arXiv subjects

A. K. M. A. Islam

Publications and source records attributed to A. K. M. A. Islam.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2017

First-principles study of superconducting ScRhP and ScIrP pnictides

For the first time, we have reported in this study an ab initio investigation on elastic properties, Debye temperature, Mulliken population, Vickers hardness, and charge density of superconducting ScRhP and ScIrP phosphides. The optimized cell parameters show fair agreement with experimental results. The elastic constants and moduli, Poisson's as well as Pugh's ratio and elastic anisotropy factors have also been calculated to understand the mechanical behavior of these ternary compounds. Their mechanical stability is confirmed via the calculated elastic constants. The calculated values for Poisson's and Pugh's ratio indicate the ductile nature of these compounds. ScIrP is expected to be elastically more anisotropic than ScRhP. The estimated value of Debye temperature predicts that ScRhP is thermally more conductive than ScIrP and the phonon frequency in ScRhP is higher than that in ScIrP. The hardness of ScRhP is lower due to the presence of anti-bonding Rh-Rh in ScRhP. The investigated electronic structure predict that the metallic conductivity of ScRhP reduces significantly when Rh is replaced with Ir. The main contribution to the total density of states (TDOS) at Fermi-level (EF) comes from the d-electrons of Sc and Rh/Ir in both compounds. These two ternary compounds are characterized mainly by metallic and covalent bonding with little ionic contribution. As far as superconductivity is concerned, the matrix elements of electron-phonon interaction are noticeably enhanced in ScIrP compared to that in ScRhP.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2017

Mechanical behavior, bonding nature, and defect processes of Mo2ScAlC2: a new ordered MAX phase

In the present study we employed density functional theory calculations to investigate the mechanical behavior, bonding nature and defect processes of the new ordered MAX phase Mo2ScAlC2. The mechanical stability of the compound is verified with its single crystal elastic constants. The new phase Mo2ScAlC2 is anticipated to be prone to shear along the crystallographic b and c axes, when a rational force is applied to the crystallographic a axis. The compressibility along the <001> direction under uniaxial stress is expected to be easier in Mo2ScAlC2. Additionally, the volume deformation should be easier in Mo2ScAlC2 than in the isostructural Mo2TiAlC2. Mo2ScAlC2 is predicted to behave in a brittle manner. Due to its higher Debye temperature, Mo2ScAlC2 is expected to be thermally more conductive than Mo2TiAlC2. The cross-slip pinning procedure should be significantly easier in Mo2ScAlC2 as compared to Mo2TiAlC2. The new ordered MAX phase Mo2ScAlC2 has a mixed character of strong covalent and metallic bonding with limited ionic nature. Both Mo-C and Mo-Al bonds are expected to be more covalent in Mo2ScAlC2 than those of Mo2TiAlC2. the level of covalency of Sc-C bond is somewhat low compared to a similar bond Ti-C in Mo2TiAlC2. Due to its reduced hardness, Mo2ScAlC2 should be softer and more easily machinable compared to Mo2TiAlC2. Fermi surface topology of the new compound is formed mainly due to the low-dispersive Mo 4d-like bands. The intrinsic defect processes reveal that the level of radiation tolerance in Mo2ScAlC2 is not as high as in other MAX phases such as Ti3AlC2.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2017

Ab-initio study of mechanical and electronic properties of MoAlB

Using first-principles calculations, the structural, elastic and electronic properties of MoAlB have been investigated for the first time. The optimized lattice constants exhibit fair agreement with the experimental values. The computed elastic constants satisfy the mechanical stability conditions for the MoAlB. The Mo-based boride MoAlB is elastically anisotropic and can be classified as brittle material. This boride is expected to show reasonable thermal conductivity due to its high Debye temperature of 693 K. The metallic electrical conductivity of this compound is predicted from the electronic band structure calculations. The chemical bonding in MoAlB is basically covalent in nature which is supported by the calculated electronic density of states (DOS), Mulliken population, and charge density distribution. The estimated hardness value of 11.6 GPa for MoAlB suggests that it is softer compared to many other borides. The Fermi surface is formed due to low dispersive Mo 4d-like bands, which makes the compound a conductive one.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

New Ternary Superconducting Compound LaRu2As2: Physical Properties from DFT Calculations

In this paper, we have presented the density functional theory (DFT) based calculations performed within the first-principles pseudopotential method to investigate the physical properties of the newly discovered superconductor LaRu2As2 for the first time. The optimized structural parameters are in good agreement with the experimental results. The calculated independent elastic constants ensure mechanical stability of the compound. The calculated Cauchy pressure, Pugh's ratio as well as Poisson's ratio indicate that LaRu2As2 should behave as a ductile material. Due to low Debye temperature, LaRu2As2 may be used as a thermal barrier coating (TBC) material. The new compound should exhibit metallic nature as its valence bands overlap considerably with the conduction bands. LaRu2As2 is expected to be a soft material and easily machineable because of its low hardness value of 6.8 Gpa. The multi-band nature is observed in calculated Fermi surface. A highly anisotropic combination of ionic, covalent, and metallic interactions is expected in accordance with charge density calculations.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Newly synthesized Zr2(Al0.58Bi0.42)C, Zr2(Al0.2Sn0.8)C, and Zr2(Al0.3Sb0.7)C MAX phases: A first-principles study

The structural, elastic, and electronic properties of newly synthesized Zr2(Al0.58Bi0.42)C, Zr2(Al0.2Sn0.8)C, and Zr2(Al0.3Sb0.7)C MAX nanolaminates have been studied using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations for the first time. Theoretical Vickers hardness has also been estimated for these compounds. All the calculated results are compared with experimental data and also with that of recently discovered Zr2AlC phase, where available. Zr2(Al0.58Bi0.42)C and Zr2(Al0.2Sn0.8)C are the two first Bi and Sn containing MAX compounds. The calculated structural parameters are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The single crystal elastic constants Cij and other polycrystalline elastic coefficients have been calculated and the mechanical stabilities of these compounds have been theoretically confirmed. The bulk modulus increases and the shear modulus decreases due to partial Bi/Sn/Sb substitution for Al in Zr2AlC. The calculated elastic moduli show that these Bi/Sn/Sb containing MAX phases are more anisotropic than Zr2AlC, and have a tendency towards ductility. The Vickers hardness decreases in the Bi/Sn/Sb containing compounds. Further, the electronic band structures and electronic density of states (EDOS) are calculated and the effects of different elemental substitution on these properties are investigated. The electronic band structures show metallic characteristics with contribution predominantly coming from the Zr 4d orbitals. Partial presence of Bi/Sn/Sb atoms increases the EDOS at the Fermi level to some extent. Possible implications of the theoretical results for these recently discovered MAX nanolaminates have been discussed in detail in this paper.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

First-principles prediction of mechanical and bonding characteristics of new T2 superconductor Ta5GeB2

In the present paper, DFT (Density Functional Theory) based first-principles methods are applied to investigate the mechanical and bonding properties of newly synthesized T2 phase superconductor Ta5GeB2 for the first time. The calculated lattice constants are in reasonable agreement with the experiment. The elastic constants (Cij), bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G), Young's modulus (Y), Poisson ratio (nu), Pugh ratio (G/B), and elastic anisotropy factor, A, of Ta5GeB2 are calculated to explore the mechanical behavior of the compound.To give an explanation of the bonding nature of this new ternary tetragonal system, the band structure, density of states, and Mulliken atomic population are investigated. The estimated Debye temperature and Vickers hardness are also used to justify both the mechanical and bonding properties of Ta5GeB2.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Ab initio Investigation of Vibrational, Thermodynamic, and Optical properties of Sc2AlC MAX compound

The structural, vibrational, thermodynamical and optical properties of technologically important, weakly coupled MAX compound, Sc2AlC are calculated using density functional theory (DFT). The structural properties of Sc2AlC are compared with results reported earlier. The vibrational, thermodynamical, and optical properties are theoretically estimated for the first time. The phonon dispersion curve has been calculated and the dynamical stability of this compound has been investigated. The optical and acoustic modes are observed clearly. We have calculated the Helmholtz free energy (F), internal energy (E), entropy (S) and specific heat capacity (Cv) from the phonon density of states. Various optical parameters have also been calculated. The reflectance spectrum shows that it this compound has the potential to be used as a solar reflector.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

New MAX Phase Compound Mo2TiAlC2: First-principles Study

A theoretical study of Mo2TiAlC2 compound belonging to the MAX phases has been performed by using the firstprinciples pseudopotential plane-wave method within the generalized gradient approximation. We have calculated the structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of Mo2TiAlC2. To confirm mechanical stability, the elastic constants Cij are calculated. Other elastic parameters such as bulk modulus, shear modulus, compressibility, Young modulus, anisotropic factor, Pugh ratio, Poisson ratio are also calculated. The energy band structure and density of states are calculated and analyzed. The results show that the electrical conductivity is metallic with a high density of states at the Fermi level in which Mo 4d states dominate. Furthermore, the optical properties such as dielectric function, refractive index, photoconductivity, absorption coefficients, loss function and reflectivity are also calculated. Its reflectance spectrum shows that it has the potential to be used as a promising shielding material to avoid solar heating.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Structural, elastic, and electronic properties of newly discovered Li2PtSi3 superconductor: Effect of transition metals

First-principles calculations within the density functional theory (DFT) with GGA-PBE exchange-correlation scheme have been employed to predict the structural, the elastic and the electronic properties of newly discovered lithium silicide superconductor, Li2PtSi3, for the first time. All the theoretical results are compared with those calculated recently for isostructural Li2IrSi3. The present study sheds light on the effect of replacement of transition metal element Ir with Pt on different mechanical, electronic, and superconducting properties. The effect of spin-orbit coupling on electronic band structure was found to be insignificant for Li2PtSi3. The difference in superconducting transition temperatures of Li2PtSi3 and Li2IrSi3 arises primarily due to the difference in electronic energy density of states at the Fermi level. Somewhat reduced Debye temperature in Li2PtSi3 plays a minor role. We have discussed the implications of the theoretical results in details in this study.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2015

Sulvanite Compounds Cu3TMS4 (TM= V, Nb and Ta): Elastic, Electronic, Optical and Thermal Properties using First-principles Method

We present a systematic first-principles study of the structural, elastic, electronic, optical and thermodynamics properties of the sulvanite compounds Cu3TMS4 (TM = V, Nb and Ta). The structural, elastic and electronic properties are in fact revisited using a different calculation code than that used by other workers and the results are compared. The band gaps are found to be 1.041, 1.667 and 1.815 eV for Cu3VS4, Cu3NbS4 and Cu3TaS4, respectively which are comparable to other available calculated results. The optical properties such as dielectric function, refractive index, photoconductivity, absorption coefficients, reflectivity and loss function have been calculated for the first time. The calculated results are compared with the limited measured data on energy dependent refractive index and reflectivity coefficient available only for Cu3TaS4. All the materials are dielectric, transparent in the visible range. The values of plasma frequencies are found to be 15.36, 15.58 and 15.64 eV for Cu3VS4, Cu3NbS4 and Cu3TaS4, respectively. Furthermore, following the quasi-harmonic Debye model, the temperature effect on the bulk modulus, heat capacity, and Debye temperature is calculated reflecting the anharmonic phonon effects and these are compared with both experimental and other theoretical data where available.

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2015

First-principles study of Vickers hardness and thermodynamic properties of Ti3SnC2 polymorphs

We have investigated Vickers hardness and the thermodynamic properties of the recently discovered nanolaminate carbide Ti3SnC2 polymorphs using the first-principles calculations. The chemical bonding shows a combination of covalent, ionic and metallic types. The strong covalent bonding is mainly responsible for high Vickers hardness of Ti3SnC2 polymorphs. Thermodynamic properties are studied using the quasi-harmonic Debye model. The variation of bulk modulus, thermal expansion co-efficient, specific heats, and Debye temperature with applied pressure (P) and temperature (T) are investigated systematically within the ranges of 0 - 50 GPa and 0 - 1000 K. The calculated results have been compared with available experimental and theoretical data.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Structural, Elastic, and Electronic Properties of Recently Discovered Ternary Silicide Superconductor Li2IrSi3: An ab-initio Study

The structural, elastic, and electronic properties of the very recently discovered ternary silicide superconductor, Li2IrSi3, have been calculated using ab-initio technique. We have carried out the plane-wave pseudopotential approach within the framework of the first-principles density functional theory (DFT) implemented within the CASTEP code. The calculated structural parameters show a reasonable agreement with the experimental results. Elastic moduli of this interesting material have been calculated for the first time. The electronic band structure and electronic energy density of states indicate the strong covalent Ir-Si and Si-Si bonding which lead to the formation of the rigid structure of Li2IrSi3. Strong covalency give rise to a high Debye temperature in this system. We have discussed the theoretical results in detail in this paper.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Synthesized inverse-perovskites Sc3InX (X = B, C, N): A theoretical investigation

We present first-principles density functional theory (DFT) investigations of mechanical, thermodynamic and optical properties of synthesized inverse-perovskites Sc3InX (X = B, C, N). The elastic constants at zero pressure and temperature are calculated and the anisotropic behavior of the compounds is illustrated. All the three materials are shown to be brittle in nature. The computed Peierls stress, approximately 3 to 5 times larger than of a selection of MAX phases, show that dislocation movement may follow but with much reduced occurrences compared to these MAX phases. The Mulliken bonding population and charge density maps show stronger covalency between Sc and X atoms compared with Sc-Sc bond. The Vickers hardness values of Sc3InX are predicted to be between 3.03 and 3.88 GPa. The Fermi surfaces of Sc3InX contain both hole- and electron-like topology which changes as one replaces B with C or N. The bulk modulus, specific heats, thermal expansion coefficient, and Debye temperature are calculated as a function both temperature and pressure using the quasi-harmonic Debye model with phononic effects. The results so obtained are analysed in comparison to the characteristics of other related compounds. Moreover optical functions are calculated and discussed for the first time. The reflectivity is found to be high in the IR-UV regions up to ~ 10.7 eV (Sc3InB, Sc3InC) and 12.3 eV (Sc3InN), thus showing promise as good coating materials. Keywords: Sc3InX, Mechanical properties; Fermi surface; Quasi-harmonic Debye model; Thermodynamic properties; Optical properties

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2012

Mechanical, thermal and optical properties of perovskite borides RRh3B(R = Y, Zr, and Nb)

We report here ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations of structural, elastic, Peierls stress, thermodynamic and optical properties of RRh3B (R = Y, Zr and Nb) using the plane wave psedudopotential method. The materials possess better ductile behavior in comparison with a selection of layered MAX phases but the anisotropy is strong, particularly in NbRh3B. The Peierls stress, approximately 3-4 times larger than in MAX phases, show that dislocation movement may follow but with much reduced occurrences compared to MAX phases. The temperature and pressure dependence of bulk modulus, specific heats, thermal expansion coefficient, and Debye temperature are calculated for the first time for two of the three compounds using the quasi-harmonic Debye model with phononic effects for elevated temperature and pressure. The obtained results are discussed in comparison to the behavior of other related compounds. Further the features of optical functions obtained for the first time are discussed. The study reveals that the reflectivity is high in the IR-UV regions up to ~ 17.5 eV (YRh3B, ZrRh3B) and 20 eV (NbRh3B), thus showing promise as good coating materials. Keywords: RRh3B; Quasi-harmonic Debye model; Thermodynamic properties; Optical properties

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2012

Superconducting MAX phases Nb2AC (A = S, Sn): An ab-initio study

An ab-initio investigation of structural parameters, elastic, electronic, thermodynamic and optical properties of MAX phases Nb2AC (A = S, Sn) has been carried out by the plane wave psedudopotential method based on density functional theory (DFT). The effect on results of substitution of heavier Sn atoms for the lighter S atoms in the nanolaminate network has been made. The analysis of the electronic band structure shows that these compounds are electrical conductors, with contribution predominantly from the Nb 4d states. The temperature and pressure dependence of bulk modulus, Debye temperature, specific heats, thermal expansion coefficient of the nanolaminates are calculated for the first time using the quasi-harmonic Debye model with phononic effects. The estimated values of electron-phonon coupling constants (lambda ~ 0.49, ~0.59) imply that Nb2SC and Nb2SnC are moderately coupled superconductors. Further first time detailed analysis of all optical functions reveals that Nb2SC is a better dielectric material, and also both the phases, having similar reflectivity spectra, show promise as good coating materials in the energy regions 10-16.5 eV. Keywords: Nb2SC; Nb2SnC; First-principles; Mechanical properties; Quasi-harmonic Debye model; Band structure; Thermodynamic properties; Optical properties

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Theoretical investigations of superconducting MAX phases Ti2InX (X = C, N)

The structural, elastic, electronic, thermal and optical properties of superconducting MAX phases Ti2InX (X = C, N) are investigated by density functional theory (DFT). The results obtained from the least studied nitride phase are discussed in comparison with those of carbide phase having Tc-value half as that of the former. The band structure and density of states show that these phases are conductors, with contribution predominantly from the Ti 3d states. The bulk modulus, Debye temperature, specific heats, thermal expansion coefficient are all obtained as a function of temperature and pressure for the first time through the quasi-harmonic Debye model with phononic effects. Ti2InC and Ti2InN are indicated to be moderately coupled superconductors. The thermal expansion coefficients for both the phases are calculated, and the calculation is in fair agreement with the only available measured value for Ti2InC. Further the first time calculated optical functions reveal that the reflectivity is high in the IR-visible-UV region up to ~ 10 eV and 12.8 eV for Ti2InC and Ti2InN, respectively showing these to be promising coating materials. Keywords: Ti2InX superconductors; First-principles; Mechanical properties; Band structure; Thermodynamic properties; Optical properties

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Phase stability, elastic, electronic, thermal and optical properties of Ti3Al1-xSixC2 (0 LE x LE 1): First-principles study

The structural parameters with stability upon Si incorporation and elastic, electronic, thermodynamic and optical properties of Ti3Al1-xSixC2 (0 \leq x \leq 1) are investigated systematically by the plane wave psedudopotential method based on the density functional theory (DFT). The increase of some elastic parameters with increasing Si-content renders the alloys to possess higher compressive and tensile strength. The Vickers hardness value obtained with the help of Mulliken population analysis increases as x is increased from 0 to 1. The solid solutions considered are all metallic with valence and conduction bands, which have a mainly Ti 3d character, crossing the Fermi level. The temperature and pressure dependences of bulk modulus, normalized volume, specific heats, thermal expansion coefficient, and Debye temperature are all obtained through the quasi-harmonic Debye model with phononic effects for T = 0-1000K and P = 0-50GPa. The obtained results are compared with other results where available. Further an analysis of optical functions for two polarization vectors reveals that the reflectivity is high in the visible-ultraviolet region up to ~ 10.5 eV region showing promise as good coating material. Keywords: Ti3Al1-xSixC2; First-principles; Quasi-harmonic Debye model; Mechanical properties; Band structure; Optical properties

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2012

Elastic, thermodynamic, electronic and optical properties of U2Ti

An investigation of U2Ti, a potentially safe and heavy metal-based storage material for radioactive tritium for fusion reactor, has been performed using pseudopotential density functional theory. The analysis of the elastic constants and other moduli calculated for the first time shows large anisotropy on elasticity and brittle behavior. A quasi-harmonic Debye model, which considers the vibrational contribution to the total free energy of the system, has been used to investigate the finite-temperature and finite-pressure thermodynamic properties of U2Ti. The electronic band structure reveals metallic conductivity and the major contribution comes from U-5f states. By analyzing the optical spectra, the origin of the various structures is also explained in terms of the calculated electronic structure. Further the reflectivity spectrum shows that the material is perfect reflector within the energy range 8-12.5 eV. Keywords: Uranium-titanium alloy; First-principles calculations; Quasi-harmonic Debye model; Mechanical properties, Band structure, Optical properties

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗