Effect of thermal treatment and ball milling on microstructure and phase transformation of Ni−Mn−Ga−Nb alloys

To clarify phase transformation evolution of Nb-doped Ni−Mn−Ga bulk alloys after aging and ball milling, the microstructure and phase transformation of the aged and ball-milled dual-phase Nb-doped Ni−Mn−Ga alloys were investigated by SEM, EDS, XRD, DSC and susceptibility measurements. The as-cast alloys were mainly composed of the second phase with layer-shape and presented a reduced martensitic transformation with increasing the second phase content. The second phase transformed from layer-shape to dense bar-shape and the martensitic transformation was enhanced after being quenched at 1173 K. After aging at 673 and 873 K, the 3% Nb alloy with less second phase exhibited a single-step phase transformation, whereas the 6% Nb and 9% Nb alloys with more second phase exhibited a two-step martensitic transformation and Curie transition. The martensitic transformation and Curie transition of the as-milled dual-phase particles disappeared and were retrieved after annealing at 1073 K due to the recovery of high ordered structure of the matrix.     

Effect of Al addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg−Zn−Sn−Mn alloy

The microstructure and properties of the as-cast, as-homogenized and as-extruded Mg−6Zn−4Sn−1Mn (ZTM641) alloy with various Al contents (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 wt.%) were investigated by OM, XRD, DSC, SEM, TEM and uniaxial tensile tests. The results show that when the Al content is not higher than 0.5%, the alloys are mainly composed of α-Mg, Mg₂Sn, Al₈Mn₅ and Mg₇Zn₃ phases_. When the Al content is higher than 0.5%, the alloys mainly consist of α-Mg, Mg₂Sn, MgZn, Mg₃₂(Al,Zn)₄₉, Al₂Mg₅Zn₂, Al₁₁Mn₄ and Al₈Mn₅ phases. A small amount of Al (≤1%) can increase the proportion of fine dynamic recrystallized (DRXed) grains during hot-extrusion process. The room- temperature tensile test results show that the ZTM641−1Al alloy has the best comprehensive mechanical properties, in which the ultimate tensile strength is 332 MPa, yield strength is 221 MPa and the elongation is 15%. Elevated- temperature tensile test results at 150 and 200 °C show that ZTM641−2Al alloy has the best comprehensive mechanical properties.     

Elastic modulus and in vitro biocompatibility of Ti−xNb and Ti−xTa alloys

The effect of niobium and tantalum on the elastic modulus and the in vitro biocompatibility in binary titanium alloys was studied. The Young's modulus of titanium was effectively lowered with additions of Nb or Ta, depending significantly upon the microstructure. Martensitic microstructures such as α' and α" decreased the elastic modulus, while the ω phase increased it. Ti−10%Nb, Ti−30%Nb and Ti−30%Ta alloys exhibited very low elastic moduli of 74, 80, and 58 GPa, respectively. The corrosion resistance of Ti−xTa was slightly higher than that of Ti−xNb, which was comparable to that of CP Ti or Ti−6A−4V. No ion release was detected in Hank's solution, while Ti ions were released in 0.1% lactic acid ranging from 0.03 to 0.11 μg/ml for both the Ti−xNb and Ti−xTa alloys. MG63 osteoblast-like cell proliferation on Ti−30%Ta was less active compared with Ti−30%Nb, CP Ti or Ti−6Al−4V.     

Tensile properties and strengthening mechanisms of Mg−Zn−Zr alloys

Six Mg−Zn−Zr alloys, with and without RE additionswere tested at room temperature and 473 K. Yield stresses of parts of the six alloys were calculated theoretically. Microstructures of the specimens before and after heat treatment were compared in order to determine the reason for the decrease in yield stresses at room temperature. The strengthening mechanisms at different temperatures were discussed. This article is based on a presentation in “The 7th Korea-China Workshop on Advanced Materials” organized by the Korea-China Advanced Materials Cooperation Center and the China-Korea Advanced Materials Cooperation Center, held at Ramada Plaza Jeju Hotel, Jeju Island, Korea on August 24–27, 2003.     

Dilatometric analysis on phase transformations of intercritical annealing of Fe−Mn−Si and Fe−Mn−Si−Cu low carbon TRIP steels

Evaluations of austenite fraction and transformation kinetics upon intercritical annealing of low carbon TRIP steels were attempted using quantitative dilatometric analysis. The measured dilation curves were analyzed by taking the carbon distribution between austenite and its decomposed phases into account. The amount of austenite formed during intercritical annealing and its carbon content obtained by dilatometric measurement was compared with the values predicted by thermodynamic calculations under the ortho-equilibrium and para-equilibrium conditions. The kinetics of the reaustenization process including pearlite dissolution and non-isothermal and isothermal formation of austenite could be quantitatively characterized by means of a modified JMAK (Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogrov) equation.     

Effect of composition and heat treatment on the structure and properties of Fe−Ni−Be invar alloys

Conclusions Addition of Be (0.5–1%) to Fe–Ni invar alloys provides dispersion hardening after quenching and aging, with retention of a low (close to invar) value of LCTE. Increase of the Be concentration in alloy 36N is accompanied by an increase in LCTE in the quenched as well as the aged condition, and increase of the Ni concentration to 38–41% at a fixed concentration of Be leads to a decreased value of LCTE in the aged alloys, approaching that of the alloy 36N. The optimum composition range for Fe–Ni–Be alloys in which the best combination of properties can be obtained — low value of LCTE (3.10^–6, K^–1) and higher strength (_0.2910 N/mm², _u1100 N/mm²) — was determined to be (39–40% Ni, 0.7–0.8% Be). The alloy 40NL (40% Ni, 0.8% Be) is proposed as a high strength invar alloy.I. P. Bardin Central Scientific-Research Institute for Ferrous Metallurgy (TsNIIChERMET). Translated from Metallovedenie i Termicheskaya Obrabotka Metallov, No. 2, pp. 33–36, February, 1992.     

Correlation between the oxide impedance and corrosion behavior of Zr−Nb−Sn−Fe−Cu alloys

The correlation between the oxide impedance and corrosion behavior of two series of Zr−Nb−Sn−Fe−Cu alloys was evaluated. Corrosion tests were performed in a 70 ppm LiOH aqueous solution at 360°C for 300 days. The results of the corrosion tests revealed that the corrosion behavior of the alloys depended on the Nb and Sn content. The impedance characteristics for the pre- and post-transition oxide layers formed on the surface of the alloys were investigated in sulfuric acid at room temperature. From the results, a pertinent equivalent circuit model was preferably established, explaining the properties of double oxide layers. The impedance of the oxide layers correlated with the corrosion behavior; better corrosion resistance always showed higher electric resistance for the inner layers. It is thus concluded that a pertinent equivalent circuit model would be useful for evaluating the long-term corrosion behavior of Zr−Nb−Sn−Fe−Cu alloys.     

High temperature sulfidation and oxidation of sputter-deposited Nb−Al−Si coatings

The sulfidation and oxidation behavior of amorphous 58Nb-38Al-4Si(at%) coating sputter-deposited with d.c. magnetron sputtering was studied between 700 and 900°C under 0.1 atm of pure S₂(g) and 1 atm of air, respectively. The coating approximately followed the parabolic sulfidation and oxidation rate law, and displayed superior resistance to sulfidation and oxidation. The coating sulfidized to Al₂S₃ and NbS₂ which protected the substrate. The coating oxidized to TiO₂, AlNbO₄ and κ-Al₂O₃ which acted as an oxidation barrier. The mechanisms of sulfidation and oxidation of the prepared coating are discussed.     

Effects of trace Ag on precipitation behavior and mechanical properties of extruded Mg−Gd−Y−Zr alloys

The effects of trace Ag element on the precipitation behaviors and mechanical properties of the Mg−7.5Gd− 1.5Y−0.4Zr (wt.%) alloy by means of tensile test, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscattered diffractometry, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. There is an unusual texture (〈0001〉//extrusion direction) in the extruded Mg−Gd−Y−Zr alloys containing 0.5 wt.% Ag. During the aging periods at 225 °C, the addition of the trace Ag does not form new precipitates, just accelerates aging kinetics, and refines β′ precipitates, thereby increasing the number density of the β′ precipitates by Ag-clusters. Moreover, the Mg−Gd−Y−Zr alloy containing 0.5 wt.% Ag shows the most excellent synergy of strength and plasticity (408 MPa of ultimate tensile strength, 265 MPa of yield strength, and 12.9% of elongation to failure) after peak-aging.     

Theoretical design and distribution control of precipitates and solute elements in Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloys with heterostructure

In order to simultaneously improve strength and formability, an analytical model for the concentration distribution of precipitates and solute elements is established and used to theoretically design and control the heterogeneous microstructure of Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloys. The results show that the dissolution of precipitates is mainly affected by particle size and heat treatment temperature, the heterogeneous distribution level of solute elements diffused in the alloy matrix mainly depends on the grain size, while the heat treatment temperature only has an obvious effect on the concentration distribution in the larger grains, and the experimental results of Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloy are in good agreement with the theoretical model predictions of precipitates and solute element concentration distribution. Controlling the concentration distribution of precipitates and solute elements in Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloys is the premise of accurately constructing heterogeneous microstructure in micro-domains, which can be used to significantly improve the formability of Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloys with a heterostructure.     

Effect of Al addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg−Gd−Zn alloys

The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Mg?15.3Gd?1Zn alloys with different Al contents (0, 0.4, 0.7 and 1.0 wt.%) were investigated. Microstructural analysis indicates that the addition of 0.4 wt.% Al facilitates the formation of 18R-LPSO phase (Mg₁₂Gd(Al, Zn)) in the Mg?Gd?Zn alloy. The contents of Al₁₁Gd₃ and Al₂Gd increase with the increase of Al content, while the content of (Mg, Zn)₃Gd decreases. After homogenization treatment, (Mg, Zn)₃Gd, 18R-LPSO and some Al₁₁Gd₃ phases are transformed into the high-temperature stable 14H-LPSO phases. The particulate Al?Gd phases can stimulate the nucleation of dynamic recrystallization by the particle simulated nucleation (PSN) mechanism. The tensile strength of the as-rolled alloys is improved remarkably due to the grain refinement and the fiber-like reinforcement of LPSO phase. The precipitation of the β′ phase in the peak-aged alloys can significantly improve the strength. The peak-aged alloy containing 0.4 wt.% Al achieves excellent mechanical properties and the UTS, YS and elongation are 458 MPa, 375 MPa and 6.2%, respectively.     

Evaluation of residual stress and corrosion behaviour of electroless plated Ni−P/Ni−Mo−P coatings

Single Ni?P and Ni?Mo?P coatings as well as duplex Ni?P/Ni?Mo?P coatings with the same compositions were prepared by electroless plating. The residual stresses of the coatings on the surface and cross sections were measured by nanoindentation and AFM analysis, and the corrosion behaviour of the coatings in 10% HCl solution was evaluated by electrochemical methods, to establish the correlation between the residual stresses and corrosion behaviour of the coatings. The results showed that the single Ni?P and duplex Ni?P/Ni?Mo?P coatings presented residual compressive stresses of 241 and 206 MPa respectively, while the single Ni?Mo?P coating exhibited a residual tensile stress of 257 MPa. The residual compressive stress impeded the growth of the pre-existing porosity in the coatings, protecting the integrity of the coating. The duplex Ni?P/Ni?Mo?P coatings had better corrosion resistance than their respective single coating. In addition, the stress states affect the corrosive form of coatings.     

Effect of welding speed on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al−Mg−Mn−Zr−Tialloy sheet during friction stir welding

Effects of welding speed on the microstructure evolution in the stir zone (SZ) and mechanical properties of the friction stir welding (FSW) joints were studied by OM, XRD, SEM, TEM, EBSD and tensile testing. Compared with the base metal (BM), an obviously fine dynamic recrystallization (DRX) microstructure occurs in the SZ and the DRX grain size decreases from 5.6 to 4.4 μm with the increasing of welding speed. Fine DRX microstructure is mainly achieved by continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) mechanism, strain induced boundary migration (SIBM) mechanism and particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) mechanism. Meanwhile, the geometric coalescence and the Burke−Turnbull mechanism are the main DRX grain growth mechanisms. Among all the welding speeds, the joint welded at rotation speed of 1500 r/min and welding speed of 75 mm/min has the greatest tensile properties, i.e. ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of (509±2) MPa, yield strength (YS) of (282±4) MPa, elongation (El) of (23±1)%, and the joint efficiency of 73%.     

Effects of Li content on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg−xLi−3Al−2Zn−0.5Y alloys

The effects of Li content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-cast Mg?xLi?3Al?2Zn? 0.5Y (LAZx32-0.5Y) alloys were investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, hardness tester and universal testing machine. The results show that the matrix of the alloy transforms from α-Mg to α-Mg+β-Li and then to β-Li when the Li content increases from 4% to 14% (mass fraction). All LAZx32-0.5Y alloys contain AlLi and Al₂Y, while MgLi₂Al appears only in the alloy containing the β-Li matrix. As the Li content increases, the content of AlLi and MgLi₂Al gradually increases, while the content of Al₂Y does not change much. As the Li content increases from 4% to 10%, the ultimate tensile strength and hardness of the as-cast LAZx32-0.5Y alloys gradually decrease while the elongation gradually increases. The corresponding fracture mechanism changes from cleavage fracture to quasi-cleavage fracture and then to microporous aggregation fracture. This is mainly attributed to the decrease of α-Mg and the increase of β-Li in the alloy. When the Li content continues to increase to 10% and 14%, the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and hardness of the as-cast LAZx32-0.5Y alloys gradually increase, while the elongation decreases sharply, which is mainly attributed to the nano-scale MgLi₂Al uniformly distributed in the β-Li matrix.     

Refinement and strengthening mechanism of Mg−Zn−Cu−Zr−Ca alloy solidified under extremely high pressure

Mg?Zn?Cu?Zr?Ca samples were solidified under high pressures of 2–6 GPa. Scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction were used to study the distribution of Ca in the microstructure and its effect on the solidification structure. The mechanical properties of the samples were investigated through compression tests. The results show that Ca is mostly dissolved in the matrix and the Mg₂Ca phase is formed under high pressure, but it is mainly segregated among dendrites under atmospheric pressure. The Mg₂Ca particles are effective heterogeneous nuclei of α-Mg crystals, which significantly increases the number of crystal nuclei and refines the solidification structure of the alloy, with the grain size reduced to 22 μm at 6 GPa. As no Ca segregating among the dendrites exists, more Zn is dissolved in the matrix. Consequently, the intergranular second phase changes from MgZn with a higher Zn/Mg ratio to Mg₇Zn₃ with a lower Zn/Mg ratio. The volume fraction of the intergranular second phase also increases to 22%. Owing to the combined strengthening of grain refinement, solid solution, and dispersion, the compression strength of the Mg–Zn–Cu–Zr–Ca alloy solidified under 6 GPa is up to 520 MPa.     

Experiment and modeling of TiB2/TiB boride layer of Ti−6Al−2Zr−1Mo−1V alloy

The influence of the boriding conditions on the boride layers was examined by boriding Ti−6Al−2Zr− 1Mo−1V alloy in the temperature range of 920−1120°C. The experimental results show that the boride layers were composed of a continuous thin outer layer of TiB₂ and a thick inner layer of TiB with whiskers or needle-like morphologies that extended into the substrate. Thick and compact boride layers were obtained when the boriding temperatures were 1000−1080 °C, and the treatment time exceeded 8 h. The boride layer depth increased with the boriding temperature and time, and the growth kinetics of the boride layers was characterized by a parabolic curve. The growth kinetics of the boride layers, including both TiB₂ and TiB layers, were predicted by establishing a diffusion model, which presented satisfactory consistency with the experimental data. As a result, the activation energies of boron in the TiB₂ and TiB layers were estimated to be 223.1 and 246.9 kJ/mol, respectively.     

Influence of Y and Al co-doping on the crystal structure and magnetic properties of Nd2−xYxFe17−yAly

The synergic effects of Y and Al co-doping on the structural and magnetic properties of Nd_2−xY_xFe_17−yAl_y compounds (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.5, 0 ≤ y ≤ 3.0) have been comprehensively investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and magnetic measurement. Rietveld refinements indicate that all the prepared samples crystallize in Th₂Zn₁₇-type structure ($R\overline{3}m$ space group). For a given Al content (y), the lattice parameter a, c and unit cell volume V of Nd_2−xY_xFe_17−yAl_y all decrease linearly with increasing Y concentration while the c/a ratio increases. For a given Y content (x), the lattice parameter a, c and unit cell volume V of Nd_2−xY_xFe_17−yAl_y all increase linearly with increasing Al content. Al atoms prefer to take 18h sites and completely avoid the 9d sites. For a given Al content, M_s of Nd_2−xY_xFe_17−yAl_y first increases to a maximum and then decreases with increasing Y content. This is quite different from what's observed in other mixed rare earth systems. For a given Y content, T_C of Nd_2−xY_xFe_17−yAl_y first increases rapidly and then increases slowly with increasing Al content but M_s first increases and then decreases. This can be attributed to the competition between the positive effect resulting from the optimization of bond lengths and the negative effect caused by magnetic dilution of nonmagnetic substituent.     

Phase transformation behavior and shape memory characteristics of Ti−Ni−Si alloys

Transformation behavior, microstructures and shape memory characteristics of Ti−(50−X)Ni−XSi (X=2, 4, 6 at.%) and (50−X)Ti−Ni−XSi (X=2, 5, 7, 10 at.%) alloys were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, electrical resistivity measurements and constant load thermal cycling tests. Ti₅Si₃, Ni₁₆Ti₆Si₇ and Ni₄Ti₄Si₇ were formed in Ti−(50−X)Ni−XSi alloys, while Ti₅Si₄, Ni₃Si, Ni₃Ti₂ and Ni₃Ti₂Si were found in (50−X)Ti−Ni−XSi alloys. The total amount of silicides increased with increasing Si content, irrespective of Si content. The B2→B19 transformation occurred in Ti−(50−X)Ni−XSi alloys, and their transformation temperatures appeared to be almost constant. Transformation elongation associated with the B2→B19 transformation decreased with increasing Si content. In contrast to Ti−(50−X)Ni−XSi alloys, a transformation accompanied with structural change did not occur in (50−X)Ti−Ni−XSi alloys.