Journal Description
Metals
Metals
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal published monthly online by MDPI. The Portuguese Society of Materials (SPM), and the Spanish Materials Society (SOCIEMAT) are affiliated with Metals and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Inspec, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering) / CiteScore - Q1 (Metals and Alloys)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journals for Metals include: Compounds and Alloys.
Impact Factor:
2.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.9 (2022)
Latest Articles
A Study of {10-12} Twinning Activity Associated with Stress State in Mg-3Al-1Zn Alloy during Compression
Metals 2024, 14(5), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050502 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
An eight-sided prism sample, obtained from a hot-rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy sheet, was compressed at room temperature along the transverse direction to investigate the influence of local strain on twinning behavior using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements, hardness distribution, and metallographic observations. The
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An eight-sided prism sample, obtained from a hot-rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy sheet, was compressed at room temperature along the transverse direction to investigate the influence of local strain on twinning behavior using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements, hardness distribution, and metallographic observations. The octagonal surface of the sample was divided into distinct regions based on hardness distribution and metallographic observations. Combined analysis of the Schmid factor (SF) and the strain compatibility factor (m’) was employed to study twin variant selection. Basal on SF ratio distribution, the Schmid factor criterion, can predict over 75% of observed twin variants in regions A and D (normal stress samples). In contrast, 64% of twin variant selection behavior in region C (shear stress sample) can be effectively explained using a pure shear model. Twin variants with high strain compatibility factors may prefer activation to reduce stress concentration. The strain compatibility factor is more appropriate than the Schmid factor for analyzing the effect of local strain on the selection behavior of twin variants.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deformation and Phase Transformation Mechanism of Metallic Materials)
Open AccessArticle
Impact Toughness Dependent on Annealing Temperatures in 0.16C-6.5Mn Forged Steel for Flywheel Rotors
by
Tinghui Man, Jun Wang, Hongshan Zhao and Han Dong
Metals 2024, 14(5), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050501 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
For the application of forged medium-Mn steels on flywheel rotors, the effect of annealing temperatures from 300 °C to 650 °C on the impact toughness of 0.16C-6.5Mn forged steel was investigated to demonstrate the microstructural characteristics and austenite reverse transformation determining the impact
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For the application of forged medium-Mn steels on flywheel rotors, the effect of annealing temperatures from 300 °C to 650 °C on the impact toughness of 0.16C-6.5Mn forged steel was investigated to demonstrate the microstructural characteristics and austenite reverse transformation determining the impact toughness. The results obtained through standard Charpy V-notch impact tests at ambient temperature show that the impact absorbed energy holds at lower than 10 J almost constantly at annealing temperatures of 300 °C to 500 °C, and a representative intergranular fracture is presented. At an annealing temperature of 600 °C, the impact absorbed energy increases to 147 J, with the ductile fracture characteristics showing plenty of fine dimples, and the high impact toughness is attributed to the high volume fraction above 30% and the moderate stability of reverted austenite. Subsequently, the annealing temperature rises higher than 600 °C, the impact absorbed energy decreases, and the fracture morphology shows brittleness characterized by more flat facets of intergranular fractures and small quasi-cleavage facets, presumably corresponding to the insufficient transformation and twinning-induced plasticity effect due to weakening the Mn partitioning from quenched martensite to reverted austenite, which results in lower austenitic stability. Furthermore, the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) of the 0.16C-6.5Mn forged steel annealed at 600 °C, which holds the highest impact absorbed energy, and is explored for the possibility of flywheel rotor application in a service environment. The DBTT reaches −21 °C, obtained through the Boltzmann function, and the impact absorbed energy is approximately 72 J.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure—Mechanical Property Relationships in High-Strength Steels)
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Open AccessArticle
Laser Powder Bed Fusion Processing of Low Cost CoCrFeNiMoxNby High Entropy Alloys with Promising High-Temperature Properties via In Situ Alloying Commercial Powders
by
S. Venkatesh Kumaran and José Manuel Torralba
Metals 2024, 14(5), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050500 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
A blend of only commercial powders, including Ni625, CoCrF75, and 316L, were used as the raw material for fabricating non-equiatomic CoCrFeNiMoxNby high entropy alloys (HEAs) through laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) via in situ alloying, instead of using pure elemental
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A blend of only commercial powders, including Ni625, CoCrF75, and 316L, were used as the raw material for fabricating non-equiatomic CoCrFeNiMoxNby high entropy alloys (HEAs) through laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) via in situ alloying, instead of using pure elemental powders, thus reducing the raw materials cost. The rapid cooling inherent in the PBF-LB/M process facilitated the dissolution of Mo and Nb, resulting in a single FCC phase characterized by high relative densities. High-temperature tensile tests were conducted at room temperature, 700 °C, 800 °C, and 900 °C, revealing mechanical properties that surpassed those reported in existing HEA literature. The remarkable strength of the HEAs developed in this study primarily stemmed from the incorporation of Mo and Nb, leading to the precipitation of Mo and Nb-rich lave phases at elevated temperatures. While constraining elongation when confined to grain boundaries, these precipitates enhanced strength without compromising elongation when distributed throughout the matrix. This work is a feasibility study to explore the usage of commodity compositions from the market to develop HEAs using PBF-LB/M, which opens the possibility of using scraps to further the development of new materials. Consequently, this study presents a rapid and cost-effective approach for HEA development, improving efficiency and sidestepping the direct utilization of critical raw metals for sustainable manufacturing. Moreover, this work also underscores the outstanding mechanical performance of these HEAs at high temperatures, paving the way for the design of innovative alloys for future high-temperature applications.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Powder Metallurgy)
Open AccessArticle
Study of Tuyere Combustion Flame Temperature in Vanadium and Titanium Blast Furnaces by Machine Vision and Colorimetric Thermometry
by
Haoyu Cai, Ziming Zhu and Dongdong Zhou
Metals 2024, 14(5), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050499 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The steel industry is an important foundation of the national economy and the livelihood of the people, producing a large amount of carbon dioxide gas, accounting for about 70% of the carbon dioxide gas generated in the steel industry, which occurs during the
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The steel industry is an important foundation of the national economy and the livelihood of the people, producing a large amount of carbon dioxide gas, accounting for about 70% of the carbon dioxide gas generated in the steel industry, which occurs during the ironmaking process. Therefore, the key technology to reduce the pollution and improve competitiveness is to increase the stability of blast furnace production and the quality of hot metal. Since the operation requirements for temperature control in the vanadium-titanium blast furnace are dramatically different compared to the traditional ones due to the low fluidity of vanadium-titanium slag, maintaining the required hot metal temperature within a narrow range with smaller fluctuations is essential. In addition, the adjustment parameters of the lower part have a significant influence on the tuyere combustion flame temperature during the daily operation of blast furnaces. At present, there is no relevant research on the online detection and analysis of vanadium-titanium blast furnace tuyere combustion flame temperature. In this study, the temperature of four tuyeres in a 500 m3 vanadium and titanium blast furnace at Jianlong Steel was detected by an online detection system. The tuyere combustion flame temperature was then calculated using colorimetric temperature measuring methodology at various times and at four distinct locations. After that, the calibration analyses, imaging parameter and the temperature tendencies in different directions of the blast furnace were investigated. This study not only offers new methods for understanding the regularity of operation and increasing the degree of visualization in vanadium and titanium smelting blast furnaces but also provides technical support for intelligent and low-carbon operation in blast furnaces.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Metal Smelting Technology and Prospects)
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Open AccessArticle
Experimental Investigation of Phase Equilibria in the Ti-Cr-V System at 1000–1200 °C
by
Shiyu Fu, Jingjing Wang and Xiao-Gang Lu
Metals 2024, 14(5), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050498 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Ti-Cr-V-based alloys have been utilized across various domains, including aerospace structural and functional materials and hydrogen storage materials. Investigating the phase relations in the Ti-Cr-V system is significant in supporting the material design for these applications. In the present work, the isothermal sections
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Ti-Cr-V-based alloys have been utilized across various domains, including aerospace structural and functional materials and hydrogen storage materials. Investigating the phase relations in the Ti-Cr-V system is significant in supporting the material design for these applications. In the present work, the isothermal sections at 1000, 1100, and 1200 °C for the Ti-Cr-V system were precisely determined through a systematic investigation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The phase region of Cr2Ti was entirely elucidated for the first time. As the temperature decreased from 1200 to 1000 °C, the V solubility range of Cr2Ti increased from 5.3 wt.% to 10.0 wt.%, while the Ti solubility range essentially remained constant at approximately 31.0–33.9 wt.%. In addition, it was suggested that the stable structure of Cr2Ti was C36 at 1200 °C and C15 at 1000 and 1100 °C. The present work will support thermodynamic re-assessment research.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermodynamic Assessment of Alloy Systems)
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Open AccessArticle
Microstructure and Physico-Mechanical Properties of Biocompatible Titanium Alloy Ti-39Nb-7Zr after Rotary Forging
by
Anatoly Illarionov, Galymzhan Mukanov, Stepan Stepanov, Viktor Kuznetsov, Roman Karelin, Vladimir Andreev, Vladimir Yusupov and Andrei Korelin
Metals 2024, 14(5), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050497 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
The evolution of microstructure, phase composition and physico-mechanical properties of the biocompatible Ti-39Nb-7Zr alloy (wt.%) after severe plastic deformation by rotary forging (RF) was studied using various methods including light optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction, microindentation, tensile testing and
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The evolution of microstructure, phase composition and physico-mechanical properties of the biocompatible Ti-39Nb-7Zr alloy (wt.%) after severe plastic deformation by rotary forging (RF) was studied using various methods including light optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction, microindentation, tensile testing and investigation of thermophysical properties during continuous heating. The hot-rolled Ti-39Nb-7Zr with initial single β-phase structure is subjected to multi-pass RF at 450 °C with an accumulated degree of true deformation of 1.2, resulting in the formation of a fibrous β-grain structure with imperfect 500 nm subgrains characterized by an increased dislocation density. Additionally, nano-sized α-precipitates formed in the body and along the β-grain boundaries. These structural changes resulted in an increase in microhardness from 215 HV to 280 HV and contact modulus of elasticity from 70 GPa to 76 GPa. The combination of strength and ductility of Ti-39Nb-7Zr after RF approaches that of the widely used Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy in medicine, however, Ti-39Nb-7Zr does not contain elements with limited biocompatibility and has a modulus of elasticity 1.5 times lower than Ti-6Al-4V ELI. The temperature dependences of physical properties (elastic modulus, heat capacity, thermal diffusivity) of the Ti-39Nb-7Zr alloy after RF are considered and sufficient thermal stability of the alloy up to 450 °C is demonstrated.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Phase Transformation and Mechanical Properties of Titanium Alloy)
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Self-Heating and Fatigue Assessment of Laser Powder Bed Fusion NiTi Alloy with High Cycle Fatigue Mechanisms Identification
by
Timothee Cullaz, Luc Saint-Sulpice, Mohammad Elahinia and Shabnam Arbab Chirani
Metals 2024, 14(5), 496; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050496 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Rapid methods for assessing the fatigue properties of materials have been developed, among which the self-heating method stands out as particularly promising. This approach analyzes the thermal signal of the specimen when subjected to cyclic loading. In this research, the self-heating method was
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Rapid methods for assessing the fatigue properties of materials have been developed, among which the self-heating method stands out as particularly promising. This approach analyzes the thermal signal of the specimen when subjected to cyclic loading. In this research, the self-heating method was utilized for the first time with laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of NiTi alloys, examining two specific loading conditions: loading ratios of 0.1 and 10. A thorough examination of the material self-heating behavior was conducted. For comparative purposes, conventional fatigue tests were also conducted, alongside interrupted fatigue tests designed to highlight the underlying mechanisms involved in high cycle fatigue and potentially self-heating behavior. The investigation revealed several key mechanisms at play, including intra-grain misorientation, the emergence and growth of persistent slip bands, and the formation of stress-induced martensite. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the fatigue behavior of LPBF NiTi alloys but also highlight the self-heating method potential as a tool for studying material fatigue.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Synergistic Effect of Al and Ni on Microstructure Evolutions and Mechanical Properties of Fe-Mn-Al-C Low-Density Steels
by
Xiaodong Lv, Xuejiao Wang, Aidong Lan and Junwei Qiao
Metals 2024, 14(5), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050495 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this study, the synergistic behavior of Ni and Al in two low-density steels (Fe-26Mn-10.2Al-0.98C-0.15V (wt. %) and Fe-29Mn-5Al-1C-12Ni (wt. %)) and their influence on microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated. The chemical composition of κ-carbides and B2 precipitated particles as a function
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In this study, the synergistic behavior of Ni and Al in two low-density steels (Fe-26Mn-10.2Al-0.98C-0.15V (wt. %) and Fe-29Mn-5Al-1C-12Ni (wt. %)) and their influence on microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated. The chemical composition of κ-carbides and B2 precipitated particles as a function of annealing and aging temperature and the matrix within which they formed were elucidated. The microstructures and deformation mechanisms of both steels were studied based on their strengthening contribution. The Fe-26Mn-10.2Al-0.98C-0.15V steel mainly realized precipitation strengthening through κ-carbides and grain boundary strengthening due to full recrystallization. The strengthening caused by Fe-29Mn-5Al-1C-12Ni steel was mainly due to the presence of the B2 phase in the matrix, which was non-coherent with FCC. This led to the Orowan bypass mechanism, which made precipitation strengthening the main strengthening contribution. The synergistic effect led to the shear or bypass mechanism of both steels when plane dislocation slip occurred. In addition, it also had an influence on the work-hardening capability during plastic deformation. This study provides a promising way to further enhance the yield strength of low-density austenitic steels through the synergistic effect of Ni and Al.
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Open AccessArticle
Stress Relaxation Cracking in 347H Stainless Steel Arc Welds: Susceptibility Evaluation of Heat-Affected Zone
by
Timothy Pickle, Yu Hong, Chad Augustine, Judith Vidal and Zhenzhen Yu
Metals 2024, 14(5), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050494 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Stress relaxation cracking (SRC) is considered one of the major failure mechanisms for 347H stainless steel welds at elevated service temperatures or during post weld heat treatment (PWHT), especially within the heat-affected zone (HAZ). This work focuses on the characterization of SRC susceptibility
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Stress relaxation cracking (SRC) is considered one of the major failure mechanisms for 347H stainless steel welds at elevated service temperatures or during post weld heat treatment (PWHT), especially within the heat-affected zone (HAZ). This work focuses on the characterization of SRC susceptibility within 347H physically simulated arc welded HAZ at elevated temperatures. A four-step SRC thermomechanical test in combination with finite element modeling (FEM) of the welding and testing processes is developed to establish a susceptibility map for HAZ. The test first runs a thermal cycle with three different peak temperatures (1335, 1275, and 1150 °C) to duplicate representative HAZ subzone microstructures, followed by time-to-failure examination under a variety of pre-stress (260–600 MPa) and pre-strain conditions (0.03–0.19) as a function of reheat temperatures between 750 and 1050 °C. With the aid of FEM, SRC susceptibility maps are generated to identify the threshold stress, plastic strain, and creep strain as a function of test temperature. It was found out that HAZ subzone with a lower peak temperature (1150 °C) appears to be slightly less susceptible to SRC than the other two subzones that experienced higher peak temperatures. Generally, time-to-fracture reduces with increasing initially applied stress and strain for all test temperatures. The pre-stress thresholds decrease from about 500 to 330 MPa as the testing temperature increases from 800 to 1050 °C, while the corresponding initial plastic strain thresholds reduces from 0.15 to 0.06. The SRC susceptibility was also evaluated through the Larson–Miller Parameter (LMP) analysis as a function of plastic strain, initial stress and starting stress upon reaching the testing temperature, respectively. The 1050 °C test with a high pre-applied strain (0.1) exhibits an extremely short time to failure (t = 3 s) that lies outside the general trend in LMP analysis. Additionally, it was identified that a plastic strain above 0.07 is identified to significantly reduce the bulk creep strain tolerance to fracture and therefore increases SRC susceptibility. Hardness measurement and fractography analysis indicated that the strain aging of niobium carbonitrides and other potential phases in conjunction with intergranular precipitates contributes to an increase in microhardness and increased intergranular cracking susceptibility.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Analysis, and Defects in Metallic Materials and Their Welds)
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Deep Cryogenic Aging Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Selective Laser-Melted AlSi10Mg Alloy
by
Pengjun Tang, Taiqi Yan, Yu Wu and Haibo Tang
Metals 2024, 14(5), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050493 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Deep cryogenic aging (DCA) is a newly developed heat treatment technique for additive-manufactured metallic materials to reduce residual stress and improve their mechanical properties. In this study, AlSi10Mg alloy samples fabricated by selective laser melting were deep-cryogenic-treated at −160 °C and subsequently aged
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Deep cryogenic aging (DCA) is a newly developed heat treatment technique for additive-manufactured metallic materials to reduce residual stress and improve their mechanical properties. In this study, AlSi10Mg alloy samples fabricated by selective laser melting were deep-cryogenic-treated at −160 °C and subsequently aged at 160 °C. Phase and microstructural analyses were conducted using X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, while the mechanical properties were evaluated through microhardness and tensile testing at room temperature. The results indicated that the DCA treatment did not have an effect on the morphology of the melt pools. However, it facilitated the formation of atomic clusters and nanoscale Si and β′ phases, as well as accelerating the coarsening of grains and the ripening of the eutectic Si phase. After DCA treatment, the mass fraction of the Si phase experienced an increase from 4.4% to 7.2%. Concurrently, the volume fraction of the precipitated secondary phases elevated to 5.1%. The microhardness was enhanced to 147 HV, and the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength achieved 495 MPa and 345 MPa, respectively, with an elongation of 7.5%. In comparison to the as-built specimen, the microhardness, ultimate tensile strength, and yield strength increased by 11.4%, 3.1%, and 19.0%, respectively. The improvement in mechanical properties is primarily attributed to the Orowan strengthening mechanism induced by the secondary phases.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Laser Metal Deposition Processes)
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Open AccessArticle
Experimental Study of Performance of Ti-6Al-4V Femoral Implants Using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) Methodology
by
Wenjie Zhang, Hongxi Liu, Zhiqiang Liu, Yuyao Liang and Yi Hao
Metals 2024, 14(5), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050492 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Selective laser melting (SLM) technology used for the design and production of porous implants can successfully address the issues of stress shielding and aseptic loosening associated with the use of solid implants in the human body. In this paper, orthogonal experiments were used
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Selective laser melting (SLM) technology used for the design and production of porous implants can successfully address the issues of stress shielding and aseptic loosening associated with the use of solid implants in the human body. In this paper, orthogonal experiments were used to optimize the process parameters for SLM molding of Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) material to investigate the effects of the process parameters on the densities, microscopic morphology, and roughness, and to determine the optimal process parameters using the roughness as a judging criterion. Based on the optimized process parameters, the mechanical properties of SLM-formed TC4 alloy specimens are investigated experimentally in this paper. The main conclusions are as follows: the optimal combination of roughness is obtained by polar analysis, the microhardness of SLM-molded TC4 alloy molded specimens is more uniform, the microhardness of specimens on the side and the front as well as the abrasion resistance is higher than that of casting specimens, the yield strength and tensile strength of specimens is higher than that of ASTM F136 standard and casting standard but the elongation is not as good as that of the standard, and the elasticity and compressive strength of porous specimens are higher than that of casting specimens at different volume fractions. The modulus of elasticity and compressive strength are within the range of human skeletal requirements. This work makes it possible to fabricate high-performance porous femoral joint implants from TC4 alloy SLM-molded materials.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Alloys and Composites Corrosion and Mechanical Properties)
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Open AccessArticle
Quasi In Situ Study on the Slipping Behavior and Residual Stress of Copper Strip
by
Yahui Liu, Qianqian Zhu, Yanjun Zhou, Kexing Song, Xiaokang Yang and Jing Chen
Metals 2024, 14(5), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050491 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The preparation method of integrated circuit lead frames has transitioned from stamping to etching, rendering them more sensitive to residual stress. Consequently, the dimensional deviations caused by residual stress become more pronounced, necessitating a thorough investigation into the copper strip processing process, particularly
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The preparation method of integrated circuit lead frames has transitioned from stamping to etching, rendering them more sensitive to residual stress. Consequently, the dimensional deviations caused by residual stress become more pronounced, necessitating a thorough investigation into the copper strip processing process, particularly considering the high-precision requirements of the lead frame. A quasi in situ method was employed to monitor the deformation process, and quantitative analyses and graphical reconstructions of the residual stress were conducted. The results indicated that the orientation evolution did not exhibit a significant correlation with grain size or grain aspect ratio. However, the stored energy of the different grains was related to their orientations. Further analysis of slip traces revealed that single or multiple slipping may be activated in grain subdivisions, and the Schmid factor difference ratio (SFDR) value proved to be an effective tool for analyzing this deformation mode. An even more interesting finding was that the deformation mode directly affected the residual stress distribution in local regions. The relationship between residual stress, Schmid factor, and SFDR was further analyzed, and a clear correlation between SFDR and residual stress was found in this study.
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(This article belongs to the Section Metal Casting, Forming and Heat Treatment)
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Removal of Antimony from Industrial Crude Arsenic by Vacuum Sublimation: Combination of Thermodynamics and Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics
by
Zibin Zuo, Mengping Duan, Xinyang Liu, Xiumin Chen, Huan Luo, Tengteng Shi, Xianjun Lei, Yang Tian, Bin Yang and Baoqiang Xu
Metals 2024, 14(5), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050490 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
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Thermodynamic theory was employed in this study to investigate the feasibility of separating antimony (Sb) from crude arsenic (As) using vacuum sublimation. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations are used to calculate the structure, stability, and diffusion properties of AsmSbn (m + n ≤
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Thermodynamic theory was employed in this study to investigate the feasibility of separating antimony (Sb) from crude arsenic (As) using vacuum sublimation. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations are used to calculate the structure, stability, and diffusion properties of AsmSbn (m + n ≤ 6) clusters. As4, As3Sb, As2Sb2, and AsSb3 are the possible clusters in this thermodynamic calculation, and the molecular dynamics results confirmed their structural stability and stabilization in the gas phase. As4 had the largest diffusion coefficients, which is the reason it separates from the Sb-containing clusters (As3Sb, As2Sb2, and AsSb3) during gas-phase diffusion and condensation processes. The experimental results show that As vapor was transformed from crystalline to amorphous with increasing subcooling, and the Sb-containing clusters that enter the gas phase were mainly condensed and deposited at the proximal end of the heating zone. Not considering the volatilization rate, the removal rate of Sb in products can reach 99.35% by increasing the condensation disk and expanding the condensation zone; thus, experiments confirmed that industrial crude arsenic can realize deep Sb removal after vacuum sublimation.
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Open AccessArticle
Study on Corrosion Fatigue Behavior of 304L Austenite Stainless Steel in 325 °C High-Temperature Water Environment
by
Huanchun Wu, Xiangbing Liu, Chaoliang Xu, Yuanfei Li, Jian Yin, Xiao Jin, Wenqing Jia, Wangjie Qian, Peng Wang and Yanwei Zhang
Metals 2024, 14(5), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050489 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The fatigue crack growth behavior of 304L austenitic stainless steel (SS) in a 325 °C high-temperature and high-pressure water environment were investigated by a corrosion fatigue test system, by electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD), and by a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The experimental
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The fatigue crack growth behavior of 304L austenitic stainless steel (SS) in a 325 °C high-temperature and high-pressure water environment were investigated by a corrosion fatigue test system, by electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD), and by a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The experimental results indicated that the crack growth rate (CGR) of 304L SS increases with increasing the stress intensity factor, stress level, and fatigue frequency (f). Compared to dissolved hydrogen (DH) in a high-temperature water environment, dissolved oxygen (DO) significantly enhances the CGR by about an order of magnitude higher. The crack tip of 304L SS after the corrosion fatigue test under higher stress levels is sharper, with more secondary cracks on the fracture surface, while the crack tip under lower stress levels is blunter with relatively fewer secondary cracks. The oxidation behavior at the crack tip was analyzed under different loading and water chemistry conditions, and a related effect on the crack tip and CGR was clarified.
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(This article belongs to the Section Corrosion and Protection)
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Corrosion Behavior of 30 ppi TAD3D/5A05Al Composite in Neutral Salt Spray Corrosion
by
Zishen Li, Hongliang Yang, Yuxin Chen, Gaofeng Fu and Lan Jiang
Metals 2024, 14(5), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050488 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study created ceramic preforms with a 3D network structure (TAD3D) by using treated aluminum dross (TAD) and kaolin slurry, with 30 ppi polyurethane foam as a template via the sacrificial template method. TAD3D/5A05Al composites were then produced via
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This study created ceramic preforms with a 3D network structure (TAD3D) by using treated aluminum dross (TAD) and kaolin slurry, with 30 ppi polyurethane foam as a template via the sacrificial template method. TAD3D/5A05Al composites were then produced via pressureless infiltration of 5A05Al aluminum alloy into TAD3D. The corrosion behavior and resistance of TAD3D/5A05Al in salt spray were assessed via neutral salt spray corrosion (NSS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. The results showed that after 24 to 360 h of NSS corrosion, the corrosion of the 5A05 matrix was primarily pitting, with pits expanding and deepening over time, and showing a tendency to interconnect. The main corrosion products were MgAl2O4, Al(OH)3, and Al2O3. As corrosion progressed, these products increased and filled cracks, pits, and grooves at the composite interface on the material’s surface. Corrosion products transferred to the grooves at the composite interface and grew on the ceramic surface. Corrosion products on the ceramic framework and the Al matrix can form a continuous passivation film covering the composite surface. PDP and EIS results indicated that the composite’s corrosion resistance decreased by 240 h but increased after that time. After 240 h, the surface passivation film can weaken corrosion effects and enhance the composite’s resistance, although it remained weaker than that of the uncorroded samples. Additionally, grooves at the composite interface deepened over time, with loosely structured corrosion products inside, potentially leading to severe localized corrosion.
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(This article belongs to the Section Metal Matrix Composites)
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Effects of Alloying Element on Hydrogen Adsorption and Diffusion on α-Fe(110) Surfaces: First Principles Study
by
Luying Zhang, Qingzhe Zhang, Peng Jiang, Ying Liu, Chen Zhao and Yuhang Dong
Metals 2024, 14(5), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050487 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Based on first principles density functional theory (DFT) methods, this study employed the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) module within Materials Studio (MS) software under the generalized gradient approximation to investigate the adsorption, diffusion behavior, and electronic properties of hydrogen atoms on
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Based on first principles density functional theory (DFT) methods, this study employed the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) module within Materials Studio (MS) software under the generalized gradient approximation to investigate the adsorption, diffusion behavior, and electronic properties of hydrogen atoms on α-Fe(110) and α-Fe(110)-Me (Mn, Cr, Ni, Mo) surfaces, including calculations of their adsorption energies and density of states (DOS). The results demonstrated that doping with alloy atoms Me increased the physical adsorption energy of H2 molecules on the surface. Specifically, Mo doping elevated the adsorption energy from −1.00825 eV to −0.70226 eV, with the largest relative change being 30.35%. After doping with Me, the chemical adsorption energy of two hydrogen atoms does not change significantly, among which doping with Cr results in a decrease in the chemical adsorption energy. Building on this, further analysis of the chemical adsorption of single atoms on the surface was conducted. By comparing the adsorption energy and the bond length between a hydrogen atom and iron/dopant metal atom, it was found that Mo doping has the greatest impact, increasing the bond length by 58.58%. Analysis of the DOS functions under different doping conditions validated the interaction between different alloy elements and H atoms. Simultaneously, simulations were carried out on the energy barrier crossed by H atoms diffusing into the metal interior. The results indicate that Ni doping facilitates the diffusion of H atoms, while Cr, Mn, and Mo hinder their diffusion, with Mo having the most significant effect, where its barrier is 21.88 times that of the undoped surface. This conclusion offers deep insights into the impact of different doping elements on hydrogen adsorption and diffusion, aiding in the design of materials resistant to hydrogen embrittlement.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmentally-Assisted Degradation of Metals and Alloys)
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Open AccessArticle
Semi-Analytical Solution Model for Bending Deformation of T-Shaped Aviation Aluminium Alloy Components under Residual Stress
by
Ning Li, Shouhua Yi, Wanyi Tian and Qun Wang
Metals 2024, 14(4), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040486 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
Structures composed of aviation aluminium alloys, characterized by their limited rigidity and thin-walled configurations, frequently exhibit deformation after processing. This paper presents an investigation into T-shaped components fabricated from pre-stretched 7075-T7451 aviation aluminium alloy sheets, examining the effects of residual stress and the
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Structures composed of aviation aluminium alloys, characterized by their limited rigidity and thin-walled configurations, frequently exhibit deformation after processing. This paper presents an investigation into T-shaped components fabricated from pre-stretched 7075-T7451 aviation aluminium alloy sheets, examining the effects of residual stress and the geometrical parameters of T-shaped components on their deformational behavior. A semi-analytical model, developed to elucidate the bending deformation of T-shaped components subjected to residual stress, was validated through finite element analysis and empirical cutting experiments. The experimental results revealed that the bending deformation deflection of the T-shaped specimen was 0.920 mm, deviating by a mere 0.011 mm from the prediction provided by the semi-analytical model, resulting in an inconsequential error margin of 1.2%. This concordance underscores the precision and accuracy of the semi-analytical model specifically designed for T-shaped components. Moreover, the model’s simplicity and ease of application make it an effective tool for predicting the bending deformation of thin-walled T-shaped components under a range of residual stresses and dimensional variations, thereby demonstrating its significant utility in engineering applications.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Characterization and Controlling of Residual Stress in Metal Components)
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Investigation on the Duration of Action of Mg3N2 as a Grain Refiner for AZ80 Alloy
by
Thomas Hösele, Ernst Neunteufl and Jiehua Li
Metals 2024, 14(4), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040485 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
In magnesium alloys with aluminum as an alloying component, zirconium loses its grain refinement effect as a grain refiner. Instead of zirconium, Mg3N2 can be used, and promising results have already been obtained. However, the duration of action of Mg
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In magnesium alloys with aluminum as an alloying component, zirconium loses its grain refinement effect as a grain refiner. Instead of zirconium, Mg3N2 can be used, and promising results have already been obtained. However, the duration of action of Mg3N2 has not been elucidated yet. The aim of this work is therefore to determine the grain size of the AZ80 alloy as a function of the duration of action of Mg3N2 and thus the economically reasonable duration of use. It was found that the Mg3N2 reaches its full effect from 30 min after a complete remelting and does not lose this grain refinement effect even after 90 min. It thus proves to be a stable and reliable grain refiner. A grain size of 146.3 ± 10.3 µm was achieved. Furthermore, a minimum tensile strength of 205 MPa with a break elongation of 5.99% was achieved.
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(This article belongs to the Section Metal Casting, Forming and Heat Treatment)
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Evaluation of Melting Efficiency in Cold Wire Gas Metal Arc Welding Using 1020 Steel as Substrate
by
R. A. Ribeiro, P. D. C. Assunção and A. P. Gerlich
Metals 2024, 14(4), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040484 - 21 Apr 2024
Abstract
A key welding parameter to quantify in the welding process is the ratio of the heat required to melt the weld metal versus the total energy delivered to the weld, and this is referred to as the melting efficiency. It is generally expected
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A key welding parameter to quantify in the welding process is the ratio of the heat required to melt the weld metal versus the total energy delivered to the weld, and this is referred to as the melting efficiency. It is generally expected that the productivity of the welding process is linked to this melting efficiency, with more productive processes typically having higher melting efficiency. A comparison is made between the melting efficiency in standard gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and cold wire gas metal arc welding (CW-GMAW) for the three primary transfer modes: short-circuit, globular, and spray regime. CW-GMAW specimens presented higher melting efficiency than GMAW for all transfer modes. Moreover, an increase in plate thickness in the spray transfer regime caused the melting efficiency to increase, contrary to what is expected.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Additive Manufacturing Technology)
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A Novel Design of a Molten Salt Bath Structure and Its Quenching Effect on Wire Transformation from Austenite to Sorbite
by
Jun Li, Bo Wang and Jieyu Zhang
Metals 2024, 14(4), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040483 - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
The technology for obtaining sorbite by isothermal quenching of high-temperature molten salt has been used by more and more factories to produce wires with high tensile strength. In this paper, the controlling cap and bottom pipeline of the original salt bath are redesigned.
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The technology for obtaining sorbite by isothermal quenching of high-temperature molten salt has been used by more and more factories to produce wires with high tensile strength. In this paper, the controlling cap and bottom pipeline of the original salt bath are redesigned. The mathematical model previously proposed is used to simulate the redesigned salt bath model, and the flow field is analyzed in detail. The redesigned and original controlling cap are compared in detail by applying third-generation vortex identification technology. Then, by using the inverse heat transfer method, the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) during the boiling heat transfer stage of the wire rod in molten salt is calculated by taking advantage of quenching experimental data, on the basis of which the original model is corrected. Finally, a new salt bath design is proposed, which divides the salt bath into two parts. The first salt bath at 515 °C is used to cool the austenitized wire and complete the initial phase transformation. The second salt bath at 560 °C is used to prevent the transformation from retained austenite to bainite, and to induce its transformation from retained austenite to sorbite.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rolling, Heat Treatment and Electromagnetic Processing Technology of High Performance Metals (Second Edition))
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