Microwave dielectric properties and sintering behavior of nano-scaled (α + θ)-Al2O3 ceramics

The dielectric properties at microwave frequencies and the microstructures of nano (α + θ)-Al₂O₃ ceramics were investigated. Using the high-purity nano (α + θ)-Al₂O₃ powders can effectively increase the value of the quality factor and lower the sintering temperature of the ceramic samples. Grain growth can be limited with θ-phase Al₂O₃ addition and high-density alumina ceramics can be obtained with smaller grain size comparing to pure α-Al₂O₃. Relative density of sintered samples can be as high as 99.49% at 1400 °C for 8 h. The unloaded quality factors Q × f are strongly dependent on the sintering time. Further improvement of the Q × f value can be achieved by extending the sintering time to 8 h. A dielectric constant (_r) of 10, a high Q × f value of 634,000 GHz (measured at 14 GHz) and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) of −39.88 ppm/°C were obtained for specimen sintered at 1400 °C for 8 h. Sintered ceramic samples were also characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Prediction of flow stress in Ti–6Al–4V alloy with an equiaxed α + β microstructure by artificial neural networks

Flow stress during hot deformation depends mainly on the strain, strain rate and temperature, and shows a complex and nonlinear relationship with them. A number of semi-empirical models were reported by others to predict the flow stress during hot deformation. This work attempts to develop a back-propagation neural network model to predict the flow stress of Ti–6Al–4V alloy for any given processing conditions. The network was successfully trained across different phase regimes (α + β to β phase) and various deformation domains. This model can predict the mean flow stress within an average error of 5.6% from the experimental values, using strain, strain rate and temperature as inputs. This model seems to have an edge over existing constitutive model, like hyperbolic sine equation, and has a great potential to be employed in industries.     

High temperature creep of a hot-pressed β-sialon

The four-point bending creep properties of a hot-pressed β-sialon with Sm–melilite solid solution (denoted as M′) as intergranular phase have been studied in the temperature range 1250–1350°C in air. Creep rates plotted against stresses gave stress exponents of 1.45, 1.51 and 1.72 at 1250, 1300 and 1350°C, respectively, and Arrhenius plot between creep rate and temperature yielded a creep activation energy of 576 kJ mol⁻¹. Cavities were found to be mainly on the triple grain junctions. Diffusion coupled with grain boundary sliding and accompanied by the formation of wedge-shaped cavities was identified as the dominant creep mechanism.     

Influence of applied stress on the γ′ directional coarsening in a single crystal superalloy

It was found in a commercial single crystal superalloy CMSX-4 that preferential orientation of the γ′ rafting in dendrite core was not dependent on the sign of the applied stress σ_A, but on the sign of the sum of the applied stress σ_A and a critical equivalent stress σ_c. This critical equivalent stress σ_c caused by material inhomogeneity has been predicted previously; however it was first determined experimentally to be in the range 39.8–47.2 MPa in the present study. Moreover, it qualitatively demonstrated that the critical equivalent stress σ_c played a significant role in the creep behavior of superalloys at high temperature and low stress.     

Size effects of γ′ precipitate on the creep properties of directionally solidified nickel-base super-alloys at middle temperature

Nickel-base super-alloys consist of two phases named γ-phase of nickel matrix and γ′-phase of precipitates, which are dispersed uniformly in the matrix. The morphologies and sizes of γ′ precipitates have strong effects on the creep properties of the alloys. At the middle temperature (850 °C), the rafting effect of the precipitate is not obvious, and the size effects of precipitates are dominant. In this paper, a crystal plasticity constitutive model is developed, which considers damage and strain gradient to reflect the size effect of the creep property. This model is implemented into ABAQUS as an interface of user material (UMAT). Two different precipitate sizes are studied using a unit-cell model of alloys with the same volume fraction. By Comparison with the experiment data, the simulation results are reasonable to demonstrate the significant size effect of precipitates on the creep properties of nickel-base super-alloys, which indicates that the creep rates are lower and the rupture lives are longer when the precipitate sizes are smaller with constant fraction.     

A study of tensile properties in Al–Si–Cu and Al–Si–Mg alloys: Effect of β-iron intermetallics and porosity

The effect of β-iron intermetallics and porosity on the tensile properties in cast Al–Si–Cu and Al–Si–Mg alloys were investigated for this research study, using experimental and industrial 319.2 alloys, and industrial A356.2 alloys. The results showed that the alloy ductility and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) were subject to deterioration as a result of an increase in the size of β-iron intermetallics, most noticeable up to β-iron intermetallic lengths of 100 μm in 319.2 alloys, or 70 μm in A356.2 alloys. An increase in the size of the porosity was also deleterious to alloy ductility and UTS. Although tensile properties are interpreted by means of UTS vs. log elongation plots in the present study, the properties for all sample conditions were best interpreted by means of log UTS vs. log elongation plots, where the properties increased linearly between conditions of low cooling rate–high Fe and high cooling rate–low Fe. The results are explained in terms of the β-Al₅FeSi platelet size and porosity values obtained.     

Effects of hydrolysis on dodecyl alcohol modified β-CaSiO3 particles and PDLLA/modified β-CaSiO3 composite films

In this research, β-CaSiO₃ particles were surface modified with dodecyl alcohol, and Poly-(DL-lactic acid) (PDLLA)/modified β-CaSiO₃ composite films were fabricated with a homogenous dispersion of β-CaSiO₃ particles in the PDLLA matrix. The aim of the study was to investigate the properties of the composite films before and after hydrolytic treatment. SEM images showed retained homogenous dispersion of β-CaSiO₃ particles after hydrolysis and tensile test also showed maintained mechanical property. Simulated body fluid (SBF) incubation experiment suggested that hydrolytic treatment did not affect the formation of hydroxyapatite on the surface of the composite films. The hydrophilicity of the composites was greatly recovered (from 69.82° to 50.28°) after hydrolysis. In addition, cells cultured on composite films after hydrolysis presented the highest cell proliferation rate and differentiation level. All of these results suggested that the surface modification of silicate particles with dodecyl alcohol along with reversible hydrolytic treatment was an effective and feasible approach to fabricate polymer/silicate composite materials with improved properties.     

Measurement of the γ-anisotropy in

The study of the radiative neutron capture by protons, n+p→d+γ, provides valuable information about the nucleon–nucleon interaction. So far, no experimental value has existed for the γ-anisotropy which may appear if neutrons and protons both are polarised. A non-vanishing γ-anisotropy η is a clear-cut signal for the existence of transitions ³S₁→ ³d₁ from the triplet initial state to the ground state of the deuteron. We report the first measurement of this observable. The result is η=(1.0±2.5)×10⁻⁴ at 50.5% polarisation of neutrons and protons.     

Tensile behaviors of fine-grained γ-TiAl based alloys synthesized by pulse current auxiliary sintering

Micro-grained γ-TiAl based alloy obtained via pulse current auxiliary sintering exhibits good room temperature ductility with the common influence of fine grain size and inner twinning microstructure. Superplastic behavior at relatively low temperatures is also observed. It is also noted that the tensile strength of the studied alloy manifests anomalous hardening from room temperature to approximately 600 °C as a result of the controlling of dislocations slip, and softening above 600 °C due to thermal activation. Based on calculation, the superplastic deformation mechanism in the present work is determined as the grain boundary sliding accommodated by grain boundary diffusion.     

Microstructures and properties of biomedical TiNbZrFe β-titanium alloy under aging conditions

A metastable β-titanium alloy Ti–28Nb–13Zr–0.5Fe (TNZF alloy for short) was designed for implant biomedical application. The forged specimens were solute-treated at 850 °C followed by water quenching and then aged at 350 °C, 450 °C, and 550 °C for 2–6 h in order to evaluate the effect of phase transformation during ageing on the biomechanical compatibility of the alloy. The quenched microstructure consists of lath α″ martensite and β phase. A large quantities of shuttle-like ω phase precipitate at 350 °C, leading to the drastic increase of strength and elastic modulus and the decrease of plasticity. Ageing at 450 °C for 4 h, small amount of elliptic ω phase and dot α phase precipitate from β matrix. With increasing ageing time α precipitations begin to coarsen and precipitation free zones (PFZs) form around prior β grain boundaries. Needle-like α phase precipitates on grain boundaries and intra-grains when aged at 550 °C. Both PFZs and grain boundary α precipitates are prone to bring about the intergranular fracture and thus have adverse effects on the tensile strength and fracture plasticity. The quenched microstructure has good combination properties of high strength, high plasticity and low elastic modulus.     

Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of {1 1 1}-oriented SiC film with chemical vapor deposition

A three-dimensional atomic-scale kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) model of {1 1 1}-oriented SiC film deposited by chemical vapor deposition is established in this paper. The growth process of {1 1 1}-oriented atomic-scale SiC film is simulated. The model includes two parts: the first is kinetic process of chemical reaction and the second is deposition and diffusion of substrate surface. In this model, the relationship between temperature and growth rate, surface roughness and relative density and the relationship between growth rate and surface roughness and relative density are studied. The result indicates that the growth of film has three stages including formation of little islets, mergence and expanding of islets and dynamic balance between islets. With increase of substrate temperature, deposition rate, surface roughness and height of film all increase. With increase of deposition rate, surface roughness increases while relative density decreases.     

Retransformation (α′→γ) kinetics of strain induced martensite in 304 stainless steel

Coupons of austenitic 304 stainless steel (γ) were transformed to approximately 90% martensite (α′) and 10% austenite by rolling at 77 K. Subsequently the reverse α′→γ transformation was instigated by heating the coupons to 680°C. The retransformation was monitored, in situ, by dilatometry and neutron Bragg edge diffraction (BED). Results from the two techniques show good agreement and suggest that the transformation kinetics are best described by two Avrami exponents, n=2.5 and n=0.2 respectively. A limited discussion of the lattice parameter evolution during the transformation is included. Possible mechanisms for growth dynamics and stress relaxation are discussed.     

Formation of η and σ phase in three polycrystalline superalloys and their impact on tensile properties

The formation and phase transformation mechanism of η and σ phases in three experimental polycrystalline superalloys were studied. It was shown that a high (Ti + Al) content in the alloys would favor the formation of η and σ phases in the interdendritic region. Different as-cast microstructures resulted in different phase transformation processes during heat treatment and thermal exposure. Influence of η and σ phase on tensile properties had been investigated as well. The tensile properties of the alloys were sensitive to γ′ volume fraction of the alloys, as well as morphologies of η and σ phases in the interdendritic area. Formation of plate-like η phase had negative impact on the low and intermediate temperature tensile properties of the polycrystalline superalloy.     

Parameters controlling the microstructure of Al–11Si–2.5Cu–Mg alloys

This study investigated the effects of cooling rate during solidification, heat treatment, and the addition of Mn and Sr on the formation of intermetallic phases in Al–11Si–2.5Cu–Mg alloys. Microstructures were monitored using optical microscopy and EPMA techniques. The results reveal that the volume fractions of intermetallic phases are generally much lower in the furnace-cooled samples than in the air-cooled ones due to the dissolution of the β-AlFeSi and Al₂Cu phases during slow cooling at critical dissolution temperatures. Strontium additions increased the volume fraction of the Al₂Cu phase in the as-cast conditions at low and high cooling rates, as well as at varying ranges of Mn levels. Platelets of the β-AlFeSi phase were to be observed in the microstructure of the as-cast air-cooled samples with a DAS of 40 μm at both Mn levels, while none of these particles were to be found in the furnace-cooled samples with a DAS of 120 μm. Sludge particles were observed in almost all of the air-cooled alloys with sludge factors of between 1.4 and 1.9. These particles, however, were not observed in the furnace-cooled alloys with similar sludge factors. Solution heat treatment coarsens the Si particles in the non-modified alloys under both sets of cooling conditions studied. In the Sr-modified alloys, solution treatment has varied effects depending on the cooling rate and the level of Mn present.     

Creep deformation of Alloys 617 and 276 at 750–950 °C

Alloys 617 and 276 were subjected to time-dependent deformation at elevated temperatures under sustained loading of different magnitudes. The results indicate that Alloy 617 did not exhibit strains exceeding 1 percent (%) in 1000 h at 750, 850 and 950 °C when loaded to 10% of its yield strength (YS) values at these temperatures. However, this alloy was not capable of sustaining higher stresses (0.25YS and 0.35YS) for 1000 h at 850 and 950 °C without excessive deformation. Interestingly, Alloy 617 showed insignificant steady-state creep rate at 750 °C irrespective of the applied stress levels. Alloy 276 almost met the maximum creep deformation criterion when tested at 51 MPa–750 °C. Severe creep deformation of both alloys at 950 °C could be attributed to the dissolution of carbides and intermetallic phases remaining after solution annealing or precipitated during quenching.     

Effect of initial temper on the creep behavior of a Mg–Gd–Nd–Zr alloy

The effect of initial temper on the tensile creep behavior of a cast Mg–Gd–Nd–Zr alloy has been investigated. Specimens in unaged, underaged and peak-aged conditions exhibit a sigmoidal creep stage between the primary and steady-state creep stage, while the overaged specimens have no such creep stage. Transmission electron microscope observations revealed that sigmoidal creep stage was induced by the dynamic precipitation in the microstructure, and the rapid formation of β₁-phase and β-phase plates takes responsibility for the softening of material in this stage. Comparative evaluation of creep properties of the specimens showed that alloy in overaged condition had creep resistance superior to those in other conditions. Stress and temperature dependence of the steady-state creep rate were studied over a temperature range of 250–300 °C and stress range of 50–100 MPa, and a dislocation creep mechanism was proposed for the alloy.     

Investigation of α platelet boundaries in a near-α titanium alloy

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of a bimodal near-α titanium alloy revealed the existence of retained β phase layers and silicide precipitates at the α platelet boundaries inside transformed β grains. The β to α phase transformation accompanied by the precipitation of silicide resulted in the formation of a large number of dislocations at α platelet boundaries. Orientation relationships between silicide, β phase and α phase were also identified. However high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) revealed crystal mismatches between these phases generating high strains at α platelet boundaries. The strengthening effects of the platelet boundaries are discussed in terms of dislocations slip across the boundaries. The mechanism that governs the β to α phase transformation is also discussed.     

Influence of γ′ and grain boundary carbide on tensile fracture behaviors of Nimonic 263

Tensile fracture behaviors of Nimonic 263 after three different heat treatments have been investigated. Standard heat treatment produces 10% γ′ coupled with precipitate free zones (PFZs), and M₂₃C₆ carbide densely distributed at grain boundaries (GBs). Alternative heat treatment causes dense distribution of GB carbides and precipitation of 1–3% γ′ with the absence of PFZs. Solution-treated sample has neither γ′ nor M₂₃C₆ carbide. Room temperature tensile tests indicate both standard and alternative heat-treated samples show intergranular fracture, but the elongation of the latter is two times larger than that of the former. The combined effect of GB carbides and intensive slip bands accounts for the intergranular fracture. The γ′ volume fraction affects elongation. Solution-treated sample displays transgranular fracture mode. Lack of restriction to dislocation mobility in grains interior and the weak interaction between GBs and dislocations are responsible for the transgranular fracture. The effect of PFZs on fracture mode may be negligible.     

Synthesis of single nanocrystal phase γ′-Fe4N on NaCl substrate by DC magnetron sputtering

The single-phase γ′-Fe₄N nanocrystal magnetic films with grain size of d = 40–60 nm were synthesized on single crystal NaCl (1 0 0) substrate by DC magnetron sputtering at 150 °C. The structure, morphology of the single-phase γ′-Fe₄N films were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the magnetic properties of samples prepared at different substrate temperatures were investigated by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). It is shown that substrate temperature has a significant influence on the crystalline structure and magnetic properties for Fe–N films. As substrate temperature was increased, the saturation magnetization for the deposited films increased, but the coercivity reduced.