Identification and quantification of microstructures formed during nanocrystallization of amorphous (Fe, Co)-Nb-(Si, B) systems

The effect of addition of Si and variation of the Fe/Co ratio on the evolution of the nanostructure was studied in a modification of the Fe–Nb–B system. The entire system (Fe, Co)₇₃Nb₇(Si, B)₂₀ was prepared in an amorphous state by rapid quenching using the planar flow casting method over a wide range of Fe/Co atomic ratios, ranging from 0 to 1. Nanocrystallization was investigated by evolution of the electrical resistivity with time and temperature. The microstructural analysis was performed using transmission electron microscopy as well as electron and X‐ray diffraction. The results from microscopy observations were used to determine the distribution of grain size, which in these alloys attain very small dimensions of ～5–8 nm. New algorithms of microscope image analysis were used for grain size determination, crucial for quantifying the microprocesses controlling nucleation and growth from the amorphous rapidly quenched phase.     

Gallium-enhanced phase contrast in atom probe tomography of nanocrystalline and amorphous Al-Mn alloys

Over a narrow range of composition, electrodeposited Al-Mn alloys transition from a nanocrystalline structure to an amorphous one, passing through an intermediate dual-phase nanocrystal/amorphous structure. Although the structural change is significant, the chemical difference between the phases is subtle. In this study, the solute distribution in these alloys is revealed by developing a method to enhance phase contrast in atom probe tomography (APT). Standard APT data analysis techniques show that Mn distributes uniformly in single phase (nanocrystalline or amorphous) specimens, and despite some slight deviations from randomness, standard methods reveal no convincing evidence of Mn segregation in dual-phase samples either. However, implanted Ga ions deposited during sample preparation by focused ion-beam milling are found to act as chemical markers that preferentially occupy the amorphous phase. This additional information permits more robust identification of the phases and measurement of their compositions. As a result, a weak partitioning tendency of Mn into the amorphous phase (about 2 at%) is discerned in these alloys.     

第一性原理研究压力下NiTi合金B2相的结构、力学以及热力学性质

运用第一性原理研究0~40 GPa下B2相NiTi合金的机械性能、 电子性质以及热力学性能. 计算发现, 几何优化后NiTi晶体的晶格常数与实验值和其他文献提供的数值大体一致, 表明随着压力的增加该型合金力学稳定且没有相变产生. NiTi合金的体模量B、 剪切模量G和杨氏模量E以及B/G的值随压力增大呈线性增加, 表明压力使其抗体积变形能力、 抗剪变能力及塑性增强. 研究发现, 压力也会使NiTi合金的各向异性发生改变. 对NiTi合金态密度的研究表明, 该合金同时显现出共价性与离子性, 并且压力对其电子性质无明显影响. 此外, 本文还研究了不同温度和压力下NiTi合金的热力学性能, 包括德拜温度ΘD,热容Cv和Cp的变化, 为今后实验提供理论数据.     

Searching for noble Ni–Nb–Zr thin film amorphous alloys for optical glass device molding die materials

This paper presents a search for Ni–Nb–Zr thin film amorphous alloys for use as optical glass device molding die materials. To efficiently search for candidate materials, we used a combinatorial method to evaluate thermal stability. First, compositionally spread Ni–Nb–Zr libraries were fabricated by combinatorial arc plasma deposition (CAPD). To evaluate thermal stability, the Ni–Nb–Zr amorphous CAPD samples in the libraries were annealed in vacuum at 723 K, representing the molding temperature for glass devices, for various time periods. The phases of the annealed CAPD samples were identified using X-ray diffractometry (XRD). From XRD identification, candidate amorphous compositions with high thermal stabilities were screened. Sputter-deposited samples with the same candidate amorphous compositions were subsequently fabricated. Other desired properties for optical glass device molding die materials, including mechanical strength, linear expansion coefficient, oxidation resistance, machinability and anti-sticking properties to molten glass, were evaluated. The investigation revealed Ni₃₆Nb₃₉Zr₂₅ to be a suitable composition for a new glass lens molding die material. This material exhibited a high fracture stress, σ_f, of 1.3 GPa, good heat resistance, good oxidation resistance, similar linear expansion coefficient as glass, good machinability, and excellent anti-sticking properties to molten glass.     

Effect of different calcium contents on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg‐5Al‐1Bi‐0.3Mn magnesium alloy

The effect of different Ca contents on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg‐5Al‐1Bi‐0.3Mn (AMB501) magnesium alloys was investigated by conventional melting and casting technique using different Ca contents (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 wt %). Increasing the Ca content resulted in higher hardness and yield strength, but decreased elongation. The improved tensile properties of the AM50‐1Bi‐xCa alloys were due to the changes in AMB501 alloy microstructure when the Ca content increased, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrum, and X‐ray diffractometer. The alloy microstructure indicated that the amount of β‐Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase on grain boundaries decreased and the morphology of β‐Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase on grain boundaries changed from quasicontinuous‐net shape to dispersed particles. The Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase disappeared and a new secondary phase Al₂Ca appeared after a 3.0 wt % Ca addition. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:65–69, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The effect of CeF3 on the mechanical and tribological properties of Ni-based alloy

The Ni-based alloys with various proportions of CeF₃ as lubricant and active element were prepared by hot-pressing and sintering in an intermediate frequency inducing oven. The effects of CeF₃ addition on the tribological and some mechanical properties of the alloy were investigated on a pin-on-disk tribometer. The results indicated that the compressive strength and impact roughness as well as the tribological properties of the alloy were improved by adding 3 wt% CeF₃. It was supposed that CeF₃ can effectively act as an additive, which exhibits beneficial effects on the mechanical and tribological properties of Ni-based alloy.     

Structural and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline titanium and 316LVM steel processed by hydrostatic extrusion

The aim of the present study was to examine the potential of hydrostatic extrusion for the fabrication of high‐strength materials for medical applications. The materials examined were 316LVM steel and technically pure titanium. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the materials before and after hydrostatic extrusion were analysed. It was found that the hydrostatic extrusion process resulted in a substantial refinement of the material microstructures. The refinement of the microstructure was accompanied by an improvement of the mechanical properties, such as the microhardness and yield stress.     

Investigation of mechanical and tribological properties of amorphous diamond-like carbon coatings

We investigated the mechanical and tribological properties of amorphous diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings deposited on Si(100) by a pulsed bias deposition technique. Tribological studies were performed using a pin-on-disc (POD) apparatus under a normal load of 6.25 N and at 10% relative humidity, with a ruby pin as a slider. Hardness measurements were performed using a nanoindenter and apparent fracture toughness using indentation techniques. We studied the influence of residual stresses on apparent fracture toughness. The data revealed that the thickness, hardness and compressive stress of the coating play different roles in the apparent fracture toughness. Crack initiation is influenced by the thickness and hardness of the coating, whereas crack propagation is influenced by the compressive stress in the film. The apparent fracture toughness of DLC coatings increased with coating hardness.     

青年与老年手指甲表面形貌、成分与力学性能的实验分析

应用红外光谱仪、场发射扫描电镜、差示扫描热量仪、原位纳米力学测试系统对青年(20~25岁)与老年(70~75岁)指甲的表面结构、形貌、水含量及力学性能进行了实验分析。结果表明:与青年组成员指甲相比,老年组成员指甲的PO 2、C-O、CH 2与CONH基团的峰位向高波数移动;老年组成员指甲表面比青年组成员指甲粗糙并表现出明显的纵向纹理;尽管其总含水量与青年组成员指甲相当,但老年组成员指甲结合水的含量比青年组成员指甲的低;老年组成员指甲的硬度与约化弹性模量均高于青年组成员指甲相应对比量,因此,老年组成员指甲在划痕实验中显示出更好的耐磨性,但在较大载荷时出现明显的裂纹。     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of sheep horn

The sheep horn presents outstanding mechanical properties of impact resistance and energy absorption, which suits the need of the vehicle bumper design, but the mechanism behind this phenomenon is less investigated. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the sheep horn of Small Tailed Han Sheep (Ovis aries) living in northeast China were investigated in this article. The effect of sampling position and orientation of the sheep horn sheath on mechanical properties were researched by tensile and compression tests. Meanwhile, the surface morphology and microstructure of the sheep horn were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The formation mechanism of the mechanical properties of the sheep horn was investigated by biological coupling analysis. The analytical results indicated that the outstanding mechanical properties of the sheep horn are determined by configuration, structure, surface morphology and material coupling elements. These biological coupling elements make the sheep horn possess super characteristics of crashworthiness and energy absorption through the internal coupling mechanism. We suppose that these findings would make a difference in vehicle bumper design. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:664–674, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Effect of Ca addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of as‐cast Mg–Sm alloys

This study investigated the effect of Ca addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of as‐cast Mg–4Sm alloys. The addition of 1.0 wt% Ca led to a significant grain refinement of Mg–4.0Sm alloys owing to the formation of rod‐like Mg2Ca phases that acted as active nucleates for the Mg matrix. The as‐cast Mg–4.0Sm–1.0Ca alloy showed the smallest grain size at 45 μm. Furthermore, the Mg–4.0Sm–1.0Ca alloy exhibited greater hardness, higher tensile strength, and higher yield tensile strength and elongation than the other two alloys with different Ca contents. These results were attributed to the grain refinement and precipitation strengthening of the Mg2Ca and Mg41Sm5 phases. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:707–711, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Zr基AB2型储氢合金组织结构及电化学性能的研究

采用XRD物相分析、扫描电镜分析、透射电镜分析及电化学性能测试等方法，分别对铸态及快淬态Laves相Zr基AB2型储氢合金进行了组织结构及电化学性能方面的研究，结果表明，铸态合金由C15-Laves相，C14-Laves相及非Laves相ZrgNi11(AB2-1中)、Zr(Ni，Mn)Sn0．35(AB2-2和AB2-3中)组成，AB2-1的电化学性能明显好于另外两种合金。合金经过快淬处理后，由于部分非晶化，对电极的放电容量和活化性能都有严重的不良影响。     

热处理工艺对Ni36CrTiAl合金组织和力学性能的影响

为研究时效处理工艺对Ni36CrTiAl显微组织和力学性能的影响,对Ni36CrTiAl冷轧合金分别进行600℃、630℃、650℃、680℃、700℃时效处理,通过金相显微镜分析组织特征并测试力学性能指标。结果表明,650℃～680℃时效处理,析出的强化相细小均匀,强度和塑性都明显增加,而大于700℃时效后,强化相尺寸增大,强度和塑性随时效温度的升高而下降。确定680℃×3h时效处理后,具有适宜的强化及塑性的配合。     

微量钛、硼对AM50镁合金组织和性能的影响

对在AM50镁合金中添加不同微量钛、硼元素后的微观组织和力学性能的变化规律进行了研究。结果表明：微量钛、硼的加入能够细化AM50合金的晶粒,改善第二相的形貌,使第二相变得细小,分布更加均匀;微量钛、硼在含量分别为0．002%和0．0010%附近时合金室温力学性能明显提高;过多添加钛、硼并不能明显提高AM50合金的力学性能。     

3003铝合金无缝管制备过程中的显微组织与力学性能变化

研究了制备过程中不同状态下3003铝合金无缝管的组织、力学性能及拉伸断口形貌。结果表明:3003铝合金铸锭适宜的均匀化退火制度为600℃×5h;热挤压过程发生动态再结晶生成了等轴晶粒,冷加工后沿变形方向产生明显的变形组织,400℃退火1h后力学性能较好;不同状态下的拉伸断口上有许多细小的等轴状韧窝,退火后的韧窝变大变深,塑性明显变好。     

同心连接器的力学性能测试技术和系统研究

为了能快速测量同心连接器插拔过程中的力学性能和准确评价机械寿命,研制了一种同心连接器的力学性能测试系统。该系统主要由运动模拟的机械装置和传感测量与电机控制的测控子系统组成,具有四路同步自动测试能力;根据连接器测试标准分析系统的性能指标,提出一种直线运动与旋转运动相结合的测试方法,使测试条件更加符合连接器真实使用情况;同时设计出具有自适应能力的柔性夹具,减少安装误差对测试结果的影响;对运动模拟机构进行建模分析研究,在极限速度条件下确定插拔循环周期内直线与旋转运动配合时序。对连接器样品进行单次和多次插拔测试,分析数据得到了连接器的力学性能并对机械寿命评估验证,实验结果表明该系统满足测试要求且能得到预期效果。     

Tuning the mechanical properties of self‐assembled mixed‐peptide tubes

In this study, nano‐ and microscale fibrillar and tubular structures formed by mixing two aromatic peptides known to self‐assemble separately, (diphenylalanine and di‐D‐2‐napthylalanine) have been investigated. The morphology, mechanical strength and thermal stability of the tubular structures formed have been studied. The tubes are shown to consist of both peptides with some degree of nanoscale phase separation. The ability of the mixed peptides to form structures, which display variable mechanical properties dependent on the percentage composition of the peptides is presented. Such materials with tuneable properties will be required for a range of applications in nanotechnology and biotechnology.     

Effect of Cl on microstructure and mechanical properties of in situ Ti/TiB MMCs produced by a blended elemental powder metallurgy method

A modified blended elemental powder metallurgy (MBEPM) method has been developed for the production of low-cost Ti alloys and in situ Ti/TiB MMCs for automobile components such as connecting rods and inlet and exhaust valves. The MBEPM method uses Ti sponge fines as raw material, which contain a substantial amount of Cl. The Cl refines the microstructure of the as-sintered Ti–6Al–4V alloys, with a reduced prior β-grain size and a reduced α-lath size and aspect ratio. However, the grain refining effect of Cl is much less pronounced in as-sintered Ti–6Al–4V–10%TiB MMCs. The Cl is present in the as-sintered microstructure in three forms: (1) shells consisting of fine NaCl particles in macropores; (2) cuboidal NaCl precipitates in the alloy matrix; and (3) Cl and Na segregated to prior β-grain boundaries. Increasing the Cl content increases the tensile ductility of both Ti–6Al–4V alloys and Ti–6Al–4V–10%TiB MMCs, but has little effect on strength.     

Effect of copper content on the mechanical and sliding wear properties of monotectoid-based zinc-aluminium-copper alloys

One binary zinc-aluminium monotectoid and five ternary zinc-aluminium-copper alloys were produced by permanent mould casting. Their wear properties were examined using a block-on-ring test machine. Hardness, tensile strength and percentage elongation of the alloys were also determined and microhardness of aluminium-rich α phase was measured.It was observed that the hardness of the alloys increased continuously with increasing copper content up to 5%. Their tensile strength also increased with increasing copper content up to 2%, but above this level the strength decreased as the copper content increased further. Microhardness of the aluminium-rich α phase was also affected by the copper content in a manner similar to that of the tensile strength. It was found that the wear loss of the alloys decreased with increasing copper content and reached a minimum at 2% Cu for a sliding distance of 700 km. However, the coefficient of friction and temperature due to frictional heating were found to be generally less for the copper containing alloys than the one without the element. The effect of copper on the wear behaviour of the alloys was explained in terms of their microstructure, hardness, tensile strength, percentage elongation and microhardness of the α phase.     

Structure and mechanical properties of NiAl and Ni3Al-based alloys

The investigation of Ni–Al–Fe–Ti–B alloys was carried out to determine the influence of iron and small titanium and boron additions on the phase composition, microstructure and mechanical characteristic, particularly with respect to high-temperature deformation conditions. These alloys, containing Al 35.8 at% and Fe 3.6–8.6–17.6 at% were prepared from high-purity components and Al master alloy containing Ti₂B particles. The influence of alloying additions of chromium and iron on the mechanical properties of directionally solidified Ni–Al–Cr–Fe alloy was investigated. Additions of both Cr 8 at% and Fe 2 at% result in higher strength than exhibited by unalloyed Ni₃Al. However, the ductility is reduced by the formation of the β′ phase. The typical, lamellar structure of Ni–20Al–8Cr–2Fe alloy undergoes coagulation during a high-temperature deformation process. The sequence of structural changes of NiAl and Ni₃Al-based alloys has been correlated with mechanical characteristics of high-temperature deformation process, determined in uni-axial compression tests. Two ranges of work hardening have been identified on the stress–strain curves of these alloys. It has been found that the first range of the deformation of Ni–Al–Fe–Ti–B alloys corresponds to the intergranular slip system operating within individual grains, while the second one is connected with transgranular slip. In the directionally solidified Ni–20Al–8Cr–2Fe alloy similar work hardening curves were observed in relation to the microstructural evolution from the lamellae shape, through elliptical shape into circular shape.