Novel investigation on tribological behavior of microwave synthesized functionally graded claddings

In this study, functional performance of Ni/Cr3C2 functionally graded claddings (FGCs) was investigated under dry sliding wear environment. The Ni/Cr3C2-based FGCs were produced by varying Cr3C2 fraction (Ni-XCr3C2) (X=10%–30% by weight) using microwave irradiation. The FGC layers were composed of cellular-structure with reinforced particles dispersed randomly inside Ni-based matrix. Variation of Cr3C2 particles inside Ni matrix exhibited significant impact on micro-structural and mechanical properties. The microhardness profile of the FGC layers showed an increase in hardness value with an increase in the amount of reinforced Cr3C2 particles. FGC top layers showed the maximum value of micro-hardness of 555 ± 34 HV. Functional performance of microwave processed FGCs was studied through the pin-on-disk tribometer under varying sliding velocity and sliding distances. For comprehension study, wear study was also carried out on microwave processed single layer clads with compositions corresponding to FGC layers. The FGC sample showed better wear resistance than all single clad layers and substrate material. The FGC sample exhibited 1.6 times less wear rate than the Ni-based + 30% Cr3C2 single layer clad. The worn-out surfaces of FGC and single-layer-clads showed presence of multiples cracks and grooves, which resulted in their weight loss during dry sliding contact. Material debonding and the formation of craters and cracks are the main phenomena responsible for the wear loss in the FGC surface.

Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of W-CuCrZr Joints Brazed with Cu-Ti Filler Alloy

The determination of the mechanical properties of a brazed joint is an important factor to reach the metallurgical level of a joint development. This paper evaluates the mechanical properties, and its correlation with the joint microstructure, of a W-CuCrZr joint brazed in a high vacuum furnace using 80Cu-20Ti flexible filler material in tape form. This joint is meant to be implemented in the divertor application in future fusion power plants. Main experimental parameters were a brazing temperature of 960 °C and a dwell time of 10 min. The microstructure of the joint was constituted by Cu solid solution and Cu4Ti phases. This last phase was distributed in the W-braze interface. Mechanical properties were evaluated by means of Vickers microhardness and mechanical tests by applying pure shear loads. The microhardness profile of the brazed joint indicated that W remained with the as-received hardness but CuCrZr base material was softened after the brazing procedure. Shear strength of 96 ± 15 MPa was obtained for the brazed joint and fracture propagated at the W-braze interface.

ANALYSIS AND MICROHARDNESS PROFILE OF HOT DIPPING COATING ON LOW-ALLOY STEEL

This research is an effort to understand the morphology of the coating produced during hot dipping process in pure zinc bath based on iron–zinc phase diagram. In this investigation, zinc coating on low-alloy steel AISI 4340 samples was applied by hot dipping method followed by an annealing process. Morphological characterizations of the steel surface layer were accomplished by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). Results revealed that the coating is bonded to the steel surface through a sequence of Fe–Zn layers namely alpha ([Formula: see text], delta ([Formula: see text] and zeta ([Formula: see text] with uniform sloping hardness profile.

Effect of Ultrasonic Nanocrystal Surface Modification on the Microstructure and Martensitic Transformation of Selective Laser Melted Nitinol

Nitinol has significant potential for biomedical and actuating-sensing devices, thanks to its functional properties. The use of selective laser melting (SLM) with Nitinol powder can promote novel applications aimed to produce 3D complex parts with integrated functional performances. As the final step of the production route, finishing processing needs to be investigated both for the optimization of the surface morphology and the limit alteration of the Nitinol functional properties. In this work, the effect of an advanced method of surface modification, ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM), on the martensitic transformation and microstructure of SLM built Ni50.8Ti49.2 (at.%) was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the UNSM process can generate stress-induced martensite, at least partially suppressing the martensitic transformation. The microhardness profile indicates that the UNSM process can affect the mechanical properties of the SLMed Nitinol sample in a range of up to approximately 750 μm in depth from the upper surface, while electron backscatter diffraction analysis highlighted that the initial austenitic phase was modified within a depth below 200 μm from the UNSMed surface.

Temperature Influence on Microstructure and Properties Evolution of Friction Stir Welded Al-Mg-Si Alloy

The temperature influence on the microstructure evolution and microhardness of the age-hardenable aluminium alloy 6082 T6 during friction stir welding was defined. In order to achieve this aim, the thermocycles calculated using the developed 3D Finite Element Model were physically simulated on the Gleeble-3800 in the points which located in the different zones of the weld. The microstructure in the chosen points after Gleeble testing was investigated as well as the microhardness was measured. The results were consequently compared with the relevant results obtained after friction stir welding. It was shown that the microstructure and microhardness profile are influenced not only by temperature but by deformation. The increase in hardness in different zones after FSW compared to Gleeble testing can be explained by the grain refinement in the nugget zone as well as the hardening precipitate distribution along the weld which can occur more rapidly due to the deformation influence.

POST-CURE’S EFFECT ON THE DEPTH OF CURE OF A SHORT FIBER-REINFORCED RESIN COMPOSITE

Objective: This study aimed to identify post-cure’s effect on the depth of cure (DOC) of a short fiber-reinforced resin composite (SFRC).Methods: Six EverX PosteriorTM shade A3 specimens were cured with a light-emitting diode light curing unit with 800 mW/cm2 of light irradiation for 20 s. The specimens were divided into two groups. The first was measured immediately post-cure and the second was measured 24-h post-cure. They were measured with a Vickers microhardness profile test. An independent t-test was used to analyze the significance of the differences between the DOC value and different variables.Results: The DOC of the specimens measured immediately post-cure was 3.02±0.02 mm. The DOC of the specimens measured 24-h post-cure was 3.93±0.03 mm.Conclusion: The DOC of the specimens measured 24-h post-cure was significantly higher than the DOC of the specimens measured immediately post-cure. Post-cure polymerization (24-h post-cure) can increase the DOC values of an SFRC.