Microstructure Behavior Research Articles

Stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric Mn modification on high-power properties in PYN-PZT piezoelectric ceramics

The types of dopants lead to distinctive microstructural evolution behavior and physical properties in materials. In this study, the effect of stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric Mn modification, namely Pb(Mn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PMnN) and MnO2, on the microstructure and properties of Pb(Yb1/2Nb1/2)O3-PbZrO3-PbTiO3 (PYN-PZT) piezoelectric ceramics are systematically investigated. It was found that stoichiometric PMnN modification inhibits the grain growth while non-stoichiometric MnO2 modification promotes it, and thus the former yields stronger high-power characteristics (higher internal bias field Ei and larger mechanical quality factor Qm) than the latter. Specifically, with an equivalent amount of Mn modification (2 mol%), PMnN and MnO2 modification PYN-PZT ceramics exhibit significantly different values for average grain size (1.21 μm vs. 14.12 μm), Ei (8.5 kV/cm vs. 5 kV/cm), and Qm (2376 vs.1134). To further evaluate high-power performance, the vibration velocity v of these two modified PYN-PZT under high driving conditions was measured. Under an AC electric field of 3.5 V/mm, the PYN-PZT+6PMnN ceramics exhibit a v of up to 0.95 m s−1, larger than both MnO2-doped PYN-PZT (0.72 m s−1) and unmodified PYN-PZT ceramics (0.1 m s−1), and far outperformance than both PZT-4 and PZT-8 ceramics. Furthermore, to elucidate the origin of the exceptional high-power performance of PMnN-modified PYN-PZT, we performed phase-field simulations revealing a pinning effect of the grain boundary on domain wall motion. Consequently, the small grain size (high grain boundary density) in PMnN-modified PYN-PZT exhibits a strong pinning effect, resulting in a large Qm and outstanding high-power performance.

Study on solidification organization and phase formation of Fe-6.5wt.%Si high silicon steel by arc melting and heat treatment

Abstract The solidification microstructure and phase formation behavior of Fe-6.5wt.%Si high silicon steel was investigated using arc melting and heat treatment. The alloy phase composition and microstructure were analyzed by XRD and SEM. The magnetic performance was measured at a high- and low-temperature vibration sample magnetometer. The results show that the temperature gradient causes alloy ingot to be roughly divided into three layers. With the decrease in temperature, from the bottom to the top, the phase morphology is fine crystals, columnar internal dendrites, and isoaxial internal dendrites. In the annealing ring ingot, the inner dendrites disappeared, and from the bottom to the top of the sample, the microstructure changed from fine crystal, columnar crystal, and isoaxial crystal, to micro-cracks, which first increased and then reduced. The hysteresis loop curve width of the alloy is narrow, the slope is large, the hysteresis is 0.126 emu/g, and the magnetic utilization after annealing decreases to 0.0667 emu/g, but the coercive force increases to 2.8 Oe/g, and the annealed alloy is more sensitive to the magnetic field and has a high magnetic conductivity coefficient.

The impact of BBr3/TiCl4 ratios on the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of TiBN coatings deposited using a pulsed-PACVD technique

This study aimed to investigate the impact of precursor ratios on both the microstructural and tribological characteristics of TiBN coatings. Using the PACVD process, TiN, TiB2, and three variations of TiBN coatings with adjusted BBr3/TiCl4 ratios were applied onto H13 substrates. The coatings were characterized using XRD, FESEM, TEM, AFM, nanoindentation, and nanoscratch methods to analyze their microstructural properties, surface morphology, and mechanical behavior. The findings revealed that the TiBN coatings possessed a nanocomposite structure with TiN crystals dispersed within the BN matrix, which is amorphous. Moreover, the augmentation of the BBr3/TiCl4 ratio from 0 to 1/3 resulted in a significant rise in the hardness value, from 13.4 GPa to 25.7 GPa. However, a further increase in the ratio from 1/3 to 3/3 resulted in a decrease in hardness to 14.4 GPa because cracks were formed in the deposited coating. In comparison, the TiB2 coating exhibited a higher hardness of 19.7 GPa due to strong TiB bonds within the coating. The TiBN coating, applied with a BBr3/TiCl4 ratio of 1/3, demonstrated the lowest wear volume of 0.10 × 10−18 m3, attributed to its higher hardness and smoother surface texture.

Electrocaloric effect in chemically modified barium titanate ferroelectric ceramics

Electrocaloric (EC) refrigeration offers superior energy-conversion efficiency, miniaturization, and environmental benefits compared to compression refrigeration. However, its practical application is limited by the challenge of aligning the adiabatic temperature change (ΔT) with the operational temperature range. In this study, we have tailored the EC characteristics of BaTiO3 (BT)-based Ba(Ti0.9Sn0.1)O3 (BTS) ferroelectric ceramics using Bi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3 (BMT). We provide a comprehensive analysis of the microstructure, electrical properties, and EC behavior of the (1–x)BTS-xBMT system. Our results indicate that the incorporation of BMT establishes a broad platform in the dielectric spectrum while maintaining high polarization. This improvement potentially increases the electrocaloric effect (ECE) and expands the operating temperature range. Direct heat flux measurements reveal that the x = 0.02 composition achieves a maximum ΔT (ΔTmax) of 0.41 K with a temperature span (Tspan) of 68 °C under an intermediate electric field of 50 kV/cm. Moreover, the x = 0.01 sample exhibits a room-temperature ΔT of 0.33 K and relatively good temperature stability within 30–130 °C. These findings indicate that chemical modification methods have the potential to optimize the cooling capacity of refrigerants.

Cooling rate effects on microstructure and diffusion behaviour in Ti65 alloy: Insights from a modified diffusion model

In the continuous cooling process, the growth of the equiaxed α-phase grains in near-α high-temperature titanium alloys is controlled by the diffusion of alloying elements. Establishing a specific connection between the cooling rate and the diffusion behaviour of alloying elements aids in the precise prediction of the evolution of equiaxed α-phase grain size. This study meticulously controlled the cooling rate during the two-phase region annealing treatment of the Ti65 alloy. Using EPMA technology, the diffusion behaviour of solute elements during cooling was accurately characterized. The study found that slowing the cooling rate promotes the coarsening of the lamellar secondary α-phase grains and the growth of the primary equiaxed α-phase grains. At higher annealing temperatures, the growth of equiaxed α-phase grains can occur at faster cooling rates, while coarse lamellar secondary α-phase grains can be retained at slower cooling rates. The diffusion behaviour of solute elements Al, Ta, Mo, and W between the α-phase and transformed β-phase matrix is significantly influenced by the cooling rate, thus they are considered as the controlling elements for the growth of the equiaxed α-phase grains. Based on the diffusion behaviours of these controlling elements, their single-element diffusion models were categorized and integrated for predicting the grain size of the equiaxed α-phase. The predictions from the revised diffusion model show an excellent agreement with the actual results, with an error margin of about 5%.

Microstructural, Surface Energy, and Thermal Behavior Changes of Virgin and Aged Bitumen after Fusion

Microstructural, Surface Energy, and Thermal Behavior Changes of Virgin and Aged Bitumen after Fusion

The role of Sb on the microstructure and creep behaviors of Sn–6.5Zn–0.3Cu Pb-free solder alloy

The role of Sb on the microstructure and creep behaviors of Sn–6.5Zn–0.3Cu Pb-free solder alloy

Shot peening effects on Cr-Mo-V steel: a comprehensive study of microstructure, surface roughness, residual stress, and mechanical behavior

This study presents a comprehensive study of the microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and surface roughness of Cr-Mo-V low alloy steels and a detailed investigation of the overall impact of shot peening (SP). The microstructure was examined using the optical and scanning electron microscope, showing a significant grain size decrease after shot peening. Evaluations of mechanical characteristics, such as microhardness and tensile strength, showed a noteworthy rise, suggesting enhanced material strength. Studies using fragmentography shed more light on changed fracture tendencies. X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) was used to measure residual stress distribution, and the outcomes displayed an increase after SP, which suggests that internal stresses were created. Surface roughness measurements also showed a noticeable decline, indicating better surface quality. The transformational effects of shot peening on Cr-Mo-V low alloy steels were highlighted by comparative investigations with base metals, providing insights into enhancing material performance for various engineering applications.

Microstructure and wet-oxygen corrosion behaviors of in-suit grown Y3Si2C2 modified SiCf/SiC composites

Y3Si2C2 ternary ceramics were in-situ grown in SiCf/SiC composites via molten-salt method for the first time, and the microstructure and wet-oxygen corrosion behavior at 1400 ℃ for the SiCf/SiC-Y3Si2C2 composite are investigated. Results indicated that the Y3Si2C2 are successfully in-situ grown and uniformly dispersed in the matrix. Compared to the unmodified SiCf/SiC, the SiCf/SiC-Y3Si2C2 exhibits a reduction in flexural strength to 200.39 MPa (SiCf/SiC is of 335.89 MPa), while it demonstrates significant enhancement in wet-oxygen corrosion resistance with a strength retention rate of 89.3 % (SiCf/SiC is of 25.8 %) under conditions of wet-oxygen corrosion environment at 1400 ℃.

Effect of heat treatment on the microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture behaviors of ultra-high-strength SiC/Al–Zn–Mg–Cu composites

Effect of heat treatment on the microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture behaviors of ultra-high-strength SiC/Al–Zn–Mg–Cu composites

Evaluation of rheological and microstructural behavior of modified asphalt binder with chitosan derived from shrimp shell powder

Chitosan derived from shrimp shells (SSPCH) was used for the first time as a biological biopolymer to modify the properties of bitumen across high, medium, and low-temperature ranges. Therefore, physical tests (penetration, softening point, and ductility) and rheological tests (RV, DSR, MSCR, LAS, and BBR) were conducted along with morphological and microstructural analyses, on modified bitumen with 2 %, 4 %, 6 %, and 8 % SSPCH. Chemical analysis revealed that bitumen and SSPCH interacted physically during the mixing process, while no chemical reaction was observed. Moreover, the thermal sensitivity of the modified bitumen was enhanced by decreasing the penetration degree and increasing the softening point. SSPCH improved the properties of modified bitumen as a result of its porous structure and asphaltene absorption, as well as its structural similarity to bitumen and ability to absorb the light components of bitumen with its heavy components. Increasing the SSPCH dose in bitumen improves its resistance to deformation and recoverability by increasing the viscous phase and decreasing the elastic phase, resulting in increased stiffness. The findings also revealed that the addition of 6 % SSPCH yielded the best performance against rutting failures. Generally, SSPCH incorporation significantly improved bitumen performance in different temperature ranges. By adding 8 % SSPCH, the highest resistance to rutting occurred. However, the phase separation between SSPCH and bitumen exceeded the suitable range. Hence, 6 % SSPCH is useful in the bitumen mixture for areas at high temperature. Also, to prevent fatigue and cracking damage, it is recommended to limit the dose of SSPCH to 4–6%.

Effect on Ti/Mg isothermal oxidation of refinement microstructure and tribological behaviour of pure aluminium alloy by plasma spray coating

Effect on Ti/Mg isothermal oxidation of refinement microstructure and tribological behaviour of pure aluminium alloy by plasma spray coating

Effects of Graphene Nanoplates (GNPs) on Microstructure and Corrosion Behavior of ADC12-GNPs Composite

Effects of Graphene Nanoplates (GNPs) on Microstructure and Corrosion Behavior of ADC12-GNPs Composite

Investigation of microstructural and electrochemical behavior of chromized-doped layers with variant magnesium concentrations

Investigation of microstructural and electrochemical behavior of chromized-doped layers with variant magnesium concentrations

Crystal plasticity modeling of prior austenite orientation effects on deformation behaviors of martensitic steels under different strain paths

The influence of prior austenite grain (PAG) orientation on the deformation behavior of a low-carbon martensitic steel is investigated using crystal plasticity (CP) modeling with hierarchical representative volume elements (RVEs). The Kurdjumov-Sachs (K-S) relationship is refined for accurate PAG reconstruction in martensitic steel. A robust calibration strategy for CP parameters based on nanoindentation tests is developed by integrating analytical calculations with inverse methods. Virtual polycrystalline aggregates are subsequently generated by manipulating initial PAG orientations. The simulations reveal that assigning cube texture to PAGs enhances strain hardening of martensite under plane strain tension. Moreover, the RVEs with brass and copper orientated PAGs exhibit similar deformation behavior, and a more homogeneous strain distribution is realized in the RVE with PAG cube orientation. The influence of PAG orientation on stress and strain fields is correlated with lattice rotation behavior during deformation. Notably, different strain paths elicit distinct lattice rotation trajectories, wherein uniaxial tension and plane strain tension favor grains reorientation toward hard γ-fiber, whilst equi-biaxial tension drives the crystal matrix to concentrate on 〈001〉 and 〈011〉 directions. These findings provide insights into the intricate relationship between microstructural orientation and deformation behavior in martensitic steels, which is crucial for performance optimization.

Effect of Mn content on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Ti–Nb–Zr–Mn alloys processed via spark plasma sintering

Herein, β-type Ti–Nb–Zr–Mn alloys were prepared by ball milling and spark plasma sintering. The effects of Mn addition and quenching treatment on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of the alloy were investigated. The Ti–Nb–Zr–Mn alloys are predominantly constituted of equiaxed β Ti grains with a small proportion of ω phase. An increase in Mn content inhibits the precipitation of the ω phase while promoting a more homogeneous solid solution. The tensile strength of the as-prepared alloys decreases and then increases, whereas the plasticity demonstrates the opposite trend. The Elastic modulus and hardness roughly show a trend of decreasing and then increasing. Additionally, the Ti–24Nb–4Zr–2Mn alloy, after undergoing a solid solution treatment at a temperature of 950 °C and subsequent water quenching (referred to as M2-950), demonstrates exceptional comprehensive performance, showing a yield strength of 956 ± 4 MPa, an ultimate strength of 995 ± 13 MPa, an elongation of 16.4 ± 1.6 %, a hardness of 312 ± 11 H V, and an Elastic modulus of 72.6 GPa. Moreover, the corrosion behavior in Ringer's solution was extensively investigated, and the M2-950 alloy has superior corrosion resistance.

Effect of Accumulative Roll Bonding on Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Al6061

Effect of Accumulative Roll Bonding on Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Al6061

Interconnected microstructure and flexural behavior of Ti2C-Ti composites with superior Young’s modulus

Interconnected microstructure and flexural behavior of Ti2C-Ti composites with superior Young’s modulus

Microstructural evolution and mechanical behaviors of rock salt in energy storage: A molecular dynamics approach

The microstructure of rock salt significantly influences its macroscopic mechanical behaviors and deformation phenomena. Understanding the deformation and failure characteristics of rock salt at multiple scales is crucial for the secure and efficient functioning of energy storage in salt caverns. Although the macroscopic behaviors of rock salt are well understood, the microstructural changes occurring under uniaxial compression have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to investigate the evolving laws of rock salt microstructure and mechanical properties during the damage process, thereby providing a fundamental understanding of the underlying mechanism. To achieve this, a series of characterization tests on rock salt were conducted to study its microstructure and defects. Building on this, molecular dynamics simulations were utilized in rock mechanics to elucidate the mechanical behaviors, structural evolutions, and dislocation motions of rock salt during the damage process. The rock salt obtained from Qianjiang, China, is a polycrystalline material with an average subgrain size of 46 nm and an average dislocation density of 4.76 × 10−6 1/Å2. Uniaxial compression of single crystal NaCl exhibits three stages: elastic compression, rapid dislocation multiplication, and forest hardening. Scattered dislocations and isolated dislocation tangles trigger further plastic slippage, leading to decreased strength. Later, the formation of a dislocation cell network hinders further slip and reinforces the strength of rock salt. Plastic deformation is found to be a dominant factor in grain refinement and the formation of polycrystalline structures. Intergranular cracking results from cross-patterned dislocation lines on grain boundaries, which become vulnerable areas of the structure. This study describes the evolutionary process of rock salt microstructures and mechanical properties, identifies the micro-destruction mechanisms during the damage process at the ionic level, and provides insights into the micro-mechanical behavior of rock salt and for the design and stability assessment of underground energy storage facilities.

Microstructural Development, Deformation Behavior, and Texture Evolution Investigation during Hot Compression of a Dynamically Recrystallized Ti-5Cu Alloy in the Dual (α + β) Phase Region

Microstructural Development, Deformation Behavior, and Texture Evolution Investigation during Hot Compression of a Dynamically Recrystallized Ti-5Cu Alloy in the Dual (α + β) Phase Region