Effect of Ce addition on microstructures and mechanical properties of A380 aluminum alloy prepared by squeeze-casting

The effect of cerium (Ce) addition on the eutectic Si, β-Al₅FeSi phase, and the tensile properties of A380 alloy specimens prepared by squeeze-casting were studied by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The experimental results showed that Ce more effectively modified the eutectic Si and refined the β-Al₅FeSi. The refinement effect significantly increased under a specific pressure of 100 MPa with the addition of Ce from 0.1wt% to 0.9wt%. In contrast, the average length and the aspect ratio of the eutectic Si and β-Al₅FeSi exhibited their optimal values when the content of the added Ce was greater than 0.5wt%. Needle-like Al8Cu4Ce was precipitated with the addition of excessive Ce; hence, the mechanical properties of A380 gradually decreased with increasing Ce content in the range from 0.3wt% to 0.9wt%.     

Effects of Fe content on the microstructure and properties of CuNi10FeMn1 alloy tubes fabricated by HCCM horizontal continuous casting

Heating-cooling combined mold (HCCM) horizontal continuous casting technology developed by our research group was used to produce high axial columnar-grained CuNi10FeMn1 alloy tubes with different Fe contents. The effects of Fe content (1.08wt%–2.01wt%) on the microstructure, segregation, and flushing corrosion resistance in simulated flowing seawater as well as the mechanical properties of the alloy tubes were investigated. The results show that when the Fe content is increased from 1.08wt% to 2.01wt%, the segregation degree of Ni and Fe elements increases, and the segregation coefficient of Ni and Fe elements falls from 0.92 to 0.70 and from 0.92 to 0.63, respectively. With increasing Fe content, the corrosion rate of the alloy decreases initially and then increases. When the Fe content is 1.83wt%, the corrosion rate approaches the minimum and dense, less-defect corrosion films, which contain rich Ni and Fe elements, form on the surface of the alloy; these films effectively protect the α-matrix and reduce the corrosion rate. When the Fe content is increased from 1.08wt% to 2.01wt%, the tensile strength of the alloy tube increases from 204 MPa to 236 MPa, while the elongation to failure changes slightly about 46%, indicating the excellent workability of the CuNi10FeMn1 alloy tubes.     

Influence of carbon-partitioning treatment on the microstructure,mechanical properties and wear resistance of in situ VCp-reinforced Fe-matrix composite

The wear resistance of iron(Fe)-matrix materials could be improved through the in situ formation of vanadium carbide particles(VCp)with high hardness. However, brittleness and low impact toughness limit their application in several industries due to addition of higher carbon content. Carbon-partitioning treatment plays an important role in tuning the microstructure and mechanical properties of in situ VCp-reinforced Fe-matrix composite. In this study, the influences of carbon-partitioning temperatures and times on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of in situ VCp-reinforced Fe-matrix composite were investigated. The experimental results indicated that a certain amount of retained austenite could be stabilized at room temperature through the carbon-partitioning treatment. Microhardness of in situ VCp-reinforced Fematrix composite under carbon-partitioning treatment could be decreased, but impact toughness was improved accordingly when wear resistance was enhanced. In addition, the enhancement of wear resistance could be attributed to transformation-induced plasticity(TRIP) effect, and phase transformation was caused from γ-Fe(face-centered cubic structure, fcc) to α-Fe(body-centered cubic structure, bcc) under a certain load.     

碳分配处理对原位VCp增强铁基复合材料组织、力学性能和耐磨性的影响

The wear resistance of iron (Fe)-matrix materials could be improved through the in situ formation of vanadium carbide particles (VCp) with high hardness. However, brittleness and low impact toughness limit their application in several industries due to addition of higher carbon content. Carbon-partitioning treatment plays an important role in tuning the microstructure and mechanical properties of in situ VCp-reinforced Fe-matrix composite. In this study, the influences of carbon-partitioning temperatures and times on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of in situ VCp-reinforced Fe-matrix composite were investigated. The experimental results indicated that a certain amount of retained austenite could be stabilized at room temperature through the carbon-partitioning treatment. Microhardness of in situ VCp-reinforced Fe-matrix composite under carbon-partitioning treatment could be decreased, but impact toughness was improved accordingly when wear resistance was enhanced. In addition, the enhancement of wear resistance could be attributed to transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect, and phase transformation was caused from γ-Fe (face-centered cubic structure, fcc) to α-Fe (body-centered cubic structure, bcc) under a certain load.     

Si/Al、Na/Al和H2O/Na2O摩尔比对无机铝硅酸盐涂层甲醛阻隔性能的影响

Wood-based panels containing urea-formaldehyde resin result in the long-term release of formaldehyde and threaten human health. In this study, inorganic aluminosilicate coatings prepared by combining metakaolin, silica fume, NaOH, and H₂O were applied to the surfaces of wood-based panels to obstruct formaldehyde release. The Si/Al, Na/Al, and H₂O/Na₂O molar ratios of the coatings were regulated to investigate their effects on the structure and formaldehyde-resistant barrier properties of coatings. Results showed that the cracks in the coatings gradually disappeared and the formaldehyde resistance rates of the barrier increased as the Si/Al molar ratio was increased from 1.6 to 2.2. This value also increased as the Na/Al molar ratio was increased from 0.9 to 1.2 because of the improvement of the degree of polymerization. As the H₂O/Na₂O molar ratio was increased from 12 to 15, the thickness of the dry film decreased gradually and led to the reduction in the formaldehyde resistance rate. When the Si/Al, Na/Al, and H₂O/Na₂O molar ratios were 2.2, 1.2, and 12, respectively, the inorganic aluminosilicate coating showed good performance as a formaldehyde-resistant barrier and its formaldehyde resistance rate could reach up to 83.2%.     

Preparation and Properties of Electrospun Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)/Polyurethane (PU) Composite Nanofiber Membranes

Polyvinylidene fluoride( PVDF)/polyurethane( PU) composite nanofiber membranes were prepared by mixing PVDF and PU at different mass ratios. The microstructure and the crystal structure of the composite nanofiber membranes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy( SEM),Fourier transform infrared( FTIR)spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction( XRD). The hydrophilicity, mechanical properties and piezoelectric properties were also tested. Results showed that when the mass ratio of PVDF to PU was 9 ∶1,the fiber membrane had the best microstructure,and the crystal form of PVDF changed from αcrystal to β crystal in the electrospinning. The addition of PU improved the hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, and piezoelectric signal of the fiber membrane. When the mass ratio of PVDF to PU was 9 ∶1,the tensile strength reached the peak value of( 10.39 ± 0.41) N,and the output voltage reached the maximum value of( 1.98 ± 0.12) V.     

Linking anisotropy with Fe_3C distribution in AISI 1045 steel

The anisotropy of the microstructure, thermal expansion behavior, corrosion resistance and magnetic properties of AISI 1045 steel was investigated. The distribution of Fe3 C lamellae i n the investigation plane parallel to the radial directions of molds was observed to differ from that in the investigation plane perpendicular to the radial directions by transmission electron microscopy. The lattice constants a0 of α-Fe deduced from the XRD patterns of samples prepared using a sand(S)-mold and cut parallel to the radial direction of the mold(S∥) and using a metal(M)-mold and cut parallel to the radial direction(M∥), the corrosion resistance measured using an electrochemical workstation, and the magnetic permeability obtained by vibrating sample magnetometry also indicated the existence of anisotropy in the tested samples. The anisotropic change of corrosion potential(Ecorr), pitting potential(Epit) and magnetic permeability(μ) of the samples was observed to depend on the orientation factor F200 of α-Fe in the measured samples, which is controlled by the distribution of Fe3 C lamellae in the eutectoid structure.     

Effects of gadolinium addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-9Al alloy

This research aims to study the significance of Gd addition (0wt%-2wt%) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-9Al alloy. The effect of Gd addition on the microstructure was investigated via X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Mg-9Al alloy contained two phases, α-Mg and β-Mg17Al12. Alloying with Gd led to the emergence of a new rectangular-shaped phase, Al₂Gd. The grain size also decreased marginally upon Gd addition. The ultimate tensile strength and microhardness of Mg-9Al alloy increased by 23% and 19%, respectively, upon 1.5wt% Gd addition. We observed that, although Mg-9Al-2.0Gd alloy exhibited the smallest grain size (181 μm) and the highest dislocation density (5.1×1010 m-2) among the investigated compositions, the Mg-9Al-1.5Gd alloy displayed the best mechanical properties. This anomalous behavior was observed because the Al₂Gd phase was uniformly distributed and present in abundance in Mg-9Al-1.5Gd alloy, whereas it was coarsened and asymmetrically conglomerated in Mg-9Al-2.0Gd.     

Effects of Nb on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 38MnB5 steel

The effects of the microalloying element niobium (Nb) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the hot stamped steel 38MnB5 were investigated. The impact of Nb addition on the microstructure was studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The experimental results indicated that the microstructures of the steel containing Nb were finer than those of the steel without Nb. Moreover, Nb mainly presented as a second-phase particle in 38MnB5 steel, and the particles included Nb carbonitrides. In addition, the tensile strength and elongation of the hot rolled and hot stamped steels were also measured, and they demonstrated that the appropriate addition of Nb was beneficial to the mechanical properties of 38MnB5. Under the same conditions, the tensile strength of 38MnB5Nb was higher than that of 38MnB5, which increased from 2011 to 2179 MPa. The yield strength also increased from 1316 to 1476 MPa, and the elongation increased from 5.92% to 6.64%. Overall, Nb had a positive effect on the performance of the hot stamped steel.     

New (Fe0.76Si0.09B0.1P0.05)98.25Nb1Cu0.75 bulk nanocrystalline alloys with good soft magnetic properties

A new(Fe0.76Si0.09B0.1P0.05)98.25Nb1Cu0.75 bulk nanocrystalline alloy in a rod shape with a diameter of 2.5 mm was successfully developed by copper mold casting and isothermal annealing. It was found that the introduction of Cu can result in the formation of a large number of α-Fe(Si)clusters(less than 3 nm) embedded in the glassy matrix, which greatly improved the primary crystallization of α-Fe(Si) nanocrystals during subsequent annealing. The obtained superior soft magnetic properties can be ascribed to the formation of optimal nanocomposite structures with a large number of α-Fe(Si) nanocrystals( 17 nm) uniformly distributed in the glassy matrix.     

Effect of silica fume on the fresh and hardened properties of fly ash-based self-compacting geopolymer concrete

The effect of silica fume on the fresh and hardened properties of fly ash-based self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) was investigated in this paper. The work focused on the concrete mixes with a fixed water-to-geopolymer solid (W/Gs) ratio of 0.33 by mass and a constant total binder content of 400 kg/m3. The mass fractions of silica fume that replaced fly ash in this research were 0wt%, 5wt%, 10wt%, and 15wt%. The workability-related fresh properties of SCGC were assessed through slump flow, V-funnel, and L-box test methods. Hardened concrete tests were limited to compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths, all of which were measured at the age of 1, 7, and 28 d after 48-h oven curing. The results indicate that the addition of silica fume as a partial replacement of fly ash results in the loss of workability; nevertheless, the mechanical properties of hardened SCGC are significantly improved by incorporating silica fume, especially up to 10wt%. Applying this percentage of silica fume results in 4.3% reduction in the slump flow; however, it increases the compressive strength by 6.9%, tensile strength by 12.8% and flexural strength by 11.5%.     

Recalescence behavior and solidification structure of the undercooled Fe82B17Si1 eutectic alloy

By cyclic superheating incorporated with glass fluxing denucleation method the Fes2Bl7Si1 eutectic al-loy was undercooled up to △ T = 342 K. The relations between recalescence behavior and solidification structures weresystematically studied in the undercooling range of 6-342 K. Two critical undercoolings were observed: mixed eutecticwas the unique growth morphology when the undercooling was less than △T1 = 63 K; but the microstructure transformedto complete undercooled anomalous eutectic when the undercooling was greater than △T2 = 164 K. The two eutecticphases α(Fe,Si) and Fe2B conformed to the non-reciprocal nucleation effect. The boundary of the coupled zone of α(Fe, Si)-Fe2 B system shifted toward the Fe2 B side, and intersected the eutectic composition line at △ T = 154 K and△x T= 264 K, whose valley was at about △ T = 207 K.     

Effects of La addition on the microstructure and tensile properties of Al-Si-Cu-Mg casting alloys

The effects of La addition on the microstructure and tensile properties of B-refined and Sr-modified Al-11Si-1.5Cu-0.3Mg casting alloys were investigated. With a trace addition of La (0.05wt%-0.1wt%), the mutual poisoning effect between B and Sr can be neutralized by the formation of LaB₆ rather than SrB₆. By employing a La/B weight ratio of 2:1, uniform microstructures, which are characterized by well refined α-Al grains and adequately modified eutectic Si particles as well as the incorporation of precipitated strengthening intermetallics, are obtained and lead to appreciable tensile properties with an ultimate tensile strength of 270 MPa and elongation of 5.8%.     

Effect of Ca modification on the elemental composition,microstructure and tensile properties of Al-7Si-0.3Mg alloy

The effect of Ca addition on the elemental composition, microstructure, Brinell hardness and tensile properties of Al-7Si-0.3Mg alloy were investigated. The residual content of Ca in the alloy linearly increased with the amount of Ca added to the melt. The optimal microstructure and properties were obtained by adding 0.06wt% Ca to Al-7Si-0.3Mg alloy. The secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) of the primary α phase decreased from 44.41 μm to 19.4 μm, and the eutectic Si changed from coarse plates to fine coral. The length of the Fe-rich phase (β-Al₅FeSi) decreased from 30.2 μm to 3.8 μm, and the Brinell hardness can reach to 66.9. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the resulting alloy increased from 159.5 MPa, 79 MPa, and 2.5% to 212 MPa, 86.5 MPa, and 4.5%, respectively. The addition of Ca can effectively refine the primary α phase and modify the eutectic Si phase, likely because Ca enrichment at the front of the solid-liquid interface led to undercooling of the alloy, reduced the growth rate of the primary α phase, and refined the grain size. Also, it could increase the latent heat of crystallization, undercooling, and the nucleation rate of eutectic Si, which was beneficial to the improvement of the morphology of eutectic Si.     

Austempering of hot rolled transformation-induced plasticity steels

Thermomechanical controlled processing (TMCP) was conducted by using a laboratory hot rolling mill. Austempering in the salt bath after hot rolling was investigated. The effect of isothermal holding time on mechanical properties was studied through examining of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the specimens. The mechanism of transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) was discussed. The results show that the microstructure of these steels consists of polygonal ferrite, granular bainite, and a significant amount of stable retained austenite. Strain-induced transformation to martensite of retained austenite and TRIP occur in the hot rolled Si-Mn TRIP steels. Excellent mechanical properties were obtained for various durations at 400℃. Prolonged holding led to cementite precipitation, which destabilized the austenite. The mechanical properties were optimal when the specimen was held for 25 min, and the tensile strength, total elongation, and strength ductility balance reached the maximum values of 776 MPa, 33%, and 25608 MPa.%, respectively.     

多孔Fe–C–P合金泡孔形貌、孔隙率、显微组织及力学性能的研究

Open cell steel foams were successfully fabricated through the powder metallurgy route using urea granules as the water leachable space holder in the present study. The influence of different amounts of phosphorus (0, 0.5wt%, 1wt%, 2wt%, and 4wt%) was investigated on the cell morphology, porosity, microstructure of cell walls, and mechanical properties of steel foams. The cell morphology and microstructure of the cell walls were evaluated using an optical microscope equipped with image processing software and a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. In addition, the compression tests were conducted on the steel foams using a universal testing machine. Based on microscopic images, the porous structure consists of spherical cells and irregularly shaped pores that are distributed in the cell walls. The results indicated that by increasing the phosphorus content, the porosity increases from 71.9% to 83.2%. The partially distributed ferrite and fine pearlite was observed in the microstructure of the cell walls, and α-Fe and Fe₃P eutectic extended between the boundaries of agglomerated iron particles. Furthermore, elastic and long saw-toothed plateau regions were observed before fracture in the compressional stress–strain curves. According to the results, by increasing the phosphorus content from 0 to 4wt%, the plateau region of the stress–strain curves shifts to the right and upward. Therefore, increasing phosphorus content causes improvement in the mechanical properties of steel foams.     

Titanium effect on the microstructure and properties of laminated high boron steel plates

High-boron steel is an important material used for thermal neutron shielding. The appropriate amount of added boron must be determined because excessive boron may deteriorate the steel's workability. A uniform microstructure can be formed by adding titanium to boron steel. In this study, casting and hot rolling were used to fabricate laminated high-boron steel plates whose cores contained 2.25wt% boron and 0wt%-7.9wt% titanium. The effects of titanium content and hot-rolling and heat-treatment processes on the microstructure and properties of the laminated plates were studied. The results indicated that the optimum titanium content was 5.7wt% when the boron content was 2.25wt%, and that the best overall properties were obtained after heat treatment at 1100℃ for 4 h. The tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation at the specified temperature and holding time were as high as 526.88 MPa, 219.36 MPa, and 29%, respectively.     

Effects of P addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–5%Sn–1.25%Si alloy

The effects of Al-P addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg–5%Sn–1.25%Si magnesium alloy were investigated. The results show that the phases of the as-cast alloy are composed of α-Mg, Mg2 Sn, Mg2 Si, little P, and AlP. The Chinese character shape Mg2 Si phase changes into a granular morphology by P addition because AlP can act as a heterogeneous nucleation core for the Mg2 Si phase. When 0.225wt% of Al–3.5%P alloy is added, the mechanical properties of the Mg–5%Sn–1.25%Si alloy are greatly improved, and the tensile strength increases from 156 to 191 MPa, an increase of 22.4% compared to the alloy without P addition. When the amount of Al–3.5%P reaches 0.300wt%, a segregation phenomenon occurs in the granular Mg2 Si phase, and the tensile strength and hardness decrease though the elongation increases.