Effect of Nb content on the phase composition,densification, microstructure,and mechanical properties of high-entropy boride ceramics

Dense high-entropy (Hf,Zr,Ti,Ta,Nb)B₂ ceramics with Nb contents ranging from 0 to 20 at% were produced by a two-step spark plasma sintering process. X-ray diffraction indicated that a single-phase with hexagonal structure was detected in the composition without Nb. In contrast, two phases with the same hexagonal structure, but slightly different lattice parameters were present in compositions containing Nb. The addition of Nb resulted in the presence of a Nb-rich second phase and the amount of the second phase increased as the Nb content increased. The relative densities were all >99.5 %, but decreased from ～100 % to ～99.5 % as the Nb content increased from 0 to 20 at%. The average grain size decreased from 13.9 ± 5.5 μm for the composition without Nb additions to 5.2 ± 2.0 μm for the composition containing 20 at% Nb. The reduction of grain size with increasing Nb content was due to the suppression of grain growth by the Nb-rich second phase. The addition of Nb increased Young’s modulus and Vickers hardness, but decreased shear modulus. While some Nb dissolved into the main phase, a Nb-rich second phase was formed in all Nb-containing compositions.     

Nb和时效时间对热轧中锰TRIP钢中P偏聚的影响

热轧态中锰TRIP钢首先经650 ℃退火2 h,随后在550 ℃进行等温时效热处理,采用场发射扫描电镜(FE-SEM)研究该钢中P的偏聚和时效析出行为的变化情况。结果表明,中锰TRIP钢中P在晶界的偏聚是一种非平衡偏聚现象,临界时间约为50 h,与理论计算结果48 h较为吻合。在局部偏聚区域内,C与P存在共偏聚的关系,即P偏聚量高的地方,C含量也高。而合金元素Nb具有抑制P偏聚的效果,在20~70 h时效时间内,可以相对降低6.57%~19.5%的最大P偏聚量。根据电子背散射衍射(EBSD)菊池线分析,P偏聚量低于2.28at%时,P为固溶状态,高于2.28at.%时,P为析出状态。     

Electromagnetic torque detecting for optimization of in-mould electromagnetic stirring in the billet and bloom continuous casting

ABSTRACT

In this paper, an electromagnetic torque device based on the theoretical model was established to determine the optimum frequency accurately and conveniently in billet and bloom continuous casting with in-mould electromagnetic stirring (M-EMS). Magnetic characteristics with M-EMS was investigated by numerical simulation and physical experiment with the application of electromagnetic torque device and gauss meter. In addition, the effects of stirring frequency with M-EMS on macro segregation and equiaxed crystal ratio were compared and analysed for 55SiCr with 150?mm?×?150?mm billet caster and BU with 310?×?360?mm bloom caster by a series of plant trials, respectively. The results showed that maximum magnetic flux density and maximum electromagnetic torque occurred with different frequency and same current in M-EMS, and central equiaxed crystal ratio and macro segregation has been significantly improved by optimum frequency with M-EMS.     

Experimental investigation and numerical modelling of density-driven segregation in an annular shear cell

Granular materials segregate spontaneously due to differences in particle size, shape, density and flow behaviour. In this paper we experimentally investigate density-difference-driven segregation for a range of density ratios and a range of heavy particle concentrations. The experiments are conducted in an annular shear cell with rotating bumpy bottom that yields an exponential shear profile. The cell is initially filled with a layer of light particles and an upper layer of heavier grains and, on top, a load provides confinement. The segregation process is filmed through the transparent side-wall with a camera, and the evolution of particle concentration in space and time is evaluated by means of post-processing image analysis. We also propose a continuum-approach to model density-driven segregation. We use a segregation-diffusion transport equation, constitutive relations for effective viscosity and friction coefficient, and a segregation velocity analogous to the Stokes’ law. The model, which is validated by comparison with experimental findings, can successfully predict density-driven segregation at different density ratios and volumetric fraction.     

利用碳钢铸坯组织灰度图获取C含量分布的方法

摘要：基于热酸洗腐蚀原理与图像光学理论，提出运用金属低倍组织灰度分析技术（灰度分析法）获取中高碳钢铸坯的低倍组织中不同位置不同区域不同尺度的一维、二维C元素含量分布。偏析严重的位置得到的C元素含量高，初始凝固的晶粒中心位置得到的C元素含量低，说明通过灰度分析法计算的C元素含量分布能与低倍组织形貌很好地对应。同时，通过电子探针与灰度分析法的测量结果对比，发现二者C元素含量的变化趋势具有很好的一致性，这验证了灰度分析法的有效性。另外，低倍组织图像整体亮度的改变不会造成由灰度分析法所测量的C元素含量发生明显改变，则表明灰度分析法对测量环境的变化具有一定的抗干扰能力，也间接说明了其可靠性。     

A new perspective of co-doping and Nd segregation effect on proton stability and transportation in Y and Nd co-doped BaCeO3

Bulk and surface properties of proton stability and transportation in Y and Nd co-doped BaCeO₃ (BCYN), especially the effect of Nd segregation, were investigated by first-principles calculations. Since the structure of doped BaCeO₃ at the operating temperature of proton-conducting has been unclear for a long time, we have summarized the latest experimental results and calculated the structure of the asymmetric BCYN for the first time. The results show that compared with Y, Nd doping promotes oxygen vacancy formation, however reduces proton stability. Our calculation can also provide a possible explanation for the formation of space charge layer at the grain boundary of doped BaCeO₃ in experiment. Unlike the stable Y in BCYN, Nd is calculated to be easily segregated, which can facilitate both proton hydration and proton transportation near the surface. Moreover, Nd segregation at the grain boundary is predicted to be beneficial for proton transportation between grains.     

Effect of boron on the hydrogen-induced grain boundary embrittlement in α-Fe

The influence of interstitial impurities such as B and C on the H-induced Fe Σ5(310) symmetrical tilt grain boundary embrittlement was investigated using the projector augmented-wave method. It was shown that in contrast to hydrogen, both boron and carbon decrease the grain boundary energy more significantly than the surface one. This results in an increase in the Griffith work, i.e. the grain boundary strengthening. The strengthening of grain boundary is more pronounced with increased number of B atoms whereas the increase of H concentration makes the process of intergranular brittle cleavage fracture easier. The grain boundary energy is lowered with an increased number of B atoms indicating a strong driving force for segregation. Our estimations of the Griffith work for the Fe Σ5(310) grain boundary containing both B and H atoms show an increase in comparison with the undoped grain boundary. It is revealed that improved cohesion of Fe Σ5(310) grain boundary due to B is mainly a chemical effect, whereas both elastic and chemical contributions to the Griffith work in case of H are negative, i.e. they are embrittling contributions.     

Grain boundary strengthening in ZrB2 by segregation of W: Atomistic simulations with deep learning potential

Interaction between grain boundaries and impurities usually leads to significant altering of material properties. Understanding the composition-structure-property relationship of grain boundaries is a key avenue for tailoring and designing high performance materials. In this work, we studied segregation of W into ZrB₂ grain boundaries by a hybrid method combining Monte Carlo (MC) and molecular dynamics (MD), and examined the effects of segregation on grain boundary strengths by MD tensile testing with a fitted machine learning potential. It is found that W prefers grain boundary sites with local compression strains due to its smaller size compared to Zr. Rich segregation patterns (including monolayer, off-center bilayer, and other complex patterns); segregation induced grain boundary structure reconstruction; and order-disorder like segregation pattern transformation are discovered. Strong segregation tendency of W into ZrB₂ grain boundaries and significant improvements on grain boundary strengths are certified, which guarantees outstanding high temperature performance of ZrB₂-based UHTCs.