The Zn-Zr-Ti alloys with different composition were developed using a vacuum induction melting followed by a homogenization treatment. The alloys compositions were Zn-1Zr, Zn-0.3Zr, Zn-0.05Zr-0.25Ti, Zn-0.15Zr-0.15Ti, and Zn-0.2Zr-0.1Ti (wt.%). The optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy results revealed that alloy composition significantly influenced grain morphology and intermetallic phase distribution (Zn2Zr, and TiZn16). The EBSD analysis results emphasized the noticeable variation in grain size, grain boundary characteristics, and crystallographic texture among the developed alloys. It was observed that the Zn-0.15Zr-0.15Ti alloy exhibited a comparatively refined and homogeneous microstructure, whereas the Zr-only alloys showed coarser grains. Nano-indentation testing results demonstrated that Zn-1Zr alloys possessed the highest local hardness (2.24 GPa) and elastic modulus (206 GPa), while Ti-containing alloys have shown relatively low hardness values. Charpy impact testing results showed that Zn-0.15Zr-0.15Ti alloy exhibited the highest absorbed impact energy (4.3 J/ mm2). Fractography observations confirmed the presence of mixed fracture features in refined alloys and dominant brittle characteristics in coarse-grained compositions. Dry sliding wear tests were conducted using a pin-on-disc apparatus, which showed that the wear rate started to increase with applied load for all the investigated alloys. Among these alloys, Zn-0.15Zr-0.15Ti alloy exhibited the lowest wear rate (0.127 & times; 10-10 mm3/ Nm at 10 N, & 0.324 & times; 10- 10 mm3/Nm at 30 N) and coefficient of friction (CoF: 0.392 at 10 N & 0.445 at 30 N) under both loading conditions (10 N and 30 N). SEM analysis of worn surfaces indicated that abrasive and adhesive wear were the dominant mechanisms, with delamination becoming more prominent at 30 N.
Resistance spot welding (RSW) was used to join AA 5083 aluminium alloys with SS316, SS430, Monel 400, and CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloys (HEAs) sheets by a thin commercially pure titanium interlayer at the faying interface. The base sheets of 1.5 mm in thickness were welded in a lap configuration with a 0.25 mm Ti interlayer. The parent materials and welded joints were characterized using optical microscopy, X ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based EBSD microstructure, microhardness, and lap-shear tensile testing. Macrostructural observations were confirmed the nugget formation without any major macroscopic cracking. The nugget size was followed the order of AA5083/Ti/CoCrFeMnNi HEA (4.572 mm), AA5083/Ti/SS316 (4.20 mm), AA5083/Ti/Monel 400 (3.372 mm), and AA5083/Ti/SS430 (2.957 mm). XRD analysis revealed that the as-received sheets were retained their characteristic phases. Whereas the welded joints were developed new interfacial reaction products (AlFe3, AlNi3, Ni4Ti3, and Co3Ti), indicating the active participation of the Ti interlayer in phase evolution during welding. EBSD analysis exhibited grain refinement, increased the high-angle grain boundary fraction, higher average misorientation, and stronger local texture development in the weldment compared with the parent metals. The Ti interlayer/weld zone and the dissimilar-metal interface/heat affected zone (HAZ) exhibited a significant hardness increase, with the highest hardness of 304.4 HV at the SS316 interface/HAZ. The AA5083/Ti/CoCrFeMnNi HEA sample exhibited the highest lap-shear tensile strength of 4.801 ± 0.647 kN, whereas the AA5083/Ti/SS430 joint revealed the lowest value of 3.134 ± 0.678 kN. It was found that a thin Ti interlayer was effective for RSW of AA 5083 with different advanced alloys.
The aim of this work is to create a comprehensive database relating to mechanical properties (elastic limit, ultimate limit, and percentage elongation at the fracture) of Al-Si-Cu alloys (A319.2, B319.1, and A380). First of all, this involves specifying the effect of the iron content as well as evaluating the influence of the addition of modifying/neutralizing elements such as Sr, Be, Mn, Be + Sr, and Mn + Cr on the type 319 and 380 alloys having undergone T6 heat treatment. The second part, which relates to the eutectic alloy, studies the dissolution of the phase β-Al5FeSi by evaluating the effect of the iron content, the influence of modification by Sr. The last step is to establish a link between the tensile properties obtained and the characteristics of the microstructures, i.e., the percentage of porosities and the length and thickness of the platelets/pads. In total, 68 different compositions were prepared with an average number of 6–8 test pieces/composition. Also, the mode of rupture was studied using the scanning electron microprobe. The results show that strontium (Sr), manganese (Mn), and beryllium (Be) make it possible to partially neutralize the harmful effects of iron. The Sr fragments the phase (β-Al5FeSi then that Mn transforms the platelets into Chinese script). In addition, an Al12Mn phase may precipitate within the α-Al (i.e., pre-dendritic phase). As for beryllium, it is effective in both refining the β-phase and transforming it into a new phase of type BeSiFe2Al8. A sum of 700 tensile bars were tested.
The aim of this work is to create a comprehensive database relating to the tensile properties of a eutectic Al-Si-Mg alloy. The studies reported herein cover the dissolution of the (3-iron Al5FeSi phase by evaluating the effect of the iron (Fe) content, the influence of modification by strontium (Sr), and the duration of the solutionizing treatment from 0 to 200 hat 540 degrees C. The last step is to establish a link between the tensile properties obtained and the characteristics of the microstructures, mainly the length of the (3-Al5FeSi platelets. Solution treatment at 540 degrees C was applied to the eutectic alloys for times of up to 200 h. Unmodified and modified Al-Si-Mg alloys with high Fe content accelerate the dissolution of (3-Al5FeSi; this being due to the rejection of silicon (Si) atoms towards aluminum (Al) and resulting in transforming the (3-Al5FeSi into Al6Fe. The unmodified alloy shows a maximum reduction in the length of the (3-phase platelets after 30 h of solution treatment, compared to 10 h for the modified alloy. Therefore, Sr addition decreases the duration of treatment due to the initial fragmentation of platelets. The process of fragmentation/dissolution of the (3-Al5FeSi phase during solution treatment at 540 degrees C is associated with the ductile Al matrix characterized by the formation of dimple structure. The lack of an age hardening response of the ternary Al-12%Si-0.045%Sr alloy results in low alloy strength, making this alloy unsuitable for automotive components that may be exposed to high temperatures. The results of this study were supported by extensive tensile testing (about 1000 tensile bars). The quality-index method was found to be useful in classifying the alloys according to their performance.
Zn-x wt.% Ti (x = 0, 0.3, and 1) alloys were developed using vacuum induction melting. The alloys were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). XRD analysis revealed the formation of eta-Zn-rich solid solution as the primary phase in all alloys, the addition of Ti promoting the formation of TiZn16 intermetallic phases. Microstructural analysis revealed refined grain structures with increasing Ti content due to the grain-refining effect of Ti and the formation of fine TiZn16 particles. Nanoindentation testing revealed that the addition of Ti significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the alloys compared to pure Zn. The hardness of the Zn-0.3 wt% Ti alloy increased by 19.23 %, while the Zn-1 wt.% Ti alloy exhibited a 24 % increase in hardness compared to pure Zn. The elastic modulus of Zn-1 wt.% Ti improved by 80.6 % relative to pure Zn, indicating enhanced stiffness. The alloys' density displayed a marginal decrease with increasing Ti content due to titanium's lower atomic weight compared to zinc. Corrosion testing demonstrated that the addition of Ti significantly improved the corrosion resistance of the Zn-Ti alloys. The current density (Icorr) decreased, and the potential (Ecorr) shifted towards more positive values with increasing Ti content. The Zn-1 wt.% Ti alloys exhibited a 27.6 % reduction in corrosion rates compared to pure Zn. A 7-day immersion test in Hanks' solution confirmed the long-term corrosion resistance where Zn-1 wt.% Ti revealed the lowest degradation rate and smoothest corroded surface. These findings demonstrate the potential of Zn-Ti alloys for applications in biomedical implants and advanced manufacturing sectors due to their enhanced mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties.
In this study, dissimilar welding of high entropy alloys (HEAs) and duplex stainless steel (DSS) was performed using laser beam welding. The work investigates the microstructure, tensile properties, and fracture behavior of the welded joints between CoCrFeMnNi HEA and DSS. Detailed microstructural characterization using SEM, EBSD, and XRD revealed that the fusion zone (FZ) consisted predominantly of FCC and BCC phases, without the formation of detrimental intermetallic compounds. Coarse columnar and cellular grains evolved in the FZ due to high heat input. Largely, the developed DSS-HEA dissimilar weld provided a balanced synergy of strength and ductility, with strength contributed by the BCC phase and ductility provided by the FCC phase. The YS and UTS of the dissimilar joint were significantly improved than the similar HEA-HEA weld, with a 5 % improvement in the ductility compared to the similar HEA-HEA weld. Furthermore, the ductility of the dissimilar joint (DSS-HEA) was significantly increased when compared to the similar DSS-DSS weld. Fracture surface analysis indicated a transition from brittle to ductile fracture across the different welds, with the similar DSS-DSS weld exhibiting brittle fracture, characterized by cleavage planes and minimal plastic deformation, while the similar HEA-HEA and dissimilar HEA-DSS welds demonstrated more ductile features, with extensive dimple formation and improved strain accommodation. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanical performance of dissimilar welds and these findings pave the way for future research into optimizing dissimilar welds for industrial applications and advanced manufacturing sectors requiring high toughness and durability.
To investigate osteogenic potential of biodegradable nanostructured Cu/W/Co in Fe-Mn alloys for maxillofacial applications in an in vivo model. Nanostructured FeMn35, FeMn32Cu3, FeMn32W3, FeMn32Co3 alloys were fabricated. Ten mongrel dogs were included where five mandibular defects were induced in each dog. Defects were randomly allocated into 5 groups ((M) control defects covered by bone disc, (M0) implanted by FeMn35 alloy, (M1) implanted by FeMn32Cu3 alloy, (M2) implanted by FeMn32W3 alloy, (M3) implanted by FeMn32Co3 alloy). Dogs were euthanized at 12 weeks for cone beam computed tomography, histologic and immunohistologic evaluation, and gene expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin. Defects implanted with metal demonstrated thicker bone trabeculae mixed with lamellar bone while control defects (M) demonestrated immature woven bone. Quantitative evaluation of bone area %, area % of mature bone and expression of osteopentin and osteocalcin bone markers revealed a statistically significant highest bone area % and maturation in group M3 compared to M2, M1, M0, and M group. A statistically significant increase in bone area % and maturation was recorded in M2 group compared to M1, M0, and M groups. A significantly increased bone area % and maturation was recorded in M1 compared to control M group and also between M0 and M group. Incorporating Cu/W/Co into Fe-Mn alloys enhanced biocompatibility and improved bone regeneration suggesting its suitability for use in various orthopedic and dental applications. Biodegradable metal alloys could improve patient outcome, reduce the need for additional surgeries to remove nonbiodegradble implants. Biodegradable metal alloys could improve patient outcome, reduce the need for additional surgeries to remove nonbiodegradble implants.
In this research work, Mg-30-Al-25-Ti-25-Li-15-Si-5 lightweight high-entropy alloys (LWHEAs) were synthesized via mechanical alloying (MA) with different milling times of 0, 5, 10, and 20 h. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of MAed powders exhibited the formation of intermetallic phases (Mg2Si and Al12Mg17) and nanocrystalline structures with prolonged milling times, enhancing diffusion, lattice strain, and grain refinement. Scanning electron microscopy powder surface morphology, EDAX analyses, and elemental mapping were examined to confirm the structural refinement and uniform elemental distribution, though lithium detection remained challenging. Further, based on XRD results, peak broadening models (Scherrer, Williamson-Hall, and size-strain plot) were employed to estimate the crystallite size and lattice strain, with the Williamson-Hall model showing the highest accuracy. Compaction studies at room and high temperatures (275 and 550 degrees C) with pressures up to 200 MPa demonstrated improved densification and mechanical integrity, attributed to the phase formation and structural refinement during milling. A relative density of 94.42% was achieved at 200 MPa and 550 degrees C in the 20 h MAed sample due to improved atomic diffusion-driven densification, grain-boundary diffusion, and decreased work-hardening effect. The nanocrystalline nature, refined grain morphology, and enhanced densification emphasize the potential of Mg-30-Al-25-Ti-25-Li-15-Si-5 LWHEAs for lightweight structural applications in aerospace, automotive, and advanced manufacturing industries.
The present work was conducted to investigate the influence of liquid metal treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties (hardness and tensile) of parts made from 357 (Al-Si-Mg) and 220 (Al-Cu-Si) alloys using different casting methods commonly used for making cylinder heads. The microstructural constituents of the fabricated 357 and 220 alloys were characterized employing the thermal analysis method. In order to investigate improving the quality of parts produced using the lost foam casting process, the effect of major liquid metal treatments, i.e., modification, grain refinement, and degassing on the resulting microstructure and mechanical properties was evaluated on samples extracted from the cylinder head combustion chambers produced by the lost foam process. These were compared to simulating the types of casting process and molds typically utilized for this product, such as permanent mold and sand casting by using the ASTM B108 permanent mold, L-type metallic mold, and the end-chill mold. The results displayed a strong dependence on the mold type, solidification rate, and porosity content (from hydrogen gas and shrinkage). The hardness and yield strength values were mainly controlled by the level of magnesium in the alloy, while the ductility was mainly controlled by the porosity and the secondary dendrite arm spacing.
The as-received aluminum alloy (AA5083) powders (44 mu m) and hexagonal boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles (65-75 nm) are used to fabricate AA5083-BN nanocomposites with varying BN content (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 wt%). A powder metallurgy solid-state method is employed, involving ball milling for 20 h at 100 rpm with a ball-to-powder mass ratio of 10:1. The processed powders are then consolidated through forging-sintering at 550 degrees C for 30 min, followed by hot forging at 225 MPa. The microstructure is examined using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, transmission electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction to understand the effect of processing variables. The compaction behavior is investigated both experimentally and empirically, revealing a relative green density exceeding 88% at 500 MPa. The empirical models display coefficients of determination (R2 values) exceeding 99% for predicting the compaction behavior. Compression tests on bulk samples show that BN reinforcement significantly enhances ultimate compressive strength, with values reaching 473.256 +/- 5.54, 536.374 +/- 2.87, 567.694 +/- 4.22, and 601.911 +/- 6.54 MPa for TRB-3, TRB-6, TRB-9, and TRB-12, respectively. The developed composites achieve relative densities greater than 97%, indicating promising applications in the aerospace, automotive, and marine industries. This study investigates AA5083 boron nitride (BN) nanocomposites with varying BN content, produced via powder metallurgy. Emphasizing the impact of BN on microstructure and mechanical properties, the research highlights enhanced compressive strength and homogenous dispersion. Detailed analyses using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction offer insights into the materials' potential for aerospace, automotive, and marine applications.image (c) 2024 WILEY-VCH GmbH
This study explores the functional characteristics (erosion, corrosion, mechanical damage, and microstructural features) of non-stick cookware made from aluminum alloys. Typically coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE-Teflon) or ceramic for non-stick properties, we conducted a systematic investigation using corrosion, abrasion, and mechanical tests on six types of cookware from different manufacturers (Manuf-1-6). The cookware was heated at various temperatures [Room temperature (RT), 100, 175, 250, & 350 °C] and times (45 & 120 min). Tests included Taber wear, Adhesive Pull-off, hot & RT corrosion, and surface roughness measurements. Characterization involved optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) with electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Ceramic-coated cookware from Manuf-4 demonstrated superior mechanical strength, wear, and corrosion resistance due to refined microstructures. Manuf-1's PTFE-coated cookware also performed well. Optimal results were observed when heating below 250 °C for up to 45 min. Prolonged heating and temperatures beyond 250 °C adversely affected internal structures of all cookware. Thus, it is advisable to use Al-based non-stick cookware below 250 °C for a maximum of 45 min.
In this study, AA5083–WC composites were developed by ball milling followed by hot consolidation. The microstructures of the developed composites were investigated using XRD, SEM, EDX, and EBSD. The developed composites exhibited a homogeneous dispersion of WC particulates in the AA5083 matrix without any interactions at the matrix/reinforcement interface. The results confirmed the development of a refined equiaxed grain structure of AA5083–WC composites where the EBSD results revealed an average grain size of 4.38 µm and 3.32 µm for AA5083–6%WC (AW-6) and AA5083–12%WC (AW-12) composites, respectively. The results showed that incorporating WC particulates in the AA5083 alloy matrix significantly improved the compressive stress–strain behaviour and considerably enhanced the resistance to wear and friction. The AA5083–12%WC (AW-12) composite displayed the maximum strength and the highest resistance to wear and friction, whereas the as-milled AA5083 alloy (AW-0) exhibited the lowest strength and the least resistance to wear and friction. The AA5083–12%WC (AW-12) composite exhibited the optimum mechanical and tribological behaviour of the developed composites, making it a promising candidate for tribological applications.
A tri-metallic combination of FeMn 35− x x at. pct (Cu, W, and Co, x = 0 and 3) biodegradable alloys was successfully synthesized by mechanical alloying (5 h) and consolidated by selective laser melting (SLM). SLM is an additive manufacturing process through which complex products can be fabricated for applications in several sectors including biomedical. The synthesized powders and consolidated samples were characterized using XRD, optical microscope, and FEG-SEM equipped with EBSD technique. Detailed microstructural evolution, mechanical, and corrosion behaviors were investigated in this study. The XRD results of the synthesized powders confirmed the formation of the designed alloys without the formation of intermetallic compounds; austenite and ferrite phases were observed in the SLM-processed samples. SLM-processed samples were produced with more than 88.8 pct of theoretical density indicating the soundness. The FeMn 32 W 3 biodegradable alloy exhibited the highest compressive yield strength of approximately 747 ± 1 MPa which was 1.4 times higher than FeMn 32 Cu 3 alloy. Corrosion tests showed that the corrosion rate of FeMn containing W and Co alloys was much lower than that of the pure FeMn 35 alloy owing to the lower content of these elements resulting in increased standard potential of Fe–Mn elements and decreased corrosion rate.
The present study examined the migration of elements from aluminum cooking pots to foods after the cooking process. This study investigated the impact of pot quality (manufacturer), pot type (traditional or pressure cooker), water supply (tap water/mineral water), food acidity, salt, spices, temperature, and cooking time on the migration of elements into cooked food. The cooking experiments were conducted to simulate the actual cooking conditions. Standard food simulant B, with 3% (w/v) acetic acid, was used in subsequent cooking trials to confirm the results. Three methods were employed to analyze the elements in the food: ICP-MS, EDS-SEM, and XPS. The cooking pots used in this investigation were examined using a Spectromaxx metal analyzer to characterize their chemical composition. The concentration of aluminum in cooked food samples increased significantly when using an aluminum pressure cooker. Food acidity, cooking duration, and the type of aluminum pot (traditional/pressure cookers) all affected the concentration of elements that migrated into the food. The aluminum level increased from 80.17 to 133.7 µg/g when tomato sauce was added to the food. Increasing the heating time resulted in an increased aluminum content (157.9 µg/g) in the cooked food. Aluminum pressure cookers exhibited the highest amount of aluminum migration into the food. Foods cooked in a pressure cooker made by manufacturer (3) contained the highest aluminum content (252.7 µg/g), which increased the risk of exceeding the daily intake limit of aluminum. The prepared food samples under all conditions showed a safe health profile for daily intake of all elements (Fe, As, Cd, and Pb), except for Al, which exceeded the daily intake limit when using pressure cookers for extended cooking times. The results of element migration into food simulants were consistent with those of food samples. The results confirmed that SEM-EDS and XPS techniques are not suitable for quantifying the elements that migrated into food samples due to their detection limits.