Effect of thermo-mechanical treatment on Ti–Ta-Hf high temperature shape memory alloy

The microstructure, martensitic transformation and mechanical/functional properties of Ti–Ta-Hf alloys with various thermo-mechanical treatments were investigated. The results reveal that the hot-rolling could refine the grain size and introduce a certain number of defects, resulting in the disappearance of martensitic transformation. The as-casted and solution treated Ti–Ta-Hf alloys were composed of α'' martensite phase and smaller volume of β phase. In contrast, the grain size of solution treated Ti–Ta-Hf alloy was slightly less than that of as-casted Ti–Ta-Hf alloy. This should be responsible to the higher yield stress and superior strain recovery characteristics for solution treated Ti–Ta-Hf alloy. The yield stress for the dislocation slip and the maximum recoverable strain of solution treated Ti–Ta-Hf alloy were 723 ​MPa and 5.06%, respectively.     

Effect of pre-annealing treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy bars

Taking extruded Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy (7A04 alloy) bars as the research object, the effect and mechanism of pre-annealing treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the aged alloy bars were investigated. The results show that a pre-annealing treatment at 350℃ for 15 h before a T6 treatment substantially reduced the sensitivity of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the extruded 7A04 aluminum alloy specimens toward the extrusion temperature. The average grain sizes of the specimens extruded at 390 and 430℃ after T6 treatment were 3.4 and 8.1 μm, respectively, and their elongations to failure were 7.0% and 9.2%, respectively. However, after pre-annealing + T6 treatment, the differences in both the grain sizes and the elongations of the specimens became small, i.e., their average grain sizes were 3.2 and 3.8 μm and their elongations were 12.0% and 13.3%, respectively. For the specimens extruded at the same temperature, pre-annealing treatment obviously improved the plasticity of the alloy, which is attributed to an increase in soft texture or to grain refinement in the specimens as a result of the pre-annealing + T6 treatment.     

Effect of ECAP temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy

The effect of equal channel angular pressing(ECAP) at different temperatures(room temperature, 120,150 and 180 °C) on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-7075 solid solution alloy was investigated. Microstructure of the specimens was examined using orientation imaging microscopy,transmission electron microscopy as well as X-ray diffractometer, and mechanical properties were measured by Vickers microhardness and tensile tests. Microstructural investigations showed that after3 or 4 passes of ECAP, fi ne grains with average grain sizes in range of 300–1000 nm could be obtained at different ECAP temperatures. Increasing ECAP temperature from 120 to 180 °C caused a decrease in mechanical properties as a result of increasing grains and precipitates sizes, decreasing fraction of high angle boundaries and also transformation of η′ into η phase, while increasing ECAP temperature from RT to 120 °C leads to an increase in mechanical properties due to the formation of small η′ precipitates. So it can be concluded that ECAP process at 120 °C is the optimum process for attaining maximum mechanical properties. Quantitative estimates of various strengthening mechanisms revealed that the improvement of mechanical properties was mainly attributed to grain re fi nement strengthening, precipitation strengthening and dislocation strengthening.     

Microstructure,phase stability and mechanical properties of Nb–Ni–Ti–Co–Zr and Nb–Ni–Ti–Co–Zr–Hf high entropy alloys

Owning to their excellent thermal stability and high strength at elevated temperature,high entropy alloys(HEAs) possess great potential for the application in aviation and aerospace fields.In present work,two novel Nb-Ni-Ti-Co-Zr and Nb-Ni-Ti-Co-Zr-Hf HEAs were prepared by arc melting and copper mold suction-casting method.The microstructure,phase stability,mechanical properties at room temperature and elevated temperature of the two HEAs were studied.Both of the HEAs possess high yield stress at room temperature,especially for the Nb-Ni-Ti-Co-Zr(with 2331 Mpa).In addition,the Nb-Ni-Ti-Co-Zr HEA exhibited high yield stress of 564 Mpa at elevated temperature of 800 ℃ and large compressive plastic strain(more than 50%at 800 ℃).Nb-Ni-Ti-Co-Zr-Hf alloy showed new phase precipitation at 800 ℃,whereas the structure of Nb-Ni-Ti-Co-Zr was more stable,which is one of the reason why it possesses high strength at room temperature and elevated temperature.The high temperature properties of the Nb-Ni-Ti-Co-Zr HEA make it promising for high temperature application.     

Effect of Zr and Ti on isothermal oxidation behavior of Nb–Si based alloys

The isothermal oxidation behavior of 56Nb-16Si-(20-x)Ti–3Cr–3Al-2Hf-xZr (x ?= ?0, 2, 5, 10 ?at. %) alloys was investigated at 800 ?°C and 1250 ?°C, respectively. The results show that increasing the Zr content evidently increased the oxidation rates at 800 ?°C, accompanied by the obvious occurrence of pesting oxidation. The alloys showed alike linear oxidation kinetics at 1250 ?°C. With the increase of Zr content, the adherence and integrity of oxide scales were improved, but the overall oxidation resistance was slightly deteriorated. The observed oxidation behavior may be attributed to the composition variation of Zr and Ti in the alloys. The oxidation mechanism associated with the composition variation is discussed in this study.     

Effect of Zn addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of an Al–Mg–Si alloy

In the present work, an Al–0.66Mg–0.85Si–0.2Cu alloy with Zn addition was investigated by electron back scattering diffraction(EBSD), high resolution electron microscopy(HREM), tensile and Erichsen tests. The mechanical properties of the alloy after pre-aging met the standards of sheet forming. After paint baking, the yield strength of the alloy was improved apparently. GP(Ⅱ) zones and η’phases were formed during aging process due to Zn addition. With the precipitation of GP zones, β″ phases, GP(Ⅱ) zones and η’phases, the alloys displayed excellent mechanical properties.     

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.     

Effect of Al on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-extruded Mg–1Mn alloy sheet

The effect of Al addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of hot extruded Mg–1 Mn alloy sheet was investigated. The results revealed that the dynamic recrystallization was promoted by increasing Al content. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the alloy increased with the increase of Al content. The Mg–9 Al–1 Mn alloy exhibited the highest strength, with tensile strength of 308 MPa, 307 MPa, 319 MPa, yield strength of 199 MPa, 207 MPa, 220 MPa and the elongation of 20.9%, 20.1%, 19.2% in 0°, 45°, 90°, respectively.The high strength was mainly attributed to the formation of fine dynamically recrystallized grains and large amounts of the second phase. The strengthening mechanism of the alloys was explained.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of TiAl/TiAl joints brazed with a newly developed Ti–Ni–Nb–Zr quaternary filler alloy

A novel Ti-Ni-Nb-Zr quaternary filler alloy with the composition of Ti-(19～25)Ni-(15～25)(Nb+Zr)(wt.%) was designed.The filler alloy was composed of(Ti,Nb)ss,(Ti,Zr,Nb)ss+(Ti,Zr)₂Ni,α-Ti and Ti₂Ni phases.It was fabricated into filler foil with a thickness of about 45 μm by a rapid solidification technique.The results indicate that the liquidus temperature of the Ti-Ni-Nb-Zr brazing alloy was about 978℃,and the brazing alloy presented excellent wettability on TiAl substrate.T...     

Dependence of mechanical behavior on grain size of metastable Ti–Nb–O titanium alloy

Cold-rolled metastable β-type Ti–38Nb-0.2O alloy was subjected to annealing treatment to obtain different precipitates and grain sizes. The influence of annealing on microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. The alloy annealed at 673 ?K or 773 ?K exhibited a single-stage yielding with high strength and low uniform elongation, due to the residual work hardening and the precipitation of ω or α phases. The alloy annealed at above 873 ?K exhibited an obvious double yielding behavior resulting from the stress-induced martensitic transformation. The grain growth kinetics of single β phase alloy is sensitive to temperature, and it is suggested that the existence of oxygen decreases the grain growth exponent and increases the required activation energy for grain growth. The critical stress for slip decreased monotonously with the increase of grain size, following the classic Hall-Petch relationship. However, the critical stress for martensitic transformation decreased to a minimum and then increased again, as the grain size increased. The results are worth for design of the heat-treatment parameters of the Ti–38Nb-0.2O alloy for engineering applications.     

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 particle size distribution on the microstructure,texture, and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy

The effect of particle size distribution on the microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy was investigated on the basis of the mechanical properties, microstructure, and texture of the alloy. The results show that the particle size distribution influences the microstructure and the final mechanical properties but only slightly influences the recrystallization texture. After the pre-aging treatment and natural aging treatment (T4P treatment), in contrast to the sheet with a uniform particle size distribution, the sheet with a bimodal particle size distribution of large constituent particles and small dispersoids exhibits higher strength and a somewhat lower plastic strain ratio (r) and strain hardening exponent (n). After solution treatment, the sheet with a bimodal particle size distribution of large constituent particles and small dispersoids possesses a finer and slightly elongated grain structure compared with the sheet with a uniform particle size distribution. Additionally, they possess almost identical weak recrystallization textures, and their textures are dominated by CubeND {001}<310> and P {011}<122> orientations.     

Effect of particle size distribution on the microstructure,texture,and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy

The effect of particle size distribution on the microstructure,texture,and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy was investigated on the basis of the mechanical properties,microstructure,and texture of the alloy.The results show that the particle size distribution influences the microstructure and the final mechanical properties but only slightly influences the recrystallization texture.After the pre-aging treatment and natural aging treatment(T4 P treatment),in contrast to the sheet with a uniform particle size distribution,the sheet with a bimodal particle size distribution of large constituent particles and small dispersoids exhibits higher strength and a somewhat lower plastic strain ratio(r) and strain hardening exponent(n).After solution treatment,the sheet with a bimodal particle size distribution of large constituent particles and small dispersoids possesses a finer and slightly elongated grain structure compared with the sheet with a uniform particle size distribution.Additionally,they possess almost identical weak recrystallization textures,and their textures are dominated by CubeND {001}310 and P {011}122 orientations.     

Effect of groove rolling on the microstructure and properties of Cu–Nb microcomposite wires

Cu–Nb microcomposite wire was successfully prepared by a groove rolling process. The effects of groove rolling on the diffraction peaks, microstructure, and properties of the Cu–Nb microcomposite were investigated and the microstructure evolutions and strengthening mechanism were discussed. The tensile strength of the Cu–Nb microcomposite wire with a diameter of 2.02 mm was greater than 1 GPa, and its conductivity reached 68% of the International Annealed Copper Standard, demonstrating the Cu–Nb microcomposite wire with high tensile strength and high conductivity after groove rolling. The results show that an appropriate groove rolling method can improve the performance of the Cu–Nb microcomposite wire.     

Effects of solidification parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of continuous columnar-grained Cu–Al–Ni alloy

Effects of melt temperature and casting speed on microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-14%Al-3.8%Ni(mass fraction) alloy wires fabricated by continuous unidirectional solidification technology were investigated.It was found that the average size of columnar grain in the alloy decreased and grain boundary turned clear and straight with increasing the casting speed at a given melt temperature.When the melt temperature was up to 1 280℃,theβ_1 phase gradually transformed into lozenged and lanciformγ...     

Effect of Zr addition on the stability of precipitated Laves phase and mechanical properties of Fe–Cr–Al-based alloys at high temperatures

The effect of a small amount of Zr addition on the temperature-dependent stability of Laves phase particles and mechanical properties of Fe-13.5Cr-4.73Al-2.07Mo-(0.34–0.5)Nb-(0.65–0.98)Ta-(0–0.33)Zr (wt. %) ferritic alloys was investigated in the present study. The designed alloy ingots were hot-rolled, aged at 1073 ?K for 24 ?h, and then re-treated at 1273 ?K, 1323 ?K, 1373 ?K, and 1473 ?K for 1 ?h, respectively. It was found that the Zr addition could not only stabilize the Fe₂M Laves phase (M ?= ?Mo,Nb,Ta,Zr) to a much higher temperature, but also induce the formation of stable Fe₂₃Zr₆ phase. The high-temperature (HT) microstructural stability of the alloys significantly was improved, as evidenced by the fact that a certain amount (0.66–1.19%) of precipitates (Fe₂M, Fe₂₃Zr₆, and core(Fe₂₃Zr₆)-shell(Fe₂M)-structured particles) with an appropriate size (～1.0 ?μm) uniformly distributed in the ferritic matrix even after being re-treated at 1473 ?K. Particularly, the formation of core-shell-structured particles at HTs was studied from the viewpoint of both solid solubility and diffusion coefficient of M in the matrix. All these aged alloys exhibited prominent mechanical properties at both room and elevated temperatures, showing high yield strength with σ_YS ?= ?490–560 ?MPa at room-temperature and σ_YS ?= ?80–85 ?MPa at 1073 ?K. The strengthening effect was further discussed in light of various strengthening mechanisms, and the calculated strength are in good agreement with the experimental results.     

Effect of cold rolling process on microstructure and mechanical properties of high strength β titanium alloy thin sheets

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-3.5Al-5Mo-6V-3Cr-2Sn-0.5Fe high strength titanium alloy sheets prepared by unidirectional cold rolling and two-step cross cold rolling were investigated. Results showed that the β phase grains were refined significantly by cold rolling followed by solution treatment for a short time.Compared to unidirectional cold rolling, the short time solution treatment after two-step cross rolling could significantly reduce the non-uniformity of the microstructure of the alloy sheets. After aging treatment at 550 ℃,the anisotropy of the mechanical properties still existed in the unidirectional rolled sheets, and the tensile strength was highest along the rolling direction. After solution and aging treatment, the anisotropy of the mechanical properties of the two-step cross rolling process sheet was not obvious than unidirectional cold rolling,and alloy had good strength and plasticity matching.     

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.     

Surface modifications of biometallic commercially pure Ti and Ti–13Nb–13Zr alloy by picosecond Nd:YAG laser

The effects of picosecond Nd:YAG laser irradiation on chemical and morphological surface characteristics of the commercially pure titanium and Ti–13 Nb–13 Zr alloy in air and argon atmospheres were studied under different laser output energy values. During the interaction of laser irradiation with the investigated materials, a part of the energy was absorbed on the target surface, influencing surface modifications.Laser beam interaction with the target surface resulted in various morphological alterations, resulting in crater formation and the presence of microcracks and hydrodynamic structures. Moreover, different chemical changes were induced on the target materials' surfaces, resulting in the titanium oxide formation in the irradiation-affected area and consequently increasing the irradiation energy absorption. Given the high energy absorption at the site of interaction, the dimensions of the surface damaged area increased. Consequently, surface roughness increased.The appearance of surface oxides also led to the increased material hardness in the surface-modified area. Observed chemical and morphological changes were pronounced after laser irradiation of the Ti–13 Nb–13 Zr alloy surface.