Electrochemical derusting in molten Na_2CO_3–K_2CO_3

The formation of a rust layer on iron and steels surfaces accelerates their degradation and eventually causes material failure.In addition to fabricating a protective layer or using a sacrificial anode, repairing or removing the rust layer is another way to reduce the corrosion rate and extend the lifespans of iron and steels.Herein, an electrochemical healing approach was employed to repair the rust layer in molten Na_2CO_3-K_2CO_3.The rusty layers on iron rods and screws were electrochemically converted to iron in only several minutes and a metallic luster appeared.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS) analyses showed that the structures of the rust layer after healing were slightly porous and the oxygen content reached a very low level.Thus, high-temperature molten-salt electrolysis may be an effective way to metalize iron rust of various shapes and structures in a short time, and could be used in the repair of cultural relics and even preparing a three-dimensional porous structures for other applications.     

Hot-corrosion behavior of Cr_2O_3–CNT-coated ASTM-SA213-T22 steel in a molten salt environment at 700°C

The present work investigates the hot-corrosion behavior of carbon nanotube(CNT)-reinforced chromium oxide coatings on boiler steel in a molten salt(Na_2SO_4–60 wt%V_2O_5) environment at 700°C under cyclic conditions. The coatings were deposited via the high-velocity oxygen fuel process. The uncoated and coated steel samples were subjected to hot corrosion in a silicon tube furnace at 700°C for 50 cycles. The kinetics of the corrosion behavior was analyzed through mass-gain measurements after each cycle. The corrosion products were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis techniques. The results revealed that uncoated steel suffered spallation of scale because of the formation of nonprotective Fe_2O_3 scale. The coated steel samples exhibited lower mass gains with better adhesiveness of oxide scale with the steel alloy until the end of exposure. The CNT-reinforced coatings were concluded to provide better corrosion resistance in the hot-corrosion environment because of the uniform dispersion of CNTs in the coating matrix and the formation of protective chromium oxides in the scale.     

Electrical conductivity optimization of the Na_3AlF_6–Al_2O_3–Sm_2O_3 molten salts system for Al–Sm intermediate binary alloy production

Metal Sm has been widely used in making Al–Sm magnet alloy materials. Conventional distillation technology to produce Sm has the disadvantages of low productivity, high costs, and pollution generation. The objective of this study was to develop a molten salt electrolyte system to produce Al–Sm alloy directly, with focus on the electrical conductivity and optimal operating conditions to minimize the energy consumption. The continuously varying cell constant(CVCC) technique was used to measure the conductivity for the Na_3 AlF_6–AlF_3–LiF–MgF_2–Al_2O_3–Sm_2O_3 electrolysis medium in the temperature range from 905 to 1055°C. The temperature(t) and the addition of Al_2O_3(W(Al_2O_3)), Sm_2O_3(W(Sm_2O_3)), and a combination of Al_2O_3 and Sm_2O_3 into the basic fluoride system were examined with respect to their effects on the conductivity(κ) and activation energy. The experimental results showed that the molten electrolyte conductivity increases with increasing temperature(t) and decreases with the addition of Al_2O_3 or Sm_2O_3 or both. We concluded that the optimal operation conditions for Al–Sm intermediate alloy production in the Na_3 AlF_6–AlF_3–LiF–MgF_2–Al_2O_3–Sm_2O_3 system are W(Al_2O_3) + W(Sm_2O_3) = 3wt%, W(Al_2O_3):W(Sm_2O_3) = 7:3, and a temperature of 965 to 995°C, which results in satisfactory conductivity, low fluoride evaporation losses, and low energy consumption.     

Hot-corrosion behavior of Cr2O3-CNT-coated ASTM-SA213-T22 steel in a molten salt environment at 700℃

The present work investigates the hot-corrosion behavior of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced chromium oxide coatings on boiler steel in a molten salt (Na₂SO₄-60wt%V₂O₅) environment at 700℃ under cyclic conditions. The coatings were deposited via the high-velocity oxygen fuel process. The uncoated and coated steel samples were subjected to hot corrosion in a silicon tube furnace at 700℃ for 50 cycles. The kinetics of the corrosion behavior was analyzed through mass-gain measurements after each cycle. The corrosion products were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis techniques. The results revealed that uncoated steel suffered spallation of scale because of the formation of nonprotective Fe₂O₃ scale. The coated steel samples exhibited lower mass gains with better adhesiveness of oxide scale with the steel alloy until the end of exposure. The CNT-reinforced coatings were concluded to provide better corrosion resistance in the hot-corrosion environment because of the uniform dispersion of CNTs in the coating matrix and the formation of protective chromium oxides in the scale.     

Erratum to: Electrical conductivity of molten LiF–DyF3–Dy2O3–Cu2O system for Dy–Cu intermediate alloy production

Erratum to:International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials Volume 26, Number 6, June 2019, Page 701https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-019-1775-z The acknowledgements of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The grant number of the National Natural     

Corrosion behavior of low alloy steels in a wet–dry acid humid environment

The corrosion behavior of corrosion resistant steel (CRS) in a simulated wet–dry acid humid environment was investigated and compared with carbon steel (CS) using corrosion loss, polarization curves, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), N₂ adsorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that the corrosion kinetics of both steels were closely related to the composition and compactness of the rust, and the electrochemical properties of rusted steel. Small amounts of Cu, Cr, and Ni in CRS increased the amount of amorphous phases and decreased the content of γ-FeOOH in the rust, resulting in higher compactness and electrochemical stability of the CRS rust. The elements Cu, Cr, and Ni were uniformly distributed in the CRS rust and formed CuFeO₂, Cu₂O, CrOOH, NiFe₂O₄, and Ni₂O₃, which enhanced the corrosion resistance of CRS in the wet–dry acid humid environment.     

Synthesis of a NiTi_2–AlNi–Al_2O_3 nanocomposite by mechanical alloying and heat treatment of Al–TiO_2–NiO

The aim of the present study was to investigate the phases formed during ball milling of Al–TiO_2–NiO. For this purpose, a mixture of Al–TiO_2–NiO with a molar ratio of 6:1:1 was used. Characterization of the milled powders by X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of nanocrystalline NiTi_2 along with AlNi. A thermodynamical investigation confirmed that NiO was reduced by Al during ball milling, which consequently promoted TiO_2 reduction and the formation of NiTi_2. Al is capable of reducing NiO either during ball milling or at temperatures above the melting point of Al; by contrast, TiO_2 can be reduced by Al only by milling.     

Influence of chromium on the initial corrosion behavior of low alloy steels in the CO_2–O_2–H_2S–SO_2 wet–dry corrosion environment of cargo oil tankers

The influence of Cr on the initial corrosion behavior of low-alloy steels exposed to a CO2–O2–H2S–SO2 wet–dry corrosion environment was investigated using weight-loss measurements, scanning electron microscopy, N2 adsorption tests, X-ray diffraction analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the corrosion rate increases with increasing Cr content in samples subjected to corrosion for 21 d. However, the rust grain size decreases, its specific surface area increases, and it becomes more compact and denser with increasing Cr content, which indicates the enhanced protectivity of the rust. The results of charge transfer resistance(Rct) calculations indicate that higher Cr contents can accelerate the corrosion during the first 7 d and promote the formation of the enhanced protective inner rust after 14 d; the formed protective inner rust is responsible for the greater corrosion resistance during long-term exposure.     

Electrochemical behavior and corrosion resistance of IrO_2–ZrO_2 binary oxide coatings for promoting oxygen evolution in sulfuric acid solution

In this study, we prepared Ti/IrO_2–ZrO_2 electrodes with different ZrO_2 contents using zirconium-n-butoxide(C_(16)H_(36)O_4Zr) and chloroiridic acid(H_2IrCl_6) via a sol–gel route. To explore the effect of ZrO_2 content on the surface properties and electrochemical behavior of electrodes, we performed physical characterizations and electrochemical measurements. The obtained results revealed that the binary oxide coating was composed of rutile IrO_2, amorphous ZrO2, and an IrO_2–ZrO_2 solid solution. The IrO_2–ZrO_2 binary oxide coatings exhibited cracked structures with flat regions. A slight incorporation of ZrO_2 promoted the crystallization of the active component IrO_2. However, the crystallization of IrO_2 was hindered when the added ZrO_2 content was greater than 30 at%. The appropriate incorporation of ZrO_2 enhanced the electrocatalytic performance of the pure IrO_2 coating. The Ti/70 at%IrO_2–30 at%ZrO_2 electrode, with its large active surface area, improved electrocatalytic activity, long service lifetime, and especially, lower cost, is the most effective for promoting oxygen evolution in sulfuric acid solution.     

Microwave absorption properties of SiC@SiO_2@Fe_3O_4 hybrids in the 2–18 GHz range

To enhance the microwave absorption performance of silicon carbide nanowires(SiCNWs), SiO_2 nanoshells with a thickness of approximately 2 nm and Fe_3O_4 nanoparticles were grown on the surface of SiCNWs to form SiC@SiO_2@Fe_3O_4 hybrids. The microwave absorption performance of the SiC@SiO_2@Fe_3O_4 hybrids with different thicknesses was investigated in the frequency range from 2 to 18 GHz using a free-space antenna-based system. The results indicate that SiC@SiO_2@Fe_3O_4 hybrids exhibit improved microwave absorption. In particular, in the case of an SiC@SiO_2 to iron(III) acetylacetonate mass ratio of 1:3, the microwave absorption with an absorber of 2-mm thickness exhibited a minimum reflection loss of-39.58 d B at 12.24 GHz. With respect to the enhanced microwave absorption mechanism, the Fe_3O_4 nanoparticles coated on SiC@SiO_2 nanowires are proposed to balance the permeability and permittivity of the materials, contributing to the microwave attenuation.     

Microwave absorption properties of SiC@SiO2@Fe3O4 hybrids in the 2–18 GHz range

To enhance the microwave absorption performance of silicon carbide nanowires (SiCNWs), SiO2 nanoshells with a thickness of approximately 2 nm and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were grown on the surface of SiCNWs to form SiC@SiO2@Fe3O4 hybrids. The microwave absorption performance of the SiC@SiO2@Fe3O4 hybrids with different thicknesses was investigated in the frequency range from 2 to 18 GHz using a free-space antenna-based system. The results indicate that SiC@SiO2@Fe3O4 hybrids exhibit improved microwave absorption. In particular, in the case of an SiC@SiO2 to iron(III) acetylacetonate mass ratio of 1:3,themicrowave absorption with an absorber of 2-mm thickness exhibited a minimum reflection loss of?39.58 dB at 12.24 GHz. With respect to the enhanced microwave absorption mechanism, the Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated on SiC@SiO2 nanowires are proposed to balance the permeability and permittivity of the materials, contributing to the microwave attenuation.     

Activity coefficients of NiO and CoO in CaO–Al_2O_3–SiO_2 slag and their application to the recycling of Ni–Co–Fe-based end-of-life superalloys via remelting

To design optimal pyrometallurgical processes for nickel and cobalt recycling, and more particularly for the end-of-life process of Ni–Co–Fe-based end-of-life(EoL) superalloys, knowledge of their activity coefficients in slags is essential. In this study, the activity coefficients of NiO and CoO in CaO–Al_2O_3–SiO_2 slag, a candidate slag used for the EoL superalloy remelting process, were measured using gas/slag/metal equilibrium experiments. These activity coefficients were then used to consider the recycling efficiency of nickel and cobalt by remelting EoL superalloys using CaO–Al_2O_3–SiO_2 slag. The activity coefficients of NiO and CoO in CaO–Al_2O_3–SiO_2 slag both show a positive deviation from Raoult's law, with values that vary from 1 to 5 depending on the change in basicity. The activity coefficients of NiO and CoO peak in the slag with a composition near B =(%CaO)/(%SiO_2) = 1, where B is the basicity. We observed that controlling the slag composition at approximately B = 1 effectively reduces the cobalt and nickel oxidation losses and promotes the oxidation removal of iron during the remelting process of EoL superalloys.     

Comparative study on the corrosion behavior of X52, 3Cr,and 13Cr steel in an O_2–H_2O–CO_2 system: products,reaction kinetics,and pitting sensitivity

The corrosion behaviors of X52, 3Cr low-alloy steel, and 13Cr stainless steel were investigated in an O_2–H2O–CO_2 environment at various temperatures and O_2–CO_2 partial-pressure ratios. The results showed that the corrosion rates of X52, 3Cr, and 13Cr steels increased with increasing temperature. The corrosion rates slowly increased at temperatures less than 100°C and increased sharply when the temperature exceeded 100°C. In the absence of O_2, X52, 3Cr, and 13Cr exhibited uniform corrosion morphology and Fe CO3 was the main corrosion product. When O_2 was introduced into the system, various forms of Fe_2O_3 appeared on the surface of the samples. The Cr content strongly influenced the corrosion resistance. The 3Cr steel with a low Cr content was more sensitive to pitting than the X52 or 13Cr steel. Thus, pitting occurred on the surface of 3Cr when 1.25 MPa of O_2 was added; this phenomenon is related to the non-uniform distribution of Crin 3Cr.     

Evolution of ferronickel particles during the reduction of low-grade saprolitic laterite nickel ore by coal in the temperature range of 900–1250℃ with the addition of CaO–CaF_2–H_3BO_3

The method of producing ferronickel at low temperature(1250–1400℃) has been applied since the 1950s at Nippon Yakin Kogyo,Oheyama Works, Japan.Limestone was used as an additive to adjust the slag composition for lowering the slag melting point.The ferronickel product was recovered by means of a magnetic separator from semi-molten slag and metal after water quenching.To increase the efficiency of magnetic separation, a large particle size of ferronickel is desired.Therefore, in this study, the influences of CaO, CaF_2, and H_3BO_3 additives on the evolution of ferronickel particle at ≤1250℃ were investigated.The experiments were conducted at 900–1250℃ with the addition of CaO,CaF_2, and H_3BO_3.The reduction processes were carried out in a horizontal tube furnace for 2 h under argon atmosphere.At 1250℃, with the CaO addition of 10 wt% of the ore weight, ferronickel particles with size of 20 μm were obtained.The ferronickel particle size increased to 165μm by adding 10 wt% CaO and 10 wt% CaF_2.The addition of boric acid further increased the ferronickel particle size to 376 μm, as shown by the experiments with the addition of 10 wt% CaO, 10 wt% CaF_2, and 10 wt% H_3BO_3.     

In situ reaction mechanism of MgAlON in Al–Al_2O_3–MgO composites at 1700°C under flowing N_2

The Al–Al_2O_3–MgO composites with added aluminum contents of approximately 0wt%, 5wt%, and 10wt%, named as M_1, M_2, and M_3, respectively, were prepared at 1700°C for 5 h under a flowing N_2 atmosphere using the reaction sintering method. After sintering, the Al–Al_2O_3–MgO composites were characterized and analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results show that specimen M_1 was composed of MgO and MgAl_2O_4. Compared with specimen M_1, specimens M_2 and M_3 possessed MgAlON, and its production increased with increasing aluminum addition. Under an N_2 atmosphere, MgO, Al_2O_3, and Al in the matrix of specimens M_2 and M_3 reacted to form MgAlON and AlN-polytypoids, which combined the particles and the matrix together and imparted the Al–Al_2O_3–MgO composites with a dense structure. The mechanism of MgAlON synthesis is described as follows. Under an N_2 atmosphere, the partial pressure of oxygen is quite low; thus, when the Al–Al_2O_3–MgO composites were soaked at 580°C for an extended period, aluminum metal was transformed into AlN. With increasing temperature, Al_2O_3 diffused into AlN crystal lattices and formed AlN-polytypoids; however, MgO reacted with Al_2O_3 to form MgAl_2O_4. When the temperature was greater than(1640 ± 10)°C, AlN diffused into Al_2O_3 and formed spinel-structured AlON. In situ MgAlON was acquired through a solid-solution reaction between AlON and Mg Al_2O_4 at high temperatures because of their similar spinel structures.     

Fabrication of Fe–TiC–Al2O3 composites on the surface of steel using a TiO2–Al–C–Fe combustion reaction induced by gas tungsten arc cladding

The aim of the present study was to fabricate Fe–TiC–Al₂O₃ composites on the surface of medium carbon steel. For this purpose, TiO₂–3C and 3TiO₂–4Al–3C–xFe (0 ≤ x ≤ 4.6 by mole) mixtures were pre-placed on the surface of a medium carbon steel plate. The mixtures and substrate were then melted using a gas tungsten arc cladding process. The results show that the martensite forms in the layer produced by the TiO₂–3C mixture. However, ferrite–Fe₃C–TiC phases are the main phases in the microstructure of the clad layer produced by the 3TiO₂–4Al–3C mixture. The addition of Fe to the TiO₂–4Al–3C reactants with the content from 0 to 20wt% increases the volume fraction of particles, and a composite containing approximately 9vol% TiC and Al₂O₃ particles forms. This composite substantially improves the substrate hardness. The mechanism by which Fe particles enhance the TiC + Al₂O₃ volume fraction in the composite is determined.     

Effect of Y_2O_3 content in the pack mixtures on microstructure and oxidation resistance of B–Y modified silicide coating

B–Y modified silicide coatings were prepared on Nb–Si based alloy by pack cementation at 1300 ℃ for 10 h. The effect of Y_2O_3 content in the pack mixtures on microstructure and oxidation resistance of the coatings was investigated. The results show that the four coatings have similar structures, which possess a(Nb,X)Si_2 outer layer and a(Nb,X)_5Si_3 transitional layer. Y_2O_3 content in the pack mixtures has an obvious effect on the Si content in the coating. The mass gains of the coatings prepared with 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 wt% Y_2O_3 in pack mixtures are 2.33, 1.96, 2.05 and 2.86 mg/cm~2 after oxidation at 1250 ℃ for 100 h, respectively. The coating prepared with 1 wt% Y_2O_3 exhibits the best oxidation resistance due to the formation of a dense glass-like borosilicate scale.     

Molecular characterization of GmNHX2, a Na＋/H＋ antiporter gene homolog from soybean,and its heterolosous expression to improve salt tolerance in Arabidopsis

Na＋/H＋ antiporters have been well documented to enhance plant salt tolerance by regulating cellular ion homeostasis. Here, a putative Na＋/H＋ antiporter gene homolog GmNHX2 from soybean was cloned and predicted to encode a protein of 534 amino acids with 10 putative transmembrane domains. GmNHX2 was expressed in all soybean plant tissues but enriched in roots and its expression was induced by NaCI and polyethylene glycol （PEG） treatments. GmNHX2 exhibits greater sequence similarity with LeNHX2 and AtNHX6 than that of AtNHX1 and AtSOS1. Although phylogenetic analysis clustered GmNHX2 with organellar （tonoplast and vesicles） antiporters, the GmNHX2-EGFP （enhanced green fluorescent protein） fusion protein was possibly localized in the plasma membrane or organelle membrane of transgenic plant cells, Furthermore, transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing GmNHX2 were more tolerant to high NaCl concentrations during germination and seedling stages when compared with wild-type plants. These results suggest that GmNHX2 is a membrane Na＋/H＋ antiporter and may function to regulate ion homeostasis under salt stress.     

Activity coefficient of NiO in SiO2-saturated MnO–SiO2slag and Al2O3-saturated MnO–SiO2–Al2O3slag at 1623 K

As a part of the fundamental study related to the reduction smelting of spent lithium-ion batteries and ocean polymetallic nodules based on MnO–SiO₂slags,this work investigated the activity coefficient of NiO in SiO₂-saturated Mn O–Si O₂slag and Al₂O₃-saturated Mn O–SiO₂–Al₂O₃slag at 1623 K with controlled oxygen partial pressure levels of 10^-7,10^-6,and 10^-5Pa.Results showed that the solubility of nickel oxide in the slags increased with increasing oxygen partial pressure.The nickel in the Mn O–Si O₂slag and Mn O–Si O₂–Al₂O₃slag existed as Ni O under experimental conditions.The addition of Al₂O₃in the Mn O–Si O₂slag decreased the dissolution of nickel in the slag and increased the activity coefficient of Ni O.Furthermore,the activity coefficient of Ni O(γN_(i O)),which is solid Ni O,in the Si O₂saturated Mn O–Si O₂slag and Al₂O₃saturated Mn O–Si O₂–Al₂O₃slag at 1623 K can be respectively calculated asγN_(i O)=8.58w(Ni O)+3.18 andγN_(i O)=11.06w(Ni O)+4.07,respectively,where w(Ni O)is the Ni O mass fraction in the slag.