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At least 883 records · Page 49
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

The effects of Ti content and quenching on phase transformations, microstructures, and mechanical properties in uranium-titanium alloys

In this work, the effect of Ti content on phase transformations, microstructures, and mechanical properties of U-Ti alloys are described for alloys containing 0.3 wt.% to 2.0 wt.%Ti. Rapid cooling is required to overcome diffusional decomposition of γ-phase and facilitate diffusionless transformation to supersaturated variants of α-phase. Critical cooling rate increases with increasing Ti content, opposite to the trend observed in U-Mo and U-Nb alloys. This difference occurs because the martensite transformation temperatures in these relatively dilute U-Ti alloys are above the knee of the C-curve for diffusional decomposition, unlike those in the more concentrated U-Mo and U-Nb alloys. In these U-Ti alloys critical cooling rate depends on the amount of undercooling required to reach M s , which increases with increasing Ti content, and the time for diffusional decomposition to occur just above M s , which decreases with increasing Ti content. The net result is that higher cooling rates are required as Ti content increases. Full quenching results in diffusionless transformation of γ-phase to supersaturated variants of α-phase. Very dilute alloys transform via a γ → β → α m sequence of massive transformations. Martensitic γ → α' a transformation begins at ~0.4%Ti, and 100% α' a microstructures are obtained from ~0.65% to ~1.4% Ti. A transition to banded α'b martensite occurs at ~1.5%Ti. Evidence suggests that the α' a to α' b transition may occur when the cubic γ-phase first transforms to tetragonal γ°, which in turn transforms to orthorhombic α' b via the sequence γ → γ° → α' b . Fully quenched alloys exhibit moderate strengths and ductilities, and their supersaturation with Ti makes them amenable to subsequent age hardening. Subcritical quenching typically results in two-phase microstructures with lower ductilities and near-zero Ti-supersaturation, eliminating the possibility of subsequent age hardening.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Microstructural and compositional evolutions in $γ$-LiAlO 2 pellets during ion irradiation at an elevated temperature

This study reports on the microstructural, phasic and compositional evolutions of γ-LiAlO 2 during ion irradiation. Polycrystalline γ-LiAlO 2 pellets were irradiated sequentially with He + and D 2 + ions to the same combined fluences of up to 3 × 10 17 (He + +D + )/cm 2 at 773 K. The irradiated pellets were characterized using scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. Surface amorphization likely due to radiolysis and planar defects as a possible precursor for formation of precipitates are created at 5 × 10 16 (He + +D + )/cm 2 , followed by the formation of nano-sized precipitates and fractures at higher doses. Spinel-like precipitates of non-stoichiometric LiAl 5 O 8 and gas-filled cavities are observed to grow with increasing dose. Faceted precipitates and rounded cavities appear at 2 × 10 17 (He + +D + )/cm 2 . With further increasing ion fluence to 3 × 10 17 (He + +D + )/cm 2 , amorphization of the precipitates takes place and micron-sized fractures appear. Surface exfoliation could occur at an extremely high ion fluence. There are compositional changes in the γ-LiAlO 2 pellets during the microstructural evolution. In the precipitate and amorphized regions, Li concentrations decrease to ~7 and 3.7 at.% from 25 at.% in γ-LiAlO 2 , respectively. This study reveals a full-cycle microstructural evolution with corresponding compositional changes in γ-LiAlO 2 pellets during ion irradiation at 773 K. In conclusion, the data could help model, assess, and predict the material performance during neutron irradiation in reactors.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Gas tungsten arc welding and post weld heat treatment effects on microstructure and mechanical property of castable nanostructured alloy steel

Here, this paper details the first study of castable nanostructured alloy (CNA) steel gas tungsten arc weldability and the post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) effects. Effects of welding heat input, thermal cycles, and PWHT on microstructures, microhardness distributions, room temperature tensile properties, and fracture characteristics are discussed. Results show that CNA steel exhibits excellent weldability (i.e., no indication of welding defects and reasonable tensile properties). The welded joint exhibited heterogeneous microstructures with δ-ferrite as well as large microhardness variation and fluctuation. The welded joint yield and ultimate tensile strengths were similar to those of the base metal, but the elongations decreased by 30 %. However, with normalization and tempering PWHT, the δ-ferrite was eliminated, microstructure was modified, hardness was unified, and joint ductility was restored. The study indicated that the CNA reduced-activation ferritic-martensitic steel owns excellent weldability, and PWHT is needed for the industrial application of welded structures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Reduced-order model for microstructure evolution prediction in the electrodes of solid oxide fuel cell with dynamic discrepancy reduced modeling

Microstructure evolution in the electrodes of solid oxide fuel cell is an important degradation mechanism which reduces active sites for redox reaction and the electric conductivity. Phase field models for microstructure evolution simulation are usually expensive for large scale simulations. In this paper, a reduced-order coarsening model is developed using dynamic discrepancy reduced modeling, which reduces the model order by inserting Gaussian process stochastic functions into the dynamic equations of Ostwald ripening. The reduced order model has been calibrated on a dataset generated by a phase field model that has been well validated to experiments. A validating dataset has also been generated with which the model prediction show good agreement. This model is further applied to predict long term microstructure evolution in different SOFC electrodes. Finally, this work is the first attempt of building a degradation model of SOFC using data science techniques.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Surfactant-assisted hydrothermal crystallization of nanostructured lithium metasilicate (Li{sub 2}SiO{sub 3}) hollow spheres: (I) Synthesis, structural and microstructural characterization

Lithium metasilicate (Li{sub 2}SiO{sub 3}) was successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal process in the presence of different surfactants with cationic, non-ionic and anionic characters. The samples obtained were compared to a sample prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction method. The structural and microstructural characterizations of different Li{sub 2}SiO{sub 3} powders were performed using various techniques. Diffraction analyses revealed the successful crystallization of pure Li{sub 2}SiO{sub 3} single phase by hydrothermal technique, even without further heat-treatments and independent of the surfactant used. Electron microscopy analyses revealed that Li{sub 2}SiO{sub 3} powders were composed of uniform micrometric particles with a hollow sphere morphology and nanostructured walls. Finally, different thermal analyses showed that Li{sub 2}SiO{sub 3} samples preserved their structure and microstructure after further thermal treatments. Specific aspects regarding the formation mechanism of the spherical aggregates under hydrothermal conditions are discussed, and there is a special emphasis on the effect of the synthesis pathway on the morphological characteristics. -- Graphical abstract: Li{sub 2}SiO{sub 3} was synthesized using a hydrothermal process in the presence of different surfactants. Li{sub 2}SiO{sub 3} powders were composed of uniform micrometric particles with a hollow sphere morphology and nanostructured walls. Display Omitted Highlights: {yields} Pure Li{sub 2}SiO{sub 3} was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. {yields} Surfactant addition produced microstructural and morphological variations. {yields} TEM reveled the generation of nanostructured hollow spheres.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis of porous sheet-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} microstructure by precipitation method and its potential applications in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

Porous sheet-like cobalt oxide (Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}) were successfully synthesized by precipitation method combined with calcination of cobalt hydroxide precursors. The structure, morphology and porosity properties of the products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurement. The as-prepared sheet-like microstructures were approximately 2-3 {mu}m in average diameter, and the morphology of the cobalt hydroxide precursors was retained after the calcination process. However, it appeared a large number of uniform pores in the sheets after calcination. In order to calculate the potential catalytic activity, the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) has been analyzed, in which cobalt oxide played a role of an additive and the porous sheet-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} microstructures exhibited high catalytic performance and considerable decrease in the thermal decomposition temperature of AP. Moreover, a formation mechanism for the sheet-like microstructures has been discussed. - Graphical abstract: Porous sheet-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} were synthesized by facile precipitation method combined with calcination of {beta}-Co(OH){sub 2} precursors. Thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetric analysis indicates potential catalytic activity in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Synthesis of sheet-like {beta}-Co(OH){sub 2} precursors by precipitation method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Porous sheet-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} were obtained by calcining {beta}-Co(OH){sub 2} precursors. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The possible formation mechanism of porous sheet-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} has been discussed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Porous sheet-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} decrease the thermal decomposition temperature of ammonium perchlorate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Self-assembled cabbage-like NaInS{sub 2} microstructures with efficient visible light photocatalytic performance

Cabbage-like NaInS{sub 2} microstructures have been synthesized by reacting In(NO{sub 3}){sub 3} with the alkaline sulfur aqueous solution of NaOH in a simple hydrothermal process without any shape-directing surfactants. The cabbage-like NaInS{sub 2} architectures are monodispersed in large quantities. The cabbage-like morphologies depend strongly on the different ratios of S powder to NaOH, the reaction temperature and reaction time. The possible growth mechanism for the formation of cabbage-like NaInS{sub 2} architectures is discussed. The cabbage-like NaInS{sub 2} architectures exhibit the superiority of photocatalytic performance for the photodegradation of RhB irradiation under visible light irradiation. It is believed that the photocatalytic superiority of the cabbage-like NaInS{sub 2} architectures is mainly due to their special surface areas and inner interconnected structural features. - Graphical abstract: Cabbage-like NaInS{sub 2} microstructures were facilely synthesized via simple hydrothermal reaction. The cabbage-like NaInS{sub 2} architectures exhibit the superiority of photocatalytic performance for the photodegradation of RhB irradiation under visible light irradiation. - Highlights: • Cabbage-like NaInS{sub 2} microstructures were facilely synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction. • Influencing parameters on the NaInS{sub 2} morphologies have been discussed in detail. • The cabbage-like NaInS{sub 2} architectures hold efficient photocatalytic performance. • The photocatalytic superiority is mainly due to their special structural features.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Preparation and surface modification of hierarchical nanosheets-based ZnO microstructures for dye-sensitized solar cells

This paper reports a simple one-step hydrothermal route for the preparation of hierarchical nanosheets-based ZnO microstructures and their application to dye-sensitized solar cells. The morphologies of the products were controlled by the dosage of the reactants. Their physical characteristics were detected by X-ray diffraction, a field-emission scanning electron microscope and a surface analyzer. It is proved that the sample of ZnO microspheres with larger surface area and stronger light-trapping capacity since the superiority of their entirely spherical structures exhibits better photoelectrochemical properties than the mixtures of ZnO microspheres and ZnO microflowers. A dye-sensitized solar cell assembled by the ZnO microspheres as photoanode shows an energy conversion efficiency of 2.94% after surface modification by tetrabutyl titanate solution at 90 {sup °}C. This result is over 1.6 times higher than the non-modified cell fabricated by the ZnO microspheres on the basis of the external improvement and the stability enhancement for the dye-sensitized ZnO photoanode. - Graphical abstract: Influences on energy conversion efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cells assembled by decorating hierarchical nanosheets-based ZnO microstructures with tetrabutyl titanate solution at different temperatures. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Hierarchical nanosheets-based ZnO microstructures were controllably synthesized. • The ZnO microspheres show good optical and electrochemical properties. • The ZnO microspheres were modified by C{sub 16}H{sub 36}O{sub 4}Ti solution. • Remarkable increase of conversion efficiency is observed after surface modification.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Effect of lanthanide on the microstructure and structure of LnMn{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 0.5}O{sub 3} nanoparticles with Ln=La, Pr, Nd, Sm and Gd prepared by the polymer precursor method

The synthesis of LnMn{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 0.5}O{sub 3} perovskite nanoparticles by the polymer precursor method showed a strong intrinsic dependence with different lanthanides (Ln=La, Pr, Nd, Sm and Gd). The polymerization level reached in the polymer precursor was proportional to the atomic number of lanthanide with exception of samarium, which showed the formation of a different precursor based in a citrate chelate with ethyleneglycol bonded as adduct. The increasing level of polymerization of the polymer precursors showed the formation of large-size perovskite nanoparticles after its calcination. SAXS and TEM analyses suggested that nanoparticles obtained, using this method, have a squared-like microstructure in connection with the polymer precursor microstructure. Structural analysis showed an orthorhombic structure with a slight decline in the Jahn–Teller distortion when the atomic number of lanthanide increases. Mössbauer spectroscopy showed the presence of a majority site in agreement with the Pbnm orthorhombic structure best fitted with Rietveld refinements and in some cases, a more distorted site attributed to local inhomogeneities and oxygen vacancies. - Highlights: • Precursor polymerization level is lower in the presence of lighter lanthanides. • Lighter lanthanide perovskite nanoparticles after calcination are lower-sized. • Nanoparticles obtained by this method have lamellae microstructure. • Jahn–Teller distortion declines for heavier lanthanide perovskites. • Oxygen vacancy phase was observed in lighter lanthanide perovskites.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2011

Martensitic microstructural transformations from the hot stamping, quenching and partitioning process

Hot stamping, which combines forming and quenching in one process, produces high strength steels with limited ductility because the quenching is uncontrolled. A new processing technique has been proposed in which the hot stamping step is followed by a controlled quenching and partitioning process, producing a microstructure containing retained austenite and martensite. To investigate this microstructure, specimens were heated at a rate of 10 deg. C/s to the austenitizing temperature of 900 deg. C, held for 5 min to eliminate thermal gradients, and cooled at a rate of 50 deg. C/s to a quenching temperature of 300 deg. C, which is between the martensite start temperature and the martensite finish temperatures. The resulting microstructure was examined using optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The material produced contains irregular, fragmented martensite plates, a result of the improved strength of the austenite phase and the constraints imposed by a high dislocation density. - Research Highlights: {yields} A novel heat treatment of advanced high strength steels is proposed. {yields} The processing technique is hot stamping plus quenching and partitioning process. {yields} The material produced contains irregular, fragmented martensite plates. {yields} The reason is strength of austenite phase and constraint of dislocation density.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Surface composition, microstructure and corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy irradiated by high-intensity pulsed ion beam

High-intensity pulsed ion beam (HIPIB) irradiation of AZ31 magnesium alloy is performed and electrochemical corrosion experiment of irradiated samples is carried out by using potentiodynamic polarization technology in order to explore the effect of HIPIB irradiation on corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy. The surface composition, cross-sectional morphology and microstructure are characterized by using electron probe microanalyzer, optical microscope and transmission electron microscope, respectively. The results indicated that HIPIB irradiation leads to a significant improvement in corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy, in terms of the considerable increase in both corrosion potential and pitting breakdown potential. The microstructural refinement and surface purification induced by HIPIB irradiation are responsible for the improved corrosion resistance. - Research Highlights: {yields} A modified layer about 30 {mu}m thick is obtained by HIPIB irradiation. {yields} Selective ablation of element/impurity phase having lower melting point is observed. {yields} More importantly, microstructural refinement occurred on the irradiated surface. {yields} The modified layer exhibited a significantly improved corrosion resistance. {yields} Improved corrosion resistance is ascribed to the combined effect induced by HIPIB.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Effects of double aging heat treatment on the microstructure, Vickers hardness and elastic modulus of Ti-Nb alloys

Aging heat treatment can be a good way to optimize mechanical properties, changing the microstructure, and hence, the mechanical behavior of Ti alloys. The effects of aging heat treatments on {beta}-type Ti-30Nb alloy were investigated to evaluate the kinetics of {alpha}'' {yields} {alpha} + {beta} transformation. The results obtained from differential scanning calorimetry and high-temperature X-ray diffraction experiments indicated the complete decomposition of orthorhombic {alpha}'' phase at close to 300 deg. C, followed by {alpha} phase precipitation at 470 deg. C. The aging heat treatments also enabled us to observe a transformation sequence {alpha}'' {yields} {beta} + {omega} {yields} {beta} + {omega} + {alpha}, indicating martensite decomposition and {omega} phase precipitation at 260 deg. C after 2 h, followed by {alpha} phase nucleation after heating at 400 deg. C for 1 h. The elastic modulus and Vickers hardness of Ti-30Nb alloy were found to be very sensitive to the microstructural changes caused by heat treatment. - Highlights: {yields} DSC and XRD shed light on the {alpha}'' decomposition and nucleation of {omega} and {alpha} phases. {yields} Aging allows for {alpha}''{yields}{beta} transformation and nucleation of {omega} dispersed in the {beta} matrix. {yields} During aging, {alpha}'' interplanar distances are reduced to enable {beta} phase nucleation. {yields} Mechanical behavior is dependent on the microstructure and the phases in the alloy. {yields} It is not possible to obtain high strength and low elastic modulus by applying aging.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Microstructural evolution in adiabatic shear bands of copper at high strain rates: Electron backscatter diffraction characterization

The microstructural evolution of adiabatic shear bands in annealed copper with different large strains at high strain rates has been investigated by electron backscatter diffraction. The results show that mechanical twinning can occur with minimal contribution to shear localization under dynamic loading. Elongated ultrafine grains with widths of 100-300 nm are observed during the evolution of the adiabatic shear bands. A rotational dynamic recrystallization mechanism is proposed to explain the formation of the elongated ultrafine grains. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The microstructural evolution of ASB is studied by electron backscatter diffraction. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Twinning can occur in ASB while the contribution to shear localization is slight. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Elongated ultrafine grains are observed during the evolution process of ASB. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A possible mechanism is proposed to explain the microstructure evolution of ASB.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Microstructural evolution during solution treatment of Co-Cr-Mo-C biocompatible alloys

Three different Co-Cr-Mo-C alloys conforming to ASTM F75 standard were poured in an industrial environment and subjected to a conventional solution treatment at 1225 Degree-Sign C for several time intervals. The microstructural changes and transformations were studied in each case in order to evaluate the way in which treatment time influences the secondary phase fraction and clarify the microstructural changes that could occur. To assess how treatment time affects microstructure, optical microscopy and image analyzer software, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion spectrometry analysis were employed. The main phases detected in the as-cast state were: {sigma}-phase, M{sub 6}C, and M{sub 23}C{sub 6} carbides. The latter presented two different morphologies, blocky type and lamellar type. Despite being considered the most detrimental feature to mechanical properties, {sigma}-phase and lamellar carbides dissolution took place in the early stages of solution treatment. M{sub 23}C{sub 6} carbides featured two different behaviors. In the alloy obtained by melting an appropriate quantity of alloyed commercial materials, a decrease in size, spheroidization and transformation into M{sub 6}C carbides were simultaneously observed. In the commercial ASTM F75 alloy, in turn, despite being the same phase, only a marked decrease in precipitates size was noticed. These different behaviors could be ascribed to the initial presence of other phases in the alloy obtained from alloyed materials, such as {sigma}-phase and 'pearlitic' carbides, or to the initial precipitate size which was much larger in the first than in the commercial ASTM F75 alloy studied. M{sub 6}C carbides dissolved directly in the matrix as they could not be detected in samples solution-treated for 15 min. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Three different Co-Cr-Mo alloys were poured under an industrial environment. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Transformation of existing phases followed during conventional solution treatment. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer In as-cast/treated samples, phases were identified by color metallography, SEM and EDS. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer M{sub 23}C{sub 6} {yields} M{sub 6}C transformation was corroborated by SEM and EDS analysis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Carbide spheroidization was also detected prior a noticeably carbide size decreasing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Multiscale microstructural characterization of Sn-rich alloys by three dimensional (3D) X-ray synchrotron tomography and focused ion beam (FIB) tomography

Sn-rich (Pb-free) alloys serve as electrical and mechanical interconnects in electronic packaging. It is critical to quantify the microstructures of Sn-rich alloys to obtain a fundamental understanding of their properties. In this work, the intermetallic precipitates in Sn-3.5Ag and Sn-0.7Cu, and globular lamellae in Sn-37Pb solder joints were visualized and quantified using 3D X-ray synchrotron tomography and focused ion beam (FIB) tomography. 3D reconstructions were analyzed to extract statistics on particle size and spatial distribution. In the Sn-Pb alloy the interconnectivity of Sn-rich and Pb-rich constituents was quantified. It will be shown that multiscale characterization using 3D X-ray and FIB tomography enabled the characterization of the complex morphology, distribution, and statistics of precipitates and contiguous phases over a range of length scales. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Multiscale characterization by X-ray synchrotron and focused ion beam tomography. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Characterized microstructural features in several Sn-based alloys. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Quantified size, fraction, and clustering of microstructural features.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Quantitative investigation of the tensile plastic deformation characteristic and microstructure for friction stir welded 2024 aluminum alloy

The effect of the microstructure heterogeneity on the tensile plastic deformation characteristic of friction stir welded (FSW) 2024 aluminum alloy was investigated for the potential applications on light weight design of vehicles. The microstructure characteristics of the FSW joints, such as the grain structure, dislocation density and the distribution of precipitation, were studied by electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The tensile deformation characteristic of the FSW joints was examined using the automatic strain measuring system (ASAME) by mapping the global and local strain distribution, and then was analyzed by mechanics calculation. It is found that the tensile deformation of the FSW joints is highly heterogeneous leading to a significant decrease in global ductility. The FSW joints mainly contain two typical deformation zones, which show great effect on the regional inhomogeneous deformation. One is the nugget zone (NZ) with a region of 8 mm in width, and the other is part of the BM with a region of 10 mm in width. The BM of the joints is the weakest region where the strain localizes early and this localization extends until fracture with a strain over 30%, while the strain in the NZ is only 4%. Differences in regional strain of FSW joints, which are essentially controlled by grain structure, the distribution of precipitation and dislocation density, result in decrease on the overall mechanical properties. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Microstructure heterogeneity of welds on tensile deformation behavior is studied. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The welds contain two typical deformation zones, affecting the global ductility. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Regional strain of welds is controlled by grain structure and dislocation density. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Theoretical calculation is in good agreement with experimental result.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Microstructural characterization in dissimilar friction stir welding between 304 stainless steel and st37 steel

In the present study, 3 mm-thick plates of 304 stainless steel and st37 steel were welded together by friction stir welding at a welding speed of 50 mm/min and tool rotational speed of 400 and 800 rpm. X-ray diffraction test was carried out to study the phases which might be formed in the welds. Metallographic examinations, and tensile and microhardness tests were used to analyze the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joint. Four different zones were found in the weld area except the base metals. In the stir zone of the 304 stainless steel, a refined grain structure with some features of dynamic recrystallization was evidenced. A thermomechanically-affected zone was characterized on the 304 steel side with features of dynamic recovery. In the other side of the stir zone, the hot deformation of the st37 steel in the austenite region produced small austenite grains and these grains transformed to fine ferrite and pearlite and some products of displacive transformations such as Widmanstatten ferrite and martensite by cooling the material after friction stir welding. The heat-affected zone in the st37 steel side showed partially and fully refined microstructures like fusion welding processes. The recrystallization in the 304 steel and the transformations in the st37 steel enhanced the hardness of the weld area and therefore, improved the tensile properties of the joint. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer FSW produced sound welds between st37 low carbon steel and 304 stainless steel. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The SZ of the st37 steel contained some products of allotropic transformation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The material in the SZ of the 304 steel showed features of dynamic recrystallization. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The finer microstructure in the SZ increased the hardness and tensile strength.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Direct comparison between X-ray nanotomography and scanning electron microscopy for the microstructure characterization of a solid oxide fuel cell anode

X-ray computed nanotomography (nano-CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been applied to characterize the microstructure of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) anode. A direct comparison between the results of both methods is conducted on the same region of the microstructure to assess the spatial resolution of the nano-CT microstructure, SEM being taken as a reference. A registration procedure is proposed to find out the position of the SEM image within the nano-CT volume. It involves a second SEM observation, which is taken along an orthogonal direction and gives an estimate reference SEM image position, which is then refined by an automated optimization procedure. This enables an unbiased comparison between the cell porosity morphologies provided by both methods. In the present experiment, nano-CT is shown to underestimate the number of pores smaller than 1 μm and overestimate the size of the pores larger than 1.5 μm. - Highlights: ► X-ray computed nanotomography (nano-CT) and SEM are used to characterize an SOFC anode. ► A methodology is proposed to compare the nano-CT and SEM data on the same region. ► The spatial resolution of the nano-CT data is assessed from that comparison.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗