Effects of Power Density and Post Annealing Process on the Microstructure and Wettability of TiO_2 Films Deposited by Mid-frequency Magnetron Reactive Sputtering

The relationship of ＂preparation parameters-microstructures-wettability＂ of TiO2 films was reported. In this work, TiO2 films were deposited onto glass and silicon substrates by using mid-frequency dual magnetron sputtering technique at ambient temperature with various power densities and deposition time. After deposition, the films were heat treated at different annealing temperatures. X-ray diffraction （XRD）, Raman spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy （FE-SEM） were utilized to characterize TiO2 films. The wettability of the films was evaluated by water contact angle measurement. The phase transition temperature of TiO2 films depended on the power density. It was demonstrated that wettability was strongly structure dependent and the film with the thickness of 610 nm （the power density was 2.22 W/cm^2） showed the lowest contact angle （8°）. It can be concluded that smaller crystallite size, the rutile phase with （110） face being parallel to the surface, and tensile stress favored the hydrophilicity of the TiO2 films.

Influence of Mn on wettability and microstructure of low-silver lead-free solders

The influence of Mn on wettability and microstructure of low-silver solders was investigated. Mn degrades the wettability of low-silver solders, while the wettability of the Mn doping solders does not change with Mn content in a linear way. As a result of Mn doping, the cellular/dendritic β-Sn and the eutectic phase are refined. It indicates that Mn promotes the spontaneous and heterogeneous nucleation process of the solder alloys. The growth of intermetallic compound on the joint inter＇ace during soldering is also restrained. Aging experiment shows that Mn suppresses the growth of Cu3Sn and Cu6Sn5 layers at the joint interface.

Profile Characterization and Temperature Effect on the Wettability of Microstructured Surfaces

Wetting is one of the omnipresent phenomena governed via natural laws. Moreover, surface wettability at non-ambient temperature especially at high temperature (30°C to 90°C) is of great importance in many industrial processes. In this study, Si wafers with various structures were fabricated to investigate wettability at different temperatures. Three shapes with micro-pillar structured surfaces were designed and fabricated. Pillar-structured surfaces were fabricated by photolithography and ICP etching. The temperature-dependent wettability of single-phase regime droplets was characterized using contact angle measurements. The wetting behavior of a water droplet was observed.

EFFECTS OF Zn CONCENTRATION ON WETTABILITY OF Sn-Zn ALLOY ON Cu AND ON THE INTERFACIAL MICROSTRUCTURE BETWEEN Sn-Zn ALLOY AND Cu

The potential of using a hypoeutectic, instead of eutectic, Sn-Zn alloy as a lead-free solder has been discussed. The nonequilibrium melting behaviors of a series of Sn-Zn alloys were examined by differential thermal analysis. It was found that at a heating rate of 5℃/min, Sn-6.SZn exhibited no melting range. Dipping and spreading tests were carried out to characterize the wettability of Sn-Zn alloys on Cu. Both tests exhibited that Sn-6.5Zn has significantly better wettability on Cu than Sn-9Zn. The reaction layers formed during the spreading tests were examined. When the Zn concentration fell between 2.5wt%-9wt%, two reaction layers were formed at the interface, a thick and flat Cu5Zn8 adjacent to Cu and a thin and irregular Cu-Zn-Sn layer adjacent to the alloy. Only a Cu0Sn5 layer was formed when the Zn concentration decreased to 0.5wt%. The total thickness of the reaction layer（s） between the alloy and Cu was found to increase linearly with the Zn concentration.

Macro-mechanics and Microstructure of Nanomaterial-modified Geopolymer Concrete: A Comprehensive Review

We have described in detail the effects of nano-SiO_(2),nano-CaCO_(3),carbon nanotubes,and nano-Al_(2)O_(3) on geopolymer concrete from the perspectives of macro mechanics and microstructure.The existing research results show that the mechanism of nano-materials on geopolymer concrete mainly includes the filling effect,nucleation effect,and bridging effect,the appropriate amount of nano-materials can be used as fillers to reduce the porosity of geopolymer concrete,and can also react with Ca(OH)2 to produce C-S-H gel,thereby improving the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete.The optimum content of nano-SiO_(2) is between 1.0%and 2.0%.The optimum content of nano-CaCO_(3) is between 2.0%and 3.0%.The optimum content of carbon nanotubes is between 0.1%and 0.2%.The optimum content of nano-Al_(2)O_(3) is between 1.0%and 2.0%.The main problems existing in the research and application of nanomaterial-modified geopolymer concrete are summarized,which lays a foundation for the further application of nanomaterial in geopolymer concrete.

Microstructure Evolution and Mechanism of Strength Development of Fly Ash Paste

Three types of activators such as sodium hydroxide,calcium oxide and triethanolamine(TEA)are used to establish different activation environments to address the problems associated with the process of activating fly ash paste.We conducted mechanical tests and numerical simulations to understand the evolution of microstructure,and used environmental scanning electron microscopy(ESEM)and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS)techniques to analyze the microenvironments of the samples.The mechanical properties of fly ash paste under different activation conditions and the changes in the microstructure and composition were investigated.The results revealed that under conditions of low NaOH content(1%-3%),the strength of the sample increased significantly.When the content exceeded 4%,the rate of increase in strength decreased.Based on the results,the optimal NaOH content was identified,which was about 4%.A good activation effect,especially for short-term activation(3-7 d),was achieved using TEA under high doping conditions.The activation effect was poor for long-term strength after 28 days.The CaO content did not significantly affect the degree of activation achieved.The maximum effect was exerted when the content of CaO was 2%.The virtual cement and concrete testing laboratory(VCCTL)was used to simulate the hydration process,and the results revealed that the use of the three types of activators accelerated the formation of Ca(OH)_(2) in the system.The activators also corroded the surface of the fly ash particles,resulting in a pozzolanic reaction.The active substances in fly ash were released efficiently,and hydration was realized.The pores were filled with hydration products,and the microstructure changed to form a new frame of paste filling that helped improve the strength of fly ash paste.

Microstructure and Wear/corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steel Laser-alloyed with Mn+W_(2)C, Mn+NiWC and Mn+SiC

In-situ formed high Mn steel coating reinforced by carbides was formed by laser surface alloying(LSA).Laser alloyed layers on 1Cr18Ni9Ti steel with Mn+W_(2)C(specimen A),Mn+NiWC(specimen B)and Mn+SiC(specimen C)powders were fabricated to improve the wear and corrosion behavior of 1Cr18Ni9Ti steel blades in high speed mixers.Microstructure evolution,phases,element distribution,microhardness,wear and corrosion behavior of the laser alloyed layers were investigated.Results indicated that high Mn steel matrix composites with undissolved W_(2)C,WC and other in-situ formed carbides were formed by LSA with Mn+W_(2)C and Mn+NiWC while SiC totally dissolved into the high Mn matrix when adding Mn+SiC.Ni as the binding phase in Ni-WC powder decreased the crack sensitivity of the alloyed layer as compared with the addition of W_(2)C powder.An improvement in average microhardness was achieved in the matrix in specimen A,B and C,with the value of 615,602 and 277 HV_(0.5),while that of the substrate was 212 HV_(0.5).The increase of microhardness,wear and corrosion resistance is highly corelated to microstructure,formed phases,type and content of carbides,micro-hardness and toughness of the alloyed layers.

Microstructure characteristics and corrosion behavior of metal inert gas welded dissimilar joints of 6005A modified by Sc and 5083 alloys

The corrosion behavior and microstructure characteristics of metal inert gas(MIG)welded dissimilar joints of the 6005A alloy modified with Sc(designated as 6005A+Sc)and the 5083 alloy were investigated using corrosion tests and microscopy techniques.Results show that the dissimilar joints exhibit strong stress corrosion cracking(SCC)resistance,maintaining substantial strength during slow strain rate tensile tests.Notably,the heat-affected zone(HAZ)and base metal(BM)on the 6005A+Sc side show superior performance in terms of inter-granular corrosion(IGC)and exfoliation corrosion(EXCO)compared to the corresponding zones on the 5083 side.The lower corrosion resistance of the 5083-BM and the 5083-HAZ can be attributed to the presence of numerous Al_(2)Mg_(3)phases and micro-scaled Al_(6)(Mn,Fe)intermetallics,mainly distributed along the rolling direction.Conversely,the enhanced corrosion resistance of the 6005A+Sc-BM and the 6005A+Sc-HAZ can be attributed to the discontinuously distributed grain boundary precipitates(β-Mg_(2)Si),the smaller grain size,and the reduced corrosive current density.

Processing,microstructure,and mechanical properties of wire arc additively-manufactured AZ91 magnesium alloy using cold arc process

Thin walls of an AZ91 magnesium alloy with fine equiaxed grains were fabricated via cold arc-based wire arc additive manufacturing(CA-WAAM),and the droplet transfer behaviours,microstructures,and mechanical properties were investigated.The results showed that the cold arc process reduced splashing at the moment of liquid bridge breakage and effectively shortened the droplet transfer period.The microstructures of the deposited samples exhibited layered characteristics with alternating distributions of coarse and fine grains.During layer-by-layer deposition,the β-phase precipitated and grew preferentially along grain boundaries,while the fineη-Al_(8)Mn_(5)phase was dispersed in the α-Mg matrix.The mechanical properties of the CA-WAAM deposited sample showed isotropic characteristics.The ultimate tensile strength and elongation in the building direction(BD)were 282.7 MPa and 14.2%,respectively.The microhardness values of the deposited parts were relatively uniform,with an average value of HV 69.6.

Microstructure evolution of 7050 aluminum forgings during surface cumulative plastic deformation

To elucidate the mechanisms of regulating the microstructure uniformity in 7050 aluminum forgings through surface cumulative plastic deformation(SCPD),the microstructure under different solution treatments was investigated using metallographic observation(OM),electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and X-ray diffraction(XRD).The findings demonstrate that the most uniform microstructure in the forgings is achieved with a solution treatment at 470℃for 30 min.The SCPD process generates a significant number of needle-shaped precipitates,resulting in a higher dislocation density and stored energy.Solution treatments alleviate the pinning effect of second-phase particles and facilitate static recrystallization(SRX)in forgings,leading to a reduction in grain size.Additionally,mechanical testing results demonstrate 7%−13%increase in tensile strength and more uniform elongation of the forgings in different directions.

Microstructure and magnetic properties of FeCoZr(Mo)BGe nanocrystalline alloys

The microstructure and magnetic properties of Fe40Co40Zr9B10Ge1(Mo-free)and Fe_(40)Co_(40)Zr_(5)Mo_(4)B_(10)Ge1(Mocontaining)nanocrystalline alloys,prepared using an amorphous crystallization method,were investigated.Mo addition affects the crystallization of the Fe_(40)Co_(40)Zr_(9)B_(10)Ge1amorphous alloy and decreases the grain size of theα-Fe(Co)phase below 650°C.For the Mo-free alloy annealed at 600°C and the Mo-containing alloy annealed at 575°C,with a singleα-Fe(Co)crystallization phase and approximately similar crystallization volume fractions,the Mo-containing alloy showed smaller,more regularly shaped grains and a significantly narrower grain-size distribution than the Mo-free alloy.The Fe and Co contents in the nanograins of the two alloys also differed.For the Mo-free alloy,a higher concentration of Co distributed in the residual amorphous matrix.For the Mo-containing alloy,a higher concentration Co dissolved in the nanograins.The specific saturation magnetization and coercivity of the Mo-free alloy were 1.05-and 1.59-times higher than those of the Mo-containing alloy,respectively.

Effect of lanthanum on microstructure of a nickel-based single crystal superalloy

To enhance the high-temperature oxidation resistance and mechanical properties of a secondgeneration nickel-based superalloy,various concentrations of lanthanum(La)ranging from 5.0×10^(-5)wt.%to 3.4×10^(-4)wt.%are added to the alloy.The microstructure of the nickel-based single crystal superalloy with trace of La was examined by means of SEM,EDS and TEM.Results show the addition of La decreases the segregation of elements and increases the amount ofγ/γ′eutectics of the as-cast alloy,and in the interdendritic region,the growth of eutectics is accompanied by the growth of strip clusters composed of Ni_(5)La and Ni_(3)Ta.As the La content in the alloy increases,the proportion of Ni_(5)La in the cluster increases.After heat treatment,incipient melting occurs in the cluster regions,leading to an increase in microporosity compared to the original as-cast samples.Furthermore,the heat treatment alters the shape of the clusters from a strip morphology to an elliptical one,and it changes their composition from Ni_(5)La and Ni_(3)Ta to a combination of Ni_(5)La,Ni_(3)Ta,and MC carbides.

Characterization and correlation of engineering properties with microstructure in peanuts:A microscopic to macroscopic analysis

Peanut varieties are diverse globally,with their characters and nutrition determining the product quality.However,the comparative analysis and statistical analysis of key quality indicators for peanut kernels across the world remains relatively limited,impeding the comprehensive evaluation of peanut quality and hindering the industry development on a global scale.This study aimed to compare and analyze the apparent morphology,microstructure,single-cell structure,engineering and mechanical properties,as well as major nutrient contents of peanut kernels from 10 different cultivars representing major peanut-producing countries.The surface and cross-section microstructure of the peanut kernels exhibited a dense“blocky”appearance with a distinct cellular structure.The lipid droplets were predominantly spherical with a regular distribution within the cells.The single-cell structure of the kernels from these 10 peanut cultivars demonstrated varying morphologies and dimensions,which exhibited correlations with their mechanical and engineering properties.Furthermore,the mass loss versus temperature profiles of the peanut kernels revealed five distinct stages,corresponding to moisture loss,volatile loss,protein denaturation,and the degradation of various biomacromolecules.Variations were also observed in the lipid,protein,and sucrose contents,texture,bulk density,true density,porosity,geometric mean diameter,and sphericity among the diferent peanut varieties.This study establishes relationships and correlations among microstructure,engineering properties,and nutritional composition of commonly grown peanut varieties in major peanut-processing countries.The findings provide valuable insights into peanut quality evaluation,empowering the peanut industry to enhance their processing and product development efforts.

Microstructure effect of mechanical and cracking behaviors on brittle rocks using image-based fast Fourier transform method

The internal microstructures of rock materials, including mineral heterogeneity and intrinsic microdefects, exert a significant influence on their nonlinear mechanical and cracking behaviors. It is of great significance to accurately characterize the actual microstructures and their influence on stress and damage evolution inside the rocks. In this study, an image-based fast Fourier transform (FFT) method is developed for reconstructing the actual rock microstructures by combining it with the digital image processing (DIP) technique. A series of experimental investigations were conducted to acquire information regarding the actual microstructure and the mechanical properties. Based on these experimental evidences, the processed microstructure information, in conjunction with the proposed micromechanical model, is incorporated into the numerical calculation. The proposed image-based FFT method was firstly validated through uniaxial compression tests. Subsequently, it was employed to predict and analyze the influence of microstructure on macroscopic mechanical behaviors, local stress distribution and the internal crack evolution process in brittle rocks. The distribution of feldspar is considerably more heterogeneous and scattered than that of quartz, which results in a greater propensity for the formation of cracks in feldspar. It is observed that initial cracks and new cracks, including intragranular and boundary ones, ultimately coalesce and connect as the primary through cracks, which are predominantly distributed along the boundary of the feldspar. This phenomenon is also predicted by the proposed numerical method. The results indicate that the proposed numerical method provides an effective approach for analyzing, understanding and predicting the nonlinear mechanical and cracking behaviors of brittle rocks by taking into account the actual microstructure characteristics.

Microstructure and Properties of AlCoCrFeNiTi High-Entropy Alloy Coatings Prepared by Laser Cladding

21-4N(5Cr21Mn9Ni4N)is extensively employed in the production of engine valves,operating under severe conditions.Apart from withstanding high-temperature gas corrosion,it must also endure the impact of cylinder explosion pressure.The predominant failure mode of 21-4N valves is abrasive wear.Surface coatings serve as an effective approach to prevent such failures.In this investigation,Laser cladding technology was utilized to fabricate AlCoCrFeNiTi high entropy alloy coatings onto the surfaces of 21-4N valves.According to the findings,the cladding zone has a normal dendritic microstructure,a good substrate-to-cladding layer interaction,and no obvious flaws.In terms of hardness,the cladding demonstrates an average hardness of 620 HV.The hardness has increased by 140%compared to the substrate.The average hardness of the cladding remains at approximately 520 HV even at elevated temperatures.Regarding frictional wear performance,between 400℃and 800℃,the cladding layer exhibits an average friction coefficient of 0.4,with the primary wear mechanisms being abrasive wear,adhesive wear,and a minor degree of plastic deformation.

Wettability, microstructure and properties of 6061 aluminum alloy/304 stainless steel butt joint achieved by laser-metal inert-gas hybrid welding-brazing

Laser-metal inert-gas(MIG)hybrid welding-brazing was applied to the butt joint of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and 304 stainless steel.The microstructure and mechanical properties of the joint were studied.An excellent joint-section shape was achieved from good wettability on both sides of the stainless steel.Scanning electron microscopy,energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry indicated an intermetallic compound(IMC)layer at the 6061-T6/304 interface.The IMC thickness was controlled to be^2μm,which was attributed to the advantage of the laser-MIG hybrid method.Fe3Al dominated in the IMC layer at the interface between the stainless steel and the back reinforcement.The IMC layer in the remaining regions consisted mainly of Fe4Al13.A thinner IMC layer and better wettability on both sides of the stainless steel were obtained,because of the optimized energy distribution from a combination of a laser beam with a MIG arc.The average tensile strength of the joint with reinforcement using laser-MIG hybrid process was improved to be 174 MPa(60%of the 6061-T6 tensile strength),which was significantly higher than that of the joint by traditional MIG process.

Wetting-drying effect on the strength and microstructure of cementphosphogypsum stabilized soils

Phosphogypsum has often been used as an effective and environmentally friendly binder for partial replacement of cement,improving the engineering properties of slurries with high water content.However,the influence of phosphogypsum on the physicomechnical properties of stabilized soil subjected to wettingedrying cycles is not well understood to date.In this study,the effect of phosphogypsum on the durability of stabilized soil was studied by conducting a series of laboratory experiments,illustrating the changes in mass loss,pH value and unconfined compressive strength(qu)with wettingdrying cycles.The test results showed that the presence of phosphogypsum significantly restrained the mass loss in the early stage(lower than the 4th cycle),which in turn led to a higher qu of stabilized soil than that without phosphogypsum.After the 4th cycle,a sudden increase in mass loss was observed for stabilized soil with phosphogypsum,resulting in a significant drop in qu to a value lower than those without phosphogypsum at the 6th cycle.In addition,the qu of stabilized soils correlated well with the measured soil pH irrespective of phosphogypsum content for all wettingedrying tests.According to the microstructure observation via scanning electron microscope(SEM)and X-ray diffraction(XRD)tests,the mechanisms relating the sudden loss of qu for the stabilized soils with phosphogypsum after the 4th wetting-drying cycle are summarized as follows:(i)the disappearance of ettringite weakening the cementation bonding effect,(ii)the generation of a larger extent of microcrack,and(iii)a lower pH value,in comparison with the stabilized soil without phosphogypsum.

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 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.

Role of heterogenous microstructure and deformation behavior in achieving superior strength-ductility synergy in zinc fabricated via laser powder bed fusion

Zinc(Zn)is considered a promising biodegradable metal for implant applications due to its appropriate degradability and favorable osteogenesis properties.In this work,laser powder bed fusion(LPBF)additive manufacturing was employed to fabricate pure Zn with a heterogeneous microstructure and exceptional strength-ductility synergy.An optimized processing window of LPBF was established for printing Zn samples with relative densities greater than 99%using a laser power range of 80∼90 W and a scanning speed of 900 mm s−1.The Zn sample printed with a power of 80 W at a speed of 900 mm s−1 exhibited a hierarchical heterogeneous microstructure consisting of millimeter-scale molten pool boundaries,micrometer-scale bimodal grains,and nanometer-scale pre-existing dislocations,due to rapid cooling rates and significant thermal gradients formed in the molten pools.The printed sample exhibited the highest ductility of∼12.1%among all reported LPBF-printed pure Zn to date with appreciable ultimate tensile strength(∼128.7 MPa).Such superior strength-ductility synergy can be attributed to the presence of multiple deformation mechanisms that are primarily governed by heterogeneous deformation-induced hardening resulting from the alternative arrangement of bimodal Zn grains with pre-existing dislocations.Additionally,continuous strain hardening was facilitated through the interactions between deformation twins,grains and dislocations as strain accumulated,further contributing to the superior strength-ductility synergy.These findings provide valuable insights into the deformation behavior and mechanisms underlying exceptional mechanical properties of LPBF-printed Zn and its alloys for implant applications.