Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) determination of Al-Ce alloys via combinatorial thin-film synthesis

Schematic of sputtering setup overlayed on actual image of the system in operation.
Schematic of sputtering setup overlayed on actual image of the system in operation.

CMI researchers at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Eck Industries conducted the activity for this highlight

Innovation 
Application of thin-film combinatorial sputtering for coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) determination in mechanical alloy design.

Achievement

  • First published determination of the Al11Ce3 temperature-dependent CTE via X-ray diffraction and combinatorial synthesis.
  • The Al11Ce3 temperature-dependent CTE was found to be anisotropic along different crystallographic directions. 

Significance and Impact

  • Low CTE is critical for many high-temperature mechanical alloy applications.
  • Extension of the thin-film rapid materials discovery methodology will be used for CTE determination in complex, higher-order systems.

Hub Targets Addressed 

  • Diversifying the supply of REE by increasing the value of co-mined cerium. Conversion of critical materials into high-value end products. 
  • Industry adoption of REE technology.
CTE determined along the a, b, and c unit cell directions showing anisotropic behavior of bulk Al11Ce3.
CTE determined along the a, b, and c unit cell directions showing anisotropic behavior of bulk Al11Ce3.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.165271