Strengthening in a DS casting Ni3Al base alloy IC6

A unidirectionally solidified casting base alloy IC6, with the chemical composition (at.%) 16.3–17.6% Al, 8.0–8.3% Mo, 0.16–0.78% B, Ni balance has been developed for advanced gas turbine blades and vanes. The experimental results show that this alloy has high yield strengths from room temperature to 1100°C, excellent creep resistance at temperatures up to 1100°C. The microstructural observations and analysis indicate that the superior mechanical properties of this alloy may be attributed to solid solution hardening by the large molybdenum addition, second phase strengthening by phase and other minor phases that precipitate in various temperature ranges, the formation of a raft structure during creep, and to the existence of high density misfit dislocation networks at / interface areas due to a high value of / misfit.Abbreviations BSE back scattered electron - DS unidirectionally solidified - EDS energy dispersive spectroscopy     

Sputter deposited nanocrystalline Ni-25Al alloy thin films and Ni/Ni3Al multilayers

Thin films of nominal composition Ni-25at%Al have been sputter deposited from a target of the intermetallic compound Ni₃Al at different substrate deposition temperatures. The film deposited on an unheated substrate exhibited a strongly textured columnar growth morphology and consisted of a mixture of metastable phases. Nanoindentation studies carried out on this film exhibited a strong strain hardening tendency. In contrast, the film deposited at 200 °C exhibited a recrystallized non-textured microstructure consisting of grains of a partially ordered Ni₃Al phase. At higher deposition temperatures (∼400 °C), larger grains of the bulk equilibrium, long-range ordered, Ll₂ Ni₃Al phase were observed in the film. Unlike the film deposited on an unheated substrate, the films deposited at elevated temperatures did not exhibit any dependence of the hardness on the indentation depth and, consequently no strain hardening. The average hardness of the film deposited at 200 °C was higher than the one deposited at 400 °C. In addition to monolithic Ni-25Al thin films, multilayered Ni/Ni3Al thin films were also deposited. Multilayers deposited non-epitaxially on unheated substrates exhibited a strong {111} fiber texture while those deposited epitaxially on (001) NaCl exhibited a {001} texture. Free-standing multilayers of both types of preferred orientations as well as of different layer thicknesses were deformed in tension untill fracture. Interestingly, the {111} oriented multilayers failed primarily by a brittle fracture while the {001} multilayers exhibited features of ductile fracture.     

Solute diffusion in the γ′ phase of Ni based alloys

We systematically investigate the diffusion mechanisms of 3d (Ti–Cu), 4d (Zr–Ag) and 5d (Hf–Au) transition metal solutes in γ′-Ni₃Al phase using first-principles calculations. The results reveal that the diffusion of Ni-substituting solute is mainly controlled by the sublattice diffusion mechanism via Ni vacancies and the diffusion of Al-substituting solute is mostly governed by the formation of the anti-structure defects on the Ni sublattice with negligible contribution of the anti-structure bridge mechanism. The elements which occupy both the Al and Ni sites show a diffusion behavior similar to that of the Ni-substituting solutes. Our calculations show that larger atoms can move much faster than smaller atoms, which disprove the traditional view that larger atoms move slower than smaller atoms.     

The effect of H2-anneal on the adhesion of Al2O3 scales on a Fe3Al-based alloy

Abstract

The cyclic (1,100°C, air) and isothermal (1,000°C, O₂) oxidation behavior of a Fe-28Al-5Cr (at%) alloy, with and without a prior H₂-anneal heat treatment at 1,200°C for 100 h, was studied. Changes in interfacial chemistry were evaluated using Scanning Auger Microscopy after removal of the oxide film in ultra high vacuum. This was achieved by making a scratch on the specimen surface, which caused spallation of the film at various locations along the scratch. The scale thickness and the temperature drop at which spallation took place during cooling were utilized to semi-quantitatively compare the adherence of the scales. Porosity at the scale–alloy interface and the scale microstructure were determined from scanning electron microscope observations. It was found that H₂-anneal greatly improved scale adhesion and resulted in a pore-free and sulfur-free interface. The effects were similar to that of a 0.1 at% Zr-containing alloy, except that the improvement in scale adhesion was not as great as that from Zr doping. This implies that oxide/alloy interfaces are not intrinsically strong and the effect of reactive elements, such as Zr, is more than preventing impurity from segregating to the interface. Results are also compared with the effect of H₂-anneal on other model alloys, such as NiCrAl, FeCrAl and NiAl, and on single crystal superalloys.     

Creep behaviour of carbon containing Fe3Al alloy

Abstract

Tensile creep of a Fe–16 wt-%Al–0·5 wt-%C alloy was investigated over a temperature range of 773 to 873 K and stress range of 80 to 200 MPa. Creep curves exhibited very limited primary and secondary creep regimes. An extended tertiary creep regime was observed for all the test conditions. Stress dependence of minimum creep rate can be represented by a power-law equation with stress exponents being in the range 4 to 5. The activation energy for creep was found to be ～340 kJ mol^?1. The observed stress exponent and activation energy for creep suggest that creep is controlled by dislocation climb. Creep fracture in Fe₃Al–C alloy is predominantly by transgranular ductile mode by nucleation, growth and coalescence of microvoids formed at FeAlC_0·5 particle/matrix interface by decohesion as well as fracture of elongated particles. Extended tertiary creep observed in the alloy was analysed in the light of the mechanisms proposed for nickel based superalloys.     

Effect of NiCr and NiCrAl coatings on the creep resistance of a Ni alloy

The effect of plasma sprayed NiCr and NiCrAl coatings on the creep resistance of Nickel alloy 690 at temperature of 1033 K was investigated. Experimental results showed that the coatings had a beneficial effect on the improvement of the creep resistance of substrate. However, there was almost no difference in the creep lives between the NiCr and NiCrAl coated specimens at a given stress level. The relation between the applied stress and time to rupture of the coated specimens can be estimated by using Larson-Miller equation. For the coated specimens tested at low applied stress levels, the product of the minimum creep rate and the time to rupture was a constant value. The θ projection method can be used to accurately characterize the creep behavior of the coated specimens. The variation of the creep strain along with time predicted by using θ projection method agreed well with the experimental results.     

High-strength Mg95Y3Zn1Ni1 alloy with LPSO structure processed by hot rolling

Microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg₉₅Y₃Zn₁Ni₁ alloy containing long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase processed by hot rolling were systematically investigated in the present work. The results showed that the as-cast alloy was mainly composed of α-Mg and network 18?R LPSO phase. The thermal stability of 18?R LPSO phase in the as-cast alloys decreased with the decrease of Ni content. After solution treatment at 773?K for 40?h, network 18?R phase at grain boundary dissolved, while fine lamellar phase identified as 14H LPSO precipitated in the interior of grains. When the solid-solution alloy was hot rolled at 723?K with six passes and thickness reduction of 62%, some LPSO phases broke down and kinking of varying degrees occurred in LPSO phase. Meanwhile, the as-rolled α-Mg and LPSO phase redistributed aligned along the rolling orientation. The alloy exhibited excellent mechanical properties: yield strength of 282?MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 383?MPa, and elongation to failure of 16% at ambient temperature along the rolling orientation. The remarkable improvement of strength was ascribed to the refined microstructure induced by the deformation kinking and the crush of LPSO phase.     

Effect of Applied Pressure on the Joining of Combustion Synthesized Ni3Al Intermetallics with Al Alloy

We focused on the surface reinforcement of ligth weight casting alloys with Ni-AI intermetallic compounds by in-situ combustion reaction to improve the surface properties of non-ferrous casting components.In our previous works,green compact of elemental Ni and Al powders were reacted to form Ni-3Al intermetallic compound by SHS （Self-propagating high temperature synthesis） reaction with the heat of molten Al alloy and simultaneously bonded with Al casting alloy.But some defects such as tiny cracks and porosities were remained in the reacted compact.So we applied pressure to prevent thermal cracks and fill up the pores with liquid Al alloy by squeeze casting process.The compressed Al alloy bonded with the Ni-3Al intermetallic compound was sectioned and observed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）.The stoichiometric compositions of the intermetallics formed around the bonded interface and in the reacted compact were identified by energy dispersive spectroscopy （EDS） and electron probe micro analysis （EPMA）. Si rich layer was formed on the Al alloy side near the bonded interface by the sequential solidification of Al alloy.The porosities observed in the reacted Ni-3Al compact were filled up with the liquid AI alloy.The Si particles from the molten Al alloy were detected in the pores of reacted Ni-3Al intermetallic compact.The Al casting alloy and Ni-3Al intermetallic compound were joined very soundly by applying pressure to the liquid Al alloy.     

Microstructural investigations of Ni and Ni2Al3 coatings exposed in biomass power plants

Abstract

The present work investigates the corrosion resistance of Ni and Ni₂Al₃ coated austenitic stainless steel (TP347H) tubes, which were exposed in a biomass-fired boiler with an outlet steam temperature of 540 °C for 6757 h. The Ni₂Al₃ coating was produced by electroplating Ni followed by low temperature pack cementation. After exposure, microstructural investigations were performed by light optical and electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). Electroplated Ni coatings were not protective in straw firing power plants and exhibited similar corrosion morphology as uncoated tubes. For Ni₂Al₃ coatings, the nickel aluminide layer was no longer adherent to the tube and was only found within the deposit. However, Ni₂Al₃ coatings had provided some protection compared to uncoated and Ni coated tubes. The formation of nickel chloride binds aggressive chlorine and slows down the active oxidation mechanism. In local areas, sulphidation corrosion attack of Ni was detected.     

Ultra-fast boriding of nickel aluminide

In this study, we explored the possibility of ultra-fast electrochemical boriding of nickel aluminide (Ni₃Al) in a molten borax electrolyte. Electrochemical boriding was performed at 950 °C for 15 min and at current densities ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 A/cm². The boride layers formed on the test samples were 50 to 260 μm thick depending on the current density. The mechanical, structural, and chemical characterization of the boride layers was carried out using a Vickers micro-hardness test machine, optical and scanning electron microscopes, and a thin film X-ray diffractometer. The hardness of boride layer was in the range from 800 to 1200 ± 50 HV depending on the load and the region from which the hardness measurements were taken. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed that the boride layers were primarily composed of Ni₃B, Ni₄B₃ and Ni₂₀AlB₁₄ phases. Structurally, the boride layer was very homogenous and uniformly thick across the borided surface area.     

Preparation of NixTiy compound via Ni plating followed by thermal treatment of Ti powder

In this research, Ni_xTi_y compound was prepared by thermal treatment of Ni-plated Ti powder. For this purpose, Ti powder was plated in an electroless Ni bath for various times (120, 225, 300, and 720?min). Hydrazine hydrate was used as a reductant for the deposition of pure Ni on the Ti particles. The plated powder (225?min) was heat treated under argon atmosphere to achieve Ni_xTi_y powder. Finally, the heated/plated powder was pressed by CIP followed by sintering at 980°C for prepare the Ni_xTi_y bulk sample. The plated powders as well as sintered one were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetric. The NiTi₂, NiTi, and Ni₃Ti phases were detected in the XRD patterns of heated/plated Ti powder. According to DSC data, the heated/plated Ti powder showed reversible martensitic transformation at temperature range of ?38.0°C to +38.1°C, while sintered/heated/plated Ti powder displayed reversible transformation at temperature range of 16.0°C–15.4°C.     

Effect of Nb,Mo, V contents on oxidation resistance of Ti3Al based alloys

In the present paper, the effect of the contents of Nb, Mo, V on the oxidation properties (700°C, in air) of Ti₃Al based alloys has been studied. It has been shown that the alloys were oxidized rapidly as exposed at 700°C in the air. After 100 h exposure, oxygen-affected alloy surface layer of about 10 thickness has been formed on account of the poor protection of the oxide film. An addition of (11–13%)¹ Nb enhanced the oxidation resistance. The addition of Mo and V in the Ti₃Al–Nb system alloy reduced the oxidation resistance significantly.     

Effect of high magnetic field on the morphology of (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 at Sn0.3Ni/Cu interface

The effect of high magnetic field on the microstructure of (Cu, Ni)₆Sn₅ intermetallic compound layer in Sn0.3Ni/Cu couples at 250 °C was examined. The applied magnetic field changed the morphology of outer (Cu, Ni)₆Sn₅ crystals on the Sn side from faceted shape to stick shape. The high magnetic field affected the crystal orientations of (Cu, Ni)₆Sn₅ and reduced the Ni content in the outer layer. The morphology evolution of (Cu, Ni)₆Sn₅ is attributed to the content of Ni solute decreased by magnetic field. The effects of high magnetic field on the liquid convection and phase diagram are considered to be responsible for the Ni content.     

Effect of zirconium addition on the recrystallization behaviour of a commercial Al-Cu-Mg alloy

It is well known that the second phase particles have an effect on recrystallization and grain growth behaviour of an alloy. Particularly the bimodal distribution of second phase particles has an effect which is opposite in sense where coarse second phase particles (> 1 μm) stimulate nucleation while fine particles exhibit Zener drag. In the literature, the effect of zirconium addition to aluminium alloys has been well documented in order to produce superplasticity by giving ultra fine grain size to the alloy. Addition of zirconium produces Al ₃ Zr particles which pin the grain boundaries during recrystallization and grain growth. In the present work, zirconium was added to a commercial Al-Cu-Mg alloy and by heat treatment Al ₃ Zr particles were precipitated and after forging, the grain size was an order of magnitude lower than the alloy without zirconium. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to characterize the second phase particles, i.e. Al ₃ Zr particles and found to be rod shaped and identified to be cubic ordered L 1 ₂ phase with a lattice parameter of 0.408 nm. Further, it was observed that fine (100 nm) Al ₃ Zr particles promote only continuous recrystallization which is polygonization of subgrains and subgrain growth. It was found that the fine dispersion of Al ₃ Zr particles inhibits both recrystallization and grain growth in the commercial Al-Cu-Mg alloy.     

Development of in-house fast X-ray diffraction apparatus and its application to the supercooled liquid Pd40Ni10Cu30P20 alloy

A fast X-ray diffraction apparatus has been developed for obtainingthe local structures of bulk metallic glasses at the supercooled liquid state by applying the Debye–Scherrer camera geometry in combination with a curved position sensitive proportional counter. This arrangement makes it possible to eliminate the time loss due to angular motion of a counter and to do a very short time X-ray measurement when using the conventional in-house X-ray source. The usefulness of this new apparatus was confirmed by obtaining the radial distribution functions of silicon powder and SiO₂ glass sample within one hundred seconds. Then, the short-range ordering structure of the supercooled liquid Pd₄₀Ni₁₀Cu₃₀P₂₀ alloy was observed as a function of time at 583 K.     

Effect of Cr and Ni on diffusion bonding of Fe3Al with steel

Microstructure at the diffusion bonding interface between Fe₃Al and steel including Q235 low carbon steel and Cr18-Ni8 stainless steel was analysed and compared by means of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of Cr and Ni on microstructure at the Fe₃Al/steel diffusion bonding interface was discussed. The experimental results indicate that it is favourable for the diffusion of Cr and Ni at the interface to accelerate combination of Fe₃Al and steel during bonding. Therefore, the width of Fe₃Al/Cr18-Ni8 interface transition zone is more than that of Fe₃Al/Q235. And Fe₃Al dislocation couples with different distances, even dislocation net occurs at the Fe₃Al/Cr18-Ni8 interface because of the dispersive distribution of Cr and Ni in Fe₃Al phase.     

On the behaviour of minor active elements during oxidation of selected Ni-base high-temperature alloys

We have examined the distribution of active minor elements in the oxide scales developed by selected Ni-base alloys with commercial grades. Emphasis is placed upon Mn, La and Si in a chromia-forming alloy and Y in an alumina-forming alloy. Initially, La and Y have been segregated at free surfaces and then become constituents of the oxides in contact with the substrates. A continuous layer of MnCr₂O₄ is formed above La- and Si-modified inner chromia layer. Silicon has been homogenously distributed throughout the grain structure, however, some La is present as LaCr₂O₃ particles and most of the remainder has been segregated at grain boundaries. The results indicate that the collective effect of Mn, Si and La is to extend protection by chromia to temperatures in excess of 1000 °C. Yttrium in the alumina- forming alloy is found to predominantly segregate at grain boundaries of nanostructured oxide with improved mechanical strength.     

Synthesis of CoSb3 by a modified polyol process

Thermoelectric (TE) materials are attracting renewed interest for clean energy conversion. Potentially high figure-of-merit (ZT) is achievable through the approach of preparing nanostructured TE materials. In this work, CoSb₃ nanoparticles were fabricated via a modified polyol process. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to characterize the synthesized products. The results showed that high purity CoSb₃ nanoparticles could be prepared at a temperature as low as 180 °C. It was also found that the phase composition of the final products is highly dependent on reaction temperature and duration.     

Influence of applying external stress during aging on martensitic transformation and the superelastic behavior of a Ni-rich NiTi alloy

Superelastic properties and martensitic transition temperatures of Ni_50.9Ti shape memory wires were studied after aging under different applied stresses at 450 °C for 45 min. The results indicate that applying external stresses during aging of Ni_50.9Ti shape memory wires changes the strain value and stress level of plateaus related to stress induced martensitic transformation. Furthermore, martensitic transformation sequences change after applying external stresses but transformation temperatures measured with DSC remain constant in samples aged under stresses up to 120 MPa. Applying stress of 60 MPa during aging enhances the superelastic properties by increasing the strain of plateaus during loading and unloading cycles. Applying stresses more than 60 MPa, decreases the strain of the plateau during unloading.