Effects of cerium on microstructure and mechanical properties of ZK60 alloy

ZK60-xcerium alloys were studied,where x mass fraction is 0, 0.52%, 0.94%, 1.51% and 1.98%, respectively. Influence of Ce contents and heat-treatment on microstructure and tensile properties was analyzed. The results show that cast ZK60 alloy containing no Ce has coarse crystal grains, and lots of segregation aggregates around the grain-boundary. However, the alloys containing Ce have refined grains, and grain-boundaries are purified at the same time. Obvious dynamic recrystallization occurs in tested alloys after hot-extrusion. Tensile strength heightens with the increase of Ce content, and grows higher after aging at 150℃ for 0 -24 h （T5 treatment）. Comparing tensile properties of investigated alloys in different states, it can be concluded that synthetical properties of the alloy with 1.51% Ce addition is the best of all. In extruded state, σb and δ of this alloy are 318.6 MPa and 14.4%, respectively. After aging for 24 h ,σb is 338.6 MPa and δ is 15.6%.     

Effect of homogenization treatment on microstrucmre and properties of Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloy

The effect of homogenization on the hardness, tensile properties, electrical conductivity and microstructure of as-cast Al-6Mg-0.4Mn-0.25Sc-0.12Zr alloy was studied. The results show that during homogenization as-cast studied alloy has obviously hardening effect that is similar to aging hardening behavior in traditional Al alloys. The precipitates are mainly Al3（Sc,Zr） and Al6Mn When homogenization temperature increases the hardness peak value is declined and the time corresponding to hardness peak value is shortened. The electrical conductivity of the alloy monotonously increases with increasing homogenization temperature and time. The decomposition of the supersaturated solid solution containing Sc and Zr which is formed during direct chilling casting and the precipitation of Al3（Sc, Zr） cause hardness increasing. The depletion of the matrix solid solubility decreases the ability of electron scattering in the alloy, resulting in the electrical conductivity increased. Tensile property result at hot rolling state shows that the optimal homogenization treatment processing is holding at 300-350℃ for 6-8 h.     

Microstructural formation of semi-solid AZ91D alloy stirred by electromagnetic field

With the help of an electromagnetic stirring device, alloy melt quenching and EBSD (electron back scatter diffraction)analysis technology, the microstructure of the semi-solid AZ91D magnesium alloy slurry stirred by rotational electromagnetic field under different stirring power conditions has been studied. The results show that the size of primary α-Mg phase is reduced obviously when the solidifying alloy melt is stirred by rotational electromagnetic field, moreover, the primary α-Mg grains are changed to fine rosette grains or spherical grains which are proved to belong to the different grains in three-dimension by the EBSD analysis technology. The results also show that the stirring power is an important processing parameter in the preparation of the semi-solid AZ91D magnesium alloy slurry. The larger the stirring power, the finer the primary α-Mg grains, the less the rosette primary α-Mg grains, and the more the spherical primary α-Mg grains. Theoretical analysis indicates that a stronger flow motion leads to a more even temperature field and solute field and a stronger man-made temperature fluctuation in the alloy melt so that the specially fine rosette and/or spherical primary α-Mg grains are formed in the semi-solid AZ91D magnesium alloy slurry.     

Influence of Mg3N2 powder on microstructures and mechanical properties of AZ31 Mg alloy

In order to obtain an effective and reliable grain refiner for Mg-Al alloys, 1% （mass fraction） Mg3N2 was added into AZ31 Mg alloy. The microstructures of the Mg alloys were studied by optical microscopy, scan electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, and the mechanical properties were determined. The results show that adding a small amount of Mg3N2 to AZ31 Mg alloy can refine the grain size from 103 to 58 μm. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation of AZ31 Mg alloy are 174.1MPa and 8.3%, respectively. After the addition of 1% Mg3N2, the ultimate tensile strength and elongation of AZ31 Mg alloy are increased up to 198.7 MPa and 11.8%, respectively. The grain refinement mechanism is that AIN is formed after Mg3N2 is added. Both AIN and Mg phases are of HCP lattice structure, and the disregistry between Mg phases and AIN along （0001）Mg//（0001）AIN is 3.04%, which is very effective for heterogeneous nucleation.     

Effect of Overcharge on Electrochemical Performance of Sealed-Type Nickel/Metal Hydride Batteries

The effects of overcharge on electrochemical performance of AA size sealed-type nickel/metal hydride（Ni/MH） batteries and its degradation mechanism were investigated. The results indicated that the relationship between the effects of different overcharge currents on the increasing velocity of inner pressure and the degradation velocity of cycle life and discharge voltage remains in almost direct proportion. After overcharge cycles, the positive electrode materials remain the original structure, but there occur some breaks because of the irreversible expand of crystal lattice. And the negative electrode alloy particles have inconspicuous pulverization, but are covered with lots of corrosive products and its main component is rare earth hydroxide or oxide. These are all the main reasons leading to the degradation behavior of the discharge capacity and cycle life of Ni/MH batteries.     

Solute redistribution and micromechanical properties of rapidly solidified multicomponent Ni-based alloys

The solute trapping effect and microhardness enhancement of quaternary Ni-5%Cu-5%Ag-5%Sn and quinary Ni-5%Cu-5%Ag-5%Sn-5%Ge alloys during rapid dendritic solidification are investigated by glass fluxing technique. In these two alloys, the experimental maximum undercoolings of 310 K(0.18 T_L) and 220 K(0.13 T_L) have been achieved and the rapidly solidified microstructures are composed of α(Ni) and(Ag) solid solution phases. The morphological transition from coarse dendrite into equiaxed structure is observed for α(Ni) phase with the increase of undercooling. The dendritic growth velocity of α(Ni) phase in quaternary Ni-5%Cu-5%Ag-5%Sn alloy is larger than that in quinary Ni-5%Cu-5%Ag-5%Sn-5%Ge alloy, which increases firstly and then decreases with the enhancement of bulk undercooling. The Vickers hardness of α(Ni) phase in these two alloys is enhanced with the increase of undercooling, which is attributed mainly to the grain refinement effect. Meanwhile, the solute trapping effect of Cu, Sn and Ge elements in the α(Ni) phase also contributes to the microhardness enhancement under large undercoolings. The addition of Ge element effectively increases the microhardness of α(Ni) phase due to solute strengthening mechanism.     

Effect of homogenization treatment on microstructure and properties of Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloy

The effect of homogenization on the hardness,tensile properties,electrical conductivity and microstructure of as-cast Al-6Mg-0.4Mn-0.25Sc-0.12Zr alloy was studied.The results show that during homogenization as-cast studied alloy has obviously hardening effect that is similar to aging hardening behavior in traditional Al alloys.The precipitates are mainly Al3(Sc,Zr)and Al6Mn.When homogenization temperature increases the hardness peak value is declined and the time corresponding to hardness peak value is shortened.The electrical conductivity of the alloy monotonously increases with increasing homogenization temperature and time.The decomposition of the supersaturated solid solution containing Sc and Zr which is formed during direct chilling casting and the precipitation of Al3(Sc,Zr)cause hardness increasing.The depletion of the matrix solid solubility decreases the ability of electron scattering in the alloy,resulting in the electrical conductivity increased.Tensile property result at hot rolling state shows that the optimal homogenization treatment processing is holding at 300-350 ℃ for 6-8 h.     

Effect of surface treatment to inserted ring on Al–Fe bonding layer of aluminium piston with reinforced cast iron ring

In order to improve the bonding strength between piston alloys and cast iron ring of aluminum piston with reinforced cast iron ring, the different methods of the surface treatments （shot blasting and sand blasting） to the cast iron ring are experimented. The optical micrograph shows that an intermetallic layer and a ligulate shaped structure are formed between piston alloys and cast iron base ring. After sand blasting treatment, the ring surface is non-metal shiny, matte-like and has no obvious pits. The intermetallic layer thickness formed between piston alloys and cast iron is thinner and more equally distributed after sand blasting to the ring. The content of the graphite distributed the interfacial zone after the shot blasting treatment is little. With the increase of time by sand blasting, the hardness starts to slightly descend. The bonding strength of the sample by sand blasting is obviously higher than that by shot blasting and increases from 9.32 MPa to 19.53 MPa.     

Mechanism of reaction synthesis of Li-B alloys

Li-B alloy[1] has greater specific capacity, more negative potential and greater specific power than the well-known anode materials of thermal battery[24]. As a promising anode material for the thermal battery, the Li-B alloy is in nature a composite that consists of porous and refractory Li-B compound frame and metal Li filled in the porosity. That is why it can be kept in solid state at above 600℃, with the electrochemical properties very similar to those of pure Li. Though its applicati…     

Atomistic simulations of martensitic transformation processes for metastable FeMnCoCr high-entropy alloy

Non-equiatomic Fe Mn Co Cr high-entropy alloy(HEA), which exhibits a great potential to break the strength-ductility trade-off relationship, has drawn abundant attention from researchers in experiments. However, atomic simulations of such excellent alloys are limited due to the lack of proper interatomic potentials. In this work, the complete martensitic transformation of nonequiatomic HEA is reproduced via atomic simulations with a novel interatomic potential under EAM framework. The physical p...     

Effect of annealing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-2.5Zn-0.5Y alloy

The microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded Mg-2.5Zn-0.5Y alloy before and after annealing treatments were investigated. The as-extruded alloy exhibits a yield tensile strength （YTS） of 305.9 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength （UTS） of 354.8 MPa, whereas the elongation is only 4%. After annealing, the YTS and UTS decrease to 150 MPa and 240 MPa, respectively, and the elongation increases to 28%. Interestingly, the annealed alloy maintains an acceptable stress level even after a much higher ductility is achieved. These excellent mechanical properties stem from the combined effects of fine α-Mg dynamic recrystallization （DRX） grains and a homogeneously distributed icosahedral quasicrystalline phase （I-phase） in the α-Mg DRX grains. In particular, the superior ductility originates from the coherent interface of I-phase and α-Mg and from the formation of the secondary twin {101 1}-{101 2}（38°〈1 2 10〉） in the tension twin {1012}.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91 magnesium alloy subject to deep cryogenic treatments

AZ91 magnesium alloy was subjected to a deep cryogenic treatment. X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electronic microscopy （SEM）, and transmission electronic microscopy （TEM） methods were utilized to characterize the composition and microstructure of the treated samples. The results show that after two cryogenic treatments, the quantity of the precipitate hardening β phase increases, and the sizes of the precipitates are refined from 8-10μm to 2-4μm. This is expected to be due to the decreased solubility of aluminum in the matrix at low temperature and the significant plastic deformation owing to internal differences in thermal contraction between phases and grains. The polycrystalline matrix is also noticeably refined, with the sizes of the subsequent nanocrystalline grains in the range of 50-100 nm. High density dislocations are observed to pile up at the grain boundaries, inducing the dynamic recrystallization of the microstructure, leading to the generation of a nanocrystalline grain structure. After two deep cryogenic treatments, the tensile strength and elongation are found to be substantially increased, rising from 243 MPa and 4.4% of as-cast state to 299 MPa and 5.1%.     

Effect of pouring height on the solidified microstructure of AlSi7Mg alloy

The effect of different pouring heights and evenly soaking process in the liquidus and solidus range on the solidified microstructure of AlSi7Mg alloy has been studied. The results show that if the pouring temperature is 630 or 650℃ and the pouring height is 40 mm, the microstructure of the solidified melt is not homogeneous and there are many rosette-like primary α-Al grains. But if the pouring height is increased to 400 mm, the solidified microstructure becomes more homogeneous and favorable to obtain spherical primary α-Al grains in the solidified melt. With further being evenly soaked in the liquidus and solidus range for some time,the temperature difference between the melt center and the melt periphery can be controlled within ±2℃ and the primary α-Al grains will evolve into more spherical grains. The theoretical analysis indicates that the higher pouring height promotes the melt flow motion and makes the temperature field in the melt more homogeneous and restrains the large rosette primary α-Al grains. This flow motion can also promote the ripening effect and the primary α-Al grains in the melt are gradually changed into spherical grains. It can be concluded from the experiments that pouring at an appropriate superheat and from a proper height is a good new method for preparing the semisolid slurry of AlSi7Mg alloy, its process control is easy and the preparation cost is lower.     

Microstructure, cold rolling, heat treatment, and mechanical properties of Mg-Li alloys

The magnesium-lithium (Mg-Li) alloy exhibits two phase structures between 5.7wt% and 10.3wt% Li contents, consisting of the α (hcp) Mg-rich and the β (bcc) Li-rich phases, at room temperature. In the experiment, Mg-5Li-2Zn, Mg-9Li-2Zn, Mg-16Li-2Zn, Mg-22Li-2Zn, Mg-5Li-2Zn-2Ca, Mg-9Li-2Zn-2Ca, Mg-16Li-2Zn-2Ca, and Mg-22Li-2Zn-2Ca (wt%) were melted. During the melting process, the flux, which was composed of lithium chloride (LiCl) and lithium fluoride (LiF) in the proportion of 3:1 (mass ratio) and argon gas were used to protect the alloys from oxidation. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and cold-rolling workability of the wrought alloys were studied. The crystal grain of the alloys (adding Ga) is fine. The hardness of the studied alloys decreases with an increase in element Li. The density of the studied alloys is in the range of 1.187 to 1.617 g/cm3. The reduction of the Mg-16Li-2Zn and Mg-22Li-2Zn alloys can exceed 85% at room temperature. The Mg-9Li-2Zn-2Ca alloy was heat treated at 300°C for 8, 12, 16, and 24 h, respectively. The optimum heat treatment of the Mg-9Li-2Zn-2Ca alloy is 300°C×12h by metallographic observation and by studying the mechanical properties of the alloys.     

Microstructural characterizations and mechanical properties of Mg-8Sn-1Al-1Zn-xCu alloys

Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-8Sn-1Al-1Zn-xCu（x=0wt%, 1wt%, 1.5wt% and 2.0wt%） alloys were studied by OM, Pandat software, XRD, SEM, DSC and a standard universal testing machine. The experimental results indicate that adding Cu to TAZ811 alloy leads to the formation of the AlMgCu and Cu3 Sn phases. Tensile tests indicate that yield strength increases fi rstly and then decreases with increasing Cu content. The alloy with the addition of 1.5wt% Cu exhibits optimal mechanical properties among the studied alloys. The improved mechanical properties can be ascribed to the second phase strengthening and fi ne-grain strengthening mechanisms resulting from the more dispersed second phases and smaller grain size, respectively. The decrease in ultimate tensile strength and elongation of TAZ811-2.0wt% Cu alloy at room temperature is ascribed to the formation of continuous AlMgCu and coarse Mg2 Sn phases in the liquid state.     

Synthesis and spark plasma sintering of Al-Mg-Zr alloys

Although casting is commonly used to process aluminum alloys, powder metallurgy remains a promising technique to develop aluminum based materials for structural and functional applications. The possibility to synthesize Al-Mg-Zr alloys through mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering techniques was explored. Al-10Mg-5Zr and Al-5Mg-1Zr alloyed powders were synthesized through wet ball milling the appropriate amount of elemental powders. The dried milled powders were spark plasma sintered through passing constant pulsed electric current with fixed pulse duration at a pressure of 35 MPa. The samples were vacuum sintered at 450, 500, 550, 600 and 620℃ for 10, 15 and 20 min. The Al-10Mg-5Zr alloy displays poor densification at lower sintering temperatures of 450, 500, 550 and 600℃. Its sinterability is improved at a temperature of 620℃ whereas sintering temperatures higher than 620℃ leads to partial melting of the alloy. It is possible to sinter the Al-5Mg-1Zr alloy at 450, 500 and 550℃. The increase of sintering temperature improves its densification and increases its hardness. The Al-5Mg-1Zr alloy displays better densification and hardness compared to Al-10Mg-5Zr alloys.     

Preparation and characterization of the Zr/CuO pyrotechnical battery

A pyrotechnical battery is successfully prepared, including an anode and cathode having pyrotechnic charges with Zr, CuO and asbestos. The anode and cathode are separated by a separator formed from LiF, ZrO2, and a fibrous sponge. A digital phosphor oscilloscope (DPO) is used to analyze discharge characterization of the pyrotechnical battery. Then the properties of the electrode materials are characterized by EDS, SEM and a temperature recorder, respectively. The discharge mechanism and safety characteristic are also discussed. The results indicate that the combustion temperature of electrode materials is determined as 1 500.6 ℃ according to thermometry analysis (the case temperature of the battery is lower). The combustion product is identified as ZrO2, Cu2O and Cu by X-ray diffraction (XRD). When the diaphragm is completely melted, Li+ migration and an embedded-based conductive process are formed. Then an electromotive force will immediately reach to the maximum. The discharge performance of the pyrotechnical battery then takes on stability. The electromotive force is up to 2.29 V, and that discharge time continues for more than 18 s. The current density in the small area (less than 2.88 Acm-2) is most effective. The conversion efficiency of electric energy is 96%. The pyrotechnical battery is very safe for the production and use processes.     

Magnetic properties and XPS of Dy-Y and Dy-Nd alloys

The magnetic properties and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra in the Dy100-xYx and Dy100-zNdz rare-earth alloys are studied.The magnetism measurements show that the dhcp crystal-field influence in the Dy-Nd alloys,which tends to destroy the orbital moment,does not vanish even though a field of 6T is applied.With increasing Y (or Nd) content the temperature region corresponding to helical phase becomes wider (or narrower).The XPS records suggest that the property of the valence fluctuation in neodymium tends to increase the Fermi wave vector kF of the Dy-Nd alloys.This testifies that the abrupt dropping of the Neel temperature,as Nd is introduced,is not only due to a dilution effect of Nd.The introduction of light rare earths into heavy ones is favorable for suppressing the helical phase in the alloys and overcoming the negative magnetocaloric effect.This result will play a guiding role in designing composite magnetic refrigeration working substances.     

Microstructure and properties of gradient cemented carbide with Nano-TiN

Gradient cemented carbides with nano-TiN were prepared by the common powder metallurgical procedure. The formation of gradient zone and the microstructure, properties of the alloys were investigated using scanning electron microscope（SEM）, energy dispersive spectroscopy（EDS） and other performance testing apparatus. Moreover, the effect of nano-TiN on the gradient cemented carbide was studied. It is found that gradient zone width increases slightly with nano-TiN introduction. Both cobalt and titanium concentrations reach the maximum near the gradient border. Tungsten concentration shows fluctuation from the surface to the bulk. （Ti ,W）C phase grains are refined for nitrogen introduction. Core-rim structure has been observed under the SEM back-scattered mode. The core appears as dark due to more titanium in it and the rim with more tungsten appears as grey. In addition, the hardness and transverse rupture strength of gradient cemented carbide are enhanced with nano-TiN introduced.     

Preparation of Mg-Ti System Alloy and FGM with Density Gradient by Spark Plasma Sintering Technique

A new kind of functionally graded materials (FGM) with density gradient has come to show great potentials as flier-plates for creating quasi- isotropic compression waves. In order to meet the demand of lower density in the front face for such flier-plate, Mg with a low density of 1.74g/cm^3 is selected to make a Mg-Ti FGM. Mg- Ti alloys with various weight ratios were siatered by spark plasma sintering ( SPS ) technique at relative low temperatures, and the processing of densification is mainly investigated. It is found that, up to 75wt% Ti , the Mg- Ti alloys can be fully densified at 560℃ due to the conglutinnation of Mg and the formation of a small amount of Mg- Ti solid solution. Finally, the Mg- Ti FGM with a density gradient from 1.74g/cm^3 to 3.23 g/cm^3 is successfully fabricated.