Characterization of microstructure and wear behavior of nickel modified Zn-27%Al alloy casting

Improvement of mechanical and tribological behaviors of zinc-based die cast alloy is necessary for bearing applications,and chemical modification is found to be a good choice.Chemical modification of Zn-27wt.%Al alloy was carried out with 1%,2%and 3%nickel through casting route,and its effect on microstructure,hardness,and dry sliding wear behavior was investigated.Significant refinement of dendritic microstructure is observed along with a transformation from rosette to near rounded morphology with the increase in nickel content of base alloy.With 1%nickel modification,an aluminum-rich Al_(3)Ni intermetallic compound of string type forms in inter dendritic region,while with 2%and 3%nickel modifications,a nickel-rich AlNi3 intermetallic compound of lath/plate type is formed within the intra dendritic region.Hardness of the base alloy is improved through grain boundary strengthening at a lower concentration of nickel,and particulate strengthening and spinodal decomposition are the reason for increase in hardness of the alloy with a higher content of nickel.Coefficient of friction and wear rate of base alloy is decreased with increasing nickel amount.Worn surface is characterized by delamination,smearing and grooving.The wear mechanism is transferred from adhesion to abrasive via oxide film formation with an increase in amount of nickel.

Formation mechanism of electroless plating nickel-based composite coating on highly active rare earth magnesium alloys and its corrosion resistance and adhesion performance

The process of preparing anodic oxide film containing active sites and electroless nickel plating on highly active rare earth magnesium alloy was developed.The formation mechanism of electroless nickel plating on active anodic oxide film and the structure and properties of the composite coating were studied by several surface and electrochemical techniques.The results showed that Ag nanograins with an average size of 10 nm were embedded into the anodic oxide film with pores of 0.1−2μm.Ag nanoparticles provided a catalytic site for the deposition of Ni-B alloy,and the Ni crystal nucleus was first grown in horizontal mode and then in cylindrical mode.The corrosion potential of the composite coating increased by 1.37 V and the corrosion current reduced two orders of magnitude due to the subsequent deposition of Ni-P alloy.The high corrosion resistance was attributed to the misaligning of these micro defects in the three different layers and the amorphous structure of the Ni-P alloy in the outer layer.These findings provide a new idea for electroless nickel plating on anodic oxide film.

High corrosion and wear resistant electroless Ni–P gradient coatings on aviation aluminum alloy parts

A Ni–P alloy gradient coating consisting of multiple electroless Ni–P layers with various phosphorus contents was prepared on the aviation aluminum alloy. Several characterization and electrochemical techniques were used to characterize the different Ni–P coatings’ morphologies, phase structures, elemental compositions, and corrosion protection. The gradient coating showed good adhesion and high corrosion and wear resistance, enabling the application of aluminum alloy in harsh environments. The results showed that the double zinc immersion was vital in obtaining excellent adhesion (81.2 N). The optimal coating was not peeled and shredded even after bending tests with angles higher than 90°and was not corroded visually after 500 h of neutral salt spray test at 35℃. The high corrosion resistance was attributed to the misaligning of these micro defects in the three different nickel alloy layers and the amorphous structure of the high P content in the outer layer. These findings guide the exploration of functional gradient coatings that meet the high application requirement of aluminum alloy parts in complicated and harsh aviation environments.

Mechanism of Nickel-Aluminium Alloy Electroplating

The effect of operating conditions on the aluminium content of Ni-Al alloy deposit and the catalytic function of NaF on electrodeposition in the nonaqueous solution containing aluminium are investigated.The results indicate that the plated aluminuim content will be increased with the rise of current density in a given range.When the current density is 2.5A/dm 2,nickle aluminium alloy containing 13.1 wt% aluminium will be deposited.The plated aluminium content will be increased by 2wt% as 0.1mol/L NaF is added to the bath.

Effect of electroless plating nickel treatment on electrode properties of Zr-based AB_2 type alloy

An electroless plating nickel treatment was processed to improve the active behaviors and discharge capacities of Zr based AB 2 alloys. The effects of the nickel coating on the surface appearance, the structure of the alloy powders and the electrode characteristics were investigated. It is found that the Ni rich layer formed through electroless plating nickel treatment plays an important role on the initial activation property and the discharge capacity of Zr based alloy. The optimal content of electroless plating nickel is about 15%, and the discharge capacity of the electrode can be increased to 400?mA·h·g -1 after 6 cycles. Although coated nickel is beneficial for quick activation and discharge capacity, excessive electroless plating nickel can result in a decreased discharge capacity.

Liquid-solid interface control of BFe10-1-1 cupronickel alloy tubes during HCCM horizontal continuous casting and its effect on the microstructure and properties

Based on horizontal continuous casting with a heating-cooling combined mold （HCCM） technology, this article investigated the effects of processing parameters on the liquid-solid interface （LSI） position and the influence of LSI position on the surface quality, microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of a BFe10-1-1 tube （φ50 mm × 5 mm）. HCCM efficiently improves the temperature gradient in front of the LSI. Through controlling the LSI position, the radial columnar-grained microstructure that is commonly generated by cooling mold casting can be eliminated, and the axial columnar-grained microstructure can be obtained. Under the condition of 1250℃ melting and holding temperature, 1200-1250℃ mold heating temperature, 50-80 mm/min mean drawing speed, and 500-700 L/h cooling water flow rate, the LSI position is located at the middle of the transition zone or near the entrance of the cooling section, and the as-cast tube not only has a strong axial columnar-grained microstructure （{hkl}〈621〉, {hkl}〈221〉） due to strong axial heating conduction during solidification but also has smooth internal and external surfaces without cracks, scratches, and other macroscopic defects due to short solidified shell length and short contact length between the tube and the mold at high temperature. The elongation and tensile strength of the tube are 46.0%-47.2% and 210-221 MPa, respectively, which can be directly used for the subsequent cold-large-strain processing.

Microstructure and stress rupture properties of polycrystal and directionally solidified castings of nickel-based superalloys

A new directionally solidified Ni-based superalloy DZ24, which is a modification of K24 alloy without rare and expensive elemental additions, such as Ta and Hf, was studied in this paper. The microstructure and stress rupture properties of conventionally cast and directionally solidified superalloys were comparatively analyzed. It is indicated that the microstructure of K24 alloy is composed of γ, γ＇, γ/γ＇ eutectics and MC carbides. Compared with the microstructure of K24 polycrystalline alloy, γ/γ＇ eutectic completely dissolves into the γ matrix, the fine and regular γ＇ phase reprecipitates, and MC carbides decompose to M6C/M23C6 carbides after heat treatment in DZ24 alloy. The rupture life of DZ24 alloy is two times longer than that of K24 alloy. The more homogeneous the size of γ＇ precipitate, the longer the rupture life. The coarsening and rafting behaviors of γ＇ precipitates are observed in DZ24 alloy after the stress-rupture test.

GRAIN STRUCTURE CONTROL OF NICKEL－BASE SUPERALLOYS IN CASTING PROCESS： EFFECT OF MELT ADDITIONS

Grain structure, dendrite morphologies and shape of MC type carbides ina nickel-base superalloy IN 738 LC are investigated with the addition of carbides,boride, nitride and intermetallic compounds. The results show that the grain size of theingots can be refined extensively to the order of ASTM M11～12 by combination of anintermetallic compound NixAly, addition together with lowering melt homogeneoustreatment temperature during the melting and casting process. In addition, the processcould restrain the formation of script-type carbides. The new process does not changethe phase constitution, freezing characteristics and sub-structure stability. Therefore, itis considered as an effective and practical method of grain refinement for superalloys.

GRAIN STRUCTURE CONTROL OF NICKEL－BASE SUPERALLOYS IN CASTING PROCESS：EFFECT OF FOUNDRY VARIABLES

ＧＲＡＩＮＳＴＲＵＣＴＵＲＥＣＯＮＴＲＯＬＯＦＮＩＣＫＥＬ－ＢＡＳＥＳＵＰＥＲＡＬＬＯＹＳＩＮＣＡＳＴＩＮＧＰＲＯＣＥＳＳ：ＥＦＦＥＣＴＯＦＦＯＵＮＤＲＹＶＡＲＩＡＢＬＥＳＧＲＡＩＮＳＴＲＵＣＴＵＲＥＣＯＮＴＲＯＬＯＦＮＩＣＫＥＬ－ＢＡＳＥＳＵＰＥＲ...

Effect of Rare Earth Elements on Depositing Rate of Nickel Alloy Brush Plating Coatings

The effect of four kinds of rare earth elements on the depositing rate of Ni-based alloy brush plating coatings was investigated. The results indicate that all of the selected rare earth elements increase the depositing rate of Ni-based alloy coatings, and Sm increases the depositing rate most obviously. There is an optimum amount of rare earth addition in the plating solution. With the change of plating voltage to a certain extent, the results reveal no differences. The mechanism of the increase of the depositing rate was analyzed.

Chromium Electroplating of Aluminium Alloys Using Electroless Nickel as Underlayer

The growing demand for chromium coated aluminium components especially for the automotive industry is due to their favourable physical properties (density, strength to weight ratio etc.). However, their frequent use under harsh environmental conditions renders them corrosion sensitive and consequently they need to be protected. An approach that has been applied in industry is to directly electroplate nickel onto aluminium substrate prior to a top metallic finish;however, in components with complex geometry, certain areas could become exposed to corrosion attack due to poor surface coverage during plating. In this study, a modified electroless nickel undercoat was applied to pre-treated aluminium alloys prior to duplex nickel and chromium plating with a view to enhance corrosion resistance, improve coating adherence and durability, and overall, to achieve substrate protection. Hexavalent and trivalent chromium were applied to pre-treated Al 1050 and Al 6061 following electroless nickel deposition, and plating performance was assessed by surface and corrosion techniques, while durability was measured by scratch, adhesion and hardness tests. Overall, while chromium plating with an electroless nickel undercoat did not improve corrosion resistance or hardness of the materials, it provided an additional protective layer for the substrate with a potential for longer term durability.

Microstructure and Performances of Nanocrystalline Zinc-nickel Alloy Coatings

Nanocrystalline zinc-nickel alloy coatings were deposited from an alkaline zincate bath contained an organic additive that can reduce polarization and a complexing agent. SEM and TEM observations and XRD analysis were performed to examine the microstructure and phase composition of the coatings. The nickel content in deposits is 12.0-14.7% and the coating is consisted of single nanocrystalline y-phase structure (Ni5Zn2i), with grain average grain size about 15nm. The nanocrystalline zinc-nickel alloy coatings have better corrosion resistance, less bnttleness and higher microhardness than the conventional zinc coatings.

Electroplating zinc transition layer for electroless nickel plating on AM60 magnesium alloys

Electroplating zinc coating as transition layer of electroless nickel plating on AM60 magnesium alloys was investigated. The zinc film can be deposited in a pyrophosphate bath at 50-60℃under current density of 0.5-1.5 A/dm2. A new fore treatment technology was applied by acid cleaning with a solution containing molybdate and phosphorous acid, by alkaline cleaning in a bath containing molybdate and sodium hydroxide. The subsequent electroless plating was carried out in nickel sulfate bath. The SEM observation shows that the deposition is uniform and compact. The polarization curve measurements show that the corrosion potential of the zinc plating in 3.5% NaCl is about -1.3 V(vs SCE) which is noble than that of magnesium substrate. The zinc electroplating can be applied as the pretreatment process for electroless nickel plating on magnesium alloys.

Electroless nickel-plating on die cast magnesium alloy AZ91D

Electroless nickel-plating on die cast magnesium alloy AZ91D was investigated. Growth of the electroless nickel-plating coating was characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Corrosion resistance of the coating was evaluated by open circuit potential and potentiodynamic polarization curves in 3.5%(mass fraction) NaCl solution. The results show that plating deposition is initiated on the crevices and then spread onto primary α phase. The corrosion potentials for die cast magnesium alloy AZ91D and nickel-plating coating are about -1.45 V and -0.36 V(vs. SCE),respectively. No discoloration,cracks,blisters,or peeling appear by heat-quench test. The results show that the corrosion potential of Ni-P coating is increased by 1 000 mV and corrosion resistance for die cast magnesium alloy AZ91D is improved. The adhesion between the coating and the substrate is excellent. Electroless nickel plating is a promising method to enhance magnesium alloys resistance for attacking.

Effects of nitrogen flux on microstructure and tribological properties of in-situ TiN coatings deposited on TC11 titanium alloy by electrospark deposition

In order to improve the tribological properties of titanium alloys,the in-situ TiN coatings were prepared by electrospark deposition（ESD） on the surface of TC11 titanium alloy.The effects of nitrogen flux on the microstructure and tribological properties of TiN coatings were investigated.The results show that the coating is relative thin when the nitrogen flux is small and mainly consists of Ti2N,α-Ti,Ti O and TiN phases,and the metastable phase of Ti2N is developed due to the rapid solidification of ESD.While in excessive nitrogen flux condition,many micro-cracks and holes might be generated in the coating.In moderate nitrogen flux,the coating is mainly composed of TiN phase,and is dense and uniform（50-55 μm）.The average hardness is HV0.2 1165.2,which is 3.4 times that of the TC11 substrate.The TiN coatings prepared in moderate nitrogen flux perform the best wear resistance.The wear loss of the coating is 0.4 mg,which is 2/9 that of the TC11 substrate.The main wear mechanisms of the coatings are micro-cutting wear accompanied by multi-plastic deformation wear.

Fretting wear and friction oxidation behavior of 0Cr20Ni32AlTi alloy at high temperature

The fretting wear behavior of 0Cr20Ni32AlTi alloy was investigated with crossed cylinder contact under 80 N at 300 and 400 °C.Wear scar and debris were analyzed systematically by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.The results show that the friction logs are mixed fretting regime and gross slip regime with the magnitudes of displacement of 10 and 20 μm,respectively.Severe wear and friction oxidation occur on the material surface.A large number of granular debris produced in the fretting process can be easily congregated and adhered at the contact zone after repeated crushes.The resultant of friction oxidation is mainly composed of Fe3O4,Fe2O3,Cr2O3 and NiO.Temperature and friction are the major factors affecting the oxidation reaction rate.The fretting friction effect can enhance the oxidation reaction activity of surface atoms of 0Cr20Ni32AlTi alloy and reduce the oxidation activation energy.As result,the oxidation reaction rate is accelerated.

Effect of electropulsing treatment on corrosion behavior of nickel base corrosion-resistant alloy

Electropulsing treatment（EPT） was performed on a nickel base corrosion resistant alloy during aging.The effect of EPT on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of the alloy and the mechanisms were investigated.The results show that the intergranular corrosion resistance can be improved substantially without the degradation of mechanical properties of the alloy by EPT.The EPT has an effect of enhancing the interface diffusion rate of the alloying element,which is higher than the body diffusion rate.And thus discontinuous precipitation of M23C6 type carbides appears at the grain boundary in the alloy by EPT,which decreases the depletion extent of the alloying elements at the grain boundary substantially.As a result,the intergranular corrosion resistance of the alloy can be improved by the EPT without any degradation of mechanical properties.

Homogenization pretreatment and electroless Ni-P plating on AZ91D magnesium alloy

Electroless nickel plating on AZ91D substrate with a new and eco-friendly pretreatment process based on tuning an electrochemical homogeneous surface was investigated. The morphology, deposition process, chemical composition and microstructure of Ni-P coating were studied. It is indicated that β phases are selectively removed, producing a microstructural homogeneous surface and the subsequent uniform and compact Zn immersion layer. A defect-free and well adhesive Ni-P coating can be successfully obtained due to its uniform nucleation and growth based on such pretreatment. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy （EIS） tests reveal that Ni-P coating could significantly improve the corrosion resistance of AZ91D substrate.

Effects of heat treatment on mechanical properties of ODS nickel-based superalloy sheets prepared by EB-PVD

A Y2O3 dispersion strengthened nickel-based superalloy sheet（0.15 mm thick） was prepared by electron beam physical vapor deposition（EB-PVD） technology.Different heat treatments were used to improve the mechanical properties of the alloy sheet.Differential thermal analysis（DTA） was used to examine the thermal stability of the as-deposited sheet.Element contents,phase composition and microstructure investigations on as-deposited and heat treated specimens were performed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometer（XRF）,X-ray diffraction（XRD） and scanning electron microscopy（SEM）.Tensile tests were conducted at room temperature on specimens as-deposited and heat treated.The results show that the as-deposited sheet is composed of equiaxed grains on the substrate side and columnar grains on the evaporation side.The as-deposited sheet shows poor ductility due to micropores between columnar grains.The strength and ductility can be improved effectively by annealing at 800°C for 3 h.For samples treated at 1100°C,the strength drops down due to the precipitates of Y3Al5O12（YAG）.

Nickel release rate of 18KW gold alloy for ornaments

Nickel is widely used as a bleaching element in white gold alloys, but it is a potential allergen. In this paper, a popular 18 KW gold alloy, often called ＂safe nickel,＂ was chosen as the experimental material; its nickel release rates under six different processing conditions were evaluated according to the EN1811 standard. The results reveal that both the surface processing method and heat treatment technology significantly affect the nickel release rate. A coarse surface releases more nickel ions than a smooth surface. The sample normalized at 700 ~C in the single region has a lower nickel release rate than the one treated at 550 ~C in the two-phase phase region, while high temperature normalizing at 800 ~C will accelerate it. All the measured nickel release rates of the experimental material under various processing conditions exceed the permitted threshold value in the Nickel Directive, which indicates that there exists the potential risk of nickel- induced allergy when it is used to make jewelries, espe- cially for piercing types.