High Temperature Refractory Metal Alloys-advances and Challenges

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Materials science research in microgravity

There are several important attributes of an extended duration microgravity environment that offer a new dimension in the control of the microstructure, processing, and properties of materials. First, when gravitational effects are minimized, buoyancy driven convection flows are also minimized. The flows due to density differences, brought about either by composition or temperature gradients will then be reduced or eliminated to permit a more precise control of the temperature and the composition of a melt which is critical in achieving high quality crystal growth of electronic materials or alloy structures. Secondly, body force effects such as sedimentation, hydrostatic pressure, and deformation are similarly reduced. These effects may interfere with attempts to produce uniformly dispersed or aligned second phases during melt solidification. Thirdly, operating in a microgravity environment will facilitate the containerless processing of melts to eliminate the limitations of containment for reactive melts. The noncontacting forces such as those developed from electromagnet, electrostatic, or acoustic fields can be used to position samples. With this mode of operation, contamination can be minimized to enable the study of reactive melts and to eliminate extraneous crystal nucleation so that novel crystalline structures and new glass compositions may be produced. In order to take advantage of the microgravity environment for materials research, it has become clear that reliable processing models based on a sound ground based experimental experience and an established thermophysical property data base are essential

Mo-Si-B-Based Coatings for Ceramic Base Substrates

Alumina-containing coatings based on molybdenum (Mo), silicon (Si), and boron (B) ("MoSiB coatings") that form protective, oxidation-resistant scales on ceramic substrate at high temperatures are provided. The protective scales comprise an aluminoborosilicate glass, and may additionally contain molybdenum. Two-stage deposition methods for forming the coatings are also provided

Nanocrystal dispersed amorphous alloys

Compositions and methods for obtaining nanocrystal dispersed amorphous alloys are described. A composition includes an amorphous matrix forming element (e.g., Al or Fe); at least one transition metal element; and at least one crystallizing agent that is insoluble in the resulting amorphous matrix. During devitrification, the crystallizing agent causes the formation of a high density nanocrystal dispersion. The compositions and methods provide advantages in that materials with superior properties are provided

Enhanced oxidation resistance of Ti-rich Mo-Si-B alloys by pack-cementation process

To increase efficiency by higher combustion temperatures of aircraft engines and energy generation, new high temperature materials are inevitable. Mo-Si-B alloys for example satisfy several requirements such as good oxidation and creep resistance. Recently, novel Ti-rich Mo-Si-B alloys have shown an increased creep resistance compared to Ti-free Mo-Si-B alloys by the formation of Ti-silicide precipitates during processing. However, due to the formation of a duplex SiO2 – TiO2 oxide layer, where fast inwards diffusion of oxygen takes place, the oxidation resistance is poor. In this study we show that oxidation resistance of Mo-Si-B-Ti alloys can be enhanced drastically at temperatures ranging from 800 to 1200°C for several hundreds of hours by pack-cementation application of a borosilica based coating. The Mo-12.5Si-8.5B-27.5Ti (in at.%) substrate was produced by repetitive arc-melting of high-purity metals, Si and B in a high-purity argon atmosphere. After homogenization treatment at 1600°C for 100h slices of this alloy were prepared for pack-cementation. The pack-cementation was done in an atmosphere of high-purity argon at 1000°C for 40h, followed by a conditioning step at 1400°C for 10h in air. The resulting layer consists of an outer borosilica layer followed by an inner MoSi2 and Mo5Si3 layer. To study the oxidation behavior, both isothermal and cyclic oxidation tests were carried out. After an initial mass loss during the first hours of oxidation, a steady state is reached for tests up to 1000 hours. To demonstrate the high stability of the outer borosilicate layer SEM cross-sections were prepared after different times of oxidation