Bulk magnetic studies on Cu–Mg–Zn ferrites

The ferrite compositions of Cu(0.5-x)MgxZn0.5Fe2O4 were synthesized by thermal decomposition of the solid solution of oxalate complexes obtained by the coprecipitation technique using oxalate precursors. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of all the samples showed a single spinel phase with no detectable impurity phases. The magnetization values were measured by the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) technique and the observed variation in magnetization values is attributed to porosity present in these ferrite compositions. The saturation magnetization (Ms) versus temperature curves revealed the curve to be of type Q. The variation of saturation magnetization (Ms) with temperature (T) for composition x=0.25 and x=0.40 exhibited a type Q-curve at a higher field of 1000 G. The monotonic increase in Hc with grain diameter for ferrite compositions under investigation leads to HcD-1. Saturation magnetization (Ms) values of end ferrites sintered at 1000 °C are higher than those of oxalate complexes decomposed at 600 °C. © 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers     

Interchain interaction effects on polaron–bipolaron transition on conducting polymers

We investigate the effects of interchain interaction on the polaron–bipolaron transition on conjugated polymer. We use a Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model modified to include interchain interaction, an external electric field and electron–electron interaction via extended Hubbard terms. We study the dynamics within the time-dependent unrestricted Hartree-Fock approximation. We find that adding a hole in interacting conducting polymer chains bearing a single positively charged polaron leads to the direct transition of polaron to bipolaron state. The transition which is produced is single-polaron to bipolaron transition whose excitation spectrum explains the experimental data. The competing mechanism of two polarons merging to form a bipolaron is also observed under special circumstances. We also find that depending on how fast the hole is inserted, a structure that contains a bipolaron coupled to a breather is created. The bipolaron-breather pair can be decoupled under the action of an external electric field.     

Application of time–temperature–stress superposition on creep of wood–plastic composites

Time–temperature–stress superposition principle (TTSSP) was widely applied in studies of viscoelastic properties of materials. It involves shifting curves at various conditions to construct master curves. To extend the application of this principle, a temperature–stress hybrid shift factor and a modified Williams–Landel–Ferry (WLF) equation that incorporated variables of stress and temperature for the shift factor fitting were studied. A wood–plastic composite (WPC) was selected as the test subject to conduct a series of short-term creep tests. The results indicate that the WPC were rheologically simple materials and merely a horizontal shift was needed for the time–temperature superposition, whereas vertical shifting would be needed for time–stress superposition. The shift factor was independent of the stress for horizontal shifts in time–temperature superposition. In addition, the temperature- and stress-shift factors used to construct master curves were well fitted with the WLF equation. Furthermore, the parameters of the modified WLF equation were also successfully calibrated. The application of this method and equation can be extended to curve shifting that involves the effects of both temperature and stress simultaneously.     

Effect of thermomechanical processing on superplasticity in Ti–Al–Mo–Zr alloy

Abstract

Superplasticity in terms of total tensile elongation was studied in a titanium alloy of nominal composition Ti–6·5Al–3·3Mo–1·6Zr (wt-%) for three strain rates (1·04 × 10^?3, 2·1 × 10^?3, and 4·2 × 10^?3s^?1) and in the temperature range 1123–1223 K for microstructures obtained by different processing schedules. Fine equiaxed microstructure with a low aspect ratio of 1·15 was accomplished in this alloy by combining two types of deformation. While the first step consists of heavy deformations for refining and intermixing the phases, a second step, consisting of light homogeneous reductions in several stages, was necessary to remove the banding that developed during the first step. The resulting microstructure underwent enormous tensile elongation (1700–1725%), even under relatively high strain rates (1·04 × 10^?3 and 2·1 × 10^?3s^?1), making this alloy most suitable for commercial superplastic forming. The present investigation also revealed that the usual sheet rolling practice of heavy reductions to refine the microstructure leads to localised banding which could not be removed by annealing; therefore, the tensile elongation was limited to 770% only. The reason for this may be attributed to the resistance in grain boundary sliding and rotation encountered in microstructures with shear bands and grains with high aspect ratio. Strain enhanced grain growth was also greater in these microstructures.

MST/555     

Influence of ageing on wear resistance of an Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni–Ti–C shape memory alloy

To further improve the wear resistance of Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni based shape memory alloys, the effects of ageing at 1123 K with and without pre-deformation at room temperature on the precipitation of second-phase particles and their effects on wear resistance were investigated in an Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni–Ti–C alloy. Results showed that the solution treated Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni–Ti–C alloy exhibited much better wear resistance than the solution treated AISI 321 stainless steel; ageing with pre-deformation improved the wear resistance of Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni–Ti–C alloy more effectively than ageing without pre-deformation, especially under the heavy load condition.     

Effect of Homogenization Process on Microstructure of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu Aluminum Alloys

Herein, the best homogenization process of 466.5 °C × 36 h + 490 °C × (14–26.4 h) that can completely eliminate the coarse phases σ[Mg(Zn, Al, Cu)₂] and S(Al₂CuMg) in the Al–Zn–Mg–Cu aluminum alloy is developed. The homogenization process is determined by the method of calculation phase diagram, and the experimental verification. It is shown in the results that, first, in the microstructure of the as-cast alloys, the crystal structure of the σ[Mg(Zn, Al, Cu)₂], Al₇Cu₂Fe, and Mg₂Si phases is determined. Second, during the homogenization process, the σ[Mg(Zn, Al, Cu)₂] phase dissolves and also transforms into the S(Al₂CuMg) phase. Most importantly, the dissolution temperature range of the σ[Mg(Zn, Al, Cu)₂], S(Al₂CuMg), and Al₇Cu₂Fe phases is determined from 472.56 to 476.36 °C, from 484.09 to 485.39 °C, and from 540.18 to 547.23 °C, respectively. At best homogenization process, the residual Al₇Cu₂Fe phase area fraction ranges from 1.28 ± 0.16% to 1.60 ± 0.18%. In addition, dispersed η(MgZn₂) phase precipitates in supersaturated Al-matrix during differential scanning calorimeter heating. And, the concentration differences between the grain center and the eutectic of structure of Zn, Mg and Cu regression equations are established, which can provide some reference for the design of experimental parameters, thus reducing the experimental workload.     

Bioinspired Anti-Plateau–Rayleigh-Instability on Dual Parallel Fibers

The Plateau–Rayleigh instability (PRI) is a well-known phenomenon where a liquid column always breaks up into droplets to achieve the minimization of surface energy. It normally leads to the non-uniformity of a liquid film, which, however, is unfavorable for the fluid coating process. So far, strategies to overcome this instability rely on either the surfactants, UV/high-temp curing treatments, or specific chemical reactions, which suffer from both limited liquid composition and complicated experimental conditions. Natural mulberry silk, a typical composite fiber, is produced by silkworms through a similar fluidic coating process, but exhibits a remarkably uniform and smooth surface. Drawing inspiration, it is revealed that the unique dual parallel fibers are capable of overcoming the PRI during the fluid coating process. Such anti-PRI ability is attributable to the changes in the Laplace pressure difference caused by the alternative asymmetry of the liquid film, as has been demonstrated by both a force analysis on the irregular liquid film and theoretical simulation according to the stability of the liquid on parallel fibers in the fluid coating process. The strategy is applicable for preparing various smooth functional coatings on fibers, which offers new perspectives for fluid coating and microfluidic technologies.     

Effect of CeLa addition on the mechanical properties of Al–Cu–Mn–Mg–Fe alloy

The rapid development of new energy automobiles leads to an increasing demand for high-strength lithium battery shell alloy. The microstructures, electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of CeLa-containing Al–Cu–Mn–Mg–Fe alloys were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, Eddy Current conductivity tester, tensile testing and Erichsen cup testing. Experiment results indicate that Al₆(Mn, Fe) particles could be refined by CeLa alloying and AlCuCeLa phase nucleates and grew up at the surface of Al₆(Mn, Fe) particle. Major texture of the CeLa-containing alloys was different from that of the CeLa-free alloy. The electrical conductivity decreased with increase of the CeLa content. CeLa addition could greatly enhance the tensile strength of the alloy at temperatures ranging from –40°C to 300°C.     

Dielectric studies on hybridised PVDF–ZnO nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and nano-ZnO were prepared using the solution casting method for different concentrations of nano-ZnO and were characterised by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. Optical properties of these nanocomposites were determined by using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The variation of dielectric properties such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss and electric modulus of the hybrid films based on the content of ZnO studied for various microwave frequencies at room temperature showed that the dielectric constant of PVDF–ZnO hybrid films increased with increasing ZnO content at room temperature.     

Effect of Sm on hydrogen storage performance of La–Sm–Mg–Ni alloys

In this study, Sm was adopted in order to completely replace the expensive Pr/Nd elements in the A2B7 type alloy. The results indicate that Sm is a favourable element for forming Ce2Ni7 type and Ce5Co19 type phases. With the increasing amount of Sm, the discharge capacity of the alloy retains a value of 283·3 mAh g^?1 at the current density of 1200 mA g^?1. The maximum discharge capacity of the alloys increases with the increasing Sm content when Mg content is relatively low. By optimising the composition and processing technology, the cycle life the alloy enhances from 74 cycles to more than 540 cycles, and the maximum discharge capacity also increases from 300 to 355 mAh g^?1.     

Push-out tests on J-hook connectors in steel–concrete–steel sandwich structure

New form of J-hook connectors and ultra-lightweight cementitious material have been developed by the authors in the previous research to produce steel–concrete–steel sandwich slim decks which have superior performance to resist blast and impact loads. This paper investigates the shear strength behavior of the J-hook connectors embedded in ultra-lightweight cement composite core and compares the behavioral differences with those in normal strength concrete. A total of 102 push-out tests were carried out on standard test specimens with varying parameters including concrete types (normal weight, lightweight and ultra-lightweight), concrete strengths, and types of J-hook connectors. Design guides are proposed to predict the shear strength and load–slip behavior of the J-hook connectors embedded in ultra-lightweight cement composite. The predicted results are compared with the test results together with those predicted by modern codes which were primarily developed for headed shear studs. Through the comparisons and verifications, it is observed that the proposed formulae offers better and more reliable predictions on shear strength as well as load–slip behaviors compared with the available methods in the literature.     

Effect of aluminum on precipitation hardening in Cu–Ni–Zn alloys

The effect of aluminum on the precipitation hardening of Cu–Ni–Zn alloys with varying aging temperatures and times was investigated in this article, in the hope to achieve better mechanical properties. Vickers hardness, tensile, and electrical conductivity tests were carried out to characterize the properties of the Cu–Ni–Zn alloys with or without an addition of aluminum subjected to different aging treatments. The results show that an addition of 1.2 wt% aluminum can play an influential role in the precipitation hardening of the Cu–Ni–Zn alloys. For example, it can increase the peak hardness from 58 Hv for the solution-treated Cu–10Ni–20Zn alloy to 185 Hv for the solution-treated Cu–10Ni–20Zn–1.2Al alloy during aging at 500 °C. The yield strength, tensile strength, and electrical conductivity of the Cu–10Ni–20Zn–1.2Al alloy subjected to suitable treatments under prior cold-rolled and aged conditions can reach 889 MPa, 918 MPa, and 10.96% IACS, respectively, being much higher than those of the relevant alloy without aluminum and comparable to those of the Cu–Be alloys (C17200 and C17510). According to the transmission electron microscope observations, it was found that formation of nanosized precipitates with the L1₂-type ordered lattice results in precipitation hardening, and an orientation relationship of [011]_\textp//[011]_\textm [011]_{\text{p}}//[011]_{\text{m}} and (100)_\textp//(200)_\textm (100)_{\text{p}}//(200)_{\text{m}} exists between the precipitates and the α-Cu matrix.     

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     

Study on preparation of Co–Pt–W alloy films by electrodeposition

Abstract

Co–Pt–W alloy films were prepared by the electroplating method to replace costly sputtering on a copper substrate. Effects of different pH values and current densities on composition, microstructure and magnetic properties of films were investigated. With the rise in pH values, the amounts of tungsten and cobalt decrease simultaneously as a result of less tungstate oxides in higher OH– concentration solution. Almost all the deposited films were crystalline and formed fcc CoPt(111) and hcp CoPt(002). Co–Pt–W alloy films intend to change from fcc to hcp structure when the current density was >20 mA cm^?2. It was found that hcp structures of Co–Pt–W alloy films possess high coercivity performance. Moreover, higher pH values induced lower saturation magnetisation while higher current densities could result in larger saturation magnetisation. Dissimilar surface morphology could be detected under different current densities. With increasing the current density, grains of films tend to agglomerate and grow perpendicularly to substrate. Bigger agglomerated particles and ‘hill-like’ structure could be observed when the current density was up to 30 mA cm^?2.     

Study on properties of Sn–9Zn–Ga solder bearing Nd

The effects of Nd on wettability, microstructure and mechanical properties of Sn–9Zn–Ga–xNd lead-free solder were investigated. The results indicate that adding moderate amount of rare earth Nd, the wettability as well as mechanical properties of Sn–9Zn–0.5Ga solder were evidently improved, and when the content of Nd is at 0.08 wt%, the best wettability and comprehensive properties of soldered joint were obtained. It was also found that the addition of rare earth Nd could refine the microstructure of the solder, but some dark NdSn₃ phase appeared when the addition of Nd exceeded 0.15 wt%. Moreover, the IMCs thickness at the solder/Cu interface was reduced with the addition of Nd which gave a favorable influence on the mechanical property of the soldered joints.     

Differential scanning calorimeter studies on Pb modified Ge–Se–Te glasses

Bulk glasses Pb _x Ge_{42 – x} Se₄₈Te₁₀(0 x 15) and Pb₂₀Ge _x Se_{70 – x} Te₁₀(17 x 24) have been prepared by quenching the melt. The non-isothermal properties of these glasses have been determined using a Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The composition dependence of the glass transition temperature, crystallisation temperature, excess heat capacity at glass transition, glass forming tendency and activation energy of glass transition and crystallisation show anomalous features near the composition at which the p- to n-type transition occurs. These observations reflect the changes occurring in the chemical bonding and the nature of the glassy network in these glasses. The results have been interpreted in terms of existing models and the majority charge carrier reversal phenomenon occurring in these glasses.     

Effect of heat treatment on strain–controlled fatigue behavior of cast Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy

The influence of heat treatment on the strain-controlled fatigue behavior of cast NZ30?K alloy was investigated. Compared with the as-cast and solutionized (T4) alloys, the peak-aged (T6) and over-aged (T7) counterparts have a higher cyclic stress and a lower plastic strain value due to the precipitation strengthening. The as-cast and T4-treated alloys have a higher fatigue strength/yield strength ratio than the aged alloys, which is mainly attributed to their higher cyclic hardening. Under stress-controlled loading, the aged alloys show lower hysteresis energies than the as-cast and T4-treated counterparts, leading to longer fatigue lifetimes. For the T4-treated alloy, the cyclic hardening and fatigue failure are controlled by the dislocations-slip and twinning, while for both the as-cast and T6-treated counterparts, they are controlled by the dislocation-slip. For the T7-treated alloy, cyclic deformation and failure behavior are mainly dependent on dislocations-slip and grain boundary sliding.     

Influence of high-pressure torsion on microstructural evolution in an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy

A commercial age-hardenable Al-7136 alloy was successfully processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature through 1/8 to 4 turns. Microhardness measurements showed significant hardening even after 1/8 turn with the average hardness value reaching a maximum after 1 turn and then slowly decreasing. Higher hardness values were attained by processing the alloy through one pass of equal-channel angular pressing in a supersaturated condition at room temperature and then applying HPT for 1 or 2 turns. Microstructural observations revealed the possibility of achieving true nanometer grain sizes of <100 nm after processing at room temperature. There were variations in hardness with imposed strain due to the fragmentation and subsequent growth of precipitates during processing.     

Nanocomposite protective coatings based on Ti–N–Cr/Ni–Cr–B–Si–Fe,their structure and properties

The first results of manufacturing and investigations of a new type of nanocomposite protective coatings are presented. They were manufactured using a combination of two technologies: plasma-detonation coating deposition with the help of plasma jets and thin coating vacuum-arc deposition. We investigated structure, morphology, physical and mechanical properties of the coatings of 80–90 μm thickness, as well as defined the hardness, elastic Young modulus and their corrosion resistance in different media. Grain dimensions of the nanocomposite coatings on Ti–N–Cr base varied from 2.8 to 4 nm. The following phases and compounds formed as a result of plasma interaction with the thick coating surface were found in the coatings: Ti–N–Cr (200), (220), γ-Ni₃–Fe, a hexagonal Cr₂–Ti, Fe₃–Ni, (Fe, Ni)N and the following Ti–Ni compounds: Ti₂Ni, Ni₃Ti, Ni₄Ti, etc. We also found that the nanocomposite coating microhardness increased to H = 31.6 ± 1.1 GPa. The Young elastic modulus was determined to be E = 319 ± 27 GPa – it was derived from the loading–unloading curves. The protective coating demonstrated the increased corrosion resistance in acidic and alkaline media in comparison with that of the stainless steel substrate.     

Extrusion techniques on microstructure optimization and quantitative analysis of texture influence on ductility improvement for heat-resistant Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr magnesium alloy

Journal of Materials Science - Aiming at the ductility improvement of the rare-earth magnesium alloys, the influence of the microstructure refinement and texture on the strength and ductility was...