Microstructure and Wear Resistance of AlCoCrFeNiTi High-Entropy Alloy Coatings Produced by HVOF

The investigation of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) has revealed many promising properties. HEAs with a high share of Al and Ti are suitable for the formation of lightweight materials. Investigations of the alloy system AlCoCrFeNiTi showed high strength, hardness, ductility, and wear resistance, which makes this special alloy interesting for surface engineering and particularly for thermal spray technology. In this study, the suitability of inert gas-atomised HEA powder for high-velocity-oxygen-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray is investigated. This process allows for high particle velocities and comparatively low process temperatures, resulting in dense coatings with a low oxidation. The microstructure and phase composition of the atomised powder and the HVOF coating were investigated, as well as the wear behaviour under various conditions. A multiphase microstructure was revealed for the powder and coating, whereas a chemically ordered bcc phase occurred as the main phase. The thermal spray process resulted in a slightly changed lattice parameter of the main phase and an additional phase. In comparison with a hard chrome-plated sample, an increase in wear resistance was achieved. Furthermore, no brittle behaviour occurred under abrasive load in the scratch test. The investigation of wear tracks showed only minor cracking and spallation under maximum load

The Phase composition and microstructure of AlχCoCrFeNiTi alloys for the development of high-entropy alloy systems

Alloying aluminum offers the possibility of creating low-density high-entropy alloys (HEAs). Several studies that focus on the system AlCoCrFeNiTi differ in their phase determination. The effect of aluminum on the phase composition and microstructure of the compositionally complex alloy (CCA) system AlxCoCrFeNiTi was studied with variation in aluminum content (molar ratios x = 0.2, 0.8, and 1.5). The chemical composition and elemental segregation was measured for the different domains in the microstructure. The crystal structure was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. To identify the spatial distribution of the phases found with XRD, phase mapping with associated orientation distribution was performed using electron backscatter diffraction. This made it possible to correlate the chemical and structural conditions of the phases. The phase formation strongly depends on the aluminum content. Two different body-centered cubic (bcc) phases were found. Texture analysis proved the presence of a face-centered cubic (fcc) phase for all aluminum amounts. The hard η-(Ni, Co)3Ti phase in the x = 0.2 alloy was detected via metallographic investigation and confirmed via electron backscatter diffraction. Additionally, a centered cluster (cc) with the A12 structure type was detected in the x = 0.2 and 0.8 alloys. The correlation of structural and chemical properties as well as microstructure formation contribute to a better understanding of the alloying effects concerning the aluminum content in CCAs. Especially in the context of current developments in lightweight high-entropy alloys (HEAs), the presented results provide an approach to the development of new alloy systems

Anodisation of Aluminium Alloys by Micro-Capillary Technique as a Tool for Reliable, Cost-Efficient, and Quick Process Parameter Determination

Anodisation is essential for improving surface properties of aluminium alloys and composites regarding wear and corrosion behaviour. Optimisation of the anodising process depends on microstructural constituents contained in aluminium alloys and represents a key task, consisting of the control of process parameters and electrolyte formulation. We applied the micro-capillary technique known from corrosion studies and modified it to form anodic aluminium oxide films on high-strength aluminium alloys in comparison to pure aluminium in sulphuric acid. A glass capillary with an opening of 800 μm in diameter was utilized. Corresponding electrochemical measurements during potentiodynamic and potentiostatic anodisation revealed anodic current responses similar to conventional anodisation. The measurement of film thickness was adapted to the thin anodised spots using ellipsometry and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Cross sections prepared by focused ion beam milling confirm the thickness results and show the behaviour of intermetallic phases depending on the anodising potential. Consequently, micro-capillary anodising proved to be an effective tool for developing appropriate anodisation conditions for aluminium alloys and composites because it allows quick variation of electrolyte composition by applying low electrolyte volumes and rapid film formation due to short process durations at small areas and more flexible variation of process parameters due to the used set-up

A comprehensive review of techniques for natural fibers as reinforcement in composites::preparation, processing and characterization

Designing environmentally friendly materials from natural resources represents a great challenge in the last decade. However, the lack of fundamental knowledge in the processing of the raw materials to fabricate the composites structure is still a major challenge for potential applications.Natural fibers extracted from plants are receiving more attention from researchers, scientists and academics due to their use in polymer composites and also their environmentally friendly nature and sustainability. The natural fiber features depend on the preparation and processing of the fibers. Natural plant fibers are extracted either by mechanical retting, dew retting and/or water retting processes. The natural fibers characteristics could be improved by suitable chemicals and surface treatments. This survey proposes a detailed review of the different types of retting processes, chemical and surface treatments and characterization techniques for natural fibers. We summarize major findings from the literature and the treatment effects on the properties of the natural fibers are being highlighted

Gestaltung technischer Oberflächen mit funktionalen Aufgaben

Eine Vielzahl der Verarbeitungs- und Gebrauchseigenschaften von Werkstoffen wird von der Oberfläche bestimmt. Die gezielte Beeinflussung dieser physikalischen, chemischen und me-chanischen Eigenschaften über technische Verfahren ist das Ansinnen der Oberflächentech-nik. Hierzu wird die Oberfläche modifiziert, umgewandelt bzw. beschichtet. Insbesondere die Systemeigenschaften Korrosion und Verschleiß sind stark von der Zusammensetzung und Gestalt technischer Oberflächen abhängig und müssen sowohl bei der Verarbeitung als auch im Gebrauch betrachtet werden, um unerwünschten Prozessen wirkungsvoll zu begegnen. In dieser Schrift werden anhand ausgewählter Systeme die funktionalen Aufgaben unter-schiedlich beanspruchter technischer Oberflächen entsprechend der jeweiligen Anforderungen definiert und Lösungsansätze entwickelt. Anschließend erfolgt der Nachweis der erzielten Eigenschaften durch geeignete Prüf- bzw. Untersuchungsverfahren. Zusammenhänge zwi-schen Prozessparametern, Mikrostruktur und Eigenschaften lassen die Einsatzmöglichkeiten der verwendeten Werkstoffe unter Berücksichtigung der angewendeten Prozesse erkennen. Folgende Themenkomplexe werden ausführlich behandelt: • Schutzschichten für Lötanlagenkomponenten zur Verarbeitung bleifreier Lote, • anodisch erzeugte Schichten mit angepassten dielektrischen und tribologischen Eigen-schaften sowie Korrosionseigenschaften, • Phosphatschichten zur Vermeidung von Tribokorrosion und zur Erhöhung der Übertrag-barkeit von Kräften mit Welle-Nabe-Verbindungen, • Dispersionsschichten zum Korrosions- und Verschleißschutz mit Potenzial zur Anwen-dung in Mikrosystemen und für autokatalytische Prozesse sowie • auftraggeschweißte Schichten zum kombinierten Korrosions- und Verschleißschutz von Messern der Lebensmittelindustrie

Beitrag zur Charakterisierung naturfaserverstärkter Verbundwerkstoffe mit hochpolymerer Matrix

Die Zielstellung dieser Dissertation besteht darin, einen Beitrag zur Charakterisierung sowohl der Ausgangsmaterialien (Naturfasern, Polymere) als auch ihrer Verbundeigenschaften zu leisten. Morphologische Unterschiede der Fasern, im wesentlichen bedingt durch Erntezeitpunkt, Röstdauer und Verarbeitungsbedingungen, haben Einfluss auf die mechanischen Kennwerte als auch auf das Faser/Matrix-Interface des Verbundwerkstoffs. Durch unterschiedliche Verfahren (Thermoanalyse, Ubbelohde-Viskosimetrie, NMR-Spektroskopie, Einzelfaserzugversuch) werden sowohl das Degradationsverhalten als auch die Prozessgrenzen bestimmt. Zur Einschätzung des Grenzflächenzustands werden oberflächensensitive Verfahren (BET-Verfahren, Zeta-Potentialbestimmung, IR-Spektroskopie, Rasterelektronen-mikroskopie) angewendet. Die Charakterisierung der durch Compoundieren und Spritzgießen, bzw. durch Konsolidieren von Hybridvliesen hergestellten Verbunde erfolgt mittels quasi-statischer bzw. dynamisch-mechanischer Methoden (DMA). Fraktographische rasterelektronenmikroskopische und IR-spektroskopische Untersuchungen belegen die Veränderung des Interfaces durch geeignete Faserbehandlung, Prozessparameter und Haftvermittlung. Die vorliegende Arbeit weist die effektive Verstärkungswirkung der Naturfasern Flachs bzw. Hanf in hochpolymeren Matrices zuverlässig nach.The objectives of this dissertation are the characterization of the components (natural fibers, polymers) and the resulting properties of the composites. Due to differences in fiber morphology, mainly caused by the date of harvest, retting and fiber separation procedures, the mechanical properties and the fiber/matrix interface are effected. The degradation and the limits of the process are characterized by means of thermal analysis, Ubbelohde viscosimetry, NMR spectroscopy and single fiber tensile test. Surface sensitive methods (BET measurements, zeta potential measurements, IR-spectroscopy) were applied to evaluate the fiber/matrix interface. The composites were first manufactured by compounding and injection molding as well as by consolidation of hybrid nonwovens and characterized by means of quasi statical and dynamic-mechanical methods. The effect of adequate fiber treatements, process parameters and coupling agents becomes obvious applying fractographic SEM and IR spectroscopic measurements. The gained results indicate the strengthening effect of natural fibers like flax and hemp on the performance of high polymers

Phase Stability and Microstructure Evolution of Solution-Hardened 316L Powder Feedstock for Thermal Spraying

A solution-hardening of AISI 316L stainless-steel powder was conducted. The expansion of the crystal lattice and a strong increase in the nanoindentation hardness confirm the successful diffusion of carbon and nitrogen in the interstices. A multiphase state of the powder feedstock with phase fractions of the metastable S-phase (expanded austenite) mainly at the particle’s edge, and the initial austenitic phase within the core was found. Thermal spraying using high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) and atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) prove the sufficient thermal stability of the Sphase. Microstructural investigations of the HVOF coating reveal the ductility of the S-phase layer, while the higher heat load within the APS cause diffusion processes with the initial austenitic phase. The lattice expansion and the nanoindentation hardness decrease during thermal spraying. However, the absence of precipitates ensures the sufficient heat stability of the metastable S-phase. Even though further efforts are required for the thermochemical treatment of powder feedstock, the results confirm the feasibility of the novel powder treatment approach

Effects of Laser-Remelting on the Microstructure, Hardness and Oscillating Wear Resistance of Atmospheric Plasma Sprayed Alumina-Rich Coatings

Thermally sprayed ceramic coatings such as alumina have a specific microstructure characterized by porosity and microcracks. In addition, a process-related phase transformation from α-Al2O3 to γ-Al2O3 typically occurs, which affects the properties of the coatings compared to sintered alumina. In a previous study, simultaneous additions of Cr2O3 and TiO2 have already extended and improved the property profile of pure alumina coating (i.e., sliding wear resistance and corrosion resistance against 1N H2SO4). Depending on the powder material used, the phase composition of the coatings differs considerably, influencing the property profile. Chemical integration through reactive bonding promises a previously untapped potential for improvement. In this study, these alumina-rich ternary oxide coatings are remelted by laser, and the effect of different parameters such as speed, laser power or distance on the macro- and microstructure of the coatings is investigated. For this purpose, both light microscopic and SEM examinations are used as well as the determination of the phase composition by XRD and element distribution by EDS. The created coating microstructures are studied with respect to hardness and oscillation wear resistance

Enhanced Wear Behaviour of Spark Plasma Sintered AlCoCrFeNiTi High-Entropy Alloy Composites

High hardness and good wear resistance have been revealed for the high-entropy alloy (HEA) system AlCoCrFeNiTi, confirming the potential for surface protection applications. Detailed studies to investigate the microstructure and phase formation have been carried out using different production routes. Powder metallurgical technologies allow for much higher flexibility in the customisation of materials compared to casting processes. Particularly, spark plasma sintering (SPS) enables the fast processing of the feedstock, the suppression of grain coarsening and the production of samples with a low porosity. Furthermore, solid lubricants can be incorporated for the improvement of wear resistance and the reduction of the coefficient of friction (COF). This study focuses on the production of AlCoCrFeNiTi composites comprising solid lubricants. Bulk materials with a MoS2 content of up to 15 wt % were produced. The wear resistance and COF were investigated in detail under sliding wear conditions in ball-on-disk tests at room temperature and elevated temperature. At least 10 wt % of MoS2 was required to improve the wear behaviour in both test conditions. Furthermore, the effects of the production route and the content of solid lubricant on microstructure formation and phase composition were investigated. Two major body-centred cubic (bcc) phases were detected in accordance with the feedstock. The formation of additional phases indicated the decomposition of MoS2