Integrated high-performance and accurate shaping technology of low-cost powder metallurgy titanium alloys: A comprehensive review

The practical engineering applications of powder metallurgy (PM) Ti alloys produced through cold compaction and pressure-less sintering are impeded by poor sintering densification, embrittlement caused by excessive O impurities, and severe sintering deforma-tion resulting from the use of heterogeneous powder mixtures. This review presents a summary of our previous work on addressing the above challenges. Initially, we proposed a novel strategy using reaction-induced liquid phases to enhance sintering densification. Near- complete density (relative density exceeding 99%) was achieved by applying the above strategy and newly developed sintering aids. By focusing on the O-induced embrittlement issue, we determined the onset dissolution temperature of oxide films in the Ti matrix. On the basis of this finding, we established a design criterion for effective O scavengers that require reaction with oxide films before their dissol-ution. Consequently, a ductile PM Ti alloy was successfully obtained by introducing 0.3wt% NdB6 as the O scavenger. Lastly, a powder- coating strategy was adopted to address the sintering deformation issue. The ultrafine size and shell-like distribution characteristics of coating particles ensured rapid dissolution and homogeneity in the Ti matrix, thereby facilitating linear shrinkage during sintering. As a result, geometrically complex Ti alloy parts with high dimensional accuracy were fabricated by using the coated powder. Our fundament-al findings and related technical achievements enabled the development of an integrated production technology for the high-performance and accurate shaping of low-cost PM Ti alloys. Additionally, the primary engineering applications and progress in the industrialization practice of our developed technology are introduced in this review.

Microstructure evolution and strengthening mechanism of high -performance powder metallurgy TA15 titanium alloy by hot rolling

Hot deformation of sintered billets by powder metallurgy(PM)is an effective preparation technique for titanium alloys,which is more significant for high-alloying alloys.In this study,Ti–6.5Al–2Zr–Mo–V(TA15)titanium alloy plates were prepared by cold press-ing sintering combined with high-temperature hot rolling.The microstructure and mechanical properties under different process paramet-ers were investigated.Optical microscope,electron backscatter diffraction,and others were applied to characterize the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties strengthening mechanism.The results showed that the chemical compositions were uniformly dif-fused without segregation during sintering,and the closing of the matrix craters was accelerated by increasing the sintering temperature.The block was hot rolled at 1200℃ with an 80%reduction under only two passes without annealing.The strength and elongation of the plate at 20–25℃ after solution and aging were 1247 MPa and 14.0%,respectively,which were increased by 24.5%and 40.0%,respect-ively,compared with the as-sintered alloy at 1300℃.The microstructure was significantly refined by continuous dynamic recrystalliza-tion,which was completed by the rotation and dislocation absorption of the substructure surrounded by low-angle grain boundaries.After hot rolling combined with heat treatment,the strength and plasticity of PM-TA15 were significantly improved,which resulted from the dense,uniform,and fine recrystallization structure and the synergistic effect of multiple slip systems.

Ceramic particles reinforced copper matrix composites manufactured by advanced powder metallurgy:preparation, performance, and mechanisms

Copper matrix composites doped with ceramic particles are known to effectively enhance the mechanical properties,thermal expansion behavior and high-temperature stability of copper while maintaining high thermal and electrical conductivity.This greatly expands the applications of copper as a functional material in thermal and conductive components,including electronic packaging materials and heat sinks,brushes,integrated circuit lead frames.So far,endeavors have been focusing on how to choose suitable ceramic components and fully exert strengthening effect of ceramic particles in the copper matrix.This article reviews and analyzes the effects of preparation techniques and the characteristics of ceramic particles,including ceramic particle content,size,morphology and interfacial bonding,on the diathermancy,electrical conductivity and mechanical behavior of copper matrix composites.The corresponding models and influencing mechanisms are also elaborated in depth.This review contributes to a deep understanding of the strengthening mechanisms and microstructural regulation of ceramic particle reinforced copper matrix composites.By more precise design and manipulation of composite microstructure,the comprehensive properties could be further improved to meet the growing demands of copper matrix composites in a wide range of application fields.

Fabrication of homogeneously dispersed graphene/Al composites by solution mixing and powder metallurgy

Graphene-reinforced aluminum （AI） matrix composites were successfully prepared via solution mixing and powder metallurgy in this study. The mechanical properties of the composites were studied using microhardness and tensile tests. Compared to the pure Al alloy, the graphene/Al composites showed increased strength and hardness. A tensile strength of 255 MPa was achieved for the graphene/Al com- posite with only 0.3wt% graphene, which has a 25% increase over the tensile strength of the pure Al matrix. Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the morphol- ogies, chemical compositions, and microstructures of the graphene and the graphene/A1 composites. On the basis of fractographic evidence, a relevant fracture mechanism is proposed.

Effect of Die Wall Lubrication on Warm Compaction Powder Metallurgy

Die wall lubrication was applied on warm compaction powder metallurgy in hope to reduce the concentration level of the admixed lubricant since lubricant is harmful to the mechanical property of the sintered materials. Iron-based samples were prepared by die wall lubricated warm compaction at 135 ℃ and 175 ℃, using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) emulsion as die wall lubricant. A compacting pressure of 700 MPa and 550 MPa were used. The admixed lubricant concentration ranging from 0 to 0.6 wt.% was used in this study. Compared with non-die wall lubricated samples, the die wall lubricated samples have higher green densities. Results show that in addition to the decrease in ejection forces, green density of the compacts increased linearly with the decrease in admixed lubricant content. Mechanical property of the sintered compacts increase sharply when the admixed lubricant concentration reduced to 0.125 wt.% or less. Ejection force data indicated that samples with die wall lubrication show lower ejection forces when compared with samples without die wall lubrication. No scoring was observed in all experiments even for samples contain no admixed lubricant. Our results indicated that under experimental condition used in this study, no matter at which compaction pressure, compaction temperature, graphite and lubricant contents in the powder the die wall lubricated warm compaction would give the highest green density and lowest ejection force. It can be concluded that combination of die wall lubrication and warm compaction can provide P/M products with higher density and better quality. It is a feasible way to produce high performance P/M parts if suitable die wall lubrication system was applied.

Effect of inclusion size on the high cycle fatigue strength and failure mode of a high V alloyed powder metallurgy tool steel

The fatigue strength of a high V alloyed powder metallurgy tool steel with two different inclusion size levels, tempered at different temperatures, was investigated by a series of high cycle fatigue tests. It was shown that brittle inclusions with large sizes above 30μm prompted the occurrence of subsurface crack initiation and the reduction in fatigue strength. The fracture toughness and the stress amplitude both exerted a significant influence on the fish-eye size. A larger fish-eye area would form in the sample with a higher fracture toughness subjected to a lower stress amplitude. The stress intensity factor of the inclusion was found to lie above a typical value of the threshold stress intensity factor of 4 MPa.m^1/2. The fracture toughness of the sample with a hardness above HRC 56 could be estimated by the mean value of the stress intensity factor of the fish-eye. According to fractographic evaluation, the critical inclusion size can be calculated by linear fracture mechanics.

Improvement of Ductility of Powder Metallurgy Titanium Alloys by Addition of Rare Earth Element

Ti-4.5Al-6.0Mo-1.5Fe, Ti-6Al-1Mo-1Fe and Ti-6Al-4V alloys were prepared by blended elemental powder metallurgy （PM） process, and the effects of Nd on the microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM） and X-ray diffraction （XRD）. It was found out that the addition of Nd increased the density of sintered titanium alloys slightly by a maximum increment of 1% because small amount of liquid phase occurred during sintering. The addition of Nd shows little effect on the improvement of tensile strength, while the elongation is significantly improved. For example, the elongation of Ti-4.SAl-6.0Mo-1.5Fe can be increased from 1% without addition of Nd to 13% at a Nd content of 1.2 wt pct.

CHARACTERISTICS OF FATIGUE SURFACE MICROCRACK GROWTH IN VICINAL INCLUSION FOR POWDER METALLURGY ALLOYS

Inclusion flaw is one of the worst flaws of powder metallurgy.The inclusion flaw plays an important role in the failure of high temperature turbine materials in aircraft components and automotive parts,especially fatigue failure.In this paper,an experimental investigation of fatigue microcrack propagation in the vicinal inclusion were carried out by the servo-hydraulic fatigue test system with scanning electron microscope(SEM).It has been found from the SEM images that the fatigue surface microcrack occurs in the matrix and inclusion.According to the SEM images,the characteristics of fatigue crack initiation and growth in vicinal inclusion for powder metallurgy alloys are analyzed in detail.The effect of the geometrical shape and material type of surface inclusions on the cracking is also discussed with the finite element method(FEM).

Preparation and Mechanical Properties of-SiC Nanoparticle Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite by a Multi-step Powder Metallurgy Process

β-SiC nanoparticle reinforced A1 matrix （nano-SiCp/A1） composite was prepared by a multi- step powder metallurgy strategy including presureless sintering, hot compacting process and hot extrusion. The microstructures of the as-prepared composites were observed by scanning electronic microscopy （SEM）, and the mechanical properties were characterized by tensile strength measurement and Brinell hardness test. The experimental results revealed that the tensile strength of the composite with the addition of 5wt%/3-SIC nanoprtieles could be increased to 215 MPa, increasing by 110% compared with pure A1 matrix. Comparative experiments reflected that theβ-SIC nanoprticles showed significant reinforcement effect than traditional a-SiC micro-sized particles. The preparation process and sintering procedure were investigated to develop a cost effective preparation strategy to fabricate nano-SiCp/A1 composite.

Application of the gel casting process in iron powder metallurgy

The effects of various gel casting process parameters such as the dispersant and solid loading on the rheology of Fe slurries, molding, and sintering behaviors were studied. The relationship between solid loading and viscidity in the process of iron base powder metallurgy was researched to obtain better microstructure and properties. The results showed that the viscosity of Fe slurries is obviously reduced with the increase of the dispersant. The suitable parameters are as follows： the solid loading is 61% and sintering temperature is 1180℃. Iron parts with relatively high density and better properties were obtained by the gel casting process.

Experimental Study and Finite Element Polycrystal Model Simulation of the Cold Rolling Textures in a Powder Metallurgy Processed Pure Aluminum Plate

Ingot metallurgy (IM) aluminum has long been the subject and attracted the attention of many metallurgists and textural researchers of materials. Due to the introduction of large amounts of ex situ interfaces, however, the textures in powder metallurgy (PM) processed aluminum has been rarely reported. In this article, a pure aluminum plate was prepared via PM route. The starting billet was first produced with uni-axially cold compaction and flat hot-extrusion and then followed by cold rolling processes. The hot-extruded and cold rolling deformation textures of the pure PM aluminum at 50%, 80% and 90% cold rolling reductions were studied by orientation distribution functions (ODFs) analysis. The finite element polycrystal model (FEPM) was finally utilized to simulate the cold rolling textural evolution at various stages of cold rolling. In FEPM simulation, the initial hot-extruded textures were taken into account as inputs. The results showed that typical β-fiber texture formed in pure PM aluminum with the cold rolling reduction increased till 80%, and there was not much change after excessive cold rolling deformation. Homogeneous slip is not the only deformation mode in PM processed pure aluminum plate at over 80% cold rolling reduction. The experimental results were qualitatively in good agreement with the simulated ones.

A homogenous microstructural Mg-based matrix model for orthopedic application with generating uniform and smooth corrosion product layer in Ringer’s solution:Study on biodegradable behavior of Mg-Zn alloys prepared by powder metallurgy as a case

For high corrosion resistance and extensively modified biodegradable Mg-based alloys and composites for bone implants,a new Mgbased matrix model prepared by powder metallurgy is discussed and developed.In this research,Mg-5 wt.%Zn alloys were selected as a case.And they were impacted by hot extrusion and aging treatments to construct microstructure with different characteristics.Their selfforming corrosion product layer in Ringer’s solution,biodegradable behavior and corrosion mechanism were minutely investigated by in vitro degradation,electrochemical corrosion and cytocompatibility.The results demonstrated the extruded Mg-5 wt.%Zn alloy aged for 96 h showed high corrosion resistance,good biocompatibility for L929 and excellent ability of maintaining sample integrity during the immersion.Significantly,the alloy showed fine-grain microstructure and uniform distributed hundred nano-sized second phases,which promoted the formation of the uniform and smooth corrosion product layer at the beginning of immersion.The corrosion product layer was more stable in chloride containing aqueous solution and could be directly formed and repaired quickly,which effectively protected the matrix from further corrosion.In addition,an ideal model of Mg-based matrix for bone tissue engineering was tried to presume and propose by discussing the causal relationship between microstructure and bio-corrosion process.

Effect of Copper and Bronze Addition on Corrosion Resistance of Alloyed 316L Stainless Steel Cladded on Plain Carbon Steel by Powder Metallurgy

A sandwich structure with cladding alloyed 316L stainless steel on plain carbon steel was prepared by means of powder metallurgy (PM) processing. Electrolytic Cu and prealloyed bronze (95Cu wt pct, 5Sn wt pct) were added in different contents up to 15% into the surface cladded 316L layers and the effect of alloying concentrations on the corrosion resistance of the 316L cladding layers was studied. The corrosion performances of the cladding samples were studied by immersion tests and potentio-dynamic anodic polarization tests in H2S04 and FeCI3 solutions. Both 316L and alloyed 316L surface layers with 1.0 mm depth produced by PM cladding had an effect to improve corrosion resistance in H2SO4 and FeCI3 solutions. Small Cu and bronze addition (4%) had a positive effect in H2SO4 and FeCI3 solutions. 4% Cu alloyed 316L surface layer produced by PM cladding showed similar anodic polarization behaviour to the 316L cladding layer in H2SO4 and FeCl3 solutions.

Cooling γ′ precipitation behavior and strengthening in powder metallurgy su-peralloy FGH4096

Two cooling schemes （continuous cooling and interrupted cooling tests） were applied to investigate the cooling γ precipitation behavior in powder metallurgy superalloy FGH4096. The effect of cooling rate on cooling γ precipitation and the development of γ precipitates during cooling process were involved in this study. The ultimate tensile strength （ErrS） of the specimens in various cooling circumstances was tested. The experiential equations were obtained between the average sizes of secondary and tertiary γ precipitates, the strength, and cooling rate. The results show that they are inversely correlated with the cooling rate as well as the grain boundary changes from serrated to straight, the shape of secondary γ precipitates changes from irregular cuboidal to spherical, while the formed tertiary γ precipitates are always spherical. The interrupted cooling tests show that the average size of secondary γ precipitates increases as a linear function of interrupt temperature for a fixed cooling rate of 24℃/min. The strength first decreases and then increases against interrupt temperature, which is fundamentally caused by the multistage nucleation of γ precipitates during cooling process.

Thermal stability and microstructure development of cast and powder metallurgy produced Mg-Y-Zn alloy during heat treatment

Response to isochronal annealing up to 440 ℃ of squeeze cast Mg–Y–Zn alloy and of the same alloy prepared by powder metallurgy(PM)and extruded at 280 ℃ was studied by resistivity and microhardness measurement,differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)and microstructure investigation.Electrical resistivity was measured at 77 K and microhardness was measured at room temperature after each annealing step.DSC measurement was performed at various heating rates.Transmission and scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy revealed ribbons of long-period ordered structure(LPSO)18R and planar defects within grain boundaries.Relatively high density of planar defects was found in grain interiors of the cast alloy with the grain size approximately 50μm.Well pronounced subgrains were observed in the PM prepared alloy.Secondary phase particles decorate grain boundaries in this alloy.Three precipitation processes were detected in the cast alloy during repeated isochronal annealing up to 440 ℃,whereas only one significant process was revealed in the PM alloy.These processes were identified as embedding of stacking faults by solutes,development and rearrangement(18R→14H)of LPSO phase and development of grain boundary particles.A coarsening of grain boundary particles rich in Y and Zn only proceeds in the PM alloy.Activation energies of the precipitation processes were determined.Microhardness exhibits good thermal stability against annealing up to 360 ℃ in the PM alloy.

Assessment of the SiC＿p Distribution Uniformity in SiC＿p／Al Composites Made by Powder Metallurgy

In the manufacture of SiC_p/Al completes via powder metallurgy, the method of assessing the distri-bution uniformity of SiC particles is very important. The SiC_p distribution uniformity on each processingprocedure at the macro- and micro-mixed stages was investigated and the methods for determining mix-ture quality were put forward.

Powder metallurgy of high-entropy alloys and related composites: A short review

High-entropy alloys(HEAs)have attracted increasing attention because of their unique properties,including high strength,hardness,chemical stability,and good wear resistance.Powder metallurgy is one of the most important methods used to fabricate HEA materials.This paper introduces the methods used to synthesize HEA powders and consolidate HEA bulk.The phase transformation,microstructural evolution,and mechanical properties of HEAs obtained by powder metallurgy are summarized.We also address HEA-related materials such as ceramic–HEA cermets and HEA-based composites fabricated by powder metallurgy.

Processing TiAl-Based Alloy by Elemental Powder Metallurgy

TiAI-based alloys with various compositions (including Ti-48Al, Ti-47Al-2Cr-2Nb, Ti-47Al-2Cr-2Nb-0.2B and Ti-47Al-3Cr, in mole fraction) had been prepared by elemental powder metallurgy (EPM). The results have shown that the density of the prepared Ti-48AI alloy increases with increasing hot pressing temperature up to 1300℃. The Ti-48AI alloy microstructure mainly consisted of island-like Ti3Al phase and TiAl matrix at hot pressing temperature below 1300℃, however, coarse α2/γ lamellar colonies and γ grains appeared at 1400℃. It has also indicated that the additions of elemental Cr and B can refine the alloy microstructure. The main microstructural inhomogeneity in EPM TiAI-based alloys was the island-like α2 phase or the aggregate of α2/γ lamellar colony, and such island-like structure will be inherited during subsequent heat treatment in (α＋γ) field. Only after heat treatment in a field would this structure be eliminated. The mechanical properties of EPM TiAl-based alloys with various compositions were tested, and the effect of alloy elements on the mechanical properties was closely related to that of alloy elements on the alloy microstructures. Based on the above results, TiAI-based alloy exhaust valves were fabricated by elemental powder metallurgy and diffusion joining. The automobile engine test had demonstrated that the performance of the manufactured valves was very promising for engine service.

Development of Mg based biomaterial with improved mechanical and degradation properties using powder metallurgy

In the present work,biocompatible materials such as niobium(Nb),zinc(Zn)and calcium(Ca)have been blended with magnesium(Mg)to develop a novel biomaterial(BM)with improved mechanical and corrosion resistant properties.Powder metallurgy(PM)technique was used to fabricate Mg based BM.The powder of all aforementioned materials were mixed homogenously in specific quantities to create a uniform composite component.In order to analyse the influence of process parameters on the mechanical properties of the fabricated part,experiments were performed considering central composite design(CCD).The effect of powder metallurgical parameters namely percentage Nb,compaction pressure,heating rate,sintering temperature and soaking time on the ultimate compressive strength(UCS)and sintered density was studied in the present study.It was found that the UCS and sintered density increased with increase in compaction pressure,heating rate and sintering temperature.The results also revealed that the increase in soaking time and percentage Nb,increased sintered density and UCS to a certain limit.Subsequent increase in these two parameters,sintered density and UCS decreased.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)images of the fabricated samples showed reduction in porosity with the increase in heating rate.Moreover,X-ray diffraction(XRD)results revealed that no other phase or impurities were found during sintering of Mg based BMs.The optimum process parameters were obtained to develop Mg based BM for maximum UCS and sintered density.Furthermore,the Mg based BM samples fabricated at optimum process parameters were used for corrosion testing in simulated body fluid(SBF)solution at a temperature of 37±0.5℃.The Mg based BM yielded improved mechanical properties with reduced corrosion rates as compared to pure Mg.

Oxidation resistance of powder metallurgy Ti-45Al-10Nb alloy at high temperature

TiAl alloy with high Nb content,nominally Ti-45Al-10Nb,was prepared by powder metallurgy,and the oxidation resistance at 850,900,and 950℃was investigated.The high-temperature oxidation-resistance mechanism and oxidation dynamics were discussed following the oxide skin morphology and microstructural evolution analysis.The oxide skin structures were similar for 850 and 900℃,with TiO_(2)+Al_(2)O_(3)mixture covering TiO_(2)with dispersed Nb_(2)O_(5).At 950℃,the oxide skin was divided into four sublayers,from the outside to the parent metal:loose TiO_(2)+Al_(2)O_(3),dense Al_(2)O_(3),dense TiO_(2)+Nb_(2)O_(5),and TiO_(2)matrix with dispersed Nb_(2)O_(5).The Nb layer suppressed the outward diffusion of Ti atoms,hindering the growth of TiO_(2),and simultaneously promote the formation of a continuous Al_(2)O_(3)protective layer,providing the alloy with long-term high-temperature oxidation resistance.