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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 325 records · Page 18
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Characterization of Laser-Welded Ti Alloy and Stainless Steel Joint Using Cu Interlayer

In this study, Cu was used as an interlayer to restrain the formation of brittle Ti-Fe intermetallics when joining Ti alloy to SS. Microstructures of the joint were analyzed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Besides, the tensile strength of the joint was also measured. The melting amount of base materials was controlled by changing thickness of Cu interlayer to control the melting proportion in weld. The melting amount of base materials in weld decreased with the thickness of Cu interlayer. The content of Cu solid solution in weld increased with the thickness of Cu interlayer. Ti-Cu compound layer was formed on the Ti alloy side. The width of the Ti-Cu compound layer increased with the increase in heat input. The tensile strength of joint was largely impacted by Ti-Cu compound layer. The tensile strength of joint first increased and then decreased with the increase in width of the Ti-Cu compound layer.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Asymmetric cross rolling (ACR): A novel technique for enhancement of Goss/Brass texture ratio in Al-Cu-Mg alloy

Highlights: • The main components of the ACR were Goss, Rotated Goss, Goss-Brass, and α-fiber. • The ACR process was obviously impactful to enhance the Goss/Brass texture ratio. • The Goss/Brass texture ratio increased to 1.51 after 30% ACR process. • During 30% rolling, the DRX occurred and the intensity of Goss and Cube increased. - Abstract: The present work focused on the effect of asymmetric cross rolling (ACR) process as a novel technique on microstructure and texture evolution of Al-Cu-Mg alloys. The microstructural observation and bulk texture from RD–TD plane of the initial and deformed samples were characterized by optical microscopy (OM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that the deformed Al-Cu-Mg alloy consisted of strong Goss, Rotated Goss, Goss-Brass, and α-fiber textures. Usually, straight rolling leads to a significant strengthening of the Brass component with increasing strain in the Al-Cu-Mg alloy, but for asymmetrically cross rolled samples, the Goss orientation was stable after 40% deformation. Results showed that the ACR process was effective to intensify (up to 1.51 after 30% thickness reduction) the low Goss/Brass texture ratio often existing in the rolled Al-Cu-Mg alloy. During 30% ACR, the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) occurred, which led to increasing the intensity of Goss and Cube components and the fraction of extra high angle grain boundaries (EHAGBs).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microstructural behavior of iron and bismuth added Sn-1Ag-Cu solder under elevated temperature aging

An extensive study was done to investigate the microstructural behavior of iron (Fe) and bismuth (Bi) added Sn-1Ag-0.5Cu (SAC105) under severe thermal aging conditions. The isothermal aging was done at 200 °C for 100 h, 200 h, and 300 h. Optical microscopy with cross-polarized light revealed that the grain size significantly reduces with Fe/Bi addition to the base alloy SAC105 and remains literally the same after thermal aging. The micrographs of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with backscattered electron detector and their further analysis via imageJ software indicated that Fe/Bi added SAC105 showed a significant reduction in the IMCs size (Ag{sub 3}Sn and Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5}), especially the Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} IMCs, as well as β-Sn matrix and a refinement in the microstructure, which is due to the presence of Bi in the alloys. Moreover, their microstructure remains much more stable under severe thermal aging conditions, which is because of the presence of both Fe and Bi in the alloy. The microstructural behavior suggests that Fe/Bi modified SAC105 would have much improved reliability under severe thermal environments. These modified alloys also have relatively low melting temperature and low cost.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Nano-infrared imaging of metal insulator transition in few-layer 1T-TaS 2

Abstract Among the family of transition metal dichalcogenides, 1T-TaS 2 stands out for several peculiar physical properties including a rich charge density wave phase diagram, quantum spin liquid candidacy and low temperature Mott insulator phase. As 1T-TaS 2 is thinned down to the few-layer limit, interesting physics emerges in this quasi 2D material. Here, using scanning near-field optical microscopy, we perform a spatial- and temperature-dependent study on the phase transitions of a few-layer thick microcrystal of 1T-TaS 2 . We investigate encapsulated air-sensitive 1T-TaS 2 prepared under inert conditions down to cryogenic temperatures. We find an abrupt metal-to-insulator transition in this few-layer limit. Our results provide new insight in contrast to previous transport studies on thin 1T-TaS 2 where the resistivity jump became undetectable, and to spatially resolved studies on non-encapsulated samples which found a gradual, spatially inhomogeneous transition. A statistical analysis suggests bimodal high and low temperature phases, and that the characteristic phase transition hysteresis is preserved down to a few-layer limit.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Extruded Mg-4Zn-1.5Al-2Sn Alloy

The microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded Mg-4Zn-1.5Al-2Sn (ZAT422) alloy under different heat treatments were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, micro-hardness tests, and tensile tests. The results show that the as-extruded and heat-treated ZAT422 alloys mainly consisted of α-Mg and Mg{sub 2}Sn, and no ternary phase was detected. After aging, the amount of secondary phase precipitates increased significantly and the mechanical properties were improved. Among all the heat treatments, T5 heat treatment at 150 °C for 25 h resulted in the best combination of strength and ductility for ZAT422 alloy. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation (ε{sub f}) were found to be 290, 182 MPa, and 20%, respectively. Based on microstructural characterization, the variations in mechanical properties of the alloy subjected to heat treatment were analyzed in detail.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Properties, characterization, and decay of sticky rice–lime mortars from the Wugang Ming dynasty city wall (China)

Urgent restoration of the Wugang Ming dynasty city wall brings about the need for a study of the formulation and properties of mortars. In the present paper, mortar samples from the Wugang Ming dynasty city wall were characterized in a combination of sheet polarized light optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer, thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy. Results show that mortars are mainly built up from inorganic calcium carbonate based organic–inorganic hybrid material with a small amount of sticky rice, which plays a crucial role in forming dense and compact microstructure of mortars and effectively hindering penetration of water and air into mortars. Analysis of decayed products shows that the detrimental soluble salts originates from ambient environment. - Highlights: • Mortars used in the Wugang city wall are a calcium carbonate-sticky rice hybrid bonding material. • Carbonation processing is extremely slow due to dense and compact microstructure of mortars. • Decying of mortars results from the appearance of soluble salt from ambient environment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Effects of Sn addition on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Ti–Nb–Sn alloys

Ti and Ti alloys are widely used in restorative surgery because of their good biocompatibility, enhanced mechanical behavior and high corrosion resistance in physiological media. The corrosion resistance of Ti-based materials is due to the spontaneous formation of the TiO{sub 2} oxide film on their surface, which exhibits elevated stability in biological fluids. Ti–Nb alloys, depending on the composition and the processing routes to which the alloys are subjected, have high mechanical strength combined with low elastic modulus. The addition of Sn to Ti–Nb alloys allows the phase transformations to be controlled, particularly the precipitation of ω phase. The aim of this study is to discuss the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of cast Ti–Nb alloys to which Sn has been added. Samples were centrifugally cast in a copper mold, and the microstructure was characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Mechanical behavior evaluation was performed using Berkovich nanoindentation, Vickers hardness and compression tests. The corrosion behavior was evaluated in Ringer's solution at room temperature using electrochemical techniques. The results obtained suggested that the physical, mechanical and chemical behaviors of the Ti–Nb–Sn alloys are directly dependent on the Sn content. - Graphical abstract: Effects of Sn addition to the Ti–30Nb alloy on the elastic modulus. - Highlights: • Sn addition causes reduction of the ω phase precipitation. • Minimum Vickers hardness and elastic modulus occurred for 6 wt.% Sn content. • Addition of 6 wt.% Sn resulted in maximum ductility and minimum compression strength. • All Ti–30Nb–XSn (X = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%) alloys are passive in Ringer's solution. • Highest corrosion resistance was observed for 6 wt.% Sn content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Investigation of the oxide film on 308L weld surface produced during welding process

Highlights: • Double layer film formed under welding of no shielding was first deeply studied. • Micro-cracks and nano-scale gaps were found in outer and inner layer. • Outer layer was composed of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, inner layer included Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and FeCr{sub 2}O{sub 4.} • Cr deficiency of film related to the volatilization of CrO{sub 3} over 1000 °C. • Oxidation rule of 308L weld during GTAW was found based on thermodynamics. The oxide film formed during welding on the inner surface of 308L weld was investigated. The morphology, composition and structure of the oxide film were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, laser Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that the oxidation degree of the weld metal was generally uniform from the weld center to the fusion line. Micro-scale cracks were found on the outer surface of the oxide film and nano-scale gaps scattered on the inner oxide film-weld interface. The oxide film exhibited a duplex structure including outer and inner layers. The outer layer, made of tightly bound particles, was mainly composed of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} oxide particles with a diameter of 50–150 nm. And the inner layer, made of relative loosely bound particles, was mainly composed of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and FeCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} oxide particles with a diameter of 10–50 nm. The corresponding oxidation behavior and mechanism of the oxide film were also discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Femtosecond laser ablation of brass in air and liquid media

Laser ablation of brass in air, water, and ethanol was investigated using a femtosecond laser system operating at a wavelength of 785 nm and a pulse width less than 130 fs. Scanning electron and optical microscopy were used to study the efficiency and quality of laser ablation in the three ablation media at two different ablation modes. With a liquid layer thickness of 3 mm above the target, ablation rate was found to be higher in water and ethanol than in air. Ablation under water and ethanol showed cleaner surfaces and less debris re-deposition compared to ablation in air. In addition to spherical particles that are normally formed from re-solidified molten material, micro-scale particles with varying morphologies were observed scattered in the ablated structures (craters and grooves) when ablation was conducted under water. The presence of such particles indicates the presence of a non-thermal ablation mechanism that becomes more apparent when ablation is conducted under water.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Fs-laser processing of polydimethylsiloxane

We present an experimental analysis on surface structuring of polydimethylsiloxane films with UV (263 nm) femtosecond laser pulses, in air. Laser processed areas are analyzed by optical microscopy, SEM, and μ-Raman spectroscopy. The laser-treated sample shows the formation of a randomly nanostructured surface morphology. μ-Raman spectra, carried out at both 514 and 785 nm excitation wavelengths, prior and after laser treatment allow evidencing the changes in the sample structure. The influence of the laser fluence on the surface morphology is studied. Finally, successful electro-less metallization of the laser-processed sample is achieved, even after several months from the laser-treatment contrary to previous observation with nanosecond pulses. Our findings address the effectiveness of fs-laser treatment and chemical metallization of polydimethylsiloxane films with perspective technological interest in micro-fabrication devices for MEMS and nano-electromechanical systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Strain softening during tension in cold drawn Cu–Ag alloys

Experiments were conducted on Cu–0.1wt.%Ag alloys to evaluate the influence of producing procedures and annealing conditions on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Cu–Ag alloys. Optical microscopy (OM), electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for microstructural evaluation and mechanical properties were characterized by tensile tests. The results indicated that hot-extruded Cu–Ag alloys had a typical dynamic recrystallized microstructure with equiaxed grains. Cold drawing at room temperature leaded to partial recrystallized microstructure with a mixture of coarse and fine grains. The dominate {001}<100 > cubic texture formed during hot extrusion was changed to be {112}<111 > copper texture by cold drawing. Strain softening occurred during room temperature tension of cold drawn Cu–Ag alloys with an average grain size of 13–19.7 μm. - Highlights: • Strain softening occurred during tension of Cu–Ag alloys with coarse grain size. • Work hardening was observed in hot-extruded and annealed Cu–0.1wt.%Ag alloys. • Strain softening was ascribed to dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Effect of Boron Addition on Creep Strain during Impression Creep of P91 Steel

In an attempt to understand the effect of boron addition on creep deformation behavior under high stress and high temperature in martensitic P91 steel, impression creep tests were carried out on boron-free P91 (P91) and boron-added P91 (P91B) steels. The experimental program consisted of three steps, i.e., characterization of as-received steels by microhardness, optical microscopy (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy (WDS); impression creep tests at 445 MPa and 625 °C on as-received steels; characterization at deformed plastic zones of impression-crept specimens by microhardness, OM, EBSD, TEM and WDS. Impression creep tests were run till a depth of penetration of 1.8 mm was achieved for both cases which ensured a sufficient plastic zone underneath indenter for subsequent microstructural investigations. Coarsening of M{sub 23}C{sub 6} carbides was observed in P91 steel during high-temperature creep loading, which leads to extensive strain hardening in deformed plastic region, resulting in impaired creep performance. On the contrary, dynamic recrystallization in P91B steel results in formation of small strain-free grains during creep loading which are responsible for increased resistance of the material to shear stresses during an impression creep test.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microstructure and wear characterization of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with industrial waste fly ash particulates synthesized by friction stir processing

Fly ash (FA) is a waste product of coal combustion in thermal power plants which is available in massive quantities all over the world causing land pollution. This paper reports the characterization of AA6061 aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with FA particles synthesized using friction stir processing (FSP). The volume fraction of FA particles was varied from 0 to 18 in steps of 6. The prepared AMCs were characterized using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscattered diagram (EBSD). The wear rate was estimated using a pin-on-disc wear apparatus. FA particles were observed to be distributed homogeneously in the AMC irrespective of the location within the stir zone. The EBSD micrographs revealed remarkable grain refinement in the AMC. The incorporation of FA particles enhanced the microhardness and wear resistance of the AMC. The strengthening mechanisms of the AMC were discussed and correlated to the observed microstructures. The wear mechanisms were identified by characterizing the wear debris and worn surfaces. - Highlights: •Industrial waste fly ash was used to produce aluminum matrix composites. •Friction stir processing was used to produce AA6061/Fly Ash composite. •Fly ash particles refined the grains of aluminum matrix. •Fly ash particles enhanced the hardness and wear resistance. •Successful utilization of fly ash to make aluminum composites reduces land pollution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

On the evolution of secondary hardening carbides during continuous versus isothermal heat treatment of high speed steel HS 6-5-2

The continuous heat treatment of high speed steels reduces the process times from several hours to a few minutes. The resulting cost savings as well as lower decarburisation and distortion make the continuous heat treatment favourable over an isothermal heat treatment. However, the microstructure-property relationship during continuous heat treatments is far from being well understood. In order to identify the key microstructural features for the future optimisation of continuous heat treatments of high speed steels this study compares a current industrial continuous and an isothermal heat treatment of steel HS 6-5-2 by means of light optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atom probe tomography, and red hardness. After continuous hardening the content of primary carbides is higher and the amount of retained austenite is lower compared to isothermal hardening. Due to the reduced time for dissolution of primary carbides a lower content of alloying elements is present in the martensitic matrix for subsequent tempering. Therefore, the chemical composition of the secondary hardening carbides after tempering is different for a continuous heat treatment. Although the difference in chemistry is quite pronounced, the deterioration of the hardness at elevated temperatures, which strongly influences the performance characteristics of the finished parts, is not altered. - Highlights: •We studied the continuous and isothermal heat treatment of the steel HS 6-5-2. •The amount of primary carbides is higher in a continuously heat treated steel. •The chemistry of secondary hardening carbides changes during tempering. •Continuously heat treated steels exhibit the same performance characteristics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Fabrication and microstructural characterization of Al/Zn-enriched layers on pure magnesium

Al/Zn-enriched surface layers were fabricated by heating Mg specimens in contact with Al–Zn powder mixtures in a vacuum furnace at 445 °C. The layer formation process took place through partial melting at the Mg-substrate/powder-mixture interface. Heating times ranged from 20 to 80 min. The layer microstructure and composition were analyzed by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The layers were 100–900 μm in thickness, depending on the treatment time. The examination results revealed that the layers consisted of Mg{sub 17}(Al,Zn){sub 12} and Mg{sub 5}Al{sub 2}Zn{sub 2} intermetallic phases and a solid solution of Al and Zn in Mg. Between the Al/Zn-enriched layer and the Mg substrate, there was a transition zone of a solid solution of Al and Zn in Mg with a thickness of 20–30 μm. The layers had much higher microhardness than the Mg substrate. - Highlights: ► The layers were produced by heating Mg in contact with an Al–Zn powder mixture. ► The layer formation process at 445 °C proceeded with the liquid phase contribution. ► The Al/Zn-enriched layers were thick, dense, uniform and continuous. ► The layers contained Mg–Al–Zn intermetallic phases. ► The hardness of the layers was much higher than that of the Mg substrate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Electron Backscattered Diffraction Study of Microstructural Evolution During Isothermal Deformation of High-N Mn18Cr18 Alloy

In order to understand the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) mechanism of Mn18Cr18N austenitic stainless steel during hot deformation, the investigation of microstructure evolution is significant. Isothermal compression tests were conducted on a Gleeble-3500 thermomechanical simulator in the temperature range of 950 °C to 1150 °C and strain rate range between 0.001 and 1 s{sup −1}. Optical microscopy (OM) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) were employed to study the resultant microstructures. More grain boundary information of hot-deformed specimens was provided by EBSD. It was found that the fraction of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) increases with the decrease of deformation temperature or the increase of strain rate and can be expressed as a function of the Zener–Hollomon parameter. DRX easily occurs at the high deformation temperature and low strain rate. From the flow stress curves, the occurrence of single peak behavior and multiple transient steady-state (MTSS) behavior illustrated the existence of different DRX mechanisms. The EBSD analysis indicated that both continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) existed during hot deformation. For the low fraction of 10 to 15 deg misorientation, CDRX is the minor DRX mechanism while DDRX is the major DRX mechanism for the studied steel.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of friction stir welded commercial brass alloy

Microstructural evolution during friction stir welding of single-phase brass and corresponding mechanical properties were investigated. For this purpose, 2 mm thick brass plate was friction stir welded at a rotational speed of 450 rpm and traverse speed of 100 mm/min. The microstructure of the joint was studied using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with electron back scattered diffraction system, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were measured using hardness and tensile tests. The formation of subgrains and their transformation into new grains in conjunction with existence of A{sub 1}{sup ⁎}, A{sub 2}{sup ⁎} and C texture components revealed that the continuous dynamic recrystallization plays a dominant role in the microstructural evolution. However, grain boundary bulging, along with the formation of twin boundaries, and presence of the G texture component showed that the discontinues dynamic recrystallization may participate in the new grain formation. Furthermore, the different strengthening mechanisms, which caused the higher strength of the joint, were discussed. - Highlights: •Microstructural evolution during FSW of a single phase brass was investigated. •CDRX and DDRX were the main mechanisms of the grain structure formation during FSW. •GDRX and SRX were not contributed in grain structure formation. •The lamellas TBs were formed in the SZ of the joints. •Grain boundary, dislocation, and texture effects resulted in higher strength.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Diameter-dependent hydrophobicity in carbon nanotubes

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are a good model system that provides atomically smooth nanocavities. It has been reported that water-SWCNTs exhibit hydrophobicity depending on the temperature T and the SWCNT diameter D. SWCNTs adsorb water molecules spontaneously in their cylindrical pores around room temperature, whereas they exhibit a hydrophilic-hydrophobic transition or wet-dry transition (WDT) at a critical temperature T{sub wd} ≈ 220-230 K and above a critical diameter D{sub c} ≈ 1.4-1.6 nm. However, details of the WDT phenomenon and its mechanism remain unknown. Here, we report a systematic experimental study involving X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. It is found that water molecules inside thick SWCNTs (D > D{sub c}) evaporate and condense into ice Ih outside the SWCNTs at T{sub wd} upon cooling, and the ice Ih evaporates and condenses inside the SWCNTs upon heating. On the other hand, residual water trapped inside the SWCNTs below T{sub wd} freezes. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that upon lowering T, the hydrophobicity of thick SWCNTs increases without any structural transition, while the water inside thin SWCNTs (D < D{sub c}) exhibits a structural transition, forming an ordered ice. This ice has a well-developed hydrogen bonding network adapting to the cylindrical pores of the SWCNTs. Thus, the unusual diameter dependence of the WDT is attributed to the adaptability of the structure of water to the pore dimension and shape.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗