Structure and corrosion resistance of Al–Cu–Fe alloys

The microstructure and electrochemical properties of Al–Cu–Fe alloys with the atomic compositions of Al_(65)Cu_(20)Fe_(15),Al_(78)Cu_7Fe_(15)and Al_(80)Cu_5Fe_(14)Si_1have been studied.The alloys were produced by induction melting of pure elements with copper mold casting.The microstructure of the alloys was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.The formation of quasicrystalline phases in the Al–Cu–Fe alloys was confirmed.The presence of intermetallic phases was observed in the alloys after crystallization in a form of ingots and plates.The electrochemical measurements were conducted in 3.5%NaCl solution.The electronic structure of the alloys was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.The post corrosion surface of the samples was checked using a scanning electron microscope equipped with the energydispersive X-ray detector.It was observed that the Al_(65)Cu_(20)Fe_(15)alloy had the highest corrosion resistance.The improved corrosion resistance parameters were noted for the plate samples rather than those in the as-cast state.And the hardness of the Al_(65)Cu_(20)Fe_(15)alloy was significantly higher than the other alloy samples.     

Microstructures of spinodal phases in Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy

The microstructures of spinodal phases in Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy were studied by TEM. It was found that when the alloy is completely in a as-quenched state, spinodal decomposition is quick. Ordering appears after spinodal decomposition. The ordered phase with DO₂₂ structure has three variants obtained from coarsening spinodal structure. The reason of ordering appeared after spinodal decomposition is that the content of solute atoms needed by ordering is higher than the average, which can be reached by the composition fluctuation of spinodal decomposition. It was speculated that the morphology of the ordered phase is needle-like.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91 magnesium alloy subject to deep cryogenic treatments

AZ91 magnesium alloy was subjected to a deep cryogenic treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) methods were utilized to characterize the composition and microstructure of the treated samples. The results show that after two cryogenic treatments, the quantity of the precipitate hardening β phase increases, and the sizes of the precipitates are refined from 8–10 μm to 2–4 μm. This is expected to be due to the decreased solubility of aluminum in the matrix at low temperature and the significant plastic deformation owing to internal differences in thermal contraction between phases and grains. The polycrystalline matrix is also noticeably refined, with the sizes of the subsequent nanocrystalline grains in the range of 50–100 nm. High density dislocations are observed to pile up at the grain boundaries, inducing the dynamic recrystallization of the microstructure, leading to the generation of a nanocrystalline grain structure. After two deep cryogenic treatments, the tensile strength and elongation are found to be substantially increased, rising from 243 MPa and 4.4% of as-cast state to 299 MPa and 5.1%.     

Microscopic phase-field simulation including elastic strain energy for early precipitation process of Ni-Al alloys with medium Al content

The early precipitation process of Ni-Al alloy was studied on the atomic scale based on the microscopic phase-field kinetic model. We investigated the effect of elastic strain energy on precipitation mechanism and morphological evolution of the alloy. Simulation results show that at the early stage of precipitation, γ′ ordered phase presents non-directional and irregular shape during the process of aging, the γ′ ordered phases change into the quadrate shape and their orientations become more obvious; at the later stage, the γ′ precipitates present quadrate shape with round corner and align along the [ 100 ] and [ 010 ] directions. The mechanism of early precipitation for Ni-13at. % Al alloy is the mixed mechanism of non-classical nucleation growth and spinodal decomposition and near to non-classical nucleation growth, and the mechanism of early precipitation for Ni-15.8at. % Al alloy is the mixed mechanism of non-classical nucleation growth and spinodal decomposition and near to spinodal decomposition.     

Densification behavior of mechanically milled Cu–8 at% Cr alloy and its mechanical and electrical properties

Synthesis and consolidation behavior of Cu–8 at%Cr alloy powders made by mechanical alloying with elemental Cu and Cr powders,and subsequently,compressive and electrical properties of the consolidated alloys were studied.Solid solubility of Cr in Cu during milling,and subsequent phase transformations during sintering and heat treatment of sintered components were analyzed using X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.The milled powders were compacted applying three different pressures(200 MPa,400 MPa and 600 MPa)and sintered in H2atmosphere at 900 1C for 30 min and at 1000 1C for 1 h and 2 h.The maximum densification(92.8%)was achieved for the sample compacted at 600 MPa and sintered for 1000 1C for 2 h.Hardness and densification behavior further increased for the compacts sintered at 900 1C for 30 min after rolling and annealing process.TEM investigation of the sintered compacts revealed the bimodal distribution of Cu grains with nano-sized Cr and Cr2O3precipitation along the grain boundary as well as in grain interior.Pinning of grain boundaries by the precipitates stabilized the fine grain structure in bimodal distribution.     

Effects of temperature-gradient-induced damage of zirconia metering nozzles

The effects of temperature-gradient-induced damage of zirconia metering nozzles were investigated through analysis of the phase composition and microstructure of nozzle samples. The analysis was carried out using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy after the samples were subjected to a heat treatment based on the temperatures of the affected, transition, and original layers of zirconia metering nozzles during the continuous casting of steel. The results showed that, after heat treatment at 1540, 1410, or 1300℃ for a dwell time of 5 h, the monoclinic zirconia phase was gradually stabilized with increasing heat-treatment temperature. Moreover, a transformation to the cubic zirconia phase occurred, accompanied by grain growth, which illustrates that the temperature gradient in zirconia metering nozzles affects the mineral composition and microstructure of the nozzles and accelerates damage, thereby deteriorating the quality and service life of the nozzles.     

Effect of Yb2O3 doping on the grain boundary of NiFe2O4–10NiO-based cermets after sintering

xYb2O3–15(20Ni–Cu)/(85?x)(NiFe2O4–10NiO) (x=0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 2.0, and 10.0) cermets for aluminum electrolysis were prepared to investigate the effect of Yb2O3 doping on the grain boundary of the cermets after sintering. The results showed that each interface was very clear and that with increasing Yb2O3 content, most of the Yb was evenly distributed at the grain boundary. Moreover, according to the phase composition and microstructural analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), YbFeO3 was produced along the grain boundary. The YbFeO3 was concluded to not only have formed from the interaction between the NiFe2O4 or Fe2O3 component and Yb2O3 at the grain boundary of the cermets, but also from the decomposition of NiFe2O4 into NiO and Fe2O3 and the subsequent reaction of Fe2O3 with Yb2O3. Thus, the pro-duction of YbFeO3 resulted in a cermet with high relative density, good electrical conductivity, and good corrosion resistance.     

Effect of Yb_2O_3 doping on the grain boundary of NiFe_2O_4–10NiO-based cermets after sintering

xY b2O3–15(20Ni–Cu)/(85- x)(NiF e2O4–10NiO)(x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 2.0, and 10.0) cermets for aluminum electrolysis were prepared to investigate the effect of Yb2O3 doping on the grain boundary of the cermets after sintering. The results showed that each interface was very clear and that with increasing Yb2O3 content, most of the Yb was evenly distributed at the grain boundary. Moreover, according to the phase composition and microstructural analysis by X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(SEM/EDX), and electron probe microanalysis(EPMA), YbF eO 3 was produced along the grain boundary. The YbF eO 3 was concluded to not only have formed from the interaction between the NiF e2O4 or Fe2O3 component and Yb2O3 at the grain boundary of the cermets, but also from the decomposition of NiF e2O4 into NiO and Fe2O3 and the subsequent reaction of Fe2O3 with Yb2O3. Thus, the production of YbF eO 3 resulted in a cermet with high relative density, good electrical conductivity, and good corrosion resistance.     

Microstructure and properties of Cu–Ti–Ni alloys

The effects of Ni addition and aging treatments on the microstructure and properties of a Cu–3Ti alloy were investigated. The microstructure and precipitation phases were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy; the hardness, electrical conductivity, and elastic modulus of the resulting alloys were also tested. The results show that Ni addition increases the electrical conductivity and elastic modulus, but decreases the hardness of the aged Cu–3Ti alloy. Within the range of the experimentally investigated parameters, the optimal two-stage aging treatment for the Cu–3Ti–1Ni and Cu–3Ti–5Ni alloy was 300°C for 2 h and 450°C for 7 h. The hardness, electrical conductivity, and elastic modulus of the Cu–3Ti–1Ni alloy were HV 205, 18.2% IACS, and 146 GPa, respectively, whereas the hardness, electrical conductivity, and elastic modulus of the Cu–3Ti–5Ni alloy were HV 187, 31.32% IACS, and 147 GPa, respectively. Microstructural analyses revealed that β′-Ni3 Ti and β′-Cu4 Ti precipitate from the Cu matrix during aging of the Cu–3Ti–5Ni alloy and that some residual Ni Ti phase remains. The increased electrical conductivity is ascribed to the formation of Ni Ti, β′-Ni3 Ti, and β′-Cu4 Ti phases.     

Computer simulation for the precipitation process of Ni75Al7.5V17.5 alloy

The precipitation mechanism of Ni75Al7.5V17.5 alloy above the L12 instability line, between the L12 and D022 instability lines and below the D022 instability line are studied using microscopic phase-field kinetic equation. This paper is aimed at investigating the effect of temperature on precipitation mechanism and morphological evolution of the alloy. Our simulations demonstrate that the precipitation is a mixed mechanism of non-classical nucleation growth and spinodal decomposition above the L12 instability line. It needs certain thermal fluctuations for nucleation and the number of θ phases is small at this temperature. The precipitation mechanism of γ'phase is congruent ordering followed by spinodal decomposition, and θ phase is a mixed mechanism of non-classical nucleation growth and spinodal decomposition between the L12 and D022 instability lines. The mechanism below the D022 instability line is similar to that between the L12 and D022 instability lines. With the decrease of the temperature, ordering and phase separation becomes fast, the dimension of γ'phase becomes small, the shape transforms from equiaxed to block, the dimension of θ phase becomes large and the shape transforms from strip to circle.     

Microstructure and properties of A2017 alloy strips processed by a novel process by combining semisolid rolling, deep rolling, and heat treatment

A novel short process for producing A2017 alloy strips with notable features of near net shape, saving energy, low cost, and high product performance was developed by combining semisolid rolling, deep rolling, and heat treatment. The microstructure and properties of the A2017 alloy strips were investigated by metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, tensile testing, and hardness measurement. The cross-sectional microstructure of the A2017 alloy strips is mainly composed of near-spherical primary grains. Many eutectic phases CuAl₂ formed along primary grain boundaries during semisolid rolling are crushed and broken into small particles. After solution treatment at 495℃ for 2 h the eutectic phases at grain boundaries have almost dissolved into the matrix. When the solution treatment time exceeds 2 h, grain coarsening happens. More and more grain interior phases precipitate with the aging time prolonging to 8 h. The precipitated particles are very small and distribute homogenously, and the tensile strength reaches its peak value. When the aging time is prolonged to 12 h, there is no obvious variation in the amount of precipitated phases, but the size and spacing of precipitated phases increase. The tensile strength of the A2017 alloy strips produced by the present method can reach 362.78 MPa, which is higher than that of the strips in the national standard of China.     

Grain growth of Al-4Cu-Mg alloy during isothermal heat treatment

The microstructure of an Al-4Cu-Mg alloy during isothermal heat treatment in the Strain Induced Melt Activation (SIMA) process was investigated and the kinetics of grain growth was analyzed. The grain growth during isothermal heat treatment of the Al-4Cu-Mg alloy coincided with the Ostwald ripening theory. During isothermal heat treatment, both grain shape and the high volume fraction of solid phase have significant effects on grain growth. Therefore, a new grain growth model based on the Ostwald ripening theory was proposed taking into consideration the grain shape and the volume fraction of solid phase. By comparing the calculated results with the experimental results, it was confirmed that the present model could be applied to grain growth during isothermal heat treatment of the Al-4Cu-Mg alloy in the SIMA process.     

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.     

Refinement of primary Si grains in Al–20%Si alloy slurry through serpentine channel pouring process

In this study, a serpentine channel pouring process was used to prepare the semi-solid Al–20%Si alloy slurry and refine primary Si grains in the alloy. The effects of the pouring temperature, number of curves in the serpentine channel, and material of the serpentine channel on the size of primary Si grains in the semi-solid Al–20%Si alloy slurry were investigated. The results showed that the pouring temperature, number of the curves, and material of the channel strongly affected the size and distribution of the primary Si grains. The pouring temperature exerted the strongest effect, followed by the number of the curves and then the material of the channel. Under experimental conditions of a four-curve copper channel and a pouring temperature of 701℃, primary Si grains in the semi-solid Al–20%Si alloy slurry were refined to the greatest extent, and the lath-like grains were changed into granular grains. Moreover, the equivalent grain diameter and the average shape coefficient of primary Si grains in the satisfactory semi-solid Al–20%Si alloy slurry were 24.4 μm and 0.89, respectively. Finally, the refinement mechanism and distribution rule of primary Si grains in the slurry prepared through the serpentine channel pouring process were analyzed and discussed.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of the micrograined hypoeutectic Zn–Mg alloy

A biodegradable Zn alloy, Zn–1.6Mg, with the potential medical applications as a promising coating material for steel components was studied in this work. The alloy was prepared by three different procedures: gravity casting, hot extrusion, and a combination of rapid solidification and hot extrusion. The samples prepared were characterized by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Vickers hardness, tensile, and compressive tests were performed to determine the samples’ mechanical properties. Structural examination reveals that the average grain sizes of samples prepared by gravity casting, hot extrusion, and rapid solidification followed by hot extrusion are 35.0, 9.7, and 2.1 μm, respectively. The micrograined sample with the finest grain size exhibits the highest hardness (Hv = 122 MPa), compressive yield strength (382 MPa), tensile yield strength (332 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (370 MPa), and elongation (9%). This sample also demonstrates the lowest work hardening in tension and temporary softening in compression among the prepared samples. The mechanical behavior of the samples is discussed in relation to the structural characteristics, Hall–Petch relationship, and deformation mechanisms in fine-grained hexagonal-close-packed metals.     

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.     

Effect of homogenization process on the hardness of Zn–Al–Cu alloys

The effect of a homogenizing treatment on the hardness of as-cast Zn–Al–Cu alloys was investigated. Eight alloy compositions were prepared and homogenized at 350 ℃ for 180 h, and their Rockwell “B” hardness was subsequently measured. All the specimens were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and metallographically prepared for observation by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results of the present work indicated that the hardness of both alloys (as-cast and homogenized) increased with increasing Al and Cu contents; this increased hardness is likely related to the presence of the θ and τ' phases. A regression equation was obtained to determine the hardness of the homogenized alloys as a function of their chemical composition and processing parameters, such as homogenization time and temperature, used in their preparation.     

Corrosion behavior of as-cast Mg–8Li–3Al+xCe alloy in 3.5wt% NaCl solution

Mg–8Li–3Al+xCe alloys (x = 0.5wt%, 1.0wt%, and 1.5wt%) were prepared through a casting route in an electric resistance furnace under a controlled atmosphere. The cast alloys were characterized by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The corrosion behavior of the as-cast Mg–8Li–3Al+xCe alloys were studied under salt spray tests in 3.5wt% NaCl solution at 35°C, in accordance with standard ASTM B–117, in conjunction with potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) tests. The results show that the addition of Ce to Mg–8Li–3Al (LA83) alloy results in the formation of Al₂Ce intermetallic phase, refines both the α-Mg phase and the Mg₁₇Al₁₂ intermetallic phase, and then increases the microhardness of the alloys. The results of PDP and salt spray tests reveal that an increase in Ce content to 1.5wt% decreases the corrosion rate. The best corrosion resistance is observed for the LA83 alloy sample with 1.0wt% Ce.     

Effect of different deformation and annealing procedures on non-magnetic textured Cu_(60)Ni_(40) alloy substrates

In this work,a series of specimens was prepared by the casting method.Sharp cube-textured substrates were processed by heavy cold rolling and recrystallization annealing(i.e.,the rolling-assisted biaxially textured substrates(RABi TS) method).Both the rolling and the recrystallization texture in the alloy tapes were investigated by X-ray diffraction and electron back-scatter diffraction,respectively.The results showed that a strong copper-type deformation texture was obtained in the heavy cold-rolled substrate.In addition,the recrystallization annealing process was found to be very important for the texture transition in the Cu–Ni alloy substrates.The cube texture content in the Cu60 Ni40 alloy substrates reached 99.7%(≤10°) after optimization of the cold-rolling procedure and the recrystallizing heat-treatment process,whereas the content of low-angle grain boundaries(from 2° to 10° misorientation) in the substrate reached 95.1%.     

Effect of heat treatment on the microstructure of a Ni–Fe based superalloy for advanced ultra-supercritical power plant applications

The effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and microhardness of a Ni–Fe based superalloy for700 °C advanced ultra-supercritical coalfi red power plants was investigated. Results showed that the main phases in the alloy were γ, γ′, MC and M_23C_6, and no harmful phase was observed in the alloy.M_23C_6-type carbides discretely distributed nearby grain boundaries as the alloy was aged at above840 °C. The microhardness decreased with increasing aging temperature. The coarsening of γ′ led to the increment of microhardness at 780 °C and 810 °C for a short aging time, and a signi fi cant decrease in microhardness after aging at 840 °C. The aging temperature had more signi fi cant role on the microstructure than holding time. Therefore, to obtain optimum strengthening effect for this alloy, the aging temperature should not exceed 810 °C.