Residual microstructure associated with impact craters in TiB2/2024Al composite

Residual microstructures associated with hypervelocity impact craters in 55 vol.% TiB(2)/2024Al composite were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). TiB(2)-Al interface, TiB(2) particles and Al matrix before and after hypervelocity impact were compared to discuss the effect of hypervelocity impact. A new Al(x)O(1-x) phase with the fcc structure and the crystal parameter of 0.69 nm was formed at TiB(2)-Al interface. Stacking fault with width of 10-20 nm was formed along the (001) plane of TiB(2) particle. Formation of nanograins (≈ 100 nm) was observed within Al matrix, moreover, lamellar S' phase was transformed into lenticular or spherical S phase after hypervelocity impact.     

Metal contacts to n-GaN

Al, Au, Ti/Al and Ti/Au contacts were prepared on n-GaN and annealed up to 900 °C. The structure, phase and morphology were studied by cross-sectional transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as by X-ray diffraction (XRD), the electrical behaviour by current-voltage measurements. It was obtained that annealing resulted in interdiffusion, lateral diffusion along the surface, alloying and bowling up of the metal layers. The current-voltage characteristics of as-deposited Al and Ti/Al contacts were linear, while the Au and Ti/Au contacts exhibited rectifying behaviour. Except the Ti/Au contact which became linear, the contacts degraded during heat treatment at 900 °C. The surface of Au and Ti/Au contacts annealed at 900 °C have shown fractal-like structures revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy and XRD investigations of the Ti/Au contact revealed that Au diffused into the n-GaN layer at 900 °C. X-ray diffraction examinations showed, that new Ti₂N, Au₂Ga and Ga₃Ti₂ interface phases formed in Ti/Au contact at 900 °C, new Ti₂N phase formed in Ti/Al contact at 700 and 900 °C, as well as new AlN interface phase developed in Ti/Al contact at 900 °C.     

MICROSTRUCTURE AT THE INTERFACE OF TITANIUM CARBIDE AND NICKEL ALUMINIDES

Microstructure at the interface of titanium carbide and nickel aluminides in the samples obtained by infiltration of molten Ni₃Al alloy has studied by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and an analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM) with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). It is found that the morphology at the interfaces between hard phase skeleton of TiC_0.7 and metallic phases depends on the ratio of Ti/C in carbide. Some periodic zigzag fringes are observed at a smooth interface between metallic phase and carbides in the sample of Ni₃Al/TiC_0.7. The results of analysis using EDS show that Ti in TiC_0.7 carbide is easier than that in TiC_0.7 to dissolve into the molten alloy during solid-liquid reaction. The formation of this periodic zigzag fringe,which may be a growth zone of a new Ti-Ni-Al phase,in the interface of TiC_0.7/Ni₃Al would occur during the initial stage of solidification.     

Microstructure characterization of Al matrix composite reinforced with Ti-6Al-4V meshes after compression by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope

Compressive properties of Al matrix composite reinforced with Ti-6Al-4V meshes (TC4(m)/5A06 Al composite) under the strain rates of 10(-3)S(-1) and 1S(-1) at different temperature were measured and microstructure of composites after compression was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Compressive strength decreased with the test temperature increased and the strain-rate sensitivity (R) of composite increased with the increasing temperature. SEM observations showed that grains of Al matrix were elongated severely along 45° direction (angle between axis direction and fracture surface) and TC4 fibres were sheared into several parts in composite compressed under the strain rate of 10(-3)S(-1) at 25°C and 250°C. Besides, amounts of cracks were produced at the interfacial layer between TC4 fibre and Al matrix and in (Fe, Mn)Al(6) phases. With the compressive temperature increasing to 400°C, there was no damage at the interfacial layer between TC4 fibre and Al matrix and in (Fe, Mn)Al(6) phases, while equiaxed recrystal grains with sizes about 10 μm at the original grain boundaries of Al matrix were observed. However, interface separation of TC4 fibres and Al matrix occurred in composite compressed under the strain rate of 1S(-1) at 250°C and 400°C. With the compressive temperature increasing from 25°C to 100°C under the strain rate of 10(-3) S(-1), TEM microstructure in Al matrix exhibited high density dislocations and slipping bands (25°C), polygonized dislocations and dynamic recovery (100°C), equiaxed recrystals with sizes below 500 μm (250°C) and growth of equiaxed recrystals (400°C), respectively.     

Interfacial reaction of intermetallic compounds of ultrasonic-assisted brazed joints between dissimilar alloys of Ti6Al4V and Al4Cu1Mg

Ultrasonic-assisted brazing of Al4Cu1Mg and Ti6Al4V using Zn-based filler metal (without and with Si) has been investigated. Before brazing, the Ti6Al4V samples were pre-treated by hot-dip aluminizing and ultrasonic dipping in a molten filler metal bath in order to control the formation of intermetallic compounds between the Ti6Al4V samples and the filler metal. The results show that the TiAl(3) phase was formed in the interface between the Ti6Al4V substrate and the aluminized coating. For the Zn-based filler metal without Si, the Ti6Al4V interfacial area of the brazed joint did not change under the effect of the ultrasonic wave, and only consisted of the TiAl(3) phase. For the Zn-based filler metal with Si, the TiAl(3) phase disappeared and a Ti(7)Al(5)Si(12) phase was formed at the interfacial area of the brazed joints under the effect of the ultrasonic wave. Due to the TiAl(3) phase completely changing to a Ti(7)Al(5)Si(12) phase, the morphology of the intermetallic compounds changed from a block-like shape into a lamellar-like structure. The highest shear strength of 138MPa was obtained from the brazed joint free of the block-like TiAl(3) phase.     

Reactive resistance welding of Ti6Al4V alloy with the use of Ni(V)/Al multilayers

The freestanding Ni(V)/Al multilayer foil was applied as a filler material in order to join Ti6Al4V alloy with the use of reactive resistance welding (RRW) technique. Present investigations, performed with the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) method, allowed to show that an application of high current (I = 400 A for 2 min in vacuum conditions ～10^–1 mbar) transformed the Ni(V)/Al multilayers into fine grain (<300 nm) NiAl phase. It also showed that the RRW process led to the formation of firm connection with nanoporosity limited only to the original contact plane between base material and the foil. Simultaneously, the formation of a narrow strip of crystallites of Ti₃Al intermetallic phase elongated along the joint line (average size of ～200 nm) was observed. The base material was separated from the joint area by a layer of up to ～2 μm thickness of nearly defect free α‐Ti and β‐Ti grains from a heat affected zone (HAZ). The performed experiment proved that Ni(V)/Al multilayer could serve as a filler material for joining of Ti6Al4V alloys even without additional solder layer. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

SEM and TEM characterization of the microstructure of post-compressed TiB2/2024Al composite

In the present work, 55 vol.% TiB(2)/2024Al composites were obtained by pressure infiltration method. Compressive properties of 55 vol.% TiB(2)/2024Al composite under the strain rates of 10(-3) and 1S(-1) at different temperature were measured and microstructure of post-compressed TiB(2)/2024Al composite was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). No trace of Al(3)Ti compound flake was found. TiB(2)-Al interface was smooth without significant reaction products, and orientation relationships ( [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ) were revealed by HRTEM. Compressive strength of TiB(2)/2024Al composites decreased with temperature regardless of strain rates. The strain-rate-sensitivity of TiB(2)/2024Al composites increased with the increasing temperature. Fracture surface of specimens compressed at 25 and 250°C under 10(-3)S(-1) were characterized by furrow. Under 10(-3)S(-1), high density dislocations were formed in Al matrix when compressed at 25°C and dynamic recrystallization occurred at 250°C. Segregation of Mg and Cu on the subgrain boundary was also revealed at 550°C. Dislocations, whose density increased with temperature, were formed in TiB(2) particles under 1S(-1). Deformation of composites is affected by matrix, reinforcement and strain rate.     

Pseudomorphy, surface alloys and the role of elementary clusters on the domain orientations in the Cu/Al13Co4(100) system

We have used the pseudo-tenfold surface of the orthorhombic Al(13)Co(4) crystal as a template for the adsorption of Cu thin films of various thicknesses deposited at different temperatures. This study has been carried out by means of low energy electron diffraction (LEED), scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and x-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD). From 300 to 573 K, Cu adatoms grow pseudomorphically up to one monolayer. At 300 K, the β-Al(Cu, Co) phase appears for coverages greater than one monolayer. For higher temperature deposition, the β-Al(Cu, Co) phase further transforms into the γ-Al(4)Cu(9) phase. Both β and γ phases grow as two (110) domains rotated by 72° ± 1° from each other. Instead of following the substrate symmetry, it is the orientations of the bipentagonal motifs present on the clean Al(13)Co(4)(100) surface that dictate the growth orientation of these domains. The initial bulk composition and structural complexity of the substrate have a minor role in the formation of the γ-Al(4)Cu(9) phase as long as the amount of Al and the Cu film thickness reach a critical stoichiometry.     

Impact of Al addition on the formation of Ni germanosilicide layers under different temperature annealing

Solid reactions between Ni and relaxed Si_0.7Ge_0.3 substrate were systematically investigated with different Al interlayer thicknesses. The morphology, composition, and micro-structure of the Ni germanosilicide layers were analyzed with different annealing temperatures in the appearance of Al. The germanosilicide layers were characterized by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, cross-section transmission electron microscopy, scan transmission electron microscopy, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy. It was shown that the incorporation of Al improved the surface and interface morphology of the germanosilicide layers, enhanced the thermal stabilities, and retarded the Ni-rich germanosilicide phase to mono germanosilicide phase. With increasing annealing temperature, Al atoms distributed from the Ni/Si_0.7Ge_0.3 interface to the total layer of Ni₂Si_0.7Ge_0.3, and finally accumulated at the surface of NiSi_0.7Ge_0.3. We found that under the assistance of Al atoms, the best quality Ni germanosilicide layer was achieved by annealing at 700 ℃ in the case of 3 nm Al.     

One step ultrafast mechanosynthesis of nanocrystalline cubic Ti0.9Al0.1B and its microstructure evolution

Nanocrystalline single phase cubic Ti_0.9Al_0.1B has been prepared at room temperature in a minimum duration of 4 h by mechanical alloying the stoichiometric mixture of Ti, Al and B powders in a high energy planetary ball mill under argon atmosphere. The Rietveld's structure refinement of X-ray diffraction data reveals that cubic Ti–Al–B phase is initiated just after 1 h of milling and at the same time α-Ti (hcp) phase partially transforms to metastable β-Ti (bcc) phase. In the course of milling, ordered Ti–Al–B lattice gradually transforms to a distorted state and the degree of distortion increases with milling time up to 15 h. The formation of cubic Ti_0.9Al_0.1B is also confirmed from the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern. Microstructure characterization by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) reveals that Ti–Al–B nanoparticles are isotropic in nature with average particle size ~4.5 nm and is in good agreement with the value obtained from the Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction data.     

Microstructure of multilayer interface in an Al matrix composite reinforced by TiNi fiber

A multilayer interface was formed in the Al matrix composite which was reinforced by 30% volume fraction of TiNi fiber. The composite was fabricated by pressure infiltration process and the interface between the TiNi fiber and Al matrix was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). When the TiNi fiber was pre-oxidized in the air at 773 K for 1 h, three layers have been found and characterized in the interface: TiNi–B₂ layer near the TiNi fiber, Ti–Al compound layer with Ti and granular TiO₂ near the Al matrix, and Ti–Ni compound layer between TiNi–B₂ and Ti–Al compound layers. The effect of the multilayer interface on the mechanical properties of the composite was also discussed. The result showed that the uniaxial tensile strength of the composite at room temperature was 318 MPa, which was very close to the theoretical calculation value of 326 MPa. Moreover, the composite with good ductility exhibited a typical ductile-fracture pattern.     

添加Y改善离子镀氮化钛膜的结构与性能

评价了离子镀氮化钛(TiN)和Y改性氮化钛(Ti(Y)N)膜的结合强度和在酸性介质中的耐蚀性能;用X射线衍射,离子探针质谱分析(IMA),透射电子显微镜(TEM)研究它们的显微结构特征;结果表明,添加Y元素富集在Ti(Y)N与A₃钢基材界面区域,并形成厚度约为20nm的亚层,Y的界面改性导致Ti(Y)N膜的X射线衍射线形略有宽化和明显的TiN相(111)面的择优生长取向;这些显微结构特征的改善导致Ti(Y)N膜比TiN膜具有更高的界面结合强度和更好的耐蚀性能。 关键词：     

Interaction behaviors at the interface between liquid Al–Si and solid Ti–6Al–4V in ultrasonic-assisted brazing in air

Power ultrasonic vibration (20 kHz, 6 μm) was applied to assist the interaction between a liquid Al–Si alloy and solid Ti–6Al–4V substrate in air. The interaction behaviors, including breakage of the oxide film on the Ti–6Al–4V surface, chemical dissolution of solid Ti–6Al–4V, and interfacial chemical reactions, were investigated. Experimental results showed that numerous 2–20 μm diameter-sized pits formed on the Ti–6Al–4V surface. Propagation of ultrasonic waves in the liquid Al–Si alloy resulted in ultrasonic cavitation. When this cavitation occurred at or near the liquid/solid interface, many complex effects were generated at the small zones during the bubble implosion, including micro-jets, hot spots, and acoustic streaming. The breakage behavior of oxide films on the solid Ti–6Al–4V substrate, excessive chemical dissolution of solid Ti–6Al–4V into liquid Al–Si, abnormal interfacial chemical reactions at the interface, and phase transformation between the intermetallic compounds could be wholly ascribed to these ultrasonic effects. An effective bond between Al–Si and Ti–6Al–4V can be produced by ultrasonic-assisted brazing in air.     

Phase transformations in γ-Al(OH)<Subscript>3</Subscript> under heat treatment in air and water vapor

The kinetics and mechanism of phase transitions (PTs) in gibbsite (γ-Al(OH)₃) under heat treatment in air and water vapor (170–550°C) have been investigated by iso-and nonisothermal thermogravimetry, X-ray phase analysis, transmission electron microscopy, ²⁷Al nuclear magnetic resonance, and chemical analysis. It is shown that (i) the gibbsite PT in air involves two interrelated transformations occurring simultaneously: (1) gibbsite → boehmite (γ-AlOOH) and (2) gibbsite → X-ray-amorphous alumina (Al₂O₃); both are implemented through the topochemical mechanism; and (ii) in water vapor only transformation of gibbsite into boehmite occurs (PT-3), which is implemented through the dissolution-precipitation mechanism. The apparent activation energies of the PTs under consideration have been determined.     

Sc在Al-Zn-Mg-Cu超高强铝合金中作用机理的电子理论研究

通过晶胞平移获得Al-Zn-Mg-Cu合金中α-Al,Al₃Sc及η相原子集团模型,采用自编软件建立α-Al/液态Al界面、α-Al/Al₃Sc界面原子团模型.用递归法计算合金中各组织的态密度、结合能、费米能级,合金元素Sc与空位相互作用能等电子参数.依据电子参数解释合金晶粒细化、腐蚀的物理本质.研究表明： Al₃Sc从液态金属析出时释放的能量比α-Al从液态金属析出时所释放的能量少,可先于α-Al从液态金属中析出;且α-Al 关键词： 电子结构 腐蚀 超高强Al合金     

TiAl/Ti3Al体系剪切变形的分子动力学研究

利用分子动力学方法研究了正化学比的TiAl/Ti3Al双相体系中剪切变形诱发位错形核以及相关结构转变的动态过程以及切变力场对最终结构的影响.研究发现,在TiAl/Ti3Al双相体系中剪切变形诱发黏滞-滑移式的滑移行为;界面在其中起到了传递能量、均衡协变的作用,界面两侧的异相结构保留了单相形变特征.六角密堆积(HCP)-Ti3Al部分各原子层较长时间内呈整体剪切协变,其后形变分化为应力集中诱发层错区和初始完整结构回复区;而面心立方(FCC)-TiAl部分因刚性较大仅存在微协变,其后局部受力区直接诱发相邻原子层间相对滑移,发生FCC向HCP结构转变.变形结构方面,HCP-Ti3Al部分在剪切力较大区域形成连续且稳定的FCC堆垛,近界面区FCC薄层与HCP相交替并存;而FCC-TiAl部分内禀层错和孪晶共存,当力场增大时形成亚稳HCP结构.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3-Al composite coatings deposited by plasma spraying

Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-Al composite coatings were prepared by plasma spraying. Phase composition of powders and as-sprayed coatings was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), while optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to investigate the morphology of impacted droplets, polished and fractured surface, and the element distribution in terms of wavelength-dispersive spectrometer (WDS). Mechanical properties including microhardness, adhesion and bending strength, fracture toughness and sliding wear rate were evaluated. The results indicated that the addition of Al into Al₂O₃ was beneficial to decrease the splashing of impinging droplets and to increase the deposition efficiency. The Al₂O₃-Al composite coating exhibited homogeneously dispersed pores and the co-sprayed Al particles were considered to be distributed in the splat boundary. Compared with Al₂O₃ coating, the composite coating showed slightly lower hardness, whereas the coexistence of metal Al phase and Al₂O₃ ceramic phase effectively improved the toughness, strength and wear resistance of coatings.     

Yttria catalyzed microstructural modifications in oxide dispersion strengthened V–4Cr–4Ti alloys synthesized by field assisted sintering technique

Abstract

The present work deals with synthesis, characterisation and elevated temperature mechanical property evaluation of V–4Cr–4Ti and oxide (yttria = 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 at%) dispersion strengthened V–4Cr–4Ti alloy processed by mechanical alloying and field-assisted sintering, under optimal conditions. Microstructural parameters of both powder and sintered samples were deduced by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and further confirmed with high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Powder diffraction and electron microscopy study show that ball milling of starting elemental powders (V–4Cr–4Ti) with and without yttria addition has resulted in single phase α–V (V–4Cr–4Ti) alloy. Wherein, XRD and electron microscopy images of sintered samples have revealed phase separation (viz., Cr–V and Ti–V) and domain size reduction, with yttria addition. The reasons behind phase separation and domain size reduction with yttria addition during sintering are extensively discussed. Microhardness and high temperature compression tests were done on sintered samples. Yttria addition (0.3 and 0.6 at.%) increases the elevated temperature compressive strength and strain hardening exponent of α–V alloys. High temperature compression test of 0.9 at% yttria dispersed α–V alloy reveals a glassy behaviour.     

Effect of ECAP consolidation process on the interfacial characteristics of Al-Cu-Ti metallic glass reinforced aluminum matrix composite

Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) process was used to consolidate the Al₆₅Cu₂₀Ti₁₅ metallic glass (AMG) reinforced Al matrix composite at high temperature. The matrix/reinforcement interfacial microstructure of the consolidated composite was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is demonstrated that the mutual diffusion of elements was occurred between the matrix and glass reinforcement during the consolidation process. The imposed severe plastic strains by the ECAP process affected the mutual diffusion and elemental distribution at the interface. Also, microstructural characterizations confirmed that no reaction products have been formed between the matrix and reinforcement particles. An illustrative model was presented to explain the atomic structure of matrix/reinforcement interface region.     

Ultrathin amorphous Ti–Al film used as a diffusion barrier for copper metallization

The viability of ultrathin amorphous Ti–Al film (～4 nm) as a diffusion barrier layer between Cu and Si for the application in Si-based ultra-large scale integration (ULSI) has been investigated. The Cu/Ti–Al/Si heterostructures are annealed in a high vacuum at various temperatures. There is no impurity peaks in the X-ray diffraction patterns for the samples up to annealing temperature of 800 ^°C, although the island-like grains were observed on the surface of the 800 ^°C annealed sample due to dewetting and agglomeration of the Cu film. No inter-reactions can be found from the images of transmission electron microscopy and Ti–Al is still amorphous after high-temperature annealing. These results indicate that Ti–Al film can effectively separate Cu from Si at high temperatures, and that the amorphous ultrathin Ti–Al film can be a very good barrier layer for Cu metallization.