Dynamic restoration and crystallographic texture of a friction-stir processed Al–Mg–SiC surface nanocomposite

In this study, SiC nanoparticles (～50?nm, 3 vol%) are homogenously incorporated within an Al–Mg alloy metal matrix during multi-step friction-stir processing (FSP) to fabricate an Al-matrix surface nanocomposite. A fundamental understanding is developed, correlating microstructural features and crystallographic textural components in the context of the material flow pattern and operative dynamic restoration phenomena using electron backscattering diffraction and high resolution-transmission electron microscopy analysis. The annealed base metal does not contain any preferred orientation and its texture is completely random. Incorporation of SiC nanoparticles via FSP results in significant grain structural refinement down to the size of ～1.4?µm and changing the textural component towards the Goss/Cubic and P1/P2 dominant fibre components in the centre of stirred zone.     

Fatigue Resistance of Powder Metallurgy Ti–6Al–4V Alloy

Fatigue-resistance characteristics of Ti–6Al–4V alloy synthesized by the simplest powder metallurgy method involving the processes of pressing and sintering of blended elemental titanium hydride-based powders were studied. Powder materials have a relatively fine-grain -phase, which despite the presence of residual pores, makes for quite a high fatigue limit (500 MPa) comparable to that of the corresponding cast alloys. Fatigue cracks in the powder alloys are initiated from such stress raisers as major pores open to the surface of the specimen gauge length. Along with a significant decrease in the production costs of titanium alloys and articles of them, the use of this method provides obtaining materials with satisfactory static and dynamic mechanical characteristics suitable for practical applications.     

Improvement of cement-based mortars by application of photocatalytic active Ti–Zn–Al nanocomposites

Photocatalytic active TiO₂ has been extensively applied in construction material science due to its ability to remove pollutants from material surfaces. New inorganic–inorganic nanocomposite photocatalyst based on layered double hydroxides (LDHs) associated to TiO₂ were introduced in order to increase the compatibility of photocatalyst with cement-based mortars. Different materials were prepared and characterized: cement paste with Ti–Zn–Al powder, mortar with cement paste finishing layer containing Ti–Zn–Al LDH and mortar with Ti–Zn–Al coatings. Degradation of methylene blue under UV light was selected as photocatalytic test reaction. The correlation between surface properties and photocatalytic activity was analyzed. The synergetic effect between TiO₂ and Zn–Al-LDH contributes to pronounced photocatalytic performances, improving at the same time mortar performances as an important indicator of the compatibility of photocatalyst with mortar. The photocatalyst introduction procedure influences the active sites surface concentration, giving preference to surface coating method. However, introduction of photocatalyst into the bulk, having lower photocatalytic activity, results in an overall more stable system for prolonged application.     

Microstructure and notched tensile fracture of Ti–6Al–4V to Ti–4.5Al–3V–2Fe–2Mo dissimilar welds

Dissimilar welding of Ti–6Al–4V (Ti-6-4) to Ti–4.5A1–3V–2Fe–2Mo (SP-700) alloys was performed using a CO₂ laser. The microstructure and notched tensile strength (NTS) of the dissimilar welds were investigated in the as-welded and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) conditions. Moreover, the results were compared with homogeneous laser welds with the same PWHT. The dilution of SP-700 with the Ti-6-4 alloy caused the formation of fine needle-like α + β structures, resulting in the exhibition of a moderately high fusion zone (FZ) hardness of HV 398. The high FZ hardness (HV 438) for the weld with the PWHT at 482 °C was associated with low NTS or high notch brittleness. The fracture appearance of the notched tensile specimen was related to its inherent microstructure. With increasing the PWHT temperature, the thickness of grain boundary α increased, which promoted an intergranular dimple fracture. By contrast, fine shallow dimples were present in the peak-aged weld, which was induced by the refined α + β microstructures in the basket-weave form.     

Fatigue crack propagation properties of Ti–6Al–4V in vacuum environments

To determine the effects of vacuum environment on fatigue crack propagations in a Ti–6Al–4V alloy, K-decreasing tests were conducted in air and vacuum. The fatigue crack propagation rate became slower and threshold stress intensity factor range became larger with decreasing vacuum pressure. The tendency cannot be fully explained by the crack closure. Based on fracture surface observations, granular region of a few micrometer size asperities was observed on the fracture surface only in high vacuum and ultra high vacuum. The high vacuum environment is one of the necessary conditions for the formation of the granular region, and the fraction of surface coverage of adsorbed gas on fracture surfaces relates to the phenomenon. The formation of the granular region represents the difference of the crack propagation mechanism between vacuum and air environments. A new mechanism for the formation of the granular region was proposed, and that is one of the phenomena which can explain the reduction of crack propagation rate in vacuum.     

Formation of Al3Ti/Mg composite by powder metallurgy of Mg–Al–Ti system

Abstract

An in situ titanium trialuminide (Al₃Ti)-particle-reinforced magnesium matrix composite has been successfully fabricated by the powder metallurgy of a Mg–Al–Ti system. The reaction processes and formation mechanism for synthesizing the composite were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Al₃Ti particles are found to be synthesized in situ in the Mg alloy matrix. During the reaction sintering of the Mg–Al–Ti system, Al₃Ti particles are formed through the reaction of liquid Al with as-dissolved Ti around the Ti particles. The formed intermetallic particles accumulate at the original sites of the Ti particles. As sintering time increases, the accumulated intermetallic particles disperse and reach a relatively homogeneous distribution in the matrix. It is found that the reaction process of the Mg–Al–Ti system is almost the same as that of the Al–Ti system. Mg also acts as a catalytic agent and a diluent in the reactions and shifts the reactions of Al and Ti to lower temperatures. An additional amount of Al is required for eliminating residual Ti and solid-solution strengthening of the Mg matrix.     

Effects of post-annealing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir processed Al–Mg–TiO2 nanocomposites

Aluminum matrix nanocomposites were fabricated via friction stir processing of an Al–Mg alloy with pre-inserted TiO₂ nanoparticles at different volume fractions of 3%, 5% and 6%. The nanocomposites were annealed at 300–500 °C for 1–5 h in air to study the effect of annealing on the microstructural changes and mechanical properties. Microstructural studies by scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that new phases were formed during friction stir processing due to chemical reactions at the interface of TiO₂ with the aluminum matrix alloy. Reactive annealing completed the solid-state reactions, which led to a significant improvement in the ductility of the nanocomposites (more than three times) without deteriorating their tensile strength and hardness. Evaluation of the grain structure revealed that the presence of TiO₂ nanoparticles refined the grains during friction stir processing while the in situ formed nanoparticles hindered the grain growth upon the post-annealing treatment. Abnormal grain growth was observed after a prolonged annealing at 500 °C. The highest strength and ductility were obtained for the nanocomposites annealed at 400 °C for 3 h.     

Nanocrystalline matrix TiC–Al3Ti and TiC–Al3Ti–Al composites produced by reactive hot-pressing of milled powders

Mechanically alloyed nanocrystalline TiC powder was short-term milled with 40 vol.% of Al powder. The powders mixture was consolidated at 1200 °C under the pressure of 4.8 GPa for 15 s and at 1000 °C under the pressure of 7.7 GPa for 180 s. The bulk materials were characterised by X-ray diffraction, light and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, hardness, density and open porosity measurements. During the consolidation a reaction between TiC and Al occurred, yielding an Al₃Ti intermetallic. The microstructure of the produced composites consists of TiC areas surrounded by lamellae-like regions of Al₃Ti intermetallic (after consolidation at 1200 °C) or Al₃Ti and Al (after consolidation at 1000 °C). The mean crystallite size of TiC is 38 nm. The hardness of the TiC–Al₃Ti and TiC–Al₃Ti–Al composites is 13.28 GPa (1354 HV1) and 10.22 GPa (1041 HV1) respectively. The produced composites possess relatively high hardness and low density. The results obtained confirmed satisfactory quality of the consolidation with keeping a nanocrystalline structure of TiC.     

Effect of notch root radius on fracture toughness of Ti–18Al–8Nb alloy

Abstract

The effect of notch root radius on the mode I fracture toughness of Ti–18Al–8Nb alloy in beta solution treated and water quenched condition was investigated. The apparent fracture toughness K _IA was found to be independent of the notch root radius below a critical notch root radius ρ ₀ and subsequently increase linearly with the square root of notch root radius ρ^1/2 beyond ρ ₀. The critical notch root radius in this alloy was found to be ～50 μm. The results were explained on the basis of strain controlled fracture model.     

Fatigue behavior of modified surface of Ti–6Al–7Nb and CP-Ti by micro-arc oxidation

The influence of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process on the fatigue properties of Ti–6Al–7Nb and commercially pure Ti (CP-Ti) was investigated. Polished and anodized specimens of both materials were tested in axial fatigue to obtain S–N curves and the oxide layer was characterized to support the comparison among the fatigue properties resulting from the different surface conditions. The MAO procedure led to the formation of highly porous oxides, with a uniform distribution of pores; oxide films consisted of anatase TiO₂ and were free of Al or any other alloying elements. These morphology, structure and composition are desirable on the surface coating for favoring the implantation by increasing the bonding characteristics between the implant and the bone. Fatigue behavior was not modified by the MAO process in both Ti–6Al–7Nb and CP-Ti when compared to the samples without surface modification. The nano-thickness and double-layer structure of the oxide formed on the MAO process, with an inner compact structure free of defects, as well as the surface compressive residual stresses typically produced by the anatase phase, ascribe the unaffected fatigue performance, rendering the materials in this condition suitable characteristics in designing orthopedic implants.     

Reactive friction-stir processing of nanocomposites: effects of thermal history on microstructure–mechanical property relationships

The effects of thermal history on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a friction-stir-processed Al–Mg–TiO₂ (3?vol.-%, 20?nm) nanocomposite were studied. It is shown that, with increases in peak temperature, a more uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the metal matrix, and a refined grain structure, are attained. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that the mechanism of grain refinement is influenced by the hard inclusions, changing from discontinuous to continuous dynamic recrystallisation. A fine-grained nanocomposite (average grain size of 3?µm) with a uniform distribution of nanoparticles is obtained after four fully-overlapping passes at 1200?rev?min^?1 and 100?mm?min^?1. Under these circumstances the mechanical properties, including yield stress (95%), tensile strength (36%) and hardness (72%) are significantly enhanced relative to the untreated alloy.     

Evaluation of subgrain formation in Al2O3–SiC nanocomposites

Both theoretical analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) complementary studies have been conducted to evaluate the possible role of subgrain formation as a strengthening mechanism in a nanocomposite consisting of Al2O3 and 5 vol % 0.15 m SiC particles. The theoretical calculation predicted that the residual stresses due to thermal expansion mismatch between Al2O3 and SiC are insufficient to induce the extensive plastic deformation required for subgrain formation upon annealing. This prediction was consistent with TEM observations that the bulk of the material was completely free from subgrains, and that only a low density of dislocations was present in isolated areas. The results suggest, therefore, that microstructure refinement through subgrain formation cannot account for the superior mechanical behaviour of the nanocomposite reported in previous studies.TEM examination of the ground surfaces revealed significant plastic deformation in both single phase Al2O3 and the nanocomposite. Upon annealing at 1300°C for 2 h, dislocation-free subgrains were formed in Al2O3, whereas a high density of tangled dislocations were present in the nanocomposite. These observed differences are consistent with the fact that during annealing, residual stress relaxation is more difficult in the nanocomposite than in Al2O3.     

Foreign Object Damage Effect on the Fatigue Strength of Ti–6Al–4V Specimens

Strength of Materials - The fatigue strength deterioration in Ti–6Al–4V specimens impacted by steel sphere was experimentally investigated. Based on the test data of Peterson’s...     

Multiscale composition modulated Ti–Al composite processed by severe plastic deformation

Using severe plastic deformation processes to consolidate and co-deform powder mixtures to make ultrafine grain composites is a very attractive approach because it offers an almost non-limited room for combinations of phases and composite structures. The aim of this work was to investigate the mechanisms operating at different length scales and leading to multiscale structures, namely co-deformation, fragmentation and mechanical mixing. A Ti–Al composite was processed from a Ti–Al powder mixture prepared by ball milling and subsequently deformed by equal channel angular pressing. Microstructures were characterized at all length scales, down to the nanometre, using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the final structure exhibits unique features at various length scales. Chemical heterogeneities at the micron scale are the result of co-deformation, while at the sub-micron scale they result from the fragmentation and necking of the Ti hard phase. Then, at the nanometer scale, intermixing occurred and nanoscaled intermetallic particles were discovered. This work highlights the possibilities offered by all these mechanisms to design ultrafine grain composite structures for optimized properties.     

Constitution of Ti–Al–Ru system

Abstract

The constitution of the Ti–Al–Ru system has been studied in detail. Metallography, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and X-ray spectroscopy have been used to establish the phase diagram between 17 and 37 at.-%Al and 1 and 29 at.-%Ru in the temperature range 1250–770°C. Ternary isothermal sections within the range of investigation and selected phase composition data are presented and phase relationships are discussed. Results show only a small solubility (< 1at.-%) of ruthenium in Ti₃Al and TiAl which are involved in equilibria with a ternary intermetallic compound.

MST/963     

3D Investigation of Damage During Strain-Controlled Thermomechanical Fatigue of Cast Al–Si Alloys

The strain-controlled thermomechanical fatigue behavior is investigated for three cast near-eutectic Al–Si alloys with different Ni, Cu, and Mg contents. Synchrotron tomography and neutron diffraction experiments are used to correlate 3D microstructural features with damage initiation and evolution. The results show that the alloy with lower Cu, Ni, and Mg concentrations has up to 45% higher thermomechanical fatigue resistance for cooling/heating rates of 5 and 15 K s⁻¹. In addition, this alloy also exhibits damage formation at later stages during thermomechanical fatigue and slower damage accumulation compared to other alloys. This difference in behavior is a consequence of its higher ductility, which is a result of the lower volume fraction and global interconnectivity of the 3D hybrid networks formed by Si and intermetallics and the absence of large primary Si clusters which act as preferred crack initiation sites during the early stages of thermomechanical fatigue.     

Surface Integrity and Fatigue Behavior for High-Speed Milling Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al Titanium Alloy

Influence of cutting parameters on surface integrity when milling Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al is investigated based on high-speed cutting experiments. Surface integrity measurements, fatigue fractography analysis, and fatigue life tests are conducted to reveal the effect of surface integrity on crack initiation and fatigue life. The results show that under given experiment conditions, surface roughness decreases linearly when increasing cutting speed or decreasing feed per tooth. The latter has a greater impact on surface roughness than the former. Compressive stress can be detected on all machined surfaces. With the increase of feed per tooth or cutting speed, respectively, residual stress presents a linear increase. Cutting parameters have no significant impact on micro-hardness. When the surface roughness ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 μm, the effect of surface residual stress on fatigue life is more than that of surface roughness. When the surface residual compressive stress increases, the fatigue life improves significantly. Compared with 60 m/min, when cutting speed is 100 or 140 m/min, the surface roughness decreases, the surface residual compressive stress increases, and the fatigue life improves by 124 and 59%, respectively. Under a tensile load, fatigue crack on machined surface of Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al titanium alloy originates at the cross-edge of the specimen surface. With the increase of surface roughness, the area ratio of fatigue crack propagation zone, and fatigue fracture zone decreases.     

High temperature strength,fracture toughness and oxidation resistance of Nb–Si–Al–Ti multiphase alloys

Nb–Si–Al–Ti quaternary phase diagram around three-phase region, which consists of niobium solid solution (Nb_ss), Nb₃Al and Nb₅Si₃,is constructed in this study. The three-phase region exists up to titanium content of about 20 mol%. Based on the quaternary phase diagram, three-phase alloys containing Nb_ss from about 50 to 75% in volume are prepared to improve high temperature strength, room temperature fracture toughness and oxidation resistance simultaneously.

When microstructure and composition are optimized (Nb_ss + Nb₃Al + Nb₅Si₃) three-phase alloy with the addition of titanium exhibits higher compressive strength than nickel-based superalloys at room temperature to 1573 K. Fracture toughness at room temperature of (Nb_ss + Nb₃Al + Nb₅Si₃) three-phase alloys is increased to over 12 MPa m^1/2 by the addition of titanium without sacrificing high temperature strength. Oxidation resistance of (Nb_ss + Nb₃Al + Nb₅Si₃) three-phase alloys is improved by the addition of titanium.     

High temperature strength,fracture toughness and oxidation resistance of Nb–Si–Al–Ti multiphase alloys

Nb–Si–Al–Ti quaternary phase diagram around three-phase region, which consists of niobium solid solution (Nb_ss), Nb₃Al and Nb₅Si₃, is constructed in this study. The three-phase region exists up to titanium content of about 20 mol%. Based on the quaternary phase diagram, three-phase alloys containing Nb_ss from about 50 to 75% in volume are prepared to improve high temperature strength, room temperature fracture toughness and oxidation resistance simultaneously.When microstructure and composition are optimized (Nb_ss+Nb₃Al+Nb₅Si₃) three-phase alloy with the addition of titanium exhibits higher compressive strength than nickel-based superalloys at room temperature to 1573 K. Fracture toughness at room temperature of (Nb_ss+Nb₃Al+Nb₅Si₃) three-phase alloys is increased to over 12 MPa m^1/2 by the addition of titanium without sacrificing high temperature strength. Oxidation resistance of (Nb_ss+Nb₃Al+Nb₅Si₃) three-phase alloys is improved by the addition of titanium.