Matrix Phase Research Articles

Nanoindentation of B4C-HfB2 particulate ceramic composite doped with Cr–B compounds

Mechanical behavior of B4C - HfB2 particulate ceramic composite doped with CrB + Cr3B4 chromium boride compounds were studied by nanoindentation. Hardness, Young's modulus, and indentation stress - indentation strain behavior of B4C and HfB2 phases was computed. It was found that hardness and Young's modulus of B4C matrix phase in B4C - HfB2 doped with Cr - B was increased as compared to those hardness and Young's modulus of pure B4C. It was also found that indentation stress was relieved by “pop-in” events in some of the B4C grains, however, the “pop-in” discontinuous events were always observed upon indentation of HfB2 grains, that lead to a decrease in hardness of HfB2 from 40 to 50 GPa before “pop-ins” to 28–32 GPa after “pop-ins”. The obtained results can be further used in calculations of thermal residual stresses in B4C and HfB2 phases of B4C - HfB2 particulate ceramic composite.

Corrosion resistant high entropy conventional alloy (HECA) with superior work hardenability

Cu-based alloys are known for their high corrosion resistance but with a lack of processing ability and vice versa. Here we present a novel alloy design concept realizing Cu-rich high entropy conventional alloy (HECA) having exceptional corrosion resistance (Ecorr = - 0.27 V, icorr = 2.83 × 10−6 A/cm2) and work hardenability (strength = 413 MPa, total elongation = 28 %) synergy simultaneously in as-fabricated state. This cocktailing effect in HECA (Cu-12Fe-8Mn-7.5Co-2.5Cr, all in at%) is attributed to the formation of Fe-Mn-Co-Cr containing high entropy phase (HEP) in the Cu-rich matrix. A pronounced two-phase hardening by hetero-deformation induced (HDI) strengthening effect at the HEP/Cu matrix resulted in excellent work hardenability whereas, exceptional corrosion resistance was attributed to delayed corrosion kinetics owing to the preferential corrosion of the Cu-rich phase over HEP in HECA. Thus, Cu-rich HECA overcomes the corrosion-strength ductility dilemma in Cu-rich alloys when compared with classical binary Cu-Fe alloys in an as-fabricated state.

Microstructures and Corrosion Behaviors of Non-Equiatomic Al0.32CrFeTi0.73(Ni1.50−xMox)(x = 0, 0.23) High-Entropy Alloy Coatings Prepared by the High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel Method

The non-equiatomic Al0.32CrFeTi0.73(Ni1.50−xMox) (x = 0, 0.23) high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings were prepared by the high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) method. The microstructures and corrosion behaviors of the HVOF-prepared coatings were investigated. The corrosion behaviors were characterized by polarization, EIS and Mott-Schottky tests under a 3.5 wt.% sodium chloride aqueous solution open to air at room temperature. The Al0.32CrFeTi0.73Ni1.50 coating is a simple BCC single-phase solid solution structure compared with the corresponding poly-phase composite bulk. The structure of the Al0.32CrFeTi0.73Ni1.27Mo0.23 coating, combined with the introduction of the Mo element, means that the (Cr,Mo)-rich sigma phase precipitates out of the BCC solid solution matrix phase, thus forming Cr-depleted regions around the sigma phases. The solid solution of large atomic-size Mo element causes the lattice expansion of the BCC solid solution matrix phase. Micro-hole and micro-crack defects are formed on the surface of both coatings. The growth of both coatings’ passivation films is spontaneous. Both passivation films are stable and Cr2O3-rich, P-type, single-layer structures. The Al0.32CrFeTi0.73Ni1.50 coating has better corrosion resistance and much less pitting susceptibility than the corresponding bulk. The corrosion type of the Mo-free coating is mainly pitting, occurring in the coating’s surface defects. The Al0.32CrFeTi0.73Ni1.27Mo0.23 coating with the introduction of Mo element increases pitting susceptibility and deteriorates corrosion resistance compared with the Mo-free Al0.32CrFeTi0.73Ni1.50 coating. The corrosion type of the Mo-bearing coating is mainly pitting, occurring in the coating’s surface defects and Cr-depleted regions.

SISAL FIBER REINFORCED AND CENOSPHERE HYBRIDIZED POLYPROPYLENE-SEBS COMPOSITE: AN INSIGHT INTO CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC, DYNAMIC MECHANICAL AND RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR.

The current study attempts to explore the crystallographic, rheological and dynamic mechanical properties of the submicron-treated cenosphere (t- CSF) particles and sisal fiber (SF) reinforced Styrene-(Ethylene-Butylene)-Styrene (SEBS) toughened PP hybrid composites. Moreover, the composites reinforced with 25 wt.% of SF and 5 wt.% of CSF (Treated 6 wt.% cetrimonium bromide (CTAB)) demonstrated the most significant storage modulus (E'), loss modulus (E"), and lowest damping (tan δ) factor throughout the temperature range. Likewise, X-ray diffraction techniques were used to assess the samples' crystallographic properties. The composites reported an enhanced β phase (responsible for high impact strength and reduced α phase of the base matrix compared to pristine PP. Likewise, all the composites' rheological properties showed an improved complex viscosity (η*) compared to the BM but lower than that of the pristine PP. Overall processing parameters of the BM and composites were improved due to the decrement in the η* of all the composites. The rheological properties confirmed the easy processing of the fabricated composites due to the improved flowability. The storage (G') and loss (G") modulus of all the composites were desirably higher than that of the BM.

A dual-phase Fe-Co-Ni-Cr-Mn high entropy alloy thin film with superior strength and corrosion-resistance

Improving the mechanical properties of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure is critical for their potential applications. In this work, a Fe-Co-Ni-Cr-Mn thin film was prepared and deposited with a power of 360 W. This alloy thin film exhibits a dual-phase microstructure consisting of a fcc matrix and sigma phase (σ phase) precipitates. The 360 W-film shows ultra-high strength-ductility synergy, with a hardness of 10.4 GPa, yield strength of 6.2 GPa, and a fracture strain of ∼25 % (micro-pillar compression tests). The excellent mechanical properties can be mainly attributed to the grain size effect, the hardening effect of the σ precipitates, and deformation twinning. Moreover, this alloy thin film exhibits excellent tribological performances and corrosion resistance. Our results demonstrate high potential of the dual-phase HEA thin film for industrial applications as high-performance protective coating materials.

Effect of Aging Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr Alloy

The mechanical properties of beta titanium alloys can be improved by precipitating the α phase in the β-phase matrix and controlling the microstructure via appropriate aging treatments. In this study, heat treatment in the range of 400 to 550 °C is performed to optimize the aging of Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr alloys. The increase in the aging temperature and holding time increases the hardness and compressive yield strength owing to the precipitation of the secondary α phase in the β matrix. The precipitation driving force at 400 °C is low because of the slow diffusion rate, and therefore the improvements in the hardness and strength are small. At temperatures above 500 °C, phase separation occurs rapidly (β → β + β′), and the β′ phase acts as a nucleation site for the secondary α phase. The phase transformation from the β′ to the secondary α phase is promoted at 500 °C, resulting in the highest hardness (406.3 HV) and compressive yield strength (1433.8 MPa) at 24 h. At 550 °C, the secondary α phase grows and the hardness and compressive yield strength degrade. These results can be effectively applied to manufacture springs with excellent formability and mechanical properties.

Active Constrained Layer Damping of Beams with Natural Fiber Reinforced Viscoelastic Composites

Abstract Viscoelastic composite reinforced with natural fibers is proposed here for the damping treatment of structures for vibration attenuation. The constrained layer damping (CLD) method is found a prominent structural vibration damping method and as a result of the inclusion of natural fiber, substantial damping could be achieved due to the development of shear as well as extensional strains in the viscoelastic material. Finite element analysis of a substrate beam combined with CLD treatment is used to investigate the corresponding improvement in damping. The influence of various geometry of presently considered natural viscoelastic composite layers on the CLD treatment's damping performance has been evaluated and discussed. Damping performances of natural as well as synthetic fibers have been assessed and compared for using natural fibers in viscoelastic composite for various structural applications. The addition of natural fiber has resulted from enhanced damping capacity due to substantial friction at the natural fiber-matrix interface compared to the case of interface with synthetic fiber. Natural fiber attributes less stiffness and a higher loss factor as compared to synthetic fiber and the insertion of stiff fibers affects the polymer chain's movements, decreasing the matrix phase's damping behavior. The dynamic mechanical analysis test is performed to evaluate the damping characteristics in the form of loss factor, storage, and loss modulus over the temperature range from frozen state to melting state.

Morphology, viscoelastic properties and the mechanical performance of highly toughened polyamide 6/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene/polylactic acid ternary blends

AbstractIn this research, the morphology, rheology, and mechanical performance of polyamide 6/polylactic acid/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (PA6/ABS/PLA) ternary blends were studied. The optimum ABS percentage in PA6/ABS binary blend to achieve highly toughened blend was determined around 35 wt.%. The spreading coefficient (Sij) predictions showed that each of PLA and ABS can form separate phase in the PA6 matrix. The evaluation of the interfacial interactions in the ternary blends revealed a higher tendency of PLA to interact with PA6 chains (Sij:−1.20) rather than ABS (Sij:−0.20) which is in comply with higher work of adhesion of PLA/PA6 than PLA/ABS and PA6/ABS. By adding PLA to the binary blends of PA6/ABS, it was found that the ABS domain size decreased due to rheological change. The localization of each component in the ternary blends observed in SEM analysis was in agreement with spreading coefficient predictions. Morphological evaluations revealed higher interfacial interactions between PA6 and PLA in the blends with up to 20 wt.% PLA. The optimized blend ratio of ternary blends showed higher complex viscosity at low shear rates and higher values than the mixing rule prediction. The optimum flexural modulus of 2 GPa and impact resistance of 47 kJ/m2 were achieved at 20 wt.% PLA in PA6/ABS/PLA ternary blend.Highlights The optimum PA6/ABS blend ratio to achieve high toughness was determined. The phase localization in the blends predicted via Spreading Coefficient. The interaction of PA6 and ABS enhanced by the addition of PLA in the blends. The mechanical properties of blends are correlated with rheological behavior. The flexural modulus of blends was higher than Halpin–Tsai model predictions.

Study on the microstructure and mechanism of stress relaxation behavior of Cu–Ni–Si alloy by two-stage rolling deformation

In this paper, the effect of the second-stage rolling deformation of Cu–Ni–Si alloy on its stress relaxation resistance was studied, and the mechanism of the change in microstructure and properties before and after stress relaxation was explored. The results show that the tensile strength and yield strength of Two-stage rolling peak aging (TRPA) 43.7 %, TRPA68.8 %, TRPA80.3 % and TRPA96.1 % alloys at 150 °C are close. After stress relaxation, the stress relaxation rates of these alloys are 7.7 %, 11.24 %, 14.69 % and 19.4 %, respectively. It is found that the smaller the second-stage rolling deformation, the better the stress relaxation resistance of the alloy, especially the stress relaxation resistance of the TRPA43.7 % alloy, which is 60.31 % higher than that of the TRPA96.1 % alloy. According to EBSD analysis, it was found that the increase in the number of twins can improve the stress relaxation resistance of the alloy. However, the occurrence of recrystallization reduces the stress relaxation resistance. Additionally, it was determined that the precipitated phase is the δ-Ni2Si phase with an orthogonal structure. Before stress relaxation, the size of the precipitated phase of the alloy with TRPA96.1 % is larger than that of the alloy with TRPA43.7 %, and after stress relaxation, the precipitated phase further grows. The influence of the interface relationship between δ-Ni2Si phase and Cu matrix on the stress relaxation properties of TRPA43.7 % and TRPA96.1 % alloys before and after stress relaxation was investigated using the mismatch theory. In summary, this study reveals that the size of δ-Ni2Si phase, dislocation density and recrystallization are the key factors affecting the stress relaxation resistance of Cu–Ni–Si alloy.

Multiscale oxide dispersion strengthened refractory high entropy alloys with superior mechanical properties

Refractory high-entropy alloy (RHEA) is one of the most promising materials for high-temperature applications. However, their application is inhibited by insufficient strength at elevated temperatures and brittleness at ambient temperatures. Herein, we proposed a multiscale oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) NbTaTiV RHEA with an excellent combination of strength and plasticity at both room and elevated temperatures. The multilevel microstructures are composed of a fine-grained BCC phase matrix (∼1.2 μm), submicron Ti-(O, N) particles (∼330 nm), and nanoscale Y2Ti2O7 particles (∼18 nm). Owing to the strengthening of combinatorial multilevel microstructures, the yield strength of the RHEA was found as high as 1626 MPa, which exhibits a significant improvement (∼46%) in comparison with the NbTaTiV RHEA, without significant loss of ductility. The ODS NbTaTiV RHEA also shows superior thermal-softening resistance, with yield strengths of 945 MPa at 700 °C and 482 MPa at 1000 °C. The enhanced strength is mainly attributed to the multilevel microstructures that mediate the collaborative strengthening mechanism among dispersed strengthening, precipitation strengthening, and grain boundary strengthening. This work presents a new insight to develop multiscale microstructures in RHEAs for high-temperature structural materials.

Synergistic effect of Al2O3-decorated reduced graphene oxide on microstructure and mechanical properties of 6061 aluminium alloy

In this study, Al6061 alloy matrix composites reinforced Al2O3-decorated reduced graphene oxide (Al2O3/RGO) with 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 weight present (wt%) were successfully fabricated using high energy ball milling and hot extrusion techniques. The microstructures of these Al2O3/RGO/Al6061 aluminum matrix composites (Al MMCs) were characterized. The results showed that Al2O3/RGO were uniformly distributed within the Al6061 matrix and tightly bonded to the matrix. Al2O3 encapsulation on RGO surface would prevent the formation of Al4C3 brittle phase in matrix, ensuring that there was no reaction between the reinforcement and the matrix Al6061. Tensile strength and Vickers hardness tests demonstrated that the mechanical properties of Al MMCs significantly increased with addition of Al2O3/RGOs. Remarkably, Al MMCs with 0.1 wt% reinforcement showed tensile yield and tensile strengths of 270 MPa and 286 MPa, respectively, which were 49% and 43% higher than those of pure Al6061 prepared using the same process. Furthermore, the 0.1 wt% Al2O3/RGO composite also showed the best plastic deformation capability in considering of the strength.

Probing Viscoelastic Properties and Interfaces in High-Density Polyethylene Vitrimers at the Nanoscale Using Dynamic Mode Atomic Force Microscopy.

Vitrimers are a new class of heterogeneous polymers that combine the best features of thermosets with those of thermoplastics. The introduction of cross-links strongly changes the viscoelastic behavior of vitrimer materials. However, the characterization and understanding of the nanostructures and interfaces in vitrimers resulting from dynamic cross-linking formation remain a major challenge. Here, using dynamic modes of atomic force microscopy (AFM), namely intermodulation AFM (ImAFM) and AFM-based dynamic mechanical analysis (AFM-nDMA), local viscoelastic properties and interfaces at the nanoscale length of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) vitrimer materials are reported. ImAFM imaging in combination with the k-means clustering algorithm clearly reveals two distinct phases in the vitrimer system with highly different viscoelastic properties. AFM-nDMA further provides quantitative nanoviscoelastic properties at the nanoscale to confirm that there is a cross-linking-rich aggregation area forming a nanosize network structure in the cross-linking-poor matrix phase. The cross-linking-rich region shows a similar elastic modulus but much higher adhesion force measured by AFM compared to the cross-linking-poor HDPE matrix. Furthermore, the frequency influence on the local viscoelastic properties of HDPE vitrimer at the nanoscale was initially screened. The observed HDPE vitrimer nanostructures and viscoelastic properties at the nanoscale also provide explanations on the observed bulk HDPE vitrimer crystallinity decrease and dimensional stability increase compared to HDPE. Therefore, probing the viscoelastic properties and interfaces of HDPE vitrimer provides important insights into understanding of the correlations between the vitrimer nanostructure and the bulk mechanical and rheological behaviors.

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

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

Study of neutrinoless double beta decay in the Standard Model extended with sterile neutrinos

We study a model where the Standard Model is augmented with three sterile neutrinos. By adopting a particular parameterization of a (6×6)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$(6\ imes 6)$$\\end{document} unitary matrix—in this context, light neutrino masses being generated via a type-I seesaw mechanism—we analytically derive the masses of the sterile states using an exact seesaw relation. The masses of the sterile states are derived in terms of the lightest mass of active neutrinos and active–active and active–sterile mixing angles and phases; they can be all light, all heavy, or a mixture of light and heavy compared to the active states. This can be attributed to the interplay of the CP-violating (CPV) phases of the mixing matrix. As both active and sterile states can mediate the neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$0\ u \\beta \\beta $$\\end{document}) process, their contributions to the effective mass of the electron neutrino, |mee|\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$|m_{ee}|$$\\end{document}, become a function of the mass of the lightest active state and active–active and active–sterile mixing angles and phases. We explore the parameter space of |mee|\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$|m_{ee}|$$\\end{document}, keeping in mind the present and future sensitivity of 0νββ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$0\ u \\beta \\beta $$\\end{document} decay searches. By making use of constraints from charged lepton flavor-violating (cLFV) processes and non-unitarity, we explore the role of additional CPV phases and active–sterile mixing angle values. The numerical values thus obtained for |mee|\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$|m_{ee}|$$\\end{document} can vary from as low as O(10-4)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathscr {O}(10^{-4})$$\\end{document} to saturating the present experimental limit. We also check the reliability of our result by calculating the branching ratio of μ→eγ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu \\rightarrow e \\gamma $$\\end{document}, a prominent cLFV process, and non-unitarity in this framework.

Investigation of bio-corrosion behavior, structural and thermal properties of Ni20Ti50Sn30 high-temperature shape memory alloy

In this study, Ni20Ti50Sn30 (atomic %) sample was prepared using the arc melting method. Some thermodynamic parameters (phase transformation temperatures, PTT; enthalpy, ΔH; and phase transformation hysteresis, H) obtained from the phase transformations of the alloy were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The sample exhibited high-temperature shape memory alloy (HTSMA) properties. X-ray (XRD) analysis was performed to determine the crystal structure properties at the alloy. The presence of B2, B19′, Ti2Ni, β-Ti, Ni3Sn4, TiNiSn and Ti3Sn phases was identified through X-ray analysis of the alloy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the pre- and post-corrosion surface morphologies of the sample, with EDX analysis being performed to reveal chemical structure determinations (matrix phases, precipitates and weathering zones). The presence of dendritic arms was observed, while martensite plates were absent in all SEM images. Particularly in the SEM image taken after corrosion, it was noted that the TiO2 layer placed on the surface of the matrix rich in Ti elements altered the surface morphology of the alloy. The presence of Ti and O elements in the post-corrosion EDX analysis confirmed the existence of this layer. Biocompatibility studies of the alloy were conducted using potentiodynamic corrosion tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. It was determined that the NiTiSn sample was in the excellent stability class according to corrosion standards.

Fracture mechanical properties and interfacial characteristics of engineered cementitious composites containing coarse aggregate

Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) have significantly high deformability, but their application in the field of engineered crack prevention is severely limited by their high shrinkage and high cost. To address this issue, a safer and more economical ECC was designed in this paper by adding coarse aggregate (CA) into the ECC matrix (i.e., ECC-CA). Then, experimental studies on the fracture properties of ECC-CA were carried out from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives, by considering four CA mass contents and three CA particle sizes. The results show that ECC-CA maintains good mechanical properties and deformation capacity as ECC. Its crack mouth opening displacement corresponding to the largest particle size (13–17 mm) and the largest mass content (30 %) is equivalent to 47.8 % of that of ECC, which is about 40 times higher than that of conventional concrete. Further, the interfacial transition zone characteristics between each phase medium and matrix were analyzed in ECC-CA for the purpose of clarifying the crack initiation and evolution trends, elucidating the influence of CA on the fracture mechanism of ECC-CA (i.e., fiber cage effect) based on both macroscopic performance and microscopic characteristics.

Sustainable microwave processing and surface characterization of powdered tungsten reinforced copper metal matrix (Cu-Wx) castings

The present work focuses on in-situ melting and casting of powdered copper metal matrix composites using a microwave hybrid heating approach. The composites of copper metal matrix are developed in such a way that the conductivity is least affected and related mechanical properties like flexural strength, tensile strength and hardness can be improved. Present work reports the processing and characterization of tungsten (W) powder reinforcement copper metal composites with weight percentages of W varied from 1%, 3% and 5%. The complete mechanism of interactions of Cu-Wx (x = 1%, 3% and 5% weight of copper powder) based composite powders with microwave heating is explained. The processed composite castings are characterized metallurgically through metallurgical microscope, SEM/EDS and XRD analysis; which reveals even dispersion of W particles in Cu matrix phase with some agglomerations. Some intermetallic formations are observed due to intense heating characteristics of microwaves. Further, mechanical and electrical characterizations of developed castings are carried out through Vicker's microhardness testing and electrical conductivity tests respectively. Addition of reinforced particles in metal matrix leads to an increase in microhardness on the expense of conductivity of composite. The 5% W addition led to 1.5 times increase in microhardness and 18.25% increase in resistivity. The mechanical testing revealed that the 5% W reinforced casting led to ∼22% higher ultimate tensile stress in comparison to pure copper casting. However, there was a significant decrease in ductility of metal matrix composites.

Strain concentration factor of heterogeneous materials and analytical influence functions based on Eshelby tensor

In this manuscript, Eshelby tensor is employed to assess the strain concentration that arises in the matrix phase at the interface, offering precise values and locations of maximum strain under specific loading conditions for both spherical and cylindrical inclusions. When compared to numerical simulation results, the analytical predictions grounded in the Eshelby tensor exhibit satisfactory accuracy. Then an analytical calculation method based on Eshelby tensor for the elastic strain influence functions of reduced-order homogenization (ROH) method is developed and adopted on particle-reinforced and fibrous composites, presenting its feasibility and advantage on off-line stage calculation of ROH method. The error analyses between analytical and numerical results are conducted. The numerical results also exhibit the necessity of finer interface partitioning to obtain the response on micro-scale with higher resolution.

Effects of multistage thermomechanical treatment on the microstructure and properties of Cu–Ni–Co–Si–Mg alloy strip by HCCM horizontal continuous casting

Multistage thermomechanical treatment experiments were conducted on Cu–Ni–Co–Si–Mg alloy strip prepared by the Heating Cooling Combined Mold (HCCM) horizontal continuous casting-cold rolling process. Effects of various heat treatments on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity of the alloy were studied. The strengthening mechanisms and factors influencing the performance of each process has been analyzed. The tensile strength, yield strength, and electrical conductivity of Cu–Ni–Co–Si–Mg alloy can reach 894 MPa, 855 MPa, and 47.1 %IACS after a third-stage of thermomechanical treatment (TTMT). The cold rolling in first-stage of thermomechanical treatment (FTMT) not only caused work hardening of the alloy but also promoted the precipitation of solute atoms and the growth of second phase particles, limiting the increase in strength. Second-stage of thermomechanical treatment (STMT) effectively hindered the excessive growth of second phase particles in FTMT but shortened recrystallization process. The superior performance of Cu–Ni–Co–Si–Mg alloy after TTMT was attributed to dispersive precipitation of Ni, Co, and Si elements as (Ni, Co) 2Si phases in the copper matrix, strengthening the interaction between the precipitates and dislocations. A short process of HCCM horizontal continuous casting-cold rolling-thermomechanical treatment was developed to produce a high strength and highly electrically conductive Cu–Ni–Co–Si alloy strip used in lead frames.

High strength and elongation of Mg-Gd-Nd-Zr alloy obtained by synergistic action of high-speed extrusion and short-time aging treatment

Magnesium–gadolinium (Mg–Gd)-based alloys have excellent high-temperature properties and the addition of two heterogeneous rare earth (RE) elements may promote the formation of secondary phase for better-strengthened properties. Herein, novel Mg-7Gd-2Nd-0.5Zr (wt%) alloys were prepared by synergistic reaction induced by high-speed extrusion (EX) and short-time aging treatment (AT). The microstructures, textures, and mechanical properties of the resulting alloys were then comprehensively studied by various analytical methods. The result reveals that the as-cast Mg-7Gd-2Nd-0.5Zr (wt%) alloy is composed of α-Mg matrix and Mg5(Gd,Nd) phase with bony and continuous networks at grain boundaries. The microstructure presents coarse deformed grains and fine recrystallized grains after high-speed EX, and formation of typical (0001)∥ ED extruded fiber texture and [1¯21¯1] RE texture is observed. The EX22 sample exhibits more Mg5(Gd,Nd) precipitated phases, fuller DRXed grains, and shorter peak aging times than the EX9 sample. After the AT at 250 °C, the proportion of deformed grains decreases due to static recrystallization, which leads to a reduction in the average grain size and weakening of the texture intensity. Therefore, combined effect of all strengthening mechanisms aids in achieving balance of high-strength and high-elongation for Mg-7Gd-2Nd-0.5Zr (wt%) alloy. The values of yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and elongation (EL) of EX22-A sample at room temperature are found to be 292.5 MPa, 350.6 MPa, and 24.3%, respectively. Overall, this study provides relevant experimental basis and theoretical guidance for the development of high-strength Mg-RE alloys, which are useful for future consideration.