Influence of minor Zr and Ti on microstructures and properties of Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu alloys

Abstract

The effect of minor Zr and Ti elements on microstructures and properties of Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu alloys was investigated. The results show that there is no significant change in the grain size by simultaneous addition of Zr and Ti as compared to individual additions of Zr or Ti to Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu alloy. The ability of restraining recrystallisation of Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu–0·16Zr–0·04Ti alloy is weaker than that of alloy Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu–0·16Zr alloy, since Ti and Zr have a poisoning interaction. The corresponding tensile properties, hardness and stress corrosion cracking resistance of the Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu–0·16Zr alloy were decreased by addition of Ti.     

Cu redistribution during sintering of Fe–2Cu and Fe–2Cu–0·5C compacts

Abstract

The effective use of alloying elements in powder metallurgical steels requires a deep understanding of their redistribution kinetics during sintering. In this work, interrupted sintering trials of Fe–2Cu and Fe–2Cu–0·5C compacts were performed. Moreover, diffusion simulations of Cu in γ-Fe using Dictra were performed. It is found that transient liquid phase penetrates the Fe interparticle and grain boundaries in less than 3 min of holding time. However, C addition limits the penetration of liquid Cu, particularly into grain boundaries of large Fe particles. The results also show that the mean diffusion distance of Cu in γ-Fe in the C added system is slightly lower than that in the C-free system at 3 min of holding time; however, after 33 min, the mean diffusion distance is similar in both systems. The diffusion distances of Cu in γ-Fe, predicted by Dictra, are in good agreement with the measured values.     

Melting and Microstructure Analysis of β-Ti Alloy Ti–5Al–5Mo–5V–1Cr–1Fe With and Without Boron

β-Titanium alloys form one of the most versatile classes of structural materials due to their high specific strength, good hardenability, crack propagation resistance and substantial ductility. β-Titanium alloy with a composition (in wt%) of Ti–5Al–5Mo–5V–1Cr–1Fe was processed by double vacuum arc remelting route. In the present work, the effect of boron addition (up to 0.12 wt%) on the as-cast microstructure and β-transus (T_β) of the alloy was studied using characterization tools like optical microscopy, electron back scattered diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dilatometry. It was observed that boron addition has resulted in refinement of the as-cast microstructure due to precipitation of titanium boride whiskers along the grain boundaries. The DSC and dilatometry studies on the as-cast alloy revealed significant effect of boron addition on thermal stability of the alloy.     

Effect of 0·5 mass% Cu Addition on Ductility and Magnetic Properties of Fe-6·5Si Alloy

The effect of adding 0.5mass% Cu on ductility and magnetic properties of Fe-6.5Si(mass%)alloy was investigated.The alloys with and without 0.5mass% Cu addition were warm rolled into thin sheets of thickness no more than 0.3mm at temperature below 600 ℃.It was found that the alloy with 0.5mass% Cu addition was more easily warm rolled than Cu-free alloy.Tensile tests were carried out to further investigate this phenomenon,which confirmed that the ductility of the alloy with 0.5mass% Cu addition was significantly higher than that of Cu-free alloy at 550 ℃.Based on the results of transmission electron microscopy analysis,the ductility increase of the alloy with 0.5mass% Cu addition was attributed to the effect of Cu on the promotion of dynamic recovery and suppression of long-range order in the alloy during warm rolling process.It was also observed that the iron loss was lower and inductance was higher for the alloy with 0.5 mass% Cu addition.Thus,it can be concluded that adding a suitably small amount of Cu would not only increase the ductility of Fe-6.5Si alloy at warm rolling temperatures but also improve its magnetic properties.     

Viscosity of low silica CaO–5MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 slags

Abstract

The viscosity of CaO–5MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ slag with low silica was measured by rotating cylinder method up to 1823 K. Slag compositions were chosen based on five different levels of SiO₂ content between 0 and 11·80%. The MgO content was 5·0%. The mass ratio of CaO/Al₂O₃ was varied from 0·66 to 1·95. It was shown that viscosity decreased with increasing temperature and decreased with increasing the mass ratio of CaO/Al₂O₃, following by an increase with further increasing the mass ratio of CaO/Al₂O₃. The viscosity decreased with the NBO/T ratio increasing, and the trend that flow activation energy changes with the NBO/T ratio of slag was the same as the trend that viscosity changes with the NBO/T ratio. Based on the experimental data as the boundary of the homogenous phase region, the mass triangle model was used to calculate the viscosity of low silica region.     

Effects of basicity,MgO and MnO on mineralogical phases of CaO–FeOx–SiO2–P2O5 slag

The selective separation phosphorous rich phase from steel slag could be an effective way to utilise the steel slag. The mineralogical phase after cooling of steel slag is essential to selective separation of steel slag. In the present work, the mineralogical phases of CaO–FeO_x–SiO₂–P₂O₅ slag after controlled cooling were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy and energy dispersed spectroscopy technique. It was found that the heat treatment at 1573?K would lead to the precipitation of Ca₂SiO₄–Ca₃P₂O₈ (C2S-C3P) solid solution for all samples. The heat treatment at 1273?K would lead to the precipitation of C2S-C3P, CaSiO₃ and Fe₂O₃. The increase of basicity would promote the crystallisation of CaO–FeO_x–SiO₂–P₂O₅ slag. The Effects of additions of MgO and MnO on phase formations of CaO–FeO_x–SiO₂–P₂O₅ slag were also studied. Fe₂O₃ gradually transformed into MgFe₂O₄ and MnFe₂O₄ in slag after crystallisation with addition of MgO and MnO, respectively. The sizes of MgFe₂O₄ and MnFe₂O₄ crystals increased with increases of MgO and MnO content. The increase of MgO and MnO content would promote the precipitation of MgFe₂O₄ phase and MnFe₂O_4, respectively. The precipitation of crystals from slag during cooling was interpreted by the kinetic and thermodynamic factors. It was proposed that addition of MgO and MnO in slag would be beneficial to magnetic separation of steel slag.     

Influence of Strontium Addition on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Al–10Si–5Cu Alloy

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–10Si–5Cu cast alloys with micro-addition of alloying elements (V, Cr and Ni) were studied before and after strontium addition. Samples were examined using the X-Ray diffraction, the optical microscope, the scanning electron microscope and the energy dispersive spectrometer. The results indicated that the α-Al matrix, eutectic Si phase and Al₂Cu phase were the main constituent phases of Al–10Si–5Cu alloys before or after strontium addition. Strontium addition affected the refining of the α-Al grains and transforming the configuration of interdendritic phases. The un-modified alloy showed a brittle nature because of existing brittle and aggregated AlSiMnFe phases. Contributing to the alteration of microstructure in strontium modified alloy, the strength and elongation of the alloy were improved. In addition, the fracture mechanism and crack propagation process were investigated in both the alloys.     

Effect of carbon content,sintering temperature,density, and cooling rate upon properties of prealloyed Fe–1·5Mo powder

Abstract

Mixtures of prealloyed Fe–1·5Mo (Astaloy Mo) with and without additions of 0·5–1·2 wt-%C were prepared and their sintering, as well as their mechanical, properties investigated under different process conditions. It was found that carbon content, sintering temperature, and cooling rate had marked effect on physical and mechanical properties. Sintered density decreased with increase in carbon content and sintering temperature. On the other hand, UTS, TRS, and hardness values improved with up to 0·8 wt-%C addition, sintering temperature, and cooling rate. Percentage elongation decreased with increase in carbon content and cooling rate, but was higher for specimens sintered at higher temperatures. The as sintered microstructures consisted of either fine or coarse pearlite, upper or lower bainite, and their mixture depending on the carbon content and cooling rate. The heat treated mechanical properties showed some improvement for the specimens containing 0·5 and 0·8 wt-%C. It became evident that a variety of ternary low alloy steels consisting of Fe + 1·5Mo + 0·5–0·8 wt-%C can be produced and used in the as sintered or heat treated conditions for PM structural parts having good physical and mechanical properties as well as high dimensional accuracy with acceptable microstructures.     

Investigation of deformation and heat treatment effects on properties of PM 92.5W–5Ni–2.5Fe heavy alloys

Abstract

This paper presents the effects of vacuum heat treatment under different cooling conditions on mechanical and structural properties of forged heavy alloys, such as 92.5W–5Ni–2.5Fe and 92.5W–5Ni–25Fe microalloyed with Co. The tungsten composition in the c phase has proved to be higher and more homogenous in the rapidly cooled alloys than in the slowly cooled ones. The effects of chemical composition inhomogeneity on mechanical and structural properties of alloys were also analysed and discussed. The results of tensile and toughness testing have shown an increase in ductility and toughness, while the strength of heat treated alloys decreased in comparison with the strength of forged alloys. The fracture analysis has shown that in the sintered and rotary forged alloys, intergranular fracture of the tungsten phase and transgranular fracture of the γ phase occurred, respectively. The fracture of these phases after heat treatment was characterised by transgranular morphology.     

Effects of oxygen atmosphere,FeOx and basicity on mineralogical phases of CaO–SiO2–MgO–Al2O3–FetO–P2O5 steelmaking slag

ABSTRACT

The mineralogical phase of slag after crystallisation is essential to utilisation of steelmaking slag. The mineralogical phases of cooled multicomponent CaO–SiO₂–MgO–Al₂O₃–Fe_tO–P₂O₅ slag with different iron oxide contents and basicities (defined as the ratio of mass percentage of CaO to mass percentage of SiO₂ (w(CaO)/w(SiO₂))) in different atmospheres were investigated in the present work by scanning electronic microscopy and energy dispersed spectroscopy analysis and X-ray diffraction. The mineralogical phases in steelmaking slag cooled in argon are mainly nCa₂SiO₄-Ca₃(PO₄)₂ (thereafter nC₂S-C₃P) solid solution, (Fe, Mn, Mg)O (RO) phase. Some CaMgSiO₄ phases could be found in slag with lower basicity. The mineralogical phases in steelmaking slag cooled in air are mainly nC₂S-C₃P solid solution, spinel phase. The overall crystallisation of slag cooled in both argon and air was enhanced with increasing basicity. However, the crystal sizes become smaller in sample with high basicity. The Fe-enriched phases were transformed from non-faceted RO phase in sample cooled in argon to faceted spinel phases in sample cooled in air. The crystallisation of slag cooled in both argon and air was promoted with increasing FeO_x content. The phosphorus content in solid solution was elevated with decreasing basicity and increasing FeO_x content. It was implied by the present work that appropriate basicity and air oxidation would be beneficial to magnetic separation and phosphorus utilisation.     

Temperature–Composition Dependence of Thermodynamic Mixing Functions of Co–Cr–Cu–Fe–Ni Melts

Powder Metallurgy and Metal Ceramics - In the framework of the CALPHAD method, a thermodynamic database was developed for calculating the thermodynamic properties of liquid alloys in the...     

Effect of Hot Rolling on Grain Refining Performance of Al–5Ti–1B Master Alloy on Hot Tearing on Al–7Si–3Cu Alloy

It has been known experimentally that TiAl₃ acts as a powerful nucleant for the solidification of aluminum from the melt; however, a full microscopic understanding is still lacking. To improve microscopic understanding, hot rolling technique has been performed to the Al–5Ti–1B alloy and the effect of shape and size of the particles on grain refinement has been studied. The effect of hot rolling of Al–5Ti–1B master alloy on its grain refining performance and hot tearing have been studied by OM, XRD, and SEM. Hot rolling improves the grain refining performance of this master alloy, which is required to reduce hot tearing in Al–7Si–3Cu alloy. The improvement in grain refining performance of Al–5Ti–1B master alloy on rolling is due to the fracture of larger TiAl₃ particles into fine particles during rolling. The presented results illustrate that the morphology of TiAl₃ particles alter from the plate-like structure in the as-cast condition Al–5Ti–1B master alloy to the blocky type after rolling due to the fragmentation of plate-like structures. The grain refining response and effect on hot tearing of Al–7Si–3Cu alloy have been studied with as-cast and rolled Al–5Ti–1B master alloys. The results display hot-rolled master alloys revealing enhanced grain refining performance and minimizing hot tear tendency of the alloy at much lower addition level as compared to as-cast master alloys.     

Effect of gadolinium on the properties of Pr–Dy–Fe–Co–B materials

Sintered (Pr_1–x–y Dy _x Gd _y )_13–14(Fe_1–z Co _z )_balB_6–7 materials (x = 0.18–0.58, y = 0.05–0.33, z = 0.2–0.36) have been studied. The magnetic moments of gadolinium ions and those of the sublattice formed by Fe and Co ions are shown to be ordered antiferromagnetically. It is noted that an increase in the content of gadolinium, which substitutes for dysprosium, leads to an increase in residual induction B _r , a decrease in coercive force H _cJ , and an increase in the absolute value of the temperature coefficient of induction. The opposite effect takes place in the case of substitution of gadolinium for praseodymium in materials with a fixed dysprosium content.     

Effect of lead on the structure and phase composition of an Al–5% Si–4% Cu casting alloy

The phase transformations in the Al–Cu–Si–Pb system have been studied using calculations. It is shown that the aluminum-based solid solution is in equilibrium only with the Al₂Cu, (Si), and (Pb) phases, which correspond to the relevant binary systems. Reported polythermal and isothermal sections show that the Al–Cu–Si–Pb system is characterized by a significant liquid miscibility gap. The effect of lead on the structure and phase composition of an Al–5% Si–4% Cu alloy in the as-cast and annealed states is studied. Lead inclusions are located at the boundaries of dendritic (Al) cells and are globular in the as-cast alloy and after annealing at 500°C. The presence of lead phase does not affect the precipitation hardening upon quenching and aging.     

Effect of Samarium on the Properties of Mg–Y–Gd–Zr Alloys

The microstructure, the aging kinetics, and the strength properties of Mg–Y–Gd–Zr cast alloys, in particular, a samarium-alloyed IMV7-1 alloy, at room and high (250, 300°C) temperatures after homogenization without and with subsequent aging are studied. Alloying with samarium accelerates the decomposition of the supersaturated magnesium solid solution and enhances the properties of the Mg–Y–Gd–Zr alloys.     

Features of the Sintering of Fe–Cu–Sn–Ni and Cu–Ti–Sn–Ni Powders during Hot Pressing

Powder Metallurgy and Metal Ceramics - The efficiency and durability of a diamond tool fabricated using powder metallurgy methods depend on several factors. These are the quality of diamond...     

Sintering Performance of Magnetite–Hematite–Goethite and Hematite–Goethite Iron Ore Blends and Microstructure of Products of Sintering

Parallel experimentation allowing comparison of magnetite–hematite–goethite inland and hematite–goethite coastal mill blends in terms of sintering performance is reported. Magnetite–hematite–goethite blend affords slightly lower productivity, tumble index, and yield than hematite–goethite blend. However, magnetite–hematite–goethite blend required 9.2 kg · t^?1 lower solid fuel rate than the hematite–goethite blend. The lower sintering temperature of the magnetite–hematite–goethite blend than that of the hematite–goethite blend contributed to higher reducibility and lower low temperature degradation under reduction. Its sinter product also contained lower proportions of columnar silico-ferrite of calcium and alumina, magnetite, and fayalite.     

Production of Co–Cr–Ti Composite and Investigation of Mechanical Properties

Intermetallic materials such as Co₂Ti, Cr₂Ti are among advanced technology materials that have outstanding mechanical and physical properties for high temperature applications. Especially creep resistance, low density and high hardness properties stand out in such intermetallics. The microstructure, mechanical properties of %64Co–%32Cr and %4Ti powders were investigated using specimens produced by tube furnace sintering at 800–1200 °C temperature. A composite consisting of ternary additions, a metallic phase, Ti, Cr and Co have been prepared under Ar shroud and then sintered in tube furnace. XRD, scanning electron microscope, were used to characterize the properties of the specimens. Experimental results carried out for composition %64Co–%32Cr–%4Ti at 1200 °C suggest that the best properties as 182.09 HV and 5,584 g/cm³ density were obtained at 1200 °C.     

Effect of Gd on microstructure,mechanical properties and wear behavior of as-cast Mg–5Sn alloy

Effect of minor Gd addition on the microstructure, mechanical properties and wear behavior of as-cast Mg–5Sn-based alloy was investigated by means of OM, XRD, SEM, EDS, a super depth-of-field 3D system, standard high-temperature tensile testing and dry sliding wear testing. Minor Gd addition has strong effect on changing the morphology of the Mg–5Sn binary alloy. Gd addition benefits the grain refinement of the primary α-Mg phase, as well as the formation and homogeneous distribution of the secondary Mg₂Sn phase. The mechanical properties of the Mg–5Sn alloys at ambient and elevated temperatures are significantly enhanced by Gd addition. The wear behavior of the Mg–5Sn alloy is also improved with minor Gd addition. The alloy with 0.8% Gd addition exhibits the best ultimate tensile strength and elongation as well as the optimal wear behavior. Additionally, the worn surface of the Mg–5Sn–Gd becomes smoother in higher Gd-containing alloys. The best wear behavior of alloy was exhibited when Gd addition was up to 0.8%, showing a much smoother worn surface than that of control sample. The improvement of tensile properties is mainly attributed to the refinement of microstructure and the increasing amount and uniform distribution of Mg₂Sn phase. The larger amount of Mg₂Sn phase uniformly distributed at the grain boundary of Mg–Sn–Gd alloys act as a lubrication during sliding, and combined with smaller grain size improve wear behavior of the binary alloy.