Abstract:
A silicon nitride sintered body has a composition consisting essentially of 85 to 94 % by weight β silicon nitride, 6 to 15 % by weight grain boundary phase consisting essentially of (i) at least two rare earth elements, wherein yttrium is considered a rare earth, and, optionally, strontium which, calculated as SrO, is 0-2 percent by weight of the total body, and (ii) at least two of Si, N, O and C, and an additive consisting essentially of a metal-carbon compound present in the amount of about 0.2 to 3.5 % by volume. The additive is substantially homogeneously dispersed within the sintered body. The sintered body has a density at least 95 % of theoretical and the ceramic has high strength and high toughness and is especially suited for industrial applications such as components for gas turbine and automotive engines. The sintered body has a microstructure wherein (i) the β silicon nitride grains are acicular and have an average grain width ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 νm, (ii) at least 25 % of the grains have width greater than 0.7 νm,, and at least 10 % of the grains have width greater than 1 νm, and (iii) no more than 5 % of grains have width greater than 3.5 νm and apparent aspect ratio greater than 5, with the proviso that the average aspect ratio is at least 1.8.
Abstract:
A lanthanum chromite ceramic powder mixture that consists essentially of 1 mol of LaCr1-xMxO3, where M is a divalent metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium and mixtures thereof and x ranges from 0.03 to 0.3; y mols of B2O3, where y ranges from 0.005 to 0.04; and z mols of La2O3, where the ratio z/y ranges from 1.1 to 3. The mixture is formed into powder compacts and sintered to near full density at temperatures as low as 1400 °C.
Abstract:
L'invention se rapporte à un mélange de poudres de céramique au chromite de lanthane, qui est constitué essentiellement par 1 mole de LaCr1-xMxO3, où M représente un métal bivalent choisi dans le groupe du magnésium, du calcium et de mélanges de ceux-ci et x est compris entre 0,03 et 0,3; y moles de B2O3, où y est compris entre 0,005 et 0,04; et z moles de La2O3, où le rapport z/y est compris entre 1,1 et 3. Ce mélange est produit sous la forme de comprimés de poudre et il est fritté à des températures aussi basses que 1400 °C jusqu'à présenter une compacité presque totale.
Abstract:
A radial planar fuel cell stack comprises an internal manifold having a first interior cavity and a second interior cavity. A plurality of single cells having an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an electrolyte layer therebetween are disposed about the manifold. A manifold bracket operatively fixes the manifold to at least one of the single cells. The manifold bracket describes a channel in communication with at least one of the first and second interior cavities. A porous element is disposed in the channel and ensures uniform distribution of gases over 360°.
Abstract:
A fuel cell stack is based on solid electrolytes, such as the oxygen-ion conducting solid oxide fuel cells and the proton conducting ceramic or polymer membrane fuel cells. The fuel cell has a radial, coflow planar stack with an integral, internal manifold and tubular porous elements for controlling the rate and uniformity of the radial fuel and oxidant fluid flows. Such construction minimizes the extent of sealing that may be required and provides for easy manifolding of stack arrays. In addition, the fuel cell construction has the potential for high mass and volume specific power densities and low fabrication costs.
Abstract:
A lanthanum chromite ceramic powder consisting essentially of 1 mol of LaCr1-xMxO3, where M is a divalent metal selected from the group of zinc, copper and mixtures thereof and x ranges from about 0.02 to 0.2, y mols of B2O3, where y ranges from 0.0005 to 0.04, and z mols of La2O3, where the ratio z/y ranges from 1 to 3, the powder is sintered to high density by firing a compact thereof at a temperature of about 1400 °C in air or other atmosphere, and is particularly suited for use as interconnect material for solid oxide fuel cells.
Abstract:
A sinter-reactive lanthanum chromite powder is prepared from the lanthanum chromite precursor LaCr1-xMxO3 (Adsorbate). The powder is crystalline, has the formula LaCr1-xMxO3, where M is selected from the group consisting of zinc, copper and mixtures thereof and x ranges from about 0.02 to 0.2, and sinters to densities higher than about 95 % of theoretical density at a temperature as low as 1400 °C in oxidizing atmospheres. Sintering to such high density at temperatures in the vicinity of 1400 °C makes the powder particularly suited for use as interconnect material for solid oxide fuel cells.
Abstract:
A process is comprised of continuously producing a fine ceramic powder by drying at supercritical conditions. The feed is a sol of ceramic oxides or hydrous oxides which is continuously pressurized and heated to in excess of the critical temperature and pressure of the sol solvent. The solvent transforms to a gas and separates from the fine particulate ceramic oxide powder, which remains in a highly divided state.