Influence of heat treatment conditions on the mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy

In the current work, several heat treatments were carried out below and above the beta-transition temperature of the Ti–6Al–4V alloy followed by aging at 550 °C for 6 hours. The resultant microstructures and their effects on the mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy were investigated. The results showed that solution treatment of Ti–6Al–4V samples followed by water quenching from β and α/β fields raised the alloy hardness from 380 to 575 and 656?HV, respectively, while no remarkable changes were observed after aging. The hot tensile strength of the as-forged sample increased from 671 to 756?MPa after water quenching from the ß- or α/ß- field, while the air cooling from β-phase field decreased the tensile strength to 644 MPa. The fracture mode of the tensile samples was more ductile in case of the solution-treated samples compared to the as-forged samples. A subsurface layer was formed due to the diffusion of oxygen into the surface at high temperatures. This layer which is known as ‘oxygen diffusion layer’ masked the differences of wear behaviour of the specimens.     

Microstructural and Tribological Characteristics of Al–10Cu–Fe alloy Produced by Vertical Centrifugal Casting process

In this study, an attempt has been made to produce Al–10Cu–Fe alloy by vertical centrifugal casting at speeds ranging from 800 to 2850 rpm. The microstructural features, mechanical and wear properties have been investigated. The microstructure of Al–10Cu–Fe alloy consists of equiaxed grain morphology of the primary α-phase with eutectic phases in the interdendritic regions. It has been observed that there is a variation in the grain size from the inner surface of the casting to its outer surface. The speed also has a strong influence on the grain size and subsequent mechanical properties of the alloy. The wear properties of the alloy have been evaluated at a constant sliding velocity of 1 m/s for a range of applied load and sliding distance. The variations in the wear behavior are attributed to the size and solidification morphology of the castings.     

Influence of thermal diffusion on decarburisation of iron–chromium alloy droplets by oxygen–argon gas mixtures

Abstract

Using an electromagnetic levitation technique, the kinetics of decarburisation of Fe–Cr–C alloy droplets by oxygen–argon gas mixtures containing up to 10 vol.-% oxygen was investigated at 1873 K. The observed decarburisation rates were less than predicted using conventional formulation of governing mass transport numbers. It is hypothesised that the effects of thermal diffusion caused by the steep temperature gradient (～1550 degrees) between the incoming gas stream and the surface of the droplet, is responsible for the difference observed between the well established mass transfer model and the experimental data for decarburisation kinetics. This finding has important implications with respect to the application of appropriate mass/heat transport equations when using commercial software to model pyro-metallurgical processes, such as stainless steel refining, where large temperature gradients are an inherent component of the system.     

Effect of lead on the structure and phase composition of an Al–5% Si–4% Cu casting alloy

The phase transformations in the Al–Cu–Si–Pb system have been studied using calculations. It is shown that the aluminum-based solid solution is in equilibrium only with the Al₂Cu, (Si), and (Pb) phases, which correspond to the relevant binary systems. Reported polythermal and isothermal sections show that the Al–Cu–Si–Pb system is characterized by a significant liquid miscibility gap. The effect of lead on the structure and phase composition of an Al–5% Si–4% Cu alloy in the as-cast and annealed states is studied. Lead inclusions are located at the boundaries of dendritic (Al) cells and are globular in the as-cast alloy and after annealing at 500°C. The presence of lead phase does not affect the precipitation hardening upon quenching and aging.     

Influence of hot isostatic pressing on the structure and properties of an innovative low-alloy high-strength aluminum cast alloy based on the Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Ni–Fe system

Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is applied for treatment of castings of innovative low-ally high-strength aluminum alloy, nikalin ATs6N0.5Zh based on the Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Ni–Fe system. The influence of HIP on the structure and properties of castings is studied by means of three regimes of barometric treatment with different temperatures of isometric holding: t ₁ = 505 ± 2°C, p ₁ = 100 MPa, τ₁ = 3 h (HIP1); t ₂ = 525 ± 2°C, p ₂ = 100 MPa, τ₂ = 3 h (HIP2); and t ₃ = 545 ± 2°C, p ₃ = 100 MPa, τ₃ = 3 h (HIP3). It is established that high-temperature HIP leads to actually complete elimination of porosity and additional improvement of the morphology of second phases. Improved structure after HIP provides improvement properties, especially of plasticity. In particular, after heat treatment according of regime HIP2 + T4 (T4 is natural aging), the alloy plasticity is improved by about two times in comparison with the initial state (from ~6 to 12%). While applying regime HIP3 + T6 (T6 is artificial aging for reaching the maximum strength), the plasticity has improved by more than three times in comparison with the initial state, as after treatment according to regimes HIP1 + T6 and HIP2 + T6 (from ~1.2 to ~5.0%), which are characterized by a lower HIP temperature.     

Nanostructure Cu–Cr alloy with high dissolved Cr contents obtained by mechanical alloying process

Abstract

A nanostructural solid solution of Cu–Cr was prepared by the mechanical alloying process. Three mixtures of Cu powders with 1, 3 and 6 wt-%Cr powders were milled under 250 rev min^?1 for different milling times of 4, 12, 48 and 96 h. The mixtures were subsequently compacted and sintered at 450, 600 and 750°C for half an hour. Milled powder mixtures were examined by X-ray diffraction technique, which showed the presence of nanoscale crystallites in the samples and the decrease of lattice parameter of Cu crystals. Sintered powders were investigated by optical microscope and their hardnesses were measured by microhardness. Results showed increasing trends in hardness of the compacted powder mixtures with increasing milling time. Sintering temperature had also evident effects on the behaviour of powder mixtures. As sintering temperature increased, microhardness increased and a peak appeared then a decreasing trend was observed.     

Columnar-to-equiaxed transition during the solidification of a Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al alloy

The columnar-to-equiaxed transition in the solidification of a Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al alloy is considered during vacuum arc remelting. A GV curve is plotted using a linear model of a multicomponent alloy along with modified Hunt (to determine temperature gradient G as a function of supercooling ΔT) and Ivantsov (to determine the concentrations at the dendrite tip versus liquidus isotherm velocity V) models. The unknown parameters of the models are determined by comparing the results of model calculations with experimental data, which are also obtained in this work. The plotted GV curve is compared with the GV curve of a VT3-1 alloy.     

Effect of chromium–sulphur interactions on decarburisation of levitated Fe–C alloy droplets by CO2–Ar gas mixtures

This study provides an evaluation of the influence of chromium and sulphur on the decarburisation kinetics of Fe–Cr–C alloy droplets when exposed to argon gas mixtures containing carbon dioxide as the oxidant. For droplets containing the same amount of surface active sulphur, it was found that the decarburisation rate of iron–chromium droplets was substantially faster than that of chromium free alloys. This enhanced rate can be explained in terms of the attractive interaction between chromium and sulphur, which results in a decrease in the number of surface sites occupied by sulphur. An appropriate rate equation has been developed to characterise this behaviour. The findings from this work have beneficial implications with respect to the preferential oxidation of carbon rather than chromium when stainless steel is refined with argon–carbon dioxide gas mixtures.     

Research on the preparation and shielding properties of W–Ni–Fe alloy material by liquid phase sintering

Traditional and single shielding material has not satisfied the demand for radiation protection. Shielding materials with a good comprehensive performance have attracted attention. W–Ni–Fe alloys with different Ni/Fe ratios have been prepared through liquid phase sintering using W, Ni and Fe elementary powders. The microstructure, morphology and fracture appearance of such prepared W–Ni–Fe alloys with different Ni/Fe ratios were analysed with the SEM and metallographic test. The effects of the Ni/Fe ratio on the density, microhardness, tensile strength and shielding efficiency were investigated. The results show that for W–Ni–Fe alloys with different Ni/Fe ratios, the alloy surfaces are composed of ellipsoidal W particles on a Ni–Fe substrate. However, when the Ni/Fe ratio is 7:3, uniform and spherical W crystals are embedded in the Ni–Fe substrate and evidently form dense boundaries, which contribute to the good mechanical properties and shielding effect of the alloy.     

Surface modification of （Tb0.3Dy0.7）Fe1.95 alloy by ion nitriding process

Effect of ion nitriding modification on surface hardness, corrosion resistance and magnetostriction of (Tb0.3Dy0.7)Fe1.95 alloy was investigated. Results demonstrated that a 100-200 nm thick nitrided layer was formed on the sample surface by ion nitriding treatment, which improved obviously surface hardness, wear, and corrosion resistance properties of (Tb0.3Dy0.7)Fe1.95 alloys. The surface hardness was increased from HV587 to HV622 after ion nitriding at 650 K for 6 h. Furthermore, ion nitriding treatment had almost no influence on mag-netostrictive performance as the nitrided layer was quite thin and the treatment temperature was not too high. The results might provide us a new approach for surface modification of (Tb0.3Dy0.7)Fe1.95 alloy.     

Influence of treatment of melts by electromagnetic acoustic fields on the structure and properties of alloys of the Al–Si system

The influence of treating the melts by electromagnetic acoustic fields on the structure and properties of Al–12% Si and Al–20% Si binary alloys is investigated. In the course of experiments, the frequency of the electromagnetic field induced in the loop antenna varies as 500, 1000, and 2000 kHz. The melts are treated after their degassing and refining. It is established that this treatment method of the melts leads to a reduction of the total preparation time of alloy by 12% on average. The short-term treatment of the melts by electromagnetic acoustic fields promotes the refinement of the main phase components of alloys and an increase in their mechanical properties. When treating the Al–12% Si eutectic alloy with a frequency of 500 kHz, α-Al dendrites are refined from 30 to 22 μm and eutectic Si crystals are refined from 13 to 10 μm. When treating the Al–20%Si eutectic alloy with a frequency of 1000 kHz, eutectic Si crystals diminished from 8 to 5 μm and these of primary Si diminished from 90 to 62 μm. The ultimate tensile strength of the Al–12%Si eutectic alloy increases 13% under the mentioned treatment modes, while the relative elongation increases 17%; as for the Al–20% Si eutectic alloy, the same characteristics increases 9 and 65%, respectively. Based on these investigations, it is concluded that the selection of the treatment parameters of the melts of the Al–Si system by electromagnetic acoustic fields should be determined by the silicon content in the alloy. It is necessary to treat the melt by waves with a higher oscillation frequency with an increase in the silicon concentration. This treatment method makes it possible to form the modified fine-crystalline structure of alloy and, consequently, improves their mechanical properties. It can be successfully used when fabricating fine-crystalline foundry alloys and in the production of alloys of the Al–Si system. To determine the optimal treatment parameters depending on the structure of the initial charge and alloy nature, additional investigations are required.     

Effect of the temperature–rate parameters of directional solidification on the structure formation in high-temperature materials

The effect of the temperature gradient and the crystal growth rate on the structure formation in nickel and niobium superalloys is studied under the conditions of the flat, cellular, dendritic, or dendritic–cellular configuration of a solidification front during directional solidification.     

Influence of crystallization conditions on the structure and modifying ability of Al–Sc alloys

The influence of the modes of thermal-and-temporal treatment and cooling rate of metallic alloys on crystallization regularities of Al–Sc alloys and their structure, properties, and modifying ability are established. Castings of Al–Sc alloy, which were prepared by the electrolysis of salt melts KF–NaF–AlF₃–Sc₂O₃ at 820–850°C, are used as the initial charge for casting. It is established that, by varying the magnitude of melt overheating and casting temperature, it is possible to vary the crystal shape, amount, and size in wide limits. The modifying action of cast and rapidly quenched master alloys, as well as the master alloy produced by electrolysis, is tested for Al–4.5% Cu alloy. The largest effect of milling the structure of the Al–4.5% Cu–0.4% Sc alloy is attained when using the rapidly quenched master alloy.     

In situ formation of the composite structure of a eutectic Nb–Si alloy during directional solidification in a liquid-metal coolant

The results of investigation of the structure of a heat-resistant eutectic niobium–silicon alloy, which was prepared by directional solidification using a liquid-metal coolant, are reported. The typical areas of the macrostructure of an ingot undergone directional solidification are considered, and the composition and the volume fractions of the Nb–Si composite have been determined.     

Influence of process conditions during Ruhrstahl–Hereaeus refining process and effect of vacuum degassing on carbon removal to ultra-low levels

Abstract

The effect of the time taken to add the alloy and the gas injection mode are significant factors for fast decarburisation. Industrial experiments and thermodynamic calculations are adopted to show the transition of the main factors and reaction sites with time. The results indicate that adding steel scrap and alloy are not recommended in the first 7 min in order to keep good thermodynamic and dynamic conditions. The gas injection mode is more critical for reducing the chamber pressure to 67 Pa in 8.5 min and the gas volume should be less than 10 m³ in the first 4 min after the reaction begins. This method is effective in improving the decarburisation rate and decreasing the carbon content at the end of decarburisation. For 69% of the site tests the final carbon content was kept to about 10 ppm within 15 min.     

Effects of strain aging on the structure and mechanical properties of PM 92·5W–5Ni–2·5Fe heavy alloys

Abstract

This paper describes the effects of strain aging on the mechanical properties and the microstructure of forged 92·5W–5Ni–2·5Fe and its heavy alloys microalloyed with cobalt. The investigation was performed on cold rotary forged rods deformed 15, 20 and 30% and strain aged at temperatures from 673 to 1273 K for 1·8–32·4 ks. The results show that for these alloys, there is a temperature range from 773 to 873 K in which maximum ultimate strength and hardness can be attained. Furthermore, the strain aged alloys have shown strength and hardness increase at a temperature of 973 K in a time period of 10·8 ks. The fracture analysis has shown the presence of predominant transgranular fracture of the tungsten phase and γ-phase in the strain-aged alloys in comparison with the forged alloys. The results indicate that interface and tungsten phase strengthening are predominant mechanisms of strain aging.     

Influence of the Oxygen Induced Surface Segregation Process of Solutes on the Anti-corrosion Properties of the Fe–Cr and Fe–Cr–Si Alloys

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - The influence of the oxygen-induced surface segregation process of Cr and Si solutes on the anti-corrosion properties of Fe–Cr and...     

The effect of FeS film on the surface of iron powder particles on mechanical properties and fracture of Fe–Cu–C alloys

This article provides a new kind of P/M processing by designing thin-layered FeS film coated on the surface of iron powder particles for preparing high density Fe–Cu–C materials. Experimental results showed that FeS lubricating coating on the surface of iron powder particles was significant as a means of reducing friction in the pressing process of Fe–Cu–C alloys. After being pressed, the green density increased from 7.18 to 7.42?g?cm^?3. The sintered density increased from 7.10 to 7.37?g?cm^?3. In the sintering process, the FeS was liquid, and useful in purifying particle surface and strengthening grain boundaries to improve the mechanical properties. The hardness and tensile strength of the Fe–2.0Cu–0.9C–0.5FeS₂ material were 80.5 HRB and 590?MPa. Analysis of fracture showed the main fracture was transgranular fracture. And FeS spherical particles gathered in the pores of the Fe–Cu–C alloys.