Microstructural changes in zinc aluminium alloy galvanising as a function of processing parameters and their influence on corrosion

The effect of cooling rate and substrate gauge upon the microstructure and corrosion resistance of Galfan (Zn-4.5 wt.%Al) coated steels is presented. The coatings, applied to steel of gauges 0.47 mm (light gauge) and 0.67 mm (heavy gauge) on a coil coating line, were subjected to three different cooling rates by increasing output from 55% to 100% of the total power from a high powered cooling rig. The increase in cooling rate did not significantly alter the volume fraction of the primary zinc, this remaining at ∼20%. However, the size and number of the primary zinc dendrites were altered. The fast cooled samples contained small but numerous (∼3000 mm⁻² in the heavy gauge and ∼2850 mm⁻² in the light gauge) dendrites as opposed to the slow cooled samples where there were fewer (∼1850 mm⁻² for the heavy gauge and ∼1500 mm⁻² in the light gauge) dendrites of greater size. Characterisation of the surface revealed a reduction in eutectic cell size (∼1.8 mm to ∼0.8 mm on the heavy gauge and ∼2.1 mm to ∼1.2 mm on the light gauge) with increasing cooling rate. This leads to an increased unit length of depressed boundary between the eutectic cells. The eutectic microstructure is also finer (with reduced inter-lamella spacing) in the fast cooled samples again reflecting the more rapid nucleation of the coating.The scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) has been used to quantify the effects of these microstructural changes upon the surface and cut edge corrosion performance. There is an increase in corrosion activity on the surface of the fast cooled samples (metal loss 150 μg to 260 μg on the heavy gauge and 50 μg to 80 μg on the light gauge) primarily due to the increased length of depressed boundaries. Applying the same analysis to the cut edge, a decrease in corrosion occurs upon the faster cooled specimens. Metal loss calculations show a decrease (140 μg to 75 μg on the heavy gauge and 190 μg to 115 μg on the light gauge) as the cooling rate is increased. The higher intensity long lived anodes at the cut edge in the slower cooling rate samples are directly related to the increase in zinc dendrite size within the coating as nucleation rates are reduced.     

电镀锌基合金的耐蚀性

近年来,在表面处理方面,由于锌基合金呈现出很多优良的性能,特别是高的防护性,已越来越受到人们的青睐。对电镀锌基合金（主要是锌与铁族形成的合金）的性能进行了综述,并重点讨论了锌基合金的耐蚀性。     

The effects of nano-SiO2 additive on the zinc phosphating of carbon steel

In this paper, nano-SiO₂ was used as an accelerator for improving the microstructure and the corrosion resistance of phosphate coating on carbon steel. The chemical composition and microstructure of the coatings were analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of nano-SiO₂ on weight, roughness and corrosion resistance of the phosphate coatings were also investigated. Results show that the compositions of phosphate coating were Zn₃(PO₄)₂·4H₂O (hopeite), and Zn₂Fe(PO₄)₂·4H₂O (phosphophylite). The phosphate coatings became denser due to the addition of nano-SiO₂ which reduced the size of the crystal clusters. The average weight of phosphate coatings approximately linearly increased with the nano-SiO₂ content in the bath from 0 to 4 g/L, and the phosphate coatings formed in bath containing 2 g/L nano-SiO₂ showed the highest corrosion resistance in 5 wt.% sodium chloride solution at ambient temperature. Nano-SiO₂ would be widely utilized as a phosphating additive to replace the traditional nitrite, due to its less pollutant and its better quality of the coating.     

Evaluation of the surface of alloy tool steel treated by cavitation shotless peening using an eddy current method

Cavitation shotless peening (CSP) of hot forging die made of alloy tool steel is an effective peening method because it increases the fatigue strength of the material, and both introduces compressive residual stress into the material and also work hardens it. In order to evaluate the peening intensity of the die, a quick non destructive method is needed. In this paper, the dependence of the electromagnetic properties of an alloy tool steel, Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) SKD61, on CSP processing time was investigated using an eddy current method. The induced stress and changes in the microstructure depend on CSP processing time, and these affect the electromagnetic properties of the material, such as the electrical conductivity and the permeability. The peening intensity was evaluated by measuring these electromagnetic properties using the eddy current method.     

Effect of current density on DC electrochemical phosphating of stainless steel 316

In this study, tri-cation phosphate coating of zinc, calcium and iron was applied electrochemically to stainless steel 316 substrates. Cathodic current was used as an accelerator for the phosphating process. The effects of current density on the microstructures of the coatings and the time necessary for the reduction of the oxide layer have been established. For this purpose, analyses such as chronopotentiometery, SEM, EDS and linear polarization were carried out. Results indicated that higher electrophosphating current densities result in finer crystal size of the coating. This effect is detrimental to the quality of the layer. In addition, chemical analyses of the layer revealed that the use of current for electrophosphating of stainless steel 316 substrates imparted better corrosion resistance to the substrate as a result of zinc rich crystal deposition in the phosphate layer.     

Enhancement of abrasion and corrosion resistance of duplex stainless steel by laser shock peening

The results for laser shock peening of duplex stainless steel (22% Chromium-5% Nickel) using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser (wavelength = 532 nm, pulse width = 8 ns) for the application to high-capacity pumps for reverse-osmosis type seawater desalination plants are reported. By properly selecting the process parameters such as laser intensity of 10 GW/cm², laser pulse density of 75 pulse/mm², and 100 μm thick aluminum foil as a protective coating layer, wear volume and corrosion rate of duplex stainless steel could be reduced by 39% and 74.2%, respectively. The number and size of corrosion pits produced on wear track during copper accelerated acetic acid salt spray test decreased approximately by half as a result of laser shock peening. It is shown that laser shock peening is a practical option to improve abrasion and corrosion properties of a seawater desalination pump parts.     

Electrochemical characterization of the different surface states formed in the corrosion of carbon steel in alkaline sour medium

In this study the different surface states that manifest in the corrosion process of 1018 carbon steel in alkaline sour environment, solution prepared specifically to mimic the sour waters occurring in the catalytic oil refinery plants of the Mexican Oil Company (PEMEX) (0.1 M (NH₄)₂S and 10 ppm NaCN at pH 9.2) were prepared and characterized. The surface states of the carbon steel were formed by treating the surface with cyclic voltammetry at different switching potentials (E_λ+), commencing at the corrosion potential (E_corr=−0.890 V vs sulfate saturated electrode, SSE). The surface states thus obtained were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. It was found that for E_λ+=−0.7 and −0.6 V vs SSE a first product of corrosion formed, characterized by a high passivity. Moreover, it was very compact (with a thickness of 0.047 μm). However, at more anodic potentials (E_λ+>−0.5 V vs SSE) a second corrosion product with non-protective properties (porous with a thickness of 0.4 μm and very active) was observed. The diffusion of atomic hydrogen (H⁰) was identified as the slowest step in the carbon steel corrosion process in the alkaline sour media. The H⁰ diffusion coefficients in the first and second products that formed at the carbon steel–sour medium interface were of the order of 10⁻¹⁵ and 10⁻¹² cm²/s respectively.     

Wear and corrosion properties of a low carbon steel processed by means of SMAT followed by lower temperature chromizing treatment

A duplex lower temperature chromizing treatment at 600 °C for 120 min followed by 860 °C for 90 min was performed on a low carbon steel plate with a nanostructured surface layer, induced by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) [Z.B. Wang, J. Lu, K. Lu, Acta Mater. 53 (2005) 2081]. Microhardness, wear and corrosion resistances of the chromized SMAT sample were measured, in comparison with those of the chromized coarse-grained counterpart and the as-annealed coarse-grained sample. Experimental results showed that these properties were improved markedly. The much enhanced properties of the chromized SMAT sample relative to the chromized coarse-grained counterpart might originate from its superior microstructures, i.e., a much thicker chromized surface layer with smaller grains and more homogenous phase-distribution, due to the employed processes of the SMAT and the duplex lower temperature chromizing treatment.     

Development of zinc oxide-rich inner layers in hot-dip zinc coating for barrier protection

The formation of ZnO composite-rich inner layers and its impact on the galvanization process and characteristics of hot-dip zinc coating were explored in the present study. Steel substrates were initially coated with a fragmented layer of ZnO and then subsequently galvanized. The presence of ZnO-rich inner layer influenced the galvanizing process substantially. The process resulted in the formation of more adherent layers with lower coating thickness. The presence of the inner oxide layer caused a modification of the inner alloy structure and the coating composition. The physical, mechanical as well as galvanic performance of the coating were also improved by the presence of the ZnO-rich inner alloy layers.     

The microstructure and properties of 17-4PH martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steel modified by plasma nitrocarburizing

17-4PH martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steel was plasma nitrocarburized at 430 °C and 460 °C for 8 h. The nitrocarburized layers were characterized by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, microhardness tests, pin-on-disc tribometer and the anodic polarization method in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The results show that the microstructure of plasma nitrocarburized layer is characterized by a compound layer with no evident diffusion zone. The phases in the 430 °C treated layer are mainly of γ′-Fe₄N, nitrogen and carbon expanded martensite (α′_N), and some incipient CrN phases. When the temperature increases up to 460 °C, there is no evidence of α′_N phase. The processes of bulk precipitation hardening and surface treatment by plasma nitrocarburizing can be successfully combined in a single-step process on this steel. The hardness of modified layer can reach up to 1186HV, which is 3 times higher than that of untreated steel. The wear and corrosion resistance of the specimens can be apparently improved by plasma nitrocarburizing. The 460 °C/8 h treated specimen has the best wear and corrosion resistance in the present test conditions.     

低碳钢表面激光熔覆不锈钢的组织和性能

采用JHM-1GY-400型脉冲Nb∶YAG固体激光器和316L不锈钢粉末在20低碳钢表面制备了激光熔覆层。利用OM、XRD、SEM等表征方法分析了不锈钢熔覆层的物相组成和显微组织,并分别利用旋转摩擦试验机和电化学工作站对熔覆层和基材的耐磨损和耐腐蚀性进行了研究。试验结果表明,不锈钢熔覆层厚度约为50 μm,由γ相(奥氏体)和α相(铁素体)组成,其显微组织主要包括细小的树枝晶、粗大的胞状晶以及平面晶;不锈钢熔覆层表面硬度约为基材的2倍,摩擦因数比基材低0.0418,磨损量更低,不锈钢熔覆层比基材具有更高的耐磨性。与基材相比,不锈钢熔覆层具有更低的自腐蚀电流和更高的自腐蚀电位,其耐腐蚀性能更优异。     

Improvement of corrosion and wear resistances of AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel using plasma nitriding at low temperature

The influence of low temperature plasma nitriding on the wear and corrosion resistance of AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel was investigated. Plasma nitriding experiments were carried out with DC-pulsed plasma in 25% N₂ + 75% H₂ atmosphere at 350 °C, 450 °C and 550 °C for 15 h. The composition, microstructure and hardness of the nitrided samples were examined. The wear resistances of plasma nitrided samples were determined with a ball-on-disc wear tester. The corrosion behaviors of plasma nitrided AISI420 stainless steel were evaluated using anodic polarization tests and salt fog spray tests in the simulated industrial environment.The results show that plasma nitriding produces a relatively thick nitrided layer consisting of a compound layer and an adjacent nitrogen diffusion layer on the AISI 420 stainless steel surface. Plasma nitriding not only increases the surface hardness but also improves the wear resistance of the martensitic stainless steel. Furthermore, the anti-wear property of the steel nitrided at 350 °C is much more excellent than that at 550 °C. In addition, the corrosion resistance of AISI420 martensitic stainless steel is considerably improved by 350 °C low temperature plasma nitriding. The improved corrosion resistance is considered to be related to the combined effect of the solid solution of Cr and the high chemical stable phases of ?-Fe₃N and α_N formed on the martensitic stainless steel surface during 350 °C low temperature plasma nitriding. However, plasma nitriding carried out at 450 °C or 550 °C reduces the corrosion resistance of samples, because of the formation of CrN and leading to the depletion of Cr in the solid solution phase of the nitrided layer.     

一种低碳低合金钢的纳米压痕表征

对具有两种不同组织状态的一种低碳低合金钢进行了纳米压痕表征．结果表明,在双相组织试样中,马氏体的硬度高于铁索体的70％以上．在纳米压痕实验过程中,由于马氏体相的尺寸较小并被软的铁素体基体所包围,当压痕深度超过40nm时,纳米压痕硬度呈现出明显的基底效应．由于在铁索体一奥氏体两相区加工过程中发生C元素向奥氏体的分配,双相组织试样中的马氏体中富集了数倍于钢的名义含量的C元素．结果导致双相组织试样中马氏体的平均纳米压痕硬度比同一钢的全马氏体组织试样高出30％以上．此外,还讨论了C的富集分配对马氏体Poisson比和Young’s模量的可能影响．     

Corrosion behavior and surface film characterization of TaNbHfZrTi high entropy alloy in aggressive nitric acid medium

Corrosion behavior of TaNbHfZrTi high-entropy alloy (HEA) was investigated in nitric and fluorinated nitric acid at ambient (27 °C) and boiling (120 °C) conditions. The alloy passivated spontaneously during potentiodynamic polarization in 11.5 M HNO₃ at ambient condition. The corrosion rate was negligible in boiling 11.5 M HNO₃, exposed for 240 h. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies did not show any significant corrosion attack. The high corrosion resistance of TaNbHfZrTi HEA was attributed to its single phase bcc structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis revealed that the protective passive film formed in boiling nitric acid was predominantly composed of Ta₂O₅, in contrast to the presence of ZrO₂ and HfO₂ in air-formed native film. Potentiodynamic polarization studies indicated a pseudo-passivation behavior of the HEA in 11.5 M HNO₃ + 0.05 M NaF at ambient condition. In boiling fluorinated nitric acid, SEM images of TaNbHfZrTi HEA displayed a severely corroded morphology indicating the instability of the metal-oxides of the alloying elements. XPS investigations confirmed the presence of ZrF₄, ZrOF₂ and HfF₄ along with un-protective oxides of Ta, Nb and Ti on the film, resulting in decreased corrosion resistance of TaNbHfZrTi HEA in fluorinated nitric acid.     

A comparative study: The effect of surface treatments on the tribological properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy

The effect of different surface treatments on the wear resistance of Ti-6Al-4V alloy has been investigated. For this purpose, plasma nitriding treatment was performed in a gas mixture 75% N₂-25% Ar, for 1 h treatment time and at 750 °C. The thin films were deposited using CFUMBS technique. The results showed that more surface roughness was obtained for nitrided specimens compared with thin film deposited specimens. It was also observed that both surface treatments improved the wear resistance of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. It was determined that plasma nitrided specimens exhibited excellent wear resistance compared with thin film deposited ones when applied load increased. Similar results were obtained from surface hardness measurements, and it was observed that load bearing capacity increased after plasma nitriding. The corrosion resistance of both surface treatments showed similar properties.     

建筑用低合金钢的焊接组织与性能

对建筑用Cr-Mo和Cr-Mo-Sb钢进行了焊接热模拟试验,考察了不同焊接线能量对建筑用钢焊接热循环过程中的组织与性能的影响,并分析了Sb元素的作用机理。结果表明,随着焊接线能量的提高,Cr-Mo和Cr-Mo-Sb钢焊接热影响区的显微组织逐渐从板条贝氏体向着粒状贝氏体转变,M/A岛状组织的尺寸逐渐增加;Cr-Mo和Cr-Mo-Sb钢焊接热影响区的衍射图谱基本一致,主要衍射峰为(111)、(200)、(220)、(311)和(222)晶面的奥氏体峰,(110)、(200)、(211)和(220)晶面的铁素体和马氏体峰;在相同焊接线能量下,Cr-Mo-Sb钢的韧-脆转变温度都要高于Cr-Mo钢;热影响区显微硬度的改变主要与显微组织有关,而与Sb元素的关系不大。     

Microstructure of the coating and mechanical properties of galvanized chromium-rich martensitic steel

Protecting the modern high-strength steels against corrosion is a challenge because the coating technology must be compatible with forming and must preserve the mechanical performances. Batch galvanizing after hot stamping could provide a simple solution to this complex problem. A commercial high-strength martensitic steel containing 13 wt.% Cr, 0.35 wt.% Si, 0.3 wt.% Mn and 0.15 wt.% carbon has been galvanized with a commercial zinc alloy. Galvanizing produces a ~ 15 μm thick coating that is bright, continuous and metallurgically bonded. The intermetallic layer is made of ? crystals, which forms an open 3-dimensional structure. Tin, nickel and aluminium are found able to moderate the Sandelin effect. Comparison with other steels galvanized the same way indicates that chromium slows down the kinetics of the metallurgical reaction. Chromium distributes both in the ? and η phases, and follows a diffusion-like profile in the coating. The nickel from the alloy concentrates in the Fe-Zn intermetallic compound. Aluminium segregates at the surface and interface. It also provides a gettering effect that fixes silicon in sub-micron particles dispersed in the ? and η phases. Tensile experiments and fatigue tests demonstrate that the mechanical performances of the martensitic steel are preserved after coating. Comparison with similar experiments performed on a TRIP800 steel indicates that using galvanized martensitic steel is best worth in static applications.     

Laser surface cladding of MRI 153M magnesium alloy with (Al+Al2O3)

Laser surface cladding was carried out on a creep-resistant MRI 153M magnesium alloy with a mixture of Al and Al₂O₃ powders using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser at scan speeds of 21, 42, 63 and 84 mm/s. The Al₂O₃ particles partially or completely melted during laser irradiation and re-solidified with irregular shapes in the size range of 5-60 µm along with a few islands as large as 500 µm, within the grain-refined Mg-rich dendritic matrix. More than an order of magnitude improvement in wear resistance after cladding was attributed to the presence of ultra-hard Al₂O₃ particles, increased solid solubility of Al and other alloying elements, and a very fine dendritic microstructure as a result of rapid solidification in the cladded layer. However, corrosion resistance of the laser cladded alloy was reduced by almost an order of magnitude compared to that of the as-cast alloy mainly due to the presence of cracks and pores in the cladded layer.