Enhanced strength and ductility of Mg-Gd-Y-Zr alloys by secondary extrusion

The Mg-12Gd-3Y-0.6Zr(GW123,wt.%)alloy was prepared by cast,and thermo-mechanically treated by single and secondary hot extrusion techniques.The microstructure,texture and mechanical properties of the extruded alloy were investigated.The results show that in different treated conditions the microstructure is mainly composed ofα-Mg solid solution and second phases of Mg_(3)Y_(3)Gd_(2) and Mg_(5)(GdY)precipitates.The best mechanical properties are achieved in the secondary extruded alloy after ageing,with the ultimate tensile strength(UTS),tensile yield strength(TYS)and elongation(ɛ)being 446 MPa,350 MPa and 10.2%at room temperature.A weak texture aligned with〈101¯0〉||ED(extrusion direction)component and spread from〈101¯0〉to〈112¯0〉poles was obtained in secondary extrusion,which is caused by the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization(DRX)in shear bands for texture randomization.The fracture modes in extruded GW123 alloy are mixed pattern of transgranular and intergranular fracture,as well as cleavage fracture.The strengthening mechanisms were quantitatively analysed from the different aspects using the measured microstructural parameters.The grain boundaries and solid solution strengthening were the main contributors to the high tensile strength of the GW123 alloy.

Dislocations-induced precipitates and their effect on mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Y-Zr alloy

Optical microscope(OM),scanning electron microscope(SEM),transmission electron microscope(TEM)and tensile machine were used to characterize the microstructures and mechanical properties of as-forged and aged Mg-9.5Gd-3.8Y-0.6Zr alloys.The results show that a novel kind of dislocation arrays,comprising parallel arranged dislocations,were obtained in the forged alloy.The arrays tend to extend parallel and are heterogeneously distributed with adjacent distances varying from 0.3μm to 1.4μm.After aging the alloy at 265°C,a large number of preferential-oriented phases were precipitated on the dislocation arrays,forming a structure of"precipitation chains"(PCs),which results in simultaneous increments of strength and ductility.

Microstructure evolution during reheating of extruded Mg-Gd-Y-Zr alloy into semisolid state

The microstructure evolution of an extruded Mg-8.57Gd-3.72Y-0.54Zr (mass fraction, %, GW94) alloy during reheating into the semisolid state was investigated using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).Typical semisolid microstructure with globular solid particles distributed in the liquid matrix is obtained over 600 °C.The solid content of (Gd+Y) in the primary α-Mg particles decreases with increasing the semisolid temperature.With the prolongation of isothermal holding time, the liquid fraction does not change significantly, while the grains grow up and spheroidize.Three methods used to determine the liquid fraction as a function of temperature, namely quantitative metallography on quenched microstructures, cooling curve thermal analysis, and thermodynamic calculations were further compared.

Effect of purification treatment on properties of Mg-Gd-Y-Zr alloy

Mg-Gd-Y-Zr alloy was purified by the method of filtering purification.The type,morphology,size distribution and volume fraction of inclusions in the alloy were analyzed using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope,and the effects of the inclusions on the mechanical and corrosion properties of the alloy were investigated.The results indicate that the filtering purification method is effective to remove inclusions in the alloy.By the filtering purification method,the average size of inclusions in the alloy reduces from 12.7μm to 4.3μm and the average volume fraction of inclusions in the alloy reduces from 0.26%to 0.06%. The ultimate tensile strength,yield strength and elongation of the alloy are improved from 200 MPa,156 MPa and 3.4%to 232 MPa,167 MPa and 7.0%,respectively.The corrosion rate of the alloy decreases dramatically from 38.8g/(m2·d) to 2.5 g/(m 2·d) in the salt spray test.

A comparative study of Mg-Gd-Y-Zr alloy cast by metal mould and sand mould

The differences of the microstructure and mechanical property between metal mould and sand mould cast Mg-10Gd-3Y-Zr alloy were investigated both under as-cast condition and after solution heat treatment.In the as-cast specimens,the microstructure is similar and composed of α-Mg solid solution and eutectic compound of α-Mg+ Mg24(Gd,Y) 5;whereas the grain size using metal mould and sand mould is 27 μm and 71 μm,respectively.The eutectic compound of metal mould cast alloy was completely dissolved after solution treated at 500℃ for 8 h,however it needs higher temperature(525 ℃) and longer time(12 h) to achieve the absolute dissolving under sand mould condition.In contrast to metal mould,the peak time of sand mould alloy aged at 225 ℃ and 250 ℃ of was advanced by 4 h and 6 h,respectively.The precipitation reaction sequence in sand mould cast Mg-10Gd-3Y-Zr alloy during isothermal ageing at 250 ℃ follows S.S.S.S.→β″(D019) →β'(cboc) →β1(fcc) →β(fcc) ,which is similar to that in the alloy cast using metal mould.

Enhancing strength-ductility synergy in a Mg-Gd-Y-Zr alloy at sub-zero temperatures via high dislocation density and shearable precipitates

The strength-ductility trade-offdilemma is hard to be evaded in high-strength Mg alloys at sub-zero temperatures,especially in the Mg alloys containing a high volume fraction of precipitates.In this paper,we report an enhanced strength-ductility synergy at sub-zero temperatures in an aged Mg-7.37Gd-3.1Y-0.27Zr alloy.The tensile stress-strain curves at room temperature(RT),−70℃ and−196℃ show that the strength increases monotonically with decreasing temperature,but the elongation increases first from RT to−70℃ then declines from−70℃ to−196℃.After systematic investigation of the microstructure evolutions at different deformation temperatures via synchrotron X-ray diffraction,electron backscattered diffraction(EBSD)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM),it is found that a high dislocation density with sufficient<c+a>dislocations promotes good tensile ductility at−70℃,which is attributed to the minimized critical resolved shear stress(CRSS)ratio of non-basal<c+a>to basaldislocations.In ad-dition,more shearable precipitates can further improve the ductility via lengthening the mean free path of dislocation glide.The present work demonstrates that an excellent strength-ductility synergy at sub-zero temperatures can be achieved by introducing a high dislocation density and shearable precipitates in high-strength Mg alloys.

Greatly enhanced corrosion/wear resistances of epoxy coating for Mg alloy through a synergistic effect between functionalized graphene and insulated blocking layer

The poor corrosion and wear resistances of Mg alloys seriously limit their potential applications in various industries.The conventional epoxy coating easily forms many intrinsic defects during the solidification process,which cannot provide sufficient protection.In the current study,we design a double-layer epoxy composite coating on Mg alloy with enhanced anti-corrosion/wear properties,via the spin-assisted assembly technique.The outer layer is functionalized graphene(FG)in waterborne epoxy resin(WEP)and the inner layer is Ce-based conversion(Ce)film.The FG sheets can be homogeneously dispersed within the epoxy matrix to fill the intrinsic defects and improve the barrier capability.The Ce film connects the outer layer with the substrate,showing the transition effect.The corrosion rate of Ce/WEP/FG composite coating is 2131 times lower than that of bare Mg alloy,and the wear rate is decreased by~90%.The improved corrosion resistance is attributed to the labyrinth effect(hindering the penetration of corrosive medium)and the obstruction of galvanic coupling behavior.The synergistic effect derived from the FG sheet and blocking layer exhibits great potential in realizing the improvement of multi-functional integration,which will open up a new avenue for the development of novel composite protection coatings of Mg alloys.

Effect of hafnium and molybdenum addition on inclusion characteristics in Co-based dual-phase high-entropy alloys

Specific grades of high-entropy alloys(HEAs)can provide opportunities for optimizing properties toward high-temperature applications.In this work,the Co-based HEA with a chemical composition of Co_(47.5)Cr_(30)Fe_(7.5)Mn_(7.5)Ni_(7.5)(at%)was chosen.The refractory metallic elements hafnium(Hf)and molybdenum(Mo)were added in small amounts(1.5at%)because of their well-known positive effects on high-temperature properties.Inclusion characteristics were comprehensively explored by using a two-dimensional cross-sectional method and extracted by using a three-dimensional electrolytic extraction method.The results revealed that the addition of Hf can reduce Al_(2)O_(3)inclusions and lead to the formation of more stable Hf-rich inclusions as the main phase.Mo addition cannot influence the inclusion type but could influence the inclusion characteristics by affecting the physical parameters of the HEA melt.The calculated coagulation coefficient and collision rate of Al_(2)O_(3)inclusions were higher than those of HfO_(2)inclusions,but the inclusion amount played a larger role in the agglomeration behavior of HfO_(2)and Al_(2)O_(3)inclusions.The impurity level and active elements in HEAs were the crucial factors affecting inclusion formation.

Design of high-temperature superconductors at moderate pressures by alloying AlH3 or GaH3

Since the discovery of hydride superconductors,a significant challenge has been to reduce the pressure required for their stabilization.In this context,we propose that alloying could be an effective strategy to achieve this.We focus on a series of alloyed hydrides with the AMH_(6)composition,which can be made via alloying A15 AH_(3)(A=Al or Ga)with M(M=a group IIIB or IVB metal),and study their behavior under pressure.Seven of them are predicted to maintain the A15-type structure,similar to AH_(3)under pressure,providing a platform for studying the effects of alloying on the stability and superconductivity of AH_(3).Among these,the A15-type phases of AlZrH_(6)and AlHfH_(6)are found to be thermodynamically stable in the pressure ranges of 40–150 and 30–181 GPa,respectively.Furthermore,they remain dynamically stable at even lower pressures,as low as 13 GPa for AlZrH_(6)and 6 GPa for AlHfH_(6).These pressures are significantly lower than that required for stabilizing A15 AlH3.Additionally,the introduction of Zr or Hf increases the electronic density of states at the Fermi level compared with AlH3.This enhancement leads to higher critical temperatures(Tc)of 75 and 76 K for AlZrH_(6)and AlHfH_(6)at 20 and 10 GPa,respectively.In the case of GaMH_(6)alloys,where M represents Sc,Ti,Zr,or Hf,these metals reinforce the stability of the A15-type structure and reduce the lowest thermodynamically stable pressure for GaH_(3) from 160 GPa to 116,95,80,and 85 GPa,respectively.Particularly noteworthy are the A15-type GaMH_(6)alloys,which remain dynamically stable at low pressures of 97,28,5,and 6 GPa,simultaneously exhibiting high Tc of 88,39,70,and 49 K at 100,35,10,and 10 GPa,respectively.Overall,these findings enrich the family of A15-type superconductors and provide insights for the future exploration of high-temperature hydride superconductors that can be stabilized at lower pressures.

Microstructure and mechanical properties stability of pre-hardening treatment in Al-Cu alloys for pre-hardening forming process

The stability of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the pre-hardened sheets during the pre-hardening forming(PHF)process directly determines the quality of the formed components.The microstructure stability of the pre-hardened sheets was in-vestigated by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and small angle X-ray scattering(SAXS),while the mechanical properties and formability were analyzed through uniaxial tensile tests and formability tests.The results in-dicate that the mechanical properties of the pre-hardened alloys exhibited negligible changes after experiencing 1-month natural aging(NA).The deviations of ultimate tensile strength(UTS),yield strength(YS),and sheet formability(Erichsen value)are all less than 2%.Also,after different NA time(from 48 h to 1 month)is applied to alloys before pre-hardening treatment,the pre-hardened alloys possess stable microstructure and mechanical properties as well.Interestingly,with the extension of NA time before pre-hardening treatment from 48 h to 1 month,the contribution of NA to the pre-hardening treatment is limited.Only a yield strength increment of 20 MPa is achieved,with no loss in elongation.The limited enhancement is mainly attributed to the fact that only a limited number of clusters are transformed into Guinier-Preston(GP)zones at the early stage of pre-hardening treatment,and the formation ofθ''phase inhibits the nucleation and growth of GP zones as the precipitated phase evolves.

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.

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.

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.

Recent innovations in laser additive manufacturing of titanium alloys

Titanium(Ti)alloys are widely used in high-tech fields like aerospace and biomedical engineering.Laser additive manufacturing(LAM),as an innovative technology,is the key driver for the development of Ti alloys.Despite the significant advancements in LAM of Ti alloys,there remain challenges that need further research and development efforts.To recap the potential of LAM high-performance Ti alloy,this article systematically reviews LAM Ti alloys with up-to-date information on process,materials,and properties.Several feasible solutions to advance LAM Ti alloys are reviewed,including intelligent process parameters optimization,LAM process innovation with auxiliary fields and novel Ti alloys customization for LAM.The auxiliary energy fields(e.g.thermal,acoustic,mechanical deformation and magnetic fields)can affect the melt pool dynamics and solidification behaviour during LAM of Ti alloys,altering microstructures and mechanical performances.Different kinds of novel Ti alloys customized for LAM,like peritecticα-Ti,eutectoid(α+β)-Ti,hybrid(α+β)-Ti,isomorphousβ-Ti and eutecticβ-Ti alloys are reviewed in detail.Furthermore,machine learning in accelerating the LAM process optimization and new materials development is also outlooked.This review summarizes the material properties and performance envelops and benchmarks the research achievements in LAM of Ti alloys.In addition,the perspectives and further trends in LAM of Ti alloys are also highlighted.

Effect of pre-twinning and heat treatment on formability of AZX311 Mg alloy

In this study,the effects of pre-strain-induced tensile twins(TTWs)and controlled heat treatment on the formability behavior of AZX311 Mg alloy sheets were investigated.A 4%compressive strain was applied to pre-strain the sheets using the in-plane compression(IPC)technique along the rolling direction(RD)to introduce TTWs.The pre-strained(PS)samples were subsequently heat-treated at 250℃,350℃,and 400℃ independently for 1 hr,and are termed as PSA1,PSA2,and PSA3,respectively.Erichsen cupping tests were conducted to assess the formability of the sheet samples under different initial conditions.The results showed that the PS sample heat-treated at 250℃ for 1hr exhibited a decrease in the Erichsen index(IE)compared to the as-rolled sample,whereas PSA2 and PSA3 samples showed an increase in IE values.Microtexture analysis revealed that most of the TTWs generated through pre-twinning were stable at 250℃;however,the twin volume fraction reduced to 41%at 350℃ compared to the PS samples due to enhanced thermal activity at that temperature.Furthermore,PSA2 samples showed severe grain coarsening in some areas of the sample,and the fraction of such grains increased in the PSA3 samples.The stretch formability(IE value)of PSA2 samples showed a 32.3%increase compared to the as-rolled specimens.Additionally,the analysis of the deformed specimen at failure under the Erichsen test indicated that considerable detwinning occurs in the PS and PSA1 samples,whereas dislocation slip activity dominates in the PSA2 and PSA3 samples during stretch forming.Apart from detwinning and dislocation slip,deformation twins were also observed in all samples after the Erichsen test.Thus,this work highlights the importance of texture control and its underlying mechanisms via pre-twinning followed by heat treatment and their impact on the room temperature(RT)stretch formability of AZX311 Mg alloy sheets.

Surface morphologies of Mg-Gd alloy particle during its reactions with O_(2) and Teflon

Mg-Gd alloy particle has exhibited its unique combustion properties as the fuel of Mg/Teflon/Viton(MTV).Mg-Gd alloy/Teflon/Viton(MGTV)could burn at lower ambient pressure than MTV.To further investigate the reaction of MGTV in air,it was investigated via thermo gravity-differential scanning calorimetry(TG-DSC).Meanwhile,the morphologies and element distributions on the alloy surface during the reaction of MGTV in air were investigated via scanning electronic microscope-mapping-electronic differential spectrometer.Meanwhile,a similar experimental protocol on the Mg-Gd alloy particle during oxidation was also applied.The results showed that owning to a protective oxide shell,the onset oxidation temperature of Mg-Gd alloy is higher than Mg.However,the onset oxidation temperature of the exceeded Mg-Gd alloy in MGTV is significantly lower than that of the exceeded Mg in MTV.It was due to the existence of GdOF,which could significantly lower the oxidation temperature of the exceeded fuel.Furthermore,a possible reaction mechanism was proposed.The fascinating oxidation properties of Mg-Gd alloy suggested its promising applications in energetic materials.

Oxidation behavior and improvement in nonflammability of LPSO-type Mg–Zn–Y–Sr alloy

Mg_(97)Zn_(1)Y_(2)alloys with high ignition temperatures were developed by adding Sr.The addition of Sr resulted in the formation of a uniform and thin Y_(2)O_(3)film.Mg–Zn–Y alloys containing at least 0.25 at.%Sr exhibited ignition temperatures of 1270–1320 K.As a result of EDS measurement,Sr was found to be concentrated in the Y_(2)O_(3)film.In addition,a mixed film of MgO and Sr O formed on the outer layer in the 1.5 at.%Sr-containing Mg_(97)Zn_(1)Y_(2)alloy.These findings suggest that the uniform and thin Y_(2)O_(3)film that maintains high soundness at high temperatures was formed owing to valence control and the formation of a protective outer oxide film.

Recent progress in the research on magnesium and magnesium alloy foils:A short review

Magnesium and magnesium alloy foils have great potential for application in battery anodes,electromagnetic shielding,optics and acoustics,and biology because of their excellent specific damping,internal dissipation coefficients,magnetic and electrical conductivities,as well as high theoretical specific capacity.However,magnesium alloys exhibit poor deformation ability due to their hexagonal close-packed crystal structure.Preparing magnesium and magnesium alloy foils with thicknesses of less than 0.1 mm is difficult because of surface oxidation and grain growth at high temperatures or severe anisotropy after cold rolling that leads to cracks.Numerous methods have been applied to prepare magnesium alloy foils.They include warm rolling,cold rolling,accumulative roll bonding,electric plastic rolling,and on-line heating rolling.Defects of magnesium and magnesium alloy foils during preparation,such as edge cracks and breakage,are important factors for consideration.Herein,the current status of the research on magnesium and magnesium alloy foils is summarized from the aspects of foil preparation,defect control,performance characterization,and application prospects.The advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods and defect(edge cracks and breakage)mechanisms in the preparation of foils are identified.

Revealing the role of pyramidal slip in the high ductility of Mg-Li alloy

The high ductility of Mg-Li alloy has been mainly ascribed to a high activity of pyramidal<c+a>slip to accommodate plastic strain.In the present study,however,a quantitative analysis reveals that Li-addition can only slightly stimulate the activation of pyramidal<c+a>slip under compression along the normal direction of a hot-rolled Mg-4.5 wt.%Li plate,with a relative activity of approximately 18%.Although the limited activity of pyramidal<c+a>slip alone cannot accommodate a large plastic strain,it effectively reduces the number of{10.11}−{10.12}double twins,which are believed to be favorable sites for crack initiation.The evidently reduced activity of double twins leads to a lower cracking tendency,and therefore improves ductility.

High corrosion and wear resistant electroless Ni–P gradient coatings on aviation aluminum alloy parts

A Ni–P alloy gradient coating consisting of multiple electroless Ni–P layers with various phosphorus contents was prepared on the aviation aluminum alloy. Several characterization and electrochemical techniques were used to characterize the different Ni–P coatings’ morphologies, phase structures, elemental compositions, and corrosion protection. The gradient coating showed good adhesion and high corrosion and wear resistance, enabling the application of aluminum alloy in harsh environments. The results showed that the double zinc immersion was vital in obtaining excellent adhesion (81.2 N). The optimal coating was not peeled and shredded even after bending tests with angles higher than 90°and was not corroded visually after 500 h of neutral salt spray test at 35℃. The high corrosion resistance was attributed to the misaligning of these micro defects in the three different nickel alloy layers and the amorphous structure of the high P content in the outer layer. These findings guide the exploration of functional gradient coatings that meet the high application requirement of aluminum alloy parts in complicated and harsh aviation environments.