Influence of Gas Atmosphere Dew Point on the Galvannealing of CMnSi TRIP Steel

The Fe-Zn reaction occurring during the galvannealing of a Si-bearing transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel was investigated by field-emission electron probe microanalysis and field-emission transmission electron microscopy. The galvannealing was simulated after hot dipping in a Zn bath containing 0.13 mass pct Al at 733 K (460 °C). The galvannealing temperature was in the range of 813 K to 843 K (540 °C to 570 °C). The kinetics and mechanism of the galvannealing reaction were strongly influenced by the gas atmosphere dew point (DP). After the galvannealing of a panel annealed in a N₂+10 pct H₂ gas atmosphere with low DPs [213 K and 243 K (?60 °C and ?30 °C)], the coating layer consisted of δ (FeZn₁₀) and η (Zn) phase crystals. The Mn-Si compound oxides formed during intercritical annealing were present mostly at the steel/coating interface after the galvannealing. Galvannealing of a panel annealed in higher DP [263 K and 273 K, and 278 K (?10 °C, 0 °C, and +5 °C)] gas atmospheres resulted in a coating layer consisting of δ and Г (Fe₃Zn₁₀) phase crystals, and a thin layer of Г ₁ (Fe₁₁Zn₄₀) phase crystals at the steel/coating interface. The Mn-Si oxides were distributed homogeneously throughout the galvannealed (GA) coating layer. When the surface oxide layer thickness on panels annealed in a high DP gas atmosphere was reduced, the Fe content at the GA coating surface increased. Annealing in a higher DP gas atmosphere improved the coating quality of the GA panels because a thinner layer of oxides was formed. A high DP atmosphere can therefore significantly contribute to the suppression of Zn-alloy coating defects on CMnSi TRIP steel processed in hot dip galvanizing lines.     

On the Transition of Internal to External Selective Oxidation on CMnSi TRIP Steel

The selective oxidation of a CMnSi transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel during intercritical annealing (IA) in a N₂ + 10 pct H₂ gas atmosphere with a dew point (DP) in the range from 213 K to 278 K (?60 °C to +5 °C) was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The decarburization during IA resulted in a fully ferritic matrix at the TRIP steel surface. Annealing in high DP gas atmospheres resulted in a reduction of the oxide layer thickness at the surface and an increase of the depth of the subsurface internal oxidation. The experimental results were compared to the calculations of the DP for the transition from internal to external oxidation based on the Wagner model. The evolution of the surface oxide composition during annealing was analyzed thermodynamically by means of the chemical potential diagram for the surface oxides. In the high DP atmosphere conditions, mainly, Mn-rich xMnO·SiO₂ (1 < x < 2) oxides were formed at the surface, while Si-rich xMnO·SiO₂ (x < 1) oxides were formed by internal oxidation. The use of a high DP gas atmosphere is therefore advantageous to induce internal selective oxidation and reduce the amount of surface oxides. It also leads to the formation of Mn-rich xMnO·SiO₂ (1 < x < 2) oxides.     

Influence of Minor Alloying Elements on Selective Oxidation and Reactive Wetting of CMnSi TRIP Steel during Hot Dip Galvanizing

The influence of the addition of minor alloying elements on the selective oxidation and the reactive wetting of CMnSi transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steels was studied by means of galvanizing simulator tests. Five TRIP steels containing small alloying additions of Cr, Ni, Ti, Cu, and Sn were investigated. After intercritical annealing (IA) at 1093 K (820 °C) in a N₂ + 5 pct H₂ gas atmosphere with a dew point of 213 K (?60 °C), two types of oxides were formed on the strip surface: Mn-rich xMnO·SiO₂ (x > 1.5) and Si-rich xMnO·SiO₂ (x < 0.3) oxides. The addition of the minor alloying elements changed the morphology of the Si-rich oxides from a continuous film to discrete islands and this improved the wettability by molten Zn. The improved wetting effect of the minor alloying elements was attributed to an increased area fraction of the surface where the oxides were thinner, enabling a direct unhindered reaction between Fe and the Al in the liquid Zn and the formation of the inhibition layer during the hot dip galvanizing. The addition of a small amount of Sn is shown to significantly decrease the density of Zn-coating defects on CMnSi TRIP steels.     

Effect of Mn Substitution on Microstructure Evolution and Magnetic Phase Transition in La(Fe1−x Mn x )10.8Co0.7Si1.5 Compounds

The influences of Mn substitution for Fe on microstructures of La(Fe_1?x Mn _x )_10.8Co_0.7Si_1.5 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) alloys in both the as-cast state and the annealed state have been studied. The results show that Mn substitution promotes the fining of the as-cast microstructure and increases the formation of 1:13 phase significantly when annealed. An almost single 1:13 phase is obtained for x = 0.01 when annealed at 1373 K (1100 °C) for 3 days, while a large amount of impurity phases is still present for x = 0. By increasing the amount of Mn to x = 0.02, a more purified annealed microstructure can be obtained. However, further substitution of Mn up to x = 0.03 is harmful for the formation of 1:13 phase. The Curie temperature T _C of the annealed La(Fe_1?x Mn _x )_10.8Co_0.7Si_1.5 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) varies monotonously with Mn content x, decreasing from ~279 K (6 °C) for x = 0 to ~236 K (?37 °C) for x = 0.03. When x = 0.01, a higher maximum entropy change (?ΔS)_max of 5.3 J/(kgK) and relative cooling power (RCP) of 166 J/kg can be obtained under a magnetic field of 2T. Further substitution of Mn (x = 0.02) results in a slight decrease of (?ΔS)_max, whereas a larger RCP can still be kept.     

Processing and Consolidation of Nanocrystalline Cu-Zn-Ti-Fe-Cr High-Entropy Alloys via Mechanical Alloying

In the current investigation, nanocrystalline multicomponent high-entropy alloys (HEAs) have been synthesized in the Cu _x Zn _y Ti₂₀Fe₂₀Cr₂₀ system (x/y = 1/0, 3/1, 1; and x + y = 40) by mechanical alloying and subsequently consolidated using spark plasma sintering (SPS) in argon atmosphere at a pressure of 50 MPa. A detailed X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy study reveals the presence of both FCC copper solid-solution, (Cu)_ss and BCC chromium solid-solution, (Cr)_ss phases in both the mechanically alloyed powders as well as the sintered compacts. The phase formation and stability of the sintered multicomponent Cu _x Zn _y Ti₂₀Fe₂₀Cr₂₀ with x/y = 3/1 and x + y = 40 pellet have been studied at different sintering temperatures, i.e., 873 K, 973 K, 1073 K, and 1173 K (600 °C, 700 °C, 800 °C, and 900 °C). The important findings include that high Vickers bulk hardness of around 6 GPa and relative density of around 95 pct reported in the Cu _x Zn _y Ti₂₀Fe₂₀Cr₂₀ with x/y = 3/1 and x + y = 40 HEAs, SPSed at 1173 K (900 °C). The formation, consolidation, and microstructural details are analyzed critically and discussed.     

Effect of phosphorous surface segregation on iron-zinc reaction kinetics during hot-dip galvanizing

Phosphorous was ion implanted on one surface of a large grain (10 to 20 mm) low-carbon steel sheet in order to study the effect of surface segregation on the formation of Fe-Zn phases during galvanizing. Both an Al-free and a 0.20 wt pct Al-Zn bath at 450 °C were used in this investigation. It was found that P surface segregation did not affect the kinetics of Fe-Zn phase growth for the total alloy layer or the individual Fe-Zn gamma, delta, and zeta phase alloy layers in the 0.00 wt pct Al-Zn baths. In the 0.20 wt pct Al-Zn bath, the Fe₂Al₅ inhibition layer formed with kinetics, showing linear growth on both the P-ion implanted and non-P-ion implanted surfaces. Fe-Zn phase growth only occurred after extended reaction times on both surfaces and was found to directly correspond to the location of substrate grain boundary sites. These results indicate that P surface segregation does not affect the growth of Fe-Zn phases or the Fe₂Al₅ inhibition layer. It was shown that in the 0.20 wt pct Al-Zn bath, substrate grain boundaries are the dominant steel substrate structural feature that controls the kinetics of Fe-Zn alloy phase growth.     

Diffusion Bonding of 17-4 Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel to Ti Alloy With and Without Ni Alloy Interlayer: Interface Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

In the present study, the diffusion bonding of 17-4 precipitation hardening stainless steel to Ti alloy with and without nickel alloy as intermediate material was carried out in the temperature range of 1073 K to 1223 K (800 °C to 950 °C) in steps of 298 K (25 °C) for 60 minutes in vacuum. The effects of bonding temperature on interfaces microstructures of bonded joint were analyzed by light optical and scanning electron microscopy. In the case of directly bonded stainless steel and titanium alloy, the layerwise α-Fe + χ, χ, FeTi + λ, FeTi + β-Ti phase, and phase mixture were observed at the bond interface. However, when nickel alloy was used as an interlayer, the interfaces indicate that Ni₃Ti, NiTi, and NiTi₂ are formed at the nickel alloy-titanium alloy interface and the PHSS-nickel alloy interface is free from intermetallics up to 1148 K (875 °C) and above this temperature, intermetallics were formed. The irregular-shaped particles of Fe₅Cr₃₅Ni₄₀Ti₁₅ have been observed within the Ni₃Ti intermetallic layer. The joint tensile and shear strength were measured; a maximum tensile strength of ~477 MPa and shear strength of ~356.9 MPa along with ~4.2 pct elongation were obtained for the direct bonded joint when processed at 1173 K (900 °C). However, when nickel base alloy was used as an interlayer in the same materials at the bonding temperature of 1148 K (875 °C), the bond tensile and shear strengths increase to ~523.6 and ~389.6 MPa, respectively, along with 6.2 pct elongation.     

Chemical State, Site, Solid Solubility, and Magnetism of Fe in the Ferropericlase (Mg1–x Fe x )O Produced by Ball Milling of MgO and Fe

Ferropericlase (Mg_1–x Fe _x )O solid solution was prepared by ball milling of the mixture of MgO with a rock-salt structure and metal Fe powders in atmosphere and at room temperature. Differing from (Mg_1–x Fe _x )O prepared at high temperature by using MgO and FeO as starting materials, the solution of Fe in MgO is not continuous but limited in the ball milling process, and the solubility limit is less than 30 at. pct. About 92 pct of the Fe ions occupy the site of tetrahedral oxygen coordination in trivalent Fe (Fe³⁺) with high spin, whereas about 8 pct of the Fe ions occupy the site of octahedral oxygen coordination in bivalent Fe (Fe²⁺) with high spin. The Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions do not show a ferromagnetic but show a paramagnetic state. The as-milled (Mg_1–x Fe _x )O is metastable and decomposes to ferropericlase (Mg_1–y Fe _y )O (where y < x) and MgFe₂O₄ with spinel structure as annealed above 773 K (500  °C), and the content of Fe in the (Mg_1–y Fe _y )O increases with increasing annealing temperature. A bulk (Mg_1–x Fe _x )O was fabricated by annealing the as-milled (Mg_1–x Fe _x )O powders at 973 K (700  °C). It shows n-type conductivity, which is attributed to an electronic small polaron with an activation energy of 0.135 eV.     

A Novel Bonding Method of Pure Aluminum and SUS304 Stainless Steel Using Barrel Nitriding

A great deal of research is being carried out on welding or bonding methods between iron and aluminum. However, it is not so easy to make Fe-Al bonding materials with both high strength and light weight. Recently, a new nitriding process has been proposed to produce aluminum nitride on an aluminum surface using a barrel. This study proposes a new concept in the production of a multilayer which has an AlN and Fe-Al intermetallic compound layer between the aluminum and steel using a barrel nitriding process. The bonding process was carried out from 893 K to 913 K (620 °C to 640 °C) for 18, 25.2, and 36 ks with Al₂O₃ powder and Al-Mg alloy powder. After the process, an aluminum nitride (AlN) layer and a Fe-Al intermetallic compound (Fe₂Al_5.4) layer were formed at the interface between the pure aluminum and SUS304 austenitic stainless steel. The thicknesses of the AlN layer and the intermetallic compound layer increased with increasing treatment temperature and time. The maximum hardnesses of the AlN layer and Fe₂Al_5.4 layers were found to be 377HV and 910HV, respectively, after barrel nitriding at 893 K (620 °C) for 18 ks.     

Reaction mechanisms for the coatings formed during the hot dipping of iron in 0 to 10 Pct Al-Zn baths at 450° to 700°C

The reaction mechanisms and the structures of the phases formed during the hot dipping of iron in 0 to 10 pct Al-Zn alloy baths at temperatures of 450° to 700°C were studied by X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe analysis techniques. A new mechanism for the inhibition reaction between iron and zinc is proposed. At bath temperatures below 600°C, a thin layer of an Fe-Al-Zn ternary compound forms on the iron surface and inhibits the growth of Fe-Zn phases. Breakdown of inhibition occurs during the dipping process when the ternary compound becomes rich in aluminum and transforms to a more stable structure which is isomorphous with Fe₂Al₅. While this breakdown is occurring, the zinc atoms react with iron and form the conventional Fe-Zn phases. In 1 to 10 pct Al-Zn baths at temperatures≥600°C a very violent, highly exothermic reaction occurs during hot dipping. This type of process is due to the electronic bond rearrangements which occur during the formation of the intermetallic Fe₂(AlZn)₅. This intermetallic forms from the reaction of aluminum-bearing FeZn₇ with the Zn-Al alloy bath.     

Effects of Phosphorus and Carbon Contents on Amorphous Forming Ability in Fe-based Amorphous Alloys Used for Thermal Spray Coatings

Cost-effective Fe-based amorphous alloys used for thermal spray coatings were developed by varying contents of P and C, and their microstructure, hardness, and corrosion resistance were analyzed. In order to achieve chemical compositions having high amorphous forming ability, thermodynamically calculated phase diagrams of Fe-Al-P-C-B five-component system were used, from which compositions of super-cooled liquid having the lowest driving force of formation of crystalline phases were obtained. The thermodynamic calculation results showed that only phases of Fe₃P and Fe₃C were formed in the Fe₇₈Al₂P_(18.3?x)C _x B_1.7 alloy system. Considering driving force curves of Fe₃P and Fe₃C, the carbon contents were selected to be 6.90 and 7.47 at. pct, when the thermodynamic calculation temperatures were 697 K (414 °C) and 715 K (442 °C), respectively. According to the microstructural analysis of suction-cast alloys, the Fe₇₈Al₂P_10.83C_7.47B_1.7 alloy showed a fully amorphous microstructure, whereas the Fe₇₈Al₂P_11.40C_6.9B_1.7 and Fe₇₈Al₂P_10.3C_8.0B_1.7 alloys contained Fe₃P and Fe₃C phases. This Fe₇₈Al₂P_10.83C_7.47B_1.7 alloy showed the better hardness and corrosion resistance than those of conventional thermal spray coating alloys, and its production cost could be lowered using cheaper alloying elements, thereby leading to the practical application to amorphous thermal spray coatings.     

The effect of iron oxide as an inhibition layer on iron-zinc reactions during Hot-Dip galvanizing

A study was conducted on the effect of a uniform oxide layer on the galvanizing reaction in 0.20 wt pct Al-Zn and pure Zn baths at 450 °C. In the 0.20 wt pct Al-Zn bath, poor wettability of the oxide layer was observed. No significant liquid Zn penetration of the oxide occurred and, therefore, attack of the steel substrate to form localized Fe-Zn growth did not occur. It was found that the iron oxide acted as a physical barrier or inhibition layer in the pure Zn bath, similar to the Fe₂Al₅ inhibition layer that forms at the steel interface in Al-Zn baths. The inhibition effect of the oxide in the pure Zn bath was temporary, since cracks and other macrodefects in the oxide acted as fast diffusion paths for Zn. Localized Fe-Zn growth (outbursts) formed at the steel/coating interface, and the number of outbursts was generally inversely proportional to the oxide layer thickness at constant immersion times. Increased immersion time for a constant oxide layer thickness led to an increase in the number of outbursts. These results simulate the diffusion short circuit mechanisms for Fe₂Al₅ inhibition layer breakdown in Al-containing Zn baths.     

Effect of Annealing Temperature on the Thermoelectric Properties of the Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 Thin Films Prepared by Radio-Frequency Sputtering

The effect of annealing temperature on the crystallinity, thermoelectric properties, and surface morphology of the Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ thin films prepared on SiO₂/Si substrate by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), the four-point probe method, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD results show that the crystallite structure of the Bi _x Sb_2–x Te₃ thin films belong to Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃. When the Bi _x Sb_2–x Te₃ thin films were annealed between 423 K and 523 K (150 °C and 250 °C) for 10  minutes, the crystallinity of the thin films continuously increases with the temperature increase. In addition, the (015) reflection plane as the preferred orientation and the oxidation compound of Bi_3.73Sb_1.5O₃ first appeared when the Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ thin films were annealed at 523 K (250 °C) for 10 minutes. An activation energy of 51.66 kJ/mol for crystallite growth of Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ thin films annealed between 423 K and 523 K (150 °C and 250 °C) for 10 minutes was obtained. The resistivity was 2.69 × 10² and 5.93 × 10  μΩ·m, respectively, for the as-deposited Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ thin films and annealed at 523 K (250 °C) for 10 minutes. The maximum values of the Seebeck coefficient and power factor were 256.5 μV/K and 1.12 × 10³ μW/m·K², respectively, for the Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ thin films annealing treatment at 523 K (250 °C) for 10 minutes.     

Retardation of the Cu5Zn8 Phase Fracture and Improvement of Shear Strength of the Sn-9?wt pct Zn/Cu Interface by Inserting an Electroless Palladium Layer

A uniform layer of the Cu₅Zn₈ phase is formed at the Sn-9 wt pct Zn (Sn-9Zn)/Cu interface after reflow at 503 K (230 °C) but fractures very severely during subsequent solid-state aging at 443 K (170 °C). Such a severe fracture of an interfacial intermetallic compound deteriorates the integrity of joint interface and leads to excessive atomic interdiffusion as well as intermetallic compound growth. In the current study, it was observed that by inserting an electroless palladium (Pd) layer at the Sn-9Zn/Cu interface, a Pd₂Zn₉ phase is formed between Cu₅Zn₈ and Sn-9Zn solders. This Pd₂Zn₉ phase exhibits higher microstructural stability at the interface during solid-state aging and effectively retards the fracture of the Cu₅Zn₈ phase. The integrity of the Sn-9Zn/Cu interface is improved remarkably. Mechanical tests reveal that the shear strength of the Sn-9Zn/Cu joint is enhanced by inserting an electroless Pd layer at the interface.     

Reduction Behavior of Panzhihua Titanomagnetite Concentrates with Coal

The reduction behavior of the Panzhihua titanomagnetite concentrates (PTC) briquette with coal was investigated by temperature-programmed heating under argon atmosphere in a vertical tube electric furnace. The mass loss behavior of the PTC-coal mixture was checked by thermogravimetric analysis method in argon with a heating rate of 5 K (5 °C)/ min. It was found that there are five stages during the carbothermic reduction process of the PTC. The devolatilization of coal occurred in the first stage, and reductions of iron oxides mainly occurred in the second and third stages. The reduction rate of iron oxide in the third stage was much higher than that in the second stage because of the significant rate of carbon gasification reaction. The iron in the ilmenite was reduced in the fourth stage. In the final stage, the rutile was partially reduced to lower valence oxides. The phase transformation of the briquette reduced at different temperatures was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The main phases of sample reduced at 1173 K (900 °C) are metallic iron, ilmenite (FeTiO₃), and titanomagnetite (Fe_3–x Ti _x O₄). The traces of rutile (TiO₂) were observed at 1273 K (1000 °C). The iron carbide (Fe₃C) and ferrous-pseudobrookite (FeTi₂O₅) appeared at 1473 K (1200 °C). The titanium carbide was found in the sample reduced at 1623 K (1350 °C). The shrinkages of reduced briquettes, which increased with increase in the temperature, were found to depend greatly on the temperature. With increasing the reduction temperature to 1573 K (1300 °C), the iron nuggets were observed outside of the samples reduced. The nugget formation can indicate a new process of ironmaking with titanomagnetite similar to ITmk3 (Ironmaking Technology Mark 3).     

Effects of Alloying Elements on the Thermal Stability and Corrosion Resistance of an Fe-based Metallic Glass with Low Glass Transition Temperature

The effects of alloying elements on the thermal stability, glass-forming ability (GFA), corrosion resistance, and magnetic and mechanical properties of a soft magnetic Fe₇₅P₁₀C₁₀B₅ metallic glass with a low glass transition temperature (T _g) of 723 K (450°C) were investigated. The addition of Mo, Ni, and Co significantly increased the stabilization of supercooled liquid, GFA, and corrosion resistance in the H₂SO₄ solution. The maximum critical diameter (d _c) of 4 mm for glass formation was obtained for the Fe₅₅Co₁₀Ni₅Mo₅P₁₀C₁₀B₅ alloy, which shows the largest supercooled liquid region (ΔT _x ) of 89 K (89 °C). The substitution of Cr for Mo further enhanced the corrosion resistance of the Fe₅₅Co₁₀Ni₅Mo₅P₁₀C₁₀B₅, while the ΔT _x and d _c decreased. The (Fe, Ni, Co)₇₀(Mo, Cr)₅P₁₀C₁₀B₅ bulk metallic glasses showed low T _g of 711 K to 735 K (438 °C to 462 °C), wide ΔT _x of 67 K to 89 K, high saturation magnetization of 0.79 to 0.93 T, low coercive force of 2.36 to 6.61 A m^?1, high compressive yield strength of 3271 to 3370 MPa, and plastic strain of 0.8 to 2.3 pct. In addition, the mechanism for enhancing stability of supercooled liquid was discussed in terms of the precipitated phases during crystallization.     

High-Temperature Mechanical Behavior of Extruded Mg-Y-Zn Alloy Containing LPSO Phases

The high-temperature mechanical behavior of extruded Mg_97?3x Y_2x Zn _x (at. pct) alloys is evaluated from 473 K to 673 K (200 °C to 400 °C). The microstructure of the extruded alloys is characterized by Long Period Stacking Ordered structure (LPSO) elongated particles within the magnesium matrix. At low temperature and high strain rates, their creep behavior shows a high stress exponent (n = 11) and high activation energy. Alloys behave as a metal matrix composite where the magnesium matrix transfers part of its load to the LPSO phase. At high-temperature and/or low stresses, creep is controlled by nonbasal dislocation slip. At intermediate and high strain rates at 673 K (400 °C) and at intermediate strain rates between 623 K and 673 K (350 °C and 400 °C), the extruded alloys show superplastic deformation with elongations to failure higher than 200 pct. Cracking of coarse LPSO second-phase particles and their subsequent distribution in the magnesium matrix take place during superplastic deformation, preventing magnesium grain growth.     

Dissolution and Interface Reactions between Palladium and Tin (Sn)-Based Solders: Part I. 95.5Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu Alloy

The interface microstructures and dissolution behavior were studied, which occur between 99.9 pct Pd substrates and molten 95.5Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu (wt pct, Sn-Ag-Cu) solder. The solder bath temperatures were 513 K to 623 K (240 °C to 350 °C). The immersion times were 5 to 240 seconds. The IMC layer composition exhibited the (Pd, Cu)Sn₄ (Cu, 0 to 2 at. pct) and (Pd, Sn) solid-solution phases for all test conditions. The phases PdSn and PdSn₂ were observed only for the 623 K (350 °C), 60 seconds test conditions. The metastable phase, Pd₁₁Sn₉, occurred consistently for the 623 K (350 °C), 240 seconds conditions. Palladium-tin needles appeared in the Sn-Ag-Cu solder, but only at temperatures of 563 K (290 °C ) or higher, and had a (Pd, Cu)Sn₄ stoichiometry. Palladium dissolution increased monotonically with both solder bath temperature and exposure time. The rate kinetics of dissolution were represented by the expression At ⁿ exp(?H/RT), where the time exponent (n) was 0.52 ± 0.10 and the apparent activation energy (?H) was 44 ± 9 kJ/mol. The IMC layer thickness increased between 513 K and 563 K (240 °C and 290 °C) to approximately 3 to 5 µm, but then was less than 3 µm at 593 K and 623 K (320 °C and 350 °C). The thickness values exhibited no significant time dependence. As a protective finish in electronics assembly applications, Pd would be relatively slow to dissolve into molten Sn-Ag-Cu solder. The Pd-Sn IMC layer would remain sufficiently thin and adherent to a residual Pd layer so as to pose a minimal reliability concern for Sn-Ag-Cu solder interconnections.     

Effects of Thermal and Cryogenic Conditionings on Flexural Behavior of Thermally Shocked Cu-Al2O3 Micro and NanoComposites

This investigation has used flexural test to explore the effects of thermal treatments, i.e., high-temperature and cryogenic environments on the mechanical property of Al₂O₃ particulate-reinforced Cu metal matrix micro and nanocomposites in ex-situ and in-situ conditions. Cu-5 vol. pct Al₂O₃ micro (10 μm)- and nanocomposites (<50 nm) fabricated by powder metallurgy route were subjected to up-thermal shock cycle [193 K to 353 K (?80 °C to 80 °C)] and down-thermal shock cycle [353 K to 193 K (from 80 °C to ?80 °C)] for different time periods followed by 3-point bend test. One batch of specimens (micro and nanocomposites) was conditioned at 353 K and 193 K (80 °C and ?80 °C) separately followed by 3-point flexural test. High-temperature flexural test was performed at 373 K and 523 K (80 °C and 250 °C) on the micro and nanocomposites. All the fractured samples obtained after various thermal treatments were studied under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The development of thermal stresses quite often results in concentration of residual stresses at the particle/matrix interface eventually weakening it. Enhancement of flexural strength was recorded for down- as well as for up-thermal shock in microcomposites. The high-temperature flexural strengths of micro and nanocomposites are lower than those at ambient temperature. The amelioration and declination in mechanical properties as a consequence of thermal shock, thermal conditioning, and high-temperature flexural testing have been discussed in the light of fractography.     

Effect of Temperature on Stress Oxidation Behaviors of 2D C/SiC-BC x Composite in Wet Oxygen Atmosphere

The effect of temperature on stress oxidation behaviors of 2D C/SiC-BC _x composites was investigated. The results indicate that the damage rate of 2D C/SiC-BC _x composites increases with increasing oxidation temperature. The residual tensile strengths of 2D C/SiC-BC _x composites show nonlinear change with increasing oxidation time. At 973.15 K (700 °C) and 1173.15 K (900 °C), the residual strengths of 2D C/SiC-BC _x composites increase firstly and then decrease with increasing oxidation time. At 1473.15 K (1200 °C), the residual strengths are zero after stress oxidation for 9 hours. The oxidation of BC _x layer aggravates, and the glass phase becomes more obvious with increasing oxidation temperature. At the same time, the oxidation damage of 2D C/SiC-BC _x composites becomes more serious.