Analytical electron microscopy studies of the CMSX–4 single crystal superalloy subjected to high temperature annealing

The aim of the present work is to investigate the development of the γ/γ' microstructure and the changes in chemical composition of γ and γ' phases during high temperature annealing of CMSX-4 superalloy at a temperature of 1100°C in the time range from 500 to 2500 h. The studies were performed by means of scanning electron microscopy and the modern scanning-transmission electron microscopy with Super-X EDS system of four SDD detectors. Results of scanning electron microscopy and scanning-transmission electron microscopy analyses have shown that the microstructure of CMSX-4 superalloy is unstable during ageing at high temperature and the coalescence of cuboidal γ' precipitates was observed. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis revealed the distribution of particular alloying elements in the γ and γ' phases and the differences in their concentration in the function of the annealing time

Analytical electron microscopy investigation of topologically close-packed phases in CMSX-4 single crystal superalloy

In this work the topologically close-packed phases precipitated during annealing of CMSX-4 single-crystal superalloy at temperature 1100°C were investigated. Microstructural analyses were carried out by means of scanning- and transmission electron microscopy as well as scanning-transmission electron microscopy in high angle annular dark field mode. Chemical composition in nanoareas was determined using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy investigation has shown that the topologically close-packed precipitates were formed already after 50 h of annealing at temperature 1000°C. With prolongation of the annealing time up to 2500 h the change of the morphology of topologically close-packed particles from blocky to needle-like occurred. Selected area electron diffraction analysis indicated that the topologically close-packed precipitates are the orthorhombic P phase. Quantitative energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed that the topologically close-packed precipitates are enriched mostly in Re and W

Characterization of oxide layers made on aluminium alloy 7075 by different methods

Aluminium and aluminium alloys are now widely used as materials for structural applications due to a number of valuable properties. Improvement in functional and decorative properties of aluminium can be obtained by forming an oxide layer on its surface. The aim of the present study was to produce and compare the properties of oxide layers on the surface of aluminium alloy 7075 and compare their properties. Methods which were used during the study were as follows: phosphating, micro-arc oxidation, and a chemical method involving the formation of the passive layer. Layers were subjected to corrosion tests. SEM and EDS methods were used for characterization of received results. Also some tests on optical ptofilometer were done. It was proven that the micro-arc oxidation method allows for obtaining a layer with the greatest thickness and highest  corrosion resistance.  

Influence of Alkali Treatment on Anodized Titanium Alloys in Wollastonite Suspension

The surface modification of titanium alloys is an effective method to improve their biocompatibility and tailor the material to the desired profile of implant functionality. In this work, technologically-advanced titanium alloys—Ti-15Mo, Ti-13Nb-13Zr and Ti-6Al-7Nb—were anodized in suspensions, followed by treatment in alkali solutions, with wollastonite deposition from the powder phase suspended in solution. The anodized samples were immersed in NaOH or KOH solution with various concentrations with a different set of temperatures and exposure times. Based on their morphologies (observed by scanning electron microscope), the selected samples were investigated by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Titaniate compounds were formed on the previously anodized titanium surfaces. The surface wettability significantly decreased, mainly on the modified Ti-15Mo alloy surface. Titanium alloy compounds had an influence on the results of the titanium alloys’ surface modification, which caused the surfaces to exhibit differential physical properties. In this paper, we present the influence of the anodization procedure on alkali treatment effects and the properties of obtained hybrid coatings

Manufacturing, Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Electrophoretically Deposited SiO2 and Ni/SiO2 Coatings On X2CrNiMo17–12–2 Steel

The SiO2 and Ni/SiO2 coatings were electrophoretically deposited on X2CrNiMo17-12-2 steel using ethanol-based suspensions of the SiO2 and Ni powders. The influence of the zeta potential and concentration of the suspensions, the applied voltage and deposition time on the quality of the coatings was studied. Microstructure of the plan-view and cross sections of the coatings was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The plan-view images revealed the uniform microstructure of the coatings with sporadically observed cracks, pores as well SiO2 and Ni agglomerates. On the cross-sections, the Cr2O3 layer, resulted from oxidation of the substrate during sintering of the coatings was observed. The polarization tests have shown that SiO2 and Ni/SiO2 coatings improve the corrosion resistance of the X2CrNiMo17-12-2 steel in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution

Influence of PAA on the Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Electrophoretically Deposited SiO2 and Ni/SiO2 Coatings on X2CrNiMo17-12-2 Steel

The effect of anionic surfactant in the form of polyacrylic acid (PAA) on the electrophoretic deposition of the SiO2 and Ni/SiO2 coatings on X2CrNiMo17-12-2 stainless steel was examined. Parameters of the process, such as chemical composition of the suspensions, voltage between the electrodes and the deposition time were experimentally selected. Zeta potential measurements showed a beneficial effect of polyacrylic acid on the SiO2 and Ni particles stability in ethanol. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that the microstructure of the coatings obtained from the suspensions containing polyelectrolyte is more homogenous and has less amount of desiccation cracks on the surface. The results of the polarization tests have shown that addition of anionic surfactant improves also corrosion resistance of the coatings in 3.5% NaCl solution

Investigations of friction stir welds between 5083 and 7075 aluminum alloys using EBSD and X-ray techniques

Microstructure and texture of the friction stir welded 5083 and 7075 aluminum alloys were characterized by means of the electron backscatter diffraction and X-ray techniques. A complex vortex-like microstructure with distinctive bands of the both joint materials was found in the centre of the weld. The alternating bands filled roughly equiaxed dynamically recrystallized grain volumes. The grain size was slightly smaller in bands of the alloy 7075 than in bands of the alloy 5083. Grains in the thermomechanically affected zone were elongated, especially on the retreating side of the weld (7075 alloy). On the other hand, the grain shape in the heat affected zone was similar to that for the base material

Surface Characterization of 309 and 310 Steel after the Corrosion in Wood Biomass Ash

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of biomass ashes - specifically wood biomass ash - on the surface of austenitic stainless steel 309 and 310. The process was carried out for 1000 h at 650°C. The microstructure and chemical composition of corrosion products were examined by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. Phase analysis of corrosion product were done by X-ray diffraction and ash composition was investigated by X-ray fluorescence. It was observed that wood biomass ash caused the corrosion of the steel surface. On the surface of the steels exposed to wood biomass ash the layer of corrosion products was observed, mostly chromium, nickel and iron oxide. The thickness of mill scale formed during the process was in the range of h=15-30 μm

Pyrolysis of Biomass Wastes into Carbon Materials

This study presents the results of the biomass pyrolysis process focusing on biochar production and its potential energetic (as solid fuel) and material (as adsorbent) applications. Three kinds of biomass waste were investigated: wheat straw, spent coffee grounds, and brewery grains. The pyrolysis process was carried out under nitrogen atmosphere at 400 and 500 °C (residence time of 20 min). A significant increase in the carbon content was observed in the biochars, e.g., from 45% to 73% (at 400 °C) and 77% (at 500 °C) for spent coffee grounds. In addition, the structure and morphology were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Thermal properties were studied using a simultaneous thermal analysis under an oxidising atmosphere. The chemical activation was completed using KOH. The sorption properties of the obtained biochars were tested using chromium ion (Cr3+) adsorption from liquid solution. The specific surface area and average pore diameter of each sample were determined using the BET method. Finally, it was found that selected biochars can be applied as adsorbent or a fuel. In detail, brewery grains-activated carbon had the highest surface area, wheat straw-activated carbon adsorbed the highest amount of Cr3+, and wheat straw chars presented the best combustion properties