Gradient structure induced simultaneous enhancement of strength and ductility in AZ31 Mg alloy with twin-twin interactions

Gradient nanostructure was introduced to enhance the strength and ductility via deformation incompatibility accommodated by geometrical necessary dislocations for most metallic materials recently.However,few intensive researches were carried out to investigate the effect of gradient structure on the deformation twin evolution and resulting performance improvements.In the present paper,we produced gradient-structured AZ31 Mg alloy with fine-grain layers,parallel twin laminates and a coarse-grain core from two upmost surfaces to the center of plate.Surprisingly,this architected Mg alloy exhibited simultaneous enhancement of strength and ductility.Subsequent microstructural observations demonstrated that abundant twin-twin interactions resulting from higher strength and multi-axial stress state could make great contributions to the increase of work-hardening capability.This was further proved by the measurement of full-field strain evolution during the plastic deformation.Such a design strategy may provide a new path for producing advanced structure materials in which the deformation twinning works as one of the dominant plasticity mechanisms.

Tuning energy output of PTFE/Al composite materials through gradient structure

As a typical energetic composite,polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)/aluminum(Al)has been widely applied in explosives,pyrotechnics,and propellants due to its ultra-high energy density and intense exothermic reaction.In this work,the radial gradient(RG)structure of PTFE/Al cylinders with three different PTFE morphologies(200 nm and 5μm particles and 5μm fiber)and content changes are prepared by 3D printing technology.The effect of radial gradient structure on the pressure output of PTFE/Al has been studied.Compared with the morphology change of PTFE,the change of component content in the gradient structure has an obvious effect on the pressure output of the PTFE/Al cylinder.Furthermore,the relationships of the morphology,content of PTFE and the combustion reaction of the PTFE/Al cylinder reveal that the cylinder shows a more complex flame propagation process than others.These results could provide a strategy to improve the combustion and pressure output of PTFE/Al.

Effects of gradient structure on the microstructures and properties of coated cemented carbides

The effects of gradient structure on the microstructure and properties of coated cemented carbides were researched with optical microscopy （OM）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, strength measurements, and cutting tests. It shows that vacuum sintering of WC-Ti（C, N）-TaC-Co cemented carbides results in the formation of a surface ductile zone. The ductile zone prevents crack propagation and leads to the increase of transverse rupture strength of the substrate. The impact resistance of coated gradient inserts was obviously improved on the basis of maintaining resistance to abrasion and the forming mechanism of the gradient structure was also analyzed.

Copper foils with gradient structure in thickness direction and different roughnesses on two surfaces fabricated by double rolling

Copper foils with gradient structure in thickness direction and different roughnesses on two surfaces were fabricated by double rolling. The two surface morphologies of double-rolled copper foils are quite different, and the surface roughness values are 61 and 1095 nm, respectively. The roughness value of matt surface can meet the requirement for bonding the resin matrix with copper foils used for flexible printed circuit boards, thus may omit traditional roughening treatment; the microstructure of double-rolled copper foils demonstrates an obviously asymmetric gradient feature. From bright surface to matt surface in thickness direction, the average grain size first increases from 2.3 to 7.4 μm and then decreases to 3.6 μm; compared with conventional rolled copper foils, the double-rolled copper foils exhibit a remarkably increased bending fatigue life, and the increased range is about 16.2%.

Gradient Structure of Ti-Al-C Ternary Carbide Prepared by Hot-pressing Sintering

X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis on different polished surfaces normal to the hot pressing direction reveals that the phase compositions of the polished surfaces from the outside to the inside are pure TiC, Ti_3AlC_2+TiC, pure Ti_3AlC_2 and Ti_2AlC+Ti_3AlC_2, no matter elemental powder or TiC is used as raw materials. It is found that ternary-layered carbide Ti_2AlC samples synthesized at 1500 ℃ by hot-pressing sintering are inhomogeneous and have a gradient structure.Electron probe X-ray micro-analysis (EPMA) indicates that the Al content along the hot pressing axis is parabolic, it is the highest in the center and the lowest at the both ends, while the Ti content is constant along the axis. The experimental result reveals that the evaporation of Al in samples in an open system during hot pressing sintering results in a gradient structure.

Experimental crushing behavior and energy absorption of angular gradient honeycomb structures under quasi-static and dynamic compression

The high variability of shock in terrorist attacks poses a threat to people's lives and properties,necessitating the development of more effective protective structures.This study focuses on the angle gradient and proposes four different configurations of concave hexagonal honeycomb structures.The structures'macroscopic deformation behavior,stress-strain relationship,and energy dissipation characteristics are evaluated through quasi-static compression and Hopkinson pressure bar impact experiments.The study reveals that,under varying strain rates,the structures deform starting from the weak layer and exhibit significant interlayer separation.Additionally,interlayer shear slip becomes more pronounced with increasing strain rate.In terms of quasi-static compression,symmetric gradient structures demonstrate superior energy absorption,particularly the symmetric negative gradient structure(SNG-SMS)with a specific energy absorption of 13.77 J/cm~3.For dynamic impact,unidirectional gradient structures exhibit exceptional energy absorption,particularly the unidirectional positive gradient honeycomb structure(UPG-SML)with outstanding mechanical properties.The angle gradient design plays a crucial role in determining the structure's stability and deformation mode during impact.Fewer interlayer separations result in a more pronounced negative Poisson's ratio effect and enhance the structure's energy absorption capacity.These findings provide a foundation for the rational design and selection of seismic protection structures in different strain rate impact environments.

Designing Symmetric Gradient Honeycomb Structures with Carbon‑Coated Iron‑Based Composites for High‑Efficiency Microwave Absorption

The impedance matching of absorbers is a vital factor affecting their microwave absorption(MA)properties.In this work,we controllably synthesized Material of Institute Lavoisier 88C(MIL-88C)with varying aspect ratios(AR)as a precursor by regulating oil bath conditions,followed by one-step thermal decomposition to obtain carbon-coated iron-based composites.Modifying the precursor MIL-88C(Fe)preparation conditions,such as the molar ratio between metal ions and organic ligands(M/O),oil bath temperature,and oil bath time,influenced the phases,graphitization degree,and AR of the derivatives,enabling low filler loading,achieving well-matched impedance,and ensuring outstanding MA properties.The MOF-derivatives 2(MD_(2))/polyvinylidene Difluoride(PVDF),MD_(3)/PVDF,and MD4/PVDF absorbers all exhibited excellent MA properties with optimal filler loadings below 20 wt%and as low as 5 wt%.The MD_(2)/PVDF(5 wt%)achieved a maximum effective absorption bandwidth(EAB)of 5.52 GHz(1.90 mm).The MD_(3)/PVDF(10 wt%)possessed a minimum reflection loss(RL_(min))value of−67.4 at 12.56 GHz(2.13 mm).A symmetric gradient honeycomb structure(SGHS)was constructed utilizing the high-frequency structure simulator(HFSS)to further extend the EAB,achieving an EAB of 14.6 GHz and a RL_(min) of−59.0 dB.This research offers a viable inspiration to creating structures or materials with high-efficiency MA properties.

Hollow Gradient-Structured Iron-Anchored Carbon Nanospheres for Enhanced Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

In the present paper,a microwave absorber with nanoscale gradient structure was proposed for enhancing the electromagnetic absorption performance.The inorganic-organic competitive coating strategy was employed,which can effectively adjust the thermodynamic and kinetic reactions of iron ions during the solvothermal process.As a result,Fe nanoparticles can be gradually decreased from the inner side to the surface across the hollow carbon shell.The results reveal that it offers an outstanding reflection loss value in combination with broadband wave absorption and flexible adjustment ability,which is superior to other relative graded distribution structures and satisfied with the requirements of lightweight equipment.In addition,this work elucidates the intrinsic microwave regulation mechanism of the multiscale hybrid electromagnetic wave absorber.The excellent impedance matching and moderate dielectric parameters are exhibited to be the dominative factors for the promotion of microwave absorption performance of the optimized materials.This strategy to prepare gradient-distributed microwave absorbing materials initiates a new way for designing and fabricating wave absorber with excellent impedance matching property in practical applications.

Bioinspired Multifunctional Self-Sensing Actuated Gradient Hydrogel for Soft-Hard Robot Remote Interaction

The development of bioinspired gradient hydrogels with self-sensing actuated capabilities for remote interaction with soft-hard robots remains a challenging endeavor. Here, we propose a novel multifunctional self-sensing actuated gradient hydrogel that combines ultrafast actuation and high sensitivity for remote interaction with robotic hand. The gradient network structure, achieved through a wettability difference method involving the rapid precipitation of MoO_(2) nanosheets, introduces hydrophilic disparities between two sides within hydrogel. This distinctive approach bestows the hydrogel with ultrafast thermo-responsive actuation(21° s^(-1)) and enhanced photothermal efficiency(increase by 3.7 ℃ s^(-1) under 808 nm near-infrared). Moreover, the local cross-linking of sodium alginate with Ca^(2+) endows the hydrogel with programmable deformability and information display capabilities. Additionally, the hydrogel exhibits high sensitivity(gauge factor 3.94 within a wide strain range of 600%), fast response times(140 ms) and good cycling stability. Leveraging these exceptional properties, we incorporate the hydrogel into various soft actuators, including soft gripper, artificial iris, and bioinspired jellyfish, as well as wearable electronics capable of precise human motion and physiological signal detection. Furthermore, through the synergistic combination of remarkable actuation and sensitivity, we realize a self-sensing touch bioinspired tongue. Notably, by employing quantitative analysis of actuation-sensing, we realize remote interaction between soft-hard robot via the Internet of Things. The multifunctional self-sensing actuated gradient hydrogel presented in this study provides a new insight for advanced somatosensory materials, self-feedback intelligent soft robots and human–machine interactions.

Advances of machining techniques for gradient structures in multi-principal-element alloys

Multi-principal-element alloys(MPEAs)are attracting increasing attentions because of their high strength and ductility,high fracture toughness,excellent corrosion resistance,outstanding thermal-softening resistance and high oxidation resistance.Moreover,gradient structures(GSs)have been shown to be effective in alleviating the strength-ductility trade-off although strength and ductility are mutually exclusive properties for metals,which provides an opportunity for developing highperformance MPEAs.Here,we summarized four processing methods for creating GSs in MPEAs,including rotationally accelerated shot peening(RASP),ultra-precision machining technology(UPMT),cyclic dynamic torsion(CDT),and ultrasonic surface rolling processing(USRP).Principles,advantages,disadvantages,and typical applications of these methods are discussed in this work.

Plastic accommodation during tensile deformation of gradient structure

Gradient structure(GS)possesses a typical trans-scale grain hierarchy with varying internal plastic stability,and the mutual plastic accommodation plays a crucial role in its superior strength-ductility combination.Using the in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction(XRD)during tensile loading,we measured lattice strains sequentially from the nanostructured(NS)surface layer to the central coarsegrained(CG)layer to elucidate when and how plastic accommodation occurs and evolves within the GS,along with their roles in plastic deformation and strain hardening.Throughout the tensile deformation,two types of plastic incompatibility occur in the GS.One is an extended elastoplastic transition due to layer-by-layer yielding.The other is strain localization and softening in the NS layer,in contrast with the stable plastic deformation in the CG layer.Plastic accommodation thus occurs concurrently and manifests as both an inter-layer and intra-layer change of stress state throughout tensile deformation.This produces different micromechanical responses between layers.Specifically,the NS layer initially experiences strain hardening followed by an elastoplastic deformation.The hetero-deformation induced hardening,along with forest hardening,facilitates a sustainable tensile strain in the NS layer,comparable to that in the CG layer.

Gradient Structured Copper by Rotationally Accelerated Shot Peening

A new technology-rotationally accelerated shot peening（RASP）, was developed to prepare gradient structured materials. By using centrifugal acceleration principle and large steel balls, the RASP technology can produce much higher impact energy compared to conventional shot peening. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, the RASP was utilized to refine the surface layer in pure copper（Cu） with an average grain size of 85 nm. The grain size increases largely from surface downwards the bulk, forming an800 ？m thick gradient-structured surface layer and consequently a micro-hardness gradient. The difference between the RASP technology and other established techniques in preparing gradient structured materials is discussed. The RASP technology exhibits a promoting future for large-scale manufacturing of gradient materials.

Additive manufacturing of a high-strength ZrC-SiC and TC4 gradient structure based on a combination of laser deposition technique and brazing

A ZrC-SiC and TC4 gradient structure(ZTGS)was additively manufactured through the laser deposition technique and brazing process.The research results indicated that SiC-reinforced TC4-based gradient layers could be obtained on the TC4 surface by laser deposition.ZrC-SiC and TC4 coated with gradient layers were brazed using an AgCuTi filler to fabricate the ZTGS.The effects of the gradient structure and brazing parameters on the ZTGS strength were investigated.With an increase in Layer II and Layer III thickness,the ZTGS shear strength increased.The brazing temperature and holding time affected the ZTGS shear strength by controlling the formation and distribution of the Cu4Ti phase in the brazing zone.The strengthening mechanism of the ZTGS was revealed by analyzing the residual stress distribution in the ZTGS.Compressive residual stress was formed in ZrC-SiC adjacent to the TC4 substrate or the deposited gradient layer,which was found to negatively affect the properties of the ZTGS.The increase in gradient layer thickness reduced the maximum residual stress in ZrC-SiC,and the effect of Layer III on the residual stress was more significant than that of Layer II.The calculated residual stress evolution matched the ZTGS property values well,revealing the strengthening mechanism.

High-throughput screening of critical size of grain growth in gradient structured nickel

Nanocrystalline metals with high Gibbs free energy have a strong tendency towards thermally driven grain growth,thus understanding the critical size or temperature of grain growth is vital for their applications.The investigations of thermal stability were usually conducted on the materials with a homogeneous structure;however,these methods are time-consuming and expensive.In the present work,we reveal a high-throughput experimental strategy to characterize the size-dependent thermal stability via annealing the gradient structured Ni.Employing this method,the critical size of grain growth(d_(c))at a given annealing temperature was rapidly determined.The critical size of grain growth was~95 nm when annealed at 503 K for 3 h,which is consistent with the value reported in the homogeneous structured Ni.Furthermore,this critical size was found to be identical in three types of gradient structured Ni,i.e.,independent on the gradient structure.Our present work demonstrates a high-throughput strategy for exploring the critical size of grain growth and size-dependent thermal stability of metals.

Magnetoelectric gradient structures: Properties and applications

This paper is devoted to a comprehensive study on a new type of microwave structures named magnetoelectric(ME)gradient structures.These structures are studied in this paper to understand the possibilities and application principles in feasible devices.The structure under study was calculated at different values of the applied electric field and different values of the relative per-mittivity of the artificial dielectric layer.The layered multiferroic structure in inhomogeneous electric and magnetic fields was calculated on the basis of the previously proposed mathematical model.The eigenwaves spectrum for several considered cases was the result of the performed calculation.The concept of using ME gradient structures in the design of electronically controlled microwave devices is formed on the basis of the results of a numerical experiment.Structures of this type will preferably be used in electronically controlled devices for the directional transmission of microwave signals,as it was shown in the theoretical part of the paper.

Abnormal gradient microstructure in Cr_3C_2 based cemented carbide

With OLYMPUS PMG3 metallograph, an abnormal three-layer gradient structure, i. e. coarse grain zone, binder enrichment zone and normal structure zone from surface to inner, was observed in Cr3C2 based cemented carbide. In the binder enrichment zone, three different shapes of anomalous coarse carbides were observed. It is shown that the transverse rupture strength can be raised remarkably, up 20.7%from the alloy with abnormal gradient structure by removing the abnormal gradient structure. The results suggested that the abnormal gradient structure in the surface, especially the anomalous coarse carbides in the binder enrichment zone is the main reason for the lower strength

Compressive mechanical properties and shape memory effect of NiTi gradient lattice structures fabricated by laser powder bed fusion

Laser additive manufacturing (AM) of lattice structures with light weight, excellent impact resistance, and energy absorption performance is receiving considerable attention in aerospace, transportation, and mechanical equipment application fields. In this study, we designed four gradient lattice structures (GLSs) using the topology optimization method, including the unidirectional GLS, the bi-directional increasing GLS, the bi-directional decreasing GLS and the none-GLS. All GLSs were manufactureed by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The uniaxial compression tests and finite element analysis were conducted to investigate the influence of gradient distribution features on deformation modes and energy absorption performance of GLSs. The results showed that, compared with the 45° shear fracture characteristic of the none-GLS, the unidirectional GLS, the bi-directional increasing GLS and the bi-directional decreasing GLS had the characteristics of the layer-by-layer fracture, showing considerably improved energy absorption capacity. The bi-directional increasing GLS showed a unique combination of shear fracture and layer-by-layer fracture, having the optimal energy absorption performance with energy absorption and specific energy absorption of 235.6 J and 9.5 J g-1 at 0.5 strain, respectively. Combined with the shape memory effect of NiTi alloy, multiple compression-heat recovery experiments were carried out to verify the shape memory function of LPBF-processed NiTi GLSs. These findings have potential value for the future design of GLSs and the realization of shape memory function of NiTi components through laser AM.

Designing gradient nanograined dual-phase structure in duplex stainless steel for superior strength-ductility synergy

Similar to other metallic materials,duplex stainless steel dramatically loses its advantage of high ductility as they are strengthened.Here,we produce a gradient nanograined dual-phase structure in the 2101 duplex stainless steel,thus facilitating a superior strength-ductility synergy:a yield strength of 1009.5 MPa being two times higher than that of the as-received sample,a total elongation of 23.4%and a uniform elongation of 5.9%.This novel structure is produced through a processing route of ultrasonic severe surface rolling and annealing,which realizes a superposition of gradient nanostructure and lamellar dual-phase structure with austenite and ferrite.During the tension deformation of gradi-ent nanograined dual-phase structured duplex stainless steel,a significant accumulation of geometrically necessary dislocations occurs.These dislocations are formed to accommodate the deformation incompat-ibility caused by the layer-by-layer difference in strength and hardness of individual phase domains,as well as the inherent difference in properties between the austenite and ferrite domains.This results in a stronger hetero-deformation induced strengthening and hardening significantly contributing to superior mechanical properties.Our study provides a new avenue to develop advanced steels with high strength and ductility.

Lotus Leaf‑Derived Gradient Hierarchical Porous C/MoS2 Morphology Genetic Composites with Wideband and Tunable Electromagnetic Absorption Performance

Inspired by the nature,lotus leaf-derived gradient hierarchical porous C/MoS2 morphology genetic composites(GHPCM)were successfully fabricated through an in situ strategy.The biological microstructure of lotus leaf was well preserved after treatment.Different pores with gradient pore sizes ranging from 300 to 5μm were hierarchically distributed in the composites.In addition,the surface states of lotus leaf resulted in the Janus-like morphologies of MoS2.The GHPCM exhibit excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance,with the minimum reflection loss of−50.1 dB at a thickness of 2.4 mm and the maximum effective bandwidth of 6.0 GHz at a thickness of 2.2 mm.The outstanding performance could be attributed to the synergy of conductive loss,polarization loss,and impedance matching.In particularly,we provided a brand-new dielectric sum-quotient model to analyze the electromagnetic performance of the non-magnetic material system.It suggests that the specific sum and quotient of permittivity are the key to keep reflection loss below−10 dB within a certain frequency range.Furthermore,based on the concept of material genetic engineering,the dielectric constant could be taken into account to seek for suitable materials with designable electromagnetic absorption performance.

Deformation Behavior and Formability of Gradient Nano-grained AISI 304 Stainless Steel Processed by Ultrasonic Impact Treatment

The deformation behavior and formability of gradient nano-grained（GNG） AISI 304 stainless steel in uniaxial and biaxial states were investigated by means of tensile test and small punch test（SPT）. The GNG top layer was fabricated on coarse grains（CG） AISI 304 by ultrasonic impact treatment. The results showed that the CG substrate could effectively suppress the strain localization of NC in GNG layer, and an approximate linear relationship existed between the thickness of substrate（h） and uniform true strain before necking（ε_（unif））. Grain growth of NC was observed at the stress state with high Stress triaxiality T, which led to better ductility of GNG/CG 304 in SPT, as well as similar true strain after the onset of necking（ε_（neck）） compared with coarse 304 in tensile test. Ei-values of GNG/CG 304 with different structures were nearly the same at different punch speeds, and good formability of GNG/CG 304 was demonstrated. However, punch speed and microstructure needed to be optimized to avoid much lost of membrane strain region in biaxial stress state.