Enhancement of comprehensive properties of Nb-Si based in-situ composites by Ho rare earth doping

This study examines the microstructure,mechanical properties(with a focus on room-temperature toughness),and oxidation resistance of Ho-doped NbDSi based in-situ composites.The base alloy consists of the coarse primary Nb_(5)Si_(3)phase and the Nb_(5)Si_(3)+Nbss(Nb solid solution)eutectic cells.Ho doping influences the solidification path.When the Ho doping is higher than0.2 at%,the alloys transform into eutectic alloys.Ho can be solid-solved in trace amounts in the Nbss phase.However,most of Ho forms a stable Ho oxide phase,which alleviates oxygen contamination problem to some extent.Moreover,the interface separation between Ho oxide and other phases reduces the plastic deformation constraint.Thus,with 0.4 at%Ho doping,the K_(Q)value is18.03 MPa·m^(1/2),which is 31.1%higher than that of the base alloy.The strength of the Ho-doped alloys does not deteriorate with an increase in toughness.However,the large network-like Ho_(2)O_(3)in the 0.8Ho alloy causes a decrease in toughness and strength.In addition,the Ho oxide phase effectively blocks the inward oxygen intrusion.With 0.8 at%Ho doping,the oxidation mass gain per unit area is 10.16 mg·cm^(2),which is 39.7%lower than that of the base alloy.

Effects of temperature on fracture behavior of Al-based in-situ composites reinforced with Mg_2Si and Si particles fabricated by centrifugal casting

An aluminum-based in-situ composites reinforced with Mg2Si and Si particles were produced by centrifugal casting A1-20Si-5Mg alloy. The microstructure of the composites was examined, and the effects of temperature on fracture behavior of the composite were investigated. The results show that the average fraction of primary Si and Mg2Si particles in the composites is as high as 38%, and ultimate tensile strengths （UTS） of the composites first increase then decrease with the increase of test temperature. Microstructures of broken specimens show that both the particle fracture and the interface debonding affect the fracture behavior of the composites, and the interface debonding becomes the dominant fracture mechanism with increasing test temperature. Comparative results indicate that rich particles in the composites and excellent interface strength play great roles in enhancing tensile property by preventing the movement of dislocations.

Effect of Cerium on Microstructures and High Temperature Oxidation Resistance of An Nb-Si System In-Situ Composite

Nb-16Si-24Ti-6Cr-6A1-2Hf-xCe （x =0, 0.05, 0.1,02.5, 0.5, 1 （%, atom fraction）） in situ composites were prepared by arc melting The microstmcture and the effect of rare earth element cerium on 1250℃ oxidation resistance of the composites were investigated with scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and X-ray energy disperse spectrum （EDS）, as well as X-ray diffraction （XRD）. The experimental results showed that the high temperature oxidation resistance of the alloy was improved by adding a proper amount of cerium （Ce）. The effect of Ce was considered as the concurrent of the following three factors： first, the oxide of Ce formed in the interface reduced the internal oxidation rate; second, the lath shaped oxide containing Ce increased the cracking resistance and reduced the expansion of the oxide scale; and third, the decrease of the sificide volume fraction on account of Ce addition reduces the power of the sample resisting oxygen penetration.

Research progress on the adaptability of lunar regolith simulant-based composites and lunar base construction methods

The development and utilization of lunar resources are entering a critical stage.Immediate focus is needed on key technologies for in-situ resource utilization(ISRU)and lunar base construction.This paper comparatively analyzes the basic characteristics of lunar regolith samples returned from Chang'e-5(CE-5),Apollo,and Luna missions,focusing on their physical,mechanical,mineral,chemical,and morphological parameters.Given the limited availability of lunar regolith,more than 50 lunar regolith simulants are summarized.The differences between lunar regolith and simulants concerning these parameters are discussed.To facilitate the construction of lunar bases,this article summarizes the advancements in research on construction materials derived from lunar regolith simulants.Based on statistical results,lunar regolith simulant-based composites are classified into 5 types by their strengthening and toughening mechanisms,and a comprehensive analysis of molding methods,preparation conditions,and mechanical properties is conducted.Furthermore,the potential lunar base construction forms are reviewed,and the adaptability of lunar regolith simulant-based composites and lunar base construction methods are proposed.The key demands of lunar bases constructed with lunar regolith-based composites are discussed,including energy demand,in-situ buildability,service performance,and structural availability.This progress contributes to providing essential material and methodological support for future lunar construction.

DIRECTIONALLY SOLIDIFIED MICROSTRUCTURE OF AN ULTRA-HIGH TEMPERATURE Nb-Si-Ti-Hf-Cr-Al ALLOY

The directionally solidified samples of an ultra-high temperature Nb-Si-Ti-Hf-Cr-Al alloy have been prepared with the use of an electron beam floating zone melting (EBFZM) furnace, and their microstructural characteristics have been analyzed. All the primary dendrites of Nb solid solution (Nbss), eutectic colonies of Nba, plus (Nb, Ti)3 Si/(Nb, Ti)5 Si3 and chains of (Nb, Ti)3 Si/(Nb, Ti)5 Si3 plates align along the growth direction of the samples. With increasing of the withdrawing rate, the microstructure is refined, and the amounts of Nbss+ (Nb, Ti)3 Si/(Nb, Ti)5 Si3 eutectic colonies and (Nb, Ti)3 Si/(Nb, Ti)5 Si3 plates increase. There appear nodes in the (Nb, Ti)3 Si/(Nb, Ti)5 Si3 plates.