Ordered Sn distribution adjacent to the precipitate-matrix interface in a Mg-9.8wt.%Sn alloy

The major interface betweenβ-Mg_(3)Sn precipitate plate and theα-Mg matrix in a Mg-9.8wt.%alloy has been investigated using aberrationcorrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and first-principles calculations.It is found that Sn atoms orderly distribute in the single layer of theα-Mg matrix immediately adjacent to the broad surface ofβat the early stage of ageing.These Sn atoms substitute Mg atoms located at the centers of equilateral triangles constituted by three Mg columns in the outmost layer ofβ.First-principles calculations suggest that the ordered Sn distribution is energetically favored and it not only decreases the interfacial energy of theβ-matrix interface but also hinders the occurrence of 1/3<01■0>αshear that thickens theβplate.

A review of solute-point defect interactions in vanadium and its alloys: first-principles modeling and simulation

Vanadium alloys are the promising first wall and blanket materials for fusion reactors.Large amounts of helium(He)and hydrogen(H)impurities are produced inside the materials along with irradiation defects under neutron irradiation,leading to bubble formation and microstructure changes,which will degrade the thermal and mechanical properties of vanadium alloys.The microstructure changes of materials are influenced by the interactions of point defects with solute atoms.Nowadays,first-principles calculations are intensively performed to elucidate these interactions,clustering,and dissolution,which can provide valuable information for the design of high-performance anti-irradiation materials.This paper reviews the recent findings of the interactions of point defects(vacancies,self-interstitial atoms)with substitutional solutes and interstitial solutes(C,O,N,H,and He)as well as their clusters in vanadium and its alloys from first-principles calculations.

Solution chemistry quasi-epitaxial growth of atomic CaTiO_(3)perovskite layers to stabilize and passivate TiO_(2)photoelectrodes for efficient water splitting

Perovskite oxides with unique crystal structures and high defect tolerance are promising as atomic surface passivation layers for photoelectrodes for efficient and stable water splitting.However,controllably depositing and crystalizing perovskite-type metal oxides at the atomic level remains challenging,as they usually crystalize at higher temperatures than regular metal oxides.Here,we report a mild solution chemistry approach for the quasi-epitaxial growth of an atomic CaTiO_(3)perovskite layer on rutile TiO_(2)nanorod arrays.The high-temperature crystallization of CaTiO_(3)perovskite is overcome by a sequential hydrothermal conversion of the atomic amorphous TiOx layer to CaTiO_(3)perovskite.The atomic quasi-epitaxial CaTiO_(3)layer passivated TiO_(2)nanorod arrays exhibit more efficient interface charge transfer and high photoelectrochemical performance for water splitting.Such a mild solution-based approach for the quasi-epitaxial growth of atomic metal oxide perovskite layers could be a promising strategy for both fabricating atomic perovskite layers and improving their photoelectrochemical properties.

Suppression of grain boundary migration at cryogenic temperature in an extremely fine nanograined Ni-Mo alloy

Microindentation creep tests on an electrodeposited extremely fine(4.9 nm) nanograined(ng) Ni-14.2 at.% Mo(Ni-14.2 Mo) at both room temperature(RT) and liquid nitrogen temperature(LNT) demonstrated that lowering temperature retarded softening in the ng Ni-Mo alloy. The obtained strain rate sensitivity at LNT was one order of magnitude lower than that at RT. Microstructural characterization revealed that mechanically-driven grain boundary(GB) migration was greatly suppressed by lowering temperature,which might be ascribed to the presence of solute Mo atoms that significantly retarded coupled GB motion at LNT. Deformation was instead carried by shear bands.

Effects of the aluminum concentration on twin boundary motion in pre-strained magnesium alloys

We investigated the effects of Al concentration on the reciprocated motion of twin boundaries in pre-strained Mg-Al-Zn alloys through a combination of applied compression and tension,in-situ electron-backscattering diffraction observations,and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy observations.The twin growth was restricted by increased Al concentration,which resulted in the occurrence of smaller-sized twins.The reverse motion of twin boundaries was also restricted,resulting in the formation of higher fractions of secondary twins and 2–5°boundaries during reverse tension.The secondary twins and 2–5°boundaries mainly contributed to the increased ultimate tensile strength of the pre-strained Mg alloys.This effect is more significant in Mg alloys with larger pre-compression.Moreover,the increased amount of the Al solute atoms,rather than the precipitates,mainly contributed to the increased strengthening effect on the twin boundary motion.Our research contributes to development of high-strength Mg alloys by stabilizing twin boundaries.