Iranian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering

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gasification (BBLG). One particularly harsh application is linings for gasifiers used in the treatment of black liquor (BL). Black liquor is a water solution of the non-cellulose portion of the wood (mainly lignin) and the spent pulping chemicals (Na2CO3, K2CO3, and Na2S). Development of new refractory materials for the black liquor gasification (BLG) application is a critical issue for implementation of this technology. FactSage® thermodynamic software was used to analyze the phases present in BL smelt and to predict the interaction of BL smelt with different refractory compounds. The modeling included prediction of the phases formed under the operating conditions of high temperature black liquor gasification (BLG) process. At the operating temperature of the BLG, FactSage® predicted that the water would evaporate from the BL and that the organic portion of BL would combust, leaving a black liquor smelt composed of sodium carbonate (70-75%), potassium carbonate (2-5%), and sodium sulfide (20-25%). Exposure of aluminosilicates to this smelt leads to significant corrosion due to formation of expansive phases with subsequent cracking and spalling. Oxides (ZrO2, CeO2, La2O3, Y2O3, Li2O, MgO and CaO) were determined to be resistant to black liquor smelt but non-oxides (SiC and Si3N4) would oxidize and dissolve in the smelt. The other candidates such as MgAl2O4 and BaAl2O4 were resistant to sodium carbonate but not to potassium carbonate. LiAlO2 was stable with both sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate. Candidate materials selected on the basis of the thermodynamic calculations are being tested by sessile drop test for corrosion resistance to molten black liquor smelt. Sessile drop testing has confirmed the thermodynamic predictions for Al2O3, CeO2, MgO and CaO. Sessile drop testing showed that the thermodynamic predictions were incorrect for ZrO2.

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In the present research work physical, mechanical and tribological behavior of Aluminum (Al) alloy LM13 reinforced with Nano-sized Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) particulates were fabricated, mechanical and tribological properties were investigated. The amount of nano TiO₂ particulates in the composite was added from 0.5% to 2% in 0.5 weight percent (wt %) increments. The Al-LM13-TiO₂ Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) were prepared through the liquid metallurgical method by following the stir casting process. The different types of Al LM13-TiO₂ specimens were prepared for conduction of Physical, Mechanical, and Tribological characteristics by ASTM standards. Microstructural images, hardness, tensile, and wear test results were used to evaluate the effect of TiO₂ addition to Al LM13. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) were used to examine the microstructure and distribution of particulates in the matrix alloy. In the Al LM13 matrix, microstructure analysis indicates a consistent distribution of reinforced nanoparticles. The attributes of the MMCs, including density, hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance, were improved by adding up to 1 wt% TiO₂. Fractured surfaces of tensile test specimens were studied using SEM pictures.  The standard pin-on-disc tribometer device was used to conduct the wear experiments; the tribological characteristics of unreinforced matrix and TiO₂ reinforced composites were investigated. The composites’ wear resistance was increased by adding up to 1 wt% of TiO₂.  The wear height loss of Al LM13-TiO₂ composite increased when the sliding distance and applied load were increased. Overall, the Al LM13 with one wt% of TiO₂ MMCs showed excellent Physical, Mechanical and Tribological characteristics among all the percentages considered in the present study.