Eutectic spacing and faults of directionally solidified Al–Al3Ni eutectic

The Al–Al₃Ni eutectic was directionally solidified at a thermal gradient of 4.5 K/mm in a vacuum Bridgman–type furnace in order to study eutectic spacing selection criterion.The microstructure was examined in transverse and longitudinal sections and the interrod spacings were measured at different growth velocity. It has been shown that the interrod spacing is not unique and displays a limited range for rodlike Al–Al₃Ni eutectic alloy. The initial growth velocities are not responsible for the eutectic spacing range, while such faults as branching, endingand diameter change have a significant influence on the eutectic spacing adjustment.     

Eutectic spacing and faults of directionally solidified Al–Al3Ni eutectic

The Al–Al₃Ni eutectic was directionally solidified at a thermal gradient of 4.5 K/mm in a vacuum Bridgman-type furnace in order to study eutectic spacing selection criterion. The microstructure was examined in transverse and longitudinal sections and the interrod spacings were measured at different growth velocity. It has been shown that the interrod spacing is not unique and displays a limited range for rodlike Al–Al₃Ni eutectic alloy. The initial growth velocities are not responsible for the eutectic spacing range, while such faults as branching, ending and diameter change have a significant influence on the eutectic spacing adjustment.     

Electro co-deposition of Ni–Al2O3 composite coatings

Nickel–Al₂O₃ composite coatings have been successfully deposited galvanostatically on to stainless steel substrates by electro co-deposition from a Watts bath containing between 50 and 150?g/l of sub-micron or nano- sized alumina particles applying current density of ?10, ?20 and ?32?mA?cm^?2. The alumina distribution in the composite films on the two sides of the substrate was remarkably different due to solution hydrodynamics and electric field effects. The effect of current density, particle concentration in the bath and particle size are studied systematically producing a comprehensive set of data for better understanding the effects of these variables on the amount of particles co-deposited. The amount of Al₂O₃ co-deposited in the films increases with the particle concentration in the bath and strongly depends on the current density and on particle size. The effect of the current density and of the alumina inclusions on the crystallinity of the Ni matrix and on the Ni crystallites grain size has also been studied. The inclusions of nano or sub-micron-Al₂O₃ particles are found to strongly influence the metallic nickel microstructure.     

Ni3AI–Ni3Cr–Ni3Ta section of Ni–Cr–AI– Ta system

Abstract

The constitution of the 75 at.%Ni section of the Ni–Cr–Al– Ta system has been determined at 1523 and 1273 K. Alloys annealed at these temperatures have been studied using electron probe microanalysis and X–ray diffraction, and their microstructures and associated hardness values have also been examined. The isothermal sections at 1523 and 1273 K contain the following phases: γ+γ′+Ni₃Ta, and Ni₆TaAI, with the following three–phase equilibria between them: γ+γ′+Ni₆TaAI and γ+Ni₃Ta+Ni₆TaAl. The γ′–phase contains up to ~9 at.–%Ta. Some observations on as–cast structures have also been made.

MST/208     

Structure,Composition, and Properties of Arc PVD Mo–Si–Al–Ti–Ni–N Coatings

Using an arc physical vapor deposition process, we have produced nanostructured Mo–Si–Al–Ti–Ni–N coatings with a multilayer architecture formed by Mo₂N, AlN–Si₃N₄, and TiN–Ni and a crystallite size on the order of 6–10 nm. We have studied the physicomechanical properties of the coatings and their functional characteristics: wear resistance, adhesion to their substrates, and heat resistance. According to high-temperature (550°C) wear testing and air oxidation (600°C) results, the coatings studied here are wearand heat-resistant under appropriate temperature conditions. Their properties are compared to those of Mo–Si–Al–N coatings.     

Structure characterization of a laser-processed Al–Mo alloy

The surface structure of a laser-processed Al–Mo alloy has been characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffractory (XRD). The alloy was prepared by first laser alloying a mixture of Al and Mo powders into an Al substrate and then laser remelting the alloyed surface. Following the first laser alloying process, the needle-like equilibrium phases (Al5Mo(h) and Al5Mo(r)) are formed with a broad size ranges and distribute inhomogeneously in the -Al solid solution matrix. This coarse structure is replaced by a finer, uniform dispersion of dendrites after the subsequent laser remelting. Four basic types of solid states precipitates are observed: (1) irregularly shaped particles constructing the dendrites and having a nearly Al5Mo stoichiometry; (2) needle-like particles which is the Al5Mo (r) phase; (3) Faceted particles having a cubic structure with a stoichiometry close to Al7Mo; (4) tiny, equi-axed particles, with a rather narrow particle size distribution and a cubic structure. © 1998 Chapman & Hall     

Effect of Mo on microstructural characteristics and coarsening kinetics of γ' precipitates in Co–Al–W–Ta–Ti alloys

The solvus temperature,volume fraction,coarsening behavior of Y' precipitates and the partitioning behavior of alloying elements as well as lattice misfit of Y/Y' phases influence the creep behavior of Ni-and Co-base superalloys.However,few investigations about the microstructural characteristics and the coarsening behavior of Y' precipitates were reported in multicomponent novel Co-base superalloys during thermal exposure.Two alloys containing different contents of molybdenum and tungsten have been investigated to explore the effect of molybdenum on Y' solvus temperature,Y + Y' microstructure and Y' coarsening in Co–Al–W–Ta–Ti-base alloys.The results showed that the Y' solvus temperature decreases with the addition of Mo.Mo addition reduces the Y' volume fractions after aging above 1000?C,but results in negligible influence on the Y' volume fractions aging at 900?C.Meanwhile,Y' coarsening is controlled by diffusion in experimental alloys after aging at 900?C and 1000?C,and the kinetics of Y'growth in experimental alloys are consistent with the predictions of LSW theory.     

Electrical and magnetic properties of Al3+ substituted Mn–Ni–Zn nanoferrites

Nanostructured Mn–Ni–Zn ferrites with composition Mn_0.1Ni_0.6Zn_0.3Al_xFe_(2?x)O₄ (where x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2) have been prepared by sol–gel method. The structural data obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD) of all Mn–Ni–Zn nanoferrites confirmed the spinel structure. The XRD data was used to calculate the lattice parameter and grain size. The morphology of nanoferrites was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The elemental composition (atomic percentage) was determined with the help of energy dispersive X-ray analyser. The dielectric permeability, AC and DC resistivity for all compositions were measured and discussed. The highest resistivity was measured for the sample with concentration x = 0.1. Vibrating sample magnetometry was used to study the magnetic properties of nanoferrites. High saturation magnetization of value 38.7 emu/g, coercivity 7 Oe and highest initial permeability 83.7 are measured for the sample consisting x = 0.05 Al concentration. These nanoferrites have various applications in core materials and in electronic device technology.     

On mechanism of flow softening in Ti–5Al–5Mo–5V–3Cr

Abstract

The flow behaviour of Ti–5Al–5Mo–5V–3Cr with an initial microstructure containing acicular α platelets has been characterised during isothermal subtransus forging. Flow softening was observed, following yielding and limited hardening, for all investigated temperatures and strain rates, before a steady state flow regime being reached at a strain of ～0·5. The acicular α plates were found to have been fragmented by the forging process, which is concurrent with previous findings. The flow behaviour of the fully retained β phase below the β transus temperature has been established and found to be similar to that of the steady state flow of platelet α in a β matrix. Forging the acicular α microstructure to low strains resulted in higher dislocation concentrations in the β matrix than could be observed in the α precipitates, supporting the hypothesis of hardening through dislocation impedance. Evidence of fragmentation via a pinch-off mechanism was found where slip was observed to have been transmitted across an α plate. Thus following yield the flow behaviour is dominated by the pile-up of dislocations at the α/β interface before the transmission of slip leads to plate fragmentation resulting in flow softening to a steady state regime governed entirely by the β matrix.     

Phase composition,structure, and mechanical properties of arc PVD Mo–Si–Al and Mo–Si–Al–N coatings

Using an arc physical vapor deposition process, we have produced nanostructured Mo–Si–Al coatings with a uniform distribution of equiaxed grains 8–12 nm in size and Mo–Si–Al–N coatings with a multilayer structure and a modulation period from 22 to 25 nm. The former coatings consist of MoSi₂ and Mo and the latter consist of Mo2N and amorphous Si₃N₄ and AlN. The hardness of the Mo–Si–Al–N and Mo–Si–Al coatings is 41 and 18 GPa, respectively; they are similar in resistance to elastic deformation; and the Mo–Si–Al–N coating has a considerably higher resistance to plastic deformation. The coatings have roughly identical coefficients of friction (~0.67–0.69 at 20°C and ~0.52–0.56 at 550°C), but the wear resistance of the Mo–Si–Al–N coating is higher by three and two orders of magnitude at 20 and 550°C, respectively. The coatings of the two systems exhibit good adhesion to the substrate and cohesive fracture. Partial wear of the Mo–Si–Al and Mo–Si–Al–N coatings in the course of scratch testing occurs at indentation loads of 80 and 63 N, respectively.     

Synthesis and microstructural characterization of Al–Ni3Al composites fabricated by press-sintering and shock-compaction

Aluminum matrix composites reinforced with nanocrystalline Ni3Al intermetallic particles, were synthesized using powder metallurgy techniques. Nanocrystalline Ni3Al was obtained by mechanical alloying of Ni75–Al25 stoichiometric mixture from elemental powders after 900 ks of milling with a 5 nm grain size average. Mixture powders of aluminum with 0.007, 0.02 and 0.04 volume fractions of Ni3Al intermetallic particles were compacted using two different compaction methods, the cold isostatic press and sintered at 873 K and the shock-compaction technique. Microstructure of shock-compacted composites showed fine particles of a few microns and also coarse particles less than 100 μm homogeneously distributed on the matrix, also the presence of micro-cracks and low porosity. However the nanoscale features of intermetallic was retained. On the other hand, the press and sintered composites showed good densification. The densities of the composites were about 90% and 94% of the theoretical density for the shock-compacted and press-sintered process, respectively. Finally, the results of hardness measurements showed that the nanocrystalline Ni3Al reinforcement improves the hardness of Al matrix for all conditions. The highest hardness was obtained for the Al–4 vol.%Ni3Al shock-compacted composite.     

Numerical analysis on near net shape forming of Al–Al3Ni functionally graded material

The results of numerical studies on the near-net shape forming of Al–Al₃Ni functionally graded material (FGM) are presented and are compared with the experiments. FGM billets at an elevated temperature of semi-solid condition are set in a container and are subject to backward extruding, and FGM cups are obtained. Due to the composition gradient of FGM the effective viscosity of semi-melt FGM billet varies spatially. The flow/deformation of semi-melt FGM billet is strongly influenced by the spatial variation of effective viscosity. Some characteristic behaviors of flow/deformation of FGM during the semi-solid process are presented and discussed.     

Martensitic transformation behaviors of rapidly solidified Ti–Ni–Mo powders

For the fabrication of bulk near-net-shape shape memory alloys and porous metallic biomaterials, consolidation of Ti–Ni–Mo alloy powders is more useful than that of elemental powders of Ti, Ni and Mo. Ti₅₀Ni_49.9Mo_0.1 shape memory alloy powders were prepared by gas atomization, and transformation temperatures and microstructures of those powders were investigated as a function of powder size. XRD analysis showed that the B2–R–B19 martensitic transformation occurred in powders smaller than 150 μm. According to DSC analysis of the as-atomized powders, the B2–R transformation temperature (T_R) of the 25–50 μm powders was 18.4 °C. The T_R decreased with increasing powder size, however, the difference in T_R between 25–50 μm powders and 100–150 μm powders is only 1 °C. Evaluation of powder microstructures was based on SEM examination of the surface and the polished and etched powder cross sections and the typical images of the rapidly solidified powders showed cellular morphology. Porous cylindrical foams of 10 mm diameter and 1.5 mm length were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 800 °C and 5 MPa. Finally these porous TiNi alloy samples are heat-treated for 1 h at 850 °C, and then quenched in ice water. The bulk samples have 23% porosity and 4.6 g/cm³ density and their T_R is 17.8 °C.     

Thermophysical Properties of 75Ni–15Mo–10Re Alloy

The true heat capacity, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, electrical resistance, and density of NMR-75 alloy (75 wt % Ni, 15 wt % Mo, and 10 wt % Re) are investigated in a temperature range of 300–1300 K. The enthalpy, mean coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal diffusivity, and Lorentz number are calculated from the obtained experimental data. The measurement results show that a reversible structural transformation occurs in the alloy in a temperature range of 750–960 K. In accordance with the phase diagram, the ternary system of the alloy consists of an a-solid molybdenum–nickel solution, which is in equilibrium with a -solid rhenium–nickel solution and a Ni₄Mo intermetallic compound. On heating the alloy in a temperature range of 750–960 K, the intermetallic compound transforms into the -solid molybdenum–nickel solution with the absorption of heat, while the ordered structure transforms into a disordered one. The thermal effect Q = 6 kJ/kg and the activation energy of alloy disordering E = 2.2 eV are estimated. The transformation proper is regarded as a second-order transition.     

Influence of minor additions on characteristics of Cu–Al–Ni alloy

Abstract

The aluminium and nickel contents of Cu–Al–Ni alloy are varied to relate the parent phase chemistry to its shape memory behaviour. Rare earth and grain refining elements (titanium, zirconium, boron, etc.) are added in minor quantities to assess their effects on the grain refinement of the alloy and also on its shape recovery behaviour. It is observed that increasing the aluminium and nickel contents decreases the shape recovery temperature whereas minor additions are found to increase it. The alloys have been aged in the parent as well as the martensitic phase to investigate the influence of minor additions on their aging response. It is observed that precipitation of γ₂ phase occurs during the initial stage of aging of the ternary alloy. The aging behaviour is monitored via changes in resistivity and hardness of the alloys during aging. Minor additions are found to retard the precipitation of γ₂ phase during aging. Titanium and rare earths particularly reduce the tendency for grain coarsening in the alloy. It is further observed that two types of martensite, β′₁ and γ′₁, are produced in the alloys under investigation. The transformation temperatures of these martensites are also related to the aluminium content of the alloy.

MST/1744     

Phase transitions in alloys of the Ni–Mo system

The structure of Ni–20 at.% Mo and Ni–25 at.% Mo alloys heat treated at different temperatures was studied by the method of transmission electron microscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to detect the sign of the chemical interaction between Ni and Mo atoms at different temperatures. It is shown that at high temperatures the tendency toward phase separation takes place. The system of additional reflections at positions {1 ½ 0} on the electron diffraction patterns testifies that the precipitation of crystalline bcc Mo particles begins in the liquid solution. At 900 °C and below, the tendency toward ordering leads to the precipitation of the particles of the chemical compounds. A body-centered tetragonal phase Ni₄Mo (D1_a) is formed in the Ni–20 at.% Mo alloy. In the Ni–25 at.% Mo alloy, the formation of the Ni₃Mo (D0₂₂) chemical compound from the A1 solid solution has gone through the intervening stage of the Ni₄Mo (D1_a) and Ni₂Mo (Pt₂Mo) formation.     

Investigation of electrochemical behavior of nitrogen implanted Ti–15Mo–3Nb–3Al alloy in Hank’s solution

Titanium alloy Ti–15–3–3 (Beta-21S) was implanted with nitrogen ions by plasma immersion ion implantation at 700, 750 and 800 °C. Micro Raman and XPS results confirm the formation of nitrides after implantation. Corrosion current density (i_corr) of the treated samples in simulated body fluid (Hank’s solution) is higher than that of the substrate. Treated samples also exhibit lower charge transfer resistance and higher double layer capacitance as compared to that of substrate in electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies. However, no corrosion related effects are observed after 28 days of immersion in SBF. EDS results show the presence of oxygen after corrosion studies. XPS spectra from the implanted samples show the presence of nitride and oxynitride on the surface and formation of oxide due to corrosion process.     

The strain rate and temperature dependence of microstructural evolution of Ti–15Mo–5Zr–3Al alloy

A compressive split-Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to investigate the deformation behaviour and microstructural evolution of Ti–15Mo–5Zr–3Al alloy deformed at strain rates ranging from 8 × 10² s⁻¹ to 8 × 10³ s⁻¹ and temperatures between 25 °C and 900 °C. In general, it is observed that the flow stress increases with increasing strain rate, but decreases with increasing temperature. The microstructural observations reveal that the strengthening effect evident in the deformed alloy is a result, primarily, of dislocations and the formation of α phase. The dislocation density increases with increasing strain rate, but decreases with increasing temperature. Additionally, the square root of the dislocation density varies linearly with the flow stress. The amount of α phase increases with increasing temperature below the β transus temperature. The maximum amount of α phase is formed at a temperature of 700 °C and results in the minimum fracture strain under the current loading conditions.