Elaboration, microstructure and reactivity of Cr3C2 powders of different morphology

Cr₃C₂ powders have been prepared by heat-treatment of metastable chromium oxides of controlled morphology in H₂---CH₄ atmosphere. Starting with these highly reactive oxides allows formation of Cr₃C₂ at 700 °C. The reaction is pseudomorphic and different grain shapes (needles, rods, spheres and polyhedra) have been obtained. The size distribution is narrow and the grain size is generally of the order of a few tens of micrometers, but the “spheres” are in fact made up of aggregates of small platelets about 1.5 μm wide and 0.7 μm thick. The oxidation in air of the carbides was studied by thermal analyses (TGA, DTG and DSC) and was found to proceed in four steps in the 250–700 °C range. The differences observed between the carbides are related to their morphology and texture.     

Abrasive wear of Al2O3-reinforced aluminium-based MMCs

The effects of volume fraction, Al₂O₃ particle size and effects of porosity in the composites on the abrasive wear resistance of compo-casting Al alloy MMCs have been studied for different abrasive conditions. It was seen that porosity in the composites is proportional to particle content. In addition, process variables like the stirring speed, and the position and diameter of the stirrer affect of the porosity content in a way similar to that observed for particle content. In addition, the abrasive wear rates of composites decreased more rapidly with increase in Al₂O₃ volume fraction in tests performed over 80 grade SiC abrasive paper than in tests conducted over 220 grade SiC abrasive paper. Furthermore, the wear rates decreased with increase in Al₂O₃ size for the composites containing the same amount of Al₂O₃. Hence, it is deduced that aluminium alloy composites reinforced with larger Al₂O₃ particles are more effective against abrasive wear than those reinforced with smaller Al₂O₃ particles. At the same time the results show that the beneficial effects of hard Al₂O₃ particles on wear resistance far surpassed that of the sintered porosity in the compocasting metal-matrix composites (MMCs). Nevertheless, the fabrication of composites containing soft particles such as graphite favors a reduction in the friction coefficient. For this reason graphite and copper were used in the matrix in different amounts to detect their effect on wear resistance. Finally, it was seen that wear rate of the composites decreased considerably with graphite additions.     

Ti3C2Tx/聚酰亚胺复合材料的制备及性能

为了改善聚酰亚胺（PI）的热学性能和冲击断裂强度、弯曲强度和硬度等力学性能,通过液相刻蚀三元层状陶瓷Ti₃AlC₂制备了二维层状结构纳米Ti₃C₂T_x,利用XRD、FE-SEM对产物进行了物相分析和微观结构表征;采用湿法球磨和热压成型法制备了不同Ti₃C₂T_x含量的Ti₃C₂T_x/PI复合材料,考察了Ti₃C₂T_x对复合材料热学性能、冲击断裂强度、弯曲强度和硬度等的影响,并分析了断面形貌。结果表明,所制备的Ti₃C₂T_x为纳米片层结构,片层厚度为20~50 nm,片层堆叠;二维Ti₃C₂T_x在PI基体中分散均匀,且固化过程中PI进入Ti₃C₂T_x层间提高了二者之间的结合力,使界面结合良好;Ti₃C₂T_x纳米片的添加提高了PI的玻璃化转变温度并改善了基体的冲击断裂强度、弯曲强度和硬度等,当Ti₃C₂T_x添加量为0.25wt%时,Ti₃C₂T_x/PI复合材料的玻璃化转变温度提高了17℃,冲击断裂强度提高了31%。     

The effect of niobium on the microstructure of ferritic stainless steel

The effect of different amounts of Nb and of homogenization on the ferritic stainless steels containing 17–18 wt.% Cr was investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). It was observed that M₂₃C₆, NbC and sigma phase formed in these steels. In addition, the formation of Nb₂C was observed in the sample containing 3.0 wt.% Nb. While the amount of Nb increased from 0.5 to 3.0 wt.% Nb, the microhardness of the matrix and the amount of M₂₃C₆ decreased and the toughness of the samples increased. After homogenization, the increase in the toughness of the samples containing 1.5–3.0 wt.%Nb was considerable and impressive.     

Heat treatment and wear characteristics of Al/SiCp composites fabricated by duplex process

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of alloying elements and heat treatment on the microstructures, wear resistance, and heat resistance of Al–Si–Cu–Mg–(Ni)/SiC_p composites fabricated by a duplex process that consists of squeeze infiltration (1st step) followed by squeeze casting (2nd step). This duplex process produces a homogeneous distribution of SiC_p in Al alloy. The hardness of the composites increased with decrease in SiC_p size, and also with Ni addition in both the as-cast and the as-aged specimens. Compared with 5 and 10 μm SiC_p reinforced Al composites, the aging time to obtain the peak hardness was shortened for 3 μm SiC_p reinforced Al composite, because of higher density dislocations on the periphery of SiC_p in the matrix. However, the Al composite reinforced with 10 μm SiC_p was found to have the lowest wear amount as compared with 3 and 5 μm SiC_p composites. The amount of wear in Al/SiC_p composites decreased with increase of the sliding speed because abrasive wear occurred under low sliding speed and block-type wear debris occurred under high sliding speed.     

Ti3C2Tx MXene/聚乙烯醇复合材料的介电性能

以二维过渡金属碳化物Ti₃C₂T_x MXene作为填料,非铁电、可生物降解的高分子物质聚乙烯醇(PVA)作为基体,通过溶液涂膜法制备了具有高介电常数的Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/PVA柔性复合材料。研究了Ti₃C₂T_x MXene充填量对复合材料介电性能的影响。Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/PVA复合材料的介电性能变化遵循逾渗规律,随着Ti₃C₂T_x MXene充填量的增加,Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/PVA复合材料的介电常数呈先增加后减小的变化规律,Ti₃C₂T_x MXene充填量为20wt%的Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/PVA复合材料介电常数在20 Hz时高达577.3,比纯PVA的介电常数(10.5)提升了5 398%。但是,当Ti₃C₂T_x MXene充填量超过20wt%后,Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/PVA复合材料的介电常数急剧下降,介电损耗快速上升,表现出明显的逾渗行为。      

Mechanical and machining properties of X38CrMoV5-1/Al2O3 metal matrix composites and components

Large plates and discs of X38CrMoV5-1/Al₂O₃ metal matrix composites (MMCs) were produced via Ti-activated pressureless melt infiltration. After machining the plates were characterised using non-destructive testing methods (X-ray and ultrasonic C-scans) in order to investigate the quality of infiltration before preparing bars for four-point-bending tests. Subsequently, parts of the plates were used for machining tests, including sawing, welding and spark erosion. Furthermore, MMC discs were prepared for wear tests. The as-infiltrated MMC discs show a low wear rate of 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁰–2.2 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s, which is 2–3 times better than the hardened steel itself, or 12–17 times better compared to X38CrMoV5-1 in the annealed state. As a first component a wire-drawing die was fabricated and successfully tested for drawing Al alloy AA6082 and steel 16MnCr5.     

Friction and wear of epoxy/TiO2 nanocomposites: Influence of additional short carbon fibers, Aramid and PTFE particles

An epoxy-based nanocomposite containing graphite powder (7 vol%) and nano-scale TiO₂ (4 vol%) was developed for tribological evaluation. A series of composites containing additional fillers such as short carbon fibers (SCF), Aramid and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles was developed and evaluated in adhesive and low amplitude oscillating wear modes. The incorporation of SCF and Aramid particles resulted in a remarkable improvement in the sliding wear resistance. However, SCF impaired the low amplitude oscillating wear resistance. The further addition of PTFE to the SCF filled nanocomposites reduced the friction and wear under both wear conditions. However, an adverse effect of PTFE was found for the Aramid particles filled nanocomposites. Under sliding conditions, the lowest wear rate and coefficient of friction showed the 2–4 vol% PTFE filled SCF nanocomposite. Aramid particles containing nanocomposites (without PTFE) exhibited the best wear and friction behavior under low amplitude oscillating wear conditions among the selected composites. The wear mechanisms were studied by scanning electron microscopy.     

Effect of volume fraction of carbon fibers on wear behavior of Al/Al2O3/C hybrid metal matrix composites

Wear behavior of Al/Al₂O₃/C hybrid metal matrix composites fabricated by squeeze casting method was characterized. The effects of volume fraction of carbon fiber on wear behavior of hybrid composites was investigated. Wear behavior of Al/Al₂O₃/C composites was characterized by the dry spindle wear test under various sliding speeds.

The wear resistance of Al/Al₂O₃/C composites was remarkably improved over Al/Al₂O₃ composites by adding carbon fibers to Al/Al₂O₃/C composites. Specifically, at the intermediate sliding speed the wear resistance of Al/Al₂O₃/C composites containing 8 vol.% carbon fiber was found to be better than that of the rest of the carbon hybrid composites. From fractographic studies, damaged sections in wear surfaces of hybrid composites at intermediate sliding speed were not observed due to the formation of solid lubrication film. The solid lubrication film which was formed as a result of adding carbon fibers improved the wear resistance of carbon hybrid composites because this film reduced the high friction force between MMCs and counter material.     

Electron microscopy and hardness study of a semi-solid processed 27 wt%Cr cast iron

A semi-solid processed 27 wt%Cr cast iron was studied by electron microscopy and its microstructure was related to the hardness. In the as-cast condition, the primary proeutectic austenite was round in shape while the eutectic M₇C₃ carbide was found as radiating clusters mixed with directional clusters. Growth in the [0 0 1]M₇C₃ with planar faces of {0 2 0}M₇C₃ and was usually observed with an encapsulated core of austenite. Destabilisation heat treatment followed by air cooling led to a precipitation of secondary M₂₃C₆ carbide and a transformation of the primary austenite to martensite in the semi-solid processed iron. Precipitation behaviour is comparable to that observed in the destabilisation of conventional cast iron. However, the nucleation of secondary M₂₃C₆ carbide on the eutectic M₇C₃ carbide was observed for the first time. Tempering after destabilisation led to further precipitation of carbide within the tempered martensite in the eutectic structure. The maximum hardness was obtained after destabilisation and tempering heat treatment due to the precipitation of secondary carbides within the martensite matrix and a possible reduction in the retained austenite.     

Cr3C2-NiCr涂层对水力机械材料耐磨蚀性能影响研究

以水力机械材料中的A3钢为基体材料,选取UDS-200全自动爆炸喷涂系统为喷涂设备,通过不同喷涂功率在A3钢表面喷涂了5种不同孔隙率的Cr₃C₂-NiCr涂层样品。采用FE-SEM和显微硬度计,研究了Cr₃C₂-NiCr涂层样品的表面形貌和显微硬度;通过摩擦磨损试验和中性盐雾腐蚀试验,研究了Cr₃C₂-NiCr涂层样品对水力机械材料的耐磨性能和耐腐蚀性能的影响。结果表明,实施摩擦磨损后,Cr₃C₂-NiCr涂层样品表面的磨痕部位比其余部位更为光滑,磨痕呈现清晰的条纹状;Cr₃C₂-NiCr涂层样品的摩擦系数呈现先升高后降低的趋势,升高和降低的波动幅度较小,摩擦系数基本稳定在0.6左右;Cr₃C₂-NiCr涂层属于脆性材料,其质量磨损率与摩擦角度和摩擦速度成正比,而与摩擦温度成反比,孔隙率越高耐磨性能越差;Cr₃C₂-NiCr涂层样品的孔隙率越高,耐腐蚀性能就越差;随着孔隙率的逐渐提升,Cr₃C₂-NiCr涂层样品的失重量和失重速率均不断提升;喷涂层数越多,则Cr₃C₂-NiCr涂层的腐蚀速率越低,耐腐蚀性能越好,能够更好地保护水力机械材料不被介质腐蚀。     

Wear behaviour of an Al–12% Si alloy reinforced with a low volume fraction of SiC particles

Aluminium–silicon alloys reinforced with low volume fractions of SiC particles were prepared by the compocasting process. The wear behaviour of the unreinforced Al–12Si alloy and metal-matrix composites (MMCs) was investigated by using a block-on-ring test at room temperature under dry conditions. The results showed that the addition of a low volume fraction of SiC particles (2–8 vol%) is a very effective way of increasing the wear resistance of the matrix alloy. Metallographic examinations revealed that the wear zone of the Al–12Si alloy consists of both hardened and deformation layers. The depth of the hardened layer depended on the applied load and was in the vicinity of 10–50 μm. The formation of the hardened layer was related to the alignment and redistribution of fragmented eutectic phase to the surface region during sliding wear. Furthermore, the delamination of debris from the hardened layer was responsible for a higher wear loss observed in the Al–12Si alloy. The thickness of the hardened layer formed on the MMC specimens was reduced considerably by the incorporation of fragmented SiC particles. This layer exhibited higher hardness and wear resistance than that developed in the unreinforced alloy.     

Modeling and optimizing of factors affecting erosion–corrosion of AA6063–(TiC/Al2O3) hybrid composites by experimental design method

In this article, modeling and optimizing of factors affecting erosion–corrosion wear of aluminum alloy A6063 reinforced with (Al₂O₃/TiC) particles have been determined by experimental design method. The erosion–corrosion wear characteristics and mechanism of AA6063–(TiC/Al₂O₃) with experimental parameters namely; type and concentration of corrosive media in the slurry, erosion speed and time have been investigated. Two models for reinforced and unreinforced alloys were applied to describe the influences of these factors on the erosion behavior of alloys. The erosion–corrosion mechanisms of the AA6063–(TiC/Al₂O₃) were dominated by particles erosion wear in alkaline slurry, and by the interaction of particle erosion wear and medium corrosion in acidic slurry. The results of experimental work are coinciding with that of calculated ones confirming the successful modelization.     

Phase evolution in P92 and E911 weld metals during ageing

Phase evolution in the weld metals of P92 and E911 steels weld joints were studied during ageing at 625 °C for up to 9000 h. The phases: ferrite + M₂₃C₆ + MX + Laves found by means of analytical TEM in the annealed states agree with the results of the thermodynamic calculation of equilibrium phases. The cross-weld hardness values, HV10, after 1000, 3000, and 9000 h ageing overlap each other and are approximately 15 units below that of the post-weld heat-treated (PWHT) state. Charpy impact energy with the notch at the centerline of the weld metal was measured. Its values decrease after ageing from approximately 60–80 to 12 J compared to the PWHT state. In 9–12%Cr steel with W this phenomenon can be explained by a priori heterogeneity in the weld metal, its large former austenite grain size, the precipitation and growth of M₂₃C₆ and Laves phase particles on grain and packet boundaries.     

Effect of tempering temperature on Z-phase formation and creep strength in 9Cr–1Mo–V–Nb–N steel

The effect of the tempering temperature on Z-phase formation and creep strength in 9Cr–1Mo–V–Nb–N steel was examined with particular attention to the precipitation sequence of MX, M₂X, and Z-phase during creep exposure. Tempering at a lower temperature provided a high dislocation density and a fine lath structure. Tempering at 953, 1003, and 1038 K provided [M₂₃C₆, M₂X, NbX], [M₂₃C₆, M₂X, NbX, VX], and [M₂₃C₆, NbX, VX] phases, respectively. The creep strength of steel tempered at 953 K was the highest among the steels studied, even in the long term. No large decrease in creep strength was observed in steel tempered at 953 K. The Z-phase was observed after long-term creep in steel tempered at 1003 or 1038 K. In steel tempered at 953 K, a VX rather than a Z-phase formed during creep, and this was accompanied by consumption of M₂X. Retardation of the Z-phase formation can retard the creep strength degradation in steel tempered at 953 K.     

M3O4(M=FeCoCrMnMg)高熵氧化物粉体的简易制备及超电容性能研究

高熵氧化物以其独特的结构和潜在的应用前景引起了越来越多的关注。本工作采用简单易行的固相反应法制备了M₃O₄(M=FeCoCrMnMg)高熵氧化物粉体, 采用不同手段对粉体进行表征, 并采用涂覆法制备了 M₃O₄/泡沫镍(M₃O₄/NF)复合电极, 研究其超电容性能。结果表明, 随着煅烧温度升高, Fe₂O₃(H)/Co₃O₄(S)/Cr₂O₃(E)和Mn₂O₃(B)相继固溶进入尖晶石主晶相晶格; 在900 ℃煅烧2 h所得M₃O₄粉体的平均粒径为0.69 μm, 具有单一尖晶石结构(面心立方, Fd-3m, a=0.8376 nm), 且Fe、Co、Cr、Mn和Mg五种元素在晶粒内均匀分布, 呈典型的高熵氧化物特征。此外, M₃O₄/NF复合电极在1 mol/L KOH的电解液中, 当电流密度为1 A·g^-1时, 其质量比电容达到193.7 F·g^-1, 可见M₃O₄高熵氧化物在超级电容器电极材料领域具有良好的应用前景。     

高比容少层MXene Ti3C2 的制备及其超级电容性能

采用微波辅助选择性刻蚀技术制备了原子层间距为1.28 nm的少层Ti₃C₂,其质量比电容为377.64 F/g,比多层Ti₃C₂提高了154.27%。对两种Ti₃C₂电化学储能过程的动力学分析结果表明,少层Ti₃C₂的电荷存储主要是表面电容的贡献,其贡献率为76.28%。     

High performance nanocomposites for tribological applications: Preparation and characterization

High performance nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating 0–12 vol.% nano-sized (39 nm) Al₂O₃ particles into PEEK matrix using compression molding. The microhardness and dynamic mechanical properties of the nanocomposites increase with increasing Al₂O₃ content. The wear resistance of the nanocomposites evaluated at a sliding speed of 1.0 m/s and nominal pressure from 0.5 MPa to 1.25 MPa under dry sliding conditions was improved more than threefold at 0.8 vol.% Al₂O₃ content. However, the wear resistance of the nanocomposites containing above 1.67 vol.% Al₂O₃ was deteriorated, despite their higher hardness and stiffness as compared to that of nanocomposites containing lower Al₂O₃ content. The surface roughness of the wear track formed over the countersurface increases with increasing Al₂O₃ content. The coefficient of friction of nanocomposites was higher than that of pure PEEK. SEM and optical microscopy have shown that wear of pure PEEK occurs by the mechanism of adhesion mainly, whereas of nanocomposites by microploughing and abrasion. Energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) shows that Fe and alloying elements of countersurface transfer to the wear debris at higher Al₂O₃ content.     

TiO2/Ti3C2Tx复合材料的制备及其杂化电容脱盐特性的研究

人口的快速增长和工业经济迅猛发展导致全球淡水资源短缺, 对海水和苦咸水进行淡化是解决淡水资源短缺的有效方法。本工作通过直接煅烧Ti₃C₂T_x制备了TiO₂/Ti₃C₂T_x复合材料, 并研究了基于TiO₂/Ti₃C₂T_x复合电极的杂化电容脱盐特性(Hybrid capacitive deionization, HCDI)。研究表明, 煅烧温度对TiO₂/Ti₃C₂T_x的形貌、结构、电化学和脱盐特性有重要影响。以优化后的TiO₂/Ti₃C₂T_x作为负极, 酸化活性炭(Active carbon, AC)为正极, 构筑了HCDI装置。在恒压模式下, 当工作电压为1.2 V时, TiO₂/Ti₃C₂T_x‖AC在初始电导率为3000 μS·cm ^-1的NaCl溶液中的脱盐容量达到23.8 mg·g ^-1。经过20个循环后容量保持率为78%。此外, 通过研究TiO₂/Ti₃C₂T_x复合电极脱盐前后的形貌和晶相发现在脱盐过程中钠离子嵌入到Ti₃C₂T_x的层间。     

TEM study on precipitation and transformation of secondary carbides in 16Cr–1Mo–1Cu white iron subjected to subcritical treatment

High chromium white irons solidify with a substantially austenitic matrix supersaturated with chromium and carbon. The subcritical heat treatment can destabilize the austenite by precipitating chromium-rich secondary carbides and other special carbides. In the as-cast condition the eutectic carbides are (Fe,Cr)₇C₃ and (Fe_4.3Cr_2.5Mo_0.1)C₃. The initial secondary carbide precipitated is (Fe,Cr)₂₃C₆ after heat-treating at 853 K for 10 h. There are MoC, Fe₂MoC and -carbide precipitating, and (Fe,Cr)₂₃C₆ transforms to M₃C after 16 h at 853 K. The -carbide and (Fe,Cr)₂₃C₆ accomplish transformation to M₃C and the matrix changes from martensitic to pearlitic after 22 h at 853 K. Thereby, in the subcritical heat treatment process, the initial secondary carbide precipitated is (Fe,Cr)₂₃C₆, followed by -carbide, MoC and Fe₂MoC. In addition, there are two in situ transformations from (Fe,Cr)₂₃C₆ and -carbide to M₃C carbides.