Showing papers on "Microstructure published in 2004"

Aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube membranes.

Abstract: An array of aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was incorporated across a polymer film to form a well-ordered nanoporous membrane structure This membrane structure was confirmed by electron microscopy, anisotropic electrical conductivity, gas flow, and ionic transport studies The measured nitrogen permeance was consistent with the flux calculated by Knudsen diffusion through nanometer-scale tubes of the observed microstructure Data on Ru(NH3)6(3+) transport across the membrane in aqueous solution also indicated transport through aligned CNT cores of the observed microstructure The lengths of the nanotubes within the polymer film were reduced by selective electrochemical oxidation, allowing for tunable pore lengths Oxidative trimming processes resulted in carboxylate end groups that were readily functionalized at the entrance to each CNT inner core Membranes with CNT tips that were functionalized with biotin showed a reduction in Ru(NH3)6(3+) flux by a factor of 15 when bound with streptavidin, thereby demonstrating the ability to gate molecular transport through CNT cores for potential applications in chemical separations and sensing

Nanocrystalline materials and coatings

Abstract: In recent years, near-nano (submicron) and nanostructured materials have attracted increasingly more attention from the materials community. Nanocrystalline materials are characterized by a microstructural length or grain size of up to about 100 nm. Materials having grain size of ∼0.1 to 0.3 μm are classified as submicron materials. Nanocrystalline materials exhibit various shapes or forms, and possess unique chemical, physical or mechanical properties. When the grain size is below a critical value (∼10–20 nm), more than 50 vol.% of atoms is associated with grain boundaries or interfacial boundaries. In this respect, dislocation pile-ups cannot form, and the Hall–Petch relationship for conventional coarse-grained materials is no longer valid. Therefore, grain boundaries play a major role in the deformation of nanocrystalline materials. Nanocrystalline materials exhibit creep and super plasticity at lower temperatures than conventional micro-grained counterparts. Similarly, plastic deformation of nanocrystalline coatings is considered to be associated with grain boundary sliding assisted by grain boundary diffusion or rotation. In this review paper, current developments in fabrication, microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline materials and coatings will be addressed. Particular attention is paid to the properties of transition metal nitride nanocrystalline films formed by ion beam assisted deposition process.

Formation of simple crystal structures in Cu-Co-Ni-Cr-Al-Fe-Ti-V alloys with multiprincipal metallic elements

Abstract: Crystalline solid solutions are typically formed in conventional alloys based on one or two host elements. Here, in this research, four alloys containing multiprincipal metallic elements (≥5 elements) were prepared by casting, splat quenching, and sputtering. Their microstructures and crystal structures were investigated. It was interestingly found that solid solutions with simple fcc or bcc crystal structure were also practically formed in these alloys with multiprincipal elements. All different atoms are regarded as solutes and expected to randomly distribute in the crystal lattices without any matrix element defined.

The mechanical efficiency of natural materials

Abstract: The materials of nature, for example cellulose, lignin, keratin, chitin, collagen and hydroxyapatite, and the structures made from them, for example bamboo, wood, antler and bone, have a remarkable range of mechanical properties. These can be compared by presenting them as material property charts, well known for the materials of engineering. Material indices (significant combinations of properties) can be plotted on to the charts, identifying materials with extreme values of an index, suggesting that they have evolved to carry particular modes of loading, or to sustain large tensile or flexural deformations, without failure. This paper describes a major revision and update of a set of property charts for natural material published some 8 years ago by Ashby et al. with examples of their use to study mechanical efficiency in nature.

Nanophase glass-ceramics

Abstract: Future applications for glass-ceramics are likely to capitalize on designed-in, highly specialized properties for the transmission, display, and storage of information. Glass-ceramics with microstructures comprised of uniformly dispersed crystals <100 nm in size offer promise for many potential new applications as well as provide unique attributes for many current products. This paper focuses on two types of nanocrystalline glass-ceramics: transparent glass-ceramics and tough, high-modulus glass-ceramics with precisely engineered surfaces. Transparent glass-ceramics are formed from certain aluminosilicate glasses capable of efficient crystal nucleation and slow growth. The key crystalline phases include β-quartz solid solutions, characterized by low-thermal-expansion behavior; spinel, with high hardness and elastic modulus; and mullite, which shows unique chromium-luminescence behavior.

Templated Grain Growth of Textured Piezoelectric Ceramics

Abstract: Crystallographic texturing of polycrystalline ferroelectric ceramics offers a means of achieving significant enhancements in the piezoelectric response. Templated grain growth (TGG) enables the fabrication of textured ceramics with single crystal-like properties, as well as single crystals. In TGG, nucleation and growth of the desired crystal on aligned single crystal template particles results in an increased fraction of oriented material with heating. To facilitate alignment during forming, template particles must be anisometric in shape. To serve as the preferred sites for epitaxy and subsequent oriented growth of the matrix, the template particles need to be single crystal and chemically stable up to the growth temperature. Besides templating the growth process, the template particles may also serve as seed sites for phase formation of a reactive matrix. This process, referred to as Reactive TGG (RTGG), has been used to obtain highly oriented Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3, Sr0.53Ba0.47Nb2O6, and (N...

Giant magnetocaloric effect in Gd5(Si2Ge2) alloy with low purity Gd

Abstract: Gd5(Ge1-xSix), x < 4 based alloys are potential candidates for magnetic refrigeration in the range ~20 - ~290 K. However, one of the greatest obstacles for the use of that technology in large scale is the utilization of high pure Gd metal (99.99 wt. (%)) to produce the GdGeSi alloys, since the impurity elements decrease the intensity of the magnetocaloric effect (EMC)1. In this work, we prove that annealing of the Gd5Ge2Si2 can promote remarkable values for the EMC in comparison to those obtained for the alloy with high pure Gd. Also, the as cast alloy and the annealed alloy are not monophasic, but have at least two crystalline phases in their microstructure. Results for X-ray analysis, optical and electronic microscopy and magnetization measurements are reported.

Deformation microstructures and textures of some cold rolled Mg alloys

Abstract: Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) is employed to characterize the deformation microstructures and textures established during the cold rolling of pure Mg, Mg–0.2Ce and Mg–3Al–1Zn (also known as AZ31). The maximum cold rolling reductions achievable in these alloys prior to failure were ∼30, >90 and ∼15%, respectively. The dominant features of the microstructure were twins and shear bands. The frequency of the former decreased while that of the latter increased with rolling reduction. Each alloy displayed a fibre texture in which the c -axis was closely aligned with the sheet normal direction. There was little change to the rolling textures with increasing rolling reduction beyond ∼10%. Much of the deformation appeared to be concentrated in the shear bands. It is speculated that the striking effect of alloying addition on cold rollability can be understood in terms of differences in severity, frequency and lifetime of shear bands.

Development of High Strength Hot-rolled Sheet Steel Consisting of Ferrite and Nanometer-sized Carbides

Abstract: A ferritic steel precipitation-strengthened by manometer-sized carbides was developed to obtain a high strength hot-rolled sheet steel having tensile strength of 780 MPa grade with excellent stretch flange formability. Manganese in a content of 1.5% and molybdenum in a content of 0.2 % were added to 0.04 % carbon Ti-bearing steel in order to lower austenite-ferrite transformation temperature for fine carbides and to retard generating of pearlite and large cementites, respectively. Tensile strength of hot-rolled sheet steel increased with titanium content and it was achieved to 800 MPa in a 0.09 % Ti steel. Microstructure of the 0.09 %Ti steel was ferrite without pearlite and large cementites. Fine carbides of 3 nm in diameter were observed in rows in the ferrite matrix of the 0.09 % Ti steel with transmission electron microscope. The characteristic arrangement of the nanometer-sized carbides indicates that the carbides were formed at austenite-ferrite interfaces during transformation. By energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, the carbides were found to contain molybdenum in the same atomic concentration as titanium. Crystal structure of the nanometer-sized carbides was determined to be NaCI-type by X-ray diffractometry. The calculated amount of precipitation-strengthening by the carbides was approximately 300 MPa. This is two or three times higher than that of conventional Ti-bearing high strength hot-rolled sheet steels. Based on the results obtained in the laboratory investigation, mill trial was carried out. The developed hot-rolled high strength sheet steel exhibited excellent stretch flange formability.

Correlation between strength and microstructure of ball-milled Al–Mg alloys determined by X-ray diffraction

Abstract: The microstructure of ball-milled Al base Al–Mg alloys is determined by the “Convolutional Multiple Whole Profile” fitting procedure proposed for the evaluation of X-ray diffraction peak profiles. The whole measured powder diffraction pattern is fitted by the sum of a polynomial background and physically well-established theoretical profile functions. The procedure provides the size distribution function of crystallites and the characteristic parameters of the dislocation structure. The mechanical strength of the specimens is correlated to the parameters of the microstructure by the Hall–Petch and the Taylor models. Both models show that the critical resolved shear stress saturates at a Mg-solute concentration of about 2 wt.% probably due to the clustering of the Mg-solute atoms.

Corrosion resistance of aged die cast magnesium alloy AZ91D

Abstract: The corrosion behaviour of die cast magnesium alloy AZ91D aged at 160 ◦ C was investigated. The corrosion rate of the alloy decreases with ageing time in the initial stages and then increases again at ageing times greater than 45 h. The dependence of the corrosion rate on ageing time can be related to the changes in microstructure and local composition during ageing. Precipitation of the phase (Mg17Al12) occurs exclusively along the grain boundaries during ageing. The phase acts as a barrier, resulting in a decreasing corrosion rate in the initial stages of ageing. In the later stages, the decreasing aluminium content of grains makes the matrix more active, causing an increase in the corrosion rate. Electrochemical testing results also confirm the combined effects of the changes in and phases on the corrosion resistance of the aged die cast AZ91D alloy. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

General and localized corrosion of magnesium alloys: A critical review

Abstract: Magnesium (Mg) alloys as well as experimental alloys are emerging as light structural materials for current, new, and innovative applications. This paper describes the influence of the alloying elements and the different casting processes on the microstructure and performance of these alloys and corrosion. It gives a comprehensible approach for the resistance of these alloys to general, localized and metallurgically influenced corrosion, which are the main challenges for their use. Exposure to humid air with ∼65% relative humidity during 4 days gives 100–150 nm thickness. The film is amorphous and has an oxidation rate less than 0.01 µm/y. The pH values between 8.5 and 11.5 correspond to a relatively protective oxide or hydroxide film; however above 11.5 a passive stable layer is observed. The poor corrosion resistance of many Mg alloys can be due to the internal galvanic corrosion caused by second phases or impurities. Agitation or any other means of destroying or preventing the formation of a protective film leads to increasing corrosion kinetics. The pH changes during pitting corrosion can come from two different reduction reactions: reduction of dissolved oxygen (O) and that of hydrogen (H) ions. Filiform corrosion was observed in the uncoated AZ31, while general corrosion mainly occurred in some deposition coated alloys. Crevice corrosion can probably be initiated due to the hydrolysis reaction. Exfoliation can be considered as a type of intergranular attack, and this is observed in unalloyed Mg above a critical chloride concentration.

Design criteria for wear-resistant nanostructured and glassy-metal coatings

Abstract: There is increasing scientific and commercial interest in the development of nanostructured coatings, particularly those based on low-miscibility ‘ceramic–ceramic’ or ‘ceramic–metal’ crystalline/amorphous nanocomposite phase mixtures deposited by plasma-assisted PVD or CVD. In laboratory mechanical testing, extreme values of hardness (which may be in excess of 70 GPa) are often found for such films, similar to those claimed for intrinsically hard materials such as c-BN and diamond. High hardness is, however, often accompanied by an associated high elastic modulus, which although desirable in principle for cutting tool materials and/or coatings, may in practice limit coating durability, on low-strength, low-modulus substrates (e.g. low-alloy steels and the light alloys) and in many wear applications other than metal cutting. In this paper, we discuss the benefits of using the ratio of hardness to elastic modulus ( H / E ) as an indicator of coating durability since this parameter essentially describes the elastic strain to failure capability (and resilience ) of a candidate material. Furthermore, we consider the likely need for tribological coatings to accommodate some degree of substrate deformation; in this respect film toughness , i.e. ‘engineering toughness’ in the sense of an ability to absorb deformation energy (both elastic and plastic) needs to be considered. The concept of predominantly metallic films with a nanograined and/or glassy microstructure (containing little or no high-modulus ceramic constituents) is introduced, through which we point to the importance of retaining ‘sufficient’ coating hardness, whilst reducing coating elastic moduli to more closely match those of candidate substrate materials. With regard to the implications of H / E for practical tribological coating applications, we propose that closer matching of the coating/substrate interfacial elastic properties and thus an improved ability for the coating to accommodate substrate strain, where necessary, is often a more important factor in wear resistance than is extremely high hardness.

Effect of microstructure on the stability of retained austenite in transformation-induced-plasticity steels

Abstract: Two Fe-0.2C-1.55Mn-1.5Si (in wt pct) steels, with and without the addition of 0.039Nb (in wt pct), were studied using laboratory rolling-mill simulations of controlled thermomechanical processing. The microstructures of all samples were characterized by optical metallography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microstructural behavior of phases under applied strain was studied using a heat-tinting technique. Despite the similarity in the microstructures of the two steels (equal amounts of polygonal ferrite, carbide-free bainite, and retained austenite), the mechanical properties were different. The mechanical properties of these transformation-induced-plasticity (TRIP) steels depended not only on the individual behavior of all these phases, but also on the interaction between the phases during deformation. The polygonal ferrite and bainite of the C-Mn-Si steel contributed to the elongation more than these phases in the C-Mn-Si-Nb-steel. The stability of retained austenite depends on its location within the microstructure, the morphology of the bainite, and its interaction with other phases during straining. Granular bainite was the bainite morphology that provided the optimum stability of the retained austenite.

Microstructural evolution in laser-deposited multilayer Ti-6Al-4V builds: Part I. Microstructural characterization

Abstract: The macro and microstructure of laser-deposited Ti-6Al-4V has been investigated to determine the evolution of unique microstructural features in mutilayer builds. The macro and microstructures exhibited in the build include large, columnar prior-beta grains, a gradient in the individual alpha-lath thickness between the deposited layers, and the presence of layer bands within each layer, except for the last three layers deposited. The layer band consists of a colony Widmanstatten alpha morphology, while the nominal microstructure between layer bands exhibits a basketweave morphology. Optical microscopy, hardness, and composition measurements were used to determine that the layer-band and gradient morphologies are resultant from the complex thermal history the build experiences and not a result of segregation or oxidation. The gradient alpha and layer-band morphologies form in layer n after the deposition of layer n+3.

Polyisoprene-carbon black nanocomposites as tensile strain and pressure sensor materials

Abstract: Electrically conductive polymer composites (ECPC) are shown as prospective large-size flexible pressure and stretch sensors for detecting of dangerous deformations and vibrations of vehicle parts. Reversible change of resistance dependent on stretch and pressure is obtained in electro-conductive polymer nanocomposites. At certain concentrations of carbon nano-particles a change of electrical resistance by more than four orders is observed at 40% relative stretch. The maximum sensitivity of nanocomposites is observed in the vicinity of the transition of electro-conductive percolation. Nanocomposites exhibit a very weak semiconductor-like temperature dependence of resistance. The tenso-resistive and piezo-resistive effects are found to be practically thermally stable in the region of 20–70 °C. A model description of the microstructure providing extremely strong and reversible tenso-resistive and piezo-resistive effects is proposed on the basis of atomic force microscopy of the conductive surface network of the composite. Reversibility of the effects is explained by higher mobility and stronger adhesion of carbon nano-particles to the polymer matrix compared to cohesion between them. The experimental data for tensile strain are in good agreement with theoretical equations derived from a model based on the change of particle separation under applied stress.

Microstructure and microhardness of SiC nanoparticles reinforced magnesium composites fabricated by ultrasonic method

Abstract: The use of ultrasonic non-linear effects to disperse nano-sized ceramic particles in molten metal has been studied and nano-sized SiC particle reinforced AZ91D magnesium composites were fabricated. The microstructure of the composites was investigated by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photo spectroscopy (XPS), and high-resolution X-ray diffractometer (XRD) techniques. Experimental results show a nearly uniform distribution and good dispersion of the SiC nanoparticles within the magnesium matrix, although some of small agglomerates (less than 300 nm) were found in matrix. Detailed study reveals that the SiC nanoparticles were partially oxidized. The microhardness of composites have been improved significantly compared to that of pure AZ91D. The interaction between SiC nanoparticles and the matrix was investigated. The interaction between ultrasonic waves and nanoparticles was also discussed. The ultrasonic fabrication methodology is striking to rapidly produce a wide range of nano-sized particles reinforced metal matrix composites.