In the flux used in the batch galvanizing process, the effect of the component ratio of NH₄Cl to ZnCl₂ on the microstructure, coating adhesion, and corrosion resistance of Zn-Mg-Al ternary alloy-coated steel is evaluated. Many defects such as cracks and bare spots are formed inside the Zn-Mg-Al coating layer during treatment with the flux composition generally used for Zn coating. Deterioration of the coating property is due to the formation of AlClx mixture generated by the reaction of Al element and chloride in the flux. The coatability of the Zn-Mg-Al alloy coating is improved by increasing the content of ZnCl2 in the flux to reduce the amount of chlorine reacting with Al while maintaining the flux effect and the coating adhesion is improved as the component ratio of NH4Cl to ZnCl2 decreases. Zn-Mg-Al alloy-coated steel products treated with the optimized flux composition of NH₄Cl•3ZnCl₂ show superior corrosion resistance compared to Zn-coated steel products, even with a coating weight of 60 %.
We have grown AlN nanorods and AlN films using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy by changing the Al source flux. Plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy of AlN was performed on c-plane Al2O3 substrates with different levels of aluminum (Al) flux but with the same nitrogen flux. Growth behavior of AlN was strongly affected by Al flux, as determined by in-situ reflection high energy electron diffraction. Prior to the growth, nitridation of the Al2O3 substrate was performed and a two-dimensionally grown AlN layer was formed by the nitridation process, in which the epitaxial relationship was determined to be [11-20]AlN//[10-10]Al2O3, and [10-10]AlN//[11-20]Al2O3. In the growth of AlN films after nitridation, vertically aligned nanorod-structured AlN was grown with a growth rate of 1.6μm/h, in which the growth direction was<0001>, for low Al flux. However, with high Al flux, Al droplets with diameters of about 8μm were found, which implies an Al-rich growth environment. With moderate Al flux conditions, epitaxial AlN films were grown. Growth was maintained in two-dimensional or three-dimensional growth mode depending on the Al flux during the growth; however, final growth occurred in three-dimensional growth mode. A lowest root mean square roughness of 0.6 nm (for 2μm×2μm area) was obtained, which indicates a very flat surface.
The effect of BaF2 flux in Y3Al5O12:Ce3+(YAG:Ce) formation was investigated. Phase transformation ofY3Al5O12(YAG) was characterized by using XRD, SEM, and TEM-EDS, and it was revealed that the sequential formation ofthe Y4Al2O9(YAM), YAlO3(YAP) and Y3Al5O12(YAG) in the temperature range of 1000-1500oC. Single phase of YAG wasrevealed from 1300oC. In order to find out the effect of BaF2 flux, three modeling experiments between starting materials(1.5Al2O3−2.5Y2O3, Y2O3−BaF2, and Al2O3−BaF2) were done. These modeling experiments showed that the nucleationprocess occurs via the dissolution-precipitation mechanism, whereas the grain growth process is controlled via the liquid-phasediffusion route. YAG:Ce phosphor particles prepared using a proposed technique exhibit a spherical shape, high crystallinity,and an emission intensity. According to the experimental results conducted in this investigation, 5% of BaF2 was the bestconcentration for physical, chemical and optical properties of Y3Al5O12:Ce3+(YAG:Ce) that is approximately 10-15% greaterthan that of commercial phosphor powder.