Synthesis and characterization of the novel nanostructured NiC carbide obtained by mechanical alloying

In the present work, a comprehensive study of mechanical alloying of Ni-carbon nanotubes (CNT) and Ni-Graphite equiatomic powder mixtures under the same technological modes has provided to reveal the features of using different types of carbon (CNT or graphite) as a charge component. The as-milled powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetometric study. A novel nanoscale fcc NiC monocarbide was synthesized regardless the type of the charge used. According to the XRD study the formation of this phase takes place in two stages. A two-step carbide formation mechanism has been proposed. The associated changes in the nickel lattice, such as changes in the lattice parameter, lattice strain and residual stresses, which led to the formation of NiC monocarbide were also evaluated and discussed. Parameters of the electronic structure of NiC were calculated using the MStudio MindLab 7.0 software package with the experimental data on the crystal structure of the NiC phase obtained as input. Temperature dependencies of magnetic susceptibility of NiC synthesized have been studied up to 950 K. Carbides synthesized were found to be weak ferromagnets at the room temperature and their Curie temperature T_C ranges within 670 – 725 K. The calculated value of the magnetic moment per nickel atom (2.83μ_B) is higher than that of a bulk Ni (1.3μ_B). Likely, the observed increase of μ is caused by the presence of a certain amount of residual single-domain ferromagnetic Ni nanoparticles in the samples synthesized.     

Complex study of protective Cr3C2–NiAl coatings deposited by vacuum electro-spark alloying,pulsed cathodic arc evaporation,magnetron sputtering,and hybrid technology

Coatings were obtained by vacuum electro-spark alloying (VESA), pulsed cathodic arc evaporation (PCAE), magnetron sputtering (MS) techniques and VESA-PCAE-MS hybrid technology using Cr₃C₂–NiAl electrodes. The structure of the coatings was analyzed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Mechanical properties were determined by nanoindentation, while tribological properties were assessed using pin-on-disk tribometer. Corrosion resistance was estimated by voltammetry in 1 N H₂SO₄ and 3.5%NaCl solutions. Oxidation resistance tests were performed at 800°С in air. The VESA coating had the highest thickness, low friction coefficient and high wear resistance. PCAE coating demonstrated the highest hardness (24 GPa) and elastic recovery (59%), oxidation resistance and superior corrosion resistance both in 1 N H₂SO₄ (i_corr = 70 μА/cm²) and 3.5%NaCl (i_corr = 0.74 μА/cm²) solutions. The MS coating had average mechanical properties and low corrosion current density (71 μА/cm²) in 1 N H₂SO₄. Deposition of coatings using VESA-PCAE-MS hybrid technology led to an increase in corrosion and oxidation resistance at least by 1.5 times in comparison with the VESA coating.     

New horizon in mechanochemistry—high-temperature,high-pressure mechanical synthesis in a planetary ball mill—with magnesium hydride synthesis as an example

A new route of materials synthesis, namely, high-temperature, high-pressure reactive planetary ball milling (HTPRM), is presented. HTPRM allows for the mechanosynthesis of materials at fully controlled temperatures of up to 450 °C and pressures of up to 100 bar of hydrogen. As an example of this application, a successful synthesis of magnesium hydride is presented. The synthesis was performed at controlled temperatures (room temperature (RT), 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 325 °C) while milling in a planetary ball mill under hydrogen pressure ($>$50 bar). Very mild milling conditions (250 rpm) were applied for a total milling time of 2 h, and a milling vial with a relatively small diameter (φ = 53 mm, V = ～0.06 dm³) was used. The effect of different temperatures on the synthesis kinetics and outcome were examined. The particle morphology, phase composition, reaction yield, and particle size were measured and analysed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. The obtained results showed that increasing the temperature of the process significantly improved the reaction rate, which suggested the great potential of this technique for the mechanochemical synthesis of materials.     

纳米碳化钒/碳化铬复合粉末的微波辅助高能球磨合成及其应用

以微米级氧化钒(V2O5)、氧化铬(Cr2O3)和纳米碳黑为原料，采用机械合金化及微波辅助加热法制备了纳米碳化钒/碳化铬复合粉末。利用XRD、XPS、TG-DSC、SEM、TEM和BET对产物进行了分析表征。结果表明，：纳米碳化钒/碳化铬复合粉末的最佳合成条件为：碳的质量分数为35%，反应温度为900℃，保温时间为1h。在该条件下的反应产物主要由V3Cr2C5、Cr2VC2和Cr3C2组成，颗粒为球形或类球形，分散性较好，无明显团聚现象，平均颗粒尺寸约为50nm，复合粉末的比表面积为115.53m2/g。添加纳米碳化钒/碳化铬复合粉末可以提高陶瓷结合剂cBN磨具的力学性能和磨削效率，降低磨具的损耗，并且对磨具具有减摩作用。     

Influence of lanthanum on enhancement of mechanical and electrical properties of Cu-Al_2O_3 composites

Two kinds of Cu-Al_2O_3 composites(with and without La) were prepared via mechanical alloying-spark plasma sintering(MA-SPS) method. Microstructure, mechanical properties and electrical resistivity were investigated systematically using metallography, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, mechanical and electrical properties testing. The results indicate that an appropriate amount of La can homogenize the distribution of Al_2O_3. As such, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation of Cu-Al_2O_3-La are greatly increased. Some semi-coherent interface between Cu and Al_2O_3 is found, which means a low interface energy. The grain shape of Cu changes to irregular band with the addition of La. This change results in a density decrease of grain boundary and reduces electrical resistance. Lanthanum may exist in the form of La_2O_3.     

Improved ball milling method for the synthesis of nanocrystalline TiFe compound ready to absorb hydrogen

In this study, we propose a method to produce nanocrystalline TiFe powder by high-energy ball milling, in order to avoid the common sticking problem of the material to the milling tools, assuring a material prompt to absorb hydrogen as well. The method consists of making a preliminary milling operation with the elemental powders (50:50 stoichiometric ratio) to form a strong adhered layer of the milled material on the surfaces of the vial and balls. The main milling operation is then performed with a new powder charge (same composition as before), but now adding a process control agent (stearic acid). Various processing times - 2, 6, 10 and 20 h - were used in the milling experiments. Nanocrystalline TiFe was synthesized in this way with low oxygen contamination, full yields for milling times of 6 h or over, requiring no heat treatments for the first hydrogen absorption. Hydrogen storage capacity of 1.0 wt% at room temperature under 20 bar was attained by the sample milled for 6 h. Kinetic data from samples milled for 2 h and 6 h agreed with Jander model for the rate limiting step of the hydriding reaction, which is based on diffusion with constant interface area.     

Carbon content-dependent microstructures,surface characteristics and thermal stability of mechanical alloying derived SiBCN powders

Three types of SiBCN: carbon-lean, -moderate and -rich powders with the same Si/B/N mole ratio were subjected to high-energy ball milling to yield an amorphous structure. The effects of carbon content on microstructures, solid-state amorphization, surface characteristics and thermal stability of the as-milled powders were studied in detail. Results showed that the increases in carbon content can drive solid-state amorphization accompanied by strain-induced, crystallite refinement-induced and/or chemical composition-induced nucleation of nano-SiC from an amorphous body. The specific surface area increases as carbon content increases. The amorphous networks of Si–C, C–B/C–C, C–N, B–N and C–B–N bonds that compose the amorphous nature, but the species and contents of the chemical bonds are carbon content-dependent. Carbon-moderate powders possess satisfying thermal stability while carbon-rich ones perform the worst. Mechanical alloying derived SiBCN powders have outstanding oxidation resistance below 800 °C; however only carbon-moderate powders show desirable anti-oxidation ability at higher temperatures. Thus, mechanical alloying of SiBCN appears a suitable technique for developing amorphous matrix materials for practical applications.     

Influence of niobium and molybdenum addition on microstructure and wear behavior of laser-borided layers produced on Nimonic 80A-alloy

Laser alloying was used for production of thick layers on surface of Nimonic 80A-alloy. For laser surface modification, three types of pre-coated pastes were applied: with amorphous boron, with amorphous boron and molybdenum as well as with amorphous boron and niobium. The microstructure, hardness and wear resistance of produced layers were studied in details. The presence of different types of borides in re-melted zone depended on the paste composition and caused an increase in hardness up to about HV 1000. The wear resistance was evaluated by calculation of mass wear intensity factor I_mw and relative mass loss of specimen and counter-specimen. The wear behavior of the tested frictional pairs was determined by 3D interference microscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with EDS microanalyzer. The significant increase in abrasive wear resistance was observed in comparison to untreated Nimonic 80A-alloy. The lowest mass loss intensity factor was characteristic of laser-alloyed Nimonic 80A-alloy with boron and niobium (I_mw=1.234 mg/(cm²·h)). Laser alloyed-layers indicated abrasive wear mechanism with clearly visible grooves. Laser alloying with boron and niobium resulted in the additional oxidative wear mechanism. In this case, EDS patterns revealed presence of oxygen on the worn surface of specimen.     

High-entropy alloys fabricated via powder metallurgy. A critical review

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted a great deal of interest over the last 14 years. One reason for this level of interest is related to these alloys breaking the alloying principles that have been applied for many centuries. Thus, HEAs usually possess a single phase (contrary to expectations according to the composition of the alloy) and exhibit a high level of performance in different properties related to many developing areas in industry. Despite this significant interest, most HEAs have been developed via ingot metallurgy. More recently, powder metallurgy (PM) has appeared as an interesting alternative for further developing this family of alloys to possibly widen the field of nanostructures in HEAs and improve some capabilities of these alloys. In this paper, PM methods applied to HEAs are reviewed, and some possible ways to develop the use of powders as raw materials are introduced.     

多元合金化大断面球墨铸铁组织和性能的分析

为了提升大断面球墨铸铁综合力学性能，通过复合添加微量合金元素铜、锑、锡、钼对大断面球墨铸铁进行微合金化处理，借助金相显微镜(OM)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)及力学性能测试等手段，研究了Cu Sb Sn Mo复合微合金化大断面球墨铸铁微观组织和力学性能。结果表明，试验球墨铸铁具有良好的综合力学性能。大断面球墨铸铁中添加铜、锑、锡、钼后优化了材料的组织结构，基体组织为珠光体＋少量牛眼状铁素体；试样石墨组织细小、圆整，分布均匀。同时，合金元素的复合加入使得其抗拉强度达到800 MPa以上，硬度约为280HB，伸长率达到5%以上。拉伸断口分析表明，微合金化大断面球墨铸铁断裂模式以解理断裂为主，伴有少量的塑性变形。