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Title: Microstructure in the transition region and steady‑state region of ice‑templated sintered lithium titanate Li4Ti5O12 materials fabricated with and without sucrose
This study provides insights into the influence of sucrose (a water-soluble additive) on microstructure evolution in the transition region and steady-state region in ice-templated Li4Ti5O12 materials. A scanning electron microscope was employed for the two-dimensional characterization of microstructure in the transition region. Sucrose reduced the height of the transition region, caused an early alignment of ice lamellae toward temperature gradient direction, and resulted in a fine, dendritic microstructure. The overall microstructure development in the transition region was markedly different with and without sucrose. The differences were rationalized based on thermal conductivity, constitutional supercooling, and instability of the planar interface. Three-dimensional characterization of the steady-state region using X-ray computed tomography revealed that sucrose caused increased branching of the primary ice dendrites through tip splitting. A majority of the secondary dendrites turned into neighboring primary dendrites, enhancing pore path complexity. Diffusion simulations were performed to quantify pore tortuosity, which increased with sucrose content.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1825338
PAR ID:
10309531
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of materials research
Volume:
36
Issue:
17
ISSN:
1092-8928
Page Range / eLocation ID:
3519-3538
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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