Improvement of Mechanical Properties of Hard Metals Using Solid Solution Strengthened Metallic Binder (Co1-xWx)

The metallic binder in WC-Co hard metals was effectively strengthened using the solid solution phases of Co and W. These metallic phases of Co and W (Co1-xWx, x<1), which consist of two kinds of structures (FCC and HCP), were successfully formed by hydrogen reduction of milled oxides mixtures (Co3O4 and WO3) at over 1000 oC. When hard metals are fabricated by pressureless sintering of mixed WC and Co1-xWx, the hard metals containing the WC2 and M6C phases (Co2W4C and Co4W2C) have brittleness, which degrades their mechanical properties, like hard metals fabricated from mixtures of WC, Co, and W. By rapidly sintering the WC-Co1-xWx hard metals for 5 min the WC2 and M6C phases were eliminated, and a two-phase (WC and the metallic phase of Co and W) region was successfully obtained. The mechanical properties of the WC-Co1-xWx hard metals showed higher values for both hardness (max. 18.8 GPa) and fracture toughness (8.5 MPa·m1/2) than conventional WC-Co hard metal (HV: 15.9 GPa, KIC: 6.9 MPa·m1/2). The enhancement in toughness was attributed to the solid solution strengthening of the metallic binder and the elimination of the WC2 and M6C phases. The suppression of grain growth due to the short duration of sintering also played a positive role in improving the hardness of the WC-Co1-xWx hard metals. The phase-controlled solid solution metallic binder could be the key material to enhance the hardness and toughness of hard metals.

Sintering Behavior and Hardness of Tungsten Prepared by Hard Metal Sludge Recycling Process without Ammonium Paratungstate

In this paper, we suggest a novel recycling process for hard metal sludge that does not use ammonium paratungstate. Ammonia, which in the conventional recycling process is essential for removing sodium and crystallized tungstate, was not used in the novel process. Instead of ammonia, acid was used to remove the sodium and crystallized tungstate resulting in the formation of tungstic acid (H2WO4). Tungsten powders were successfully synthesized by hydrogen reduction of the tungstic acid through H2O decomposition, WO3 to WO2 reduction, and tungsten metal formation. The tungsten powders prepared from tungstic acid were spherical in shape and had a higher sintering density than the facet-shaped tungsten powders prepared from tungsten oxide. The spherical shape of the tungsten powders enhanced their sinterability and resulted in an increase in the size of grains. This is a result of the high diffusion rate of the atoms along the particle surfaces. Despite having a higher density, the hardness of the sintered tungsten was lower than that of tungsten from tungsten oxide. High energy milling effectively reduced grain size and improved hardness. The hardness of the tungsten prepared from milled tungstic acid was enhanced to a value (max. 471 HV) higher than the best previously reported value (389 HV). In sum, tungsten can be hardened, thereby improving its sinterability and reducing grain size, with tungstic acid prepared using the proposed recycling process.

Nd:YVO4 Laser Irradiation on Cr3C2-25(Ni20Cr) Coating Realized with High Velocity Oxy-Fuel Technology—Analysis of Surface Modification

The high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) technique has been extensively used for the deposition of hard metal coatings. The main advantage of HVOF, compared to other thermal spray techniques, is its ability to accelerate the melted powder particles of the feedstock material to a relatively high velocity, leading to good adhesion and low porosity. To further improve the surface properties, a mechanical machining process is often needed; however, a key problem is that the high hardness of the coating makes the polishing process expensive (in terms of time and tool wear). Another approach to achieving surface modification is through interaction with a thermal source, such as a laser beam. In this research, the effects of laser scanning rate, scanning strategy, and number of loop cycles were investigated on an HVOF-coated surface. Cr3C2-25(Ni20Cr) was selected as the coating and Nd:YVO4 as the laser source. The results demonstrate the significance of the starting coating morphology and how the laser process parameters can be tuned to generate different types of modifications, ranging from polishing to texturing.

Late Transition Metal Complexes of Pyridyldiphosphines

<p>This thesis provides an account of research into the properties of pyridyldiphosphines with o-xylene and m-xylene backbones. The coordination behaviour of the o-xylene based ligand with platinum, palladium, silver, rhodium and iridium metal centres has been studied, with an emphasis on whether the presence of the pyridyl rings affects the products formed. Platinum and palladium pincer complexes have been synthesised and the intermediates investigated. The formation of trimetallic complexes with these ligands acting as bridging ligands has also been explored. Two new pyridyldiphosphines, o-C₆H₄(CH₂PPy₂)₂ (3) and m-C₆H₄(CH₂PPy₂)₂ (4), and one known pyridyldiphosphine, PPy₂(CH₂)₃PPy₂ (5), have been synthesised via an improved method. Tris(2-pyridyl)phopshine was reacted with a lithium dispersion to give LiPPy₂, which was then reacted with the appropriate dichloride or dibromide compound to yield the desired ligand. The phosphine selenides of 3 and 4 were synthesised and the ¹J PSe values of 738 and 742 Hz indicated these ligands were less basic than PPh₃. While the ligands themselves were not water-soluble, protonation by a strong acid, such as HCl or H₂C(SO₂CF₃)₃, rendered them soluble in water. A series of [MX₂(PP)] complexes (where M = Pt, X = Cl, I, Me, Et, PP = 3, 5; M = Pd, X = Cl, Me PP = 3, 5) were synthesised. Complexes of 3 displayed dynamic behaviour in solution which was attributed to the backbone of the ligand inverting. When [PtMeCl(PP)] (27) was reacted with NaCH(SO₂CF₃)₂ no evidence for the coordination of the pyridyl nitrogens was observed. The synthesis of a series of unsymetrical [PtMeL(PP)]⁺ complexes enabled the comparison of the cis and trans influences of a range of ligands. The following cis influence series was compiled based on ³¹P NMR data of these complexes: Py ≈ Cl > SEt₂ > PTA > PPh₃. Reaction of 27 with NaCH(SO₂CF₃)₂ and carbon monoxide slowly formed an acyl complex, where the CO had inserted in the Pt–Me bond. The bis-chelated complexes [M(PP)₂] where M = Pt, Pd, and [Ag(PP)₂]⁺ were formed. In these complexes 3 acted as a diphosphine ligand and there was no evidence for any interaction between the pyridyl nitrogen atoms and the metal centre. Reaction of 3 with [Ir(COD)(μ-Cl)]₂ formed [IrCl(PP)(COD)] (42). When the chloride ligand in 42 was abstracted, the pyridyl nitrogens were able to interact with the iridium centre faciliating the isomerisation of the 1,2,5,6-ƞ⁴-COD ligand to a 1-к-4,5,6-ƞ³-C₈H₁₂ ligand. The X-ray crystal structure of [Ir(1-к-4,5,6-ƞ³-C₈H₁₂)(PPN)]BPh₄ (43) confirmed the P,P,N chelation mode of the ligand. In solution, 43 displayed hemilabile behaviour, with the pyridyl nitrogens exchanging at a rate faster than the NMR time scale at room temperature. The coordinated pyridyl nitrogen was able to be displaced by carbon monoxide to form [Ir(1-к-4,5,6-ƞ³-C₈H₁₂)(CO)(PP)]⁺. A series of [PtXY(μ-PP)]₂ complexes, where X = Y = Cl, Me, X = Cl, Y = Me and PP = 4, were formed initially when 4 was reacted with platinum(II) complexes. When heated, the dimers containing methyl ligands eliminated methane to form [PtX(PCP)] pincer complexes, X = Cl (49), Me (51). When the chloride ligand in 49 was abstracted no evidence of pyridyl nitrogen coordination was observed. Protonation of 49 did not yield a water-soluble pincer complex. The [PdCl₂(μ-PP)]₂ complex readily metallated when heated to give the pincer complex [PdCl(PCP)]. Given pyridyl nitrogen atoms are known to be good ligands for “hard” metal centres, the ability of the pyridyl nitrogens in 3 and 4 to coordinate to metal centres was investigated. While complexes with chloride ligands were found to form insoluble products, the synthesis of [(PtMe₂)₃(PP)], from the reaction of either 3 or [PtMe₂(PP)] (17) with dimethyl(hexa-1,5-diene)platinum, proceeded smoothly through a dimetallic intermediate. The same reactivity was observed in the synthesis of [(PtMe₂)₂PtMe(PCP)]. In contrast, the cationic heterotrimetallic complexes [{M(COD)}₂PtMe(PP)]²⁺ and [{M(COD)}₂PtMe(PCP)]²⁺, where M = Rh or Ir, were synthesised without the detection of any intermediates. However, dimetallic complexes were formed as part of a mixture when 17 or 51 was reacted with one equivalent of the appropriate metal complex.</p>

Late Transition Metal Complexes of Pyridyldiphosphines

<p>This thesis provides an account of research into the properties of pyridyldiphosphines with o-xylene and m-xylene backbones. The coordination behaviour of the o-xylene based ligand with platinum, palladium, silver, rhodium and iridium metal centres has been studied, with an emphasis on whether the presence of the pyridyl rings affects the products formed. Platinum and palladium pincer complexes have been synthesised and the intermediates investigated. The formation of trimetallic complexes with these ligands acting as bridging ligands has also been explored. Two new pyridyldiphosphines, o-C₆H₄(CH₂PPy₂)₂ (3) and m-C₆H₄(CH₂PPy₂)₂ (4), and one known pyridyldiphosphine, PPy₂(CH₂)₃PPy₂ (5), have been synthesised via an improved method. Tris(2-pyridyl)phopshine was reacted with a lithium dispersion to give LiPPy₂, which was then reacted with the appropriate dichloride or dibromide compound to yield the desired ligand. The phosphine selenides of 3 and 4 were synthesised and the ¹J PSe values of 738 and 742 Hz indicated these ligands were less basic than PPh₃. While the ligands themselves were not water-soluble, protonation by a strong acid, such as HCl or H₂C(SO₂CF₃)₃, rendered them soluble in water. A series of [MX₂(PP)] complexes (where M = Pt, X = Cl, I, Me, Et, PP = 3, 5; M = Pd, X = Cl, Me PP = 3, 5) were synthesised. Complexes of 3 displayed dynamic behaviour in solution which was attributed to the backbone of the ligand inverting. When [PtMeCl(PP)] (27) was reacted with NaCH(SO₂CF₃)₂ no evidence for the coordination of the pyridyl nitrogens was observed. The synthesis of a series of unsymetrical [PtMeL(PP)]⁺ complexes enabled the comparison of the cis and trans influences of a range of ligands. The following cis influence series was compiled based on ³¹P NMR data of these complexes: Py ≈ Cl > SEt₂ > PTA > PPh₃. Reaction of 27 with NaCH(SO₂CF₃)₂ and carbon monoxide slowly formed an acyl complex, where the CO had inserted in the Pt–Me bond. The bis-chelated complexes [M(PP)₂] where M = Pt, Pd, and [Ag(PP)₂]⁺ were formed. In these complexes 3 acted as a diphosphine ligand and there was no evidence for any interaction between the pyridyl nitrogen atoms and the metal centre. Reaction of 3 with [Ir(COD)(μ-Cl)]₂ formed [IrCl(PP)(COD)] (42). When the chloride ligand in 42 was abstracted, the pyridyl nitrogens were able to interact with the iridium centre faciliating the isomerisation of the 1,2,5,6-ƞ⁴-COD ligand to a 1-к-4,5,6-ƞ³-C₈H₁₂ ligand. The X-ray crystal structure of [Ir(1-к-4,5,6-ƞ³-C₈H₁₂)(PPN)]BPh₄ (43) confirmed the P,P,N chelation mode of the ligand. In solution, 43 displayed hemilabile behaviour, with the pyridyl nitrogens exchanging at a rate faster than the NMR time scale at room temperature. The coordinated pyridyl nitrogen was able to be displaced by carbon monoxide to form [Ir(1-к-4,5,6-ƞ³-C₈H₁₂)(CO)(PP)]⁺. A series of [PtXY(μ-PP)]₂ complexes, where X = Y = Cl, Me, X = Cl, Y = Me and PP = 4, were formed initially when 4 was reacted with platinum(II) complexes. When heated, the dimers containing methyl ligands eliminated methane to form [PtX(PCP)] pincer complexes, X = Cl (49), Me (51). When the chloride ligand in 49 was abstracted no evidence of pyridyl nitrogen coordination was observed. Protonation of 49 did not yield a water-soluble pincer complex. The [PdCl₂(μ-PP)]₂ complex readily metallated when heated to give the pincer complex [PdCl(PCP)]. Given pyridyl nitrogen atoms are known to be good ligands for “hard” metal centres, the ability of the pyridyl nitrogens in 3 and 4 to coordinate to metal centres was investigated. While complexes with chloride ligands were found to form insoluble products, the synthesis of [(PtMe₂)₃(PP)], from the reaction of either 3 or [PtMe₂(PP)] (17) with dimethyl(hexa-1,5-diene)platinum, proceeded smoothly through a dimetallic intermediate. The same reactivity was observed in the synthesis of [(PtMe₂)₂PtMe(PCP)]. In contrast, the cationic heterotrimetallic complexes [{M(COD)}₂PtMe(PP)]²⁺ and [{M(COD)}₂PtMe(PCP)]²⁺, where M = Rh or Ir, were synthesised without the detection of any intermediates. However, dimetallic complexes were formed as part of a mixture when 17 or 51 was reacted with one equivalent of the appropriate metal complex.</p>

Design, Fabrication, Testing and Simulation of a Rotary Double Comb Drives Actuated Microgripper

This paper presents the development of a new microgripper actuated by means of rotary-comb drives equipped with two cooperating fingers arrays. The microsystem presents eight CSFH flexures (Conjugate Surface Flexure Hinge) that allow the designer to assign a prescribed motion to the gripping tips. In fact, the adoption of multiple CSFHs gives rise to the possibility of embedding quite a complex mechanical structure and, therefore, increasing the number of design parameters. For the case under study, a double four-bar linkage in a mirroring configuration was adopted. The presented microgripper has been fabricated by using a hard metal mask on a Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) wafer, subject to DRIE (Deep Reactive Ion Etching) process, with a vapor releasing final stage. Some prototypes have been obtained and then tested in a lab. Finally, the experimental results have been used in order to assess simulation tools that can be used to minimize the amount of expensive equipment in operational environments.