The Microstructures of As-Cast Mg-Zr and Mg-Mn Alloys

The as-cast microstructures of two dilute Mg-Zr and three dilute Mg-Mn alloys were studied using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, including EDX analysis. The results show that the as-cast microstructure of the Mg-Zr alloys was composed of non-dendritic, equiaxed Mg grains, with a few Zr particles within the Mg grains and along grain boundaries. The grain size of the Mg-Zr alloy was significantly reduced by the Zr addition and a fine grain structure was achieved when the zirconium concentration was above 0.4wt. %. The as-cast structure of the Mg- Mn alloys contained columnar, dendritic grains. Two types of Mn particles (equiaxed large particles and rod-like or plate-like small particles) were observed in the as-cast Mg-Mn alloys. The volume fraction of particles and the size differences between the large and small particles increased with an increase of Mn concentration.

Structure of Zirconia Nanoparticles used for Pillaring of Clay

ABSTRACTSAXS and EXAFS were applied to study genesis of polynuclear zirconium hydroxyspecies in pillaring solutions as dependent upon the zirconium concentration, addition of alkaline-earth chlorides and aging. After the montmorillonite clay pillaring, the structure of zirconium nanopillars was characterized by applying X-ray structural analysis, UV-Vis, FTIRS of adsorbed CO and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. Main pillaring species appear to be nanorods comprised of several Zr4 tetramers. Basic structural features of the tetramers are preserved in zirconia nanoparticles fixed between alumosilicate layers in pillared clays. In calcined samples, those nanoparticles contain only bridging hydroxyls and/or oxygen anions responsible for bonding within pillars and between pillars and clay sheets.