Effect of minor Sc and Zr addition on microstructure and properties of ultra-high strength aluminum alloy

The Al-9Zn-2.8Mg-2.5Cu-xZr-ySc alloys （x=0, 0.15%, 0.15%; y=0, 0.05%, 0.15%）, produced by low-frequent electromagnetic casting technology, were subjected to homogenization treatment, hot extrusion, solution and aging treatment. The effects of minor Sc and Zr addition on microstructure, recrystallization and properties of alloys were studied by optical microscopy （OM）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. The results show that Sc and Zr addition can refine grains of the as-cast alloy by precipitation of primary Al3（Sc,Zr） particles formed during solidification as heterogeneous nuclei. Secondary Al3（Sc,Zr） precipitates formed during homogenization treatment strongly pin the movement of dislocation and subgrain boundaries, which can effectively inhibit the alloys recrystallization. Compared with the alloy without Sc and Zr addition, the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloy with 0.05%Sc and 0.15%Zr shows the increase in tensile strength and yield strength by 172 MPa and 218 MPa, respectively. Strengthening comes from the contributions of precipitation, substructure and grain refining.

Effect of Trace Sc and Zr on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of A1 Alloy 2618

An experimental 2618(Al-Cu-Mg-Fe-Ni) alloy added with trace Sc and Zr was prepared by ingot metallurgy (IM) method. The aging behavior of the alloy was studied by Vickers hardness measurement at 200℃ and 300℃. and the tensile properties of alloy specimens were measured at 20℃, 200℃, 250℃ and 300℃. The microstructure was observed by using optical microscope, SEM and TEM. It was found that the addition of Sc and Zr to 2618 alloy resulted in a primary Al_3(Sc,Zr) phase which could refine the grain because it acts as nuclei of heterogeneous crystallization in the melt during solidification. The secondary Al_3(Sc,Zr) particles were full coherent with matrix and had obvious precipitation hardening effect. They also made the S' phase precipitate more homogeneous. So the strength of alloy increases at both ambient and elevated temperatures without a decrease of ductility. The ductile fracture of alloy occurs by microvoid nucleation, growth and coalescence, so the microvoid coalescence is the dominant fracture mechanism.

Semisolid slurry of 7A04 aluminum alloy prepared by electromagnetic stirring and Sc, Zr additions

Slurry preparation is one of the most critical steps for semisolid casting, and its primary goal is to prepare slurry with uniformly distributed fine globules. In this work, electromagnetic stirring(EMS) and the addition of Sc and Zr elements were used to prepare semisolid slurry of 7A04 aluminum alloy in a large diameter slurry maker. The effects of different treatments on the microstructure, composition and their radial homogeneity were investigated. The results show that, compared to the slurry without any treatment, large volume slurry with finer and more uniform microstructure can be obtained when treated by EMS, Sc, or Zr additions individually. EMS is more competent in the microstructural and chemical homogenization of the slurry while Sc and Zr additions are more excellent in its microstructural refinement. The combined treatment of EMS, Sc and Zr produces premium 7A04 aluminum alloy slurry with uniformly distributed fine α-Al globules and composition. The interaction mechanism between EMS and Sc and Zr additions was also discussed.

Effects of minor Sc and Zr additions on mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloys

The effects of minor Sc and Zr additions on the mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of Al Zn Mg Cu alloys were studied using tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ultimate tensile strength of the peak-aged Al Zn Mg Cu alloy is improved by about 105 MPa with the addition of 0.10% Zr. An increase of about 133 MPa is observed with the joint addition of 0.07% Sc and 0.07% Zr. For the alloys modified with the minor addition of Sc and Zr (0.14%), the main strengthening mechanisms of minor addition of Sc and Zr are fine-grain strengthening, sub-structure strengthening and the Orowan strengthening mechanism produced by the Al3(Sc,Zr) and Al3Zr dispersoids. The volume of Al3Zr particles is less than that of Al3(Sc,Zr) particles, but the distribution of Al3(Sc,Zr) particles is more dispersed throughout the matrix leading to pinning the dislocations motion and restraining the recrystallization more effectively.

Effect of Sc and Zr on recrystallization behavior of 7075 aluminum alloy

The static recrystallization behavior of 7075 aluminum alloy containing Al_(3)(Sc,Zr)phase prepared by casting and the relationship between recrystallization behavior and mechanical properties were studied.The addition of Sc and Zr made the Sc−Zr−7075 aluminum alloy remain the most of fibrous structure and high-density dislocations formed in the extrusion process,resulting in the recrystallization fraction of the alloy decreasing from 35%to 22%,and the corresponding fraction of substructure increasing from 59%to 67%.The Sc and Zr effectively inhibited the recrystallization behavior of 7075 aluminum alloy mainly,which was attributed to the fact that the existence of fine and coherent Al_(3)(Sc,Zr)phase(r=35 nm,f=1.8×10^(−3))strongly pined the dislocations and grain boundaries,preventing the dislocations from rearranging into sub-grain boundaries and from developing into high angle grain boundaries,and further hindering the formation and growth of recrystallized core of the alloy.

Effect of minor Sc and Zr on microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg based alloys

Two kinds of Al Zn Mg based alloys with and without Sc, Zr addition were prepared by ingot metallurgy. The tensile mechanical properties and microstructures of the studied alloys at different treatment conditions were studied. The results show that addition of minor Sc and Zr can remarkably improve the strength of Al Zn Mg based alloys, but the ductility remains on a higher level. The strength increment is mainly due to fine grain strengthening, substructure strengthening and precipitation strengthening of Al 3(Sc,Zr).

Microstructural evolution of ultra-high strength Al-Zn-Cu-Mg-Zr alloy containing Sc during homogenization

The microstructural evolution and composition distribution of an Al-Zn-Cu-Mg-Sc-Zr alloy during homogenization were investigated by optical microscopy（OM）,scanning electron microscopy（SEM）,energy dispersive spectrometry（EDS）,X-ray diffraction（XRD） and differential scanning calorimetry（DSC）.The results show that severe dendritic segregation exists in Al-Zn-Cu-Mg-Sc-Zr alloy ingot.There are a lot of eutectic phases at grain boundary and the distribution of the main elements varies periodically along interdendritic region.The main eutectic phases at grain boundary are Al7Cu2Fe phase and T（Al2Mg3Zn3）.The residual phases are dissolved into the matrix gradually during homogenization with increasing temperature and prolonging holding time,which can be described by a constitutive equation in exponential function.The overburnt temperature of the alloy is 473.9 ℃.The optimum parameters of homogenization are 470 ℃ and 24 h,which is consistent with the result of homogenization kinetic analysis.

Microstructural evolution of Al-Zn-Mg-Zr alloy with trace amount of Sc during homogenization treatment

The microstructural evolution of Al-Zn-Mg-Zr alloy with trace amount of Sc during homogenization treatment was studied by means of metallographic analysis, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, energy dispersive X-ray （EDX） and differential scanning calorimetry （DSC）. The results show that serious dendritic segregation exists in studied alloy ingot. There are many eutectic phases with low melting-point at grain boundary and the distribution of main elements along interdendritic region varies periodically. Elements Zn, Mg and Cu distribute unevenly from grain boundary to the inside of alloy. With increasing the homogenization temperature or prolonging the holding time, the residual phases are dissolved into matrix α（Al） gradually during homogenization treatment, all elements become more homogenized. The overburnt temperature of studied alloy is 476.7 °C. When homogenization temperature increases to 480 °C, some spherical phases and redissolved triangular constituents at grain boundaries can be easily observed. Combined with microstructural evolution and differential scanning calorimeter, the optimum homogenization parameter is at 470 °C for 24 h.

Combined Effects of Pre-deformation and Preaging on the Mechanical Properties of Al-Cu-Mg Alloy with Sc and Zr Addition

The combined effects of pre-deformation and pre-aging on the mechanical properties of AlCu-Mg alloy with Sc and Zr addition were investigated. It is revealed that the introduction of pre-deformation can enhance the peak-aging strength, as well as tensile and yield strength, effectively due to the formation of finer and more dispersive precipitation. Pre-aging process before pre-deformation can increase the elongation while maintaining higher strength with a discontinuous distribution of precipitates at grain boundary. The precipitates of bean-like Al3（Sc, Zr） particles further strengthen the alloy via pinning the dislocations which are formed during pre-deformation process and hindering the dislocation motion. Furthermore, pre-deformation and pre-aging accelerate the kinetics of precipitation due to preferential sites provided by the dislocation and the increase of GPB zones＇ size and distribution. The synergism of pre-deformation and pre-aging achieves a combination of better mechanical properties and shorter peak-aging time.

Effect of Sc and Zr on microstructures and mechanical properties of as-cast Al-Mg-Si-Mn alloys

Microstructures of as-cast Al-Mg-Si-Mn alloys with and without Sc and Zr were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy(SEM) and energy dispersion spectrum analysis. Addition of 0.2%-0.4% Sc can refine the grain size and change the growth morphology from dendritic to fine equi-axial crystal. The higher the addition of Sc, the finer the as-cast grain size. The tensile strength is increased by more than 30% with 0.4% Sc. Moreover, an addition of 0.1%-0.2% Zr is able to refine grain size and change the growth morphology from dendritic to equi-axial grain too, but less effective. However, Zr is found to increase the ductility of the cast alloys, and the elongation is increased to 11.97% with 0.2% Zr.

Effect of minor Sc and Zr addition on microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys

Three kinds of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu based alloys with 0.22%, 0.36%(Sc+Zr) (mass fraction, %), and without Sc, Zr addition were prepared by ingot metallurgy. By using optical microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the effects of microalloying elements of Sc, Zr on the microstructure of super-high-strength Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys related to mechanical properties were investigated. The tensile properties and microstructures of the studied alloys under different heat treatment conditions were studied. The addition of minor Sc, Zr results in the formation of Al3(Sc,Zr) particles. These particles are highly effective in refining the microstructures, retarding recrystallization, pinning dislocations and subboundaries. The strength of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys was greatly improved by simultaneously adding minor Sc, Zr, meanwhile the ductility of the studied alloys remains at a higher level. The 0.36%(Sc+Zr) alloys gain the optimal properties after 465 ℃/h solution and 120 ℃/24 h aging. The increment of strength is mainly due to strengthening of fine grain and substructure and precipitation of Al3(Sc, Zr) particles.

Effect of minor Sc and Zr on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy

A series of Al-8.2Zn-2.1Mg-2.3Cu based as-cast alloys and some plates with thickness of 4 mm containing minor Sc and Zr were prepared. The effect of joint addition of minor Sc and Zr on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys were investigated by using OM, SEM with EDS and TEM. The results show that by adding 0.18% Zr (mass fraction) in the cast alloy, the grains can be refined to a certain degree, and by adding 0.18% Sc a little as well. Adding Sc and Zr can generate strong grain refinement effect and obtain a fine equiaxed grain structure, because primary Al3(ScxZr1- )precipitation forms in front of the x a-Al grains. The microstructure and tensile test results show that 0.18% addition of Zr does not bring higher tensile strength and elongation to the alloy of adding Sc, but a better inhibition to recrystallization. Recrystallization inhibiting effect is the strongest in the alloys with joint addition of Sc and Zr. When the content of Zr is unchanged, the strength and elongation of the alloys increase with increasing Sc addition. The increase of strength and elongation in the alloys is related to the refine grain strengthening, precipitation particles strengthening and substructure strengthening principles.

Effect of minor Sc and Zr on superplasticity of Al-Mg-Mn alloys

The effect of Sc and Zr on the superplastic properties of Al-Mg-Mn alloy sheets was investigated by control experiment. The superplastic properties and the mechanism of superplastic deformation of the two alloys were studied by means of optical microscope, scanning electronic microscope and transmission electron microscope. The elongation to failure of Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloy is larger than that of Al-Mg-Mn alloy at the same temperature and initial strain rate. The variation of strain rate sensitivity index is similar to that of elongation to failure. In addition, Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloy exhibits higher strain rate superplastic property. The activation energies of the two alloys that are calculated by constitutive equation and linear regression method approach the energy of grain boundary diffusion. The addition of Sc and Zr decreases activation energy and improves the superplastic property of Al-Mg-Mn alloy. The addition of Sc and Zr refines the grain structure greatly. The main mechanism of superplastic deformation of the two alloys is grain boundary sliding accommodated by grain boundary diffusion. The fine grain structure and high density of grain boundary, benefit grain boundary sliding, and dynamic recrystallization brings new fine grain and high angle grain boundary which benefit grain boundary sliding too. Grain boundary diffusion, dislocation motion and dynamic recrystallization harmonize the grain boundary sliding during deformation.

Oxidation behavior of Zr-containing Ti_2AlNb-based alloy at 800°C

The oxidation behavior of Ti?22Al?(27?x)Nb?xZr (x=0, 1, 6) alloys at 800 °C for exposure time up to 100 h was examined. It is shown that oxidation rate of experimental alloys obeys the parabolic kinetics. Ti?22Al?26Nb?1Zr alloy demonstrates more excellent oxidation resistance than the other two alloys. The main oxidation products are TiO2, Al2O3 and AlNbO4 phases for all these alloys. For the Ti?22Al?26Nb?1Zr alloy, Zr addition can modify the growth mechanism of oxide scale, which can effectively hinder the diffusion of oxygen. Whereas, reaction of Zr with oxygen leads to the formation of ZrO2 precipitates for the Ti?22Al?21Nb?6Zr alloy, which promotes the oxygen ingress into the substrate. Meanwhile, oxidation affected zones, including internal-oxidation layer and oxygen-enriched zone, are present beneath the outmost oxide scale. The difference in these zones is derived from the phase constitution in the starting Ti?22Al?(27?x)Nb?xZr (x=0, 1, 6) alloys.

Influence of minor Sc additions on grain refinement and microstructure characteristics of a high Zn-containing Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloy

In the present work, scandium elements with a series of contents(0.06 wt.%, 0.10 wt.%, 0.14 wt.%,0.17 wt.%, 0.20 wt.% and 0.25 wt.%) were added in a high Zn-containing Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloy and the corresponding as-cast microstructure characteristics including grains and phases were thoroughly investigated. The results indicated that fine grain boundaries existed in these alloys and fine MgZn2phases discontinuously distributed on them. Besides,AlZnMgCu eutectic phases and Sc, Zr-containing phases with flocculent morphology were observed. As scandium contents vary from 0.06 wt.% to 0.17 wt.%, the average grain size continuously decreased and its equiaxial characteristics were strengthened. Meanwhile, the content of AlZnMgCu eutectic phase showed a decrease trend. When scandium contents were 0.20 wt.% and 0.25 wt.%, no further enhancement on grain refinement was observed, so as to the reduction of AlZnMgCu eutectic phase content. Besides, Sc, Zr-containing phases with blocky morphology were observed and the alloy with a scandium content of 0.25 wt.% possessed a larger amount of blocky Sc, Zr-containing phase than the alloy with a scandium content of 0.20 wt.%. Grain refinement and reduction of AlZnMgCu eutectic phase content associated with scandium addition were discussed.

Friction and wear behaviors of Nb-Ti-Si-Cr based ultrahigh temperature alloy and its Zr-Y jointly modified silicide coatings

Zr-Y jointly modified silicide coatings were prepared on an Nb-Ti-Si-Cr based ultrahigh temperature alloy by pack cementation process. The wear behaviors of both the base alloy and coatings were comparatively studied at room temperature and 800 ℃ using SiC balls as the counterpart. The Zr-Y jointly modified silicide coating is mainly composed of a thick （Nb,X）Si2 outer layer and a thin （Ti,Nb）5Si4 inner layer. The coatings possess much higher microhardness than the base alloy. The wear rates of both the base alloy and coatings increase with increasing the sliding loads. However, the coatings have much lower wear rates than the base alloy under the same sliding conditions. The coatings have superior anti-friction property, and can provide effective protection for the base alloy at both room temperature and 800 ℃ in air.

BOND PARAMETER AND ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE OF Sc,Y,Ti,Zr AND Hf METALS

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Improved hydrogenation properties of Mg-x(Ti_(0.9) Zr_(0.2) Mn_(1.5) Cr_(0.3))composites

Mg-x(Ti0.9 Zr0.2 Mn1.5 Cr0.3)(x=20%,30%,40%) (mass fraction) composite powders were prepared by reactive ball milling with hydrogen and their hydrogen storage properties and microstructure were investigated by XRD,SEM and pressure-composition-temperature measurement.The results show that the composites have 3.83%-5.07%hydrogen capacity at 553 K and good hydrogenation kinetics,even at room temperature.Among them,the milled Mg-30%(Ti0.9Zr0.2Mn1.5Cr0.3)composite has the highest hydrogenation kinetics as it can quickly absorb 2.1%hydrogen at 373 K,3.5%in 2 000 s at 473 K,even 3.26%in 60 s at 553 K under 3 MPa hydrogen pressure.The improved hydrogenation properties come from the catalytic effect of Ti0.9 Zr0.2 Mn1.5 Cr0.3 particles dispersed uniformly on the surface of Mg particles.

轧制态TiZrNbSn合金的再结晶行为

首先对冷轧态Ti-49Zr-21Nb-1.0Sn(TZNS1.0)合金分别在600、650、700、750、800和850℃进行再结晶退火处理10、20、30、60、90和120 min,随后采用光学显微镜(OM)和电子背散射衍射(EBSD)技术分析了热处理后合金的组织演变,计算了合金的再结晶激活能,建立了其再结晶动力学模型。结果表明:随着退火温度的升高,TZNS1.0合金的再结晶形核孕育时间缩短,β晶粒经历了回复、再结晶形核和长大阶段。随着退火时间的增加,合金的晶粒尺寸增大,但长大速度逐渐减小。TZNS1.0合金在750℃再结晶退火后,仅少数区域发生再结晶,大部分区域仍为变形组织,并存在许多小角度晶界、高密度位错和轧制织构。在800℃退火后,再结晶区域呈现大角度晶界,轧制织构和高密度位错被消除。退火温度进一步升高到850℃时,再结晶过程全部完成,合金晶粒明显长大。TZNS1.0合金的再结晶激活能为67.45 kJ/mol,850℃退火处理时,合金的再结晶动力学方程为x=1-e^(-0.05t 0.9)。

形变热处理对Ti-Nb-Zr合金组织及超弹性行为的影响

Ti-Nb-Zr合金具有低弹性模量、高强度以及优异的生物相容性,在生物医用材料领域备受关注。Ti-Nb-Zr合金的超弹性归因于β↔α″相变。综述了Ti-Nb-Zr合金的弹性模量和超弹性的影响因素及变化规律。通过添加合金元素来调整相变温度和滑移临界应力,应力诱发马氏体相变更易发生,β相塑性变形延迟出现,获得更大的相变应变和恢复应变。总结了Ti-Nb-Zr合金的形变热处理与超弹性效应之间的关系和作用机制。冷轧后短时间热处理可以增加位错滑移的临界应力、避免其他相(ω或α相)的生长,保持β相的稳定性、提高合金的恢复应变和超弹性。