Enhanced thermal stability and mechanical properties of high-temperature resistant Al-Cu alloy with Zr and Mn micro-alloying

The high temperature(HT)thermal stability and mechanical properties of Al-5%Cu(AC)and Al-5%Cu-0.2%Mn-0.2 Zr%(ACMZ)alloys from 573 to 673 K were systematically studied.The results displayed that micro-alloying additions of Zr and Mn elements have presented a significant role in stabilizing the main strengthening metastableθ′precipitates at a temperature as high as 573 K.Simultaneously,the HT tensile test demonstrated that ACMZ alloy retained their strength of(88.6±8.8)MPa,which was much higher than that of AC alloy((32.5±0.8)MPa)after the thermal exposure at 573 K for 200 h.Finally,the underlying mechanisms of strength and ductility enhancement mechanism of the ACMZ alloy at HT were discussed in detail.

Fe−C micro-alloying effect on properties of Zr_(53)Al_(11.6)Ni_(11.7)Cu_(23.7)bulk metallic glass

(Zr_(53)Al_(11.6)Ni_(11.7)Cu_(23.7))_(1−x)(Fe_(77.1)C_(22.9))_(x)(x=0−2.2,at.%)bulk metallic glasses(BMGs)were prepared by copper mold suction casting method.Their glass forming ability and physical and chemical properties were systematically investigated.The glass forming ability is firstly improved with increasing x,and then decreased when x exceeds 0.44 at.%.Both glass transition temperature and crystallization temperature are increased,while the supercooled liquid region is narrowed,with Fe−C micro-alloying.The hardness,yielding and fracture strength,and plasticity firstly increase and then decrease when x reaches up to 1.32 at.%.The plasticity of the BMG(x=1.32 at.%)is six times that of the Fe-free and C-free BMG.In addition,by the Fe−C micro-alloying,the corrosion potential is slightly decreased,while the corrosion current density increases.The pitting corrosion becomes increasingly serious with the increase of Fe and C content.

Effect of Chromium Micro-alloying on the Corrosion Behavior of a Low-carbon Steel Rebar in Simulated Concrete Pore Solutions

A new low-cost corrosion-resistant rebar（HRB400 R） was designed and fabricated by chromium micro-alloying. The effects of Cr on the passivation and corrosion behavior of this rebar in the simulated concrete pore solutions were studied systematically, and its improved corrosion resistance was revealed. In the Cl--free saturated Ca（OH）_2 solution, the HRB400 R rebar presented nearly the same passive film and similar passivation ability compared to the common carbon steel rebar. In the long-term immersion corrosion test in the Cl--contained Ca（OH）_2 solution, the HRB400 R rebar presented improved corrosion resistance and obvious longer passivation-maintaining period. Micro-alloying of Cr element in the rebar matrix enhanced its corrosion resistance against Cl--attack and retarded the corrosion initiation in the matrix. In the alkaline Na Cl salt spraying test, the HRB400 R rebar also presented obviously lower mass-loss rate. The enrichment of Cr element in the rust layer improved its retardant effect to the penetration of aggressive medium, and decreased the corrosion propagation rate of the rebar.

Hot Ductility of Vanadium Micro-alloying Steel Continuous Casting Slabs

The hot ductility of the V-containing micro-alloying steel CC (continuouscasting) slabs and precipitation of vanadium carbide in the tensile specimens were investigated. Theresults indicate that the precipitation ratio and precipitation rate of vanadium in the specimensreach maximum respectively at 900, -825 and 825 deg C. There is still l0 percent-l7 percent ofvanadium precipitated when the deformation temperature decreases to 800-700 deg C. Vanadium largelyaffects the ductility of the steel in the low ductility temperature Region III. Embrittlement ofsteel with higher V content is severer in the region and the embrittlement extends to lowertemperature.

Effect of Ca Micro-Alloying on the Microstructure and Anti-Corrosion Property of Mg0.5Zn0.2Ge Alloy

Magnesium and its alloys have attracting rising attention as one of biodegradable metallic materials.However,the rapid corrosion and severe localized corrosion still hinder their extensive applications in clinics.In this study,micro-alloying of Ca(≤0.1 wt%)into Mg0.5Zn0.2Ge alloy developed in our previous work was explored to further enhance the corrosion resistance and alleviate the localized corrosion of the alloy.The results reveal that the addition of Ca leads to the transformation of the cathodic Mg_(2)Ge phase in Mg0.5Zn0.2Ca alloy into anodic MgCaGe phase in Ca-containing alloys,thereby changing the galvanic couples in alloys during immersion.The preferential dissolution of MgCaGe phase promotes the participation of Ca and Ge into the formation of corrosion products,resulting in the enrichment of Ca and Ge in the outmost of corrosion product layer,which stabilizes and passivates the corrosion product layer on Mg alloy surface.Additionally,the enrichment of Zn at the corrosion interface seems to further hinder the corrosion of Mg matrix.All of these factors confer a slower and more uniform corrosion on Mg0.5Zn0.2GexCa(x<0.1 wt%)alloy,which provides favorable candidates for the further processing to gain suitable biodegradable Mg alloys.

Micro-alloying of Zn and Ca in vacuum induction casted bioresorbable Mg system:Perspectives on corrosion resistance,cytocompatibility,and inflammatory response

There is an increasing interest in biodegradable materials,such as magnesium,for orthopaedic implants.This is driven by their potential to address challenges like stress shielding and the need for secondary removal surgery.In this study,biodegradable magnesium alloys were produced using the Vacuum Induction Casting technique.The impact of micro-alloying Zn and Ca in Mg-xZn-0.2Ca(x=0.1,0.2,0.3,and 0.4 wt%)alloys on corrosion resistance,cytocompatibility,and early-stage inflammatory response was investigated.XRD and SEM-EDS analysis confirmed the presence of Ca_(2)Mg_(6)Zn_(3)secondary phases in all alloys.The Mg-0.3Zn-0.2Ca alloy exhibited the lowest corrosion rate and an elastic modulus of 36.8 GPa,resembling that of natural bone.Electrochemical measurements indicated a correlation between grain size and secondary phase volume fraction in explaining corrosion behaviour.In vitro degradation in simulated body fluid(SBF)for 21 days showed hydroxyapatite formation on alloy surfaces,aligning with electrochemical studies.In vitro cytotoxicity tests demonstrated the cytocompatibility of all alloys,with Mg-0.3Zn-0.2Ca having the highest cell viability over a 6-day cell culture.Investigation into the inflammatory response with RAW-Blue macrophages revealed the anti-inflammatory properties of Mg-0.3Zn-0.2Ca alloys.Micro-alloying with 0.3 wt%Zn and 0.2 wt%Ca enhanced mechanical properties,corrosion resistance,cytocompatibility,and immunomodulatory properties.This positions the Mg-0.3Zn-0.2Ca alloy as a promising biodegradable implant for bone fixation applications.

Effect mechanisms of micro-alloying element La on microstructure and mechanical properties of hypoeutectic Al-Si alloys

The rare earth influence on the as-cast micro structures and mechanical properties of aluminum alloys attracted great attentions in the last decades.But up to date no reports can be found on the effect of microalloying element La(La addition is below 0.1 wt.%) on the solidification of hypoeutectic Al-Si alloys.This study carried out solidification experiments with Al-6 Si alloys micro-alloyed by element La.The α-Al grain refinement,the eutectic Si modification and the tensile properties improvement caused by microalloying element La were investigated.The effect mechanisms of La were discussed.It is demonstrated that the addition of La as low as 100 ppm can deprave the more effective heterogeneous nucleation conditions for the eutectic Si caused by the impurity P.The addition of 0.06 wt.% La is sufficient to achieve an ideal α-Al grain refinement,eutectic Si modification and ductility improvement of the alloys.LaAlSi phase forms in the Al-Si alloy with the additive amount of La higher than 0.06 wt.%.It has a tetragonal structure.Micro-alloying element La refines the α-Al grains by working as a surfactant and modifies the eutectic Si by promoting the formation of the significant multiple Si twins.

Effect of micro-alloying La on precipitation behavior, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of Al-Mg-Si alloys

The rapid industrial development calls for alloys that possess higher comprehensive properties. In this study, the effect of microalloying La addition on the precipitation behavior during artificial aging as well as the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of Al-Mg-Si alloys were investigated by thermal analysis, microstructural characterizations and properties tests.The results demonstrated that micro-alloying La addition does not change the whole precipitation sequence during the artificial aging of Al-Mg-Si alloys as well as the atomic structure of the precipitates. However, the higher La-vacancy binding energy as well as the strong La-Si and La-Mg interactions can decrease the solubility of Si and Mg in the Al matrix and the β″ precipitation activation energy from 89.9 to 76.7 kJ/mol, leading to the improvement of the strength and electrical conductivity of Al-Mg-Si alloys simultaneously. The microstructural features affecting the strength and electrical conductivity were theoretically discussed in terms of the La addition.

Effects of micro-alloying and production process on precipitation behaviors and mechanical properties of HRB600

Effects of micro-alloying elements and production process on microstructure, mechanical properties and precipitates of 600 MPa grade rebars were studied by using pilot test, metallographic observa- tion, tensile test, thermodynamic calculation and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the tested steels are composed of ferrite and pearlite, in which the conterlt range of pearlite is 33%-45%. For vanadium micro-alloyed steel, interphase preeipitation Strengthening effect of V can be promoted and the yield strength of tested steels can be increased with increasing V content and de- creasing finishing rolling temperature. The temperature of terminated cooling should be more than 700 ℃ when the water cooling is used. When niobium is added to the steel, more coarse （Nb,V）C,N precipitates are generated at high temperature, so that the solid solubility of precipitated phases of vanadium is reduced and the precipitation strengthening effect of vanadium is weakened.

Enhancement of glass-forming ability and thermal stability of a soft magnetic Co_(75)B_(25)metallic glass by micro-alloying Y and Nb

Soft magnetic Co-based Co-Y-Nb-B bulk metallic glasses(BMGs)without Fe have been developed by micro-alloying Y and Nb into a C075B25 alloy.First,addition of 3^at.%Y promotes the occurrence of glass transition and increases the supercooled liquid stability and magnetic softness.C0_(71.5)Y_(35)B_(25) metallic glass possesses a large supercooled liquid region(△T_(x))of 33 K and low coercivity(H_(c))of l.5 A/m.Subsequent alloying 2-4 at.% Nb into C0_(71.5)Y_(35)B_(25) alloy further enlarges △T_(x) to 50 K,lowers H_(c) to 0.9 A/m,and enables the formation of BMGs with a critical sample diameter up to 2.0 mm.The alloying Nb causes the formation of complex(Co,Nb,Y)_(23)B_(6) competing phase during crystallization and widens the melt undercooling during solidification,which improves the supercooled liquid stability and glass-forming ability,respectively.Co-Y-Nb-B BMGs also exhibit good soft magnetic and mechanical properties,i.e.,lowH_(c)of 0.9-1.2 A/m,relatively high saturation magnetic flux density of 0.36-0.57 T,high yielding strength of 3877-3930 MPa with plastic strain of 0.2%-0.3%,and high Vickers hardness of 1156-1201.The developed soft magnetic Co-based BMGs are promising for applications as structural and functional materials.

Improving mechanical properties and high-temperature oxidation of press hardened steel by adding Cr and Si

This work investigated the effect of Cr and Si on the mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of press hardened steel.Results indicated that the microstructure of the Cr-Si micro-alloyed press hardened steel consisted of lath martensite,M_(23)C_(6)carbides,and retained austenite.The retained austenite and carbides are responsible for the increase in elongation of the micro-alloyed steel.In addition,after oxidation at 930℃for 5 min,the thickness of the oxide scales on the Cr-Si micro-alloyed press hardened steel is less than 5μm,much thinner than 45.50μm-thick oxide scales on 22MnB5.The oxide scales of the Cr-Si micro-alloyed steel are composed of Fe_(2)O_(3),Fe_(3)O_(4),mixed spinel oxide(FeCr_(2)O_(4)and Fe_(2)SiO_(4)),and amorphous SiO_(2).Adding Cr and Si significantly reduces the thickness of the oxide scales and prevents the generation of the FeO phase.Due to the increase of spinel FeCr_(2)O_(4)and Fe_(2)SiO_(4)phase in the inner oxide scale and the amorphous SiO_(2)close to the substrate,the oxidation resistance of the Cr-Si micro-alloyed press hardened steel is improved.

Effect of Ti,Sc and Zr additions on microstructure and mechanical properties of rheo-diecasting Al-6Zn-2Mg-2Cu alloys

The microstructure and mechanical properties of rheo-diecasting Al-6Zn-2Mg-2Cu alloys microalloyed with Ti,Sc and Sc+Zr were studied by optical microscopy(OM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),hardness testing,and tensile testing.The swirled equilibrium enthalpy device(SEED)process was introduced to prepare the semisolid slurry.Results show that the addition of Ti,Sc,and Sc+Zr refines the grain size and improves the uniformity of the semisolid slurry and then suppresses the growth of theα-Al grain during solution heat treatment.The microstructure of the four alloys in as-cast state mainly consists of sphericalα-Al and the Mg(Al,Cu,Zn)_(2)(η)eutectic phase.Moreover,primary Al_(3)Sc,Al_(3)(Sc,Zr)and Al_(3)Zr are also found in the micro-alloying alloys.After solution and aging heat treatment,most of the Mg(Al,Cu,Zn)_(2) phases dissolve into theα-Al matrix,while part of Mg(Al,Cu,Zn)_(2) phases transform to Al_(2)CuMg(S)phases.However,the coarse primary Al_(3)Sc and Al_(3)(Sc,Zr)still remain in the matrix,and promote crack initiation and propagation.With the tensile strength of 553 MPa,yield strength of 463 MPa and elongation of 13.4%at T6 state,trace Ti addition generates more attractive mechanical properties than the other three alloys.

Micro-alloyed Mg-Ca:Corrosion susceptibility to heating history and a plain problem-solving approach

The exceptionally low corrosion rate(∼0.1 mm y^(–1)in concentrated NaCl solution for 7 days)enables lean Mg-Ca alloys great potential for diverse applications,particularly if relevant properties(e.g.mechanical strength,electrochemical performance,etc.)can be enhanced by thermomechanical processing.However,herein it is demonstrated that the corrosion performance of lean Mg-Ca is susceptible to the heating process.The corrosion rate of Mg-0.15 wt%Ca alloy is remarkably accelerated after annealing even for a short time(4 h at 400℃)because Fe precipitation readily takes place.Fortunately,it is found that micro-alloying with dedicated additional elements is able to solve this problem.Nevertheless,the problem-solving capability is dependent on the element category,particularly the ability of the alloying element to constrain the Fe precipitation.Among the three studied elements(i.e.Sn,Ge and In),only In shows good competence of restricting the formation of Fe-containing precipitates,thereby contributing to retention of the superior corrosion resistance after annealing even at a rigorous condition(24 h at 450℃).The finding creates good foundation for follow-up work of developing lean Mg-Ca-based alloys combining high corrosion resistance,superior electrochemical performance with excellent mechanical properties for applications as biodegradable implants and anode materials for aqueous batteries.

Enhanced mechanical properties and formability of hot-rolled Mg-Zn-Mn alloy by Ca and Sm alloying

In order to broaden the application of wrought Mg alloy sheets in the automotive industry,the influence of Ca and Sm alloying on the texture evolution,mechanical properties,and formability of a hot-rolled Mg-2Zn-0.2Mn alloy was investigated by OM,XRD,SEM,EBSD,tensile tests,and Erichsen test.The results showed that the average grain size and basal texture intensity of Mg-2Zn-0.2Mn alloys were remarkably decreased after Ca and Sm additions.0.64 wt.%Ca or 0.48 wt.%Sm addition significantly increased the tensile strength,ductility and formability.Moreover,the synergetic addition of Sm and Ca improved the ductility and formability of Mg-2Zn-0.2Mn alloy,which was due to the change of Ca distribution and further reduction of the size of Ca-containing particles by Sm addition.The results provided a possibility of replacing RE elements with Ca and Sm in Mg alloys which bring about outstanding mechanical properties and formability.

Glass Forming Ability and Crystallization Kinetics of Cu-Zr-Al-(Y,Ag)Amorphous Alloy

Cu-Zr-Al-（Y, Ag） amorphous alloy ribbons of Cu_（50）Zr_（42）Al_8, Cu_（46）Zr_（47-x）Al_7Y_x（x=2, 5）, Cu_（43）Zr_（42）Al_8Ag_7, and Cu_（43）Zr_（42）Al_8Ag_5Y_2 were prepared using the single roller melt-spinning method. The glass forming ability and non-isothermal crystallization behavior of the amorphous alloys were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction（XRD） and differential scanning calorimetry（DSC） in a continuous heating mode. The experimental results show that the glass forming ability and thermal stability of Cu-Zr-Al amorphous alloys are improved by adding minor amounts of Y and Ag, and the effect of Ag on the glass forming ability is more significant than that of Y. Compared to the Cu_（50）Zr_（42）Al_8 alloy, the width of the supercooled liquid region of the Cu_（46）Zr_（47-x）Al_7Y_x（x =2 and 5） alloys increased by 19 K and 30 K, respectively. The reduced glass transition temperature（Trg） and the parameter γ of the two alloys enhanced separately. Compared to the Cu_（50）Zr_（42）Al_8 alloy, the Trg and γ values of both Cu_（43）Zr_（42）Al_8Ag_7 and Cu_（43）Zr_（42）Al_8Ag_5Y_2 alloys enhanced noticeably up to 0.619, 0.417, and 0.609, 0.412, respectively. The crystallization activation energies of the amorphous alloys calculated by the Kissinger and Flynn Wall Ozawa equations increased with the addition of minor Y and Ag into the Cu_（50）Zr_（42）Al_8 alloy. The addition of Y and Ag significantly improved the thermal stability of the Cu_（50）Zr_（42）Al_8 amorphous alloy.

Effects of Yttrium on Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of Ti-Si Eutectic Alloy

The effects of rare earth （Y） on Ti-TisSi3 eutectic alloy are studied. The results of microstructure analysis show that the colonies and microstructures of the raw alloy are transformed evidently with the addition of Y. With proper addition of yttrium （0.025at%）, the shape and size of the coarse TisSi3 phases of the colonies change to be fine and round meanwhile the microstructure of the alloy goes into uniformity. The compressive ductility and strength at room temperature are also improved. The effects of yttrium on the alloy are likely due to that Si atoms in TisSi3 phase are partially substituted for yttrium atoms which results in silicide Ti5（Si, Y）3 phases.

Application of Rare Earths in Oil Country Tubular Goods

The effect of rare earths(RE) on purifying molten steels, modifying inclusion and micro-alloying are studied in J55 steel. The results show that RE improves the transverse impact energy and increases the resistance of perforation cracking. The extent on modifying MnS and Al2O3 inclusions is dependent on the activity ratios of RE to Mn and RE to Al. The(a(RE). a(s))/(a(o) . a(Al)) value determines the relative amount of REAlO(3) and RE(2)O(2)S and the properties of steel. RE segregation on grain boundary reduces the segregation of phosphorus and sulfur there.

Research on GH4169G alloy for aerospace turbine disk

Using metallographic observation and mechanical measurement,the microstructure and mechanical properties of GH4169G alloy has been investigated.The effect of the phosphorus,boron trace elements on mechanical properties of the GH4169G alloy are compared and analyzed.The results showed that the hot-workability of the GH4169G alloy is very good.The stress ruptures properties of GH4169G alloy is over 3 times than the traditional GH4169 alloy.

Influence of Ti(C,N)precipitates on austenite growth of micro-alloyed steel during continuous casting

Austenite grain size is an important influence factor for ductility of steel at high temperatures during continuous casting. Thermodynamic and kinetics calculations were performed to analyze the characteristics of Ti(C,N) precipitates formed during the continuous casting of micro-alloyed steel. Based on Andersen-Grong equation, a coupling model of second phase precipitation and austenite grain growth has been established, and the influence of second precipitates on austenite grain growth under different cooling rates is discussed. Calculations show that the final sizes of austenite grains are 2.155, 1.244, 0.965, 0.847 and 0.686 mm, respectively, under the cooling rate of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 ℃·s^(-1), when ignoring the pinning effect of precipitation on austenite growth. Whereas, if taking the pinning effect into consideration, the grain growth remains stable from 1,350 ℃, the calculated final sizes of austenite grains are 1.46, 1.02, 0.80, 0.67 and 0.57 mm, respectively. The sizes of final Ti(C,N) precipitates are 137, 79, 61, 51 and 43 nm, respectively, with the increase of cooling rate from 1 to 10 ℃·s^(-1). Model validation shows that the austenite size under different cooling rates coincided with the calculation results. Finally, the corresponding measures to strengthen cooling intensity at elevated temperature are proposed to improve the ductility and transverse crack of slab.

Morphology and orientation relationship of VC precipitates in HSLA steel

The morphology and distribution of VC precipitates in HSLA steel as well as the orientation relationship between VC precipitate and α-Fe were studied by transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. The chemical composition of the VC precipitate was analyzed qualitatively by using analytical electron microscopy （AEM） equipped with an energy dispersive spectrum （EDS） system. The VC precipitate is needle-like in shape with a size of about 10 nm in length and is homogeneously dispersed in the α-Fe matrix. The smaller lattice misfit along the 〈100〉 lattice direction of α-Fe matrix leads to VC precipitate forming with its long axes nearly parallel to the 〈100〉 lattice direction of α-Fe matrix. It is confirmed that the orientation relationship between VC precipitate and α- Fe is the ＂N-W＂ orientation relation by selected area electron diffraction （SAED） patterns.