Precipitation phenomena in Al-Zn-Mg alloy matrix composites reinforced with B4C particles

Abstract To provide insight into precipitation phenomena in age-hardening Al-Zn-Mg(-Cu) matrix composites, an Al 7075 alloy composite reinforced with B4C particles was selected as a model system. The bulk composites were fabricated via plasma activated sintering and followed by a peak aged (T6) heat treatment. Two types of Al matrix zones were identified in the composite: (1) the regions in the vicinity of the matrix/reinforcement interface, defined as “matrix plastic zone” (MPZ) hereafter, and (2) the regions away from the matrix/reinforcement interface, simply defined as matrix hereafter. The precipitation behavior in the MPZ was characterized and compared to that in the matrix. The MPZ contained a high density of dislocations. The number density of GP zones in the MPZ is lower than that in the matrix while the average size of the GP zones in MPZ is coarser. In addition, semi-coherent platelet η′ precipitates were observed but only in the MPZ. The dislocations and the Al/B4C interfaces provide more heterogeneous nucleation sites for the η′ precipitates in the MPZ. The growth and coarsening of the η′ precipitates caused rapid depletion of Mg and Zn solute atoms in the MPZ

Application of minimum quantity lubrication techniques in machining process of titanium alloy for sustainability: a review

Recently, the manufacturing sector is increasingly keen to apply sustainability at all levels of sustainability from system to products and processes. At the processes level, cutting fluids (CFs) are among the most unsustainable materials and need to be addressed properly in accordance with three main and decisive aspects, also known as the triple bottom line: ecology, society, and economics. Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) is a promising technique that minimizes the use of CFs, thus improving sustainability. This paper presents a review of the literature available on the use of the MQL technique during different machining processes involving titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V). To carry out the study, four search engines were used to focus on the most cited articles published over a span of 17years from 2000 to 2016. The performance and drawbacks are compiled for each eco-friendly technique: dry, MQL, and cryogenics with combinations of MQL and cryogenics, critically considering machining parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, and output measures, namely surface roughness, tool life, and cutting temperature. After drawing conclusions from critical evaluation of research body, future research avenues in the field are proposed for the academics and industry