Subsequent Solution Heat Treatment Research Articles

Study on the mechanical properties and microstructures of Al-Cu-Mg alloy thick plates obtained by different hot rolling processes

Abstract In the research, the microstructures of large-scale 2324 aluminum alloy thick plates obtained through two different hot rolling processes are investigated by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). Additionally, the tensile properties of the plates are evaluated at room temperature. The results indicate that the thick plates produced by Process A exhibit higher tensile and yield strengths along the L (longitudinal) and LT (long transverse) directions. The higher proportion of deformed microstructures is an important factor contributing to their enhanced tensile and yield strengths. Meanwhile, the different rolling processes have minimal impact on the kind and distribution of the second phase in the hot-rolled thick plates, with the second phase primarily consisting of Al2Cu and Al2CuMg phases, which are distributed in a streamlined way along the rolling direction of the thick plates. The microstructures of the hot-rolled thick plates obtained from both hot-rolling processes are dominated by deformed structures. The thick plates produced by Process B have relatively smaller grain sizes and a higher degree of fragmentation, making their microstructure more susceptible to recrystallization transformation during subsequent solution heat treatment.

Influence of thermomechanical processing on coarse particles, grain structure, and mechanical properties of Al–Cu alloy rings

Rings made of 2219 Al alloy are typically manufactured by multi-directional forging (MDF) and ring rolling at 460 °C, followed by heat treatment. However, this process often results in coarse elongated grains and a large number of coarse Al2Cu particles, resulting in rings with poor mechanical properties. As a strategy to refine the microstructure and improve the mechanical properties, a novel thermomechanical process was tested for ring manufacturing, with MDF at 510 °C and ring rolling at 240 °C. The results showed that use of MDF at higher temperatures resulted in increased spherical shapes and decreased numbers of coarse Al2Cu particles due to more complete dissolution. Decreasing the rolling temperature from 460 °C to 240 °C resulted in finer grain structure due to the increased nucleation ratio of static recrystallization during subsequent solution heat treatment. Samples prepared using this novel process exhibited fine equiaxed grains with sufficient dissolving of coarse Al2Cu particles, thus this method significantly improved the mechanical properties of the prepared material and decreased the anisotropy in three orthogonal directions.

An In Situ Resistance-Based Method for Tracking the Temporal Evolution of Recovery and Recrystallization in Ni-Base Single-Crystal Superalloy at Super-Solvus Temperatures

This study explores the influence of thermo-mechanical behavior and microstructure on recovery and recrystallization in single-crystal superalloys during casting and subsequent solution heat treatment, using miniature testing. Here, the temporal evolution of resistance was measured using in situ electrothermal mechanical testing (ETMT) to track the process of recovery and recrystallization (RX). It was found that recrystallization is dominant only when recovery is incomplete and is dependent on both the history dependence of the strain path as well as the magnitude of the accumulated plastic strain. A precursor to recrystallization is the occurrence of subgrains and deformation twins on the sample surface, where a characteristic butterfly-type morphology of γ′ precipitates is always observed in highly strained regions. The migration of RX grain boundaries is accompanied by the elimination of lattice curvature associated with the density of geometrically necessary dislocations. Homogenized samples provide the most reliable results, while interpreting resistivity changes with recovery and recrystallization is more challenging when inhomogeneity (microsegregation, local variation of mechanical properties) in as-cast material prevails.

Deformation-Induced Martensitic Transformation in Laser Cladded 304 Stainless Steel Coatings.

There are only a few cost-effective solutions for coating applications in combined mechanical loading and corrosive environments. Stainless steel AISI 304 has the potential to fill this niche, showing excellent corrosion resistance while utilizing the deformation-induced phase transformation from γ-austenite to α’-martensite, which results in an increase in strength. However, it is not known whether this can occur in laser cladded material. Therefore, laser cladded AISI 304 coatings in as-cladded condition and after heat treatment at 1100 °C for 60 min were investigated before and after bending deformation, by means of light microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. It was shown that due to the dendritic microstructure accompanied by an inhomogeneous distribution of the main alloying elements (Cr and Ni), no deformation-induced phase transformation occurred in the as-cladded coating. The applied approach with subsequent solution heat treatment at 1100 °C for 60 min resulted in a homogeneous γ-austenite microstructure, so that a deformation-induced martensitic transformation (DIMT) could occur in the coatings. However, the volume fraction of martensite that had been formed locally at individual shear bands was rather low, which can be possibly attributed to the high Ni content of the feedstock, stabilizing the γ-austenite microstructure. This study shows the possibility of exploiting the DIMT mechanism in heat-treated laser-cladded AISI 304 coatings.

Investigation of the degradation rate of electron beam processed and friction stir processed biocompatible ZKX50 magnesium alloy

Together with the mechanical properties, the degradation rate is an important factor for biodegradable implants. The ZKX50 Mg alloy is a suitable candidate to be used as a biodegradable implant due to its favorable biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Current research investigates the degradation rate and corrosion behavior of the ZKX50 as a function of the microstructure constituents and their morphology. Since grain refinement is the main strengthening mechanism for the ZKX50, the effect of the microstructure refinement on the corrosion rate was studied by applying electron beam processing (EBP) and friction stir processing (FSP) on the ZKX50 cast alloy. To study the effect of the microstructure constituents and their morphology a subsequent solution heat treatment (HT) was applied to the processed samples. The results show that the EBP and FSP lead to a uniform and remarkably refined microstructure of the ZKX50 alloy and homogeneous distribution of the intermetallic phases. The results of electrochemical corrosion tests together with the microstructure characterization show that microgalvanic corrosion is the predominant mechanism that occurs between the Ca 2 Mg 6 Zn 3 intermetallic phase and α-Mg matrix. According to the results attained through the electrochemical tests, the EBPed-HT ZKX50 alloy shows higher corrosion resistance compared to all other conditions immersed in 0.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The dissolution and spheroidizing of Ca 2 Mg 6 Zn 3 particles during the solution heat treatment provides higher corrosion resistance mainly by decreasing the microgalvanic corrosion. The microstructure of the heat-treated samples does not show a significant grain coarsening which can degrade the enhancement of the mechanical properties achieved by the EBP and FSP.

The influence of microstructural condition on the phase transformations in Ti-24Nb (at.%)

Ti-Nb based alloys exhibit superelastic and shape memory properties over a wide range of temperatures, making them attractive for industrial applications. However, within the literature there are significant variations in the reported transformation behaviour for a given composition that remain unexplained. These variations are problematic to engineering design and limit the industrial uptake of these alloys. To investigate the source of these discrepancies, the transformation behaviour of Ti-24Nb (at.%) in two significantly different microstructural conditions, following cold rolling (CR) and following a subsequent solution heat treatment (ST), has been studied using in situ synchrotron diffraction data whilst undergoing a three step thermal cycle. When cooling from 350 to -196˚C, the CR condition material underwent both the β to αʺ and β to ω transformations, whilst only the β to ω transformation was observed in the ST condition material. These results show that the transformation behaviour of Ti-Nb alloys, in particular the β to αʺ transformation, is significantly influenced by prior processing and that theories of mutual exclusivity between αʺ and ω phase formation need revisiting. In addition, several features within the datasets were inconsistent with a solely thermally driven martensite formation mechanism and an alternative description that includes other factors is discussed.

Effects of Solution Treating on Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of a Heavily Deformed New Biocompatible Ti–Nb–Zr–Fe Alloy

The effects of heavy cold plastic deformation by rolling on microstructural features and mechanical properties of Ti–25Nb–6Zr–1.7Fe (wt %) biocompatible alloy (TNZF) were studied. After a preliminary alloy processing, a heavy plastic deformation by cold-rolling (CR) with a total relative degree of plastic deformation of 90% (equivalent plastic strain, ε = 2.42) and a subsequent solution heat treatment (CR+ST) at 900 °C for 0.6 ks/water quenching were applied and then investigated. The CR and CR+ST states have microstructures consisting of mixtures of β-Ti phases and α″-Ti. The alloy in CR state shows a pronounced deformation texture, with highly deformed and elongated β-Ti grains, exhibiting internal highly fragmented areas, with shear lines at about 45° and a sub-micron/nanocrystalline fine dispersed α″-Ti phase. The alloy in CR+ST state has completely recrystallized equiaxed polyhedral β-Ti grains, with average grain size close to 52 μm and a sub-micron/nanocrystalline fine dispersed α″-Ti phase. Recorded mechanical properties, for both CR and CR+ST states, show quite similar values for the yield strength (σ0.2), ultimate tensile strength (σUTS) and Vickers microhardness (HV0.1) for CR state (σ0.2 = 603 MPa, σUTS = 1282 MPa and 287 HV0.1) in comparison with CR+ST state (σ0.2 = 598 MPa, σUTS = 1256 MPa and 256 HV0.1). Values for the modulus of elasticity (E) are lower (E = 72 GPa for CR state and E = 61 GPa for CR+ST state) than those for conventional biocompatible alloys (E ~ 110 GPa).

Extruded Mg–7.2Zn–1.5Cu–1.0Mn magnesium alloy with strong aging strengthening

ABSTRACTAn Mg–7.2Zn–1.5Cu–1.0Mn (wt-%) magnesium alloy was processed by extrusion and a subsequent solution heat treatment, followed by a two-step aging treatment, with the aim of achieving a high mechanical strength. Results show that a strong age-strengthening response was achieved in the alloy. Compared to the solution heat-treated sample, the increase in the yield strength (YS) of the aged sample was approximately 170 MPa, resulting in a high YS of approximately 370 MPa, which is much higher than that for most high rare-earth-containing Mg alloys. The enhanced age-strengthening response of the alloy is closely related to the high number density of nanoscale rod-shaped precipitates.This paper is part of a thematic issue on Light Alloys.

The origins for tensile properties of selective laser melted aluminium alloy A357

In this work the tensile behaviour of selective laser melted (SLMed) aluminium alloy A357 in the as-fabricated and heat-treated states is explained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and transmission electron backscatter diffraction (t-EBSD). The as-built sample has an ultrafine microstructure, with high residual stresses and non-equilibrium solid solute concentration of Si in the supersaturated Al matrix. Consequently, the tensile properties of the SLMed Al alloy A357 are comparable or better than traditional cast counterparts. The Al grains in the SLMed alloy consist of sub-micron sized Al cells, and both high angle and low angle boundaries are initially occupied by eutectic nano-sized Si particles, which are beneficial for strength but detrimental for ductility. With subsequent solution heat treatment, the Si particles on the low angle cell boundaries (LACBs) dissolve while those at the high angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) coarsen. Simultaneously internal stresses decrease, as does solute content in the matrix. The evolution of these microstructural features explains the improved tensile ductility (at its maximum >23%) and reduced tensile strength for the heat treated SLMed aluminium alloy A357 samples.

Analysis of Particle-Stimulated Nucleation (PSN)-Dominated Recrystallization for Hot-Rolled 7050 Aluminum Alloy

In 7xxx series aluminum alloys, the constituent large and small second-phase particles present during deformation process. The fraction and spatial distribution of these second-phase particles significantly influence the recrystallized structure, kinetics, and texture in the subsequent treatment. In the present work, the Monte Carlo Potts model was used to model particle-stimulated nucleation (PSN)-dominated recrystallization and grain growth in high-strength aluminum alloy 7050. The driving force for recrystallization is deformation-induced stored energy, which is also strongly affected by the coarse particle distribution. The actual microstructure and particle distribution of hot-rolled plate were used as an initial point for modeling of recrystallization during the subsequent solution heat treatment. Measurements from bright-field TEM images were performed to enhance qualitative interpretations of the developed microstructure. The influence of texture inhomogeneity has been demonstrated from a theoretical point of view using pole figures. Additionally, in situ annealing measurements in SEM were performed to track the orientational and microstructural changes and to provide experimental support for the recrystallization mechanism of PSN in AA7050.

A selective laser melting and solution heat treatment refined Al–12Si alloy with a controllable ultrafine eutectic microstructure and 25% tensile ductility

This study shows that a eutectic Al–12Si alloy with controllable ultrafine microstructure and excellent mechanical properties can be achieved by using selective laser melting and subsequent solution heat treatment. This provides a novel and promising approach to the refinement of eutectic Al–Si alloys. Unlike Al–12Si alloys fabricated and refined by traditional methods, the as-fabricated Al–12Si in this study contains nano-sized spherical Si particles surrounding a supersaturated Al matrix. During solution heat treatment, precipitation and coalescence of the Si particles occur, which decreases the Si concentration in the matrix and sub-micron to micron-sized spherical particles embedded in an Al matrix form. The as-fabricated Al–12Si exhibits significantly better tensile properties than the traditionally produced counterparts; while the solution treated Al–12Si has an extremely high ductility of approximately 25%. Importantly, the mechanical properties of the Al–12Si can be tailored through controlling the precipitation and coalescence of the Si particles by varying the solution heat treatment time. A detailed transmission electron microscopy study was conducted to investigate this Al–12Si alloy with ultrafine eutectic microstructure. The excellent tensile properties have been attributed to the refined eutectic microstructure containing spherical Si particles. The formation of this unique microstructure is due to the super heating and an extremely high cooling rate during selective laser melting and the subsequent solution heat treatment, which enables Si to grow along its most stable plane {111}Si.

Simulation and experiments on plasticity and recrystallisation in SX superalloys by investment casting

Modelling and targeted experimentation on the rod casting with ceramic core were used to quantify the plasticity, recrystallisation during the subsequent solution heat treatment, as a result of the different thermal contractions of the metal, ceramic shell and core during directional solidification. Thermal–elastic–plastic analysis was carried out with the high temperature plasticity assumed to be the rate independent, considering the orthotropic characteristics of single crystal nickel base superalloys. The calculation results indicate that the plasticity occurs mainly during two stages: the initial solidification stages (around solidus) owing to its low immediate yield strength, and the later solidification stage (below 800°C) due to the thermal contraction. The influential factors, such as wall and shell thickness, flanges, etc., are analysed. Experimentally, recrystallisation takes place in the thin walled areas due to broken or buckled cores, which agrees well with the plasticity calculations.

Prediction of recrystallisation in single crystal nickel-based superalloys during investment casting

Production of gas turbines for jet propulsion and power generation requires the manufacture of turbine blades from single crystal nickel-based superalloys, most typically using investment casting. During the necessary subsequent solution heat treatment, the formation of recrystallised grains can occur. The introduction of grain boundaries into a single crystal component is potentially detrimental to performance, and therefore manufacturing processes and/or component geometries should be designed to prevent their occurrence. If the boundaries have very low strength, they can degrade the creep and fatigue properties. The root cause for recrystallisation is microscale plasticity caused by differential thermal contraction of metal, mould and core; when the plastic deformation is sufficiently large, recrystallisation takes place. In this work, numerical and thermo-mechanical modelling is carried out, with the aim of establishing computational methods by which recrystallisation during the heat treatment of single crystal nickel-based superalloys can be predicted and prevented prior to their occurrence. Elasto-plastic law is used to predict the plastic strain necessary for recrystallisation. The modelling result shows that recrystallisation is most likely to occur following 1.5-2.5% plastic strain applied at temperatures between 1000 ◦ C and 1300 ◦ C; this is validated with tensile tests at these elevated temperatures. This emphasises that high temperature deformation is more damaging than low temperature deformation.

Coupled modelling of solidification and solution heat treatment of advanced single crystal nickel base superalloy

Two numerical models to simulate microsegregation and phase formation during directional solidification and subsequent solution heat treatment of an advanced experimental ruthenium containing single crystal nickel base superalloy are tested and compared. The first method is based on a one-dimensional front tracking for the primary solidification and a homogenisation method for the final stages of solidification as well as for the solution heat treatment. Calculations for this model are carried out in one-dimension using cylindrical coordinates. The second is based upon the phase field method, applied to solidification and subsequent solution heat treatment, where calculations are carried out in two-dimension. Both models are coupled to thermodynamic and kinetics databases modelled according to the CALPHAD method. A concept of computer based optimisation of solution heat treatments is proposed. The results show that both methods are capable of handling the complexity of contemporary superalloys, and realistic results are obtained from both models.

The effect of cooling rate on the quench sensitivity of 2618 Al/Al2O3 MMC

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are materials consisting of metal alloys reinforced with fibers, whiskers, particulates, and wires. Due to their superior mechanical properties, such as low coefficients of thermal expansion and high specific stiffness, they are attractive for many structural and non-structural applications. The most notable production applications are found in the aerospace, automobile, and sports equipment industries. Despite the great potentials possessed by MMCs, there are some concerns regarding the effect of the reinforcements, which are mostly ceramics, on the properties of the matrix alloys. One such property is the quench sensitivity of the matrix material. Heat treatable aluminum alloys are quench sensitive (i. e. their properties and precipitation behavior change with cooling rate or quenchant). The rate of cooling or the type of quenchant used during the fabrication process or the subsequent solution heat treatment affects the mechanical properties of these materials. Therefore, any modification that can alter the quench sensitivity significantly could have important consequences on the heat treatment of the alloys. Thus, the quench parameters may have to be more tightly controlled than for the unreinforced alloy in order to maintain consistent as-quenched properties. In the present study, the quench sensitivity of 2618 Al alloy and its composite containing 10 vol. % Al2O3 particles was investigated using hardness measurements and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Although 2618 Al is quench sensitive, its quench sensitivity was significantly increased by the addition of Al2O3 particles. Also, cooling rate affected the precipitation kinetics and the volume fraction of the precipitate phases formed in both materials.