Sc and Sc–Zr effects on microstructure and mechanical properties of Be–Al alloy

Herein, we investigated the effects of Sc and Sc–Zr on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Be–Al alloy, showing that Sc alloying resulted in Be grain refinement and reduced the secondary dendritic arm spacing (SDAS) of these grains by 1/3, whereas Sc–Zr alloying further decreased the SDAS to 7.5?µm and afforded equiaxed/cellular-like morphology with further refined Be grains. The above alloying resulted in the formation of intermetallic compounds (Be₁₃Sc, Be₁₃Zr, and Al₃(Sc_1–xZr_x)), increasing the macrohardness of the Be–Al alloy, with the microhardness and elastic modulus of the Be phase increasing to a larger extent than those of Al. Importantly, Sc–Zr alloying resulted in better microstructure modification and mechanical reinforcement than Sc alloying.     

Nanocomposites based on MWCNT and styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymers: Effect of the preparation method on dispersion and polymer–filler interactions

Composites of Kraton-D® 1102 BT (a styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by melt mixing. The composites were characterized by electrical conductivity measurements (Coleman’s method), mechanical properties (DMA and stress–strain tests), thermal stability (thermogravimetry) and morphology of dispersion (SEM). Finally, the resulting composites were compared with those made by the solution casting method. The results showed a strong influence of the preparation methodology on the final properties of the composites due to changes in morphology. Composites prepared by casting showed a higher electrical conductivity than extruded ones; the composites with 6 wt.% of MWCNT prepared by extrusion presented conductivity of the same order of magnitude as the composite with 1 wt.% of MWCNT prepared by casting – 10⁻³ to 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹. However, the extruded samples presented better mechanical properties than the casting ones.     

Correlation on the Electrical and Thermal Conductivity for Binary Mg–Al and Mg–Zn Alloys

In this work, the electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of both as-solution binary Mg–Al and Mg–Zn alloys were investigated from 298 K to 448 K, and the correlation between the corresponding electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of the alloys was analyzed. The electrical resistivity of the Mg–Al and Mg–Zn alloys increased linearly with composition at 298 K, 348 K, 398 K, and 448 K, while the thermal conductivity of the alloys exponentially decreased with composition. Moreover, the electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity for both Mg–Al and Mg–Zn alloys varied linearly with temperature. On the basis of the Smith–Palmer equation, the thermal conductivity of both binary Mg alloys was found to be correlated quite well with the electrical conductivity in the temperature range from 298 K to 448 K. The corresponding Lorenz number is equal to $2.162\times 10^{-8} \,\hbox {V}^{2}\cdot \hbox {K}^{-2}$ 2.162 × 10 - 8 V 2 · K - 2 , and the lattice thermal conductivity is equal to $5.111 \,\hbox {W}\cdot \hbox {m}^{-1}\cdot \hbox {K}^{-1}$ 5.111 W · m - 1 · K - 1 . The possible mechanisms are also discussed.     

Effect of Al and C on structure and mechanical properties of Fe–Al–C alloys

Abstract

Effect of aluminium and carbon content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe–Al–C alloys has been investigated. Alloys were prepared by combination of air induction melting with flux cover (AIMFC) and electroslag remelting (ESR). The ESR ingots were hot forged and hot rolled at 1373 K. As rolled alloys were examined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to understand the microstructure of these alloys. The ternary Fe–Al–C alloys containing 10·5 and 13 wt-%Al showed the presence of three phases: FeAl with disordered bcc structure, Fe₃Al with ordered DO₃ structure and Fe₃AlC_0·5 precipitates with L′1₂ structure. Addition of high concentration of carbon to these alloys resulted in excellent hot workability and superior tensile at room temperature as well as tensile and creep properties at 873 K. An increase in Al content from 9 to 13 wt-% in Fe–Al–C alloys containing the same levels of carbon has no significant influence on strength and creep properties at 873 K, however resulted in significant improvement in room temperature strength accompanied by a reduction in room temperature ductility.     

Phase equilibria in the system Sm–Rh–O and thermodynamic and thermal studies on SmRhO3

Using isothermal equilibration, phase relations are established in the system Sm–Rh–O at 1273 K. SmRhO₃ with GdFeO₃-type perovskite structure is found to be the only ternary phase. Solid-state electrochemical cells, containing calcia-stabilized zirconia as an electrolyte, are used to measure the thermodynamic properties of SmRhO₃ formed from their binary component oxides Rh₂O₃ (ortho) and Sm₂O₃ (C-type and B-type) in two different temperature ranges. Results suggest that C-type Sm₂O₃ with cubic structure transforms to B-type Sm₂O₃ with monoclinic structure at 1110 K. The standard Gibbs energy of transformation is $ \Delta_{\text{tr}} G^{\text{o}} ( \pm 87)/{\text{J}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} = 3763 - 3.39\,(T/{\text{K}}) $ . Standard Gibbs energy of formation of SmRhO₃ from binary component oxides Rh₂O₃ and Sm₂O₃ with B-type rare earth oxide structure can be expressed as $ \Delta_{\text{f(ox)}} G^{\text{o}} ( \pm 75)/{\text{J}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} = - 64230 + 6.97(T/{\text{K}}) $ . The decomposition temperature of SmRhO₃ estimated from the extrapolation of electrochemical data is 1665 (±2) K in air and 1773 (±3) K in pure oxygen. Temperature-composition diagrams at constant oxygen pressures are constructed for the system Sm–Rh–O. Employing the thermodynamic data for SmRhO₃ from emf measurement and auxiliary data for other phases from the literature, oxygen potential-composition phase diagram and 3-D chemical potential diagram for the system Sm–Rh–O at 1273 K are developed.     

Laser and GTAW torch processing of Fe–Cr–B coatings on steel

A comparison has been made of the relationship between microstructure and microhardness developed by surface melting Nanosteel SHS 7170 Fe–Cr–B alloy powder onto a plain carbon steel surface. This powder was initially developed as a high velocity oxyfuel sprayed coating, giving a strength 10 times that of mild steel, and is particularly suitable for surface protection against wear and corrosion. In the present study, the alloy powder was injected into the laser melted surface, while a preplaced powder was melted using the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) technique. The laser track consisted of fine dendrites and needle-like microstructures, which produced a maximum hardness value of over 800 HV, while the GTAW track produced a mixture of equiaxed and columnar grain microstructures with a maximum hardness value of 670 HV. The lower hardness values are considered to be associated with dilution and grain size.     

Influence of titanium and nitrogen on hot ductility of C–Mn–Nb–Al steels

Abstract

The influence of small additions of titanium on the hot ductility of C–Mn–Nb–Al steels has been examined. Titanium and nitrogen levels varied in the ranges 0·014–0·045 and 0·004–0·011 wt-%, respectively, so that a wide range of Ti/N ratios could be studied. The tensile specimens were cast and cooled at average cooling rates of 25, 100, and 200 K min^-1 to test temperatures in the range 1100–800°C and strained to failure at a strain rate of 2 × 10^-3 s^-1. It was found that ductility in the titanium containing niobium steels improved with a decrease in the cooling rate, an increase in the size of the titanium containing precipitates, and a decrease in the volume fraction of precipitates. Coarser particles could be obtained by increasing the Ti/N ratio above the stoichiometric ratio for TiN and by testing at higher temperatures. However, ductility was generally poor for these titanium containing steels and it was equally poor when niobium was either present or absent. For steels with ～0·005 wt-%N ductility was very poor at the stoichiometric Ti/N ratio of 3·4 : 1. Ductility was better at the higher Ti/N ratios but only two of the titanium containing niobium steels gave better ductility than the titanium free niobium containing steels and then only at temperatures below about 950–900°C. One of these steels had the lowest titanium addition (0·014 wt-%), thus limiting the volume fraction of fine Ti containing particles and the other had the highest Ti/N ratio of 8 : 1. However, even for these two steels ductility was worse than for the titanium free steels in the higher temperature range. The commercial implications of these results are discussed.     

Collaboration Between UME and LNE-INM on Co–C Eutectic Fixed-Point Construction and Characterization

Metal-carbon eutectic fixed-point construction and characterization are subjects of ongoing investigation within the field of radiation thermometry. National metrology institutes are in constant search of stable eutectic points with minimal uncertainty for the purposes of either increasing the working temperature range of radiation thermometry or obtaining intermediate check points for both contact and non-contact thermometries. The Co–C eutectic point (~1,324°C) would be very effective in reducing certain calibration uncertainties at this temperature, once long-term stable and reproducible cells are constructed. For these purposes, one Co–C eutectic cell was fabricated at UME, in collaboration with LNE-INM, while a second Co–C cell was constructed for UME. At UME, the cell was filled (in the Vega-BB3500PG blackbody) using methods developed by LNE-INM. Eutectic plateaux, eutectic temperatures, and their uncertainties have been assessed using the UME Transfer Standard Pyrometer TSP-2, calibrated at UME, and an IKE LP3, calibrated at INM. The two Co–C eutectic cells (one constructed at INM and the other at UME) were compared at UME. The short-term stability and reproducibility of the cells have been assessed for various thermal conditions. A provisional uncertainty budget for the thermodynamic temperature of the Co–C cell as determined by LNE-INM has been established.     

Investigation on preparation and mechanical properties of W–Cu–Zn alloy with low W–W contiguity and high ductility

In order to improve the mechanical properties of the W–Cu alloy, the W–Cu–Zn alloys with low W–W contiguity were fabricated by three different preparation methods. For the first method, the mixed powder of copper-coated tungsten powder and Zn powder was sintered by SPS (Spark Plasma Sintering) process. For the second method, the mixed powder was processed by CIP (Cold Isostatic Pressing) before SPS. For the third method, a skeleton of the copper-coated tungsten powder was prepared by CIP, and then the skeleton was infiltrated with H70 brass. The microstructure, mechanical properties and failure mechanism of the prepared W–Cu–Zn alloys were investigated. The results show that the W–Cu–Zn alloy fabricated by the third method achieves a high relative density of 98.4% and a low W–W contiguity of 10%. The alloy exhibits a high dynamic compressive strength of 1000 MPa, with a high critical failure strain of 0.7. The Cu-Zn matrix of the alloy fabricated by the third method is composed of α-phase Cu–Zn alloy and Cu₃Zn particles. The homogeneous distribution of Zn in the matrix manifests good solution strengthening effect and the uniformly distributed Cu₃Zn particles has a strong precipitation strengthening effect, which are both responsible for the evidently enhanced mechanical properties.     

Effects of yttrium and zinc addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–Y–Zn alloys

The effects of the yttrium and zinc additions on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–Y–Zn alloys were investigated. It was found that the addition of yttrium increases the eutectic temperature of Mg–Y–Zn alloys greatly. The addition of yttrium can also greatly increase the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) temperature of Mg–Y–Zn alloys. The volume fraction of DRX grains in Mg₉₇Y₂Zn₁ alloy is larger than that in Mg₉₆Y₃Zn₁ alloy but smaller than that in Mg_95.5Y₃Zn_1.5 alloy due to the effects of yttrium and zinc addition. The long period stacking (LPS) structures of 18R and 14H were observed in Mg–Y–Zn alloys. The increase in the yttrium content results in increase in strength and decrease in elongation in Mg–Y–Zn alloys. The increase in both yttrium and zinc contents results in increase in both strength and elongation in Mg–Y–Zn alloys. The high strengths of the alloys were thought due to the strengthening by the grain refinement, solid solution strengthening, strain strengthening, high density of plane faults of the LPS structures, and distribution of fine Mg₂₄Y₅ phase.     

Positron annihilation study on deformation-induced Au precipitation in Fe–Au and Fe–Au–B–N alloys

We have investigated the potential self-healing of deformation-induced defects by Au precipitation during isothermal aging at 550 °C in Fe–Au and Fe–Au–B–N alloys using positron annihilation spectroscopy. Two different samples with 0 and 24 % pre-strain were used to study the influence of dislocations on the Au precipitation. Dislocations introduced prior to the aging process play an essential role in the formation of Au precipitates. The Coincidence Doppler broadening (CDB) technique shows that Au precipitation in the matrix occurs in the pre-strained samples only. TEM observations confirm the heterogeneous nature of the Au precipitation which occurs exclusively on dislocations and grain boundaries. The evolution of S and W parameters derived from the CDB indicates a three-stage precipitation process for the pre-strained samples. Both the hardness tests and the positron annihilation spectroscopy indicate that the addition of boron and nitrogen to the Fe–Au alloy causes a deceleration of the Au precipitation in the pre-strained samples, but does not alter the defect-induced mechanism of the Au precipitation. The defect-induced Au precipitation provides a promising site-specific autonomous repair mechanism to extend the lifetime of Fe-based alloys for high temperature structural applications.     

Role of environmental and annealing conditions on the passivation-free in-Ga–Zn–O TFT

We examined the characteristics of passivation-free amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O thin film transistor (a-IGZO TFT) devices under different thermal annealing atmospheres. With annealing at higher temperature, the device performed better at the above-threshold operation region, which indicated the film quality was improved with the decrease of defects in the a-IGZO active region. The mobility, threshold voltage and subthreshold swing of a-IGZO TFT annealed at 450 °C was 7.53 cm²/V s, 0.71 V and 0.18 V/decade, respectively. It was also observed that the a-IGZO was conductive after thermal annealing in the vacuum, due to the ease of oxygen out-diffusion from the a-IGZO back channel. The oxygen deficiency resultantly appeared, and provided leaky paths causing electrical unreliability when TFT was turned off. In contrast, the annealing atmosphere full of O₂ or N₂ would suppress the oxygen diffusion out of the a-IGZO back channel. The worst V_th degradation of a-IGZO TFT after positive gate bias stress and negative gate bias stress (NGBS) was about 2 V and ? 2 V, respectively. However, the V_th shift in the NGBS testing could be suppressed to ? 0.5 V in vacuum chamber. Material analysis methods including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the change of a-IGZO film after different thermal annealing treatments. The variation of O 1s spectra with different annealing atmospheres showed the consistence with our proposed models.     

Review on microstructure evolution in Sn–Ag–Cu solders and its effect on mechanical integrity of solder joints

The use of Pb-bearing solders in electronic assemblies is avoided in many countries due to the inherent toxicity and environmental risks associated with lead. Although a number of “Pb-free” alloys have been invented, none of them meet all the standards generally satisfied by a conventional Pb–Sn alloy. A large number of reliability problems still exist with lead free solder joints. Solder joint reliability depends on mechanical strength, fatigue resistance, hardness, coefficient of thermal expansion which are influenced by the microstructure, type and morphology of inter metallic compounds (IMC). In recent years, Sn rich solders have been considered as suitable replacement for Pb bearing solders. The objective of this review is to study the evolution of microstructural phases in commonly used lead free xSn–yAg–zCu solders and the various factors such as substrate, minor alloying, mechanical and thermo-mechanical strains which affect the microstructure. A complete understanding of the mechanisms that determine the formation and growth of interfacial IMCs is essential for developing solder joints with high reliability. The data available in the open literature have been reviewed and discussed.     

An investigation on microwave sintering of Fe, Fe–Cu and Fe–Cu–C alloys

The powder characteristics of metallic powders play a key role during sintering. Densification and mechanical properties were also influenced by it. The current study examines the effect of heating mode on densification, microstructure, phase compositions and properties of Fe, Fe–2Cu and Fe–2Cu–0·8C systems. The compacts were heated in 2·45 GHz microwave sintering furnaces under forming gas (95%N₂–5%H₂) at 1120 °C for 60 min. Results of densification, mechanical properties and microstructural development of the microwave-sintered samples were reported and critically analysed in terms of various powder processing steps.     

Influence of solutionising and aging temperatures on microstructure and mechanical properties of cast Al–Si–Cu alloy

Abstract

This paper presents the influence of solution and aging temperatures on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 319 secondary cast aluminium alloy. Experimental alloy was subjected to different heat treatment cycles. Heat treatments were designed with two solutionising temperatures (504 and 545°C) at two solutionising times (4 and 8 h), followed by quenching in water at 60°C and artificial aging. The artificial aging was carried out at two temperatures (200 and 154°C) for 6 h. The improvement in mechanical properties was obtained with low solution temperature (504°C) for 8 h followed by quenching in water to 60°C and aging at low temperature (154°C). The increase in the solutionising temperature from 504 to 545°C was recommendable only for short solutionising time (4 h). Increase in the aging temperature from 154 to 200°C has led to the increase in hardness with the corresponding decrease in ductility. Aging under unfavourable conditions (prolonged aging at high temperature) caused coarsening of spheroidised eutectic silicon crystals and precipitated particles resulted in deleterious effect on the tensile strength.     

Effects of phosphorus on creep behaviour of nickel and Ni–20Cr and on creep and strength of Nimonic 80A

Abstract

The influence of P on the creep behaviour of Ni, Ni–20Cr (wt-%), and Nimonic 80A was investigated by carrying out creep tests under various loads and at different temperatures. After creep fracture the samples were investigated using optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. The grain boundary segregation was examined using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). It was found that P segregates to the grain boundaries in all the materials investigated. The creep rate of Ni–20Cr and Nimonic 80A is decreased by the addition of P. Grain boundary segregation of P and its influence on strength was also investigated using AES for specimens aged between 600 and 700°C after fracture by a tensile test inside an ultrahigh vacuum chamber. Maxima of tensile strength are observed to be time dependent as a result of carbide precipitation, which is affected by the P segregation.

MST/1679     

Effects of Ca on microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties and biocompatibility of Mg–Zn–Ca alloys

Zn and Ca were selected as alloying elements to develop an Mg–Zn–Ca alloy system for biomedical application due to their good biocompatibility. The effects of Ca on the microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties as well as the biocompatibility of the as-cast Mg–Zn–Ca alloys were studied. Results indicate that the microstructure of Mg–Zn–Ca alloys typically consists of primary α-Mg matrix and Ca₂Mg₆Zn₃/Mg₂Ca intermetallic phase mainly distributed along grain boundary. The yield strength of Mg–Zn–Ca alloy increased slightly with the increase of Ca content, whilst its tensile strength increased at first and then decreased. Corrosion tests in the simulated body fluid revealed that the addition of Ca is detrimental to corrosion resistance due to the micro-galvanic corrosion acceleration. In vitro hemolysis and cytotoxicity assessment disclose that Mg–5Zn–1.0Ca alloy has suitable biocompatibility.     

Alloying effects on the microstructure and phase stability of Fe–Cr–Mn steels

Austenitic Fe–Cr–Mn stainless steels interstitially alloyed with nitrogen have received considerable interest lately, due to their many property improvements over conventional Fe–Cr–Ni alloys. The addition of nitrogen to Fe–Cr–Mn stabilizes the fcc structure and increases the carbon solubility. The benefits of increased interstitial nitrogen and carbon content include: enhanced strength, hardness, and wear resistance. This study examines the effect of carbon, silicon, molybdenum, and nickel additions on the phase stability and tensile behavior of nitrogen-containing Fe–Cr–Mn alloys. Nitrogen and carbon concentrations exceeding 2.0 wt.% were added to the base Fe–18Cr–18Mn composition without the formation of nitride or carbide precipitates. Minor additions of molybdenum, silicon, and nickel did not affect nitrogen interstitial solubility, but did reduce carbon solubility resulting in the formation of M₂₃C₆ (M=Cr, Fe, Mo) carbides. Increasing the interstitial content increases the lattice distortion strain, which is directly correlated with an increase in yield stress.     

Precipitation and its effect on age-hardening behavior of as-cast Mg–Gd–Y alloy

Microstructures evolution of Mg–7Gd–3Y–0.4Zr (wt.%) alloy during aging at 200 °C was investigated by using optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results showed that the alloy could exhibit remarkable age-hardening response by optimum solid solution and aging conditions. Especially, the highest Vickers hardness (HV) of this alloy was obtained when it was aged at 200 °C for 120 h, which was mainly attributed to a dense distribution of β′ precipitation in the matrix.