Simulation of formation and evolution of nano-clusters during rapid solidification of liquid Ca_(70)Mg_(30) alloy

A molecular dynamics simulation study was performed to investigate the formation and evolution mechanisms of nano-clusters during the rapid solidification of liquid CaToMg30 alloy. The cluster-type index method （CTIM） was adopted to describe microstructure evolutions of nano-clusters during solidification. Results indicate that amorphous structure is mainly formed with three bond-types of 1551, 1541 and 1431 at the cooling rate of 5~1011 K/S, and glass transition temperature Tg is about 530 K; the icosahedron cluster of （12 0 12 0） plays a key role in formation of amorphous structure, and smaller Mg atoms are much more probable to be central atoms of icosahedron clusters; and nano-clusters are mainly formed by combining medium-size clusters. Interestingly, it was also found that formation and evolution processes of the nano-cluster display a three-stage feature which is analogous to crystallization process of amorphous alloy.

Rapid solidification of Cu_(60)Co_(30)Cr_(10) alloy under different conditions

Metastable liquid phase separation and rapid solidification in a metastable miscibility gap were investigated on the Cu60Co30Cr10 alloy by using the electromagnetic levitation and splat-quenching.It is found that the alloy generally has a microstructure consisting of a（Co,Cr）-rich phase embedded in a Cu-rich matrix,and the morphology and size of the（Co,Cr）-rich phase vary drastically with cooling rate.During the electromagnetic levitation solidification processing the cooling rate is lower,resulting in an obvious coalescence tendency of the（Co,Cr）-rich spheroids.The（Co,Cr）-rich phase shows dendrites and coarse spheroids at lower cooling rates.In the splat quenched samples the（Co,Cr）-rich phase spheres were refined significantly and no dendrites were observed.This is probably due to the higher cooling rate,undercooling and interface tension.

MICROSTRUCTURE OF Mg-6.4Zn-1.1Y ALLOY FABRICATED BY RAPID SOLIDIFICATION AND RECIPROCATING EXTRUSION

In order to explore the methods to prepare high-strength quasicrystal-reinforced magnesium alloys, the flakes of rapidly solidified Mg-6.4Zn-1.1 Y magnesium alloy with a thickness of 50-60μm were obtained by a melt spinning single-roller device, and the flakes were then processed into rods by reciprocating extrusion and direct extrusion. The microstructure of the alloy was analyzed by optical microscope and SEM, and the constituent phases were identified by XRD. Phase transformation and its onset temperature were determined by differential thermal analyzer （DTA）. The analysis result shows that rapid solidification for Mg-6.4Zn-I.IY alloy can inhibit the eutectic reactions, broaden the solid solubility of Zn in α-Mg solute solution, and impede the formation of Mg3 Y2Zn3 and MgZn2 compounds, and thus help the icosahedral Mg3 YZn6 quasicrystal formed directly from the melt. The microstructure of the flakes consists of the α-Mg solid solution and icosahedral Mg3 YZn6 quasicrystal. Dense rods can be made from the flakes by two-pass reciprocating extrusion and direct extrusion. The interfaces between flakes in the rods can be welded and jointed perfectly. During the reciprocating extrusion and direct extrusion process, more Mg3 YZn6 compounds are precipitated and distributed uniformly, whereas the rods possess fine microstructures inherited from rapidly solidified flakes. The rods contain only two phases： α- magnesium solid solution as matrix and fine icosahedral Mg3 YZn6 quasicrystal which disperses uniformly in the matrix.

Microstructural evolution of Al-20Si-5Fe alloy during rapid solidification and hot consolidation

Al-20Si-5Fe melt was rapidly solidified into particles and ribbons and then consolidated to near full density by hot pressing at 400℃/250 MPa/1 h. According to the eutectic-growth and dendritic-growth velocity models, the solidification front velocity and the amount of undercooling were estimated for the particles with different sizes. Values of 0.43-1.2 cm/s and 15-28 K were obtained. The secondary dendrite arm spacing revealed a cooling rate of 6 × 10^5 K/s for the particles with an average size of 20 μm. Solidification models for the ribbons yielded a cooling rate of 5 × 10^7 K/s. As a result of the higher cooling rate, the melt-spun ribbons exhibited considerable microstructural refinement and modification. The size of the primary silicon decreased from approximately 1μm to 30 nm while the formation of iron-containing intermetallic compounds was suppressed. Supersaturation of the aluminum matrix in an amount of-7 at.% Si was noticed from the XRD patterns During the hot consolidation process, coarsening of the primary silicon particles and precipitation of β-Al5FeSi phase were observed. Evaluation of the compressive strength and hardness of the alloy indicated an improvement in mechanical properties due to the microstructural modification.

SUPERPLASTICITY OF A RAPIDLY SOLIDIFIED AI-Li ALLOY

A rapidly solidified microcrystalline Al-Li-Cu-Mg-Zr alloy and its superplasicity have been investigated.An optimum tensile elongation of 585% was obtained at 540℃ and strain rate 1.67×10^(-2)s^(-1).The superplastic Al-Li alloy is manufaetured using thermomechanical pro- cessing:solution,overaging,warm rolling and recrystallization.Microstructural changes in thermomechanical processing and cavitation occurred during superplastic deformation have been observed.The superplastic failure of alloy may be caused mainly by nucleation and growth of cavities as well as the linkage around grains.

Investigation of Intermetallic Compound Formed from Rapid Solidification of Al-Ti-RE Alloy

Al-Ti alloy containing rare earth elements can produce fine, uniform dispersion intermetallic phase through rapid solidification (RS) technology. RS Al-Ti-RE alloy can be designed for applications at elevated-temperature since the intermetallic compound has good thermal stability. A transmission electron microscopy investigation shows the intermetallic phase has a diamond cubic structure (a=1.47736 nm), with space group Fd3m. The chemical stoichiometry is Al_(20)Ti_2La. The particle is formed from the melting directly, prior to other phases, and the nucleus is formed from icosahedrons composed with twenty tetrahedrons. Twin crystal structure plays an important role in the nucleation stage.

Microstructure and Mechanical Property of 2024 Aluminium Alloy Prepared by Rapid Solidification and Mechanical Milling

Rapidly solidified 2024 aluminium alloy powders were mechanically milled, then consolidated to bulk form. The microstructural changes of the powders in mechanical milling (MM) and consolidation process were characterized by X-ray diffraction analyses and transmission electron microscopy observations. The results showed that mechanical milling reduced the grain size to nanometer, dissolved the Al2Cu intermetallic compound into the aluminium matrix and produced an aluminium supersaturated solid solution. During consolidation process. the grain size increased to submicrometer, and the Al2Cu and Al2(Cu, Mg, Si, Fe, Mn) compounds precipitated owing to heating. Increasing consolidation temperature and time results in obvious grain growth and coarsening of second phase particles. The tensile yield strength of the consolidated alloy with submicrometer size grains increases with decreasing grain size, and it follows the famous HallPetch relation

High Strength, Ductility and Superplasticity Mg-6Zn-1Y-0.6Ce-0.6Zr Alloy Prepared by Rapid Solidification and Reciprocating Extrusion

High strength, ductility, and superplasticity Mg-6.0%Zn-1.0%Y-0.6%Ce-0.6%Zr（wt%） alloy was prepared by sequentially applying rapid solidification, extrusion, and reciprocating extrusion（REX）. The microstructure of the alloy after 2-pass REX consisted of fine grains smaller than 0.7 μm and nanometer strengthening particles. The refined grains resulted from recrystallization during which the nanometer particles played an important role in restrain grain growth. The mechanical properties of the material were investigated at room and elevated temperatures. High tensile yield strength of 336 MPa and elongation of 27% were obtained at room temperature. At elevated temperatures, the highest elongation of 270% was obtained at 250 ℃ and an initial strain rate of 3.3×10^-3 s^-1, and LTS and HSRS were achieved. The high strength, ductility, and superplasticity were attributed to the refined unique microstructure.

Microstructure and properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy with rapid solidification

Rapidly solidified （RS） AZ31 magnesium alloy ribbons were made using melt spinning technique. The results show that its microhardness increases with the wheel speed, and after heat treatment, the microhardness of the ribbons produced at 1 600 r/min also increases. Rapid solidification leads to reduction of grain size. When the wheel speed reaches 1 600 r/min, no Mg17Al12 phase precipitates, while heat treatment at 200 ℃ leads to precipitation of Mg17Al12 phase. Al-Mn intermetallic compounds with size no larger than 10 nm appear in as-spun ribbons. The corrosion potential of the as-cast ingots is lower than that of the as-spun ribbons.

Rapid solidification of Al-18%Si hypereutectic alloy in drop tube

The drop tube technique was performed to achieve rapid solidification of undercooled Al 18%Si hypereutectic alloy. The droplets ranging from 60～1 000 μm in diameter were obtained. The regular polygonal primary Si and lamellar eutectic homogeneously distribute on α (Al) matrix in the droplets larger than 500 μm. While in the droplets smaller than 500 μm the five star primary Si was found, which is often accompanied by some spherical eutectic grains. The different morphologies of primary Si are due to varied undercoolings. Scanning electron microscopy suggests that the spherical eutectic grain is composed of anomalous eutectic in its core and lamellar eutectic radiating outside from its periphery. Such eutectic microstructure is presumed to be the result of combining large undercooling, microgravity with containerless processing during free fall. [

The Role of Silver Additions in Formation of Sn-Bi-Ag Semiconductor Alloys by Rapid Solidification

Five alloys Sn-5Bi-xAg (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 in at %) are produced by rapid solidification using melt-spinning technique. From temperature dependence of electrical resistivity (TDR), it is found that the Sn-5Bi-xAg (x = 1, 2, 3, 4 in at %) rapidly solidified by melt spinning technique are narrow band semiconductor alloys. The energy gap Eg decreases by increasing Ag concentration from 203 meV for Sn-5Bi-1Ag to 97.5 meV for Sn-5Bi-4Ag alloy. From x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), it is found that the Hume-Rothery condition for phase stability is not satisfied for this alloy.

Microstructure of a two-phase titanium alloy by rapid solidification technique

Ribbons of the two-phase titanium alloy were fabricated by single-roller rapid solidification technique,and aged at high temperature. The microstructure of ribbon samples were characterized with X-ray diffractometer(XRD) and environmental scanning electron microscope(ESEM). The microstructures of the alloy are composed of α phase and supersaturated β phase,and X-ray diffraction results show that all peaks of the α and β phases shift slightly to smaller angles,which can be explained by the disordering growth pattern caused by the rapid solidification process. After aging at 960 ℃ in vacuum,the ribbon is composed of homogeneous α phase and β phase.

Texture Evolutions in Fe-6.5%Si Produced by Rapid Solidification and Chemical Vapor Deposition

Fe-Si ribbons and thin sheets with 6.5%Si content were prepared by means of the single roller rapid solidification and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), respectively. The initial textures of rapidly solidified Fe-6.5%Si ribbons were characteristic of the {100} fiber-type, which became weakened during primary recrystallization in various atmospheres. At the stage of secondary recrystallization, the {100} texture formed in Ar and the {110} texture in hydrogen, while there occurred a texture transformation from the {100} type to the {110} type in vacuum with the increase of annealing temperature. For Fe-6.5%Si sheets prepared by Si deposition in cold-rolled Fe-3%Si matrix sheets, their textures were dominated by the η-fiber (<001>//RD) with the maximum density at the {120}<001> orientations. After homogenization annealing, the η-fiber could evolve into the {130}<001> type or become more concentrated on the {120}<001> orientations, depending on the cold rolling modes of Fe-3%Si matrix sheets.

An analytical model for local-nonequilibrium solute trapping during rapid solidification

Updated version of local non-equilibrium diffusion model （LNDM） for rapid solidification of binary alloys was considered. The LNDM takes into account deviation from local equilibrium of solute concentration and solute flux fields in bulk liquid. The exact solutions for solute concentration and flux in bulk liquid were obtained using hyperbolic diffusion equations. The results show the transition from diffusion-limited to purely thermally controlled solidification with effective diffusion coefficient →0 and complete solute trapping KLNDM（v）→1 at v→vDb for any kind of solid-liquid interface kinetics. Critical parameter for diffusionless solidification and complete solute trapping is the diffusion speed in bulk liquid vDb. Different models for solute trapping at the interface with different interface kinetic approaches were considered.

Solidification characteristics of Fe-Ni peritectic al oy thin strips under a near-rapid solidification condition

This paper is an experimental investigation of the structure evolution and the solute distribution of 2 mm thick strips of Fe-(2.6, 4.2, 4.7, 7.9wt.%)Ni peritectic alloy under a near-rapid solidification condition, which were in the regions of δ-ferrite single-phase, hypo-peritectic, hyper-peritectic and γ-austenite single-phase, respectively. The highest area ratio of equiaxed grain zone in the hyper-peritectic of Fe-4.7wt.%Ni alloy strip was observed, while other strips were mainly columnar grains. The lowest micro-segregation was obtained in the Fe-7.9wt.%Ni alloy strip, while micro-segregation in the Fe-4.7wt.%Ni alloy was the highest. As opposed to the microsegregation, the macro-segregation of all the Fe-Ni strips was suppressed due to the rapid solidification rate. Finally, the structure formation mechanism of Fe-Ni alloy strips was analyzed.

Solute Redistribution Model for Multicomponent AHoys during Rapid Solidification

1.IntroductionThe solute redistribution models for binary alloys during the rapid solidification havebeen extensively studied in recent years[1-10],but up to now the solute redistribution modelfor multicomponent alloys has not been reported.In this paper the solute redistribution mod-el for the multicomponent alloys based on the Aziz model is established theoretically.

Subgrain-assisted spontaneous grain refinement in rapid solidification of undercooled melts

The grain refinement mechanism for rapid solidification of undercooled melts is still an open problem even after 60 years of on-going studies.In this work,rapid solidification of undercooled Ni and equi-atomic FeCoNiPd melts was studied and spontaneous grain refinement was found at both low and high undercooling.After a detailed electron backscattered diffraction analysis,subgrain-induced grain orien-tation scattering and splitting were found to occur along with the transition from coarse dendrites to fine equiaxed grains at low and high undercooling,respectively,indicating that subgrains play an im-portant role during the formation of fine equiaxed grains.On this basis,a compromise mechanism of subgrain-assisted spontaneous grain refinement was proposed.Because the dendrite re-melting induced thermo-mechanical process and fluid flow induced dendrite deformation occur simultaneously during the post-recalescence stage,stress accumulation would be maximum at both low and high undercooling,thus inducing dynamic recrystallization,during which the formation and rotation of subgrains make the grain orientations scattering and even splitting.Furthermore,the grain/subgrain size of undercooled FeCoNiPd ascribing to its unique co-segregation behavior keeps almost invariable from low to high undercooling,indicating that the co-segregation strategy would be effective to inhibit grain growth after rapid solidifi-cation and would be useful in practice.

Effect of rapid solidification treatment on structure and electrochemical performance of low-Co AB5-type hydrogen storage alloy

The effect of rapid solidification on structure and electrochemical performance of the LaNi4.5Co0.25Al0.25 hydrogen storage alloy was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and a simulated battery test, including maximum capacity, cycling stability, self-discharge, and high-rate discharge ability （HRD）. All the melt-spun alloys were single-phase with the CaCu5-type structure （space groupP6/mmm）. In comparison to the as-cast alloy, the rapidly quenched alloys manifested an improved homogeneity of com-position and expanded lattice parameters. The electrochemical measurements showed that the activation property, cycling stability and self-discharge of the alloy electrodes were also improved for the rapid solidified alloys. The HRDof the as-cast alloy was better than those of all the rapidly solidified alloys. As the quenching rate increased, the HRD and exchange current density first decreased and then increased.

Mechanisms of eutectic lamellar destabilization upon rapid solidification of an undercooled Ag-39.9 at.% Cu eutectic alloy

The eutectic Ag-Cu alloys exhibiting fine Ag-Cu lamellar eutectic structure formed upon rapid solidification have great potentials being used in various engineering fields.However,the desired fine primary lamellar eutectic structure(PLES)is usually replaced by a coarse anomalous eutectic structure(AES)when the undercooling prior to solidification exceeds a certain value.The forming mechanism of AES in the undercooled eutectic Ag-Cu alloy has been a controversial issue.In this work,the undercooled Ag-39.9 at.% Cu eutectic alloy is solidified under different cooling conditions by using techniques of melt fluxing and copper mold casting.The results show that the coupled eutectic growth of this alloy undergoes a transition from a slow eutectic-cellular growth(ECG)to a rapid eutectic-dendritic growth(EDG)above a undercooling of 72 K,accompanying with an abrupt change of the distribution and amount of AES in as-solidified microstructures.Two kinds of primary lamellar eutectic structures are formed by ECG and EDG during recalescence,respectively.The destabilization of PLES that causes the formation of AES is ascribed to two different mechanisms based on the microstructural examination and theoretical calculations.Below 72 K,the destabilization of PLES formed by slow ECG is caused by the mechanism of"termination migration"driven by interfacial energy.While above 72 K,the destabilization of PLES formed by rapid EDG is attributed to the unstable perturbation of interface driven by interfacial energy and solute supersaturation.