Search Documents

By M. T. Simnad, C. E. Birchenall, M. H. Davis

The transport mechanisms previously proposed in wustite and hematite have been confirmed by movement of inert markers during the growth of these phases. By similar measurements the mechanism for magnetite has been determined. The rates of growth of multilayer scales on iron, magnetite and hematite on wustite, and hematite on magnetite have been measured. All rates are found to be diffusion controlled under the conditions of the experiments. MANY studies have been made of the rate of oxidation of iron in both the low temperature, film-forming region and the high temperature scaling range. The interpretation of the results has been greatly complicated by the formation of multi-layered scales containing the various phases of iron oxides. In most cases no attempt has been made to determine the composition of the scale and its dependence on time of oxidation in a quantitative manner. However, several recent studies'" have taken this variable into account. It is generally agreed that the growth of thick scales on iron follows a parabolic rate law for the increase of total thickness. In the thin film region agreement has been claimed with parabolic equations of various forms and with logarithmic equations. The discussion here will be concerned only with the formation of scales of considerable thickness, greater than several microns, although some of the conclusions may be applicable to thin films. A brief survey will be given of the solid phases of the iron-oxygen system, the stability of wiistite in bulk and in thin films, the relative densities of iron in the metal and oxides, and the kinetics of forma- tion of oxide scales on iron. New experimental results will be introduced at several points during the discussion, and an attempt will be made to formulate a mechanistic picture consistent with these observations. The experimental techniques are described in an appendix. Iron-Oxygen System Fig. la shows the iron-oxygen phase diagram. Wüstite ("FeO"): The lowest of the oxides has a NaCl type cubic lattice formed by close-packing of the relatively large oxide ions with the smaller iron ions arranged in the interstices. The ionic radius for 0' is about 1.3 A, while Fe++ has a radius of about 0.8A and Fe"' about 0.7A. Its range of existence on the phase diagram is very wide for an ionic material of this type and does not seem to include the stoi-chiometric composition FeO. These deviations appear to be well established as vacancies on iron lattice sites by the comparison of lattice parameters and densities for a series of compositions by Jette and Foote.4 The limits of the field are disputed, but the work which seems most reliable" indicates vacancies in from 5 pct to more than 12 pct of the iron sites. In order for the crystal to be electrically neutral, there must be electron holes which correspond to the formation of trivalent iron ions equal to twice the number of vacancies. Magnetite ("Fe³O4"): Considerable disagreement also exists in the literature about the stable range of the Fe³O4 field. Some diagrams show the Fe³O4 composition to be lower in oxygen than the formula indicates, but Schenck6 gives a diagram from the

Jan 1, 1952

EXPLORATION U.S. 4,065,972 - Exploration for subsurface ore bodies of uranium. mercury or other inorganic or organic minerals having specific gases associated thereto Small gas sample containers are planted in a plurality of shallow holes in the surface of the earth in a predetermined pattern and left in place for a period of time sufficient to collect migrating gases. Each container includes a gas collection chamber and means for admitting gases at a predetermined flow rate. Strips of detector material which is sensitive to specific gases are mounted in the collection chamber. Recovered containers are subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. F. W Holub and H. W. Alter, assigned to Terradex Corp Jan. 3, 1978. 9 pp (73-421 5R) Filed 5-24-76 (689,710) Same. British 1,498,737, dated Jan. 25, 1978

Jan 1, 1979

The Joint Committee (consisting of the chairmen of the several society committees), formed under the authority of the five societies, in order to facilitate the carrying out of the organization of an engineer reserve as part of the military forces of the United States, for which work it was appointed, now begs leave to report as follows: .The Committee has been in personal communication with the Secretary of War, the officers of the General Staff, the officers of the War College, and with the Hon. George E. Chamberlain, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs, and the Hon. James Hay, Chairman of the House Committee on Military Affairs. As the result of these interviews there has been incorporated in the draft of the legislation proposed by the Secretary of War and included also in the bills drawn by the committees of the Senate and of the House a provision for the organization of an officers reserve on broad lines, including an engineer reserve. As now drawn these bills provide that an officer shall be commissioned for a period of five years with rank up to and including that of major, after passing such requirements of character and qualifications as shall be prescribed by the President. The bill also provides that a certain amount of duty with pay shall he performed each year by the officers in the reserve. . The Committee is waiting for the Navy Department to formulate its plans for the increase in the naval forces, and as soon as a decision has been reached by that Department and the Committee is in possession of the facts, the Committee will take up the question of the organization of an engineer reserve for the navy, similar to that contemplated for the army.

Jan 2, 1916

By E. Martinez, M. L. Hollander

Sulfurization of copper oxides was investigated using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). When mixtures of cuprous oxide and sulfur were heated, the surface of the cuprous oxide was converted to cupric sulfide at the melting point of sulfur (119°C); additional sulfuriza-tion took place when the sulfur vaporized above 200°C. Cupric oxide also reacted with sulfur to form cupric sulfide but the starting temperature was approximtely 225°C. When the cupric oxide and sulfur were physically separated, sulfurization still occurred indicating a reaction with the vapor phase of sulfur. Sulfurization was obtained in runs with cuprite, chrysocolla and basic copper carbonate. Further decomposition of cupric to cuprous sulfide was noted at somewhat higher temperatures. The DTA-TGA data made it possible to set up postulated reactions in each system. These techniques were found to be well suited for studies of this type. Because of the difficulty encountered in flotation of many metallic oxide minerals, efforts have been made to find suitable reagent combinations to sulfi-dize these minerals in the flotation circuit. Recently Bautista and Sollenberger,1 using a different approach, showed that the surfaces of many oxide minerals can be converted to sulfides by heating them with sulfur to temperatures between 150° and 225°C. This technique was effective even with chrysocolla, a mineral which is very difficult to sulfidize. The primary objective of the present study was to obtain information on the reactions between the oxide minerals and suIfur. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved might prove useful in pointing the way to improvements in the process. A secondary objective was to demonstrate the value of thermo-analysis in investigations of this type. Bollin and Kerr2 have reported the use of a modification of differential thermal analysis to study the thermal reactions which occur on heating elemental constituents in a closed system to synthesize copper sulfides and iron sulfides. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was used to detect enthalpic changes as mixtures of minerals and sulfur were heated. The DTA indicated the temperatures at which reactions started and whether they were exothermic or endothermic. Weight change data were obtained by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). These data could often be used to support postulated reactions and to eliminate consideration of other possible reactions. EQUlPMENT Differential thermal analysis (DTA) involves measuring the temperature difference between the sample being tested and a thermally inert reference, generally aluminum oxide, as both are heated at a uniform rate. Series connected thermocouples in the sample and reference are used to detect the temperature differences that occur as the sample undergoes enthalpic changes.3 Crystalline transitions, fusions, vaporizations, dehydrations, decompositions and many solid state reactions can be detected. A DTA unit manufactured by the Robert L. Stone Co., Austin, Tex., was used in this investigation with a temperature rate increase of 10°C per min. The samples and reference were placed in Inconel cups with wells in the bottom into which the differential thermocouples fit, and run in a nitrogen atmosphere. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) measures the changes in weight that a sample undergoes as it is heated. A Chevenard thermobalance converted electronically for graphic recording was used with a heating rate of 5°C per minute. An X-Y recorder plotted temperature on the X axis and weight changes on the Y axis. A flow of 250 ml per min of nitrogen was streamed through the furnace. Samples were placed in a porcelain crucible open at the top, unless otherwise noted. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS Sulfur: Two sulfur samples from different sources were tested. The DTA of a high purity sulfur and a reagent grade sublimed sulfur are shown in Fig. 1. Nearly all the tests were run with the sublimed sulfur due to the difficulty in grinding and high electrostatic charge encountered with the high purity sample. Sulfur undergoes three endothermal reactions below 200°C. The first is a solid-solid crystalline transi-

Jan 1, 1964

By William P. Blake

Eureka has for several years past been known as one of the most important centres of production of argentiferous lead in the country. The average daily yield is now one hundred tons of lead bars, in which the silver and gold of the ore is concentrated. The value of this lead, called " bullion," is about $300 per ton. To produce this quantity of metal, about four times the weight of ore, or say four hundred tons, is required. Most of this ore is supplied by the two leading mines of the district, the " Eureka" and the " Richmond," adjoining claims on Ruby Hill, about two miles from Eureka. There are, however, many other mines from which considerable quan-

Jan 1, 1879

By Ira Joralemon

THE sampling of disseminated copper deposits has been described often but the method of combining assays, to give the true shape and value of the orebody as it will be mined has received less attention. As the ore mined during five or ten years at several of the great disseminated properties has averaged materially lower in grade than the published estimates, the question of the sampling and estimating of these orebodies seems timely. In this paper, attention is given particularly to factors that may cause errors in the final estimate. Sampling of diamond-drill holes, churn-drill holes, and underground workings is briefly described in the first part of the paper; then the method of combining assays to give the average grade and tonnage that will be mined is taken up in some detail. The necessity of study of the geology of the deposit and of probable costs is emphasized. Finally, the methods of calculating tonnages are outlined. DIAMOND-DRILL SAMPLING There are three main requisites for accurate diamond-drill sampling. First, the core should be removed and the hole cleaned out at the beginning of every sampling interval, usually 5 ft. (1.5 m.). After the rods are let down, water should be run through them until it becomes clear. The water must be clear before drilling starts. In this way the material knocked down from the sides of the hole by the descending rods is washed away, instead of being left to salt the sludge, sample.

Jan 2, 1922

By AIME AIME

WILLIAM BAYARD HEROY, Director of the Institute since 1935 and Vice-President for the past year, has been active in both geological and engineering circles of the petroleum industry for many years. "Bill," as he is generally called, was born in New York City in 1883, and graduated from the department of geology at Syracuse University in 1909 with a Ph.B. degree. Immediately he joined the U. S. Geological Survey, where he established an enviable record during the next eleven years. While with the Survey he acted variously as chairman, chief, and advisory engineer for a variety of Governmental bodies, many concerned with power.

Jan 1, 1939

By S. C. Libby

Physical degradation of calcined bauxite is related to the presence of goethite in the raw bauxite and to the development of secondary gibbsite. Goethite in the bauxite matrix will shrink and decrepitate during calcining, leaving a friable matrix and allowing disaggregation of the calcined bauxite during transport and handling. A matrix consisting of cryptocrystalline gibbsite alone or mixed with hematite will not shrink during calcination, yielding a calcine with high abrasion resistance. The development of secondary gibbsite between coarse gibbsite crystals also reduces degradation of the calcine by reducing the amount of disruption between grains resulting from differential thermal expansion.

Jan 1, 1981

A little more than a year and a half ago construction started on Canada's largest initial milling plant. Today the zinc concentrating plant 7 miles north of Barraute sits on ground that once was forest and clay flats. The plant is part of Barvue Mines Ltd. zinc-silver operation. Employees of the plant live in the model community of Barvue, built like the plant in record time. About 5000 tons of ore are handled by the plant daily, with an output of 200 tons of zinc concentrate. Management hopes to raise capacity of the $8 million plant to 6000 tons.

Jan 8, 1953

By E. O. Chartkoff

IN 1926 one of the authors published researches on the determination and description of the iron-tungsten and iron-molybdenum systems,1 including the equilibrium diagrams. In 1929, further work was carried on, including the examination by X-rays, which is recorded here. Measurements were made of changes in lattice parameters in the solid solutions. Precipitation from the solid solution and the accompanying changes in hardness were studied as well as the formation of the intermetallic compound phases upon sintering a mixture of metal powders.

Jan 1, 1930

THE refining period of an open-hearth heat blends imperceptibly into the finishing period, during which final adjustments are made in slag composition, in bath action and temperature, and in composition of the steel, in order to prepare it for casting into ingots. Operations must be governed by the consideration that alterations in the character of the heat during the finishing period must be held to a minimum. In a broad sense, the finishing and deoxidation period of a heat may be said to begin when the action of the last ore addition has ceased, and to end when the teeming of the ingots is completed. INGOT STRUCTURES A survey of the relative advantages and disadvantages of different types of ingot structure is required because deoxidation treatments during the finishing period control the amount of gas evolved during solidification and consequently determine the type of ingot structure. Four classes of ingots are recognized, depending upon the degree of deoxidation to which the steel has been subjected. These types are killed, semikilled, capped, and rimmed; typical examples of their structures are represented by ingots 1, 2, 5, and 7, respectively, of Fig 9-1. The actual ingots from which these cross sections were sketched were all poured to the same height (indicated by the dotted lines) in the same type and size of bottle-top molds. The eight drawings of the figure represent selected types of ingot structure in a continuous series from "dead killed" to "wild," resulting from variations in the total quantity of gas evolved, from none at all to copious amounts, during solidification of the steel in the mold. Killed and semikilled steels are adjacent at the "quiescent" end of the ingot structure series where only small amounts of gas are evolved. The term "quiescent" describes the action of the molten metal during and subsequent to the teeming of killed and semikilled steels. Capped and rimmed steels are adjacent at the

Jan 1, 1951

By D. B. Carson, D. L. Katz

Natural gases under pressure form crystalline hydrates with water. Experimental data are reported on four-phase equilibrium for the methane-propane-water, methanc-pentane-water, and methane-hexane-water systems. Temperatures and pressures for equilibrium between gas, water-rich liquid, hydrocarbon-rich liquid, and hydrate were measured, as well as the percentages of methane and propane in the hydrate. The data indicate that natural gas hydrate behaves as a solid solution and that pentanes and heavier hydrocarbons do not enter into the solid phase. Vapor-solid equilibrium constants are presented that permit the approximation of the conditions for hydrate formation, from the composition of a gas. Introduction Natural gas hydrates have been the object of considerable research in recent years, because of the trouble they have caused in the natural-gas and natural-gasoline industries. Natural gas hydrates are white crystalline compounds of water and gas, which, under pressure, exist at temperatures considerably above the freezing point of water. Because of the relatively high temperatures at which the hydrates exist, they become a nuisance in high-pressure gas operations where water is present, since their formation causes partial or complete plugging of valves and pipes. From a practical standpoint, the trouble incident to hydrate formation has been solved by dehydration of the gas before it enters the plant or pipe line, or by other remedial measures. Extensive work on gas hydrates in the latter part of the nineteenth century, by Villardl and others, gave data on methane hydrate and on ethane hydrate. Schroeder summarized these theoretical studies2 Hammerschmidt3 introduced the information on gas hydrates to the gas industry and Dcaton and Frost4-6 gathered a considerable number of data on the behavior of natural gas hydrates. Recent papers7,8 have extended both the data and the theory of these hydrates. At present, data are available on tem-peraturcs and pressures of hydrate forma. tion for pure methane, ethane, propane, n-butane, methane-ethane mixtures, meth-ane-propane mixtures, methane-butane mixtures, and some Is natural gases, all- in the Presence of excess water. However, up to the Present time no method has been available for predicting the temperature at given pressures or the pressure at given at at which natural gases will form hydrates if hydrates with water. 'This Paper Presents data on the methane-propane-water, methane-pentane-water and methane-hex-""e water systems in four phases, one of which is the hydrate. he application of the phase rule to the methane-~ro~ane-water data Proves that hydrates behave as solid solutions. The data of this paper and those in the literature were used to develop vapor-solid. equilibrium constants,8 which permit prediction of conditions of hydrate formation from the analysis of a natural gas.

Jan 1, 1942

By D. B. Carson, D. L. Katz

Natural gases under pressure form crystalline hydrates with water. Experimental data are reported on four-phase equilibrium for the methane-propane-water, methanc-pentane-water, and methane-hexane-water systems. Temperatures and pressures for equilibrium between gas, water-rich liquid, hydrocarbon-rich liquid, and hydrate were measured, as well as the percentages of methane and propane in the hydrate. The data indicate that natural gas hydrate behaves as a solid solution and that pentanes and heavier hydrocarbons do not enter into the solid phase. Vapor-solid equilibrium constants are presented that permit the approximation of the conditions for hydrate formation, from the composition of a gas. Introduction Natural gas hydrates have been the object of considerable research in recent years, because of the trouble they have caused in the natural-gas and natural-gasoline industries. Natural gas hydrates are white crystalline compounds of water and gas, which, under pressure, exist at temperatures considerably above the freezing point of water. Because of the relatively high temperatures at which the hydrates exist, they become a nuisance in high-pressure gas operations where water is present, since their formation causes partial or complete plugging of valves and pipes. From a practical standpoint, the trouble incident to hydrate formation has been solved by dehydration of the gas before it enters the plant or pipe line, or by other remedial measures. Extensive work on gas hydrates in the latter part of the nineteenth century, by Villardl and others, gave data on methane hydrate and on ethane hydrate. Schroeder summarized these theoretical studies2 Hammerschmidt3 introduced the information on gas hydrates to the gas industry and Dcaton and Frost4-6 gathered a considerable number of data on the behavior of natural gas hydrates. Recent papers7,8 have extended both the data and the theory of these hydrates. At present, data are available on tem-peraturcs and pressures of hydrate forma. tion for pure methane, ethane, propane, n-butane, methane-ethane mixtures, meth-ane-propane mixtures, methane-butane mixtures, and some Is natural gases, all- in the Presence of excess water. However, up to the Present time no method has been available for predicting the temperature at given pressures or the pressure at given at at which natural gases will form hydrates if hydrates with water. 'This Paper Presents data on the methane-propane-water, methane-pentane-water and methane-hex-""e water systems in four phases, one of which is the hydrate. he application of the phase rule to the methane-~ro~ane-water data Proves that hydrates behave as solid solutions. The data of this paper and those in the literature were used to develop vapor-solid. equilibrium constants,8 which permit prediction of conditions of hydrate formation from the analysis of a natural gas.

Jan 1, 1942

By S. D. Michaelson

[CONTENTS PACE See TP 2377, Min. Tech, May 1948 for discussion of A Technique for Photographing Difficult Subjects through a Petrographic Microscope (TP 2092 by DONALD W. SCOTT, Min. Tech., Nov. 1946. Discussion by HORACE WINCHELL). Metallurgical Efficiency-a Yardstick in Lead-zinc Flotation Metallurgy (TP 2141 by R. A. ....... PALLANCH, Min. Tech:, March 1947. Discussion by S. D. MICHAELSON). I Symposium on Milling Devices and Practices. (TP 2162 by J. F. MYERS and R. J. TOWER, Min. Tech., May 1947. Discussion by HARLOWE HARDINGE). ............ 2 Rod Milling-Plant and Laboratory Data. (TP 2175 by J. F. MYERS, S. D. MICHAELSON and F. C. BOND, Min. Tech., July 1947. Authors' supplement and discussion by HARLOWE .......................... HARDINGE, and B. H. IRWIN) 2 A New Separating Vessel for Sink-float Concentration. (TP 2182 by E. C. BITZER, Min. Tech., May 1947. Discussion by E. H. CRABTREE, JR.) .................. 5] Metallurgical Efficiency-a Yardstick in Lead-zinc Flotation Metallurgy S. D, MICHAELSON*-The method of determining the efficacy of a separation described in this paper, gives the metallurgist a most useful guide for keeping his ship on an even keel When the ore Waves vary from placid seas to high breakers. Now that such a method of evaluating metallurgical efficiency has been developed and proven practical, it Would seem logical to introduce the next, and more final, factor of Economic Efficiency. I choose to define this term as the percentage ratio of net return from milling to the theoretical maximum net return. The actual operating cost subtracted from the actual mill return represents the net actual amount received for the material treated. Experienced operators of most plants Would ordinarily have enough data on hand to estimate a theoretical milling cost per ton, based on labor, power, supplies and maintenance When operating at maximum tonnage With minimum trouble and under ideal ore conditions. When this theoretical estimated cost is subtracted from the theoretical maximum ore return (calculated by Pallanch's method) the resulting figure is the maximum theoretical net amount the mill operator could hope to realize in processing the ore. The percentage ratio of these sums, of actual to theoretical, is the economic efficiency of the operations. This economic efficiency, if determined on the basis of a fixed market price for metal and similarly fixed base rates for labor, power and supplies, Will reflect the effect of changes in milling practice, labor efficiency and equipment condition. When computations made on the basis of actual current rates for labor, power and supplies are compared With similar actual figures for past periods they will show forcefully how energetic our hunt must be to develop man saving controls, more effective metallurgy, and better equipment to maintain profitable operations. Such computations also offer a simple means of determining how much more labor, supplies and power can be put into the mill operation to obtain an increase in metallurgical recovery at a profit.

Jan 1, 1947

By J. Kitagawa

INTRGDUCTION The Paragsha concentrator is the largest of Cerro de Pasco Corporation's base metal beneficiation plants operating in Peru. At present, this plant is treating an average of [ ]

Jan 1, 1970

By James P. Kimball

BY the term weathering of coal is meant the process of deterioration to which under various circumstances it may be exposed at ordinary temperatures, both from outward agencies on the one hand, and on the other hand from its own constitutional qualities. This process involves along with some minor qualitative changes certain quantitative changes resulting in a gradual and limited reduction in the quantity of the organic elements, and relatively a corresponding increase of its inorganic or mineral constituents as represented by its ashes, and often in an increase of the absolute weight of the coal. In common with many mineral substances, coal absorbs oxygen

Jan 1, 1880

By James P. Kimball

By the term weathering of coal is meant the process of deterioration to which under various circi~mstances it may be exposed at ordinary temperatures, both from outward agencies on the one hand, and on the other hand from its own constitutional qualities. This process involves along with some minor qualitative changes certain quantitative changes resulting in a gradual and limited reduction in the quantity of the organic elements, and relatively a corresponding increase of its inorganic or mineral constituents as represented by its ashes, and often in an increase of the absolute weight of the coal. In common with many mineral substances, coal absorbs oxygen

Jan 1, 1880

By R. L. Tobie, H. W. Seaney

Over the years since 1956 when initial experiments were conducted on underground concreting in an attempt to cope with the ground weight and pressure encountered in the development of a large-scale underground block caving system, the use of monolithic concrete linings has grown to include most of the primary development in the mining area. Although the development cost of concrete linings is higher than either timber or steel-supported openings, the repair and maintenance costs are substantially lower, making concrete the most economical means of ground support. Other ad- vantages are also apparent, in that concrete provides superior fireproofing, better ventilation, and a safer, cleaner working place.

Jan 11, 1965

By D. J. Jr. McAdam

This paper presents stress-cycle graphs for five samples of monel metal and three high-strength aluminum alloys. These graphs are evidently curves with horizontal asymptote. The position of the horizontal asymptote can be determined with sufficient accuracy by extending the experiments to not more than 50,000,000 cycles. For some of the graphs, there is a slight downward slope between 50,000,000 and 100,000,000 cycles. The slope is so slight, however, that, extrapolation from 50,000,000 to 100,000,000 cycles gives the endurance limit with sufficient accuracy. Monel metal and duralumin are not exceptional among non-ferrous metals in endurance properties. IN Part I of this paper' a comparison was given of the results obtained in investigation of the endurance properties of non-ferrous metals in .three laboratories: the Engineering Experiment Station of the University of Illinois, the U. S. Air Service at McCook Field, Dayton, Ohio, and the U. S. Naval Engineering Experiment Station, Annapolis, Md. Part I was devoted to a discussion of the forms of the stress-cycle graphs obtained at the three laboratories. For comparison, typical graphs obtained at the three laboratories were plotted on the same semi-logarithmic scale. The typical rotating-cantilever graph for ferrous and non-ferrous metals obtained at the Naval Experiment Station was described as a curve descending with gradually decreasing slope to a horizontal line. In the reply to the discussion of Part I, however, this graph was described as a curve with horizontal asymptote. It. was also said that the ordinate of the asymptote (the endurance limit) could be determined by endurance tests of not more than 50,000,000 cycles. This description was intended to apply only within the range of ordinates used in plotting an ordinary endurance graph. It was recognized that if .extended upward beyond the usual field, the curvature of the graph would decrease until -the graph would either approach a straight a line or possibly reverse its curvature.

Jan 2, 1926

By W. Ivanick, Frank W. Glaser

ORDERING reactions of Fe-Si compositions in the a region have been mentioned in a number of review articles.7-8 However, little is known in regard to the critical temperature, T at which this transformation takes place. Greiner and Stoughton,' in a study of the constitution of iron-rich Fe-Si alloys below 800°C, placed the onset of order at a composition of about 4 to 5 wt pct (7.5 to 9.5 atomic pct) Si. They observed that at this composition the ductility and strength begin to decrease sharply and brittleness develops. During X-ray studies they observed only the appearance of superlattice lines for compositions containing 12.5 atomic pct Si. More recent X-ray diffraction studies- etected the appearance of superstructure lines (corresponding to the calculated positions of [Ill] and [ZOO] reflections) for alloys containing 9.5 atomic pct. This fact confirms Greiner and Stoughton's original hypothesis in regard to the onset of order at compositions containing about 7.5 to 9.5 atomic pct Si. The physical properties.of Fe-Si alloys containing more than 10 atomic pct Si have been studied only to a limited extent. Their extreme brittleness and difficulties of sample preparation render them of little industrial use in comparison with alloys in the 0 to 10 atomic pct Si range. The properties of Fe-Si alloys reported to date are mostly properties measured at room temperature on ordered compositions It appears that because of experimental difficulties fully disordered alloys could not be produced in the critical composition ranges and their properties could therefore not be reported. In Figs. la, lb, and lc, a summary of physical properties of Fe-Si alloys, measured during recent investigations of the influence of silicon additions to iron, is presented. No mention of determination of the critical temperature, T for disorder could be found in the literature. The following is an account of work done in an attempt to: 1) produce the disordered state of various Fe-Si alloys and establish the critical temperature, T for disordering, and 2) compare the electrical and thermal conductivity characteristics of the ordered and disordered phases as functions of composition. Materials, Preparation of Test Samples, and Testing Methods Fe-Si alloys with high silicon contents (about 10 atomic pct) are usually prepared using powder metallurgy techniques. This method insures accurate compositions and high purity through the use of protective atmospheres during solid state diffusion alloying of the mixed powders."" Iron and silicon powders were mixed in the desired proportions, cold or hot pressed, and then homogenized at 1150°C for periods ranging from 6 to 12 hr under a protective getter and in a hydrogen atmosphere. Fully homogenized samples were quenched in water from various and successively higher temperatures to establish the critical temperature for disorder. Temperatures were determined using Pt—Pt-Rh thermocouples in contact with the test samples. Test bars were approximately 0.6x1.25x7.5 cm. Electrical measurements were made at room temperature by determining the potential drop over a 1.5 cm span for a current of 10 amp. Densities of the samples were determined by immersion. High temperature electrical resistivities were measured using previously described techniques.'" Specific heat conductivity up to 200°C was measured by heating one end of the test bar and water-cooling the other; heat conductivity was then obtained by subtracting the rate at which heat entered the water from the

Jan 1, 1957