Carbide Formation Research Articles

A detailed exploration of microstructure evolution in a novel Ti–Mo martensitic steel through in-situ observation: The effect of heating rate

Rapid heating is a promising technique for achieving excellent mechanical properties. This study innovatively applies rapid heating to a novel Ti–Mo martensite steel through in-situ observation experiments. By comparing the microstructure evolutions at heating rates of 1 and 30 °C/s, the relationship between microstructure and property evolution was elucidated. The results indicate that the refined austenite grains resulting from rapid heating stem from enhanced grain nucleation, accumulated dislocations, and the increased formation of new carbides under the large superheat. Furthermore, carbide maturation predominates during the slow heating process, while rapid heating accelerates new carbide precipitation with limited carbide maturation. Moreover, during rapid heating, both coherent and non-coherent relationships were observed between the (Ti, Mo, Fe)C particles and the martensite matrix, demonstrating a remarkable pinning effect on grain boundary migration. Nevertheless, during slow heating, large-sized (Ti, Mo)C carbides were formed, presenting a non-coherent relationship with the martensite matrix. Additionally, the primary differences in strength caused by rapid heating compared to slow heating include grain refinement, dislocation, and precipitation strengthenings, with dislocation strengthening playing the dominant role.

Effects of cooling rate on isothermal spheroidizing annealing of hot-rolled GCr15 bearing steel

The effects of cooling rate on isothermal spheroidizing annealing (SA) of hot-rolled GCr15 bearing steel have been investigated. The results show that controlling the cooling rate between austenitizing and secondary annealing within a specific range is crucial to prevent the formation of lamellar carbide (LC). With a suitable cooling rate, more uniform carbide distribution, lower dislocation density and hardness can be achieved. An increase in the cooling rate results in a decrease in Ar1 and an increase in undercooling. However, an excessively high cooling rate suppresses the divorced eutectoid transformation (DET), leading to an increase in the amount of LC, dislocation density and hardness in rapidly cooled samples. Conversely, in the sample cooled too slowly, the appearance of LC may be attributed to the sufficient precipitation and coarsening of carbides, resulting in a high density of carbides before phase transformation. LCs can be eliminated by extending the secondary annealing time appropriately. This work demonstrates that for isothermal SA, using an appropriate cooling rate can effectively reduce the secondary annealing time, which provides a new idea for the rapid and complete spheroidization of carbides in GCr15 bearing steel.

Rapid Joule heating-induced welding of silicon and graphene for enhanced lithium-ion battery anodes

In the pursuit of enhanced energy storage solutions, the application of silicon-based anode materials faces significant hurdles, primarily stemming from the rapid capacity degradation during battery cycles. This study introduces a novel and efficient method for fabricating Si/graphene composites (F-Si@rGO), enhancing the performance and longevity of silicon-based anodes. Utilizing ultra-high-speed thermal treatment, this technique controls the thermal interaction between carbon and silicon phases, leading to the formation of silicon carbide “riveting points” that firmly anchor silicon nanoparticles within the graphene matrix. This novel method effectively minimizes the problems of phase segregation, which are caused by varying degrees of wettability alteration in the two phases during conventional heat treatments, and guarantees a robust integration of graphene and silicon. This integration results in homogeneous charging and outstanding structural stability of the composites, over extended cycles of use. The resulting Si/graphene composites exhibit exceptional electrochemical performance, achieving a high initial capacity of 1141.3 mAh g−1 at 1C and maintaining a capacity of 894.95 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles with minimal degradation (0.0216 % per cycle). This synthesis method, notable for its speed and scalability, offers a potential advancement in battery material technology, suggesting a path towards more resilient and efficient energy storage solutions.

The importance of Pd carbide formation for reactions with ethene and other organic molecules

The reactions of a range of unsaturated hydrocarbons and oxygenated organic molecules with pure Pd surfaces can result in the carbidisation of the bulk of the metal, even though Pd is not usually recognised as a carbide-forming material. This can have important implications for catalysis by Pd. In this personal review it is shown that for the case of ethene, such bulk carbidisation is very fast above about 400 K. Adsorption and reaction with both pure single crystal Pd and supported nanoparticulate Pd is reported. For the former every ethene molecule has a 70 % probability per collision with the surface of dehydrogenating and depositing C into the metal. At low temperature (400 K) this accumulates near the surface, while at higher temperatures the C dissolves in the bulk and is reduced in the surface region. It can be retrieved by treatment in oxygen. For the nanoparticulate metal, the bulk is saturated very quickly with C, ultimately making a Pd4C-like material. During this time a disproportionation reaction occurs in which methane only evolves into the gas phase and C is deposited in the Pd. Once the bulk is saturated with C, then reaction with ethene stops. It is shown that similar carbidisation also takes place with acetaldehyde.

Predictive Synthesis of Transition Metal Carbide via Thermochemical Oxocarbon Equilibrium.

Fabricating nanoscale metal carbides is a great challenge due to them having higher Gibbs free energy of formation (ΔG°) values than other metal compounds; additionally, these carbides have harsh calcination conditions, in which metal oxidation is preferred in the atmosphere. Herein, we report oxocarbon-mediated calcination for the predictive synthesis of nanoscale metal carbides. The thermochemical oxocarbon equilibrium of CO-CO2 reactions was utilized to control the selective redox reactions in multiatomic systems of Mo-C-O, contributing to the phase-forming and structuring of Mo compounds. By harnessing the thermodynamically predicted processing window, we controlled a wide range of Mo phases (MoO2, α-MoC1-x, and β-Mo2C) and nanostructures (nanoparticle, spike, stain, and core/shell) in the Mo compounds/C nanofibers. By inducing simultaneous reactions of C-O (selective C combustion) and Mo-C (Mo carbide formation) in the nanofibers, Mo diffusion was controlled in C nanofibers, acting as a template for the nucleation and growth of Mo carbides and resulting in precise control of the phases and structures of Mo compounds. The formation mechanism of nanostructured Mo carbides was elucidated according to the CO fractions of CO-CO2 calcination. Moreover, tungsten (W) and niobium (Nb) carbides/C nanofibers have been successfully synthesized by CO-CO2 calcination. We constructed the thermodynamic map for the predictive synthesis of transition metal carbides to provide universal guideline via thermochemical oxocarbon equilibrium. We revealed that our thermochemical oxocarbon-mediated gas-solid reaction enabled the structure and phase control of nanoscale transition metal compounds to optimize the material-property relationship accordingly.

Experimental Simulation of Directional Crystallization of SiMo Cast Iron Alloyed with Al and Cr.

SiMo ductile cast iron combines ease of part fabrication with good mechanical properties, including a usable plasticity range. Its poor corrosion resistance inherited from grey cast iron could be alleviated through alloying with Al or Cr additions capable of forming a dense oxide scale protecting the substrate. However, the presence of Al and Cr in cast iron tends to make the material brittle, and their optimum alloying additions need to be studied further. The present work was aimed at investigating the effect of crystallization rates on microstructure changes during directional crystallization of SiMo-type alloys with up to 3.5% Al and 2.4% Cr. The experiment was performed using the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. The tubular crucible was transferred from the hot section to cold section at rates ranging from 5 mm/h to 30 mm/h with a 4/5 crucible length and then quenched. The introduced Al promoted graphitization up to a point, wherein, at the highest applied addition, the graphite precipitation preceded crystallization of the rest of the melt. A rising level of Cr in these alloys from 1% to 2.4% resulted in the formation of low and high contents of pearlite, respectively. The higher crystallization rates proved effective in increasing the ferrite content at the expense of pearlite. In the investigated cast iron samples with smaller applied alloying additions, Widmanstätten ferrite or ausferrite, i.e., fine acircular phase, were often found. The switch from directional crystallization to quenching caused a transition from a liquid to solid state, which started with nucleation of islands of fine austenite dendrites with chunky graphite eutectic separating them. As these islands expanded, they pushed alloying additions to their sides, promoting carbide or pearlite formation in these places and forming a super-cell-like structure. The performed experiments helped gather information concerning the sensitivity of the microstructure of SiMo cast iron modified with Al and Cr to crystallization rates prevailing in heavy cast structures.

Graphene-Functionalized Titanium Carbide Synthesis and Characterization and Its Cytotoxic Effect on Cancer Cell Lines.

Background Graphene is a versatile material with promising applications in various fields such as electronics, energy, biomedicine, and the environment due to its exceptional mechanical strength, thermal and electrical conductivity, transparency, and chemical stability. Graphene has been extensively used in biological and medical settings. MXene is a two-dimensional (2D) material that exhibits a strong affinity for water and electrical conductivity because of its surface terminations (oxygen {-O}, fluorine {-F}, and hydroxyl {-OH}) andtransition metal carbide or nitride. MXene has attracted significant attention recently for its wide range of applications and unique properties. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of graphene-functionalized MXene. Furthermore, we investigated its cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines. The characterization of graphene-functionalized MXene is carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction(XRD), and Fourier transform infraredspectroscopy (FTIR) assays. Materials and methods Graphene powder was finely ground in isopropyl alcohol and then sonicated for two hours to produce solution A. MXene was synthesized by reacting titanium aluminum carbide (Ti3AlC3) with hydrofluoric acid (HF). A mixture of Ti3AlC3 and HF was heated to 40°C with continuous stirring for 24 hours to form solution B. Subsequently, solutions A and B were combined and stirred for 30 minutes. The resulting mixture was transferred to a hydrothermal reactor and maintained at 180°C for 12 hours. After the completion of the reaction, the resulting material was cooled to room temperature and purified through washing with distilled water, ethanol, and acetone. The sample was then dried at 80°C for 12 hours. Results The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirms the formation of graphene-functionalized titanium carbide (Ti3C2). The sharp peaks indicate a highly crystalline nature. Graphene is a sheet-like structure with numerous gaps. Particles exhibit a multitude of voids and pores on their surfaces. Upon incorporation, graphene displays a small sheet-like structure. Graphene-functionalized titanium carbide confirms the presence of distinct layered or sheet-like structures stacked together. Following the addition of the material, some cancer cells are eradicated, and they exhibit increased biocompatibility, demonstrating anticancer activity. Conclusion Graphene-functionalized titanium carbide has been successfully synthesized and characterized, as evidenced by various analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and methyl-thiazoldiphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assays. The cytotoxic impact of the synthesized graphene-functionalized titanium carbide on cancer cell lines was examined. The findings reveal a notable cytotoxic effect, indicating its potential as an anticancer agent. Further research in collaboration with experts from diverse fields will be crucial to advance and translate this technology into practical applications for cancer patients. Future scope Graphene and titanium carbide are promising materials for cancer research, biomedical applications, and imaging. Nevertheless, additional research is required to comprehend their mechanisms, enhance their properties, assess their safety and efficacy, and conduct clinical trials.

Preparation and characterization of zirconium carbide nano powder by hydrothermal and carbothermal reduction methods

A hydrothermal method was employed to synthesize the precursor of nano-zirconium carbide, which was subsequently heat treated at high temperatures under vacuum to obtain finely dispersed nanometer-sized zirconium carbide powder through a carbothermic reduction reaction. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was utilized to examine the microstructure of the precursors obtained under different hydrothermal conditions and carbon contents. The effects of different heat treatment temperatures on the microstructure of the products were analyzed. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the boundary coating structure of the hydrothermal precursor and provided insights into the phase structure of the nanometer-sized zirconium carbide. The reaction mechanism and temperature involved in the carbothermic reaction process were determined through calculations. Furthermore, the energy, phase and microstructure of the reaction were investigated using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG-DSC) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) at different temperatures. The obtained results revealed that the zirconium carbide precursor was synthesized via the hydrothermal method exhibited a core-shell structure with a boundary coating, which not only ensured uniform contact between C and ZrO2 particles but also facilitated the formation of zirconium carbide. The results show that the most suitable process parameters are Zr/C 1: 7, 240 °C and 24 h. The thermodynamic calculation results show that ZrO2 combines with carbon to form CO and ZrC when the temperature reaches 1656.56 °C. As the temperature rises, CO reacts with ZrO2 to form ZrC and CO2. TG-DSC shows that the carbothermal reduction reaction starts at 1100 °C and reaches its peak at 1418 °C. XRD analysis confirms that when the temperature reached 1450 °C ZrC appeared. At 1600 °C, the phase transition of ZrC is basically completed. TEM images showed that the synthesized zirconium carbide particles were about 30 nm.

Formation and growth of transition metal carbides in ferrite

Carbide nano-precipitates are commonly used to improve mechanical properties of steel. It has been experimentally observed that TiC, NbC, and VC carbide precipitates initially form as ‘plate-like’ particles oriented in the {100} planes of the ferrite lattice. These platelets share similarities with Guinier-Preston zones in Al-Cu alloys.The clustering of group IV and V transition metal atoms (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta) in ferrite is studied using density functional theory. It is deduced that the transition metal carbides all form in a similar way. Furthermore, the transition from an initial M–C cluster to a NaCl-structured platelet to a NaCl-structured precipitate is examined through atomistic simulations using Modified Embedded Atom Method potentials. A route is established along which transition metal carbides form and transform into precipitates that possess the Baker-Nutting orientation relation with the ferrite matrix.

Laser powder bed fusion of oxide dispersion-strengthened IN718 alloys: A complementary study on microstructure and mechanical properties

In this study, two new grades of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) Inconel 718 (IN718) alloys were designed by the thermochemical CALPHAD method and produced by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique. Alloys designated as IN718-YF and IN718-YFH, that consist Y2O3–FeO and Y2O3–FeO–Hf, respectively, were fabricated with >99.9 % densification using optimized process parameters. CALPHAD calculations were highly consistent with experimental findings, highlighting the formation of Al-containing Y–Ti–O and Y–Hf–O nano-oxides in both alloy types. Texture analyzes revealed no significant texture development in as-built (AB) or heat-treated (HT) alloys. Heat treatment was applied at 1050 °C for 1 h to enhance nano-oxide density. The nano-oxide number density remained similar in IN718-YF while it decreased in IN718-YFH alloy as a result of carbide formation after the heat treatment. Besides, formation of secondary γ′ particles was observed in the IN718-YFH/HT alloy. Even though the yield strengths of IN718-YF and IN718-YFH alloys in both AB and HT conditions were similar, the ductility of IN718-YFH was ∼50 % less in almost all conditions compared to the ductility of IN718-YF. This has been shown to be as a result of irregular shaped micron-sized Y-Hf-O oxides, martensite formation in AB condition, increased amount of carbides and existence of secondary γ′ particles in HT condition in IN718-YFH. High density of stacking faults (SF) forming at the interface of the nano-oxides have been detected in IN718-YF alloys. Besides dislocation/nanoparticle interactions, SFs which are responsible for the delocalization of the deformation improve the ductility of IN718-YF alloys. Overall, high temperature mechanical tests exhibit that both alloys have higher strength with improved ductility compared to the standard IN718 alloys, indicating the contribution of the nano-oxides.

Effect of zirconia coating on Ti6Al4V at elevated substrate temperature on its wear, corrosion and hemocompatibility properties

Titanium and its alloys have been recognized as biocompatible materials since decades although these materials can at times show wear, corrosion and thrombosis leading to various health complications. Surface coating has been found to be one of the effective techniques to overcome this issue in-vitro as well as in-vivo. In this paper, thin film coating of zirconia (ZrO2) on Ti6Al4V is reported using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique at elevated substrate temperatures ranging from room temperature to 800 °C (TiZr800). The morphology, composition, wettability and average surface roughness of the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, Raman spectrometer, water contact angle (WCA) and profilometer, respectively. Adhesion between film and substrate was qualified using Elcometer. The tribological studies were performed in ball-on-disc against ZrO2 counterpart, the electrochemical potential analysis was done in simulated body fluid to replicate body environment and the hemocompatibility test was evaluated on the basis of human whole blood adsorption and distribution of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) on the samples. The results revealed an increase in WCA and film adhesion with increased substrate temperature. At 800 °C, formation of zirconium carbide, a relatively harder material, was observed due to diffusion of substrate carbon into ZrO2 film, as confirmed by the Raman analysis. In comparison to pristine, TiZr800 sample showed a reduction in wear rate from 3.5 × 10−3 mm3/Nm to 1.1 × 10−3 mm3/Nm indicating improved resistance of the sample against abrasive wear. Further, drop in Icorr from 4.96 × 10−7 A/cm2 to 2.75 × 10−7 A/cm2 resulted in a 44 % increase in corrosion protective efficiency of the sample coated at 800 °C. Additionally, a 4.5 fold increase in RBC counts was observed on TiZr800 sample. Therefore, it is inferred that while ZrO2 coating can improve overall surface properties of Ti–6Al–4V, additional benefits can be obtained by performing PLD at higher substrate temperatures, more so when the temperature is such as to promote formation of ZrC in the coating.

The influence of the hydrogenation process on the microstructure and properties of metallic materials

Hydrogen, which belongs to the group of the smallest elements, can freely penetrate the structure of metallic materials and cause enormous damage. This phenomenon may occur due to various conditions and may have different effects on the properties of materials. Understanding these mechanisms is important in the era of changing to alternative energy sources. This situation may occur in combustion engines powered by hydrogen-enriched fuel. The work analyzed the impact of various hydrogenation processes on the properties of aesthetic steel, which is allergic to the formation of carbides at the grain boundaries, such a microstructure is intended to simulate the least favorable working conditions. The work was aimed at evaluating the effects of different hydrogenation methods on changes in the properties of the AISI 310s steel membrane. In the work, electrolytic hydrogenation and heat treatment procedures in a hydrogen atmosphere were used. Investigations of changes in material properties included microhardness and in-situ strength tests in a scanning electron microscope chamber. Research has shown that both processes increase the hardness of materials and change the characteristics of stretching curves.

Highly effective MFe2O4 (M=Zn, Mg, Cu and Mn) spinel catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

A series of spinel catalysts, including ZnFe2O4, MgFe2O4, CuFe2O4, and MnFe2O4, were prepared and applied to the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). Zn, Mg, Cu and Mn easily form spinels with Fe. Among them, Zn and Mg can significantly maintain the spinel structure during the pretreatment and reaction, resulting in a low CO conversion. Cu and Mn are beneficial to the formation of iron carbide during the reaction, resulting in an apparent influence on FTS performance. ZnFe2O4 has little effect on the hydrocarbon distribution and the olefin/paraffin (O/P) ratio of C2–C4. MgFe2O4 exhibits low selectivity for C5+ hydrocarbons, and the selectivity of C= 2−C= 4 and the O/P ratio of C2–C4 in the product are increased due to the alkaline effect of Mg. Cu can promote the carbonization of the catalyst, so that CuFe2O4 has higher activity. Meanwhile, CuFe2O4 can significantly improve the selectivity of C5+ hydrocarbons. Moreover, Cu can promote the dissociation and activation of H2, which is beneficial to the secondary hydrogenation of olefins, thereby reducing the selectivity of C= 2−C= 4 and the O/P ratio of C2–C4. Mn promotes carbonization during the reaction, but MnFe2O4 has little effect on the chain growth of hydrocarbon. However, Mn can promote the generation of a certain amount of ɛ-Fe2C, which may explain the higher selectivity of C= 2−C= 4 and the O/P ratio of C2–C4 for MnFe2O4. All spinel catalysts exhibit low CO2 selectivity, which meets the current green environmental protection requirements.

Effect of graphene and niobium carbide on microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni60 composite coatings prepared by laser cladding

Niobium carbide (NbC) is often used as a reinforcing phase to improve the mechanical properties of composite coatings, but its low thermal conductivity makes the flow of molten pool poor, and the cladding layer is prone to defects such as non-fusion and slag inclusion. Therefore, in this paper, Ni60–NbC composite coatings with different NbC content were prepared by laser cladding technology, and the 10 vol% graphene-20 vol% NbC-70 vol% Ni60 composite coatings were prepared under the optimal NbC component. The effects of the addition of NbC and graphene on the microstructure and microhardness of the coating were systematically discussed. The results show that the microhardness of 20 vol% NbC composite coating is increased from 680.1 HV to 882.9 HV compared with Ni60 coating without NbC.The composite coating with both NbC and graphene has a microhardness of up to 1048HV, which is 18% higher than the composite coating with only 20 vol% NbC. The mechanism is that the addition of graphene promotes the formation of chromium carbide (Cr23C6, Cr7C3) and increases the fluidity of the molten pool, which causes small niobium carbide particles to dissolve and recondense to form large particles. Large niobium carbide particles and chromium carbide jointly inhibit the excessive growth of other grains. This study provides a new idea for laser cladding of nickel-based composite coatings.

Study on nanosecond laser-induced iron plasma reactive etching of single-crystal CVD diamond

Single-crystal diamond has great potential applications in national defense, military, and aerospace fields. However, the high hardness, chemical inertness, and anisotropy bring great challenges to machine microstructures on the diamond. Here, iron plasma, generated by infrared nanosecond laser ablation of a Fe target, was utilized to etch single-crystal diamond. The EDS, Raman, and XPS analysis revealed the formation of iron carbide within the sputtered layer surrounding the diamond microgrooves, thereby confirming that the iron plasma reacts chemically with the diamond. It was observed that employing a reactive metal, such as iron, for etching diamond microgrooves yields improved morphological characteristics and enhanced etching efficiency compared to the use of a non-reactive metal, such as copper. Moreover, the process of material removal through laser-induced iron plasma etching of diamond was elucidated. Subsequently, a systematic investigation was conducted on the impact of processing parameters on the laser-induced iron plasma etching of diamonds. Various periodic microstructures with regular edges and no chipping and cracks were successfully processed on the diamond using suitable laser parameters. This study furnishes a novel approach for the efficient fabrication of high-quality microstructures on single-crystal diamonds.

Quality enhancement of crack-free laser-cladded NiCrSiBC-WC coating by in-situ temperature field assistance (ITFA) and post-laser remelting (PLR)

WC/Ni-based composite coatings have received much attention in recent years. However, the application of laser cladded WC/Ni-based coatings encounters many issues, such as WC particle distribution inhomogeneity and coating cracking. In this study, the integrated method of in-situ temperature field assistance and post-laser remelting (ITFA+PLR) is proposed for NiCrSiBC-WC coating preparation and compared with mere ITFA and PLR. The results show that the three methods eliminate cracks and enhance overall mechanical qualities, outcompeting the single laser cladding process even with higher WC concentration. ITFA helps the interfacial reaction of the WC particles, while PLR distributes large-sized WC particles and produces and disperses refined carbides. With this, ITFA+PLR combines their benefits and achieves a uniform distribution of fine carbides and original WC. When the phases are analyzed, the relationship between microstructure (i.e., large-sized WC and fine carbides) and coating hardness is quantified and established, yielding a generalized microhardness index. With this unitless microhardness index, it is discovered that the increased density of fine carbides dominates the hardness increase. In summary, ITFA+PLR promotes fine carbide formation, improves its distribution, and obtains the highest hardness for NiCrSiBC-WC coating. With the generalized carbide phase-determined microhardness index, this paper guides the design of crack-free WC/Ni-based coatings and enlightens the improvement of NiCrSiBC-WC coating's mechanical properties.

Evaluation and associated mechanism of mitigating Cr depletion by vanadium in modified 9Cr-1Mo steel: Experiment and phase-field modelling

The 9Cr-1Mo steel is extensively utilized in nuclear heat exchangers due to its exceptional corrosion resistance properties. The Chromium (Cr) element plays a pivotal role in enhancing the corrosion resistance. The Cr accumulates at grain boundaries (GBs) where defects and mismatches are located during long-term usage, leading to the depletion of Cr within the grain interior. This results in the Cr-rich carbide precipitates form along GBs, with a corresponding the depletion zone residing in the adjacent regions. In this study, we employed aberration-corrected high-resolution electron microscopy in high-angle annular dark field microscopy (HAADF) mode, equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), to analyse carbides formation along GBs and obtain elemental distribution information. Our investigation reveals that the Cr-rich carbide promotes the formation of chromium-depletion zone (CDZ) by consuming the surrounding Cr in the matrix, and the presence of vanadium-rich carbide inhibits the formation of (CDZ) from atomic scale.A phase-field modelling approach is employed to investigate the diffusive formation process in a polycrystalline system. Our modelling results are consistent with experimental observations. Cr preferentially diffuses towards grain boundaries (GBs) and accumulates, facilitating the formation of Cr-rich phases by consuming adjacent Cr in the surrounding region. The bilateral region of GBs serves as a source for supplying Cr to these newly formed phases while depleting Cr content, ultimately leading to the development of CDZ.By employing experimental techniques and phase-field method, this research provides valuable insights into the role of Cr, carbide precipitates, influence of vanadium, and CDZ formation.

Influence of ageing treatment time on microstructural evolution, sensitization and self-healing of Inconel 600

Samples of Inconel 600 were thermally aged at 739 °C from 1 up to 300 h followed by water quenching. The changes in microstructure were characterized and its effect on sensitization was evaluated by subjecting the heat-treated samples to double-loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DL-EPR) tests. The evolution of the microstructure was analysed in terms of grain size, carbide formation and chromium diffusion by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the formation of chromium carbides is rapid at this temperature, increasing the density of carbides at the grain boundaries in the early stages of the ageing treatment. The formation of Cr7C3 and Cr23C6 along the grain boundaries and within the austenitic matrix modified the corrosion behaviour as seen in the measurements of the degree of sensitization (DOS). A decrement in DOS was seen with ageing time up to 200 h, due to the redistribution of chromium, induced by the equilibrium between chromium at grain boundaries and within the matrix. Electron backscattering diffraction suggested that self-healing of the alloy may be due to the mechanism of near-boundary gradient zones, where the increased number of dislocations leads to precipitation of carbides by promoting diffusion and thereby decreasing the Cr-depleted zones.

Effect of Na+ migration and the component proximity on direct conversion of aromatics into aromatics over Fe-based zeolite bifunctional catalysts

Direct conversion of syngas into aromatics (STA) via Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis, using Fe-based zeolite bifunctional catalysts, has recently become a topic of great interest. The catalytic performance of the Fe-based zeolite bifunctional catalyst is influenced by the component proximity in the STA reaction, in addition to their physicochemical properties. However, the mechanism by which the component proximity affects the STA performance is still unclear. Herein, we investigate the effect of Na+ migration and the component proximity on the F-T reactivity, the aromatic distribution, and catalyst stability in a Fe-based ZSM-5 catalyst system. The correlation between the proximity of two components, the migration of alkali-metal promoters, the evolution of the Fe-based active phase, and the coke on the zeolite is analyzed using XRD, XPS, FT-IR, TG, Mössbauer spectroscopy techniques. The findings indicate that when the components are closer to each other, it encourages the formation of iron carbides and inhibits the coke deposition on the zeolite. However, the migration of alkali metals and the acidic environment of zeolite can decrease the catalyst’s stability and F-T reactivity. Moreover, by improving the hydrophobic nature of the zeolite, we can prevent the transfer of alkali-metal promoters from the Fe-based component to zeolite. This enhances the stability of Fe-based ZSM-5 catalysts in the STA reaction, suggesting a new approach to improve their STA performance.

The effect of alternative magnetic field on solidification structure improvement and primary carbide refinement in M50 ingots produced by vacuum arc remelting

In the present study, the effect of the alternative magnetic field (AMF) on the metal pool shape, primary carbides formation, and mechanical properties during vacuum arc remelting (VAR) process was investigated by experiments and numerical simulations. Without AMF, the original depth of the molten pool was 87.74 mm. The application of the AMF decreased the depth of the metal pool, to various degrees (86.46 mm at 40 Gs 0.5 Hz, 78.96 mm at 40 Gs 0.1 Hz, 69.82 mm at 40 Gs 0.05 Hz). As a consequence, the primary carbides became more refined average size reduced by 20.66%∼25.72%. After modification, uniformly distributed hardness and improved wear resistance was achieved. Meanwhile, compared with 0.5 and 0.1 Hz cases, the strengthening effect was more obvious at 0.05 Hz. The numerical simulation results showed that, the AMF and the melting current in the molten steel produced Lorentz force, which caused the horizontal circulation. Therefore, the temperature of metal pool became more homogenized under the horizontal circulation. When the frequency was 0.05 Hz, the horizontal circulation in liquid steel was more intense, which makes the temperature field more uniform. Horizontal circulation can also reduce the segregation of alloying elements, which restrains the precipitation condition and refines primary carbides. The hardness uniformity can also be attributed to the uniform distribution of alloying elements. The improvement in wear resistance is attributed to the refinement of the primary carbide, thereby reducing the occurrence of primary carbide spalling during friction.