Acta Metallurgica Sinica (english Letters) 

About: Acta Metallurgica Sinica (english Letters) is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Microstructure & Alloy. It has an ISSN identifier of 1006-7191. Over the lifetime, 2193 publications have been published receiving 21287 citations.

Review on Research and Development of Magnesium Alloys

Abstract: The current research and development of magnesium alloys is summarized. Several aspects of magnesium alloys are described: cast Mg alloy, wrought Mg alloy, and novel processing. The subjects are discussed individually and recommendations for further study are listed in the final section.

Effect of pH on Crystal Size and Photoluminescence Property of ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared by Chemical Precipitation Method

Abstract: The effects of pH value on crystal size and optical property of zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared by chemical precipitation method were investigated. Prepared samples have been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectrometer and photoluminescence spectrometer. From X-ray diffraction profile, it is found that the particle size of sample increases from 13.8 to 33 nm when the pH value of the solution was increased from 6 to 13. Microstructural study also shows that the particle size increases with pH value. Hexagonal shape of the zinc oxide nanoparticle has been confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy image. The recorded ultraviolet–visible spectrum shows excitonic absorption peaks around 381 nm. The energy gap of the prepared samples has been determined from the ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrum, effective mass model equation and Tauc’s relation. It was found that the energy gap of the prepared samples decreases with increase in pH value. The recorded blue shift confirmed the quantum confinement effect in the prepared zinc oxide samples. Photoluminescence spectrum infers that the increase in pH value shifts the ultraviolet–visible emission but not the violet and green emissions.

A Review on Grain Refinement of Aluminum Alloys: Progresses, Challenges and Prospects

Abstract: Aluminum becomes the most popular nonferrous metal and is widely used in many fields such as packaging, building transportation and electrical materials due to its rich resource, light weight, good mechanical properties, suitable corrosion resistance and excellent electrical conductivity. Grain refinement, which is obtained by changing the size of grain structure by different techniques, is a preferred method to improve simultaneously the strength and plasticity of metallic materials. Therefore, grain refining of aluminum is regarded as a key technique in aluminum processing industry. Up to now, there have been a number of techniques for aluminum grain refining. All the techniques can be classified as four categories as follows: grain refining by vibration and stirring during solidification, rapid solidification, the addition of grain refiner and severe plastic deformation. Each of them has its own merits and demerits as well as applicable conditions, and there are still some arguments in the understanding of the mechanisms of these techniques. In this article, the research progresses and challenges encountered in the present techniques and the future research issues and directions are summarized.

Some Aspects of High Manganese Twinning-Induced Plasticity (TWIP) Steel, A Review

Abstract: High manganese twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steel is a new kind of structural material and possesses both high strength and superior plasticity and can meet the weight-lightening requirement for manufacturing vehicle body. The excellent formability of the TWIP steel comes from the extraordinary strain hardening effect during plastic deformation. The reduction of specific weight by aluminum alloying and strain hardening effect can lead to an effective weight reduction of the steel components, and provide a better choice for materials in vehicle body design. The TWIP effect in high Mn steels is generally associated with the successive workhardening generated by twins and influenced by some factors, such as Mn content, Al addition revealed by stacking fault energy (SFE), grain size, deformation temperature and strain rate. The present review introduces some aspects of the TWIP steels relating to their physical metallurgy, influencing factors associated with their deformation mechanisms, and a prospect for the future investigation is also described. Moreover, as a potential candidate for replacing Ni-Cr austenitic stainless steel, researches on the oxidation behavior and corrosion resistance of Fe-Mn-Al-C system steels are also reviewed.

Friction Stir Processing of Magnesium Alloys: A Review

Abstract: Magnesium (Mg) alloys have been extensively used in various fields, such as aerospace, automobile, electronics, and biomedical industries, due to their high specific strength and stiffness, excellent vibration absorption, electromagnetic shielding effect, good machinability, and recyclability. Friction stir processing (FSP) is a severe plastic deformation technique, based on the principle of friction stir welding. In addition to introducing the basic principle and advantages of FSP, this paper reviews the studies of FSP in the modification of the cast structure, superplastic deformation behavior, preparation of fine-grained Mg alloys and Mg-based surface composites, and additive manufacturing. FSP not only refines, homogenizes, and densifies the microstructure, but also eliminates the cast microstructure defects, breaks up the brittle and network-like phases, and prepares fine-grained, ultrafine-, and nano-grained Mg alloys. Indeed, FSP significantly improves the comprehensive mechanical properties of the alloys and achieves low-temperature and/or high strain rate superplasticity. Furthermore, FSP can produce particle- and fiber-reinforced Mg-based surface composites. As a promising additive manufacturing technique of light metals, FSP enables the additive manufacturing of Mg alloys. Finally, we prospect the future research direction and application with friction stir processed Mg alloys.