Deformation behaviour and oxidation resistance of single-phase and two-phase L21-ordered Fe–Al–Ti alloys

Single-phase Fe–Al–Ti alloys with the Heusler-type L2₁ structure and two-phase L2₁ Fe–Al–Ti alloys with MgZn₂-type Laves phase or Mn₂₃Th₆-type τ₂ phase precipitates were studied with respect to hardness at room temperature, compressive 0.2% yield stress at 20–1100 °C, brittle-to-ductile transition temperature (BDTT), creep resistance at 800 and 1000 °C and oxidation resistance at 20–1000 °C. At high temperatures the L2₁ Fe–Al–Ti alloys show considerable strength and creep resistance which are superior to other iron aluminide alloys. Alloys with not too high Ti and Al contents exhibit a yield stress anomaly with a maximum at temperatures as high as 750 °C. BDTT ranges between 675 and 900 °C. Oxidation at 900 °C is controlled by parabolic scale growth.     

Microstructural factors affecting hardness property of dual two-phase intermetallic alloys based on Ni3Al–Ni3V pseudo-binary alloy system

Dual two-phase intermetallic alloys that have alloy compositions of Ni₇₅Al_xNb_2.5V_22.5−x and are composed of geometrically close packed (GCP) Ni₃Al (L1₂) and Ni₃V (D0₂₂) phases containing Nb were studied, focusing on the relationship between microstructural parameter and high-temperature hardness property. The two-phase microstructures defined by primary Ni₃Al precipitates and eutectoid (i.e., channel) region (consisting of Ni₃Al and Ni₃V phases) were characterized in terms of size, volume fraction and number density of primary Ni₃Al precipitates. The high-temperature hardness was evaluated as a function of temperature. The volume fraction of primary Ni₃Al phase precipitates, and interfacial area between primary Ni₃Al precipitates and channel region were found to be important factors affecting the hardness of the dual two-phase intermetallic alloys. Possible mechanisms responsible for the observed extra hardening were discussed, taking the role of interfaces among the constituent phases into consideration.     

Mechanical properties and oxidation behaviour of two-phase iron aluminium alloys with Zr(Fe,Al)2 Laves phase or Zr(Fe,Al)12 τ1 phase

Two-phase Fe-rich Fe–Al–Zr alloys have been prepared consisting of binary Fe–Al with a very low solubility for Zr and the ternary Laves phase Zr(Fe,Al)₂ or τ₁ phase Zr(Fe,Al)₁₂. Yield stress, flexural fracture strain, and oxidation behaviour of these alloys have been studied in the temperature range between room temperature and 1200 °C. Both the Laves phase and the τ₁ phase act as strengthening phases increasing significantly the yield stress as well as the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature. Alloys containing disordered A2+ ordered D0₃ Fe–Al show strongly increased yield stresses compared to alloys with only A2 or D0₃ Fe–Al. The binary and ternary alloys with about 40at.% Al and 0 or 0.8at.% Zr show the effect of vacancy hardening at low temperatures which can be eliminated by heat treatments at 400 °C. At higher Zr contents this effect is lost and instead an increase of low-temperature strength is observed after the heat treatment. The increase of the high-temperature yield strength of Fe-40at.% Al by adding Zr is much stronger than by other ternary additions such as Ti, Nb, or Mo. Tests on the oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 1200 °C indicate a detrimental effect of Zr already for additions of 0.1at.%.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of mechanically alloyed and spark plasma sintered amorphous–nanocrystalline Al65Cu20Ti15 intermetallic matrix composite reinforced with TiO2 nanoparticles

Multiphase Al₆₅Cu₂₀Ti₁₅ intermetallic alloy matrix composite, dispersed with 10 wt.% of TiO₂ nanoparticles, has been processed by mechanical alloying, followed by spark plasma sintering under pressure in the temperature range of 623–873 K. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction suggest that equilibrium crystalline phases evolve from the amorphous or intermediate crystalline phases. Transmission electron microscopy shows that the composite sintered at 873 K has partially amorphous microstructure, with dispersion of equilibrium, crystalline, intermetallic precipitates of Al₅CuTi₂, Al₃Ti, and Al₂Cu of 25–50 nm size, besides the TiO₂. The composite sintered at 873 K exhibits little porosity, hardness of 5.6 GPa, indentation fracture toughness in the range of 3.1–4.2 MPa√m, and compressive strength of 1.1 GPa. Indentation crack deflection by TiO₂ particle aggregates causes increase in fracture resistance with crack length, and suggests R-curve type behaviour. The study provides guidelines for processing high strength amorphous–nanocrystalline intermetallic composites based on the Al–Cu–Ti ternary system.     

Effect of strain rate on compressive behavior of a Pd40Ni40P20 bulk metallic glass

Mechanical deformation of Pd₄₀Ni₄₀P₂₀ was characterized in compression over a wide strain rate range (3.3×10⁻⁵ to 2×10³ s⁻¹) at room temperature. The compression sample fractured with a shear plane inclined 42 degree with respect to the loading axis, in contrast to 56 degree for the case of tension. This suggests the yielding of the material deviates from the classical von Mises yield criterion, but follows the Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion. Fracture stress as well as strain was found to decrease with increasing applied strain rate. The compressive stress (1.74 GPa) was also found to be higher than the tensile fracture stress at a quasi-static strain rate. Close examination of the stress–strain curves revealed that localized shear might have occurred at a compressive stress of about 1.4 GPa, much lower than the “apparent” yield stress of 1.74 GPa. However, the stress of 1.4 GPa for shear band initiation is almost the same as the fracture stress measured at a dynamic strain rate of 5×10² s⁻¹. These results suggested that the fracture of a bulk metallic glass is sensitive to the applied loading rate.     

Microstructures and mechanical properties of Fe3Al-based Fe–Al–C alloys

In this paper results on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Fe₃Al-based Fe–Al–C alloys with strengthening precipitates of the perovskite-type κ-phase Fe₃AlC_x are presented. The alloys are prepared by vacuum induction melting and cast into Cu-moulds. The composition of the Fe₃Al matrix of the investigated Fe–Al–C alloys varies between 23 and 29 at.% Al. The ternary C-additions range from 1 to 3 at.%. The microstructures of the alloys are characterised by means of light optical microscopy (LOM). Phase identification is performed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD). The strength of the alloys as a function of temperature is determined through compression tests. The room-temperature ductility is evaluated by tensile tests. The fracture surfaces of the tensile specimens are analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Microstructure and mechanical behaviour of reaction hot pressed multiphase Mo–Si–B and Mo–Si–B–Al intermetallic alloys

Microstructures of 76Mo–14Si–10B, 77Mo–12Si–8B–3Al, and 73.4Mo–11.2Si–8.1B–7.3Al alloys, processed by reaction hot pressing of elemental powder mixtures, have shown -Mo, Mo₃Si, and Mo₅SiB₂ phases. In addition, particles of SiO₂ formed from the oxygen content of raw materials could be seen in the 76Mo–14Si–10B alloy, while -Al₂O₃ formed in the alloys containing Al. Parts of the Al have been found within the solid solutions of -Mo and Mo₃Si. The average fracture toughness determined from indentation crack lengths and three-point bend testing of single edge notch bend specimens lies in the range of 5.0–8.7 MPa√m, with alloys containing Al demonstrating higher values. Analyses of load-displacement plots, fracture profiles and indentation crack paths have shown evidence of R-curve type behaviour and operating toughening mechanisms involving crack bridging by -Mo, crack deflection and branching. Flexural strength is related to volume fraction of the -Mo and Al content. Compression tests on the 76Mo–14Si–10B alloy between 1100 °C and 1350 °C have shown excellent strength retention, and evidence of thermally activated plastic flow.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of a directionally solidified and aged intermetallic Ni–Al–Cr–Ti alloy with β-γ′-γ-α structure

Microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated in a directionally solidified (DS) Ni–21.7Al–7.5Cr–6.5Ti (at.%) alloy. The dendrites of the as-grown alloy were composed of β(B2)-matrix (NiAl), coarse γ′(L1₂)-particles (Ni₃Al), fine γ′-needles and spherical α(A2)-precipitates (Cr-based solid solution). The majority of fine γ′-precipitates was found to be twinned. The interdendritic region contained γ(A1)-matrix (Ni-based solid solution) separating ordered domains of γ′-phase and fine lath-shaped α-precipitates. Ageing in the temperature range 973–1373 K decreased the volume fraction of dendrites from about 50 vol.% measured in the as-grown material to about 38 vol.% in the material aged at 1373 K for 300 h. During ageing in the temperature range 973–1273 K the γ-phase transformed to the γ′-phase in the interdendritic region. This transformation was connected with precipitation of lath-shaped α-precipitates. Ageing at higher temperatures of 1373 and 1473 K resulted in stabilisation of the γ-phase and precipitation of spherical γ′-particles in the interdendritic region. Ageing at 973 K significantly increased the microhardness, hardness and decreased room-temperature tensile ductility. Neither ageing nor finer dendritic microstructure were found to be effective in increasing the ductility of the alloy. The measured tensile ductility up to 1.1% can be attributed to the effect of extrinsic toughening mechanisms operating in the β-phase such as blunting and bridging of cracks by the α- and γ′-precipitates.     

Influence of non-reactive particles on the microstructure of NiAl and NiAl–ZrO2 processed by thermal explosion

Nickel aluminide intermetallic alloy and NiAl–ZrO₂ composites were synthesized in a hot press by sintering reaction and thermal explosion (or Self-propagating High temperature Synthesis, SHS). The addition of a post-SHS heat treatment allows a control of the microstructure and an enhancement of the mechanical characteristics. Thus, NiAl properties processed by self-combustion are above those obtained by reactive sintering (RS). For all these syntheses, the role played by the non-reactive particles is determining. Indeed, the product granulometry is a function of the diluent size distribution since this latter acts as nucleation sites during the reactive processes. These particles can also enhance mechanical properties by specific reinforcement mechanisms and exercise an influence on SHS reaction parameters by controlling its reactivity and the thermal exchanges during self-combustion.     

Volume size factor and lattice parameter in cubic intermetallics with the L12 structure

Lattice parameters of binary ordered L1₂ intermetallic compounds have been calculated using partial molar volumes of the individual elements in the disordered solid solutions. The calculations have been performed using the volume size factor of the solute atom and the molar volume of the solvent atom. It has been observed that this approach results in excellent agreement between calculated and experimental values. The approach has been successfully extended to the prediction of lattice parameters of ordered ternary L1₂ compounds.     

Microstructure and high-temperature strength in MoSi2/NbSi2 duplex silicides

Pseudo-binary (Mo_0.90Nb_0.10)Si₂ and (Mo_0.85Nb_0.15)Si₂ containing duplex C11_b and C40 phases were prepared in a slow solidification process using the floating zone method to obtain basic knowledge regarding control of their microstructure. In (Mo_0.90Nb_0.10)Si₂ a thick band-like C40 phase was formed along grain boundaries in the C11_b matrix, while peculiar fine lamellar colonies composed of the C11_b and C40 phases appeared in (Mo_0.85Nb_0.15)Si₂ accompanied by constituent large C11_b and C40 grains. The orientation relationship between the two phases at the lamellar boundary was determined to be (0001)_C40(110)_C11b and [110]_C40[11]_C11b. Although the atomic stacking sequence changed from three-fold periodical layers on (0001) planes in the C40 phase to two-fold layers on (110) planes in the C11_b phase at the lamellar boundary, the lattice mismatch at the interface was very small (within 3%), resulting in good thermal stability of this microstructure and high strength at high temperatures. The phase transformation must proceed by the motion of all four 1/612-type partial dislocations on two layers of every three (0001) layers in the C40 phase to avoid large lattice distortion.     

Thermoelectric properties of novel skutterudites with didymium: DDy(Fe1−xCox)4Sb12 and DDy(Fe1−xNix)4Sb12

In order to improve the thermoelectric properties via efficient phonon scattering Didymium (DD), a mixture of Pr and Nd, was used as a new filler in ternary skutterudites (Fe_1−xCo_x)₄Sb₁₂ and (Fe_1−xNi_x)₄Sb₁₂. DD-filling levels have been determined from combined data of X-ray powder diffraction and electron microprobe analyses (EMPA). Thermoelectric properties have been characterized by measurements of electrical resistivity, thermopower and thermal conductivity in the temperature range from 4.3 to 800 K. The effect of nanostructuring in DD_0.4Fe₂Co₂Sb₁₂ was elucidated from a comparison of both micro-powder (ground in a WC-mortar, 10 μm) and nano-powder (ball-milled, 150 nm), both hot pressed under identical conditions. The figure of merit ZT depends on the Fe/Co and Ni/Co-contents, respectively, reaching ZT > 1. At low temperatures the nanostructured material exhibits a higher thermoelectric figure of merit. The Vickers hardness was measured for all samples being higher for the nanostructured material.     

The mechanical anomaly of L12 alloys: a review of recent experiments and models

The anomalous deformation behaviour of L1₂ alloys is reviewed with emphasis made on the contributions of the past few years. The present understanding of the microstructural organization is presented schematically and its principal components outlined. The competition between a potent exhaustion of mobile dislocation and the difficulty of multiplication is discussed based on dedicated mechanical tests aimed at emphasizing transients. The information brought about by computer simulations is analyzed. Recent findings on the lack of orientation dependence of the flow stress in binary alloys are presented.     

Quantitative representation of the anisotropy and tension/compression asymmetry of the critical resolved shear stress of an L12-ordered intermetallic

The anomalous anisotropy and tension (t)/compression (c)-asymmetry of the critical resolved shear stress τ_o of the L1₂-long-range ordered intermetallic γ′_NIM are analysed in the light of a published (Miner RV, Gabb TP, Gayda J, Hember, KJ. Met Trans A 1986; 17A: 507) analytical expression

Full-size image

. Particles of γ′_NIM strengthen the commercial nickel-base superalloy NIMONIC 105. characterises the orientation of the specimen, and T_o≈300 K and T_peak≈ 1000 K mark the temperature (T) range in which τ_o is anomalous. Except for γ′_NIM-single crystals with the [011]-orientation, the formula describes the anisotropy and (t/c)-asymmetry of the critical resolved shear stress satisfactorily.     

Deformation behaviour of intermetallic NiAlTa alloys with strengthening Laves phase for high-temperature applications. II. Effects of alloying with Nb and other elements

Ta-containing NiAl-base alloys with the Laves phase TaNiAl with C14 structure, which were studied in Part I of this study, were modified by further alloying and were studied with respect to constitution and deformation behaviour at ambient and high temperatures—including elastic deformation and creep—as a function of alloy composition and microstructure. Advantageous effects on the mechanical behaviour with reduction of brittle-to-ductile transition temperature and flow stress were found only for alloying additions of Nb, which can replace Ta completely and which was studied extensively, as well as Fe, Cr and Si. The NiAl---Ta---Cr case was selected as most promising for further alloy development and is subject of the subsequent Part III.     

FeCo-based multiphase composites with high strength and large plastic deformation

A family of FeCo-based multiphase composites with a microstructure consisting of nano-lamellar phase strengthened α-(Fe,Co) dendritic cores surrounded by a network of reinforcement phases of ultrafine eutectics was produced by copper mold casting. The hypoeutectic composites exhibit a high yield stress, which is up to 7 times higher than the equiatomic FeCo alloy, and plastic deformation up to 18% during compressive test. Multiscale o-(Fe,Co)₃(B,C) reinforcement phases are responsible for the remarkable improvement of strength, and α-(Fe,Co) dendrites play a key role to inhibit the propagation of microcracks sourced from the eutectics. Furthermore, a fracture model for explaining the relationship between fracture strain and morphologic characteristics of the composites is presented.     

Dependence of the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature (BDTT) on the Al content of Fe–Al alloys

The brittle-to-ductile transition temperature (BDTT) of binary Fe–Al alloys with between 9.6 and 45 at.% Al was investigated in the as-cast state by four-point bending tests. An increase of the BDTT was observed with increasing aluminium content between 9.6 and 19.8 at.%. Up to 41.3 at.%, the BDTT did not change significantly. A sharp increase of the BDTT occurred between 41.3 and 45 at.% Al. Transgranular cleavage was observed at a composition of 25 at.% Al, mixed-mode fracture between 39.6 and 41.3 at.% Al and intergranular fracture at 45 at.% Al. The results indicate that the increase in BDTT is correlated with the transition from mixed-mode to intergranular fracture.     

Concepts derived from phase diagram studies for the strengthening of Fe–Al-based alloys

Fe–Al-based alloys, i.e. alloys which contain either disordered A2 -(Fe,Al), B2-ordered FeAl or D0₃-ordered Fe₃Al as majority phase, have a considerable potential for developing materials for structural applications, but insufficient strength and creep resistance have been identified as obstacles for the use of Fe–Al-based alloys at high temperatures. At the ‘Discussion Meeting on the Development of Innovative Iron Aluminium Alloys’ held at the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Düsseldorf on March, 9th 2004 a couple of presentations were made with emphasis on improving these properties at high temperatures. In the current article those strengthening mechanisms which are provided by the phase diagram—solid-solution hardening, strengthening by precipitates, or ordering—are reviewed. Besides results obtained for the binary Fe–Al system special emphasis is put forward to those ternary systems for which results have been presented at the ‘Discussion Meeting’.     

Influence of cooling rate on microstructure and mechanical properties of a Ti–48Al alloy

The microstructure of a Ti–48Al alloy cooled after a solution treatment in the -field is influenced by the cooling rate. In order to characterize the lamellar structure and to know the values of ₂-volume fraction, width of ₂-lamellae, and interlamellar spacing, we developed a method of measurement based on an observation of laths in the scanning electron microscope. The study revealed the heterogeneous distribution of the lamellar structure in a commercial purity Ti–48Al alloy cooled from the -field at a rate of 35°C/min. The evolution of ₂-volume fraction with the cooling rate showed that the microhardness is determined by the quantity of ₂-phase. The values of yield stress also increased and were all the less scattered as the structure became more perfectly lamellar. Yield stress and interlamellar spacing are linked by a Hall–Petch relation.     

Effects of annealing at high pressure on structure and mechanical properties of Al87Ni7Gd6 metallic glass

The effects of annealing and annealing with a superimposed pressure of 940 MPa on the primary crystallization behaviour of α-Al and the resulting micro-hardness have been studied for as-quenched Al₈₇Ni₇Gd₆ metallic glass. Isothermal annealing experiments were conducted for 30 min at 188 °C, 191 °C, and 205 °C in silicone oil maintained either at atmospheric pressure (i.e. 0.1 MPa) or at 940 MPa. XRD analyses detected the evolution of structure with annealing at 0.1 MPa, while specimens annealed with 940 MPa pressure exhibited sharper diffraction peaks than those annealed at 0.1 MPa. DSC measurements were conducted on the as-received amorphous ribbons as well as ribbons annealed at different temperatures at either 0.1. MPa or with 940 MPa superimposed pressure. Specimens annealed with 940 MPa pressure exhibited higher onset temperatures (i.e. T_x1) and temperatures for the first exothermic peak (i.e. T_p1) for primary crystallization. TEM measurements revealed an increase in the volume fraction of α-Al with increases in annealing temperature, while micro-hardness measurements revealed an increase in hardness with increasing amounts of α-Al. Specimens annealed with 940 MPa pressure exhibited further increases in both the volume fraction of α-Al and resulting micro-hardness.