Fe Mn Research Articles

Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Fe–Mn–Si based shape memory alloys with high performance at room and cryogenic temperature

A Fe–Mn–Si based alloy with high shape memory effect (SME) and mechanical performance at both cryogenic and room temperature was fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) with blended elemental powders. The effect of laser power on the elemental uniformity, microstructure, SME, strength of the as-built sample was investigated. The developed alloy shown superior SME under high laser power, due to the fully transformation of initial bcc phase to the stable fcc phase during the cooling process. The developed Fe–Mn–Si alloy shown high shape recovery rate of 63 % and 92 % after ∼0.05 bending strain at room and cryogenic temperature, respectively. The as-built samples had characteristic microstructure of small fcc phase grains and high density of stacking faut and twins. The as-built sample exhibited room/cryogenic tensile strength as high as 962MPa/1372 MPa, respectively, with considerable plasticity. This work provides foundations for fast development of high performance additively manufactured shape memory alloy (SMA).

Polysulfone membranes decorated with Fe–Mn binary oxide nanoparticles and polydopamine for enhanced arsenate/arsenite adsorptive removal

Arsenic contamination of water is a global environmental concern, and membrane technology combined with nanotechnology contributes to more efficient removal of arsenic. In this study, Fe–Mn oxide (FM), Polydopamine (PDA), and PDA-modified FM (PFM) were incorporated into polysulfone (PSF) to prepare adsorption membranes (PFMP) for arsenic removal. The prepared nanoparticles and membranes were characterized using TEM, SEM, FTIR, TGA, contact angle, and pure water flux. The introduction of particles enhanced the hydrophilicity of the membranes and significantly enhanced the pure water flux of the membranes. Adsorption experiments indicated that the PFMP membrane exhibited the best arsenic removal performance, with maximum adsorption capacities for As(III) and As(V) were 11.57 mg/g and 12.39 mg/g, respectively. The Langmuir model fitted the adsorption isotherms well, and the kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model. The filtration experiment revealed that the PFMP membrane was capable of reducing As(III) solution (915 L/m2) and As(V) solution (1075 L/m2) from a concentration of 100 μg/L to the safe limit of As (＜10 μg/L). The As-loaded membrane was regenerated using NaOH solution (pH = 11), and the filtration experiment was repeated. FTIR and XPS demonstrated that the mechanism of the reaction between the membrane and arsenic was ligand exchange, where the arsenic ions were bonded to the oxygen ions to form Mn–O–As and Fe–O–As.

Achieving a superior combination of strength and ductility by adjusting heterogeneous structure in a Fe–Mn–Al–Mo–C lightweight steel

A combination of high strength and good ductility was achieved by adjusting heterogeneous structure through varying annealing temperatures ranging from 750 to 900 °C after cold rolling in a Fe–Mn–Al–Mo–C lightweight steel. The microstructure consists of heterogeneous recrystallized, unrecrystallized grains containing nanoscale Mo2C precipitates, and intergranular Mo-enriched carbides. As annealing temperature increases, the fraction of recrystallization, and the average Schmid factor increase, while the average grain sizes and the volume fraction of Mo2C decrease. Annealing at 825 °C forms a desirable heterogeneous structure characterized by a normal bimodal grain distribution and diffuse precipitation of intragranular Mo2C particles. Tensile test results indicated that higher annealing temperatures decrease strength but enhance ductility. However, the yield strength of the 825 °C annealed sample only slightly decreases compared to the 800 °C annealed sample owing to the synergistic contributions of various strengthening mechanisms, including grain boundary, solid solution, precipitation, and heterogeneous deformation-induced strengthening. Furthermore, its ductility significantly improves, approaching that of the 850 °C annealed sample, facilitated by sustained heterogeneous deformation-induced strengthening effects and significant refinement in grain structure. The high strain hardening rate of the C825 sample is attributed to dynamic slip band refinement and local stress adjustments during later deformation stages. The heterogeneous grain structure induces a strong HDI strengthening effect due to uneven deformation, which also contributes to the high strain hardening rate. These findings highlight the potential of Fe–26Mn–8Al-1.2C–3Mo lightweight steel for applications requiring a balance of strength and ductility.

Electroless plating-acid etching strategy to synthesize Co–Fe–Mn–P nanosheet arrays bifunctional catalyst for efficient water splitting

Simple and efficient preparation of highly active electrocatalysts is of great significance for water splitting. Herein, Co–Fe–Mn–P/NF electrode was prepared on a nickel foam through electroless plating-acid etching strategy, which showed excellent bifunctional catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 1 M KOH. For HER, only 13 and 78 mV overpotentials are needed to reach current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2 with Tafel slopes as low as 33.7 mV dec−1. While for OER, the Co–Fe–Mn–P/NF required small overpotentials of 275 and 327 mV to reach the current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, and the Tafel slope is only 34.8 mV dec−1. In addition, Co–Fe–Mn–P/NF only needs 1.562 V to drive water splitting to produce a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Furthermore, it also demonstrated excellent stability by maintaining stable operation for more than 24 h.

Microstructures and mechanical properties of additively manufactured Fe–30Mn–3Al–3Si TWIP steel using laser powder bed fusion

Twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) high manganese steel demonstrates high ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and ductility, but its low yield strength limits its applications. This study presents the additive manufacturing of Fe–30Mn–3Al–3Si TWIP steel using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) with enhanced mechanical properties. The average grain size of the LPBF-fabricated Fe–30Mn–3Al–3Si was 5.4 ± 1.3 μm, which was only one-tenth of that of a wrought one. In-situ formed Al-rich oxide nanoparticles were observed to be uniformly distributed in the matrix. The size of the oxide nanoparticles was about 30 nm with a volume fraction of about 0.9 %. The tensile yield strength was 554 ± 3 MPa and the UTS was 837 ± 7 MPa with an elongation of 41.5 ± 2.6 % for horizontal direction. Low anisotropy was observed for LPBF-fabricated Fe–30Mn–3Al–3Si. Compared with the wrought Fe–30Mn–3Al–3Si, the yield strength was increased by 140 %. This work provides a benchmark for the additive manufacturing of high manganese steel.

Excellent combination of strength and ductility in austenitic lightweight steel achieved by warm rolling process

In this study, warm rolling was applied to Fe–28Mn–11Al–1C–5Ni (wt.%) austenitic lightweight steel, which realized the higher dislocation density and finer dislocation-cell structures, achieving a better mechanical properties with ∼2.0 GPa of yield strength and ∼6.8 % of total elongation than cold rolling in the same conditions. In the subsequent partial recrystallization condition, the numerous dislocations and substructures existed in warm rolled steel provide more heterogeneous nucleation sites for grain refinement, resulting in the ultrafine-sized austenite and B2 with the size of 0.36 μm and 0.24 μm, respectively. Combined with grain refinement strengthening, solid solution strengthening, precipitation strengthening, and dislocation strengthening in the unrecrystallized austenite, the present steel shows an ultimate tensile strength of 1734 MPa, a uniform elongation of 21.7 % and a specific tensile strength of 267 MPa g−1 cm3. Such an excellent combination of strength and ductility induced by simple warm rolling and annealing is much better than previously reported for lightweight steels.

New insights for composition design: A novel synergistic corrosion-resistant effect of Fe–Mn–Al–Cr–Si–Mo–C lightweight steel in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution

Nowadays, a good corrosion resistance of lightweight steel is demanded for its application. However, due to the high contents of Mn and C, which are always corrosion-susceptible elements in steels, the conventional lightweight steel is not desirable for this mission. Although Cr is widely believed to be a common alloying element to improve the corrosion resistance of most steels, it is considered to be ineligible using in the lightweight steel due to the relatively high content of C. This is because the trade-off between corrosion resistance and mechanical properties by alloying Cr. In recent years, the rapid developments of additive and coating manufacturing have provided new possibilities for both the Cr alloying and microstructural modulation to improve corrosion resistance of lightweight steel. In this case, to design a certain chemical composition using in additive and coating manufacturing, it is interesting to clarify the effects of Cr alloying on the corrosion resistance of lightweight steel. To reveal it, in the present work, the Fe–Mn–Al–Cr–Si–Mo–C lightweight steel alloyed with Cr contents of 4 wt%, 8 wt% and 12 wt% are prepared. The corrosion resistances and mechanisms of Cr-alloyed lightweight steels in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution are investigated by electrochemical and immersion tests. The present work may provide new insights for the composition design of lightweight steel, especially for the directions of additive and coating manufacturing.

Arsenate adsorption, desorption, and re-adsorption on Fe–Mn binary oxides: Impact of co-existing ions

Fe–Mn binary oxides have demonstrated impressive arsenate removal efficiencies as adsorbents. However, their interaction with co-existing ions can lead to arsenate desorption, complicating the remediation process. The dynamics of both desorption and subsequent readsorption of arsenate on these oxides under the influence of various ions remain largely unexplored. This study illuminates these processes through a detailed six-month batch experiment, examining the behavior of arsenate in the presence of both single and multiple competing ions. Our findings demonstrate varied desorption impacts by different ions. Notably, the desorption effects induced by bicarbonate (HCO3−) and phosphate (PO43−) were the most significant, with maximum desorption rates reaching 21.8 % and 20.8 %, respectively. Following desorption, As(V) exhibited varying re-adsorption rates; notably, As(V) desorbed by HCO3− and PO43− achieved nearly complete re-adsorption at rates of 100 % and 97.8 % respectively after 150 days. The dynamics altered substantially in the presence of multiple ions. Specifically, the co-presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ significantly reduced the desorption of As(V) by HCO3−, with maximum desorption rates decreasing to 0 % and 2.9 %, respectively. Moreover, the inclusion of silicate (SiO32−) in the system markedly enhanced the re-adsorption of As(V), surpassing rates observed in the presence of HCO3− alone. In contrast, when PO43−and HCO3− were present together, almost no re-adsorption of As(V) occurred, leading to a higher final desorption rate of 27.4 %. These results highlight the complex and significant role that specific ions and their combinations play in the desorption and re-adsorption of As(V) on Fe–Mn binary oxide surfaces. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the types and interactions of co-existing ions in environmental settings when utilizing Fe–Mn binary oxides for efficient arsenic removal.

Formation of hydrothermal ferromanganese oxides in the Daini-Nishi-Yamato Seamount, Sea of Japan: Do they really contain critical-metal particles?

In submarine environments, ferromanganese (Fe–Mn) oxides are formed via various processes. Although hydrothermal Fe–Mn oxides are generally valueless as mineral resources because of their low critical metal content, they reflect temporal changes in hydrothermal activity. Metal particles, including native metals, have been observed in hydrothermal Fe–Mn oxides and associated igneous rocks that are extensively distributed in the Sea of Japan. This finding can have significant implications for metal transport in submarine hydrothermal systems. However, the existence of these metal particles requires verification because their thermodynamic coexistence with Mn oxides is challenging and has only been reported by one research team. Here, we show the growth structure and geochemistry of hydrothermal Fe–Mn oxides and volcanic rocks from the Daini-Nishi-Yamato Seamount in the Sea of Japan. The chemical and Nd–Sr isotopic compositions of the volcanic rock indicated that the Daini-Nishi-Yamato Seamount formed through magmatism after back-arc spreading in the Yamato Basin at 10–17 Ma. The hydrothermal Fe–Mn oxides consisted of Ti-rich layers that formed earlier and Ti-poor layers that formed later. The Ti-rich layers precipitated from Ti-rich hydrothermal fluids because of water–rock interactions at higher temperatures during the early stages of hydrothermal activity. During the late stages of hydrothermal activity, Ti-poor layers formed, likely because of a decrease in the temperature of the water–rock interactions and/or the depletion of Ti in the host rocks. However, unlike in previous studies, metal particles such as Ag and rare earth elements were not detected in our samples, which were impregnated with resin to prevent contamination during the polishing process. These results strongly suggest that the metal particles reported in the previous studies were contaminants.

Systematic Exploration of the Benefits of Ni Substitution in Na–Fe–Mn–O Cathodes (Adv. Sustainable Syst. 8/2024)

Systematic Exploration of the Benefits of Ni Substitution in Na–Fe–Mn–O Cathodes (Adv. Sustainable Syst. 8/2024)

Effect of nanosized NiAl precipitates on the corrosion resistance of the superelastic Fe–Mn–Al–Ni–Nb–C alloy

Effect of nanosized NiAl precipitates on the corrosion resistance of the superelastic Fe–Mn–Al–Ni–Nb–C alloy

Enhancing strength and ductility in Fe–20Mn–9Al-1.5C austenitic low-density steels through Ni and Cr alloying synergy adding

In this investigation, a Fe–20Mn–9Al-1.5C lightweight austenitic steel has been developed through strategic alloying with Ni and Cr elements coupled with the employment of a thermo-mechanical processing technique featuring ultra-fast cooling. This composition and treatment synergistically transcend the conventional trade-off between strength and ductility, positioning the mechanical performance of this steel notably above that of comparable low-density austenitic steels previously reported. The coordinated incorporation of Ni and Cr is key to modulating the precipitation threshold for nanoscale κ-carbides and LRO domains, achieving an optimal size for precipitate-induced strengthening. The incorporation of Cr specifically contributes to a dual enhancement mechanism: it fosters the generation of high-density dislocation arrays (HDDA) and refines the dynamic slip band (DSBR) during deformation, which in turn, elevates the strain hardenability and ductility. The remarkable synergy in strength and ductility is attributed to a combination of mechanisms including grain boundary reinforcement, solid solution hardening, the precipitation strengthening effect of nanoscale precipitates, and the activation of secondary slip system dislocations. This synergy is quantitatively reflected in the material's yield strength (YS) exceeding 1100 MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) surpassing 1200 MPa, and a total elongation (TEL) exceeding 45%. The insights gained from this research provide critical guidance for the design and creation of austenitic low-density steels that do not compromise between strength and ductility, thereby offering superior overall performance.

Neogene isolated carbonate platform of the Rio Grande rise (southwest Atlantic ocean)

Isolated carbonate platform (ICP) deposits have been extensively studied due to their high sensitivity to sea-level variations and hydrocarbon reservoir potential. Oceanic seamounts/plateaus such as the Rio Grande Rise (RGR) off south-east Brazil, are significant sites for investigating drowned ICPs, as they record the existence of former oceanic volcanic islands. The Geological Survey of Brazil dredged hundreds of samples from the RGR summit, comprising a condensed section with phosphatization, ferromanganese (Fe–Mn) crusts, and associated carbonate rocks. Our study investigates the sedimentary facies of carbonate substrate rocks collected from the borders of the Cruzeiro do Sul Lineament of RGR. Eight facies were identified: Planktonic foraminifera mudstone (Pfm), Planktonic foraminifera wackstone (Pfw), Bioclastic wackstone (Bw), Red algae packstone (Rp), Red algae grainstone (Rg), Foraminifera grainstone (Fg), Red algae bindstone (Rb), and Bioclastic rudstone (Br). Based on facies descriptions and fossil index ages, a paleoenvironmental reconstruction was proposed, indicating the development of a carbonate isolated platform during tectonic quiescence in the Oligocene-Miocene associated with a volcanic island that emerged during the RGR exposure in the Eocene. These deposits likely represent a weakly protected carbonate platform featuring a lagoon associated with barrier coralgal reefs, algal shoals, and patch reefs. A semi-drowning phase during the Pliocene-Pleistocene, characterized by the strong influence of ocean currents and deposition of mixed planktonic and shallow carbonate particles, ensued until complete drowning in the Pleistocene-Recent, marked by pelagic/reworked sedimentation. Platform shrinking and cessation may correlate with the Miocene onset of modern carbonate platforms influenced by currents, leading to the present-day substrate composed of carbonate and Fe–Mn duricrust covered by dunes of winnowed pelagic particles. The RGR's former ICP resembles the south-west Atlantic islands/atolls.

Correlation between grain size, mechanical properties and deformed microstructure of Fe–20Mn–6Al–0.6C–0.15Si low-density steel

Correlation between grain size, mechanical properties and deformed microstructure of Fe–20Mn–6Al–0.6C–0.15Si low-density steel

Theoretical study on the synergistic mechanism of Fe–Mn in sodium-ion batteries

This article conducts first-principles calculations to initially explore the construction of two configurations, NaFeO2 (NFO) and NaMnO2 (NMO), and studies the mixing enthalpies under different Fe–Mn ratios. The results indicate that NaFe3/8Mn5/8O2 (NFMO) exhibits the most thermodynamically stable structure. Subsequent calculations on the mixing enthalpies and volume changes during the sodium extraction process for NFO, NMO, and NFMO configurations are presented, along with the partial density of states (PDOS) and Bader charges of transition metals (TM) and oxygen. These calculations reveal the synergistic mechanism of Fe and Mn. Fe and Mn can engage in more complex electron exchanges during sodium extraction, optimizing the internal electron density distribution and overall charge balance, thereby stabilizing the crystal structure and reducing the migration of Fe3+ to the sodium layers during deep sodium extraction. The interaction between Fe’s 3d electrons and Mn’s 3d electrons through the shared oxygen atoms’ 2p orbitals occurs in the Fe–Mn–O network. This interaction can lead to a rebalancing of the electron density around Mn³⁺ atoms, mitigating the asymmetric electron density distribution caused by the d4 configuration of the lone Mn³⁺ and suppressing the Jahn-Teller effect of Mn3+. Moreover, the synergistic effects between Fe and Mn can provide a more balanced charge distribution, reducing extreme changes to the charge state of oxygen atoms and decreasing the irreversible oxygen release caused by anionic redox reactions during deep sodium extraction, thereby enhancing the material’s stability. This in-depth study of the interaction mechanism at the microscopic level when co-doping Fe and Mn offers valuable insights for the rational design and development of high-performance cathode materials.

Isotopically light Mo in sediments of methane seepage controlled by the benthic Fe–Mn redox shuttle process

Methane seepage has been extensively observed in various continental margin settings. It has profound effects on the marine redox environment and the molybdenum (Mo) cycles in marine sediments. Therefore, there has been much recent attention on the redox-sensitive behavior of Mo in methane seepage environments. However, the characteristics of the Mo isotope composition in the cold-seep system remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed geochemical analyses, including Mo content and isotope composition, on sediment samples (core QDN-MS6) from the “Haima” cold-seep deposit area in the South China Sea. The analysis reveals a significant concentration of authigenic pyrite in the mid-section of QDN-MS6 core (373–403 cm). Moreover, the δ34S value in this interval is notably elevated with high total sulfur/total organic carbon ratio. Additionally, the sediments in the mid-section exhibits substantial enrichment in Mo (enrichment factors of Mo ranging from 5.29 to 39.32). This implies that the sediments in the mid-section are influenced by sulfate-driven anaerobic oxidation of methane. Most notably, the sediments in the mid-section displayed distinct low δ98Mo values (with an average of −0.7‰). After careful consideration, we ruled out the influence of organic matter, an oxic environment, a weakly sulfidic environment, and incomplete removal of thiopolybdate as contributing factors. Based on δ56Fe-Fe/Al ratios, (Mo–U) enrichment factors, and As enrichment factors, we propose that the “benthic Fe-Mn redox shuttle process” is the primary cause of the observed light δ98Mo signatures in sediments. This newly identified mechanism sheds light on Mo isotope cycling in methane seepage environments and enhances our understanding of the Mo isotope cycling process.

Temperature Effect on Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Fe–28Mn–8Al–1C Lightweight Steel via Supersonic Fine Particle Bombardment

The influence of room temperature (RT) and cryogenic temperature (CR) supersonic fine particle bombardment (SFPB) on the surface, microstructure, and mechanical properties of Fe–28Mn–8Al–1C lightweight steel is investigated in this work. The results indicate that both RT‐SFPB and CR‐SFPB successfully induce gradient nanostructures on the surface of steel, refining the grains to the nanoscale. Furthermore, CR‐SFPB results in a finer grain size and higher dislocation density compared to RT‐SFPB. Additionally, the dominant deformation mechanism shifts from dislocation slip for RT‐SFPB to a combination of dislocation slip and twinning for CR‐SFPB. CR‐SFPB is seen to be superior to RT‐SFPB in terms of surface integrity and strength due to low‐temperature lubrication effect, suppression of dynamic recovery and reduced stacking fault energy of the material. Interestingly, while CR‐SFPB enhances strength, elongation remains comparable to that of untreated material. However, excessive impact times during SFPB treatment promote microcrack formation on the surface, compromising plasticity.

Kinetic and equilibrium analysis of penguin guano trace elements release to Antarctic seawater and snow meltwater

The present work extends the scope of prior studies through analysis, modelling and simulation of the As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe Mn, Mo, Ni and Zn release from Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) and Chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) penguin guano to the Southern Ocean seawater and to Antarctic snow meltwater. Laboratory experimental results have been modelled considering kinetic processes between water and guano using two element pools in the guano compartment; its application allows us to interpret behaviours and predict release concentrations of dissolved trace elements from guano which are potentially useful for incorporation as elements source into biogeochemical models applied in the Southern Ocean. Variations in quantities and release patterns depending on the type of guano and aqueous medium in contact have been identified. The release percentages from the guano to the aqueous medium, once the steady state has been reached, vary depending on the water medium and guano type in the ranges of 100–2.9 % for Mo; 91.5–68.6 % for Ni; 81.8–22.8 % As; 52.0–43.9 % Cu; 26.9–7.4 % Mn; 24.9–5.4 for Co; 4.4–3.2 % for Zn and 0.94–0.51 % for Fe. Considering a penguin population of 774,000 Gentoo and 8,000,000 Chinstrap, the estimated annual mass released to the both seawater and freshwater would be ≈18,500 kg for Cu, ≈1710 kg for Zn, ≈1944 kg for Fe, ≈1640 kg for Mn, ≈499 kg for As, ≈289 kg for Ni, ≈155 kg for Mo, ≈36.7 kg for Cd and ≈8.1 kg for Co. These contributions can be locally significant both in promoting phytoplankton growth and in their role as inhibitors of primary productivity.

Effect of Ferrite Second Phase on Shape Memory Effect of Corrosion‐Resistant Fe–Mn–Si Shape Memory Alloy

At present, Fe–Mn–Si shape memory alloy with high corrosion resistance has become the focus of attention because of its special requirements in some fields. On the basis of Fe–Mn–Si shape memory alloy, a corrosion‐resistant shape memory alloy was designed by adding Cr and other alloy elements. The microstructure characteristics and phase ratio control mechanism of the annealed alloy and the influence mechanism of the second phase (ferrite) and ratio on the alloy memory effect are emphatically studied. The results show that ferrite and austenite are evenly distributed at low annealing temperature, and there is thermal‐induced ε‐martensite at the same time. Appropriate thermal‐induced ε‐martensite can strengthen the austenite matrix, and the shape recovery rate is high at this time. With the increase of annealing temperature, the volume fraction and grain size of ferrite increase, the volume fraction of thermal‐induced ε‐martensite and austenite decreases, and the shape recovery rate decreases, but it is beneficial to improve the corrosion resistance.

Utilization of High Entropy Alloy (Co–Cu–Fe–Mn–Ni) and Support (CeO2) Interaction for CO2 Conversion into Syngas

Utilization of High Entropy Alloy (Co–Cu–Fe–Mn–Ni) and Support (CeO₂) Interaction for CO₂ Conversion into Syngas