Optical Metallography Microscopy Research Articles

EFFECT OF TEST PARAMETERS ON ABRASION RESISTANCE OF COATINGS UNDER ABRASIVE WEAR CONDITIONS

The article deals with the determination of the influence of the speed of hard metal layers welding, with a focus on the evaluation of the abrasive wear of the layers formed by the tubular wire welding technology. The layers were wound with filled wire manufactured by ESAB under the trade name Fluxofil 58. Two different winding speeds of v=125m/min and a speed of 18m/min were used to produce the samples. Subsequently, it was necessary to determine the dependence of abrasive wear on the different abrasive hardness. The abrasives used in the experiment were SiO2 (silica) and Al2O3 (alumina, also referred to as corundum). Abrasive wear resistance was determined from the mass loss determined by weighing the prepared specimens before the test and also after traversing the 420 m and 716 m sliding paths. The specimens were prepared in accordance with ASTM G 65/16. Subsequently, an analysis of the surface degradation after wear was carried out using a Neophot 21 optical metallographic microscope. S355J0 grade steel (11 523) was used as the substrate and therefore the base material. This is a structural unalloyed steel with prescribed mechanical properties and guaranteed carbon, sulphur and phosphorus levels.

The effect of the introduction of B4C on the adhesive and cohesive properties of self-fluxing coatings

Wear and tear of technical equipment elements is a serious problem that negatively affects the productivity of production processes. The work analyzed the strength of cohesive and adhesive bonds of wear-resistant coatings obtained by detonation gas-dynamic spraying method based on a self-fluxing alloy, depending on the introduction of B4C particles into the composite composition. The chemical composition of the cohesive bonds of the resulting coatings and the effect of boron-containing elements on their strength were analyzed. The method of transverse scratching of transverse sections of thick coatings is a qualitative assessment of adhesive and cohesive properties and helps to determine the mechanisms of their destruction. The purpose of the work is to study the effect of the introduction of B4C particles on the adhesive and cohesive properties of coatings obtained by detonation gas-dynamic spraying based on self-fluxing NiCrBSi alloy. Methods for studying coating samples obtained by detonation gas-thermal method: scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis, optical metallographic microscopy, scratch testing. Previously, wear-resistant coatings based on self-fluxing NiCrBSi-B4C alloy have proven their effectiveness as protective coatings for centrifugal beet cutter knives. This study substantiates the feasibility of obtaining a composite based on such coatings with the introduction of boron carbide to improve its strength characteristics.

TRIBOLOGICAL AND CORROSION PROPERTIES OF 45 AND 65G STEELS USED IN AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AFTER ELECTROLYTIC-PLASMA HARDENING

The article examines the effect of electrolytic plasma hardening on the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of steels 45 and 65G, which are used in the production of agricultural machinery components. The presented results demonstrate the improvement of the surface properties of steel through the application of electrolytic plasma hardening. This technology provides rapid heating and cooling, which contributes to the formation of a fine-grained and hardened surface layer, as evidenced by microstructural studies conducted using an optical metallographic microscope. Tribological tests showed an improvement in wear resistance after electrolytic plasma hardening: the wear volume for steel 45 was 3,03×10-4 mm³, and for steel 65G it was 6,17×10-5 mm³, which is 7 and 4,5 times less than the wear volume for the initial samples, respectively. The analysis of polarization curves showed that the corrosion current density decreased compared to the initial sample. For steel samples 45 and 65G after three cycles of electrolytic plasma hardening, the corrosion current densities were 6,87×10^-6 A/cm² and 1,61×10^-7 A/cm², respectively. Additionally, a shift in the corrosion potential towards more positive values was noted, indicating an increase in corrosion resistance. The results of the study demonstrate significant improvements in the tribological and corrosion properties of steels 45 and 65G after electrolytic plasma hardening, providing valuable data for industrial applications.

Effect of double quenching process on Microstructure and Properties of 20CrMoH Alloy Steel

Abstract This article investigates the influence of dual quenching process quenching temperature on the microstructure, hardness, and mechanical properties of 20CrMoH alloy steel through optical metallographic microscopy, Rockwell hardness tester, and universal mechanical testing machine. The results indicate that during the second quenching in the temperature range of 780-880 °C, with the increase of quenching temperature, the tensile strength of 20CrMoH steel shows a rapid increase trend, from 1250MPa to 1550MPa. At this time, the matrix structure gradually evolves from ferrite + bainite structure to bainite + martensite, which is also the main factor for its rapid increase in tensile strength; When the quenching temperature rises to above 850 °C, the influence of quenching temperature on the tensile strength decreases, and the tensile strength remains around 1550MPa. The secondary quenching temperature has little effect on the plasticity of the material. The overall reduction and elongation of the section under different quenching temperature conditions are at a similar level, with a reduction rate of 9% -12% and a stable reduction rate of 50% -60%, indicating good mechanical properties.

Ultrasonic Cavitation Erosion Behavior of GX40CrNiSi25-20 Cast Stainless Steel through Yb-YAG Surface Remelting.

Laser beam remelting is a relatively simple and highly effective technique for the physical modification of surfaces to improve resistance to cavitation erosion. In this study, we investigated the effect of laser remelting on the surface of cast stainless steel with 0.40% C, 25% Cr, 20% Ni, and 1.5% Si on cavitation erosion behavior in tap water. The investigation was conducted using a piezoceramic crystal vibrator apparatus. Base laser beam parameters were carefully selected to result in a defect-free surface (no porosity, material burn, cracks) with hardness capable of generating better resistance to cavitation erosion. The experimental results were compared with those of the reference material. Surface morphology and microstructure evolution after cavitation tests were analyzed using an optical metallographic microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and hardness tests to explore the mechanism of improving surface degradation resistance. The conducted research demonstrated that surfaces modified by laser remelting exhibit a 4.8-5.1 times greater increase in cavitation erosion resistance due to the homogenization of chemical composition and refinement of the microstructure, while maintaining the properties of the base material.

Investigation of the Features of the Formation of Diffusion Layers During Nitrocementation of High-Chromium Steels in a Carbon Black Medium

The purpose of the work is to establish the regularities of the formation of the structure and phase composition of surface (modified) layers on 20X13 chromium stainless steel under intense saturation with carbon and nitrogen and, on this basis, to substantiate the possibility of surface hardening of parts made of high-chromium steels by nitrocementation.Methods. The studies were carried out on samples made of high–chromium steel 20X13, which were subjected to high-temperature nitrocementation in a paste-like medium including fine soot, sodium carbonate and potassium ferruginous oxide (paste-forming agent is an aqueous solution of carbomethylcellulose). The microstructure was studied using an optical metallographic microscope OLIMPUS OX 51 and a scanning electron microscope Qanta FEG-650 with an X-ray microanalysis system EDAX. The microhardness was determined on the Duramit-5 microhardometer, the phase composition on the XRD-7000S X-ray diffractometer.Results. Nitrocementation of high chromium steel 20X13 in the temperature range of 820–950°C provides the formation of diffusion layers on the surface, the structure of which is represented by three zones: a crust of solid carbonitrides on the surface, an eutectoid zone with a solid matrix and inclusions of carbonitrides under the crust and a transition zone including a solid solution enriched in carbon and nitrogen with grains of the base metal. The microhardness of the nitrocemented layers on 20X13 steel after quenching from 1050°C in oil and tempering at 600°C reaches Nm 750–800 on the surface and decreases smoothly enough in depth of the nitrocemented layer. The depth of nitrocemented layers with increased microhardness (more than 400 Nm), depending on the duration of treatment, can reach ~ 0.5 (860°C, 6 hours).Conclusion. Nitrocementation of high-chromium steel 20X13 at 820–880°C in an active carbon black paste with the addition of potassium ferrocarbon leads to an increase in the hardness of the surface layers by about 4 times the hardness of the base, which, combined with the high mechanical properties of the base, will significantly increase the service life of parts made of high-chromium stainless steels of type X13 operating under high contact conditions loads.

Failure analysis, corrosion rate prediction, and integrity assessment of J55 downhole tubing in ultra-deep gas and condensate well

Several carbon steel tubing suffered severe corrosion in service which resulted in the leakage of production fluids from tubing string and, consequently, a decrease of well productivity. Optical metallographic microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), combined with weight loss and characterization methods were used to determine the most probable causes of the failure. The results showed that the composition and structure of the tubing joints and couplings were in accordance with the parameter requirements of API 5CT for grade J55. Upon visual inspection, the corroded pipe exhibited significant thickness reduction in multiple locations, which justifies utilizing the triaxial yield of pipe body formula, assuming the minimum measured thickness as the nominal thickness of the pipe. When compared to the upper bound internal pressure requirements in API 5CT, the equivalent stress calculation showed significantly lower failure pressure levels, which provide strong evidence that the pipe could not withstand actual service conditions. The composition of corrosion products was mainly FeCO3 and Fe3O4, and scaling layer were composed of the heavy components of the crude oil, CaCO3 and corrosion products. The scaling layer was protecting the steel surface from corrosion and reducing the corrosion rate. Once the scaling layer was broken, the corrosion rates increased. Also, pitting corrosion rates simulations were conducted at locations with the highest corrosion risk. Results show that at the first 30 days, pitting corrosion rates are the highest at these locations due to many factors including high CO2 partial pressures, acidic pH at these locations, and larger production volumes resulting in an increase of wall shear stresses and higher velocities.

Evolution of Microstructures, Texture and Mechanical Properties of Al-Mg-Si-Cu Alloy under Different Welding Speeds during Friction Stir Welding

The effects of different welding speeds on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-0.75Mg-0.75Si-0.8Cu alloys were investigated using optical metallographic microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, an ETM105D electronic universal testing machine and field emission electron microscopy (SEM). The results reveal that during the friction stir welding process, the welded joint forms the base material (BM), heat-affected zone (HAZ), thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ) and nugget zone (NZ), under the action of shear force and friction heat. The textures present in the BM are mainly C ({001}<100>) recrystallised cubic texture and P({110}<112>) recrystallised texture, Goss (G) texture, brass (B) texture and {112}<110> rotating copper texture. The organisation of the NZ undergoes dynamic recrystallisation, forming fine isometric crystals with large angular grain boundaries, accounting for more than 75% of the total. The geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) in the NZ grow as the welding speed rises. Moreover, {111}<11−0> and {111}<1−10> shearing textures, {001}<110> recrystallisation textures and fibre textures are mainly present in NZs. The average grain size in the NZ was the smallest, and the mechanical properties were the best at a welding speed of 125 mm/min. The grain size and the tensile strength and elongation of the NZ were 2.945 µm, 200.7 MPa and 12.7% for the joint at a welding speed of 125 mm/min, respectively.

THE CHROMIUM AND COBALT DISTRIBUTION IN THE DIFFUSION LAYER OF STEEL X35CrNi2-3 DURING THERMОDIFFUSION SATURATION

For parts of machines and equipment operating under the influence of aggressive media, abrasive, high temperatures, the creation of a hard, wear-resistant surface is an urgent task. Cobalt is used as a binder to create hard alloy materials that work under these conditions. It was of interest to evaluate the possibility of using cobalt as an additive in complex thermal diffusion chromium plating of structural steel. The article describes the features of thermal diffusion saturation of steel X35CrNi2-3 with chromium and cobalt at a temperature of 1000°C. A technique for analyzing the obtained coating is presented, based on the possibilities of X-ray spectral microanalysis of the diffusion layer on transverse microsections of the obtained samples. The elemental composition of the diffusion layer was monitored using the JEOL JSM-6460 LV universal scanning (scanning) electron microscope. The microstructure was studied using the optical metallographic microscope Axio Observer D1.m. The X-ray phase analysis was carried out with the Rigaku Ultima IV diffractometer. The hardness measurement was carried out with the FM-800 microhardness tester at a load of 50 g. Data were obtained on the distribution of chromium and cobalt in the surface layer of steel. It is shown that the resulting thermal diffusion coating consists mainly of a substitutional solid solution based on Cr‒Fe‒Co with bcc lattice and chromium carbides. The average diffusion coefficients of chromium in the α-phase of chromium were determined to be DCr = 3,22·10‒15 м2/с; in the γ-phase of iron DCr = 9,41·10‒15 м2/с. The diffusion coefficient of cobalt in the γ-phase of iron DCo = 7,89·10‒15 м2/с. The depth of the outer coating on the sample was about 15–20 µm, the depth of the diffusion layer of chromium in the base metal was about 70 µm, and that of cobalt was about 40 µm. The maximum hardness of the outer surface layer was 1740 HV, the diffusion layer in the base metal was 900–560 HV, and the base metal was about 510 HV.

Influence of Different Base Materials on the Microstructure and Properties of Clad Rebar

Clad rebars of four different base materials (20MnSiV, 35# steel, 45# steel, and 55# steel) were successfully produced by a vacuum hot rolling process. A metallographic optical microscope (OM), electron backscatter diffractometer (EBSD), electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), and salt spray corrosion chamber were used to investigate the clad contour, properties, and composite interface microstructure of all four rebars. The results demonstrated that the thickness of the clad layer in the 20MnSiV/316L rebar had a more uniform distribution than those in the 35#/316L rebar, 45#/316L rebar, and 55#/316L rebar because 20MnSiV was more similar to 316L stainless steel in terms of deformation tendency. As the carbon content in the base layer increased, the amount of chromium-rich carbides increased noticeably. These large amounts led to a deficiency of chromium in the rebar composite interface and reduced corrosion resistance. Furthermore, bonding performance tests revealed that the bonding strength of the rebar composite interface not only depended on the amount of chromium-rich carbides, but also on the grain size of the composite interface. The larger the grain size of the composite interface, the lower the bonding strength was.

Refined weld microstructure and enhanced joint mechanical property of 1460 Al-Li alloys via double-pulsed variable polarity TIG arc welding

In this work, 1460 Al-Li alloy plates (thickness 2 mm) were butt-welded by using conventional variable polarity TIG welding (VPTIG), low-frequency pulsed (2 Hz) variable polarity TIG welding (P-VPTIG), and double-frequency (low-frequency (2 Hz) + ultrasonic-frequency (20 kHz)) pulsed variable polarity TIG welding (DP-VPTIG). The influences of the three current modes on the weld microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated contrastively. Weld microstructure was characterized by a metallographic optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and electron backscattering diffraction technology. The mechanical properties of those 1460 Al-Li alloy-based joints were measured by microhardness and room-temperature uniaxial tensile test. Obtained results indicated that modulating pulsed current on the conventional VPTIG current can effectively eliminate the coarse columnar structures, resulting in whole refined equiaxed grains in the weld zone (WZ) and fusion zone (FZ). By comparison, DP-VPTIG current exhibited the most prominent effect of homogenization and refinement on the weld microstructure. In addition, it significantly increased the quantity and width of the fine strip-like equiaxed grain zone. The eutectic phase particles distributed in the grain boundaries were refined prominently by the modulation of pulsed current. Compared with the VPTIG process, both P-VPTIG and DP-VPTIG processes effectively enhanced the strength and elongation of 1460 Al-Li alloy-based joints, with an increase of 6.2 % and 10.9 % in tensile strength and 16 % and 128.6 % improvement in elongation, respectively.

Influence of Zr content on immersion and electrochemical corrosion behavior of as-cast TiZr alloys

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the influence of Zr content on immersion and electrochemical corrosion behavior of Zr-containing Ti-based (TiZr) alloys.Design/methodology/approachThe phase analysis of as-cast TχZAB alloys was carried out using X-ray diffraction. The microstructure of corrosion surfaces of the samples was observed using optical metallographic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy.FindingsThe immersion test reveals that the corrosion is alleviated in the presence of a high amount of Zr, whereas pitting corrosion occurs when the Zr content is up to 40 Wt.%. Furthermore, the electrochemical analysis demonstrates that the corrosion resistance TiZr alloys is improved with increasing Zr content.Originality/valueThe TiZr alloys are promising candidates for high-end applications because of their excellent comprehensive properties. These alloys are usually used in marine or other harsh corrosive environments; therefore, it is essential to study their corrosion behavior.

The influence of process parameters on the preparation of closed-cell aluminum foam by friction stir processing

In order to obtain high-quality aluminum foam components, a new preparation method for a 7075 closed-cell aluminum foam based on friction stir processing (FSP) was proposed. The influence of process parameters on microstructures of closed-cell Al foam precursor was investigated by optical metallographic microscope and scanning electronic microscope (OM/SEM). The temperature field and flow field of the Al foam precursor during FSP were simulated by Fluent CFD software. The formability of the Al foam precursor was analyzed by the cupping test. It is found that the rotating speed has great influence on the uniformity and density of the precursor prepared by FSP, but the welding speed has little influence. Numerical simulation shows that the maximum flow velocity of material in the tool shoulder increases by 1.5 times when the rotating speed increases from 800 to 2000 r/min, and the peak temperature at the stirring pin reaches 491 °C, which is consistent with the experimental results. The powder ring is continuous and uniform due to sufficient plastic deformation and flow at travel speed of 50 mm/min and the rotating speed of 2000 r/min. The formability of the precursor increases with the increase of deformation temperature. Especially the cupping test value of precursor is close to that of base metal at 450 °C. In the foaming process, the foam pores first appear at the bottom and then expand upwards with the extension of the foaming time. The expansion rate of the whole foam increases rapidly, and the pores with highly spherical are homogeneously distributed when the foaming time is 110 s at 680 °C.

РАСПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ХРОМА И ВАНАДИЯ В ДИФФУЗИОННОМ СЛОЕ СТАЛИ 35Х2Н3 ПРИ СОВМЕСТНОМ ТЕРМОДИФФУЗИОННОМ НАСЫЩЕНИИ

Termodiffusion saturation of the surface of alloys with two or more elements remains poorly understood despite the great practical and scientific interest that this method of chemical-thermal treatment represents. The simultaneous introduction of several elements can significantly reduce the processing time of products and obtain a multiphase composition on the surface of the product, which opens up wide opportunities for imparting unique technological and operational properties to products. The article describes the features of the distribution of chromium and vanadium during joint thermal diffusion saturation of steel X35CrNi2-3 at a temperature of 1000 °C. The proposed analysis technique is based on the possibilities of X-ray spectral microanalysis of diffusion layers on transverse microsections of the obtained samples. The elemental composition of the diffusion layer was monitored using a JEOL JSM-6460 LV universal scanning electron microscope. The microstructure was studied on an optical metallographic microscope Axio Observer D1.m. X-ray phase analysis was carried out on a Rigaku Ultima IV diffractometer. The hardness measurement was carried out on an FM-800 microhardness tester at a load of 100 g. Data were obtained on the qualitative and quantitative distribution of chromium and vanadium in the surface layer of steel. It is shown that the emerging diffusion coating has the following structure: a structureless outer layer, consisting mainly of chromium, vanadium carbides → a region of columnar crystals (experiencing γ→α transformation upon cooling), consisting mainly of their Cr1.0V0.4Fe0.3 solid solution → partially decarburized α-phase → base metal. The diffusion coefficients of chromium and vanadium are determined: in the α-phase DCr = 1.3·10–15 m2/s; DV = 1.8·10–14 m2/s; in the γ-phase DCr = 1.13·10–15 m2/s; DV = 1.3·10–15 m2/s. The microhardness of the outer surface layer was 1400–1980 H, the diffusion layer in the base metal was 630–790 HV, and the base metal was about 540–510 HV.

РАСПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ХРОМА И МОЛИБДЕНА В ДИФФУЗИОННОМ СЛОЕ СТАЛИ 35Х2Н3 ПРИ СОВМЕСТНОМ ТЕРМОДИФФУЗИОННОМ НАСЫЩЕНИИ

Known methods of chemical-thermal treatment of structural parts, such as carburizing, nitriding, diffusion metallization technologies, make it possible to obtain a unique combination of surface and core properties of the product. The positive experience of using methods of multi-element diffusion saturation opens up prospects for the development of methods for complex saturation. The article describes the technology of thermal diffusion saturation of steel X35CrNi2-3 with chromium and molybdenum at a temperature of 1000 °C. A technique for analyzing the obtained coating is presented, based on the possibilities of X-ray spectral microanalysis (XMS) of the diffusion layer on transverse microsections of the obtained samples. The elemental composition of the diffusion layer was monitored using a JEOL JSM-6460 LV universal scanning (scanning) electron microscope. The microstructure was studied on an optical metallographic microscope Axio Observer D1.m. X-ray phase analysis was carried out on a Rigaku Ultima IV diffractometer. The hardness measurement was carried out on an FM-800 microhardness tester at a load of 100 g. Data were obtained on the qualitative and quantitative distribution of chromium and molybdenum in the surface layer of steel. It is shown that the resulting thermal diffusion coating consists mainly of a substitutional solid solution based on Cr–Fe–Mo with a bcc lattice and chromium and molybdenum carbides. The depth of the outer coating on the sample was about 20 μm, the depth of the diffusion layer in the base metal was about 25 μm. The absence of a decarburized area in the surface layer of the base metal was noted. The average diffusion coefficients of chromium and molybdenum in the α-phase of chromium were determined DCr = 6.6·10–15 m2/s and DMo = 4.35·10–16 m2/s respectively; in the γ-phase of iron DCr = 2.95·10–15 m2/s, DMo = 2.48·10–16 m2/s respectively. The microhardness of the outer surface layer was 1400–1980 H, the diffusion layer in the base metal was 1000–600 HV, and the base metal was about 540–510 HV.

РАСПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ХРОМА И ВОЛЬФРАМА В ДИФФУЗИОННОМ СЛОЕ СТАЛИ 35Х2Н3 ПРИ СОВМЕСТНОМ ТЕРМОДИФФУЗИОННОМ НАСЫЩЕНИИ

Chemical-thermal treatment (CHT) of structural parts operating under conditions of wear, friction, shock loads make it possible to obtain a unique combination of surface and core properties of the product. However, such traditional CTO methods as carburizing and nitriding, while improving the mechanical characteristics of the surface, are not suitable for all types of steels. Diffusion metallization methods, in particular, thermal diffusion chromium plating, are more effective in terms of the achieved set of properties. Currently, chromium plating is carried out both by saturation of the metal with one element – chromium, and by multi-element mixtures. The article describes the technology of thermal diffusion saturation of steel X35CrNi2-3 with chromium and tungsten at a temperature of 1000 °С. A technique for analyzing the obtained coating is presented, based on the possibilities of X-ray spectral microanalysis (XMS) of the diffusion layer on transverse microsections of the obtained samples. The elemental composition of the diffusion layer was monitored using a JEOL JSM-6460 LV universal scanning (scanning) electron microscope. The microstructure was studied on an optical metallographic microscope Axio Observer D1.m. X-ray phase analysis was carried out on a Rigaku Ultima IV diffractometer. The hardness measurement was carried out on an FM-800 microhardness tester at a load of 100 g. Data were obtained on the qualitative and quantitative distribution of chromium and tungsten in the surface layer of steel. It is shown that the resulting thermal diffusion coating consists of a substitutional solid solution based on Cr–Fe with a bcc lattice, chromium and tungsten carbides. The depth of the outer coating on the sample was about 20 μm, the depth of the diffusion layer in the base metal was 50–55 μm. The absence of a decarburized area in the surface layer of the base metal was noted. The average diffusion coefficients of chromium in the α-phase of chromium were determined to be DCr = 3,58·10–13 m2/s; in the γ-phase of iron DCr = 2,83·10–15 m2/s. The microhardness of the outer surface layer was 1800–2000 HV, the diffusion layer in the base metal was 1300–550 HV, and the base metal was about 540–510 HV.

Effect of Cerium on the Microstructure and Inclusion Evolution of C-Mn Cryogenic Vessel Steels.

The effects of Cerium (Ce) were studied on the casting slab quality, microstructure, and inclusion evolution of cryogenic vessel steel. An optical metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, and Thermo-calc thermodynamic software were used for characterization and analysis. The results indicated that the central segregation was significantly improved after adding Ce and reached the lowest level when the content of Ce was 0.0009 wt.%. Meanwhile, the presence of Ce reduces the size of ferrite and improves pearlite morphology. Ce also enables the modification of Al2O3 and MnS + Ti4C2S2 inclusions into ellipsoid CeAlO3 and spherical Ce2O2S + Ti4C2S2 composite inclusions, respectively, which are easier to remove. The formed Ce2O2S inclusions are fine and can work as heterogeneous nucleation points to refine the microstructure of steel.

The Effect of Building Direction on Microstructure and Microhardness during Selective Laser Melting of Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy

During the last few years, additive manufacturing has been more and more extensively used in several industries, especially in the aerospace and medical device fields, to produce Ti6Al4V titanium alloy parts. During the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process, the heterogeneity of finished product is strictly connected to the scan strategies and the building direction. An optimal managing of the latter parameters allows to better control and defines the final mechanical and metallurgical properties of parts. Acting on the building direction it is also possible to optimize the critical support structure. In particular, more support structures are needed for the sample at 0°, while very low support are required for the sample at 90°. To study the effects of build direction on microstructure heterogeneity evolution and mechanical performances of selective laser melted Ti6Al4V parts, two build direction samples (0°, 90°) were manufactured and analyzed using optical metallographic microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Isometric microstructure reconstruction and microhardness tests were carried out in order to analyze the specimens. The obtained results indicate that the build direction has to be considered a key geometrical parameter affecting the overall quality of the obtained products.

Micromask Lithography for Cheap and Fast 2D Materials Microstructures Fabrication.

The fast and precise fabrication of micro-devices based on single flakes of novel 2D materials and stacked heterostructures is vital for exploration of novel functionalities. In this paper, we demonstrate a fast high-resolution contact mask lithography through a simple upgrade of metallographic optical microscope. Suggested kit for the micromask lithography is compact and easily compatible with a glove box, thus being suitable for a wide range of air-unstable materials. The shadow masks could be either ordered commercially or fabricated in a laboratory using a beam lithography. The processes of the mask alignment and the resist exposure take a few minutes and provide a micrometer resolution. With the total price of the kit components around USD 200, our approach would be convenient for laboratories with the limited access to commercial lithographic systems.

Microstructure evolution of recycled 7075 aluminum alloy and its mechanical and corrosion properties

This paper takes the recycled 7075 aluminum alloy as the object to study its smelting, extrusion and heat treatment processes. The composition, microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion properties of recycled 7075 aluminum alloys were characterized by spectrometer, optical metallographic microscope, universal tensile testing machine, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the composition distribution of recycled 7075 aluminum alloy ingots was more uniform and the microstructure was more optimized. The tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of recycled 7075 aluminum alloy plates were higher than American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standard. The recycled 7075-T6 aluminum alloy plates had good corrosion resistance to salt spray. This paper aims to provide guidance for the smelting, extrusion and heat treatment processes of scrap aircraft aluminum alloy regeneration process, and to lay the foundation of the recovery and reutilization of scrap aircraft aluminum alloys.