Journal articles and book contributions

This paper examined the joining zone between semi-crystalline polyamide 6 and aluminum EN AW 6082 in laser-based joining and evaluated the mechanical properties of the joint. The joint tests were carried out in overlap configuration and a characterized in terms of energy per unit length. The mechanical properties were examined to the point of cohesive failure. An increasing energy per unit length resulted in a reduced crosshead displacement in short-term testing and a decreased fatigue strength. Further material testing was carried out locally at various positions within the joining zone. The mechanical properties were correlated with results of a hardness test, thermoplastic morphology, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). By combining the findings with heat-treated samples at elevated temperatures, secondary crystallization was identified and evidenced as a primary effect among the changes in mechanical properties due to the heat treatment of the thermoplastic material.

The density, electrical conductivity and diffusion coefficients of anions and cations in the ionic liquid AlCl3/1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [EMIm]Cl, were determined to study physical correlations of these important parameters. The density was measured for different molar ratios of AlCl3:[EMIm]Cl from 0.5:1 to 2.0:1 at ambient temperature. The diffusion coefficient of the electrochemically active heptachloroaluminate complex, Al2Cl7-, was measured for a molar ratio of 2:1 in the range of 25˚C to 100˚C. The corresponding current density and potential transients were discussed regarding the decomposition of the [EMIm]+ cation and deviation from the theoretical Cottrell behavior. The electrical conductivity was measured for molar ratios of 1.5:1 and 2:1 in the range of 25˚C to 100˚C. Both the diffusion coefficient and electrical conductivity can be described well by an Arrhenius law. The diffusion coefficients of AlCl4-, Al2Cl7- and [EMIm]+ were estimated from the Nernst-Einstein and Stokes-Einstein relation. The results indicate a strong impact of ion pairing in these electrolytes.

This communication uncovers missing fundamental elements and an expanded model of gas phase electrodeposition; a relatively new and in large parts unexplored process, which combines particle generation, transport zone and deposition zone in an interacting setup. The process enables selected area deposition of charged nanoparticles that are dispersed and transported by a carrier gas at atmospheric pressure conditions. Two key parameters have been identified: carrier gas flow rate and spark discharge power. Both parameters affect electrical current carried by charged species, nanoparticle mass, particle size and film morphology. In combination, these values enable to provide an estimate of the gas flow dependent Debye length. Together with Langmuir probe measurements of electric potential and field distribution, the transport can be described and understood. First, the transport of the charged species is dominated by the carrier gas flow. In close proximity, the transport is electric field driven. The transition region is not fixed and correlates with the electric potential profile, which is strongly dependent on the deposition rate. Considering the film morphology, the power of the discharge turns out to be the most relevant parameter. Low spark power combined with low gas flow leads to dendritic film growth. In contrast, higher spark power combined with higher gas flow produces compact layers.