In this study, new Tsai-type 1/1 quasicrystal approximants (ACs) in the RE-Au-SM systems (RE = Gd, Tb, Ho, Yb; SM = Si, Ge) were synthesized using high temperature synthesis techniques such as self-flux, arc-melting-annealing and novel arc-melting-self-flux methods. The syntheses not only provided appropriate samples for the intended structural and physical property measurements but could also be adapted to other systems, especially where crystal growth is a challenge. The newly developed arc-melting-self-flux method uses a temperature program that oscillates near the nucleation and melting points of the intended phase in order to obtain large single crystals. Self-flux methods employed to synthesize Ho-Au-Si and Tb-Au-Si ACs using a precursor alloy ≈Au79Si21 resulted in 100 mm3 and 8 mm3 single crystals, respectively. The crystal structures of the compounds are determined by either one or combinations of the following diffraction techniques; single crystal x-ray, powder x-ray, powder neutron and single crystal neutron diffraction methods.  The crystal structure refinements indicated that the compounds are essentially iso-structural with the prototype Tsai-type 1/1 approximant crystal, YbCd6. In the present compounds there are some structural variations at the cluster center and in the so-called cubic interstices located at (¼, ¼, ¼). For the current ACs; either thermoelectric, magnetic or both properties were investigated. The measured properties were understood further by correlating the properties with the atomic structures of the ACs. Significant differences are observed in the thermoelectric properties, particularly on the lattice thermal conductivities (Kphonon) of Gd-Au-Si, Gd-Au-Ge and Yb-Au-Ge ACs. The difference is attributed to the presence of chemical and positional disorder. Magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements revealed ferromagnetic transitions at low temperatures, Tc ≈ 22.5 K for Gd-Au-Si and Tc ≈ 13.1 K for Gd-Au-Ge. For a Tb-Au-Si AC with 14 % central-Tb occupancy, a ferrimagnetic-like transition was observed at Tc ≈ 9 K. Later, it was noted that the Tc and other magnetic properties depend on the occupancy of the central-RE site. Consistent decrease of Tc with increasing central-Tb occupancy is observed. The dependency of magnetic behavior with central-RE occupancy was clarified by solving the magnetic structure of the Tb-Au-Si AC.

Mesoporous silica crystals have a large variety of structures mainly due to the versatility of their structure template. The configuration and the chemical state of the templating micellar surfactants, together with the kinetic process of silica will determine the final outcome of the synthesis. Increasing the understanding of the complex formation processes involved will enable a possibilityto fine tune the material for specific uses, today focused into the fields of photoniccrystals, drug delivery, catalysis and separation technology. In this thesis emphasis is put on (1) increasing the understanding the formation mechanism yielding the different species of mesoporous silica crystals through an in depth study of quasicrystallinity (2) Characterization and description of the structural complexity through various characterization techniquesand also by studying the kinetic structural transformation phenomenon related to the minimal G- and D-surfaces. (3) The structural studies of the versatile surfactant liquid crystals for establishing a thermodynamically stable basis to evaluate the kinetic mesoporous silica growth processes. Furthermorethe thesis both enlightens the possibilities of and contributes to the developmentof electron microscopy characterization techniques. In these studies, electron microscopy is largely employed in the characterization to give a thorough picture of the mesoporous structures. This is combined with the sample preparation techniques cross-section polishing and ionslicing. Low voltage scanning electron microscopy is utilized for studying the surfaces and cross-sections of various materials at the limit of the resolution. Here, a deep understanding of the electron beam-material interaction is used for a better interpretation of the detected signals. Transmission electron microscopyis combined with electron crystallographic reconstruction to yield a three dimensional structural model. For determination of the quasicrystallinity level for a structure of dodecagonal tiling, revealed in the scope of this study,a phason strain analysis was made. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following paper was unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 7: Manuscript.</p>

In this study, new compositions of Tsai-type 1/1 quasicrystal approximants Gd(14)Au(70)Si(16), Gd(14)Au(67)Ge(19), Tb(14)Au(70)Si(16) and Yb(16)Au(65)Ge(19)are synthesized using both self-flux and arc-melting-annealing techniques. Both syntheses routes resulted single phase samples. The crystal structures of the compounds are determined by collecting single crystal X-ray and/or powder X-ray and powder neutron diffraction intensities.  The atomic structure refinements indicated that the compounds are essentially iso-structural with the prototype Tsai-type 1/1 approximant crystal, YbCd6. However, there are subtle structural variations at their cluster centers and in the so-called cubic interstices which affects some of their physical properties. Thermoelectric and magnetic properties of the compounds are investigated. Significant differences are observed in the thermoelectric properties of Gd(14)Au(70)Si(16), Gd(14)Au(67)Ge(19) and Yb(16)Au(65)Ge(19) compounds which are explained on the bases of their crystal structures and chemical compositions. Magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements revealed ferromagnetic transitions at low temperatures, Tc ≈ 22.5 K for Gd(14)Au(70)Si(16) and Tc ≈ 13.1 K for Gd(14)Au(67)Ge(19), whereas, for the Tb(14)Au(70)Si(16) compound a ferrimagnetic-like transition is observed at Tc ≈ 9 K. Moreover, a re-entrant spin-glass transition is observed at TRSG ≈ 3.3 K for Gd(14)Au(67)Ge(19) compound. Finally, the magnetic structure of the Tb(14)Au(70)Si(16) compound was determined from powder neutron diffraction data which is to our knowledge the first magnetic structure refinement report in the family of quasicrystals and approximants.

No description available.

<p>This thesis is focused on the synthesis and structural determination of a series of quasicrystal approximants in the <i>RE</i>₁₃Zn_~58 (<i>RE</i> = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu), Ce₁₃Cd_~58and <i>RE</i>Cd₆ (<i>RE</i> = Tb, Ho, Er, Tm and Lu) systems. Structural studies were performed by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods.</p><p>The <i>RE</i>Cd₆ phases are 1/1 cubic approximants to the stable icosahedral quasicrystals. The structure of quasicrystals cannot be solved by conventional crystallography due to the lack of periodicity in three-dimensional space. On the other hand, quasicrystal approximants exhibit long-range order, which makes their structural determination possible by standard methods. Since they are believed to display the same local arrangement as the quasicrystals, the structures of the quasicrystal approximants play a key role in understanding quasicrystals.</p><p>The <i>RE</i>₁₃Zn_~58 and Ce₁₃Cd_~58 quasicrystal approximants show measurable compositional variations coupled to subtle structural differences. The crystal structures are generally rather more complex than previously reported, and exhibit a number of different ordering and disordering modes.</p>

This thesis is focused on the synthesis and structural determination of a series of quasicrystal approximants in the RE13Zn~58 (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu), Ce13Cd~58 and RECd6 (RE = Tb, Ho, Er, Tm and Lu) systems. Structural studies were performed by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The RECd6 phases are 1/1 cubic approximants to the stable icosahedral quasicrystals. The structure of quasicrystals cannot be solved by conventional crystallography due to the lack of periodicity in three-dimensional space. On the other hand, quasicrystal approximants exhibit long-range order, which makes their structural determination possible by standard methods. Since they are believed to display the same local arrangement as the quasicrystals, the structures of the quasicrystal approximants play a key role in understanding quasicrystals. The RE13Zn~58 and Ce13Cd~58 quasicrystal approximants show measurable compositional variations coupled to subtle structural differences. The crystal structures are generally rather more complex than previously reported, and exhibit a number of different ordering and disordering modes.

Quasicrystal is the term used for a solid that possesses an essentially discrete diffraction pattern without having translational symmetry. Compared to periodic crystals, this difference in structure gives quasicrystals new properties that make them interesting to study -- both from a mathematical and from a physical point of view. In this thesis we review a mathematical description of quasicrystals that aims at generalizing the well-established theory of periodic crystals. We see how this theory can be connected to the cohomology of groups and how we can use this connection to classify quasicrystals. We also review an experimental method, NIXSW (Normal Incidence X-ray Standing Waves), that is ordinarily used for surface structure determination of periodic crystals, and show how it can be used in the study of quasicrystal surfaces. Finally, we define the reduced lattice and show a way to plot lattices in MATLAB. We see that there is a connection between the diffraction pattern and the reduced lattice and we suggest a way to describe this connection.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-08T14:59:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 11033070 bytes, checksum: cdf18b78928fadeec0825219da0e25c1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-03-26 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / In recent years, the constant need for new materials lead to the development of new composite materials. The composites based on epoxy resin reinforced with alloy quasicrystalline, they bring excellent tribological properties as high hardness and wear resistance. The quasicrystals are materials with different microstructural characteristics: They are aperiodic, but with the long-range ordering. These microstructural characteristics quasicrystalline materials exhibit exceptional mechanical properties and surface, such as high hardness, low surface energy, low friction coefficient, good resistance to oxidation and corrosion, has low electrical and thermal conductivities. Despite striking surface properties already mentioned, these alloys retain high adhesiveness and low brittleness. This factor compromises its use both for applications requiring the mechanical tensile and bending. Thus, the development of composites using quasicrystalline materials as reinforcement and epoxy matrix, it is found an alternative to the use of the important features. For this study were developed matrix composites reinforced epoxy alloy powder quasicrystalline Al62,2 Cu25,5 Fe12,3 comparing the composites produced with the same matrix with aluminum powder, copper powder and iron powder. To evaluate the adhesion strength of the composites, bonded joints was subjected to shear testing, using reinforced epoxy composite metal powders in various ratios of volume of reinforcement. Quasicrystal reinforced composites for certain volume ratios there was an increase in adhesive properties compared to the pure epoxy. It was observed that the quantities and the elements constituting the alloy quasicrystalline influence the adhesive properties. / Nos últimos anos, as constantes necessidades por materiais para atender as exigências do mundo atual levam ao desenvolvimento de novos materiais compósitos. Neste contexto, surgem os compósitos à base de resina epóxi reforçados com liga quasicristalina, que trazem consigo propriedades tribológicas excelentes como elevada dureza e resistência ao desgaste. Os quasicristais são materiais com características microestruturais distintas: êles são aperiódicos, porém com ordenação à longo alcance. Graças a estas características microestruturais os materiais quasicristalinos apresentam propriedades mecânicas e superficiais excepcionais, ímpares para o material metálico, como: elevada dureza, baixa energia superficial, baixo coeficiente de atrito, boa resistência à oxidação e corrosão, ainda baixas condutividades elétrica e térmica. Apesar de terem notáveis propriedades superficiais, já citadas, estas ligas detêm elevada fragilidade e baixa adesividade. Este fator compromete o seu uso tanto para aplicações que requeiram solicitações mecânicas de tração e flexão. Deste modo, o desenvolvimento de compósitos, utilizando materiais quasicristalinos como reforço e matriz epóxi, é uma das alternativas encontradas, para o aproveitamento das importantes características. Para este trabalho foram desenvolvidos compósitos de matriz epóxi reforçado com pó da liga quasicristalina Al 62,2 Cu 25,5 Fe 12,3 comparandoos compósitos produzidos com a mesma matriz com pó de alumínio, pó de cobre e pó de ferro. Para avaliar-se a resistência a adesão destes compósitos, juntas colada foi submetida a testes de cisalhamento, utilizando-se o compósito epóxi reforçado com pós-metálicos em variadas proporções de volume de reforço. Compósitos reforçados com quasicristal para determinadas proporções de volume ocorreu um aumento nas propriedades adesivas comparando com o epóxi puro. E foi observado que a quantidades e os elementos que constituem a liga quasicristalina influenciam as propriedades adesivas.

Nous avons étudié les transitions de phases structurales dans une série d'approximant 1/1 de quasicristaux de type CdYb. Les approximants 1/1 partagent le même environnement local que les quasicristaux, mais sont périodiquement ordonnés. L'approximant 1/1 Cd6Tb est particulièrement intéressant puisqu'il présente un ordre magnétique à longue distance en dessous de 20K. Une transition structurale est observée à Tc=192K. Nous avons déterminé la structure atomique de la phase cubique haute température ainsi que celle de la phase monoclinique observée en dessous de Tc. La dépendance en température de la mise en ordre du tétraèdre central a été étudiée en détail entre 192 et 180K. La distorsion de l'icosaèdre Tb12 joue certainement un rôle important dans la formation de l'ordre magnétique à longue distance. Nous avons confirmé que la transition de phase dans Cd6Yb n'est pas de type [110] mais de type [111] avec un groupe d'espace de la phase basse température P2/m. De plus l'influence de l'ordre chimique sur la transition a été étudié sur Cd6Pr and (Cd-Mg)6Pr avec 10% at. Mg. Dans ces deux cas la mise en ordre se fait le long de la direction [110]. Des simulations de dynamique moléculaire ont été conduite en utilisant des potentiels de pairs oscillant pour les phases approximantes Zn6Sc 1/1, Zn85.12Sc14.88 5/3, et Zn85.16Sc14.84 8/5. Le système Zn-Sc est isostructural au système Cd-Yb et les approximant 5/3 et 8/5 ont une maille suffisamment grande pour simuler un quasicrystal de manière réaliste. Dans les trois systèmes nous avons simulés les diagrammes de diffusion diffuse pour une température comprise entre 500 et 100K. Dans l'approximant 1/1 Zn6Sc l'évolution du signal de diffusion diffuse est en accord avec une augmentation de l'ordre à courte distance lorsque la température diminue. La comparaison de la diffusion diffuse entre l'approximant 1/1 et l'approximant 5/3 montre clairement un excès de diffusion diffuse pour l'approximant 5/3 qui est interprété comme résultant des fluctuations de phasons. Dans les trois approximants nous avons mis en évidence un phénomène de diffusion atomique entre le tétraèdre et le dodécaèdre. Pour l'approximant 1/1 cette diffusion se produit le long des diagonales de la maille cubique avec une énergie d'activation de l'ordre de 0.1 eV. Les simulations sur les approximants 5/3 et 8/5 ont montré que la dynamique du tétraèdre et la diffusion atomique dépendent de la complexité de la structure. Cette étude monte que la structure des amas atomiques et leur environnement local jouent certainement un rôle important pour les mécanismes de stabilisation de ces phases. / We have studied the structural phase transitions occurring in a series of periodic 1/1 approximant to the CdYb type quasicrystals. 1/1 approximants share the same local environment as the parent quasicrystal, yet with a periodic long range order. The Cd6Tb 1/1 approximant is of particular interest owing to its long range magnetic order observed below 20K. A structural phase transition is observed at Tc= 192K. The atomic structures of the high temperature cubic phase and the low temperature monoclinic phase has been determined. The temperature dependence of the central tetrahedron ordering and its connection to the phase transition has been studied in details between 192 and 180K. The distortion of the Tb12 icosahedron resulting from the ordering of the tetrahedron at low temperature is supposed to play a crucial role in the formation of the long range magnetic order. Diffuse scattering, characteristic of a short range order has also been observed above Tc. For the Cd6Yb approximant we have confirmed that the phase transition does not correspond to an ordering along [11 ̅0]. The space group of the low temperature phase is proposed as P2/m. Furthermore, the effects of chemical order on the ordering mechanism of the tetrahedra are investigated on Cd6Pr and (Cd-Mg)6Pr with 10% at. Mg. The ordering scheme of both Cd6Pr and (Cd-Mg)6Pr is of the [110] type instead of the previously claimed [111] type. Molecular dynamic simulations are carried out on the Zn6Sc 1/1, Zn85.12Sc14.88 5/3, and Zn85.16Sc14.84 8/5 approximants using an effective oscillating pair potential. The Zn-Sc system is isostructural to the Cd-Yb one and the 5/3 and 8/5 approximant have a unit cell large enough to mimic a real quasicrystal. In the three systems we have simulated the diffraction pattern as the temperature goes from 500K to 100K. In the Zn6Sc 1/1 approximant, the temperature dependence of the simulated diffuse scattering evidenced a short range order forming in the low temperature phase. It most likely correspond to the pretransitional short range order as observed experimentally. The comparison of the simulated diffuse scattering between the 1/1 and 5/3 approximants demonstrates an excess of diffuse scattering in the latter phase which is likely the contribution from phasons modes. We have evidenced an atomic diffusion taking place between tetrahedra and dodecahedra in all three approximants. The long range atomic diffusion in the 1/1 approximant is only observed along space diagonal directions of the cubic cell, with an activation energy of 0.1 eV. Further investigation on the 5/3 and 8/5 approximants have shown that the orientational dynamics of the central tetrahedra as well as the atomic diffusion are dependent on the complexity of the structures. The configuration of the clusters and their local environment are considered to play a crucial role in the stabilization mechanism of the quasicrystals and their periodic approximants.

Nous avons étudié les transitions de phases structurales dans une série d'approximant 1/1 de quasicristaux de type CdYb. Les approximants 1/1 partagent le même environnement local que les quasicristaux, mais sont périodiquement ordonnés. L'approximant 1/1 Cd6Tb est particulièrement intéressant puisqu'il présente un ordre magnétique à longue distance en dessous de 20K. Une transition structurale est observée à Tc=192K. Nous avons déterminé la structure atomique de la phase cubique haute température ainsi que celle de la phase monoclinique observée en dessous de Tc. La dépendance en température de la mise en ordre du tétraèdre central a été étudiée en détail entre 192 et 180K. La distorsion de l'icosaèdre Tb12 joue certainement un rôle important dans la formation de l'ordre magnétique à longue distance. Nous avons confirmé que la transition de phase dans Cd6Yb n'est pas de type [110] mais de type [111] avec un groupe d'espace de la phase basse température P2/m. De plus l'influence de l'ordre chimique sur la transition a été étudié sur Cd6Pr and (Cd-Mg)6Pr avec 10% at. Mg. Dans ces deux cas la mise en ordre se fait le long de la direction [110]. Des simulations de dynamique moléculaire ont été conduite en utilisant des potentiels de pairs oscillant pour les phases approximantes Zn6Sc 1/1, Zn85.12Sc14.88 5/3, et Zn85.16Sc14.84 8/5. Le système Zn-Sc est isostructural au système Cd-Yb et les approximant 5/3 et 8/5 ont une maille suffisamment grande pour simuler un quasicrystal de manière réaliste. Dans les trois systèmes nous avons simulés les diagrammes de diffusion diffuse pour une température comprise entre 500 et 100K. Dans l'approximant 1/1 Zn6Sc l'évolution du signal de diffusion diffuse est en accord avec une augmentation de l'ordre à courte distance lorsque la température diminue. La comparaison de la diffusion diffuse entre l'approximant 1/1 et l'approximant 5/3 montre clairement un excès de diffusion diffuse pour l'approximant 5/3 qui est interprété comme résultant des fluctuations de phasons. Dans les trois approximants nous avons mis en évidence un phénomène de diffusion atomique entre le tétraèdre et le dodécaèdre. Pour l'approximant 1/1 cette diffusion se produit le long des diagonales de la maille cubique avec une énergie d'activation de l'ordre de 0.1 eV. Les simulations sur les approximants 5/3 et 8/5 ont montré que la dynamique du tétraèdre et la diffusion atomique dépendent de la complexité de la structure. Cette étude monte que la structure des amas atomiques et leur environnement local jouent certainement un rôle important pour les mécanismes de stabilisation de ces phases. / We have studied the structural phase transitions occurring in a series of periodic 1/1 approximant to the CdYb type quasicrystals. 1/1 approximants share the same local environment as the parent quasicrystal, yet with a periodic long range order. The Cd6Tb 1/1 approximant is of particular interest owing to its long range magnetic order observed below 20K. A structural phase transition is observed at Tc= 192K. The atomic structures of the high temperature cubic phase and the low temperature monoclinic phase has been determined. The temperature dependence of the central tetrahedron ordering and its connection to the phase transition has been studied in details between 192 and 180K. The distortion of the Tb12 icosahedron resulting from the ordering of the tetrahedron at low temperature is supposed to play a crucial role in the formation of the long range magnetic order. Diffuse scattering, characteristic of a short range order has also been observed above Tc. For the Cd6Yb approximant we have confirmed that the phase transition does not correspond to an ordering along [11 ̅0]. The space group of the low temperature phase is proposed as P2/m. Furthermore, the effects of chemical order on the ordering mechanism of the tetrahedra are investigated on Cd6Pr and (Cd-Mg)6Pr with 10% at. Mg. The ordering scheme of both Cd6Pr and (Cd-Mg)6Pr is of the [110] type instead of the previously claimed [111] type. Molecular dynamic simulations are carried out on the Zn6Sc 1/1, Zn85.12Sc14.88 5/3, and Zn85.16Sc14.84 8/5 approximants using an effective oscillating pair potential. The Zn-Sc system is isostructural to the Cd-Yb one and the 5/3 and 8/5 approximant have a unit cell large enough to mimic a real quasicrystal. In the three systems we have simulated the diffraction pattern as the temperature goes from 500K to 100K. In the Zn6Sc 1/1 approximant, the temperature dependence of the simulated diffuse scattering evidenced a short range order forming in the low temperature phase. It most likely correspond to the pretransitional short range order as observed experimentally. The comparison of the simulated diffuse scattering between the 1/1 and 5/3 approximants demonstrates an excess of diffuse scattering in the latter phase which is likely the contribution from phasons modes. We have evidenced an atomic diffusion taking place between tetrahedra and dodecahedra in all three approximants. The long range atomic diffusion in the 1/1 approximant is only observed along space diagonal directions of the cubic cell, with an activation energy of 0.1 eV. Further investigation on the 5/3 and 8/5 approximants have shown that the orientational dynamics of the central tetrahedra as well as the atomic diffusion are dependent on the complexity of the structures. The configuration of the clusters and their local environment are considered to play a crucial role in the stabilization mechanism of the quasicrystals and their periodic approximants.