Phase Behavior of Aqueous Na-K-Mg-Ca-CI-NO3 Mixtures: Isopiestic Measurements and Thermodynamic Modeling

A comprehensive model has been established for calculating thermodynamic properties of multicomponent aqueous systems containing the Na{sup +}, K{sup +}, Mg{sup 2+}, Ca{sup 2+}, Cl{sup -}, and NO{sub 3}{sup -} ions. The thermodynamic framework is based on a previously developed model for mixed-solvent electrolyte solutions. The framework has been designed to reproduce the properties of salt solutions at temperatures ranging from the freezing point to 300 C and concentrations ranging from infinite dilution to the fused salt limit. The model has been parameterized using a combination of an extensive literature database and new isopiestic measurements for thirteen salt mixtures at 140 C. The measurements have been performed using Oak Ridge National Laboratory's (ORNL) previously designed gravimetric isopiestic apparatus, which makes it possible to detect solid phase precipitation. Water activities are reported for mixtures with a fixed ratio of salts as a function of the total apparent salt mole fraction. The isopiestic measurements reported here simultaneously reflect two fundamental properties of the system, i.e., the activity of water as a function of solution concentration and the occurrence of solid-liquid transitions. The thermodynamic model accurately reproduces the new isopiestic data as well as literature data for binary, ternary and higher-order subsystems. Because of its high accuracy in calculating vapor-liquid and solid-liquid equilibria, the model is suitable for studying deliquescence behavior of multicomponent salt systems

Grain Refinement after Various Thermo-Mechanical Treatments in AZ80 and ZK60 Magnesium Alloys

The effect of thermal processing prior to severe plastic deformation by extrusion and swaging on grain refinement in ZK60 and AZ80 alloys was studied. The alloys received in direct-chill cast condition were homogenized at 415C and annealed (over-aged) at temperatures from 200 to 380°C. Both the direct-hill cast and over-aged conditions were extruded at T = 300C using an extrusion ratio of ER = 19. Hot extrusion resulted in substantial grain refinement in both cases, the effect being stronger in the over-aged material. The extruded bars were severe plastically deformed at 250C by swaging. Swaging refined further the grain size depending on the deformation ratio (number of passes). At optimal processing conditions the grain size was 450 nm and 570 nm for the AZ80 and ZK60 alloys, respectively

Superplastic Behaviour of an Extruded AZ91 Alloy

Plastic deformation of extruded AZ91 magnesium alloy was investigated at various strain rates and in a temperature range of 360-420°C. Samples exhibiting superplastic behaviour were prepared with different thermo-mechanical treatments. Microstructure of samples was observed by light and scanning electron microscopy. The strain rate sensitivity parameter m has been estimated by the abrupt strain rate change method. Possible physical mechanisms of the superplastic flow are discussed

Superplastic Behaviour of an Mg-Ag-RE Magnesium Alloy

Fine-grained magnesium alloy QE22 (Mg-2.5wt.%Ag-2.5wt.%RE-0.6wt.%Zr) was prepared from cast ingot which was submitted to a two stages heat treatment. Subsequently the billet was overaged and extruded at high temperature. Samples were deformed at elevated temperatures from 380°C up to 480°C at various strain rates. Microstructure of deformed samples was studied using light and electron microscopy. Conditions for superplasticity of the investigated alloys have been estimated. Possible deformation mechanisms are discussed

Grain Refinement after Various Thermo-Mechanical Treatments in AZ80 and ZK60 Magnesium Alloys

The effect of thermal processing prior to severe plastic deformation by extrusion and swaging on grain refinement in ZK60 and AZ80 alloys was studied. The alloys received in direct-chill cast condition were homogenized at 415C and annealed (over-aged) at temperatures from 200 to 380°C. Both the direct-hill cast and over-aged conditions were extruded at T = 300C using an extrusion ratio of ER = 19. Hot extrusion resulted in substantial grain refinement in both cases, the effect being stronger in the over-aged material. The extruded bars were severe plastically deformed at 250C by swaging. Swaging refined further the grain size depending on the deformation ratio (number of passes). At optimal processing conditions the grain size was 450 nm and 570 nm for the AZ80 and ZK60 alloys, respectively