Adam Piasecki

The sol–gel approach as a method of synthesis of xMgO·ySiO2 powder with defined physicochemical properties including crystalline structure

The physicochemical properties of synthetic powders depend strongly on the method of their preparation. The present work concerns the use of the sol–gel method to prepare xMgO·ySiO2 powders with defined physicochemical and structural properties. An important objective was to determine how the basic process parameters (including the type and concentration of the reactants) influence the physicochemical properties of the resulting material. To obtain a synthetic powders, organic precursors of magnesium (magnesium ethoxide), and silicon (tetraethoxysilane) were used. Selected products were subjected to calcination to identify the crystalline structure of the powders and to determine the impact of the proposed method of preparation on this parameter. This aspect of the research will significantly improve the range of application of the manufactured products. The powders obtained by the proposed method were thoroughly analyzed in terms of chemical composition, crystalline structure, morphology and nature of dispersion, parameters of porous structure, and thermal as well as electrokinetic properties. The sol–gel process proved very effective in the synthesis of highly active powders, as evidenced by the very high values obtained for the products’ surface area. It was also confirmed that the physicochemical parameters are strongly dependent on the mass ratio of the reactants and on the method of final treatment of the precipitates.

Fluoroalkylsilane versus alkylsilane as hydrophobic agents for silica and silicates

Hydrophobic powders were obtained via surface modification of silica or magnesium silicate with selected silanes. A modified precipitation method, carried out in an emulsion system, was used for monodisperse silica synthesis, while magnesium silicate was precipitated in a traditional water system. Functionalization of the obtained inorganic supports was performed with selected alkylsilanes: one newly synthesized, 3-(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentyloxy)propyltriethoxysilane (OPF), and two commercial, octadecylsilane (ODS) and octyltriethoxysilane C14H32O3Si (OCS), in amounts of 3, 5, or 10 weight parts by mass of SiO2. It was determined how the chemical modification of the silica or magnesium silicate surface affected its physicochemical properties. The dispersive characteristics of both unmodified and functionalized silica-based systems were evaluated. The morphology and microstructure of the samples obtained were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The parameters of porous structure of the prepared systems were evaluated on the basis of BET equation as well as nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. Wettability tests as well as elemental analysis of the obtained inorganic oxide hybrids were also performed. In order to verify the effectiveness of silica and magnesium silicate surface functionalization with selected silanes, FTIR spectra were investigated. The resulting experimental data allowed calculation of the degree of coverage of the silica-based systems with modifying agents.

Polyethylene green composites modified with post agricultural waste filler: thermo-mechanical and damping properties

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine thermo-mechanical properties and applicability of sunflower husk waste as a filler for ultra low density polyethylene composites. The post agricultural waste filler was milled and chemically treated with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (3-APS). The amount of filler used was 5, 10 and 20 wt%. The mechanical and thermal properties of the composites containing unmodified and modified natural fillers were determined in the course of static tensile test, rebound resilience by Schob method, and dynamic mechanic thermal analysis. The influence of filler loading and chemical modification of the filler on the morphology of natural composites was evaluated by SEM analysis.

The influence of sodium chlorides fog on corrosion resistance of heat exchangers used in automotive

Abstract In the work, the most important factors which influence on the exploitative durability of heat exchangers are classified. Particular attention was paid to the compounds of sodium chloride used in the winter season for road maintenance. In order to determine their impact on automotive heat exchanger corrosion resistance, a test of heaters in a salt chamber which imitates the conditions of their work was realized. It also allows to verify the durability of these products. To evaluate the corrosion changes, observation with the use of light microscopy and scanning microscopy SEM were made supplemented with microanalysis of chemical composition by EDS spectroscopy method. Critical areas in the heat exchangers which are mostly exposed to damage including the formation of local corrosion pits were located and analyzed.

Laser alloying of bearing steel with boron and self-lubricating addition

Abstract 100CrMnSi6-4 bearing steel has been widely used for many applications, e.g. rolling bearings which work in difficult operating conditions. Therefore, this steel has to be characterized by special properties such as high wear resistance and high hardness. In this study laser-boriding was applied to improve these properties. Laser alloying was conducted as the two step process with two different types of alloying material: amorphous boron only and amorphous boron with addition of calcium fluoride CaF2. At first, the surface was coated with paste including alloying material. Second step of the process consisted in laser re-melting. The surface of sample, coated with the paste, was irradiated by the laser beam. In this study, TRUMPF TLF 2600 Turbo CO2 laser was used. The microstructure, microhardness and wear resistance of both laser-borided layer and laser-borided layer with the addition of calcium fluoride were investigated. The layer, alloyed with boron and CaF2, was characterized by higher wear resistance than the layer after laser boriding only.

Diffusion Niobizing of Titanium Grade 2 by Gas-Contact Method

The work presents results of diffusion niobizing of titanium Grade 2 by gas-contact method. Microhardness, thickness, chemical composition and microstructure were investigation. Diffusion processes was carried out in a two powder mixture. First consisted of ferro-niobium, kaolin and ammonium chloride, second mixture contained pure niobium instead ferro-niobium. The processes were carried out at 950°C, 1000°C and 1050°C for 2, 4 and 6 hours. Due to the geometric surface structure quality and other properties like thickness or microhardness, the best diffusion layer was obtained using first powder mixture and following parameters: temperature 950°C and time of diffusion equal 2 hours. The diffusion layer established in these conditions, had structure of niobium solution in titanium, and niobium content of about 10%. Its hardness was 550 HV0.05 while thickness was 120 μm.