Evolution of Microstructure and Mechanical Property during Long-Term Aging in Udimet 720Li

Thermal stabilities of microstructure and mechanical property have been investigated on superalloy U720Li, which is of great interest of application for jet engine and land-based turbine disc. The results showed that, the primary and secondary gamma' particles maintain good thermal stability at 650 and 700 degreesC with aging time up to 3000 h, while the tertiary gamma' is apparently dependent on aging temperature and time. The tertiary gamma' particles undergo a procedure of coarsening, dissolution and eventually complete disappearance with the increasing of aging time and temperature. They exhibit unusual high sensibility upon aging temperature, which is attributed to the lattice misfit between the gamma' precipitates and the matrix in the alloy. The grain boundary phase M23C6 remains stable without forming of sigma phase even with aging time up to 3000 h at 700 degreesC. Microhardness decreases apparently with increasing aging time and aging temperature. Theoretical analysis based on dislocation mechanism indicates that the change of microhardness should be attributed to the evolution of the tertiary gamma' during aging.

Microstructure and Mechanical Property of 2024 Aluminium Alloy Prepared by Rapid Solidification and Mechanical Milling

Rapidly solidified 2024 aluminium alloy powders were mechanically milled, then consolidated to bulk form. The microstructural changes of the powders in mechanical milling (MM) and consolidation process were characterized by X-ray diffraction analyses and transmission electron microscopy observations. The results showed that mechanical milling reduced the grain size to nanometer, dissolved the Al2Cu intermetallic compound into the aluminium matrix and produced an aluminium supersaturated solid solution. During consolidation process. the grain size increased to submicrometer, and the Al2Cu and Al2(Cu, Mg, Si, Fe, Mn) compounds precipitated owing to heating. Increasing consolidation temperature and time results in obvious grain growth and coarsening of second phase particles. The tensile yield strength of the consolidated alloy with submicrometer size grains increases with decreasing grain size, and it follows the famous HallPetch relation

Microstructure and Mechanical Property of Nanocrystalline NiZr_2 Intermetallic Compound

Single-phase NiZr2 intermetallic compound nanocrystalline samples were synthesized by fully crystallizing the parent amorphous NiZr2 alloy at the temperature interval of 653~1073 K for a certain period of time. High resolution electron microscope (HREM) observations on the nanophase NiZr2 reveal a Iamellar nano-tWin structure with (110) direction on the nanometer scale, being typically a few interatomic distances to a few nanometers. Microhardness measurements on the single-phase NiZr2 samples indicate that the hardness of nanotwinned NiZr2 is obviously increased in comparison to the amorphous counterpart. When the average grain size increases from 19.1 to 93.9 nm, the variation of the hardness with the average grain size obeys the normal Hall-Petch relation, whereas as the average grain size is smaller than 19.1 nm. the microhardness data deviate from the above relation.

Microstructure and Mechanical Property of in-situ Al-Cu/TiC Composites

An approach named direct reaction synthesis (DRS) has been developed to fabricate particulate composites with an extremely fine reinforcement size. ID situ Al matrix composites were fabri-cated by DRS. Extensive analysis of the composites microstructure using SEM and TEM identify that the reinforcement formed during the DRS process is Ti carbide (TiC) particle, generally less than 1.0 μm. The reacted, semisolid extruded samples exhibit a homogeneous distribution of fine TiC particles in Al-Cu matrix, Mechanical property evaluation of the composites has revealed a very high tensile strength relative to the matrix alloy. Fractographic analysis indicates ductile failure although the ductility and strength are limited by the presence of coarse titanium aluminides (Al3Ti).

Effect of microstructure on the mechanical, thermal, and electronic property measurement of ceramic coatings

Ceramic materials were investigated as thermal barrier coatings and electrolytes. Electrophoretic deposition（EPD） and physical vapor deposition（PVD） were employed to fabricate samples, and the mechanical properties and microstructure were examined by nanoindentation and microscopy, respectively. Yttria-stabilized zirconia/alumina（YSZ/Al2O3） composite coatings, a candidate for thermal barrier coatings, yield a kinky, rather than smooth, load–displacement curve. Scanning electron microscope（SEM） examination reveals that the kinky curve is because of the porous microstructure and cracks are caused by the compression of the indenter. Li0.34La0.51 Ti O2.94（LLTO） on Si/Sr Ru O3（Si/SRO） substrates, an ionic conductor in nature, demonstrates electronic performance. Although SEM images show a continuous and smooth microstructure, a close examination of the microstructure by transmission electron microscopy（TEM） reveals that the observed spikes indicate electronic performance. Therefore, we can conclude that ceramic coatings could serve multiple purposes but their properties are microstructure-dependent.

Interfacial Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al/Mg Butt Joints Made by MIG Welding Process with Zn-Cd Alloy as Interlayer

Butt joints between Mg alloy AZ31 B and pure Al 1 060 sheets were produced via metal inert gas welding process with Zn-Cd alloy foil. Crack-free Al/Mg butt joints between AZ31 B Mg alloy and pure Al 1060 sheets were obtained. Intermetallic compound layer 1 and layer 2 had formed in fusion zone/Mg alloy and the average thickness of the layer 1 was about 50 μm. The intermetallic compound layer 1 consisted of Al12Mg17 and Mg2Si phases while layer 2 consisted of Al12Mg17, Mg2Si and Mg Zn2 phases. The crack started from the IMC layer at the bottom of the joint and propagated along the brittle IMC layer, then expanded into weld metal during the SEM in situ tensile test. The highest tensile strength of the dissimilar metal butt joints could reach 46.8 MPa and the effect ofinterfacial IMC layer on mechanical property of the joint was discussed in detail in the present study.

Effect of Stirring Velocity in Micro Fused-Casting for Metal on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of A356 Aluminum Alloy Slurry

A novel micro fused-casting for metal（MFCM） process for producing A356 aluminum alloy slurry was proposed. MFCM means that the refined metal slurry is pressed out from the outlet of bottom of crucible to the horizontal movable plate. With the aid of 3D manufacturing software, the melt is solidified and formed layer by layer. The stirring could keep the ingredients and the heat diffusion of metal slurry uniform in the crucible due to the shear force breaking down the dendrite arms. The solidus and liquidus temperatures of A356 alloy were 559.2 and 626.3 ℃, respectively, which were measured by differential scanning calorimetry（DSC）. Effect of different stirring velocities of MFCM on the microstructure and mechanical properties of A356 slurry was investigated with the pouring temperature controlled at 620 ℃. The microstructure and mechanical performance were the best when the stirring velocity was 1 200 r/min in MFCM. The microstructures of the A356 aluminum alloy slurry were mainly composed of fine spherical or rose grains. The average roundness and average grain size reached 2.2 and 41 μm and the tensile strength of A356 alloy slurry reached 207.8 MPa, while the average vickers hardness was 81.1 HV.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni3Al intermetallics prepared by directional solidification electromagnetic cold crucible technique

The present work focused on the Ni_3Al-based alloy with a high melting point. The aim of the research is to study the effect of withdrawal rate on the microstructures and mechanical properties of directionally solidified Ni-25 Al alloy. Ni_3 Al intermetallics were prepared at different withdrawal rates by directional solidification(DS) in an electromagnetic cold crucible directional solidification furnace. The DS samples contain Ni_3 Al and Ni Al phases. The primary dendritic spacing(λ) decreases with the increasing of withdrawal rate(V), and the volume fraction of Ni Al phase increases as the withdrawal rate increases. Results of tensile tests show that ductility of DS samples is enhanced with a decrease in the withdrawal rate.

Effect of austempering parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of horizontal continuous casting ductile iron dense bars

In the present research, the orthogonal experiment was carried out to investigate the influence of different austempering process parameters （i.e. austenitizing temperature and time, and austempering temperature and time） on microstructure and mechanical properties of LZQT500-7 ductile iron dense bars with 172 mm in diameter which were produced by horizontal continuous casting （HCC）. The results show that the major factors influencing the hardness of austempered ductile iron （ADI） are austenitizing temperature and austempering temperature. The fraction of retained austenite increases as the austenitizing and austempering temperatures increase. When austenitizing temperature is low, acicular ferrite and retained austenite can be efifciently obtained by appropriately extending the austenitizing time. The proper austmepering time could ensure enough stability of retained austenite and prevent high carbon austenite decomposition. The optimal mechanical properties of ADI can be achieved with the fol owing process parameters： austenitizing temperature and time are 866 ＆#176;C and 135 min, and austempering temperature and time are 279 ＆#176;C and 135 min, respectively. The microstructure of ADI under the optimal austempering process consists of ifne acicular ferrite and a smal amount of retained austenite, and the hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and impact toughness of the bars are HBW 476, 1670 MPa, 1428 MPa, 2.93%and 25.7 J, respectively.

Effect of extrusion on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a low-alloyed Mg-2Zn-0.8Sr-0.2Ca matrix composite reinforced by TiC nano-particles

A low-alloyed Mg-2Zn-0.8Sr-0.2Ca matrix composite reinforced by TiC nano-particles was successfully prepared by semi-solid stirring under the assistance of ultrasonic,and then the as-cast composite was hot extruded.The results indicated that the volume fraction of dynamical recrystallization and the recrystallized grain size have a certain decline at lower extrusion temperature or rate.The finest grain size of~0.30μm is obtained in the sample extruded at 200℃ and 0.1 mm/s.The as-extruded sample displays a strong basal texture intensity,and the basal texture intensity increases to 5.937 mud while the extrusion temperature increases from 200 to 240℃.The ultra-high mechanical properties(ultimate tensile strength of 480.2 MPa,yield strength of 462 MPa)are obtained after extrusion at 200℃ with a rate of 0.1 mm/s.Among all strengthening mechanisms for the present composite,the grain refinement contributes the most to the increase in strength.A mixture of cleavage facets and dimples were observed in the fracture surfaces of three as-extruded nanocomposites,which explain a mix of brittle-ductile fracture way of the samples.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Portland Cement Concrete Prepared with Coral Reef Sand

The feasibility of using coral reef sand（CRS） in Portland cement concrete is investigated by testing the mechanical property and microstructure of concrete. The composition, structure and properties of the CRS are analyzed. Mechanical properties and microstructure of concrete with CRS are studied and compared to concrete with natural river sand. The relationship between the microstructure and performance of CRS concrete is established. The CRS has a porous surface with high water intake capacity, which contributes to the mechanical properties of concrete. The interfacial transition zone between the cement paste and CRS is densified compared to normal concrete with river sand. Hydration products form in the pore space of CRS and interlock with the matrix of cement paste, which increases the strength. The total porosity of concrete prepared with CRS is higher than that with natural sand. The main difference in pore size distribution is the fraction of fine pores in the range of 100 nm.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Si_3N_4 Composites Containing SiC Platelet

Hoppressed Si3N4/SiC platelet composites had been investigated with respect to their microstructure and mechanical properties. The results indicate that Vickers hardness, elastic modulus and fracture toughness of the composites were increased by the addition of SiC platelet until the content up to 20 vol pct. A slight decrease in flexural Strength was measured at room temperature with increasing SiC platelet content. The high temperature flexural strength tests at 1150, 1250, and 1350℃ were conducted. It was found that the flexural strength at elevated temperature was degraded with the rising temperature, and the downward trend of flexural strength for the composite containing 10 vol. pct SiC platelet was less. The results indicate that SiC platelet had a positive influence on the high temperature strength. Effects of SiC platelet reinforcement were presented

Evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of A356 aluminium alloy processed by hot spinning process

The evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of A356 aluminum alloy subjected to hot spinning process has been investigated. The results indicated that the deformation process homogenized microstructure and improved mechanical properties of the A356 aluminum alloy. During the hot spinning process, eutectic Si particles and Fe-rich phases were fragmented, and porosities were eliminated. In addition, recrystallization of Al matrix and precipitation of Al Si Ti phases occurred. The mechanical property testing results indicated that there was a significant increase of ductility and a decrease of average microhardness in deformed alloy over die-cast alloy. This is attributed to uniform distribution of finer spherical eutectic Si particles, the elimination of casting defects and to the recrystallized finer grain structure.

Effect of Trace Sc and Zr on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of A1 Alloy 2618

An experimental 2618(Al-Cu-Mg-Fe-Ni) alloy added with trace Sc and Zr was prepared by ingot metallurgy (IM) method. The aging behavior of the alloy was studied by Vickers hardness measurement at 200℃ and 300℃. and the tensile properties of alloy specimens were measured at 20℃, 200℃, 250℃ and 300℃. The microstructure was observed by using optical microscope, SEM and TEM. It was found that the addition of Sc and Zr to 2618 alloy resulted in a primary Al_3(Sc,Zr) phase which could refine the grain because it acts as nuclei of heterogeneous crystallization in the melt during solidification. The secondary Al_3(Sc,Zr) particles were full coherent with matrix and had obvious precipitation hardening effect. They also made the S' phase precipitate more homogeneous. So the strength of alloy increases at both ambient and elevated temperatures without a decrease of ductility. The ductile fracture of alloy occurs by microvoid nucleation, growth and coalescence, so the microvoid coalescence is the dominant fracture mechanism.

Microstructure observation and mechanical behavior modeling for limnetic nacre

In the present research, microstructure of akind of limnetic shell （Hyriopsis cumingii） is observed and measured by using the scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical behavior experiments of the shell nacre are carried out by using bending and tensile tests. The dependence of mechanical properties of the shell nacre on its microstructure is analyzed by using a modified shear-lag model, and the overall stress-strain relation is obtained. The experimental results reveal that the mechanical properties of shell nacre strongly depend on the water contents of the limnetic shell. Dry nacre shows a brittle behavior, whereas wetting nacre displays a strong ductility. Compared to the tensile test, the bending test overestimates the strength and underestimates the Young＇s modulus. The modified shear-lag model can characterize the deformation features of nacre effectively.

Effects of Quenching Process on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Low Carbon Nb-Ti Microalloyed Steel

The low carbon Nb-Ti mieroalloyed tested steel was prepared by the process of vacuum induction furnace smelting, forging and hot rolling. The new steel aims to meet the demand of high strength, high toughness and high plasticity for building facilities. The effects of quenching process on microstructure and mechanical properties of tested steel were investigated. The results showed that prior austenite grain size, phase type and precipitation behavior of （ Nb, Ti） （ C, N） play important roles in mechanical properties of the steel. Through modified appropriately, the model of austenite grain growth during heating and holding is d^5.7778 = 5. 6478^5.7778 ＋ 7.04 × 10^22t^1.6136 exp（- 427. 15 ×10^3 /（RT））. The grain growth activation energy is Qg = 427. 15 kJ. During quenching, the microscopic structures are mainly martensite and lath bainite which contains lots of lath substructure and dislocations. The content of phases, fine and coarsening （ Nb, Ti ） （ C, N ） precipitated changes during different quenching temperatures and holding time. Finally compared with the hardness value, the best quenching process can be obtained that heating temperature and holding time are 900 ℃ and 50 mins, respectively.

Effects of sphere size on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ductile iron–steel hollow sphere syntactic foams

The effects of sphere size on the microstructural and mechanical properties of ductile iron–steel hollow sphere（DI–SHS） syntactic foams were investigated in this study. The SHSs were manufactured by fluidized-bed coating via the Fe-based commercial powder–binder suspension onto expanded polystyrene spheres（EPSs）. Afterwards, the DI–SHS syntactic foams were produced via a sand-mold casting process. The microstructures of specimens were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy（EDS）. The microscopic evaluations of specimens reveal distinct regions composed of the DI matrix, SHS shells, and compatible interface. As a result, the microstructures and graphite morphologies of the DI matrix depend on sphere size. When the sphere size decreases, the area fractions of cementite and graphite phases are observed to increase and decrease, respectively. Compression tests were subsequently conducted at ambient temperature on the DI–SHS syntactic foams. The results reveal that the compression behavior of the syntactic foams is enhanced with increasing sphere size. Furthermore, the compressed specimens demonstrate that microcracks start and grow from the interface region.

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 ZrO_2-Ni Functionally Gradient Material

The fabrication. microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrO2-Ni functionally gradient materials (FGM ) have been studied. FGM as well as non-FG M of ZrO2-Ni system was developed by powder metallurgical process. X-ray diffractometer (XRD ). electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), scanning electron microscope (SEM ) and optical microscope were employed to investigate the crystalline phases. chemical composition and microstructure Experimental results demonstrate that the composition and microstructure of ZrO2-Ni FGM have the expected gradient distribution. There are no distinct interfaces in the FGM due to the gradient change of components. that is, the constituents are continuous in microstructure everywhere. Moreover, Vickers hardness and flexural strength were measured for the common composites as a function of composition. It is made clear that the mechanical properties of the FGM vary corresponding to the constitutional changes as well

Variations of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Si-B-O-N Ceramics with Sintering Temperatures

Si-B-O-N powder without B-O bonds synthesized by polymeric precursor were hot-pressed into ceramics at different tempera-tures. The variations of microstructure and mechanical properties of Si-B-O-N ceramics have been investigated. Crystallization of Si-B-O-N ceramics occurred at about 1400癈. Density, elastic modulus, and flexural strength of the ceramics increased with the increasing sintering temperatures, and reached to their maximum values at 1600癈. By contrast, hardness and frac-ture toughness of the ceramics monotonically changed with increasing sintering temperatures. Hardness decreased, while the fracture toughness increased. The principal toughening mechanisms including crack deflection, crack bridging and plate grain pulling-out effects are discussed