National Institute Of Materials Physics - Romania

The Ni49+xMn32-2xGa19+x (x = 0; 2) Heusler ferromagnetic shape memory alloys were prepared using spark plasma sintering using raw flake-type powders obtained by soft grinding melt-spun ribbons. Samples were characterized using x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, thermal analysis, and bending tests. Although the properties of ribbons and corresponding powders show similar properties' tendencies, they are opposite in the bulk sintered alloys when compared with precursor powders. Namely, Ni49Mn32Ga19 bulk shows a higher enthalpy (5.8 J g-1), an increased martensitic transformation (MT) temperature (by 9 K), and a reduced hysteresis span (5 K). Conversely, for the Ni51Mn28Ga21 sintered sample, a lower enthalpy (2 J g-1), a significant decrease (by 40 K) in the MT starting temperature, and a broadening of the hysteresis range (26 K) were observed. This difference is analyzed versus specific features of the microstructure. Moreover, the activation energy and the pre-exponential factor of the MT, extracted through kinetic analysis within two non-isothermal models, Kissinger and Friedman, complement and sustain these findings. Fractography details of the sintered samples are discussed in relation to the stress-strain curves from the bending tests. The Ni49Mn32Ga19 bulk sample exhibits a higher bending strength (260 MPa) and a lower strain (0.55%) than the Ni51Mn28Ga21 sample (177 MPa and 0.61%). The observed dependence of functional characteristics on preparation enables the possibility of property control required for various applications and suggests that the proposed route is promising in this regard for further investigations.

A multiphase high-entropy diboride (Ti0.25Ta0.25Hf0.25Zr0.25)B2 is obtained by spark plasma sintering from a mixture of single-metal diborides. The as-prepared material at the microscale can be defined as a composite where grains of a Ta-rich/Ti-poor complex diboride phase are the reinforcement and grains of Ta-poor/Ti-rich complex diboride are the matrix. However, at the nanoscale, the grains are heterogeneous, composed of regions with a multitude of complex diboride compositions. The interface between nanoregions is compositionally graded and has an irregular shape. The four-metal diboride shows a deformation-resistant mechanism under bending load. A strengthening process is active, increasing the room temperature bending strength (326 MPa) by approximate to 50% at 1800 degrees C (488 MPa). A ductile behavior with a deformation strain of approximate to 7.5% is observed at 2000 degrees C while bending strength (407 MPa) is approximate to 25% above the value at room temperature. At 2000 degrees C, observation of dislocations propagating from one compositional nanoregion to another and with a different density suggests dislocation contribution, first of all, to plasticity. The peculiar heterogeneity of this material at nano- and microscales is considered the reason for the remarkable mechanical response to bending load at different temperatures.

The search for advanced materials has been growing, and high entropy alloys (HEAs) are emerging as promising candidates for application in the fusion domain. This work investigates the effect of Cr on the FeTaTiW medium entropy alloy to form (CrFeTaTi)70W30 high entropy alloy, comparing the experimental production and characterization with the simulation (molecular dynamics and hybrid molecular dynamics-Monte Carlo) of the phases formed. The alloys were produced by mechanical alloying and sintered by spark plasma sintering. Both simulations have shown that a body-centered cubic structure is formed for both compositions. Monte Carlo simulation provides a more precise prediction of microstructural formation and element segregation. Microstructural examination of the consolidated material revealed the presence of a W-rich phase and a Ti-rich phase, consistent with the phase separation observed in the MC simulations. Moreover, X-ray diffraction analysis of the milled powder for FeTaTiW and (CrFeTaTi)70W30 confirmed the formation of a bcc (body-centered cubic)-type structure with a low fraction of intermetallic phases. Mechanical testing showed ductile behavior at 1000 degrees C where (CrFeTaTi)70W30 showed a stress magnitude almost double that of FeTaTiW. Additionally, the thermal diffusivity between 20 and 1000 degrees C of both alloys increases as the temperature rises. (CrFeTaTi)70W30 exhibits an increase from 3 to 5 mm2/s, while FeTaTiW increases from 4 to 9 mm2/s. Still, both system's thermal diffusivity values are lower than those of CuCrZr and pure tungsten. Despite this, the study underscores the promising attributes of HEAs and highlights areas for further optimization to enhance its suitability for extreme conditions.

The field of newly developed two-dimensional (2D) materials with low symmetry and structural in-plane anisotropic properties has grown rapidly in recent years. The phosphorene analog of group IV monochalcogenides is a prominent subset of this group that has attracted a lot of attention because of its unique in-plane anisotropic electronic and optical properties, crystalline symmetries, abundance in the earth's crust, and environmental friendliness. This article presents a review of the latest research advancements concerning 2D group IV monochalcogenides. It begins with an exploration of the crystal structures of these materials, alongside their optical and electronic properties. The review continues by discussing the various techniques employed for the synthesis of layered group IV monochalcogenides, including both bottom-up methods such as vapor-phase deposition and top-down techniques like mechanical and/or liquid-phase exfoliation. In the final part, the article emphasizes the application of 2D group IV monochalcogenides, particularly in the fields of photocatalysis, photodetectors, nonlinear optics, sensors, batteries, and photovoltaic cells.

In recent decades, magnetic hyperthermia (MH) has gained considerable scientific interest in cancer treatment due to its ability to heat tumor tissues deeply localized inside the body. Functionalizing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with vector molecules via specific organic molecules that coat the particle surface has enabled targeting particular tissues, thereby increasing the specificity of MH. MH relies on applying radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields to a magnetic nanoparticle distribution injected in a tumor tissue. The RF field energy is converted into thermal energy through specific relaxation mechanisms and magnetic hysteresis-driven processes. This increases the tumor tissue temperature over the physiological threshold, triggering a series of cellular apoptosis processes. Additionally, the mechanical effects of low-frequency AC fields on anisotropic MNPs have been shown to be highly effective in disrupting the functional cellular components. From the macroscopic perspective, a crucial parameter measuring the efficiency of magnetic nanoparticle systems in MH is the specific absorption rate (SAR). This parameter is experimentally evaluated by different calorimetric and magnetic techniques and methodologies, which have specific drawbacks and may induce significant errors. From a microscopic perspective, MH relies on localized thermal and kinetic effects in the nanoparticle proximity environment. Studying MH at the cellular level has become a focused research topic in the last decade. In the context of these two perspectives, inevitable questions arise: could the thermal and kinetic effects exhibited at the cellular scale be linked by the macroscopic SAR parameter, or should we find new formulas for quantifying them? The present work offers a general perspective of MH, highlighting the experimental pitfalls encountered in SAR evaluation and motivating the necessity of standardizing the devices and protocols involved. It also discusses the challenges that arise in MH performance evaluation at the cellular level.

Nuclear fusion is a promising energy source. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor aims to study the feasibility of tokamak-type reactors and test technologies and materials for commercial use. One major challenge is developing materials for the reactor's divertor, which supports high thermal flux. Tungsten was chosen as the plasma-facing material, while a CuCrZr alloy will be used in the cooling pipes. However, the gradient between the working temperatures of these materials requires the use of a thermal barrier interlayer between them. To this end, refractory high-entropy (CrFeTiTa)70W30 and VFeTiTaW alloys were prepared by mechanical alloying and sintering, and their thermal and irradiation resistance was evaluated. Both alloys showed phase growth after annealing at 1100 degrees C for 8 days, being more pronounced for higher temperatures (1300 degrees C and 1500 degrees C). The VFeTiTaW alloy presented greater phase growth, suggesting lower microstructural stability, however, no new phases were formed. Both (as-sintered) alloys were irradiated with Ar+ (150 keV) with a fluence of 2.4 x 1020 at/m2, as well as He+ (10 keV) and D+ (5 keV) both with a fluence of 5 x 1021 at/m2. The morphology of the surface of both samples was analyzed before and after irradiation showing no severe morphologic changes, indicating high irradiation resistance. Additionally, the VFeTiTaW alloy presented a lower deuterium retention (8.58%) when compared to (CrFeTiTa)70W30 alloy (14.41%).

A methodology for the quantitative estimation of the drug loading of iron oxide-based magnetic nanoparticles by corroborating magnetometry and M & ouml;ssbauer spectroscopy investigations is reported. The proposed methodology is exemplified in the case of two series of nanoparticles, namely Fe3O4 nanoparticles covered with citric acid molecules and further functionalized with doxorubicin, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles covered with L-Cysteine molecules and further functionalized with doxorubicin. The general idea of the proposed methodology is to probe the real magnetic structure of the magnetic core via low-temperature M & ouml;ssbauer spectroscopy for the correct estimation of the spontaneous magnetization of the magnetic core. It subsequently uses the ratio between the spontaneous magnetization of the covered nanoparticles and that of the magnetic core for the reliable and nondestructive evaluation of the nanoparticle loading by organic molecules. Although the methodology is exemplified in the case of magnetite-based nanoparticles, it can be successfully considered for a large class of medicine-loaded Fe-containing magnetic nanoparticles where 57Fe M & ouml;ssbauer spectroscopy can be applied.

The paper presents the features of the magnetization decay of proton-irradiated MgB2 bulk samples. Irradiation was performed with protons of energies between 8.6 and 15.07 MeV at different fluences. The creep activation energy is sensitive to the ratio between proton range and sample thickness. Experimental data show that the creep exponents are different from the theoretical predictions. When the proton range is shorter than the sample thickness (protons of 8.6 MeV), the thermomagnetic instabilities are strongly emphasized and affect the creep behavior.

Tungsten-copper (W-Cu) composites have a wide range of engineering applications, from arc-resistant electrodes and high-voltage electrical contacts to heat sinks for integrated circuits and plasma-facing components for fusion reactors. They combine high corrosion and erosion resistance, very good thermal and electrical conductivity, low thermal expansion, with good mechanical properties. However, the fabrication of such materials is limited in terms of shape complexity and the internal distribution of the individual phases. Furthermore, the dissimilar thermo-mechanical properties (melting temperature, thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion) of the constituent phases impose severe constraints on the fabrication and use of W-Cu composites. To overcome the challenges of component design and enable greater freedom in terms of composition, W-Cu composites were produced by a combination of additive manufacturing and liquid-melt infiltration (LMI). Porous W-lattice structures were manufactured by laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) followed by infiltration with molten Cu. A series of composites was produced with Cu contents from 3 to 75 vol% and evaluated in terms of thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. The LPBF-LMI W-Cu composites exhibited comparable thermo-mechanical properties to W-Cu materials manufactured using powder-metallurgical processing, but with an expanded composition range and shape complexity. Lower thermal expansion coefficients (4.5-5.8 x 10-6 K- 1) and an improved thermal stability of the Young's modulus, only a 27-33 GPa decline in the range 27-827 degrees C, were observed for all the compositions, which was ascribed to the W-phase connectivity in all the W-Cu composites, independent of the volume fraction of Cu.

By experiment we evaluated the longitudinal magnetostriction on cylindrical samples of MnZn ferrite. Starting from the idea that the magnetostriction phenomenon is closely related to the magnetization phenomenon of the ferromagnetic sample, by plotting the magnetostriction curve it is possible to extract the magnetization curve of the ferromagnetic material and to evaluate the saturation magnetization of the material and the demagnetizing factor of the sample. At the same time, the paper suggests a way to study the dynamics of the movement of the magnetic domain walls in the sample, by examining the resonance curve at each point on the magnetization curve.