Sn Alloy Research Articles

A novel Cu-Sn-Zr alloy with core-shell structure

In this study, a novel Cu-0.3Sn-0.2Zr (wt.%) alloy was designed to investigate the influence of Zr addition on the microstructure and properties of the Cu-0.3Sn alloys. We have discovered that the addition of Zr could not only greatly refine the grain structures of the Cu-0.3Sn alloy and contribute to forming a large number of nanoscale Zr-rich particles, but also leads to the formation of core-shell structure with a large amount of Sn atoms segregated at the surface of the microscale and nanoscale Zr-rich particles. As a result, all of the tensile strength, electrical conductivity and softening temperature of the Cu-0.3Sn-0.2Zr alloy were improved when compared with the Cu-0.3Sn alloy. After cold drawing at an accumulated strain of 6.8 combined with a two-step aging treatment, a good combination of an ultimate tensile strength of ∼724 MPa, an electrical conductivity of ∼76.8% IACS and a softening temperature of ∼425 °C were achieved in the Cu-0.3Sn-0.2Zr alloy, which was ∼147 MPa, ∼0.7 % IACS and ∼90 °C higher than that of the Cu-0.3Sn alloy after cold drawing at the same accumulated strain of 6.8, respectively. Our research elucidates that the Cu-Sn-Zr alloys represent a category of potential copper alloys with high strength, high conductivity and excellent softening resistance performance.

Prompt Molten Na Infusion and Fluidic Transport by Virtue of Versatile Nano Canal Defects on Tin Oxide Sodiophilic Hosts

AbstractIntrinsically weak metal affinity and sluggish sodium (Na) nucleation/molten fluidic transport of conventional hosts impede the fabrication of high‐capacity Na anodes. Mediating surface free energies (SFEs) of hosts and reinforcing their intermolecular attraction to viscous Na fluids can radically solve these problems. Herein, “canaled” tin oxide nanorod arrays grown on a 3D carbon cloth (CC) matrix exhibit distinct polar/nonpolar SFE components that markedly elevate the solid–liquid wettability for molten Na is reported. Such nanocanal defects render strong capillary forces for spontaneous molten Na imbibition and help to instantly activate Na─Sn alloying and Na nucleation reactions. Furthermore, sodiophilic Na15Sn4 interlayers evolved in former alloying procedures also aid in reducing Na nucleation energy barriers and guide the planar electro‐deposition/dispersion, alleviating the uncontrolled Na dendrite growth. The derived Na/Na15Sn4/CC anodes can thus keep stable after 2000 h of galvanostatic cycling at 1 mA cm−2 or high‐rate testing, without notable dendritic formation. The packed full cells also show superior rate capability and cyclability (capacity retention over 91.5% after all cycling at 1 C). This work provides a smart nano‐engineering way to trigger a fast infusion of molten metals into hosts and synergistically facilitate Na fluidic transport, which may push forward the scalable application of Na metal batteries.

A study of mechanical and magnetic properties in a metastable Zr–10Nb–6Sn alloy for MRI-compatible hard tissue replacements

In this study, we presented an investigation into a newly developed metastable Zr–10Nb–6Sn alloy meticulously tailored to fulfill the demanding requisites of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible hard implants. The effect of cold rolling reduction (0%, 10%, 20% and 40%) on the mechanical properties and magnetic susceptibility of the alloy has been systematically studied. With the increase of cold rolling reduction, the yield strength and tensile strength of the alloy increase, while the elastic modulus decreases first and then increases slightly. The sample with 40% cold rolling (CR40%) exhibits excellent matching of yield strength ∼ 905 MPa and elastic modulus ∼55.8 GPa, with a superior yield strength-to-elastic modulus ratio than that of other reported metallic biomedical materials. The deformation mechanism of Zr–10Nb–6Sn alloy during cold rolling includes stress-induced α" phase, kink bands and dislocation slip. Due to the addition of Sn element with low magnetic susceptibility (0.03× 10−6 cm3g−1) and the formation of ω phase, the solution-treated sample (CR0%) has a low magnetic susceptibility ∼ 0.77 × 10−6 cm3g−1, which is significantly lower than that of other reported titanium and zirconium based biomedical alloys. The magnetic susceptibility of the samples increases from 0.77× 10−6 cm3g−1 to 1.35 × 10−6 cm3g−1 as the cold rolling reduction increases, which may be attributed to the decrease in ω-phase content and the increase in α''-phase content during cold rolling. Hence, the cold-workable Zr–10Nb–6Sn alloy, exhibiting exceptional mechanical compatibility and low magnetic susceptibility, holds promise as a potential alloy for MRI-compatible hard tissue replacements.

Thermophysical Properties of Cu-Based Subsystems of High-Entropy Alloys

According to the well-known concept of multicomponent high-entropy alloys, high entropy of mixing can stabilize the formation of solid solutions (simple bcc or fcc crystal structure) during solidification. Stabilization of the solid solution and prevention of the formation of intermetallic phases during solidification is provided by the high entropy of mixing in the solid and liquid states. High-entropy alloys have increased strength, high hardness, thermal stability in combination with good resistance to oxidation and corrosion. These properties allow to significantly expand the scope of these alloys. In this work, the electrical resistivity, thermoelectric power and surface tension of binary Cu–Sn, Cu–Ga and Cu–Bi alloys, which are the sub-system components of model low-temperature high-entropy Bi–Cu–Ga–Pb–Sn alloys, have been studied in a wide temperature range including solid and liquid states. The lack of the surface tension data of the above-mentioned alloys is compensated by the model predicted values.

Porous functionally graded material based on a new Ti‐25Nb‐5Zr‐(2Sn) alloy produced using the powder metallurgy technique

Developments in engineering and medicine have allowed patients' health and quality of life to be supported by implants. Unfortunately, widely used titanium-based alloys with aluminum and vanadium are not ideal materials. The first problem is a mechanical mismatch between human bone and the implant material, and the second issue is the presence of Al or V, which are harmful for the human body and health. This article focuses on the holistic design and production of titanium-based materials with vital elements. The zoned, gradient element can exhibit better mechanical properties and improve the connection between the implant and the bone. The samples in two constructions were built with two different zones. The powders for samples were prepared using the powder metallurgy technique with sieve separation. Phillips X-ray X′Pert diffractometer and PDF4 + database performed the phase composition analysis. The Scanning electron microscope allow the samples observation. Stereological methods assessed porosity and PAR M370 Scanning Electrochemical Workstation. The designed technology based on the powder metallurgy method allows for producing functional, two-zoned graded materials with variable porosity. The phase composition analysis confirmed partially synthesis. Additionally, the observation of the microstructure of the sintered samples revealed the presence of two permanently connected zones. Preliminary mechanical research was conducted to evaluate the potential use of the material as an implant material. The proposal to use two-zone construction of components for implants is dictated by the possibility of personalizing implants for patients, taking into account personal characteristics and needs.

First principle studies on half-metallicity and pressure-induced half-metallic band gap in 3-d transition metal-based quaternary Heusler ScVCoZ (Z = Si, Ge, Sn, P, As, and Sb) alloys

In the present work, we predict a series of 3-d transition metals-based quaternary Heusler alloys (QHA) ScVCoZ (Z = Si, Ge, Sn, P, As, and Sb) (SVCZ), by employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We carried out extensive band structure (BS) and density of states (DOS) analysis to explain the half-metallic and magnetic behavior of the alloys. We found that SVCZ alloys stabilize in the F 4̅ 3m space group and exhibit a ferromagnetic (FM) ground state (GS). Among the QHAs, SVCZ (Z = Si, Ge, and Sb) exhibit intriguing half-metallic properties featuring 100% spin polarization at the Fermi level (EF). Additionally, the effect of pressure indicates a band gap opening in one of the spin channels for SCVZ (Z = P, and As), and the half-metallic characteristics are retained up to a compressive pressure, respectively of 65, and 79 GPa for SCVP and SCVAs. Elastic properties calculations suggest SVCZ alloys satisfy Born stability criteria and are mechanically stable. Among the predicted QHAs, SVCZ (Z = Si, Ge, and Sn) shows brittle nature, whereas SVCZ (Z = P, As, and Sb) are ductile.

Effect of Ca addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–3.8Al–1.1Sn alloys

Effect of Ca addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–3.8Al–1.1Sn alloys

Unraveling magnetic properties and martensitic transformation in Mn-rich Ni–Mn–Sn alloys: first-principles calculations and experiments

Unraveling magnetic properties and martensitic transformation in Mn-rich Ni–Mn–Sn alloys: first-principles calculations and experiments

Ultralow-Concentration (0.1M) Electrolyte for stable bulk alloy (Sn, Bi) anode in Sodium-ion battery via Regulating Anions Structure

Alloy anodes (e. g. Sn, Bi) applied in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have received a lot of interest due to their increased capacity and mild sodiation/desodiation potentials. However, severe capacity fading caused by high volume changes, as well as brittle SEI issues, limit the practical uses. An electrolyte engineering using ultra-low concentration electrolyte strategy containing sodium salt with super bulky BPh4− anions and 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) solvent is employed in this work to stabilize micron Sn and Bi anodes, where a cation solvation structure including the type and location of the anions plays a critical role. In this designed 0.1M NaBPh4-DME electrolyte system, Na+ has a faster migration rate due to substantial steric hindrance of BPh4− anions and side reactions on the electrode/electrolyte interface are decreased because it is difficult for BPh4− anions to get close to the alloy anode. This electrolyte design may expose the core cause of alloy anode failure and pave the way for a new approach to stabilizing alloy anodes in SIBs.

Factors influencing the martensitic transformation in Ni–Mn–Z (Z = Ga, Sn) Heusler alloys

The martensitic transition temperature of the Ni–Mn–Z (Z = Ga, In, Sn or Sb) generally scales with the average valence electron per atom ( e/a ) ratio. The e/a ratio can be increased either by increasing Ni content in lieu of Mn or Z (Ni-rich) or by substituting Mn for Z (Mn-rich). While the Mn-rich alloys display the expected scaling behaviour of the martensitic transition temperature, the Ni-rich alloys, with the exception of Z = Ga alloys, do not exhibit any dependency on the e/a ratio. By carefully studying and comparing the structure, local structure and the physical properties of the Ni-rich and Mn-rich Ni–Mn–Ga and Ni–Mn–Sn alloys, the cause of the difference in behaviour is identified. The off-stoichiometry brought about by increasing the Ni or Mn content, results in the formation of a new local structural environment in addition to the Heusler-like environment. If either of the two local structural environments is martensitic, then the resulting Ni-rich or Mn-rich alloy also exhibits martensitic transformation.

Synergistic effects of ultrasonic vibration and isothermal treatment on the peritectic transformation and microstructure evolution of Cu–Sn alloy

To facilitate and even complete the peritectic transformation, the ultrasonic vibration (USV) and isothermal treatment were applied to the solidification process of Cu–70Sn alloy. It was found that the peritectic transformation was difficult to carry out due to the limited atomic diffusion under the normal solidification condition. With the single isothermal treatment, the peritectic transformation could be enhanced to some extent, with a small amount of η phase (Cu6Sn5) formed relying on the coarse elongated primary ε phase (Cu3Sn), but the further prolongation of isothermal time led to the abnormally coarsening of microstructure. When the molten alloy was subjected to 1500W USV and 30 min isothermal treatment, the peritectic transformation was dramatically facilitated. The ultrasonic-induced effects of cavitation and acoustic streaming play an important role in the remarkable reduction in the curvature radius of primary ε phase, thereby enhancing the diffusion of Sn solute atoms from the liquid phase to the interior of ε phase at the following isothermal stage. Accordingly, the transformation degree of ε phase to η phase was increased up to 77 %, and there was a high volume fraction of primary ε phase could thoroughly complete the peritectic transformation.

Effect of Zr addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of hot-rolled TiZrAlSn alloys

In this study, the microstructure and mechanical properties of hot-rolled χZr-Ti-5Al-2.5Sn (χ = 0, 10, 20, 30 and 35, wt%) alloys were systematically investigated. With the increase of Zr addition, phase constitutions of TiZrAlSn alloys change from single α phase to α + α´, α´ and α´ + αʺ + β phases in sequence while the β transformation temperature decreases. A lower content of α”+β phases appears in the 35Zr-Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy. The yield strength of TiZrAlSn alloys increased monotonically from 612 ± 15 MPa for basal Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy to an ultra-high strength of 1386 ± 11 MPa for 35Zr-Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy, which is ∼126% higher than that of basal alloy. The high content of Zr solute atoms, high density of dislocations and interfaces/boundaries in α´ martensite phase render the ultra-high yield strength and high strain hardening rate in 35Zr-Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy. With respect to ductility, the uniform and total elongations increase initially from Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy to 10Zr-Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy and decrease afterward until 35Zr-Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy. The bimodal microstructure of primary α grains and secondary α´ martensite (βtrans region) rendered 20Zr-Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy the best comprehensive mechanical properties which included the tensile strength of 992 ± 11 MPa, total elongation of 17.2 ± 1% and a high strain hardening rate. This high strain hardening ability of 20Zr-Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy comes from the compatible deformation of soft primary α and hard secondary α´ martensite phases with high density of dislocations and boundaries. In addition, the 20Zr-Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy shows a high elongation during tensile necking. The corresponding ductile fracture morphologies of TiZrAlSn alloys are also analyzed. These high-strength TiZrAlSn alloys could be helpful for developing novel TiZr alloys with a high strength and ductility.

Mechanism of the synergistic effect of solid solution strengthening and fine grain strengthening in an as-cast Cu–9Ni–6Sn alloy induced by Mn

The effects of Mn content on the Sn distributions, grain sizes, second phases, and mechanical properties of Cu–9Ni–6Sn-XMn alloys (wt.%, X = 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0) were studied in this paper. The mechanisms of acting and strengthening through which Mn could promote grain refinement in the alloy were discussed. The results showed that the addition of Mn transforms the as-cast microstructure of the alloy into equiaxed grains, and the grains are obviously refined. When the amount of Mn is approximately 0.1 wt%, the average grain size of this alloy is 91.75 μm, and the grain refinement effect is greatest in the experimental range. In addition, Mn increases the uniformity of the distribution of Sn in the as-cast microstructure. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that the addition of Mn increases the undercooling of the as-cast Cu–9Ni–6Sn alloy and decreases in the critical nucleation radii of the grains. Further microstructure observation showed that Mn is dissolved mainly in the γ-(Cu,Ni)3Sn phase. Consequently, the interfacial relationship between the γ-(Cu,Ni)3Sn phase and the matrix transforms from incoherent to semicoherent. Compared with those of the Cu–9Ni–6Sn alloy, the strength and elongation of the alloy with added Mn are relatively great. When the content of Mn is 0.1 wt%, the strength of the alloy increases from 359.75 MPa to 423.54 MPa, while the elongation remains at 19.14 %. The synergistic effect of solution strengthening and fine grain strengthening of Mn is the main reason for the great improvement in the mechanical properties of the alloy.

Interaction mechanism of elements and second phase characteristics in as-cast Cu–15Ni–8Sn–(1Al–0.1Y) alloy

In this article, the effects of Al and Y elements on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu–15Ni–8Sn alloy were studied. The interaction mechanism between elements is proved by first-principles calculation. The results show that the strength of Cu–15Ni–8Sn–1Al–0.1Y alloy reaches 760 MPa, and the hardness of matrix (α-Cu) and Sn-rich phase (γ) are 292.43 and 341.65 HV, respectively, which are 23.78%, 97.80% and 65.21% higher than those of Cu–15Ni–8Sn alloy, respectively. The formation of a large number of dispersed nano-scale Ni3Al second phase is the main reason for the great improvement of the strength of the alloy. In addition, the solid solution of Al and the formation of the Ni17Y2 phase improve the hardness of the Sn-rich phase.

Phase-field simulation of high-temperature corrosion of binary Zr-2.5Sn alloy

Due to the small neutron absorption cross section and excellent thermal creep performance, zirconium alloy is one of the most important cladding materials for fuel rods in commercial fission reactors. However, quantitative analysis of the effects of temperature and grain boundaries on the corrosion microstructure evolution of zirconium alloys is still needed. The establishing of a phase field simulation for the corrosion process of polycrystalline zirconium alloy and the systematical investigating of the thermodynamic influence are both very important. In this study, the phase field model of the corrosion process in zirconium alloys is developed by combining corrosion electrochemistry through calculating the interfacial energy at the metal-oxide and oxide-fluid boundaries. Then the model is used to investigate the uniform corrosion behavior on the surface of Zr-2.5Sn alloy, which demonstrates that the corrosion kinetic curve follows a cubic rule. Subsequently, the influence of temperature on the corrosion thickening curve of zirconium alloy is examined, and good agreement between simulation and experimental results is achieved. It is observed that during early stage of oxide layer formation, there is a high growth rate with minimal temperature dependence; however, as the oxide layer thickness increases, temperature becomes a significant factor affecting its growth rate, with higher temperatures resulting in faster corrosion rates. Furthermore, the effect of polycrystalline zirconium alloy matrices on corrosion rate is investigated, revealing that the grain boundaries accelerate oxide layer thickening due to enhanced oxygen diffusion rates. At metal-oxide interface, O<sup>2–</sup> bands are formed in areas with higher O<sup>2–</sup> concentration along these grain boundaries towards the metal matrix, which mainly influences oxidation-corrosion rate during the initial oxidation stage.

Electrodeposition of a 3D dendritic Cu–Sn bimetallic alloy for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia

Cu–Sn alloy attains an NH3 yield rate and faraday efficiency up to 293.12 μmol h−1 cm−2 and 78.57% at −1.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 M Na2SO4 (containing 0.01 M NaNO3) electrolyte.

Soft nanocomposites of lead bromide perovskite and polyurethane prepared via coordination chemistry for highly flexible, stable, and quaternary metal alloy-printed light emitting diodes

Highly flexible and luminescent MAPbBr3/PU nanocomposites are synthesized via metal-amide coordination. In–Ga–Zn–Sn alloy cathode-printed PeLEDs incorporating the nanocomposites exhibit an impressive maximum luminance of 1458.6 Cd m−2 at r = 7 mm.

One-step additive manufacturing of Ni–Mn–Sn alloys with a large elastocaloric effect

The one-step laser powder bed fusion method, without the need for heat treatment, successfully produces a microstructure containing austenite phase in NiMnSn samples. An impressive elastocaloric temperature change of 6.7 K was obtained.

Continuous production of 1,2-pentanediol from furfuryl alcohol over highly stable bimetallic Ni–Sn alloy catalysts

A bimetallic NiSn/ZnO catalyst converts biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol into 1,2-PDO continuously, yielding 91.0% over 400 hours.

Achievement of high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability by W/Sn-doped Na3SbS4 conductors designed for all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries

The W/Sn co-doped Na3SbS4 solid electrolytes showed a pure cubic phase with an enlarged unit cell, resulting in effective ion transport with a conductivity of up to 11.3 mS cm−2. The formed Na–Sn alloy layer facilitated steady cycling.