Energy Dispersive Diffraction Research Articles

Durability of Non-Heat-Cured Geopolymer Mortars Containing Metakaolin and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag

This study presents the durability, strength and microstructure of non-heat-cured geopolymer mortars (GMs) containing metakaolin (MK), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), potassium hydroxide (KOH), sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3), CEN sand and network water. Optimum MK, GGBFS and activator solution ratios were investigated, and the compressive strength of non-heat-cured 28-day GMs reached 55 MPa. Analysis of GMs using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrophotometry (EDX) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) revealed alumino-silicate formation, potassium from KOH solution and calcium from GGBFS. It showed that the grains containing high silica in the form of quartz crystals were found in the gel formation. The strength and durability of MK- and GGBFS-based GMs exposed to freeze–thawing, a high temperature, wear loss, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and HCl solutions were found to be sufficient.

Studying the Possibility of Using a Carbon Sorbent Based on a Graphite Nitrate Cointercalation Compound for Water Purification from Heavy Metal Ions

The results of studies of the carbon sorbent adsorption properties by atomic absorption spectrometry are presented. Carbon sorbent was obtained by graphite nitrate cointercalation compound thermal expansion at 900 °C. It is shown that the Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin equations adequately describe the adsorption of the studied metal ions by a carbon sorbent. The carbon sorbent after the adsorption of heavy metal ions was studied using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray powder diffraction. The limit values were fixed for the adsorption capacity of the sorbent relative to Cu2+, Ni2+, Fe2+ as 0.94; 0.85 and 0.58 mmol/g sorbent, respectively. It was concluded that the conducted studies indicate the possibility of using such sorbent in processes of water purification from heavy metal ions.

Red and Green Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Pure Copper in Combination with Chemical Post-Processing for RF Cavity Fabrication

Linear particle accelerators (Linacs) are primarily composed of radio frequency cavities (cavities). Compared to traditional manufacturing, Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) holds the potential to fabricate cavities in a single piece, enhancing Linac performance and significantly reducing investment costs. However, the question of whether red or green laser PBF yields superior results for pure copper remains a subject of ongoing debate. Eight 4.2 GHz single-cell cavities (SCs) were manufactured from pure copper using both red and green PBF (SCs R and SCs G). Subsequently, the surface roughness of the SCs was reduced through a chemical post-processing method (Hirtisation) and annealed at 460 °C to maximize their quality factor (Q0). The geometric accuracy of the printed SCs was evaluated using optical methods and resonant frequency (fR) measurements. Surface conductivity was determined by measuring the quality factor (Q0) of the SCs. Laser scanning microscopy was utilized for surface roughness characterization. The impact of annealing was quantified using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and Electron Backscatter Diffraction to evaluate chemical surface properties and grain size. Both the SCs R and SCs G achieved the necessary geometric accuracy and thus fR precision. The SCs R achieved a 95% Q0 after a material removal of 40 µm. The SCs G achieved an approximately 80% Q0 after maximum material removal of 160 µm. Annealing increased the Q0 by an average of about 5%. The additive manufacturing process is at least equivalent to conventional manufacturing for producing cavities in the low-gradient range. The presented cavities justify the first high-gradient tests.

Friction stir processing of AA6061-T6/graphene nanocomposites: Unraveling the influence of tool geometry, rotation, and advancing speed on microstructure and mechanical properties

This research investigated the effect of tool geometry, rotation, and advancing speed on the microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum AA6061-T6/graphene nanocomposites fabricated by friction stir processing (FSP) using three conical tools with the pin cone angles (PCAs) of 2, 2.5, and 3°. In the first step of the study, the process was performed with and without graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) at different rotations (710, 1120, and 1400 rpm) and advancing speeds (80, 125, and 160 mm/min). The yield strength, tensile strength, and microhardness of all the samples were lower than those of the base metal. In the second step of the study, the heat input was controlled by reducing rotations (112, 180, and 280 rpm) and advancing speeds (31.5, 25, and 20 mm/min). The mechanical properties of processed samples were studied by tensile tests and microhardness measurements. Microstructural evolution in samples was analyzed by means of a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) equipped with an X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) detector. The results indicated that the mechanical properties were improved in the second step with the increase in the advance per revolution (APR) and the PCA. This was linked to the microstructure evolution in the processed samples affected by process parameters and regulated heat input. The effect of each input variable on the mechanical properties was evaluated by statistical analysis and was validated by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimal processing was attained by utilization of PCA, tool rotation, and advancing speed.

High-temperature hardness and scratch behaviour of differently strengthened iron aluminide laser claddings

Fe3Al-based iron aluminides provide notable high-temperature properties at a comparatively low overall ecological impact. To improve their wear resistance, different strengthening strategies are studied for which Fe3Al-based laser claddings (30 at.% Al) are alloyed either with Si, C, or Ti and B. Detailed microstructural investigations after laser metal deposition (LMD) including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) were performed. Results show that Si-alloyed claddings are single-phase with equiaxed grains of average sizes from ∼350 μm (1 at.% Si) decreasing with increasing Si content to ∼50 μm at 3 and 5 at.% Si. Contrary, the C-alloyed claddings microstructures are dendritic and ledeburite-like with perovskite-type carbides Fe3AlC0.6. The Ti- and B-alloyed cladding exhibits finely dispersed TiB2-type precipitations; at low contents in the sub-micron range and mainly present at the grain boundaries, at higher additions are quite large (3–5 μm) and present within individual grains. The individual hardphases, as quantified via nanoindentation, of Fe3AlC0.6-type carbides or TiB2-type borides exhibit average hardness values of ∼7.5 GPa and ∼ 45.5 GPa, respectively. Therefore, the hardness of C- and Ti & B-alloyed claddings increases from ∼260 HV10 (Fe3Al) to 405 HV10 (Fe3Al plus 5 at.% C) and to 340 HV10 (Fe3Al plus 3 at.% and 6 at.% B). The higher hardness of the C-alloyed cladding stems from the s higher hardphase content; the matrix hardness ranges between 4 and 5 GPa for all precipitation-strengthened claddings. Contrary, the Si-alloyed cladding exhibits a pronounced increase to 5.7 ± 0.8 GPa upon adding up to 5 at.% Si. Thus, an overall hardness of ∼350 HV10 is quantified on the expense of ductility (relaxation cracking after LMD). High-temperature hardness and scratch tests as well as wear investigations prove that the C- as well as Ti and B-alloyed claddings are superior to the plain Fe3Al and Si-alloyed ones, making them promising alternatives to other wear protection materials based on Co, Ni or Cr.

Microstructure and thermal stability of a structurally graded tungsten and reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel joint

The leading design for plasma-facing high heat flux components in proposed fusion reactors involves joining plasma-facing tungsten tiles to underlying reduced activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steel structures. Due to significant differences in the physical properties between W and steel, an effective method for joining them while preserving the mechanical and microstructural properties under service thermo-mechanical load is yet to be demonstrated. A transitional multilayer consisting of three layers (VCrTi, VCrAl, and FeCrAl) between W and steel is designed with the help of thermodynamic simulation and diffusion kinetics in an attempt to form solid solution bonding without forming brittle intermetallic phases. The solid solution bonding is desirable to mitigate the drastically different thermal expansion between W and steels. The multilayer structure was fabricated using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The microstructure of the bonded transition layers was analyzed after long-term annealing at 620 °C up to 1000h, through scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron backscattering diffraction. Interdiffusion kinetics between layers and reliability of mobility database were also analyzed. This work provides a good understanding of thermal stability as well as the efficacy of multilayer functionally graded transition layer for joining W to ferritic/martensitic steel.

Thermal properties and calcium-magnesium-alumino-silicate (CMAS) interaction of novel γ-phase ytterbium-doped yttrium disilicate (γ-Y1.5Yb0.5Si2O7) environmental barrier coating material

Rare-earth disilicates are promising candidates for thermal and environmental barrier coatings (TEBC) in gas turbines that safeguard SiCf/SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) from thermal degradation and environmental attacks. Here, we report a systematic investigation on novel TEBC material, γ-Y1.5Yb0.5Si2O7. The γ-phase quarter molar ytterbium–doped yttrium disilicate exhibited low thermal conductivity (1.72 W·m−1·K−1 at 1200 °C) and reduced intrinsic thermal expansion (3.17 ± 0.22 × 10−6 K−1 up to 1000 °C), ensuring promisingly effective thermal insulation and minimized thermal stress with CMC substrates. Using density functional theory (DFT), the heat capacity of γ-Y1.5Yb0.5Si2O7 was predicted higher than that of undoped γ-Y2Si2O7. Comparing these predictions to results calculated using the Neumann–Kopp (NK) rule revealed only minor variations. A metastable CMAS interaction byproduct, cyclosilicate phase Ca3RE2(Si3O9)2, was identified based on energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques, appearing at 1300 °C but disappearing at 1400 °C. The γ-Y1.5Yb0.5Si2O7 exhibited good CMAS resistance on both dense pellets and sprayed coatings, forming a protective apatite (Ca2RE8(SiO4)6O2) interlayer that effectively hindered CMAS infiltration at evaluated temperatures. The relatively higher Y:Yb atomic ratio (> 3) in the apatite grains indicate differential reactivity with molten CMAS and provides crucial insights into the CMAS corrosion mechanism. These findings highlight the potential of γ-Y1.5Yb0.5Si2O7 as a CMC coating material, emphasizing the need for tailored microstructural optimization as a thermal sprayed coating to enhance long-term performance in extreme gas turbine environments.

Additive manufacturing of high nitrogen austenitic steel using shell-core strategy

Laser Powder Bed Fusion/Metal (PBF-LB/M) is a promising technology for industrial applications, but challenges such as long process times remain. Innovations such as the shell-core approach aim to address this by creating a dense shell around a minimally exposed powder core, significantly reducing processing times, with full densification and property adjustments achieved by subsequent hot isostatic pressing (HIP). This study focuses on the fabrication of shell-core samples using a powder mixture of austenitic steel and Si3N4 to produce high nitrogen steel PBF-LB/M components, which are otherwise difficult to produce due to the limited nitrogen solubility in the melt. PBF-LB/M induces Si3N4 decomposition, resulting in Si and N loss through laser-powder interaction. Si3N4 particles in the still powdered regions serve as a source of N enrichment during HIP, circumventing the limitations of nitrogen solubility in the melt and exploiting the higher solubility in the solid. After HIP, energy dispersive spectrometry and electron backscatter diffraction reveal a fully austenitic matrix with Si diffusion seams mainly in non-laser-exposed areas. The Si3N4 dissolution during HIP contributes to an interstitial dissolved N content of about 0.189 mass%, which, together with the higher Si content, increases hardness. Wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS) and nanoindentation line scans show decreasing Si and N concentrations from core to shell, resulting in reduced (nano)hardness in the shell. This innovative approach demonstrates the potential to produce AM components with enhanced properties by overcoming the limitations of nitrogen solubility in the steel melt during PBF-LB/M.

Cold spraying of Al-5Si/Al2O3 composite coatings on AZ31 Mg alloy: Microstructure, adhesion strength, and tribological properties

To improve the wear resistance of commercial AZ31 Mg alloy, two types of dense and thick composite coatings were prepared on AZ31 Mg alloy by means of cold-spray technology. For this purpose, Al2O3 particles with different morphology (round and irregular) were separately added to the Al5Si feedstock. The morphological effects of Al2O3 on the microstructure, adhesion strength, hardness, and tribological properties of the coatings were comprehensively studied. Microstructural features of the coatings were examined by means of optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The analysis reveals that most of the grains in both coatings are ultrafine, and approximately half of the total grain boundary length is composed of low-angle grain boundaries. Wear, hardness, and pull-off tests showed that both types of Al2O3 particles have a positive impact on porosity, adhesion, hardness, and wear resistance of the composite coatings. Compared to round Al2O3, irregular Al2O3 particles exhibit better retention in the coating, thereby resulting in a higher hardness and wear resistance.

Carvacrol Encapsulation in Chitosan-Carboxymethylcellulose-Alginate Nanocarriers for Postharvest Tomato Protection.

Advancements in polymer science and nanotechnology hold significant potential for addressing the increasing demands of food security, by enhancing the shelf life, barrier properties, and nutritional quality of harvested fruits and vegetables. In this context, biopolymer-based delivery systems present themselves as a promising strategy for encapsulating bioactive compounds, improving their absorption, stability, and functionality. This study provides an exploration of the synthesis, characterization, and postharvest protection applications of nanocarriers formed through the complexation of chitosan oligomers, carboxymethylcellulose, and alginate in a 2:2:1 molar ratio. This complexation process was facilitated by methacrylic anhydride and sodium tripolyphosphate as cross-linking agents. Characterization techniques employed include transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction. The resulting hollow nanospheres, characterized by a monodisperse distribution and a mean diameter of 114 nm, exhibited efficient encapsulation of carvacrol, with a loading capacity of approximately 20%. Their suitability for phytopathogen control was assessed in vitro against three phytopathogens-Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, and Colletotrichum coccodes-revealing minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 23.3 to 31.3 μg·mL-1. This indicates a higher activity compared to non-encapsulated conventional fungicides. In ex situ tests for tomato (cv. 'Daniela') protection, higher doses (50-100 μg·mL-1, depending on the pathogen) were necessary to achieve high protection. Nevertheless, these doses remained practical for real-world applicability. The advantages of safety, coupled with the potential for a multi-target mode of action, further enhance the appeal of these nanocarriers.

Composition-adjustable silicon-germanium alloy films based on porous silicon matrices

Morphology and crystalline structure of silicon-germanium alloys formed by rapid thermal processing of germanium-filled porous silicon layers are evaluated. Two types of porous silicon are employed as matrices for electrochemical pore filling using GeO2 aqueous solutions and subsequently compared, the first one formed by electrochemical anodization and the second by silver-assisted chemical etching of monocrystalline silicon. The resulting alloys’ structure and composition are investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. It is shown that by varying the porosity of the initial matrix (by adjusting anodization current density for anodic porous silicon or changing silver deposition time for structures produced by metal-assisted etching) in the range from 55 to 75%, Si1-xGex alloys with germanium fractions of x = 0.31 to x = 0.83 can be formed, as indicated by Raman spectroscopy. It is concluded that composition-adjustable layers of silicon-germanium can be successfully formed on either type of porous silicon layer. While an increase in porosity generally leads to a decrease in silicon fractions in the alloy, the steepness of this effect varies heavily depending on the type of porous matrix used and should be considered independently for anodic porous silicon and silicon nanowires.

In-situ observation of single-phase compositionally-complex oxide formation during high-pressure and high-temperature synthesis

Compositionally-complex oxides (CCOs) with equal or non-equal atomic ratios of multi-principal cations are single-phase solid solutions and possess unique structural characteristics and correlated possibilities for tailorable and exceptional functionalities. However, breakdown of single-phase structure and phase separation impair widespread adoption of CCOs under in-service environments. Here, in-situ phase transformation during high-pressure and high-temperature synthesis of an exemplary CCO (CeZrHf)0.852(YbY)0.148O2-δ is for the first time clarified by using synchrotron X-ray energy dispersive diffraction. During synthesizing at ∼4.5 GPa inside a large-volume press, ZrO2 and HfO2 gradually initiate lattice diffusion as monoclinic (022) and (220) peaks collapse and merge completely at 973 K; CeO2 starts diffusing as the dramatic intensity change of cubic (220) peak above 1073 K, causing a metastable phase formation; single-phase solid solution ultimately forms at 1673 K. The results revealed provide in-depth understanding of phase transformation dynamics and insights for novel design paradigm of CCOs.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of In Situ Synthesized Metastable β Titanium Alloy Composite from Low-Cost Elemental Powders

The titanium matrix composite was produced through a hot compaction process at 1250 °C using the mixture of elemental powders with chemical composition of Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr and 2 wt.% addition of boron carbide. The phase analysis via X-ray diffraction method was performed to confirm the occurrence of an in situ reaction between boron carbide and titanium. Then, the wide-ranging microstructural analysis was performed using optical microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. Based on this investigation, it was possible to describe the diffusion behavior during hot compaction and possible precipitation capabilities of TiC and TiB phases. Tensile and compression tests were conducted to determine the strength properties. The investigated composite has an ultimate tensile strength of about 910 ± 13 MPa with elongation of 10.9 ± 1.9% and compressive strength of 1744 ± 20 MPa with deformation of 10.5 ± 0.2%. Observation of the fracture surface allowed us to determine the dominant failure mechanism, which was crack propagation from the reaction layer surrounding remaining boron carbide particle, through the titanium alloy matrix. The study summarizes the process of producing an in situ titanium matrix composite from elemental powders and B4C additives and emphasizes the importance of element diffusion and reaction layer formation, which contributes to the strength properties of the material.

Two-step optimization for template synthesis of thin-walled copper-cobalt microtubes as an electrocatalyst toward hydrogen evolution reaction

This article presents a study devoted to the selection of optimal conditions for the two-step synthesis of a thin coating based on the Co-Cu system as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. An electrochemical template method was used to synthesize the composite. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrate a smooth change in the morphology of the samples at each step of synthesis. According to the results of energy dispersion and X-ray diffraction analysis, the formation of a system with a low cobalt content (up to 3 wt%) and an average crystallite size of 60 nm is observed. The electrode material was evaluated using the values of overpotential, Tafel slope, exchange current density, electrochemical active surface area, turnover frequency, and impedance. The best sample, a mixed cobalt-copper oxide annealed at 500 °C, showed a stable nominal overpotential of -235 mV in the galvanostatic test and -40 mV at linear sweep voltammetry. The electroactive surface area for the sample was 688 cm2 at an impedance of 3 Ohms. It was noted that the electrocatalytic features of the electrode material are maintained even when the composite is reduced during functioning.

Understanding the hot isostatic pressing effectiveness of laser powder bed fusion Ti-6Al-4V by in-situ X-ray imaging and diffraction experiments

In the present study, in-situ observation of Hot Isostatic Pressure (HIP) procedure of laser powder bed fusion manufactured Ti-6Al-4V parts was performed to quantitatively estimate the densification rate of the material and the influence of the defect initial size and shape on such rate. The observations were performed in-situ using the Ultrafast Tomography Paris-Edinburgh Cell and the combination of fast phase-contrast synchrotron X-ray tomography and energy dispersive diffraction. With this strategy, we could quantify how the effectiveness of HIP depends on the characteristics of a defect. Smaller defects showed a higher densification rate, while the defect shape did not have significant effect on such rate.

Study on explosive welding A1060/3D-Printed-SUS316L

Explosive welding has been extensively harnessed to create composite materials for various applications in recent years. Integrating 3D-printed metal materials in explosive welding is important for future research and the broader application of 3D-printed materials in practical scenarios. In this study, 3D Printing-SUS316L/A1060 was employed for explosive welding to assess the feasibility of using 3D printed materials in this process and to examine the microstructural changes at the interface, emphasizing changes in the pores of the 3D-printed materials during welding. The resulting joint microstructures were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) alongside an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) system and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Tensile, three-point bending, Vickers-hardness, and nanoindentation tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical properties. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) scanning was utilized to observe the weld material in three dimensions and measure porosity. Moreover, ANSYS AUTODYN numerical simulation was employed to study the welding interface evolution mechanism and pore changes and further investigate the explosive welding window. The results indicate that explosive welding can successfully merge 3D-printed SUS316L and pure aluminum A1060. Both microstructure investigation and mechanical property testing validated that the bonding was of good quality, and simulation and welding windows corresponded with the experimental results.

Microstructure and deformation workability of Ni-based superalloy Udimet720Li fabricated by composite shear flow casting

In this study, the effect of composite shear flow casting (CSFC) on microstructure and hot deformation process of Ni-based superalloy Udimet720Li has been investigated. Udimet720Li superalloy was produced by using CSFC and conventional casting methods, followed with the same isothermal forging process. The microstructures of both CSFC and conventionally solidified (CS) samples were characterized using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. Results show that the CSFC sample owns excellent microstructural uniformity with a reduced area fraction of segregation regions, leading to a wider processing window for subsequent deformation, compared to the CS sample. Besides, the deformation resistance and the thermal workability of CSFC sample are significantly improved because of the homogeneous microstructure, resulting in the uniform deformation during subsequent isothermal forging.

Rapid hydration and weakening of anhydrite under stress: implications for natural hydration in the Earth's crust and mantle

Abstract. Mineral hydration is an important geological process that influences the rheology and geochemistry of rocks and the fluid budget of the Earth's crust and mantle. Constant-stress differential compaction (CSDC) tests, dry and “wet” tests under confining pressure, and axial-stress tests were conducted for the first time to investigate the influence of triaxial stress on hydration in anhydrite–gypsum aggregates. Characterization of the samples before and after triaxial experiments was performed with optical and scanning electron microscopy, including energy-dispersive spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction mapping. Stress–strain data reveal that samples that underwent constant-stress differential compaction in the presence of fluids are ∼ 14 % to ∼ 41 % weaker than samples deformed under wet conditions. The microstructural analysis shows that there is a strong temporal and spatial connection between the geometry, distribution, and evolution of fractures and hydration products. The increasing reaction surface area in combination with pre-existing gypsum in a gypsum-bearing anhydrite rock led to rapid gypsification. The crystallographic orientations of newly formed vein gypsum have a systematic preferred orientation for long distances along veins, beyond the grain boundaries of wall-rock anhydrite. Gypsum crystallographic orientations in {100} and {010} are systematically and preferentially aligned parallel to the direction of maximum shear stress (45∘ to σ1). Gypsum is also not always topotactically linked to the wall-rock anhydrite in the immediate vicinity. This study proposes that the selective inheritance of crystal orientations from favourably oriented wall-rock anhydrite grains for the minimization of free energy for nucleation under stress leads to the systematic preferred orientation of large, new gypsum grains. A sequence is suggested for hydration under stress that requires the development of fractures accompanied by localized hydration. Hydration along fractures with a range of apertures up to 120 µm occurred in under 6 h. Once formed, gypsum-filled veins represent weak surfaces and are the locations of further shear fracturing, brecciation, and eventual brittle failure. These findings imply that non-hydrostatic stress has a significant influence on hydration rates and subsequent mechanical strength of rocks. This phenomenon is applicable across a wide range of geological environments in the Earth's crust and upper mantle.

Wire-arc directed energy deposition super martensitic stainless steel with excellent strength and plasticity

Super martensitic stainless steel (SMSS) is wildly used in hydroelectric, petrochemical, and nuclear power industries relying on high strength and sound weldability. While the low ductility and high strength make it difficult to be deformed and machined. The wire-arc directed energy deposition (DED) process allows a high deposition rate and can produce high-quality parts. In this study, the SMSS thin-wall parts were fabricated through wire-arc DED with the cold metal transfer technique. This research aims to investigate the microstructural evolution regulation and mechanical performance improvement mechanism of the additive manufacturing SMSS parts and achieve good comprehensive performance. The microstructure of the as-deposited wall consists of full lath martensite with columnar and fine equiaxed grains in periodic alternation layer by layer. By regulating the temperature between each layer, the overall wall's microstructure is kept consistent. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the as-deposited wall are 1046 and 903 MPa with total elongation of 9 % and impact energy of 16 J. Thus, the toughness and plasticity needed to be improved by heat treatment. Based on the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) technique and diffraction pattern analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the phases formed during the intercritical tempering process were identified as tempered martensite and reversed austenite. The enhancement of toughness is associated with austenitic transformation-induced plasticity. The amount of reversed austenite is 29.5 % at 600 °C and then disappeared at 700 °C. The best comprehensive mechanical properties were obtained at a temperature of 550 °C with an ultimate tensile stress of 927 MPa, yield stress of 850 MPa, impact energy of 33 J, and elongation of 18 %, comparable to the rolled parts.

Effect of the addition of CeO2 nanoparticles on the microstructure and shear properties of Sn–57Bi–1Ag solder alloy

In this study, different weight fractions (0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 wt%) of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles were used to enhance the properties of Sn–58Bi–1Ag (SBA) solder alloys. As expected in the design, the CeO2 nanoparticles are diffusely distributed in the solder matrix. The microstructure evolution, growth of intermetallic compound (IMC) at the interface, and shear properties of the composite solder were systematically investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) probes. The results showed that adding an appropriate amount of CeO2 nanoparticles can refine the microstructure of the composite solder. Many β-Sn twin structures were observed in the SBA-0.5CeO2 and SBA-0.7CeO2 solder matrix, bringing better deformability to the β-Sn phase and improving the plasticity of the solder matrix. Moreover, with the addition of nanomaterials, there was a notable decrease in the thickness of the interfacial IMC layer of the solder/Cu joint, accompanied by a refinement in the grain size of the IMC. To our satisfaction, the addition of CeO2 nanoparticles in the appropriate proportion exhibited a remarkable enhancement in both shear strength and toughness of the composite solder alloys, working in tandem to transform the fracture mechanism from a purely brittle mode to a mixed mode of ductility and brittleness. It is indicated that the doping of CeO2 improves the reliability of SBA solder, potentially paving the way for a novel approach to particle-enhanced modification of Sn–Bi–Ag-based low-temperature solders.