Effects of varying oxygen partial pressure on molten silicon-ceramic substrate interactions

The silicon sessile drop contact angle was measured on hot pressed silicon nitride, silicon nitride coated on hot pressed silicon nitride, silicon carbon coated on graphite, and on Sialon to determine the degree to which silicon wets these substances. The post-sessile drop experiment samples were sectioned and photomicrographs were taken of the silicon-substrate interface to observe the degree of surface dissolution and degradation. Of these materials, silicon did not form a true sessile drop on the SiC on graphite due to infiltration of the silicon through the SiC coating, nor on the Sialon due to the formation of a more-or-less rigid coating on the liquid silicon. The most wetting was obtained on the coated Si3N4 with a value of 42 deg. The oxygen concentrations in a silicon ribbon furnace and in a sessile drop furnace were measured using the protable thoria-yttria solid solution electrolyte oxygen sensor. Oxygen partial pressures of 10 to the minus 7 power atm and 10 to the minus 8 power atm were obtained at the two facilities. These measurements are believed to represent nonequilibrium conditions

Study program to develop and evaluate die and container materials for the growth of silicon ribbons

The development and evaluation of proprietary coatings of pure silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and aluminum nitride on less pure hot pressed substrates of the respective ceramic materials, is described. Silicon sessile drop experiments were performed on coated test specimens under controlled oxygen partial pressure. Prior to testing, X-ray diffraction and SEM characterization was performed. The reaction interfaces were characterized after testing with optical and scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy. Increasing the oxygen partial pressure was found to increase the molten silicon contact angle, apparently because adsorbed oxygen lowers the solid-vapor interfacial free energy. It was also found that adsorbed oxygen increased the degree of attack of molten silicon upon the chemical vapor deposited coatings. Cost projections show that reasonably priced, coated, molten silicon resistant refractory material shapes are obtainable

Cognitive abilities that predict success in a computer-based training program.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were (a) to identify cognitive abilities and other factors related to successful completion of training for computer-based tasks that simulated real jobs and (b) to create a brief assessment battery useful in assessing older adults for these kinds of jobs. DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants from three age groups (young, middle-aged, and older) completed a battery of cognitive measures. They then trained on one of three computer-based tasks that simulated actual jobs and were asked to perform the tasks for 3 days. We recorded whether they completed training and whether and how well they did the tasks. In a series of logistic regressions, we evaluated the ability of a subset of cognitive measures drawn from a larger battery to predict participants\u27 ability to successfully complete training and go on to task performance. RESULTS: Results confirmed theory-based expectations that measures of domain knowledge, crystallized intelligence, memory, and psychomotor speed would predict success in computer-based activities. A brief battery was able to predict older adults\u27 successful completion of training for one task but was less useful for another. IMPLICATIONS: A brief battery of cognitive measures may be useful in evaluating individuals for job selection. Different measures are related to job-related criteria depending on task and group evaluated, although it was not possible to identify a reduced battery for one task. The specific cognitive abilities related to participants\u27 success have implications for task and interface design for the elderly population

Dense Chromium Sesquioxide

A sintered, fine grained, polycrystalline, essentially fully dense, essentially single phase Cr2O3 body is prepared by sintering Chromium Sesquioxide (Cr2O3) at essentially the equilibrium oxygen partial pressure (PO2) for the formation of CrO 3 from its elements at the sintering temperature. To achieve optimum theoretical density a second metal oxide dopant such as MgO, capable of controlling the grain size, is added. In addition, Cr2O3 bodies are rendered more stable, and thus have a longer life, by maintaining over the body an atmosphere which is essentially equilibrium Po, for the formation of Cr2O3, from its elements at that temperature

Electron Emitter Tips and Method

Boron is deposited on the (110) plane facet at the center of a tungsten electron emitter tip by chemical vapor deposition of boron triiodide. The emission current density is greatest in the center of the emitting area (FIG. 2)

A preliminary study of the effect of heat treatment on the strength and microstructure of a glass-ceramic material

The strength and microstructure of a glass-ceramic material of the composition 53 percent SiO₂, 19 percent Al₂O₃, 15 percent MgO, and 13 percent Li₂O were studied. Cylindrical specimens of glass were formed and heat-treated to six different temperature levels for various time periods. The method of strength testing used was a diametral compression loading technique. It was found that the strength of this material increased initially with heat-treatment but then decreased. The strength characteristics of the completely crystallized glass ceramic material were found to be dependent on the initial nucleation period. Some factors which influenced anomalous crystal growth are described. The relationship of stress and nucleation in this study is discussed. Mechanisms of nucleation and crystallization were observed by transmitted and reflected light microscopy. The phases at various time periods were determined by X-ray diffraction, and the changes in softening characteristics were recorded by means of thermal dilatometer tests --Abstract, page ii

Structural Ceramic Incorporating Boron Carbide Whiskers for the Strengthening Thereof

Ceramic composites, and in particular structural ceramic composites, have enhanced strength, toughness and abrasion resistance due to the presence of up to about 40 volume percent of relatively large boron carbide whiskers. Although whiskers of various sizes were studied, those of particular interest are whiskers having an average diameter greater than about 3 micrometers, and particularly about 5 to about 8 micrometers, with an average aspect ratio of about 50. Due to the larger size, which had been predicted to be detrimental, there is less respiratory health risk when using these whiskers in the manufacturing of thse improved ceramic composites. Since boron carbide whiskers have many properties superior to silicon carbide whiskers, the most common strengthening agent, the findings should lead to several improved ceramic composites

Magnetic Properties of Cadmium Manganese Ferrite

The room-temperature saturation magnetization of CdxMn1-xFe2O4 decreased with increasing cadmium concentration. When 0 \u3c x \u3c 0.5, the decrease in saturation magnetization was due to the increase in the amount of non-mgnetic distorted cubic Cd(Mn, Fe) 2O4