The microstructure evolution of directionally solidified Nb-22Ti-14Si-4Cr-2Al-2Hf alloy during heat treatment

To obtain a homogenous and optimizing microstructure, non-equilibrium directionally solidified (DS) samples at high withdrawal rate were heat treated (HT). The heat treatments were carried out at 1500 °C for 3–100 h. The DS and HT samples consisted of Nb_SS, α-Nb₅Si₃ and γ-Nb₅Si₃, and the DS morphology altered significantly after heat treatment. The well developed Nb_SS dendrites were compromised and the size decreased from more than 100 μm to less than 60 μm when the heat treated time was 6 h. On the other hand, the Nb_SS in eutectic interconnected and meanwhile connected with the dendrites, and the frequency of small size got lower with the heat treated time increasing. When heat treated for 100 h, the size of Nb_SS was comparatively uniform and concentrate in the region of 5–20 μm with a value of 63% for Ostwald ripening. The dendric and eutectic morphologies exited in the DS sample disappeared, turning into a net-work structure. The components of primary Nbss dendrites and Nbss in the intercellular regions were homogenized after heat treated for 3 h. However the enrichment of Ti, Cr and Hf in γ-Nb₅Si₃ compared to α-Nb₅Si₃ could not be eliminated by homogenizing treatment even for 100 h.     

Ti-22Al-24Nb-0.5Mo电子束焊接接头组织性能研究

对Ti-22Al-24Nb-0.5Mo合金的电子束焊接接头开展研究,焊接接头熔合区由B₂相柱状晶和分布在上下边缘的少量枝状晶组成,并且沿中心轴对称分布。对焊接接头进行了850_oC/2hr/AC(时效)与980_oC/2hr+850_oC/24hr/AC(固溶+时效)两种热处理,时效态接头熔合区的B₂相中析出了大量针状O相,而固溶+时效态熔合区的O相更为粗大,且α₂相重新形成。两种热处理后接头的常温拉伸性能相近,但在高温下时效态接头的强度稍高。固溶+时效态接头的650_oC持久寿命高于时效态,失效模式都为沿晶断裂。     

定向凝固对Nb-14Si-22Ti-2Hf-2Al-4Cr合金组织和高低温力学性能的影响

采用光悬浮炉在氩气环境下制备了成分为Nb-14Si-22Ti-2Hf-2Al-4Cr的定向凝固试棒,研究了凝固工艺对合金相组成、组织形貌和高低温力学性能的影响,并与电弧熔炼态的合金进行了比较。结果表明,定向凝固试样相组成与电弧熔炼态相比没有发生变化,均由Nb基固溶体(Nb solid solution, NbSS)和Nb/Si化合物Nb5Si3组成,定向凝固合金NbSS呈枝晶状,硅化物呈板条状沿着生长方向分布。与电弧熔炼态相比,定向凝固速度为15和10 mm/h的合金在1250 ℃的抗压缩强度从电弧熔炼态的290 MPa分别提高到约442和493 MPa;15 mm/h的定向凝固后,合金的室温断裂韧性从电弧熔炼态的12 MPa·m1/2增加到15 MPa·m1/2。通过光悬浮定向凝固法制备的该合金具有优良的高低温力学性能     

Study of microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-45Al-(Fe,Nb) (at. %) alloys

In the present work, the microstructure and compression properties of two novel γ(TiAl) based alloys, Ti-45Al-5Fe and Ti-45Al-5Fe-5Nb, have been investigated. Both alloys had a relatively fine as-cast structure generally consisting of the γ(TiAl) and τ₂(Al₂FeTi) phases with a minor amount of the α₂(Ti₃Al) and β(B2) phase. The compression properties of the novel alloys were measured at room and elevated temperatures. The Ti-45Al-5Fe-5Nb alloy showed higher room temperature ductility and similar strength at room and elevated temperatures as well as improved workability at elevated temperatures as compared to β-solidifying γ(TiAl) alloys of last generation (TNM alloys).     

Effect of Mo on microstructure and mechanical behaviour of as-cast Nbss–Nb5Si3 in situ composites

The effect of Mo on the structure–property relationships of arc-melted cast in situ composites of Nb solid solution (Nb_ss) and -(Nb,Mo)₅Si₃, with hypereutectic Nb–19.1Si–5.2Mo (A) and Nb–17.9Si–26.3Mo (B), and hypoeutectic Nb–12.8Si–4.1Mo (C) and Nb–12.3Si–14.8Mo (D) compositions has been studied. The influence of Mo concentration on lattice constants and microhardness of the constituent phases has been analyzed. The morphology, volume fraction and size distribution of the primary phase and the eutectic have been critically examined and related to the elastic modulus, hardness and fracture toughness of the composites. Fracture toughness values, determined through three-point bend and indentation tests, increase with higher amount of coarse eutectic but decrease with increasing Mo content. Indentation cracking exhibits R-curve type behaviour, promoted through bridging or arrest of cracks by the coarse Nb_ss in the eutectic. The study suggests promise for near-eutectic compositions of Nb–Si–Mo ternary system with low concentration of Mo for structural applications.     

Microstructure evolution and room temperature fracture toughness of as-cast and directionally solidified novel NiAl-Cr(Fe) alloy

The microstructure evolution and room temperature fracture toughness of as-cast and directionally solidified NiAl-Cr(Fe) alloy were investigated using OM, SEM, EDS, DSC and three-point bending tests. From the as-cast microstructure and DSC result, NiAl-34Cr-4Fe (at.%) is a eutectic alloy which consists of eutectic cells in different sizes. The half-baked mesh-like structure is observed at the cell center, and the radial emanating thicker or longer Cr(Fe) phases embedded within NiAl matrix are observed near or at the cell boundary. In the directional solidification process, the solid-liquid interface morphology has an evolutionary process of planar to cellular, even dendritic interface with increasing the withdrawal rates, and the eutectic cell and the microstructure at the cell center refines gradually. From the transverse microstructure, the characteristic of eutectic cell is similar to that of eutectic cell in as-cast alloy. It can be seen from the longitudinal colony/cell center that the broken (short) Cr(Fe) rods are observed at 6 μm/s, and they evolve to granular Cr(Fe) phases when the withdrawal rate increases further. Moreover, regardless of vacuum induction melting (as-cast) and directional solidification, NiAl-34Cr-4Fe (at.%) eutectic alloy possesses a poor fracture toughness due to the inferior brittleness of both NiAl and Cr(Fe) phases. Meanwhile, the crack propagation and fracture surface are observed to better understand the fracture behavior.     

Effect of Fe additions on microstructure and mechanical properties of a multi-component Nb–16Si–22Ti–2Hf–2Al–2Cr alloy at room and high temperatures

The phase constitutions, microstructural evolutions, and mechanical properties of Nb–16Si–22Ti–2Hf–2Al–2Cr–xFe alloys (where x = 1, 2, 4, 6 at.%, hereafter referred to as 1Fe, 2Fe, 4Fe and 6Fe alloys, respectively) prepared by arc-melting were investigated. It was observed that the nominal Fe content affected the solidification path of the multi-component alloy. The as-cast 1Fe alloy primarily consisted of a dendritic-like Nb_SS phase and (α+γ)-Nb₅Si₃ silicide, and the as-cast 2Fe and 4Fe alloys primarily consisted of an Nb_SS phase, (α+γ)-Nb₅Si₃ silicide and (Fe + Ti)-rich region. In addition to the Nb_SS phase, a multi-component Nb₄FeSi silicide was present in the as-cast 6Fe alloy. When heat-treated at 1350 °C for 100 h, the 1Fe and 6Fe alloys almost exhibited the same microstructures as the corresponding as-cast samples; for the 2Fe and 4Fe alloys, the (Fe + Ti)-rich region decomposed, and Nb₄FeSi silicide formed. The fracture toughness of the as-cast and heat-treated Nb–16Si–22Ti–2Hf–2Al–2Cr–xFe samples monolithically decreased with the nominal Fe contents. It is interesting that at room temperature, the strength of the heat-treated samples was improved by the Fe additions, whereas at 1250 °C and above, the strength decreased, suggesting the weakening role of the Nb₄FeSi silicide on the high-temperature strength. As the nominal Fe content increased from 1 at.% to 6 at.%, for example, the 0.2% yield strength increased from 1675 MPa to 1820 MPa at room temperature; also, the strength decreased from 183 MPa to 78 MPa at 1350 °C.     

The effects of hydrogen on fatigue crack growth behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-4.5Al-3V-2Mo-2Fe alloys

The fatigue crack growth rates (FCGRs) of Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-4.5Al-3V-2Mo-2Fe alloys were determined in gaseous hydrogen, air, and a soft vacuum. In hydrogen and at a stress ratio of 0.1, the deflected crack path associated with the localized brittle fracture of the α-phase could account for the reduced FCGR of Ti-6Al-4V. At a higher stress ratio of 0.5, hydrogen embrittlement enhanced cracking and alleviated the effect of crack deflections in Ti-6Al-4V specimens, resulting in the FCGR in hydrogen similar to that in air. In contrast, the FCGR of Ti-4.5Al-3V-2Mo-2Fe was insensitive to both the environment and stress ratio.     

Isothermal and cyclic oxidation behaviour of hot-pressed MSi2 compounds (with M = V,Ti, Cr)

The oxidation resistance of MSi₂ compounds with M = V, Ti, Cr was investigated from 450 to 950 °C in air under isothermal and cyclic conditions. Vanadium, chromium and titanium disilicide were not subjected to the pest phenomenon at 650 °C over 800 1-h cycles. The results demonstrated very low weight gains regardless of the testing conditions. Oxidation tests were also performed over long duration (1000 h) to identify the oxidation products. The MSi₂ compounds were all subjected to the simultaneous oxidation of M and Si despite the formation of a protective silica scale. Increasing the duration of oxidation enhanced the protective properties of the silica scale. Therefore, short-term measurements (by thermogravimetry) did not allow an extrapolation of the MSi₂ lifetime. The formation of molten V₂O₅ induced a higher oxidation rate of VSi₂ and delayed the establishment of the protective silica scale compared with CrSi₂ and TiSi₂.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of beta TiAl alloys elaborated by spark plasma sintering

The microstructure evolution and room temperature mechanical property of beta containing Ti–44Al–3Nb–1Mo–1V–0.2Y alloy consolidated by spark plasma sintering was studied. Pre-alloyed powders were sintered for 2 min in the range 900–1250 °C under 100 MPa. It was found that duplex and lamellar microstructures were obtained depending on the SPS temperature. The duplex microstructure formed at 1150 °C and 1175 °C, and the lamellar structure was achieved above 1200 °C. However, coarsening of lamellar colonies occurred with further increasing of the sintering temperature. The specimen with fine lamellar colonies exhibited a relatively high compressive strength, whereas the one with duplex microstructure showed a superior final strain.     

Enhanced mechanical properties of HfMoTaTiZr and HfMoNbTaTiZr refractory high-entropy alloys

Although refractory high-entropy alloys have exceptional strength at high temperatures, they are often brittle at room temperature. One exception is the HfNbTaTiZr alloy, which has a plasticity of over 50% at room temperature. However, the strength of HfNbTaTiZr at high temperature is insufficient. In this study, the composition of HfNbTaTiZr is modified with an aim to improve its strength at high temperature, while retaining reasonable toughness at room temperature. Two new alloys with simple BCC structure, HfMoTaTiZr and HfMoNbTaTiZr, were designed and synthesized. The results show that the yield strengths of the new alloys are apparently higher than that of HfNbTaTiZr. Moreover, a fracture strain of 12% is successfully retained in the HfMoNbTaTiZr alloy at room temperature.     

球磨时间和热压温度对粉末冶金Nb-16Si-22Ti-2Al-2Hf-2Cr合金显微组织和室温力学性能的影响

采用粉末冶金法制备了Nb-16Si-22Ti-2Al-2Hf-2Cr合金,研究了粉末球磨时间（5、10、20 h）及热压烧结温度（1500、1600 ℃）对合金组织和室温力学性能的影响。结果表明：热压烧结后的合金由Nb基固溶体NbSS、Ti基固溶体TiSS和硅化物Nb5Si3三相组成。随着球磨时间的延长,Nb5Si3和TiSS的含量增加,而NbSS的含量减少。室温硬度随球磨时间延长和热压烧结温度的升高而提高,20 h/1600 ℃热压烧结合金硬度值最高,HV硬度达到11500 MPa。1500和1600 ℃热压烧结下合金的断裂韧性随着粉末球磨时间的延长均呈下降的趋势,5 h/1500 ℃热压烧结合金断裂韧性值最高,为10.14 MPa·m1/2。     

In-situ synthesis and mechanical properties of Zr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composites manipulated by nitrogen additions

Our study investigates in-situ synthesis and mechanical properties of Zr-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) matrix composites via arc plasma-induced accelerated displacement reaction (APADR) process. The aluminum nitride precursor under arc plasma-induced ultra-high temperature results in higher contents of dissolved nitrogen as well as precipitation of zirconium nitride (ZrN) particles in a Zr-based amorphous matrix. The nitrogen in the matrix results in a decrease of crystallization resistance (lower T_x and reduced glass-forming ability), but an increase of mechanical stability (a decrease of strain burst sizes). In particular, in-situ formed ZrN, which exhibits a homogeneous distribution and strong interfacial bonding with the matrix, causes an increase in compressive fracture strength and significant plastic deformation in the composite compared with the monolithic BMG. The formation of multiple shear bands and the enhancement of shear band interactions by the dissolved nitrogen as well as the in-situ formed ZrN particles were carefully confirmed by a statistical analysis on serrated flows. These results give us a guideline on how to manipulate nitrogen contents and fabricate in-situ BMG matrix composites with improved mechanical properties via APADR process.     

Microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior of as-cast,heat treated and directionally solidified Fe–15Al–10Nb alloys

Fe–15Al–10Nb (at.%) alloys containing Laves phase fibers embedded in a disordered α-(Fe,Al) matrix were investigated in as-cast, heat treated and directionally solidified condition. Microstructure consisted of either duplex structure of primary dendrites and eutectic (as-cast and heat treated) or fully eutectic structure (directionally solidified). Nanoindentation on the Laves phase fibers revealed their anisotropic features as well as the onset of dislocation plasticity. Compression testing showed the yield strength anomaly, which occurred in the 500–650 °C range. Directional solidified alloy exhibited the lowest strength fracture toughness whereas the as-cast alloy had the highest strength and fracture toughness. The value of stress exponent obtained from the strain rate dependence of the flow stress indicated that the dislocation climb mechanism dominated the creep process. Deformation mechanisms were also discussed and related to the microstructure evolution.     

Steady state flow of the FeCoNiCrMn high entropy alloy at elevated temperatures

Steady state flow behavior of the FeCoNiCrMn high-entropy alloy at temperatures ranging from 1023 to 1123 K was systematically characterized. It was found that the stress exponent (i.e., the reciprocal of strain-rate sensitivity) was dependent on the applied strain rate, and specifically the stress exponent is high (∼5) in the high strain rate regime, but decreases with decreasing strain rate. Microstructural examinations of the samples before and after deformation were performed to understand the interplay of the microstructures with the corresponding properties. Based on the observations, it was proposed that, at high strain rates, the deformation of the current high-entropy alloy was controlled by dislocation climb and the rate limiting process was the diffusion of Ni. At low strain rates, however, the deformation appeared to be controlled by the viscous glide of dislocations. Moreover, at the slowest strain rate (i.e., the longest thermal exposure time), new phases evolved, which caused elemental redistribution and weakening of the material.     

Microstructural control and mechanical properties of dual-phase TiAl alloys

This paper summarizes our recent work on the effects of microstructural features on the mechanical properties of TiAl alloys prepared by powder and ingot metallurgy. TiAl alloys based on Ti-47Al-2Cr-2Nb (at%) were alloyed with small amounts of Ta, W, and B additions for control of alloy phases and microstructure. The alloys were processed by hot extrusion above and below T, followed by short- and long-term heat treatments at temperatures to 1350 °C in vacuum. The microstructural features in the lamellar structures were characterized by metallography, SEM and TEM, and the mechanical properties were determined by tensile tests at temperatures to 1000 °C. The tensile elongation at room temperature is mainly controlled by the colony size, showing an increase in ductility with decreasing colony size. The yield strength, on the other hand, is sensitive to the interlamellar spacing. Hall-Petch relationships hold well for both yield strength and tensile elongation at room and elevated temperatures. TiAl alloys with refined colony size and ultrafine lamellar structures possess excellent mechanical properties for structural applications at elevated temperatures.     

Hot forging design and microstructure evolution of a high Nb containing TiAl alloy

With respect to the wrought processing of γ-TiAl alloys, the hot forging processes for ingot-breakdown is one of the most important steps. To obtain a billet with fine and uniform microstructure and excellent mechanical performances, an understanding of the strictly controlled forging processes and microstructure evolution are necessary. The hot forging processes and microstructure evolution of a high Nb containing TiAl alloy with nominal composition of Ti–43Al–8Nb–0.2W–0.1Y (at.%) were investigated in this paper. Three forging routes, one-step canned forging (OCF), one-step non-canned forging (ONF) and multi-step non-canned forging (MNF), were designed to study their effect on microstructure evolution of as-forged materials. Results showed that OCF and ONF produced nonuniform microstructures due to inhomogeneous deformation, while the specifically designed MNF process yielded fine and uniform grains, indicating that it is an effective and economic approach for ingot break-down of the present alloy. Besides, it is also found that forging at (α + β) phase region can retain large amount of β/B2 phase due to the strain-induced segregation of Nb and W, which is beneficial to the workability, and thus enables the use of near-conventional forging operations for the present alloy. The proposed multi-step forging in the present work may yield important information for the development of hot-deformation techniques and new alloy design strategies of γ-TiAl alloys.     

锻态Ti-44Al-4Nb-4V-0.3Mo-Y合金等轴及片层组织高温拉伸性能及组织演变

等轴γ晶粒和α2/γ片层是beta-gamma TiAl合金的2种主要变形组织形态。研究了锻态Ti-44Al-4Nb-4V-0.3Mo-Y合金等轴组织及片层组织的高温拉伸性能及组织演变。结果表明:拉伸温度对Ti-44Al-4Nb-4V-0.3Mo-Y合金的力学性能和显微组织有显著的影响。在相同温度下,Ti-44Al-4Nb-4V-0.3Mo-Y合金等轴组织的抗拉强度和屈服强度略高于片层组织,而延伸率相差不大。随拉伸温度的升高,合金的抗拉强度和屈服强度逐渐减小,而延伸率迅速增大。对于等轴组织,提高温度,等轴γ晶粒被拉长,发生完全的动态再结晶,从而细化合金的显微组织。对于片层组织,α2/γ片层的分解和γ板条的再结晶程度随拉伸温度的升高而增大。Ti-44Al-4Nb-4V-0.3Mo-Y合金的韧脆转变温度在750～800℃之间。