Correlation of microstructure with the hardness and wear resistance of (TiC,SiC)/Ti-6Al-4V surface composites fabricated by high-energy electron-beam irradiation

The correlation of microstructure with the hardness and wear resistance of (TiC,SiC)/Ti-6Al-4V surface composites fabricated by high-energy electron-beam irradiation was investigated in this study. The mixtures of TiC, SiC, or TiC + SiC powders and CaF₂ flux were placed on a Ti-6Al-4V substrate, and then an electron beam was irradiated on these mixtures using an electron-beam accelerator. The surface composite layers of 1.2 to 2.1 mm in thickness were formed without defects and contained a large amount (up to 66 vol pct) of precipitates such as TiC and Ti₅Si₃ in the martensitic matrix. This microstructural modification, including the formation of hard precipitates and a hardened matrix in the surface composite layer, improved the hardness and wear resistance. Particularly in the surface composite fabricated with TiC + SiC powders, the wear resistance was greatly enhanced to a level 25 times higher than that of the Ti alloy substrate, because 66 vol pct of TiC and Ti₅Si₃ was precipitated homogeneously in the hardened martensitic matrix. These findings suggested that high-energy electron-beam irradiation was useful for the development of Ti-based surface composites with improved hardness and wear properties.     

Fatigue crack growth through alloyed niobium, Nb-Cr2Nb, and Nb-Nb5Si3 in situ composites

Fatigue cracks were grown through several niobium-based materials. For Nb-Cr-Ti composition materials, the single-phase alloy represented the matrix of two in situ composites with about 22 and 38 vol pct Cr₂Nb. Grain boundaries were coated with intermetallic in the lower-volume fraction material, while the 38 vol pct Cr₂Nb composite consisted of mainly spherical, dispersed intermetallic. The Nb-10Si composite was composed of about 28 vol pct primary Nb₅Si₃, with most of the matrix alloy in “fiberlike” shapes due to extrusion. Crack growth rates through the composites were generally faster than for unalloyed Nb, roughly in proportion to the volume fraction of intermetallic, although differences in microstructure make this comparison difficult. The presence of intermetallic greatly alters deformation of material near the crack tip. Particles of Cr₂Nb were broken during the crack growth process, leading to increased crack growth rates. These results suggest microstructural modifications that could be expected to enhance fatigue crack growth resistance.     

Grain refining of Al-4.5Cu alloy by adding an Al-30TiC master alloy

A particulate Al-30 wt pct TiC composite was employed as a grain refiner for the Al-4.5 wt pct Cu alloy. The composite contains submicron TiC particles. The addition of the TiC grain refiner to the metal alloy in the amount of 0.1 Ti wt pct effected a remarkable reduction in the average grain size in Al-4.5 wt pct Cu alloy castings. With the content of over 0.2 Ti wt pct, the grain refiner maintained its refining effectiveness even after a 3600-second holding time at 973 K. The TiC particles in the resulting castings were free of interfacial phases. It is concluded that the TiC are the nucleating agents and that they are resistant to the “fading effect” encountered with most grain refiners.     

TiB_2和TiC复合熔敷棒的制备及电火花涂层特性

利用粉末冶金法制备TiB2和TiC复合材料熔敷棒,并通过电火花沉积在点焊镀锌钢板用电极的表面制备TiB2和TiC复合涂层。利用SEM和XRD分析涂层的微观结构和物相,运用点焊实验测试涂层电极的使用寿命。结果表明:复合材料熔敷棒中TiB2和TiC颗粒细小均匀,电火花涂层致密无分层,涂层物相为Cu、TiB2和TiC;Cu从基体扩散到涂层表面,涂层表面Cu含量(原子分数)达到28%,过渡层出现Cu和Ti的梯度分布,涂层与基体间为牢固的冶金结合;复合涂层存在少量裂纹,其显微硬度达到850HV,高于TiB2涂层和TiC涂层硬度;点焊时电极头部的平均磨损率大大降低,电极的点焊寿命比无涂层电极提高4倍。     

Microstructures and Tensile Properties of Hot-Extruded Al Matrix Composites Containing Different Amounts of Al4Sr

In this investigation, the effect of hot extrusion process has been studied on the microstructure and tensile properties of aluminum matrix composite containing different amounts (10, 15, and 20 wt pct) of Al₄Sr intermetallic phase. Microstructural examinations assessed by scanning electron microscopy revealed that hot extrusion breaks large Al₄Sr particles and reduces their length tremendously. It was also found that although the addition of Al₄Sr content in the composite reduces ultimate tensile strength and elongation values, hot extrusion improves tensile results significantly. Remarkable result of this study was concerned with significant improvement in the toughness of hot-extruded Al-10 wt pct Al₄Sr composite in which elongation values raised up to 22 pct. Therefore, optimum amount of Al₄Sr intermetallic in the composite was found to be 10 wt pct. Fractographic examinations revealed that hot extrusion encourages ductile mode of fracture by introducing homogeneous distribution of fine dimples on the fracture surface of the composites.     

Correlation of microstructure and abrasive and sliding wear resistance of (TiC,SiC)/Ti-6Al-4V surface composites fabricated by high-energy electron-beam irradiation

This study is concerned with the correlation of microstructure and abrasive and sliding wear resistance of (TiC,SiC)/Ti-6Al-4V surface composites fabricated by high-energy electron-beam irradiation. The mixtures of TiC, SiC, Ti + SiC, or TiC+SiC powders and CaF₂ flux were deposited on a Ti-6Al-4V substrate, and then an electron beam was irradiated on these mixtures. The surface composite layers of 1.2 to 2.1 mm in thickness were homogeneously formed without defects and contained a large amount (30 to 66 vol pct) of hard precipitates such as TiC and Ti₅Si₃ in the martensitic matrix. This microstructural modification, including the formation of hard precipitates in the surface composite layer, improved the hardness and abrasive wear resistance. Particularly in the surface composite fabricated with TiC + SiC powders, the abrasive wear resistance was greatly enhanced to a level 25 times higher than that of the Ti alloy substrate because of the precipitation of 66 vol pct of TiC and Ti₅Si₃ in the hardened martensitic matrix. During the sliding wear process, hard and coarse TiC and Ti₅Si₃ precipitates fell off from the matrix, and their wear debris worked as abrasive particles, thereby reducing the sliding wear resistance. On the other hand, needle-shaped Ti₅Si₃ particles, which did not play a significant role in enhancing abrasive wear resistance, lowered the friction coefficient and, accordingly, decelerated the sliding wear, because they played more of the role of solid lubricants than as abrasive particles after they fell off from the matrix. These findings indicated that high-energy electron-beam irradiation was useful for the development of Ti-based surface composites with improved abrasive and sliding wear resistance, although the abrasive and sliding-wear data should be interpreted by different wear mechanisms.     

Coating of 6028 Aluminum Alloy Using Aluminum Piston Alloy and Al-Si Alloy-Based Nanocomposites Produced by the Addition of Al-Ti5-B1 to the Matrix Melt

The Al-12 pctSi alloy and aluminum-based composites reinforced with TiB₂ and Al₃Ti intermetallics exhibit good wear resistance, strength-to-weight ratio, and strength-to-cost ratio when compared to equivalent other commercial Al alloys, which make them good candidates as coating materials. In this study, structural AA 6028 alloy is used as the base material. Four different coating materials were used. The first one is Al-Si alloy that has Si content near eutectic composition. The second, third, and fourth ones are Al-6 pctSi-based reinforced with TiB₂ and Al₃Ti nano-particles produced by addition of Al-Ti5-B1 master alloy with different weight percentages (1, 2, and 3 pct). The coating treatment was carried out with the aid of GTAW process. The microstructures of the base and coated materials were investigated using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope equipped with EDX analyzer. Microhardness of the base material and the coated layer were evaluated using a microhardness tester. GTAW process results in almost sound coated layer on 6028 aluminum alloy with the used four coating materials. The coating materials of Al-12 pct Si alloy resulted in very fine dendritic Al-Si eutectic structure. The interface between the coated layer and the base metal was very clean. The coated layer was almost free from porosities or other defects. The coating materials of Al-6 pct Si-based mixed with Al-Ti5-B1 master alloy with different percentages (1, 2, and 3 pct), results in coated layer consisted of matrix of fine dendrite eutectic morphology structure inside α-Al grains. Many fine in situ TiAl₃ and TiB₂ intermetallics were precipitated almost at the grain boundary of α-Al grains. The amounts of these precipitates are increased by increasing the addition of Al-Ti5-B1 master alloy. The surface hardness of the 6028 aluminum alloy base metal was improved with the entire four used surface coating materials. The improvement reached to about 85 pct by the first type of coating material (Al-12 pctSi alloy), while it reached to 77, 83, and 89 pct by the coating materials of Al-6 pct Si-based mixed with Al-Ti5-B1 master alloy with different percentages 1, 2, and 3 pct, respectively.     

Electrode pitting in resistance spot welding of aluminum alloy 5182

Electrode pitting was investigated in resistance spot welding of 1.5-mm-thick sheet aluminum alloy 5182 using a medium-frequency direct-current welder and electrodes with a tip face curvature radius of 50 mm and tip face diameter of 10 mm. Detailed investigation of the metallurgical interactions between the copper electrode and aluminum alloy sheet was carried out using scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that electrode degradation, which eventually leads to weld failure, proceeded in four basic steps: aluminum pickup, electrode alloying with aluminum, electrode tip face pitting, and cavitation. Since pitting and cavitation result from Al pickup and alloying, periodic electrode cleaning could extend electrode tip life by limiting the buildup of Al on the tip face. This work is part of the effort to improve electrode tip life in resistance spot welding of aluminum alloys for automotive applications.     

The effect of interfacial reaction layer thickness on fracture of titanium-SiC particulate composites

Composites of commercial-purity Ti reinforced with 10 vol pct of SiC particles have been produced by cospraying and by powder blending and extrusion. Interfacial reaction layers have been studied by electron and optical microscopy and by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) of fracture surfaces. The work of fracture has been measured as a function of reaction layer thickness for extruded and heat-treated composites. Material with very thin reaction layers (<∼0.1 μn) can be produced by cospraying, but porosity levels are relatively high (∼5 to 10 pct). Extruded material has been produced with a thin reaction layer (∼0.2 μm) and low porosity (<1 pct). It appears that the rate of reaction conforms with published parabolic rate constant data over a wide range of time and temperature. The reaction layer always consists of TiC and Ti₅Si₃, but the TiC grains tend to be larger than those of Ti₅Si₃. As the reaction layer thickness becomes greater than about 1 μm, the work of fracture falls sharply and the cracking pattern changes from one involving fracture of SiC particles to one in which cracking between the particles and adjacent reaction zones becomes predominant. It is suggested that the volume contraction accompanying this reaction, calculated at about 4.6 pct from density data, has a significant effect in promoting crack formation in these locations by generating radial tensile stresses across the interface. Thus, for this particular composite system, the important effect of a thicker reaction layer may be that it promotes the formation of an interfacial crackvia an effect on the local stress state, rather than itself constituting a larger flaw in the form of a through-thickness crack assumed to be present.     

The incorporation of self-propagating,high-temperature synthesis-formed Fe-TiB2 into ferrous melts

Steel-matrix particulate composites were processed by direct addition of an Fe-TiB₂ master alloy powder to a BS970:080M30 medium-carbon steel. This powder was produced using a self-propagating, high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction and consisted of a dispersion of fine TiB₂ particles (2 to 5 μm), respectively, in an iron binder. The addition of the Fe-TiB₂ powder resulted in the formation a parasitic Fe₂B phase and TiC within the steel microstructure. In response to this, an SHS master alloy composed of Fe-(50 pct TiB₂+50 pct Ti) was manufactured, which, when added to the steel, prevented the formation of Fe₂B and resulted in a composite containing a mixture of TiB₂ and TiC particles. The effect of master alloy composition and addition level on the microstructural phases generated is discussed in detail. The response to heat treatment of composite materials manufactured in this way was also investigated. It was found that an isothermal hold at 840 °C leads to a substantial softening of the material processed using the Fe-TiB₂ additive, while at 1000 °C, a hardness level equivalent to that of the as-cast material was maintained. The same heat treatment of samples in which the formation of Fe₂B was suppressed resulted in no appreciable difference in hardness level or microstructure.     

Characterization and In Vitro Corrosion Investigations of Thermal Sprayed Hydroxyapatite and Hydroxyapatite-Titania Coatings on Ti Alloy

In the current investigation, hydroxyapatite (HA) powder was mixed with titania (TiO₂) in 50:50?wt?pct for depositing composite coatings on a Ti-alloy substrate using a thermal-spray coating technique. The coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses. The corrosion behavior of the coatings was studied by electrochemical corrosion testing in simulated human body fluid. After the corrosion testing, the samples were analyzed by XRD and SEM/EDS analyses. HA and TiO₂ (rutile) were the main phases observed in the developed coatings. Bulk HA coating was amorphous; however, the addition of TiO₂ effectively improved the crystallinity of HA in HA-TiO₂ coating. The SEM analysis confirmed the formation of a well-formed HA-TiO₂ composite coating. HA coating exhibited higher bond strength (67.8?MPa) compared with HA-TiO₂ composite coating (37.6?MPa). The electrochemical study showed a significant improvement in the corrosion resistance of the Ti alloy after the deposition of the coatings.     

Elevated-temperature oxidation behavior of titanium silicide and titanium silicide-based alloy and composite

The oxidation behavior of Ti₅Si₃ has been studied in air in the temperature range of 1200 °C to 1400 °C. The oxidation kinetics is slower than that predicted by the parabolic-rate law equation at 1200 °C, but is sharply enhanced beyond a temperature of 1300 °C. The oxidation kinetics of a Ti₅Si₃-8 wt pct Al alloy and a Ti₅Si₃-20 vol pct TiC composite at 1200 °C has also been investigated and compared to that of Ti₅Si₃. Alloying with Al does not alter the oxidation resistance much, but the presence of TiC reinforcements enhances the rate of oxidation significantly. The oxidation products have been identified and the mechanism of oxidation has been analyzed using thermodynamic and kinetic considerations.     

Correlation of microstructure with hardness and wear resistance in (TiC,SiC)/stainless steel surface composites fabricated by high-energy electron-beam irradiation

Stainless-steel-based surface composites reinforced with TiC and SiC carbides were fabricated by high-energy electron beam irradiation. Four types of powder/flux mixtures, i.e., TiC, (Ti + C), SiC, and (Ti + SiC) powders with 40 wt. pct of CaF₂ flux, were deposited evenly on an AISI 304 stainless steel substrate, which was then irradiated with an electron beam. TiC agglomerates and pores were found in the surface composite layer fabricated with TiC powders because of insufficient melting of TiC powders. In the composite layer fabricated with Ti and C powders having lower melting points than TiC powders, a number of primary TiC carbides were precipitated while very few TiC agglomerates or pores were formed. This indicated that more effective TiC precipitation was obtained from the melting of Ti and C powders than of TiC powders. A large amount of precipitates such as TiC and Cr₇C₃ improved the hardness, high-temperature hardness, and wear resistance of the surface composite layer two to three times greater than that of the stainless steel substrate. In particular, the surface composite fabricated with SiC powders had the highest volume fraction of Cr₇C₃ distributed along solidification cell boundaries, and thus showed the best hardness, high-temperature hardness, and wear resistance.     

Correlation of microstructure with hardness and wear resistance in (TiC,SiC)/stainless steel surface composites fabricated by high-energy electron-beam irradiation

Stainless-steel-based surface composites reinforced with TiC and SiC carbides were fabricated by high-energy electron beam irradiation. Four types of powder/flux mixtures, i.e., TiC, (Ti+C), SiC, and (Ti+SiC) powders with 40 wt. pct of CaF₂ flux, were deposited evenly on an AISI 304 stainless steel substrate, which was then irradiated with an electron beam. TiC agglomerates and pores were found in the surface composite layer fabricated with TiC powders because of insufficient melting of TiC powders. In the composite layer fabricated with Ti and C powders having lower melting points than TiC powders, a number of primary TiC carbides were precipitated while very few TiC agglomerates or pores were formed. This indicated that more effective TiC precipitation was obtained from the melting of Ti and C powders than of TiC powders. A large amount of precipitates such as TiC and Cr₇C₃ improved the hardness, high-temperature hardness, and wear resistance of the surface composite layer two to three times greater than that of the stainless steel substrate. In particular, the surface composite fabricated with SiC powders had the highest volume fraction of Cr₇C₃ distributed along solidification cell boundaries, and thus showed the best hardness, high-temperature hardness, and wear resistance.     

Fabrication of TiC/Fe–Ni cermet coatings by reactive thermal spraying of Fe–Ti–Ni–C composite powder

Abstract

A mixture of ferrotitanium, nickel powders and sucrose was heated with an intention of carbonising the sucrose. The tiny ferrotitanium, nickel particles are bound by the carbon obtained from pyrolysis of the sucrose to form a unique structure of Fe–Ti–Ni–C composite powder for reactive thermal spraying. The carbon is a reactive constituent as well as the binder in the composite powder. TiC/Fe–Ni cermet coating was prepared by reactive plasma spraying of this powder. A mass of TiC particles were in situ synthesised and uniformly distributed in the Fe–Ni alloy matrix without residuals of raw materials in the coating. The coating is consisted of two different areas: one is the composite area, where lots of spherical fine TiC particles (100–500 nm) are homogeneously distributed within the Fe–Ni alloy matrix; the other is a small fraction of TiC accumulation. The volume fraction of composite area is >87%.     

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Extruded Magnesium-Aluminum-Cerium Alloy Tubes

Current commercial magnesium extrusion alloys do not offer desirable combinations of strength, ductility, and extrusion speed for automotive structural applications. The effect of small additions of cerium (Ce) to pure magnesium (Mg) and Mg-3 pct Al alloy extruded tubes has been studied. The results suggest that 0.2 pct Ce addition can significantly improve the extrudability and mechanical properties of the Mg extrusions. The improvement in mechanical properties is due to grain refinement and dispersion strengthening provided by the Mg₁₂Ce particles and the beneficial texture obtained. Higher Ce contents further increase strength, but significantly reduce ductility and cause excessive surface oxidation during extrusion. The beneficial effect of 0.2 pct Ce on mechanical properties of pure Mg is not observed when it is added to Mg-3 pct Al alloy, due to the higher affinity of Ce to Al to form the Al₁₁Ce₃ phase in the Mg-Al-Ce ternary alloys. The Mg-0.2 pct Ce alloy is a promising base alloy for further development in automotive applications; however, Al should be avoided in Mg-Ce–based extrusion alloys.     

基于激光熔覆TiC/TiB2的钛合金表面组织及性能研究

在钛合金表面激光熔覆制备TiC/TiB₂复合涂层,分别采用SEM、显微硬度计和摩擦磨损设备分析了TiB₂+15%TiC复合涂层的微观组织和硬度、摩擦磨损性能。实验结果表明：涂层上部组织主要由粗大的TiB₂树枝晶和少量白色颗粒状的TiC/TiB共晶组织组成,涂层中部组织主要由棒状型、细针状型的TiB₂相和小块状的TiC相组成,涂层下部则由树枝型、块状TiB₂相、较大的片状TiC相和少量的小层片状金属间化合物TiAl组成。由测试结果可知,涂层硬度(960HV_0.2)约为基体的(350HV_0.2)的2.7倍。涂层的耐磨性能显著提高,涂层出现较少的剥落、细小磨痕和颗粒碎屑,基体表面主要是犁沟式的磨损。涂层的磨损量为1.132 mg是基体(5.342 mg)的20%。     

Interfacial segregation of Ti in the brazing of diamond grits onto a steel substrate using a Cu-Sn-Ti brazing alloy

Diamond grits were brazed onto a steel substrate using a prealloyed Cu-10Sn-15Ti (wt pct) brazing alloy at 925 °C and 1050 °C. Due to the relatively high concentration of Ti in the brazing alloy, the braze matrix exhibited a composite structure, composed of β-(Cu,Sn), a Cu-based solid solution, and various intermetallic compounds with different morphologies. The reaction of Ti with diamond yielded a continuous TiC layer on the surfaces of the diamond grits. On top of the TiC growth front, an intermetallic compound, composed of Sn and Ti, nucleated and grew into a randomly interwoven fine lacey structure. An interfacial structure developed as the interwoven fine lacey phase was semicoherently bonded to the TiC layer, with the Cu-based braze matrix filling its interstices. The thickness of such a composite layer was increased linearly with the square root of isothermal holding time at 925 °C, complying with the law of a diffusion-controlled process. However, at 1050 °C, the segregation behavior of Ti and Sn to the interfaces between the TiC layer and the braze matrix diminished, due to the increased solubility of Ti in the Cu-based liquid phase. The enhanced dissolution of Ti in the Cu-based liquid phase at 1050 °C also caused the precipitation of rod-like CuTi with an average diameter of about 0.2 μm during cooling. SnTi₃ was the predominant intermetallic compound and existed in three different forms in the braze matrix. It existed as interconnected grains of large size which either floated to the surface of the braze matrix or grew into faceted grains. It also exhibited a nail-like structure with a mean diameter of about 1 μm for the rod section and a lamellar structure arising from a eutectic reaction during cooling.     

Aluminum matrix composites: Fabrication and properties

Aluminum alloy matrix composites containing 1 to 30 wt pct of fibrous and particulate nonmetals varying in size from 0.06 μm to 840 μm were fabricated. The composites were cast into cylindrical molds for friction and wear tests, hot extrusion and tensile tests. The distribution of the nonmetals in the cast ingots was homogeneous. Friction and wear tests were done on a pin (52100 bearing steel) and dish type machine without lubrication. It was found that composites containing ∼10 wt pct or more of SiC, TiC, Si₃N₄, Al₂O₃, glass, solid waste slag, and silica sand wear less than the pure matrix alloy, but have slightly higher average coefficients of friction. Wear in composites containing soft particles, especially MgO and boron nitride was higher than the pure matrix alloy. The average coefficient of friction of all the composites was in the range of 0.35 to 0.58. Increasing the sliding velocity reduced this range to ∼ 0.4 to 0.45. The longitudinal tensile properties of the extruded composites (with the exception of loss of ductility in some cases) are comparable to that of the matrix alloys. Improvements in strength or ductility were noted. For example, addition of 15 wt pct of 3 μm size Al₂O₃ particles raised the yield and ultimate strength of the Al-4 pct Cu-0.75 pct Mg alloy matrix from 227 to 302 MPa, and 356 to 403 MPa, respectively. The corresponding percent elongation decreased from 25.8 to 12.5. The fact that the various composites can be readily cast and hot formed suggests a variety of engineering applications. AKIRA SATO, formerly Visiting Scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.     

Preparation,Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Cu-Sn Alloy/Graphite Composites

Ni-B coating was prepared on the surface of graphite particles using the electroless plating method. The Ni-B coating was composed of spherical grains with average diameter of 80 nm. The phases of Ni-B coating were indexed as nanosized crystal Ni phase and amorphous Ni-B phase. Cu-Sn alloy/graphite composites with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt pct graphite contents were synthesized by the powder metallurgy method. Ni-B coating improved the wettability and bonding strength between the Cu-Sn alloy and graphite. The composite with Ni-B coated graphite exhibited higher density, hardness, and compression strength compared with the composites with bare graphite. The crack propagation mechanism of the composites was also analyzed.