Growth morphology and evolution of quasicrystal in as-solidified Y-rich Mg-Zn-Y ternary alloys

A petal-like icosahedral quasicrystal with five branches,which is considered to be the representative morphology of the icosahedral quasicrystal,has been observed in the Y-rich Mg-Zn-Y ternary alloys. Moreover,the polygon-like morphology,another pattern of the icosahedral quasicrystal,has also been found in the Y-rich Mg-Zn-Y ternary alloys. The latter morphology results from the evolution of the former one. The growth mechanism of the petal-like morphology of the icosahedral quasicrystal was also discussed. Alloying composition,i.e.,Y element content,is a major factor inducing the morphology evolution of the icosahedral quasicrystal.     

Solidification of Mg-28%Zn-2%Y alloy involving icosahedral quasicrystal phase

Applying XRD, DTA, SEM and TEM techniques, an investigation on the solidification microstructure and solidification sequence of Mg-rich Mg-28%Zn-2%Y （mole fraction） alloy was carried out. It is found that, a-Mg dendrites, Mg7Zn3 phase and icosahedral quasicrystal phase coexist in the as-solidified alloy, where the icosahedral quasicrystal, whose structure is indentified to be a face-centered type, originates from a peritectic reaction occurring at 416 ℃. The primary phase of this peritectic reaction has the composition of Mg20Zn66Y14, which is coincident with the H phase reported by TSAI as （Zn, Mg）5Y. Furthermore, the single I-phase grain morphology was observed and its growth evolution was also discussed.     

Mg-Zn-Y三元合金中二十面体准晶相生长形貌及其演化

采用常规凝固方法在Mg-Zn-Y三元合金系中获得了大体积分数的二十面体准晶。二十面体准晶相有2种典型形貌特征：一种为花瓣状，另一种为多边形形状。这是准晶在生长过程中形貌演化的结果。合金的成分和冷却速率是影响准晶形貌的主要岗素。准晶合金中生成的低温相越多，冷却速率越慢，准晶相生长的时间和空间条件越好，准晶相越容易由花瓣状演化成多边形状。准晶的形成有包晶反应参与，包晶反应是一种由初生固态相扩散控制的反应，因此，准晶在生长初期和最终形态其元素含量有明显差别，分析表明，准晶生长初期Mg元素含量偏低，Zn和Y元素含量偏高。     

Icosahedral quasicrystalline phase in an as-cast Mg-Zn-Er alloy

The microstructure of an as-cast Mg-Zn-Er alloy was investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicate that two different second phases, one with eutectoid-lamellar morphology and the other with granular shape, distribute in the α-Mg matrix. The coexistence of the face-centered icosahedral quasicrystalline phase (I-phase) and W-phase with the face-centered cubic structure is found in the as-cast alloy. The coexistence of I-phase and W-phasc in the Mg-Zn-Er alloy is because the W-phase is the primary phase and the I-phase forms by peritectic reaction during solidification.     

Effect of hot extrusion on microstructure and mechanical properties of quasicrystal-reinforced Mg-Zn-Y alloy

The microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast and as-extruded Mg-Zn-Y alloy （Mg-11 %Zn- 0.9%Y, mass fraction） containing Mg3 YZn6 quasicrystal were studied. The eutectic icosahedral quasicrystal phase （I-phase） is broken and almost distributes along the extrusion direction, and fine I-phase with nano-size is precipitated during the extrusion. The a-Mg matrix grains are refined due to recrystallization occuring during the hot extrusion. Some {1012} twins are observed in the extruded ZW1101 alloy. And {0002}（1010） fiber texture is formed in matrix alloys after hot extrusion. The extruded alloy exhibits high strength in combination with large elongation at room temperature. The strengthening mechanism of the as-extruded alloy was discussed.     

Ti40Zr40Ni20块体铸态准晶的相变研究

用吸铸法制备出单相块体Ti40Zr40Ni20。其准点阵参数为aR=0．523nm。通过差示扫描量热法(DSC)和X射线衍射等手段研究了该铸态准晶合金在加热过程中的相变行为。结果表明,Ti40Zr40Ni20铸态准晶在964K温度以下稳定;在964K附近温度,准晶发生分解,形成由β-Zr(Ti)固溶体与C14相组成的两相混合组织;在1107K,该混合物发生熔化。     

Effects of the fourth component and undercooling on morphology of primary Mg-Zn-Y icosahedral quasicrystal phase under normal casting conditions

The paper presents some results of the investigation on effects of the fourth component (Ti, C, Sb or Cu) and undercooling on the morphology, size and forming process of primary Mg-Zn-Y icosahedral quasicrystal phase (I-phase) under normal casting conditions, The result shows that the addition of certain amount of fourth component can transform I-phase morphology from petal-like to spherical. However, I-phase will grow up to petal-like if superfluous addition of the fourth component applied. It is also found that the solidified morphology of I-phase depends on the stability of spherical I-phase during the subsequent growth, and critical radius of maintaining the spherical I-phase interface relatively stable. Further, mini-sized spherical I-phase can be produced with high content of the fourth component by undercooling. Such findings are beneficial for industrializing Mg-based quasicrystals.     

Effect of Mg-based spherical quasicrystal on microstructures and mechanical properties of ZA54 alloy

To improve the strength,toughness and heat-resistance of magnesium alloy,the microstructure and mechanical properties of ZA54 alloy reinforced by icosahedral quasicrystal phase(I-phase) particles were studied.Exceptα-Mg,φ-phase andτ-phase,MgZnYMn I-phase particles can be obtained in ZA54-based composites by the addition of icosahedral quasicrystal-contained Mg-Zn-Y-Mn master alloy.The introduction of MgZnYMn I-phase into ZA54 alloy has great contribution to the refinement of matrix microstructures and the improvement of mechanical properties.When the addition of Mg-based spherical quasicrystal master alloy is up to 3.5%(mass fraction) ,the macro-hardness of ZA54-based composites is increased to HB 68.The impact toughness of composites reaches the peak value of 18.3 J/cm2,which is about 29%higher than that of ZA54 mother alloy.The highest tensile properties at ambient and elevated temperatures with master alloy addition of 2.5%(473 K) are also obtained in ZA54-based composites with 3.5%(mass fraction) Mg-Zn-Y-Mn master alloy addition.The ultimate tensile strength of composites at ambient and elevated temperatures are 192.5 MPa and 174 MPa,which are 23.4%and 33.8%higher than that of ZA54 mother alloy,respectively. The improved mechanical properties are mainly attributed to the pinning effect of I-phase on grain boundaries.     

含二十面体准晶相Mg-Zn-Y合金的组织和性能

采用常规凝固技术制备了MgZn_6xY_x(x=0.7,1.0,1.5,2.0)合金,研究了Y含量对含有二十面体准晶相(I相)MgZn_6xY_x合金组织和性能的影响。结果表明,MgZn6xYx合金由α-Mg基体和分布在晶界周围的(α-Mg+I相)共晶组织组成。随着Y含量增加,基体晶粒尺寸减小,共晶组织尺寸增大,含量增加,由不连续分布转变为连续分布。在凝固过程中,二十面体准晶相通过共晶转变形成。Mg_89.5Zn_9.0Y_1.5合金的抗拉强度和伸长率达到最大值,分别为179.2MPa和3.5%。MgZn_6xY_x合金的断口呈现准解理断裂特征。     

Amorphous in a Zr-IQC-DQC pseudo-ternary alloy system

A pseudo-ternary alloy system was constructed by combining an icosahedral quasicrystal (IQC), a decagonal quasicrystal(DQC), and Zr into one alloy system. Different proportions of Zr were added to pseudo-binary alloy IQC80DQC20 (mass fraction in %). Structural evolution in these alloys was discussed. An amorphous alloy composition was found in this system and a melt-spinning amorphous alloy was produced in this composition. Through DSC analysis, the amorphous alloy exhibits high glass forming ability comparable to that of the Inoue Zr65Al75Cu17.5Ni10 amorphous alloy.     

Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Mg-12Zn-2Y alloy containing quasicrystal phase fabricated by different casting processes

Although icosahedral quasicrystal phase (denoted as I-phase) has been verified as an outstanding reinforcing phase, the mechanical properties of quasicrystal-reinforced Mg-Zn-Y alloys fabricated by traditional casting processes are still unsatisfactory due to the serious segregation of intermetallic compounds. In this study, the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-12Zn-2Y alloy fabricated by different casting processes, including permanent mold casting, squeeze casting and rheo-squeeze casting with ultrasonic vibration, were systematically investigated and compared. The results show that massive, large-sized I-phase and Mg₇Zn₃ phase gather together in the permanent mold cast sample, while the squeeze casting process leads to the transformation of I-phase into fine lamellar morphology and the amount of Mg₇Zn₃ decreases. As to the rheo-squeeze casting process, when the ultrasonic vibration is exerted with power from 800 W to 1,600 W, the α-Mg grains are refined and spheroidized to a large extent, and the lamellar spacing of the eutectic structure is significantly reduced, accompanied by some tiny granular I-phase scattering in the α-Mg matrix. However, when the ultrasonic power continuously increases to 2,400 W, the eutectic structure becomes coarse. The best mechanical properties of the rheo-squeeze cast alloy are obtained when the ultrasonic power is 1,600 W. The microhardness, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation are 79.9 HV, 140 MPa, 236 MPa, and 3.25%, which are 44.1%, 26.1%, 25.5%, 132.1% respectively higher than the corresponding values of the squeeze casting sample, and are 47.6%, 44.3%, 69.8%, and 253.3% respectively higher than the corresponding values of the permanent mold casting sample.

     

Ag42In42Ca16二十面体准晶与2/1立方近似相Ag42In45Ca13的稳定性研究

Ag3In3Ca中的主要合金相是简单立方Ag42In45Ca13(空间群为Pa3↑-，α=2．496nm)，它是Ag42In42Ca16二十面体稳定准晶的2／1立方近似相．选区电子衍射(SAED)实验表明，2／1立方近似相与二十面体准晶有相似的局部结构．X射线能谱(EDS)、电子能量损失谱(EELS)和X射线粉晶衍射分析表明，Ag3In3Ca合金中的立方相Ag42In45Ca13不稳定．薄膜电镜样品在空气中易发生化学反应，产物中主要是Ca和O，还有少量C．块状合金在空气中放置14d后，其中的立方相Ag42In45Ca13分解，二元合金相AgIn2和In4Ag9的含量明显增加．在550℃保温55h后，立方近似相Ag42In45Ca13的含量显著减少．在相同条件下，二十面体准晶Ag42In42Ca16保持不变，具有高的结构和化学稳定性。     

Al-Cu-Fe准晶凝固过程的动力学

根据经典的形核理论,对准晶J相及其晶体近似相R相,采用所提出的自由能计算模型,计算并比较了非均质形核方式下的准晶I相及其晶体近似相R相的形核功及形核率.分析表明,从小的过冷直到准晶I相平衡液相面温度(TL=1 130K)下150K的过冷范围,准晶I相都会首先形核,而其晶体近似相尺相不具备从液相中初生形核的动力学条件.     

3D Morphology and Formation Process of the Icosahedral Quasicrystalline Phase in Rapidly Solidified Al-Mn Alloy

Three-dimensional morphology and formation process of icosahedral quasicrystal phase have been investigated in a melt-spun Al-18 Mn alloy(in wt%).Three distinct layers corresponding to varying temperature gradient have been observed on the cross section of the ribbons.3D morphologies of cellular and dendritic icosahedral phase have been obtained through electro-etching.A model has been proposed to describe the formation process of the icosahedral phase and α-Al during the rapid solidification.The icosahedral phases are primarily precipitated from the melt into fine cellular and dendritic particles,and subsequently engulfed by the α-Al which propagates in a planar morphology.     

Crystal–quasicrystal transition depending on cooling rates in directionally solidified Al–3Mn–7Be (at.%) alloy

The transition of primary phases from the crystalline approximant phase to icosahedral quasicrystal phase (I-phase) is observed in the directional solidified Al–3Mn–7Be (at.%) alloy. The structures of I-phase and approximant phases are characterized by SEM, TEM and HRTEM. The addition of Be significantly enhances the formation ability of I-phase, combining with the directional solidification method where the growth rates and temperature gradients can be separately controlled, giving rise to a promising way to prepare quasicrystal-reinforced Al-matrix composite.     

铸造冷却速度对Mg-4.4Zn-0.3Zr-0.4Y挤压态合金组织性能的影响

本文通过两种不同冷却速度制备成分相同、铸造组织特征不同的Mg-4.4Zn-0.3Zr-0.4Y铸态合金,研究不同铸造组织特征对挤压变形态合金组织和力学性能的影响。研究结果表明：与空冷铸造合金相比较,通过水冷冷却增大了熔体冷却速度,使铸态组织得到细化,抑制了W-相（Mg3Y2Zn3相）的形核,并促进了I-相（Mg3YZn6相）的生成,获得了更大体积分数的准晶相(I-相)。经过挤压变形后,水冷铸造合金中的再结晶晶粒细小均匀,经过挤压变形破碎的细小I-相颗粒弥散分布在基体上,{0002}基面织构得到弱化,而{101 ?2}织构强度增强,从而使挤压态Mg-4.4Zn-0.3Zr-0.4Y合金的强度和塑性都得到了大幅的提高。水冷铸造Mg-4.4Zn-0.3Zr-0.4Y合金经过挤压变形后,屈服强度和抗拉强度分别达到297.0MPa和327.3MPa,与空冷铸造挤压态合金相比分别提高了46.4MPa和21.4MPa。水冷铸造Mg-4.4Zn-0.3Zr-0.4Y挤压态合金的延伸率达到14.8%,与空冷铸造挤压态合金相比增大了4.7%。     

Microstructure and corrosion behavior of rapidly solidified Mg-Zn-Y alloys

The effect of a minor change in alloy composition on the microstructure and corrosion properties of melt spun Mg_98.3?xZn_xY_1.7 ribbons with x=9–12 is studied by X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy and a dynamic polarization test. The ribbon specimens with x=9–10 revealed an in-situ composite microstructure consisting of icosahedral quasicrystalline phase (I-phase) particles distributed in an α-Mg matrix. The ribbon specimens with x=11 and 12 contained a minor MgZn₂ phase together with an α-Mg phase and I-phase. With increasing Zn content, the corrosion potential increased because of a mixed potential effect, but the formation of a MgZn₂ phase deteriorated the corrosion property through preferential attack, causing an irregular boundary between the corrosion product and the substrate. These results indicate that it is important to control alloy chemistry not to form the MgZn₂ phase in developing an I-phase strengthened Mg-Zn-Y alloy for structural applications.     

Precipitation of the icosahedral phase in amorphous Zr65Cu17.5−xAl7.5Ni10Agx (x=0,2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10) alloys

An amorphous phase in Zr₆₅Al_7.5Cu_17.5Ni₁₀ crystallizes via co-precipitation of the I-phase and NiZr₂ phase in the first crystallization step, followed by decomposition of the I-phase into the CuZr₂ and NiZr₂ phases. The NiZr₂ phase transforms to a stable Zr₆NiAl₂ phase at a high temperature. The alloys containing Ag crystallize via a two-step process: firstly, the I-phase nucleates homogeneously and grows in an amorphous matrix; secondly, the quasicrystal and remaining amorphous phase transforms into the stable CuZr₂ and Zr₆NiAl₂ phases. With increasing Ag, the I-phase becomes more thermally stable and the grain size in the I-phase decreases due to increased frequency of homogeneous nucleation. The quasi-lattice constant of the I-phase decreases with increasing Ag content. This article is based on a presentation made in the “Symposium on Metastable Phases”, held at Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea, November 10, 2000 sponsored by The Korean Institute of Metals and Materials.     

超高强度块体Al90Mn8Ce2合金

用快速凝固／粉末冶金法，制备了致密超高强度块体Al90Mn8Ce2合金，其尺寸为直径20mm、长10mm.合金的致密度大于99％，合金抗压强度达到895MPa，压延塑性超过6％．合金获得超高强度主要是由于亚稳态二十面体准晶相在803K和1.2GPa条件下仍稳定存在，对α—A1基体起强化作用。     

Microstructures and Properties of Reciprocatingly Extruded Mg-6.4Zn-1.1Y Alloys

An icosahedral Mg3 YZn6 quasicrystalline phase can be produced in Mg-Zn- Y system alloys when a proper amount of Zn and Y is contained, and it is feasible to prepare the quasicrystal phase-reinforced low-density magnesium alloy. In this article, phase constituents and the effect of reciprocating extrusion on microstructures and properties of the as-cast Mg-6.4Zn-1.1 Y alloy are analyzed. The microstructure of the as-cast Mg-6.4Zn-1.1 Y alloy consists of the α-Mg solid solution, icosahedral Mg3YZn6 quasicrystal, and Mg3 Y2Zn3 and MgZn2 compounds. After the alloy was reciprocatingly extruded for four passes, grains were refined, Mg3 Y2 Zn3 and MgZn2 phases dissolved into the matrix, whereas, Mg3 YZn6 precipitated and distributed uniformly. The alloy possesses the best performance at this state; the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation are 323.4 MPa, 258.2 MPa, and 19.7%, respectively. In comparison with that of the as-cast alloy, the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the reciprocatingly extruded alloy increase by 258.3%, 397.5%, and 18 times, respectively. It is concluded that reciprocating extrusion can substantially improve the properties of the as-cast Mg-6.4Zn-1.1 Y alloy, particularly for elongation. The high performance of the Mg-6.4Zn-1.1 Y alloy after reciprocating extrusion can be attributed to dispersion strengthening and grain-refined microstructures.