Current Search: Raman spectroscopy (x)
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- Title
- PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE RESPONSE OF A STIMULI-RESPONSIVE POLYMER PROBED WITH RAMAN MICROSCOPY.
- Creator
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Cariker, Coleman, Schulte, Alfons, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is a thermo-responsive hydrogel; that is, it is a macromolecule which exists in a hydrated state beneath its lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Polymers such as PNIPAM undergo a phase transition in response to changes in temperature, pressure, pH, salt concentration, and the addition of co-solvents. Previously, visible-light microscopic measurements of the pressure-induced phase transition have been hindered by the lack of a pressurization...
Show morePoly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is a thermo-responsive hydrogel; that is, it is a macromolecule which exists in a hydrated state beneath its lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Polymers such as PNIPAM undergo a phase transition in response to changes in temperature, pressure, pH, salt concentration, and the addition of co-solvents. Previously, visible-light microscopic measurements of the pressure-induced phase transition have been hindered by the lack of a pressurization apparatus with the short working distance and optical transmission properties necessary for high resolution microscopy. We employ a high pressure setup which uses a fused silica micro-capillary to contain the sample. Our experiment reveals differences in the spatial evolution of the phase change across the temperature and pressure thresholds, and Raman measurements allude to conformational differences in the evolution of the phase transitions. The Raman peaks positions are in agreement with previous FTIR measurements, and due to a difference in selection rules additional vibrational bands are observed in the Raman spectra.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004694, ucf:45246
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004694
- Title
- HIGH GAIN / BROADBAND OXIDE GLASSES FOR NEXT GENERATION RAMAN AMPLIFIERS.
- Creator
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Rivero, Clara, Stegeman, George, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Interest in Raman amplification has undergone a revival due to the rapidly increasing bandwidth requirements for communications transmission, both for long haul and local area networks, and recent developments in the telecom fiber industry and diode laser technology. In contrast to rare earth doped fiber amplifiers, for which the range of wavelengths is fixed and limited, Raman gain bandwidths are larger and the operating wavelength is fixed only by the pump wavelength and the bandwidth of...
Show moreInterest in Raman amplification has undergone a revival due to the rapidly increasing bandwidth requirements for communications transmission, both for long haul and local area networks, and recent developments in the telecom fiber industry and diode laser technology. In contrast to rare earth doped fiber amplifiers, for which the range of wavelengths is fixed and limited, Raman gain bandwidths are larger and the operating wavelength is fixed only by the pump wavelength and the bandwidth of the Raman active medium. In this context, glasses are the material of choice for this application due to their relatively broad spectral response, and ability of making them into optical fiber. This dissertation summarizes findings on different oxide-based glasses that have been synthesized and characterized for their potential application as Raman gain media. Two main glass families were investigated: phosphate-based glass matrices for broadband Raman gain application and TeO2-based glasses for high Raman gain amplification. A phosphate network was preferred for the broadband application since the phosphate Raman active modes can provide amplification above 1000 cm-1, whilst TeO2-based glasses were selected for the high gain application due to their enhanced nonlinearities and polarizabilities among the other oxide-based network formers. The results summarized in this dissertation show that phosphate-based glasses can provide Raman amplification bandwidths of up to 40 THz, an improvement of almost 5 times the bandwidth of SiO2. On the other hand, tellurite-based glasses appear to be promising candidates for high gain discrete Raman applications, providing peak Raman gain coefficients of up to 50 times higher than SiO2, at 1064 nm. Although, visible spontaneous Raman scattering cross-section measurement is the most frequently used tool for estimating the strength and spectral distribution of Raman gain in materials, especially glasses, there are some issues that one needs to be aware when conducting these measurements near the absorption band edge of the material. This led to the detection of an inherent frequency-dispersion in the Raman susceptibility and a resonant enhancement phenomenon when measurements were conducted near the absorption edge of the material.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000752, ucf:46554
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000752
- Title
- MICRO-RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY OF CARBONACEOUS CHONDRITE METEORITES.
- Creator
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Habach, Asmail, Schulte, Alfons, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Analyzing the constituents of meteorites has played an important role in forming the contemporary theories of solar system evolution, planets formation, and stellar evolution. Meteorites are often a complex mixture of common rock forming silicates, such as olivines and pyroxenes, with a range of exotic species including hydrated silicates, and in some cases organic compounds. We used Micro-Raman spectroscopy to analyze the compositions of three carbonaceous chondrites: NWA852, Murchison and...
Show moreAnalyzing the constituents of meteorites has played an important role in forming the contemporary theories of solar system evolution, planets formation, and stellar evolution. Meteorites are often a complex mixture of common rock forming silicates, such as olivines and pyroxenes, with a range of exotic species including hydrated silicates, and in some cases organic compounds. We used Micro-Raman spectroscopy to analyze the compositions of three carbonaceous chondrites: NWA852, Murchison and Allende. Raman spectra were measured using laser sources with different excitation wavelengths: HeNe 633 nm and Nd:YAG 532 nm. We were able to detect 9 minerals in NWA852, 3 minerals in Murchison and 4 minerals in Allende. Some of these minerals like pyrite in NWA852 and magnetite in NWA852 and Murchison provide evidence for potential previous organic life. Other minerals like ringwoodite in Allende and lizardite in NWA852 reveal information about previous astrophysical and geological events experienced by the meteorites. The detection of graphite in the Murchison and Allende reveals information about the microstructure of these meteorites.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004710, ucf:45396
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004710
- Title
- A NOVEL SETUP FOR HIGH-PRESSURE RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY UNDER A MICROSCOPE.
- Creator
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Oakeson, Thomas, Schulte, Alfons, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Functional properties of biological molecules and cells are affected by environmental parameters such as temperature and pressure. While Raman spectroscopy provides an intrinsic probe of molecular structural changes, the incorporation of a microscope enables studies of minuscule amounts of biological compounds with spatial resolution on a micron scale. We have developed a novel setup which combines a Raman microscope and a high pressure cell. A micro-capillary made out of fused silica...
Show moreFunctional properties of biological molecules and cells are affected by environmental parameters such as temperature and pressure. While Raman spectroscopy provides an intrinsic probe of molecular structural changes, the incorporation of a microscope enables studies of minuscule amounts of biological compounds with spatial resolution on a micron scale. We have developed a novel setup which combines a Raman microscope and a high pressure cell. A micro-capillary made out of fused silica simultaneously serves as the supporting body and the optical window of the pressure cell. The cell has been tested over the pressure range from 0.1 to 4 kbar. Raman spectra of less than 100 nanoliter amount of amino acid and protein solutions have been measured in the micro-capillary high pressure cell. It is also demonstrated that the setup is well suited for spectrally resolved fluorescence measurements at variable pressure.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001683, ucf:47208
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001683
- Title
- Interplay of Molecular and Nanoscale Behaviors in Biological Soft Matter.
- Creator
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Ciaffone, Nicholas, Tetard, Laurene, Kang, Hyeran, Santra, Swadeshmukul, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The complexity of biological soft matter at the sub-micrometer level is fundamentally correlated to the functionalities at the larger scale. Reflecting the level of heterogeneities in the properties of systems remains challenging when probing small scales, due to the mismatch between the area surveyed with the tools offering nanoscale resolution, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the scale of natural variations inherent to biology. Hence, to understand the physiological and...
Show moreThe complexity of biological soft matter at the sub-micrometer level is fundamentally correlated to the functionalities at the larger scale. Reflecting the level of heterogeneities in the properties of systems remains challenging when probing small scales, due to the mismatch between the area surveyed with the tools offering nanoscale resolution, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the scale of natural variations inherent to biology. Hence, to understand the physiological and mechanical alterations that occur within a single cell relative to a cell population, a multiscale approach is necessary. In this work we show that it is possible to observe molecular, chemical and physical alterations in both plant and human cells with a multiscale approach. Biophysical and biochemical traits of cell populations are studied with Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and in turn, guide higher resolution discovery with Raman spectroscopy and nanoscale infrared spectroscopy using AFM (NanoIR) to access finer details. We illustrate this with three examples of biological soft matter systems: 1) a preliminary study of cellular interactions with naturally occurring vehicles applicable to human health, 2) a qualitative examination of antibiotics and new pesticide treatments in food crop systems, and 3) a fundamental investigation of the deconstruction mechanisms of plant cells during pre-treatments in preparation for biofuel production.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007395, ucf:52058
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007395
- Title
- A Multisystem Approach for the Characterization of Bacteria for Sustainable Agriculture.
- Creator
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Lee, Briana, Tetard, Laurene, Kang, Hyeran, Mason, Chase, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The chemical, physical, and biological properties of bacteria developing resistance have been explored in animal based bacteria while plant bacteria have been largely neglected. Thus, the ability to probe changes in stiffness, adhesion, binding interactions and molecular traits of bacteria causing plant diseases is of great interest to develop a new generation of more potent, yet sustainable, pesticides. Our study aims to investigate the physical and chemical properties of bacterial systems,...
Show moreThe chemical, physical, and biological properties of bacteria developing resistance have been explored in animal based bacteria while plant bacteria have been largely neglected. Thus, the ability to probe changes in stiffness, adhesion, binding interactions and molecular traits of bacteria causing plant diseases is of great interest to develop a new generation of more potent, yet sustainable, pesticides. Our study aims to investigate the physical and chemical properties of bacterial systems, in particular their cell walls. Building upon this fundamental understanding of the cells, we also investigate the physicochemical responses associated to multivalent nanoparticle-based bactericide treatments on bacterial systems identified as pathogens in plant diseases. Here our efforts focus on developing a protocol for the fundamental understanding of Xanthomonas perforans, a strain known for causing bacterial spot in tomatoes and causing close to 50% losses in production. To support the design and accelerate the development of pesticides and treatments against this disease, we evaluate the changes bacteria undergo in the presence of the treatment. Using a silica nanoparticle-based treatment designed with a shell containing multivalent copper and quaternary ammonium, we compare bacteria pre- and post-treatment with infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based techniques, and TIRF microscopy. Statistical data analysis enables the identification of attributes that can potentially serve as markers to track the bacterial responses to the treatment in the future. Finally, we will discuss the exciting implications of this work, such as potential clues for the development of more potent treatments for resistant bacteria.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007038, ucf:52005
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007038
- Title
- Enhancing CNT Composites with Raman Spectroscopy.
- Creator
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Freihofer, Gregory, Raghavan, Seetha, Gou, Jihua, Zhai, Lei, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have been the subject of intense research for their potential to improve a variety of material properties when developed as nano-composites. This research aims to address the challenges that limit the ability to transfer the outstanding nano-scale properties of CNTs to bulk nano-composites through Raman characterization.These studies relate the vibrational modes to microstructural characterization of CNT composites including stress, interface behavior, and defects. The...
Show moreCarbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have been the subject of intense research for their potential to improve a variety of material properties when developed as nano-composites. This research aims to address the challenges that limit the ability to transfer the outstanding nano-scale properties of CNTs to bulk nano-composites through Raman characterization.These studies relate the vibrational modes to microstructural characterization of CNT composites including stress, interface behavior, and defects. The formulation of a new fitting procedure using the pseudo-Voigt function is presented and shown to minimizethe uncertainty of characteristics within the Raman G and D doublet. Methods for optimization of manufacturing processes using the Raman characterization are presentedfor selected applications in a polymer multiwalled nanotube (MWNT) composite andlaser-sintered ceramic-MWNT composite. In the first application, the evolution of theMWNT microstructure throughout a functionalization and processing of the polymer-MWNT composite was monitored using the G peak position and D/G intensity ratio.Processing parameters for laser sintering of the ceramic-MWNT composites were optimized by obtaining maximum downshift in stress sensitive G-band peak position, whilekeeping disorder sensitive D/G integrated intensity ratio to a minimum. Advanced Raman techniques, utilizing multiple wavelengths, were used to show that higher excitationenergies are less sensitive to double resonance Raman effects. This reduces their ininfluence and allows the microstructural strain in CNT composites to be probed more accurately. The use of these techniques could be applied to optimize any processing parameters in the manufacturing of CNT composites to achieve enhanced properties.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004110, ucf:49098
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004110
- Title
- Synchrotron based infrared microspectroscopy of carbonaceous chondrites.
- Creator
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Yesiltas, Mehmet, Peale, Robert, Fernandez, Yan, Britt, Daniel, Reach, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Relationships between organic molecules and inorganic minerals are investigated in five carbonaceous chondrites, Northwest Africa 852 (CR2), Tagish Lake (C2-ungroupped), Orgueil (CI1), Sutter's Mill (CM), and Murchison (CM2), with micron spatial resolution using synchrotron-based imaging micro-FTIR spectroscopy. Correlations based on absorption strength for various constituents are determined using statistical correlation analysis. Silicate band is found to be positively correlated with...
Show moreRelationships between organic molecules and inorganic minerals are investigated in five carbonaceous chondrites, Northwest Africa 852 (CR2), Tagish Lake (C2-ungroupped), Orgueil (CI1), Sutter's Mill (CM), and Murchison (CM2), with micron spatial resolution using synchrotron-based imaging micro-FTIR spectroscopy. Correlations based on absorption strength for various constituents are determined using statistical correlation analysis. Silicate band is found to be positively correlated with stretching modes of aliphatic hydrocarbons in NWA 852 and Tagish Lake. The former is highly correlated with the hydration band in all meteorites. Negative correlation is observed between water+organics and carbonate bands in all meteorites. Two dimensional infrared maps for NWA 852 and Orgueil show that carbonates are spatially separated from water+organic combination, silicates, OH, and CH distributions. Overlapping of the latter three in NWA 852 and Tagish Lake suggests a possible catalytic role of phyllosilicates in the formation of organics. Additionally, spectroscopic analyses on Sutter's Mill meteorite fragments present multiple distinct mineralogies. Spatial and spectral evidences on this regolith breccia suggest mixing of multiple parent bodies. Ratios of asymmetric CH2 and CH3 band strengths for NWA 852, Tagish Lake, and Sutter's Mill are similar to the average ratio of interplanetary dust particles and Wild 2 cometary dust particles, however significantly exceeds that of interstellar medium objects and several aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrites such as Orgueil. This suggests distinct formation regions and/or parent body processing of organics for these meteorites. Our infrared spectro-microtomography measurements on Murchison meteorite, representing the first such measurement on any kind of meteorite, comprise of three-dimensional reconstructions of specific molecular functional groups for understanding the spatial distributions of these groups.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006061, ucf:50966
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006061
- Title
- RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY OF GLASSESWITH HIGH AND BROAD RAMAN GAIN IN THE BOSON PEAK REGION.
- Creator
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Guo, Yu, Schulte, Alfons, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This thesis investigates Raman spectra of novel glasses and their correlation with structure for Raman gain applications. Raman gain for all-optical amplification by fibers depends significantly on the cross section for spontaneous Raman scattering allowing to compare signal strength and spectral coverage. We also investigate the relationship between glass structure and the Boson peak (enhancement of the low-frequency vibrational density of states) and report new inelastic neutron scattering...
Show moreThis thesis investigates Raman spectra of novel glasses and their correlation with structure for Raman gain applications. Raman gain for all-optical amplification by fibers depends significantly on the cross section for spontaneous Raman scattering allowing to compare signal strength and spectral coverage. We also investigate the relationship between glass structure and the Boson peak (enhancement of the low-frequency vibrational density of states) and report new inelastic neutron scattering spectra for niobium-phosphate glasses. Polarization resolved Raman spectra of glasses based on tellurite and phosphate formers have been measured from 6 1500 cm-1 using an excitation wavelength of 514 nm. The Tellurite glasses exhibit Raman Spectra at least 10 times more intense, are more spectrally uniform and possess spectral bandwidths more than a factor of two wider than fused silica. Assignments of the vibrational bands are presented and the compositional dependence of the spectra is discussed with respect to the molecular structure. Significantly high Boson peaks were found in the frequency range from 30-100 cm-1. The Raman gain curves were calculated from the polarized spontaneous Raman spectra. In particular, they show broad and flat band in the low frequency region (50-400 cm-1) suggesting that these glasses may be useful for Raman gain applications extending to very low frequencies. The inelastic neutron scattering spectra of the niobium-phosphate glasses display a pronounced low-frequency enhancement of the vibrational density of states. By averaging over the full accessible wavevector range we obtain an approximate spectral distribution of the vibrational modes. Through direct comparison with the Raman spectra we determine the Raman coupling function which shows a linear behavior near the Boson peak maximum. Possible mechanisms contributing to the low frequency Raman band such as disorder-induced irregular vibrational states are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001322, ucf:47021
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001322
- Title
- Nondestructive Analysis of Advanced Aerospace Materials via Spectroscopy and Synchrotron Radiation.
- Creator
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Manero, Albert, Raghavan, Seetha, Kauffman, Jeffrey, Gou, Jihua, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Advanced aerospace materials require extensive testing and characterization to anticipate and ensure their integrity under hostile environments. Characterization methods utilizing synchrotron X-Ray diffraction and spectroscopy can decrease the time required to determine an emerging material's readiness for application through intrinsic information on the material response and failure mechanisms. In this study, thermal barrier coating samples applicable to turbine blades of jet engines were...
Show moreAdvanced aerospace materials require extensive testing and characterization to anticipate and ensure their integrity under hostile environments. Characterization methods utilizing synchrotron X-Ray diffraction and spectroscopy can decrease the time required to determine an emerging material's readiness for application through intrinsic information on the material response and failure mechanisms. In this study, thermal barrier coating samples applicable to turbine blades of jet engines were studied using Raman and Photoluminescence spectroscopy as well as Synchrotron X-ray diffraction while Kevlar based fiber composites applicable to ballistic resistant armor were studied using Raman spectroscopy to investigate the mechanical state and corresponding damage and failure mechanisms. Piezospectroscopic studies on the stress state of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) within the thermal barrier coatings, on a hollow cylindrical specimen, provided results that indicate variations within the TGO. Comparison of measured photo-luminescence spectra of the specimen before and after long duration thermal aging showcases the development of the system and the initiation of micro-damage. Raman spectroscopy performed on Kevlar ballistic composites with nano-scale additives, presented insight into the additives' role in load transfer and damage propagation through a comparison of the shift in optical spectra to that of the pristine fibers. The results presented herein utilize changes in the measured emission from these non-destructive testing techniques to link the phenomena with material response. Techniques to optimize imaging and spectral collection are addressed as well. The findings will advance the use of the techniques in the development of aerospace materials, providing a more complete understanding of land and aircraft turbine blade coatings, and fiber composite response to complex loading.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005657, ucf:50195
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005657
- Title
- Development of laser spectroscopy for elemental and molecular analysis.
- Creator
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Liu, Yuan, Richardson, Martin, Vanstryland, Eric, Bass, Michael, Sigman, Michael, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy are still growing analytical and sensing spectroscopic techniques. They significantly reduce the time and labor cost in analysis with simplified instrumentation, and lead to minimal or no sample damage. In this dissertation, fundamental studies to improve LIBS analytical performance were performed and its fusion with Raman into one single sensor was explored.On the fundamental side, Thomson scattering was reported for the...
Show moreLaser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy are still growing analytical and sensing spectroscopic techniques. They significantly reduce the time and labor cost in analysis with simplified instrumentation, and lead to minimal or no sample damage. In this dissertation, fundamental studies to improve LIBS analytical performance were performed and its fusion with Raman into one single sensor was explored.On the fundamental side, Thomson scattering was reported for the first time to simultaneously measure the electron density and temperature of laser plasmas from a solid aluminum target at atmospheric pressure. Comparison between electron and excitation temperatures brought insights into the verification of local thermodynamic equilibrium condition in laser plasmas.To enhance LIBS emission, Microwave-Assisted LIBS (MA-LIBS) was developed and characterized. In MA-LIBS, a microwave field extends the emission lifetime of the plasma and stronger time integrated signal is obtained. Experimental results showed sensitivity improvement (more than 20-fold) and extension of the analytical range (down to a few tens of ppm) for the detection of copper traces in soil samples. Finally, laser spectroscopy systems that can perform both LIBS and Raman analysis were developed. Such systems provide two types of complimentary information (-) elemental composition from LIBS and structural information from Raman. Two novel approaches were reported for the first time for LIBS-Raman sensor fusion: (i) an Ultra-Violet system which combines Resonant Raman signal enhancement and high ablation efficiency from UV radiation, and (ii) a Ti:Sapphire laser based NIR system which reduces the fluorescence interference in Raman and takes advantage of femtosecond ablation for LIBS.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005105, ucf:50729
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005105
- Title
- Advanced Nanoscale Characterization of Plants and Plant-derived Materials for Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy.
- Creator
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Soliman, Mikhael, Tetard, Laurene, Vaidyanathan, Raj, Kang, Hyeran, Santra, Swadeshmukul, Zhai, Lei, Chumbimuni Torres, Karin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The need for nanoscale, non-invasive functional characterization has become more significant with advances in nano-biotechnology and related fields. Exploring the ultrastructure of plant cell walls and plant-derived materials is necessary to access a more profound understanding of the molecular interactions in the systems, in view of a rational design for sustainable applications. This, in turn, relates to the pressing requirements for food, energy and water sustainability experienced...
Show moreThe need for nanoscale, non-invasive functional characterization has become more significant with advances in nano-biotechnology and related fields. Exploring the ultrastructure of plant cell walls and plant-derived materials is necessary to access a more profound understanding of the molecular interactions in the systems, in view of a rational design for sustainable applications. This, in turn, relates to the pressing requirements for food, energy and water sustainability experienced worldwide.Here we will present our advanced characterization approach to study the effects of external stresses on plants, and resulting opportunities for biomass valorization with an impact on the food-energy-water nexus.First, the adaption of plants to the pressure imposed by gravity in poplar reaction wood will be discussed. We will show that a multiscale characterization approach is necessary to reach a better understanding of the chemical and physical properties of cell walls across a transverse section of poplar stem. Our Raman spectroscopy and statistical analysis reveals intricate variations in the cellulose and lignin properties. Further, we will present evidence that advanced atomic force microscopy can reveal nanoscale variations within the individual cell wall layers, not attainable with common analytical tools. Next, chemical stresses, in particular the effect of Zinc-based pesticides on citrus plants, will be considered. We will show how multiscale characterization can support the development of new disease management methods for systemic bacterial diseases, such as citrus greening, of great importance for sustainable agriculture. In particular, we will focus on the study of new formulations, their uptake and translocation in the plants following different application methods. Lastly, we will consider how plant reactions to mechanical and chemical stresses can be controlled to engineer biomass for valorization applications. We will present our characterization of two examples: the production of carbon films derived from woody lignocellulosic biomass and the development of nanoscale growth promoters for food crop. A perspective of the work and discussion of the broader impact will conclude the presentation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007415, ucf:52717
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007415
- Title
- TOWARDS DIRECT WRITING OF 3-D PHOTONIC CIRCUITS USING ULTRAFAST LASERS.
- Creator
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Zoubir, Arnaud, Richardson, Martin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The advent of ultrafast lasers has enabled micromachining schemes that cannot be achieved by other current techniques. Laser direct writing has emerged as one of the possible routes for fabrication of optical waveguides in transparent materials. In this thesis, the advantages and limitations of this technique are explored. Two extended-cavity ultrafast lasers were built and characterized as the laser sources for this study, with improved performance over existing systems. Waveguides are...
Show moreThe advent of ultrafast lasers has enabled micromachining schemes that cannot be achieved by other current techniques. Laser direct writing has emerged as one of the possible routes for fabrication of optical waveguides in transparent materials. In this thesis, the advantages and limitations of this technique are explored. Two extended-cavity ultrafast lasers were built and characterized as the laser sources for this study, with improved performance over existing systems. Waveguides are fabricated in oxide glass, chalcogenide glass, and polymers, these being the three major classes of materials for the telecommunication industry. Standard waveguide metrology is performed on the fabricated waveguides, including refractive index profiling and mode analysis. Furthermore, a finite-difference beam propagation method for wave propagation in 3D-waveguides is proposed. The photo-structural modifications underlying the changes in the material optical properties after exposure are investigated. The highly nonlinear processes of the light/matter interaction during the writing process are described using a free electron model. UV/visible absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy are used to assess the changes occurring at the atomic level. Finally, the impact of laser direct writing on nonlinear waveguide applications is discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000236, ucf:46252
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000236
- Title
- OPTIMAL SINTERING TEMPERATURE OF CERIA-DOPED SCANDIA STABILIZED ZIRCONIA FOR USE IN SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS.
- Creator
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Assuncao, Amanda K, Orlovskaya, Nina, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Carbon emissions are known to cause decay of the Ozone layer in addition to creating pollutant, poisonous air. This has become a growing concern among scientists and engineers across the globe; if this issue is not addressed, it is likely that the Earth will suffer catastrophic consequences. One of the main culprits of these harmful carbon emissions is fuel combustion. Between vehicles, power plants, airplanes, and ships, the world consumes an extraordinary amount of oil and fuel which all...
Show moreCarbon emissions are known to cause decay of the Ozone layer in addition to creating pollutant, poisonous air. This has become a growing concern among scientists and engineers across the globe; if this issue is not addressed, it is likely that the Earth will suffer catastrophic consequences. One of the main culprits of these harmful carbon emissions is fuel combustion. Between vehicles, power plants, airplanes, and ships, the world consumes an extraordinary amount of oil and fuel which all contributes to the emissions problem. Therefore, it is crucial to develop alternative energy sources that minimize the impact on the environment. One such technology that is currently being researched, is the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). This is a relatively simple device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy with no harmful emissions. For these devices to work properly, they require an electrolyte material that has high ionic conductivity with good phase stability at a variety of temperatures. The research presented in this study will concentrate intensively on just one of the many candidates for SOFC electrolytes. 1 mol% CeO2 - 10 mol% Sc2O3 - 89 mol% ZrO2 manufactured by Treibacher Industries was analyzed to better understand its sintering properties, phase stability, and molecular structure. Sintering was performed at temperatures ranging from 900oC to 1600oC and the shrinkage, density and porosity were examined for each temperature. Raman Spectroscopy and X-Ray Powder Diffraction were also conducted for comparison with other known compositions to see if the powder undergoes any phase transitions or instability.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000408, ucf:45894
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000408
- Title
- Analysis of residual stress and damage mechanisms of thermal barrier coatings deposited via PS-PVD and EB-PVD.
- Creator
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Rossmann, Linda, Raghavan, Seetha, Sohn, Yongho, Vaidyanathan, Raj, Ghosh, Ranajay, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are critical to gas turbine engines, as they protect the components in the hot section from the extreme temperatures of operation. The current industry standard method of applying TBCs for turbine blades in jet engines is electron-beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD), which results in a columnar structure that is valued for its high degree of strain tolerance. An emerging deposition method is plasma-spray physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD), capable of...
Show moreThermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are critical to gas turbine engines, as they protect the components in the hot section from the extreme temperatures of operation. The current industry standard method of applying TBCs for turbine blades in jet engines is electron-beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD), which results in a columnar structure that is valued for its high degree of strain tolerance. An emerging deposition method is plasma-spray physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD), capable of producing a variety of customizable microstructures as well as non-line-of-sight deposition, which allows more complex geometries to be coated, or even multiple parts at once. The pseudo-columnar microstructure that can be produced with PS-PVD is a possible alternative to EB-PVD. However, before PS-PVD can be used to its full potential, its mechanical properties and behavior must be understood. This work contributes to this understanding by characterizing PS-PVD TBCs that have been thermally cycled to simulate multiple lifetimes (0, 300, and 600 thermal cycles). Residual stress in the thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer is characterized by photoluminescence piezospectroscopy as TGO residual stress is correlated with the lifetime of the coating. Residual stress in the top coat is characterized by Raman spectroscopy, because this stress drives cracking in the top coat that can lead to failure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) are performed to observe microstructural and phase evolution to provide context and possible explanations for the stress results. In addition, EB-PVD samples of the same thermal cycling history are characterized in the same way so that PS-PVD can be benchmarked against the industry standard. The compressive residual stress in the TGO in both coatings was relieved with thermal cycling due to the TGO lengthening as well as microcracking. The PS-PVD samples had slightly lower TGO stress than the EB-PVD, which is attributed to the greater extent of cracking within the TGO, whereas cracking in the EB-PVD samples was at the TGO/topcoat interface. The PS-PVD cycled samples had significant cracking within the topcoat near the TGO due to both greater porosity than EB-PVD samples and regions of unmelted particles that provide little resistance to cracking. The greater convolution of the TGO in the PS-PVD samples results in greater out-of-plane tensile stresses that cause crack initiation, as well as diverts cracks away from the difficult-to-follow interface. The TGO stress results agree with existing literature and extend the thermal cycling beyond what has previously been reported for PS-PVD coatings, revealing a trend of stress relief and stress values similar to that of EB-PVD coatings in this study and in the literature. Residual stress in the topcoat for both coating types became increasingly compressive with thermal cycling, indicating loss of strain tolerance by sintering. The trend of the YSZ stress for both coating types to become more compressive with cycling and with depth agrees with the literature, and the thermal cycling is longer than has been previously reported for PS-PVD. The two coating types had quite different microstructures and crack modes as well as different as-deposited residual stresses, but after thermal cycling had similar stresses in both the TGO and top coat. No samples experienced spallation. These results indicate that, while PS-PVD coatings have different properties and behavior from EB-PVD coatings, they had comparable levels of damage to EB-PVD coatings of the same lifetime and are a viable alternative to EB-PVD. Further tuning of the processing parameters may result in PS-PVD coatings with even more similar behavior to EB-PVD coatings.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007717, ucf:52429
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007717
- Title
- Growth and doping of MoS2 thin films for electronic and optoelectronic applications.
- Creator
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Abouelkhair, Hussain, Peale, Robert, Kaden, William, Stolbov, Sergey, Coffey, Kevin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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MoS2 high absorption coefficient, high mobility, mechanical flexibility, and chemical inertness is very promising for many electronic and optoelectronic applications. The growth of high-quality MoS2 by a scalable and doping compatible method is still lacking. Therefore, the suitable dopants for MoS2 are not fully explored yet. This dissertation consists mainly of four main studies. The first study is on the growth of MoS2 thin films by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. Scanning...
Show moreMoS2 high absorption coefficient, high mobility, mechanical flexibility, and chemical inertness is very promising for many electronic and optoelectronic applications. The growth of high-quality MoS2 by a scalable and doping compatible method is still lacking. Therefore, the suitable dopants for MoS2 are not fully explored yet. This dissertation consists mainly of four main studies. The first study is on the growth of MoS2 thin films by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. Scanning electron microscope images revealed the growth of microdomes of MoS2 on top of a smooth MoS2 film. These microdomes are very promising as a broadband omnidirectional light trap for light harvesting applications. The second study is on the growth of MoS2 thin films by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD). Control of sulfur vapor flow is essential for the growth of a pure phase of MoS2. Turning off sulfur vapor flow during the cooling cycle at 700 (&)#186;C leads to the growth of highly textured MoS2 with a Hall mobility of 20 cm2/Vs. The third study was on the growth of Ti-doped MoS2 thin films by LPCVD. The successful doping was confirmed by Hall effect measurement and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Different growth temperatures from 1000 to 700 ? were studied. Ti act as a donor in MoS2. The fourth study is on fluorine-doped SnO2 (FTO) which has many technological applications including solar cells and transistors. FTO was grown by an aqueous-spray-based method. The main objective was to compare the actual against the nominal concentration of fluorine using SIMS. The concentration of fluorine in the grown films is lower than the concentration of fluorine in the aqueous solution.?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006847, ucf:51767
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006847
- Title
- Design, Development, and Testing of a Miniature Fixture for Uniaxial Compression of Ceramics Coupled with In-Situ Raman Spectrometer.
- Creator
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Jordan, Ryan, Orlovskaya, Nina, Kwok, Kawai, Ghosh, Ranajay, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This thesis is about the design, development and integration of an in-situ compression stage which interfaces through the Leica optical microscope coupled with a Renishaw InVia micro-Raman spectrometer. This combined compression stage and Raman system will enable structural characterization of ceramics and ceramic composites. The in-situ compression stage incorporates a 440C stainless steel structural components, 6061 aluminum frame, a NEMA 23 stepper motor. Two load screws that allow to...
Show moreThis thesis is about the design, development and integration of an in-situ compression stage which interfaces through the Leica optical microscope coupled with a Renishaw InVia micro-Raman spectrometer. This combined compression stage and Raman system will enable structural characterization of ceramics and ceramic composites. The in-situ compression stage incorporates a 440C stainless steel structural components, 6061 aluminum frame, a NEMA 23 stepper motor. Two load screws that allow to apply compressive loads up to 14,137 N, with negligible off axis loading, achieving target stresses of 500 MPa for samples of up to 6.00 mm in diameter. The system will be used in the future to study the structural changes in ceramics and ceramic composites, as well as to study thermal residual stress redistribution under applied compressive loads. A broad variety of Raman active ceramics, including the traditional structural ceramics 3mol%Y2O3-ZrO2, B4C, SiC, Si3N4, as well as exotic materials such as LaCoO3 and other perovskites will be studied using this system. Calibration of the systems load cell was performed in the configured state using MTS universal testing machines. To ensure residual stresses from mounting the load cell did not invalidate the original calibration, the in-situ compression stage was tested once attached to the Renishaw Raman spectrometer using LaCoO3 ceramic samples. The Raman shift of certain peaks in LaCoO3 was detected indicative of the effect of the applied compressive stress on the ceramics understudy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007824, ucf:52809
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007824
- Title
- VIBRATIONAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF 10 MOL % SC2O3-1 MOL % CEO2- ZRO2 ELECTROLYTE CERAMICS FOR SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS.
- Creator
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Lukich, Svetlana, Orlovskaya, Nina, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are emerging as a potential breakthrough energy conversion technology for clean and efficient production of electricity and heat from hydrogen and hydro-carbon fuels. Sc0.1Ce0.01ZrO2 electrolytes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells are very promising materials because their high ionic conductivity in the intermediate temperature range 700oC-800oC. The vibration response of cubic and rhombohedral (β) 10 mol%Sc2O3 - 1 mol%CeO2 - ZrO2 (Sc0.1Ce0.01ZrO2 ) both at room...
Show moreSolid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are emerging as a potential breakthrough energy conversion technology for clean and efficient production of electricity and heat from hydrogen and hydro-carbon fuels. Sc0.1Ce0.01ZrO2 electrolytes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells are very promising materials because their high ionic conductivity in the intermediate temperature range 700oC-800oC. The vibration response of cubic and rhombohedral (β) 10 mol%Sc2O3 - 1 mol%CeO2 - ZrO2 (Sc0.1Ce0.01ZrO2 ) both at room and high-temperatures is reported. The in-situ heating experiments and ex-situ indentation experiments were performed to characterize the vibrational behavior of these important materials. A temperature and stress-assisted phase transition from cubic to rhombohedral phase was detected during in-situ Raman spectroscopy experiments. While heating and indentation experiments performed separately did not cause the transition of the cubic phase into the rhombohedral structure under the performed experimental conditions and only broadened or strained peaks of the cubic phase could be detected, the heating of the indented (strained) surface leaded to the formation of the rhombohedral Sc0.1Ce0.01ZrO2. Both temperature range and strained zone were estimated by in situ heating and 2D mapping, where a formation of rhombohedral or retention of cubic phase has been promoted. The mechanical properties, such as Young's modulus, Vickers hardness, indentation fracture resistance, room and high temperature four point bending strength and SEVNB fracture toughness along with the stress strain deformation behavior in compression, of 10 mol% Sc2O3 1 mol % CeO2 - ZrO2 (ScCeZrO2) ceramics have been studied. The chosen composition of the ScCeZrO2 has very high ionic conductivity and, therefore, is very promising oxygen ion conducting electrolyte for the intermediate temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Therefore, its mechanical behavior is of importance and is presented in this study.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002914, ucf:52845
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002914
- Title
- Nonlinear Optical Response of Simple Molecules and Two-Photon Semiconductor Lasers.
- Creator
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Reichert, Matthew, Vanstryland, Eric, Hagan, David, Likamwa, Patrick, Peale, Robert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This dissertation investigates two long standing issues in nonlinear optics: complete characterization of the ultrafast dynamics of simple molecules, and the potential of a two-photon laser using a bulk semiconductor gain medium. Within the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, nonlinear refraction in molecular liquids and gases can arise from both bound-electronic and nuclear origins. Knowledge of the magnitudes, temporal dynamics, polarization and spectral dependences of each of these mechanisms...
Show moreThis dissertation investigates two long standing issues in nonlinear optics: complete characterization of the ultrafast dynamics of simple molecules, and the potential of a two-photon laser using a bulk semiconductor gain medium. Within the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, nonlinear refraction in molecular liquids and gases can arise from both bound-electronic and nuclear origins. Knowledge of the magnitudes, temporal dynamics, polarization and spectral dependences of each of these mechanisms is important for many applications including filamentation, white-light continuum generation, all-optical switching, and nonlinear spectroscopy. In this work the nonlinear dynamics of molecules are investigated in both liquid and gas phase with the recently developed beam deflection technique which measures nonlinear refraction directly in the time domain. Thanks to the utility of the beam deflection technique we are able to completely determine the third-order response function of one of the most important molecular liquids in nonlinear optics, carbon disulfide. This allows the prediction of essentially any nonlinear refraction or two-photon absorption experiment on CS2. Measurements conducted on air (N2 and O2) and gaseous CS2 reveal coherent rotational revivals in the degree of alignment of the ensemble at a period that depends on its moment of inertia. This allows measurement of the rotational and centrifugal distortion constants of the isolated molecules. Additionally, the rotational contribution to the beam deflection measurement can be eliminated thanks to the particular polarization dependence of the mechanism. At a specific polarization, the dominant remaining contribution is due to the bound-electrons. Thus both the bound-electronic nonlinear refractive index of air, and second hyperpolarizability of isolated CS2 molecules, are measured directly. The later agrees well with liquid CS2 measurements, where local field effects are significant. The second major portion of this dissertation addresses the possibility of using bulk semiconductors as a two-photon gain medium. A two-photon laser has been a goal of nonlinear optics since shortly after the original laser's development. In this case, two-photons are emitted from a single electronic transition rather than only one. This processes is known as two-photon gain (2PG). Semiconductors have large two-photon absorption coefficients, which are enhanced by ~2 orders of magnitude when using photons of very different energies, e.g., ??_a?10??_b. This enhancement should translate into large 2PG coefficients as well, given the inverse relationship between absorption and gain. Here, we experimentally demonstrate both degenerate and nondegenerate 2PG in optically excited bulk GaAs via pump-probe experiments. This constitutes, to my knowledge, the first report of nondegenerate two-photon gain. Competition between 2PG and competing processes, namely intervalence band and nondegenerate three-photon absorption (ND-3PA), in both cases are theoretically analyzed. Experimental measurements of ND-3PA agree with this analysis and show that it is enhanced much more than ND-2PG. It is found for both degenerate and nondegenerate photon pairs that the losses dominate the two-photon gain, preventing the possibility of a two-photon semiconductor laser.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005874, ucf:50871
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005874
- Title
- Scandia and ceria stabilized zirconia based electrolytes and anodes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells: Manufacturing and properties.
- Creator
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Chen, Yan, Orlovskaya, Nina, An, Linan, Chen, Quanfang, Sohn, Yongho, Raghavan, Seetha, Huang, Xinyu, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Scandia and ceria stabilized zirconia (10 mol% Sc2O3 (-) 1 mol% CeO2 (-) ZrO2, SCSZ) has superior ionic conductivity in the intermediate temperature range for the operation of solid oxide fuel cells, but it does not exhibit good phase stability in comparison with yttria stabilized zirconia (8 mol% Y2O3 (-) ZrO2, YSZ). To maintain high ionic conductivity and improve the stability of the electrolyte, layered structures with YSZ outer layers and SCSZ inner layers were designed, along with the...
Show moreScandia and ceria stabilized zirconia (10 mol% Sc2O3 (-) 1 mol% CeO2 (-) ZrO2, SCSZ) has superior ionic conductivity in the intermediate temperature range for the operation of solid oxide fuel cells, but it does not exhibit good phase stability in comparison with yttria stabilized zirconia (8 mol% Y2O3 (-) ZrO2, YSZ). To maintain high ionic conductivity and improve the stability of the electrolyte, layered structures with YSZ outer layers and SCSZ inner layers were designed, along with the referential electrolytes containing pure SCSZ or YSZ. The electrolytes were manufactured by tape casting, laminating, and pressureless sintering techniques. After sintering, while the thickness of YSZ outer layers remained constant at ~30 ?m, the thickness of inner layers of SCSZ for the 3-, 4- and 6-layer designs varied at ~30, ~60 and ~120 ?m, respectively. Selected characterizations were employed to study the structure, morphology, impurity content and the density of the electrolytes. Furthermore, in situ X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and Raman scattering were carried out to study the phase transition and lattice distortion during long-term annealing at 350 (&)deg;C and 275 (&)deg;C for SCSZ and YSZ, respectively, where the dynamic damping occurred when Young's modulus was measured.In YSZ/SCSZ electrolytes, thermal residual stresses and strains were generated due to the mismatch of coefficients of thermal expansion from each layer of different compositions. They could be adjusted by varying the thickness ratios of each layer in different designs of laminates. The theoretical residual stresses have been calculated for different thickness ratios. The effect of thermal residual stress on the biaxial flexural strength was studied in layered electrolytes. The biaxial flexure tests of electrolytes with various layered designs were performed using a ring-on-ring method at both room temperature and 800 (&)deg;C. The maximum principal stress during fracture indicated an increase of flexural strength in the electrolytes with layered structure at both temperatures in comparison with the electrolytes without compositional gradient. Such an increase of strength is the result of the existence of residual compressive stresses in the outer YSZ layer. In addition, Weibull statistics of the strength values were built for the layered electrolytes tested at room temperature, and the effect of thermal residual stresses on Weibull distribution was established. The calculation of residual stress present at the outer layers was verified. The high ionic conductivity was maintained with layered electrolyte designs in the intermediate temperature range. It was also established that the ionic conductivity of layered electrolytes exhibited 7% (-) 11% improvement at 800 (&)deg;C due to the stress/strain effects, and the largest improvements in a certain electrolyte was found to nearly coincide with the largest residual compressive strain in the outer YSZ layer.In addition to the study of layered electrolytes, mechanical properties of porous Ni/SCSZ cermet were studied. The anode materials were reduced by 65 wt% NiO (-) 35 wt% SCSZ (N65) and 50 wt% NiO (-) 50 wt% SCSZ (N50) porous ceramics in the forming gas. Young's modulus as well as strength and fracture toughness of non-reduced and reduced anodes has been measured, both at room and high temperatures. High temperature experiments were performed in the reducing environment of forming gas. It was shown that while at 700 (&)deg;C and 800 (&)deg;C the anode specimens exhibited purely brittle deformation, a brittle-to-ductile transition occurred at 800 (-) 900 (&)deg;C, and the anode deformed plastically at 900 (&)deg;C. Fractography of the anode specimens were studied to identify the fracture modes of the anodes tested at different temperatures.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005090, ucf:50750
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005090