Theoretical Prediction and Experimental Synthesis of ZrAC (A = Cd, Sb) Phases.

MAX phases have great research value and application prospects, but it is challenging to synthesize the MAX phases containing Cd and Sb for the time being. In this paper, we confirmed the existence of the 312 MAX phases of ZrCdC and ZrSbC, both from theoretical calculations and experimental synthesis. The ZrAC (A = Cd, Sb) phase was predicted by the first-principles calculations, and the two MAX phases were confirmed to meet the requests of thermal, thermodynamic, and mechanical stabilities using formation energy, phonon dispersion, and the Born-Huang criteria.

Microstructure, Compressive Strength and Sound Insulation Property of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymeric Foams with Silica Fume as Foaming Agent.

Geopolymer as an alternative to cement has gained increasing attention. The aim of this article is to study the influence of the silica fume content and activator type on the porous fly ash-based geopolymer with silica fume as foaming agent. Geopolymeric foams were fabricated using low-calcium fly ash, silica fume, and sodium-based alkaline activator as initial materials.