Texture selection mechanisms in uniaxially extruded magnesium alloys

Extrusion textures in magnesium alloys are of high interest due to their influence on yield asymmetry. This data supports work describing three mechanisms of texture selection that may play a role during extrusion. These mechanisms involve localized differences in deformation at the grain level, the change in local environment experienced by grain boundary bulges and shear banding. The work employs visco-plastic crystal plasticity and electron backscattering diffraction.

Studies of a wear resistant cast iron

 The objective of this investigation was to set down (on the base of the results obtained by the examination of white cast iron alloys with different content of the alloying elements) a correlation between chemical composition and microstructure, on one hand, and the properties relevant for this group of materials, i.e., abrasion wear resistance and fracture toughness, on the other. Experimental results indicate that the volume fracture of the carbide phase, carbide size and distribution, as well as the morphology of eutectic colonies, had an important influence on the wear resistance of white cast iron alloys under low-stress abrasion conditions, whereas fracture toughness was determined largely by the matrix microstructure.

Deformation of magnesium alloys during laboratory scale in-situ x-ray diffraction

In this research work we developed a new laboratory based transmission X-ray diffraction technique to perform in-situ deformation studies on a far more regular basis that is not possible at large scale synchrotron and neutron facilities. We studied the deformation mechanisms in light weight magnesium alloys during in-situ tensile testing.

A double inclusion homogenization scheme for polycrystals with hierarchal topologies: Application to twinning in Mg alloys

The present work introduces a double inclusion elasto-plastic self-consistent (DI-EPSC) scheme for topologies in which crystals can contain subdomains (i.e. twins, etc.). The approach yields a direct coupling between the mechanical response of grains and their subdomains via a concentration relationship on mean fields derived from both the Eshelby and the Tanaka-Mori properties. The latent effect caused by twinning on the mechanical response is observed on both initially extruded and non-textured Mg alloys. For twinned grains, it is shown that deformation system activities and plastic strain distributions within twins drastically depend on the interaction with parent domains. Moreover, a quantitative study on the coupled influence of secondary slip activities on the material response is proposed. © 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Effect of alloying and extrusion temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-Zn and Mg-Zn-RE alloys

Extruded Mg-Zn-RE alloys have been shown to exhibit excellent combinations of yield strength and ductility, but it is not completely clear how adding rare earth metals to Mg-Zn alters the microstructure and affects the mechanical properties. Microstructural changes and the resulting mechanical properties from changes in composition and extrusion temperature have been investigated for Mg-. x Zn-. y RE (. x=2.5 and 5. wt.%, y=0 and 1. wt. %, and RE=Gd and Y) alloys. Adding RE to Mg-Zn increased the strength and reduced the ductility, while increasing the zinc concentration in the Mg-Zn-RE alloys had the reverse effect.

Effects of alloying elements on the corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of biodegradable magnesium alloys: a review

Magnesium (Mg) based alloys have been extensively considered for their use as biodegradable implant materials. However, controlling their corrosion rate in the physiological environment of the human body is still a significant challenge. One of the most effective approaches to address this challenge is to carefully select alloying compositions with enhanced corrosion resistance and mechanical properties when designing the Mg alloys. This paper comprehensively reviews research progress on the development of Mg alloys as biodegradable implant materials, highlighting the effects of alloying elements including aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), zirconium (Zr), strontium (Sr) and rare earth elements (REEs) on the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of Mg alloys, from the viewpoint of the design and utilization of Mg biomaterials. The REEs covered in this review include cerium (Ce), erbium (Er), lanthanum (La), gadolinium (Gd), neodymium (Nd) and yttrium (Y). The effects of alloying elements on the microstructure, corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of Mg alloys have been critically summarized based on specific aspects of the physiological environment, namely the electrochemical effect and the biological behavior. This journal is © the Partner Organisations 2014.

Developments in machining of stacked materials made of CFRP and titanium/aluminum alloys

The aim of this article is to investigate the drilling of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite/metal stack-ups to have a details picture of the developments in this complex area. The forces and torque, chip shape, surface finish and geometry, and tool material and tool wear for drilling composite/metal stack-ups have been analyzed in details in addition to drilling mechanism of CFRP. The relation between input and output parameters was discussed and the trend of input parameters for damage free and tight tolerance holes has been investigated based on the literature. The main findings are (i) heat, built-up edge and chips generated from drilling of metallic layers damages CFRP surface, (ii) order of material layers affects the drilling outcomes significantly, (iii) coatings and step-shape on the cutting tool improves the tool performance, (iv) tool materials should be selected based on the material of metallic layer, (v) chipping, adhesion, abrasion and attrition are main tool wear mechanisms during machining of CFRP/metal stacks and (vi) application of coolant improves the machinability.

The effect of high yttrium solute concentration on the twinning behaviour of magnesium alloys

The deformation behaviour of two single phase binary alloys, Mg-5Y and Mg-10Y, have been examined. In compression, two twin types were observed, the common {101¯2} twin as well as the less common {112¯1} extension twin. It is shown that the {112¯1} twin is much less sensitive to solute concentration than the {101¯2} twin, and it is suggested that the simple atomic shuffle of the {112¯1} twin reduces the solute strengthening imparted by Y additions. The common {101¯2} twin showed significant hardening as a result of alloying with Y. An analysis of solute behaviour has indicated that of the four chemical parameters investigated, i.e. atomic size, shear modulus, electronegativity and solute distribution, it appears to be the larger atomic radius of Y compared to Mg that increases the stress required to activate the {101¯2} twin. It is suggested that the large atomic radius inhibits the atomic shuffling process which accompanies the twinning shear in this twin type.

Corrosion behavior of Mg-5Al-xZn alloys in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution

Five types of Mg-5Al alloys with different weight percentages of Zn ranging from 0 to 4 wt.% were examined using electrochemical techniques and surface analysis. The electrochemical results indicated that the Mg-5Al alloys containing Zn have a lower corrosion and hydrogen evolution rates than the Mg-5Al based specimens with a decrease of value being observed with the decrease in Zn content. Zn addition induced the precipitation of Mg-Al and Mg-Zn phases in the Mg matrix along with grain refinement and increased an interaction of Zn oxide with Mg and Al products serving as a corrosion barrier. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Surface functionalisation of magnesium alloys for use as bio-implants

 Magnesium-based alloys containing appropriate quantities of Strontium can induce optimal bone formation. Surface modification of these alloys with Collagen-I increased mineral deposition on the peri-implant surface over shorter periods of time as compared to the unmodified alloys, indicating the role of Collagen-I and Strontium concentration in bone resorption and remodelling.

Grain refinement in titanium alloys through thermomechanical processing

Qi developed a novel thermomechanical processing route for the grain refinement of titanium alloys. This leads to a well-balanced superior mechanical property, which is vital for modern air transport. The outcomes of this project are prospective to enhance titanium application and the long-term viability of Australian resources and manufacturing industries.

Development of a laboratory-based transmission diffraction technique for in situ deformation studies of Mg alloys

A laboratory-based transmission X-ray diffraction technique was developed to measure elastic lattice strains parallel to the loading direction during in situ tensile deformation. High-quality transmission X-ray diffraction data were acquired in a time frame suitable for in situ loading experiments by application of a polycapillary X-ray optic with a conventional laboratory Cu X-ray source. Based on the measurement of two standard reference materials [lanthanum hexaboride (NIST SRM 660b) and silicon (NIST SRM 640c)], precise instrumental alignment and calibration of the transmission diffraction geometry were realized. These results were also confirmed by the equivalent data acquired using the standard Bragg-Brentano measurement geometry. An empirical Caglioti function was employed to describe the instrumental broadening, while an axis of rotation correction was used to measure and correct the specimen displacement from the centre of the goniometer axis. For precise Bragg peak position and hkil intensity information, a line profile fitting methodology was implemented, with Pawley refinement used to measure the sample reference lattice spacings (d o (hkil)). It is shown that the relatively large X-ray probe size available (7 × 714mm) provides a relatively straightforward approach for improving the grain statistics for the study of metal alloys, where grain sizes in excess of 114μm can become problematic for synchrotron-based measurements. This new laboratory-based capability was applied to study the lattice strain evolution during the elastic-plastic transition in extruded and rolled magnesium alloys. A strain resolution of 2 × 10-4 at relatively low 2θ angles (20-65° 2θ) was achieved for the in situ tensile deformation studies. In situ measurement of the elastic lattice strain accommodation with applied stress in the magnesium alloys indicated the activation of dislocation slip and twin deformation mechanisms. Furthermore, measurement of the relative change in the intensity of 0002 and 10 3 was used to quantify {10 2} 011 tensile twin onset and growth with applied load.

Evaluation of coatings for mg alloys for biomedical applications

The aim of this work was to assess a number of coatings developed for Mg for biomedical applications. The Mg substrates were high-purity (HP) Mg and ME10, an alloy recently developed for improved extrudability. The research utilized the new fishing-line specimen configuration to allow direct comparison to our recent in vivo and in vitro measurements. The in vitro measurements were immersion tests of fishing-line specimens immersed in Nor's solution at 37 °C. Tests of substantial duration are needed because the corrosion rates of uncoated samples are low. Nor's solution is the designation given to Hank's solution through which CO2 is bubbled at a partial pressure of 0.009 atm. In this solution, pH is maintained constant by the interaction of CO2 and the bicarbonate ions in the solution. This is the same buffer as that which maintains the pH of blood. Coatings examined were: (i) an anodization using a bio-friendly alkaline electrolyte consisting of phosphate, borate, and metasilicate, (ii) octyltrimethoxysilane (OSi), (iii) 1,2-bis[triethoxysilyl]ethane (BTSE), (iv) anodization+OSi, and (v) anodization + BTSE. The performance of coated samples was comparable to or better than that of the uncoated samples, and there was a substantially better performance for the ME10 samples after anodization+OSi. Reasons for the various performances are discussed.

Biocompatible magnesium alloys for hard tissue engineering

 Novel Mg-Zr-Sr and Mg-1Zr-2Sr-xDy/yHo alloys have recently been developed for use as biodegradable implant materials. These alloys are recommended to be promising biodegradable implant materials as they have enhanced corrosion resistance and excellent biocompatibility.

Microstructures, mechanical and corrosion properties and biocompatibility of as extruded Mg-Mn-Zn-Nd alloys for biomedical applications

Extruded Mg-1Mn-2Zn-xNd alloys (x=0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mass %) have been developed for their potential use as biomaterials. The extrusion on the alloys was performed at temperature of 623K with an extrusion ratio of 14.7 under an average extrusion speed of 4mm/s. The microstructure, mechanical property, corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of the extruded Mg-Mn-Zn-Nd alloys have been investigated in this study. The microstructure was examined using X-ray diffraction analysis and optical microscopy. The mechanical properties were determined from uniaxial tensile and compressive tests. The corrosion behavior was investigated using electrochemical measurement. The biocompatibility was evaluated using osteoblast-like SaOS2 cells. The experimental results indicate that all extruded Mg-1Mn-2Zn-xNd alloys are composed of both α phase of Mg and a compound of Mg7Zn3 with very fine microstructures, and show good ductility and much higher mechanical strength than that of cast pure Mg and natural bone. The tensile strength and elongation of the extruded alloys increase with an increase in neodymium content. Their compressive strength does not change significantly with an increase in neodymium content. The extruded alloys show good biocompatibility and much higher corrosion resistance than that of cast pure Mg. The extruded Mg-1Mn-2Zn-1.0Nd alloy shows a great potential for biomedical applications due to the combination of enhanced mechanical properties, high corrosion resistance and good biocompatibility.