Ultra-high temperature porous graded ceramics for solar energy applications

Year: 2019

Authors: Licheri R.; Musa C.; Locci A. M.; Montinaro S.; Orru R.; Cao G.; Silvestroni L.; Sciti D.; Azzali N.; Mercatelli L.; Sani E.

Autors Affiliation: Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Chimica e dei Materiali, Unita di Ricerca del Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), Universita degli Studi di Cagliari, via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy; CNR-ISTEC Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, Via Granarolo 64, I-48018 Faenza, Italy; CNR-INO National Institute of Optics, Largo E. Fermi 6, I-50125 Firenze Italy

Abstract: Porous graded materials (PGMs) consisting of ZrB2 are obtained by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) taking advantage of an asymmetric die configuration with changing cross section. Due to the temperature gradient established along the longitudinal direction, porosity changes up to about 26 vol.% were generated across the volume. The surface roughness of the resulting products increased as the holding temperature was reduced. Superior solar absorbance (alpha) and lower spectral selectivity (alpha/epsilon) properties were correspondingly obtained. PGMs displayed higher a and lower alpha/epsilon values with respect to highly dense samples produced using a constant cross section die. More important, these products exhibit similar or improved optical properties with respect to the reference SiC material. These findings are important in view of the development of a novel class of ceramics for solar energy applications, able to operate under higher temperature conditions while simultaneously satisfying optical, microstructural and mechanical needs.

Journal/Review: JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY

Volume: 39 (1)      Pages from: 72  to: 78

More Information: This activity was 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 partially supporting this activity within the framework of the SOLE-NANO project (pratica n. 2015.0861). Thanks are due to Mr. Mauro Pucci and Mr. Massimo D’Uva (CNR-INO) as well as to Mr. Daniele Lai and Mr. Gianluca Marongiu (University of Cagliari) for their technical assistance.
KeyWords: Porous graded materials; UHTCs; Zirconium diboride; Spark plasma sintering; Optical properties
DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2018.01.023

Citations: 16
data from “WEB OF SCIENCE” (of Thomson Reuters) are update at: 2024-11-17
References taken from IsiWeb of Knowledge: (subscribers only)
Connecting to view paper tab on IsiWeb: Click here
Connecting to view citations from IsiWeb: Click here