Research on CMT welding of nickel-based alloy with stainless steel

Cold Metal Transfer （CMT） welding technique is a new welding technique introduced by Fronins company. CMT welding of nickel-based alloy with stainless steel was carried out using CuSi3 filler wire in this paper. Effects of welding parameters, including welding current, welding speed, etc, on weld surface appearance were tested. Microstructure and mechanical properties of CMT weld were studied. The results shaw that the thickness of interface reaction layer of the nickel- based alloy is 14. 3 μm, which is only 4. 33% of base material. The weld is made up of two phases, α-copper and iron-based solid solution. Rupture occurs initially at the welded seam near the edge of stainless steel in shear test. The maximum shear strength of the CuSi3 welded joint is 184. 9 MPa.

Simulation and experiments of ultrasonic propagation in nickel-based alloy weldments

In order to obtain good understanding of complicated beam propagation behaviors in nickel-based alloy weldments , ray tracing simulation is established to predict the ultrasonic beam path in a special welded structure of dissimilar steels. Also experimental examinations are carried out to measure the ultrasonic beam paths in the weldment. Then comparisons of the modeling predictions with experimental results are presented to reveal the complicated beam propagation behaviors.

Evolution of helium bubbles in nickel-based alloy by post-implantation annealing

Nickel-based alloys have been considered as candidate structural materials used in generation IV nuclear reactors serving at high temperatures.In the present study,alloy 617 was irradiated with 180-keV helium ions to a fluence of 3.6×10^(17) ions/cm^(2) at room temperature.Throughout the cross-section transmission electron microscopy(TEM)image,numerous over-pressurized helium bubbles in spherical shape are observed with the actual concentration profile a little deeper than the SRIM predicted result.Post-implantation annealing was conducted at 700℃for 2 h to investigate the bubble evolution.The long-range migration of helium bubbles occurred during the annealing process,which makes the bubbles of the peak region transform into a faceted shape as well.Then the coarsening mechanism of helium bubbles at different depths is discussed and related to the migration and coalescence(MC)mechanism.With the diffusion of nickel atoms slowed down by the alloy elements,the migration and coalescence of bubbles are suppressed in alloy 617,leading to a better helium irradiation resistance.

Electronic Properties of Passive Films Formed on G3 and G30 Nickel-based Alloys in Bicarbonate/Carbonate Buffer Solution

The electronic properties of passive films formed on G3 and G30 alloys in bicarbonate/carbonate buffer solution were comparatively studied by electrochemical impedance spectra（EIS） and Mott-Schottky analysis, the chemical composition of the passive film formed on G3 alloy was detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）. The results show that passive film on G3 alloy had better protection than that on G30 alloy. The transfer resistance, film resistance and diffusion resistance of the passive films on both alloys increased with increasing formation potential, prolonging formation time, increasing pH value, decreasing formation temperature, and decreasing chloride and sulphide ions concentration. Mott-Schottky plot reveals that the passive films on the two alloys show a p-n semi-conductive character. XPS analysis indicates that the passive film on G3 alloy was composed of an inner Cr oxide and an outer Fe, Mo/Ni oxides.

Property uniformity of thick nickel-based alloy plate for nuclear power steam-generator divider plate

This paper introduces a thick 690 nickel-based alloy plate produced by the former Baosteel Special Steel Co.,Ltd.used as the steam-generator divider plate in the pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant.According to the product characteristics and design requirements of the thick nickel-based alloy plate,multidimensional sampling and testing were conducted to investigate its microstructure and mechanical properties.The results show that all the property indexes of the thick hot-rolled nickel-based alloy plate meet the design requirements,and there is good uniformity in the microstructure and mechanical properties in different dimensions.These findings indicate that China has mastered the core manufacturing technology of thick nickel-based alloy plates for their use as divider plates in nuclear power steam generators.

Corrosion performance and applicability evaluation of nickel-based alloys for oil and gas production tubing applications

The sulfide stress corrosion cracking（ SSC） performance of G3 and 028 nickel-based alloys w as studied using slow strain rate test（ SSRT） and the four-point bend（ FPB） test under simulated dow nhole conditions. The effect of high temperature,high H2 S / CO2 partial pressure,and the presence of sulfur on SSC susceptibility w as investigated. The G3 alloy w as found to have a higher SSC resistance than the 028 alloy. Presence of sulfur and temperature bear a strong influence on the SSC performance of the metals,particularly on the 028 alloy. The applicability of 028 and G3 alloys may be expanded and both could safely be used beyond the limits set by the ISO15156-3 standard.

The microscopic mechanical performance for nonuniform welded joint of nickel-based alloy with nanoindentation

To quantify the nonuniform micromechanical performance of welded joint,the load-displacement curves by nanoindentation test were introduced to examine different zones including base metal,coarse grained heat affected zone,partially melted zone,weld metal near the fusion boundary and weld metal center.The results showed that the strengthening effect of weld metal was more obvious than that of heat affected zone for nickel based welded joint and especially in coarse grained heat affected zone,the hardening resulted from overheating was not apparent.Nickel based weld metal with high content of alloying elements which were often segregated at interdendritic regions or precipitated in grain interior under nonequilibrium solidification contributed to the characteristics that differ from conventional low alloy steel welded joint.

Cracking on a nickel-based superalloy fabricated by direct energy deposition

Cracks have consistently been a significant challenge limiting the development of additive manufactured nickel-based superalloys.It is essential to investigate the location of cracks and their forming mechanism.This study extensively examines the impact of solidification process,microstructural evolution,and stress concentration on crack initiation during direct energy deposition(DED).The results emphasize that the crack formation is significantly related to large-angle grain boundaries,rapid cooling rates.Cracks caused by large-angle grain boundaries and a fast-cooling rate predominantly appear near the edge of the deposited samples.Liquation cracks are more likely to form near the top of the deposited sample,due to the presence ofγ/γ'eutectics.The secondary dendritic arm and the carbides in the interdendritic regions can obstruct liquid flow during the final stage of solidification,which results in the formation of solidification cracks and voids.This work paves the way to avoid cracks in nickel-based superalloys fabricated by DED,thereby enhancing the performance of superalloys.

In situ nanomechanical characterization of hydrogen effects on nickel-based alloy 725 under different metallurgical conditions

The effect of hydrogen on the surface morphology and nanomechanical properties of Ni-based Alloy 725 under solution-annealed(SA)and precipitation-hardened(API)conditions was thoroughly studied.The investigation involved in situ nanoindentation testing,microscopy characterization,statistical analy-sis,and numerical simulation approaches.The results showed the distinctive effects of hydrogen on the pop-in and hardness in the SA and API samples.For the SA sample,hydrogen mainly dissolved as solid solute in the matrix,causing enhanced lattice friction on the dislocation motion and increasing the in-ternal stress via lattice expansion.Thus,an enhanced hardness,a reduced pop-in width/load ratio,and numerous surface steps were detected in the presence of hydrogen.For the API sample,the strengtheningγ″phases were the stress concentrators,and the dislocations nucleated heterogeneously,demonstrating indistinctive pop-in phenomena.Furthermore,the precipitates in the API sample affected the trapping be-havior of hydrogen,thereby resulting in the hardness change,which reflected the competition between solution hardening in the matrix and vacancy softening mechanism in precipitates.

Effect of the capsule on deformation and densification behavior of nickel-based superalloy compact during hot isostatic pressing

The Shima yield criterion used in finite element analysis for nickel-based superalloy powder compact during hot isostatic pressing(HIP) was modified through uniaxial compression experiments. The influence of cylindrical capsule characteristics on FGH4096M superalloy powder compact deformation and densification behavior during HIP was investigated through simulations and experiments. Results revealed the simulation shrinkage prediction fitted well with the experimental shrinkage including a maximum shrinkage error of 1.5%. It was shown that the axial shrinkage was 1.7% higher than radial shrinkage for a cylindrical capsule with the size of ∮50 mm × 100 mm due to the force arm difference along the axial and radial direction of the capsule. The stress deviated from the isostatic state in the capsule led to the uneven shrinkage and non-uniform densification of the powder compact. The ratio of the maximum radial displacement to axial displacement increased from0.47 to 0.75 with the capsule thickness increasing from 2 to 4 mm. The pressure transmission is related to the capsule thickness, the capsule material performance, and physical parameters in the HIP process.

Recent advances in nickel-based catalysts in eCO_(2)RR for carbon neutrality

The excessive use of nonrenewable energy has brought about serious greenhouse effect.Converting CO_(2) into high-value-added chemicals is undoubtedly the best choice to solve energy problems.Due to the excellent cost-effectiveness and dramatic catalytic performance,nickel-based catalysts have been considered as the most promising candidates for the electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(eCO_(2)RR).In this work,the electrocatalytic reduction mechanism of CO_(2) over Ni-based materials is reviewed.The strategies to improve the eCO_(2)RR performance are emphasized.Moreover,the research on Ni-based materials for syngas generation is briefly summarized.Finally,the prospects of nickel-based materials in the eCO_(2)RR are provided with the hope of improving transition-metal-based electrocatalysts for eCO_(2)RR in the future.

Effect of Interface Form on Creep Failure and Life of Dissimilar Metal Welds Involving Nickel-Based Weld Metal and Ferritic Base Metal

For dissimilar metal welds(DMWs)involving nickel-based weld metal(WM)and ferritic heat resistant steel base metal(BM)in power plants,there must be an interface between WM and BM,and this interface suffers mechanical and microstructure mismatches and is often the rupture location of premature failure.In this study,a new form of WM/BM interface form,namely double Y-type interface was designed for the DMWs.Creep behaviors and life of DMWs containing double Y-type interface and conventional I-type interface were compared by finite element analysis and creep tests,and creep failure mechanisms were investigated by stress-strain analysis and microstructure characterization.By applying double Y-type interface instead of conventional I-type interface,failure location of DMW could be shifted from the WM/ferritic heat-affected zone(HAZ)interface into the ferritic HAZ or even the ferritic BM,and the failure mode change improved the creep life of DMW.The interface premature failure of I-type interface DMW was related to the coupling effect of microstructure degradation,stress and strain concentrations,and oxide notch on the WM/HAZ interface.The creep failure of double Y-type interface DMW was the result of Type IV fracture due to the creep voids and micro-cracks on fine-grain boundaries in HAZ,which was a result of the matrix softening of HAZ and lack of precipitate pinning at fine-grain boundaries.The double Y-type interface form separated the stress and strain concentrations in DMW from the WM/HAZ interface,preventing the trigger effect of oxide notch on interface failure and inhibiting the interfacial microstructure cracking.It is a novel scheme to prolong creep life and enhance reliability of DMW,by means of optimizing the interface form,decoupling the damage factors from WM/HAZ interface,and then changing the failure mechanism and shifting the failure location.

A potential candidate structural material for molten salt reactor:ODS nickel-based alloy

The commercialisation of molten salts reactors(MSRs)is hindered by the lack of structural materials capable of withstanding the corrosive environment therein.To address this problem,we herein prepared1 wt%Y_(2)O_(3)mdispersion-strengthened Ni Mo-based alloys using powder metallurgy and evaluated their potential as structural materials for MSRs based on their mechanical properties,He swelling behaviour,and molten salt corrosion resistance.In view of the strengthening provided by homogenously dispersed Y_(2)O_(3)particles,all NiMo-Y_(2)O_(3)samples exhibited ultimate tensile strengths and yield strengths exceeding those of the Hastelloy N alloy,a state-of-the-art structural material for MSRs.Moreover,the volume fraction of He bubbles in the NiMo-Y_(2)O_(3)samples(~0.3%)was lower than that in the Hastelloy N alloy(0.58%),which showed that the introduction of Y_(2)O_(3)nanoparticles effectively inhibited He swelling.All NiMo-Y_(2)O_(3)samples showed excellent resistance to molten salt corrosion(as reflected by the absence of obvious holes therein),thus holding great promise for the development of irradiation-and molten salt corrosion-resistant structural materials for high-temperature MSRs.

Corrosion of Nickel-based Alloy G30 in the Stratum Water Containing H2S/CO2

The influences of temperature and CO2 pressure on the corrosion of nickel-based alloy G30 in the stratum water containing H2S/CO2 were investigated with the aid Mott-Schottky analysis and scanning electron microscopy（SEM） of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy（EIS）, The results indicate that alloy G30 is in the passive state in the stratum water, which is related to the formation of the passive film on its surface. This passive film can significantly protect the substrate from further corrosion. And the film protection is enhanced with decreasing temperature and CO2 pressure. Auger electron spectrometry（AES） and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry（XPS） results reveal that the passive film shows the double-layer structure, i.e. the inner chromium oxide and the outer iron/nickel spinel oxides or hydroxides with Mo oxides dispersing throughout the inner and outer scale.

Mechanical behaviors and energy absorption properties of Y/Cr and Ce/Cr coated open-cell nickel-based alloy foams

In this study, Y-and Ce-modified Cr coatings applied by pack cementation method were prepared on the surface of open-cell nickel-based alloy foam. The morphologies and microstructures of Y- and Ce-modified Cr coatings with various Y and Ce contents were investigated in detail. Then, the effects of Y and Ce addition on the mechanical properties of open-cell nickel-based alloy foams were analyzed and compared. Simultaneously, the energy absorption capacity and energy absorption efficiency of the Y- and Ce-modified Cr coated alloy foams were discussed and compared at the room and high temperatures. The results show that Cr coatings containing minor amounts of rare earth element （Y and Ce） are well adhered to the nickel-based foam struts. Especially, the microstructure of the 2 wt% Ce-modified Cr coating is denser and uniform. In addition, the compressive strength and plateau stress of Y- and Ce-modified Cr coated alloy foams firstly increase and then decrease by increasing the Y and Ce contents at room and high temperatures. The energy absorption capacity of Y/Cr and Ce/Cr coated alloy foams increases linearly with the strains increasing. The Ce/Cr coated alloy foams can absorb more energy than Y/Cr coated alloy foams in the plateau and densification regions at room temperature. Compared to those at room temperature, the Y- and Ce-modified Cr coated alloy foams show higher energy absorption efficiency when deforma- tion within 10%-30% at high temperature.

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

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

ADVANCED NICKEL-BASED AND NICKEL-IRON-BASED SUPERALLOYS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

The use of high-temperature materials is especially important in power station construction, heating systems engineering, furnace industry, chemical and petrochemical industry, waste incineration plants, coal gasification plants and for flying gas turbines in civil and military aircrafts and helicopters. Particularly in recent years, the development of new processes and the drive to improve the economics of existing processes have increased the requirements significantly so that it is necessary to change from well-proven materials to new alloys. Hitherto, heat resistant ferritic steels sufficed in conventional power station constructions for temperatures up to 550℃ newly developed ferritic/martensitic steels provide sufficient strength up to about 600 - 620℃. In new processes, e.g. fluidized-bed combustion of coal, process temperatures up to 900℃ occur. However, this is not the upper limit, since in combustion engines, e.g. gas turbines. Material temperatures up to 1100℃ are reached locally. Similar development trends can also be identified in the petrochemical industry and in the heat treatment and furnace engineering. The advance to ever higher material temperatures now not only has the consequence of having to use materials with enhanced high-strength properties, considerable attention now also has to be given to their chemical stability in corrosive media. Therefore not only examples of the use of high-temperature alloys for practical applications will be given but also be contributed to some general rules for material selection with regard to their high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance.

Multi-scale study of ductility-dip cracking in nickel-based alloy dissimilar metal weld

A ductility-dip-cracking(DDC)-concentrated zone(DCZ) in a width of about 3 mm was observed adjacent to the AISI 316 L/52 Mw fusion boundary(FB) in 52 Mw. The morphology, microstructure, mechanical and thermal properties and corrosion behavior in simulated primary water of DDC/DCZ were investigated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), 3 D X-ray tomography(XRT), 3 D atom probe(3 DAP), slow strain rate tensile(SSRT) testing and thermal dilatometry. The results indicate that DDCs are random-shaped and disc-like cavities with corrugated structure of inner surface and are parallel in groups along straight high-angle boundaries of columnar grains, ranging from micrometers to millimeters in size. Large-size M_(23)C_6 carbides dominate on the grain boundaries rather than MC(M=Nb, Ti), and thus the bonding effect of carbides is absent for the straight grain boundaries.The impurity segregation of O is confirmed for the inner surfaces of DDC. The oxide film formed on the inner surface of DDC(about 50 nm) is approximately twice as thick as that on the matrix(about 25 nm)in simulated primary water. The yield strength, tensile strength and elongation to fracture of 52 MwDCZ(400 MPa, 450 MPa and 20 %, respectively) are lower than those of 52 Mw-MZ(460 MPa, 550 MPa and 28 %, respectively). The intrinsic high-restraint weld structure, the additional stress/strain caused by the thermal expansion difference between AISI 316 L and 52 Mw as well as the detrimental carbide precipitation and the resulting grain boundary structure all add up to cause the occurrence of DCZ in the dissimilar metal weld.

Effects of a variety of cutting fluids administered using the minimum quantity lubrication method on the surface grinding process for nickel-based alloys

This paper presents the characteristics of nickel-based alloys, alongside their division into groups, and describes thefeatures that make such materials difficult to grind. The possibilities of exerting a positive influence upon machining conditions,especially through the proper application of grinding fluids, are briefly presented. Both the precise methodologies for, and theresults of, the experimental tests carried out on flat surfaces are also detailed. The aim of these tests was to determine the influenceof the application of two types of grinding liquid （Ecocut Mikro Plus 82 and Biocut 3000） upon the grinding force values andsurface roughness of the machined workpieces made from three nickel alloys （Nickel 201, INCONEL~ alloy 600, and MONEL^alloy 400）. An additional goal of the tests was to determine the influence of grinding wheel structure on the course and results ofthe machining process. The results indicate that the physical and chemical properties of Biocut 3000 enabled the most advanta-geous properties of the machined surface roughness, alongside a simultaneous increase in grinding power, when compared to theresults when applying Ecocut Mikro Plus 82. The results showed an almost inversely proportional dependence upon the specifictangential grinding force Ft＇ and arithmetic mean deviation of the surface profile Ra values, especially in cases of machining Nickel201 and INCONEL alloy 600. The original traverse grinding methodology used in the tests made it possible to assess the changesof the grinding conditions within the conventionally selected zones.