Correlation of work function and stacking fault energy through Kelvin probe force microscopy and nanohardness in diluteα-magnesium

Electronic interactions of the Group 2A elements with magnesium have been studied through the dilute solid solutions in binary Mg-Ca,Mg-Sr and Mg-Ba systems.This investigation incorporated the difference in the‘Work Function'(ΔWF)measured via Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy(KPFM),as a property directly affected by interatomic bond types,i.e.the electronic structure,nanoindentation measurements,and Stacking Fault Energy values reported in the literature.It was shown that the nano-hardness of the solid-solutionα-Mg phase changed in the order of Mg-Ca>Mg-Sr>Mg-Ba.Thus,it was shown,by also considering the nano-hardness levels,that SFE of a solid-solution is closely correlated with its‘Work Function'level.Nano-hardness measurements on the eutectics andΔWF difference between eutectic phases enabled an assessment of the relative bond strength and the pertinent electronic structures of the eutectics in the three alloys.Correlation withΔWF and at least qualitative verification of those computed SFE values with some experimental measurement techniques were considered important as those computational methods are based on zero Kelvin degree,relatively simple atomic models and a number of assumptions.As asserted by this investigation,if the results of measurement techniques can be qualitatively correlated with those of the computational methods,it can be possible to evaluate the electronic structures in alloys,starting from binary systems,going to ternary and then multi-elemental systems.Our investigation has shown that such a qualitative correlation is possible.After all,the SFE values are not treated as absolute values but rather become essential in comparative investigations when assessing the influences of alloying elements at a fundamental level,that is,free electron density distributions.Our study indicated that the principles of‘electronic metallurgy'in developing multi-elemental alloy systems can be followed via practical experimental methods,i.e.ΔWF measurements using KPFM and nanoindentation.

Cooperative structure of Li/Ni mixing and stacking faults for achieving high-capacity Co-free Li-rich oxides

Co-free Li-rich layered oxides(LLOs)are emerging as promising cathode materials for Li-ion batteries due to their low cost and high capacity.However,they commonly face severe structural instability and poor electrochemical activity,leading to diminished capacity and voltage performance.Herein,we introduce a Co-free LLO,Li_(1.167)Ni_(0.222)Mn_(0.611)O_(2)(Cf-L1),which features a cooperative structure of Li/Ni mixing and stacking faults.This structure regulates the crystal and electronic structures,resulting in a higher discharge capacity of 300.6 mA h g^(-1)and enhanced rate capability compared to the typical Co-free LLO,Li_(1.2)Ni_(0.2)Mn_(0.6)O_(2)(Cf-Ls).Density functional theory(DFT)indicates that Li/Ni mixing in LLOs leads to increased Li-O-Li configurations and higher anionic redox activities,while stacking faults further optimize the electronic interactions of transition metal(TM)3d and non-bonding O 2p orbitals.Moreover,stacking faults accommodate lattice strain,improving electrochemical reversibility during charge/discharge cycles,as demonstrated by the in situ XRD of Cf-L1 showing less lattice evolution than Cf-Ls.This study offers a structured approach to developing Co-free LLOs with enhanced capacity,voltage,rate capability,and cyclability,significantly impacting the advancement of the next-generation Li-ion batteries.

Unveiling phonon frequency-dependent mechanism of heat transport across stacking fault in silicon carbide

Stacking faults(SFs)are often present in silicon carbide(SiC)and affect its thermal and heat-transport properties.However,it is unclear how SFs influence thermal transport.Using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics and lattice dynamics simulations,we studied phonon transport in SiC materials with an SF.Compared to perfect SiC materials,the SF can reduce thermal conductivity.This is caused by the additional interface thermal resistance(ITR)of SF,which is difficult to capture by the previous phenomenological models.By analyzing the spectral heat flux,we find that SF reduces the contribution of low-frequency(7.5 THz-12 THz)phonons to the heat flux,which can be attributed to SF reducing the phonon lifetime and group velocity,especially in the low-frequency range.The SF hinders phonon transport and results in an effective interface thermal resistance around the SF.Our results provide insight into the microscopic mechanism of the effect of defects on heat transport and have guiding significance for the regulation of the thermal conductivity of materials.

Unusual F_(3)stacking fault in magnesium

An unusual F_(3)basal stacking fault resulting from twin-dislocation interaction in magnesium is observed in molecular dynamics simulation.The F_(3)fault is produced in the twin lattice from the interaction between a migrating(1012)twin boundary and a partial dislocation of either a prismatic<c>edge,or a prismatic<c+a>mixed dislocation in the matrix.The condition is that the partial dislocation needs to have a negative sign and lie on a plane intersecting a compression site of the twin boundary.The F_(3)fault can also be generated when a positive basal<a>mixed dislocation in the twin lattice,with slip plane intersecting a compression site of the twin boundary,interacts with a basal-prismatic twinning disconnection.The F_(3)fault comprises two I_(1) faults that have the same character but are separated by two basal layers.It has one end connected to the twin boundary,and the other end bounded by a lattice defect with a Burgers vector identical to that of a 30°Shockley partial dislocation.The formation frequency of the F_(3)fault is higher at a lower shear stress(below∼400 MPa)and/or a lower temperature(100 K and 200 K).The F_(3)fault can decompose into a glissile 30°Shockley and a T_(2) fault at a temperature above∼400 K.The relationships between the F_(3)fault and other types of basal stacking faults such as I_(2),T_(2) or paired I_(1) faults that are separated by multiple basal layers are discussed.

First-principles study of stacking fault energies in Ni_3Al intermetallic alloys

The first-principles method based on the projector augmented wave method within the generalized gradient approximation was employed to calculate the superlattice intrinsic stacking fault（SISF） and complex stacking fault（CSF） energies of the binary Ni3Al alloys with different Al contents and the ternary Ni3Al intermetallic alloys with addition of alloying elements,such as Pd,Pt,Ti,Mo,Ta,W and Re.The results show that the energies of SISF and CSF increase significantly with increase of Al contents in Ni3Al.Addition of Pd and Pt occupying the Ni sublattices does not change the SISF and CSF energies of Ni3Al markedly in comparison with the Ni-23.75Al alloy.While addition of alloying elements,such as Ti,Mo,Ta,W and Re,occupying the Al sublattices dramatically increases the SISF and CSF energies of Ni3Al.The results suggest that the energies of SISF and CSF are dependent both on the Al contents and on the site occupancy of the ternary alloying element in Ni3Al intermetallic alloys.

Effect of stacking fault energy on mechanical properties of ultrafine-grain Cu and Cu-Al alloy processed by cold-rolling

Cu,Cu-2.2%Al and Cu-4.5%Al with stacking fault energies（SFE） of 78,35 and 7 mJ/m2 respectively were processed by cold-rolling（CR） at liquid nitrogen temperature（77 K） after hot-rolling.X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that a decrease in SFE leads to a decrease in crystallite size but increase in microstrain,dislocation and twin densities of the CR processed samples.Tensile tests at room temperature indicate that as the stacking fault energy decreases,the strength and ductility increase.The results indicate that decreasing stacking fault energy is an optimum method to improve the ductility without loss of strength.

Stacking fault probability and stacking fault energy in CoNi alloys

The stacking fault probability of CoNi alloys with different contents of Ni was measured by X ray diffraction methods. The results show that the stacking fault decreases with increasing Ni content and with increasing temperature. The thermodynamical calculation has found an equation that can express the stacking fault energy γ of CoNi at temperature T . The phase equilibrium temperature depends on the composition of the certain alloy. The relationship between stacking fault energy γ and stacking fault probability P sf is determined.

Enhancing the strain hardening and ductility of Mg-Y alloy by introducing stacking faults

Due to the insufficient slip systems,Mg and its alloys exhibit poor ductility during plastic deformation at room temperature.To solve this problem,alloying is considered as a most effective method to improve the ductility of Mg alloys,which attracts wide attentions of industries.However,it is still a challenge to understand the ductilization mechanism,because of the complicated alloying elements and their interactions with Mg matrix.In this work,pure Mg and Mg-Y alloys were comparatively studied to investigate the effect of Y addition on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties.A huge increase of uniform elongation,from 5.3%to 20.7%,was achieved via only 3 wt%addition of yttrium.TEM results revealed that the only activated slip system in pure Mg was basalslip,led to its poor ductility at room temperature.In contrast,a large number of stacking faults and non-basal dislocations with<c>component were observed in the deformed Mg-Y alloy,which was proposed as the main reason for significant improvement of strain hardening and ductility.High resolution TEM indicated that most of the stacking faults were II and 12 intrinsic faults,which played a critical role in improving the ductility of Mg-Y alloy.Addition of Y into Mg alloy decreased the stacking fault energy,which induced high density stacking faults in the grain interior.

Recent developments on corrosion behaviors of Mg alloys with stacking fault or long period stacking ordered structures

Corrosion is one of the most drawbacks which restricts the wide applications of Mg alloys.In the last decade,the corrosion behaviors of Mg alloys with stacking fault(SF)and/or long period stacking ordered(LPSO)structures have obtained increasing attention.However,the corrosion mechanism of the SF–or LPSO–containing Mg alloys has not been well illustrated and even reverse results have been reported.In this paper,we have reviewed recent reports on corrosion behaviors of SF–or LPSO–containing Mg alloys to better clarify and understand the significance and mechanism.Moreover,some deficiencies are presented and advises are proposed for the development of corrosion resistant Mg alloys with SF or LPSO structures.

Corrosion behavior of Mg-3Gd-1Zn-0.4Zr alloy with and without stacking faults

To develop biodegradable magnesium alloy with desirable corrosion properties,a low Gd-containing Mg-3Gd-1Zn-0.4Zr(wt%,GZ31K)alloy was prepared.The as-cast ingot was solution treated and then hot extruded.Microstructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Corrosion behavior of the alloy under each condition was studied by hydrogen evolution and quasi in-situ corrosion methods.It has been found that the as-cast alloy is composed ofα-Mg,stacking faults(SFs)at the outer edge of the matrix grains,and eutectic phase along the grain boundaries.After solution treatment,the SFs disappear and precipitates rich in Zn and Zr elements form in the grain interior and boundaries.The microstructure is significantly refined after extrusion.Hydrogen evolution tests show that the as-cast alloy exhibits the best corrosion resistance,and the solution-treated alloy has the worst corrosion resistance.Corrosion rate of the alloy under each condition decreases first and then increases with prolonging immersion time.Corrosion experiments demonstrate thatα-Mg was corroded preferentially,the eutectic phase and precipitates exhibit better corrosion resistance.The as-extruded alloy demonstrates uniform corrosion due to fine and homogeneous microstructure.

Effects of Nd on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-12Gd-2Zn-xNd-0.4Zr alloys with stacking faults

In order to study the effects of Nd addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Zn-Zr alloys,the microstruc-ture and mechanical properties of the as-cast Mg-12Gd-2Zn-xNd-0.4Zr(x=0,0.5wt%,and 1wt%)alloys were investigated by using optical microscope,scanning electron microscope,X-ray diffractometer,nano indentation tester,microhardness tester,and tensile testing machine.The results show that the microstructures mainly consist ofα-Mg matrix,eutectic phase,and stacking faults.The addition of Nd plays a significant role in grain refinement and uniform microstructure.The tensile yield strength and microhardness increase but the compression yield strength decreases with increasing Nd addition,leading to weakening tension-compression yield asymmetry in reverse of the Mg-12Gd-2Zn-xNd-0.4Zr alloys.The highest ultimate tensile strength(194 MPa)and ultimate compression strength(397 MPa)are obtained with 1wt%Nd addition of the alloy.

Basal stacking fault induced twin boundary gliding,twinning disconnection and twin growth in hcp Ti from the first-principles

First-principles calculations were performed to investigate the structures and energetics of {101n} coherent twin boundaries(CTBs) and glide twin boundaries(GTBs) in hexagonal close-packed(hcp) Ti. The formation mechanism of GTBs and their correlation with twin growth were fundamentally explored. Results suggested that GTBs can form from the gliding of CTBs, through their interaction with basal stacking fault. The gliding eventually restored the CTB structures by forming a pair of single-layer twinning disconnections. The pile-up of twinning disconnections should be responsible for the wide steps at twin boundaries as observed in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, which can further promote twin growth. Possible effects of various alloying elements on pinning twin boundaries were also evaluated, to guide the strengthening design of Ti alloys.

Determination of stacking fault energies in a high-Nb TiAl alloy at 298 K and 1273 K

The stacking fault energies of Ti-46Al-8.5Nb-0.2W alloy at 298 K and 1273 K were determined. The principle for the determination of the stacking fault energies is based on the fact that the stacking fault energy and the elastic interaction energy acting on the dissociated partial dislocations are equal. After the compress deformations with the strain of 0.2% at 298 K and 1273 K, and water quench to maintain the dislocation structures deformed at 1273 K, the dissociation distances between two partial dislocations were determined by weak beam transmission electron microscopy (WBTEM) technique. Based on these dissociation distances and the corresponding calculation method, the stacking fault energies were determined to be 77-81 mJ/m2 at 298 K and to be 57-60mJ/m2 at 1273 K respectively.

Stacking fault energy,yield stress anomaly, and twinnability of Ni_3Al:A first principles study

Using first principles calculations combined with the quasiharmonic approach, we study the effects of temperature on the elastic constants, generalized stacking fault energies, and generalized planar fault energies of Ni3Al. The antiphase boundary energies, complex stacking fault energies, superlattice intrinsic stacking fault energies, and twinning energies decrease slightly with temperature. Temperature dependent anomalous yield stress of Ni3Al is predicted by the energybased criterion based on elastic anisotropy and antiphase boundary energies. It is found that p increases with temperature and this can give a more accurate description of the anomalous yield stress in Ni3Al. Furthermore, the predicted twinnablity of Ni3Al is also decreasing with temperature.

Stacking fault energy and electronic structure of molybdenum under solid solution softening/hardening

Ab initio calculations are used to understand the fundamental mechanism of the solid solution softening/hardening of the Mo-binary system.The results reveal that the Mo-Ti,Mo-Ta,Mo-Nb,and Mo-W interactions are primarily attractive with negative heats of formation,while the interactions of Mo-Re,and Mo-Zr would be mainly repulsive with positive heats of formation.It is also shown that the addition of Re and Zr would cause the solid solution softening of Mo by the decrease of the unstable stacking fault energy and the increase of ductility.On the contrary,the elements of W,Ta,Ti,and Nb could bring about the solid-solution hardening of Mo through the impediment of the slip of the dislocation and the decrease of ductility.Electronic structures indicate that the weaker/stronger chemical bonding due to the alloying elements should fundamentally induce the solid solution softening/hardening of Mo.The results are discussed and compared with available evidence in literatures,which could deepen the fundamental understanding of the solid solution softening/hardening of the binary metallic system.

First-principles study of the effects of selected interstitial atoms on the generalized stacking fault energies, strength, and ductility of Ni

We analyze the influences of interstitial atoms on the generalized stacking fault energy （GSFE）, strength, and ductility of Ni by first-principles calculations. Surface energies and GSFE curves are calculated for the （112） （111） and / 101） （ 1 1 1） systems. Because of the anisotropy of the single crystal, the addition of interstitials tends to promote the strength of Ni by slipping along the （10T） direction while facilitating plastic deformation by slipping along the （115） direction. There is a different impact on the mechanical behavior of Ni when the interstitials are located in the slip plane. The evaluation of the Rice criterion reveals that the addition of the interstitials H and O increases the brittleness in Ni and promotes the probability of cleavage fracture, while the addition of S and N tends to increase the ductility. Besides, P, H, and S have a negligible effect on the deformation tendency in Ni, while the tendency of partial dislocation is more prominent with the addition of N and O. The addition of interstitial atoms tends to increase the high-energy barrier γmax, thereby the second partial resulting from the dislocation tends to reside and move on to the next layer.

Effects of twin and stacking faults on the deformation behaviors of Al nanowires under tension loading

The effects of twin spacing and temperature on the deformation behavior of nanotwinned Al under tensile loading are investigated using a molecular dynamic（MD） simulation method.The result shows that the yield strength of nanotwinned Al decreases with the increase of twin spacing,which is related to the repulsive force between twin boundary and the dislocation.The result also shows that there is no strain-hardening at the yield point.On the contrary,the stress is raised by strain hardening in the plastic stage.In addition,we also investigate the effects of stacking fault thickness and temperature on the yield strength of the Al nanowire.The simulation results indicate that the stacking fault may strengthen the Al nanowire when the thickness of the stacking fault is below a critical value.

Molecular dynamics simulation on generalized stacking fault energies of FCC metals under preloading stress

Molecular dynamics(MD) simulations are performed to investigate the effects of stress on generalized stacking fault(GSF) energy of three fcc metals(Cu, Al, and Ni). The simulation model is deformed by uniaxial tension or compression in each of [111], [11-2], and [1-10] directions, respectively, before shifting the lattice to calculate the GSF curve. Simulation results show that the values of unstable stacking fault energy(γusf), stable stacking fault energy(γsf), and unstable twin fault energy(γutf) of the three elements can change with the preloaded tensile or compressive stress in different directions.The ratio of γsf/γusf, which is related to the energy barrier for full dislocation nucleation, and the ratio of γutf/γusf, which is related to the energy barrier for twinning formation are plotted each as a function of the preloading stress. The results of this study reveal that the stress state can change the energy barrier of defect nucleation in the crystal lattice, and thereby can play an important role in the deformation mechanism of nanocrystalline material.

Formation of I1 stacking fault by deformation defect evolution from grain boundaries in Mg

I_(1)stacking faults(SFs)in Mg alloys are regarded as the nucleation sites of<c+a>dislocations that are critical for these alloys to achieve high ductility.Previously it was proposed that the formation of I_(1)SFs requires the accumulations of a large number of vacancies,which are difficult to achieve at low temperatures.In this study,molecular dynamics(MD)and molecular statics(MS)simulations based on empirical interatomic potentials were applied to investigate the deformation defect evolutions from the symmetric tilt grain boundaries(GBs)in Mg and Mg-Y alloys under external loading along<c>-axis.The results show the planar faults(PFs)on Pyramidal I planes first appear due to the nucleation and glide of(1/2 c+p)partial dislocations from GBs,where p=1/3(1010).These partial dislocations with pyramidal PFs interact with other defects,including pyramidal PFs themselves,GBs,and ppartial dislocations,generating a large amount of I_(1)SFs.Detailed analyses show the nucleation and growth of I_(1)SFs are achieved by atomic shuffle events and deformation defect reactions without the requirements of vacancy diffusion.Our simulations also suggest the Y clusters at GBs can reduce the critical stress for the formation of pyramidal PFs and I_(1)SFs,which provide a possible reason for the experimental observations that Y promotes the<c+a>dislocation activities.

EFFECT OF Cr AND Al CONTENT ON THE STACKING FAULT ENERGY IN r-Fe-Mn ALLOYS

The effects of Cr and Al content were investigated on the stacking fault energy in austenitic Fe-31Mn-(0-7.26)Cr-0.96C and Fe-31Mn-(0-8.68)Al-0.85C alloys by the thermodynamic analysis. The results show that the additions of chromium or aluminum increase the non-magnetic component of the stacking fault energy in the γ-Fe-Mn alloys, and the effect of aluminum is larger than that of chromium. The change in the magnetic entropy caused in the antiferromagnetic transition increases the free energy difference between the γ and s phases in the γr-Fe-Mn alloys. The effects of chromium and aluminum on the magnetic component were discussed on the basis of the influence of both upon the antiferromagnetic transition in the γ-Fe-Mn alloys.