Microstructure of plasma-sprayed cast iron splats with different particle sizes

The superior wear-resistant property of cast irons is closely linked with their microstructure, in which graphite formation in plasma-sprayed cast iron coatings causes distinct characteristics owing to its self-lubricating property. Since the solidification rate generally affects graphite formation, the optimum in spray parameters such as substrate temperature, ambient pressure, particle size and spray distance is required to slow down the solidification rate, as well as to improve the adhesive strength of splats. In this study, cast iron splats were induced on an aluminum alloy substrate by plasma spraying using alloyed cast iron powder high in silicon and aluminum in a low pressure argon atmosphere. Then, the effects of particle size on the microstructure and adhesive strength of splats were investigated by introducing the correlation between the solidification rate and the microstructure. Spraying with large particles leads to an increase in the number fraction of disk splats and a slight decrease in their adhesive strength. Cross-sectional observations reveal fine graphite growing in splats nearly perpendicular to the substrate surface

Characterization of the hard anodizing layers formed on 2014-T3 Al alloy, in sulphuric acid electrolyte containing sodium lignin sulphonate

The properties of hard anodizing layers formed on 2014 Al alloy in sulphuric acid electrolyte containing sodium lignin sulphonate were investigated. The corrosion behavior of 2014 Al alloy has been studied using potentiodynamic polarization technique. Anodic layers morphology and composition were examined by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersion X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the corrosion resistance has been enhanced after hard anodizing of 2014 Al alloy. Addition of lignin sulphonate to the sulphuric acid electrolyte significantly improved the corrosion resistance of the anodized 2014 aluminum alloy by adsorption on copper-intermetallic phases. Adsorption of sodium lignin sulphonate on oxide surface has been confirmed by SEM, EDX, and FTIR. Phenolic and carboxylic groups in sodium lignin sulphonate are functional groups, which are responsible of complex formation on oxide surface. The morphology of the hard anodizing layer is non-homogenous due to the high copper content of 2014 Al alloy. Addition of sodium lignin sulphonate resulted in the formation of anodic layers with more homogeneity and fewer cracks. Keywords: Hard anodizing, Al-Cu alloy, Corrosion, Potentiodynamic polarization, FTIR, Sodium lignin sulphonate, Green inhibitor, SE

Effect of Mg Addition and PMMA Coating on the Biodegradation Behaviour of Extruded Zn Material

Although zinc (Zn) is one of the elements with the greatest potential for biodegradable uses, pure Zn does not have the ideal mechanical or degrading properties for orthopaedic applications. The current research aims at studying the microstructure and corrosion behaviour of pure Zn (used as a reference material) and Zn alloyed with 1.89 wt.% magnesium (Mg), both in their extruded states as well as after being coated with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The grafting-from approach was used to create a PMMA covering. The “grafting-from” method entails three steps: the alkali activation of the alloys, their functionalization with an initiator of polymerization through a phosphonate-attaching group, and the surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerisation (SI-ATRP) to grow PMMA chains. Electrochemical and immersion corrosion tests were carried out in a simulated body fluid (SBF), and both confirmed the enhanced corrosion behaviour obtained after coating. The electrochemical test revealed a decrease in the degradation rate of the alloy from 0.37 ± 0.14 mm/y to 0.22 ± 0.01 mm/y. The immersion test showed the ability of complete protection for 240 h. After 720 h of immersion, the coated alloy displays minute crevice corrosion with very trivial pitting compared to the severe localized (galvanic and pitting) corrosion type that was detected in the bare alloy