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Magnesium and its alloys are advantageous in clinical applications due to their excellent mechanical properties and suitable biological properties. However, due to their high corrosion rate in physiological environments, these alloys' application was limited. Polypyrrole (PPy) coatings were potentiostatically deposited on AZ31 alloy to reduce its corrosion rate in this study. The effect of applied potential and monomer concentration on the coatings' characteristics and properties such as wettability, corrosion resistance, and adhesion strength was studied. The coatings had cauliflower and porous micro-granular morphologies, according to scanning electron microscope images. The thickness and average roughness of the coatings increased from 0.3 to 3.8 µm and 18.3 to 43.7 nm, respectively, as the monomer concentration in the deposition bath was increased from 0.1 to 0.2 M. Increasing the applied potential had the same effect on thickness and roughness. According to the water contact angle (WCA) results, the alloy and all of the PPy coatings were hydrophilic. However, increasing the monomer concentration of the bath and the applied potential increased the WCA of the coatings. The electrochemical behavior of the samples in Ringer's solution was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. All of the coatings outperformed the bare substrate in terms of corrosion resistance. The corrosion current density of the optimum PPy coating obtained from a bath with 0.2 M pyrrole monomer at 3 V was approximately seven times lower than that of the AZ31 alloy. In the cross-cut adhesion test, this coating also demonstrated the best adhesion to the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To perform quality assessments of both metal alloys and many other engineering materials, measurements of the volume fractions of phases or microstructure components are utilized. For this purpose, quantitative analysis of the evaluated components' distribution on metallographic specimens is often employed. Phases or components of the microstructure are identified based on the variation in signal received in the band of light seen. Problems with the correct identification of measurement results in this spectral band can be caused by the inhomogeneity of the etching when the alloy components are segregated. Additional uncertainty arises when the analyzed image pixel contains a boundary between grains of different phases. This article attempts to use the results of local chemical composition measurements as a source signal for quantitative evaluation of phase composition. For this purpose, quantitative maps of elemental concentration distributions, obtained with a Tescan Mira GMU high-resolution scanning electron microscope in QuantMap mode, were used as input data for the phase composition evaluation of an EN AC 46000 alloy sample. The X-ray microanalysis signal generation area may contain grains of more than one phase. Therefore, evaluation of the phase fractions in areas of individual measurements were calculated by looking for the minimum of the objective function, calculated as the sum of the squares of the deviations of the results of measurements of the concentration of individual elements from the weighted average values of solubilities of these elements in the phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FurnaSEM microfurnace was installed in the chamber of a scanning electron microscope to carry out in situ experiments at high temperatures and test its limits. The microfurnace was used in combination with different types of detectors (Everhart–Thornley for the collection of secondary electrons in a high vacuum, gas secondary electron detector for the specific collection of secondary electrons in the presence of gas, and Karmen© detector for the collection of backscattered electrons at high temperature). Experiments carried out on various samples (metal alloys and ceramics) show that the microfurnace operates in both high-vacuum and low-vacuum modes. Temperature ramp rates during temperature cycles applied to the sample range from 1 to 120 °C/min (temperature rise) and 1 to 480 °C/min (controlled and natural cooling). The maximum temperature at which images were recorded up to 25 k × magnification was 1340 °C, with a residual air atmosphere of 120 Pa. The choice of a flat furnace with the sample placed directly above it has enabled innovative experiments to be carried out, such as low-voltage imaging (using a shorter working distance—up to 10 mm—than is possible with conventional furnaces), 3D imaging (by tilting the stage by up to 10°), and high-temperature backscattered electron imaging (using a dedicated detector). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weight reduction is one of the prime goals for auto industries to achieve fuel economy, and magnesium matrix composite offers the opportunity to assist with fulfilling those needs. The present work focuses on developing the magnesium alloy (AZ91D), AZ91D/SiCnp nanocomposite, and AZ91D/SiCnp/CNT hybrid nanocomposite via the semisolid stir casting technique incorporating the ultrasonic vibration process. The produced cast samples are subjected to physical, microstructural, and mechanical characteristics study. The evaluated results are compared and it was found that AZ91D/6wt% SiCnpnanocomposite offers high hardness (78.45 ± 0.1 Hv), yield (150 ± 1.8 MPa), and ultimate tensile strength (241 ± 1.75 MPa) as compared to the cast AZ91D alloy samples. The scanning electron microscope reveals the homogeneous particle distribution structure with reduced porosity. The density of the developed composite obeys the rule of the mixture, and the porosity is limited to less than 1%. The presence of 6 wt% carbon nanotube in AZ91D/6wt% SiCnp alloy nanocomposite facilitates superior hardness, yield, and tensile strength of 84.35 ± 0.1 Hv, 174 ± 1.5 MPa, and 271 ± 1.6 MPa. The impact strength of the composite increased, while the content of SiCnp was improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the poor activation performance and kinetics of Ti50V25Cr25 alloys, the element Zr was added to improve the phase structure of the alloy and achieve a high-performance hydrogen storage alloy. The Ti50−xV25Cr25Zrx (x = 0, 5, 7, and 9) system alloys were prepared by arc melting. The alloys were analyzed using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The hydrogen storage capabilities of the alloys were also obtained by the Sievert volumetric method. The results indicated that the alloy with Zr added had a combination of the C15 Laves phase and the BCC phase, whereas the Zr-free alloy had a BCC single phase. The partial replacement of Zr with Ti resulted in an increase in the lattice parameters of the main phase. The hydrogen storage kinetic performance and activation of the alloys both significantly improved with an increasing Zr concentration. The time to reach 90% of the maximum hydrogen storage capacity decreased to 2946 s, 230 s, and 120 s, respectively, with the increases in Zr concentration. The initial hydrogen absorption content of the alloys increased and then decreased after the addition of the element Zr. The second phase expanded with an increasing Zr concentration, which in turn decreased the abundance of the BCC main phase. The Ti43V25Cr25Zr7 alloy showed good cycle stability and hydrogen-desorption performance, and it could absorb 90% of the maximum hydrogen storage capacity in around 230 s. The maximum hydrogen-absorption capacity of the alloy was 2.7 wt%. The diffusion activation energy of hydrogen desorption dropped from 102.67 kJ/mol to 92.62 kJ/mol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anisotropic damage behavior has a great influence on the formability of rolling sheets. This work aimed to investigate the anisotropic damage mechanism of the LA103Z Mg‐Li alloy rolling sheet by combining mesoscale detection and modeling. The X‐ray computed tomography (XCT) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were applied to characterize the evolution of damage morphology and volume fraction in RD, DD, and TD directions of the rolling sheet. The GTN damage model was calibrated by the experimental results with the representative volume element (RVE) method. The anisotropic damage mechanism was revealed via experimental and modeling results. The micro void nucleation strain εN was critical to determine the initiation moment of the anisotropic damage. The continuous nucleation in RD direction, the severe growth in DD direction, and the massive coalescence in TD direction were the micro void evolution competition results that caused the anisotropy for damage mechanism and fracture strain. Highlights: The micro void evolution was quantitatively characterized by XCT and SEM methods.The GTN damage model calibrated by the RVE method exhibited accurate prediction.εN was the critical strain for determining the initiation of anisotropic damage.Anisotropic damage was caused by different responses of micro void evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deformation aspects associated with the micro-mechanical properties of the powder laser bed fusion (P-LBF) additively manufactured stainless steel 316L were investigated in the present work. Toward that, micro-pillars were fabricated on different planes of the stainless steel 316L specimen with respect to build direction, and an in situ compression was carried out inside the chamber of the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results were compared against the compositionally similar stainless steel 316L, which was fabricated by a conventional method, that is, casting. The post-deformed micro-pillars on the both materials were examined by electron microscopy. The P-LBF processed steel exhibits equiaxed as well as elongated grains of different orientation with the characteristics of the melt-pool type arrangements. In contrast, the cast alloy shows typical circular-type grains in the presence of micro-twins. The yield stress and ultimate compressive stress of P-LBF fabricated steel were about 431.02 ± 15.51 − 474.44 ± 23.49 MPa and 547.78 ± 29.58 − 682.59 ± 21.59 MPa, respectively. Whereas for the cast alloy, it was about 322.38 ± 19.78 MPa and 477.11 ± 25.31 MPa, respectively. Thus, the outcome of this study signifies that the AM-processed samples possess higher mechanical properties than conventionally processed alloy of similar composition. Irrespective of the processing method, both specimens exhibit ductile-type deformation, which is typical for metallic alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum–copper-based alloy has a broad liquidus to solidus temperature range, making it susceptible to the formation defects such as pores and shrinkage pores during the process of solidification. Hence, ultrasonic vibration and squeeze casting can help to refine the microstructure and eliminate the formation of pores. In this paper, we used an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermal analysis to study the ultrasonic treatment (UT) and squeeze casting (SC) on the as-cast and heat-treated microstructure of Al–Cu–Mn alloys. The results show that a significant refinement can be obtained by the compound field compared with that of the individual field. The applied UT time is 30 s and 120 s, respectively. The smallest grain size and the finest Al2Cu particles are observed in the alloy with a treated time of 120 s. This is due to the ultrasonic field breaking the dendrites and promoting the flow of molten Al; squeeze casting increases the cooling rate and stimulates the nucleation temperature of α-Al. The size of the θ′ phase after compound field treatment is smaller because more Cu atoms are dissolved in the Al matrix, so the θ' strengthening phase is finely dispersed in the Al alloy matrix. It is concluded that the compound field of UT and SC is a potentially advantageous process to refine the microstructure of Al alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: FeNi36 (Invar-36) alloy is widely used in the fabrication of molding tools in aerospace industries but there remains a need to improve its wear and friction performance due to its relatively low hardness. The formation of a heat affected zone (HAZ) on the surface of Invar-36 cut by wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) is promising to enhance its tribological properties. This study aims to investigate the tribological performance of WEDM-treated Invar-36 via a ball-on-disk tribometer in dry-sliding conditions. Design/methodology/approach: The untreated and WEDM-treated Invar-36 surfaces were reciprocated against an alumina ball at a sliding velocity of 40 mm/s, a stroke length of 10 mm and a sliding duration of 125 min under loads of 5, 10 and 20 N. The worn surfaces were characterized using a 2D profilometry and a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Findings: The results showed that the WEDM-treated surface had a superior friction coefficient and wear resistance in comparison to the untreated surface, due to the grown HAZ. There was found to be a 9.3%–11.4% decrease in the friction coefficient and a 47%–57% reduction in the wear volume after the WEDM treatment. Both the untreated and WEDM-treated Invar-36 surfaces found abrasion and plastic deformation as the dominant wear mechanisms. Originality/value: Previous works have not focused on the tribological performance of the WEDM-treated Invar-36 extensively used for molding tools in aerospace industries. Our findings provide compelling evidence that the WEDM treatment improved the wear and friction performance of Invar-36 alloy because of the grown HAZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing element substitution to enhance the hydrogen storage capabilities of Mg-based alloys represents a promising approach in the quest for efficient energy storage solutions. Thereby, in this paper, Ni is chosen to substitute a portion of Mg in a Ce–Mg-based alloy aimed at improving its hydriding and dehydriding performance. Mg 77+ x Ni 20- x Ce 3 (x = 0, 5, 10, 15) alloys are successfully prepared by the vacuum induction melting method. The structural characterizations of the alloys are performed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The alloys are composed of a primary phase of Mg 2 Ni, lamella eutectic composites of Mg + Mg 2 Ni, and some amount of CeMg 12 and Ce 2 Mg 17. In the as-cast Mg 87 Ni 10 Ce 3 alloy, the Mg 2 Ni phase disappears, transforming into a typical eutectic structure of hundreds of nanometers thick Mg–Mg 2 Ni lamellas. This structure significantly enhances the hydrogen storage kinetics, with a hydrogen absorption capacity of 5.66 wt% at 653 K and a desorption capacity of 5.45 wt% over 2 h at 683 K, outperforming other alloys. Moreover, its peak hydrogen release temperature is significantly lower than that of the Mg 92 Ni 5 Ce 3 alloy. The formation of the CeH 2.29 phase within the alloy acts as a catalyst, effectively improving the exothermic and endothermic kinetics of hydrogen absorption and desorption, resulting in a much lower hydrogen desorption activation energy compared to MgH 2. However, the variation in the activation energy of the alloy remains limited, ranging between 66.6 ∼71.1 kJ/mol. [Display omitted] • Mg 77+ x Ni 20- x Ce 3 (x = 0, 5, 10, 15) alloys were prepared in an induction furnace. • Ni substituting for Mg significantly lowers the peak temperature of hydrogen release. • Ni substituting for Mg reduces the desorption activation energy values. • The Mg 87 Ni 10 Ce 3 alloy can absorb more than 5.66 wt % H 2 within 120 min at 653K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study investigates the impact of phytic acid (PA) on the corrosion behavior and charge-discharge processes of Pb-2 %In alloy. • Results demonstrate that PA acts as an efficient inhibitor for Pb-2 %In alloy anode in a 4.0 M H 2 SO 4 solution. • The highest inhibition efficiency (≈ 97.3 %) was achieved with 1 × 10−3 M of PA inhibitor in 4.0 M H 2 SO 4 at 35 °C. • SEM studies confirmed the presence of an adsorbed film from PA on the exterior side of the Pb-2 %In alloy electrode. • These findings highlight the potential of utilizing phytic acid as an effective additive for Pb-2 %In alloy anodes in lead-acid battery applications. This study investigates the impact of phytic acid on the corrosion behavior and charge-discharge processes of Pb-2 %In alloy, which is commonly used as an anode material in lead-acid batteries. Potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, as well charge-discharge technique were utilized to conduct investigation both in the absence as well exist of phytic acid (PA) as an inhibitor. In addition, utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques were carried out for further investigations. Results obtained indicated that PA is an efficient inhibitor for Pb-2 % In as anode in 4 M H 2 SO 4 solution. The inhibitory effectiveness (η %) for Pb-2 % In alloy rises with a rising dose of PA and also rises with rising temperature. The lead acid battery's anode was well enhanced due to the highest inhibition efficiency (≈ 97.3 %), which has been attained in the existence of 1 × 10−3 M of PA inhibitor in 4 M H 2 SO 4 at a temperature of 35 °C. The presence of an adsorbed film from PA was confirmed by SEM studies of the electrode exterior side. One might conclude that an increase in inhibitory effect η % with temperature is an indication that inhibitor molecules are being chemically deposited on the exterior side of Pb-2 %In alloy. DFT data confirms the suggested action of PA towards the inhibition effect and enhancement of the charge-discharge performance of the studied alloy. These findings shed light on the potential of utilizing phytic acid as an effective additive for Pb-2 %In alloy anodes in lead-acid battery applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted with a high level of thoroughness. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) were used to analyze the phase composition and microstructure of the AM-2024Al and the RO-2024Al. The hardness and porosity of the AM-2024Al, as well as the bonding strength between AM-2024Al and RO-2024Al, were also investigated. Furthermore, the corrosion and tribocorrosion properties and failure mechanisms of the AM-2024Al and the RO-2024Al were systematically and thoroughly compared and analyzed. The results of this comprehensive study revealed that the AM-2024Al displayed a similar phase structure and higher hardness in comparison to the RO-2024Al, and the AM-2024Al was compact and tightly bound to the RO-2024Al with a bonding strength of over 55.5 MPa. Furthermore, the AM-2024Al exhibited better corrosion resistance under PDP (potentiodynamic polarization) corrosion and similar wet sliding wear resistance under an approximate pure friction process (OCP corrosion, namely open circuit potential corrosion) and tribocorrosion compared with the RO-2024Al. These findings provide a high level of confidence in the potential of cold spraying additive manufacture 2024Al as a reliable way to repair damaged RO-2024Al. [Display omitted] • The tribocorrosion is first reported for the CS additive manufacturing 2024Al alloy. • The AM-2024Al exhibits superior anti-corrosion compared to the RO-2024Al. • The AM-2024Al has a comparable tribocorrosion resistance to the RO-2024Al. • Splats (AM-2024Al) and grains (RO-2024Al) are partly peeled during the tribocorrosion. • A plastic deformation layer was generated in the wear track surfaces of the two 2024Al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure, phase composition, precipitates evaluation, casting, and mechanical properties of the novel cast Al-4Cu-2.1Er-1Mg-0.2Zr-0.2Cr-0.15Fe-0.15Si-0.1Ti alloy were analyzed using by optical microscope, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, differential scanning calorimetry, thermodynamic calculations, hot cracking and mechanical properties measurements. The positive effect of Cr as a substitution of Mn on plasticity and precipitation strengthening was demonstrated. The 0.2Zr, 0.2Cr and 0.1 Ti as a grain refiners provide a fine grain size of 25 μm in the as-cast state due to primary Al 75–80 Cu 10–12 Er 3–4 Cr 7 phase particles formation as a nucleation centers of Al. The hot cracking index (HCI) of the AlCuErMgCr alloy was 12–14 mm which is similar with HCI of the cast Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys. The good casting properties in the AlCuErMgCr alloy achieved due to a fine grain structure and narrow solidification range. The contribution of the Al 3 (Zr,Er) (40 nm), Al 45 Cr 7 (6 nm), and S'(θ') (100/5 nm) precipitates is 38.5 MPa, 140.4 MPa, and 198.9 MPa and the calculated contribution from dislocation and precipitates is 262.3 MPa. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation (El.) of the AlCuErMgCr alloy are 372 MPa and 6% which is higher in 16.6% and 150%, respectively, than in the Mn-containing alloy. Novel alloy has an excellent combination of yield strength (YS) and plasticity at 20–250°C. The YS and El. are 301 MPa and 6% and 225–250 MPa and 4.6–11.5% at 20 and 200–250°C, respectively. The rupture strength at 250°C after 100 h (σ 100 250) is 106 MPa. Mechanical and casting properties of the novel alloy are superior to the properties of commercial 201.0 (Al-Cu-Mn-Mg-Ag-Ti) alloy. • Cr, replacing Mn, had a positive impact on both plasticity and precipitation strengthening. • 0.2Zr, 0.2Cr, and 0.1Ti as grain refiners resulted in the formation of primary Al 75–80 Cu 10–12 Er 3–4 Cr 7 phase particles. • The AlCuErMgCr alloy displayed an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 372 MPa and an elongation (El.) of 6%. • The rupture strength at 250°C after 100 hours was determined to be 106 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure and properties of the aged Cu-Cr-Zr-Nb alloy were studied by means of hardness tester, universal tensile testing machine, conductivity meter, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The results indicated that the hardness and TS (tensile strength) of the Cu-Cr-Zr-Nb alloy increased first and subsequently decreased with increasing the aging temperature. Nevertheless, the electrical conductivity is gradually increasing. The aged Cu-Cr-Zr-Nb alloy was mostly made up of Cu matrix, Cr particles, Cr 2 Nb, and CuZr compounds. Due to the effects of dislocations accumulated by cold drawing and twins produced during the aging process, the softening temperature of the alloy reached 590 ℃. When the Cu-Cr-Zr-Nb alloy was aged at 490 ℃, < 111 > replaced < 110 > in the optimal orientation of the alloy, and the KAM (kernel average misorientation) value inside the alloy was the largest. The alloy exhibited great comprehensive properties at 490 ℃ for 1 h, with a hardness of 144.4 HBW, a TS of 521 MPa, and an electrical conductivity of 78.3%IACS. The contribution value of YS (yield strength) at different aging temperatures was further calculated. The computational results showed that precipitation strengthening was the main strengthening mechanism of the Cu-Cr-Zr-Nb alloy, and fine-grained strengthening and dislocation strengthening simultaneously played a supplementary role. • Due to the effects of dislocations accumulated by cold drawing, precipitation strengthening of Cr and twins produced during the aging process, the softening temperature of the Cu-Cr-Zr-Nb alloy reaches 590 ℃. • The Cu-Cr-Zr-Nb alloy exhibits great comprehensive properties at 490 ℃ for 1 h, with a hardness of 144.4 HBW, a tensile strength of 521 MPa, and an electrical conductivity of 78.3 %IACS. • The computational results show that precipitation strengthening is the main strengthening mechanism of the Cu-Cr-Zr-Nb alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bi 2 Te 3 doped with Se, Sb and Na with various amounts were synthesized by simple melting. • Transport properties have been studied over the temperature range 283–473 K. • Se-doped Bi 2 Te 3 showed interestingly high ZT values at high temperatures. • The maximum ZT was recorded at 1.97 for the highest Sb-doped Bi 1.94 Sb 0.06 Te 3 at 430 K. Bulk alloys of Bi 2 Te 3 doped with various amounts of Se, Sb and Na were synthesized by simple melting. Structural and morphological properties have been checked using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations. XRD and SEM investigations revealed that the obtained samples are of high crystallinity with the structural characteristics of the Bi 2 Te 3 phase. Electrical and thermoelectric properties of the prepared samples were investigated over the temperature range 283–473 K. Seebeck coefficient and electrical and thermal conductivities were measured and studied as functions of temperature between 283 K and 473 K. The power factor (PF) was calculated and examined against the temperature increasing, as well. The thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) was estimated from the materials power factor and thermal conductivity. The Sb-doped alloy exhibited the largest power factor, recorded at 285.23 µW/m.K2 at 430 K. On the other side, the Sb-doped and the Na-doped Bi 2 Te 3 showed increased ZT than that of the pristine alloy. The maximum ZT was recorded at 1.97 for the highest Sb-doped Bi 1.94 Sb 0.06 Te 3 sample, observed at 430 K. It is believed that the increased number of grain boundaries besides the decreased grain size are main reasons behind the high observed ZT in this work, especially because the phonon scattering on grain boundaries results in reducing the lattice part of the thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Experimental investigation of wetting behaviour in Cu-In alloy is carried out. • Studies based on scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy are carried out to identify wetting behaviour. • Indium seems to considerably affect the wetting transition at triple grain junction. This work investigates Cu-In alloy at 15% indium for wetting behaviour after heat treatment at 800 ⁰C. The system is observed to show wetting behaviour at triple junction (grain junction) through Scanning electron microscope imaging. It is observed in energy dispersive spectroscopy that after annealing, increased segregation of indium near triple junction is responsible for this wetting behaviour. The current work is critical to development of advanced materials with better mechanical characteristics at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn alloy has attracted much attention as a biodegradable material for biomedical applications. However, due to the significant strain softening of Zn alloys, how to break the bottleneck of synergistic yield strength and uniform elongation is an urgent problem to be solved. In this work, a Zn-2.3Cu-0.8Mn (wt.%) alloy was fabricated via low-temperature extrusion and annealing at 330 °C for 1 h to attain dual heterostructures with bimodal grains and multi-scale second phases, focusing on the effect of heterostructure on the mechanical properties. Uniaxial tensile test and loading-unloading-reloading test were applied to reveal the mechanical properties of the Zn-2.3Cu-0.8Mn alloy, while scanning electron microscope, electron backscatter diffraction, and transmission electron microscope were used to characterize its microstructure. Compared with the as-extruded alloy with uniform and fine grains, 330–1 alloy achieves a better combination of strength and uniform elongation (yield strength: 287.8 ± 8.5 MPa, ultimate tensile strength: 321.4 ± 6.8 MPa, and uniform elongation: 14.2 ± 1.8%). The high strength was primarily attributed to the coordination of grain boundary strengthening, hetero-deformation induced strengthening, Orowan strengthening, and dislocation strengthening. Besides, the coarse grains, twinning, as well as the suppression of grain boundary sliding and phase boundary sliding promoted dislocation proliferation and storage capacity, thereby improving work hardening capacity. The large strain hardening capacity was responsible for excellent plasticity. This study provides a feasible strategy for the design of Zn-based alloys with an excellent combination of high strength and strain hardening capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain a robust diffusion-bonded joint at a relatively low temperature, Nb foil was applied as an interlayer to the diffusion bonding of Zr-4 alloy, and a wide process parameter involving the bonding temperature of 720–820 °C and holding time of 30–120 min was investigated to reveal the evolution of interfacial structure and mechanical properties of the joints. The β-(Zr, Nb) and Widmanstädter microstructure formed at the interface induced by the eutectoid transformation of the diffused Zr and Nb at the bonding temperatures over 740 °C. The phase structure and the thickness of β-(Zr, Nb) layer were not considerably influenced by the increase in diffusion parameters while the Widmanstädter zone thickened significantly. Moreover, the tensile strength and elongation of the resultant joints could be stabilized above 433 MPa and 7.8%, respectively, when the bonding temperature exceeded 760 °C with a holding time of 30 min. By extending the holding time to 60 min at 760 °C, the tensile strength and elongation could reach 454 MPa and 12.6%, respectively, comparable to those obtained at an elevated temperature of 820 °C for 30 min. Additionally, the samples fractured at the diffusion layer were characterized by the in-situ tensile test under the scanning electron microscope, and it was discovered that the crack initiation and propagation process occurred mainly between the β-(Zr, Nb) and Widmanstädter diffusion zone. • The well-bonded Zr-4 joints were achieved by the application of Nb interlayer. • The diffusion layer consisted of β-(Zr, Nb) and Widmanstädter microstructure. • The Nb addition lowered bonding temperature without weakening tensile properties. • The fracture occurred between the β-(Zr, Nb) and Widmanstädter diffusion zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the bonding strength of the 6061 Al alloy with the plating layer and enhance the corrosion resistance, a Cu/Co-Mo corrosion-resistant plating layer was deposited on its surface. Through Scanning Electron Microscope, it is found that Cu/Co-Mo and the substrate can form an obvious three-layer composite structure, and X-ray diffraction detects that the Co Mo coating is an alloy with obvious amorphous characteristics, and its phase composition is Co 3 Mo. After performance testing, the composite coating improved the corrosion resistance and hardness of the substrate and could play a good role in protecting the 6061 Al alloy. In addition, the mechanism of induced codeposition of Co Mo alloy was investigated, and the deposition of Mo6+ was determined by cyclic voltammetry to be a three-step six-electron irreversible reduction reaction. Chronopotentiometry revealed that Mo6+ underwent a diffusion-controlled transient nucleation process. The AC impedance indicated that the selection of a suitable voltage is beneficial to reduce the hydrogen precipitation reactions during electrodeposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]