Thus, the morphology of the resultant structure can be controlled by manipulating the amplitude of the levitator and the fluid properties of the precursor nanosuspensions. The interface area in colloidal nanosuspensions is very large even at low particle concentrations. The effects of the presence of this interface have large influence in the properties of the solution even at low concentrations.This thesis focuses on the dynamics of particle agglomeration in acoustically levitated evaporating nanofluid droplets leading to shell structure formation. These experiments were performed by suspending 500(&)#181;m droplets in a pressure node of a standing acoustic wave in a levitator and heating them using a carbon dioxide laser. These radiatively heated functional droplets exhibit three distinct stages, namely, pure evaporation, agglomeration and structure formation. The temporal history of the droplet surface temperature shows two inflection points. Morphology and final precipitation structures of levitated droplets are due to competing mechanisms of particle agglomeration, evaporation and shape deformation. This thesis provides a detailed analysis for each process and proposes two important timescales for evaporation and agglomeration that determine the final diameter of the structure formed. It is seen that both agglomeration and evaporation timescales are similar functions of acoustic amplitude (sound pressure level), droplet size, viscosity and density. However it is shown that while the agglomeration timescale decreases with initial particle concentration, the evaporation timescale shows the opposite trend. The final normalized diameter hence can be shown to be dependent solely on the ratio of agglomeration to evaporation timescales for all concentrations and acoustic amplitudes. The experiments were conducted with 10nm silica, 20nm silica, 20nm alumina and 50nm alumina solutions. The structures exhibit various aspect ratios (bowls, rings, spheroids) which depend on the ratio of the deformation timescale (tdef) and the agglomeration timescale (tg).
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFE0004610, ucf:49914
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004610
Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction and Piezospectroscopy used for the Investigation of Individual Mechanical Effects from Environmental Contaminants and Oxide Layer Undulations in Thermal Barrier Coatings
Title
Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction and Piezospectroscopy used for the Investigation of Individual Mechanical Effects from Environmental Contaminants and Oxide Layer Undulations in Thermal Barrier Coatings.
Creator
Siddiqui, Sanna, Raghavan, Seetha, Bai, Yuanli, Gordon, Ali, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The durability of Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) used on the turbine blades of aircraft and power generation engines has been known to be affected by sand particle ingression comprised of Calcium-Magnesium-Alumina-Silicate (CMAS). Previous studies have shown that these effects present themselves through variations in the thermomechanical and thermochemical properties of the coating. This study investigated the impact of CMAS ingression on the Yttria Stabilized Zirconia Topcoat (YSZ) and...
Show moreThe durability of Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) used on the turbine blades of aircraft and power generation engines has been known to be affected by sand particle ingression comprised of Calcium-Magnesium-Alumina-Silicate (CMAS). Previous studies have shown that these effects present themselves through variations in the thermomechanical and thermochemical properties of the coating. This study investigated the impact of CMAS ingression on the Yttria Stabilized Zirconia Topcoat (YSZ) and Thermally Grown Oxide (TGO) strain in sprayed Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) samples of varying porosity with and without CMAS ingression. In-Situ Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction measurements were taken on the sample under thermal loading conditions from which the YSZ and TGO peaks were identified and biaxial strain calculations were determined at high temperature. Quantitative strain results are presented for the YSZ and TGO during a thermal cycle. In-plane strain results for YSZ near the TGO interface for a complete thermal cycle are presented, for a 6% porous superdense sample with CMAS infiltration. The outcomes from this study can be used to understand the role of CMAS on the strain tolerance of the TBC coating.It is well known that under engine operational conditions the development of the TGO layer, with large critical stresses, has been linked to failure of the coating. The growth of the TGO manifests as undulations in a series of peaks and troughs. Understanding the mechanics of the oxide layer at these locations provides significant information with respect to the failure mechanisms of the TBC coating. This study investigated the stress at the peak and trough of a TGO undulation for a cycled Dense Vertically Cracked (DVC) plasma sprayed TBC sample through photo-luminescence (PL) spectroscopy. High resolution nanoscale stress maps were taken nondestructively in the undulation of the TGO. Preliminary results from first line mapping of TGO peak and trough scan, at a resolution of 200 nm, have shown a non-uniform TGO stress variation. The results obtained from this study can be used to understand the stress variation in the peak and trough of a DVC sample's TGO undulation and how it contributes to the life of the TBC coating.
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Date Issued
2014
Identifier
CFE0005712, ucf:50136
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005712
Structure, stability, vibrational, thermodynamic, and catalytic properties of metal nanostructures: size, shape, support, and adsorbate effects
Title
Structure, stability, vibrational, thermodynamic, and catalytic properties of metal nanostructures: size, shape, support, and adsorbate effects.
Creator
Behafarid, Farzad, Roldan Cuenya, Beatriz, Chow, Lee, Heinrich, Helge, Kara, Abdelkader, Schoenfeld, Winston, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology have provided the scientific community with exciting new opportunities to rationally design and fabricate materials at the nanometer scale with drastically different properties as compared to their bulk counterparts. In this dissertation, several challenges have been tackled in aspects related to nanoparticle (NP) synthesis and characterization, allowing us to make homogenous, size- and shape-selected NPs via the use of colloidal chemistry,...
Show moreRecent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology have provided the scientific community with exciting new opportunities to rationally design and fabricate materials at the nanometer scale with drastically different properties as compared to their bulk counterparts. In this dissertation, several challenges have been tackled in aspects related to nanoparticle (NP) synthesis and characterization, allowing us to make homogenous, size- and shape-selected NPs via the use of colloidal chemistry, and to gain in depth understanding of their distinct physical and chemical properties via the synergistic use of a variety of ex situ, in situ, and operando experimental tools. A variety of phenomena relevant to nanosized materials were investigated, including the role of the NP size and shape in the thermodynamic and electronic properties of NPs, their thermal stability, NP-support interactions, coarsening phenomena, and the evolution of the NP structure and chemical state under different environments and reaction conditions.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFE0004779, ucf:49796
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004779