Recent progress in visualization and digitization of coherent transformation structures and application in high-strength steel

High-strength steels are mainly composed of medium-or low-temperature microstructures,such as bainite or martensite,with coherent transformation characteristics.This type of microstructure has a high density of dislocations and fine crystallographic structural units,which ease the coordinated matching of high strength,toughness,and plasticity.Meanwhile,given its excellent welding perform-ance,high-strength steel has been widely used in major engineering constructions,such as pipelines,ships,and bridges.However,visual-ization and digitization of the effective units of these coherent transformation structures using traditional methods(optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy)is difficult due to their complex morphology.Moreover,the establishment of quantitative relationships with macroscopic mechanical properties and key process parameters presents additional difficulty.This article reviews the latest progress in microstructural visualization and digitization of high-strength steel,with a focus on the application of crystallographic methods in the development of high-strength steel plates and welding.We obtained the crystallographic data(Euler angle)of the transformed microstruc-tures through electron back-scattering diffraction and combined them with the calculation of inverse transformation from bainite or martensite to austenite to determine the reconstruction of high-temperature parent austenite and orientation relationship(OR)during con-tinuous cooling transformation.Furthermore,visualization of crystallographic packets,blocks,and variants based on actual OR and digit-ization of various grain boundaries can be effectively completed to establish quantitative relationships with alloy composition and key process parameters,thereby providing reverse design guidance for the development of high-strength steel.

Microstructure evolution and strengthening mechanism of high -performance powder metallurgy TA15 titanium alloy by hot rolling

Hot deformation of sintered billets by powder metallurgy(PM)is an effective preparation technique for titanium alloys,which is more significant for high-alloying alloys.In this study,Ti–6.5Al–2Zr–Mo–V(TA15)titanium alloy plates were prepared by cold press-ing sintering combined with high-temperature hot rolling.The microstructure and mechanical properties under different process paramet-ers were investigated.Optical microscope,electron backscatter diffraction,and others were applied to characterize the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties strengthening mechanism.The results showed that the chemical compositions were uniformly dif-fused without segregation during sintering,and the closing of the matrix craters was accelerated by increasing the sintering temperature.The block was hot rolled at 1200℃ with an 80%reduction under only two passes without annealing.The strength and elongation of the plate at 20–25℃ after solution and aging were 1247 MPa and 14.0%,respectively,which were increased by 24.5%and 40.0%,respect-ively,compared with the as-sintered alloy at 1300℃.The microstructure was significantly refined by continuous dynamic recrystalliza-tion,which was completed by the rotation and dislocation absorption of the substructure surrounded by low-angle grain boundaries.After hot rolling combined with heat treatment,the strength and plasticity of PM-TA15 were significantly improved,which resulted from the dense,uniform,and fine recrystallization structure and the synergistic effect of multiple slip systems.

Recent advances and perspectives in MXene-based cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries(AZIBs)show great potential for applications in grid-scale energy storage,given their intrinsic safety,cost effectiveness,environmental friendliness,and impressive electrochemical performance.However,strong electrostatic interactions exist between zinc ions and host materials,and they hinder the development of advanced cathode materials for efficient,rapid,and stable Zn-ion storage.MXenes and their derivatives possess a large interlayer spacing,excellent hydrophilicity,outstanding electronic conductivity,and high redox activity.These materials are considered“rising star”cathode candidates for AZIBs.This comprehensive review discusses recent advances in MXenes as AZIB cathodes from the perspectives of crystal structure,Zn-storage mechanism,surface modification,interlayer engineering,and conductive network design to elucidate the correlations among their composition,structure,and electrochemical performance.This work also outlines the remaining challenges faced by MXenes for aqueous Zn-ion storage,such as the urgent need for improved toxic preparation methods,exploration of potential novel MXene cathodes,and suppression of layered MXene restacking upon cycling,and introduces the prospects of MXene-based cathode materials for high-performance AZIBs.

Characterization of local chemical ordering and deformation behavior in high entropy alloys by transmission electron microscopy

Short-range ordering(SRO)is one of the most important structural features of high entropy alloys(HEAs).However,the chemical and structural analyses of SROs are very difficult due to their small size,complexed compositions,and varied locations.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)as well as its aberration correction techniques are powerful for characterizing SROs in these compositionally complex alloys.In this short communication,we summarized recent progresses regarding characterization of SROs using TEM in the field of HEAs.By using advanced TEM techniques,not only the existence of SROs was confirmed,but also the effect of SROs on the deformation mechanism was clarified.Moreover,the perspective related to application of TEM techniques in HEAs are also discussed.

Editorial for special issue on advanced materials for energy storage and conversion

The ever-increasing environmental problems and energy challenges have called urgent demand for utilizing green,efficient,and sustainable energy,thus promoting the development of new technologies associated with energy storage and conversion systems.Amongst a wealth of energy storage devices,Li/Na/K/Zn/Mg ion batteries,metal-air batteries,and lithium-sulfur/all-solid-state batteries together with supercapacitors as advanced power sources have attracted considerable interest due to their conspicuous merits of high energy density,long cycle life,and good rate capability.

First-principles calculations of Ni–(Co)–Mn–Cu–Ti all-d-metal Heusler alloy on martensitic transformation,mechanical and magnetic properties

The martensitic transformation,mechanical,and magnetic properties of the Ni_(2)Mn_(1.5-x)Cu_(x)Ti_(0.5) (x=0.125,0.25,0.375,0.5) and Ni_(2-y)Co_(y)Mn_(1.5-x)Cu_(x)Ti_(0.5)[(x=0.125,y=0.125,0.25,0.375,0.5) and (x=0.125,0.25,0.375,y=0.625)]alloys were systematically studied by the first-principles calculations.For the formation energy,the martensite is smaller than the austenite,the Ni–(Co)–Mn–Cu–Ti alloys studied in this work can undergo martensitic transformation.The austenite and non-modulated (NM) martensite always present antiferromagnetic state in the Ni_(2)Mn_(1.5-x)Cu_(x)Ti_(0.5) and Ni_(2-y)Co_(y)Mn_(1.5-x)Cu_(x)Ti_(0.5) (y<0.625) alloys.When y=0.625 in the Ni_(2-y)Co_(y)Mn_(1.5-x)Cu_(x)Ti_(0.5) series,the austenite presents ferromagnetic state while the NM martensite shows antiferromagnetic state.Cu doping can decrease the thermal hysteresis and anisotropy of the Ni–(Co)–Mn–Ti alloy.Increasing Mn and decreasing Ti content can improve the shear resistance and normal stress resistance,but reduce the toughness in the Ni–Mn–Cu–Ti alloy.And the ductility of the Co–Cu co-doping alloy is inferior to that of the Ni–Mn–Cu–Ti and Ni–Co–Mn–Ti alloys.The electronic density of states was studied to reveal the essence of the mechanical and magnetic properties.

Design Strategies for Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries with High Zinc Utilization: From Metal Anodes to Anode-Free Structures

Aqueous zinc metal batteries(AZMBs)are promising candidates for next-generation energy storage due to the excellent safety, environmental friendliness, natural abundance, high theoretical specific capacity, and low redox potential of zinc(Zn) metal. However,several issues such as dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution, corrosion, and passivation of Zn metal anodes cause irreversible loss of the active materials. To solve these issues, researchers often use large amounts of excess Zn to ensure a continuous supply of active materials for Zn anodes. This leads to the ultralow utilization of Zn anodes and squanders the high energy density of AZMBs. Herein, the design strategies for AZMBs with high Zn utilization are discussed in depth, from utilizing thinner Zn foils to constructing anode-free structures with theoretical Zn utilization of 100%, which provides comprehensive guidelines for further research. Representative methods for calculating the depth of discharge of Zn anodes with different structures are first summarized. The reasonable modification strategies of Zn foil anodes, current collectors with pre-deposited Zn, and anode-free aqueous Zn metal batteries(AF-AZMBs) to improve Zn utilization are then detailed. In particular, the working mechanism of AF-AZMBs is systematically introduced. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for constructing high-utilization Zn anodes are presented.

Synergistic effect of gradient Zn content and multiscale particles on the mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys with coupling distribution of coarse-fine grains

This study investigated the influence of graded Zn content on the evolution of precipitated and iron-rich phases and grain struc-ture of the alloys,designed and developed the Al–8.0Zn–1.5Mg–1.5Cu–0.2Fe(wt%)alloy with high strength and formability.With the increase of Zn content,forming the coupling distribution of multiscale precipitates and iron-rich phases with a reasonable matching ratio and dispersion distribution characteristics is easy.This phenomenon induces the formation of cell-like structures with alternate distribu-tion of coarse and fine grains,and the average plasticity–strain ratio(characterizing the formability)of the pre-aged alloy with a high strength is up to 0.708.Results reveal the evolution and influence mechanisms of multiscale second-phase particles and the corresponding high formability mechanism of the alloys.The developed coupling control process exhibits considerable potential,revealing remarkable improvements in the room temperature formability of high-strength Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys.

Microstructures and micromechanical behaviors of high -entropy alloys investigated by synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques: A review

High-entropy alloys(HEAs)possess outstanding features such as corrosion resistance,irradiation resistance,and good mechan-ical properties.A few HEAs have found applications in the fields of aerospace and defense.Extensive studies on the deformation mech-anisms of HEAs can guide microstructure control and toughness design,which is vital for understanding and studying state-of-the-art structural materials.Synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction are necessary techniques for materials science research,especially for in situ coupling of physical/chemical fields and for resolving macro/microcrystallographic information on materials.Recently,several re-searchers have applied synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction methods to study the deformation mechanisms,phase transformations,stress behaviors,and in situ processes of HEAs,such as variable-temperature,high-pressure,and hydrogenation processes.In this review,the principles and development of synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction are presented,and their applications in the deformation mechanisms of HEAs are discussed.The factors that influence the deformation mechanisms of HEAs are also outlined.This review fo-cuses on the microstructures and micromechanical behaviors during tension/compression or creep/fatigue deformation and the application of synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction methods to the characterization of dislocations,stacking faults,twins,phases,and intergrain/interphase stress changes.Perspectives on future developments of synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction and on research directions on the deformation mechanisms of novel metals are discussed.

Relationship between the unique microstructures and behaviors of high-entropy alloys

High-entropy alloys(HEAs),which were introduced as a pioneering concept in 2004,have captured the keen interest of nu-merous researchers.Entropy,in this context,can be perceived as representing disorder and randomness.By contrast,elemental composi-tions within alloy systems occupy specific structural sites in space,a concept referred to as structure.In accordance with Shannon entropy,structure is analogous to information.Generally,the arrangement of atoms within a material,termed its structure,plays a pivotal role in dictating its properties.In addition to expanding the array of options for alloy composites,HEAs afford ample opportunities for diverse structural designs.The profound influence of distinct structural features on the exceptional behaviors of alloys is underscored by numer-ous examples.These features include remarkably high fracture strength with excellent ductility,antiballistic capability,exceptional radi-ation resistance,and corrosion resistance.In this paper,we delve into various unique material structures and properties while elucidating the intricate relationship between structure and performance.

Monodisperse magnetic metallic nanoparticles: synthesis,performance enhancement, and advanced applications

Monodisperse Fe-based and Co-based nanopar-ticles exhibit unique magnetic properties. They play important roles in magnetic storage and biomedical application. Their chemical synthesis and performance enhancement draw a lot of study interest. Investigations of magnetic metallic nano-particles are very active in many scientific fields. This paper reviews the present advances in chemical synthesis, perfor-mance enhancement, and potential applications of monodis-perse Fe-based and Co-based nanoparticles.

Microstructure evolution and phase transformation of traditional cast and spray-formed hypereutectic aluminium-silicon alloys induced by heat treatment

Microstructural evolution and phase transformation induced by different heat treatments of the hypereutectic aluminium-silicon alloy, Al-25Si-5Fe-3Cu （wt%, signed as 3C）, fabricated by traditional cast （TC） and spray forming （SF） processes, were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The results show that A17Cu2Fe phase can be formed and transformed in TC- and SF-3C alloys between 802-813 K and 800-815 K, respectively. The transformation from β-Al5FeSi to δ-Al4FeSi2 phase via peritectic reaction can occur at around 858-870 K and 876-890 K in TC- and SF-3C alloys, respectively. The starting precipitation temperature of δ-Al4FeSi2 phase as the dominant Fe-bearing phase in the TC-3C alloy is 997 K and the exothermic peak about the peritectic transformation of δ-Al4FeSi2→β-Al5FeSi is not detected in the present DSC experiments. Also, the mechanisms of the microstructural evolution and phase transformation are discussed.

Microstructure and thermal properties of copper matrix composites reinforced with titanium-coated graphite fibers

Milled form of mesophase pitch-based graphite fibers were coated with a titanium layer using chemical vapor deposition technique and Ti-coated graphite fiber/Cu composites were fabricated by hot-pressing sintering. The composites were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopies, and by mea- suring thermal properties, including thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion （CTE）. The results show that the milled fibers are preferentially oriented in a plane perpendicular to the pressing direction, leading to anisotropic thermal properties of the composites. The Ti coating reacted with graphite fiber and formed a continuous and uniform TiC layer. This carbide layer establishes a good metallurgical interracial bonding in the composites, which can improve the thermal properties effectively. When the fiber content ranges from 35 vol% to 50 vol%, the in-plane thermal conductivities of the composites increase from 383 to 407 W.（m.K）-~, and the in-plane CTEs decrease from 9.5 x 10-6 to 6.3 10-6 K-1.

Effect of trace Ni addition on microstructure,mechanical and corrosion properties of the extruded Mg-Gd-Y-Zr-Ni alloys for dissoluble fracturing tools

Magnesium alloys,a novel functional material for the fabrication of fracturing tools,are being paid more and more attentions recently due to their relatively high mechanical properties and fast dissolubility ability after fracturing.In this study,the novel extruded Mg-10Gd-3Y-0.3Zr-xNi alloys will be reported and their microstructure,mechanical and corrosion behaviors will be also studied.The results show that Ni contents influence phase precipitation behaviors.With adding 0.2 wt%Ni,a large amount of Zr_(7)Ni_(10)phases will be precipitated insidesα-Mg matrix,directly leading to degradation of strength and large corrosion rate.With further increasing Ni contents,the precipitation phases can be changed from Mg_(5)RE to 18R-LPSO structure,resulting in higher mechanical properties and faster corrosion rate.Moreover,adding Ni element also change the texture orientation by influencing the precipitation behavior of the alloys.The alloys invented in this paper have attained the highest compressive and tensile properties among all the reported dissoluble magnesium alloys.This work is beneficial in understanding the role of Ni in the magnesium alloys and provides more materials alternatives for the fabrication of dissoluble fracturing tools.

Homogenization treatment of high Nb containing TiAl alloys with as-cast and as-forged microstructures

包含 TiAl 合金的高 Nb 的微观结构进化上的热处理的效果被学习了。结果显示在当演员组和同样伪造的合金的那 -segregation, 分离和 S 分离能有效地在 T 上面在温度被消除(1350-1400 癯牥吗？

Effects of deformation parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of magnesium alloy AZ31B

Plastic deformation and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behaviors of magnesium alloy AZ31B during thermal compression and extrusion processes were studied. In addition, effects of deformation temperature and rates on the microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. The results show that the DRX grains nucleate initially at the primary grain boundaries and the twin boundaries, and the twinning plays an important role in the grain refinement. The DRX grain size depends on the deformation temperature and strain rate The average grain size is only 1 μm when the strain rate is 5 s-1 and temperature is 250 ℃. It is also found that the DRX grain can grow up quickly at the elevated temperature. The microstructure of extruded rods was consisted of tiny equal-axis DRX grains and some elongated grains. The rods extruded slowly have tiny grains and exhibit good mechanical properties.

Effect of deformation temperature and strain rate on semi-solid deformation behavior of spray-formed Al-70%Si alloys

Spray-formed Al-70%Si(mass fraction) alloys were deformed by compression in the semi-solid state. The effects of the deformation temperature, strain rate and the microstructure were studied. Two strain rates(1s -1and 0.1s -1) and six deformation temperatures (600℃, 720℃ , 780℃, 900℃, 1000℃ and 1100℃) were chosen. The stress—strain curve exhibits a peak at low strain and then decreases to a plateau before it starts to increase again as the strain increases. The stress required for deformation at lower strain rate and at higher deformation temperatures is less than those at higher strain rate and at lower deformation temperatures. Four mechanisms of semi-solid deformation can be used to explain the different behaviors of the stress—strain curves under different conditions.

Structural evolution of spray-formed Al-70wt.%Si alloys during iso-thermal holding in the semi-solid state

The grain growth behavior of spray-formed Al-70wt.%Si alloys was studied in the semi-solid state. The specimens were isothermally heat-treated at various temperatures between the solidus and liquidus of Al-Si alloys and then quenched in water. The microstructure of reheated specimens was characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopies. The isothermal holding experiment was carried out to investigate grain growth behavior as a function of holding time and temperature in the semi-solid state. The coarsening mechanism and the effect of porosity on microstructure were also studied.

Modeling of microporosity formation and hydrogen concentration evolution during solidification of an Al-Si alloy

We simulate the evolution of hydrogen concentration and gas pore formation as equiaxed dendrites grow during solidification of a hypoeutectic aluminum-silicon(Al-Si)alloy.The applied lattice Boltzmann-cellular automaton-finite difference model incorporates the physical mechanisms of solute and hydrogen partitioning on the solid/liquid interface,as well as the transports of solute and hydrogen.After the quantitative validation by the simulation of capillary intrusion,the model is utilized to investigate the growth of the equiaxed dendrites and hydrogen porosity formation for an Al-(5 wt.%)Si alloy under different solidification conditions.The simulation data reveal that the gas pores favorably nucleate in the corners surrounded by the nearby dendrite arms.Then,the gas pores grow in a competitive mode.With the cooling rate increasing,the competition among different growing gas pores is found to be hindered,which accordingly increases the pore number density in the final solidification microstructure.In the late solidification stage,even though the solid fraction is increasing,the mean concentration of hydrogen in the residue melt tends to be constant,corresponding to a dynamic equilibrium state of hydrogen concentration in liquid.As the cooling rate increases or the initial hydrogen concentration decreases,the temperature of gas pore nucleation,the porosity fraction,and the mean porosity size decrease,whilst the mean hydrogen concentration in liquid increases in the late solidification stage.The simulated data present identical trends with the experimental results reported in literature.

Structure and luminescence of Ca_2Si_5N_8:Eu^(2+) phosphor for warm white light-emitting diodes

We have synthesized Ca2Si5N8：Eu^2＋ phosphor through a solid-state reaction and investigated its structural and luminescent properties. Our Rietveld refinement of the crystal structure of Ca1.9Eu0.1Si5N8 reveals that Eu atoms substituting for Ca atoms occupy two crystallographic positions. Between 10 K and 300 K, Ca2Si5N8：Eu^2＋ phosphor shows a broad red emission band centred at -1.97 eV-2.01 eV. The gravity centre of the excitation band is located at 3.0 eV 3.31 eV. The centroid shift of the 5d levels of Eu^2＋ is determined to be -1.17 eV, and the red-shift of the lowest absorption band to be - 0.54 eV due to the crystal field splitting. We have analysed the temperature dependence of PL by using a configuration coordinate model. The Huang-Rhys parameter S = 6.0, the phonon energy hv = 52 meV, and the Stokes shift △S = 0.57 eV are obtained. The emission intensity maximum occurring at -200 K can be explained by a trapping effect. Both photoluminescence （PL） emission intensity and decay time decrease with temperature increasing beyond 200 K due to the non-radiative process.