Optical properties of dense zirconium and tantalum diborides for solar thermal absorbers

Year: 2016

Authors: Sani E., Mercatelli L., Meucci M., Balbo A., Musa C., Licheri R., Orrù R., Cao G.

Autors Affiliation: CNR INO Natl Inst Opt, Largo E Fermi 6, I-50125 Florence, Italy; Univ Ferrara, Dept Engn, Corros & Met Study Ctr Aldo Dacco, G Saragat 1, I-44122 Ferrara, Italy; Univ Cagliari, INSTM, Unita Ric Consorzio, Dipartimento Ingn Meccan Chim & Mat, I-09123 Cagliari, Italy.

Abstract: Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are interesting materials for a large variety of applications under extreme conditions. This paper reports on the production and extensive characterization of highly dense, pure zirconium and tantalum diborides, with particular interest to their potential utilization in the thermal solar energy field. Monolithic bulk samples are produced by Spark Plasma Sintering starting from elemental reactants or using metal diboride powders previously synthesized by Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS). Microstructural and optical properties of products obtained by the two processing methods have been comparatively evaluated. We found that pure diborides show a good spectral selectivity, which is an appealing characteristic for solar absorber applications. No, or very small, differences in the optical properties have been evidenced when the two investigated processes adopted for the fabrication of dense TaB2 and ZrB2, respectively, are compared. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Journal/Review: RENEWABLE ENERGY

Volume: 91      Pages from: 340  to: 346

More Information: This activity has been carried out in the framework of the FIRB2012-SUPERSOLAR (Programma “Futuro in Ricerca”, prot. RBFR12TIT1 ) project funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research . E. S. gratefully acknowledges the Italian bank foundation “ Fondazione Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze ” for providing the grant for M.M. within the framework of the “SOLE” project (pratica n. 2013.0726 ). Authors thank Dr. L. Silvestroni and Dr. D. Sciti (ISTEC-CNR) for useful discussions about sample preparation and microstructural analysis. Thanks are also due to Mr. Mauro Pucci and Mr. Massimo D
KeyWords: Borides; Cermets; High temperature applications; Optical properties; Sintering; Solar energy; Spark plasma sintering; Tantalum, Concentrating solar power; Extreme conditions; Self-propagating high temperature synthesis; Solar plant; Solar thermal absorbers; Spectral selectivity; Thermal solar energies; Ultra-high-temperature ceramics, Solar absorbers, absorbance; ceramics; chemical compound; optical property; solar power; tantalum; temperature effect; zirconium
DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2016.01.068

Citations: 45
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