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By Raj P. Singh

Two design-of-experiments studies were carried out to investigate the leaching of technical grade molybdenum tri-oxide (TGM) in the presence of hydrochloric acid and the mother liquor of ammonium di-molybdate crystallization used as an ammonia source. Results indicated that leaching of TGM in HCl is possible only when used at about 1N concentration. In high concentrations of HCl, technical grade MoO3 had very high solubility (7.5 to 40 g/L Mo). The most suitable conditions for HCl leaching of TGM were obtained at a slightly elevated temperature of 80°C. Using about 1N HCl at 80°C, potassium in the leached solids (TGM) decreased to about 110 ppm, a value typically obtained in TGM leached in HNO3 - NH4NO3media (3.5 - 4.0 moles /L HNO3 + 0.5 ? 1.0 moles/L NH4NO3). Mo losses under these conditions were 0.8-0.9 g/L Mo. The HCl-leach method, presented here-in, has a significant advantage in chemical cost and environmental benefits over HNO3 ? NH4NO3 purification method.

Jan 1, 2006

By Lauri Pajunen

DSA-anodes are widely used in metal electrowinning. In zinc electrowinning the electrolyte solution contains manganese ions, and the deposition of manganese dioxide happens on the anode. This manganese dioxide layer cannot be removed without losing the active coating of the DSA-anode. The same problem can be found with hybrid anodes. In hybrid anodes mixed metal oxide coated titanium mesh is attached to a lead base material. In this study, the effect of dissolved manganese on anode behaviour is studied with three different anodes. These anodes are lead anode with 0.6% silver, hybrid anode and DSA-mesh. Methods of study include polarization, galvanostatic and potential mapping experiments.

Jan 1, 2003

By Kenji Monden

"In order to obtain basic data for the development of highly thermally conductive composite materials, the thermal conductivity of a resin composite material with an Aluminum Nitride filler was assessed. Several different measurement techniques such as the xenon flash and the temperature wave thermometric analysis method were employed to gather data on these composites. An excellent match between theoretical and experimental data was achieved by employing a predictive expression that takes into account the effect of percolation on thermal conductivity.IntroductionA thermal solution composite is made by incorporating dense inorganic fillers with high thermal conductivity into a resin. Because the composite materials have high thermal conductivities, they have been used in electrical products that generate excessive thermal energy during operation, such as inverters, amplifiers and motor drivers. They function as electrically insulating and thermally conducting parts of the electric modules. As the uses of thermal solutions are expanded, composites of higher thermal conductivities will be required. The aim of this work was to investigate, evaluate, and try to predict the influence of key parameters on thermal conductivity and diffusivity. This was achieved by analyzing the effect of both volume fraction and shape of Aluminum Nitride ceramic fillers and measuring the thermal conductivity. In addition, the influence of percolation on thermal conductivity is considered. The thermal conductivity of the composites is discussed by employing a predictive equation using literature data of thermal conductivities for both the filler and resin. As well as thermal conductivity measurements the effect of volume fraction of the filler was also explored.ExperimentalSpecimen PreparationThe composite samples were prepared from silicone resin and Aluminum Nitride (AlN) fillers. The AlN fillers with an average particle size of 20 µm are shown in Figure 1. The mean diameters of the AlN particles used are given in Table I. For comparison the AlN fillers with an average particle size of 5 µm are shown in Figure 2. A planetary centrifugal mixer was used for simultaneously dispersing the components uniformly and de-aerating the mixture. After mixing, these materials were placed in a silicone rubber case and cured at 150 °C for 1 hour."

Jan 1, 2013

By Moo Eob Choi

The reduction of iron oxide particles by hydrogen is one of the most widely investigated gas-solid reactions. The search for new methods for producing iron by the direct reduction of iron oxide has resulted in a large number of exhaustive studies of the various aspects of this reaction. However, previous studies have largely been done with either pellets or lump ores. Little has been published on the hydrogen reduction of very fine concentrate particles smaller than 37 µm (-400 mesh). The kinetics of hydrogen reduction of fine iron oxide concentrates were investigated in the temperature range of 900 - 1300°C.

Jan 1, 2006

By David C. Lynch

The molecular form of trace elements in matte has been shown to depend on the chemical potential of sulfur and the propensity of the trace element to form a sulfide. Of the four trace elements (As, Sb, Bi and Pb) arsenic and lead behave nearly as opposites, with lead readily forming a sulfide while arsenic forms complexes with free copper and ion in the matte. Antimony and bismuth both display the dissolution characteristics as As and Pb, suggesting that these elements dissolve in matte in multiple forms of significant concentration. While in the present investigation the dissolution characteristics of all four trace elements are examined, the primary focus is on the multiple dissolution behavior of Sb and Bi.

Jan 1, 1995

By Dachun Liu, Wenlong Jiang, Baoqiang Xu, Yongnian Dai, Bin Yang

"In the traditional method for refining of indium, glycerin-KI and glycerin-NH4Cl are used as electrolytes to remove Cd and Tl by electrolytic refining, which produces In with a purity of 99.995%. Large quantities of polluted industrial waste water are the result. It is calculated that the saturated vapor pressure of Cd and Tl are between 1-200 Pa, which is much larger than the vapor pressure of In. Thus, the study of removing Cd and Tl was carried out over the temperature range between 700-950 °C and pressures between 1-15 Pa. After vacuum distillation the contents of Cd and Tl in crude indium could sharply fall below 1 ppm..IntroductionIndium is a is a pale blue and silver white metal, and has high ductility [1-2]. Pure indium is generally used as a raw material to produce semiconductor compounds, fluorescent material and ITO targets [3]. Sublimation, zone melting and electrolytic refining are major methods to produce pure indium from crude indium. Electrolytic refining is the main method to product pure indium at present. High productive efficiency, simplicity of operation and short cycle of production are major advantages. However, glycerin-KI and glycerin-NH4Cl are used to remove Cd and Tl in electrolysis method. Large quantities of polluted industrial waste water are the result[4]."

Jan 1, 2012

By Chuang Y-Y

A summary is made on the thermodynamic analysis for two of the four ternary systems of the quaternary Cu-Fe-Ni-S. The analysis is being extended to ternary Cu-Fe-S and then to the quaternary. An analysis is already made for the metal ternary but is not reported here. Experiment is being carried out to measure the liquidus surface. of Fe-Ni-S equilbrium with the fcc solid solutions of (Fe, Ni). The presentation at the Symposium will include all the results obtained at the time of presentation.

Jan 1, 1983

By Soumendra Basu, Uday Pal, Yang Yu, Srikanth Gopalan, Karl Ludwig, Deniz Cetin, Jacob Davis

"A limiting factor for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) performance is the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode surface. Changes in the surface composition and structure on annealing at 800°C has been studied, since these can influence the ORR. Idealized single crystals of cathode materials La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM) and La1-xSrxCoyFe1-yO3 (LSCF) were grown as heteroepitaxial thin films on lattice matched single crystal substrates. Changes upon heating the films to operating temperature and pressures were characterized using various synchrotron x-ray techniques. Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) measurements, which probe compositional changes, were made at high temperature in real time. The LSM surfaces were found to develop manganese enrichment when heated. Highly strontium doped LSCF were found to develop strontium-rich surfaces. HArd X-ray PhotoElectron Spectroscopy (HAXPES) was used to investigate the electronic structure of the materials. Highly strontium doped LSCF precipitates a surface strontium phase that contains both oxide and carbonate contributions.IntroductionSolid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are chemical to electrical energy conversion devices that could potentially reshape how energy demands are fulfilled. SOFCs have a potential efficiency over 70%, fuel flexibility, low emissions, and low degradation over long time scales. Commonly, SOFCs are operated at high temperatures (above 800°C). At these temperatures expensive housing is needed to contain an operating stack as well as coatings to contain the oxidation of the metallic interconnects. Lowering the temperature of an operating device would allow for more conventional materials to be used, thus lowering overall cost. Understanding the reaction kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction at the surface of the cathode is vital to designing a system that will perform well at lower temperatures. A commercialization goal is to reduce operating temperatures without sacrificing performance.In order to exploit the advantages of SOFCs, an understanding is needed of the surface chemical states of cations on the surface of the cathode and how this relates to the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR):"

Jan 1, 2014

By J. -C. Tedenac, C. Colinet, X. Tao, P. Jund, R. Viennois

"We report an ab-initio study of the stability and electronic properties of transition metal silicides in order to study their potential for high temperature thermoelectric applications. We focus on the family M5Si3 (M = Ta, W) which is stable up to about 2000 °C. We first investigate the structural stability of the two compounds and then determine the thermopower of the equilibrium structure using the electronic density of states and Mott’s law. We find that W5Si3 has a relatively large thermopower but probably not sufficient enough for thermoelectric applications.IntroductionIn the search of new sustainable energies, thermogeneration of electricity is one of the promising ways, notably because it is able to produce electricity from different kinds of heat wastes and to its portability. However, despite recent progress in the field, the state-of-the art materials have specificities making their mass-production difficult or even impossible: toxicity (thallium, chalcogen or/and pnictogen based alloys), weak abundance (tellurium based alloys) or cost (germanium or rare-earth based alloys). For all these reasons, finding thermoelectric materials without these drawbacks is vital if we wish to use high temperature thermoelectricity for generating electricity in the near future. Due to their abundance, low cost and low toxicity, transition metal silicides are candidate materials of primary interest and the slightest advance in this field would immediately find an application for the thermogeneration of electricity."

Jan 1, 2011

By V. Madhusudhan Rao

Fly ash is a finely divide non ? combustible material obtained as a by ? product of coal combustion. It is a major by ? product of coal based thermal power stations. Until recent past it was considered as a waste and highly polluting material. However its formation can only be minimized by using suitable technology in the boilers. In recent past it is found that Fly ash has many end uses and it has proven itself to be a potential construction material. But the suitability of fly ash for various applications largely depends on the amount of unburned carbon, which is turn depends on the firing method. Fly ash samples from various power plants existing in India using a fluidized bed method and pulverized bed were analyzed and a comparison of these two firing methods was carried. This paper deals with the compositional requirements for fly ash used for the fabrication of insulating doors using AAC (Aerated Autoclave Concrete) and the methods employed to make fly ash suitable for this purpose. It also includes the latest ?U? beam technology for effective fly ash recycle. If the by products of coal combustion from power plants like fly ash as the paper stresses are utilized properly, it is not an exaggeration to say that power generation is possible with absolutely zero cost.

Jan 1, 2006

By A. N. Lasseigne

Hydrogenation behavior of the NaAlH4 intermetallics is investigated utilizing thermoelectric power and magnetic analyses. Using both thermoelectric power and magnetic susceptibility measurements on these intermetallics allows for confirmation and further insight into hydrogen's role in altering the material's electronic structure. The electronic and magnetic property correlations will indicate the direction for further alloy development to optimize hydrogen storage.

Jan 1, 2006

By Wen-Ming Chien, Vamsi Krishna Kamisetty, Amrita Mishra, Ivan Gantan, Prathyusha Mekala, Dhanesh Chandra

"The phase equilibrium and characterization studies by using high temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) methods have been performed for binary organic thermal energy storage materials. The organic thermal energy storage materials undergo a solid-solid state phase transition before melting which stores large amounts of thermal energy. Two materials [tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane(TRIS) and 2-Amino-2-methyl-l, 3- propanediol(AMPL)] were used for this study. Binary samples of AMPL-TRIS were prepared to perform high temperature XRD characterization and DSC studies and the binary AMPL-TRIS phase diagram was developed. The high temperature solid-state phases of AMPL and TRIS were characterized as a disordered BCC structure. It was found there is virtually no solubility of TRIS in AMPL or vice versa below -75 °C. The maximum solubility of TRIS in AMPL is 11% TRIS at 75 °C. The eutectoid transformation was shown at 19%TRIS-81%AMPL composition and at a temperature of 75°C. Lattice expansion calculations on single phase of TRIS and AMPL have been performed.IntroductionThermal energy storage materials can store a large amount of heat due to the presence of thermal transitions from the orientationally ordered to disordered phases occurring before melting. These molecules (such as amine and alcohol derivatives of neopentane) can reorient as a whole about the central carbon atom to form orientationally disordered crystals (ODIC) and their spherical shape makes them reorient relatively easier. Thermal energy storage materials are becoming increasingly important as a renewable energy resource. These molecules undergo large changes in enthalpies at solid-solid transitions. The presence of these compounds with large enthalpy changes are identified as potential thermal energy materials and some of die applications are solar cell systems [1-3]. Binary mixtures have been found as a way to adjust the transition properties in addition to pure compounds [4]. Tris(hydroxyrnethyl)aminomethane (TRIS, C(CH2OH)3NH2) and AMPL, CH3C(CH2OH)2NH2) are two important thermal energy storage materials."

Jan 1, 2012

By Raj Mutharasan

The phenomena of gas-molten metal reactions for the production of metal matrix composites consist typically of a combination of one or more gas transport steps and a liquid gas reaction step. Reaction products include such strength enhancers, grain refiners, or high thermal conductivity phases as TiC, AIN, SIC, Si3N4, TiN in aluminum alloys. Nitrides, carbides and oxides can be produced at various volume fractions and in fairly fine sizes (500 am to 5 um) in laboratory melts by Reactive Gas Injection method (RGI). Gas injection methodology to produce the reinforcements is attractive because it can potentially be scaled to production scales in excess of 10,000 kg/h. For continuous production, the reactant molten metal can be continuously fed into the .crucible where the reactive gas is injected. The molten metal phase reactant may also be involved in a controlling transport step, depending on its concentration and viscosity. It is well known that the reaction product reinforcement size and shape of these phases have significant impact on the physical, mechanical and thermal properties. The current state of knowledge is unable to predict the kinetics and growth of solid reaction products obtained. The primary goal is to develop a fundamental framework for the understanding and prediction of the particle size in such reaction systems. In addition, the role of gas transport, liquid hydrodynamics and decomposition are important issues. A reaction-transport model is being developed using a reaction, transport, and thermodynamic framework, both at macro and at atomistic level to assess gas - liquid interactions.

Jan 1, 1996

By C. Flores

The direct cementation of copper from a loaded D2EHPA 20 % vol. in kerosene using zinc, zinc-lead alloy and iron metallic powders was studied. Copper was loaded into the organic solvent from an aqueous copper sulfate solution. Results indicated that copper is reduced spontaneously with relatively fast reaction rates. The effects of several operating parameters such as water content in the organic system, initial copper concentration, reductant surface area, oxygen and nitrogen atmosphere, intensity of the agitation and temperature on the galvanic stripping of copper were studied. For a better understanding of the electrochemical reactions involved in the galvanic stripping, the dissolution of metallic copper in the organic solvent was also studied. Copper did not dissolve unless a small amount of water was present in the organic system. The results and possible reaction mechanisms are discussed.

Jan 1, 1999

By Ramasamy Santhanam

"India’s present annual marine fish catch is 2.9 million tonnes and its low value fishes such as sardines, sciaenids, goat fishes and leiognathids amount to 60%. The fish meal obtained from these resources is mainly used presently as an ingredient in live stock and aquaculture feeds. These fishes offer vast scope in the production of pet foods. Pet foods prepared with leiognathid fish meal (60%), maize flour (10%), wheat flour (5%), vitamin and mineral mixture (5%) and water (20%) and experimented with 50 cats and 50 dogs were found to be ideal. Depending on protein level, feeds are being formulated for experimenting with more number of pet animals. Training programmes are also planned for unemployed people to popularize pet foods for commercial purposes.IntroductionIndia’s present annual marine fish catch is 2.9 million tonnes and low-value fishes sucha s sardines (Sardinella albella, s. gibbosa, S. fimbriata and S. melanura); sciaenids (Otolithus spp. and Jhonius dussumieri); engraulids (Stolephorus indicus); and leiognathids Leiognathus bindus, L. equilus and Gazza achlamys) constitute 60% (Figure 1)[1]. The fish meal obtained from these resources is now mainly used as an ingredient in livestock, poultry and aquaculture feeds. Considering the rich nutritional status of these low-value fishes, it is felt that these resources could be converted into value-added products viz. pet foods."

Jan 1, 2008

By David Langberg

Recovery of dissolved copper from discard slags is a critical consideration affecting the economics of copper smelting. Slag cleaning is frequently carried out in electric furnaces, however reduction by injection of natural gas in a holding furnace may offer a lower cost alternative in some circumstances. As the residence time of the injected gas is short, the factors controlling the rate of reduction need to be clarified in order to optimise the design of the slag cleaning furnace. A series of medium scale (200 kg) reduction tests to investigate the rate of reduction of copper-containing slags by injection of natural gas-nitrogen mixtures between 1150-1250C was carried out by CSIRO Minerals. The composition of the gas in the top-space of the reactor was found to be significantly more reducing than the slag, indicating that thermodynamic equilibrium was not established between the slag and the gas in the bubble plume. An apparent first order rate law was observed between the rate of oxygen elimination from the bath and the magnetite concentration of the bath. The dissolved copper concentration was closely correlated with the oxygen potential of the slag, suggesting a partial equilibrium between the dissolved components of the slag. The utilisation efficiency of the natural gas decreased as the natural gas flow rate was increased. The results of the tests tend to indicate that the rate is controlled by a mixed reaction kinetics/ mass transport mechanism. The work was supported by Xstrata Copper ? Mt Isa Mines.

Jan 1, 2006

By Y. Sako, E. Nomura, K. Muraguchi, K. Shibata

In 1998, Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd. (MMS) produced 70,000 tonnes of lead, 231,000 tonnes of zinc and 214,000 tonnes of copper. MESCO, Inc. has been in charge of the automation and mechanization of smelting facilities promoted by MMS as well as the construction of facilities for chemical production and electronics materials plants, by which MESCO has contributed to the development of MMS. Initially, MESCO developed a casting machine for refined lead in the early 1960's, and thereafter, it developed a casting machine for refined zinc, a stripping machine for zinc tankhouses and energy saving facilities. In the field of copper smelting, it has also developed automation and mechanization facilities.

Jan 1, 2000

By Monteirom Sergio N., Romulo L. Loiola, Giulio R. Altoe, Noan Simonassi, Frederico M. Margem

"The environmental concern is creating pressure for the substitution of high energy consumption materials for natural and sustainable ones. Compared to synthetic fibers, natural fibers have shown advantages in technical aspects such as flexibility and toughness. So there is a growing worldwide interest in the use of these fibers. Buriti fiber extracted from buriti palm tree (Mauritia flexuosa), presents some significant characteristic, but until now only few studies on buriti fiber were performed. This work aims to make the analysis of the tensile strength of epoxy composites reinforced with buriti fibers. This analysis was performed in fibers with diameters between 0.1 and 0.4 mm. Those fibers were incorporated into the epoxy matrix with volume fraction from 0 to 30%. The fiber diameters were measured by a profile projector. After fracture the specimens were analyzed by a SEM (scanning electron microscope).IntroductionNatural fibers with high amount of cellulose, also known as lignocellulosic fibers, have been used from primeval times of our civilization. In the last century, synthetic fibers such as nylon, carbon, aramid and glass fibers gained interest owing to superior strength and precise dimensional control. Natural fibers were then replaced by synthetics in many fields such as textiles, sports goods and appliances. In the past decades, however, environmental issues drawn, once again, the attention to lignocellulosic fibers as possible substitute for intensive energy-consuming and long term polluting synthetics, specially the glass fiber(1). In particular, research works have disclosed the potential advantages associated with the use of lignocellulosic fibers as the reinforcing phase in polymer composites(2-3). Among the advantages it is worth mentioning the renewability, recyclability, biodegradability and the fact that natural fibers are neutral with respect to CO2 emissions responsible for global warming. In addition to environmental benefits(l,10) the lignocellulosic fibers present economical advantages, such as worldwide abundance and comparatively low costs as well as some technical properties associated with flexibility and toughness( 4), which contribute to the performance of automobile components fabricated with natural fibers composites(l 1-13)."

Jan 1, 2013

By K. A. Natarajan

Microbe-mineral interactions in the leaching of complex sulfides are discussed with respect to (a) role of galvanic interactions in selective dissolution, (b) bacterial attachment to sulfide mineral substrates and (c) the utility of specially adapted metal tolerant bacterial strains. Experimental results obtained in the leaching of two types of complex sulfides, namely, a lead-zinc-copper sulfide and a copper-nickel sulfide are illustrated.

Jan 1, 1985

By Jari Aromaa, Antti Kekki, Olof Forsén

"The deposition of copper on inert substrate depends on the number of active sites that will react at certain overpotential. The critical overpotential depends on surface morphology, surface film resistance and additives on cathode surface. The effects of surface properties on copper nucleation and growth rates were studied for used stainless steel blanks from several tankhouses. The surfaces of the blanks were characterized with electrochemical and mechanical methods. Electrochemical deposition tests were done at current density of 300 A/m2 for 10, 30 and 60 seconds. The nucleation density and copper coverage were estimated using image analysis. The surface film resistance did not correlate with copper growth. Increasing surface roughness correlated with lower copper growth.IntroductionStainless steel cathode blanks in copper electrorefming are usually made of AISI 3 I6L type steel. They have a typical lifetime over 10 years. During use the surface will collect deposits and become rough due to wear and corrosion. These factors can affect the nucleation and growth of copper. The nucleation and deposition of copper on inert substrate depends on the number of active sites that will react at certain overpotential. The critical overpotential can depend on surface film resistance, surface morphology, and additives adsorbed on cathode surface.The deposition potential of metallic ions on a foreign substrate is usually higher than the deposition potential on the electrode made of the same metal due to crystallographic substrate/metal misfit [I]. If the substrate has traces of the depositing metal they will be preferential growth sites. For a smooth deposit a large number of simultaneous nuclei is necessary. However, excessive nucleation density can lead to porous deposits [2]. Surface films of good conductivity are needed for dense nucleation and small nuclei. On cathode blanks the number of active sites increases with increasing surface film conductivity [3-5] and/or surface film porosity [6]. On AISI 3 I6 L stainless steel a more resistive oxide has been found to limit favourable sites for copper nucleation and more conductive film promoted high-density copper nucleation [7]. Also Urda-Kiel et al. have concluded that thicker oxide layers on AISI 304 stainless steel resulted in lower nucleation [8]. Increase in overpotential or current density activates more and more of the potential nucleation sites and this can be seen as higher number of nuclei [9] or smaller average distance between nuclei [10]."

Jan 1, 2012