Effect of Li on formation of long period stacking ordered phases and mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Zn alloy

Alloys with composition of Mg_(96-x)Gd_3Zn_1Li_x(at.%)(x=0, 2, 4, and 6) were prepared by conventional casting. The microstructures of these alloys under as-cast and solid-solution conditions have been observed, and the mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed that Li is an effective element to refine the grains and break the eutectic networks in as-cast MgGd_3Zn_1 alloy. During solid solution treatment, these broken eutectic networks are spheroidized and highly dispersed. In addition, plentiful lamellar long period stacking ordered(LPSO) phases are precipitated in an α-Mg matrix when the Li addition is not more than 4%. Solid-solution treated Mg_(92)Gd_3Zn_1Li_4 alloy exhibits an optimal ultimate tensile strength(UTS) of 226 MPa and elongation of 5.8%. The strength of MgGd_3Zn_1 alloy is improved significantly, meanwhile, the toughness is apparently increased.

Elucidating the evolution of long-period stacking ordered phase and its effect on deformation behavior in the as-cast Mg-6Gd-1Zn-0.6Zr alloy

Herein,the evolution of long-period stacking ordered(LPSO)phases in the as-cast Mg-6Gd-1Zn-0.6Zr(wt.%)alloy are investigated via transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and atom probe tomography(APT).The TEM results reveal that two types of LPSO phase(a bulky interdendritic phase and a plate-like matrix LPSO phase)are formed in the as-cast sample.Most of the LPSO phases are confirmed to be of the 14H type,with a smaller proportion being of the 18R LPSO.Further,the APT results reveal that the composition of the interdendritic LPSO phase is closer to that of the ideal 14H phase compared to the matrix LPSO phase,and both the interdendritic and matrix LPSO phases exhibit a Gd/Zn ratio of 2.5,thereby indicating a deficient Zn content compared to the ideal 14H phase(i.e.,1.3).In addition,the influence of the LPSO phases on the deformation behavior is investigated at different compressive plastic strains using electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD)analysis to reveal twinning and slip behavior during deformation.The results indicate that the LPSO phase induces additional work hardening in the late stage of deformation via the suppression of{1011}compressive twinning and the activation of non-basal slip systems.

Effect of Al Content on Precipitation of α_2 Ordered Phase in Ti-Al-Sn-Zr-Mo-Si-Nd Alloys

The precipitation characteristics of the α2 ordered phase in Ti-AI-Sn-Zr-Mo-Si-Nd alloys with various content of Al, under different aging conditions, were investigated. The distribution and size of the α2 ordered phase changed with temperature and Al content. The dislocations were the only places where the α2 ordered phase could precipitate at higher temperature near the critical transformation temperature for each alloy experimented. With the addition of Al content, the critical transformation temperature of α2 ordered phase increased. When the aging temperature was relatively low (650℃), the precedent precipitation of α2 ordered phase took place in primary a phase at the early stage of aging, in the duplex microstructure (the primary a with the transformed (3) of the alloys with lower Al content. But after certain aging time (50 h), the size of α2 particles was almost equal in both the primary a and the transformed β. And no obvious growth of α2 particles could be observed after 50 h.

Relationships between the precipitation of α_2 ordered phase and alloying elements/electron concentration in α+α_2 titanium alloys

Some experimental α+α2 alloys were prepared by the addition of tin or aluminum elements into Ti-55 alloy. These alloys were designed with varied electron concentration values and named as Sn-rich alloys and Al-rich alloys, respectively. The precipita- tion and growth of α2 ordered phase in the tested alloys under various heat treatment conditions were investigated. Some compari- sons among the experimental results were performed and discussed in detail. Stronger precipitation and growth of α2 ordered phase were caused in Al-rich alloys but relatively weak change in Sn-rich alloys with increasing the electron concentration. The precipita- tion of α2 ordered phase in Al-rich alloys is stronger than that in Sn-rich alloys when the electron concentration value is the same for the two alloys.

Effect of long period stacking ordered phase on damping capacities of as-cast Mg-Zn-Y alloys

The microstructure and damping capacities of MgZnxYi.33x(x=l-4at.%)alloys were discussed and researched.The main phase composition of the alloys consists of a_Mg and long-period stacking ordered(LPSO)phase.Due to increasedLPSO phase,grain size was refined.LPSO phase was advantageous to the damping properties of the Mg-Zn-Y alloys.Mg-7%Zn-12.8%Y has the highest damping capacity up to0.04.Due to stacking fault probability,the LPSO phase in the Mg-Zn-Yalloys could be new damping source to dissipate energy so as to contribute to the improvement of damping capacities.

Precipitation of ordered α_2 phase in a near-α titanium alloy with duplex microstructure

The precipitation of ordered alpha_2 phase in a near - alphaTi-6.3Al-4.8Sn-2.0Zr-1.0Mo-0.34Si-0.9Nd (mass fraction) alloy with duplex microstructure, duringaging at various temperatures, was investigated. It is concluded that the precipitation and growthof the alpha_2 phase can be controlled by suitable selection of the aging temperature. Aging athigher temperatures can result in the uniform precipitation and growth of alpha_2 ordered phase inalpha_p whereas the alpha_2 ordered phase precipitated only at the lamella boundaries anddislocations in beta_t. Aging at a moderate temperature can promote the tendency of uniformprecipitation of alpha_2 phase in both alpha_p and beta_t. Aging at a relatively low temperature issuitable for the uniform precipitation and growth of fine alpha_2 particles throughout both thealpha_p and beta_t matrix.

CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF A LONG－PERIOD ORDERED PHASE IN Fe－C MARTENSITE AND COMPUTER SIMULATION OF ITS ELECTRON DIFFRACTION PATTERNS

Different structure models of a long-period ordered phase in Fe-C martenstie formed during aging have been checked by computer simulation of electron diffraction(ED) patterns based on these models.The results showed that the simulated ED pattern of γ'-FexC(Ⅱ) model proposed by the present authors is in good agreement with experimentally observed ED pattern.It was also confirmed that the incommensurate superperiod stems from the coexistence of several γ'-Fe_xC(H) phases with different superperiods.The Fe(144)C(24)(Fe6C) model proposed by Uwakweh et al.generated ED patterns remarkably different from the experimental ones.

Interfacial dislocations dominated lateral growth of long-period stacking ordered phase in Mg alloys

Understanding the interface between strengthening precipitates and matrix in alloys, especially at the atomic level, is a critical issue for tailoring the precipitate strengthening to achieve desired mechanical properties. Using high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, we here clarify the semicoherent interfaces between the matrix and long-period stacking ordered(LPSO) phases, including 18 R and 14 H, in Mg–Zn–Y alloys. The LPSO/Mg interface features the unique configuration of the Shockley partial dislocations, which produces a near zero macroscopic strain because the net Burgers vectors equal zero. The 18 R/Mg interface characterizes a dissociated structure that can be described as a narrow slab of 54 R. There are two dislocation arrays accompanied to the 18 R/54 R and 54 R/Mg interface, resulting a slight deviation(about 2.3°). The 14 R/Mg interface exhibits the dislocation pairs associated with solute atoms. We further evaluate the stability and morphology of the corresponding interfaces based on elastic interaction, via calculating the mutual strong interactions between dislocation arrays, as well as that between the dislocations and solute atoms. The synchronized migration of interfacial dislocations and solute atoms, like move-drag behavior, dominates the lateral growth of LPSO phases in Mg alloys.

A new ordered phase forming during ageing in Cu-Ti alloys

AGE-hardened Cu-Ti has been an important alloy of investigation in the field of continuousphase transformation due to its complicated transformation processes which involve short rangeordering (SRO), spinodal decomposition (SD), long range ordering (LRO), etc. So far, ithas been a controversial topic whether each process exists, and in what sequence they pro-ceed.

New ordered MAX phase Mo_2 TiAlC_2: Elastic and electronic properties from first-principles

First-principles computation on the basis of density functional theory(DFT) is executed with the CASTEP code to explore the structural, elastic, and electronic properties along with Debye temperature and theoretical Vickers’ hardness of newly discovered ordered MAX phase carbide Mo2TiAlC2. The computed structural parameters are very reasonable compared with the experimental results. The mechanical stability is verified by using the computed elastic constants. The brittleness of the compound is indicated by both the Poisson’s and Pugh’s ratios. The new MAX phase is capable of resisting the pressure and tension and also has the clear directional bonding between atoms. The compound shows significant elastic anisotropy. The Debye temperature estimated from elastic moduli(B, G) is found to be 413.6 K. The electronic structure indicates that the bonding nature of Mo2TiAlC2is a mixture of covalent and metallic with few ionic characters. The electron charge density map shows a strong directional Mo–C–Mo covalent bonding associated with a relatively weak Ti–C bond.The calculated Fermi surface is due to the low-dispersive Mo 4d-like bands, which makes the compound a conductive one.The hardness of the compound is also evaluated and a high value of 9.01 GPa is an indication of its strong covalent bonding.

Effects of Alloying Elements on the Volume Fraction of Ordered α_2 Phase Precipitated in Ti-Al-Sn-Zr Alloys

An ideal method has been established for calculating the precipitation of α2 ordered phase in near-α titanium alloys based on the theory on the critical electron concentration for the precipitation of α2 ordered phase in near-α titanium alloys. With complete precipitation of α2 phase in near-α titanium alloys, the alloys can be considered to be composed of two parts： （1） the α2 ordered phase with the stoichiometric atomic ratio of Ti3X; （2） the disorder solid solution with the critical composition in which the α2 ordered phase is just unable to precipitate. By using this method, the volume fractions of α2 ordered phase precipitated in Ti-Al, Ti-Sn, Ti-Al-Sn-Zr alloys with various AI, Sn and/or Zr contents have been calculated. The influences of AI and Sn on the precipitation of α2 ordered phase are discussed. The calculating results show substantial agreement with the experimental ones.

Nanomechanics of Mg-Gd-Y-Nd-Zn alloy with LPSO and MgRE phases

The mechanical properties of two main precipitating phases(LPSO and MgRE)and matrix in Mg-Gd-Y-Nd-Zn bioalloy were examined using nanoindentation method.A new is suggested for characterizing the elastic-plastic behavior,fracture toughness and strain rate sensitivity(SRS)of materials within micro/nanoscale.Firstly,a nanomechanical model was developed for extracting hardness(H),young’s modulus(E)and yield stress(σY)from the characteristic load points which were subsequently analyzed by atomic force microscope(AFM)images.The elasticity data and AFM data were then utilized for determination of plastic deformation in constituent phases.The displacement of the indentation gets the highest value for Mg matrix and between precipitates,depth is more in LPSO rather than that of MgRE.The serrated flow or the behavior of shear bands may originate from the side effect of the interface region in Mg alloys with precipitates.It can be deduced that the KIC produced by both L method and energy-based calculation are both reliable for KIC approximation.The maximum load in simulation withμ=0.2 friction is marginally lesser than that of the frictionless(μ=0)one while elastic recovery of indentation withμ=0.2 is higher to some extent.

Microstructure characterization and corrosion behavior of Mg-Y-Zn alloys with different long period stacking ordered structures

Mg-Y-Zn alloys with long period stacking ordered(LPSO)structure have received much attention recently and exhibit great potential in applications such as automotive,aerospace and in bio-medical fields.This paper aimed to investigate the effect of different phase constitution of LPSO structures on corrosion rate of bio-medical Mg-Y-Zn alloys.The results showed that as-cast Mg98.5Y1Zn0.5 alloys containing only 18R structure exhibited the highest corrosion resistance with the corrosion rate of 2.78 mm/year.The precipitation of 14H lamellas within a-Mg grains during solid solution treatment introduced the crystallographic orientation corrosion by accelerating micro-galvanic corrosion.The increase of 18R/14H interfaces deteriorated the corrosion resistance,and the grain boundaries also suffered from severe electrochemical dissolution.This work suggested that Mg-Y-Zn alloys with single LPSO structure(either 18R or 14H)exhibited better corrosion resistance than alloys with co-existence 18R and I4H LPSO structures.

The effect of the 18R-LPSO phase on the fatigue behavior of extruded Mg/LPSO two-phase alloy through a comparative experimental-numerical study

The fatigue behavior of four extruded Mg-Y-Zn alloys containing different volume fractions of long-period stacking ordered(LPSO)grains was investigated through a comparative study combining experiments and crystal plasticity finite element simulations.Strain controlled low-cycle fatigue experiments were conducted at different strain amplitudes and revealed a limited cyclic hardening in Mg_(89)Zn_(4)Y_(7)alloy or softening in Mg_(99.2)Zn_(0.2)Y_(0.6)and Mg_(97)Zn_(1)Y_(2)alloys.A decrease in the fatigue life against the plastic strain with the increase in LPSO phase volume fraction was observed and was related the limited ductility of extruded LPSO grains.Stress-strain hysteresis curves were used to calibrate and validate a crystal plasticity model taking into account twinning and detwinning.The interaction of the different phases on the distribution of local micro-mechanical fields at the grain scale was then analyzed on synthetic microstructures under strain-controlled conditions.Deformation twinning activity was predicted in coarse unrecrystallized grains and tended to disappear with the increase in the LPSO phase volume fraction.Cleavage-like facets observed in LPSO grains were related to high tensile stress,especially at the Mg/LPSO interface,due to the limited number of deformation mechanisms in LPSO crystal to accommodate out-of-basal plane strain.The increase of the fatigue limit with the increase in LPSO phase volume fraction was finally associated with the decreasing presence of coarse unrecrystallizedα-Mg grains due to a higher dynamic recrystallization activity during the extrusion process.

Optimal Selection and Control for Precipitation of α_2 Phase in Near α High Temperature Ti Alloys during Aging Treatment

The characteristic of the precipitation and growth of α2 ordered phase during aging treatment in near α Ti alloys have been investigated in terms of the influences of aging temperature, aging time and aging manner. The results exhibit that aging temperatures influence the distribution of α2 phase precipitated and cause the changes in growth speed of α2 phase. For various aging temperatures, the time to finish precipitation of α2 phase is different. The facts that various distribution characteristics and growth speed of α2 ordered phase are caused by changed aging condition imply optimal selection and control for precipitation of α2 ordered phase reachable. Some discussions on adoptable aging steps are presented.

Microstructure and phase composition of as-cast Mg-9Er-6Y-xZn-0.6Zr alloys

The microstructure and phase composition of as-cast Mg-9Er-6Y-xZn-0.6Zr （x=1, 2, 3, 4; normal mass fraction in %） alloys were investigated. In low Zn content, aside from the major second phase of Mg24（Er, Y, Zn）5, there are a few lamellar phases that grow parallel with each other from the grain boundaries to the grain interior. With Zn content increasing, the Mg24（Er, Y, Zn）5 phase decreases, but the Mg12Zn（Y, Er） phase and lamellar phases continuously increase. When Zn content reaches 4% （normal mass fraction）, the Mg12Zn（Y, Er） phase mainly exists as large bulks, and some a-Mg grains are thoroughly penetrated by the lamellar phases. Moreover, the crystallography structures of the Mgl2Zn（Y, Er） and Mg24（Er, Y, Zn）5 phases are confirmed as 18R-type long-period stacking ordered structure and body-centred cubic structure, respectively.

Dilute long period stacking/order(LPSO)-variant phases along the composition gradient in a Mg-Ho-Cu alloy

We have systematically investigated the microstructures of as-cast Mg_(97.49)Ho_(1.99)Cu_(0.43)Zr_(0.09)alloy by atomic resolution high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy(HAADF-STEM), revealing the coexistence of 18R, 14H and 24R long period stacking/order(LPSO) phases with fully coherent interfaces along step-like composition gradient in a blocky intermetallic compound distributed at grain boundary. The short-range order(SRO) L1_(2)-type Cu_(6)Ho_(8)clusters embedded across AB’C’A-stacking fault layers are directly revealed at atomic scale. Importantly, the order degree of SRO clusters in the present dilute alloy is significant lower than previous 6M and 7M in-plane order reported in ternary Mg-TM(transition metal)-RE(rare earth) alloys, which can be well matched by 9M in-plane order. This directly demonstrates that SRO in-plane L1_(2)-type clusters can be expanded into more dilute composition regions bounded along the definite TM/RE ratio of 3/4. In addition, the estimated chemical compositions of solute enriched stacking fault(SESF) in all LPSO variants are almost identical with the ideal SESF composition of 9M in-plane order, regardless of the type of LPSO phases. The results further support the viewpoint that robust L1_(2)-type TM_(6)RE_(8)clusters play an important role in governing LPSO phase formation.

Electrical Neutrality and Symmetry Restoring Phase Transitions at High Density in a Two-Flavor Nambu-Jona-Lasinio Model

A general research on chiral symmetry restoring phase transitions at zero temperature and finite chemical potentials under electrical neutrality condition has been conducted in a Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model to describe twoflavor normal quark matter. Depending on whether mo/A, the ratio of dynamical quark mass in vacuum and the 3D momentum cutoff in the loop integrals, is less or greater than 0.413, the phase transition will be of the second or first order. A complete phase diagram of u quark chemical potential versus mo is given. With the electrical neutrality constraint, the region where the second order phase transition happens will be wider than the one without electrical neutrality limitation. The results also show that, for the value ofmo/A from QCD phenomenology, the phase transition must be of the first order.

Effects of multimodal microstructure on fracture toughness and its anisotropy of LPSO-type extruded Mg-1Zn-2Y alloys

The fracture toughness of extruded Mg-1Zn-2Y(at.%)alloys,featuring a multimodal microstructure containing fine dynamically recrystallized(DRXed)grains with random crystallographic orientation and coarse-worked grains with a strong fiber texture,was investigated.The DRXed grains comprised randomly oriented equiaxedα-Mg grains.In contrast,the worked grains includedα-Mg and long-period stacking ordered(LPSO)phases that extended in the extrusion direction(ED).Both types displayed a strong texture,aligning the(10.10)direction parallel to the ED.The volume fractions of the DRXed and worked grains were controlled by adjusting the extrusion temperature.In the longitudinal-transverse(L-T)orientation,where the loading direction was aligned parallel to the ED,there was a tendency for the conditional fracture toughness,KQ,tended to increase as the volume fraction of the worked grains increased.However,the KQ values in the T-L orientation,where the loading direction was perpendicular to the ED,decreased with an increase in the volume fraction of the worked grains.This suggests strong anisotropy in the fracture toughness of the specimen with a high volume fraction of the worked grains,relative to the test direction.The worked grains,which included the LPSO phase and were elongated perpendicular to the initial crack plane,suppressed the straight crack extension,causing crack deflection,and generating secondary cracks.Thus,these worked grains significantly contributed to the fracture toughness of the extruded Mg-1Zn-2Y alloys in the L-T orientation.

In-situ study of the microstructure evolution during tension of a Mg-Y-Zn-Al alloy processed by rapidly solidified ribbon consolidation technique

Mg-Y-Zn-Al alloys processed by rapidly solidified ribbon consolidation(RSRC)technique exhibit an exceptional mechanical performance indicating promising application potential.This material has a bimodal microstructure consisting of fine recrystallized and coarse non-recrystallized grains with solute-rich stacking faults forming cluster arranged layers(CALs)and nanoplates(CANaPs),or complete long period stacking ordered(LPSO)phase.In order to reveal the deformation mechanisms,in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction line profile analysis was employed for a detailed study of the dislocation arrangement created during tension in Mg-0.9%Zn-2.05%Y-0.15%Al(at%)alloy.For uncovering the effect of the initial microstructure on the mechanical performance,additional samples were obtained by annealing of the as-consolidated specimen at 300 and 400℃ for 2 h.The heat treatment at 300℃ had no significant effect on the initial microstructure,its evolution during tension and,thus,the overall deformation behavior under tensile loading.On the other hand,annealing at 400℃ resulted in a significant increase of the recrystallized grains fraction and a decrease of the dislocation density,leading to only minor degradation of the mechanical strength.The maximum dislocation density at the failure of the samples corresponding to the plastic strain of 10-25% was estimated to be about 16-20×10^(14)m^(-2).The diffraction profile analysis indicated that most dislocations formed during tension were of non-basal and pyramidal types,what was also in agreement with the Schmid factor values revealed independently from orientation maps.It was also shown that the dislocation-induced Taylor hardening was much lower below the plastic strain of 3% than above this value,which was explained by a model of the interaction between prismatic dislocations and CANaPs/LPSO plates.