Ultrafine Grains Research Articles

Coercivity limits in Nd-Fe-B hot-deformed magnets with ultrafine microstructure

In this work, we developed a series of anisotropic hot-deformed Nd-Fe-B magnets with ultrafine grain sizes varying from 125 nm to 234 nm in the lateral direction. Although grain refinement is known to increase the coercivity of magnets, all samples exhibited identical record high coercivity of 2 T. Microstructural analysis showed similar intergranular phase (IGP) composition and crystallographic texture, but an increased number of coarse and isotropic equiaxed grains in the flake boundary regions of the magnets with larger grain size. Although this could explain significant differences in the initial magnetization curves and magnetic domain patterns, the experimental data alone were not enough to identify the main factors limiting the coercivity. To elucidate these, a micromagnetic simulation was performed using a realistic 1:1 scale model. We showed that grain refinement below 200 nm has a limited potential for coercivity enhancement of hot-deformed Nd-Fe-B magnets unless the exchange interaction is weakened by reducing the magnetization of the IGP. Negative contributions to the coercivity from texture deterioration, coarse grains, and magnetostatic interaction were quantified for different values of IGP magnetization. A clear direction on how to further improve the coercivity of hot-deformed magnets was provided.

Solid-state recycling of magnesium and its alloys via plastic deformation: An overview of processing and properties

The increasing demand for primary magnesium production poses significant environmental challenges, aggravated by the limited availability of raw materials, which can hinder supply. Consequently, the recycling of magnesium chips and waste is gaining importance. While conventional remelting techniques are prevalent as they suffer from drawbacks including high energy consumption, material loss, low purity, and inferior mechanical properties. Solid-state recycling (SSR) via plastic deformation processes has been introduced as a promising alternative for producing ultrafine-grained (UFG) magnesium materials with outstanding properties. Despite the absence of any reviews on SSR using plastic deformation methods for magnesium, this paper offers a detailed examination of SSR techniques. The mechanisms of bonding and grain refinement, crucial for determining the final properties of recycled magnesium, are explored. Furthermore, the discussion delves into corrosion, an essential aspect concerning magnesium and its alloys. Ultimately, the impact of various parameters such as process temperature, level of shear strain, chips size, and hydrostatic pressure on the quality of the final sample, to be used as guidance for the production of better-qualified specimens was examined.

Interfacial reaction characteristics and mechanisms during dissimilar friction stir lap welding of pure copper and Al0.1CoCrFeNi alloy

In order to explore the weldability and widen the applicability of high entropy alloys (HEAs), dissimilar friction stir lap welding of pure copper and Al0.1CoCrFeNi alloy was investigated in this research. The results indicate that a sound dissimilar weld without tunnels and voids is produced, where a ∼20 μm thick interfacial layer is evident at the Cu-HEA interface. The lap joint is fractured at the upper Cu sheet rather than the lap surface during tensile shear test, suggesting an effective bonding of the dissimilar materials. The lap weld roughly consists of three layers along the plate thickness direction, i.e. welds of Cu, HEA and Cu-HEA interface, respectively. The interface of weld, which has experienced the most severe Cu-HEA interaction during welding, is characterized by uniformly distributed and highly recrystallized ultra-fine grains (∼0.79 μm). Meanwhile, intermetallic compounds particles (Al13Cr2 and Al13Co4) ranging in size of 150∼400 nm are generated at the fine grain boundaries. Fast diffusion of Al, Cr and Co elements and easy segregation of these elements during welding result in the formation of the particles. The sufficient DDRX and the pinning effect of particles are responsible for the formation of ultra-fine grains in the weld interface. The present study lays a theoretical foundation for the joining of conventional Cu and the multi-component HEA, which contributes to the improvement of HEA availability in the field of manufacturing industry.

Effect of sintering temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of MoNbVTa0.5Cr high-entropy alloys fabricated by powder metallurgy method

To address the challenges posed by the high density and low plasticity at room temperature of traditional refractory high entropy alloys (RHEAs), the MoNbVTa0.5Cr RHEA was synthesized through a combination of mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) techniques. The effects of different sintering temperatures on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy were systematically studied. The MoNbVTa0.5Cr RHEA milled up to 60 h was found to have a metastable dual-phase containing a major BCC (a = 3.1474 Å) and Nb-Ta (a = 3.3058 Å) phase. The sintered MoNbVTa0.5Cr RHEA was composed of BCC phase and a small amount of Ta2VO6 at different sintering temperatures. There were a lot of edge dislocations in the BCC matrix near the BCC/Ta2VO6 interface. With the increase of sintering temperature, the grain size of sintered MoNbVTa0.5Cr RHEA gradually increased, while the mechanical properties gradually decreased with the increase of sintering temperature. When the sintering temperature was 1500 °C, the grain size of the alloy was 2.33 μm, the yield strength was 2783 MPa, the compressive strength was 3346 MPa, and the fracture strain was 20.45 %, showing the best comprehensive properties. And the density of MoNbVTa0.5Cr RHEA was 9.11 g·cm−3 and 26 % lower than that of WNbMoTaV RHEA. The specific yield strength of MoNbVTa0.5Cr RHEA prepared in this research was 295.28 kPa·m3·kg−1, which was superior to most RHEAs reported so far. This sintered MoNbVTa0.5Cr RHEA showed an excellent room temperature compression performance, which can be attributed to the co-existence of BCC phase along with the minor Ta2VO6 phases. The high yield strength of MoNbVTa0.5Cr RHEA was mainly attributed to the substitutional solid solution strengthening of metal atoms, the interstitial solid solution strengthening of O atoms and the grain boundary strengthening of ultrafine grains, with contributions to yield strength of 41 %, 28 %, and 24 %, respectively.

Multiple semi-coherent particles strengthened ultra-fine-grained Al composites for neutron shielding materials

Neutron shielding materials face imbalanced behaviors among shielding, strength, and ductility properties. Based on the requirement of the high property shielding particles, a superior semi-coherent τ(Al4MgGd) phase was designed and predicted by cluster expansion (CE) method using density functional theory calculations. To realize its shielding property, the Powder Metallurgy-based routines (i.e., powder fabrication, spark plasma sintering, and hot extrusion techniques) are used to fabricate 6TiB2/Al-6Mg-5Gd (wt.%) composite with dispersed refined τ phases and homogenized TiB2 distribution. The atomic structure of ternary phase τ is examined by aberration-corrected high-angle annual dark-field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) STEM experiments, which is well complied with the calculated compound (Al4MgGd). In detail, the τ(Al4MgGd) phase has a semi-coherent interface both with α-Al and TiB2, which is consistent with the prediction of interface relationships. With the optimized interfaces, the TiB2 and τ phases can effectively promote recrystallization and suppress grain growth, leading to the formation of ultra-fine grain structure. Then, the composite exhibits advanced shielding properties (Macroscopic transmission cross section ∼24.1 /cm, higher than 30 %B4C/Al) and optimized synergic mechanical properties (Ultimate tensile strength ∼506 MPa, elongation ∼12.9 %), which are far higher than available Al-based neutron shielding materials. Finally, the underlying strength-ductility mechanisms are discussed. Critically, the design and optimization of shielding particle interfaces are reliable strategies for developing novel structural-functional integrated materials.

Atomic strain concentration induced by interfaces in extruded carbon nanotube reinforced 2024Al matrix composite

Inhomogeneous deformation occurs in aluminum matrix composite, resulting in strain concentration near reinforcement/matrix interfaces. In this work, for the CNT/2024Al composite extruded by porthole die extrusion, the effects of reinforcements (CNTs and Al4C3) and intermetallic (Al2Cu) on atomic strain concentration and grain boundary migration were systematically studied. The results indicate that obvious atomic strain concentration appears near the CNT/Al and Al4C3/Al interfaces, and then, the strain is transferred from the interfaces to Al matrix. Mirco-Al2Cu phases are mainly distributed at grain boundaries, increasing Zener force, and thus inhibit grain growth of the composite. In addition, the Al4C3/Al and Al2Cu/Al interfaces are observed, and the (111)Al atom plane is parallel to 1̄107Al4C3, while large number of misfit dislocations are observed near the Al2Cu/Al interface. Transmission Kikuchi diffraction and transmission electron microscope observations indicate that the grains, which contains more second phases, exhibit higher dislocation density than neighboring grains, providing driving force for grain boundary migration. High extrusion temperature brings about Al2Cu dissolution, leading to grain growth, and interfacial bonding strength decreases with increasing extrusion speed. Consequently, the composite extruded at low-temperature and low-ram speed has ultrafine grains, high dislocation density, and strong interfacial bonding, exhibiting high hardness, tensile strength and elongation.

EFFECTS OF PROCESSING AL-MG ALLOY BY SEVERE PLASTIC DEFORMATION: TENSILE PROPERTIES AT HIGH TEMPERATURES

Aluminum and wrought non age-hardenable such as Al-Mg alloys became interesting alternatives for various structural applications in spite of generally moderate strength, but relatively good formability and good corrosion resistance. Increasing overall strength while preserving or even improving ductility in special conditions without any any change in chemical composition that oppositely could alter other features of the material - such as weldability, becomes an objective worthy of research. A suitable way to increase the potential of Al-Mg alloys is the raising up the mechanical properties by structural refinement. Ultrafine grain size provides enhanced mechanical and/or physical properties such as strength and very good ductility – close to superplasticity at slightly higher strain rate and relatively lower temperatures – and better corrosion resistance. Well-known as one of the most encouraging and efficacious structure refining method amid other severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques, equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) has been deeply investigated thanks to dramatic improvements in structure and therefore properties of bulk ultrafine grained/nanostructured materials. The aim of this study is to evaluate by tensile testing at higher temperatures the mechanical properties of an Al-3.4%Mg alloy previously processed by ECAP up to 8 passes, as a candidate for replacing AA5154 which contains different amounts of chromium. The tensile tests conducted at different temperatures using a computer-controlled testing machine with different strain rates showed in terms of engineering stress vs. engineering strain evolution that the ECAPed Al-3.4%Mg alloy have the potential to be used in technological processes at high temperatures, opening opportunities for industrial applications requiring high ductility.

EVALUATION OF SUPERPLASTIC PROPERTIES OF AA7075 ALUMINUM ALLOY SHEET FABRICATED BY THERMOMECHANICAL PROCESSING

The superplastic forming (SPF) process is the large plastic deformation ability of metals and alloys. However, SPF ability can only be achieved under certain conditions including ultrafine grain (UFG) microstructure, high temperature, and very small strain rate. In this work, the high-strength aluminum alloy AA7075 was selected for the experimental process due to its outstanding industrial application. First, thermomechanical processing (TMP) is performed to create a fine stable grain size for the studied alloy. The UFG microstructure was obtained after TMP with an average grain size of about 10 μm. Subsequently, the tensile test method and the bulging free-forming (BFF) method were used to evaluate the superplastic properties of the AA7075 aluminum alloy sheet fabricated by TMP. These two methods are performed at temperatures of 500ºC and 530ºC with strain rates from 10-4 (s-1) to 10-3 (s-1). The relative elongation and the strain rate sensitivity are the evaluation criteria. At the temperature of 530ºC and strain rate of 10-3 (s-1), the maximum relative elongation and flow stress were achieved at 280% and 7.6 MPa, respectively. The value of the coefficient m ranges from 0.3 to 0.6. The obtained results confirm the SPF properties of the aluminum alloy sheet AA7075.

Preparing bulk nanocrystalline Cu–Al alloys via rotary swaging

Although nanocrystalline (NC) metals and alloys have been studied for nearly 40 years, their preparation is limited to the laboratory as large-scale; low-cost commercial production remains a challenge. In this study, high-strength bulk NC Cu–Al alloys were prepared from coarse-grained Cu–Al alloy rods via rotary swaging. Rotary swaging is characterized by the low cost and infinite length of the processed samples; therefore, it can advance the industrial application of bulk NC alloys. Core–shell-structured Cu–Al alloy rods with a hard NC core (diameter of 2.2 mm) wrapped in a soft ultrafine-grained (UFG) shell with a thickness of 1.75 mm were prepared using a rotary swage. Tensile tests revealed that the hard NC Cu–Al alloy core exhibited an ultimate tensile strength of 1034 MPa, which surpassed current strength records. Microstructural characterization showed that the hard NC core was composed of NC fiber grains with widths of 45 nm and lengths of 190 nm. The edge of the rod contained numerous low-angle grain boundaries and shear bands, which provided it with a lower strength and higher elongation than those of the center. During swaging, strong (200) and (111) fiber textures perpendicular to the cross-section were produced during the early stages of deformation. In the latter deformation stages, the polar densities of the (200) and (111) textures weakened, and some complex textures were formed along with high-angle grain boundaries. The grain refinement mechanisms were dominated by multiple deformation twinning, stacking faults, and dislocation slips. Finite elemental analysis showed that triaxial compressive stress and a high strain rate were applied to grain refinement. In addition, the softer shell protects the harder core during deformation, preventing fracture. This study verified an effective preparation technique for bulk NC materials via rotary swaging because it is a simple process with low cost and broad industrial prospects.

Characterization of microstructure, texture, grain structure, and thermal properties of Al/Ni/Al multilayered composites fabricated through cross-accumulative roll bonding

This research investigates microstructure, texture, and thermal properties of Al/Ni/Al composites fabricated by cross-accumulative roll bonding (CARB) process. According to the microstructural results, ultra-fine grain structure was observed in severely deformed layers. More grain refinement occurred when the content of Ni increased. In addition, shear texture components became stronger by increasing the CARB passes and Ni content even though the Copper-based texture components of {112}<111> existed in all deformed samples. Also, despite an improvement in thermal features of deformed aluminum and nickel layers versus temperature rise, the TD, and TC decreased as the number of passes increased. However, by increasing the rolling passes, the measured thermal capacity values modestly increased while the thermal expansion values first decreased and then increased. Regarding composites, all thermal features decreased with an increase in Ni volume fraction. Due to the restricting effect of harder reinforcement layers, the measured thermal expansion declined from 17.01 × 10−6 1/k in Al/0.2 Vf Ni to 15.4 × 10−6 1/k in Al/0.8 Vf Ni.

Fracture behaviour assessment of the additively manufactured and HPT-processed Al–Si–Cu alloy

Ultrafine-grained Al–9%Si–3%Cu alloy was achieved by a combination of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing and high-pressure torsion (HPT) processing in this investigation. The alloy was initially deposited layer-by-layer using a bi-directional scan strategy in LPBF with a scan rate of 1000 mms−1, a layer thickness of 40 µm and a hatch spacing of 200 µm, leading to a melt pool morphology with an average width of 150 µm and differing lengths. This led to a grain size of 722 nm and a dislocation density of 1.1 × 1014 m−2. This as-deposited alloy was then processed using HPT at room temperature using an applied pressure of 6.0 GPa and at a speed of one revolution per minute for different numbers of turns: half, one, five and ten turns. The alloy after HPT processing showed ultrafine grains with a grain size of 66 nm, well-dispersed nanosized intermetallic particles with sizes of 50–90 nm, the disappearance of the pool morphology and a notable dislocation density of about 6.2 × 1014 m−2 for the ten turns HPT-processed alloy. The as-deposited and subsequently HPT-processed samples were tensile tested at 298 and 573 K at different strain rates between 10−4 and 10−1 s−1. The elongation-to-failure and tensile strength were recorded and the fracture surfaces were also inspected using scanning electron microscopy and then correlated with the manufacturing, processing and tensile testing conditions. The alloy performance in tensile testing has been evaluated at ambient and elevated temperatures in terms of structural evolution and fractography for the first time. Ultrafine α-aluminium grains and nanosized eutectic silicon particles obtained by room temperature HPT-processing of the alloy have significantly improved the mechanical properties and microstructural stability at ambient and elevated testing temperatures for the HPT-processed additively manufactured alloy compared to the as-deposited additively manufactured and counterpart conventional alloys. The HPT-processed tensile samples showed a significant tensile strength of 700 MPa at 298 K and elongation-to-failure of 220% at 573 K, which is higher than that seen in the as-deposited tensile samples where 400 MPa and 106% are observed under the same testing conditions. Fractographic observations demonstrated that mixed brittle and shear ductile fractures dominated in the as-deposited tensile samples at 298 K, and tension ductile fracture dominated at 573 K. However, the HPT-processed tensile samples exhibited tension ductile and shear ductile fractures at 298 K, and tension ductile fracture at 573 K. The ultrafine-grained microstructure produced by the HPT application in the LBPF-manufactured alloy controls effectively the fracture mechanisms, dimple morphology and thus strength and elongation in comparison with the as-deposited additively manufactured microstructure.

Optimization of ECAP parameters of ZX30 alloy using feature engineering assisted machine learning and response surface approaches

The precise control of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) deformation parameters is crucial for producing ultrafine grains in structural ZX30-Mg alloy biodegradable components. To address this challenge, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the effects of various ECAP parameters on the microstructure, corrosion, and mechanical properties of ZX30 alloy. ZX30 was utilized through a maximum of 4 passes along routes A, Bc, and C, using die angles of 90ᵒ and 120ᵒ, by utilizing machine learning (ML), artificial neural networks (ANNW), response surface methodology (RSM), and simulated annealing (SA) techniques. Experimental investigations revealed the significance of the number of passes in reducing grain size by up to 1.9 µm, consequently enhancing both mechanical and corrosion resistance properties, notably in route Bc. The corrosion rate was enhanced by 97.6 % while the corrosion resistance was increased by 254 % compared to the as-annealed condition. RSM and simulated annealing optimization results closely aligned with experimental findings. The evaluation of each extrusion parameter revealed that the correlation coefficient, as determined by the optimized Gaussian Process Regression model, ranged from 94 % to 97 % for all evaluated responses, and near to unity via ANNW. The overall distribution of mechanical and corrosion measures showed a significant correlation with the number of passes, with route A, Bc, and die angle following closely behind. Interestingly, route Bc had the main impact on the yield strength, followed by the number of passes and die angle. Thus, the combination of statistically and mathematically selected techniques effectively promotes the attainment of optimal properties. Furthermore, the Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm demonstrated its capability to provide optimal solutions for ECAP deformation parameters. This study presents a promising avenue for improving the accuracy of ECAP-induced structural optimization in ZX30 alloy.

Effect of die design on microstructure and mechanical joint strength in friction self-piercing riveted AA7055-T76 and AA7055-T76

In the present study, a unique friction self-piercing riveting (F-SPR) was applied to join high-strength, low-ductility aluminum alloy (AA) 7055-T76 and AA7055-T76 to mitigate a cracking issue. Also, the effect of die design on both joint formation and the mechanical joint performance were investigated. A crack-free joint was achieved when joining AA7055-T76 and AA7055-T76 by F-SPR. As the bottom diameter of the die increased, the mechanical interlocking distance initially increased then became almost saturated. At the same time, the solid-state bonding gradually disappeared, and the lap-shear fracture changed from bottom aluminum fracture to rivet pull-out with partial bottom aluminum fracture. The average maximum lap-shear joint strength of 11.57 kN and cross tension of 5.65 kN were achieved from the D2 die design owing to the combined contributions from high mechanical interlocking distance and good solid-state bonding at the joint interface. Ultrafine grain refinement was observed at the region next to the rivet shank outer surface and along the materials flow line between the top and bottom aluminum sheet in the rivet cavity. Because of the same joint-process parameters, the hardness profile at the joints made by different dies did not show obvious differences. As the distance from the base metal to the rivet outer surface decreased, frictional heat caused the hardness to initially decrease from 190 to 150 HV in the heat-affected zone. Hardness increased up to 175 HV in the thermomechanical affected zone (TMAZ-I) owing to large plastic deformation.

Study on the strain partitioning behavior in heterostructured complex-concentrated alloy via high-resolution digital image correlation

Here, we investigate the tensile deformation behavior in a Ni42Fe30Cr12Mn8Al5Ti3 complex-concentrated alloy with heterogeneously-grained structure consisting of fine and ultrafine grains containing nano-sized L12 precipitates. It is found that Lüders band initiation and propagation account for the early stage of deformation. High-resolution digital image correlation investigation reveals that there is strong strain partitioning between fine and ultrafine-grained domains upon plastic deformation. Significant strain gradient across the domain-interfaces is thus established. Strain partitioning promoted dense microshear bands are observed in the deformed alloy. They are uniformly distributed and interacted with each other, resulting in the formation of strain concentration zones, which are mostly evolved in fine-grained domains and some of them extend into ultrafine-grained domains at high strain levels. Thus, the global plastic deformation of the alloy is synergistically accommodated. Finally, local high stress in strain concentration zones in ultrafine-grained domains promotes the formation of voids at triple junctions of grain boundaries.

Effect of quenching temperature on the austenite stability and mechanical properties of high-strength air-cooled TRIP steel prepared with hot-rolled C–Si–Mn sheets

This paper systematically studies the effect of quenching temperature on the microstructure evolution and the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties of air-cooled TRIP steel prepared with C–Si–Mn hot-rolled sheet. The results indicate that when the quenching temperature is lower than (200 °C) or close to (250 °C) the Ms temperature, the martensite transformation mainly occurs during quenching or at early stage of air cooling. When the quenching temperature reaches 300 °C, lathy bainite begins to form. As the quenching temperature increases, the morphology of bainite is transformed from lathy to granular. Bainite transformation during air cooling can promote the C enrichment in austenite, thus improving the thermal stability of the austenite. However, martensite transformation also occurs during subsequent air cooling, and the start temperature of martensite transformation first decreases and then increases with the increase of quenching temperature from 300 °C to 450 °C. The yield and tensile strength of TRIP specimens first decrease and then increase, while the retained austenite content, elongation and product of strength and elongation (PSE) first increase and then decrease. When the quenching temperature is 400 °C, the best elongation and PSE are obtained. The best elongation of 400TRIP specimen is mainly attributed to its highest content and suitable mechanical stability of retained austenite, which is favorable for the expansion of the TRIP effect range. The TRIP specimens prepared with hot-rolled sheet all exhibit ultra-high tensile strength (over 1050 MPa), which is related to the ultrafine ferrite grains, martensite transformation during air cooling and TRIP effect of retained austenite.

High-performance functional coatings manufactured by integrated extremely high-speed-rate laser directed energy deposition with interlayer remelting

Extremely high-speed-rate laser directed energy deposition has attracted considerable attention for large-scale industrial component manufacturing owing to its outstanding fabrication efficiency. However, interlayer metallurgical defects and thickness fluctuation stacking caused by the previous non-uniform rough surface layer hinder the preparation of customized thicknesses of large-scale components with high performance. Herein, an integrated extremely high-speed-rate additive manufacturing technology, that is, extremely high-speed-rate laser-directed energy deposition accompanied by extremely high-speed-rate laser remelting, is proposed to eliminate porosity and reconstruct the microstructure of multilayer parts. The remelted specimens exhibited uniform roughness and ultrafine grains when defocusing amount was less than zero. The relatively lower temperature gradient G and morphology factor G/R in the remelting process led to more favorable subcooling, which further promoted more nucleation sites and contributed to grain refinement and columnar-to-equiaxed transition. A multilayer 316 L stainless steel material with an interlayer remelting treatment was further prepared, and a typical heterogeneous structure dominated by ultrafine equiaxed grains was obtained. The multilayer specimen characterized by such a special structure exhibited a higher yield strength of 546 MPa, along with a ductility of 49.1 %. This novel integrated manufacturing technology highlights a new strategy that can expand the extremely high-speed-rate additive manufacturing window and achieve simultaneous improvements in the manufacturing efficiency and performance of large-scale components.

Achieving ultrahigh energy density and efficiency simultaneously in (Na, K)NbO3-based lead-free relaxor ferroelectrics via a collaborative design

Relaxor ferroelectrics have garnered enormous attention for their great application potential in pulsed power energy-storage capacitors, while simultaneously achieving large recoverable energy density (Wrec) and high efficiency (η) remains a formidable challenge. Through collaboratively controlling multiscale structure via a combination of composition design and processing improvement, polar nanodomains with multiple local symmetries were engineered in ultrafine grains, enabling significantly reduced polarization hysteresis, delayed saturation polarization, maintained high polarization, and enhanced breakdown strength. As a result, an excellent comprehensive energy-storage performance of Wrec ∼11.8 J/cm3 and η ∼88.7 % is achieved in the (Na, K)NbO3-based spark-plasma-sintered lead-free ceramics, together with stable charge-discharge properties of power density ∼176.3 MW/cm3, discharge energy density ∼3.2 J/cm3, and discharge time ∼43 ns over a wide temperature range of 20–140 °C. The studied ceramic demonstrates great advantages in advanced capacitive energy-storage applications.

Achieving ultrafine grain strengthening Cf/SiC-GH3536 joints brazed with Cu-Ti-WC composite interlayer via cold spray additive manufacturing

Cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM), as a solid-phase additive manufacturing technology, exhibits enormous potential in the fabrication of metal matrix composite. The conventional preparation methods of composite filler often have some problems, such as agglomeration of reinforcements and poor fluidity, which have limited the further application of composite filler. In this study, we proposed a novel method to prepare the Cu-Ti-WC composite interlayer for brazing Cf/SiC and GH3536 using CSAM. The synergistic deposition mechanism of matrix particles and reinforcing particles in the composite interlayer was revealed. The deformation and recrystallisation of Cu and Ti particles and the crushing and tamping of WC particles achieved the deposition of the cold sprayed Cu-Ti-WC interlayer. The CSAM achieved a tight bonding of the composite filler, generating the initial TiC before reaching the brazing temperature. And the Fe-W-Ni-Cr-Cu multi-principal element alloys (MPEA) generated from the reaction between WC and Cr(s,s), and formed ultrafine grain regions (∼200 nm) with [2–1 −1 0]HCP-MPEA // [0 0 1]TiC and [-1 1 1]FCC-MPEA // [1 1 3]TiC orientation due to the hindering effect of the increased TiC. The shear strength of Cf/SiC-GH3536 joint brazed with cold sprayed Cu-Ti-WC interlayer was improved to 112.0 MPa, which is 1.5 times higher than that of Cu-Ti-WC powder filler. This study shows the great potential of CSAM in fabricating metal-based composite interlayers for brazing and aids in composite-metal joining for higher performance.

Erosion mechanism of low-alloy steel at simulated conditions for artillery firing environment

To investigate erosion mechanism as exposed to extreme interior ballistic environment within artillery barrels, a specially designed testing apparatus has been utilised to perform simulated erosion testing at stress-temperature regimes close to practical working conditions. Detailed metallographic examination after testing at 600°C with a contact force of 9000 N has identified erosion mechanisms involved with adhesive and oxidative wear with the formation of an ultra-fined grain layer in subsurface regions. The erosion mechanism during testing at 1000°C is associated with a significant loss of strength for the matrix due to austenitisation and rapid formation of porous oxides. The approach utilised in the present study has facilitated an evaluation of erosion resistance of barrel materials with high efficiency and low cost.

Achieving Superior Strength–Ductility–Conductivity Combination in TiB2p/6201 Composites via Particle Rotation and Subgrain Refinement

The key factor in the material design of overhead power transmission lines is to obtain a desired balance among strength, ductility, and electrical conductivity. Herein, TiB2 particulate‐reinforced aluminum matrix composites are prepared to find a way out of the intrinsic dilemma behind this balance by tailoring the subgrain refinement. The interaction in the form of inhomogeneous deformation induced by the flexibility discrepancy between the rigid particles and soft matrix is studied. On the one hand, the hexagonal plate‐like TiB2 particles rotate with the inhomogeneous deformation, forcing the biggest exposed plane ((0001) basal plane) parallel to the plastic flow direction, which is beneficial for the dislocation multiplication and hindrance of dislocation slipping. On the other hand, inhomogeneous deformation generates plentiful geometry necessary dislocations and divides the microstructure into two types: in the particle‐rich region ultrafine grains are formed and in the particle‐free region significant subgrains refinement is observed. The subgrains with 3 wt% TiB2 are refined from ≈897 to ≈248 nm. Thanks to these microstructural benefits, the composites achieve the following strength–ductility–conductivity combination: ultimate tensile strength is 370 MPa, elongation after fracture is 11.2%, and electrical conductivity is 51.79% IACS. Besides, the elastic modulus reaches 75.43 GPa.