Alloy Surface Research Articles

The effect of laser texturing of the surface of a titanium alloy on the adhesive strength of adhesive joints

The effect of laser texturing of the surface of a titanium alloy on the adhesive strength of adhesive joints

A novel multicomponent micro-alloyed magnesium for orthopaedic applications: a microstructural, mechanical, degradation and bioactivity study

ABSTRACT The current study focuses on development of magnesium based micro-alloy with the composition of Mg–0.5Zn–0.15Ca–0.1Mn–0.1Sn–0.1Ag–0.2Ce–0.2Sr using casting method. Microstructural examinations conducted using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) unveiled a uniform grain distribution in the alloy with minimal intermetallic content, corroborated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis matching the magnesium peak precisely. Tensile testing indicated that the solution strengthening process boosted the alloy’s required yield strength and stiffness, while enhancing magnesium’s ductility up to 19.07% elongation. Electrochemical tests demonstrated an outstanding corrosion resistance rate of 0.91 mm/year, supported by Nyquist plots indicating passivation behaviour and film formation. The pH variations revealed an initial spike to 8.13 within the first 24 hours, gradually declining thereafter. The bioactivity assessment of the developed alloy showcased the formation of near-stoichiometric apatite layers on the alloy surface, confirming its potential as a suitable orthopaedic implant material.

Degradation of optical components induced by contaminates production on aluminum alloy surface irradiated by stray light

Degradation of optical components induced by contaminates production on aluminum alloy surface irradiated by stray light

Evaluation of surface properties of modified Ti6Al4V alloy with copper nanoparticles organic nanostructure for biomedical applications: dependency on anticorrosive, antibacterial, and biocompatibility

Abstract In this study, a novel multifunctional copper nanoparticle CuNPs in the organic biomatrix was coated to the surface of Ti6Al4V to create multifunctional features. The synthesis of CuNPs was carried out by plant-mediated green synthesis method obtained from Moringa leaf extract, and the prepared CuNPs were coated on the substrate surfaces as single and double layers with drop casting methods. Characterizations of the synthesized CuNPs were performed by UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, and SEM methods. Characterization of the modified Ti6Al4V alloy surfaces was performed using SEM-EDS and surface roughness analysis. The electrochemical corrosion, antibacterial behavior, and cytotoxic effects of coated and noncoated Ti6Al4V as a function of biocompatibility properties were also tested. The synthesized CuNPs have a homogeneously dispersed spherical shape. Biocorrosion tests have clearly demonstrated that the coating forms a protective film on the substrate surface, and the resistance increased by 49 %. Antibacterial results show that the single and double-coated Ti6Al4V alloy samples with CuNPs organic nanostructure had improved biocompatibility. However, it was determined that the cytotoxic effect increases proportionally with the coating. The obtained results show the importance of surface modification in the appropriate nanostructure to obtain multifunctional nanoplatforms that show promise in biomedical applications.

Construction of a Carbon Monoxide-Releasing Bioactive Hydrogel Coating on the Magnesium Alloy Surface for Better Corrosion Resistance, Anticoagulant Properties, and Endothelial Cell Growth

In this study, we first fabricated a crosslinked hydrogel coating by polymerizing methacryloyloxyethyl sulfonyl betaine and acrylamide (SBMA) on the magnesium (Mg) alloy surface employing ultraviolet (UV) polymerization. Bivalirudin and CO-releasing molecules (CORM-401) were further grafted onto the hydrogel coating surface to acquire a multifunctional biocompatible coating capable of releasing CO to augment corrosion-resisting properties and biocompatibility. The findings verified that the bioactive hydrogel coating significantly increased the corrosion potential and reduced the corrosion current, thereby improving the anticorrosion performance. Meanwhile, owing to the excellent hydrophilicity, the antifouling performance of the hydrogel coating, and the excellent anticoagulant performance of bivalirudin, the hydrogel coating significantly reduced the fibrinogen adsorption, platelet adhesion and activation, and hemolysis occurrence, displaying excellent ability to inhibit blood clotting. Moreover, endothelial cell (EC) experimental results demonstrated that the hydrogel coating could significantly promote EC growth, displaying great potential to induce re-endothelialization after implantation. Specifically, in the presence of cysteine capable of catalyzing CO release, the anticoagulant performance and ability to promote EC growth were further improved significantly. Therefore, the study offers an effective strategy to prepare a hydrogel coating capable of releasing CO to improve the corrosion-resisting performance and biocompatibility of Mg alloys, which is anticipated to be applied in the surface modification of Mg alloy intravascular stents.

Unconventional Hexagonal Close-Packed High-Entropy Alloy Surfaces Synergistically Accelerate Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution.

Accelerating the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which involves the slow cleavage of HO-H bonds and the adsorption/desorption of hydrogen (H*) and hydroxyl (OH*) intermediates, requires developing catalysts with optimal binding strengths for these intermediates. Here, the unconventional hexagonal close-packed (HCP) high-entropy alloy (HEA) atomic layers are prepared composed of five platinum-group metals to enhance the alkaline HER synergistically. The breakthrough is made by layer-by-layer heteroepitaxial deposition of subnanometer RuRhPdPtIr HEA layers on the HCP Ru seeds, despite the thermodynamic stability of Rh, Pd, Pt, and Ir in a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure except for Ru. The synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) confirms the atomic mixing and coordination environment of HCP RuRhPdPtIr HEA. Most importantly, they exhibit notable improvements in both electrocatalytic activity and durability for the HER in an alkaline environment, as compared to their FCC RuRhPdPtIr counterparts. Electrochemical measurements, operando XAS analysis, and density functional theory unveil that the binding strengths of H* and OH* intermediates on the active Pt and Ir sites can be weakened and strengthened to a moderate level, respectively, by mixing non-active Ru, Rh, and Pd atoms with Pt and Ir atoms within the HCP HEA with strong synergistic electronic effects.

Raman activities of nitrogen reduction and ammonia oxidation intermediates on the high-entropy alloy CoCuFeMoNi catalytic surface.

We developed a computational framework to extract the Raman spectra of nitrogen reduction and ammonia oxidation intermediates on high-entropy alloy (HEA) surfaces, integrating density functional theory with microstructural representations to account for the inherent lattice randomness in these materials. As a case study, we computed the Raman activities of intermediates (N2*, NNH*, N*, NH*, and NH3*) and H* adsorption on CoCuFeMoNi HEA surfaces. A comprehensive map of Raman peaks was generated and assigned to specific vibrational modes. The method highlighted the effects of lattice randomness on the Raman spectra compared to those of adsorbates on single-element catalysts. For instance, our results showed that the adsorbed N2 exhibits Raman modes that are dependent on whether the adsorption is vertical or horizontal. These peak differences could serve as unique fingerprints to identify nitrogen reduction reaction pathways. Moreover, it is also possible to detect surface poisoning by hydrogen, a common issue in reductive environments, due to the high-frequency peaks of H* compared to the typical N-metal stretching and bending frequencies. These results provide valuable references for identifying intermediates in nitrogen reduction and ammonia oxidation reactions, offering insights into reaction mechanisms and potential surface poisoning. This approach is generalizable to other reactions and surfaces in catalysis, provided that the relevant intermediates can be identified.

Structure and properties of the boride layer of steel using the plasma alloying method

Boration is one of the promising methods for increasing surface hardness and wear resistance, resistance to oxidation and corrosion of mechanical engineering parts. The diffusion saturation process is characterized by a long duration, as well as a shallow depth of the hardened layer. The use of concentrated heating sources can solve these problems. Among the methods of high-energy exposure, the technology of plasma surface alloying should be highlighted. In this paper, the study of the microstructure and properties of the boride layer obtained on steel by plasma alloying is carried out. It is noted that the boron-doped layer has a heterogeneous structure and high hardness. It is noted that the layer obtained after alloying with a current of 120 A has the highest microhardness value and amounts to 859–1265 HV. With an increase in current to 140 A, the microhardness of the alloyed layer decreases and amounts to 761–1048 HV. Increasing the current to 160 A leads to a significant decrease in the microhardness of the surface layer and it is 452–747 HV. It is known that the volume of iron boride fractions determines the degree of hardening of the steel surface. An increase in the plasma arc current leads to a decrease in the proportion of primary borides in the surface layer after alloying, and therefore leads to a decrease in microhardness. The alloyed layer has characteristic zones: hypereutectic, eutectic and hypoeutectic. An increase in current leads to a significant change in the microstructure of the surface layer and a decrease in the microhardness of the alloyed layer. The surface layer after plasma alloying with a current of 120 A has the highest microhardness (1265 HV). It has been established that it is possible to obtain a boride layer using the technology of plasma surface doping with boron. After processing, the alloyed layer is characterized by a heterogeneous structure and has high hardness.

Corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of silica coatings on AZ31 magnesium alloy via magnetron sputtering

Magnesium alloys have promising prospects in biodegradable implants, but premature degradation is the main factor limiting their application. We prepared silicon coatings of different thicknesses on the surface of AZ31 magnesium alloy using the RF magnetron sputtering method. The phase, microstructure, and elemental composition of the coatings were characterized by XRD, SEM, and EDS, respectively. The corrosion resistance of the coatings in simulated body fluids was tested using immersion corrosion and electrochemical corrosion tests. Results showed that the silicon coating sputtered for 3 hours had the best corrosion potential and current, with a corrosion current density of 6.5614E-6 (A/cm2), which is two orders of magnitude lower than that of the AZ31 substrate. The extract of the sample in RPMI-1640 medium was co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and its cytotoxicity was evaluated by the CCK-8 assay. It was found that the silicon coating sputtered for 3 hours had the least toxicity, and the endothelial cells had a high proliferation rate. Therefore, the magnetron sputtered Si coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy exhibits good corrosion resistance and biocompatibility.

First Principles Calculation of the Influence of Alloying on the Phase Stability, Elasticity, and Thermodynamic Properties of the MoNbTiVX (X = Al/Cr) Refractory High-Entropy Alloy

In response to the poor wear resistance and high-temperature oxidation resistance of titanium alloys during service, a series of lightweight refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) can be designed for the laser cladding coating of titanium alloy surfaces, with due consideration of the compositional and structural characteristics of titanium alloys. Firstly, the structural stability, mechanical and thermal properties of four lightweight RHEAs (MoNbTiV, AlMoNbTiW, CrMoNbTiV, and AlCrMoNbTiV) with equal atomic ratios were designed and calculated using first principles combined with quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA). The results indicate that all four RHEAs are stable BCC, exhibiting elastic anisotropy and ductility. The lightest density is 6.409 g/cm3. Adding Al/Cr can cause structural distortion and affect its mechanical properties. Their Young’s moduli are in the following order: AlCrMoNbTiV > MoNbTiV > CrMoNbTiV > AlMoNbTiV. The thermal expansion coefficients of the four RHEAs and titanium alloys are very close, with a difference in linear expansion coefficient of less than 1.16 × 10−5/K. Meanwhile, the metallurgical bonding of four types of RHEA coatings was successfully achieved on a Ti-6Al-4V(TC4) substrate through laser cladding technology, and all coatings exhibited a unique BCC solid solution phase.

Nanosecond laser interference ablation of fluorine-free aluminum alloy surfaces for dynamic adhesion and static wettability synergistically modulating water collection

Water collection from mist is a potential solution to water scarcity, which is a critical issue worldwide. In this paper, laser interference ablation assisted with stearic acid immersion has been used to achieve synergistic modulation of dynamic adhesion and static wettability for water collection on fluorine-free aluminum alloy surface. The research demonstrates that there is an optimal balance point between dynamic adhesion and static wettability for water collection. This optimal point shifts toward low dynamic adhesion at the high misting rate due to the flooding on metastable surfaces with high dynamic adhesion. In addition, wetting transition induced by tilting is observed on metastable surfaces. The good stability of the proposed fluorine-free surface has been demonstrated by the long-term water collection and long periods of immersion in water. This work can provide theoretical inspiration and a scalable preparation method for green and stable water collection strategies.

Effect of neodymium on microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of Mg-2Si-xNd alloys fabricated by powder metallurgy

In the present work, the effects of neodymium (Nd) on microstructure, mechanical performance, and corrosion behavior of powder metallurgy Mg-2Si-xNd (x = 0.05 wt%, 0.15 wt%, and 0.20 wt%) alloys were investigated. Microstructures were examined by optical and scanning electron microscopes combined with an energy-dispersive spectrometer. Hardness and compressive tests were used to study the mechanical properties of alloys. Potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Mott-Schottky analysis, and the hydrogen evolution test were applied to characterize the corrosion behavior of alloys in Hanks’ solution. The microstructure of Mg-2Si-xNd alloys mainly consists of α-Mg matrix, Mg2Si, and MgNd phases. The increase in Nd content tends to decrease the aspect ratio of α-Mg grains, which leads to the enhancement of the ultimate-compressive strengths and hardness of the alloys. Potentiodynamic polarization shows that increasing Nd content leads to a lower corrosion current density in the Mg-2Si-xNd alloys. The EIS results confirm that a higher addition of Nd suppresses the dissolution kinetics of the alloys due to the increasing charge transfer resistance. Mott-Schottky analysis reveals the formation of an n-type semiconductive passive film on the alloy surfaces, where the interstitial and oxygen vacancies predominate over the metal vacancies. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals that a mixture of Mg(OH)2, MgO, MgCO3, and Nd2O3 has formed as the corrosion products on the Mg-2Si-xNd alloy surfaces after a longer immersion time in Hanks’ solution.

Influences of Fluorine on Corrosion Behavior of FeCrAl Alloy in Lithiated/borated Water at 360 °C/18.5 MPa

Abstract As an accident-tolerant fuel cladding material, Iron-Chromium-Aluminium (FeCrAl) alloy shows a big potential in replacing zirconium alloy as the cladding tube for pressurized water reactors. The presence of fluorine impurity in the primary coolant of pressurized water reactors will accelerate the corrosion of fuel cladding tubes. However, studies on the influences of fluorine impurity on the service performance of FeCrAl alloy are relatively limited. In this work, corrosion behavior of FeCrAl alloy in fluorine-containing lithiated/borated water at 360 °C and 18.5 MPa was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate that FeCrAl alloy exhibited relatively good resistance to fluorine attack. Fluorine ions changed the diffusion behavior of alloying element Cr, so facilitating the formation and dissolution of FeCr2O4. Deposition of Ni and B was observed on the alloy surface. The maximum content of B reached 24.20 at.% after fluorine-containing lithiated/borated water exposure while that was 12.50 at.% in the absence of fluorine ions. Despite this, no specific compounds of B were detected in the corrosion products, but Ni existed in the form of NiFe2O4.

A cotton-derived carbon coating by thermolysis method for enhanced mechanical and bio-compatibility of NiTi alloy

To elevate the performance of NiTi alloy in medical devices, carbon coating derived from natural cotton has been successfully deposited onto the alloy surface using a one-step thermolysis method. Natural cotton soaked in copper sulfate was utilized as carbon raw material, and the deposition process was carried out at low vacuum and temperature requirements. The mechanical and bio-compatibility of the coating performance of resulted carbon layer has been studied comprehensively. The uniformity and mechanical properties of the carbon film prepared at 390 °C, with a holding time of 1–2 h, indicate that it should retain the alloy's excellent mechanical properties and superelasticity. Furthermore, the carbon coating improves the corrosion resistance compared to the raw alloy material. Observations of the proliferation and morphology of adhered human umbilical vein endothelial cells confirm the non-toxic effect of the carbon film. Additionally, the application of the carbon film significantly reduces the contact angle and enhances the adsorption of albumin in blood, suggesting that employing carbon films as bio-active layers is a viable approach to enhance the performance of NiTi-based blood implants and components.

Microstructure evolution and hydrogen absorption characteristics of gradient-hydrogenated Ti-4.5Al-3V-2Mo-2Fe alloys

Ti-4.5Al-3V-2Mo-2Fe rolled material is a dual-phase titanium alloy with an average grain size of less than 3 μm; its optimal superplastic forming temperature of 760 °C is at least 50 °C lower than the temperature required for diffusion bonding, making it challenging to carry out superplastic forming/diffusion bonding within a process window. The promotion of hydrogen on the low-temperature diffusion bonding of the alloy was verified through thermohydrogen processing, and the absorption characteristics of hydrogen in the alloy at various temperatures, holding times, and pressures were investigated. Subsequently, a mathematical model for achieving standardized hydrogen content was developed. X-ray polycrystalline diffractometer (XRD) analysis was utilized to preliminarily explore phase differences in samples with varying levels of hydrogen content. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) were employed to analyze microstructure changes and hydrogen distribution in both the surface and core regions of the titanium alloy following hydrogenation, demonstrating its feasibility for surface hydrogenation treatment of titanium alloy sheets

Atomistic insight into the interfacial reaction and evolution between FeCr alloys and supercritical CO2 with impurities

The supercritical CO2 cycle offers high thermal efficiency and flexibility, enhancing energy conversion efficiency and utilization. As the commercialization of supercritical CO2 cycles advances, the stability of the metal-CO2 interface is the key to ensure the safety of this power cycle. In this paper the interfacial reactions between FeCr alloys and CO2 with impurities were investigated using the oxidation thermodynamics and molecular dynamics. With the increase of Cr content in FeCr alloy, the adsorption stability of SO2 and CO2 molecules on the surface of FeCr alloy became stronger, in which CO2 molecules were adsorbed and decomposed in two ways. When the C-O bond was broken, the detached O atom was in a free state or reorganized into O2 molecule, while the CO molecule would be separated from the CO2 molecule. In the initial oxidation stage, adding appropriate amount of H2S in CO2 environment could reduce the diffusion of O atoms from the CO2 molecule to Fe20Cr alloy, and the stress in the oxide film would not increase. The early oxidation behavior of Fe20Cr alloy in CO2 with H2S impurity gas may prove to be an effective method for enhancing its oxidation resistance of Fe20Cr alloy.

Enhanced heavy oil fouling resistance of cobalt-based spray-deposited coatings by alloy design and heat treatment

Heavy oil hydrocracking fouls critical reactor components, causing premature turnarounds. Developing materials with superior resistance to coking, sulfidation, and wear proves crucial. High-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) coating improves materials' properties as an industrial-ready solution. This study explores the effect of alloying elements on the HVOF-sprayed CoCrMoSi coating model and their role in protecting against heavy oil fouling. Heat treatment reduced the coatings' inhomogeneity and microstructural defects, substantially improving their protection against fouling. A novel optical image treatment has been developed to semi-quantitatively assess the surface fouling intensity. The study provides insights into the complex interplay between alloy composition, microstructure, heat treatment, and surface energy in optimizing coating protection against heavy oil fouling.

Characterization of micro-wire electrical discharge machining surface texture by empirical mode decomposition

Surface roughness is a critical factor for the operational efficacy and lifespan of the manufactured components, often serving as a key metric for evaluating manufacturing processes and determining acceptance of a component. Traditional surface roughness measurements are highly sensitive to the fixed standard cut-off length, influencing the scale at which surface texture features are analyzed. Thus, developing techniques with more reliable filtering of surface features is essential for accurate surface metrology. This research proposes a novel method that combines Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) for surface roughness characterization. We applied our method to Nitinol shape memory alloy (equal atomic proportions of nickel and titanium) surfaces processed using micro-Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (μ-WEDM). Our results demonstrate that the EMD-FFT method significantly outperforms traditional filtering, especially for surfaces without distinct patterns like μ-WEDM. This improvement is particularly valuable for materials like Nitinol, which is widely used in critical applications where precise surface roughness control is essential. By accurately assessing the effects of μ-WEDM parameters on surface roughness, the proposed method reveals that for a constant pulse on time and a constant discharge current, the variation of pulse off time is more important than servo voltage. Thus, this method can contribute to optimizing manufacturing processes and producing higher-quality components with improved performance and durability.

A novel bonding strategy of hydrogel on titanium alloy for marine antifouling engineering: multiple antifouling mechanisms and DFT calculations

Marine biofouling is one of the biggest problems for titanium alloys and rutile TiO2 coatings in marine engineering applications. Hydrogel materials are a novel and environmentally benign antifouling strategy, but they cannot be stabilized on alloy surfaces to provide long-term protection. Focusing on the challenges of bonding at the hydrogel-alloy interface, a PAA/PHEMA composite hydrogel containing Cu2O@PEG powder was strongly bonded to the titanium alloy by forming chemical bonds with APTES. The composite hydrogel still achieves an adhesion strength of 60-70 kPa after 7 days of immersion. The samples maintained a stable copper ion leaching rate of 2.61~3.76μg·cm-2·d-1 after 21 days of immersion. The coating-modified titanium alloys showed a 100% bactericidal rate within three hours of contact with different bacteria and exhibited a high anti-algal adhesion rate of up to 99%. In addition, the attachment mode of APTES on rutile TiO2 was clarified for the first time by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. According to DFT calculations, the adsorption energy of APTES on Ti-TiO2 is -747.025kJ/mol, and the adsorption energy of acrylic acid on TiO2-APTES is -535.152kJ/mol. The chemical bonding connection between the hydrogel-alloy interface, as a novel interface bonding strategy, would be expected to broaden the application of titanium alloy in marine engineering.

Review of Surface Treatment Technology for Improving Wear Resistance of Magnesium Alloys

Background: As the lightest metal structural material in engineering, magnesium alloy has excellent mechanical properties, such as high specific strength, high specific stiffness, good damping performance, and good machinability. It is widely used in the fields of precision parts, automobiles, aerospace, and military. However, poor friction and wear performance are significant magnesium defects of the alloys, which make its use limited in some areas with high working conditions, so it is essential to improve the wear resistance of the magnesium alloy surface. Objective: The aim of this study was to summarize the technology of improving the wear resistance of magnesium alloy in recent year. The influence of different surface treatment technology for enhancing friction and wear properties was also analyzed, which could provide a reference for related scholars and researchers. Method: In this paper, the literature related to friction and wear properties of magnesium alloys in recent years were reviewed, the principles of various surface treatment technology of magnesium alloys were explained, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technology were analyzed. Results: Based on the literature analyses related to the wear resistance of magnesium alloys, the problems existing in the surface treatment technology for improving the wear resistance of magnesium alloys are summarized, and future development directions are put forward. Conclusion: Among the technologies to improve the wear resistance of magnesium alloys, the combination of various techniques can better meet the working demands. The environmentally friendly and efficient manner has a good prospect for development.