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Dynamic mechanical properties of the selected laser melting (SLM)-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 high-entropy alloy (HEA) are further improved by controlling the molten pool structure and the generation of σ-phase precipitation particles. In this study, a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was used for testing the dynamical mechanical properties of the quenched SLM-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA specimens. Microstructure and volume fraction of the σ precipitates were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the small angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique. After heating to 800 ℃, holding for 8 h and water quenching, the molten pool boundary of the SLM-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA disappear, and the ultimate compressive strength and the impact energy of specimens reach 1970 MPa and of 217.45 MJ·m−3, respectively. Due to the segregation of Mo elements in the molten-pool boundary of the as-build SLM-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA, more σ precipitates tend to form at the residual molten pool boundary of the quenched SLM-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA. The σ precipitates play key role in strengthening of the SLM-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA. • Annealed SLM- NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA has larger ultimate compressive strength and the impact energy. • Lots of σ precipitates generate at the residual molten pool boundary. • Small angle neutron scattering technique is used to analyze the volume fraction of σ precipitates. • The σ precipitates play key role in strengthening of the SLM-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cost-effective iron-rich non-equiatomic Fe 50 Mn 20 Al 15 Ni 10 Co 5 medium entropy alloy (MEA) was synthesized by vacuum induction melting. The as-cast alloy exhibits a multiphase microstructure with the ordered B2 (a= 2.90 ± 0.01 Å), disordered body-centred cubic (BCC) (a= 2.89 ± 0.01 Å) and face-centred cubic (FCC) (a= 3.61 ± 0.02 Å) phases. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to confirm the structure of the evolved phases. The columnar dendrites having a width in the range of 120–300 µm were observed in the as-cast structure. The formation of Ni-Al rich B2 precipitates in the BCC matrix was confirmed based on detailed microstructural characterization using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and TEM. The phase separation in the form of modulated structure of ordered B2 and disordered BCC phase was related to the spinodal decomposition. The formation of the FCC phase at and near the grain boundaries is linked to simultaneous nucleation and growth mechanisms, which occur during the solidification. The as-cast alloy has shown an average compressive yield strength of ∼1250 MPa and ultimate strength of ∼1675 MPa, along with a compressive strain of ∼42%. The optimum balance of strength and ductility is achieved due to the formation of the hard (B2, BCC) and soft (FCC) phases and their interplay during the deformation process. These encouraging results of the alloy in the as-cast state have provided the direction to design and develop such economically viable alloys, which could be produced at industrial scale. • A novel cost-effective Fe 50 Mn 20 Al 15 Ni 10 Co 5 MEA was synthesized by vacuum induction melting. • Alloys exhibits two phase structure of BCC and FCC in as-cast state. • The modulated structure of B2 and BCC was related to spinodal decomposition. • The optimum balance of strength and ductility is achieved in the alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single-phase TiNbZrMo x (x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were prepared by arc melting. The relation between molybdenum, microstructure, mechanical properties and wear resistance was investigated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), universal tensile tester, hardness tester, friction tester, and wear tester. The results showed that TiNbZrMo x alloys were composed of a single BCC phase. With the increase of Mo elements, the crystallite size of the as-cast alloy decreased first and then increased, both the alloy strength and hardness were increased and compressive strain plasticity was decreased. TiNbZrMo 0.5 has the best comprehensive performance with a yield strength of 1.0 GPa, compressive strength of 1.3 GPa, and hardness of 429 HV; compared with TiNbZrMo 0 , yield strength increased by 77.32%, compressive strength increased by 25.14%, and hardness increased by 70.24%; and its specific wear rate decreased by 50%, while it's compressive plasticity only decreased by 5%. • The addition of appropriate amounts of molybdenum improves the strength, hardness and wear resistance of TiNbZrMo x HEAs. • Compared to TiNbZr, TiNbZrMo 0.5 has the best overall performance. • The main wear mechanisms of TiNbZrMo x (x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1) are abrasive wear and oxidative wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed at investigating the superiorities of multilayer graphene (MLG) and β-Si 3 N 4 whisker (β-Si 3 N 4w) in synergistically enhancing the toughness of Si 3 N 4 ceramic composites. First, Si 3 N 4 ceramic composites with hybrid 1 wt% MLG and 0 – 5 wt% β-Si 3 N 4w were sintered by spark plasma sintering. Phase constitutions and microstructures of Si 3 N 4 -based ceramic composites were characterized by X-rays diffraction, Raman spectra, and scanning electron microscope. Then, the optimal β-Si 3 N 4w content and sintering process of MLG/β-Si 3 N 4w -toughened Si 3 N 4 ceramic composites were comprehensively optimized by orthogonal experiments. Results indicated that in the case of maintaining the hardness of 15.87 – 18.84 GPa, the fracture toughness of Si 3 N 4 ceramic composites incorporated with 1 wt% MLG and 3 wt% β-Si 3 N 4w was advanced to 11.04 MPa·m1/2, which was 11.29% and 87.12% higher than that of 1 wt% MLG- and 3 wt% β-Si 3 N 4w -reinforced Si 3 N 4 ceramic composites, respectively. Orthogonal experiments demonstrated that 1 wt% MLG/3 wt% β-Si 3 N 4w -toughened Si 3 N 4 ceramic composites sintered at 1600 ℃, 40 MPa, and holding time for 6 min had optimum comprehensive mechanical properties. MLG wrapping and the synergistic effects of pull out, crack deflection, crack branching, and bridging resulted by MLG and β-Si 3 N 4w were the main responsible for the enhancement of toughness. [Display omitted] • MLG/β-Si 3 N 4w synergistic toughened Si 3 N 4 ceramics were sintered by SPS. • Fracture toughness of Si 3 N 4 -based ceramics was enhanced to 11.04 MPa·m1/2. • Optimal contents of MLG and β-Si 3 N 4w were 1 wt% and 3 wt%. • Optimum sintering process were 1600 ℃, 40 MPa, and holding time for 6 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As-explosive welded clad plates usually show poor ductility due to heavily deformed microstructures developed after explosive welding (EXW). In this study, the feasibility of improving mechanical properties of an EXWed Mg–6Al–1Zn–1Ca (AZX611)/Al–0.6Mg–0.6Si–0.1Fe (A6005C) (all in wt%) clad plate has been explored by subsequent hot-rolling. Increasing the thickness reduction per pass from 10% to 28% or decreasing the rolling temperature from 430 °C to 250 °C is shown to enhance tensile properties. The joint sheet rolled at 250 °C with a thickness reduction per pass of 28% shows a large fracture elongation of 15%, which is significantly higher than that of the as-EXWed clad plate, 1.2%. Microstructure characterization by means of scanning electron microscope, electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscope reveals that the substantial improvement in ductility is intimately related to a significant reduction of the accumulated strain in AZX611 and A6005C alloy sheets and an elimination of the interface delamination formed during EXW. A certain degree of anisotropic mechanical properties is observed in all sheets regardless of rolling conditions, which can be ascribed to the mechanical anisotropy originated from the AZX611 and A6005C alloy sheets. • Producing high performance lightweight Mg/Al joint sheets by explosive welding followed by conventional hot rolling. • Characterizing microstructure and evaluating mechanical properties of EXWed Mg/Al joint sheets rolled in different conditions. • Providing an in-depth understanding of the relationship between rolling condition, microstructure and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mg-12Gd-2Er-0.4Zr (GE122K) is fabricated by double extrusion, and the effects of grain refinement and precipitate evolution on the mechanical performance of the extruded alloys are deeply analyzed. Scanning electron microscope results spectacle that some bulky precipitates in the single extruded alloy are fragmented to fine precipitates during double extrusion and distribute linearly along the extrusion direction (ED). The fine precipitates exhibit the strongest dispersion strengthening effect, whereas the bulky precipitates act as crack resources and decrease the elongation. After double extrusion, a refined grain structure with an average grain size of 2.7 µm is achieved, which is attributed to dynamic recrystallization (DRX). Moreover, double extrusion boosts the content of rare-earth elements into the matrix by dissolving the fine precipitates. During aging, extensive β′ precipitates form in the double extruded alloy than in the single extrude alloy. As a result, refined grains and strong precipitation strengthening make a significant contribution to a high yield strength (YS) of 422 ± 1.59 MPa with an elongation (EL) of 6.5 ± 0.89% in the double extruded+peak-aged alloy (ACX2). The possible strengthening mechanisms are discussed, and it is found that grain refinement and precipitate strengthening are the main contributors to the high strength of the GE122K alloy. Fabrication of Mg-12Gd-2Er-0.4Zr (wt%) alloy via double extrusion+aging with excellent mechanical performance. [Display omitted] • A facile and robust fabrication mechanism is adopted to attain an excellent balance of yield strength and elongation. • Grain refinement and precipitates have different effects on the strength of Mg-12Gd-2Er-0.4Zr alloy. • The β′ precipitate strengthening is the dominate strengthening mechanism during aging treatment of the extruded alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A 3D Microstructure-based finite element modeling of TiB 2 /Cu composites was established. • Numerical evaluation and experimental verification of mechanical properties and fracture behavior for TiB 2 /Cu composites are implemented. • It provides useful guidelines for optimum composite structures design in TiB 2 /Cu composites. [Display omitted] In this paper, according to the geometric characteristics of TiB 2 particle acquired from the scanning electron microscopes (SEM), computational structural modeling of TiB 2 /Cu composites is performed, in which the size, shape, position, volume fraction and proportion of TiB 2 particles are numerically reproduced to be similar to those of the actual micro-structures of TiB 2 /Cu composites. The ductile damage and failure behaviors for matrix, the elastic brittle failure for the particle reinforcement, and the traction-separation for interface, were independently simulated in this model. Four evaluation indexes such as elastic modulus, yield strength, tensile strength and elongation are used to assess the comprehensive mechanical properties of composites. Load-bearing capability of the TiB 2 /Cu composites is investigated by analyzing the stress and strain distribution of particles, interface and matrix. The validity of the simulation results is verified by the agreement of the experimental stress-strain curve and the morphology of fracture section. The effects of particle size, shape, volume fraction and proportion of TiB 2 particles on the mechanical behavior are presented. The present work may provide useful guidelines for optimum composite structures design and industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy, as an important lightweight structural material in the aerospace field, has ushered in a broader application space and proposed higher performance requirements. This paper presents the experimental investigation of the effect of Zr content on the microstructure refinement and performance improvement of cast Al-5.8Zn-2.3Mg-1.7Cu alloy, aiming to optimize the additional amount of Zr, refine the alloy grains, and improve the microstructure uniformity and mechanical properties. The chemical component, phase, and microstructure were observed by inductively coupled plasma, X-ray diffraction, optical microscope and scanning electron microscope; the hardness and mechanical properties were measured by Brinell hardness tester and tensile testing machine. The addition of different contents of Zr into the alloy can form fine dispersed or primary coarse Al 3 Zr phase, which has a significant effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy. The results indicate that the addition of 0.05 wt% Zr does not significantly improve the grain refinement and mechanical properties, but the Brinell hardness reaches the maximum. As the Zr content rises, the grain refinement effect becomes more obvious, while the mechanical properties first increase and then decrease. The addition amount reaches 0.20 wt%, the second dendrite arm spacing is the smallest, the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation at room temperature reach the maximum of 296.74 MPa, 249.41 MPa and 8.26%, respectively. When the amount of Zr added exceeds 0.20 wt%, the existence of coarse and brittle primary Al 3 Zr phase reduces the mechanical properties, and the fracture morphology changes from ductile to brittle intergranular fracture. • Zr element can refine the alloy grains. The higher the amount of Zr added, the more obvious the grain refining effect. • With the increase of Zr content, the mechanical properties of the alloy will first increase and then decrease. • When Zr content is excessive, the Al 3 Zr phase is the reason for the decrease in toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]