Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
A method, based upon subtractive coloration or high-temperature reduction, was developed to produce metal precipitates or colloids in oxides. The structure, symmetry, morphology and composition of precipitates were analyzed by analytical electron microscopy and neutron scattering technioues. In the MgO:Ni system, the colloids were coherent nickel precipitates having a fcc structure (a0 = 3.52 Å), and occasionally a bcc structure (a0 = 2.88 Å). The coherent precipitates were analyzed to have either <100>m,∣∣ <111>p or <l00>m ∣∣<100>p matrix-precipitate orientation relationship depending upon the high-temperature reduction treatment. The optical absorption spectra of these materials were characterized by broad optical bands centered near 2.2 and 5.0 eV. By changing the size distribution of the precipitates, it was possible to obtain optical spectra of these materials suited for solar selective absorber applications. The dislocations and sub-boundaries provided nucleation sites for the formation of precipitates, and decreased the temperature of reduction. By providing sources of dislocations, the precipitates enhance the ductility and inhibit the propagation of cracks.
Research sponsored by the Division of Materials Sciences, U. S. Department of Energy under contract W-7405-eng-26 with Union Carbide Corporation.