A Ti–Zr–Cu–Ni–Co–Fe–Al–Sn amorphous filler metal for improving the strength of Ti–6Al–4V alloy brazing joint

Ti_(50)Zr_(27)Cu_8Ni_4Co_3Fe_2Al_3Sn_3(at%) amorphous filler metal with low Cu and Ni contents in a melt-spun ribbon form was developed for improving mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy brazing joint through decreasing brittle intermetallics in the braze zone. Investigation on the crystallization behavior of the multicomponent Ti–Zr–Cu–Ni–Co–Fe–Al–Sn amorphous alloy indicates the high stability of the supercooled liquid against crystallization that favors the formation of amorphous structure. The Ti–6Al–4V joint brazed with this Ti-based amorphous filler metal with low total content of Cu and Ni at 1203K for 900s mainly consists of α-Ti, β-Ti,minor Ti–Zr-rich phase and only a small amount of Ti_3Cu intermetallics, leading to the high shear strength of the joint of about 460 MPa. Multicomponent composition design of amorphous alloys is an effective way of tailoring filler metals for improving the joint strength.     

Microstructure s and mechanical properties of Ti3Al/Ni-based superalloy joints arc welded with Ti –Nb and Ti– Ni – Nb filler alloys

Dissimilar joining of Ti3Al-based alloy to Ni-based superalloy has been carried out using gas tungsten arc(GTA) welding technology with Ti–Nb and Ti–Ni–Nb filler alloys.The joint welded with the Ti–Nb filler alloy contained much less interfacial brittle phases than the one using the Ti–Ni–Nb filler alloy.The average room-temperature tensile strength of the joint welded with Ti–Nb was 202 MPa and the strength value of the one welded with Ti–Ni–Nb was 128 MPa.For both fillers,the weak links of the dissimilar joints were the weld/In718 interfaces.The presence of TiNi,TiNi3 and Ni3Nb intermetallic compounds in the joint welded with Ti–Ni–Nb induced microcracks at the weld/In718 interface and deteriorated the mechanical properties of the joint.And the adoption of the Ti–Nb filler alloy decreased the formation tendency of interfacial brittle phases to some extent and thus enhanced the tensile strength of the joint.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of the SiC/Zr4 joints brazed with TiZrNiCu filler for nuclear application

Si C ceramic has been successfully joined to Zr4 alloy using Ti Zr Ni Cu filler within the temperature range1173 K–1263 K and 15 min holding time. The morphology of the Si C/Zr4 joints was investigated by SEM, and the phases in the joints were characterized by XRD and TEM. The results indicated that part of the Zr4 substrate dissolved into the molten filler during the brazing process, contributed to the increasing Zr content and the formation of Zr[Ti] solid solution in the joints. In addition, β-Ti phase was discovered in the brazing seam. This might be attributed to the existence of β-Ti stable elements, Cu and Ni. The interface characterization showed that Si C reacted with filler alloy during the brazing process, formed a(Zr, Ti)C reaction layer on Si C surface and Zr2 Si compound near Si C substrate. Finally, the mechanical properties of the joints, evaluated by a shear strength test, reached a maximum of 95 MPa at the brazing temperature of 1203 K.     

Brazing 6061 aluminum alloy with Al-Si-Zn filler metals containing Sr

Al-6.5Si-42Zn and Al-6.5Si-42Zn-0.09Sr filler metals were used for brazing 6061 aluminum alloy. Air cooling and water cooling were applied after brazing. Si phase morphologies in the brazing alloy and the brazed joints were investigated. It was found that zinc in the Al-Si filler metals could reduce the formation of eutectic Al-Si phase and lower the brazing temperature at about 520℃. Adding 0.09wt% Sr element into the Al-6.5Si-42Zn alloy caused α-Al phase refinement and transformed acicular Si phase into the finely fiber-like. After water cooling, Zn element dissolved into the Al-Si eutectic area, and η-Zn phase disappeared in the brazed joints. Tensile strength testing results showed that the Sr-modified filler metal could enhance the strength of the brazed joints by 13% than Al-12Si, while water-cooling further improved the strength at 144 MPa.     

Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Ti_2AlNb/TiAl brazed joint using newly-developed Ti–Ni–Nb–Zr filler alloy

Joining of Ti_2AlNb alloy to TiAl intermetallics was conducted by the newly-developed Ti–Ni–Nb–Zr brazing filler alloy.The microstructure evolution of the joints was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM),energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD).The macro-micro mechanical properties were studied by shear test and nano-indentation test.Typical interfacial microstructures across the brazing seam were Ti_2AlNb substrate,α_2-Ti_3Al+β-Ti,γ-TiAl+Ti_2Ni+TiNi+α_2-Ti_3Al,α_2-Ti_3Al+β-Ti,TiAl substrate.The Ti_2Ni phase were firstly dissolved in the joints brazed at 1000°C for 10 min and then precipitated after a prolonged holding time of 15 min.The nano-indentation test revealed that Ti_2Ni phase exhibited the highest hardness of 12.60 GPa.The joints brazed at 1000°C/15 min presented the maximum shear strength of271 MPa.The dissolution and precipitation behavior of Ti_2Ni phase was also discussed.     

Saturation phenomenon of Ce and Ti in the modification of Al–Zn–Si filler metal

Cerium and titanium were added to an Al–42Zn–6.5Si brazing alloy, and the subsequent microstructures of the brazing alloy and the 6061 Al alloy brazing seam were investigated. The microstructures of filler metals and brazed joints were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersion spectrometry. A new Ce–Ti phase formed around the silicon phase in the modified filler metal and this saturation phenomenon was analyzed. Interestingly, following brazing of the 6061 alloy, there is no evidence of the Ce–Ti phase in the brazing seam. Because of the mutual solubility of the brazing alloy and base metal, the quantity of the solvent increases, and the solute Ce and Ti atoms assume an undersaturated state.     

XRD and TEM analysis of the microstructure in the brazing joint of 3003 cladding aluminum alloy

The material used in this experiment was 3003 cladding aluminum alloy, the cladding metal was 4004 aluminum alloy. The aluminum plate was brazed by means of vacuum brazing. The microstructure in the brazing joint was studied by means of X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The test result indicates that the suitable brazing technique parameters are brazing temperature, 628°C; keeping time, 10 min; vacuum degree, 6.5×10-4 Pa. XRD test indicates that there are new intermetallic compounds different from the base metal. TEM analysis indicates that Cu₂Mg and Cu₃Mn₂Mg are formed in the brazing joint. The shape of Cu₂Mg is irregular and the shape of Cu₃Mn₂Mg is circle, and there are tiny particles in it.     

Brazing of micrograin-filled quartz fiber reinforced silica composites and Invar using Ag-21Cu-4.5Ti alloy

Brazing of quartz fiber reinforced silica composites (QFSC) to Invar alloy was carried out in a vacuum at 1173 K for 10 min using Ag-21Cu-4.5Ti metal filler.Experiments indicated that composites prefilled with CaCO3 micrograins had good wettability.The CaCO3 decomposed to CaO during brazing.After brazing,a joint of structure QFSC/3CaO·2SiO2+Ti3O5+Fe2Ti+NiTi+Ag(s,s)+ Cu(s,s)/Invar was established.The shear strength of the brazed joint reached 11.6 MPa at room temperature,which is about five times the shear strength of that obtained without surface filling.     

Microstructure and properties of an Al-Ti-Cu-Si brazing alloy for SiC-metal joining

An Al-Ti-Cu-Si solid-liquid dual-phase alloy that exhibits good wettability and appropriate interfacial reaction with SiC at 500-600℃ was designed for SiC-metal joining. The microstructure, phases, differential thermal curves, and high-temperature wetting behavior of the alloy were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and the sessile drop method. The experimental results show that the 76.5Al-8.5Ti-5Cu-10Si alloy is mainly composed of Al-Al₂Cu and Al-Si hypoeutectic low-melting-point microstructures (493-586℃) and the high-melting-point intermetallic compound AlTiSi (840℃). The contact angle, determined by high-temperature wetting experiments, is approximately 54°. Furthermore, the wetting interface is smooth and contains no obvious defects. Metallurgical bonding at the interface is attributable to the reaction between Al and Si in the alloy and ceramic, respectively. The formation of the brittle Al₄C₃ phase at the interface is suppressed by the addition of 10wt% Si to the alloy.     

Friction stir welding of pure magnesium and polypropylene in a lap-joint configuration:Microstructure and mechanical properties

A hybrid joint with a satisfactory mixture of pure magnesium and polypropylene(PP)was achieved via friction stir joining(FSW)in a lap-joint configuration.The tool rotational and travel speeds used in this work were 500–700 r/min and 50–100 mm/min,respectively.The mechanical properties and microstructural analysis of the resultant hybrid Mg/PP joint were examined.The results show that the maximum tensile shear strength(22.5 MPa)of the joint was attained at 700 r/min and 75 mm/min due to the optimum percentage fraction of mechanical interlocking(48%)and the presence of magnesium oxide.The interfacial joint center exhibits the maximum microhardness values because of the presence of refined and intertwined Mg fragments and density dislocations in the matrix of the PP.The joint failed via two different modes:interfacial line and weld zone fractures,respectively.     

Brazed joints of CBN grains and AISI 1045 steel with AgCuTi-TiC mixed powder as filler materials

The brazing process of cubic boron nitride (CBN) grains and AISI 1045 steel with AgCuTi-TiC mixed powder as a filler material was carried out. The joining strength and the interfacial microstructure were investigated. The experimental results indicate that the spreading of the molten filler material on AISI 1045 steel is decreased with the increase of TiC content. A good interface is formed between the TiC particulates and AgCuTi alloy through the wetting behavior. In the case of AgCuTi+16wt% TiC, the strength of the brazed steel-to-steel joints reached the highest value of 95 MPa dependent upon the reinforcement effect of TiC particles within the filler layer. Brazing resultants of TiB₂, TiB, and TiN are produced at the interface of the CBN grains and the AgCuTi-TiC filler layer by virtue of the interdiffusion of B, N, and Ti atoms.     

Solid-Liquid State Bonding of Si3N4 Ceramics with Ceramic-Modified Brazing Alloy

Solid-liquid state bonding of Si3N4 ceramics with TiN-modified Ag-Cu-Ti brazing alloy was used to enhance joint strength. The effects of the TiN particles on the microstructures, interfacial reactions, and room-temperature properties of the joints were investigated. The results show that the TiN particles are generally well dispersed in the Ag-Cu eutectic base and the interface between them is both clean and compact. Changes in the TiN volume fractions from 0 to 20% exert no noticeable effect on the interfacial reaction between Ag-Cu-Ti and the substrates. Other bonding parameters being constant, the TiN volume fraction in the filler material plays a key role in the joint properties. For TiN volume fractions below 20%, the joints are reinforced, especially joints with 5% and 20% TiN. The average shearing strength of joints with 5% TiN is 200.8 MPa, 30% higher than that of joints with no TiN (154.1 MPa). However, for TiN volumes fractions above 20%, the joint strengths decrease.     

Saturation phenomenon of Ce and Ti in the modification of Al-Zn-Si filler metal

Cerium and titanium were added to an Al-42Zn-6.5Si brazing alloy, and the subsequent microstructures of the brazing alloy and the 6061 Al alloy brazing seam were investigated. The microstructures of filler metals and brazed joints were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersion spectrometry. A new Ce-Ti phase formed around the silicon phase in the modified filler metal and this saturation phenomenon was analyzed. Interestingly, following brazing of the 6061 alloy, there is no evidence of the Ce-Ti phase in the brazing seam. Because of the mutual solubility of the brazing alloy and base metal, the quantity of the solvent increases, and the solute Ce and Ti atoms assume an undersaturated state.     

Spontaneous infiltration and wetting behaviors of a Zr-based alloy melt on a porous SiC substrate

The spontaneous infiltration and wetting behaviors of a Zr-based alloy melt on porous a SiC ceramic plate were studied using the sessile drop method by continuous heating and holding for 1800 s at different temperatures in a high-vacuum furnace. The results showed that the Zr-based alloy melt could partly infiltrate the porous SiC substrate without pressure due to the effect of capillary pressure. Wettability and infiltration rates increased with increasing temperature, and interfacial reaction products (ZrC_0.7 and TiC) were detected in the Zr-based alloy/SiC ceramic system, likely because of the reaction of the active elements Zr and Ti with elemental C. Furthermore, the redundant element Si diffused into the alloy melt.     

Injection molding of ultra-fine Si_3N_4 powder for gas-pressure sintering

The ceramic injection molding technique was used in the gas-pressure sintering of ultra-fine Si3N4 powder. The feedstock's flowability, debinding rate, defect evolution, and microstructural evolution during production were explored. The results show that the solid volume loading of less than 50vol% and the surfactant mass fraction of 6wt% result in a perfect flowability of feedstock; this feedstock is suitable for injection molding. When the debinding time is 8 h at 40°C, approximately 50% of the wax can be solvent debinded. Defects detected during the preparation are traced to improper injection parameters, mold design, debinding parameters, residual stress, or inhomogeneous composition distribution in the green body. The bulk density, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness of the gas-pressure-sintered Si3N4 ceramic reach 3.2 g/cm3, 16.5 GPa, and 7.2 MPa·m1/2, respectively.     

添加钇不锈钢热处理过程中其氧化物夹杂物的温度依赖性演化

The evolution of oxide inclusions during isothermal heating of 18Cr–8Ni stainless steel with yttrium addition at temperatures of 1273 to 1573 K was investigated systematically. Homogeneous spherical Al–Y–Si(–Mn–Cr) oxide inclusions were observed in as-cast steel. After heating, most of the homogeneous inclusions were transformed into heterogeneous inclusions with Y-rich and Al-rich parts, even though some homogeneous oxide particles were still observed at 1273 and 1573 K. With the increase in heating temperature, more large-sized inclusions were formed. The shape of the inclusions also changed from spherical to irregular. The maximum transformation temperature of inclusions was determined to be 1373 K. The evolution mechanism of inclusions during heating was proposed to be the combined effect of the (i) internal transformation of inclusions due to the crystallization of glassy oxide and (ii) interfacial reaction between inclusions and steel matrix. Meanwhile, the internal transformation of inclusions was considered to be the main factor at heating temperatures less than 1473 K.     

Effect of long term aging on microstructure and stress rupture properties of a nickel based single crystal superalloy

A nickel based single crystal superalloy with [001] orientation was prepared by the screw selecting method in the directionally solidified furnace. The long term aging (LTA) of the alloy after full heat treatment was performed at 1040 1C for 200–800 h. The microstructure and stress rupture properties at 980 1C/250 MPa and 1070 1C/140 MPa of the alloy long term aged (LTAed) for different time were investigated. The coarsening g0 phase and the broadening g matrix channel are observed in the samples LTAed at 1040 1C, but the g0 morphology is still in cubic shape after LTA for 800 h. No TCP phase precipitates after LTA for 400 h, while needle shaped and granular TCP phase forms in dendritic core of the alloy after LTA for 600 h. With increasing aging time, the volume of the TCP phase increases and it grows from the dendritic core to the interdendritic region along a fixed direction. The composition of the TCP phase is mainly composed of Re and W. With increasing aging time the rupture life of the alloy at 980 1C/250 MPa and 1070 1C/140 MPa all turns shorter. Finally, the relationship between the microstructure and the stress rupture properties is discussed.     

Temperature-dependent evolution of oxide inclusions during heat treatment of stainless steel with yttrium addition

The evolution of oxide inclusions during isothermal heating of 18Cr–8Ni stainless steel with yttrium addition at temperatures of 1273 to 1573 K was investigated systematically. Homogeneous spherical Al–Y–Si(–Mn–Cr) oxide inclusions were observed in as-cast steel.After heating, most of the homogeneous inclusions were transformed into heterogeneous inclusions with Y-rich and Al-rich parts, even though some homogeneous oxide particles were still observed at 1273 and 1573 K. With the increase in heating temperature, more large-sized inclusions were formed. The shape of the inclusions also changed from spherical to irregular. The maximum transformation temperature of inclusions was determined to be 1373 K. The evolution mechanism of inclusions during heating was proposed to be the combined effect of the(i)internal transformation of inclusions due to the crystallization of glassy oxide and(ii) interfacial reaction between inclusions and steel matrix.Meanwhile, the internal transformation of inclusions was considered to be the main factor at heating temperatures less than 1473 K.     

A β-type TiNbZr alloy with low modulus and high strength for biomedical applications

The effect of thermo-mechanical treatment on the mechanical properties of a novel β-type Ti–36Nb–5Zr(wt%) alloy has been investigated.The solution treated alloy consists of β and α″ phases and exhibits a two-stage yielding with a low yield stress(around 100 MPa). After cold rolling at a reduction of 87.5% and subsequent annealing treatment at 698 K for 25 min, a fine microstructure with nanosized α precipitates distributed in small β grains as well as high density of dislocations was obtained to achieve a yield strength of 720 MPa and a ultimate tensile strength of 860 MPa. In spite of the formation of α precipitates, the β-stabilizers are not enriched in the parent β matrix due to the short duration and low temperature of the thermal treatment, resulting in a low chemical stability of β phase. The low stability of β phase and the small volume fraction of α precipitates produce a low Young’s modulus of 48 GPa. Such an excellent combination of low elastic modulus and high strength in mechanical properties indicates great potential for biomedical applications.     

A TEM study on the microstructure of spark plasma sintered ZrB_2-based composite with nano-sized SiC dopant

Sintering behavior of ZrB_2 ceramic with nano-sized SiC dopant was studied. ZrB_2-25 vol% nano-sized SiC was selected as the starting mixture to fabricate the composite. The manufacturing process was accomplished at 1800℃ for 5 min under 25 MPa via spark plasma sintering(SPS). The as-sintered sample reached a relative density of 99%. Besides the initial phases, namely ZrB_2 and SiC, the high-resolution X-ray diffraction(HRXRD) was used to study the formation of an in-situ ZrC phase. The possible chemical interactions during the ZrC phase formation were scrutinized. The microstructure of the composite was studied by the field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). Elemental analysis through FESEM evaluations revealed the formation of amorphous phases, rich in Zr, C, Si, B, and O elements, which was in harmony with the thermodynamical assessments. TEM studies endorsed the formation of such phases, containing a glassy bed of Si–B–O with ZrC and C islands dispersed therein.