Alloy Layer Research Articles

Preliminary study to investigate the applicability of optical strain measurement technique for the detection of hot cracks in laser metal deposited layers

Laser metal deposition (LMD) as an additive manufacturing technique became increasingly important in recent years and thus the demand for component safety. This is the reason, for the need for reliable in-situ defect detection techniques. For laser beam weld seams an optical measurement technique based on an optical flow algorithm was successfully used to define the critical straining conditions that lead to hot cracking. This algorithm was adapted for bead-on-plate weld seams on LMD deposited layers of IN718 alloy while performing external strain on the specimen in an externally loaded hot cacking test facility. The resulting transversal hot cracks along the weld seam were localized via X-Ray inspection and the type of cracking confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The strain distribution was measured in the vicinity of the solidification front and correlated to the detected hot cracks. Based on the results this technique could be adopted for LMD experiments.

Исследование термической стабильности структуры и механических свойств композитной проволоки из алюминиевых сплавов Al – 0,25 % Zr – 0,1 % (Sc,Hf)

The thermal stability of a bimetallic wire made of four novel aluminum alloys Al – 0.25 % Zr with different Sc and Hf contents has been investigated. A wire made of pure aluminum A99 was studied as an object of comparison. Alloys were obtained by injection molding in vacuum. Cast samples were subjected to severe plastic deformation and annealing, which ensured the formation of a uniform microstructure and the release of stabilizing Al3(Zr,Sc,Hf) nanoparticles. The wire ∅ 0.26 mm was obtained by joint deformation of an aluminum alloy with a copper shell by rolling in rolls. The effect of 30-minute annealing in the temperature range from 200 to 500 °C on the parameters of the microstructure and physical and mechanical properties (microhardness, strength, plasticity, specific electrical resistivity) of the wire was studied. The wire has high strength and increased thermal stability. After annealing at a temperature of 500 °C, a homogeneous fine-grained structure with a grain size of 3 – 5 µm was formed in the wire, increased hardness and strength of the samples was observed due to the separation of Al3(Zr,Sc,Hf) particles. There is an intense diffusion of copper from the shell into the surface layers of the aluminum alloy, which can lead to embrittlement of the wire.

Дугостойкость на воздухе сплавов WС – Cr3С2 – Сu с бескаркасной упаковкой карбидов

In this work, the arc resistance of electrical contacts of the compositions WC – Cu, Cr3C2 – Cu and WC – Cr3C2 – Cu (with a mass ratio of WC:Cr3C2 = 1:1) was studied in comparison with the industrial contact D30V70, and an analysis was made of the dependence of functional properties on the composition and contact structures. Experimental samples of electrical contacts were obtained by liquid-phase impregnation of non-compacted carbide powders with copper at low-frequency (~ 80 Hz) vibration of the crucible with alloy components for 10 min in a resistance furnace in an atmosphere of flowing argon. Prepared samples were tested using equipment that simulated the operation of an AC contactor (170 A, 50 V, 1000 – 10000 arcing cycles). Their functional properties (hardness, arc wear, contact resistance) have been studied. The evolution of the structure was studied using optical and electron microscopy. It is shown that alloys containing WC or WC + Cr3C2 have stable values of contact resistance (up to 10,000 arcing cycles). Alloy WC57Cu43 (wt. %) has the highest arc resistance, which is not only comparable with the industrial alloy, but also surpasses it in long-term tests, despite the lower content of the arc-resistant phase. In contacts of the Cr3C2 – Cu composition, the contact resistance increases and grows most sharply after 4000 arcing cycles. In contacts made of bicarbide alloy WC – Cr3C2 – Cu, the degree of increase in contact resistance is similar to the industrial alloy, but the average values are higher. The wear layers of monocarbide alloys are highly oxidized. In a bicarbide alloy, there is no oxygen in the composition of such a layer. The composition of this alloy is represented by solid solutions of metals and their carbides, and the structure is finely dispersed. The mechanisms of arc resistance in electrical contacts of various compositions are discussed.

Mechanical properties and failure analysis of laminated magnesium-intermetallic composites

<abstract> <p>Laminated Mg-intermetallic composites were successfully fabricated by reaction synthesis in vacuum using 1 mm thick magnesium sheets and 0.25 mm thick copper foils. The final microstructure consisted of alternating layers of a hypoeutectic alloy containing crystals of CuMg<sub>2</sub> and eutectic mixture of CuMg<sub>2</sub> and solid solution of copper in magnesium and unreacted magnesium. The mechanical properties and fracture behavior of the fabricated composites were examined under different loading directions through compression, three-point bending and impact tests. The results indicated that the composites exhibited anisotropic features. The specimens compressed in the parallel direction failed by cracking along the layers of intermetallics and buckling of magnesium layers. The specimens compressed in the perpendicular direction failed by transverse cracking in the intermetallic layers and fallowing catastrophic cracking inclined about 45° to the interface of both intermetallic and magnesium layers. The flexural strength of the composites was higher in perpendicular than in parallel direction. When the load parallel to the layers was applied, the failure occurred by cleavage mode showing limited plastic deformation. When the load perpendicular to the layers was applied, the failure occurred by transverse cracking of the intermetallic layers and gradual cracking of the Mg layers. The Charpy-tested samples showed the same fracture behavior as the bend-tested specimens, which indicated that the same mechanisms operated at both high impact rate and low bending-test rate.</p> </abstract>

Физико-механические свойства синтезированных слоев поверхностных сплавов на основе Ti-Ni-Nb, сформированных на поверхности сплава TiNi

The physical-mechanical properties (microhardness, Young’s modulus, plasticity characteristic, shape recovery ratio) of the synthesized layers of Ti-Ni-Nb-based surface alloys of ~2 μm thickness, formed on the surface of NiTi alloy by the additive thin-film electron beam method were investigated by the instrumented indentation. It was found that the change in physical-mechanical properties in the synthesized surface alloys based on Ti-Ni-Nb is due to their layered structure. In particular, it is due to the thickness of the sublayers, their phase composition, and the structural states of the phases (nanocrystalline and amorphous). It was established that high strength and elastic-plastic parameters of the outer layer and a monotonic change in the physical-mechanical properties from the surface to TiNi substrate are provided in the surface Ti-Ni-Nb alloy with a lower volume fraction of the amorphous phase in the synthesized layers. It was found that the multilayer structure of the surface Ti-Ni-Nb alloy and the monotonically change in the physical-mechanical properties to the substrate ensure high mechanical compatibility of the synthesized layers of surface alloys with the TiNi substrate.

Structure of interfaces on mechanically renewed Sn, Pb, and Sn-Pb electrodes in acetonitrile solutions of surface inactive electrolytes

• Ideal polarizability regions of Sn and Pb electrodes in AN solutions were found. • Zero charge potentials of Sn and Pb in AN solutions were determined. • Time changes of capacitance curves are observed on Sn-Pb electrode after renewal. • It is shown that Pb atoms are squeezed out to the surface layer of Sn-Pb electrode. • Time effects on renewable Sn-Pb/AN solutions interface were analyzed in detail. The electrical double layer (EDL) structure of mechanically renewed electrodes of Sn, Pb, and Sn-Pb alloy (1 at.% Pb) is studied in acetonictrile (AN) solutions of LiClO 4 by the impedance method and cyclic voltammetry. The potential regions are found in which these electrodes can be considered in good approximation as ideal polarizable. In these solutions, the potentials of zero charge ( E σ = 0 ) on Sn and Pb electrodes are found to be –0.37 ± 0.02 and –0.59 ± 0.02 V (vs. aqueous SCE), respectively. The experimental dependences of the capacitance on the potential are shown to be in good agreement with the classical EDL model of Gouy–Chapman–Stern–Grahame. Based on the results of capacitance measurements carried out on renewed Sn-Pb electrodes, it is found that as the time of exposure of the renewed alloy surface to electrolyte increases, the C vs. E curves indicate that the concentration of lead atoms in the surface layer of alloy also increases, i.e., Pb is the surface-active component of these alloys. By analyzing the observed time effects, the surface coverage of Sn-Pb electrode by lead atoms (θ) is calculated in different time ( t ) after the renewal. It is shown that the θ vs. t dependences well agree with the model proposed earlier that describes the process of surface segregation of atoms of the surface-active component of eutectic alloys by the mechanism of surface diffusion. The kinetics of process of surface segregation of lead atoms on the mechanically renewed Sn-Pb electrode is compared for AN and aqueous solutions. The increase in θ is found to proceed slower in AN solutions than in aqueous solutions of the similar composition. The main reason for the differences observed is proposed.

Сравнительный анализ изменения структуры и свойств сплавов системы Al–Si, подвергнутых электровзрывному легированию

The paper presents the comparative analysis of the structure and mechanical properties (microhardness) of the surface layers of the hypoeutectic Al–11Si alloy and hypereutectic Al–20Si alloy exposed to electroexplosive alloying (treatment mode: aluminum foil mass is 58.9 mg; Y2O3 powder mass is 88.3 mg; the discharge voltage is 2.6 kV). During the research, the authors identified that the Al–11Si alloy initial structure mainly consists of the Al solid solution grains. Eutectic grains are located along the grain boundaries and at the joints of aluminum grain boundaries. In the Al–11Si alloy, the aluminum grain size varies from 25 μm to 100 μm, and the Al–Si eutectic grain size varies within 10–30 μm. The hypereutectic composition Al–20Si alloy in the initial state is characterized by the presence of primary silicon inclusions predominantly of a plate-like shape. The sizes of these inclusions reach 120 μm. After electroexplosive alloying, in the Al–11Si alloy, the author identified the formation of a multilayer structure consisting of a highly-porous coating irregular in thickness, a liquid-phase alloying layer, and a heat-affected layer. The modified layer thickness for the Al–11Si alloy varies in the range of 33–60 μm, and for the Al–20Si alloy, the modified layer thickness varies within 20–100 μm. The microhardness value of the initial hypoeutectic Al–11Si alloy was 64 HV 0.05, for the hypereutectic Al–20Si alloy – 71 HV 0.05. It can be noted that the microhardness of the Al–11Si alloy surface layer exceeds the initial material microhardness more than 2.5 times. In the Al–20Si alloy, the surface layer microhardness exceeds the one of the initial material more than twice. With the increase of the distance from the modification surface, the microhardness decreases and reaches the initial alloy value at the depth of ≈90 μm.

Effect of austenitization on microstructure and corrosion resistance of Al-10Si-xZn-yMg coating

Through the heat treatment process of pre-alloying and then austenitizing, the effect of austenitizing on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of Al-10Si- x Zn- y Mg coating was investigated. After pre-alloying at 700 °C, the Al-Si alloy layer in the coating began to disappear. As the austenitizing temperature increased, FeAl and Fe 3 Al phases appeared in the coating. Moreover, as the austenitization time increased, the volume of the FeAl phase became bigger, and the volume of the Fe 2 Al 5 phase became smaller. The Si element and a small amount of Zn and Mg elements had always existed in the coating in the form of solid solution. The self-corrosion potential of Al-10Si and Al-10Si-10Zn-2Mg coatings after austenitization increased, while its self-corrosion current density first decreased and then increased, and was the smallest when the austenitizing temperature was 950 °C. Compared with Al-10Si coating, Al-10Si-10Zn-2Mg coating after austenitization at the same temperature had lower self-corrosion potential and self-corrosion current density. Therefore, the addition of Zn and Mg elements could improve the sacrificial protection and corrosion resistance of Al-10Si coatings. • Pre-alloying and then austenitizing were used in the heat treatment process. • Al-10Si- x Zn- y Mg coating after austenitizing was composed of Fe 2 Al 5 , FeAl and Fe 3 Al phases. • Zn and Mg elements dissolved in the Al-10Si-10Zn-2Mg coating after austenitizing. • Al-10Si-10Zn-2Mg coating can provide excellent cathodic protection for steel.

Эффект сверхпроводящего спинового клапана в структурах со слоями ферромагнитного сплава Гейслера

The transport properties of two types of spin valves are analyzed, in which the Heusler alloy Co2Cr1-xFexAly was used as one of the two ferromagnetic layers in the F1/F2/S structures. The Heusler alloy layer was used: 1) as a weak ferromagnet, in the case of the F2 layer; 2) as a halfmetal, in the case of the F1 layer. In the first case, a large classical effect of the superconducting spin valve ΔTc was obtained, which was facilitated by a significant triplet contribution to the effect of the superconducting spin valve ΔTctrip. In the second case, a gigantic effect value ΔTctrip was found reaching 0.5 K.

Superconducting spin-valve effect in heterostructures with ferromagnetic Heusler alloy layers

The transport properties of two types of spin valves are analyzed, in which the Heusler alloy Co2Cr1-xFexAly was used as one of the two ferromagnetic layers in the F1/F2/S structures. The Heusler alloy layer was used: 1) as a weak ferromagnet, in the case of the F2 layer; 2) as a halfmetal, in the case of the F1 layer. In the first case, a large classical effect of the superconducting spin valve Delta Tc was obtained, which was facilitated by a significant triplet contribution to the effect of the superconducting spin valve Delta Tctrip. In the second case, a gigantic effect value Delta Tctrip was found reaching 0.5 K. Keywords: superconductivity, ferromagnetism, thin films, superconducting spin valve.

In situ alloying of Ti10Mo fused tracks and layers via laser powder bed fusion

Optimum process parameters for manufacturing a Ti10Mo alloy for biomedical applications via the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process were determined. Fused tracks were produced over a wide range of laser powers and scanning speeds, and layers were fused at varied hatch distances. The samples were analysed for continuity of the fused tracks, melting and distribution of the Mo powder particles in the Ti10Mo alloy layers, surface roughness, homogeneity of Mo in the alloy matrix and microhardness. The analysis revealed that the Mo powder particles melted completely in the alloy matrix with only pockets of Mo concentrations, mostly at the peripheries of the fused tracks due to the pushing effect. Complete melting of Mo in the Ti10Mo alloy matrix was due to the small size (1 μm) of the Mo powder particles used in the current experiment. The addition of Mo enhanced the wetting of the powder bed and prevented a pronounced balling effect. From this study, the parameter sets 150 W, 0.5 m/s and 200 W, 1.0 m/s both at a hatch distance of 80 μm, were obtained as the optimum process parameters. However, the Mo concentrations at the peripheries of the molten pool indicated that further research was required before a ‘completely’ homogenous sample could be manufactured via the LPBF process using elemental powder blends.

Cyanide-free electrolyte for Au/Co-Au nano-multilayer electrodeposition utilising 5,5-dimethylhydantoin as a complexing agent.

A novel cyanide-free electrolyte was used in electrodepositing Au/Co–Au nano-multilayers. Firstly, an optimised electrolyte for Au–Co alloy electrodeposition was obtained from orthogonal experiments. The effect of current density and potential values on the deposited composition was investigated. Results showed that low current density and over-potential value promoted Au deposition. A large current density and high over-potential value resulted in high cobalt concentration. The co-deposition of gold and cobalt in this study system was canonical. When the electrode potential was positive (−0.6 V, −0.7 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE)), only gold was deposited; when the potential was negative (−0.8 V vs. SCE), gold and cobalt were co-deposited. Using an optimised cyanide-free electrolyte produced Au/94.07 at% Co–Au multi-layers with a gold layer of approximately 20 nm and a 94.07 at% Co–Au alloy layer of approximately 90 nm in the 5,5-dimethylhydantoin-containing, cyanide-free system.

Effect of titanium content on the microstructure and wear behavior of Fe(13-x)TixB7 (x=0-5) hardfacing alloy

In this study, the effects of titanium addition on microstructure, hardness, and wear rate of Fe(13-x)TixB7 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 5) based hard surface alloy layers formed by gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding method were investigated. As a result of the microstructure studies and phase analysis, it was determined that the structures of the coating layers consisted of ?-Fe, ?Fe+Fe2B eutectic, ?-Fe+Fe2Ti eutectic and hard TiB2 phases. In the hard surface alloy layer, as the amount of titanium was increased, the TiB2 phase density formed in the system increased and it was observed that rod-like and long sharpedged phases formed from the equiaxed structure. As a result of wear tests performed at different loads, it was determined that the addition of titanium reduces the wear rates in the coating layers. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the worn surfaces showed that the wear mechanisms were adhesive and oxidative.

Smart construction of multifunctional Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3|Li intermediate interfaces for solid-state batteries

Due to high ionic conductivity, low cost and excellent air stability, NASICON-type Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO)4 (LAGP) electrolyte has been a promising candidate for high-performance solid-state batteries. Nevertheless, the poor interfacial compatibilities between LAGP and lithium (Li) metal (i.e., intrinsic instability of LAGP to metallic Li, growth of dendrite Li) retard its commercial application. Herein, a nano multifunctional LiF@Li-zinc (Zn) alloy layer consisting of electrically insulated but ionic conductive lithium fluoride (LiF) and Li-Zn alloy is introduced at the LAGP|Li interface (Z-LAGP) by in-situ conversion reactions. Such LiF@Li-Zn layer not only leads to stable and tight interface with low resistance and effective inhibition of side reactions, but also homogenizes the Li-ion flux with free of dendrite Li. Consequently, the Li|Z-LAGP|Li cells present the improved critical current density as high as 2.0 mA cm−2, stable cycles with longer than 1000 h at 0.1 mA cm−2, and as well as superior cycling performance from 0.1 to 0.5 mA cm−2 with stable overpotential. What is more, the solid-state batteries of Li|Z-LAGP|LiFePO4 show the good cycle stability with highly reversible capacity (>150 mA h g−1) at 0.1 C under room temperature. This work highlights a rational design for the robust LAGP|Li interface and a novel strategy to optimizing interfacial compatibilities.

3D surface roughness characteristics for biological applications

This paper deals with the topographic evaluation of samples made from materials applied in biomedicine. Different samples were made from Ti, TiAlV, TiNb and austenitic steel – Fe were used together with different surface morphology created. These samples were coated with a layer of TiNb alloy. The goal was to measure surface roughness in individual samples of biomaterials and to evaluate a 3D measurement of surface morphology made with a confocal microscope. Another task was to compare with appropriate software the pictures of material topography acquired at lower and higher magnification. Lower (10x) and higher (200x) magnification was used. For measured data evaluation SPIP and Gwyddion software were used. The same method of surface treatment was used but on different samples, which can lead to different results. The values obtained from topography measurements are crucial, but their formulation or evaluation can be affected by different processing methods. Our interest was to find and record the theoretically best procedure for the evaluation of measured data. Then to better understand the cell adhesion and integration of bacteria, we dealt with visualization of topography of given samples.

ToF-SIMS Depth Profiling of Metal, Metal Oxide, and Alloy Multilayers in Atmospheres of H2, C2H2, CO, and O2.

The influence of the flooding gas during ToF-SIMS depth profiling was studied to reduce the matrix effect and improve the quality of the depth profiles. The profiles were measured on three multilayered samples prepared by PVD. They were composed of metal, metal oxide, and alloy layers. Dual-beam depth profiling was performed with 1 keV Cs+ and 1 keV O2+ sputter beams and analyzed with a Bi+ primary beam. The novelty of this work was the application of H2, C2H2, CO, and O2 atmospheres during SIMS depth profiling. Negative cluster secondary ions, formed from sputtered metals/metal oxides and the flooding gases, were analyzed. A systematic comparison and evaluation of the ToF-SIMS depth profiles were performed regarding the matrix effect, ionization probability, chemical sensitivity, sputtering rate, and depth resolution. We found that depth profiling in the C2H2, CO, and O2 atmospheres has some advantages over UHV depth profiling, but it still lacks some of the information needed for an unambiguous determination of multilayered structures. The ToF-SIMS depth profiles were significantly improved during H2 flooding in terms of matrix-effect reduction. The structures of all the samples were clearly resolved while measuring the intensity of the MnHm–, MnOm–, MnOmH–, and Mn– cluster secondary ions. A further decrease in the matrix effect was obtained by normalization of the measured signals. The use of H2 is proposed for the depth profiling of metal/metal oxide multilayers and alloys.

Microstructure and properties of layered metal/rubber composites subjected to cyclic and impact loading

The paper is devoted to investigation of microstructure and mechanical properties of five-layered metal/rubber composites. The composites were produced by hot bonding of alternating low carbon steel or/and aluminum alloy and rubber layers. Metal/rubber composites can be used as vibration and sound absorbing material in constructions of high-speed trains. In order to study mechanical properties of five-layered metal/rubber composites, impact cyclic and fatigue tests of the obtained composites with different structure was carried out. The tear test results indicated that adhesion bond strength of steel/rubber joint is higher than one of aluminium/rubber joint for the reason of activating and passivating effect of oxide films at interfaces. The impact test results shown that layered architecture of the composite with steel (60 vol%) and rubber (40 vol%) component provides holding of composite‘s impact strength at the level of monolithic low carbon steel with reducing the weight of steel products on 30%. The increased resistance of metal-rubber composites to fatigue fracture at ambient temperature under 100,000-cyclic bending was established. Grain-subgrain refinement, increase in dislocation density and fragmentation of large inclusions were realized on the outer steel and aluminium layers of composites under cyclic loading. The microstructure transformation led to strengthening of composites.

Synergy of ball-milling and pre-oxidation on microstructure and corrosion resistance of hot-dip zinc coating of nodular cast iron

In this study, nodular cast iron parts, grinding balls, and NaHCO3 powder were placed together in a ball milling cylinder to perform the coordinated pretreatment of ball-milling and pre-oxidation. And then the cast iron parts were hot-dipped galvanized to study the synergy of ball-milling and pre-oxidation on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of the coating. The results showed that after pre-oxidation at 300 °C, Si on the surface of nodular cast iron is oxidized to form SiO2, Fe is not oxidized, and the substrate surface is selectively oxidized. After the non-oxidization sample is pickled, its surface Si content is 2.88 wt. %. After the pre-oxidized sample is pickled, its surface Si content is 2.07 wt. %. After the synergy of ball-milling and pre-oxidation, the surface Si content on the cast iron is 1.52 wt. %. Compared with the sample without pre-oxidation, the surface Si content on the cast iron after pre-oxidation decreases by 28%, and the surface Si content on the cast iron with the synergy of ball-milling and pre-oxidation decreases by 47%. In the hot-dip galvanized coating, as the surface Si content on the cast iron decreases, the ζ grains are refined, and the thickness of the Fe–Zn alloy layer decreases. The sample with the synergy of ball-milling and pre-oxidation has the finest ζ grains and the thinnest alloy layer thickness. In electrochemical corrosion, as the Si content on the cast iron surface decreases, the corrosion potential of the ζ layers are consistent, the corrosion current density decreases, the thickness of the passivation film increases, and the polarization resistance increases. The corrosion resistance of the ζ layers obtained under different pretreatment conditions is in order non-oxidization and pickling sample < pickling after pre-oxidation sample < synergy of ball-milling and pre-oxidation sample.

Temperature-dependent XPS studies on Ga-In alloys through the melting-point

Gallium indium alloys are known to be liquid at remarkably low temperatures. Herein, we provide X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies and DFT-based ab-initio molecular dynamics (MD) calculations on the composition of the liquid alloy surface. We find that alloying Ga and In in ratios close to the eutectic composition results in only minor signal shifts of the corresponding In core levels. The topmost surface layer of the liquid alloy exhibits significant In enrichment for all measured temperatures, between 300 K to 800 K the observed enrichment slightly decreases with increasing temperature. This behavior is seen in both temperature-dependent XPS and ab-initio MD simulations. Furthermore, we investigate changes in the surface composition during the liquid-to-solid phase transition by time-dependent XPS during cooling of the alloy sample. The surface of the alloy presents an advantageous nucleation site, where we regularly observe the precipitation of indium. During cooling, the precipitation processes were followed by both XPS and by monitoring the sample temperature/heating power.

Enhanced Spin-Orbit Torque and Low Critical Current Density in Pt100-xRux/[CoNi]/Ru Multilayer for Spintronic Devices.

Using a heavy-metal (HM) alloy layer in spin-orbit torque (SOT)-based devices is an effective method for obtaining a high current-spin conversion efficiency θSH. In this work, SOT-based spintronic devices with a Pt100-xRux-alloyed HM layer are studied by applying harmonic Hall measurements and magneto-optical Kerr effect microscopy to detect the θSH and to observe the process of current-induced magnetization switching. Both the highest θSH of 0.132 and the lowest critical current density (Jc) of 8 × 105 A/cm2 are realized in a device with x = 20, which satisfies the high SOT efficiency and low energy consumption simultaneously. The interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction can be overcome by increasing the in-plane assist field. Meanwhile, the minimum in-plane field required for current-induced complete switching can be reduced to ±60 Oe. Our study reveals that using the Pt-Ru alloyed HM layer is an effective route for SOT application with enhanced performance.