Modeling and laboratory scale proof of concept of the horizontal ribbon growth process: Application to silicon wafer manufacturing
In this work we focus on the development of the Horizontal Ribbon Growth technique to produce highly pure silicon wafers for use in solar cells. We divide this preliminary work in two parts: a small scale experiment and the development of mathematical models to describe the crystallization phenomena. We begin by constructing a laboratory scale experiment to demonstrate the HRG concept using water as the working fluid. We made use of the fact that ice floats on water just like silicon would float on top of its melt. Therefore it is possible to conveniently test and analyze the operability of this technique. We find that the initial seeding process needs to be carefully controlled in order to extract a uniform wafer. Appropriate surface cooling and wall heating are necessary to guarantee the continuous formation of an ice film. We then develop simple mathematical models to predict the crystallization rate and thermal profiles of the system. We state that the driving force for crystallization is convective cooling and the film grows in one direction (downwards). Finally we propose how to validate the model using experimental data and how to extend the work to grow silicon ribbons.
Modeling and Analysis of Novel Horizontal Ribbon Growth of Silicon Crystal
We present a novel horizontal ribbon growth (HRG) process and a theoretical analysis of this method. Assuming that the existence of the meniscus is defined by diffuse growth, we determine analytically the thickness and height of the meniscus and an explicit expression for the performance of meniscus under different conditions. We then calculate the thermal profile in melt part, as well as the conditions under which the undercooling is sufficient around the solidification point. We find that diffuse growth is more sensitive to small initial thickness, and find the minimum length of the melt part to obtain undercooling. Finally, we calculate the change rule of solidification position by a variational approach, as well as the stability of the process under different conditions. We also give an expression to the instability of past HRG methods.
Experimental investigation of the geotechnical properties and microstructure of lime-stabilized saline soils under freeze-thaw cycling
Abstract The Song-Nen Plain in northeastern China holds one of the three largest expanses of soda saline-alkali soil in the world. Due to its disadvantageous geotechnical properties, the saline soil in this area is unable to meet the needs of construction projects. This study evaluates the stabilizing effect of adding lime to such soils. Specifically, it investigates how the physicochemical and mechanical properties and microstructure of soda saline-alkali soil are altered by lime and how these changes are affected by both freeze-thaw cycling and the duration of curing. The results reveal that adding lime to saline soil transforms clay particles into sand and silt particles and causes the pore size distribution (PSD) to become bimodal, with small-pore and macropore populations. An increase in lime content leads to an increase in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) but a gradual decrease in both the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and plastic index. Freeze-thaw cycles break up coarse particles and aggregate finer particles, increasing the diameter of macropores and decreasing the USC; however, the effect on specimens with >9% lime is negligible. It is further shown that the geotechnical properties of the soil change immediately after the addition of lime, indicating that the cation exchange reaction takes place very quickly. Furthermore, the pozzolanic reaction leads to an increase in the percentage of sand-sized particles and a decrease in porosity after 28 days of curing. Overall, these results indicate that it is feasible to use lime to improve the engineering properties of soda saline-alkali soil in this area.