Microstructure and mechanical properties of twin-wire arc sprayed Ni-Al composite coatings on 6061-T6 aluminum alloy sheet

We have systematically studied the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni-5wt%Al and Ni-20wt%Al composite coatings fabricated on 6061-T6 aluminum alloy sheet by twin-wire arc spraying under different experimental conditions. The abrasive wear behavior and interface diffusion behavior of the composite coatings were evaluated by dry/wet rubber wheel abrasive wear tests and heat treatment, respectively. Experimental results indicate that the composite coatings exhibit features of adhesive wear. Besides, the Vickers microhardness of NiAl and Ni₃Al intermetallic compounds is relatively larger than that of the substrate, which is beneficial for enhancing the wear resistance. With the increase of annealing temperature and time, the interface diffusion area between the Ni-Al coating and the substrate gradually expands with the formation of NiAl₃ and Ni₂Al₃ phases, and is controlled by diffusion of aluminum atoms. The grain growth exponent n of diffusion kinetics of the Ni-Al coating, calculated via a high-temperature diffusion model at 400, 480, and 550℃, is between 0.28 and 0.38. This satisfies the cubic law, which is consistent with the general theoretical relationship of high-temperature diffusion.     

Fabrication of Fe–TiC–Al2O3 composites on the surface of steel using a TiO2–Al–C–Fe combustion reaction induced by gas tungsten arc cladding

The aim of the present study was to fabricate Fe–TiC–Al₂O₃ composites on the surface of medium carbon steel. For this purpose, TiO₂–3C and 3TiO₂–4Al–3C–xFe (0 ≤ x ≤ 4.6 by mole) mixtures were pre-placed on the surface of a medium carbon steel plate. The mixtures and substrate were then melted using a gas tungsten arc cladding process. The results show that the martensite forms in the layer produced by the TiO₂–3C mixture. However, ferrite–Fe₃C–TiC phases are the main phases in the microstructure of the clad layer produced by the 3TiO₂–4Al–3C mixture. The addition of Fe to the TiO₂–4Al–3C reactants with the content from 0 to 20wt% increases the volume fraction of particles, and a composite containing approximately 9vol% TiC and Al₂O₃ particles forms. This composite substantially improves the substrate hardness. The mechanism by which Fe particles enhance the TiC + Al₂O₃ volume fraction in the composite is determined.     

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.     

Bulk Al-Al3Zr composite prepared by mechanical alloying and hot extrusion for high-temperature applications

Bulk Al/Al₃Zr composite was prepared by a combination of mechanical alloying (MA) and hot extrusion processes. Elemental Al and Zr powders were milled for up to 10 h and heat treated at 600℃ for 1 h to form stable Al₃Zr. The prepared Al₃Zr powder was then mixed with the pure Al powder to produce an Al-Al₃Zr composite. The composite powder was finally consolidated by hot extrusion at 550℃. The mechanical properties of consolidated samples were evaluated by hardness and tension tests at room and elevated temperatures. The results show that annealing of the 10-h-milled powder at 600℃ for 1 h led to the formation of a stable Al₃Zr phase. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results confirmed that the formation of Al₃Zr began with the nucleation of a metastable phase, which subsequently transformed to the stable tetragonal Al₃Zr structure. The tension yield strength of the Al-10wt%Al₃Zr composite was determined to be 103 MPa, which is approximately twice that for pure Al (53 MPa). The yield stress of the Al/Al₃Zr composite at 300℃ is just 10% lower than that at room temperature, which demonstrates the strong potential for the prepared composite to be used in high-temperature structural applications.     

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.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb–Mo–ZrB2 composites prepared by hot-pressing sintering

Nb–Mo–ZrB₂ composites (V(Nb)/V(Mo)=1) with 15vol% or 30vol% of ZrB₂ were fabricated by hot-pressing sintering at 2000℃. The phases, microstructure, and mechanical properties were then investigated. The composites contain Nb-Mo solid solution (denoted as (Nb, Mo)ss hereafter), ZrB, MoB, and NbB phases. Compressive strength test results suggest that the strength of Nb–Mo–ZrB₂ composites increases with increasing ZrB₂ content; Nb–Mo–30vol%ZrB₂ had the highest compressive strength (1905.1 MPa). The improvement in the compressive strength of the Nb–Mo–ZrB₂ composites is mainly attributed to the secondary phase strengthening of the stiffer ZrB phase, solid-solution strengthening of the (Nb, Mo)ss matrix as well as fine-grain strengthening. The fracture toughness decreases with increasing ZrB₂ content. Finally, the fracture modes of the Nb–Mo–ZrB₂ composites are also discussed in detail.     

Plasma preparation and low-temperature sintering of spherical TiC–Fe composite powder

A spherical Fe matrix composite powder containing a high volume fraction (82vol%) of fine TiC reinforcement was produced us-ing a novel process combining in situ synthesis and plasma techniques. The composite powder exhibited good sphericity and a dense struc-ture, and the fine sub-micron TiC particles were homogeneously distributed in theα-Fe matrix. A TiC–Fe cermet was prepared from the as-prepared spherical composite powder using powder metallurgy at a low sintering temperature;the product exhibited a hardness of HRA 88.5 and a flexural strength of 1360 MPa. The grain size of the fine-grained TiC and special surface structure of the spherical powder played the key roles in the fabrication process.     

Growth in solution of hooked Ni–Fe fibers by oriented rotation and attachment approaches

Inspired by the curved branches of fractal trees, hooked Ni–Fe fibers were grown in situ in Ni–Fe composite coatings on a spheroidal graphite cast iron substrate. These hooked Ni–Fe fibers exhibited inclination angles of about 39°, which was in accordance with the theoretical prediction of 37°. Ni–Fe nanostructures self-assembled to form dendrites and evolved into hooked fibers by an oriented attachment reaction. The orientation rotation of Ni–Fe nanostructures played an important role in the growth of curved hooked Ni–Fe fibers. During sliding wear tests, the volume loss of the spheroidal graphite cast iron substrate was 2.2 times as large as that of the Ni–Fe coating reinforced by hooked fibers. The good load-transferring ability of hooked Ni–Fe fibers led to an improvement in their wear properties during wear tests.     

Microstructure and properties of a wear resistant Al–25Si–4Cu–1Mg coating prepared by supersonic plasma spraying

A high content silicon aluminum alloy(Al–25Si–4 Cu–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(Al_9Si,Al_(3.21)Si_(0.47), and CuAl_2). The average microhardness of the coating was HV 242, which was greater than that of 2 A12 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.     

Superelasticity of Cu-Ni-Al shape-memory fibers prepared by melt extraction technique

In the paper, a melt extraction method was used to fabricate Cu–4Ni–14Al (wt%) fiber materials with diameters between 50 and 200 μm. The fibers exhibited superelasticity and temperature-induced martensitic transformation. The microstructures and superelasticity behavior of the fibers were studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), respectively. Appropriate heat treatment further improves the plasticity of Cu-based alloys. The serration behavior observed during the loading process is due to the multiple martensite phase transformation.     

Microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of bobbin-tool friction stir welded 2024-T3 aluminum alloy

Cold-rolled 2024-T3 sheet alloy was subjected to bobbin-tool friction stir welding (BTFSW). The microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of the nugget zone in the as-welded state were investigated. The results show that the equiaxed grain size of BTFSW 2024-T3 alloy decreases from 7.6 to 2.8 μm as the welding speed is increased from 80 to 120 mm/min; in addition, fine grains are generated in the nugget zone and the size distribution is non-uniform. All Al₂CuMg (S') precipitates dissolve into the Al matrix, whereas Mn-rich phases confirmed as T phases (Al₂₀Cu₂Mn₃, Al₆Mn, or Al₃Mn) remain unchanged. The optimized parameters for BTFSW are verified as the rotation speed of 350 r/min and the travel speed of 100 mm/min. The variations in precipitation and dislocation play more important roles than grain size in the nugget zone with respect to influencing the mechanical properties during the BTFSW process. After the BTFSW process, the fracture mode of base material 2024-T3 alloy transforms from ductile rupture to ductile-brittle mixed fracture.     

Microstructure and electrolysis behavior of self-healing Cu-Ni-Fe composite inert anodes for aluminum electrowinning

The microstructure evolution and electrolysis behavior of (Cu₅₂Ni₃₀Fe₁₈)-xNiFe₂O₄ (x=40wt%, 50wt%, 60wt%, and 70wt%) composite inert anodes for aluminum electrowinning were studied. NiFe₂O₄ was synthesized by solid-state reaction at 950℃. The dense anode blocks were prepared by ball-milling followed by sintering under a N₂ atmosphere. The phase evolution of the anodes after sintering was determined by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results indicate that a substitution reaction between Fe in the alloy phase and Ni in the oxide phase occurs during the sintering process. The samples were also examined as inert anodes for aluminum electrowinning in the low-temperature KF-NaF-AlF₃ molten electrolyte for 24 h. The cell voltage during electrolysis and the corrosion scale on the anodes were analyzed. The results confirm that the scale has a self-repairing function because of the synergistic reaction between the alloy phase with Fe added and the oxide phase. The estimated wear rate of the (Cu₅₂Ni₃₀Fe₁₈)-50NiFe₂O₄ composite anode is 2.02 cm·a-1.     

Oxidation behaviours of Nb–22Ti–15Si–2Al–2Hf–2V–(2, 14)Cr alloys with Al and Y modified silicide coatings prepared by pack cementation

Al and Y modified silicide coatings on the Nb-15Si-22Ti-(2,14)Cr-2Al-2Hf-2V alloys(where the alloy with 2 at%Cr or 14 at%Cr is hereafter referred to as 2Cr and 14 Cr alloy,respectively) was prepared by pack cementation.The microstructural evolution and the oxidation behaviours of the coating 2Cr and 14 Cr samples at 1250 ℃ were studied.The 2Cr alloy consists of Nb solid solution(Nb_(SS)) and α-Nb_5Si_3 silicide,while the Laves C15-Cr_2Nb phase arised in the 14 Cr alloy.The coating structure of the coating 2Cr sample contained the outer(Nb,X)Si_2+(Nb,X)_5Si_3 layer,the middle(Nb,X)_5Si_3 layer and the inner undeveloped intermetallic(Nb,Ti)_3(Al,X) layer,the structure of the coating 14 Cr sample consisted of the outer single(Nb,X)Si_2 layer,the middle(Nb,X)_5Si_3 layer,the transition(Nb,Ti)(Cr,Al) layer and the inner(Cr,Al)_2(Nb,Ti) layer.The coating 14 Cr sample exhibited better oxidation resistance than the coating 2Cr sample.With an outer single(Nb,X)Si_2 layer,a compact oxide scale consisting of SiO_2 and TiO_2 formed on the coating14 Cr sample,which can efficiently prevent the substrate from oxidising.For the coating 2Cr sample with an outer(Nb,X)Si_2 +(Nb,X)_5Si_3 layer,the oxide scale of the SiO_2,TiO_2,Nb_2O_5 and CrNbO_4 mixture generated,and the scale spalled out from the surface of the sample,resulting in disastrous failure.     

Microstructure and wear resistance of PTA clad Cr_7C_3/γ-Fe ceramal composite coating

A wear resistant Cr7C3/γ-Fe ceramal composite coating was fabricated on substrate of the hardening and tempering C degree steel by PTA (plasma transferred arc) cladding with (wt%) Fe-25Cr-7C elemental powder blends. Microstructure of the coating was characterized by OM, SEM, XRD and EDS. Wear resistance of the coating was tested under dry sliding wear condition at room temperature. The results indicate that the PTA clad ceramal composite coating has a rapidly solidified fine microstructure consisting of Cr7C3 primary particles uniformly distributed in theγ-Fe matrix and is metallurgically bonded to the C degree steel substrate. The PTA clad Cr7C3/γ-Fe ceramal composite coating has high hardness and excellent wear resistance under dry sliding wear test conditions. The excellent wear resistance of the Cr7C3/γ-Fe ceramal composite coating is attributed to the coating's high hardness, strong covalent atomic bonding and refined microstructure.     

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.     

Effects of Zn content on the microstructure and the mechanical and corrosion properties of as-cast low-alloyed Mg–Zn–Ca alloys

The effects of Zn content on the microstructure and the mechanical and corrosion properties of as-cast low-alloyed Mg–xZn–0.2Ca alloys (x=0.6wt%, 2.0wt%, 2.5wt%, hereafter denoted as 0.6Zn, 2.0Zn, and 2.5Zn alloys, respectively) are investigated. The results show that the Zn content not only influences grain refinement but also induces different phase precipitation behaviors. The as-cast microstructure of the 0.6Zn alloy is composed of α-Mg, Mg₂Ca, and Ca₂Mg₆Zn₃ phases, whereas 2.0Zn and 2.5Zn alloys only contain α-Mg and Ca₂Mg₆Zn₃ phases, as revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Moreover, with increasing Zn content, both the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the elongation to fracture first increase and then decrease. Among the three investigated alloys, the largest UTS (178 MPa) and the highest elongation to fracture (6.5%) are obtained for the 2.0Zn alloy. In addition, the corrosion rate increases with increasing Zn content. This paper provides an updated investigation of the alloy composition–microstructure–property relationships of different Zn-containing Mg–Zn–Ca alloys.     

Bulk Al–Al3Zr composite prepared by mechanical alloying and hot extrusion for high-temperature applications

Bulk Al/Al3Zr composite was prepared by a combination of mechanical alloying (MA) and hot extrusion processes. Elemental Al and Zr powders were milled for up to 10 h and heat treated at 600°C for 1 h to form stable Al3Zr. The prepared Al3Zr powder was then mixed with the pure Al powder to produce an Al–Al3Zr composite. The composite powder was finally consolidated by hot extrusion at 550°C. The mechanical properties of consolidated samples were evaluated by hardness and tension tests at room and elevated temperatures. The results show that annealing of the 10-h-milled powder at 600°C for 1 h led to the formation of a stable Al3Zr phase. Differential scanning calorime-try (DSC) results confirmed that the formation of Al3Zr began with the nucleation of a metastable phase, which subsequently transformed to the stable tetragonal Al3Zr structure. The tension yield strength of the Al?10wt%Al3Zr composite was determined to be 103 MPa, which is approximately twice that for pure Al (53 MPa). The yield stress of the Al/Al3Zr composite at 300°C is just 10% lower than that at room tem-perature, which demonstrates the strong potential for the prepared composite to be used in high-temperature structural applications.     

Microstructure evolution and reaction behavior of Cu–Ni alloy and B_4C powder system

Microstructure evolution and reaction behavior of Cu–Ni alloy and B_4C power system was studied by in-situ and static experimental investigations along with theoretical calculations. The reaction process was as follows. Firstly,B_4C decomposed into B and C atoms, and then B atoms diffused into Cu–Ni matrix, leading to the formation of Ni_2B particles. Subsequently, Ni atoms diffused into B_4C, forming a loose mixture of Ni_2B and amorphous C at the initial powder boundary. Finally, with the completion of reaction, Ni_2B particles at the powder boundary grew into a monolithic block, and then C substance was excluded out and accumulated at the edge of this monolithic Ni_2B block. It is believed that the formation of Ni_2B phase is caused by the most negative change of Gibbs free energy among all the potential reactions between Ni–B and Ni–B_4C systems.     

Corrosion properties in a simulated body fluid of Mg/β-TCP composites prepared by powder metallurgy

Magnesium matrix composites (MMC) reinforced with 5wt% tricalcium phosphate (TCP) particles were prepared by powder metallurgy. Pure magnesium (CP-Mg) was fabricated by the same procedure for comparison. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses revealed that TCP particles were distributed homogeneously in the MMC. In order to investigate the corrosion properties, MMC samples were immersed in a simulated body fluid (SBF) at 310±0.5 K for 72 h. The mass loss of the samples in SBF and the pH values of the SBF were evaluated. Moreover, electrochemical measurements were conducted in the SBF. It was shown that the corrosion rate of the MMC decreased with the addition of TCP compared with CP-Mg. Hydroxyapatite was formed on the surface of MMC samples after immersion in the SBF for 72 h but not on the surface of CP-Mg.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb–Mo–ZrB_2 composites prepared by hot-pressing sintering

Nb–Mo–ZrB_2 composites(V(Nb)/V(Mo) = 1) with 15 vol% or 30 vol% of ZrB_2 were fabricated by hot-pressing sintering at 2000°C. The phases, microstructure, and mechanical properties were then investigated. The composites contain Nb-Mo solid solution(denoted as(Nb, Mo)ss hereafter), Zr B, Mo B, and Nb B phases. Compressive strength test results suggest that the strength of Nb–Mo–ZrB_2 composites increases with increasing ZrB_2 content; Nb–Mo–30 vol%ZrB_2 had the highest compressive strength(1905.1 MPa). The improvement in the compressive strength of the Nb–Mo–ZrB_2 composites is mainly attributed to the secondary phase strengthening of the stiffer Zr B phase, solid-solution strengthening of the(Nb, Mo)ss matrix as well as fine-grain strengthening. The fracture toughness decreases with increasing ZrB_2 content. Finally, the fracture modes of the Nb–Mo–ZrB_2 composites are also discussed in detail.