Effect of MoSi2/rare earth composite particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of molybdenum

MoSi₂/La₂O₃ and MoSi₂/Y₂O₃ composite particles were prepared by mechanical milling and doped into molybdenum by solid-solid method, respectively. Rods with a diameter of 17 mm were made by pressing and sintering. The effects of different composite particles on microstructures and strength of the as-sintered molybdenum were investigated. Results show that the MoSi₂/La₂O₃ and MoSi₂/Y₂O₃ composite particles transformed to La₂O₃/Mo₅Si₃ and Y₂O₃/Mo₅Si₃ composite particles due to the in situ reaction between Mo and MoSi₂ during sintering process. Mo₅Si₃/La₂O₃ and Mo₅Si₃/Y₂O₃ composite particles can reduce the grain size and improve both strength and toughness of sintered molybdenum significantly. Mo₅Si₃/Y₂O₃ composite particles contribute more to the strength, while the effect of Mo₅Si₃/La₂O₃ on toughness is greater than that of Mo₅Si₃/Y₂O₃.     

Influences of annealing temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mo-La2O3

Influences of annealing temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mo-La₂O₃ were investigated. Effects of annealing temperature on tensile properties, fracture toughness, and microhardness are discussed. Microstructure and fracture morphology of Mo alloys are observed by optical microscope, SEM, and TEM. The results indicate that grain size increased while tensile strength, fracture toughness, and microhardness decreased with increasing annealing temperature. Larger La₂O₃ particles are located at grain boundaries or sub-boundaries, while the majority of smaller La₂O₃ particles are located within the grain. The strengthening effect is quantitatively assessed, which yielded a predicted yield strength in good agreement with measurements.     

Mo5Si3-B and MoSi2 deposits fabricated by radio frequency induction plasma spraying

Induction plasma-spray processing was used to produce free-standing parts of Mo₅Si₃-B composite and MoSi₂ materials. The oxidation resistance, up to 1210 °C, of the Mo₅Si₃-B composite was compared with MoSi₂, which is known to be resistant to high-temperature oxidation. The deposits were oxidized isothermally in air at atmospheric pressure. The structural performance of these materials under high-temperature oxidation conditions was found to depend on the boron content in the specimens. In particular, the composite containing 2 wt.% boron exhibited excellent resistance to oxidation, as indicated by the specimen mass change, which was found to be near zero after the 24 h oxidation test.     

La2O3含量对Al2O3/Cu基复合材料组织与性能的影响

以La₂O₃粉、Al粉、CuO粉为反应物原料、纯铜为基体,采用原位合成技术和近熔点铸造法制备颗粒增强Cu基复合材料,研究La₂O₃对Al-CuO体系制备的Cu基复合材料组织及性能的影响。结果表明：添加La₂O₃可获得纳米Al₂O₃颗粒,且弥散分布于Cu基体中,制备的材料组织更加细小、均匀,其材料的电导率及摩擦磨损性能明显提高。当添加0.6%wtLa₂O₃,复合材料的电导率达到90.2%IACS,磨损量达到最小,相比未添加La₂O₃,其导电率提高10.1%,磨损量减小36.6%。     

Synthesis of MoSi2/WSi2 nanocrystalline powder by mechanical-assistant combustion synthesis method

MoSi₂/WSi₂ nanocrystalline powder has been successfully synthesized by the mechanical-assistant combustion synthesis method. This method includes a ball-milling process followed by combustion synthesis. The composition and microstructure of the as-milled powder mixture were detected by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Their results show that the Mo(W) solid solution and Si nanocrystals could be obtained during the ball-milling process. Compared with normal powder mixture (Mo + Si + W), it could be easily ignited and high maximum combustion temperature was achieved. It was also confirmed that MoSi₂/WSi₂ solid solution powder with nanometric structure could be prepared through combustion synthesis method from the mechanical activated powder mixture.     

Microstructure evolution and wear properties of bulk MoSi2 fabricated by field activated sintering

Field activated sintering (FAS) was employed to fabricate dense bulk MoSi₂ from Mo and Si powders. During the FAS process, Si was melted first, and then Mo was dissolved leading to a precipitation of MoSi₂. A eutectic reaction of MoSi₂-Mo₅Si₃ resulted from a combined effect of Mo-Si exothermic reactions and field induced Joule heating. With hyper-stoichiometric amount of Si (Mo/Si = 1:2.06), the FAS MoSi₂ is free of Mo₅Si₃ phase. Subsequently, an un-lubricated sliding wear test of MoSi₂ against carbon steel was conducted. Both normal load and temperature have crucial points related to a transition from mild to severe wear. Sliding speed and relative density have a negative effect on wear rate. In addition, at room temperature the wear is with a protective layer composed of oxide and transferred substance, whereas poor oxidation resistance leads to spalling of the layer and brittle fracture at an elevated temperature up to 500 °C.     

Mechanical properties of La2O3 doped diamond-like carbon films

Twelve La₂O₃ doped diamond-like carbon (DLC) nanofilms were deposited using unbalanced dual-magnetron sputtering. AFM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, AES, XPS, TEM, contact surface profiler and nanoindenter were employed to investigate the structure and tribological properties of deposited films. The results show that the La₂O₃ doped DLC films are amorphous. La₂O₃ doping obviously decreases internal stress, and effectively increases the elastic modulus. This results from the dissolving and dissolution of La₂O₃ within the amorphous DLC matrix. Furthermore, the friction coefficient of the doped DLC films decreases, and adhesion strength increases. These are attributed to the lubrication function of La₂O₃ and the formation of transition layer at interface, respectively.     

Effect of Mo/B atomic ratio on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mo2FeB2 based cermets

Four series of Mo₂FeB₂ based cermets with the Mo/B atomic ratio in the range from 0.8 to 1.1 were prepared by reaction sintering process. The microstructure and crystalline phases were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The results indicate that the transverse rupture strength (TRS) of the cermets increases with an increase of Mo/B atomic ratio and shows a maximum value of 1.9 GPa at a Mo/B atomic ratio of 0.9. At a higher atomic ratio the TRS decreases. The hardness of the cermets decreases monotonically from 90.8 HRA to 88.8 HRA with an increase of Mo/B atomic ratio. In Mo-rich cermets with an atomic ratio of Mo/B above 1.0, a new M₂₃B₆ type phase (M₂₃B₆, where M represents a metal) is found. This phase has a lattice parameter a = 1.09 nm containing Mo, Fe, Cr and B with an atomic ratio close to 16:6:1:6 and is precipitated at the interface of Mo₂FeB₂ grains or at the Mo₂FeB₂ grain boundaries.     

La2O3含量对搅拌摩擦加工制备Ni /Al复合材料组织和性能的影响

采用搅拌摩擦加工方法在Al基体中添加不同La₂O₃含量的混合粉末(Ni+La₂O₃),制备 (Ni+La₂O₃)/Al复合材料。采用SEM、EDS、 EPMA及XRD对复合区微观结构及相组成进行分析,采用室温拉伸试验对 (Ni+La₂O₃)/Al复合材料力学性能进行了测试。结果表明,随着La₂O₃含量的增加,(Ni+La₂O₃)/Al复合材料的组织和性能先变好后变差。当La₂O₃添加量达到5%时,复合材料中Al₃Ni增强颗粒分布均匀、颗粒数量最多,块状的Ni粉团聚减少,其抗拉强度达到最大值215MPa,相比Ni/Al复合材料(抗拉强度176MPa),其抗拉强度提高了22%;当La₂O₃的添加量为7%时,复合材料中Al₃Ni增强颗粒含量减少,块状Ni粉团聚重新出现,抗拉强度下降至201MPa。     

Microstructure,sintering behavior and mechanical properties of SiC/MoSi2 composites by spark plasma sintering

SiC/MoSi₂ composites were synthesized at different temperatures by spark plasma sintering using Mo, Si and SiC powders as raw materials. The phase composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-prepared composites were investigated and the sintering behavior was also discussed. Results show that SiC/MoSi₂ composites are composed of MoSi₂, SiC and trace amount of Mo_4.8Si₃C_0.6 phase and exhibit a fine-grain texture. During the synthesis process, there was an evolution from solid phase sintering to liquid phase sintering. When sintered at 1600 °C, the SiC/MoSi₂ composites present the most favorable mechanical properties, the Vickers hardness, bending strength and fracture toughness are 13.4 GPa, 674 MPa and 5.1 MPa·m^1/2, respectively, higher 44%, 171%, 82% than those of monolithic MoSi₂. SiC can withstand the applied stress as hard phase and retard the rapid propagation of cracks as second phase, which are beneficial to the improved mechanical properties of SiC/MoSi₂ composites.     

Bulk WC-Al2O3 composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

WC and WC-Al₂O₃ materials without metallic binder addition were densified by spark plasma sintering in the range of 1800-1900 °C. The densification behavior, phase constitution, microstructure and mechanical properties of pure WC and WC-Al₂O₃ composite were investigated. The addition of Al₂O₃ facilitates sintering and increases the fracture toughness of the composites to a certain extent. An interesting phenomenon is found that a proper content of Al₂O₃ additive helps to limit the formation of W₂C phase in sintered WC materials. The pure WC specimen possesses a hardness (HV₁₀) of 25.71 GPa, fracture toughness of 4.54 MPa·m^1/2, and transverse fracture strength of 862 MPa, while those of WC-6.8 vol.% Al₂O₃ composites are 24.48 GPa, 6.01 MPa·m^1/2, and 1245 MPa respectively. The higher fracture toughness and transverse fracture strength of WC-6.8 vol.% Al₂O₃ are thought to result from the reduction of W₂C phase, the crack-bridging by Al₂O₃ particles and the local change in fracture mode from intergranular to transgranular.     

Synthesis and phosphorescence properties of Mn, La and Ho in MgAl2Si2O8

Mn⁴⁺, La³⁺ and Ho³⁺ doped MgAl₂Si₂O₈-based phosphors were first synthesized by solid state reaction. They were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The phosphors were obtained at about 1300 °C. They showed broad red and fuchsia-pink emission bands in the range of 610-715 nm and had a different maximum intensity when activated by UV illumination. Such a fuchsia-pink emission can be attributed to the intrinsic d-d transitions of Mn⁴⁺.     

Effect of carbon content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mo2FeB2 based cermets

Four series of Mo₂FeB₂ based cermets with different carbon contents were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The transverse rupture strength (TRS), hardness (HRA) and fracture toughness (K_IC) were also measured. The free carbon present in the green compact significantly decreased the grain size; however, a high carbon content resulted in the formation of graphite phase and Fe₃C phase. An increasing carbon content promoted the dissolution of Mo in the binder phase. In addition, the binder phase varied from ferrite to martensite with increasing carbon content. The highest hardness was found for the cermets with 0.5 wt.% carbon addition, whereas the cermets without carbon addition exhibited the maximum TRS and fracture toughness.     

Effect of applied current on the electrodeposited Ni-Al2O3 composite coatings

Nano-sized Al₂O₃ ceramic particles (50 nm) were co-deposited with nickel using electrodeposition technique to develop composite coatings. The coatings were produced in an aqueous nickel bath at different current densities and the research investigated the effect of applied current on microstructure and thickness of the coatings. The variation in some mechanical properties such as hardness, wear resistance, and the adhesive strength of the composite coatings is influenced by the applied current and this was also studied. The morphology of the coatings was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The hardness, wear resistance, and bond strength of the coatings were evaluated by Vickers micro-hardness test, pin-on-disc test, and tensile test, respectively. Results showed that the Al₂O₃ particles were uniformly distributed in the coatings, and the coatings deposited at a current density of 0.01 A/cm² was most favorable in achieving a maximum current efficiency which causes the co-deposition of a maximum amount of Al₂O₃ particles (4.3 wt.%) in the coatings. The increase in Al₂O₃ particles in the coatings increased the mechanical properties of the Ni-Al₂O₃ composite coatings by grain refining and dispersion strengthening mechanisms.     

Comparison of ZrB2-SiC ceramics with Yb2O3 additive prepared by hot pressing and spark plasma sintering

This work compared phase composition, microstructures and mechanical properties of ZrB₂—20 vol.% SiC—5 vol.%Yb₂O₃ prepared by hot pressing (HP) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) in vacuum. Despite the same raw material composition, the two densification techniques led to the appearance of different secondary phases. The HP ceramics had coarsened microstructure, predominantly intergranular fracture characteristic and high fracture toughness. The SPS ceramics exhibited refined microstructure, transgranular fracture model and high bending strength.     

采用Ag-Cu-Ti+Mo复合钎料钎焊Si3N4陶瓷

采用Ag-Cu-Ti+Mo复合钎料连接Si3N4陶瓷,利用SEM,TEM,Nanoindentation研究了钎料内钼颗粒含量对接头组织和力学性能的影响.结果表明,在Si3N4/钎料界面处形成了一层致密的反应层,该反应层由TiN和Ti5Si3组成.接头的中间部分由银基固溶体、铜基固溶体、钼颗粒和Ti-Cu金属间化合物组成.借助于纳米压痕技术测定了接头内Ti-Cu化合物以及钎料金属的弹性模量和硬度值.随着钎料内钼颗粒含量的提高,母材/钎料界面反应层厚度逐渐降低;钎料金属中Ti-Cu化合物数量增多;此外,银和铜基固溶体组织逐渐变得细小.当添加5%Mo时,得到最高的接头强度429.4 MPa,该强度相比合金钎料提高了114.7%.     

Effect of Bi2O3 on structure and wetting studies of Bi2O3-ZnO-B2O3 glasses

Glasses with different Bi₂O₃ contents (37-42 mol%) have been prepared by conventional melt quench technique. The IR and Raman studies indicate that these glasses are made up of [BiO₆], [BiO₃], [BO₃] and [BO₄] basic structural units. The vibrations of [BiO₃] and [BO₃] become stronger as the content of Bi₂O₃ increases, which makes glass structure loosened. Viscosity of the glasses was measured by using a Rheotronic III paralleled plate rheometry, which shows that the viscosity of glass samples decreased when the content of Bi₂O₃ increased at the same temperature (400-460 °C). The temperature range which suits for glasses sealing was calculated by using the approximation of Arrhenian behaviour. The wetting performance of Bi₂O₃-ZnO-B₂O₃ glasses was described by using high-temperature microscope, which also proves that the structure of investigated Bi₂O₃-ZnO-B₂O₃ glasses become loosened due to the increasing of the content of Bi₂O₃.     

Synthesis of dense MoSi2 by high-frequency induction heated combustion and its mechanical properties

Dense MoSi₂ compound was synthesized with the high-frequency induction heated combustion synthesis method in one step from elemental powders of Mo and Si within 2 min. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and densification were carried out under the combined effects of induced current and mechanical pressure. A highly dense MoSi₂ with a relative density of up to 98% was produced with simultaneous application of 60 MPa pressure and induced current. The percentages of the total shrinkage occurring before and during the synthesis reaction were 16% and 53%, respectively. The average grain size was about 15 μm and a slight amount of Mo₅Si₃ was observed at the boundaries of the MoSi₂ grains. The fracture toughness and hardness values obtained were 3.5 MPa·m^1/2 and 1050 kg/mm², respectively. These values were similar to those of commercial ones.     

Strengthening and toughening forming of Al/Al2O3 composite in pseudo-semi-solid state

A new technology—thixo-die-forging of the composite in pseudo-semi-solid state was proposed based on the powder metallurgy technology combing with semi-solid metal process, and the cup shells with Al/Al₂O₃  composite was prepared successfully. The metallographic analysis and performance test show that the microstructure of parts is dense and mechanical properties are excellent with the volume fraction of Al is 37 %. The bend strength and fracture toughness of the composite are about 570-690 MPa and 8.5-16.8 MPa m^1/2, respectively. Comparing with reaction in situ and high temperature oxidation technologies the bending strength and fracture toughness are improved greatly. At the same time, it shows that the technology parameters have great influences on the properties. So it is feasible to prepare metal/ceramics composites by the proposed technology.     

Enhanced sintering, microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel with MoSi2 addition

Sintering 316L stainless steel to near full density with an appropriate sintering additive can ensure high mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. We present here a sintering approach which exploits the dissociation of ceramics in steels at high temperatures to activate sintering densification to achieve near full dense 316L stainless steel materials. MoSi₂ ceramic powder was used as a sintering additive for pre-alloyed 316L stainless steel powder. Sintering behavior and microstructure evolution were investigated at various sintering temperatures and content of MoSi₂ as sintering additive. The results showed that the sintering densification was enhanced with temperature and MoSi₂ content. The distribution of MoSi₂ was characterized by XMAPs. It was found that MoSi₂ dissociated during sintering and Mo and Si segregated at the grain boundaries. Excess Mo and Si were appeared as separate phases in the microstructure. Above 98% of theoretical density was achieved when the specimens were sintered at 1300 °C for 60 min with 5 wt.% MoSi₂ content. The stainless steel sintered with 5 wt.% MoSi₂ exhibited very attractive mechanical properties.