As-cast Samples Research Articles

The Thermomechanical, Functional and Biocompatibility Properties of a Au–Pt–Ge Alloy for PFM Dental Restorations

A high-noble Au–Pt–Ge porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental alloy without the known adverse metallic elements and with the addition of germanium (Ge) was produced as a more cost-effective alternative to other precious alloying metals, with investigations for determining the functionality and clinical use of this alloy. The thermomechanical, biocompatibility, durability, workability and economic characteristics of the produced dental alloy were investigated. These properties were investigated with in vitro biocompatibility testing on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs); static immersion testing for metal ion release; DSC analysis; hardness, tensile testing, density and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) measurements; metallographic and SEM/EDX microstructure investigations; and finally with the production of a test PFM dental bridge. The results of the thermomechanical testing showed alloy properties suitable for dental restorations and clinical use, with somewhat lower mechanical properties, making the alloy not suitable for extensive multiunit fixed restorations. The microstructure investigations showed segregations of Ge in the homogeneous alloy matrix, which reduce the alloy’s mechanical properties. The produced PFM dental bridge showed excellent workability of the alloy in a dental laboratory setting, as well as a high standard of the final dental restoration. The ion release was negligible, well below any harmful quantities, while the cell viability examination showed significantly higher viability ratings on polished alloy samples as compared to as-cast samples. The results showed that a dental substructure in direct contact with oral tissue and fluids should be highly polished. The performed investigations showed that the produced PFM dental alloy is suitable for clinical use in producing high-quality dental restorations with high biocompatibility for patients prone to metal allergies.

Investment casting of porous Mg-alloy networks biomechanically tuned for bone implant applications

Manufacturing technology has been refined and described for the fabrication of honeycomb-based bioresorbable networks for temporal bone replacement applications. Two novel techniques, digital light processing and investment casting, were utilized to produce customized, shape-optimized cellular constructs with additional orifices promoting tissue ingrowth during osteo-regeneration. For this purpose, a conventional magnesium casting alloy (AZ91) was chosen. Numerical simulations were conducted to predict the compressive behavior of the proposed biodegradable lightweight scaffolds. Spatial castings were adjusted to possess mechanical properties comparable to the ones of cortical or trabecular bones. Two kinds of protective coatings (plasma electrolytic oxidation and organic ones based on natural polyphenols from tea extract) were deposited and characterized. They can be utilized to control the degradation rate during exploitation to achieve a predictable implant lifespan. The elaborated layers aim to mitigate the rapid corrosion of magnesium substrates by prolonging their bioresorption time and thus expanding their applicability in osseointegration. To evaluate this assumption, immersion tests in phosphate-buffered saline were performed, showing better chemical resistance of PEO coating and as-cast sample (for both mass gain by below 1%), and visible increase in mass of sample coated with organic coating (increase by almost 5%). Compressive strength results from numerical approach were further validated by experimental compression tests, showing that PEO coating deteriorated compressive strength by almost 3%, and organic coating improved it by over 9%. Results achieved in numerical approach were better than expected for stiffer sample, and slightly lower for the one with bigger pores.

In situ phosphorus-modified Mg2Ge/Zn-Cu composite with improved mechanical, degradation, biotribological properties, and in vitro and in vivo osteogenesis and osteointegration performance for biodegradable bone-implant applications

Zinc (Zn)-based composites are promising biodegradable bone-implant materials because of their good biocompatibility, processability, and biodegradability. Nevertheless, the low interfacial bonding strength, coordinated deformation capacity, and mechanical strength of current Zn-based composites hinder their clinical application. In this study, we developed a biodegradable in situ 4Mg2Ge/Zn-0.3Cu-0.05P composite (denoted ZMGCP) via phosphorus (P) modification and hot-rolling for bone-implant applications. The mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, biotribological performance, in vitro cytocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation, and in vivo osteogenesis and osteointegration of the as-cast (AC) and hot-rolled (HR) ZMGCP samples were systematically evaluated and compared to those of 4Mg2Ge/Zn-0.3Cu (denoted ZMGC). The primary and eutectic reinforcement Mg2Ge phases formed during solidification were refined after P modification and hot-rolling. The HR ZMGCP exhibited the best tensile properties among all the samples with an ultimate tensile strength of 288.9 MPa, a yield strength of 194.5 MPa, and an elongation of 17.7 %. The HR ZMGCP showed the lowest corrosion rate of 336 μm/a, 186 μm/a, and 61.7 μm/a as measured by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and immersion testing, respectively, among all the samples in Hanks’ solution. The HR ZMGCP also showed higher biotribological resistance than its ZMGC counterpart. The HR ZMGCP exhibited the highest in vitro cytocompatibility, the best osteogenesis capability and angiogenesis property among the HR samples of pure Zn, ZMGC, and ZMGCP. Furthermore, the HR ZMGCP displayed complete in vivo biocompatibility, osteogenesis, osteointegration capability, and an appropriate degradation rate, showing significant potential for a biodegradable bone-implant material.

Magnetostructural transformation and magnetocaloric response in Mn(Fe)NiSi(Al) alloys

An efficient magnetocaloric refrigerant must have certain characteristics such as a sharp transition near the desired working temperature, a large cyclic magnetocaloric response, and the use of raw materials with reduced costs and low environmental consequences. In this sense, this work focuses on a series of rare-earth- and Co-free Mn0.5Fe0.5NiSi1-xAlx alloys (x = 0.0525, 0.060, 0.0685) with promising magnetocaloric properties. The alloys were synthesized using combined arc melting and induction melting techniques, as this synthesis route provides improved control on the sample composition and homogeneity. We investigated how the heat treatment temperature and Al content affect the magnetostructural and magnetocaloric properties of the alloys. On the one hand, it is found that annealing at 1173 K for 7 days leads to a sharp magnetostructural transformation with no traces of impurities for the alloy with x = 0.0525. Under these conditions, a large isothermal entropy change of –11.5 J kg−1 K−1 for 1 T is obtained near room temperature, significantly improving the value of the as-cast sample. On the other hand, following this optimal heat treatment, the influence of Al content is studied: upon increasing the Al concentration the magnetostructural transformation shifts to lower temperatures, ranging from 320 K for x = 0.0525 to 220 K for x = 0.0685 (measured upon heating).

Design of novel high entropy alloys based on the end-of-life recycling rate and element lifetime for cryogenic applications

The equiatomic face-centred cubic (FCC) CoNiCrFeMn alloy, known as the Cantor alloy, is renowned for its high ductility under extreme conditions, such as cryogenic temperatures. Despite this, it suffers from low hardness and yield strength (YS) and includes elements with significant supply concerns. This study introduces novel non-equiatomic CoNiCrFeMn alloys, designed using machine learning (ML)-assisted-high-throughput atomistic simulations to enhance sustainability and mechanical properties such as hardness and YS while maintaining the alloy's single-phase FCC structure. We incorporated two critical sustainability indicators, end-of-life recycling rate (EOL−RR) and lifetime (τ), to guide the alloy design process. Mean-flow stress (MFS), measured from the yield point to 15% strain during tensile tests, was used to assess and predict the mechanical properties. Two alloys, with cobalt contents of 12.5% and 21.5%, were developed and analysed. The Co12.5 alloy showed better sustainability (44% improvement in τ with almost the same mechanical properties), while the Co21.5 alloy exhibited better mechanical properties (20% improvement in MFS with almost the same sustainability) as the equiatomic system. Their stable FCC microstructures were confirmed through CALPHAD modelling and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of vacuum arc melted, as-cast samples. The results highlight the potential of integrating sustainability metrics into high-performance alloy design.

Comparative analysis of microstructure and mechanical properties in FeMnAlNi alloys fabricated via casting and additive manufacturing

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of FeMnAlNi alloys fabricated via casting, laser-based directed energy deposition (DED-LB), and powder bed fusion-laser beam (PBF-LB) techniques, highlighting the profound impact of manufacturing processes on their microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties. The investigation reveals distinct two-phase distributions, with PBF-LB samples retaining the high-temperature α-phase due to rapid cooling, contrasting with the γ-phase predominance in as-cast and DED-LB samples. Notably, PBF-LB samples also exhibit fine γ′ martensites, likely a result of stress-induced martensitic transformation. Mechanical testing shows significant variations across the samples: as-cast and DED-LB samples demonstrate similar microhardness values (211 ± 22 and 209 ± 7 HV0.2, respectively), while PBF-LB samples exhibit higher microhardness (321 ± 9 HV0.2) due to the dominance of α-phase. Specifically, the DED-LB samples demonstrate elongation exceeding 50 %, with a notable improvement in ductility compared to the as-cast samples. The Kurdjumov–Sachs orientation relationship between α-phase and γ/γ′-phases is found. These insights reveal that considerable work remains to be done, including exploring post-processing heat treatments, which have the potential to induce superelasticity in DED-LB samples and further enhance the application potential of FeMnAlNi alloys in advanced engineering fields.

Effect of hot rolling and annealing on microstructure, crystallographic texture, and mechanical properties of Fe11.5 Co20.6 Ni40.7 Cr12.2 Al7.8 Ti7.2 high entropy alloy

The evolution of microstructure and texture during the thermomechanical processing of a Fe-Co-Ni-Cr-Al-Ti dual phase high entropy alloy consists of L12 (γ′) ordered precipitates in the disordered FCC (γ) matrix and its effect on the mechanical properties was investigated. The as-cast alloy was annealed at 1100 °C after 25 % and 50 % hot rolling reduction. The grain size becomes finer, and a considerable amount of annealing twin boundaries (Ʃ3 boundaries) developed in the hot rolling and annealed (HRA) samples. The α-fiber (ND||<110>) texture and twin-related texture components increase after HRA treatment. The mechanical response at room temperature is evaluated employing hardness and uniaxial tensile tests. A significant reduction in hardness, from 448 ± 6 HV to 381 ± 12 HV, is observed in the 50 % hot rolled annealed sample compared to the as-cast sample. Additionally, the yield strength reduced from 779 to 595 MPa with an increment in the ductility from 12.5 to 17.2 % in the as-cast and HR50A samples, respectively. Finally, it has been demonstrated that the increase in coherent twin boundaries and grain size excluding twin boundaries, led to the observed mechanical behavior.

Pulsed laser surface texturing enhancing corrosion resistance of rare-earth WE43 magnesium alloys in simulated body fluid environment

The addition of rare earth (RE) elements in Magnesium (Mg) alloys could optimize alloy microstructures and improve the mechanical property. The corrosion resistance however is a tough issue that limits its application as biomedical materials in human bodies. In this work, a green, fast and economical method of pulsed laser surface texturing (PLST) was employed to modify the RE WE43 Mg alloys and the corresponding corrosion resistance after the PLST treatment in simulated body fluid (SBF) was further examined. The microstructural results show that the surface exhibits petal-like microstructures and an oxide film composed of various oxides with remelting particles are also generated on laser-processed areas after PLST treatment. The electrochemical results reveal that the WE43 sample treated by PLST exhibits a superior corrosion resistance in SBF compared with the as-cast one. As for the PLST treated sample with 24 W, the corrosion potential (Ecorr) positively shifts from −1.788 V to −1.556 V after being immersed in SBF for 7 days, which is also nobler than that of the as-cast one, −1.915 V. While the corrosion current density (icorr) drops to the value of 8.3 μA/cm2, considerably lower than that of the as-cast sample, 1380 μA/cm2. The enhancement of corrosion resistance in the early stage is mainly due to the protective oxide film induced by PLST. Furthermore, long-term immersion in SBF further accelerates the formation of deposited hydroxyapatite (HA) products layer on petal-like microstructures, which would further contribute to its enhancement in corrosion resistance in the long-term service in human bodies.

Effect of Al–Zr and Si–Zr atomic pairs on phases, microstructure and mechanical properties of Si-alloyed (Ti28Zr40Al20Nb12)100-xSix(x=1, 3, 5, 10) high entropy alloys

The phases, microstructure, and mechanical properties of Si-alloyed (Ti28Zr40Al20Nb12)100-xSix(x = 1, 3, 5, 10) high entropy alloys are studied. Although silicides were not detected in the as-cast 1 at. % Si-alloyed sample, after annealing all the four alloys have the same phase composition: the Zr5Al3-type phase, Zr5Si3-type silicides, and the BCC/B2 dual-phase matrix, indicating that 1 at. % Si addition is adequate for the formation of silicides in equilibrium. The phase morphologies show a dependence on the Si content and the cooling rate, which changed from the occurrence of columnar grain zones together with coarse dendrites of the as-cast 1 at. % Si-alloyed alloy to four different cooling-rate-related morphologies in the other three as-cast alloys. After heat treatment, differently shaped precipitates tend to aggregate and spherize, and a three-step-shaped phase morphology is observed when the Si content is above 5 at. %. All precipitates are rich in Zr due to either the strong Si–Zr pair or Al–Zr pair, but heterogeneous distributions of Si and Al exist. An increase of the Si content led to a gradual decrease of the compressive strength in both as-cast and annealed samples, yet the total fracture strain does not show monotonously decrease trend. 5 at. % Si-alloyed samples possessed a higher total fracture strain than the 3 at. % Si-alloyed samples.

Ni50Mn37.5Sn12.5 Heusler Alloy: Influence of Co Addition on the Structure, Martensitic Transition, and Magnetic Properties

The impact of Co-addition (x = 0, 2, 4, and 6 at. %) in the as-cast and annealed Ni50Mn37.5Sn12.5 Heusler alloy at 900 °C for 24 h on the microstructure, magnetic properties, and the martensitic transition was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The crystal structure of as-cast samples consists of a 14M modulated martensite structure, a face-centered (FCC) γ phase, and a face-centered tetragonal (FCT) MnNi-type phase L10. The as-cast samples show a dendritic microstructure with different contrasts and non-uniform distribution. The annealed samples exhibit dual 14M and γ phases for the Co0 and Co2, but 14M + γ + MnNi for the Co4 and Co6. The appearance of the martensitic transformation in the annealed Co0 and Co2 samples can be due to the disappearance of the dendritic microstructure. The characteristic temperatures (martensite start, Ms; martensite finish, Mf; austenite start, As; and austenite finish, Af) decrease with Co addition. A ferromagnetic-like order exists at a lower temperature of 1.8 K for the as-cast and annealed samples and decreases at 300 K. The annealing increases the fraction of the AFM contributions at 300 K. The exchange bias values of the Co0, An-Co2, and An-Co6 are 146.7 Oe, 24 O2, and 32.6 Oe, respectively, at 300 K.

Exploring Microstructure and Magnetic Domain Evolution in the As-cast Soft Magnetic Fe74B20Nb2Hf2Si2 Alloy: A Comprehensive Study Using STEM, Lorentz TEM, and LM-STEM DPC Microscopy

This study delves into subtle changes in the microstructure and domain arrangement of a Fe74B20Nb2Hf2Si2 soft magnetic amorphous alloy. Utilizing transmission electron microscopy in Lorentz mode, low-magnification STEM, and differential phase contrast analysis (DPC), the research explores both the as-cast state and annealed samples. The results confirmed the formation of α-Fe, Fe23B6, Fe2(Hf, Nb), and Fe2B crystalline phases with increasing annealing temperature. Consequently, these crystallization stages induce significant alterations in magnetic domain size and spatial distribution due to microstructural changes. As the crystallization temperature rises, the volume fraction of crystalline phases increases, leading to modifications in the arrangement and size of magnetic domains. The decrease in magnetic domain size, associated with the formation of pinning sites during heat treatment, leads to alterations in soft magnetic properties. This includes an increase in coercivity (Hc) up to 40 A/m in the sample annealed at the temperature range of the third crystallization stage compared to the as-cast sample (1.5 A/m). Furthermore, as the annealing temperature rises, there is a corresponding increase in saturation magnetization (Ms), which reached to 1.71 T in the sample annealed within the temperature range of the third crystallization stage. These findings hold substantial implications for the practical applications of the Fe-based soft bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) alloy across various industries.

Microstructural stability and mechanical properties of the as-cast and heat-treated newly developed TiNbCrTa refractory complex concentrated alloy

In this study, a TiNbCrTa refractory complex concentrated alloy (RCCA) was prepared using vacuum arc remelting. The microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of both as-cast and heat-treated RCCA samples were analyzed. Heat treatment (HT) was performed at 800–1200 °C for 1 h in a vacuum-sealed environment. These samples exhibited a formation of Cr2Nb and Cr2Ti Laves phases. A variation in elemental distribution was observed, with interdendritic (ID) regions showing higher fractions of Ti and Cr, while the dendritic regions had a greater concentration of Ta and Nb. Micro-segregation at the IDs was confirmed through energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy mapping, which inferred the formation of Cr- and Ti-rich phases during HT at 800–1200 °C. High-temperature HT at 1200 °C for 1 h led to the evolution of the hcp omega phase. Prolonged HT at 1200 °C for 96 h resulted in the evolution of a Cr-rich Laves phase (Cr2Ta), which was homogeneously distributed within the microstructure, indicating an unstable microstructure. Furthermore, despite prolonged HT, a variation in the elemental distribution persisted due to the presence of dendritic and ID regions. Electron backscattered diffraction analysis revealed the presence of bcc and hcp phases in the dendritic and ID regions, respectively, of the as-cast and HTed samples. The as-cast samples demonstrated a high compressive strength of approximately 2 GPa. Micro-hardness values increased with the HT temperature up to 1000 °C. Further increases under HT conditions did not significantly reduce the microhardness value, whereas prolonged HT at 1200 °C led to an increase in the microhardness value. Overall, the newly developed TiNbCrTa RCCA exhibited high-strength behavior even after the phase transformation.

Tuning mechanical behavior of an FCC high entropy alloy: Insights from roll deformation and texture

Severe plastic deformation (SPD) is introduced as a significant approach in designing and tailoring the mechanical characteristics of high entropy alloys (HEAs). This research focuses on investigating the microstructure evolution, deformation mechanisms, and their influence on texture components and mechanical behavior in a single solid solution Ni1.5FeCrCu0.5 HEA subjected to cold rolling. For this purpose, microstructure evolution and texture expansion were studied in 25, 45, 65, and 85 % thickness reductions using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The finding illustrates that alongside dislocation density, deformation twins and shear bands increase with higher strain; in particular, nanotwins with a thickness of approximately 50 nm were observed in the 85 % cold rolled (85 % CR) alloy. Bulk texture analysis indicates that the presence of shear bands and twins leads to the Goss {110}<001> and Brass {110}<112> texture orientations in the cold-rolled samples, which is ascribed to the low SFE of the alloy. With increased strain, the alloy's hardness and yield strength increased from ∼150 Hv and ∼236 Mpa (As-cast sample) to ∼467 Hv and ∼1097 Mpa (85 % CR), respectively, while the elongation decreased by ∼66 %. By examining the alloy's strengthening mechanisms, it has been determined that increasing the dislocation density and the presence of twins are the two main strengthening mechanisms of the alloy.

Evolution of the Microstructure, Phase Composition and Thermomechanical Properties of the CuZnIn Alloys, Achieved by Thermally Controlled Phase Transitions

Ternary alloys with CuZnIn compositions based on the binary CuZn diagram and the modeled ternary system solidus projection were investigated. The as-cast alloys, hot-rolled sheets, and samples annealed at low temperature were examined. It was found that the α-CuZn solution phase, with minor indium additions (1–2% at.), was the primary phase crystallizing during casting and remained stable at low temperatures. The ternary phase with an approximate composition of Cu8(In,Zn)4.5 and a structure analogous to the high-temperature γ-Cu9In4 phase crystallized from the liquid state and remained stable at low temperatures. This behavior results from the stabilization against peritectoidal decomposition by the Zn atoms when substituting In in the structure. A new phase γ*-Cu9(In,Zn)4 with a modified structure was identified, characterized by a reduced unit cell and an altered electronic structure. The hot-rolling process preserves the phase composition and forms a composite-like structure, with the matrix composition of γ* and large ellipsoidal α-CuZn solution particles. On a microscale, the γ* matrix exhibited a specific structure resulting from segregation processes and was composed of micrometer-sized α-CuZn(In) solution particles and nano-sized β-CuZn phase precipitates. Low-temperature annealing intensifies the γ* matrix decomposition through binary phase precipitation.

Selective microzone remelting to reduce and refine the coarse primary carbides in high-carbon alloy steels

The coarse primary carbides in high-carbon alloy steels can significantly impair their overall performance. Reducing and refining the primary carbides efficiently are always of great significance in material processing. Here, an innovative approach ― the selective microzone remelting (SMR) method, is proposed to dramatically reduce and refine the coarse primary carbides. The method is achieved by utilizing an electric current and is facilitated with the substantial difference in electrical resistivity between carbides and the matrix phase. When a sample contains massive coarse primary carbides is subjected to an electric current, the high electrical resistivity of carbides leads to the selective remelting of local carbides before the sample reaches solidus temperature during heating while during cooling the big difference in electrical resistivity suppresses the carbides formation but promotes the austenite nucleation and growth. This mechanism has been validated through the successful treatment of M50 bearing steel, in which the large-sized blocky primary carbides were eliminated completely, leaving only small-sized eutectics with extremely thin lamellas. Besides, the microporosity in the as-cast sample has also been reduced significantly via SMR treatment. These studies demonstrated that the proposed SMR treatment can be a promising method to reduce and refine coarse precipitates formed during solidification in various alloys.

Investigation of the Microstructure and Dry-Sliding Wear Behavior of Co Containing Al-Si-Fe Scrap Alloy

This study investigates the influence of cobalt (Co) addition on the microstructural and wear properties of an aluminum (Al) scrap alloy containing high iron (Fe) impurity content (3%). Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy confirmed the presence of Co in Fe-rich intermetallics. Upon increasing the Co concentration, β-Al5FeSi phase was seen to be refined without significant morphological modifications. Furthermore, Co addition promoted the formation of a new quaternary phase Al32Si7Fe4Co phase, which was finely distributed throughout the microstructure and acts as a tribo-layer in the Al scrap alloy, offering enhanced wear resistance and improved stability against wear. Standard EN-31 steel disk with compositions chromium (Cr)-1.6%, manganese (Mn)-0.75%, silicon (Si)-0.35%, and carbon (C)-0.9% was used for the wear test. Microhardness and wear properties were evaluated for both the as-cast and heat-treated alloys, with the as-cast samples exhibiting superior wear resistance and a lower coefficient of friction compared to the T6 heat-treated samples. Addition of Co showed refinement in the β-Fe rich intermetallics over the morphological modifications. Similarly, Co addition enhanced the hardness and wear resistance in the as cast alloys. This work provides a detailed analysis contributing significant understandings into the wear mechanisms and potential applications of Co modified recycled Al in various industrial sectors.

A study on optimal parameter combinations for austempered ductile iron

Nodular cast iron possesses a spherical graphite shape and exhibits mechanical properties closely resembling those of steel after heat treatment. The austempering method provides a means of enhancing the mechanical properties of nodular cast iron. This study aimed to investigate the optimal parameter combinations for Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI). The experiments involved varying the austenitization temperature and austempering time. Multiple tests were conducted to analyze the effects of austenitization temperature and tempering time on the microstructure, hardness, and impact toughness. The experimental samples were obtained from Y-block nodular cast iron austenitized at 850, 900, and 950°C for 90 min in an electric furnace. Subsequently, they were quenched in a salt bath at a temperature of 350°C and held for 60, 90, and 120 minutes before being cooled to room temperature. Mechanical tests and microstructure observations were performed on both the as-cast sample and after austempering. The microstructure was observed using an optical microscope before and after the etching. The research findings indicated that austempering increases the hardness and impact toughness of nodular cast iron. The highest hardness (46.8 HRC) was achieved from a parameter combination of an austenitization temperature of 850°C and an austempering time of 90 minutes. This particular sample also exhibited a relatively higher impact energy (3.8 J) compared to the others. The results of this study suggest that the austenitization temperature and tempering time exert an influence on the mechanical properties.

Effect of solutionizing heat treatment on the structure and mechanical properties of silicon bronze (Cu-10wt%Si-2wt%Ni)

The effect of solutionizing temperature, soaking time, and quenching media on the structure and mechanical properties of silicon bronze (Cu-10wt%Si-2wt%Ni) has been examined. The samples were produced using the sand casting technique, machined to the required dimensions, and solutionized at temperatures of 700 oC, 800 oC, and 900 oC for 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 hrs and quenched in brine and oil respectively. The prepared as-cast and solution heat-treated samples were subjected to mechanical tests (hardness, and impact strength tests) as well as microstructural analysis. The results of the microstructural analysis revealed the presence of coarse grains and coarse sparse distribution of Ni2Si precipitate in the as-cast sample while the surface morphology of the heat-treated samples consisted of fine grains of intermetallic compounds evenly dispersed in the copper matrix. It was also observed that the microstructures of samples solutionized at lower temperatures (700 oC) revealed finer grains with better grain distributions compared with samples solutionized at higher temperatures (800 oC and 900 oC). These microstructural changes led to the improvement of the hardness and impact strength of the alloy. The hardness value of the as-cast sample 48.5 HRB, increased to 53.7 HRB and 57.8 HRB after solid solution heat treatment at 700 oC for 3.5 h and cooled in brine and oil, respectively. It was also observed that the hardness of the brine-cooled samples increased further to 72.45 HRB after 3.5 h at 900 oC. The results obtained also showed that the solid solution heat-treated samples gave an optimum impact strength value of 214 J/m3 and 183 J/m3 from the samples solutionized at 900 oC and 800 oC for 3.5 h and 1.5 h and cooled in brine and oil respectively. This was concluded to be a result of solid solution alpha and beta phases formed which improve energy absorption in the alloy.

AlxHfTaTi (0≤x≤0.5) refractory medium entropy alloys with excellent room-temperature tensile properties

Refractory high entropy alloys are strong candidates for high-temperature structural materials, because of their high strength, excellent thermal stability and exceptional softening resistance under high-temperature. However, majority of the existing refractory high entropy alloys are seriously limited in widespread application, due to their severe brittleness at room temperature. In this study, we proposed a novel AlxHfTaTi body-centered cubic (BCC) refractory medium entropy alloy with remarkable strength-ductility combination at room temperature. Adjusting the atomic ratio of Al (from 0 to 0.5 at.%), we investigated the effect of Al on the structure-property characteristics of the alloy under as-cast as well as cold-rolled and annealed conditions. Compared with the as-cast samples, the rolled and annealed samples exhibit more excellent tensile properties due to the remarkable reduction of grain size resulted from recrystallization. The Al0.3HfTaTi sample annealed for 5 min exhibits outstanding comprehensive properties at room temperature, with a yield strength higher than 1000 MPa and a fracture elongation of up to 24 ± 1 %, respectively. Quasi in-situ EBSD analysis results reveal that, during tensile deformation, the grain size has a significant effect on the grain rotation and dislocation gliding. Small grains are more likely to initiate multiple slip bands, promoting the synergistic effect of grain rotation and dislocation gliding, thereby improving the ductility of the alloy. Our findings can provide new ideas for the development of refractory high entropy alloys with outstanding room-temperature tensile properties.

Oxidation resistance of aluminized refractory HfNbTaTiZr high entropy alloy

In the present study, an equimolar HfNbTaTiZr refractory high entropy alloy was subjected to powder-pack aluminizing at 950°C for 4 h. High-temperature isothermal oxidation tests were carried out in open air on both as-cast and aluminized samples at 1000°C for the durations of 5, 25, and 125 h. Microstructural analysis and oxidation kinetics revealed the formation of a complex oxide layer consisting of (Hf,Zr)O2 and Al2O3 with AlN inclusions in the aluminized samples following oxidation. Significant cracking of the complex oxide layer occurred after the prolonged exposure of 125 h. The as-cast samples followed similar oxidation kinetics under all the conditions. However, the magnitude of mass gain for the aluminized samples was 1.18, 1.55, and 3.60 times less than the as-cast samples after 5, 25, and 125 h of oxidation, respectively. The lower mass gain in the aluminized samples indicated the formation of an adherent oxide layer on the surface of the alloy and that the molar volume of the oxide equaled or exceeded the molar volume of the alloy. As a result, the aluminized alloy was shielded from direct contact with gaseous oxygen and oxidation rate was governed by diffusion through the oxide layer.