Experiments and modeling of double-peak precipitation hardening and strengthening mechanisms in Al-Zn-Mg alloy

The aim of the present work is to develop a model for simulating double-peak precipitation hardening kinetics in Al-Zn-Mg alloy with the simultaneous formation of different types of precipitates at elevated temperatures based on the modified Langer-Schwartz approach. The double aging peaks are present in the long time age-hardening curves of Al-Zn-Mg alloys. The physically-based model, while taking explicitly into account nucleation, growth, coarsening of the new phase precipitations and two strengthening mechanisms associated with particle-dislocation interaction （shearing and bypassing）, was used for the analysis of precipitates evolution and precipitation hardening during aging of Al-Zn-Mg alloy. Model predictions were compared with the measurements of Al-Zn-Mg alloy. The systematic and quantitative results show that the predicted hardness profiles of double peaks via adding a shape dependent parameter in the growth equation for growth and coarsening generally agree well with the measured ones. Two strengthening mechanisms associated with particle-dislocation interaction （shearing and bypassing） were considered operating simultaneously in view of the particle size-distribution. The transition from shearing to bypassing strengthening mechanism was found to occur at rather early stage of the particle growth. The bypassing was found to be the prevailing strengthening mechanism in the investigated alloys.

Formability and strengthening mechanism of AA6061 tubular components under solid granule medium internal high pressure forming

A new technological process of tube forming was developed, namely solution treatment → granule medium internal high pressure forming → artificial aging. During this process, the mechanical properties of AA6061 tube can be adjusted by heat treatment to satisfy the process requirements and the processing method can also be realized by granule medium internal high pressure forming technology with the features of convenient implementation, low requirement to equipment and flexible design in product. Results show that, at a solution temperature of 560 ℃ and time of 120 min, the elongation of AA6061 increases by 313%, but the strength and the hardness dramatically decrease. At an aging temperature of 180 ℃ and time of 360 min, the strength and hardness of AA6061 alloy are recovered to the values of the as-received alloy. The maximum expansion ratio（MER） of AA6061 tube increases by 25.5% and the material properties of formed tube reach the performances of raw material.

Microstructure and strengthening mechanism of Mg-5.88Zn-0.53Cu-0.16Zr alloy solidified under high pressure

Mg-5.88 Zn-0.53 Cu-0.16 Zr(wt.%)alloy was solidified at 2-6 GPa using high-pressure solidification technology.The microstructure,strengthening mechanism and compressive properties at room temperature were studied using SEM and XRD.The results showed that the microstructure was refined and the secondary dendrite spacing changed from 35μm at atmospheric pressure to 10μm at 6 GPa gradually.Also,Mg(Zn,Cu)2 and Mg Zn Cu eutectic phases were distributed in the shape of network,while under high pressures the second phases(Mg(Zn,Cu)2 and Mg7 Zn3)were mainly granular or strip-like.The solid solubility of Zn and Cu in the matrix built up over increasing solidification pressure and reached 4.12%and 0.32%respectively at 6 GPa.The hardness value was HV 90 and the maximum compression resistance was 430 MPa.Therefore,the grain refinement strengthening,the second phase strengthening and the solid solution strengthening are the principal strengthening mechanisms.

Strengthening mechanisms of indirect-extruded Mg-Sn based alloys at room temperature

The strength of a material is dependent on how dislocations in its crystal lattice can be easily propagated.These dislocations create stress fields within the material depending on their intrinsic character.Generally,the following strengthening mechanisms are relevant in wrought magnesium materials tested at room temperature:fine-grain strengthening,precipitate strengthening and solid solution strengthening as well as texture strengthening.The indirect-extruded Mg-8Sn(T8)and Mg-8Sn-1Al-1Zn(TAZ811)alloys present superior tensile properties compared to the commercial AZ31 alloy extruded in the same condition.The contributions to the strengthen of Mg-Sn based alloys made by four strengthening mechanisms were calculated quantitatively based on the microstructure characteristics,physical characteristics,thermomechanical analysis and interactions of alloying elements using AZ31 alloy as benchmark.

Strengthening mechanisms of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels:A review

This review summarizes the strengthening mechanisms of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic(RAFM)steels.High-angle grain boundaries,subgrain boundaries,nano-sized M_(23)C_(6),and MX carbide precipitates effectively hinder dislocation motion and increase high-temperature strength.M23C6 carbides are easily coarsened under high temperatures,thereby weakening their ability to block dislocations.Creep properties are improved through the reduction of M23C6 carbides.Thus,the loss of strength must be compensated by other strengthening mechanisms.This review also outlines the recent progress in the development of RAFM steels.Oxide dispersion-strengthened steels prevent M23C6 precipitation by reducing C content to increase creep life and introduce a high density of nano-sized oxide precipitates to offset the reduced strength.Severe plastic deformation methods can substantially refine subgrains and MX carbides in the steel.The thermal deformation strengthening of RAFM steels mainly relies on thermo-mechanical treatment to increase the MX carbide and subgrain boundaries.This procedure increases the creep life of TMT(thermo-mechanical treatment)9Cr-1W-0.06Ta steel by~20 times compared with those of F82H and Eurofer 97 steels under 550℃/260 MPa.

Quantitative analysis on strengthening mechanism of ultra-thin hot strip of low carbon steel produced by CSP technique

Based on experimental data of positron annihilation technology, electrolyticdissolution technique, electron back-scattered pattern, etc. and by analysis the strengtheningfactors, the strengthening mechanism of ultra-thin hot strip of low carbon steel produced by CSP(Compact Strip Production) technique was investigated. The value of each strengthening mechanism andits contribution percentage to yield strength were achieved. The results show that refinementstrengthening is the predominant strengthening mode; precipitation strengthening and dislocationstrengthening are second to it, their contributions to yield strength are almost equal.

Development and strengthening mechanisms of a hybrid CNTs@SiCp/Mg-6Zn composite fabricated by a novel method

The hybrid addition of CNTs was used to improve both the strengths and ductility of SiCp reinforced Mg matrix composites.A novel method was developed to simultaneously disperse SiCp and CNTs in Mg melt.Firstly,new CNTs@SiCp hybrid reinforcements were synthesized by CVD.Thus,CNTs were well pre-dispersed on the SiCp surfaces before they were added to Mg melt.Therefore,the following semisolid stirring and ultrasonic vibration dispersed the new hybrid reinforcements well in Mg-6Zn melt.The hybrid composite exhibits some unique features in microstructures.Although the distribution of SiCp was very uniform in the Mg-6Zn matrix,most CNTs distributed along the strips in the state of micro-clusters,in which CNTs were bonded very well with Mg matrix.Most of the CNTs kept their structure integrity during fabrication process.All these factors ensure that the hybrid composite have much higher strength and elongation than the mono SiC/Mg-6Zn composites.The dominant strengthening mechanism is the load transfer effect of CNTs.Apart from grain refinement,the CNTs toughen the composites by impeding the microcrack propagation inside the material.Thus,the hybrid CNTs@SiCp successfully realizes the reinforcing advantage of“1+1>2”.

Microstructure evolution and strengthening mechanisms of spray-formed 5A12 Al alloy processed by high reduction rolling

The extrusion preform of the spray-formed5A12Al alloy was hot rolled using high reduction rolling technology.By means of transmission electron microscopy(TEM),electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD)and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS),the microstructure evolution was studied and the strengthening and toughening mechanism was thereby proposed.The results indicate that discontinuous and continuous dynamic recrystallization occurred during the hot rolling deformation of the spray-formed5A12Al alloy.The grain size was significantly refined and the micro-scale grains formed.Partial dynamic recrystallization leads to a significant increase of dislocation density and cellular structure.The Mg atoms were distributed in the Al matrix mainly in the presence of solid solution rather than the formation of precipitate.High solid solution of Mg atoms not only hindered the dislocation motion and increased the density of dislocation,but also exhibited a remarkable solid solution strengthening effect,which contributes to the high strength and high toughness of the as-rolled sheets.The tensile strength and elongation of spray formed5A12Al alloy at room temperature after3passes hot rolling were622MPa and20%,respectively.

Microstructure and strengthening mechanisms of Mg-6Al-6Nd alloy

The microstructure and strengthening mechanisms of as-cast Mg-6Al-6Nd alloy were studied. The results show that the addition of 6 wt.% Nd into Mg-6Al alloy leads to the precipitation of Al11Nd3 and Al2Nd phases and decrease in the content of Al solid soluted in Mg-Al matrix. The volume fractions of Al11Nd3 and Al2Nd phases are 3.64% and 0.34%, respectively. Compared with Mg-6Al alloy, the ultimate strength, yielding strength, and elongation of Mg-6Al-6Nd alloy at room temperature and 175℃ are enhanced in some degrees. The strengthening mechanisms of Mg-6Al-6Nd alloy are mainly composed of solid solution strengthening of Al solid soluted in Mg-Al matrix and grain refmement strengthening, dispersion strengthening, and composite strengthening brought by the precipitation of Al11Nd3 phase. The composite strengthening includes the load transfer from the matrix to Al11Nd3 phase and the enhancement of dislocation density due to the geometrical mismatch and thermal mismatch between the matrix and Al11Nd3 phase.

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.

Significant strengthening of copper-based composites using boron nitride nanotubes

Nanotubes, such as boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), exhibit excellent mechanical properties. In this work, high-quality BNNTs were synthesized by ball milling and annealing. Subsequently, well-dispersed 3vol%BNNTs/Cu and 3vol%CNTs/Cu composites were successfully prepared using ball milling, spark plasma sintering, and followed by hot-rolling. Moreover, the mechanical properties and strengthening mechanisms of BNNTs/Cu and CNTs/Cu composites were compared and discussed in details. At 293 K,both BNNTs/Cu and CNTs/Cu composites exhibited similar ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of~404 MPa, which is approximately 170%higher than pure Cu. However, at 873 K, the UTS and yield strength of BNNTs/Cu are 27%and 29%higher than those of CNTs/Cu, respectively.This difference can be attributed to the stronger inter-walls shear resistance, higher thermomechanical stability of BNNTs, and stronger bonding at the BNNTs/Cu interface as compared to the CNTs/Cu interface. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of BNNTs as an excellent reinforcement for metal matrix composites, particularly at high temperature.

Analysis of local microstructure and strengthening mechanisms in adjustable-gap bobbin tool friction stir welds of Al-Mg

The bobbin tool friction stir welding process was used to join 6 mm thick 5A06 aluminum alloy plates.Optical microscope was used to characterize the microstructure.The electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD)identified the effect of non-homogeneous microstructure on the tensile properties.It was observed that the grain size in the top of the stir zone(SZ)is smaller than that in the centre region.The lowest ratio of recrystallization and density of the geometrically-necessary dislocations(GNDs)in the SZ was found in the middle near the thermo-mechanically affected zone(TMAZ)being 22%and 1.15×10^(−13) m^(−2),respectively.The texture strength of the heat-affected zone(HAZ)is the largest,followed by that in the SZ,with the lowest being in the TMAZ.There were additional interfaces developed which contributed to the strengthening mechanism,and their effect on tensile strength was analysed.The tensile tests identified the weakest part in the joint at the interfaces,and the specific reduction value is about 93 MPa.

Analysis of Orientation Relationships,Carbon Partitioning and Strengthening Mechanism of a Novel Ultrahigh Strength Steel

The orientation relationships,carbon partitioning and strengthening mechanism of a novel ultrahigh strength steel were analyzed in depth during the complex process of heat treatment.The experimental results reveal that the(011)α//()γ,[100]α//[011]γ orientation relationships can be drawn between martensite and retained austenite.The position and angle of martensite and retained austenite are shown more clearly from the stereographic projections.Moreover,the calculated results show that the carbon content near the austenite interface is the highest in the shorter carbon allocation time.With the further increase of time,its carbon content gradually decreases.Furthermore,a model of the relationship between yield strength and strengthening mechanism was established.It was proved that the main strengthening components contributing to the yield strength include Orowan strengthening,grain-size strengthening and dislocation hardening.The main strengthening mechanism of steel in this experiment is dislocation strengthening.

Investigation on the strengthening mechanism of S30432 austenitic heat-resistant steel

From the viewpoint of energy-saving and environment protection,it is necessary to develop Ultra Super Critical(USC) fossil-fired power plants.In order to ensure the reliable operation of power plants under high steam conditions,good mechanical properties(particularly high creep strength),corrosion resistance and fabricability are generally required for the heat resistant steels used in USC boilers.Among these heat-resistant steels,S30432 austenitic heat-resistant steels are of interest due to high creep strength,excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance at temperatures up to 650 -700℃.In this paper,the strengthening mechanism of S30432 austenitic heat-resistant steel was investigated based on the precipitation behavior of S30432 during aging and creep at 650℃.Results show that the microstructure of as-supplied S30432 steel is austenite,the main precipitation consists of only Nb(C,N).After aged for 10 000 h or crept for 10 712 h,there is a slight increase in the size of fine Nb(C,N),but the transformation from Nb(C,N) to NbCrN does not occur.Aging and creep results in the precipitation ofε-Cu and M_(23)C_6.The coarsening velocity ofε-Cu particles diminishes greatly and they are still very fine in the long-term creep range.With the increase of aging and creep time M_(23)C_6 carbides tend to coarsen gradually.The size of M_(23)C_6 is larger and the coarsening is easier in contrast toε-Cu and Nb(C,N).Nb(C,N) precipitates in the as-supplied microstructure,while aging and creep result in the precipitation ofε-Cu and M_(23)C_6.High creep rupture strength of S30432 steel is attributed to the precipitation hardening ofε-Cu,Nb(C,N) and M_(23)C_6.Extremely,ε-Cu plays an important role in improving the creep rupture strength of S30432,and at least 61%of the creep rupture strength of S30432 at 650℃results from the precipitation hardening ofε-Cu particles.

AN INVESTIGATION OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE DEFORMATION STRENGTHENING AND TOUGHENING MECHANISM OF TITANIUM ALLOY

The high-temperature deformation strengthening and toughening mechanisms of titanium alloys have been investigated in this paper. The materials processed by this method produce a new tri-modal microstrvcture, which consists of 10-20% equiaxed alpha, streaky alpha and transformed beta matrix. It is found that the higher ductility of tri-modal microstructure is attributed to the equiaxed alpha's coopemtive slip and coordinated deformation with the transformed beta matrix. The streaky alpha phases not only increase the strength and creep properties, but also increase the fracture toughness. Propagating along grain boundaries between two neighboring streaky alpha phases, cracks in tri-modal microstructure make a more tortuous way, and then the materials show a higher fracture toughness. This new method is applicable to α, near α,α+β and near β titanium alloys.

Strengthening Mechanisms to Promote Tourists' Environmental Responsible Behaviors in the Context of All-for-One Tourism

The overall promotion of all-for-one tourism requires tourists' civilized behaviors. This paper focused on tourists' environmental responsible behaviors in the context of all-for-one tourism. On the basis of clarifying the connotation, dimension and driving factors of tourists' environmental responsible behaviors, this paper firstly analyzed the relationship between all-for-one tourism and tourists' environmental responsible behaviors, and proposed that the development of all-for-one tourism was an important path to optimize and upgrade China's tourism industry and a new concept of sustainable development of tourism industry. The emergence of all-for-one tourism has formed a new tourism trend, which will drive tourists to behave more civilly. Tourists' environmental responsible behaviors are a "subject and share" concept, and from tourists' point of view, all-for-one tourism development is the most basic requirement. Secondly, based on the theory of "value-belief-norm", this paper focused on the strengthening mechanism of "interaction effect" between all-for-one tourism and tourists' environmental responsible behaviors, and put forward the idea of "double internalization strengthening" to guide tourists' environmental responsible behaviors from being passive to active, from individuals to groups. Finally, this paper discussed the promotion of environmental responsible behaviors of tourist's specific strategies from two aspects, "external drive" and "internal drive" to enhance the level of all-for-one tourism construction and strengthen the environment responsibility of tourists. "External drives" were as follows:(1) to make a scientific development plan to implement the "host and guest sharing" mechanism;(2) to optimize the landscape, the environment, services, enhance the local attachment of visitors;(3) to improve the infrastructure system, pay attention to the details of visitors' experience;(4) to strengthen environment education and publicity, deepening the quality of tourists' civilization construction, and strengthen the environmental responsible behaviors of tourists. "Internal drives" were as follows:(1) to strengthen the sense of environmental responsibility of tourists;(2) to establish a model of environmental responsible behaviors;(3) to strengthen the supervision of environmental responsible behaviors.

Current progress of research on heat -resistant Mg alloys: A review

With the increasing attention received by lightweight metals,numerous essential fields have increased requirements for mag-nesium(Mg)alloys with good room-temperature and high-temperature mechanical properties.However,the high-temperature mechanic-al properties of commonly used commercial Mg alloys,such as AZ91D,deteriorate considerably with increasing temperatures.Over the past several decades,extensive efforts have been devoted to developing heat-resistant Mg alloys.These approaches either inhibit the gen-eration of thermally unstable phases or promote the formation of thermally stable precipitates/phases in matrices through solid solution or precipitation strengthening.In this review,numerous studies are systematically introduced and discussed.Different alloy systems,includ-ing those based on Mg–Al,Mg–Zn,and Mg–rare earth,are carefully classified and compared to reveal their mechanical properties and strengthening mechanisms.The emphasis,limitations,and future prospects of these heat-resistant Mg alloys are also pointed out and dis-cussed to develop heat-resistant Mg alloys and broaden their potential application areas in the future.

Effect of thermo-mechanical treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of wire-arc additively manufactured Al-Cu alloy

Wire-arc additive manufacture(WAAM)has great potential for manufacturing of Al-Cu components.However,inferior mechanical properties of WAAM deposited material restrict its industrial application.Inter-layer cold rolling and thermo-mechanical heat treatment(T8)with pre-stretching deformation between solution and aging treatment were adopted in this study.Their effects on hardness,mechanical properties and microstructure were analyzed and compared to the conventional heat treatment(T6).The results show that cold rolling increases the hardness and strengths,which further increase with T8 treatment.The ultimate tensile strength(UTS)of 513 MPa and yield stress(YS)of 413 MPa can be obtained in the inter-layer cold-rolled sample with T8 treatment,which is much higher than that in the as-deposited samples.The cold-rolled samples show higher elongation than that of as-deposited ones due to significant elimination of porosity in cold rolling;while both the T6 and T8 treatments decrease the elongation.The cold rolling and pre-stretching deformation both contribute to the formation of dense and dispersive precipitatedθ′phases,which inhibits the dislocation movement and enhances the strengths;as a result,T8 treatment shows better strengthening effect than the T6 treatment.The strengthening mechanism was analyzed and it was mainly related to work hardening and precipitation strengthening.

MgO-attached graphene nanosheet(MgO@GNS)reinforced magnesium matrix nanocomposite with superior mechanical,corrosion and biological performance

Magnesium(Mg)alloys are gaining great consideration as body implant materials due to their high biodegradability and biocompatibility.However,they suffer from low corrosion resistance and antibacterial activity.In this research,semi-powder metallurgy followed by hot extrusion was utilized to produce the magnesium oxide@graphene nanosheets/magnesium(MgO@GNS/Mg)composite to improve mechanical,corrosion and cytocompatibility characteristics.Investigations have revealed that the incorporation of MgO@GNS nanohybrids into Mg-based composite enhanced microhardness and compressive strength.In vitro,osteoblast cell culture tests show that using MgO@GNS nanohybrid fillers enhances osteoblast adhesion and apatite mineralization.The presence of MgO@GNS nanoparticles in the composites decreased the opening defects,micro-cracks and micro-pores of the composites thus preventing the penetration of the corrosive solution into the matrix.Studies demonstrated that the MgO@GNS/Mg composite possesses excellent antibacterial properties because of the combination of the release of MgO and physical damage to bacterium membranes caused by the sharp edges of graphene nanosheets that can effectively damage the cell wall thereby facilitating penetration into the bacterial lipid bilayer.Therefore,the MgO@GNS/Mg composite with high mechanical strength,antibacterial activity and corrosion resistance is considered to be a promising material for load-bearing implant applications.

High-efficiency Carbonation Modification Methods of Recycled Coarse Aggregates

To solve the problem of only surface carbonation and realize high-efficiency carbonation of recycled coarse aggregate,the method of carbonated recycled coarse aggregate with nano materials pre-soaking was first put forward.The carbonation effect of modified recycled coarse aggregate with three different carbonation methods was evaluated,and water absorption,apparent density and crush index of modified recycled coarse aggregate were measured.Combined with XRD,SEM,and MIP microscopic analysis,the high-efficiency carbonation strengthening mechanism of modified recycled coarse aggregate was revealed.The experimental results show that,compared with the non-carbonated recycled coarse aggregate,the physical and microscopic properties of carbonated recycled coarse aggregate are improved.The method of carbonation with nano-SiO_(2) pre-soaking can realize the high-efficiency carbonation of recycled coarse aggregate,for modified recycled coarse aggregate with the method,water absorption is reduced by 23.03%,porosity is reduced by 44.06%,and the average pore diameter is 21.82 nm.The high-efficiency carbonation strengthening mechanism show that the pre-socked nano-SiO_(2) is bound to the hydration product Ca(OH)_(2) of the old mortar with nano-scale C-S-H,which can improve the CO_(2) absorption rate,accelerate the carbonation reaction,generate more stable CaCO_(3) and nano-scale silica gel,and bond to the dense three-dimensional network structure to realize the bidirectional enhancement of nano-materials and pressurized carbonation.It is concluded that the method of carbonation with nano-SiO_(2) pre-soaking is a novel high-efficiency carbonation modification of recycled coarse aggregate.