Grain refinement of Mg-Al alloys inoculated by MgAl_(2)O_(4)powder

As a potent nucleating substrate forα-Mg grain,MgAl_(2)O_(4) powder was used to inoculate the Mg-Al melt in this study.The effects of MgAl_(2)O_(4)amount,holding time and Al content on the grain size and grain refining ratio of the inoculated Mg-Al alloys are systematically investigated.The results show that the minimum grain size of Mg-3Al alloy is achieved by adding 2wt.%MgAl_(2)O_(4)powder and this alloy exhibits higher grain refining ratio than Mg-5Al and Mg-8Al alloys.The crystallographic misfit calculation indicates the wellmatching and possible orientation relationships(ORs)betweenα-Mg and MgAl_(2)O_(4).Among these predicted ORs,[10–10]α−Mg//[110]MgAl2O4 in(0002)α−Mg//(1–13)MgAl2O4 possesses the smallest misfit,i.e.,2.34%(fr).Both results of the experiment and crystallographic calculation demonstrate that the grain refinement of Mg-Al alloys is attributed to the MgAl_(2)O_(4)particles acting as the heterogeneous nucleation substrates forα-Mg grains.

Effect of Rare Earths on Hot Cracking Resistant Property of Mg-Al Alloys

The effect of rare earths （RE） ranging from 0.1% to 1.2%（mass fraction） on hot cracking resistant property of Mg-Al alloys was investigated. The results show that hot cracking resistant property of Mg-Al alloys remarkably declines with an increase of RE addition. The causes of the decline are as follows： First, grain coarsening of Mg-Al alloys caused by RE addition reduces the fracture strain required for hot crack initiation. Second, RE reduces the eutectic microstructure of Mg- Al alloys, and as a result, shortens the time that the feeding channel remains open, making it difficult to feed the alloy. Furthermore, RE elevates the eutectic reaction temperature, which leads to the decrease in the strength of the interdendritic liquid film at the late stage of solidification. Third, when a-Mg dendrites form continuous skeletons, the interdendritic Al11 RE3 phase tends to block the feeding channels and increases the difficulty of feeding. Last, the shrinkage ratio discrepancy between Al11RE3 phases and α-Mg matrix is prone to cause shrinkage stress and promote hot crack initiation.

Grain Coarsening Behavior of Mg-Al Alloys with Mischmetal Addition

Small addition of mischmetal （MM） into aluminum alloys can lead to grain refinement. However, it is still uncertain whether the same effect applies to Mg-Al alloys. This work indicated that small amount of mischmetal addition ranging from 0.1% to 1.2% （mass fraction） did not cause grain refinement in Mg-Al alloys. On the contrary, they tended to coarsen the grains. When added into Mg-Al alloys, MM reacted preferentially with Al to form Al11 MM3 phase. As Al11 MM3 phase mainly distributed within α-Mg grains than at grain boundaries, it had little effect in restricting grain growth. In addition, MM reacted with Al8（Mn, Fe）5 or ε-AlMn particles to form Al-MM-Mn compounds, thus it reduced the amount of heterogeneous nuclei in the melt and resulted in remarkable grain coarsening.

Grain refinement of Mg-Al alloys by optimization of process parameters based on three-dimensional finite element modeling of roll casting

To study the influence of roll casting process parameters on temperature and thermal-stress fields for the AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets,three-dimensional geometric and 3D finite element models for roll casting were established based on the symmetry of roll casting by ANSYS software.Meshing method and smart-sizing algorithm were used to divide finite element mesh in ANSYS software.A series of researches on the temperature and stress distributions during solidification process with different process parameters were done by 3D finite element method.The temperatures of both the liquid-solid two-phase zone and liquid phase zone were elevated with increasing pouring temperature.With the heat transfer coefficient increasing,the two-phase region for liquid-solid becomes smaller.With the pouring temperature increasing and the increase of casting speed,the length of two-phase zone rises.The optimized of process parameters（casting speed 2 m/min,pouring temperature 640 ℃ and heat transfer coefficient 15 kW/（m2·℃） with the water pouring at roller exit was used to produce magnesium alloy AZ31 sheet,and equiaxed grains with the average grain size of 50 μm were achieved after roll casting.The simulation results give better understanding of the temperature variation in phase transformation zone and the formation mechanism of hot cracks in plates during roll casting and help to design the optimized process parameters of roll casting for Mg alloy.

Microstructure analyses and phase-field simulation of partially divorced eutectic solidification in hypoeutectic Mg-Al Alloys

In this study the partially divorced eutectic microstructure ofα-Mg andβ-Mg17Al12was investigated by electron backscatter diffraction,transmission electron microscopy,and phase-field modeling in hypoeutectic Mg-Al alloys.The orientation relationships between the individual eutecticαgrains,eutecticβphase,and primaryαgrains were investigated.While the amount of eutectic morphology is primarily determined by the Al content,the in-depth microstructure analyses and the phase-field simulation suggest non-interactive nucleation and growth of eutecticαphase in theβphase grown on the interdendritic primaryαdendrites.Also,phase-field simulations showed a preferred nucleation sequence where theβphase nucleates first and subsequently triggers the nucleation of eutecticαphase at the movingβphase solidification front,which supports the microstructural analysis results.

Nonisothermal dissolution kinetics on Mg17Al12 intermetallic in Mg-Al alloys

In this work,nonisothermal dissolution of intermetallic Mg_(17)Al_(12) in Mg-Al alloy has been firstly studied via Differential Scanning Calorimetry-DSC,X-Ray Diffraction-XRD and Scanning Electron Microscope-SEM as well as CALPHAD_based dissolution models and molecular dynamics simulation.The size and volume fraction of Mg_(17)Al_(12) phase could be predicted via the present kinetic dissolution model and agree well with experimental results.Also,the data-driven screening calculation shows that there is a range of temperature for significantly dissolving Mg_(17)Al_(12) phase,which could be increased with the increase of heating rate.The evolution of structural order for Mg_(17)Al_(12) phase has also been performed via molecular dynamics simulation with LAMMPS.The simulated results indicate that the structural order of Mg_(17)Al_(12) phase during heating is mainly affected by the Al-contained atomic pairs(Al-Al and Al-Mg),suggested that Mg atoms are thermodynamically and kinetically more active than Al atoms in Mg_(17)Al_(12) phase during heating,which has also been approved via the calculated atomic mobility of Mg and Al atoms in Mg_(17)Al_(12) phase in this work.Therefore,the atomic mobility of Mg atoms is mainly attributed to the interdiffusion coefficient of Mg_(17)Al_(12) phase which determines the dissolution of Mg_(17)Al_(12) phase during heating.The fundamental principle in this work could be used for other intermetallics and offers the greatly valuable information for optimizing the thermal processing in application of metal structural materials.

Influence of CO_2 laser welding parameters on the microstructure, metallurgy, and mechanical properties of Mg-Al alloys

This study investigated the microstructural characteristics, metallurgy, microhardness, and tensile strength of AZ31 and AZ61 magnesium alloy weldments, fabricated in a CO2 laser welding process with the adjustment of various parameters. The results show that the AZ31 weldment contains equiaxed grains within the fusion zone （FZ）. By contrast, the FZ of the AZ61 weldment contains refined cellular grains and the partially melted zone （PMZ） contains bulk grains. We infer that the difference in aluminum content between the two magne-sium alloys results in different supercooling rates and solid grain structures. For both weldments, the ultimate tensile strength （UTS） de-creases following the CO2 laser welding process. However, no significant difference is noted between the UTS of the two weldments, sug-gesting that tensile strength is insensitive to the Al content of the magnesium alloy. The CO2 laser welding process is shown to increase the microhardness of both magnesium alloys. Furthermore, grain refinement is responsible for the maximum hardness in the FZ of both weld-ments. The AZ61 weldment has a higher content of Al, resulting in a greater grain refinement.

Grain refinement and mechanism of CAl_(0.5)W_(0.5) compound in Mg-Al alloys

The effect of CAl0.5W0.5（CAW） compound on the grain refinement of Mg-Al based alloys was investigated.The results show that CAW compound is an effective and active grain refiner.The grain size of binary Mg-Al alloys is more than 500 μm,and it is changed to about 110 μm with a 1 wt.% CAW addition.The hardness increased with the decease of grain size monotonously.The mechanical properties are improved by the addition.The fine grain size is mainly ascribed to the dispersed Al2CO particles,which are very potent nucleating substrates for Mg-Al alloys.The nucleation cores formed by chemical reaction directly are well-distributed in the matrix.

Application and development of pare earth elements of ISavan Obo ore in Mg-Al alloys

Bayan Obo rare earth resource is an important strategic resource in China.According to the published data,the content of oxidized ore is 8.12%REO in Bayan Obo raw ore,which includes 0.04%yttrium oxide,2.08%lanthanum oxide,4.09%cerium oxide;the content of REO in magnetite is 6.26%,which includes 0.03%yttrium oxide,1.57%lanthanum oxide and 3.14%cerium oxide.The balance and industrial application of three kinds of abundant rare earths lanthanum(La),cerium(Ce)and yttrium(Y)are the urgent problems to be solved in the development of rare earth industry.In this paper,it discusses the application potential and future development direction of lanthanum,cerium and yttrium in magnesium-aluminum light alloys basing on the development demand of current technology and the application demand of market.

Accelerated design of high-performance Mg-Mn-based magnesium alloys based on novel bayesian optimization

Magnesium(Mg),being the lightest structural metal,holds immense potential for widespread applications in various fields.The development of high-performance and cost-effective Mg alloys is crucial to further advancing their commercial utilization.With the rapid advancement of machine learning(ML)technology in recent years,the“data-driven''approach for alloy design has provided new perspectives and opportunities for enhancing the performance of Mg alloys.This paper introduces a novel regression-based Bayesian optimization active learning model(RBOALM)for the development of high-performance Mg-Mn-based wrought alloys.RBOALM employs active learning to automatically explore optimal alloy compositions and process parameters within predefined ranges,facilitating the discovery of superior alloy combinations.This model further integrates pre-established regression models as surrogate functions in Bayesian optimization,significantly enhancing the precision of the design process.Leveraging RBOALM,several new high-performance alloys have been successfully designed and prepared.Notably,after mechanical property testing of the designed alloys,the Mg-2.1Zn-2.0Mn-0.5Sn-0.1Ca alloy demonstrates exceptional mechanical properties,including an ultimate tensile strength of 406 MPa,a yield strength of 287 MPa,and a 23%fracture elongation.Furthermore,the Mg-2.7Mn-0.5Al-0.1Ca alloy exhibits an ultimate tensile strength of 211 MPa,coupled with a remarkable 41%fracture elongation.

Relationship between the unique microstructures and behaviors of high-entropy alloys

High-entropy alloys(HEAs),which were introduced as a pioneering concept in 2004,have captured the keen interest of nu-merous researchers.Entropy,in this context,can be perceived as representing disorder and randomness.By contrast,elemental composi-tions within alloy systems occupy specific structural sites in space,a concept referred to as structure.In accordance with Shannon entropy,structure is analogous to information.Generally,the arrangement of atoms within a material,termed its structure,plays a pivotal role in dictating its properties.In addition to expanding the array of options for alloy composites,HEAs afford ample opportunities for diverse structural designs.The profound influence of distinct structural features on the exceptional behaviors of alloys is underscored by numer-ous examples.These features include remarkably high fracture strength with excellent ductility,antiballistic capability,exceptional radi-ation resistance,and corrosion resistance.In this paper,we delve into various unique material structures and properties while elucidating the intricate relationship between structure and performance.

Microstructure and damping properties of LPSO phase dominant Mg-Ni-Y and Mg-Zn-Ni-Y alloys

This work studied the microstructure,mechanical properties and damping properties of Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66) and Mg_(95.34)Zn_(1)Ni_(1)Y_(2.66)alloys systematically.The difference in the evolution of the long-period stacked ordered(LPSO)phase in the two alloys during heat treatment was the focus.The morphology of the as-cast Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66)presented a disordered network.After heat treatment at 773 K for 2 hours,the eutectic phase was integrated into the matrix,and the LPSO phase maintained the 18R structure.As Zn partially replaced Ni,the crystal grains became rounded in the cast alloy,and lamellar LPSO phases and more solid solution atoms were contained in the matrix after heat treatment of the Mg_(95.34)Zn_(1)Ni_(1)Y_(2.66)alloy.Both Zn and the heat treatment had a significant effect on damping.Obvious dislocation internal friction peaks and grain boundary internal friction peaks were found after temperature-dependent damping of the Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66)and Mg_(95.34)Zn_(1)Ni_(1)Y_(2.66)alloys.After heat treatment,the dislocation peak was significantly increased,especially in the alloy Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2).66.The annealed Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66)alloy with a rod-shaped LPSO phase exhibited a good damping performance of 0.14 atε=10^(−3),which was due to the difference between the second phase and solid solution atom content.These factors also affected the dynamic modulus of the alloy.The results of this study will help in further development of high-damping magnesium alloys.

Simultaneous refinement of α-Mg grains and β-Mg_(17)Al_(12) in Mg-Al based alloys via heterogeneous nucleation on Al_(8)Mn_(4)Sm

Due to the significant differences in the formation temperature and crystal structure between the primaryα-Mg and eutecticβ-Mg_(17)Al_(12),it is a great challenge to achieve simultaneous refinement of the primary and eutectic phases in Mg-Al based alloys via heterogeneous nucleation.Surprisingly,we found that theα-Mg andβ-Mg_(17)Al_(12) in the AZ80 alloy can be simultaneously refined after 0.2 wt.%Sm addition,with the grain size decreasing from∼217±15μm to∼170±10μm and theβ-Mg_(17)Al_(12) morphology changing from a typical continuous network to a nod-like or spherical structure.The simultaneous refinement mechanism is investigated through solidification simulation,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and differential thermal analysis(DTA).In the AZ80-0.2Sm alloy,many Al8Mn4Sm particles can be observed near the center of theα-Mg grains or inside theβ-Mg_(17)Al_(12).Crystallographic calculations further reveal that the Al8Mn4Sm has good crystallographic matching with both theα-Mg andβ-Mg_(17)Al_(12),so it possesses the potency to serve as heterogeneous nucleation sites for both phases.The promoted heterogeneous nucleation on the Al8Mn4Sm decreases the undercooling required by the nucleation of the primary and eutectic phases,which enhances the heterogeneous nucleation rate,thus causing the simultaneous refinement of theα-Mg andβ-Mg_(17)Al_(12).The orientation relationships between the Al8Mn4Sm and Mg/Mg_(17)Al_(12) are identified,which are[1210]_(Mg)//[010]_(Al8Mn4Sm),(1010)_(Mg)//(301)_(Al8Mn4Sm) and[112]_(Mg_(17)Al_(12))//[010]_(Al8Mn4Sm),(110)_(Mg_(17)Al_(12))//(301)_(Al8Mn4Sm),respectively.Furthermore,the refinement of theβ-Mg_(17)Al_(12) accelerates its dissolution during the solution treatment,which is beneficial for cost saving in industrial applications.Other Al8Mn4RE compounds such as Al8Mn4Y might have the same positive effect on the simultaneous refinement due to the similar physicochemical properties of rare earth elements.This work not only proves the possibility of simultaneously refining the primary and eutectic phases in Mg-Al based alloys via heterogeneous nucleation,but also provides new insights into the development of refiners for cast Mg alloys.

Microstructures,corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-6Zn-2X(Fe/Cu/Ni)alloys for plugging tool applications

Mg-6Zn-2X(Fe/Cu/Ni)alloys were prepared through semi-continuous casting,with the aim of identifying a degradable magnesium(Mg)alloy suitable for use in fracturing balls.A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the impacts of adding Cu and Ni,which result in finer grains and the formation of galvanic corrosion sites.Scanner electronic microscopy examination revealed that precipitated phases concentrated at grain boundaries,forming a semi-continuous network structure that facilitated corrosion penetration in Mg-6Zn-2Cu and Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloys.Pitting corrosion was observed in Mg-6Zn-2Fe,while galvanic corrosion was identified as the primary mechanism in Mg-6Zn-2Cu and Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloys.Among the tests,the Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloy exhibited the highest corrosion rate(approximately 932.9 mm/a)due to its significant potential difference.Mechanical testing showed that Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloy possessed suitable ultimate compressive strength,making it a potential candidate material for degradable fracturing balls,effectively addressing the challenges of balancing strength and degradation rate in fracturing applications.

Prediction of the thermal conductivity of Mg–Al–La alloys by CALPHAD method

Mg-Al alloys have excellent strength and ductility but relatively low thermal conductivity due to Al addition.The accurate prediction of thermal conductivity is a prerequisite for designing Mg-Al alloys with high thermal conductivity.Thus,databases for predicting temperature-and composition-dependent thermal conductivities must be established.In this study,Mg-Al-La alloys with different contents of Al2La,Al3La,and Al11La3phases and solid solubility of Al in the α-Mg phase were designed.The influence of the second phase(s) and Al solid solubility on thermal conductivity was investigated.Experimental results revealed a second phase transformation from Al_(2)La to Al_(3)La and further to Al_(11)La_(3)with the increasing Al content at a constant La amount.The degree of the negative effect of the second phase(s) on thermal diffusivity followed the sequence of Al2La>Al3La>Al_(11)La_(3).Compared with the second phase,an increase in the solid solubility of Al in α-Mg remarkably reduced the thermal conductivity.On the basis of the experimental data,a database of the reciprocal thermal diffusivity of the Mg-Al-La system was established by calculation of the phase diagram (CALPHAD)method.With a standard error of±1.2 W/(m·K),the predicted results were in good agreement with the experimental data.The established database can be used to design Mg-Al alloys with high thermal conductivity and provide valuable guidance for expanding their application prospects.

Effect of icosahedral phase formation on the stress corrosion cracking(SCC)behaviors of the as-cast Mg-8%Li(in wt.%)based alloys

Through exploring the stress corrosion cracking(SCC)behaviors of the as-cast Mg-8%Li and Mg-8%Li-6%Zn-1.2%Y alloys in a 0.1 M NaCl solution,it revealed that the SCC susceptibility index(I_(SCC))of the Mg-8%Li alloy was 47%,whilst the I_(SCC)of the Mg-8%Li-6%Zn-1.2%Y alloy was 68%.Surface,cross-sectional and fractography observations indicated that for the Mg-8%Li alloy,theα-Mg/β-Li interfaces acted as the preferential crack initiation sites and propagation paths during the SCC process.With regard to the Mg-8%Li-6%Zn-1.2%Y alloy,the crack initiation sites included the I-phase and the interfaces of I-phase/β-Li andα-Mg/β-Li,and the preferential propagation paths were the I-phase/β-Li andα-Mg/β-Li interfaces.Moreover,the SCC of the two alloys was concerned with hydrogen embrittlement(HE)mechanism.

Microstructures and micromechanical behaviors of high -entropy alloys investigated by synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques: A review

High-entropy alloys(HEAs)possess outstanding features such as corrosion resistance,irradiation resistance,and good mechan-ical properties.A few HEAs have found applications in the fields of aerospace and defense.Extensive studies on the deformation mech-anisms of HEAs can guide microstructure control and toughness design,which is vital for understanding and studying state-of-the-art structural materials.Synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction are necessary techniques for materials science research,especially for in situ coupling of physical/chemical fields and for resolving macro/microcrystallographic information on materials.Recently,several re-searchers have applied synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction methods to study the deformation mechanisms,phase transformations,stress behaviors,and in situ processes of HEAs,such as variable-temperature,high-pressure,and hydrogenation processes.In this review,the principles and development of synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction are presented,and their applications in the deformation mechanisms of HEAs are discussed.The factors that influence the deformation mechanisms of HEAs are also outlined.This review fo-cuses on the microstructures and micromechanical behaviors during tension/compression or creep/fatigue deformation and the application of synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction methods to the characterization of dislocations,stacking faults,twins,phases,and intergrain/interphase stress changes.Perspectives on future developments of synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction and on research directions on the deformation mechanisms of novel metals are discussed.

Transformation of long-period stacking ordered structures in Mg-Gd-Y-Zn alloys upon synergistic characterization of first-principles calculation and experiment and its effects on mechanical properties

Based on experiments and first-principles calculations,the microstructures and mechanical properties of as-cast and solution treated Mg-10Gd-4Y-xZn-0.6Zr(x=0,1,2,wt.%)alloys are investigated.The transformation process of long-period stacking ordered(LPSO)structure during solidification and heat treatment and its effect on the mechanical properties of experimental alloys are discussed.Results reveal that the stacking faults and 18R LPSO phases appear in the as-cast Mg-10Gd-4Y-1Zn-0.6Zr and Mg-10Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.6Zr alloys,respectively.After solution treatment,the stacking faults and 18R LPSO phase transform into 14H LPSO phase.The Enthalpies of formation and reaction energy of 14H and 18R LPSO are calculated based on first-principles.Results show that the alloying ability of 18R is stronger than that of 14H.The reaction energies show that the 14H LPSO phase is more stable than the 18R LPSO.The elastic properties of the 14H and 18R LPSO phases are also evaluated by first-principles calculations,and the results are in good agreement with the experimental results.The precipitation of LPSO phase improves the tensile strength,yield strength and elongation of the alloy.After solution treatment,the Mg-10Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.6Zr alloy has the best mechanical properties,and its ultimate tensile strength and yield strength are 278.7 MPa and 196.4 MPa,respectively.The elongation of Mg-10Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.6Zr reaches 15.1,which is higher than that of Mg-10Gd-4Y0.6Zr alloy.The improving mechanism of elastic modulus by the LPSO phases and the influence on the alloy mechanical properties are also analyzed.

退火时间对轧制Mg-Al-Ca-Mn-Zn镁合金组织及阻尼性能的影响

采用光学显微镜(OM)、动态热分析仪、X射线衍射仪(XRD)、拉伸实验机以及扫描电镜(SEM)等研究了退火时间(0~3 h)对大应变、单道次轧制后Mg-1.2Al-0.4Ca-0.3Mn-0.3Zn镁合金板材的显微组织、力学性能以及阻尼性能的影响。结果表明:随着退火时间的延长,合金的晶粒尺寸逐渐增大,抗拉强度逐渐降低,从0 h的247 MPa降低至3 h的227 MPa;退火处理后合金的伸长率较轧制态有所增加,伸长率在退火2 h后最高,为23.4%;在低应变振幅阶段时,退火时间对合金的阻尼性能影响较小;在高应变振幅阶段时,阻尼性能随着退火时间的延长有明显提升。

Review on synergistic damage effect of irradiation and corrosion on reactor structural alloys

The synergistic damage effect of irradiation and corrosion of reactor structural materials has been a prominent research focus.This paper provides a comprehensive review of the synergistic effects on the third-and fourth-generation fission nuclear energy structural materials used in pressurized water reactors and molten salt reactors.The competitive mechanisms of multiple influencing factors,such as the irradiation dose,corrosion type,and environmental temperature,are summarized in this paper.Conceptual approaches are proposed to alleviate the synergistic damage caused by irradiation and corrosion,thereby promoting in-depth research in the future and solving this key challenge for the structural materials used in reactors.