Ce travail porte sur la synthèse et la caractérisation de fluorures à base d’alcalins, d’alcalinoterreuxet de terres rares et sur la réactivité de ces composés vis-à-vis de ReF6 pour lapurification de UF6. L’étude traite dans un premier temps de la synthèse de fluorures tels queKMgF3, MgF2 et CaF2 en couplant une voie solvothermale assistée par micro-ondes et uneétape de fluoration à partir de fluor élémentaire (F2). Les techniques de caractérisationutilisées mettent notamment en avant le caractère basique au sens de Lewis de ces composéset la possibilité de contrôler leur surface spécifique et leur taux d’oxygène, à l’origine dessites basiques, via la température de fluoration (F2) en phase gaz. Dans un second temps, lasolution solide Ce1-xZrxF4 à base de Ce4+ et Zr4+ a été obtenue par fluoration directe d’oxydesmixtes à partir de fluor élémentaire dilué. L’étude par DRX et RMN du 19F montre laprésence d’une solution solide pour des compositions voisines de x=0,5. Enfin, la réactivité deReF6 et UF6 sur KMgF3, MgF2 et CaF2 montre que KMgF3 est un très bon candidat pour lapurification de UF6 vis-à-vis de ReF6, qui dépend à la fois de paramètres intrinsèques auxfluorures divisés (surface spécifique, taux d’oxygène, basicité, cations mis en jeu…) maisaussi du procédé de purification (température, temps de contact). / This work deals with the synthesis and characterization of alkali, alkali-earth and rare earthbased fluorides and the reactivity of the latter with ReF6 for UF6 purification. In a first part,we focused our attention on the synthesis of KMgF3, MgF2 and CaF2 high surface area metalfluorides coupling both microwave assisted solvothermal process and a fluorination step withelemental fluorine (F2). The higher the surface area, the higher the oxygen rate. Thesenanofluorides exhibit Lewis basic character. In a second part, several compositions of theCe1-xZrxF4 solid solution were synthesized by direct fluorination of mixed oxides usingelemental fluorine (F2). XRD an 19F NMR characterizations show the occurence of a newsolid solution for compositions close to x=0.5. Finally, the reactivity between ReF6/UF6 andKMgF3, MgF2 and CaF2 leads to conclude that KMgF3 is the best candidate for thepurification of UF6. This study indicates that the purification depends on several parameters :intrinsic parameters of the divided fluorides (surface area, oxygen rate, basicity, cations…)and parameters directly related to the process (temperature, contact time).

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T14:06:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 WersonMC.pdf: 1184207 bytes, checksum: f2f0598e463a68730749344c713c5bff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-22 / The Tungsten/copper composites are commonly used for electrical and thermal objectives like heat sinks and lectrical conductors, propitiating an excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. These properties are dependents of the composition, crystallite size and production process. The high energy milling of the powder of W-Cu produces an dispersion high and homogenization levels with crystallite size of W very small in the ductile Cu phase. This work discusses the effect of the HEM in preparation of the W-25Cu composite powders. Three techniques of powder preparation were utilized: milling the dry with powder of thick Cu, milling the dry with powder of fine Cu and milling the wet with powder of thick Cu. The form, size and composition of the particles of the powders milled were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to analyse the phases, lattice parameters, size and microstrain of the crystallite. The analyse of the crystalline structure of the W-25Cu powders milled made by Rietveld Method suggests the partial solid solubility of the constituent elements of the Cu in lattice of the W. This analyse shows too that the HEM produces the reduction high on the crystallite size and the increase in the lattice strain of both phases, this is more intense in the phase W / Os comp?sitos de Tungst?nio/Cobre (W-Cu) s?o geralmente usadas para fins el?tricos e t?rmicos como dissipadores de calor e condutores el?tricos, devido as suas excelentes propriedades de condutividades t?rmica e el?trica. Essas propriedades s?o dependentes da composi??o, do tamanho de cristalito e principalmente do processo de fabrica??o. A moagem de alta energia de p?s W-Cu produz alto n?vel de homogeneiza??o e dispers?o com cristalitos de W muito fino na fase d?ctil Cu. Este trabalho discute o efeito da MAE na prepara??o dos p?s comp?sitos W-25Cu. Tr?s t?cnicas de prepara??o dos p?s foram utilizadas: moagem a seco com p? de Cu grosso, moagem a seco com p? de Cu fino e moagem a ?mido com p? de Cu grosso. A forma, tamanho e a composi??o das part?culas dos p?s mo?dos foram observadas por microsc?pio eletr?nico de varredura (MEV). A difra??o de raios-X(DRX) foi usada para observar as fases, par?metros de rede, tamanho e microtens?o dos cristalitos. A an?lise da estrutura cristalina dos p?s mo?dos de W-25Cu feita pelo m?todo de Rietveld sugere uma solubilidade s?lida parcial dos elementos constituintes do cobre (Cu) na rede do tungst?nio (W). Essa an?lise tamb?m mostra que a MAE produz uma alta redu??o no tamanho dos cristalitos e um aumento de tens?o na rede de ambas as fases, isto ocorre com maior intensidade na fase do W

Dans le cadre du développement des technologies Na-ion, le composé NaFePO4, équivalent chimiquedu matériau très attractif LiFePO4, représente une alternative intéressante aux problèmes deressourcement du lithium. Toutefois, les composés LiFePO4 et NaFePO4 de structure olivineprésentent des divergences de comportement structural et électrochimique lors de l'insertioncationique. Ce travail présente une analyse des mécanismes de (dés)insertion des ions Li+ et Na+ ausein de la phase FePO4 par voie chimique et électrochimique. Les échantillons de LiFePO4 ont étésynthétisés par deux méthodes différentes (hydrothermale et précipitation), puis délithiéschimiquement via différents procédés. Dans un premier temps, les analyses structurales (DRX)associées aux analyses nucléaires ont permis d'effectuer un suivi de la cinétique de réaction. Nousavons montré que la présence de joints de grains, issus du traitement thermique effectué, limitefortement la vitesse de délithiation. L'analyse de l’évolution des domaines de cohérences a permis deproposer un mécanisme de délithiation original de type "Coeur-Coquille" avec un coeur de LiFePO4,confirmé par HRTEM et STEM-EELS. Dans un deuxième temps, afin de comparer les mécanismes dedélithiation chimique et électrochimique, l’insertion et la cyclabilité des ions Li+ et Na+ ont étécaractérisées en demi-cellules lithium et sodium. Bien que la signature électrochimique des matériauxLiFePO4 et NaFePO4 soit différente, les performances en termes de capacité restituée ou de tenue enpuissance s'avèrent similaires. Enfin, l'insertion électrochimique des ions Li+ et Na+ au sein d'unepoudre comportant des défauts structuraux a été caractérisée par DRX Operando durant un cycle decharge / décharge effectué à régime lent. Ces analyses ont révélées que la co-insertion cationiques'effectue via une solution solide de type LixNayFePO4 (0<x+y<1). / As part of the development of Na-ion technology, NaFePO4 compound, chemical equivalent of theattractive LiFePO4 material, would be a promising option facing possible lithium shortage. However,olivine-type LiFePO4 and NaFePO4 display different structural and electrochemical behaviors duringcationic insertion. This thesis presents an analysis of the (de)insertion mechanisms of Li+ and Na+ ionswithin olivine-type FePO4 by chemical and electrochemical means. Samples of LiFePO4 weresynthesized by two different methods (hydrothermal and precipitation), then chemically delithiated bydifferent processes. In a first step, structural analysis (XRD) associated with nuclear analyses enabledfollowing the reaction kinetics. We have pointed out that the presence of grain boundaries, resultingfrom the heat treatment, strongly limits the delithiation kinetics. The analysis of the evolution of thecoherency domains enabled us to propose an original "Shrinking Core" type delithiation mechanismwith a core of LiFePO4, observed by HRTEM and STEM-EELS. In a second step, in order to comparechemical and electrochemical mechanisms, insertion and cyclability of Li+ and Na+ were characterizedin lithium and sodium half-cells. Although the electrochemical signature of LiFePO4 and NaFePO4materials is different, the performances in terms of restored capacity or power capability are similar.Finally, electrochemical insertion of Li+ and Na+ in a powder comprising structural defects wascharacterized by operando XRD, during a charge / discharge cycle performed at low rate. Theseanalyses revealed that the cationic co-insertion takes place via a solid solution LixNayFePO4(0<x+y<1).

Cette étude s’inscrit dans le cadre du stockage de l’hydrogène pour des applications mobiles de faibles puissances électriques. Elle a été réalisée dans le cadre du projet FUI HyCAN. L’objectif était la formulation et la fonctionnalisation d’un alliage métallique de structure cubique corps centrée. Ces solutions solides désordonnées sont à base de vanadium qui présente initialement une bonne réactivité vis-à-vis de l’hydrogène.Cependant la thermodynamique du système V-H ne permet pas une utilisation pour des températures inférieures à 40°C, son coût est prohibitif et sa mise en oeuvre en milieu industriel nécessite quelques précautions. Nous avons travaillé sur trois grandes familles d’alliages à base de vanadium. Les alliages de Ti-V-Cr ont été étudiés au rayonnement synchrotron par diffraction X in operando dans le but de comprendre les transformations structurales observables lors de l’hydruration et de les relier à la thermodynamique des composés. Dans unsecond temps, le cahier des charges du projet nous a orienté vers des composites à base de vanadium dans lesquels nous développons une structure intergranulaire permettant une meilleure activation et une déstabilisation contrôlée de l’hydrure pour atteindre des températures de fonctionnement proche de 0°C.L’utilisation du ferro-vanadium en tant que précurseur a motivé l’étude des alliages de type Ti-V-Fe et Ti-V-Fe-Cr. La viabilité des solutions de stockage sur la base de ces matériaux est discutée. Tout au long de ces travaux la relation microstructure/propriété de sorption de l’hydrogène est systématiquement discutée et des modèles empiriques décrivant l’équilibre de l’hydrure sont systématiquement confrontés à la base bibliographique.Enfin, une partie de l’étude est consacrée à l’étude et à la modélisation des réservoirs en condition de fonctionnement, d’un point de vue de la thermique, du respect des normes de sécurité et des contraintes mécaniques générées par le lit de poudre réactif. / This study has been carried out in the framework of solid state hydrogen storage for mobile applications withlow electrical power. It was conducted under the FUI project HyCAN. The objective was to develop andfunctionalize a bcc alloy. Such disordered solid solutions are based on vanadium, which initially has a goodreactivity in relation to hydrogen. However, the thermodynamics of V-H system does not allow applicationsbelow 40 ° C, the cost is prohibitive and its implementation in industrial environments is not straightforward.We worked on three major families of vanadium alloys. Alloys Ti-V-Cr have been studied by in operandosynchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction in order to understand the observable structural transformations that takeplace during hydrogenation and then to link them to the thermodynamics of compounds. In a second step, thespecifications of the project directed us towards vanadium composites in which we develop an intergranularstructure for a better controlled activation and destabilization of the hydride so as to reach operatingtemperatures near 0 ° C. The use of ferro-vanadium as a precursor prompted the study of alloys in the Ti-V-Feand Ti-V-Cr-Fe systems. The viability of storage solutions on the basis of these materials is discussed.Throughout the course of this work the relationship between microstructure and hydrogen sorption properties issystematically discussed and empirical models describing the hydride equilibrium are routinely faced with thebibliographic database.Finally, part of the study is devoted to the study and modeling of reservoirs in operating condition, from thepoint of view of heat exchange, compliance with safety standards and mechanical stresses generated by the bedreactive powder.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T13:21:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 8317996 bytes, checksum: 64db9066ac027260f6795886de515804 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-10-07 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Strontium stannate (SrSnO3) and titanate (SrTiO3) are perovskite type oxides that have orthorhombic (Pbnm) and cubic (Pm3m) structures, respectively. These materials have received much attention due to their interesting physical and chemical characteristics, leading to a variety of technological applications. In this sense, these two materials were combined to each other in order to obtain powders and thin films of a solid solution, SrSn1-xTixO3. In relation to the powders, this solid solution presented successive phase transitions ranging from orthorhombic and tetragonal structures to a cubic one with increasing of Ti4+ amount in the composition. These transitions were observed by XRD Rietveld refinement of the samples and confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The different crystalline structures of the compositions within the solid solution led to different photoluminescent properties in the visible spectrum varying the range of emission, moving from a lower energy region to a higher one with increasing of Ti4+ in the structure (from orthorhombic (SrSnO3), tetragonal (SrSn0.75Ti0.25O3) to cubic (SrSn0.50Ti0.50O3 ; SrSn0.25Ti0.75O3 and SrTiO3). These emissions were probably favored by specific defects created inside the band gap of these materials. On the other hand, the thin films of this system showed different growth orientations that are associated to the crystalline nature of the substrates, the composition of the thin films and the deposition method (Chemical Solution Deposition - CSD - and Pulsed Laser Deposition - PLD). The films deposited on silica substrate were polycrystalline (random growth of the crystallites), whereas the films deposited on sapphire-R (Al2O3-012) were also polycrystalline, with a preferred orientation (h00) for the films deposited by PLD (textured growth), except SrTiO3 which was rotated 45° epitaxially in the sapphire plane. On the contrary, all of the films deposited on LAO (LaAlO3-100) had an (h00) epitaxial growth. In addition to that, the morphological characteristics and photocatalytic properties were strongly influenced also by the same parameters described above. Regarding the photocatalytic efficiency of the films, those obtained by CSD were more efficient than the ones obtained by PLD. Moreover, the films with Sn4+ richer compositions were the most active in the photodegradation of the azo dye Remazol yellow gold, reaching a maximum efficiency with the polycrystalline SrSnO3 thin film obtained by CSD whose degradation and decolorization percentage were 55 and 90 %, respectively. The type of orientation of the SrSnO3 films showed also a strong influence on the photodegradation of the dye. The polycrystalline films with a random orientation obtained on silica were more efficient than the textured films and these ones were more than the epitaxial films / O estanato (SrSnO3) e o titanato de estrôncio (SrTiO3) são óxidos do tipo perovskita que apresentam estrutura ortorrômbica (Pbnm) e cúbica (Pm3m), respectivamente. Estes materiais têm recebido bastante atenção nos últimos anos devido às suas características físicas e químicas interessantes, levando a diferentes tipos de aplicações tecnológicas. Portanto, estes dois materiais foram combinados com intuito de obter uma solução sólida, SrSn1-xTixO3, na forma de pós e filmes finos. Em relação aos pós, esta solução sólida apresentou transições de fase sucessivas com o aumento da quantidade de Ti4+ no sistema, passando de uma estrutura ortorrômbica à tetragonal levando à cúbica. Estas transições foram observadas através de difração de raios-X e refinamento Rietveld, e confirmadas por espectroscopia vibracional Raman. Os diferentes tipos de estrutura cristalina das composições da solução sólida levaram a diferentes propriedades fotoluminescentes no espectro visível, variando a região de emissão de mais baixa à mais alta energia com o aumento de Ti4+ na estrutura, ou seja, passando da estrutura ortorrômbica (SrSnO3), tetragonal (SrSn0,75Ti0,25O3) até à cúbica (SrSn0,50Ti0,50O3, SrSn0,25Ti0,75O3 e SrTiO3). Estas emissões foram provavelmente favorecidas pelos tipos de defeitos específicos criados dentro do band gap destes materiais. Por outro lado, os filmes finos deste sistema apresentaram diferentes tipos de crescimento os quais são associados à natureza cristalina dos substratos, composição dos filmes e com o método de deposição utilizado (método de deposição química em solução - CSD - e método de deposição por laser pulsado PLD). Os filmes depositados sobre sílica e safira-R (Al2O3-012) apresentaram como policristalinos (crescimento aleatorio dos cristalitos), enquanto os filmes depositados por PLD apresentaram orientação preferencial (h00) (crescimento texturizado), com exceção do filme de SrTiO3 que é epitaxial rotacionado em 45º no plano da safira-R. Todos os filmes depositados através dos dois métodos de deposição sobre LAO (LaAlO3-100) apresentaram um crescimento epitaxial (h00). Além disso, as características morfológicas e as propriedades fotocatalíticas também apresentaram forte influencia dos mesmos parâmetros acima citados. Em relação às propriedades fotocatalíticas, os filmes obtidos pelo método CSD apresentaram maior eficiência que os obtidos por PLD e os filmes com composições mais ricas em Sn4+ foram os mais ativos na fotodegradação do corante azo Remazol amarelo ouro, chegando a uma eficiência fotocatalítica máxima com o filme policristalino de SrSnO3 obtido por CSD com percentagem de degradação e de descoloração de 55 e 90 %, respectivamente. A orientação dos filmes de SrSnO3 também mostrou uma forte influencia na fotodegradação do corante, sendo os filmes policristalinos com orientação aleatória mais eficiente que o texturizado e estes por sua vez mais eficientes que os epitaxiais

Les travaux exposés dans cet ouvrage décrivent la synthèse, la caractérisation microstructurale et les propriétés physiques de solutions solides nanolamellaires des phases MAX. Les phases Mn+1AXn (M : métal de transition, A : un métal des groupes IlIA ou IV A, et X: carbone ou azote) constituent une famille de nitrures et de carbures ternaires (n = 1 à 3), qui possèdent les meilleures propriétés des métaux et les meilleures propriétés des céramiques.Lors d'une première étape, nous nous concentrons sur la synthèse de solutions solides pures et denses de Ti2AICxNy par compression isostatique à chaud. Les variations des paramètres de maille sont étudiée et discutée an fonction du taux de substitution (carbone-azote) et du taux de lacune (sur le site X). Lors d'une seconde étape, nous étudions les propriétés mécaniques et les propriétés de transport électronique des solutions solides Ti2AICxNy et des phases Ti2AICx et Ti2AINy. La technique de nanoindentation pour déterminer la dureté et le module élastique en fonction du taux de substitution et de lacune. Nous démontrons que la substitution conduit à une amélioration des propriétés mécaniques tandis que l'introduction de lacune conduit à une détérioration de ces propriétés. La résistivité électrique augmente lorsque des lacunes et/ou un effet de substitution sont introduits. Dans le cas de la substitution, nous démontrons que le désordre introduit est faible et que seule la diminution du temps de relaxation explique l'augmentation de la résistivité (interaction électron-phonons). Dans le cas de l'introduction de lacunes, nous montrons que ces dernières conduisent à une modification du temps de relaxation et probablement à une modification de la densité de porteurs.Enfin, l'anisotropie des propriétés de transport électronique a été mise en évidence par des mesures de résistivité réalisée avec le courant électrique circulant dans le plan de base et avec le courant électrique circulant selon l'axe c. Nous démontrons les propriétés de transport dans le plan de base peuvent être comprises en utilisant un modèle à une bande et un mécanisme de conduction assuré par des électrons ayant le comportement de trous. / The work discussed in this thesis concerns the synthesis, the microstructural characterization and the physical properties of nanolaminated MAX phase's solid solution. The Mn+1AXn phases (M: transition metal, A: IlIA or IV A group element, and X: either carbon or nitrogen) are a class of ternary nitrides and carbides (n=l to 3), which possess sorne of the best properties ofmetal and sorne of the best properties of ceramics.In a first step, we focus on the synthesis of highly pure and dense Ti2AICxNy solid solutions by hot isostatic pressing. The influence of the substitution of C atoms by N atoms and the influence of vacancy content on the solid solution lattice parameters is discussed. In a second step, we investigate the mechanical and transport properties of Ti2AICxNy solid solutions and oftheir related Ti2AICx and Ti2AINy end-members. Hardness and elastic modulus has been studied using nanoindentation tests. It is demonstrated that sol id solution effect leads to a hardening effect whereas the presence vacancy leads to a softening effect. The electrical resistivity is shown to increase with vacancy content and substitution rate. Such an effect is discussed in terms of disorder and relaxation time variation. Finally, the anisotropic transport properties of MAX phases is studied and discussed. The anisotropy of transport properties has been evidenced by direct measurement of the resistivity along the basal plane and along the c-axis. It is demonstrated that transport property in the basal plane can be understood in the framework of a single band model with hole-like states as charge carrier.

The present thesis gives a summary of results obtained through theoretical and experimental studies of systems with relevance to copper smelting and converting. Many chemical elements are involved in the copper production pro­cesses and a detailed experimental study would be very time- consuming and expensive. A complicating fact is also the corrosivity of the liquid phases towards container material. A powerful alternative is equilibrium calculations, in which models for the liquid phases as well as reliable basic thermodynamic data are needed. In the present thesis, a generalized structure based model for liquid silicates was developed and used in assessments of the sys­tems PbO-SiO2, Fe-O-SiO2, CuO0.5-SÌO2 and Cu-Fe-O-SiO2. In the model, the non-ideal silicate melt is treated as an ideal solu­tion but containing a few complexes. The PbO-Si02 melt could be described by introducing the complexes Pb3Si207, Pb4Si4010 and Pb13Si12O37 in addition to the components PbO and Pb2Si04. The species considered in the Fe-O-SiO2 melt were FeO, FeO1.5, Fe2Si04, Fe3Si207, Fe3Si6O15 and in the CUO0.5-SiO2 melt CuO0.5 ana CU4SiO4. Trie calculated phase diagrams, the activities of me­tal oxides and the oxygen partial pressures were all in good agreement with the published data. Two of the papers in this thesis concern the determination of Gibbs free energies for Cu2S(s,l) and Ca2Fe2O5(s) through emf measurements utilizing a solid electrolyte. Activities and termi­nal solubilities in the solid solution [Fet,Ca]0 were also deter­mined. The results obtained from the quantitative equilibrium calcula­tions for conventional copper smelting and converting were used to outline the overall reactions taking place and the outcome of changes in process parameters. Comparison with observed values, however, showed that the copper and magnetite contents in slag were calculated too low. These discrepancies could be completely explained by using a non-equilibrium approach in which the con­verter was assumed to consist of several segments with concentra­tion gradients between the segments. / digitalisering@umu.se

Les solutions solides (1-x)Na0,5Bi0,5TiO3 (NBT) – xCaTiO3 (CT) ont été étudiées par diffraction des rayons X, spectroscopie Raman, microscopie électronique à balayage, spectroscopie d’impédance et DSC. Ce sont des matériaux présentant la structure cristalline pérovskite. L’étude révèle la complexité mais aussi la richesse des phénomènes physiques dans cette famille de composés : les séquences des transitions de phases, l’influence du dopant Ca2+ sur les propriétés physico-chimiques du matériau, la relation étroite entre propriétés diélectriques et caractéristiques structurales. Des solutions solides (1-x)NBT – xCT, avec 0 ≤ x ≤ 1,00, ont été synthétisées par voie solide classique puis frittées selon une procédure spécifique dans un milieu confiné pour éviter toute perte de sodium et de bismuth. Les caractéristiques cristallines des solides obtenus imposent clairement de distinguer trois domaines suivant les valeurs de x. En effet, pour les valeurs croissantes de x et à la température ambiante, on observe un premier domaine (Région I, pour x ≤ 0,07) dans lequel le solide obtenu est une solution solide de structure cristalline, de groupe d’espace R3c, identique à celle de NBT pur. Pour les valeurs les plus élevées de x (Région II, pour x ≥ 0,15), le solide obtenu est une solution solide de structure cristalline, de groupe d’espace Pnma, identique à celle de CT pur. Enfin, entre ces deux domaines (Région III, 0,09 ≤ x ≤ 0,13), les solides obtenus sont biphasés, R3c + Pnma, en se limitant aux appellations des groupes d’espacé des phases formées. Dans la région I, lors du chauffage, la séquence des transitions de phases R3c → P4bm → Pm3m est mise en évidence; les températures des transitions se déplacent vers les plus basses températures quand la concentration en Ca2+ augmente. Les solides sont ferroélectriques à l’ambiante puis développent un caractère relaxeur, par coexistence de deux phases, avec l’augmentation de la température. Dans la région II, les solides révèlent un comportement relaxeur dès l’ambiante. Une transition de phase diffuse au sein de la phase orthorhombique Pnma est toutefois mise en évidence ; le solide passe d’un état relaxeur à un état paraélectrique tout en conservant, a priori, la même structure cristalline. Le phénomène de relaxation dans ces composés est expliqué par la formation de micros ou nanorégions polaires. La région III, quant à elle, est caractérisée par l’apparition d’une hystérésis thermique mise en évidence pour la première fois ; elle est expliquée par la relation entre la microstructure cristalline et les propriétés diélectriques. Enfin, l’ensemble de nos résultats a été regroupé dans un diagramme de phase original en composition et en température. / The solid solutions (1-x)Na0,5Bi0,5TiO3 (NBT) – xCaTiO3 (CT) were studied by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, impedance spectroscopy and DSC. These materials have a perovskite crystalline structure. This study reveals not only the complexity but also the richness of physical phenomena in these compounds: phases transitions sequences, the Ca2+ effect on the physical-chemistry properties and the relation between dielectric properties and crystalline structure. Thereby, (1-x)NBT – xCT solid solutions (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.00) were synthesized by chemical solid route, then they were sintered by a particular procedure in order to avoid sodium and bismuth volatilization. The solid crystalline characteristics obtained prove clearly the necessity to distinguish three fields as a function of x values. First of all, for increasing x at room temperature, there is a first region so called region I (x ≤ 0.07), wherein the crystalline structure of solid solutions obtained has a space group R3c identical to that of pure NBT. For the highest values of x, (Region II, x ≥ 0.15), the solid obtained has a space group Pnma, identical to that of pure CT. Finally, between these two regions, (0.09 ≤ x ≤ 0.13), the solid solutions obtained are biphasic, R3c + Pnma, limited to appellations of the space groups formed phases. In region I, upon heating, phase transition sequence R3c → R3c + Pnma → Pnma was determined; the corresponding transition temperatures move to low values with increasing Ca2+ concentration. These solids are ferroelectric at room temperature and then develop a relaxor character, by coexistence of two phases, with increasing temperature. In region II, these solids reveal a relaxor behavior at room temperature. However, a diffuse phase transition within the orthorhombic phase Pnma has been identified; the solid changes from relaxor to paraelectric while maintaining the same crystal structure. This phenomenon was explained by the formation of micro or nano-polar regions. Region III, demonstrated for the first time, is characterized by thermal hysteresis, and explained by the relation between crystalline microstructure and dielectric properties. Finally, all our results were assembled in an original phase diagram as a function of concentration of Ca2+ dopant and temperature.

In this work a manufacturing method for UN, ZrN and (U,Zr)N pellets was established at the nuclear fuel laboratory at KTH Stockholm/Sweden, which consists of the production of nitride powders and their sintering into pellets by spark plasma sintering. The nitride powders were produced by the hydriding-nitriding route using pure metal as starting material. This synthesis was performed in a stream of the particular reaction gas. A synthesis control and monitoring system was developed, which can follow the reactions in real time by measuring the gas flow difference before and after the reaction chamber. With the help of this system the hydriding and nitriding reactions of uranium and zirconium were studied in detail. Fine nitride powders were obtained; however, the production of zirconium nitride involved one milling step of the brittle zirconium hydride. Additionally uranium and zirconium alloys with different zirconium contents were produced and synthesized to nitride powders. It was found that also the alloys could be reduced to fine powder, but only by cyclic hydriding-dehydriding. Pellets were sintered out of uranium nitrides, zirconium nitrides, mixed nitrides and alloy nitrides. These experiments showed that relative densities of more than 90% can easily be achieved for all those powders. Pellets sintered from mechanically mixed nitride powders were found to still consist of two separate nitride phases, while nitride produced from alloy was demonstrated to be a monophasic solid solution both as powder and as sintered pellets.

Systematic synthetic investigations of the quaternary systems Ag - Bi - Q - X (Q = S, Se; X = Cl, Br) led to a variety of quaternary phases that exhibit considerable structural diversity with increasing complexity. These include Ag1.2Bi17.6S23Cl8, AgBi4Se5Br3 and numerous members of the homologous double series Agx(N+1)Bi2+(1-x)(N+1)Q2+(2-2x)(N+1)X2+(2x-1)(N+1) denoted (N, x)P. N represents the order number of a given homologue and x is the degree of substitution of Bi by Ag with 1/2 &amp;lt;= x &amp;lt;= 1. Their structures are built up from two alternating types of modules denoted A and B that are stacked parallel to (001). In module A, rows of edge-sharing [MZ6] octahedra (Z = X and/or Q); M = Ag and/or Bi) running parallel to [010] alternate along [100] with parallel chains of paired monocapped trigonal prisms around Bi atoms. The module type denoted B represents NaCl-type fragments of varying thickness. It is defined by the number N of octahedra within the chain of edge-sharing octahedra running diagonally across it in the (010) plane of the structure. The thickness of module B for current members of the series extends from N = 0 to N = 7. All structures exhibit Ag/Bi disorder in octahedrally coordinated metal positions and Q/X (Q = S, Se; X = Cl, Br) mixed occupation of some anion positions. Some of these compounds are narrow gap semiconductors.