Structure and properties of cast and splat-quenched high-entropy Al–Cu–Fe–Ni–Si alloys

The effect of the composition and cooling rate of the melt on the microhardness, phase composition, and fine-structure parameters of as-cast and splat-quenched (SQ) high-entropy (HE) Al–Cu–Fe–Ni–Si alloys was studied. The quenching was performed by conventional splat-cooling technique. The cooling rate was estimated to be ~10⁶ K/s. Components of the studied HE alloys were selected taking into account both criteria for designing and estimating their phase composition, which are available in the literature and based on the calculations of the entropy and enthalpy of mixing, and the difference between atomic radii of components as well. According to X-ray diffraction data, the majority of studied Al–Cu–Fe–Ni–Si compositions are two-phase HE alloys, the structure of which consists of disordered solid solutions with bcc and fcc structures. At the same time, the Al_0.5CuFeNi alloy is single-phase in terms of X-ray diffraction and has an fcc structure. The studied alloys in the as-cast state have a dendritic structure, whereas, after splat quenching, the uniform small-grained structure is formed. It was found that, as the volume fraction of bcc solid solution in the studied HE alloys increases, the microhardness increases; the as-cast HE Al–Cu–Fe–Ni–Si alloys are characterized by higher microhardness compared to that of splat-quenched alloys. This is likely due to the more equilibrium multiphase state of as-cast alloys.     

Microstructures and mechanical properties of homogenization and isothermal aging Mg–Gd–Er–Zn–Zr alloy

The effects of homogenization and isothermal aging treatment on the mechanical properties of Mg–12Gd–2Er–1Zn–0.6Zr(wt%) alloy were investigated. The precipitated long-period stacking order(LPSO) structure and the aging precipitation sequence of the conditioned alloys were observed and analyzed, respectively. The results indicate that the 14H-LPSO structure occurs after the homogenization treatment and the b0 phase forms after the isothermal aging process. These two independent processes could be controlled by the precipitation temperature range. The significant increase in the elongation of the as-cast alloy after homogenization treatment is attributed to the disappearance of the coarse primary Mg5(Gd, Er, Zn) phase and the presence of the 14H-LPSO structure. The precipitation sequence of the investigated alloy is a-Mg(SSS)/b00(D019)/b0(cbco)/b.Furthermore, the yield tensile strength(YTS) and ultimate tensile strength(UTS) values of the isothermal aging alloy have a great improvement, which could be attributed to the high density of the precipitated b0 phase.     

Comparative investigation of oxidation resistance and thermal stability of nanostructured Ti–B–N and Ti–Si–B–N coatings

Nanostructured Ti–B–N and Ti–Si–B–N coatings were deposited on silicon substrate by ion implantation assisted magnetron sputtering technique. To evaluate the oxidation resistance and thermal stability the coatings were annealed on air and in vacuum at 700–900°C. As-deposited and thermal-treated coatings were investigated by transmission electron microscope, selected area electron and x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Raman and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy. Nanoindentaion tests were also performed. Obtained results show that Si alloying significantly improves the thermal stability of Ti–B–N coatings and increases their oxidation resistance up to 900°C. It was shown that formation of protective amorphous SiO₂ top-layer on the coating surface plays important role in the increasing of the oxidation resistance.     

Effect of minor Zr and Sc on microstructures and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si–Cu–Cr–V alloys

The effects of minor contents of Zr and Sc on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si–Cu–Cr–V alloy were studied. The results show that the effects of minor Zr and Sc on the as-cast grain refinement in the ingots, the improvement in the strength of the as-extruded alloys and the restriction of high angle grain boundaries in the aged alloys can be sorted as Al₃Sc>Al₃(Zr,Sc)>Al₃Zr. None of them could stop the nucleation of recrystallization, but Al₃(Zr,Sc) phase is a more effective inhibitor of dislocation movement compared to Al₃Sc in the aged alloys. Compared with the mechanical properties of the aged alloy added only 0.15% Sc, the joint addition of Zr and Sc to the alloy leads to a very slight decrease in strength with even no cost of ductility. Taking both the production cost and the little bad influence on mechanical properties into consideration, an optimal content of Zr and Sc in the Al–Mg–Si–Cu–Cr–V alloy to substitute 0.15% Sc is 0.13% Zr+0.03% Sc.     

Crystal structure and stability of complex precipitate phases in Al–Cu–Mg–(Si) and Al–Zn–Mg alloys

We demonstrate how first-principles total energy calculations may be used to elucidate both the crystal structures and formation enthalpies of complex precipitates in multicomponent Al alloys. For the precipitates, S(Al–Cu–Mg), η′ (Al–Zn–Mg), and Q(Al–Cu–Mg–Si), energetics were computed for each of the models of the crystal structures available in the literature allowing a critical assessment of the validity of the models. In all three systems, energetics were also calculated for solid solution phases as well as other key phases (e.g., equilibrium phases, GP zones) in each precipitation sequence. For both the S and η′ phases, we find that recently proposed structures (based on electron microscopy) produce unreasonably high energies, and thus we suggest that these models should be re-evaluated. However, for all three precipitates, we find that structures based on X-ray diffraction refinements provide both reasonable energetics and structural parameters, and therefore the first-principles results lend support to these structural refinements. Further, we predict energy-lowering site occupations and stoichiometries of the precipitate phases, where experimental information is incomplete. This work suggests that first-principles total energy calculations can be used in the future as a complementary technique with diffraction or microscopy for studying precipitate structures and stabilities.     

Microstrucure and strengthening of Al–Li–Cu–Mg alloys and MMCs: I. Analysis and Modelling of Microstructural changes

A complete and detailed analysis of the microstructural development during ageing in an 8090 (Al–2.3Li–1.2Cu–1Mg–0.1Zr) alloy, an 8090/20 wt% SiC_p MMC, an Al–1.5Li–Cu–Mg MMC and an Al–Cu–Mg MMC (all with similar Cu and Mg contents) has been performed. Volume fractions of all precipitates relevant for precipitation strengthening of the alloys (δ′ phase, S′ phase and GPB zones) have been determined using a recently derived method based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The volume fractions have subsequently been successfully fitted using a novel model for transformation kinetics. The sizes of these precipitates have been analysed using newly derived expressions consistent with the latter model. As a result of dislocation generation around misfitting SiC particles the volume fractions of both GPB zones and S′ phase depend strongly on the presence of these particles. Also the amount of Li present in the alloys influences the volume fractions of the phases significantly. The sizes of S′ are similar for the four alloys.     

Local atomic arrangements and their topology in Ni–Zr and Cu–Zr glassy and crystalline alloys

Different experimental techniques (X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction with isotopic substitution, extended X-ray absorption spectroscopy) and theoretical methods (reverse Monte-Carlo simulation, molecular dynamics modelling, Voronoi analysis) were applied to elucidate the atomic structure of Ni–Zr and Cu–Zr alloys in glassy and crystalline states and to explain differences in the glass-forming abilities of the Ni₆₄Zr₃₆ and Cu₆₅Zr₃₅ compositions. Both glasses show similar strong topological ordering, but it is established that the degree of chemical ordering is much more pronounced in Ni₆₄Zr₃₆ glass than in Cu₆₅Zr₃₅ glass. The short-range atomic order and topology in the glassy and crystalline structures are remarkably different, and these differences are presumed to hinder crystal nucleation and growth, hence promoting glass formation upon fast cooling of the Ni₆₄Zr₃₆ and Cu₆₅Zr₃₅ liquid alloys. The larger differences observed for the Cu₆₅Zr₃₅ alloy in glassy and crystalline states are suggested to play a decisive role in increasing its bulk-glass-forming ability.     

Electrodeposition and properties of Zn,Zn–Ni,Zn–Fe and Zn–Fe–Ni alloys from acidic chloride–sulphate electrolytes

Abstract

Zn, Zn–Ni, Zn–Fe and Zn–Fe–Ni films have been deposited by electrochemical deposition technique onto steel plate substrates. The objective of this study was to characterise the corrosion properties of these alloys in saline solution for the application as new environmentally friendly sacrificial coatings in the protection of steel structures. The morphological and structural properties of the alloys were systematically studied using XRD and SEM techniques. Cyclic voltammetry of the individual metals was performed to help understand the electroplating process of the films. Grain sizes of the films were calculated using Scherrer's formula. Partial substitution of Zn to Fe and Ni leads to an improvement in the corrosion resistance. Compared with other zinc alloys, the Zn–Ni alloy deposit was the noblest.     

Strong and ductile Al–Zn–Mg–Zr alloy obtained by equal angular pressing and subsequent aging

An ultrafine-grained Al–Zn–Mg–Zr alloy with superior mechanical performance was obtained by high passes of equal angular pressing (ECAP) and subsequent aging. After 8 ECAP passes and aging, the yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the solid-solutioned alloy are significantly improved from (98±10) and (226±7) MPa to (405±9) and (427±9) MPa, respectively. A large elongation is also maintained ((17.4±2.5)%). The microstructure features including grain refinement, morphology of precipitates, and dislocation density, were revealed with multiscale characterizations, including transmission electron microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction, and X-ray diffraction. After 8 passes of ECAP, the original coarse elongated grains are refined to a unique bimodal grain structure consisting of ultrafine equiaxed and lath-like grains. Additionally, the effects of ECAP and subsequent aging on the strengthening contribution of a variety of strengthening mechanisms, such as dislocation strengthening and precipitation strengthening, were discussed in detail.     

Microstructure and biocorrosion behaviors of solution treated and as-extruded Mg–2.2Nd–xSr–0.3Zr alloys

Mg–2.2Nd–xSr–0.3Zr alloys (x=0, 0.4 and 0.7, mass fraction, %) were prepared by gravity casting. Solution treatment was conducted on the as-cast alloys to homogenize microstructure, and hot extrusion was subsequently conducted. Microstructure was observed using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Biocorrosion behaviors of the alloy in simulated body fluid were analyzed by mass loss, hydrogen evolution and Tafel polarization experiments. The results show that the amount of residual eutectic phase of the solution treated alloys increases with increasing Sr addition, and the grains are significantly refined after hot extrusion. The corrosion resistance of the solution treated alloys deteriorates apparently with increasing Sr addition, while the corrosion resistance of the as-extruded alloys is improved with Sr addition. Nevertheless, the biocorrosion behavior of the as-extruded alloys obtained by Tafel polarization shows different trends from those obtained by the other two methods.     

Methods for controlling the composition and morphology of electrodeposited Fe–Mo and Fe–Co–Mo coatings

The effect of the electrolyte composition and the stationary electrolysis parameters on the composition and morphology of Fe–Mo and Fe–Co–Mo coatings deposited from complex citrate electrolytes based on Fe(III) is studied. It is shown that, at a constant component ratio of с(Fe³⁺): с(Co²⁺): с(MoO^2? ₄): с(Cit^3–) = 2: 2: 1: 4, an increase in the electrolyte concentration leads to a decrease in the pH of the solution in a range of 4.85–4.30 and in the molybdenum content in the coating. An increase in the current density contributes to the molybdenum enrichment of the electrodeposited alloy in the entire range of electrolyte concentrations. The Fe–Mo alloy coatings have a rough microporous surface; an increase in the current density does not lead to significant changes in the surface topography. It is found that the formation of ternary coatings is characterized by the competitive reduction of iron and cobalt in the alloy; the molybdenum content depends on the current density. At a metal ratio of 3: 2: 1 and a molybdenum content of up to 17 at % in the Fe–Co–Mo alloy, the surface has a fine-grained needlelike structure typical of cobalt. With an increase in i _c, the atomic fraction of molybdenum increases, while the surface becomes microglobular. The Fe–Co–Mo electrodeposits with a metal ratio of 2.5: 1.5: 1.0 and a molybdenum content of 19–20 at % have a more developed surface with a high density of spheroids.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti–Nb–Fe–Zr alloys with high strength and low elastic modulus

Zr was added to Ti–Nb–Fe alloys to develop low elastic modulus and high strength β-Ti alloys for biomedical applications. Ingots of Ti–12Nb–2Fe–(2, 4, 6, 8, 10)Zr (at.%) were prepared by arc melting and then subjected to homogenization, cold rolling, and solution treatments. The phases and microstructures of the alloys were analyzed by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were measured by tensile tests. The results indicate that Zr and Fe cause a remarkable solid-solution strengthening effect on the alloys; thus, all the alloys show yield and ultimate tensile strengths higher than 510 MPa and 730 MPa, respectively. Zr plays a weak role in the deformation mechanism. Further, twinning occurs in all the deformed alloys and is beneficial to both strength and plasticity. Ti–12Nb–2Fe–(8, 10)Zr alloys with metastable β phases show low elastic modulus, high tensile strength, and good plasticity and are suitable candidate materials for biomedical implants.     

Phase composition and structure of aluminum Al–Cu–Si–Sn–Pb alloys

The structure and phase composition of cast and heat treated Al–Cu–Si–Sn–Pb alloys containing 6 wt % Sn, 2 wt % Pb, 0–4 wt % Cu, 0–10 wt % Si have been studied using calculations and experimental methods. Polythermal and isothermal sections are reported, which indicate the existence of two liquid phases. It was found that the low-melting phase is inhomogeneous and consists of individual leadand tin-based particles.     

Intrinsic diffusion and Kirkendall effect in Ni–Pd and Fe–Pd solid solutions

Intrinsic diffusion and the Kirkendall effect in the Ni–Pd (at 900–1200°C) and Fe–Pd (at 1100°C) solid solution systems were investigated. The diffusion couple technique including incremental and “multi-foil” couples was employed. A theoretical analysis of the Kirkendall effect, which manifests itself by migration of inert markers inside the interdiffusion zone, was performed for a binary solid solution system. It was demonstrated that depending upon the relative mobilities of the components in different parts of the interaction zone of such binary diffusion couples, the appearance of two or more “Kirkendall” planes as marked by inert particles can be expected. This phenomenon, which indeed was predicted and found in the multiphase Ni/Ti diffusion couple, was not observed in the experiments on the single-phase Ni–Pd and Fe–Pd systems. The diffusion process in these binary systems exhibiting a minimum in the liquidus curve was found to show special features with respect to the concentration dependence of the diffusion coefficients.     

Microstructures and phase equilibria of the transition metal corner in the Rh–Al–C and Ir–Al–C ternary systems

The isotherms of the Rh–Al–C and Ir–Al–C ternary systems were determined at 1373 K for the transition metal rich corner. It has been revealed that the three-phase field consisting of primary solid solution of a transition metal, B2 type intermetallic compound and graphite extends over a very wide compositional range in these two alloy systems. There exists no carbide in related transition metal rich regions. The phase constitution in the Rh–Al–C and Ir–Al–C ternary alloys prepared by arc melting is basically the same as that by spark plasma sintering (SPS) except the presence of Al₂O₃ particles. The reaction scheme and liquidus surface projection in the transition metal corner of the Rh–Al–C and Ir–Al–C ternary systems were estimated by deliberating on the solidification sequence, as-cast microstructures and invariant reactions on the binary edges.     

Influence of heat treatment on the structure and magnetic properties of amorphous Co–Ni–Fe–Cr–Si–B alloy and its thermal stability

The causes of changes in the magnetic properties of an amorphous Co–Ni–Fe–Cr–Si–B alloy obtained by melt spinning in the form of a thin ribbon subjected to heat treatment and subsequent action of temperatures corresponding to various conditions of its exploitation have been analyzed. We have established the regimes of heat treatment that provide for the highest values of the maximum magnetic permeability of the alloy and the shielding factor of a magnetic shield made from the alloy. We have analyzed changes in the magnetic properties, shielding properties, and total magnetization distribution in an alloy ribbon at a temperature well below the crystallization temperature. We have found the temperature ranges that determine the practical application of this alloy.     

Microstructure and tensile properties of orthorhombic Ti–Al–Nb–Ta alloys

Microstructure and tensile properties of orthorhombic Ti–Al–Nb–Ta alloys have been studied. In order to optimize ductility and strength of the orthorhombic alloys with the nominal compositions of Ti–22Al–23Nb–3Ta and Ti–22Al–20Nb–7Ta, various thermomechanical processing steps were implemented as part of the processing route. With a special heat treatment before rolling to obtain a fine and homogeneous rolled microstructure, the rolled microstructure resulted in a good combination of high tensile yield strength and good ductility of the alloys through available solution and age treatments. The duplex microstructure with equiaxed α₂/O particles and fine O phase laths in a B2 matrix, deforming in α₂+B2+O phase field and treating in O+B2 phase field, possesses the highest tensile properties. The R.T. yield strength and ductility of the Ti–22Al–20Nb–7Ta alloy are 1200 MPa, and 9.8% respectively. The yield strength and ductility values of 970 MPa and 14% were also maintained at elevated temperature (650°C).     

On solidification shrinkage of copper–lead and copper–tin–lead alloys

Abstract

Solidification shrinkage is an important concept in achieving sound castings. In the present work solidification shrinkage was studied in copper–lead and copper–lead–tin alloys. A series of solidification experiments was performed under different cooling rates using a dilatometer which was developed for melting and solidification purposes. The volume change was measured during primary solidification and the monotectic reaction. In order to explain the volume-changing results, the sample macrostructures were studied to evaluate gas and shrinkage cavities which were formed during the solidification. Furthermore, the volume fraction of the primary phase during solidification was evaluated in the samples that were quenched from different temperatures below the liquidus temperature. A shrinkage model was used to explain the volume changes during solidification.     

Laves phase fields in Cr–Zr–Nb and Cr–Zr–Hf alloy systems

The phase fields of the Laves phase in the Cr–Zr–Nb and Cr–Zr–Hf alloy systems were investigated at 1573 K. The Laves phase formed in the Cr–Zr–Nb alloy system had a broad off-stoichiometric range in the center of ZrCr₂–NbCr₂ pseudo-binary line, while the Laves phase formed in the Cr–Zr–Hf alloy system had a uniform and limited off-stoichiometric range along ZrCr₂–HfCr₂ pseudo-binary line. The results are discussed, in terms of geometric concept of atomic sizes of the constituent atoms.     

Microstructure and Properties of Electrodeposited nc-TiO2/Ni–Fe and Ni–Fe Coatings

Metals and Materials International - In this study, nc-TiO2/Ni–Fe composite coatings, and Ni–Fe alloys as equivalents to their matrices, were obtained from citrate-sulphate baths in the...