Search

In this article, hot compression tests on the additively produced 18Ni-300 maraging steel 18Ni-300 were carried out on the Gleeble thermomechanical simulator in a wide temperature range (900–1200 °C) and at strain rates of 0.001 10 s−1. The samples were microstructurally analysed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). This showed that dynamic recrystallization (DRX) was predominant in the samples tested at high strain rates and high deformation temperatures. In contrast, dynamic recovery (DRV) dominated at lower deformation temperatures and strain rates. Subsequently, the material constants were evaluated in a constitutive relationship using the experimental flow stress data. The results confirmed that the specimens are well hot workable and, compared with the literature data, have similar activation energy for hot working as the conventionally fabricated specimens. The findings presented in this research article can be used to develop novel hybrid postprocessing technologies that enable single-stage net shape forging/forming of AM maraging steel parts at reduced forming forces and with improved density and mechanical properties.

The paper introduces spatially stable Ni-supported bimetallic catalysts for CO2 methanation. The catalysts are a combination of sintered nickel mesh or wool fibers and nanometal particles, such as Au, Pd, Re, or Ru. The preparation involves the nickel wool or mesh forming and sintering into a stable shape and then impregnating them with metal nanoparticles generated by a silica matrix digestion method. This procedure can be scaled up for commercial use. The catalyst candidates were analyzed using SEM, XRD, and EDXRF and tested in a fixed-bed flow reactor. The best results were obtained with the Ru/Ni-wool combination, which yields nearly 100% conversion at 248 °C, with the onset of reaction at 186 °C. When we tested this catalyst under inductive heating, the highest conversion was observed already at 194 °C.

This article describes a new design solution for a hybrid bearing intended for use in prosumer wind turbines with a vertical axis of rotation of the turbine rotor. The automatic rotational speed-dependent load-switching, lubrication and cooling systems applied in the hybrid bearing ensure a particularly long service life and highly quiet running while maintaining high energy efficiency over the full rotational speed range of shafts with turbine rotors. The hybrid bearing design has been adapted to the use of lubricating fluids with the lowest possible viscosity, including oil-water emulsions and even water itself. The use of water as a lubricant makes the bearing system highly environmentally friendly and completely fire-safe.

In order to meet the expectations of the global industry in areas such as: energy, heating, aviation, automotive, railway, chemical, petrochemical, oil, gas, river and marine sectors, where material wear processes may occur due to the flow of water gas and steam or their mixtures with various degree of saturation at different pressures, the authors of this article have conducted research on the resistance to cavitation wear of a low-friction composite anti-wear PVD coating in the form of chromium nitride and tungsten carbide (CrN+WC/C) deposited by a physical method on the surface of structural elements in the form of cavitation generators operating in extreme conditions of cavitation wear. Structural elements were examined made of steel with the ferritic-perlitic structure of the P265GH grade and with the austenitic chromium-nickel structure of the X2CrNi18-9 (304L) grade with a protective composite low-friction coating applied onto their surfaces by the Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) technique, intended for operation in the cavitation wear environment. In order to obtain the results, the investigations of mass loss and roughness profile changes were conducted and the analysis of structural-metallographic morphology changes on the surfaces of structural elements was performed using a scanning electron microscope at voltages accelerating from 5 to 20kV using secondary electrons detection. The results of cavitation wear on the surface of structural elements were obtained using a digital microscope operating in 4K technology with a progressive scanning system.

Tests were carried out on two high-Mn steels: 27Mn-4Si-2Al-Nb with Nb microaddition and 24Mn-3Si-1.5Al-Nb-Ti with Nb and Ti microadditions. High-manganese austenitic steels, due to their good strength and plastic properties belong to the AHSS (Advanced High-Strength Steel) group and are used in the automotive industry. The main difficulties faced during the casting of the steel and hot working are hot cracks, which can appear in the surface of the ingot. Cracks on the edges of the sheet after hot rolling are the reason for cutting the edges of the sheet and increasing production costs and material losses. The main reason for the formation of hot cracks is the decrease in metal ductility in the high-temperature brittleness range (HTBR). The width of the HTBR depends on mechanical properties and microstructural factors, i.e., non-metallic inclusions or intermetallic phases at austenite grain boundaries. In this paper, a hot tensile test was performed. The research was performed on the GLEEBLE 3800 thermomechanical simulator. This test allows us to determine the width of the high-temperature brittleness range (HTBR), the Nil Strength Temperature (NST), the Nil Ductility Temperature (NDT), and the Ductility Recovery Temperature (DRT). Hot ductility was determined from the value of the reduction in area R(A). The obtained results make it possible to determine the temperature of the beginning of hot working from the tested high-Mn steels. Fractographic research enabled us to define mechanisms of hot cracking. It was found that hot cracks form as a result of disruptions in the liquid film on crystals’ boundaries.

Severe plastic deformation (SPD) processing techniques are applied to polycrystalline metallic materials in order to refine the grain size up to the sub-micrometre or nanometer level. The decrease in grain size to a sub-micrometre level is related to beneficial mechanical properties such as very high strength. The most widely applied SPD method is equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP). In distinction to traditional cold rolling or drawing, SPD techniques frequently employ cyclic strain paths that can lead to an essentially unchanged shape of the material sample after processing. In this paper, multi-axis compression is applied by using the MAXStrain (R) unit to impose cyclic compression in two mutually orthogonal directions. This study is aimed to realize the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of AlMg5Si2Mn aluminium cast alloy subjected to multi-axis compression. The microstructure of the alloy in the as-cast and as deformed state was characterized by light and scanning electron microscopy. The results reveal that multi-axis compression has a great influence on the evolution of microstructure and final mechanical properties. The enhanced mechanical properties are associated with the progressive formation of refined microstructure which is heterogeneously distributed across the sample.

KOBO type extrusion and following cyclic forging in two perpendicular directions at temperatures 150–200 °C were applied to new Mg–9Li–2Al–0.5Sc alloy to study its effect on strength and microstructure evolution. KOBO extrusion of as cast ingot caused significant grain refinement of (α + β) dual phase Mg–9Li–2Al–0.5Sc alloys down to range 1–10 μm for hcp α phase and 1–5 μm for the β phase as resulted from EBSD studies. At that stage ultimate tensile strength UTS of 168 MPa and elongation of 36% were attained. Additional deformation by cyclic forging alternatively from 2 perpendicular directions caused formation of much finer grains of average size of few hundred nm observed using TEM and close to 1 μm applying EBSD technique. Tensile strength increased after that operation above 200 MPa and elongation above 40%, which were the highest observed in the dual phase Mg–Li based alloys. Deformation by cyclic forging induced formation of strong texture with 0001 plane parallel to forging directions. Additional precipitates of size below 1 μm at α/β interfaces or within β phase were identified as hcp AlSc2 phase. Fine particles of hcp α phase were observed after severe plastic deformation SPD within β phase grains, as effect of diffusion assisted deformation. The amount of hcp α phase increased after SPD up to 70% from initial 40%. High density of defects at α/β interfaces on 0001 planes observed in HRTEM mode was responsible for promotion of hcp phase formation during SPD.

The main purpose of this publication was to describe in details the correlation between microhardness and scratch test results of the tested coatings deposited by PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) method on the cavitation generators working in cavitation environment. First coating in the form of composite layer CrN+WC/C and second WC/C plate coating were deposited on two selected steels which already are used or can be use on constructional elements working in a cavitation wear environment. Steel P265GH is commonly used for pressure devices working at elevated temperatures, with a ferritic – pearlitic structure, and the other tested steel from a group of stainless steels, i.e. chromium – nickel X2CrNi18-9 (304L) steel with an austenitic structure due to its corrosion resistance, it can also be used in these conditions. The tests results obtained allow to conclude composite CrN+WC/C coating exhibit better adhesion than WC/C plate coatings deposited on the both tested constructional steels. A critical load value for the CrN+WC/C coating spans between 29 and 34N and is 35-40% higher than for the plate WC/C coating.

When designing the individual subassemblies of machines or entire devices one has to draw special attention to the resistance of the elements working there, to tribological damages (mechanical, fatigue, adhesion, abrasion, hydrogen and other damages) as well as to non-tribological damages (corrosion, diffusion, cavitation, erosion, ablation and others). The main purpose of this publication was to examine the influence of the applied CrN+WC/C and WC/C protective coating deposited by PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) method on the cavitation wear processes of construction elements working in difficult cavitation environment. Two steels were selected for detailed examinations in the conditions of cavitation wear. The first one is P265GH steel commonly used for pressure devices working at elevated temperatures, with a ferritic – pearlitic structure, and the other derives from a group of stainless steels, i.e. chromium – nickel X2CrNi18-9 (304L) steel with an austenitic structure. The tests results obtained allow to conclude that the application of special low – friction protective coatings allows to reduce costs associated with selection of engineering materials for a substrate of constructional elements working in a cavitation wear environment. P265GH steel is 4.5 times cheaper than austenitic chromium – nickel X2CrNi18-9 (304L) steel, and if a CrN+WC/C and WC/C coating is deposited in this case, this considerably extends the working time of such elements in a cavitation environment.

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to determine influence of plastic deformation rate at room temperature on structure and mechanical properties of high-Mn austenitic Mn-Al-Si 25-3-3 type steel tested at room temperature. Design/methodology/approach: Mechanical properties of tested steel was determined using Zwick Z100 static testing machine for testing with the deformation speed equal 0.008 s-1, and RSO rotary hammer for testing with deformation speeds of 250, 500 and 1000s-1. The microstructure evolution samples tested in static and dynamic conditions was determined in metallographic investigations using light microscopy as well as X-ray diffraction. Findings: Based on X-ray phase analysis results, together with observation using metallographic microscope, it was concluded, that the investigated high-Mn X13MnAlSiNbTi25-3-3 steel demonstrates austenitic structure with numerous mechanical twins, what agrees with TWIP effect. It was demonstrated, that raise of plastic deformation rate produces higher tensile strength UTS and higher conventional yield point YS0.2. The UTS strength values for deformation rate 250, 500 and 1000 s-1 grew by: 35, 24 and 31%, appropriately, whereas in case of YS0.2 these were: 7, 74 and 130%, accordingly, in respect to the results for the investigated steel deformed under static conditions, where UTS and YS0.2 values are 1050 MPa and 700 MPa. Opposite tendency was observed for experimentally measured uniform and total relative elongation. Homogeneous austenitic structure was confirmed by X-ray diffractometer tests. Research limitations/implications: To fully describe influence of strain rates on structure and mechanical properties, further investigations specially with using transmission electron microscope are required. Practical implications: Knowledge about obtained microstructures and mechanical properties results of tested X13MnAlSiNbTi25-3-3 steel under static and dynamic conditions can be useful for the appropriate use of this type of engineering material in machines and equipment susceptible to static or dynamic loads. Originality/value: The influence of plastic deformation at room temperature under static and dynamic conditions of new-developed high-manganese austenitic X13MnAlSiNbTi25-3-3 steels were investigated.

Two MgLiAl alloys consisting either of α (hcp) + β (bcc) phases or only β phase were subjected to twist channel angular pressing TCAP (with helical component) or cyclic compression to a total strain of ∊ = 5 in order to study the effectiveness of various deformation modes on grain refinement. After the first TCAP pass grains of α phase were refined from 30 μm down to about 6 μm and of β phase from initial 200 μm down to 8 μm. MAXStrain cycling led to much finer grains of α and β phases in the range 200 – 300 nm causing higher hardening and indicating higher effectiveness of the process. The Li2MgAl precipitates were refined during severe plastic deformation (SPD) processes and in addition fine particles of hexagonal α phase of size below 100 nm were observed within the β phase showing orientation relationship (0001) α ‖ (011) β. Two-phase material after SPD showed deviation of about 1.5° from the ideal Burgers orientation relationship (0001) α ‖ (011) β.

Combined effects of strain and cooling path on hot deformation response and microstructure of low-carbon structural steel

The study is to investigate the physical, mechanical, and tribological properties of Al6063 alloy reinforced by Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) & compound Copper Nitrate (CuN2O6) processed via Powder Metallurgy (PM) Techniques. Incorporation of reinforcement in matrix material ranged from 6 to 12% Si3N4 in a 6-step interval, and 2 to 6%CuN2O6 in a two-step interval. The characterizations were made on the PM produced specimens using OM, EDS, XRD and hardness. The reinforcement particles were distributed uniformly is attributed by homogeneous mixer of matrix and reinforcements. The tests were carried out in accordance with ASTM Standards on the Al6063 alloy and its composites. The test findings show that as the reinforcing percentage of ceramic and inorganic compound is increased, properties such as hardness and density rise monolithically and considerably. The dispersion of Si3N4 and CuN2O6 reinforcement in the AA6061 matrix was ensured by x-ray diffraction patterns. In comparison to the base alloy, the hardness of AA6063/12%Si3N4/6% CuN2O6 improved by 88% due to the mismatch of thermal expansion between the Al matrix and reinforcement causes huge internal stress, causing the aluminium matrix to deform plastically to lodge the smaller volume expansion of Si3N4 and CuN2O6 particles. The dry sliding wear test was carried out on a tribometer with a pin-on-disc arrangement, and the findings show that the composite has a higher wear resistance. The Taguchi design of experiments was used to investigate the solution containing parameters employing an orthogonal array, the signal-to-noise ratio, and analysis of variance. The weight percentage of Si3N4/CuN2O6 compound and the relationship between wt% of reinforcement and applied load had the highest impact on composite wear resistance, accounted for 31.66%. Before and after the wear morphology during the wear test, images from a scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive microscopy were used to examine the manufactured composites.

In this paper, analytical results are compared for the newly developed steels, Fe-Mn-Al-C (X105) and Fe-Mn-Al-Nb-Ti-C (X98), after being hot-rolled and also after undergoing thermomechanical treatment in a Gleeble simulator. These steels have a relatively low density (~6.68 g/cm3) and a content of approx. 11% aluminum. The multistage compression of axisymmetric samples constituting a simulation of the real technological process and hot-rolling performed on a semi-industrial line were carried out using three cooling variants: in water, in air, and after isothermal heating and cooling in water. The temperature at the end of the thermomechanical treatment for all variants was 850 &deg, C. On the basis of detailed structural studies, it was found that the main mechanism for removing the effects of the strain hardening that occurred during the four-stage compression involved the dynamic recrystallization occurring in the first and second stages, the hot formability and dynamic recovery in successive stages of deformation, and the static and/or metadynamic recrystallization that occurred at intervals between individual deformations, as well as after the last deformation during isothermal heating. Analysis of the phase composition and structure allowed us to conclude that the tested steels have an austenitic-ferritic structure with carbide precipitates. Research using scanning and transmission electron microscopy identified &kappa, (Fe, Mn)3AlC and M7C3 carbides in both the analyzed steels. In addition, complex carbides based on Nb and Ti were identified in X98 steel, (Ti, Nb)C carbides occurred in the entire volume of the material. Slow cooling after thermomechanical treatment influenced the formation of larger &kappa, carbides at the border of the austenite and ferrite grains than in the case of rapid cooling. The size and morphology of the carbides found in the examined steels was varied. Back-scattered electron diffraction studies showed that wide-angle boundaries dominated in these steels.

Ti-Mn alloys exhibit an excellent potential for biomedical applications as well as structural engineering applications, especially in the aerospace industry. In order to control and enhance grain structure during the manufacturing of Ti-Mn alloys and thereby help to enhance mechanical properties such as strength and toughness, we studied the hot-deformation behavior of βTi-10Mn alloys. Isothermal compression tests were conducted in the strain rate range of 0.01–10 s−1 and temperatures in the range of 850–1000 °C using a Gleeble thermomechanical simulator. High-temperature flow stress curves exhibited discontinuous yielding and pronounced periodic serrations without any strain hardening during compression straining of these alloys. Such peculiar behavior of this alloy is due to active dynamic strain aging in its β-bcc structure. Metallographic observations by electron-backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis revealed that dynamic recovery (DRV) is more active than continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) when the alloy is deformed at high strain rates, i.e. higher than 1 s−1. Furthermore, the constitutive behavior of the alloy was modeled and the apparent hot-deformation activation energy of the alloy was estimated to be 243 kJ/mol, which is ~60% higher than the self-diffusion energy in pure titanium.

MgLiAl alloy containing 9 wt% Li and 1.5% Al composed of hexagonal α and bcc β phases was cast under protecting atmosphere and hot extruded. Various methods of severe plastic deformation were applied to study their effect on structure and grain refinement. Rods were subjected to 1–3 passes of Twist Channel Angular Pressing TCAP (with helical component), cyclic compression to total strain e = 5 using MAXStrain Gleeble equipment, both performed at temperature interval 160–200 °C and, as third SPD method, KOBO type extrusion at RT. The TCAP pass resulted in grain refinement of α phase from 30 μm down to about 2 μm and that of β phase from 12 to 5 μm. Maxstrain cycling 10 × up to e = 5 led to much finer grain size of 300 nm. KOBO method performed at RT caused average grain size refinement of α and β phases down to about 1 μm. Hardness of alloy decreased slightly with increasing number of TCAP passes due to increase of small void density. It was higher after MAXStrain cycling and after KOBO extrusion. TEM studies after TCAP passes showed higher dislocation density in the β region than in the α phase. Crystallographic relationship (001) α|| (110) β indicated parallel positioning of slip planes of both phases. Electron diffraction technique confirmed increase of grain misorientation with number of TCAP passes. Stress/strain curves recorded at temperature 200 °C showed superplastic forming after 1st and 3rd TCAP passes with better superplastic properties due to higher elongation with increasing number of passes. Values of strain rate sensitivity coefficient m were calculated at 0.29 after 3rd TCAP pass for strain rate range 10−5 to 5 × 10−3 s−1. Deformation by MAXStrain cycling caused much more effective grain refinement with fine microtwins in α phase. Superplastic deformation was also observed in alloy deformed by KOBO method, however the value of m = 0.21 was obtained at lower temperature of deformation equal to 160 °C and deformation rate in the range 10−5 to 5 × 10−3. Tensile samples deformed superplastically showed grain growth and void formation caused by grain boundary slip. Summarizing, all methods applied resulted in sufficient grain refinement to obtain the effect of superplastic deformation for alloys of two phase α + β structure.

Purpose: The aim of the work is to present the results of own investigations concerning the geometric optimisation of constructional elements working in the environment of cavitation wear together with a computer numerical analysis. The engineering material used for constructional elements working in the environment of cavitation wear is steel, commonly used for pressure devices working at elevated temperatures, P265GH, acc. to PN-EN 10028:2010. Design/methodology/approach: SOLID EDGE ST 7 software, for synchronous designing, was used for the parametrisation of the shape, distribution, configuration and size of openings in constructional elements. Five models, with a different spacing and number of openings, were proposed for the optimisation of internal geometry of the cavitation generator and for the investigations; the models were then subjected to a numerical analysis using specialised software, ANSYS FLUENT v.16, employed for modelling the effects associated with fluid mechanics (Computational Fluid Dynamics - CFD). The data was implemented for this purpose in the software used, such as: density, yield point, tensile strength, heat conductivity coefficient for steel P265GH, material surface roughness, medium (water) flow rate, constant pressure loss of medium, pressure of steam saturation in a medium; and such data was called boundary conditions. Findings: The authors’ principal accomplishment is the optimisation of the shape, the selection of the most appropriate geometry of a constructional element generating the maximum number of cavity implosions in the environment of a flowing medium (water), with the use of computer tools dedicated to engineering design: a 3D and numerical computer analysis of fluid mechanics, CFD. Moreover, an attempt was made in this work to develop a methodology for characterisation of the phenomena accompanying the environment of cavitation wear. Practical implications: A possibility of examining the phenomena and a process of wear of a constructional element made of P265GH grade steel for pressure devices working at elevated temperatures. The demonstration and presentation of potential places, areas and sizes of erosion existing on constructional elements working in the environment of cavitation wear.

The aim of the work was to analyse the impact of an eight-stage hot compression process carried out on the Gleeble3800 simulator, with three cooling variants after thermo-mechanical treatment of Fe-Mn-Al-C steels for their structure and mechanical properties. Performed research allowed to evaluate the impact on the structure and properties of simulation conditions for multi-stage rolling of difficult-to-treat thermomechanical steels for which this treatment is the final process of obtaining ready-to-use high-strength construction steels. Applied thermo-mechanical treatment causes that the main process of removing the effects of strain hardening is dynamic recovery, and static and metadynamic recrystallisation taking place after the last deformation but also between successive deformations, which was also confirmed on the basis of structural analysis of the tested steel after different cooling variants. As a result of the eight-stage hot compression test, the ferrite changed its distribution from fine grains occurring at the boundaries of austenite grains after forging, to elongated grains in a perpendicular direction to the compression direction. Isothermal heating at 850°C for 30s resulted in obtaining a fine-grained structure, statically or metadynamically recrystallised. The maximum tensile strength of the tested steels is about 1250 MPa, and the total elongation value is about 27%.

Equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) is a promising method for the processing of metals with an ultrafine-grain (UFG) structure of a few hundred nanometers in size. In this paper, the influence of solution treatment and artificial aging conditions, combined with a severe plastic deformation process on the AlMg3 aluminum alloy, was studied. Samples were processed up to six passes with the application of processing route Bc, in which the sample after each separate pass is rotated clockwise by 90 degrees. Optical microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction were used to investigate the microstructure evolution at particular stages of the investigation. To estimate the effect of the process parameters on the change of the strength of the alloy, tensile properties and hardness measurements were determined.

In this paper are presented the investigation results concerning microstructure as well as mechanical properties of the surface layer of cast aluminium-silicon-copper alloy after heat treatment alloyed and/ or remelted with SiC ceramic powder using High Power Diode Laser (HPDL). For investigation of the achieved structure following methods were used: light and scanning electron microscopy with EDS microanalysis as well as mechanical properties using Rockwell hardness tester were measured. By mind of scanning electron microscopy, using secondary electron detection was it possible to determine the distribution of ceramic SiC powder phase occurred in the alloy after laser treatment. After the laser surface treatment carried out on the previously heat treated aluminium alloys, in the structure are observed changes concerning the distribution and morphology of the alloy phases as well as the added ceramic powder, these features influence the hardness of the obtained layers. In the structure, there were discovered three zones: the remelting zone (RZ) the heat influence zone (HAZ) and transition zone, with different structure and properties. In this paper also the laser treatment conditions: the laser power and ceramic powder feed rate were investigated. The surface laser structure changes in a manner, that there zones are revealed in the form of. This carried out investigations make it possible to develop, interesting technology, which could be very attractive for different branches of industry.

The purpose of the paper is to investigate X73MnSiAlNbTi25-1-3 high manganese austenitic steel containing 0.73% C to determine structural mechanisms decisive for increasing a reserve of cold deformation energy of such steel. The influence of a strain rate on the structure of the investigated steels and on the structural mechanisms decisive for their properties was analysed. Specialist research instrumentation was used for this purpose such as Scanning Transmission Microscopy (including EBSD examinations), conventional and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy together with diffraction examinations and metallographic examinations. It was found that the principal cause of an increased reserve of cold deformation energy of the investigated steels in dynamic conditions is the activation of mechanical twinning in the mutually intersecting systems in austenite grains and annealing twins, which are densifying when a cold deformation rate is growing, thereby confirming the basic mechanism of TWIP (TWinning Induced Plasticity).

The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of high strain rates on the structure and mechanical properties of high-Mn austenitic TWIP steel. Low and high strain deformation rates in the range of 0.001 s–1 to 1000 s–1 have a significant effect on the forming of the structure and mechanical properties of high-manganese austenitic steel. Also, the strain energy per unit volume of advanced high-Mn TWIP steel containing Mn, Al and SI, with Nb and Ti microadditions, increases considerably in dynamic conditions. This group of steels not only shows excellent strength, but also excellent formability due to twinning, thereby leading to a unique combination of strength, ductility and formability when compared with conventional dual phase steels or transformation induced plasticity TRIP steels. The microstructure of the investigated steel was determined in metallographic investigations using scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopies (HRTEM). Results obtained in static and dynamic conditions for new developed high-manganese austenitic steel indicate their possible employment for the constructional elements of vehicles, especially passenger cars, to take advantage of the significant growth of their strain energy per unit volume. This guarantees a reserve of plasticity in the zones of controlled energy absorption during possible collision resulting from the activation of twinning induced by cold working, which may lead to a significant growth of the passive safety of these vehicles' passengers.

Equal channel angular pressing technique (ECAP) was used before and after solution heat treatment to obtain grain refinement and strengthening of commercial Al–Mg casting alloys. The experiments were performed to investigate the strengthening effect of the alloy after various post-ECAP ageing treatments. The alloys were severely deformed at room temperature following route Bc and die channel angle of 120°. It was found that heat treatment before and after ECAP significantly affect and improves mechanical properties of aluminium alloys. It was also proven that the severe plastic deformation causes grain refinement which directly influence on properties of AlMg alloys. An increase of strength and ductility was achieved by appropriate selection of post-ECAP ageing. It is also proven that the good strengthening effect is also achieved at temperatures lower than those usually used for ageing. Based on the findings above, the tensile properties and hardness of Al–Mg alloys are discussed.

The influence of the mass concentration of Ag on properties of Cu-Ni alloys is investigated. The effect of silver addition on the structure and properties of Cu-2Ni-1Si alloys is determined. The scientific aim of this research is to determine how the addition of silver affects the mechanisms of strengthening silver-modified supersaturated, deformed, and aged Cu-2Ni-1Si alloys. The applied thermo-derivative analysis has allowed us to determine a range of the temperature values for the beginning and the end of crystallization, the phases and eutectics, and the effects of the modification on the solid fraction of the solidified alloy. In addition to the crystallization kinetics, the microstructure morphology, mechanical properties under real operating conditions, and the electrical conductivity have also been investigated. Moreover, the conducted research includes the impact of heat treatment and plastic deformation on the alloy structure and considers the type, share, and distribution of the intermetallic phases and structural stresses caused by coherent phases, as well as the effect of dislocations in the reinforcing phases during aging. Electron microscopy (SEM), micro-area analysis (EDS), optical microscopy, hardness measurements, and conductivity of the tested alloys are utilized to comment on these properties.

The low-carbon high-Mn austenitic steel microalloyed with titanium was investigated in this work. The steel was solution heat-treated at different temperatures in a range from 900 to 1200 °C. The aim was to receive a different grain size before the static tensile test performed at room temperature. The samples of different grain sizes showed the different strain hardening behavior and resulting mechanical properties. The size of grain diameter below 19 μm was stable up to 1000 °C. Above this temperature, the very enhanced grain growth took place with the grain diameter higher than 220 μm at 1200 °C. This huge grain size at the highest temperature resulted in the premature failure of the sample showing the lowest strength properties at the same time. Correlations between the grain size, the major strengthening mechanism, and fracture behavior were addressed. The relationships were assessed based on microstructural investigations and fractography tests performed for the deformed samples. The best combination of strength and ductility was found for the samples treated at 1000−1100 °C.

The aim of this paper is to determine the high-manganese austenite propensity to twinning induced by the cold working and its effect on structure and mechanical properties, and especially the strain energy per unit volume of new-developed high-manganese Fe – Mn – (Al, Si) investigated steel, containing about 24,5 % of manganese, 1% of silicon, 3 % of aluminium and microadditions Nb and Ti with various structures after their heat- and thermo-mechanical treatments. The new-developed high-manganese Fe – Mn – (Al, Si) steel provide an extensive potential for automotive industries through exhibiting the twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) mechanisms. TWIP steel not only show excellent strength, but also have excellent formability due to twinning, thereby leading to excellent combination of strength, ductility, and formability over conventional dual phase steels or transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steels. Results obtained for high-manganese austenitic steel with the properly formed structure and properties in the thermo-mechanical processes indicate the possibility and purposefulness of their employment for constructional elements of vehicles, especially of the passenger cars to take advantage of the significant growth of their strain energy per unit volume which guarantee reserve of plasticity in the zones of controlled energy absorption during possible collision resulting from activation of twinning induced by the cold working as the fracture counteraction factor, which may result in significant growth of the passive safety of these vehicles' passengers.

Light alloys like aluminum and its alloys have excellent physical and mechanical properties for a number of applications. The use of aluminum alloys can significantly decrease the mass of automobiles without decreasing structural strength. Therefore, the reason of this work was to determine the optimal cooling rate values, to achieve good mechanical properties for protection of this aluminum cast alloy from losing their work stability, and to make it more resistant to action in hard working conditions. The carried out investigations have allow to found that changes in the cooling rate do not cause changes in the phase composition, revealing the Al2Cu and Al5FeSi phase especially, but only changes the morphology of α + β eutectic as well as the particle size and secondary dendrite arm spacing. As a result, the number of fine crystals in per unit volume increases, leading to a fine grain structure, which influences the recalescence temperature. The purpose of this research work is to investigate the thermo-derivative interdependencies occurred in analyzed aluminum cast alloys using Universal Metallurgical Simulator and Analyzer. For the investigation, the cast AlSi9Cu aluminum alloy was used. As a result of this research, the cooling rate influence on the structure and mechanical properties changes was investigated. The cooling rate was set in a variable range of 0.16–1.25 °C s−1, where the cooling rate of 0.16 °C s−1 corresponds to freely cooling, without any forced air flow.

The objective of this paper is to define the high-Mn austenitic steels susceptibility to twinning induced by the cold working and influence of it on microstructure and mechanical and plastic properties, and primarily the strain energy per unit volume of newly developed high-Mn austenitic TWIP (Twinning Induced Plasticity)-type steel which contains about 25% of Mn; 1% of Si and 3% of Al. TWIP steels not only present excellent strength, but also have outstanding formability due to twinning, through leading to an exceptional combination of strength, ductility and formability over conventional dual-phase steels. The essence of the investigation concerns the analysis of the importance of microstructure evolution during plastic deformation in ambient temperature. The microstructure of investigated high-Mn steel was determined in metallographic studies using optical microscope and also scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopes (HRTEM). Results achieved under static conditions for newly developed advanced high-Mn steel show the opportunity and purposefulness of their use for constructional elements of a body car, especially of the cars’ passenger to take advantage of the meaningful growth of their strain energy per unit volume. It can guarantee a reserve of plasticity in the specially constructed zones and thereby control energy absorption during a potential car accident by activation of twinning induced by cold working. It can also lead to significant growth of the passive safety of those cars’ passengers.

In this study, the change of the cooling rate in the range of about 0.1–1 °C s−1 and the addition of Sr on the crystallization kinetics of the cast zinc alloys of the ZnAlCu type, as well as its relation to the microstructure were also investigated. Therefore, the aim of the rapid crystallisation is the achievement of materials with better properties, which can be obtained by refinement of the dendritic or eutectic microstructure, elimination of segregation, or creation of metastable phases and their morphology changes. In the investigated alloys, the change of cooling rate of 1 °C s−1 has caused microstructure’s refinement as well as increase in hardness. Increase in the cooling rate causes also morphology changes of the η + α eutectic, and makes generally a global overcooling of the alloy as well as change in the temperatures at the beginning of crystallization T DN and of the alloy crystallization T S. The presented investigations concerning the electron microscopy methods, including transmission electron microscopy, allow revealing the crystallographic structure, based on the d-spacing changes, as well as the diffraction method used for phase determination, which is a helpful tool for the explanation of the important points in the thermo-derivative analysis curve, where the relation between the amount of phase and the occurrence of new phases can be determined.

Taking into consideration increased quantity of accessories used in modern cars, decreasing car’s weight can be achieved solely by optimization of sections of sheets used for bearing and reinforcing elements as well as for body panelling parts of a car. Application of sheets with lower thickness requires using sheets with higher mechanical properties, however keeping adequate formability. The goal of structural elements such as frontal frame side members, bumpers and the others is to take over the energy of an impact. Therefore, steels that are used for these parts should be characterized by high value of UTS and UEl, proving the ability of energy absorption. Among the wide variety of recently developed steels, high-manganese austenitic steels with low stacking faulty energy are particularly promising, especially when mechanical twinning occurs. Beneficial combination of high strength and ductile properties of these steels depends on structural processes taking place during cold plastic deformation, which are a derivative of SFE of austenite, dependent, in turn on the chemical composition of steel and deformation temperature. High-manganese austenitic steels in effect of application of proper heat treatment or thermo-mechanical treatment can be characterized by different structure assuring the advantageous connection of strength and plasticity properties. Proper determinant of these properties can be plastic deformation energy supply determined by integral over surface of cold plastic deformation curve. Obtaining of high strength properties with retaining the high plasticity has significant influence for the development of high-manganese steel groups and their significance for the development of materials engineering.

Recent development in group of Fe–Mn–Al–Si steels with high-manganese content demands for more research in thermo-mechanical treatment and development of microstructure in such steels. Hot working conditions on forming the structure and course of the heat activated processes, removing the strain hardening effects, have been investigated. The chemical compositions of two high-manganese austenitic TRIP/TWIP steels containing various Mn concentrations were developed. Additionally, the steels were microalloyed by Nb and Ti in order to control the grain growth under hot-working conditions. The force-energetic parameters of hot-working were determined in continuous and multi-stage compression test performed in temperature range from 850 to 1100 °C and strain rate of 0.1, 1, 10 s −1 using the Gleeble 3800 thermo-mechanical simulator. The microstructure of investigated steels was determined in metallographic investigations using light microscope as well as X-ray diffraction. It was found that the thermo-mechanical treatment conditions have no influence on phase composition of the investigated steels.

The high-manganese austenitic steels are an answer for new demands of automotive industry concerning the safety of passengers by the use of materials absorbing high values of energy during collisions. The chemical compositions of two high-manganese austenitic steels containing various Al and Si concentrations were developed. Additionally, the steels were microalloyed by Nb and Ti in order to control the grain growth under hot-working conditions. The influence of hot-working conditions on a recrystallization behaviour was investigated. Flow stresses during the multistage compression test were measured using the Gleeble 3800 thermo-mechanical simulator. To describe the hot-working behaviour, the steel was compressed to the various amount of deformation (4x0.29, 4x0.23 and 4x0.19). The microstructure evolution in successive stages of deformation was determined in metallographic investigations using light microscopy. The flow stresses are much higher in comparison with austenitic Cr-Ni and Cr-Mn steels and slightly higher compared to Fe-(15-25) Mn alloys. Making use of dynamic and metadynamic recrystallization, it is possible to refine the microstructure and to decrease the flow stress during the last deformation at 850°C. Applying the true strains of 0.23 and 0.19 requires the microstructure refinement by static recrystallization. The obtained microstructure – hot-working relationships can be useful in the determination of powerful parameters of hot-rolling and to design a rolling schedule for high-manganese steel sheets with fine-grained austenitic structures.

The high-manganese austenitic steels are an answer for new demands of automotive industry concerning the safety of passengers by the use of materials absorbing high values of energy during collisions. The chemical compositions of two high-manganese austenitic steels containing various Al and Si concentrations were developed. Additionally, the steels were microalloyed by Nb and Ti in order to control the grain growth under hot-working conditions. The influence of hot-working conditions on a recrystallization behaviour was investigated. Flow stresses during the multistage compression test were measured using the Gleeble 3800 thermo-mechanical simulator. To describe the hot-working behaviour, the steel was compressed to the various amount of deformation (4x0.29, 4x0.23 and 4x0.19). The microstructure evolution in successive stages of deformation was determined in metallographic investigations using light microscopy. The flow stresses are much higher in comparison with austenitic Cr-Ni and Cr-Mn steels and slightly higher compared to Fe-(15-25) Mn alloys. Making use of dynamic and metadynamic recrystallization, it is possible to refine the microstructure and to decrease the flow stress during the last deformation at 850°C. Applying the true strains of 0.23 and 0.19 requires the microstructure refinement by static recrystallization. The obtained microstructure – hot-working relationships can be useful in the determination of powerful parameters of hot-rolling and to design a rolling schedule for high-manganese steel sheets with fine-grained austenitic structures.

The aim of the paper is to determine the influence of hot deformation conditions on σ-ε curves and microstructure evolution of new-developed high-manganese C-Mn-Si-Al-Nb austenitic steel. The force-energetic parameters of hot-working were determined in continuous and multi-stage compression tests performed in a temperature range of 850 to 1100°C by the use of the Gleeble 3800 thermomechanical simulator. Evaluation of processes controlling work-hardening were identified by microstructure observations of the specimens water-quenched after various conditions of plastic deformation. Multi-stage compression tests with true strain of 0.29 permit to use the dynamic and metadynamic recrystallization for forming the fine-grained, austenite microstructure of steel in the whole range of deformation temperature.

This chapter presents results from investigations about high-manganese austenitic steels, which have gained increasing importance over the recent two decades. Intense research into this group of steels indicates the need for employing them in the global automotive sector, especially for constructional components of cars absorbing impact energy in road collisions. The examples of extensive research over this group of high-manganese austenitic steels have been pursued by the authors at the Division of Materials Processing Technology, Management and Computer Techniques in Materials Science, the Institute of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials of the Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland. The essence of the research concerns the designing of thermo-mechanical processing of selected high-manganese austenitic steels with carefully selected but diversified chemical composition in order to refine their structure and improve mechanical properties. Thermo-mechanical processing was performed using a thermo-mechanical simulator DSI (Dynamic System Inc.) Gleeble 3800. The results of the investigations performed with the DSI simulator allowed to design different variants of hot rolling consisting of several stages for the investigated high-manganese austenitic steels. Different processes controlling the curve of strain hardening could be used by applying the varied conditions of thermo-mechanical processing, and especially a diversified degree of deformation and isothermal heat treatment after finishing plastic working, such as dynamic recovery, dynamic recrystallization, and static recrystallization.