Characterization of Fe3Si-based coatings on low silicon steel by pulsed Nd:YAG laser cladding

The Fe₃Si based coating was produced on the Fe-1 Si steel surface by a pulsed Nd:YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser. Its phase constitution and microstructure were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscope (OM), and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) with associated energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The hyperfine structure of the coating was studied by Mrssbauer spectra (MS) and the magnetic property was also measured at room temperature by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The obtained coating is pore and crack-free with dense microstructure and high Si content. The metallurgical bonding between the coating and the substrate was realized. The microstructure of the coating is typical fine dendrites. The major phase was confirmed by XRD and TEM to be the ordering D0₃ structured Fe₃Si phase. In addition, there were smaller amounts of the Fe₅Si₃ phase and the γ-Fe phase in the coating. Compared with the substrate, the laser cladding coating has a lower saturation magnetization and a higher coercive force. The poor magnetic property might be because of rapid solidification microstructure and phase constitution in the coating.     

A creep technique for monitoring the aging precipitation in Cu-Nb bainitic steels

A creep technique was applied on a Gleeble-1500 thermal simulator for monitoring the aging precipitation in ultra-low carbon steels containing various coppers. The aging hardening curve was obtained by the hardness testing. With the aid of an optical microscope and TEM, the microstructure and the aging precipitates were detected. The results indicate that when the precipitation occurs during the creep a plateau will appear on the creep curve; the left-hand and right-hand endings of the plateau correspond to the precipitation start (P_s) and finish (P_f) times, respectively. The P_f obtained from the creep curve coincides with the peak hardness time (t_p) at the aging hardening curve. A precipitation-time-temperature (PTT) diagram of the steel can be obtained.     

pH值对β-MnO2颗粒光催化去除银离子的影响

The presence of silver ions (Ag(I)) in wastewater has a detrimental effect on living organisms. Removal of soluble silver, especially at low concentrations, is challenging. This paper presents the use of β-MnO₂ particles as a photocatalyst to remove Ag(I) ions selectively from aqueous solution at various pH levels. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) were employed to determine the removal efficiency and to characterize the deposition of silver onto the surface of β-MnO₂ particles. The optimum pH for the removal of Ag(I) ions was at pH 4 with 99% removal efficiency under 1 h of visible light irradiation. This phenomenon can be attributed to the electrostatic attraction between β-MnO₂ particles and Ag(I) ions as well as the suppression of electron–hole recombination in the presence of H+ ions.     

Influences of 2.5wt% Mn addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloys

The influences of 2.5wt% Mn addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Cu-11.9wt%Al-3.8wt%Ni shape memory alloy (SMA) were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The experimental results show that Mn addition influences considerably the austenite-martensite transformation temperatures and the kind of martensite in the Cu-Al-Ni alloy. The martensitic transformation changes from a mixed xed β₁→β'₁+γ'₁ transformation to a single β₁→β'₁ martensite transformation together with a decrease in transformation temperatures. In addition, the observations reveal that the grain size of the Cu-Al-Ni alloy can be controlled with the addition of 2.5wt% Mn and thus its mechanical properties can be enhanced. The Cu-Al-Ni-Mn alloy exhibits better mechanical properties with the high ultimate compression strength and ductility of 952 MPa and 15%, respectively. These improvements are attributed to a decrease in grain size. However, the hardness decreases from Hv 230 to Hv 140 with the Mn addition.     

Effect of the microstructure of Al 7050-T7451 on anodic oxide formation in sulfuric acid

The effect of the microstructure of an Al 7050-T7451 substrate on the anodic oxide formation in sulfuric acid was studied in this article. The microstructure of the substrate was assessed by optical microscope (OM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The surface and cross-section morphologies of the oxide films were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical composition of intermetallic particles in the alloys and films was investigated using energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS). The roles of intermetallic phases and grain or subgrain boundaries on the oxide film formation were researched using the potentiodynamic and potentiostatic polarization technique in sulfuric acid solution. The results show that the transition of coarse intermetallic particles or grain (subgrain) boundaries at the surface of Al alloys can be characterized by potentiodynamic polarization curves. The surface and cross-section micrographs of the anodic layer seem to preserve the microstructure of the substrate. Large cavities in the anodic films are caused by the preferential dissolution of coarse AItCuMg particles and the entrance of Cu-rich remnants into the electrolyte during anodizing. The Al₇Cu₂Fe particles tend to be occluded in the oxide layer or lose from the oxide surface because of peripheral trenching. Small pores in the films are induced by the dissolution of precipitates in grain or subgrain boundaries. The film surface of recrystallized grain bodies is smooth and homogeneous.     

Synthesis of Novel Chitosan Microspheres Grafted with β-Cyclodextrins and Their Adsorption for Iodine for Antibacterial Activities

The novel chitosan microspheres grafted with β cyclodextrins (CMGC) were prepared by means of the reaction of chitosan microspheres and mono-(6-p-tosyl)- β-cyclodextrins (β-CD-OTs-6). β-CD-OTs-6 were gained by the reaction of p toluenesulfonyl chloride (TsCl) and β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs). Their structures were proved by Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis (FT-IR), X ray powder diffraction analysis, and ^13C NMR; the configuration of CMGC was characterized by scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and transmittance electron micrograph (TEM). The inclusion complex of CMGC with iodine was prepared and its inclusion ability was studied. The experimental results showed that some iodine was included with CMGC and formed a stable inelusion. The stable complex of CMGC and iodine (CMGC-I) shows good antibacterial effect.     

Investigation on preparing boron nitride by nitriding pure boron at 1200–1550 1C

Boron nitride (BN) was prepared by nitriding pure boron (B) deposited on carbon substrates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Thermodynamic analysis of preparing BN by nitriding CVD B at 1200–1550 1C was firstly performed. And then, the effects of nitridation conditions, including temperature, nitridation atmosphere and CVD B microstructure, on the conversion of B to BN were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results show that the conversion degree of B to BN firstly increased and then slightly decreased with rising temperature. The nitridation degree was controlled by mutual actions between the nitridation of B and consumption of the effective nitrogen source (NH3). The morphology of products and the reaction mechanism between B and N were influenced by nitridation temperature. At high temperatures (1400–1500 1C), BN with highly ordered microstructure was produced. On using N2–H2 as nitridation atmosphere instead of NH3–H2– N2, no BN was obtained in the studied temperature range. The microstructure and component of BN obtained in nitridation process were little affected by the microstructure of CVD B.     

ω_o phase precipitation in annealed high Nb containing TiAl alloys

The ordered ω phases in high Nb containing Ti Al(Nb-Ti Al) alloys have been garnering increasing attention in the recent years. However, the investigations on the Nb dependence on the ωoprecipitation are scarce. In this study, the effect of Nb content on the ωoprecipitation in high Nb(6–10 at%) containing Ti Al alloys after long-time annealing at 850 1C has been studied. The results show that small ordered ω particles in the retained βophase cannot be discerned under scanning electron microscope(SEM) but can be observed using transmission electron microscopy(TEM). Although the Nb segregation can be eliminated after the homogenization heat treatment, the ωophase precipitated in all the alloys studied after annealing at 850 1C. TEM examination reveals that the orientation relationship between the ωoand α2phases can be derived as: [0001]ωo//[1120]α2;(1120)ωo//(0001)α2, which indicates that the ωophase is directly transformed from the parent α2phase. Small γ particles are also observed within the ωoareas. The α2-ωot γ decomposition process is expected during annealing. It is concluded that ωophase is an equilibrium phase in high Nb-Ti Al alloys at 850 1C.     

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.     

Fusion boundary evolution,precipitation behaviour,and interaction with dislocations in an Fe–22Cr–15Ni steel weldment during long-term creep

A tungsten inert gas welded joint between a novel heat-resistant austenitic steel and ERNiCrCoMo-1 weld metal was investigated before and after creep in this study. The evolution of the microstructures in the base and weld metals was discussed based on the electron back-scatter diffraction(EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) analyses. The preferred orientations of the fusion boundary after creep revealed the influence of the applied stress on creep deformation mechanism. A cooperative nucleation process of M_(23)C_6 carbides in the base metal was proposed. The finely distributed Cu-rich phase was cut off by the dislocations during creep, leading to increased mean size and reduced amount of the nano-Cu phase. A modified triple-precipitate hardening model was constructed based on TEM observations of the interactions between the particles and the dislocations in the base metal after creep at 200 MPa. The evolution of a μ phase in the weld metal involved epitaxial growth and dissolving into the matrix.     

Effect of Mo content on microstructure and stress-rupture properties of a Ni-base single crystal superalloy

The additional 1.5 wt% Mo was added in a Ni-base single crystal(SC) alloy with the composition of Ni–6.5Al–8.0Mo–2.4Cr–6.2Ta–4.9Co–1.5Re–(0.01–0.05)Y(wt%) to study the effect of Mo content on the microstructure and stress-rupture properties. The creep and stress-rupture tests under the conditions of 850 °C/500 MPa and 1100 °C/130 MPa were conducted, and the microstructure of as-cast, heat treated and stress ruptured specimens were analyzed. It was found that the 1.5 wt% Mo addition enhanced the stress-rupture lives at both intermediate(850 °C) and high(1100 °C)temperatures. The microstructure analysis showed that adding 1.5 wt% Mo in the basic alloy affected the microstructure dramatically, i.e., the Mo-rich phases formed in the specimens of as-cast and stress-ruptured specimens. It is considered that the improvement of the stress-rupture lives is duo to the strengthening effect of Mo to both γ and γ'phases and the decrease of stacking fault energy, diffusion constant and dislocation spacing. The Mo-rich phases precipitated under condition of 1100 °C/130 MPa did not affect the creep and stress-rupture properties obviously in the present study.     

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.     

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.     

TiO2对含铬高钛熔分渣熔化性能和黏度的影响

A study on the melting and viscosity properties of the chromium-containing high-titanium melting slag (CaO–SiO₂–MgO–Al₂O₃–TiO₂–Cr₂O₃) with TiO₂ contents ranging from 38.63wt% to 42.63wt% was conducted. The melting properties were investigated with a melting-point apparatus, and viscosity was measured using the rotating cylinder method. The FactSage 7.1 software and X-ray diffraction, in combination with scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), were used to characterize the phase equilibrium and microstructure of chromium-containing high-titanium melting slags. The results indicated that an increase in the TiO₂ content led to a decrease in the viscosity of the chromium-containing high-titanium melting slag. In addition, the softening temperature, hemispheric temperature, and flowing temperature decreased with increasing TiO₂ content. The amount of crystallized anosovite and sphene phases gradually increased with increasing TiO₂ content, whereas the amount of perovskite phase decreased. SEM observations revealed that the distribution of the anosovite phase was dominantly influenced by TiO₂.     

Microstructure analysis of AISI 304 stainless steel produced by twin-roll thin strip casting process

The microstructure of AISI 304 austenlte stainless steel fabricated by the thin strip casting process were investigated using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microstructures of the casting strips show a duplex structure consisting of delta ferrite and austenite. The volume fraction of the delta ferrite is about 9.74vo1% at the center and 6.77vo1% at the surface of the casting thin strip, in vermicular and hand shapes. On account of rapid cooling and solidification in the continuous casting process, many kinds of inclusions and precipitates have been found. Most of the inclusions and precipitates are spherical complex compounds consisting of oxides, such as, SiO₂, MnO, Al₂O₃, Cr₂O₃, and FeO or their multiplicity oxides of MnO·Al₂O₃, 2FeO·SiO₂, and 2MnO·SiO₂. Many defects including dislocations and stacking faults have also formed during the rapid cooling and solidification process, which is helpful to improve the mechanical properties of the casting strips.     

超音速等离子喷涂制备的Al–25Si–4Cu–1Mg耐磨涂层的组织与性能

A high content silicon aluminum alloy (Al–25Si–4Cu–1Mg) coating was prepared on a 2A12 aluminum alloy by supersonic plasma spraying. The morphology and microstructure of the coating were observed and analyzed. The hardness, elastic modulus, and bonding strength of the coating were measured. The wear resistance of the coating and 2A12 aluminum alloy was studied by friction and wear test. The results indicated that the coating was compact and the porosity was only 1.5%. The phase of the coating was mainly composed of α-Al and β-Si as well as some hard particles (Al₉Si, Al_3.21Si_0.47, and CuAl₂). The average microhardness of the coating was HV 242, which was greater than that of 2A12 aluminum alloy (HV 110). The wear resistance of the coating was superior to 2A12 aluminum alloy. The wear mechanism of the 2A12 aluminum alloy was primarily adhesive wear, while that of the coating was primarily abrasive wear. Therefore, it is possible to prepare a high content silicon aluminum alloy coating with good wear resistance on an aluminum alloy by supersonic plasma spraying.     

Optimization of RPC technique for refining the intermediate transformation microstructure

The influence of processing parameters of relaxation-precipitation-controlling phase transformation (RPC) technique, finish rolling temperature, reduction ratio and relaxing time on the microstructure was studied by thermo-simulation for a low carbon Nb and Ti containing micro-alloyed steel. The microstructure was investigated by optical microscope, transmission electron microscope and electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD). The statistical results of the packet size were calculated. It shows that, after RPC process, the steel is a composite microstructure of bainite and matensite. The best thermo-simulation process for refinement in this experiment is deformation for 30% at 850℃, and then relaxing at this temperature for 60 s to 200 s. Increasing the reduction ratio from 30% to 60% or decreasing the deformation temperature to 800℃ would cause the best relaxation time to become shorter, increasing the deformation temperature to 900℃ would cause the refinement effect to be weak.     

Effects of the precipitation of stabilizers on the mechanism of grain fracturing in a zirconia metering nozzle

The mechanism of grain fracturing in a zirconia metering nozzle used in the continuous casting process was studied. The phase composition, microstructure, and chemical composition of the residual samples were studied using an X-ray fluorescence analyzer, scanning electron microscope, and electron probe. Results revealed that the composition, structure, and mineral phase of the original layer, transition layer, and affected layer of the metering nozzle differed because of stabilizer precipitation and steel slag permeation. The stabilizer MgO formed low-melting phases with steel slag and impure SiO₂ on the boundaries (pores) of zirconia grains; consequently, grain fracturing occurred and accelerated damage to the metering nozzle was observed.     

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.     

Microstructure and strengthening parameters of ultra-thin hot strip of low carbon steel

The microstructure and precipitation mechanism of ultra-thinhot strip produced by CSP technology were analyzed by electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD), H-800 transmission electron microscope (TEM) and thermodynamics theory. The EBSD results show that the finishing hot rolling microstructures are mixture of recrystallized and deformed austenite. After phase transformation, ferrite grains embody substructures and dislocations that led ultra-thin hot strip high strength and relatively low elongation rate. TEM observations show that there are a lot of fine and dispersive precipitates in microstructures. Most of aluminium nitrides are in grains, while coexisted precipitates of MnS along grain boundaries. Coexisted precipitates compose cation-vacancy type oxides such as Al₂O₃ in the core, while MnS at the fringe of surface. At the same time, reasons for microstructure refinement and strengthening effect were investigated.