Synthesis of ZnS Whiskers
Abstract
One approach to improving the mechanical performance of a material is to form a self-similar whisker reinforced composite. This is the approach we are developing for Zinc Sulfide optical windows; however, it has necessitated the development of synthesis methods for ZnS whiskers. Recently, we reported an organometallic route to ZnS whiskers. Here we report yet another synthesis route. This non-organic route involves the surface reaction of metallic zinc foil or wire in a flowing atmosphere of Hydrogen Sulfide. The ZnS whiskers created at the zinc surface were characterized using SEM, TEM, SIMS, and x-ray diffraction. After an 8 hour 350C thermal treatment, the whiskers were ZnS averaging 19.2 micrometers in length, aspect ratio 27. The whiskers are single crystal in nature, and appear to evolve through an oxide layer at the surface of the zinc substrate. Thermochemical analysis of the reaction was performed to establish the relative stability of ZnS and various oxide and sulfates, and these confirmed the experimental data. These calculations describe the effects of temperature and gas phase composition upon the thermochemical stability of ZnS and other solid phase reaction products. The calculations are exceedingly useful for determining and controlling the process parameters and for the evaluation of the experimentally observed products.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 11, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA197663
Entities
People
- C. G. Pantano
- T. A. Guiton
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University