Wetting of Cu and Al by Sn-Zn and Zn-Al Eutectic Alloys

Wetting properties of Sn-Zn and Zn-Al alloys on Cu and Al substrates were studied. Spreading tests were carried out for 3 min, in air and under protective atmosphere of nitrogen, with the use of fluxes. In the case of Zn-Al eutectic, spreading tests were carried out at 460, 480, 500, and 520 °C, and in the case of Sn-Zn eutectic at 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 °C, respectively. Solidified solder/substrate couples were cross-sectioned and subjected to microstructure examination. The spreading tests indicated that the wetting properties of eutectic Sn-Zn alloys, on copper pads do not depend on temperature (up to 400 °C), but in the lack of protective atmosphere, the solder does not wet the pads. Wettability studies of Zn-Al eutectic on aluminum and copper substrates have shown a negative effect of the protective nitrogen atmosphere on the wetting properties, especially for the copper pads. Furthermore, it was noted that with increasing temperature the solder wettability is improved. In addition, densities of liquid solders were studied by means of dilatometric technique.     

Friction welding of ductile iron with stainless steel

The study of mechanical properties and microstructure of friction welded coupe of ductile iron with stainless steel are presented. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for investigation of the fracture morphology and phase transformations taking place during friction welding process. It was concluded that in case of bainitic ductile iron (BDI) the fracture precedes mainly trough the cleavage planes. Moreover, the distribution of selected elements on both side of the joining interface was studied using EDS line and maps spectrometry. The EDS spectrometry showed some enrichment of ductile iron with Cr and Ni atoms close to the joint. The depth of Cr atoms penetration reached 50 μm. The heat generated locally by friction increased the temperature in the area close to the interface even over the melting point of ductile iron. This was confirmed by metallography which revealed the carbide eutectic enriched with Cr in ductile iron.     

Structural and operating aspects of rapid solidification of surface layer of spheroidal graphite iron castings

The relationship between the surface layer microstructure of iron castings after gas tungsten arc weld (GTAW) surfacing and their service properties (friction wear resistance and microhardness) has been investigated. A structural analysis of the fused (remelted) zone, in particular evaluation of the interphase spacing in the cementite eutectic λ_av, is presented. Relationships between the GTAW process parameters, microstructure and microhardness of the fused zone have been developed and are presented. Formulae relating hardness to λ_αv and relating friction wear rate to λ_av and hardness are presented. IJCMR/426     

Impedance spectroscopy studies of electroless Ni–P matrix,Ni–W–P,Ni–P–ZrO2, and Ni–W–P–ZrO2 coatings exposed to 3.5% NaCl solution

Ni–P matrix, ternary Ni–W–P and Ni–P–ZrO₂ coatings, and quaternary Ni–W–P–ZrO₂ coatings were deposited using electroless method from a glycine bath. Their corrosion resistance was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for various immersion times in a 3.5% NaCl solution. From among the investigated coatings, the ternary Ni–W–P coatings show the highest resistance to corrosion in the first hour of exposure to the 3.5% NaCl medium. An addition of ZrO₂ adversely affects the performance of both the Ni–P coatings and the Ni–W–P coatings. For all the coatings, including the ones containing tungsten, a marked decrease in pore resistance (R_por) over time is observed. This means that their corrosion resistance and capacity to protect the substrate decline. On the other hand, after 24 h immersion in the 3.5% NaCl solution the Ni–W–P coating shows the highest low‐frequency impedance modulus (|Z|_{f = 0.01 Hz}). As regards corrosion resistance, the Ni–P coatings and the Ni–W–P coatings perform best.     

Testing of PTA automatic braze-welding technology for producing absorber joints of solar collectors

The article presents research aimed at developing a PTA braze-welding technology for producing absorber connections between tubes and copper foil with EcoBraz 38102 self-fusible brazing solder in the form of wire 1 mm in diameter. Braze-welding process was carried out by means of two techniques of braze welding of flat copper foil to a tube, while the foil had a 0–1.5 mm wide gap: a connection with a butt joint made by braze welding with simultaneous stamping of a semi-circular channel in the copper foil (the channel diameter equal to the tube diameter); and a connection with two braze-welded fillet joints. Metallographic tests, hardness measurement, static tensile test and thermal conduction efficiency test were performed to determine the properties of prepared connections. It was demonstrated that there exists a field of PTA braze-welding parameters which assures high quality of absorber connections between tubes and copper foil.     

Quenched steel welding

The aim of this research was to develop a process for welding BORON 27 type quenched steel, manufactured in Finland. The composition of a shielding gas mixture was selected by means of trials: 90% Ar, 5% CO₂, and 5% O₂. Joints were reproduced by this method, i.e. welded, quenched joints as well as unquenched welded joints, and were tested for quality. Tests included X-ray radiography, macroscopic testing, hardness tests, and tearing and bending resistance tests. The results of these tests were presented in the article.     

Stresses and strains in soldered joints

In this article, current thinking on stresses in soldered joints of different physical and mechanical properties was appraised, as well as the possibilities for decreasing them with the use of different techniques, from technological experiments to numerical methods. The influence of individual factors on the size of stresses was analysed, including the solder gap size, the thicknesses of joined elements, area and soldered surface roughness, spacers, and compensation inserts as well as joint geometry. The results of numerical calculations of 2D models of soldered joints for different sizes of surfaces soldered at a constant width of solder gap were also presented. Particular attention was paid to stresses occurring in joints with large soldering surfaces.     

Friction stir welding of AZ-91 and AM-Lite magnesium alloys

The objective of this paper was to report the results of butt joint quality of friction stir welding (FSW) of samples of alloys of MgAlZn group. Welding has been carried out with the FSW tool of welding speed ranging from 140 to 355 mm/min. In the stir zone and the surrounding, neither porosity nor cracks have been obtained. Microhardness in the stir zone increased for all welds when compared to the base metals, as a consequence of the high grain refinement and increased precipitations at the grain boundaries. The decrease in plastic properties of metal in these regions is expected. The results show a strong relationship between properties of joints and welding parameters.     

Problems with welding steel T24 intended for membrane walls of boilers

We present the issues connected with the manufacture of waterwalls made of modern 7CrMoVTiB10-10 (T24) steel by submerged and TIG welding methods. We give the results of mechanical testing and structural examination of parent materials and welding consumables used for the manufacture of welded joints as well as the results of weldability and crack resistance testing for T24 steel. Possible reasons for cracking in welded joints as well as the usability of T24 steel for construction of responsible elements of waterwalls in advanced power boilers is discussed.     

Structure,Properties, and Crystallization of Mg-Cu-Y-Zn Bulk Metallic Glasses

The Mg₆₀Cu₃₀Y₁₀ and Mg₆₅Cu₂₀Y₁₀Zn₅ bulk metallic glasses in the form of a rod 2 mm in diameter were successfully prepared by the conventional Cu-mold casting method. The addition of Zn caused the decrease in the crystallization and melting temperatures in comparison with the Mg₆₀Cu₃₀Y₁₀ alloy. The crystallization and melting temperatures are crucial factors that influence the casting process. An increase in annealing temperature leads to structural changes by the formation of the crystalline phases and lowers the compressive strength. These results obtained for the Mg-based bulk metallic glasses (Mg-BMGs) are important for some practical reasons, in particular, for developing the fabrication process. It has been shown that minor addition of an alloying element can change glass-forming ability and strength of the Mg-BMGs.