Solute Clusters/Enrichment at the Early Stage of Ageing in Mg-Zn-Gd Alloys Studied by Atom Probe Tomography

Three-dimensional distribution of solute elements in an Mg–Zn–Gd alloy during ageing process is quantitatively characterized by three-dimensional atom probe(3DAP) tomography. Based on the radius distribution function, it is found that Zn–Gd solute pairs in Mg matrix appear mainly at two peaks at early stage of ageing, and the separation distance between Zn and Gd atoms could be well rationalized by the first-principle calculation. Moreover, the fraction of Zn–Gd solute pairs increases first and then decreases due to the precipitation of long-period stacking ordered(LPSO) structures. Both the composition of the structural unit in LPSO structure and the solute enrichment around it are quantified. It is found that Zn and Gd elements are synchronized in the LPSO structure, and solute segregation of pure Zn or Gd is not observed at the transformation front of the LPSO structure in this alloy. In addition, the crystallography of transformation front is further determined by 3DAP data.

Modeling of Nucleation and Growth of M_(23)C_6 Carbide in Multi-component Fe-based Alloy

Three-dimensional atom probe （3DAP） technique has been used to study the nucleation and growth of M23C6 carbide in a supersaturated multi-component Fe-based alloy aged at 800℃. 3D images indicate that the radius of M23C6 carbide after ageing for 10 min is about 9 nm. Concentration profiles of alloy elements in the carbide are also obtained. Combined with PANDAT and Thermo-Calc software, attempts to model the early stages of precipitation are present. The calculated particle size and composition of M23C6 carbide is in good agreement with 3DAP data.

Coarsening kinetics of γ' precipitates in a Re-containing Ni-based single crystal superalloy during long-term aging

The morphological evolution and coarsening kinetics ofγ'precipitates in a Re-containing Ni-based single crystal superalloy were investigated during isothermal aging at 900,950 and 1000℃.After heat treatment,well-defined cuboidalγ'precipitates with low misfit was obtained within the experimental alloy.Then coarsening rate constants and particle size distribution(PSD)ofγ'phases were calculated and specified based on the measured precipitate sizes for va rying periods of aging times from 100 to 2000 h.After aging for 2000 h,γ'precipitates maintained cubical shape at 900℃,while exhibited sphere at 950 and 1000℃.Coarsening models based on diffusion-controlled process with a functional relationship of r^(3) vs.t(classic Lifshitz-Slyozov-Wagner coarsening model)and interface-controlled model with a function of r^(2) vs.t(trans-interface diffusion-controlled coarsening model)were investigated to fit between the experimental results and theoretical analysis.It was found that Re as the slowest diffusing solute in the alloy constituted the rate-limited step for coarsening based on LSW model,while the process limiting coarsening as governed by an interface diffusion process could possibly be related to the Al diffusion through theγ/γ'interface.The PSDs and coarsening exponent were discussed by comparing the experimental data with predictions of LSW and TIDC models.Finally,coarsening mechanism could be divided into four regimes:(i)coarsening by diffusion-controlled;(ii)coarsening by diffusion and interface cocontrolled;(iii)coarsening by interface-controlled;(iv)coarsening by interface-controlled accompanied withγ'coalescence.

Interactions between cadmium and multiple precipitates in an Al-Li-Cu alloy:Improving aging kinetics and precipitation hardening

This work demonstrates significant improvements in both the aging kinetics and precipitation hardening of an Al-Li-Cu alloy with the minor addition of Cd(0.06 at.%).The precipitation hardening effect of T1 precipitates in casting Al-Li-Cu alloys has long been ignored since it is difficult to achieve a high number density of fine precipitates without a large number of dislocations.A detailed transmission electron microscopy investigation shows that the Cd addition has changed the distribution of T1 precipitates from the conventional uneven distribution near dislocations or grain boundaries to a more homogeneous manner.Most of the Cd-rich nanoparticles were observed at the broad face and/or terminal of the T1 platelets.It is highly likely that these nanoparticles act as heterogeneous nucleation sites,which consequently leads to a higher number density of T1 precipitates.Moreover,Cd atoms were preferentially segregated withinδprecipitates,which can be attributed to the strong bonding between Li and Cd.The interactions between Cd and the T1(Al2CuLi)andδ′(Al3Li)precipitates in Al-Li-Cu alloy are first reported.The present study may propose a new mechanism to effectively improve precipitation kinetics and therefore the age-hardening effect of Al-Li-Cu alloys.

Simultaneously enhanced strength and ductility of 6xxx Al alloys via manipulating meso-scale and nano-scale structures guided with phase equilibrium

Excellent comprehensive mechanical properties including good formability,high strength and high ductility are prior demands for Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys.This study utilizes calculation of phase diagram(CALPHAD)to simplify the alloy design and meet these demands.Specifically,CALPHAD was used to finely tune the Mg/Si atomic ratio in solid solution and accurately control the type and content of second phases,especially to avoid the formation of the harmful constituent phaseβ-Al Fe Si.Constituents and dispersoids of only-Al Fe Mn Si phase were found in the alloy prepared.An optimized microstructure with fine grains,micro scale constituents,densely distributed submicron scale dispersoids and extremely dense nano precipitates provides effective impediment to dislocation gliding and induces transgranular fracture.Therefore,the designed alloy has better comprehensive mechanical properties than other 6 xxx series aluminum alloys,including excellent formability,strength and ductility.The low T4P strength of 149 MPa as well as the high elongation of 26.1%implies the alloy’s applicability to automobile body panel forming.The yield strength was rapidly improved from 149 MPa to 277 MPa during the paint bake ageing,because the number density of precipitates is twice as high as that of some other 6xxx alloys.Meanwhile,the elongation was kept at a high level of 20.0%.

Evolution of microstructure and tensile properties of cold-drawn hyper-eutectoid steel wires during post-deformation annealing

Manufacturing temperatures of severely cold-drawn hyper-eutectoid steel wires are sufficiently high to influence the mobility of dislocations and alloy elements,thereby affecting the materials’mechanical properties.Herein,we describe the evolution of microstructure and tensile strength of the as-drawn 3.45 GPa steel wire during post-deformation annealing for 30 min at 150-450℃.Annealing at 150℃raised the strength to 3.77 GPa by age-hardening through activation of dislocations pinning by carbon,while further temperature rising up to 450℃caused a severe loss of strength.It was proved that annealing at 300 and 450℃destabilizes the lamellar microstructure,promoting the formation of carbon-deficient(Fe,Mn,Cr)3 C-type cementite particles with preferentially rounded and partially faceted hetero-interfaces.Annealing at 450℃yielded the accumulation of Mn and Cr at the ferrite/particle interfaces,and their concentrations at the interfaces were dependent on the interface structure;i.e.,lower concentrations at rounded interfaces(formed through capillarity–driven coarsening of the spheroidized cementite),and higher concentrations at faceted interfaces(that are initially existing in the as-drawn state).Our proof-of-principle observations,supported by thermodynamic calculations and kinetic assessments,provide a pathway for understanding the changes in microstructural and tensile properties during manufacturing of the hyper-eutectoid steel wires.