Reciprocal dry sliding wear behaviour of B4Cp reinforced aluminium alloy matrix composites

Manuscript DraftIn the present work, AlSi9Cu3Mg alloy matrix composites reinforced with 15 and 19% (vol.) B4Cp were produced by squeeze casting route at 850 °C under low vacuum. Titanium-containing flux (K2TiF6) was used to promote the wetting between B4C and liquid aluminium metal. It was found, from the microstructural observations, that the wetting improved by the formation of a thin Ti-rich reaction layer. In order to investigate the wear properties, the samples were subjected to reciprocating wear tests against AISI 4140 pin under dry sliding conditions. Effect of B4C volume fraction, sliding velocity, applied load and sliding distance on reciprocal dry wear behaviour of composites was studied using general full factorial experimental design. Effects of factors and interactions on the coefficient of friction (COF) and the wear rate values of both composite specimens and counter materials were studied. Worn surfaces and wear debris were characterised using field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), optical microscope (OM) and XRay diffraction (XRD). From microstructural investigations, wear mechanism suggested as a combination of adhesive, abrasive, and delamination wear.This study was partially supported by TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) under Grant No. 107M338. The authors would also like to thank for their kind help to Prof. O. Keles from Istanbul Technical University for experimental design studies, and Prof. J. Gomes and Mr. S. Carvalho from University of Minho for tribological studies

Electrochemical response of Ti joints vacuum brazed with TiCuNi, AgCu, and Ag fillers

The properties of the joints are dictated by the nature, distribution, and morphology of the phases formed at the interface. The mechanical properties of brazed joints are well documented in the literature, contrarily to their electrochemical behaviour. Thus, the main objective of this study was to understand the influence of the phases formed at the interface on the corrosion behaviour of commercially pure Ti brazed joints, produced by using TiCuNi, eutectic AgCu, and Ag filler foils. The electrochemical behaviour of the Ti joints was accessed by open circuit potential and potentiodynamic polarization tests in phosphate buffer saline solution electrolyte at body temperature. Results showed that Ag-based fillers induced susceptibility to micro-galvanic corrosion between the Ag-rich and Ti phases formed at the interface and commercially pure Ti base metal. However, no significant differences were observed between the joint system and the base material when brazing with TiCuNi filler.This work was supported by Portuguese FCT, under the reference project UIDB/04436/2020 and M-ERA-NET/0001/2015 project. The authors would also like to acknowledge A. I. COSTA for her help on the experimental studies

Corrosion and tribocorrosion behaviour of Ti-B4C composites processed by conventional sintering and hot-pressing technique

In this work, low volume reinforcement ex-situ Ti-B4C composites were produced using two different routes: conventional powder metallurgy (PM) and hot-pressing (HP). The effect of reinforcement phases and processing method on corrosion and tribocorrosion behaviour were studied. Composites processed by PM lost the typical passive behaviour of Ti matrix, while composites processed by HP presented similar behaviour to unreinforced Ti. Tribocorrosion tests showed that both composite groups presented two times decrease in corrosion kinetics under sliding compared to pure titanium. An antagonistic effect between wear and corrosion was observed for composites with at least two times decrease in wear volume compared to titanium.This work was supported by Portuguese Fundation for Science and Techonology (FCT), Portugal, under UIDB/04436/2020 and MERA-NET/0001/2015 projects. L. Sousa was grateful for the PhD grant through NORTE-08-5369-FSE-000051 project. The authors would like to acknowledge Prof. José Carlos Teixeira (University of Minho) for the provision of laser diffraction equipment

An experimental study on the corrosion susceptibility of Recycled Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Steel fibers resulting from the industry of tire recycling can be efficiently employed in concrete to improve its mechanical performance, such as post-cracking load bearing and energy absorption capacity. Under chloride attack, an important aspect of Recycled Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (RSFRC) durability is its corrosion resistance. However, the insufficient knowledge on this domain contributes for a conservative design philosophy, which can compromise the cost competitiveness of RSFRC and prevent its application in elements where this occurrence, even eventual, is not acceptable. In the present work, an experimental program was performed with the aim of assessing the corrosion susceptibility of RSFRC including the characterization of the micro-mechanical properties and the corrosion resistance of recycled steel fiber (RSF) by means of nano-indentation testing, electrochemical monitoring techniques and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The influence of the small rubber debris attached to the RSF surface was also analyzed by using two distinct pre-treatment methods. The adhesive bond behavior between the RSF and the surrounding self-compacting concrete (SCC) matrix was analyzed by performing monotonic RSF pullout tests. Double edge wedge splitting (DEWS) tests were conducted for evaluating the corrosion effects on the post-cracking response of RSFRC.CiviTest Company and the Scientific and Technological Research Assistance Centre (CACTI) of the University of Vigo. The first author would like to thank the FCT for the financial support through the Research Grant PD/BD/113638/2015. The third author acknowledges the grant SFRH/BSAB/114302/2016 provided by FCT. Part of this work is supported by FCT with the reference project UID/EEA/04436/2013, COMPETE 2020 with the code POCI-01- 0145-FEDER-006941. Finally the support of the FCT through the project PTDC/ECM-EST/2635/201

Tribocorrosion behavior of bio-functionalized highly porous titanium

Titanium and its alloys are widely used in orthopedic and dental implants, however, some major clinical concerns such as poor wear resistance, lack of bioactivity, and bone resorption due to stress shielding are yet to be overcome. In order to improve these drawbacks, highly porous Ti samples having functionalized surfaces were developed by powder metallurgy with space holder technique followed by anodic treatment. Tribocorrosion tests were performed in 9 g/L NaCl solution using a unidirectional pin-on-disc tribometer under 3 N normal load, 1 Hz frequency and 4 mm track diameter. Open circuit potential (OCP) was measured before, during and after sliding. Worn surfaces investigated by field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results suggested bio-functionalized highly porous samples presented lower tendency to corrosion under sliding against zirconia pin, mainly due to the load carrying effect given by the hard protruded oxide surfaces formed by the anodic treatment.This study was supported by FCT with the reference project UID/EEA/04436/2013, by FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalizacao (POCI) with the reference project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006941, Programa de Accoes Universitarias Integradas Luso-Francesas' (PAUILF TC-12_14), and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation through "Programa de Mobilidade Academica para Professores". The authors also gratefully acknowledge the "Investissements d'avenir" programs (nos. ANR-11-IDEX-0003-02 and ANR-10- EQPX-37 MATMECA Grant) for financial support.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Corrosion and tribocorrosion behavior of Ti-TiB-TiNx in-situ hybrid composite synthesized by reactive hot pressing

Ti and its alloys are attractive materials for variety of fields, including biomedical implants, however, the wear behavior is yet to be improved. In the present work, Ti-TiB-TiNx in-situ metal matrix composites were synthesized by reactive hot pressing using a Ti-BN powder blend. Corrosion behavior was investigated in 9 g/L NaCl solution at 37 degrees C by performing potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Tribocorrosion behavior was investigated using reciprocating tribometer, against an alumina ball, under 1 and 10 N normal load, 1 and 2 Hz frequency, in 9 g/L NaCl solution at 37 degrees C. Results suggested that TiB and TiNx in situ phases did not deteriorate the corrosion behavior of Ti but significantly improved the tribocorrosion behavior under 1 N.This study was supported by The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation through "Programa de Mobilidade Academica para Professores" and FCT with the reference project UID/EEA/04436/2013, by FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalizacao (POCI) with the reference project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006941. F. Toptan is grateful for financial support through the project NORTE 01-0145_FEDER-000018.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Design and evaluation of PM Ti surfaces modified by colloidal techniques and diffusion processes for biomedical applications

The aim of this work was the modification of the composition and surface microstructure of powder metallurgy titanium to improve the wear resistance and reduce the elastic modulus while maintaining the corrosion behavior, characteristics needed for biomedical applications. For this purpose, Mo and Nb coatings were produced by colloidal techniques. Stable aqueous suspensions were prepared from micro-sized powder of Mo and Nb particles, deposited onto the powder metallurgy titanium substrates (green or sintered). After a heat treatment to promote the diffusion and the consolidation of the layers, microstructural changes were obtained. In the case of green substrates, the co-sintering process provides a diffusion depth of 85-100 micron. In the as-sintered case, a uniform depth of 40-65 microns was reached. The surfaces were characterised by micro-hardness, corrosion and tribocorrosion testing, and the results showed that hardened surfaces presented lower tendency to corrosion both under static conditions and under sliding.Funds were provided by Spanish Government (programme MINECO, ref. MAT2012-38650-C02-01), Regional Government of Madrid (programme MULTIMAT-CHALLENGE, ref. S2013/MIT-2862) and Institute of Alvaro Alonso Barba (IAAB) for the research stay in CMEMS-UMINHO (University of Minho).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Improved tribocorrosion behavior obtained by in-situ precipitation of Ti2C in Ti-Nb alloy

Novel in-situ Ti-based matrix composites (TMCs) were developed through the reactive hot pressing of Ti + NbC powder blends. Due to the chemical reaction that occurred in the solid-state during processing, the produced samples were composed of an Nb-rich β-Ti phase that formed a metallic matrix along with Ti2C as a reinforcing phase. By employing different proportions of Ti:NbC, the phase composition of the alloys was designed to contain different ratios of α-Ti and β-Ti. The present work investigated the corrosion and tribocorrosion behavior of the composites, compared to unreinforced Ti, in a phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) at body temperature. Corrosion tests included potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Tribocorrosion tests were carried out using a ball-on-plate tribometer with sliding performed at open circuit potential (OCP) and under anodic potentiostatic conditions. Results showed that the stabilization of the β phase in the matrix led to a decrease in the hardness. However, the formation of the in-situ reinforcing phase significantly improved the tribocorrosion behavior of the composites due to a load-carrying effect, lowering the corrosion tendency and kinetics under sliding. Furthermore, localized corrosion was not observed at the interface between the reinforcing phase and the matrix.This work was supported by São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), grants #2017/24300-4, #2018/00746-6 and #2019/07953-0. Also, this work was partially supported by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), Portugal, under UIDB/04436/2020 project

Dry sliding wear behaviour of Ti-TiB-TiNx in-situ composite synthesised by reactive hot pressing

Ti and its alloys are attractive materials for a variety of fields; however, a major problem of Ti and its alloys is their poor wear resistance. It is known that reinforcing Ti with hard ceramic phases can substantially improve the wear resistance. Thus, Ti-TiB-TiNx in-situ metal matrix composites were synthesised by reactive hot pressing utilising Ti/BN powder blends with 23:1 Ti:BN weight ratio. Ball-on-plate reciprocating dry sliding wear tests were performed against a 10 mm of alumina ball under 10 N normal load, at a frequency of 1 Hz, and with the total stroke length of 3 mm during 1,800 s. Results showed that the total wear volume loss was significantly decreased on the composite (11.4 +/- 2.0 x 10(-3) mm(3)) as compared to the unreinforced Ti (40.9 +/- 4.2 x 10(-3) mm(3)) due to the strengthening effect of the in-situ reinforcing phases.This study was supported by The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation through Programa de Mobilidade Academica para Professores and Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT-Portugal), under the project EXCL/EMS-TEC/0460/2012. The authors also would like to thank Prof. Amilcar Ramalho (Universidade de Coimbra) for the provision of profilometry facilities.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Influence of calcium acetate concentration in electrolyte on tribocorrosion behaviour of MAO treated titanium

Ti-based materials are widely used for dental and orthopaedic implant applications due to their adequate mechanical properties, corrosion behaviour and biocompatibility. However, these materials are biologically inert and display poor wear resistance. In one of the most studied processes that aims to overcome these drawbacks, Ti surfaces are often covered by anodic oxide films with the incorporation of bioactive agents such as Ca and P. Although there are several works on the tribocorrosion behaviour of MAO-treated Ti surfaces, the influence of electrolyte composition on the corrosion kinetics under sliding is yet to be fully understood. In the present work, anodic oxide films were produced on cp-Ti surfaces with different calcium acetate concentrations in the electrolyte. Tribocorrosion behaviour was investigated by reciprocating sliding tests performed in 8 g/L NaCl solution at body temperature, under potentiostatic conditions. The results showed that higher concentrations of calcium acetate had a detrimental effect on tribocorrosion kinetics, however, they resulted in less mechanical damage due to alterations in the topography and structure of the MAO layer.This work was supported by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), Portugal, under UIDB/04436/2020 project. L. Sousa was grateful for the PhD grant through NORTE08-5369-FSE-000051 project